So I go outside because the Schwan's guy is here and as I come back to the house in to grab my wallet I notice my son has mud on him and is naked.
He tells me (without being asked) that he left his clothes next to the door.
So like any mother I ASSUME they are covered in mud like the child and tell him to go put them in the washer.
And he informs me they're still clean.
?????
I raise an eyebrow.
"Well, I knew I only had one clean pair of clothes left so I took my clothes off before I went outside to go play in the mud."
In my yard with a see through fence across the street from the biggest gossip in town and the only place to purchase groceries for 25 miles in each direction.
Gee....thank you.
I was trying so hard not to laugh I was purple. I sent him to take a shower.
This is what happens when you take tv and computers away from children....they make their own entertainment....entirely at your expense....
Monday, June 25, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
2 Weeks In
Okay - we're now officially two weeks in. I've done lots of laundry, accidentally stripped my diapers, and had a love/hate relationship with my Thirsties Duo Wraps.
Here is where I stand on the products I currently own:
Thirsties Duo Wraps: Maybe they have improved over time. Maybe I'm just now figuring out how to get them to fit. Maybe he just needed to get a few more pounds before the size 1 fit my skinny mini dude. Regardless, the last few times with them have been leakless, and for that I am grateful. I'm still not 100% sold on this cover, but it's not performing horribly enough for me to throw it out the window either.
Flip Covers: Holy I'm in love. 100% no leaks in 2 weeks of use. NONE. At all. No matter WHAT I put in there. No matter how wet it got. I've thrown in prefolds, pocket inserts, and just for fun some doublers with nothing else just to see what would happen. NO LEAKS. Also no red marks or other issues with fit. Loving these!!!! I will also say that even with "just" a trifolded prefold I rarely get poop on the cover. Maybe 1-2 times a week. That's pretty impressive. I've never run out of covers diapering now almost completely full time minus 1 disposable at night. That's impressive when you only have 5 and an EBF baby!
OsoCozy Better Fit Prefolds: Once these were prepped they have been a FANTASTIC addition to my collection. Their absorbancy is exceptional and I have never had a leak that was justified while using them. On average these prefolds last between 2-4 hours with just 1 prefold trifolded in the cover and no doubler at 6 weeks old. This is, of course, providing it didn't get pooped on within the first 5 minutes. :)
Gaia's Nappy's on Etsy: I purchased two products from my friend Elizabeth here: her Organic Hemp Fleece Zorb Cloth Diaper Doubler and her Super Zorb Minky Cloth Diaper Doubler. Let me first say her shipping was excellent and her advice is flawless. Beyond that, her products arrived beautiful and ready to WORK. They've been through a few washings and are holding up well. Their absorbancy is exceptional. I've used them to stuff my pocket diapers. I've used them behind and in front of a prefold. I've used them with no prefold!!! They have become my "uh...I don't have time to change a diaper for x..." solution. Tonight I'm trying the hemp doubler with a prefold for nighttime. So excited to see how well it works! :) Thanks Elizabeth for your EXCELLENT products!!!! (The ONLY problem I've had with these is no fault of Elizabeth - my son just does NOT like wet hemp against his skin. Lesson learned, put it behind something else!)
Kawaii Baby Snazzy Minky One Size Pocket: I love this diaper. The lining isn't very trim, but it's entirely too adorable and it still fits very well. The extra hip snaps do a great job at providing an exceptional fit, especially for the price of this diaper. I'm really blown away with how well it has performed! Though this comes with 2 inserts, it's just too much bulk right now for our little guy to be comfortable so we usually use this with just 1 insert. On average it lasts about 3 hours before it needs to be changed but we've only gotten to that once because for some reason the adorable camo diaper says "please poop in me". :)
BumGenius 4.0: I added this diaper after Week 1 so it hasn't gotten quite as much rotation time as the others listed above. That said, it's done an AMAZING job. I was astounded at how well it has functioned, how well it fits, and how amazingly TRIM it is. This has become our "go to town diaper. For the record, I live 45-60 minutes depending on whether or not you get caught in construction from town. So a "quick trip" consisting of a run through fast food, filling the gas tank, a quick run through the store, and maybe flying through the doc's office and then running home usually takes about 4 hours. I didn't have to change him and he STILL had plenty of room left for liquid to absorb. TOTALLY impressed. I need more of these - bottom line!
You will also note that all of these links go to Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique. I have found in ordering recently that this is my favorite cloth diaper store, hands down. Their customer service is exceptional, they ship on time and for FREE, and every package arrives like a present. Over and above that they also provide free repairs of hook and loop diapers for 2 months if there's any problems and warranty all snaps for the lifetime of the ownership! Ya gotta love Sweetbottoms!!!!
Which is why I decided to treat myself. I've been using these diapers for 2 weeks. Tonight I'm even trying my very first overnight solution because I do laundry tomorrow morning anyway and strip the sheets so I figured why not? LOL For the record, the initial run of diapers (minus the BG 4.0) was $89.84. Since we started cloth diapering, I have been counting the number of diaper changes I have done and the $$ saved by doing them and laundering the diapers. Thus far, I have saved $33.75 worth of disposables - not counting the nasty stuff going into the environment if that's what bothers you. I would have used approximately 135 disposables during that time. Instead, I have used less than 40. To recoup my initial cost, I still need to save another $56.09 plus the cost of the BG 4.0. That said, I'm VERY proud of myself and also have decided if I want to do this full time, I need a few more diapers. Sure, I can do laundry almost daily, but let's be honest, it wears on me after awhile and a large part of that 40 diapers was me throwing my hands up in the air and saying "I can't do this - I need a break" for a few days.
So, I have purchased 2 more diapers to try out. They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow from Sweetbottoms. I promise to take pictures of the box when it arrives so you can see just how cute their packaging really is. I'm seriously in love with boxes from Sweetbottoms. :)
The new members to the Diaper Drawer Club will be relatives of the two pocket diapers I already own. I will be getting the Kawaii Baby One Size Snap Closure Pocket (in a jean print - how cute!!!) and a BumGenius Freetime. SOOO excited to play with these and see where we're going with the future of our stash. I think somewhere in here is the long term solution - I'm just not wanting to have buyer's remorse down the road so I want to make 100% certain what I purchase will lead to happiness for all of us. :)
I'm still debating how many more diapers I need. I'm torn between purchasing them in larger numbers to get bulk discounts or purchasing them in smaller numbers so I can slowly add to the stash until I feel it's adequate. Truthfully I'm sure I'll be adding here and there for many months to come, but I would definitely like to increase our "holdings" in the near future without losing my mind in the process. :)
(Please note I have been in NO way compensated for any of these products or retailers. These aren't affiliate links. This is just my honest opinion about what I have received, how it has really worked, and what I think. If I wanted to sell you a bunch of junk, I would gladly write positive reviews about everything on earth here just to get free stuff, but the bottom line is I care far more about ethics than I do about getting a bunch of things I may or may not need. I don't ever plan to be one of those places that will let people "purchase" good reviews with free products. Sorry - not buying. In fact, I would much rather you know you're going to get a REAL opinion here from a real mom rather than a pack of questionable lies.)
Here is where I stand on the products I currently own:
Thirsties Duo Wraps: Maybe they have improved over time. Maybe I'm just now figuring out how to get them to fit. Maybe he just needed to get a few more pounds before the size 1 fit my skinny mini dude. Regardless, the last few times with them have been leakless, and for that I am grateful. I'm still not 100% sold on this cover, but it's not performing horribly enough for me to throw it out the window either.
Flip Covers: Holy I'm in love. 100% no leaks in 2 weeks of use. NONE. At all. No matter WHAT I put in there. No matter how wet it got. I've thrown in prefolds, pocket inserts, and just for fun some doublers with nothing else just to see what would happen. NO LEAKS. Also no red marks or other issues with fit. Loving these!!!! I will also say that even with "just" a trifolded prefold I rarely get poop on the cover. Maybe 1-2 times a week. That's pretty impressive. I've never run out of covers diapering now almost completely full time minus 1 disposable at night. That's impressive when you only have 5 and an EBF baby!
OsoCozy Better Fit Prefolds: Once these were prepped they have been a FANTASTIC addition to my collection. Their absorbancy is exceptional and I have never had a leak that was justified while using them. On average these prefolds last between 2-4 hours with just 1 prefold trifolded in the cover and no doubler at 6 weeks old. This is, of course, providing it didn't get pooped on within the first 5 minutes. :)
Gaia's Nappy's on Etsy: I purchased two products from my friend Elizabeth here: her Organic Hemp Fleece Zorb Cloth Diaper Doubler and her Super Zorb Minky Cloth Diaper Doubler. Let me first say her shipping was excellent and her advice is flawless. Beyond that, her products arrived beautiful and ready to WORK. They've been through a few washings and are holding up well. Their absorbancy is exceptional. I've used them to stuff my pocket diapers. I've used them behind and in front of a prefold. I've used them with no prefold!!! They have become my "uh...I don't have time to change a diaper for x..." solution. Tonight I'm trying the hemp doubler with a prefold for nighttime. So excited to see how well it works! :) Thanks Elizabeth for your EXCELLENT products!!!! (The ONLY problem I've had with these is no fault of Elizabeth - my son just does NOT like wet hemp against his skin. Lesson learned, put it behind something else!)
