Mommy's Recess!

Make Monday: Make It A Classy Summer/Pregnancy

2012-04-30T08:33:00.001-05:00

With the warmer weather coming, I've been thinking, how am I going to keep cool? I'm not due with this baby until August! My youngest son was born (in the super heat) of early July, so I've already made it through a June before...but July, August? It's going to be hot.

What I know I won't be doing is exposing myself. You probably just chuckled at that, didn't you? But isn't that what we do when we wear a two piece? I think being pregnant is a beautiful thing, HOWEVER, are we not told to be modest by the Bible?

I came across an article, written by a friend of mine and I have to agree with everything she writes. Since I've been married, I haven't worn a two piece. You don't need to wear a bikini to swim, a one piece suit does just fine. The only thing a bikini does is cause men to lust after you. And as a married woman who takes her vows seriously, this is something I want to avoid.

She writes, "Another issue to consider is that God calls all people to control their thought lives, so as women, we should not cause men to lust: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-29). When we cause men to look upon our bodies lustfully, we are inducing them to commit the sin of lust and this is displeasing to God."

I think this falls under the "exposed belly" pregnancy pictures category as well. If the pictures are for your personal family album, fine. If you post them to the internet? No. Once they're out there, anyone can snag them, sell them and use them for unintended purposes. Were you aware there are men who have a pregnancy fetish? I don't understand it, but it does exist. As a married woman and mother, I think it is wrong (and displeasing to God who has blessed you with a child) to expose your body in a manner that may cause others to lust upon you.

So if you see me this summer, know that I'll be wearing a top and shorts to keep cool. No belly exposed. Yes, it will be hot...but if one does not follow the letter of the Lord, it is hotter, well...you know where.

"D is for DRUMS!"

2012-04-26T12:42:00.001-05:00

My second son turned three on Friday and we had his party on Saturday. I had posted a picture of him playing drums earlier in the week on my Facebook and said "This kid needs a drum set". Thankfully, a friend mentioned he had a drum set for kids that he was looking to give away. I was willing to take it off of his hands. My husband thought I was kidding. I went to the Guitar Center and asked for "a set of drumsticks for a three year old." The kid behind the counter asked me "how long has he been playing?" Really? He's three. He still wears diapers! But boy, did he love the drums. Our neighbor claims she can't hear them (amazing) and the sticks go on top of the fridge when we don't want him to play/need quiet time. Here's some video...I call it a win.

Spring Break!

2012-04-23T08:24:00.004-05:00

Hello and thank you Mommy's Recess readers! Between the birth of a child (and recovery) of one author, a pregnancy of the other author, birthdays and life in general, Mommy's Recess has been on a much needed spring break! We will get back to posting soon! Thank you all for reading!

Tip Tuesday: Keep That Baby IN!

2012-04-03T19:27:00.000-05:00

I'm so thankful today. I've hit the 20 week mark of pregnancy. And as I posted to my Facebook account, I'm halfway there. With the scares we had early on (being on restrictions and considered high risk) I'm so thankful.

Yes, pregnancy IS 40 weeks. Don't let anyone tell you different. Now, if you've had a medical reason, like my co-author and her gestational diabetes, that's different.

I had a chat with my mother in law's neighbor the other day. She, too, is expecting. But it's her first. And she said to me, "You're so lucky! You'll be scheduled. I'm such a planner, I'm hoping my doctor will schedule me too, a few weeks early since it'll be hot."

And if you know me, you know it took everything in me not to punch her in the nose.

Babies are not on YOUR schedule, you're on theirs. And the sooner you figure that out, the better. I found out the hard way, with my first. We were due November 15th. That day came and went. People were even asking why I wasn't at the hospital having him. Ummm...because he's not ready?

Liam finally arrived, ELEVEN days late, and only after some coaxing. AFTER his due date came and went, we tried the driving over the train tracks trick (and got yelled at by my Doc), spicy foods...nothing worked. He just wasn't ready to come. When he finally did, my mother (a nurse) was upset because she could tell he was WAY overdue. And you could tell. They had to add amniotic fluid and his skin was dry and wrinkled. He had almost no vernix left.

It breaks my heart to see babies born at 28, 30, 32 weeks and have to spend time in the NICU. It even breaks my heart to see babies born at 36 weeks when they get sick shortly after they're born...because they just weren't ready.

