Fizzy Lemonade

 

Fizzy Lemonade is my kiddos favorite summertime drink!! 

1 can of Minute Maid Raspberry Lemonade (un-thawed)

1- 2 liter bottle of Sprite

Mix together and serve over ice.  You can also garnish with raspberries or some mint!

Enjoy!!

Butter Noodles

Okay my super quick and easy noodle recipe!  This one is an in a pinch recipe that when I don't feel like cooking I can still get dinner on the table with minimal effort and time!!

1 box of wheat noodles
butter
parsley
garlic salt
Parmesan cheese

Boil water, cook noodles, strain and pour into bowl or back into pot (why dirty another dish)  put in butter (1/2 stick) chopped parsley, sprinkle in a little garlic salt, and some Parmesan cheese.  Mix it up and serve!

YUMMY!!

Some Of My Favorite Products

So here are just a few of my favorite products for little babies.  Over the course of caring for six children I have found these to be my favorite and most used products and suggestions.  EVERYONE chooses their favorite brands for a reason.  After trying a bunch of different things I have just found these to be my favorites. 

#1 Disposable Diapers

I LOVE Huggies.  I have tried a lot of different disposable diapers and I have found these to be my absolute favorite!  They are GREAT at holding in the explosions that happen in our house.  They save money on clothes and time on laundry!  They are super comfy for the little ones, I love the quality, I love the absorption, I love Huggies!







#2 Baby Wipes

Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes are THE BEST!  The new Thick Sensitive Wipes are even Better!  They make other baby wipes feel like sandpaper!  You only need to use one or two compared to other brands that are thinner and you use more.  I buy these at Walmart and use a $1.50 off coupon to purchase these!  You can usually get this coupon in one of the large boxes, in the paper once in a while, signing up on their website, in the mail, or writing them a letter.  Love em!  One of my girlfriends even used one for her 3 year old when she forgot her diaper bag.  And her 3 year old asked her why they don't use those! 

#3 Baby Soap

Hands Down I LOVE California Baby!  This is initially expensive to purchase, but WELL worth it!  You can purchase it in the smaller sizes, but to save on $$ and running out I purchase the Super Large Container and put it into a foam dispenser.  It lasts our family (if the kiddos don't find the large bottle) an entire year!  Put a little into the bottom of a foam dispenser and fill the rest of the way with water.  Shake it up and it will last and last!  Just learn from my mistake and lock up or put up VERY high the large bottle!  All Natural Ingredients and smells WONDERFUL!  I LOVE this soap because I KNOW it is the very best I can do for my baby!! *Tip it also makes it quicker and easier if you purchase the pump for the large size container* AND BE SURE to put the soap in a foamer.  IT WILL SAVE YOU SO much $$$                                California Baby Shampoo and Body Soap



#4 Powder

SKIP THE BABY POWDER!!  Talc powder when inhaled (AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO) by you and your baby is VERY dangerous.  It is carcinogenic and is VERY similar to ASBESTOS!!  Steer clear of Baby Powder!  Go for Corn Starch Powders or other natural alternatives!  The particles in corn starch powders are larger and less likely to be inhaled and not nearly as harmful.  Still exercise caution when using and storing the powder. Keep it away from siblings! Trust me not pretty! Any brand here I use this brand and a generic as long as it is CORN STARCH!


#5 Bundle Me Car Seat Covers

I LOVE the Bundle me car seat covers ever since I found them!  Of course I live in Ohio so this is a MUST for me.  I combine this, and a blanket over the top, when I put the handles up for the REALLY cold months. I don't have to try to wrestle my sweet baby into a coat.  I can just slip them into their care seat, carry them out to the car or into wherever I am go.  If they fall asleep on the way no problem I can unzip this and pull it off of them so they don't get too hot once inside without waking them.  I am also able to slip them into their car seat without waking them with this. WINNING!        Bundle Me Car Seat Covers