Kawaii Baby Snazzy Minky One Size Pocket: I love this diaper. The lining isn't very trim, but it's entirely too adorable and it still fits very well. The extra hip snaps do a great job at providing an exceptional fit, especially for the price of this diaper. I'm really blown away with how well it has performed! Though this comes with 2 inserts, it's just too much bulk right now for our little guy to be comfortable so we usually use this with just 1 insert. On average it lasts about 3 hours before it needs to be changed but we've only gotten to that once because for some reason the adorable camo diaper says "please poop in me". :)
BumGenius 4.0: I added this diaper after Week 1 so it hasn't gotten quite as much rotation time as the others listed above. That said, it's done an AMAZING job. I was astounded at how well it has functioned, how well it fits, and how amazingly TRIM it is. This has become our "go to town diaper. For the record, I live 45-60 minutes depending on whether or not you get caught in construction from town. So a "quick trip" consisting of a run through fast food, filling the gas tank, a quick run through the store, and maybe flying through the doc's office and then running home usually takes about 4 hours. I didn't have to change him and he STILL had plenty of room left for liquid to absorb. TOTALLY impressed. I need more of these - bottom line!
You will also note that all of these links go to Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique. I have found in ordering recently that this is my favorite cloth diaper store, hands down. Their customer service is exceptional, they ship on time and for FREE, and every package arrives like a present. Over and above that they also provide free repairs of hook and loop diapers for 2 months if there's any problems and warranty all snaps for the lifetime of the ownership! Ya gotta love Sweetbottoms!!!!
Which is why I decided to treat myself. I've been using these diapers for 2 weeks. Tonight I'm even trying my very first overnight solution because I do laundry tomorrow morning anyway and strip the sheets so I figured why not? LOL For the record, the initial run of diapers (minus the BG 4.0) was $89.84. Since we started cloth diapering, I have been counting the number of diaper changes I have done and the $$ saved by doing them and laundering the diapers. Thus far, I have saved $33.75 worth of disposables - not counting the nasty stuff going into the environment if that's what bothers you. I would have used approximately 135 disposables during that time. Instead, I have used less than 40. To recoup my initial cost, I still need to save another $56.09 plus the cost of the BG 4.0. That said, I'm VERY proud of myself and also have decided if I want to do this full time, I need a few more diapers. Sure, I can do laundry almost daily, but let's be honest, it wears on me after awhile and a large part of that 40 diapers was me throwing my hands up in the air and saying "I can't do this - I need a break" for a few days.
So, I have purchased 2 more diapers to try out. They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow from Sweetbottoms. I promise to take pictures of the box when it arrives so you can see just how cute their packaging really is. I'm seriously in love with boxes from Sweetbottoms. :)
The new members to the Diaper Drawer Club will be relatives of the two pocket diapers I already own. I will be getting the Kawaii Baby One Size Snap Closure Pocket (in a jean print - how cute!!!) and a BumGenius Freetime. SOOO excited to play with these and see where we're going with the future of our stash. I think somewhere in here is the long term solution - I'm just not wanting to have buyer's remorse down the road so I want to make 100% certain what I purchase will lead to happiness for all of us. :)
I'm still debating how many more diapers I need. I'm torn between purchasing them in larger numbers to get bulk discounts or purchasing them in smaller numbers so I can slowly add to the stash until I feel it's adequate. Truthfully I'm sure I'll be adding here and there for many months to come, but I would definitely like to increase our "holdings" in the near future without losing my mind in the process. :)
(Please note I have been in NO way compensated for any of these products or retailers. These aren't affiliate links. This is just my honest opinion about what I have received, how it has really worked, and what I think. If I wanted to sell you a bunch of junk, I would gladly write positive reviews about everything on earth here just to get free stuff, but the bottom line is I care far more about ethics than I do about getting a bunch of things I may or may not need. I don't ever plan to be one of those places that will let people "purchase" good reviews with free products. Sorry - not buying. In fact, I would much rather you know you're going to get a REAL opinion here from a real mom rather than a pack of questionable lies.)
Saturday, June 2, 2012
A 12 Step Program for New Cloth Diaperers
In case anyone needs a tutorial on how to accidentally strip diapers that are only a week old, I felt I should be kind enough to enlighten you.
Step 1: Purchase a new laundry detergent (Rockin' Green in my case).
Step 2: Put regular diapers that don't need stripping in the washing machine. Run through a rinse cycle.
Step 3: Add the minimum recommended amount of detergent.
Step 4: Wash as a 1/2 load on hot.
Step 5: Run extra rinse on full size and notice bubbles.
Step 6: Rinse again. Notice just as many bubbles.
Step 7-10: Continue to repeat Step 6. Keep noticing bubbles.
Step 11: Email detergent company and end up on the phone with customer service rep.
Step 12: Laugh at yourself with her and realize eventually the bubbles will end. Continue to rinse until clear. Use 1/2 the recommended detergent until you own more diapers.
Step 1: Purchase a new laundry detergent (Rockin' Green in my case).
Step 2: Put regular diapers that don't need stripping in the washing machine. Run through a rinse cycle.
Step 3: Add the minimum recommended amount of detergent.
Step 4: Wash as a 1/2 load on hot.
Step 5: Run extra rinse on full size and notice bubbles.
Step 6: Rinse again. Notice just as many bubbles.
Step 7-10: Continue to repeat Step 6. Keep noticing bubbles.
Step 11: Email detergent company and end up on the phone with customer service rep.
Step 12: Laugh at yourself with her and realize eventually the bubbles will end. Continue to rinse until clear. Use 1/2 the recommended detergent until you own more diapers.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Our First Leak
We had our first leak today. For the record it was a prefold in a Thirsties Duo Wrap with aplix (velcro). Kind of disappointed because it was in the front on my tummy sleeper.
I'm really starting to fall out of love with these Thirsties.
The wet came up and over the top of the cover and soaked the whole front of it. Sadly the prefold inside really wasn't all THAT wet...so I'm confused about how that happened, especially with Thirsties having the gathering at the front.
So now I am perplexed and confused, and scared to let him nap in a Thirsties. If I keep having these issues I might put the Thirsties up for sale and invest in more Flips - I'm just not that thrilled. They aren't fitting that well and he's dead smack on in size. I've had to let the whole rise out but he's on the smallest waist setting. I'm just not impressed. I'm really starting to believe there are better options out there.
I'm really starting to fall out of love with these Thirsties.
The wet came up and over the top of the cover and soaked the whole front of it. Sadly the prefold inside really wasn't all THAT wet...so I'm confused about how that happened, especially with Thirsties having the gathering at the front.
So now I am perplexed and confused, and scared to let him nap in a Thirsties. If I keep having these issues I might put the Thirsties up for sale and invest in more Flips - I'm just not that thrilled. They aren't fitting that well and he's dead smack on in size. I've had to let the whole rise out but he's on the smallest waist setting. I'm just not impressed. I'm really starting to believe there are better options out there.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Cloth Diapers 4 Days Later...
Okay - We are now 4 days into our cloth diapering journey. I now know that I made a few errors for long term cloth diapering, but am still immensely pleased with my overall choices.
Everything is still working swimmingly. We've now washed covers and changed our "covers" routine. We're now throwing them in with everything else since all but 1 is "authorized" for hot water and according to other moms it does just fine in hot water anyway. So for covers we washed with everything else and pulled them out after the last rinse and hung them up to dry overnight. First thing in the AM they were ready to rock and roll since it's been raining/snowing here for the past 3 days. Yes, that said snowing. Yes, I know it's May.
A few more lessons learned:
1. If you want to leave the house in cloth diapers, you need a small traveling wetbag for on the go. I ordered one on Friday when that dawned on me and we had to don a disposable to go to town. Ordered a PlanetWise Small WetBag from Cotton Babies for $9.50.
2. Cloth diapers are highly addictive. You're going to need a system to manage your expenditures vs. your budget. I know I might want more pocket diapers so I ordered a BumGenius 4.0 to try ($17.95 @ Cotton Babies). IF I like them I will order half a dozen to play with. If I don't, I'm going to wait to purchase anything else. Here's the deal - until I've made back the amount spent on diapers and covers, I'm not allowing myself to purchase more diapers. I do, however, have plans to purchase a few more items.
3. I'm short 1 more thing I need - a diaper sprayer. Do I NEED it? No. Will it pay for itself? Yes. So it's now on my "wishlist". I've decided if I'm going to invest in one, I want the best darn one I can find and the recently released FLO Diaper Sprayer from Swaddlebees/Blueberry is my pick. I'm allowing myself that, a Snappi, and one more PlanetWise Wet/Dry Bag as budget allows prior to meeting requirement #2. :)
4. I'm still loving this, but I can DEFINITELY see down the road that there will be times when I'm ready to throw in the towel. I had a talk with myself and for every $1 I save by using cloth after reimbursing myself for the cost of the diapers and covers I have purchased I will put that $1 towards something special for ME that I want. :) Looking forward to picking out my reward soon!
Everything is still working swimmingly. We've now washed covers and changed our "covers" routine. We're now throwing them in with everything else since all but 1 is "authorized" for hot water and according to other moms it does just fine in hot water anyway. So for covers we washed with everything else and pulled them out after the last rinse and hung them up to dry overnight. First thing in the AM they were ready to rock and roll since it's been raining/snowing here for the past 3 days. Yes, that said snowing. Yes, I know it's May.
A few more lessons learned:
1. If you want to leave the house in cloth diapers, you need a small traveling wetbag for on the go. I ordered one on Friday when that dawned on me and we had to don a disposable to go to town. Ordered a PlanetWise Small WetBag from Cotton Babies for $9.50.
2. Cloth diapers are highly addictive. You're going to need a system to manage your expenditures vs. your budget. I know I might want more pocket diapers so I ordered a BumGenius 4.0 to try ($17.95 @ Cotton Babies). IF I like them I will order half a dozen to play with. If I don't, I'm going to wait to purchase anything else. Here's the deal - until I've made back the amount spent on diapers and covers, I'm not allowing myself to purchase more diapers. I do, however, have plans to purchase a few more items.