I don't care if you're uncomfortable, suck it up. I don't care if it's hot. Women have been hot for thousands of years (without air conditioning, mind you) and managed. You can too. My youngest was born in July. It was hot. I was miserable. And I had back labor at home for a full day before going in...because he just wasn't ready. This baby is due in August. It will be hot. But I won't be going in early just because I'M miserable. Because guess what, it's not about ME. It's about the health of my baby.

Suck it up. Put your big girl panties on. Be a mother and think about what is best for your kids, not what works for you.

I've always had my Docs wait until I go into labor. And I do. They don't run the show, I don't run the show. It's my baby's birthday. And HE will decide when HE'S ready to come.

Make Monday: Make It Natural

2012-04-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

What can I say? I've been on a natural kick lately. I saw a news report on Fox News that talked about how we're "poisoning" our pregnant women (me, eeep) and our children. And I kind of freaked out. They were tying it in with the increase in ADHD in our children. Again, eep.

So what is the culprit? There are many, but one is our cleaning products. Yes. The theory is our cleaning products are poisoning us (yes, they used the word poison). We do so many things when pregnant to make sure we're healthy and it's the cleaning products that are harming us? That was enough for me to research more natural methods.

If you're a regular reader of the blog, I posted a few weeks ago about how I've been using fresh lemons and limes to clean. Honestly, my house has never been cleaner or smelled better. And I don't have to worry about the chemicals affecting me, my boys or my unborn child.

I bought a steam cleaning mop off of woot during their last woot-off and instead of the Swiffer wet to clean our wood and tile floors, I tried the steam mop. It was so easy, did such a great job and left the floors cleaner (more clean?) than I've ever seen. And again, no chemicals.

I've been trying to live by the phrase "research then react". Seems to be working for me. Have you tried natural cleaning methods in your home? What has worked for you?

Wash Wednesday: Silica Gel Packets for Freshness

2012-03-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

So I am finally making my way through the loads of laundry that comes with a newborn. Actually, I must admit that my mom has helped us this week catch up and more importantly find the washer and dryer again underneath massive piles of dirty laundry.

I forgot how much laundry a tiny person can produce. The tiniest person in the house almost makes the most laundry and most certainly doubles your wash input. I find though that one of my favorite chores is to fold all the cute little clothes and put them away.

At least I had all her clothes washed and ready beforehand as recommended on the new baby checklist. I must have done at least a half dozen loads of just newborn clothes (all the clothes everyone was so gracious to give us), sheets, burp cloths, towels, and so on.

And I must have washed each of these loads twice beforehand due to unseen silica gel packet exploding in the wash. At first I was confused over these little beads that seemed to fall out of the clothes when I took them out of the dryer. I had my husband come over and look and he identified them as the freshness beads that come with new clothes. Yes, these beads had secretly made their way through the wash only to swell up and explode out of the packet. Unfortunately I did not discover them until I finished my second load of baby clothes.

After doing some research, I discovered that these beads can be irritable to the skin. When I read this I got mad that some company even considered putting something semi dangerous with infant clothes, causing potential harm to a newborn.

To solve this problem, I took some vinegar and washed out the washing machine on a hot cycle. I also ran the dryer and cleaned the lent trap. Then I rewashed all my infant clothes again to remove any unwanted particles from the clothes to keep them delicate to baby's skin.

So I am here to warn you once again, look through all your new clothes. Remove tags, clean out pockets, and beware of silica packets. It may take you a few extra minutes to do this but it will save you some time and money washing more loads of laundry. And at the very most, it will save your family members from breaking out from a potential hazardous material.

Toy Thursday: Turning Cleaning Into A Game

2012-03-22T13:05:00.000-05:00

Yes...I did it. I made cleaning fun. The last couple of days I've talked about using lemons and limes to clean, so I thought I'd try the bathtub cleaning I came across. I sliced my lemons and limes, put them in the tub with cold water and let it sit.

I thought the ducks could use a good citrus soak as well.

Liam was not wanting to go to bed, at all. I was exhausted. I knew I needed to drain and scrub the tubs. So I had him help me.

