Friday, January 09, 2015

Give a Soccer Ball

I don't know if you have heard about Operation Christmas Child. It is a really cool ministry started by Franklin Graham to give out gift boxes to children around the world. In a nut shell, you pack a shoe box full of goodies, and they give it to a kid somewhere in the world.  If you don't know about it or want to know more, please check out Samaritan's Purse which is the parent ministry of Operation Christmas Child. 

We have participated several years in various ways. The past two years we have really stepped up our commitment. I have such a great time seeking out things all year long to fill our boxes. I though about sharing things that I have found that would be great things to include in your boxes. I know I am always looking for inspiration or wondering what others put in their boxes. So hopefully, all year long I can share what we found that could inspire you to pack a shoe box (or 10 😄). 


Two of our kids love and play soccer. I am learning to love it. I never realized how popular soccer was in the world. Because here in the United States, it really is not one of our top sports. Here football (the American version) is probably the biggest sport followed by basketball or baseball.  But in the eye of the world, soccer is THE sport.  

I wanted to bless our kids with a soccer ball. In reading about this past year's World Cup in Brazil, it seems as if kids will use anything as a soccer ball.  But soccer balls don't exactly fit into a shoebox. At least not a regular sized ball. I always knew I could deflate them, but honestly how was a kid supposed to air it up?

One day in Dollar Tree, I found these. 



I picked up two so that each of my kids could put one in their soccer bag. One day at the field watching my son air his ball up, it hit me. I could get a pump to go with each soccer ball!  Now my shoe box kids could have a real, full size soccer ball. 

Here is what I did. I found these soccer balls for $4. 


I put a needle in the valve in order to let the air out. 


Push all the air out while keeping the ball shaped. 


Fold the soccer ball. It is pretty much folded into thirds at this point. I folded the bottom flap up and the top flap over that. 


Carefully, open it up and fold in the pointed ends. 


This is how both ends look folded in. 


Refold the ball back into the thirds again leaving the ends tucked in. Then place it in a plastic bag in order to keep it folded and small. I used a quart zip loc bag for reference. 


I put the ball and pump into the box and some lucky kids will hopefully be super excited when they get to use their new soccer ball. 

I spent $5 total on this. In my opinion, this is a great item and way to add something so many kids in all parts of the world would love. 



Friday, March 30, 2012

New Dishes

Ok, so I have to admit to something.  I have a secret love affair going on.  Well, it takes place in my kitchen mostly.  I am a bit embarrassed to admit to it.  Let me just show you a picture.



Yes, I am in love with Bar Keepers Friend.  My Mother-in-Law introduced me to this miracle product many years ago.  I have found so many uses for it.  Let me show you what I discovered today.

See this plate.



I love my mismatched Pfaltzgraff dishes.  With one exception . . . the little silver marks that have shown up on my dishes over the past 12 years.  I have been wanting new dishes because these were really starting to look pretty bad.

Add a touch of Bar Keepers Friend.



Look at how it is actually working on my plate!!!



Can you see it?  Or maybe I should say that you can no longer see the marks!!  Look how great my plate looks now.



I will admit that there are a couple of lines that just would not come out.  But, they are hardly noticeable.  I wonder if I had been keeping them clean this whole time what they would look like.  Maybe no marks at all?  It did take me about 2 minutes or so per plate.  Not a quick process for someone who has 20 regular dinner plates alone!!  But, I am hoping now that I know my trick.  I can keep up with my dishes before they get so bad.  You may have already known this or have been doing this if you are an avid Bar Keepers Friend user.  But to this addict, I was super excited to discover this dish-changing technique.

I would love to hear or see pictures of your "new" dishes.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Diapering

I am not an expert at child raising nor do I claim to have the most knowledge about being a parent.  I have two kids, and I have learned a few things that have really worked for me (any many more that didn't).  These are just my experiences and my recommendations.  I hope that somehow and someway this could help a fellow mother in the trenches.  After all, we mother's should really help each other out.  This is one LARGE task!!

This is part one of my nursery break down.  You can read all about the "big list" here for more information.