3. I'm short 1 more thing I need - a diaper sprayer. Do I NEED it? No. Will it pay for itself? Yes. So it's now on my "wishlist". I've decided if I'm going to invest in one, I want the best darn one I can find and the recently released FLO Diaper Sprayer from Swaddlebees/Blueberry is my pick. I'm allowing myself that, a Snappi, and one more PlanetWise Wet/Dry Bag as budget allows prior to meeting requirement #2. :)
4. I'm still loving this, but I can DEFINITELY see down the road that there will be times when I'm ready to throw in the towel. I had a talk with myself and for every $1 I save by using cloth after reimbursing myself for the cost of the diapers and covers I have purchased I will put that $1 towards something special for ME that I want. :) Looking forward to picking out my reward soon!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Washing Cloth Diapers
Okay, I had a few friends ask what we're doing so I figured I'd post it here and stay with the "keeping everyone informed" thing. We're officially on Day 3 of cloth diapers. I'm not brave enough to be at full time yet, but I did have to wash almost all of my prefolds after yesterday so I feel like I've done a pretty good job. I left out 2 and only changed 4 diapers yesterday during the approximately 12 hours we've been cloth diapering in our home (from when I'm 100% conscious in the AM until I go to bed at night).
Here is what we have learned thus far:
1. Wetbags ROCK!!! Okay - I'm dead serious here!!! I'm in LOVE with my wetbag!!!
2. This is definitely long term doable.
3. I was changing WAY too often!! Apparently 2 hours (unless poopy!) is the beginning of my changing window, not the end. YAY for less changes!
4. Cloth diapers are addictive. I've already placed another order.
And MOST importantly 5. We FINALLY have a good use for that washer no one uses in the basement because it doesn't have all the fancy schmancy stuff the other one does. It's PERFECT for washing cloth diapers!!!
As of right now I'm favoring the Flips over the Thirsties. I'm not sure if I just have the rise set wrong on them, but they're really cutting into my little guy's thin thighs. It doesn't seem to bother him, but I'm reminded of that feeling when you take off a bra that's a bit too tight and you take it off and it's itchy and at the same time you feel so relieved. I don't like that feeling and I don't imagine he does either.
The Flips also have the advantage of their little flaps in the front and back. For trifolding prefolds that's PERFECT because it keeps the diaper in place which means I don't have to keep trying to adjust it while I'm trying to put it on a squirming infant. Definitely a perk. Kind of thinking maybe I should try a few other covers with that feature like AppleCheeks. Hmmm.....
So....first day of washing. I have studied washing routines like a madwoman prior to making this choice. If I'm putting something my child pooped on BACK on his rear you had better BET it needs to be CLEAN. After PILES of extensive research and worrying endlessly about my VERY hard water I settled on starting with this because it made the most sense and my mother decided it was a good idea...so that's what we went with. :) LOL
1. If poopy use a baby wipe to remove the poop on top. Yeah, I know - he's EBF and this is not "necessary" but I don't want yellow/orange diapers and I definitely felt better about step 2 when I'd done this first.
2. Swish in toilet - even if it's just urine. Again, NOT necessary but the bottom line is it makes ME feel better. And apparently a few people I know have had some problems with super acidic urine eating diapers...so a few seconds to swish is better than a trashed stash. :)
3. Ring out thoroughly and place in wetbag hanging on bathroom door. Rather than using a pail and pail liner I'm just using medium sized wetbags. This made WAY more sense to me than trying to fit a pail in my bathroom (so not happening) and gives me the chance to display my pretty wetbags because the one I have really is that cute!
4. On wash day bring the wetbag(s) downstairs. This is where that extra washer is coming in REALLY handy because I did my homework! Empty wetbag into washer, turn wetbag INSIDE OUT, throw wetbag into the washer, and run a full "extra large" load on cold without detergent. I washed 10 prefolds and my wetbag. Note, this does NOT look like a full load for a REASON!!! Why "extra large"? Because we want to rinse the SNOT out of everything icky in there to give the detergent the chance to do it's best work on what it really NEEDS to work on rather than cleaning stuff that's just going to get swished out anyway!
5. After the "extended rinse", add detergent and run a SMALL cycle on hot/cold. This is why no one uses this machine. It has "small" and "extra large" - useless for us most of the time but PERFECT for cloth diaper laundry! For the record, it's "small" fills the basin ALMOST to halfway, so it's really a "1/2 load". Cutting the wash cycle to a 1/2 load size was recommended by a few websites and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense so I figured we'll start with this.
6. Do one more "just rinse and spin" on cold but turn the knob back to "extra large". Maximum amount of rinsing is good. Get that detergent which is SO often the stinky guilty party OUT!
7. Transfer prefolds to the dryer and hang wetbag inside out to dry. Last time it took 1 1/2 cycles on the dryer to get the prefolds completely dry just for reference. As they continue to fluff up I'm completely expecting it to take 2 full cycles to get them all the way there.
Now to talk covers.
I don't have to wash any yet!! LOL Each cover has only been used twice and only one would need a washing. Each time I take them off I wipe off with a disposable wipe (since I don't have non-disposables yet) and that freshens them and gets them ready for their next run. Then I hang them up to air out and every single one (except the one that got poopy) smells sweet and looks perfectly clean. I plan to wash them specially the next time I do laundry. I've read that hot washes can damage the PUL on covers and since they aren't absorbent it made sense to me to wash those in cold rather than hot. I'm also reading that TPU covers/pockets should never be washed above warm to protect them but other cding mommies are telling me that's total bunk. So now I'm debating what temp to wash them at. I'm accepting kind guidance below. :)
So, for the record, we've made it through 2 whole days (and are on our third). I have one dirty cover and 4 "clean" ones (for those wondering, my dirty cover was a Thirsties - both of them seem slightly less good at holding the mess directly ON the prefold vs. the Flips...I'll let you know if this trend continues since I find it noteworthy). I have survived washing my first cloth diapers and they came out beautifully.
Here is what we have learned thus far:
1. Wetbags ROCK!!! Okay - I'm dead serious here!!! I'm in LOVE with my wetbag!!!
2. This is definitely long term doable.
3. I was changing WAY too often!! Apparently 2 hours (unless poopy!) is the beginning of my changing window, not the end. YAY for less changes!
4. Cloth diapers are addictive. I've already placed another order.
And MOST importantly 5. We FINALLY have a good use for that washer no one uses in the basement because it doesn't have all the fancy schmancy stuff the other one does. It's PERFECT for washing cloth diapers!!!
As of right now I'm favoring the Flips over the Thirsties. I'm not sure if I just have the rise set wrong on them, but they're really cutting into my little guy's thin thighs. It doesn't seem to bother him, but I'm reminded of that feeling when you take off a bra that's a bit too tight and you take it off and it's itchy and at the same time you feel so relieved. I don't like that feeling and I don't imagine he does either.
The Flips also have the advantage of their little flaps in the front and back. For trifolding prefolds that's PERFECT because it keeps the diaper in place which means I don't have to keep trying to adjust it while I'm trying to put it on a squirming infant. Definitely a perk. Kind of thinking maybe I should try a few other covers with that feature like AppleCheeks. Hmmm.....
So....first day of washing. I have studied washing routines like a madwoman prior to making this choice. If I'm putting something my child pooped on BACK on his rear you had better BET it needs to be CLEAN. After PILES of extensive research and worrying endlessly about my VERY hard water I settled on starting with this because it made the most sense and my mother decided it was a good idea...so that's what we went with. :) LOL
1. If poopy use a baby wipe to remove the poop on top. Yeah, I know - he's EBF and this is not "necessary" but I don't want yellow/orange diapers and I definitely felt better about step 2 when I'd done this first.
2. Swish in toilet - even if it's just urine. Again, NOT necessary but the bottom line is it makes ME feel better. And apparently a few people I know have had some problems with super acidic urine eating diapers...so a few seconds to swish is better than a trashed stash. :)
3. Ring out thoroughly and place in wetbag hanging on bathroom door. Rather than using a pail and pail liner I'm just using medium sized wetbags. This made WAY more sense to me than trying to fit a pail in my bathroom (so not happening) and gives me the chance to display my pretty wetbags because the one I have really is that cute!
4. On wash day bring the wetbag(s) downstairs. This is where that extra washer is coming in REALLY handy because I did my homework! Empty wetbag into washer, turn wetbag INSIDE OUT, throw wetbag into the washer, and run a full "extra large" load on cold without detergent. I washed 10 prefolds and my wetbag. Note, this does NOT look like a full load for a REASON!!! Why "extra large"? Because we want to rinse the SNOT out of everything icky in there to give the detergent the chance to do it's best work on what it really NEEDS to work on rather than cleaning stuff that's just going to get swished out anyway!
5. After the "extended rinse", add detergent and run a SMALL cycle on hot/cold. This is why no one uses this machine. It has "small" and "extra large" - useless for us most of the time but PERFECT for cloth diaper laundry! For the record, it's "small" fills the basin ALMOST to halfway, so it's really a "1/2 load". Cutting the wash cycle to a 1/2 load size was recommended by a few websites and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense so I figured we'll start with this.
6. Do one more "just rinse and spin" on cold but turn the knob back to "extra large". Maximum amount of rinsing is good. Get that detergent which is SO often the stinky guilty party OUT!
7. Transfer prefolds to the dryer and hang wetbag inside out to dry. Last time it took 1 1/2 cycles on the dryer to get the prefolds completely dry just for reference. As they continue to fluff up I'm completely expecting it to take 2 full cycles to get them all the way there.