He thought it was fun to squeeze he juice that remained in the lemons and limes, and when we drained the water, he thought it was fun to take a rag and scrub. I was amazed at how easily the soap scum lifted (even with his 6 year old elbow grease). And the bathroom smelled SO good.

The best part? It wore him out. By the second bathtub, he was tired. And he went to bed (willingly)...and slept in!

However, I should note that I took a shower shortly after we had cleaned the tub and I'm not sure if it was the juice or the lifted gunk, but the tub was a little slippery. So be careful!

Wash Wednesday: Cleaning WITHOUT Chemicals

2012-03-21T08:32:00.000-05:00

In yesterday's post, I explained how fresh lemons and limes can be used as decoration...but don't just toss them out! You can use them to clean! Yes, cleaning WITHOUT chemicals. It's the best. And since you've already bought the fruit for "decorations" it's a bonus. No other expensive chemicals to buy! And it's the best for your family (especially if you have small children)!

After the lemons lost their color and needed to be replaced, it was time for my kitchen sink to get a good scrub down. I plugged the sink and I cut up the lemons. I took the end pieces to scrub the gunk off of the sink (stuck on soap) and was amazed that the lemon rind was even taking the water spots off of the faucet. It took almost zero elbow grease to work up the stuck on stuff (the soap sticky under the dispenser) and smelled great.

When I was done, I put all of the lemon (and lime) rinds in the sink and boiled some water in my teapot. I poured the boiling water in the sink with the leftover decorations and scrubbers (aka lemons and limes) and let it sit. It made the whole house smell like fragrant citrus.

When the water had cooled, I picked the larger pieces out of the sink and put them in the garbage where they continued their work to make the trash actually smell good! With two in diapers, that is saying a lot!

I allowed the smaller rinds to go down the garbage disposal and it helped "unstink" the disposal as well.

While I haven't tried this, I did find that you can even use lemons to clean your bathtub!

So why buy chemicals (seriously, next time read the ingredients on your cleaner...you can choose that...or just lemons and hot water) that smell "like" lemons when you can use the REAL thing...and no harmful chemicals??

How have you used natural items for cleaning?? Please share in the comments!

Tip Tuesday: Decorating With Fresh Fruit

2012-03-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

I love the fresh fruit decorations...but I dislike plastic fruit. So last week I picked up some fresh lemons and limes and put them in clear flower vases. It makes for a fragrant, pretty addition to my kitchen.

Stay tuned to tomorrow's "Wash Wednesday" post on how to use the lemons to clean!

Food Friday: St. Patrick's Day Meal

2012-03-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

Now, if you're Catholic you can't make this tonight...but you can sure have it tomorrow! It's my Corned Beef and Cabbage in the crock (how easy can it get) pot. I posted it before on Mommy's Recess but it's too good not to share again!

Super yummy, super easy and super Irish (American). Enjoy!

Toy Thursday: A Toy For The Sibling

2012-03-15T11:07:00.000-05:00

First I want to say Congrats to my co-author Emma for having a beautiful baby girl yesterday. That reminded me of how important it is to make sure her older son feels included in all of the attention.

Every time a friend has a baby, I always get the baby a gift (of course) but I always try to get something for the older sibling(s). Every time my husband and I have a new baby, we make sure the older brothers get a present "from the baby" so they don't feel left out when the baby gets all of the new clothes, toys etc.

Becoming an older sibling is an adjustment. While it's easy to shower gifts on a cute squishy newborn, it's just as important to make sure the older siblings feel involved and included.

Wash Wednesday: Keeping The Cold Germs Away

2012-03-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

It's spring (well, not officially) but with the last couple of nice days we've had, it sure feels like it. And it seems that everyone is dealing with the colds. My husband had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago, and a 10 day treatment of antibiotics took care of it.

Thankfully none of my kids fell terribly ill this winter/spring and I attribute it to being able to control the temperature of our home. Yes, you can kill germs with Lysol and Clorox wipes, but why let them grow?

When we lived at our apartment, it would get WAY too hot, thus incubating the germs and we were sick more often. There were nights, even when it was snowing out, that I'd have the heat off and a window open. Because I know that heat allows bacteria and viruses to grow. Cold slows them down. Think about it. Your refrigerator is cold, right? Because cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria and viruses.

