These are written in no particular order. So #1 is no more important than #56. If a product is mentioned, I am not getting compensated from some company to review or rave about their product. I’m just a mom sharing, well, things I wish I would’ve known about a long time ago.

TIWIWKAALTA# 3 Quiet time for everyone

Every afternoon, beginning between 1 and 3, we have Quiet Time. Mr.Man (3), Angel Imp (5), and Sunshine (7) take naps. Big Bro (12) and Bossy (10) have to find something quiet to do, like reading or crafts. Talking is limited. Silence is preferred.

Baby doesn’t always have his naps timed with the others, but it still gives most of us a break from each other. It’s amazing how refreshing it is to just have time “apart” in the same house. I get frazzled (um, okay, irritable) when there hasn’t been a time to regroup or slow down.  Plus, it makes the evening supper time preparation go so much more smoothly.

Many moms tell me their children no longer nap, or even “won’t” take naps. Who says they have to sleep? That’s why I call it Quiet Time. An hour laying quietly in their beds looking at books is good enough. And I think most parents would be surprised how often their children would end up nodding off.

It may take a little time and patience to teach your child to stay in their rooms or beds quietly if they never have before. Cheerful firmness is the key.

I think the world would be a happier place if most children were allowed to quiet themselves every afternoon. Heck, I think moms would be happier.

I just posted this video on my family blog, but I think its good enough to share here, too.

I’ve been asked several more questions about cloth diapers, and I’ll do my best to answer them.

First, I was asked to define what the heck a chinese prefold was. Hm, I can tell you didn’t look at any of the links I so kindly gave you before you asked that. But I’ll be sweet and answer anyways.

This is a stack of chinese prefolds. You just fold them, usually into thirds, and place inside a waterproof diaper cover.

I use the infant size, even into toddlerhood. The bigger ones are just so bulky, but it’s personal preference really.
I do NOT recommend purchasing the cloth “diapers” you see at most stores, Gerber being the most common brand. They are not absorbent enough.

I was also asked where I purchased my diaper covers from. I have bought them from so many different places. I seriously just Google the brand I want and shop for the best deal. If it comes down to 2 or 3 places, I prefer to choose a mom-owned one.

The last place I ordered from was Cloth Diaper Clearance, and I purchased the old style Bumkins. The place I ordered from the time before that was The Original Natural Baby Catalog. I ordered the Nikky wraps.

Here is Baby sporting his Nikky. Okay, it’s a horrible picture to use since his onesie is covering up the diaper. But he’s so cute in it, and that’s really why I wanted to post it.

I was also asked how many prefolds and covers I bought. I have about 3 dozen prefolds and 4 covers. To tell you the truth, I’m not a good one to ask since we do the EC thing so I probably go through less diapers than most.

And because you’ll probably ask.. You can visit my family site to learn more about EC (elimination communication).

Remember when I was complaining about most frugal websites advocating unhealthy eating?

Carrien from She Laughs at the Days invited me to shut my mouth and do something about it.  Okay, so she actually invited me to become a contributor to her awesome Food That Nourishes site, The Real Food Revolution.

So my first post is up, after many hours of internal debate and oh-my-land-what-in-the-world-do-i-do-for-my-first-post quandary.  If you’ve been over recently, I likely served this so at least you know I actually eat what I write about.

So go peruse The Real Food Revolution.  She has some fantastic recipes on there already, as well great information and tips on healthy eating.  I especially love the posts under How we think about eating category.

I’ve recently been asked about cloth diapering again.  I don’t envy any mother researching that topic, because the amount of information and choices is overwhelming!

I use the simplest method out there - Chinese prefolds with velcro covers, and a waterproof bag for the dirty ones.  We wash diapers every 3 days or so (sometimes only once a week) and we just empty the bag in the washer then throw in the bag too.  I’m currently using Nikky (the polyester ones) and Bumkins covers.

No pins.  No pail.  No stress!

There are endless opinions and websites out there, but here are just a few that were helpful to me.  Happy researching!