Now to talk covers.
I don't have to wash any yet!! LOL Each cover has only been used twice and only one would need a washing. Each time I take them off I wipe off with a disposable wipe (since I don't have non-disposables yet) and that freshens them and gets them ready for their next run. Then I hang them up to air out and every single one (except the one that got poopy) smells sweet and looks perfectly clean. I plan to wash them specially the next time I do laundry. I've read that hot washes can damage the PUL on covers and since they aren't absorbent it made sense to me to wash those in cold rather than hot. I'm also reading that TPU covers/pockets should never be washed above warm to protect them but other cding mommies are telling me that's total bunk. So now I'm debating what temp to wash them at. I'm accepting kind guidance below. :)
So, for the record, we've made it through 2 whole days (and are on our third). I have one dirty cover and 4 "clean" ones (for those wondering, my dirty cover was a Thirsties - both of them seem slightly less good at holding the mess directly ON the prefold vs. the Flips...I'll let you know if this trend continues since I find it noteworthy). I have survived washing my first cloth diapers and they came out beautifully.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Our First Day of Cloth Diapers!
As our family has grown we decided to take a journey down the road of cloth diapering. After MUCH research and tons of bugging friends we settled on beginning with slightly more than the "bare basics". Our journey began yesterday when the diapers began to arrive and I have to say I wanted to write this up to share with all of you how we began this road we hope to travel until our newest addition is potty trained and for any future children.
We chose to wait on cloth diapering until our son was big enough to fit in "one size" diapers. I'm pleased with this choice even after beginning our journey. Our family's decision to cloth diaper was driven primarily by price, not "being green" or being fashionable so the $250+ investment in cloth diapers for a newborn that would have only fit until maybe 2 weeks from now would have been ridiculous vs. the $50 we have spent TOTAL on disposable diapers for his first 4 weeks of life.
Our journey begins on the day after his one month birthday.
The beginning "I want to try this but don't want to waste my $$" stash is:
3 Flip Covers: $27.90 @ Cotton Babies (on a buy 2, get 1 free sale) - 2 snap, 1 aplix
2 Thirsties Covers (size 1): $25.10 @ Amazon (supporting FOV!) - 1 snap, 1 aplix
12 Osocozy Better Fit Prefolds (infant): $27.99 @ Sweet Bottoms Baby
1 Kawaii Snazzy Minky: $10.25 @ Sweet Bottoms Baby
1 Planetwise Wet/Dry Bag: $21.00 @ Amazon
1 Rockin' Green Hard Rock 45/90 Load Bag: $16.80 @ Amazon
Total Shipping Cost: $0.00 :)
Total Cloth Diaper Investment: $129.04
Please note if you're using this blog to research cloth diapers (apparently far into the future because this is the only post right now! LOL) this is NOT enough to diaper full time. We are planning to diaper part time while we figure out what we like before we purchase the rest of our stash. Initially we had planned on doing the trial from Jillian's Drawers. However losing $20 of deposit and getting some diapers we weren't interested in trying didn't seem wise for OUR needs. We would have still needed to purchase cloth diaper detergent (due to extremely hard water where we live) and at least one wetbag so the total cost to try would have been $192.34 and would have been out $57.80 if we decided cloth diapering wasn't for us. This just made more sense and since I have friends using everything I have listed here I can pass it on to someone I know will use it if we decide this isn't for us.
Now let's talk diaper prepping. If you're new to this you may not know that cloth diapers need to be prepped. I chose to prep the prefolds using the "boiling" method. The dozen prefolds were done in 2 "loads" in my pressure cooker pot I use for canning. I used the same water for all of them and boiled for 30 minutes. Then I threw them in the washer and ran a rinse cycle. Then I added all the covers and Kawaii inserts and ran a wash cycle on warm. Then I pulled out the covers and pocket diaper and put them in the dryer on hot (to "seal" any mini holes) while I ran the prefolds and inserts on another cold rinse. Once the rinse was done I took out the covers and pocket and put in the prefolds and inserts to the dryer and dried for 2 cycles. I hung the covers and pocket to finish drying while the others were in the dryer. Voila - prepped diapers! (all were wonderfully absorbent and performed well when used.)
Okay - that disclaimer aside, let's get down to the meat and potatoes of how today went.
Our son, as of today, is approximately 10 lbs and 22 inches long. He's 1 month old.
Our FIRST foray was a Flip with snaps stuffed with an Osocozy BF Prefold.
We did 3 of these back to back. Here is what I learned:
1. Set up your covers with prefolds ready to rock and roll in advance to make diaper changes fly by. A squirming screaming 1 month old is NOT fun to try and corral - hence the one sock, we'd dunked the missing one in a messy diaper! :)
2. If you have leftover disposable diaper wipes, they're excellent for wiping out the covers and giving them a nice "scent" after they've been used but are still able to go another few rounds.
3. Hang covers to dry and air out after use. Don't plan on reusing the same cover right away to avoid stench.
4. Set a timer. If you're new to cloth diapers, set it for 1 hour until you know how long your baby can wait between diaper changes so you don't end up with unnecessary unpleasant surprises.
5. Preset multi-setting covers to the right size. Not something you want to be attempting either!
6. Leave velcro attached to laundry tabs until you're going to put it on the baby to prevent snagging your prefolds or covers.
The good news is I did all of this in advance! :) I can say after going through 6 cloth diapers today changing roughly every 1 1/2 to 2 hours we have not had a single leak or blowout despite having an EBF baby! :) I'm so pleased by this there aren't words!!!! Not a single problem with the Flips with a prefold. I'm thrilled - really! When putting on the 4th diaper of the day I honestly had the thought of "I can DO this!!!" That's pretty impressive for someone with post-partum depression. :)
And now for the Thirsties:
Worked just as wonderfully and despite the purple protesting baby looked MUCH better on. That said this cover was just as functional but will not fit above 18 lbs. - a definite consideration.
Overall I'm pleased with how the experiment went. No leaks, no blowouts, and it was VERY easy to just swish the diapers ad toss in the wetbag. For day 1 and 6 changes I feel like we did awesome!!!!
We chose to wait on cloth diapering until our son was big enough to fit in "one size" diapers. I'm pleased with this choice even after beginning our journey. Our family's decision to cloth diaper was driven primarily by price, not "being green" or being fashionable so the $250+ investment in cloth diapers for a newborn that would have only fit until maybe 2 weeks from now would have been ridiculous vs. the $50 we have spent TOTAL on disposable diapers for his first 4 weeks of life.
Our journey begins on the day after his one month birthday.
The beginning "I want to try this but don't want to waste my $$" stash is:
3 Flip Covers: $27.90 @ Cotton Babies (on a buy 2, get 1 free sale) - 2 snap, 1 aplix
2 Thirsties Covers (size 1): $25.10 @ Amazon (supporting FOV!) - 1 snap, 1 aplix
12 Osocozy Better Fit Prefolds (infant): $27.99 @ Sweet Bottoms Baby
1 Kawaii Snazzy Minky: $10.25 @ Sweet Bottoms Baby
1 Planetwise Wet/Dry Bag: $21.00 @ Amazon
1 Rockin' Green Hard Rock 45/90 Load Bag: $16.80 @ Amazon
Total Shipping Cost: $0.00 :)
Total Cloth Diaper Investment: $129.04
Please note if you're using this blog to research cloth diapers (apparently far into the future because this is the only post right now! LOL) this is NOT enough to diaper full time. We are planning to diaper part time while we figure out what we like before we purchase the rest of our stash. Initially we had planned on doing the trial from Jillian's Drawers. However losing $20 of deposit and getting some diapers we weren't interested in trying didn't seem wise for OUR needs. We would have still needed to purchase cloth diaper detergent (due to extremely hard water where we live) and at least one wetbag so the total cost to try would have been $192.34 and would have been out $57.80 if we decided cloth diapering wasn't for us. This just made more sense and since I have friends using everything I have listed here I can pass it on to someone I know will use it if we decide this isn't for us.
Now let's talk diaper prepping. If you're new to this you may not know that cloth diapers need to be prepped. I chose to prep the prefolds using the "boiling" method. The dozen prefolds were done in 2 "loads" in my pressure cooker pot I use for canning. I used the same water for all of them and boiled for 30 minutes. Then I threw them in the washer and ran a rinse cycle. Then I added all the covers and Kawaii inserts and ran a wash cycle on warm. Then I pulled out the covers and pocket diaper and put them in the dryer on hot (to "seal" any mini holes) while I ran the prefolds and inserts on another cold rinse. Once the rinse was done I took out the covers and pocket and put in the prefolds and inserts to the dryer and dried for 2 cycles. I hung the covers and pocket to finish drying while the others were in the dryer. Voila - prepped diapers! (all were wonderfully absorbent and performed well when used.)
Okay - that disclaimer aside, let's get down to the meat and potatoes of how today went.
Our son, as of today, is approximately 10 lbs and 22 inches long. He's 1 month old.
Our FIRST foray was a Flip with snaps stuffed with an Osocozy BF Prefold.
1. Set up your covers with prefolds ready to rock and roll in advance to make diaper changes fly by. A squirming screaming 1 month old is NOT fun to try and corral - hence the one sock, we'd dunked the missing one in a messy diaper! :)
2. If you have leftover disposable diaper wipes, they're excellent for wiping out the covers and giving them a nice "scent" after they've been used but are still able to go another few rounds.
3. Hang covers to dry and air out after use. Don't plan on reusing the same cover right away to avoid stench.
4. Set a timer. If you're new to cloth diapers, set it for 1 hour until you know how long your baby can wait between diaper changes so you don't end up with unnecessary unpleasant surprises.