My house thermostat never gets set above 72 degrees. That's a rule. If you're cold, you put on a blanket. Our house uses geothermal heat and we've got it set to go to 62 at night. You're under blankets anyway, right? Why have it so hot in the house? It's just incubating germs. Studies have shown that your body falls into a deeper, more restful sleep when you're cooler as well. Deeper sleep also helps your immune system. Win, win, win.

Lower your thermostat. Save a little green in both heating and Doctor bills (and save the environment while you're at it). And don't be afraid to open the windows. As my mom says, "A little fresh air never killed anyone."

Tip Tuesday: Monitoring those Contractions!

2012-03-13T12:16:00.003-05:00

At 38 weeks pregnant, yes, I have had a few contractions. Nothing major yet. I remember though when I was pregnant with Judah having contractions and trying to keep track of them.

My husband was a very nice support system the first time around (and is now too). It was on Wednesday afternoon when I started having contractions after a short nap that I had taken. I patiently waited until he came home from work and immediately we started timing them as they became more intense and regular.

Somewhere we had found this really neat tool that allowed us to time our contractions and monitor their regularity. So my husband had his computer nearby opened to Contraction Master. Throughout the evening he would wait for me to say when a contraction was starting and then hit the space bar. The timer would start and he would then hit the space bar again as soon as the contraction was over.

By the time we went into the hospital at 3:00am, we had several sheets printed off of contraction records which had finally gotten to 1 minute long every five minutes for several hours. This made it easy on the hospital staff as they immediately assumed their roles.

The web site made it so much easier to time contractions. While we timed them, we simply stayed relaxed and watched several movies. I had my homemade heating pack (old sock filled with rice that had been microwaved) and sat with my feet up.

And my husband (who loves technology) felt like part of the process with his timer keeping track of those contractions. It was his contribution to the process.

As a side note, review with your doctor when you need to go to the hospital. Instances where your water breaks, regular, intense contractions for 1 minute, every five minutes, for over an hour are reasons to seek medical help.

Shuffle Saturday: Company with New Baby!

2012-03-10T16:42:00.003-06:00

Now that I am 38 weeks pregnant, we are making the final preparations for new baby. Things have been crazy around our house as a result. My husband has been trying to squeeze in last minute things at work in order to take two weeks off. Then both my husband and Judah got sick with that fever/cold that has been going around.

I have been fortunate to have extra help lately by so many people. Our neighbors have offered to babysit Judah a few times so that we can run extra errands and have a date night. We have some friends that offered to bring a meal early. And the grandmas have helped watch Judah. My mother-in-law took him a few weekends ago to the farm for us to have some catch up time at home and my own mom came down this last week to babysit and do laundry.

So we are juggling the last few items on our list. Our shuffle Saturday has been filled with rest and running a few last minute errands. We are also getting the house ready for our family that is coming to help watch Judah while we are at the hospital.

All this has me thinking about new baby and all the company that seems to come with it. From my previous experience, we had the grandmas come to help and a lot of people brought meals. On top of that we had a number of people want to see baby. This was nice but also very exhausting.

Among new moms there seems to be this debate: do you have help come or do you enjoy your time alone with new baby? Of course my perspective has changed since I do need the help this time to take care of Judah, especially after a c-section. You also have to ask yourself what kind of help do you need and for how long.

I will say this. The best advice from last time is limit the number of visitors in the hospital. In part due to my complications I was restricted for having visitors for the first 24 hours after my surgery. The sign posted on the door continued to stay up the rest of the week only allowing doctors and nurses to enter. Then the last day before we went home, we took it down, and we had a day full of visitors which totally exhausted me from recovering.

I would like to hear your thoughts new moms based on your own experiences of what worked, what did not, and how would you do it differently.

Food Friday: Cheap Pizza!

2012-03-09T05:28:00.000-06:00

Are you a deal seeker? Do you like pizza? Have I got a deal for you!

I volunteer with a non-profit group and we're selling Domino's Pizza books. Each book contains 24 Buy 1 Large Pizza, get 1 Medium Pizza FREE and 7 Buy Large Pizza, get 1 order of Breadsticks FREE coupons! That means you will save over $250 on just one book!!! The best thing is, you have plenty of time to use them because they don't expire until 12/31!