#6 Car Seats

I honestly don't have a favorite for infant car seats, but I do have a few suggestions to help when picking on out.  If buying used be certain that it hasn't been in any accidents before, and that it is not more then 5 years old.  When purchasing a new car seat a few things to consider.  Do your homework before you go to buy.  Go online, most websites have a ratings system where consumers can rate it after they have purchased.  They can help you to decide.  Remember not everyone is going to like everything, so most will have some positive and negative.  TEST THEM OUT!!  May sound weird, but practice clipping the straps and un-clipping them as well.  Is it easily done?  Are the straps easily adjusted?  What about the handle?  Easy up and down?  Listen closely is there a noise when you move the handle bars? Same with the stroller if it is a combo.  Practice opening and closing, is there room for stuff underneath? Are you able to push it easily, is it heavy, are there places for drinks, easy straps.  Do the linens come off easily to wash? What color is it, consider dirt because it's gonna happen.


#7 Clothes

Baby Sacks are AWESOME!!  Here is just an example, any will do.  I prefer the full baby sack with the zipper and long sleeves as opposed to the ones that have elastic or drawstrings at the bottom.  They usually end up around babies armpits after a bit of wiggling.  Carters makes some awesome baby sacks!  Keep in mind you want your baby to be comfy.  Soft material, easy on and off clothes for night diaper changes.*This is NOT a good outfit for going in a car seat*




#7 Laundry Soap and Dryer Sheets

You want to find a gentle laundry soap for your baby.  I popular one is dreft.  I find the perfume a little overwhelming though.  I use ECOS for all of our laundry.  It is gentle and good for the environment.  I feel good knowing I am doing something good for my family and the environment!  I also use method dryer sheets unscented for the little babies.  You could use a wash cloth with a few sprinkles of essential oil in the dryer if you wanted. Lavendar is an AWESOME scent for calming a baby.




#8 Cleaning Supplies

When nesting kicks in I almost ALWAYS start cleaning EVERYTHING!  Especially during winter time and cold and flu season!  So many people reach for the bleach, bleach wipes, Lysol, and other harsh cleaning products. What most people don't think about are all the chemicals they may be exposing their baby to.  So really be aware of ingredients and what you are putting into your babies environment.  You can make your own.  Lots of recipes online, I use water, vinegar, and a little dish soap.  Or if you wish to purchase cleaning supplies I LOVE Method products!!


#9 Swings

Okay first let me start by saying I believe in baby wearing!  Wearing your little angel bundle around like a little capuchin monkey!  Anyone around me will tell you my husband and I hold and kiss and love those little people as long as they will let us!  BUT.....there ARE times while they are sleeping that it is nice to be able to sneak away and get a little laundry, dishes, or time to do whatever and a swing is a blessing!  My absolute favorite swing is a papasan swing.  There are a bunch of colors and different models, but essentially they are all the same.  I have one upstairs in our bedroom and one downstairs in the living room!   




#10 Baby Bags 
I have tried a lot of different baby bags.  I really don't have a favorite brand or anything, but there are a few things to look for.  Choose a neutral color.  You may use it for more then one baby, and at times your hubby or Grandpa may be carrying this.  Be kind and stick with a neutral color.  Choose a dark color it will last longer.  Consider the material and fabric durability, washable, repellent?  

Do you have any favorite products?  Please share them with us!!










 

Ashie's New Shoes

I have to share this, because it's too good not to.  I can't say this is the first time this has happened to me, or even the second.  Children just have a way of teaching you things weather you like it or not, and usually the most teachable or learn-able moments I could say would be the ones where you don't like it very much!  I file this story under the category of being flexible!  Because let's just face it life is almost NEVER going to go as planned and although it is very important to plan it is equally important for us to be flexible and to teach our children by example!

My story starts with a week long family quarantine from the flu!  You can imagine with eight of of us how bad that can get! Since we had been sick all week and cooped up in the house (kiddos say pooped up which would be appropriate with the flu)  we decided after the hubby got off work we should go out to eat.  Get outta the house and as my mom would say "get the stink blown off us" :oD

 The hubby and I let the kiddos decide together where we would eat, and they decided on Don Pablos a yummy Mexican restaurant for those of you that don't have one near you.  It was around 4:30 by the time the hubby got home and everyone was VERY hungry.  So while he was showering after work I got the kiddos loaded up into the van as quickly as I could.  We all jumped in and up to Don Pablos we went on a quest for some chips and salsa, cheese dip, and tortillas!!  We arrived just before the rush, found an awesome spot along the sidewalk (safest place if you have a big family!) opened the side doors and started ushering kiddos out when my hubby says "Where are Ashie's shoes (2 year old)?" DOH!!!  I didn't even think to check that little booger, and he SNUCK into the van without any shoes on.