5. Preset multi-setting covers to the right size. Not something you want to be attempting either!
6. Leave velcro attached to laundry tabs until you're going to put it on the baby to prevent snagging your prefolds or covers.
The good news is I did all of this in advance! :) I can say after going through 6 cloth diapers today changing roughly every 1 1/2 to 2 hours we have not had a single leak or blowout despite having an EBF baby! :) I'm so pleased by this there aren't words!!!! Not a single problem with the Flips with a prefold. I'm thrilled - really! When putting on the 4th diaper of the day I honestly had the thought of "I can DO this!!!" That's pretty impressive for someone with post-partum depression. :)
And now for the Thirsties:
Overall I'm pleased with how the experiment went. No leaks, no blowouts, and it was VERY easy to just swish the diapers ad toss in the wetbag. For day 1 and 6 changes I feel like we did awesome!!!!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Panic Attacks and Insomnia
It is 5 AM. No, I am not normally up this early. Yes, this is ridiculous. No, I am not happy about it.
Since I last checked in with you all a pile of crazy has landed in my lap that has rendered sleeping a virtually useless activity. I *might* be able to get 5-6 hours some nights and other than that I keep waking up thinking someone/something needs me. I'm seldom wrong although this morning nothing has happened yet.
I'm exhausted. My health is starting to suffer for it. I was diagnosed a week ago now with perinatal depression which is essentially post-partum depression that comes before the baby arrives and then lasts the "normal" length of post-partum depression. They've put me on meds which are helping immensely but make me even more nauseous than usual. It is what it is. :)
Part of this is the stress over the impending induction which I find out when they are scheduling that today. Part of this is stress over everything that isn't done and isn't getting done. Yet another part of it is the "normal" Mommy-to-be-again stress. Only my very closest friends and parents know what I'm going through...and now you.
Thanks for listening to this sleep deprived outpouring so I can get some sleep.
Since I last checked in with you all a pile of crazy has landed in my lap that has rendered sleeping a virtually useless activity. I *might* be able to get 5-6 hours some nights and other than that I keep waking up thinking someone/something needs me. I'm seldom wrong although this morning nothing has happened yet.
I'm exhausted. My health is starting to suffer for it. I was diagnosed a week ago now with perinatal depression which is essentially post-partum depression that comes before the baby arrives and then lasts the "normal" length of post-partum depression. They've put me on meds which are helping immensely but make me even more nauseous than usual. It is what it is. :)
Part of this is the stress over the impending induction which I find out when they are scheduling that today. Part of this is stress over everything that isn't done and isn't getting done. Yet another part of it is the "normal" Mommy-to-be-again stress. Only my very closest friends and parents know what I'm going through...and now you.
Thanks for listening to this sleep deprived outpouring so I can get some sleep.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I finally did it!
Well, last week brought piles of controversy. As some of you already know, there have been some questions regarding the legitimacy of our other parish. Lots of problems have ensued and that's part of why posts here went through a rapid decline.
I have exciting news to announce with you all. I am pregnant. 19 weeks pregnant by now and I'm thrilled tell all of you. However, due to the lack of ability to have a Convalidation to make our legal marriage a Sacramental one, we were concerned about our ability to have this child baptized in the Faith. So the ENTIRE argument ensued AGAIN with our parish trying to remedy the problem and finding no solutions and frankly a profound amount of "we don't care".
Last week on Wednesday, Prince Charming took matters into his OWN 6'2 former Army Sergeant hands and went down to the church's office to try and get a solution. Coming home with piles of more frustration and accusations, we thought perhaps we should consult the other "local" parish (30 miles in the OTHER direction) and see what we came up with.
So on Thursday Prince Charming and I left DS with a neighbor and went in to speak with this priest and find out what could be done. Fortunately, we found a source of beauty, strength, and frankly - a will to get this accomplished. I brought this poor priest a LAUNDRY list of what I couldn't figure out how to fix and in under 15 minutes, he had it all accomplished. We are starting our "pre-Cana" tomorrow and now for the hard part to admit - I FINALLY had my First Reconciliation.
Nearly 7 months after I received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Oops.
For those of you considering the faith (or just the nosy) who have ALWAYS wanted to know what the "big secret about confession is", here you go. No one else seems to have written about it so I figured I would share.
You do your best to prepare. As an adult who had never been through this before I had a LOT of territory to cover. I went through what is called an "Examination of Conscience" which is basically a LONG list of things I should be doing Biblically where I may have fallen short. Children usually start off with the 10 Commandments and the Great Commandment as their "reference point" for a Examination of Conscience. All things on an Examination of Conscience are generally related in one way or another to the 10 Commandments - it just goes WAY more in depth than your Sunday School teacher EVER did.
After you do your preparation and are ready, you enter the famous confessional. You know, like you see in movies. Except it usually isn't really like that at all. I'm picturing Antonio Banderas in The Mask of Zorro as he's in the priest's place and Catherine Zeta Jones' character is confessing to him mistakenly. (For those unfamiliar with the movie - here's the clip I'm referring to. :)
My confessional didn't look ANYTHING like that. In fact, I've been surprised to find many modern Catholics choose to have their reconciliation done sitting NEXT to the priest in full view. It was a little white room. You could "hide" behind a curtain, kneel, and not be seen or you could go around the corner. Around the corner were 2 chairs - 1 where the priest sits regardless of where you go and the other is for you if you're brave enough to peek around the corner. Being pregnant and that the priest walked WITH me over to the confessional, I felt ridiculous kneeling and hiding on the other side so I went and sat in the chair.
What follows was fairly simple. We prayed. We talked about where I'd made mistakes in my life. The priest made constructive suggestions about ways to fix that and encouraged me the entire time with kindness and patience. I received my penance - nowhere near what I had feared after 31 years of sinning! We prayed again. I thanked him for his time and left.
The entire time my son was in the pew waiting for Mass to begin. He'd had his First Reconciliation last January. As I returned to the pew quietly and knelt to pray he got down on his knees as well and leaned over to me. He knew where I'd been. The conversation went something like this:
DS: You were in there for a long time.
Me: I know. I'm sorry and thank you for your patience.
DS: You must have had a LOT of sins.
And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, was the most embarrassing moment of the ENTIRE ordeal! :)
I have exciting news to announce with you all. I am pregnant. 19 weeks pregnant by now and I'm thrilled tell all of you. However, due to the lack of ability to have a Convalidation to make our legal marriage a Sacramental one, we were concerned about our ability to have this child baptized in the Faith. So the ENTIRE argument ensued AGAIN with our parish trying to remedy the problem and finding no solutions and frankly a profound amount of "we don't care".
Last week on Wednesday, Prince Charming took matters into his OWN 6'2 former Army Sergeant hands and went down to the church's office to try and get a solution. Coming home with piles of more frustration and accusations, we thought perhaps we should consult the other "local" parish (30 miles in the OTHER direction) and see what we came up with.
So on Thursday Prince Charming and I left DS with a neighbor and went in to speak with this priest and find out what could be done. Fortunately, we found a source of beauty, strength, and frankly - a will to get this accomplished. I brought this poor priest a LAUNDRY list of what I couldn't figure out how to fix and in under 15 minutes, he had it all accomplished. We are starting our "pre-Cana" tomorrow and now for the hard part to admit - I FINALLY had my First Reconciliation.
Nearly 7 months after I received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Oops.
For those of you considering the faith (or just the nosy) who have ALWAYS wanted to know what the "big secret about confession is", here you go. No one else seems to have written about it so I figured I would share.
You do your best to prepare. As an adult who had never been through this before I had a LOT of territory to cover. I went through what is called an "Examination of Conscience" which is basically a LONG list of things I should be doing Biblically where I may have fallen short. Children usually start off with the 10 Commandments and the Great Commandment as their "reference point" for a Examination of Conscience. All things on an Examination of Conscience are generally related in one way or another to the 10 Commandments - it just goes WAY more in depth than your Sunday School teacher EVER did.
After you do your preparation and are ready, you enter the famous confessional. You know, like you see in movies. Except it usually isn't really like that at all. I'm picturing Antonio Banderas in The Mask of Zorro as he's in the priest's place and Catherine Zeta Jones' character is confessing to him mistakenly. (For those unfamiliar with the movie - here's the clip I'm referring to. :)
My confessional didn't look ANYTHING like that. In fact, I've been surprised to find many modern Catholics choose to have their reconciliation done sitting NEXT to the priest in full view. It was a little white room. You could "hide" behind a curtain, kneel, and not be seen or you could go around the corner. Around the corner were 2 chairs - 1 where the priest sits regardless of where you go and the other is for you if you're brave enough to peek around the corner. Being pregnant and that the priest walked WITH me over to the confessional, I felt ridiculous kneeling and hiding on the other side so I went and sat in the chair.
What follows was fairly simple. We prayed. We talked about where I'd made mistakes in my life. The priest made constructive suggestions about ways to fix that and encouraged me the entire time with kindness and patience. I received my penance - nowhere near what I had feared after 31 years of sinning! We prayed again. I thanked him for his time and left.
The entire time my son was in the pew waiting for Mass to begin. He'd had his First Reconciliation last January. As I returned to the pew quietly and knelt to pray he got down on his knees as well and leaned over to me. He knew where I'd been. The conversation went something like this:
DS: You were in there for a long time.
Me: I know. I'm sorry and thank you for your patience.
DS: You must have had a LOT of sins.
And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, was the most embarrassing moment of the ENTIRE ordeal! :)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Today
Today has circled around my role in leadership and what I do. In times of both struggle and triumph, I often turn to the beautiful words of Rudyard Kipling.
