We were able to capture a bonding moment between Finn and his cousin, Aubrey, over Thanksgiving. The two were sitting on a cable box behind my parents house after turkey dinner. All the other cousins had gone inside and the two had a real deep talk about life, love, and politics. I’m pretty sure Finn was even calling Aubrey “Queen” when the conversation began! See what revelations they discovered, between all the hugging and laughing…
Back again with another household cleaner. Like the DIY glass cleaner recipe, I’ve been using this cleaner for a few years now. We mainly use it in the kitchen and bathrooms. Again, this is a simple, cost-effective, non-toxic way to clean. This is especially great for houses with little ones!
DIY: All-Purpose Cleaner
1 teaspoon dish soap (all-natural or Earth-friendly product recommended)
2 tablespoons baking soda
4 cups warm water
1/2 tablespoon essential oil (lemon or eucalyptus work well)
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
Mix all ingredients together and then transfer to a spray bottle (32 ounce or larger) using a funnel. If the baking soda leaves a residue (I haven’t had this issue), add a little more water or vinegar and reduce soda in the next batch.
Do not double if your bottle is 32 ounces. A half batch will suffice for a 32 ounce bottle, or make the full batch and have 2 bottles to fill.
Since becoming a stay-at-home Mom, we’ve become more frugal and more creative at our house! I’ve also started obsessing educating myself on what’s really in most of the products we eat, apply to our bodies, or use to clean. As a result, I’ve started quite a few DIY projects in our home. Justin sometimes quietly rolls his eyes and chuckles but is so supportive of my relentless drive to find healthier, cheaper alternatives to how we spend money. As I find a new DIY recipe that works wonders for us, I’ll share it here. First up, the endlessly used GLASS CLEANER for toddler moms!
Fingers are everywhere in this house which means smudges and smears on all glass. I’ve been making this glass cleaner for a few years and won’t go back to more expensive, toxic cleaners. Plus, it’s incredibly simple and makes plenty to get you through a few months (depending on how frequently you clean). Depending on the size spray bottle you have, it’s easy enough to double this recipe, too.
DIY Glass Cleaner
1 cup water
1 teaspoon essential oil (I use lemon)
1 cup distilled white vinegar (buy the biggest bottle you can – you’ll use it for other DIY cleaners)
Mix ingredients in a bowl and use a funnel to transfer to a large spray bottle (ours is 32 ounces)
If you have used traditional cleaners, you might have to clean your glass twice the first time to remove the lingering residue.
Have a great DIY recipe I must try? Pass it along! I’d love to try it!
It’s official! Poppy will be spoiled! Shopping for little boys is one thing, but shopping for little girls is OUT.OF.CONTROL! I seriously hold my breath when I look at girls clothes. We’re talking borderline hyperventilation here, people!
In true best friend style, Poppy received her first glammed-up outfit today from her Aunt Erin. I squealed when I opened the box. Justin gasped as his shaking head fell into his hands. Finn exclaimed, “sister!”
Let the madness of cute, pink, fluffy, ruffly, adorableness begin! And while we’re at it, if you have a really high-paying part-time job available, I think I might need one. YIKES!
Hoping you all had a wonderful time with your families this long holiday weekend. We certainly did! Lots of food, laughter and quality time was absorbed.
One of the funnest parts of the holiday for Justin and I was that we were finally able to share the gender of Baby Poppy! It wouldn’t be any fun for me to simply write the words, so you can find out the way our families found out with the videos below.
Kerry’s Family Reveal
Justin’s Family Reveal
As Justin said after this weekend, we are relationally blessed and so thankful to have such great family and friends surrounding us. Thank you for all your well wishes. Let the chaos begin!
Saturday’s Family Day Out was made easy by Iowa Public Television hosting a free screening of Curious George. I think Finn has officially added George to his “friend” allegiance. And oh boy, was he THRILLED to see George on the big screen and meet Dan, the IPTV Super Man!
Public television (and radio) are wonderful additions to our community. Any chance you have, support them!
Well, let’s be honest, I’ve already expanded! We are happy to share that we are 21 weeks along as we eagerly await the arrival of “Baby Poppy” in March. Finn was known as “Beanie” until he became Finnegan in September 2009. Poppy gained his/her namesake for being the size of the poppyseed when we learned of his/her impending arrival.
Unlike with Finn, we do know the sex of this baby. The allure in waiting was simply not there this go-around! Justin and I found out a few weeks ago and cannot wait to share! I have been chomping at the bit to spill the beans! So, without further ado… oh crap, you have to wait until after we share it with our family this weekend! SORRY! We’ve come up with a crafty way to reveal it to both sides and can’t wait for the reaction.
So, unless you can eek it out of us… or Finn (he’s somewhat convinced Elmo is in there)… or my best friend… you’ll have to wait until Monday! We’re taking votes, though. Here’s the low-down on our thoughts…
To help with your guesses, here are the latest images:
Face Shot
Full Leg and Foot of Opposite Leg
Profile
Profile and Arm by Face
Happy Monday!
We’ve been talking a lot about potty and poopy in our house. We’re working to show Finn just where these necessary evils end up and how they get there. Big boy Mickey Mouse pants have been purchased, a mini toilet sits front and center in the house, “Elmo Goes Potty” plays on repeat, battles to change stinky diapers are massive and the send-off to poopy pants is quite entertaining.
Anytime Finn does his diaper deed, he insists on seeing it, wincing and saying “ewwwww….” then sprinting to the toilet to see it flushed away while yelling, “bye-bye stinky, bye-bye poopy, BYE!” Ha-larry!
He likes to sit on the potty but only with his diaper firmly in place. We’re not forcing the issue, but he’s SO curious that we wanted to start the conversation before we missed our window. I have a feeling this is going to be loooong conversation…
Would love to hear your toilet-training stories – the good, the bad, the smelly and the helpful. Bring it all!