These books usually sell for $10 a piece but we're offering a buy one, get one deal. Just visit this siteand scroll down to the pizza offer. When you click the link, enter 1 in the quantity and we'll send you two!

Tip Tuesday: Special PARTY Favor Ideas!

2012-03-06T10:52:00.001-06:00

Now that spring is upon us, many people are gearing up for parties of all kinds. Baby Showers, wedding showers, weddings, birthdays, and Easter to name a few spring occasions. And if you are like me, you are looking for party ideas that are original and special for such special occasions.

I was cleaning out the back of my freezer recently and discovered I had saved some packages of M&M's. These were not ordinary M&M's though. These were special packages specifically ordered to be used to celebrate different life events.

I still had some blue and green ones from when my husband proposed to me. I love peanut M&M's, making them probably my most favorite candy. As a back up plan to the carriage ride we took, my husband had ordered directly from the company, M&M's that said (in our favorite colors) "will you marry me" and our initials on them. He then took these and carefully added them to a package of peanut M&M's before skillfully repackaging the bag back together. I was surprised and of course I said, "yes."

The theme stuck. So for our wedding we ordered as part of the cake table, M&M's in our purple and green wedding colors, M&M's to celebrate the special day. Then later on, we again ordered pink and blue M&M's to hand out to the prospective grandparents to tell them we were expecting a baby.

When I cleaned out my freezer, I did finally throw away the M&M's after five plus years. My son snatched a few while I took pictures of them to remember them. The special sentiment though will last forever in my heart and memory.

If you are looking for an original idea to share with someone special, consider customizing your own M&M sayings. Order a short, clean saying in colors of your choice to be shipped to your house for your special occasion. It is easy, fun, and definitely original!

Salvation Sunday: A Kind Word Goes a Long Way!

2012-03-04T11:18:00.005-06:00

Do you ever remember a time when someone came along with a kind word at the most opportune time in your life? I can think of a few times during my own life journey where someone (usually a mentor, a friend, or someone special) gave profound advice or simply a kind word that changed my general outlook on life. In essence this person offered me hope by reminding me of the important things in life.

Without these words which are still with me to this day, I cannot say for sure where I would be. These words lifted me up and encouraged me along my struggles. These words kept me accountable from doing more harm. These words spoke love and compassion in an often hopeless filled world.

The cool thing is once these words were spoken, they gave me renewed life. And that life became contagious. After kind words, it is easy to pass on a cheerfulness to others. The opposite is true too. Ugly, mean words can tear us down filling us with despair that seems to loom in a halo around us.

God's words are the source of a hope-filled life. His words bring freshness, hope, and cheerfulness like none other. And because of hope-filled words, we can pass on a lifestyle of happiness to others in the forms of words.

Proverbs 25:11 says, "Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket." Try saying something nice to those around you today.

Shuffle Saturday: Treating YOURSELF

2012-03-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

This has been a crazy week. Just crazy. Work, kids, what's been going on in the news...the weather? Crazy.

So I took some time and treated myself. I took the boys to Grandmas and went and got a pedicure.

While I won't be able to take part in the drinking of the spirits this year on St. Patrick's Day, I can at least look good being the designated driver. :)

I love pedicures. To have someone tend to my sore, tired, achy feet? Yes please. All while I sip on a bottle of water and watch TV in a massage chair? I'm so there.

I have green toes!!!

It's important for moms to take a break, even if it's only an hour or two. I'll admit, I felt guilty on the way there but on the way back I was so refreshed and ready to be a better wife and mother. All because of a little warm water and nail polish.

Food Friday: Gestational Diabetes Approved Recipe - Alfredo Sauce

2012-03-02T09:00:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I posted a meal for Chicken Alfredo. This menu proved acceptable for those with gestational diabetes or who have gluten allergies since I used spaghetti squash instead of regular noodles. I dug around some more for an Alfredo sauce that would go.

I found this great recipe that yes is high in calories but is low in sodium and carbs. According to my doctor, I can cheat with calories elsewhere since I am cutting carbs (this will help me be more full). The lower amount of sodium is noticeably different compared to a jar of Alfredo sauce, making this a nice addition to the recipe.