"If"
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!
"If"
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Happy Purple Heart Day!
In 1782, the Continental Congress took a cost cutting measure preventing the awarding of rank for valorous service. Up until this time, individual achievements in battle were generally awarded with a promotion. In response, 2 military awards were created for servicemen. The first award authorized a chevron to be worn on the left sleeve for every 3 years of service given to the Continental Army. These chevrons are still in use today in all branches of the military on dress uniforms.
On August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, NY General George Washington commissioned the first badge of honor for valorous action in battle. I was designed by M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant who later designed the Nation's Capital City, Washington, DC. It was a piece of heart shaped purple cloth most often made of silk or cotton. It was edged in very narrow lace and contained white embroidery. The center featured a single word, "Merit". It was awarded for "any singularly meritorious action" and was named the Badge of Military Merit. This was the first time enlisted and non-commissioned officers could earn a badge of distinction.
Awards for service to any person serving in the military for valor disappeared after the American Revolution until the Civil War when the Medal of Honor was created.
On January 7, 1931 a new award was to be created in honor of the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. Ms. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quarter designed a sketch based on Washington's Badge of Military Merit. It consisted of an enameled heart of purple edged in gold. George Washington's profile is in the center of the medal and it hangs from a purple ribbon edged in white. The back of the medal says "For Military Merit" and is usually engraved with the soldier's rank, name, and service branch.
Officially authorized on February 22, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, the following General Order was issued:
"By order of the President of the United States, The Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the war of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.
The decoration is authorized to be awarded to persons who, while serving in the army of the United States, perform any singularly Meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service. A wound received in action may be construed as resulting from such an act."
It is one of the most recognized military medals in the world and is frequently considered to be one of the most beautiful.
For more information on the Purple Heart and the Badge of Military Merit, visit:
http://www.connecticutsar.org/articles/badge_of_military_merit.htm
On August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, NY General George Washington commissioned the first badge of honor for valorous action in battle. I was designed by M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant who later designed the Nation's Capital City, Washington, DC. It was a piece of heart shaped purple cloth most often made of silk or cotton. It was edged in very narrow lace and contained white embroidery. The center featured a single word, "Merit". It was awarded for "any singularly meritorious action" and was named the Badge of Military Merit. This was the first time enlisted and non-commissioned officers could earn a badge of distinction.
Awards for service to any person serving in the military for valor disappeared after the American Revolution until the Civil War when the Medal of Honor was created.
On January 7, 1931 a new award was to be created in honor of the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. Ms. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quarter designed a sketch based on Washington's Badge of Military Merit. It consisted of an enameled heart of purple edged in gold. George Washington's profile is in the center of the medal and it hangs from a purple ribbon edged in white. The back of the medal says "For Military Merit" and is usually engraved with the soldier's rank, name, and service branch.
Officially authorized on February 22, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, the following General Order was issued:
"By order of the President of the United States, The Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the war of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.
The decoration is authorized to be awarded to persons who, while serving in the army of the United States, perform any singularly Meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service. A wound received in action may be construed as resulting from such an act."
It is one of the most recognized military medals in the world and is frequently considered to be one of the most beautiful.
For more information on the Purple Heart and the Badge of Military Merit, visit:
http://www.connecticutsar.org/articles/badge_of_military_merit.htm
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Disgusted
I am disgusted with myself.
For many, many reasons.
Recently I let someone get the best of me with her bitterness...and that's not something I aspire to be.
That needs to end.
NOW.
So, for the next 9 weeks I'm going to work on adding 1 spiritual habit and 1 health habit a week to my life. I need to get back on track in both of those areas and they certainly aren't going to fix themselves.
THIS WEEK I already made 2 changes that I am pleased to report. They may not seem like much to you, but they've been very good for me.
Spiritual: I got off my butt and went back to church for Mass on Saturday. I've been REALLY bad about getting to Mass since this drama started finding it easier to hide in my home and avoid everyone on earth. I made the commitment yesterday to go back to Mass and was greeted in the choir loft with literally open arms.
God then proceeded to acknowledge my desperate need for a laugh and sent me an evening full of gaffs and giggles. I am immensely grateful! :)
Before leaving, I made the commitment to cantor next week so apparently I will be continuing this pattern - I am pleased to have made this choice.
Health: This may sound a bit odd and quite possibly crazy, but at least once a day this week I have walked outside of my house around my property for at least 10-15 minutes.
I know to most people this is not something that would be surprising, but to me, it was a HUGE change. I'd been hiding inside and away from people as much as humanly possible sometimes going days without leaving my home. This has stemmed from multiple problems.
I'm afraid of rattlesnakes and our neighborhood has recently become overpopulated with them leaving me afraid to leave an environment I can control on foot. I also have been so depressed I just didn't want to go anywhere but my couch and computer.
So it may not appear to be much to conquer and indeed I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I did it and I'm glad I did. I feel wonderful for having done it and am happy I made that conscious choice.
Next week I'm picking back up my daily Rosary praying habit having already done it for 3 days this week. It really helps calm me and could be considered an improvement in both areas although I will claim it in spiritual only. For health I'm going to go back to my habit of drinking 2 24 oz. bottles of water a day. Shame on me for getting out of it.
For many, many reasons.
Recently I let someone get the best of me with her bitterness...and that's not something I aspire to be.
That needs to end.
NOW.
So, for the next 9 weeks I'm going to work on adding 1 spiritual habit and 1 health habit a week to my life. I need to get back on track in both of those areas and they certainly aren't going to fix themselves.
THIS WEEK I already made 2 changes that I am pleased to report. They may not seem like much to you, but they've been very good for me.
Spiritual: I got off my butt and went back to church for Mass on Saturday. I've been REALLY bad about getting to Mass since this drama started finding it easier to hide in my home and avoid everyone on earth. I made the commitment yesterday to go back to Mass and was greeted in the choir loft with literally open arms.
God then proceeded to acknowledge my desperate need for a laugh and sent me an evening full of gaffs and giggles. I am immensely grateful! :)
Before leaving, I made the commitment to cantor next week so apparently I will be continuing this pattern - I am pleased to have made this choice.
Health: This may sound a bit odd and quite possibly crazy, but at least once a day this week I have walked outside of my house around my property for at least 10-15 minutes.
I know to most people this is not something that would be surprising, but to me, it was a HUGE change. I'd been hiding inside and away from people as much as humanly possible sometimes going days without leaving my home. This has stemmed from multiple problems.
I'm afraid of rattlesnakes and our neighborhood has recently become overpopulated with them leaving me afraid to leave an environment I can control on foot. I also have been so depressed I just didn't want to go anywhere but my couch and computer.
So it may not appear to be much to conquer and indeed I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I did it and I'm glad I did. I feel wonderful for having done it and am happy I made that conscious choice.
Next week I'm picking back up my daily Rosary praying habit having already done it for 3 days this week. It really helps calm me and could be considered an improvement in both areas although I will claim it in spiritual only. For health I'm going to go back to my habit of drinking 2 24 oz. bottles of water a day. Shame on me for getting out of it.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Rise Above It
Sometimes life leaves us with two choices...
Get caught in the mire...
Or rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above the gossip. Not simply for Biblical reasons - although we are certainly told many times over not to perpetrate gossip nor to be witnesses/idle participants. Not simply for "setting an example" for my son - although I certainly do not want my son picking up that horrid habit from prattling lips. Not simply for avoiding being a target - for everyone knows that the more you eschew gossip, the more you become the subject at hand.
I live in a tiny town in VERY rural America. There's 150 people here - and I, once again, am the subject of town gossip. We're the only Catholic family in our town. The only family with an only child. I'm not from here - so I'm an "outsider". I'm not planning on staying.
But recently a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. I will be leaving. It's not for a couple of years - but I WILL BE LEAVING.
And suddenly, with just that minor revelation I can rise above it just a bit easier because I KNOW that when I leave, they will have to find a new target. I know that where I am going I already have a dear friend whom I am happy to have in my life and who has already supported me through many trials with open arms, an open heart, and with an open coffee pot and an empty chair at her table.
I KNOW that I have dear friends here on the internet. They may not be right here - but they help me each and every single day to help hundreds of thousands of veterans across the country. I love them with all my heart even though we have never met.
I KNOW that in the end, it is I who will get in my car one last time, pull out of this driveway, and NEVER LOOK BACK.
Because...
I look forward. I look forward to the future and all the beautiful things that will transpire. I look forward to the beautiful things I know God has in store for me and my family. I look forward to all the immense blessings that are coming my way.
I rise above it...
...because I can.
Get caught in the mire...
Or rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above the gossip. Not simply for Biblical reasons - although we are certainly told many times over not to perpetrate gossip nor to be witnesses/idle participants. Not simply for "setting an example" for my son - although I certainly do not want my son picking up that horrid habit from prattling lips. Not simply for avoiding being a target - for everyone knows that the more you eschew gossip, the more you become the subject at hand.
I live in a tiny town in VERY rural America. There's 150 people here - and I, once again, am the subject of town gossip. We're the only Catholic family in our town. The only family with an only child. I'm not from here - so I'm an "outsider". I'm not planning on staying.
But recently a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. I will be leaving. It's not for a couple of years - but I WILL BE LEAVING.
And suddenly, with just that minor revelation I can rise above it just a bit easier because I KNOW that when I leave, they will have to find a new target. I know that where I am going I already have a dear friend whom I am happy to have in my life and who has already supported me through many trials with open arms, an open heart, and with an open coffee pot and an empty chair at her table.
I KNOW that I have dear friends here on the internet. They may not be right here - but they help me each and every single day to help hundreds of thousands of veterans across the country. I love them with all my heart even though we have never met.