I am going to start with diapering as it is the single thing that you will do more than any other for your baby - change their diaper.  My diapering list included diapers, wipes, wipe warmer, large diaper bag, small diaper bag, changing mat, and hand sanitizer.  Let me say a few things, and then I will dive right in.  I will stock up my diaper bags with these supplies as I get them.  Both diaper bags will include diapers, a small container of wipes, a changing mat, and a take along hand sanitizer.  I will of course put other stuff in there, but I am just talking about diapering at the moment.

Diapers - This is an intimate decision for each family.  My sister-in-law used the cheap generic diapers with all three of her kids.  She had a lot of success with them and swore by them.  I didn't make it through the afternoon with them.  For me, it was well worth the extra money.  A good friend of mine used cloth diapers with her 3rd.  One morning at her house seeing all the work involved, and I was sold.  I wouldn't use them unless my life depended upon it.  





We have used Pampers Swaddlers with our two children and intend on using them with our third.  Something better may have come out since numero dos was a diaper wearer.  I had such incredible luck with them that I couldn't imagine anything else.  We would try other brands or cheaper brands just to see.  We never had the leakage or blow out problems we did with some of the others.  (Your mileage and children's bodily elimination my vary.  This is merely my experience.)  The thing I liked about them the most is how incredibly soft they were.  I have sensitive skin, and it is important to me that things I put on my kids would be comfy and as non-irritative as possible.  So, the decision wasn't really a decision at all.  



Wipes - I bought a box of the Pampers Sensitive Skin wipes to start off with.  But, I will be honest here.  I only purchased them for my newborn because those little guys are so super brand new.  Maybe it is mental.  But, once those are gone and my baby has some days on earth behind him, I will switch.  You may be wondering why the switch.  Well . . . because those soft, sensitive wipes don't "wipe" as good as the others do.  And when you are wiping a BM, it is imperative to have something you can use with the best success.  When the initial super soft wipes are all used, I will switch to the Huggies Wipes that I can get at Sam's Club.  I am not sure if it is the "best" deal in town, but I am not buying wipes every other day.  And with a little one in toe, that is a great reason to purchase in bulk.  

I mentioned how I preferred one wipe over the other.  I find that the wipes that are smooth (regardless of the brand) just smear everything around.  If you get one that has a little quilting look, it does a better job at cleaning without smearing.  Maybe this is me and I need a little smooth wipe usage 101.  Yes, the smooth ones are probably a bit more comfy on the backside of a very sensitive area.  The other wipes are certainly not like using  a Brillo pad.  Ok, slight exaggeration, but ability to clean quick and efficiently is more important in this case than comfort.  



Wipe Warmer - Not much to mention here.  Except that I own one and think it is a great investment.  We used ours all the way up to potty training.  I don't know if one brand will work better than others.  All I know is that we got ours at Target over 8 years ago, and it is still going strong.

Diaper Bags - I am a utilitarian.  I will often chose convenience over style or fashion.  Ok, I almost always choose use over look.  That was certainly true for this purchase.  For both of my diaper bags, I chose Eddie Bauer bags from Babies R Us.  My husband is a very hands on dad.  So this type of diaper bag fits really well in our family.  These bags are also so easy to clean.  I bought two different sizes.  I have a large one and a smaller one.  



The large diaper bag will be used a lot in the beginning.  When you need to pack so many different things, it is handy to keep it all in one great big bag.  All newborns need blankets which can be bulky.  I like to keep a couple of changes of clothes because you never know.  Ok, I will get right to it.  I overpack for my wee one in the beginning.  You never know when you will need something.  And who can guess when engorgement will attack?  So, I always have extra breast pads in the bag.  I also carry my manual breast pump as well.  Which means I will also have a bottle with me or something to store the milk in.  You get the idea.  I pack a lot.  As my baby gets older, I will only use this bag for long days or overnight trips.  



The smaller bag is my go to bag everyday.  I will most likely wear this one out.  It is big enough to carry all the essentials without being so big it is a nuisance to carry.  I will typically carry mostly diapering items with me in this bag.  I may have a feeding item and a change of clothes depending on the outing.  As my infant becomes a baby and then a toddler, there is still plenty of room for snacks, toys, and other items if needed.  

Changing Mats - These are the mats that you can reuse (or you can get the disposables if it suits you).  You put them down before laying baby down in order to change their diaper.  I have a hard time with just plopping my infant down on a public changing table.  Maybe I have germophobia.  It is also nice to have when a conventional changing table cannot be found and you have to use a make shift area to change a diaper.  