We both looked at each other and giggled, and  loaded everyone back up and headed across the street to Shoe Carnival for some new shoes.

I think it's experience, age, a combination there of, but in that moment my husband and I had a choice to make about the situation.  He could have gotten angry with me for not checking more closely before we left, and in return I could have shouted at him how I care for everyone all day and how he could take some responsibility for his children once in a while too.  It could have gone any number of ways but the ultimate direction would have been South!  At this point we knew he didn't have shoes, and no amount of upset or bickering could resolve it, instead we have learned to have a sense of humor about these sorts of things, to accept the situation and then to problem solve. 

The result an AWESOME life lesson for all of us #1 check to make sure everyone is wearing shoes, coat, pants, etc. before we leave the house, and #2 how to be flexible and roll with the punches when life doesn't go as planned, and OH BOY IT WILL!

Well the story turns out great too!  We end up getting there when they are having an unadvertised buy one get one free sale.  ALL of the kiddos sizes have gone up at least a full size since we have last purchased all of them shoes when we have them measured. So EVERYONE ends up getting new shoes, we saved money, and had a blast in the process!  Not to mention a REALLY fun night out with the family and a fun story to share with all of you!

I'm calling it a WIN and a REALLY smart boy that found a VERY sneaky and creative way of getting a new pair of Buzz Lightyear Shoes!

Helpful Tips For New Moms

Being a mom of six certainly has its rewards.  One of which is experience!  So I get a lot of questions about products, tips, ideas, you name it.  What I have found though is that we all sort of get into our own groove and habits.  So read up, ask around, and find what works for you!


Tip #1 Keep A Change Of Clothes In The Car
 At some point your tiny little bundle is going to have a diaper EXPLOSION!  This usually happens when you are eating out, or at the grocery, ALWAYS keep an outfit for your little one tucked away in your car and even your diaper bag (best to cover bases)  Doesn't need to be a favorite outfit a sleeper or a onesie in case of emergencies!  You may even wish to keep a clean T shirt tucked away for yourself in the car just in case. This is some SERIOUS experience talking. The most memorable explosions have happened in the sanctuary at church, in line at Disney World, at the NY State Fair, ALL over a cart while grocery shopping, out to eat at a pizza shop.  Keep a change with you at ALL TIMES!!! You will thank me!!

Tip #2 Keep Some Diapers In The Car
At some point we ALL do it, and if you don't my hat is off to you because you are a rarity!  Get into a big rush, thinking about a million things and walk out WITHOUT the diaper bag!  I keep 4 diapers tucked into our van somewhere, usually in the side door compartment, or in the rear side compartment along with a pack of wipes.  These may save your life when out and about!  I have run out of diapers before and used these, I have used these for girlfriends, you never know when someone else may forget one, THIS has saved me SO many times!

Tip #3 Baby Sacks
In my opinion baby sacks are AWESOME for new babies at night!  Nothing quite like caring for a newborn on their sleep schedule.  And nothing quite like waking in the wee hours trying to change a diaper in the dark followed by an attempt to wrestle them back into a sleeper with a bazillion snaps that don't seem to quite line up!  Make it EASY and buy a few baby sacks!  Just be sure to pull the zipper out before you zip or unzip the sack to be certain your little angels skin is safe from a nasty pinch!

Tip #4 Don't Go Crazy Buying Baby Clothes
I know baby clothes are SO cute!  They ARE adorable!  You may read this and simply ignore me, but down the road you will remember and say I wish I would have listened!  There are exceptions to every rule!  I have a friend that has a 4 month old baby that is only 8lbs (preemie)  BUT the majority of little bundles are ONLY in 0-3, 3-6, 6-12 for only a few months each!  The first year to two years there is a HUGE growth spurt and changes!  Most of my babies never even wore size 0-3 months.  Get some basics, a few favorite outfits, but don't go too crazy!  At this age a babies needs are the simplest and most basic, food, clean diaper, warmth, and love!  So save those pennies, BECAUSE you WILL need them down the road!