I KNOW that in the end, it is I who will get in my car one last time, pull out of this driveway, and NEVER LOOK BACK.
Because...
I look forward. I look forward to the future and all the beautiful things that will transpire. I look forward to the beautiful things I know God has in store for me and my family. I look forward to all the immense blessings that are coming my way.
I rise above it...
...because I can.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Shout Out to Good Samaritan Roland!!!
I have a new favorite WalMart worker. Okay - I've liked Roland for a long time. He plays Santa at Christmas and looks the part year round. He's the guy that's always grinning ear to ear at the door and reminds you of your favorite uncle. Really. He's great.
Today there was a severe thunderstorm. I don't mean a bit of rain. We're talking hail, mesocyclones, and some SERIOUS winds and rain. I turned around and I'm from tornado country. I ran inside and hunkered down after trying to flag down DH.
I saw him come into the parking lot and thought he was going to park. Unfortunately he didn't see my car and took off. I ran out the door to try and flag him down but with a full load of lumber in the back, he couldn't see me.
I ran back inside and just announced to everyone within earshot, "Does anyone have a cell phone I can use to call my husband? Mine is in his truck and he's driving into this storm!!!"
LOTS of blank stares for the crazy lady.
Roland reaches around and pulls out his cell phone. I'm guessing he's not supposed to have it on the floor. He lets me try to call my husband and then sits out in the vestibule waiting to see if he pulls in and directs DH to where we were in the store when he arrives.
Special thanks to Roland for making THIS crazy lady's day. To not have a husband out lost in a storm that's producing 80+ MPH winds and 1 1/2" hail means he is my hero. :)
Today there was a severe thunderstorm. I don't mean a bit of rain. We're talking hail, mesocyclones, and some SERIOUS winds and rain. I turned around and I'm from tornado country. I ran inside and hunkered down after trying to flag down DH.
I saw him come into the parking lot and thought he was going to park. Unfortunately he didn't see my car and took off. I ran out the door to try and flag him down but with a full load of lumber in the back, he couldn't see me.
I ran back inside and just announced to everyone within earshot, "Does anyone have a cell phone I can use to call my husband? Mine is in his truck and he's driving into this storm!!!"
LOTS of blank stares for the crazy lady.
Roland reaches around and pulls out his cell phone. I'm guessing he's not supposed to have it on the floor. He lets me try to call my husband and then sits out in the vestibule waiting to see if he pulls in and directs DH to where we were in the store when he arrives.
Special thanks to Roland for making THIS crazy lady's day. To not have a husband out lost in a storm that's producing 80+ MPH winds and 1 1/2" hail means he is my hero. :)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Amusing....
I love to watch politics. I also happen to be a rather large fan of my rights as well as the rights of others. I have friends on nearly every side of the political spectrum. I won't get into what I believe, but I will highlight something I have watched unfolding this evening with both shock and, at the cost of some friends, amusement.
Apparently the FDA has decided to seize an incoming shipment of birthing pools for water births by saying they are "unregistered medical equipment". There is no way to register these as they are not considered medical equipment in the US. Lawyers are being called and needless to say, it is quite the "to do".
Now, when something like this happens, I am naturally appalled. I believe in a woman's right to give birth in whatever way she chooses be it at home, in a hospital, or in a birthing center. Frankly, I think it's her choice and as long as she's not high risk I see no problem with it. The potential recall of "all" (their words - not mine) birthing tubs in the US is a serious concern. Please do not believe I am "downplaying" the issue.
This problem immediately surfaced on FB. For the past few hours I have watched the posts fly as friends who are doulas, midwives, women, men, and everything in between have put in their comments on the situation.
As I stated before, I have friends on all sides of the political spectrum.
So it strikes me as rather amusing when bureaucracy red tape and stupidity is confused with a particular political party. Some comments I have seen about this issue on FB have been:
"Here come the democradorks again stealing our right to birth outside a hospital."
"First abortion, now birthing tubs - the GOP is at it again."
etc.
Red tape is not universal to one party. Neither is stupidity. Each group has made their mistakes and is never always in the right.
But let's place the pressure on this where it belongs - ON THE FDA.
Apparently the FDA has decided to seize an incoming shipment of birthing pools for water births by saying they are "unregistered medical equipment". There is no way to register these as they are not considered medical equipment in the US. Lawyers are being called and needless to say, it is quite the "to do".
Now, when something like this happens, I am naturally appalled. I believe in a woman's right to give birth in whatever way she chooses be it at home, in a hospital, or in a birthing center. Frankly, I think it's her choice and as long as she's not high risk I see no problem with it. The potential recall of "all" (their words - not mine) birthing tubs in the US is a serious concern. Please do not believe I am "downplaying" the issue.
This problem immediately surfaced on FB. For the past few hours I have watched the posts fly as friends who are doulas, midwives, women, men, and everything in between have put in their comments on the situation.
As I stated before, I have friends on all sides of the political spectrum.
So it strikes me as rather amusing when bureaucracy red tape and stupidity is confused with a particular political party. Some comments I have seen about this issue on FB have been:
"Here come the democradorks again stealing our right to birth outside a hospital."
"First abortion, now birthing tubs - the GOP is at it again."
etc.
Red tape is not universal to one party. Neither is stupidity. Each group has made their mistakes and is never always in the right.
But let's place the pressure on this where it belongs - ON THE FDA.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Complete Homecoming
Tonight was my beautiful son's Confirmation and First Communion.
I, being the Italian mother I am, was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Pinning corsages and boutonnieres, running interference for missing children and/or their sponsors, helping with new seating arrangements created at the last minute...
It never ends.
So when I finally SAT in the pew next to my husband I had quite a shock. I knelt to pray and the prelude began. "Here I Am, Lord". One of my very favorite songs from the church I grew up in. The first piece of Christian music to move me to tears. It has always touched my heart so incredibly deeply.
I have said through this whole journey that if this is what the Lord wants for my family, He will make it abundantly clear.
Message Received. Roger.
So as the ceremony progresses and we all greatly enjoy the Bishop, his homily, and his wonderful demeanor with the kids I relax and laugh and enjoy my time immensely.
After I get back from communion, I'm kneeling and just not feeling like I should rise. The post-communion song began to play and I burst into tears.
While "Here I Am, Lord" was the song of my home original church that moved me, "As the Deer" was the song from my time in Germany that has moved me since. The calm, strong melody wafted over me as I sobbed while singing. Tears were pouring down my face while I knelt and just let myself feel it for the first time.
I was here.
I was where I belonged.
With my whole entire family.
And it felt amazing.
I, being the Italian mother I am, was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Pinning corsages and boutonnieres, running interference for missing children and/or their sponsors, helping with new seating arrangements created at the last minute...
It never ends.
So when I finally SAT in the pew next to my husband I had quite a shock. I knelt to pray and the prelude began. "Here I Am, Lord". One of my very favorite songs from the church I grew up in. The first piece of Christian music to move me to tears. It has always touched my heart so incredibly deeply.
I have said through this whole journey that if this is what the Lord wants for my family, He will make it abundantly clear.
Message Received. Roger.
So as the ceremony progresses and we all greatly enjoy the Bishop, his homily, and his wonderful demeanor with the kids I relax and laugh and enjoy my time immensely.
After I get back from communion, I'm kneeling and just not feeling like I should rise. The post-communion song began to play and I burst into tears.
While "Here I Am, Lord" was the song of my home original church that moved me, "As the Deer" was the song from my time in Germany that has moved me since. The calm, strong melody wafted over me as I sobbed while singing. Tears were pouring down my face while I knelt and just let myself feel it for the first time.
I was here.
I was where I belonged.
With my whole entire family.
And it felt amazing.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
I Would Love to Say Something Profound...
...but I smell like a cheesy pine tree air freshener.
I will, however comment on tonight. Partially because it must be done - partially because it should be done - partially because I want to remember it.
If you have never attended an Easter Vigil in a Catholic Church, I highly recommend the experience. GO. And wear comfortable shoes.
The beauty of it all was breathtaking. The candlelight, the bonfire. It was really overwhelming to the senses. I almost wished I'd attended one before I had to be part of one so it wasn't so all encompassing.
What really hit me was the homily. Father Joe touched on several things but one portion in the 7 minutes really has stuck with me. He talked about how, just like Jesus, we need to get out of our own tombs and into the light. It couldn't have been more relevant. I was so grateful for those words.
I'd love to give you details of the actual ceremony portion of being confirmed...but beyond blushing, tripping, and my husband's steady hand on my shoulder, I don't remember very much.
Other than the fact that I smell like a cheesy pine tree air freshener from the oil.
The days to come will be filled with interesting musings on these various subjects, but for now, I'm going to sign off and find a way to get this smell off my head.
I will, however comment on tonight. Partially because it must be done - partially because it should be done - partially because I want to remember it.
If you have never attended an Easter Vigil in a Catholic Church, I highly recommend the experience. GO. And wear comfortable shoes.
The beauty of it all was breathtaking. The candlelight, the bonfire. It was really overwhelming to the senses. I almost wished I'd attended one before I had to be part of one so it wasn't so all encompassing.
What really hit me was the homily. Father Joe touched on several things but one portion in the 7 minutes really has stuck with me. He talked about how, just like Jesus, we need to get out of our own tombs and into the light. It couldn't have been more relevant. I was so grateful for those words.
I'd love to give you details of the actual ceremony portion of being confirmed...but beyond blushing, tripping, and my husband's steady hand on my shoulder, I don't remember very much.
Other than the fact that I smell like a cheesy pine tree air freshener from the oil.
The days to come will be filled with interesting musings on these various subjects, but for now, I'm going to sign off and find a way to get this smell off my head.