Hand Sanitizer - Maybe this is just me.  But when I have a baby in my arms, it is super hard to wash my hands appropriately afterward.  I keep a small container in all of my diaper bags for use on the go.  I will also keep a bottle next to the changing table at home.  It keeps me sanitary without having to run to the bathroom to wash after each diaper change.  This is a great product to have around for these types of cases.  I always think a good hand washing with soap and water is the best way to go, but that isn't always easily accomplished with a little one in toe.  Again, I am not brand specific.  I will use whatever I get my hands on first.  I like the little ones that you can get at Bath and Body Works.  They smell so nice.  I also really like the kind with the aloe in it.  As I said, I am not too choosy.  


Tuesday, March 06, 2012

The Baby List and the Plan of Attack

Having already professed myself as an over organizer, I feel comfortable sharing "The Baby List."  First, let me say that there are baby lists, checklist, and such all over the internet.  In fact, mine is a little derivative from a couple that I found.  And it is also fused with my own experience, needs, desires, and my method of baby rendering.  I hope that my list may prove to be of some help as you explore your own "List".

I am due in the middle of May 2012.  I was going to the bathroom in December of 2011 (yes, sometimes the only place I can hear my own thoughts or reflect on anything in silence).  While there, I was praying/thinking.  It really came over me so strong. "Do not wait until the last minute."  My mind started racing.  "God, is my baby going to come early?  Why do I need to have everything done early?"  Ok, in fairness, my husband and I know we are procrastinators.  Anyone relate?  After praying for a while, I got nothing else.  All I know is that I was supposed to prepare early.  So, I decided I would do it.

I made my plan of attack.  I would make a list of all the things I needed to buy and do.  I would divide it up into 4 to give myself a month to make a portion of the purchases and get a portion of the things done.  It would divide the work and the money from all the purchases as to not over tax us at any one time.  Side note: we got rid of all of our baby stuff.  We pretty much needed everything.  Well, not exactly everything, but LOTS of stuff.

Here is a look at the progress that I have made over the past two months (ok, actually almost 3 months since I am almost done with the purchase part of my March list):




I didn't try to knock out a single category at a time.  I tried to divide up some of the big stuff so it wouldn't be so pricey in a single month.  I did research and went shopping.  As I found things I thought I wanted from my list, I would purchase it.  I did an attic sweep to find any and all things that we still had from our previous two kids (some usable - some not).  If I reclaimed something from the attic, I took the time to clean it up, repair it, or get it back to 100% operational.  I made it a goal to have 20 things purchased or "reclaimed for use" each month.

Now that I have talked about getting myself prepared, you probably want to see the big list.  Here is a straight copy and paste of my list:


Nursery Furniture 
Crib
Crib Mattress
Chest of Drawers
Changing Table
Rocking Chair

Bedding
Crib Skirt
3 Water Proof Mattress Pads
3 Water Proof Pads
3 Crib Sheets
5-7 Receiving Blankets

Nursery Decor
Mobile
Changing Pad
3 Changing Pad Covers
Trash Can
Storage Bins, etc.
Curtains
Wall Paint
Laundry Basket

Diapering - read the specifics here
Diapers
Wipes
Wipe Warmer
Large Diaper Bag
Small Diaper Bag
Changing Mat for both diaper bags
Hand Sanitizer

Safety
Monitor

Car Seats
Infant Car Seat
Convertible Car Seat
Car Seat Under mat
Toys

Strollers
Single Main Stroller

Entertainers
Swing
Activity Jumper
Bouncer
Baby Gym
Rattles

Play Yard
Play Yard
Play Yard Sheet

High Chair
High Chair
Booster Seat

Clothing
5-7 Sleepers
10 Onesies
Socks
3 Hats

Nursing and Feeding
Breast Pump
New Pump Lines
Pump Accessories
Breast Pads
Milk Storage Bottles
Breastfeeding Shaw
8 Nursing Bras
6 Bibs
12 Burp Cloths
6 Small Bottles
6 Large Bottles
Slow Flow Nipples
Fast Flow Nipples
Bottle Warmer
Bottle Drying Rack
Bottle Brush
Dishwasher Caddy
4 Pacifiers (2 of 4)

Baby Care and Grooming
Teethers
Nail Clippers
Brush and Comb
Thermometer

Bath
Bath Tub
Bath Sponge or Wash Cloths
3 Hooded Bath Towels

Toiletries
Body Wash/Shampoo
Alcohol
Cotton Balls
Infant Tooth Brush

Other
Clock
Lamp
Nightlight
Sanitary Pads

I am going to spend few posts diving into the list and showing you what I chose and why.  Giving you some thoughts and insights into my decisions.  Hopefully, you can take some of what I have done to incorporate it into your own thoughts, decisions, and needs.  