Cloth Diaper Mamas

Diaper Pin

Karen’s Cloth Diapering Site - This is an older site, so some of the links don’t work.  There’s still some helpful information.

A crunchy gal has to have her farm fresh eggs, ya know.

These are written in no particular order.  So #1 is no more important than #56.  If a product is mentioned, I am not getting compensated from some company to review or rave about their product. I’m just a mom sharing, well, things I wish I would’ve known about a long time ago.

TIWIWKAALTA #2 - Kids don’t need juice.

If all you have in the house to drink is water or milk, they’ll survive. Actually, they’ll be happier.  And eat their meals better, since they won’t be full of juice.

Juice contains more sugar than children need.  Yes, even the all-natural brands, and yes, even though it’s natural sugar.

Juice gives children a sweet tooth.  They’ll get so they think they have to have it, and will refuse water.

Juice is an unnecessary grocery expense.  Buy whole fruit instead.

No more finding moldy sippy cups with an unidentifiable type of juice in it.  Water is so much easier to clean!

I like to save juice for special occasions or for when they’re sick and not eating much.  I actually have to go buy it special for those times, since I rarely even have it in the house.

And we don’t even miss it now.

A while ago I had the privilege of reviewing a book, Mommy, Draw Stars on my Tummy, by Martine Groeneveld. She describes it this way, “In Mommy, Draw Stars on my Tummy, “touch-play” activities are combined with catchy rhymes and tunes, which you and your child will enjoy together, again and again.”

I was so pleased with it!  The nurturing touch combined with songs or rhymes were a hit with me and the children. The directions were clear enough for me to easily follow, and even included possible additions or tips.

The book is at the presses now, and will be available in November. Till then, her website gives the opportunity to pre-order the book, with no shipping costs, a complimentary tote bag with one of the book’s illustrations and a nice discount for pre-ordering 2 or 3 copies. Regular price and shipping costs will be applicable after the publication date, which is November 1st.

Mr. Man (3 years old) was standing near me.

“I tooted” he announced matter-of-factly.  I kind of ignored him and there was a short pause.

“I don’t fart” he explained further.

He seemed puzzled that I laughed.  Oh, dear boy!

I’m running with it, though.  I don’t sweat, I glisten.  I don’t cry, I wash out my insides.  I don’t get bitchy, I become fiery.  I don’t have bad hair days, I’m just going with the shabby chic look.

Redefining.  Try it, it’s fun!

Yesterday I opened my home up for ladies to come and just hang out together.  We enjoyed talking, soothing foot soaks and relaxing foot massages.  I’m planning to host it each month around the new moon, and already looking forward to July’s gathering!

(So that’s why I didn’t have a post ready for this morning.  Any time spent writing has been for klaty.com.  Sorry!)

I think women take time off to attend things that they are “supposed” to - like bridal and baby showers, receptions and wedding - but aren’t sure about allowing themselves time to receive.

There is a pervasive mentality in this culture that a woman is meant to be a wife and mom in a mostly solitary fashion.  There is guilt in desiring female companionship.  There is shame in admitting we need help.  There is embarrassment in confessing we’re struggling in an area.  There is a sense of condemnation towards time spent away from homelife.

I don’t know of any other culture where women are so discouraged from clasping hands in regular fellowship.

For some, perhaps it is due to individualistic way of thinking.  A superwoman, Icandoitonmyown attitude.  Unsure about hanging with other females who might do things differently than them, because insecurity brings doubts and awakens defensiveness.

For others, maybe its an over-reaction to a perceived societal threat on the family unit.  An idea that if they aren’t in the home, they aren’t being a real mom that day, or that any desire for friendship beyond their husband’s is a cause for alarm.

In a gathering where family, marriage and role of motherhood are honored… It only brings greater satisfaction and contentment with being a wife and mom, and a “sister” to many.

Besides, I would guess that most husbands would be relieved to not have the full burden of a woman’s need for conversation!