Here is the review that came with the recipe which I wholeheartedly agree: "This by far is the easiest and best Alfredo sauce recipe I have found yet! I love pasta and Alfredo and searched forever to make it homemade. I think that too many recipes have too many ingredients and that others are too watery. My girlfriend loves it and makes me cook it at least once a week... plus you can add it to so many different things! This is a great, simple recipe to make for someone coming over for a dinner date."

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 cup half and half
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
pepper, to taste

Instructions
Cook together in a pan on the stove. Add some liquid to rewarm the sauce up for leftovers to
keep it from getting too thick.

Toy Thursday: Playing with your Food

2012-03-01T09:00:00.003-06:00

What is it about kids playing with their food? I remember my mom always telling my younger siblings to stop playing with their food or swinging their arms at the table. If something spilled because of carelessness, then we got in trouble at the table. And now I find myself doing the same thing.

Judah is definitely in that stage where food becomes center stage for all kinds of pretend ideas and creative imagination. And most of the time this results in a mess all over himself, the table, and even the floor much to my dismay.

His new thing is to pretend that food are some characters from a movie. We have a Winnie-the-Pooh noodle, a Piglet noodle, and a Tigger noodle. I am not sure if Kraft Macaroni (Cars) gave us this idea or not. One night we just could not get Judah to eat and so we said, let's pretend to find so and so and it worked. He played along and got the calories in him that he needed that day.

This imaginary meal play works well when you want to get him to eat as you can play along and concoct up ideas to stir the imagination. For instance, to get him to eat his peas we talk about using his spoon (the loader) to load up the dump truck in his mouth. Or try to munch his broccohli like Peter Rabbit. We even pretend that sweet potato is orange pie because it is sweet.

This does not work so well when they push the limits on creativity. When they know they are not supposed to do something, pretend suddenly becomes an alibi to get away with it. This would include splattering milk across the table at breakfast from the cereal bowl because it is snow or finger painting in the peanut butter making shapes.

So where do you draw the line. You want your kid to be creative. And you certainly want your kid to eat as in our case since Judah lost so much weight from being sick and needs to gain the calories. Yet, at what age do you implement table manners to include no playing with your food.

I guess we try to eat with our spoon. We say please and thank you and may I be excused. We wipe up and try to sit down to eat. And we always have to take at least a taste of what is on the table. I feel like that is a start until we are older even though my mom would have a fit. Still, kids have an imagination all their own.

From one mom to another, I would love to hear your stories and ideas.

Tip Tuesday: A GOOD Hotel in the Minneapolis Area

2012-02-28T15:43:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my family and I went on an impromptu trip to Minneapolis. We wanted to look at furniture at IKEA and take the kids to the Mall of America. I went on hotels.com looking for a room that was nice, inexpensive and close to the mall.

I was lucky enough to book a Hampton Inn and Suites, only .5 miles from the mall and included free wireless, a pool and free breakfast for only $99 a night. But it was worth so much more.

First off, we got there late and they hadn't given our room away (like my husband feared). The beds were SO soft. The next morning, breakfast was awesome. Scrambled eggs, waffles, yogurt, cereal, doughnuts, bagels, sausages, apple and orange juice and milk...it was great.

We spent all day (7 hours) at the Mall of America. When we returned, the kids were pleased to see their "babies" (fluffy the dog, Buzz Lightyear and Cabbage Patch doll) lined up on their made bed. We decided to hit the pool--just to wear the kids out a bit more. After the pool, I asked the front desk for a place they could suggest for pizza. They handed me a flier for a local pizza joint with coupons! SCORE! I also asked if it would be possible to wash out the kids cups (we had bought at the Disney Store). Not only did they let me use their kitchen area to wash out the cups, they also informed me that I could get milk from the kitchen area for the kids!

The next morning, breakfast didn't disappoint. They had added French Toast Sticks to the menu. YUM! With a family of five, free breakfast saves us at least $40/day!

Check out was a breeze...and they offered late check out of 11 AM. Next time we go to Minneapolis, we'll be sure to stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites near the Airport/Mall of America.

Salvation Sunday: God can use anyone!

2012-02-26T13:37:00.005-06:00

So this morning, I was reading about the story of Moses from the Bible. You remember the Israelite leader who delivered his people from Egyptian slavery to a land of promise. I came to the part of the story where a young Moses killed an Egyptian before running to the wilderness to hide.