Friday, February 24, 2012

Sweet Daughter's Closet - Part 1

Ok, so I am trying to take my house back over.  Call it nesting (my husband does) or whatever.  BUT, something has got to give.  And it starts in the sweet girls closet.  I have always subscribed to "the little things" mentality.  It is the little things that make the difference.  Right?

Well, my daughter has a shoe problem.  Or rather there is an opportunity to come up with a better way to manage and store her shoes.

Here is what I walked into a few days ago:

I couldn't find anything.  Every time I pulled out a shoe I thought she would want to wear, 5 or 6 came crashing down on me.  It was miserable.  No wonder it takes her 10 minutes to pick out shoes every morning.  There HAD to be a better way.

I went off to Target and they had this shoe shelf on sale for $10.  So, I snatched it up.  There were also some small canvas bins on sale for $5.  So, those found their way in my basket as well.  Here is what the shoes look like now.


Oh, my!  So much more manageable!  It isn't a perfect solution.  Yet.  But it is heading in the right direction.  She is still left with 22 pairs of shoes.  Most of which are flip flops that have a new home in the two pink canvas bins off to the left.



So, now I can sleep just a little better at night.  Now to tackle the mess above the shoes hanging in her closet.  And then the mess lingering below the shoes.

Friday, May 20, 2011

My Review of Barbie Sing-A-Long CD Player

Originally submitted at Toys R Us

The Barbie Sing-A-Long CD Player lets you sing to your favorite tunes in Barbie style. Be at the height of fashion with your newest Barbie accessory! Live your rock star fantasy by singing to your favorite tunes.

Barbie Sing-A-Long CD Player features:

  • 2 microphones Sing with your...


Great for its intended Purpose

By sillyleann from OK on 5/20/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Easy To Setup, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Controls, Doesn't Skip

Cons: No Line In Jack

Best Uses: Kids

Describe Yourself: Practical, Movie Enthusiast, Tech Savvy

Was this a gift?: Yes

I bought this for my 4 year old daughter. It has been a lot of fun to use. We have all enjoyed singing our favorite songs together. The controls are simple enough for her to use on her own. It is really nice to have separate volume controls for the music and the microphones. It also has some sound effects that we weren't expecting. She loves to sing and then hit the applause button when we clap to make it sound like a crowd. My 7 year old son likes to tell jokes and then hit the laughter button. This has been fun and a crowd pleaser for sure.

There is only one small speaker on this device. So no, the sound quality is just not that great. My kids don't seem to mind at all, but it is still rather dismal when compared to say a proper CD player. Surprisingly, the microphones do work rather well though.

Despite feeling that it felt cheap initially, this has really stood up to much use. So far, so good (it has been about a month now).

My biggest complaint is that there is no line in jack that would allow you to hook up an MP3 player. I knew this when making the purchase and thought it wouldn't be that big of a deal as the kids still have lots of CDs. However, I find it poor judgement in this day and time. I have had to burn several CD's of music for her which isn't a big deal. I just find that it should be easier by plugging in her MP3 player.

(legalese)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Does Cinderella Have a Car?

I just love the way the mind of a 4 year old little girl works.  My daughter giggles as she asks, "Mom, does Cinderella have a car?"  It cracks her completely up.  She is now in full fledge laughter.  I start to laugh too.  I mean can you imagine Cinderella driving down the freeway.

She continues, "How else does she get to her castle in Florida?"  Yes, my brilliant daughter has figured out that we just saw her in California, but her castle is in Florida.  She is trying to reconcile it all in her head.

As cool as a cucumber, I simply stated, "A princess would never drive to Florida.  I am certain she would fly."  We both laughed - I at a innocent, bright-eyed four year old; she at the thought of a princess having to fly.