Tonight it ends...or rather begins.
After two weeks of being on the road and living a life that swung drastically between watching paint dry and herding cattle on crack, I can now safely say I am ecstatic to be home.
However, I arrived just in the nick of time (Literally - got here yesterday) for the ceremony tonight that will bring me into the Catholic Church. I didn't even know which of the 3 parishes in our little "system" here in the sticks I was supposed to be at until this morning.
In exactly 2 1/2 hours, the Easter Vigil ceremony will begin outside at the bonfire. In exactly 3 hours, I will likely be vomiting in the bathroom.
I'm a bundle of nerves, but surprisingly calm considering I have absolutely no idea what to expect and am petrified that I'm going to make some huge mistake.
However, I arrived just in the nick of time (Literally - got here yesterday) for the ceremony tonight that will bring me into the Catholic Church. I didn't even know which of the 3 parishes in our little "system" here in the sticks I was supposed to be at until this morning.
In exactly 2 1/2 hours, the Easter Vigil ceremony will begin outside at the bonfire. In exactly 3 hours, I will likely be vomiting in the bathroom.
I'm a bundle of nerves, but surprisingly calm considering I have absolutely no idea what to expect and am petrified that I'm going to make some huge mistake.
Friday, April 1, 2011
How a Kindle Solved All My Travel Problems
I've always been a very firm believer that whatever you need, God will provide it if you only have the patience to wait for His perfect timing.
So about a month ago, I ordered my Kindle. I'm a big reader. I LOVE reading and few things in this world make me happier than delving deep into a book.
This weekend I'm preparing for a road trip I'm starting next week. The wireless internet card arrived today from my step-dad who is kind enough to share his technology with me as I bounce across the country. I'd planned to take it to the store and find a USB cord so it could be powered from the computer to eliminate yet another plug when they're always so scarce on the road.
Lo and behold, I'd just unplugged my Kindle last night next to where I was sitting and, guess what? The plug matched the wireless internet card perfectly! :)
Then I went to the bathroom to tidy up and stumbled across my Bluetooth headset. I haven't used it since my last road trip as I don't use my phone all that often. I had no idea where the charger was and figured I wouldn't be able to use it without one. Out of sheer curiosity, I opened up it's little port to see what the plug looked like and thought...hmm....that looks rather familiar.
So I brought it out to the living room, unplugged the wireless card, and tried it. Once again, the little light lit up and the Kindle cord (which is a USB cord) would power my headset as well!
1 cord, 3 amazing devices, 1 thrilled human being!!!
So about a month ago, I ordered my Kindle. I'm a big reader. I LOVE reading and few things in this world make me happier than delving deep into a book.
This weekend I'm preparing for a road trip I'm starting next week. The wireless internet card arrived today from my step-dad who is kind enough to share his technology with me as I bounce across the country. I'd planned to take it to the store and find a USB cord so it could be powered from the computer to eliminate yet another plug when they're always so scarce on the road.
Lo and behold, I'd just unplugged my Kindle last night next to where I was sitting and, guess what? The plug matched the wireless internet card perfectly! :)
Then I went to the bathroom to tidy up and stumbled across my Bluetooth headset. I haven't used it since my last road trip as I don't use my phone all that often. I had no idea where the charger was and figured I wouldn't be able to use it without one. Out of sheer curiosity, I opened up it's little port to see what the plug looked like and thought...hmm....that looks rather familiar.
So I brought it out to the living room, unplugged the wireless card, and tried it. Once again, the little light lit up and the Kindle cord (which is a USB cord) would power my headset as well!
1 cord, 3 amazing devices, 1 thrilled human being!!!
A Sociable Sue trying to be a Perfect Paula teaching a Competent Carl.
For those of you who have NO clue what I'm saying, allow me to elaborate. :)
My mother is the most wonderful person on earth. Really. She's fantastic. She was so organized as a child my grandmother used to take her friends into my mother's room and show them how perfect it was. She even earned the nickname "Peggy Perfect" from friends and family as a school-aged child.
So you can understand that her perfectly organized, extremely type A, beautifully wonderful person is, in Cathy Duffy's terms, a Perfect Paula.
I spent my whole childhood knowing I wasn't like the other kids. I didn't learn like them. I didn't look at the world the way they did. Music was background noise to them. It was what moved my soul. My entire being focused around my music because it was a way I could please the people around me using my gifts. I am a Sociable Sue.
People often think chatty people are Sociable Sues. That's not really what it's about. Sociable Sue's are the textbook people pleaser. We don't come second, or third. We put ourselves at the bottom of the list and devote 100% of our energy to pleasing other people. We're often artists and musicians. Our entire and total language is making other people happy. It's truly where we find our bliss. It's our every happiness.
Being the daughter of a Perfect Paula, I tried to be like my mother. Always having it together. Always being perfect. Always trying to do it all, have it all, be it all. Because, in my heart, I wanted to BE like my mother. It would make her happy. It would make the people around me happy. People LIKE Perfect Paula's.
It's kind of the ultimate irony.
So, up until a few weeks ago, I was a Sociable Sue trying to be a Perfect Paula teaching a Competent Carl.
Perfect Paula's make great homeschool moms. They're the ones who have it all together and have the perfect curriculum and perfect little smiles on their 6 perfect children's faces.
Reading Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschooling Curriculum opened my eyes. To me this book was SO very much more than about homeschool curriculum. It showed me, in simple black and white terms, why I couldn't possibly be happy with what I've been doing.
Because I can't be a Perfect Paula any more than I could be those kids on the school ground. I can't learn the way they learn. I can't do things the way they do them. Because I'm not a Perfect Paula. I'm just not.
I'm a Sociable Sue.
I'm vibrant with piles of energy. I love people and I love to be surrounded by them. I'm a free wheeling, fun loving, crazy to the point of almost being insane person.
And somewhere in the middle of trying to be the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the perfect person, I forgot I needed to be me too.
I forgot to embrace that side of me. To be happy and free. To be that person with a crazy love for life. I forgot what it was like to dance in the rain..yes, literally dance in the rain. I dragged a bunch of my college classmates out of the building one day in the middle of a class and we went out and danced in the rain.
That's who I was.
That's who I AM.
And now that I've found it again, I'm not letting it go. I'm not going to try and be something I'm not anymore to try and make the people around me happier. I'm going to be me. Crazy, fun loving, emotional, borderline psychotic but so much fun to be with you just can't put me down. I'm that wild book you always wanted to read, that crazy woman in the movie that, secretly, you wonder what it would be to be like. I'm a lounge singer, a church cantor, and I sing lullabies to the most beautiful, wonderful little boy on this earth.
I AM ME.
And I'm not hiding anymore.
My mother is the most wonderful person on earth. Really. She's fantastic. She was so organized as a child my grandmother used to take her friends into my mother's room and show them how perfect it was. She even earned the nickname "Peggy Perfect" from friends and family as a school-aged child.
So you can understand that her perfectly organized, extremely type A, beautifully wonderful person is, in Cathy Duffy's terms, a Perfect Paula.
I spent my whole childhood knowing I wasn't like the other kids. I didn't learn like them. I didn't look at the world the way they did. Music was background noise to them. It was what moved my soul. My entire being focused around my music because it was a way I could please the people around me using my gifts. I am a Sociable Sue.
People often think chatty people are Sociable Sues. That's not really what it's about. Sociable Sue's are the textbook people pleaser. We don't come second, or third. We put ourselves at the bottom of the list and devote 100% of our energy to pleasing other people. We're often artists and musicians. Our entire and total language is making other people happy. It's truly where we find our bliss. It's our every happiness.
Being the daughter of a Perfect Paula, I tried to be like my mother. Always having it together. Always being perfect. Always trying to do it all, have it all, be it all. Because, in my heart, I wanted to BE like my mother. It would make her happy. It would make the people around me happy. People LIKE Perfect Paula's.
It's kind of the ultimate irony.
So, up until a few weeks ago, I was a Sociable Sue trying to be a Perfect Paula teaching a Competent Carl.
Perfect Paula's make great homeschool moms. They're the ones who have it all together and have the perfect curriculum and perfect little smiles on their 6 perfect children's faces.
Reading Cathy Duffy's 100 Top Picks for Homeschooling Curriculum opened my eyes. To me this book was SO very much more than about homeschool curriculum. It showed me, in simple black and white terms, why I couldn't possibly be happy with what I've been doing.
Because I can't be a Perfect Paula any more than I could be those kids on the school ground. I can't learn the way they learn. I can't do things the way they do them. Because I'm not a Perfect Paula. I'm just not.
I'm a Sociable Sue.
I'm vibrant with piles of energy. I love people and I love to be surrounded by them. I'm a free wheeling, fun loving, crazy to the point of almost being insane person.
And somewhere in the middle of trying to be the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the perfect person, I forgot I needed to be me too.
I forgot to embrace that side of me. To be happy and free. To be that person with a crazy love for life. I forgot what it was like to dance in the rain..yes, literally dance in the rain. I dragged a bunch of my college classmates out of the building one day in the middle of a class and we went out and danced in the rain.
That's who I was.
That's who I AM.
And now that I've found it again, I'm not letting it go. I'm not going to try and be something I'm not anymore to try and make the people around me happier. I'm going to be me. Crazy, fun loving, emotional, borderline psychotic but so much fun to be with you just can't put me down. I'm that wild book you always wanted to read, that crazy woman in the movie that, secretly, you wonder what it would be to be like. I'm a lounge singer, a church cantor, and I sing lullabies to the most beautiful, wonderful little boy on this earth.
I AM ME.
And I'm not hiding anymore.
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