The story then proceeded to go on as God picked Moses to lead His chosen people out of Egypt. Through this story I was once more reminded how God can take anyone or any evil and turn it into something good.

Just think. Moses was a murderer and yet God chose him to be His leader. I find this fascinating not because it is an excuse for bad behavior but because God takes ordinary people, offers mercy, and calls them into a life of service. The story reveals God's way of grace. He reminds us that we cannot achieve redemption on our own but rather through total obedience and surrender turn our lives around for His glory.

I think it is interesting that the Bible also mentions that Moses ran away to hide from Pharaoh. This is like running away from God after we sinned. God can still find us wandering in the wilderness, right where we are at, and pick us up to redeem us. So why bother hiding.

No one is exempt if we are willing to follow. Other examples in the Bible include Abraham, David, and Paul. Abraham was an old man with a past history of false god worship. David was a murderer and an adulterer. Paul condemned Christians who walked in faith. All these stories prove that God can take the least unexpected person and turn their lives around. How unlikely that these people be chosen in the first place, right?

And why were they chosen by God. First, they represent that nothing is impossible by God; God chooses the most unlikely scenario/person so that we know that it is not the man who made it successful but God who made it successful. Second, they point to God's fulfillment of grace; God forgives sin not matter how bad a past or sin can be. And last, they bring glory to God and His perfect plan.

Our response must be that of repentance and openness to God's working in our lives. Then we follow in obedience, stepping out in faith. Only then can we be used by God.

Toy Thursday: Homemade Doodle Board

2012-02-23T10:44:00.000-06:00

Judah and I have been playing with our homemade doodle board the last few days to pass the time. This is another activity that can be used simply for fun or to add as a tool for learning. It is super easy to put together and the results are endless.

I found the idea off of Pinterest at the Hippie Housewife. To make our own though I used washable finger paints in a Ziploc freezer bag taped down by clear packing tape onto our plastic table cloth (use blue painter's tape directly to wood table). To do this I poured a generous amount of primary colors into the different areas of the bag. We noticed the more paint you use the more fun you have. Before taping the bag down, I smoothed out any and all air bubbles. I used a light color piece of paper underneath to brighten the background and to catch any messes that may happen. Then I sealed the edges of the paper and the bag off with packing tape.

Judah understood the concept right away as he mixed the colors together like finger painting only mess free. To make designs, you take your finger and draw lines through the paint. To erase your drawings, just lightly smooth out the paint. This is how we doodled our letters and shapes as well as made hand prints. Judah then pretended it was mud and drove his trucks over the bags for road effects.

We left the doodle boards up for several days so that Judah could go back to it to play. We did have one scratch and I simply taped over it with clear packing tape. The colors mixed together. Since the paint remained wet inside the bag, you could totally undo the doodle board and use the paint for a real finger paint project.

Tip Tuesday: Check list for New Baby

2012-02-21T16:03:00.007-06:00

Since I am almost week 36 pregnant, I decided it is time to go through a check-list for the new baby. Here is a list I used from a friend during my first pregnancy I thought I would review. And of course, based on my previous experience, I took some away and added a few other items. Please share from your own experiences what items you would include or not include and why.

These are the must have items you should have before baby arrives.