Tip #5 Advice
You are going to get LOADS of advice. Some solicited some unsolicited. HAHAHA my best advice (SEE!) on advice is to have some thick skin on this, have a programed response "I'll consider it" or "I'll pray on it" something that ends the conversation (if you so choose) as to avoid a LONG discussion where you are defending your choices and leave it feeling defeated and exhausted, lastly there are SO MANY ways of raising children, a few things are so clearly wrong but there are so many different ideas on how to raise children.  Gather as much information as you can and make your best decision from there.  TRUST your instincts and choose what is right for you and your baby!  *Oh and don't worry you CANNOT spoil your baby!  Answering your babies cries for help will not create a spoiled child, but a special bond of trust*

Tip #6 Take LOTS of pictures
You're baby is going to change so much!  Especially in the first few weeks!  If you can swing it hire a professional photographer to come to your home and snap a few pics of your new angel!  You want to keep that digital camera charged and at the ready.  Click a few pictures every day if possible.  You will never regret it and will love looking back at those special memories!

Tip #7 DON'T Rush Out Into The World
I've seen SO many new moms rush back out into the world days after their babies are born.  Don't be in a hurry!  Take a "Baby Moon" and enjoy this precious time with your new baby. Cuddling, nursing, and getting to know one another.  This time is SO precious!  Allow those around you to take care of you while you heal. You will be taking care of someone else for the next 18+ years of your life take this time for yourself and your baby!  Besides your baby doesn't have enough immunity to be exposed to the world yet!  So take that Baby Moon and enjoy those cuddles!

Tip #8 ASK FOR HELP!
I'll repeat ASK FOR HELP!!  Okay I wanted to do it all and be it all and do everything right when I was a first time mom.  I was DETERMINED to do EVERYTHING right!  This is the biggest first time mom mistake though!  Relax a little and ask for help, you can't do everything all the time.  The most important thing is for you to spend time with your new baby, and to rest so your body can heal!  People around you want to help, but may not know how.  Ask a friend to coordinate it for you.  There are AWESOME resources out there now!  Meal Baby, Meal Train  That way they are asking on your behalf and you don't feel as though you are putting anyone out.  So bottom line ASK FOR HELP!!

Tip #9 Ditch The Shoes
So like I said I wanted to do everything perfect, and for some reason for me that meant all matching clothes and matching shoes for each outfit.  I made the mistake of dressing my new baby like a small adult.  Let your baby be a baby and be comfortable.  Their skin is so sensitive so choose gentle and soft materials, their feet DO NOT need shoes nor should they wear them, so ditch the shoes!  I hate wearing shoes, but I always thought it looked so awful when children were barefoot.  Now there are SO many awesome options!  Little socks that look like shoes for boys and girls!  So ditch the shoes until you have a toddler!

Tip #10 Be Prepared
Don't wait until the last minute to get what you need.  You NEVER know when your little one may make their appearance. So start getting ready!  Be sure that you are prepared ahead of time with all of your (if a hospital birth) birth bag, post baby needs, as well as all of your babies essentials.  Be sure they are all washed, put away, laid out, packed, organized for easy access for your babies arrival. Read up not just on your pregnancy, but also on caring for your new baby, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, natural family planning, whatever topics may interest you. Keep an open mind too while reading, because A LOT of the things I said "I'll NEVER do that" ...... yeah I did/do.

Tip #11 RELAX
Sit back and relax and enjoy this special time!  You will have a child for the rest of your life, but a baby for only a year.  Take naps when you can, relax on the house cleaning visitors are there to see you and the baby NOT your house, slow down and take it all in. Sleepless nights, breast feeding, diaper changes, you will figure it all out! Enjoy this precious time because it may not feel that way today (especially if you are sleep deprived) but you will look back and say "WOW that went by fast" and you will miss that special time!

What would you add to the list??