Crib with at least 2 sets of crib sheets and waterproof pads. You do not need a bumper or a baby positioner for baby as they are unsafe.
Mobile to hang over crib
Chest of drawers
Diaper pail, Diaper Genie for disposables
Changing table with a changing pad and 2 pad covers
A good night light
A clock with indigo light to see what time it is in the wee morning hours
A comfy rocking chair
Lots of receiving blankets. Consider the size of the swaddle blankets as the ones in the store are way too small for swaddling. Also I could not have done without my Halo Sleepsacks which relieved nighttime fears of blankets falling over babies face.
Boppy pillow or I actually prefer My Best Friend Delux (for post-Ceseran recovery as it sits high above your incision and allows you the ability to do several feeding positions).
A vibrating bouncy chair
Diaper cream, Infant Tylenol, Infant Gas Drops, and safety and hygiene kit with an Emory board and nail clippers and a working thermometer.
Baby bath tub and baby wash clothes/towels for tub.
Diaper bag or I actually prefer a baby back pack to free your hands when unloading the car.
Breast pump if you are pumping - If you do not work outside the home, I would consider a Medela Swing Pump as it is convenient to store in your diaper bag for traveling. Then consider renting a double pump machine for the first few weeks after your hospital stay until your milk production goes down to allow you to store enough milk in the freezer. When you rent a machine, you will buy brand new tubes (which you will need for you own machine anyways) making it totally sanity.
Breast pads - I like the disposable Johnson and Johnson cotton inserts that fit into your bra so you do not leak all over.
Lanisol cream for you breast if you are breast feeding
Breast milk storage bags and marker
4 - 6 ounce bottles (if breast feeding) - Most lactation consultants at the hospital start you on a certain brand like Avent. Take your cue from them before purchasing your own set of bottles as babies respond differently to the different nipples.
A container for the dishwasher to wash bottles and drying rack for bottles that sits on the counter. We also used our bottle warmer quite often on our second story but not that it is not necessary to have.
Stroller based on your needs - I recommend a jogger if you exercise frequently. Otherwise, consider one that fits with your car seat for daily use. Remember to make sure that it fits in the trunk of your car and you can open it with one hand as you may have the kid on the other.
Car seat - I would recommend getting a car seat base for each of your cars. Never buy a used car seat because you do not know if it has been in an accident or meets all the safety requirements. Also, keep in mind after a number of years, your car seat will actually expire and by kid number three you may need to buy a new seat.
A car seat cover for the winter.
Baby monitor - We prefer a video monitor that we can hook up our smart phone and computer too.
A sling to carry baby around.
2-3 nursing bras - I suggest not buying them until right before your due date as your bust size does change. Consider getting fitted at your local hospital boutique before leaving for home to find the most comfortable size and fit. I prefer Bravado Designs as they were the most comfortable with the back pain I experienced my cesarean.
1-2 pacifiers
2-3 packages of 0-3 month onsies
3-4 packages of 3-6 month onsies
2-5 pairs of pants
baby socks
baby hat
4-5 sleepers - I like the nightgowns for newborns as it is easier to change their diapers
Baby book and/or first year calendar - I like to have them available at the hospital to do an extra set of footprints directly into the baby book.
Outfit to bring baby home from the hospital as well as comfortable clothes for mom to go home in. I suggest a dress or skirt for post-ceserean if you incision is still painful and sore.
Burp Clothes
Diapers - I recommend the Pampers Swaddles for newborns because the yellow line changes colors after the diaper has been wet.

These Items are really nice to have on hand but I recommend borrowing them from a friend or family member for storage reasons. Please note that each baby is different and may not always take to one of these items anyways.

Bassinet and bassinet sheets
A swing

These items are nice to have or again borrow but you do not need them right away.

Exersaucer
Baby Bjorn
Exercise/play mat
High chair
Pack and play
Bath toys
CDs of lullabies
Toys- rattles, teethers, blocks, rings, books
Cute lamp for the nursery

Things to do before baby arrives

Chose a pediatrician before baby arrives
Try and get your nursery done before you are 7 months pregnant
Make meals to freeze
Stock up on 1-2 months worth of : toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, razors, 1month supply of maxi pads (with wings), dish soap, diapers and wipes, rice/pasta, frozen vegetables, bread (can freeze), etc.
Consider hiring a cleaning service
Consider buying a digital camera, video recorder
Consider a mini vacation before your bundle of joy arrives
Starting thinking about who might babysit for you
Have the car seat bases installed a few weeks before you are due
Get thank yous done before baby arrives if possible
If you think you might need daycare, start looking now
Start looking at places where you might want to get baby pictures taken
Wash all baby clothes in gentle detergent prior to having baby

Salvation Sunday: Thankful for Our Readers

2012-02-19T08:31:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not, Mommy's Recess is International. Occasionally I'll check the stats of our blog and was surprised at how many people from different Countries read our blog.

In the last month alone, our stats, broken down by Country are below.

United States 5,882

China 216

United Kingdom 184

Canada 142

Russia 114

Ukraine 97

Germany 79

Philippines 58

Australia 53

India 43

Wow. This is only ONE MONTH of posts. Awesome. We are so thankful for our readers! Thank you all for reading and making Mommy's Recess a success!