I am convinced every family suffers from the plight of too-many-cups-to-wash.  Children seem to delight in pulling out a new cup every time they need a drink, resulting in an entire dishwasher full of cups.

No more, my friends!

{Yes, folks…THAT’S MY DRINK!}

I’ll have to admit, I was skeptical when Renee of DrinkBands.com sent me these plastic bands made for keeping track of everyone’s cups.  But, I was desperate!  Everything I had tried over the years failed to eliminate the too-many-cups issue.  And here we were in a smaller kitchen again.  Something had to change!

The children were super excited to choose a color and put the DrinkBands on their very own cups.  There are 8 colors in a pack and the packs come in a small and a large size…just right for our entire family! (I recommend the large size since that seems to be the size that fits every one of our glasses.)  I even put one on Garin’s sippy cup and thought about how helpful this would be if I had two children using sippy cups!

So, what’s the verdict now that the novelty has worn off?

I am absolutely THRILLED!

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• It’s easier to set the table for meal times.  No guessing which cups to grab or wondering where each child is supposed to sit.  It is so easy to grab each color and know you have the right cup.
• The cups are not randomly being thrown in the dishwasher.  They are staying on the counter during the daytime hours.  I’ve asked for this to be the case all along, but since the cups seemed random, all the dishwasher loaders in the house figured they all belonged in the dishwasher after every. single. meal. ugh.
• Even the littlest ones know which cup is theirs – a very good thing!  I don’t know about you, but I have little ones who will go around drinking from every cup in the house much to the dismay of the big kids.  DrinkBands have made it obvious {and exciting} to know which cup is theirs!
• DrinkBands help the littles grip their glasses better.  We almost exclusively use glass glasses.  We’ve noticed less spills (which equals less chance for breakage) with the DrinkBands on.
• DrinkBands make great conversation pieces!  Our house is full of stories and DrinkBands have become one of those stories.  People are fascinated by the little things that make life just a little easier.

Bet you can’t wait to get your hands on these!  Well, here’s your chance!  I’m giving away 3 complete sets of DrinkBands to 3 winners!  That’s 16 bands in 8 colors in both the large and the small size.  I love it when fun and practical collide!

{See below to enter}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

The truth of the matter is, I even fall into this trap from time to time.  You know why?  Because I’m not perfect and it is so easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of “what-if’s”, wondering:

What if I tried this curriculum?
What if I tried this schedule?
What if I did this, that, and another thing?

Would I finally “arrive”?

The answer is NO.

We are blessed with just a foretaste of perfection here on this earth.  We are also blessed {yes, I said blessed} with enough imperfection to know we haven’t arrived.

Every now and then, we have a homeschool day that looks and feels perfect.  I had one on Thursday.  It was lovely.

But those days are like the water Jesus spoke of to the woman at the well…they leave us thirsty again.

I know what it is like to analyze every move you make in your homeschool day (just take a look at the pile of books and papers currently beside my chair as I plan for the upcoming year!).  I know what it is like to want to be certain you have the right curriculum, the right schedule, the right everything.  But, mamas, if you are always right, there is no room for God.

So, what are some realistic expectations for homeschooling moms?

1.  Expect interruptions, frustrations, minor catastrophies and other things that take time away from your actual homeschool day.  You homeschool AT HOME and not in a bubble.  Life happens here.  It’s ok.

2.  Expect to be stretched – it’s how you grow, it’s how your children grow.  There will be things that do not work for your homeschool and things that do and there will be things that need a little bit of tweaking.  As a homeschool mom, you will find your education has just begun and it will last until that last little one has graduated (and beyond!).  Don’t see it as a stressor, but rather a chance to put those brain cells to work!

3.  Don’t let the rough days ruin the good of what you are doing.  Homeschooling is a labor of love.  It is work, but it is good work.  The bumps may slow you down, but they ought never to beat you down.

4.  Put Christ first in everything.  In other words, keep your Focus!  Take a step back {often} and rather than analyzing curriculum and schedules, analyze your walk with Christ, your children’s walk with Christ, and how your homeschool day falls in line with God’s good and perfect Will.  {Need a little help?  Read my series on Homeschooling with Purpose!}

When you start to feel like you are drowning in a sea of what-if’s, step away from whatever it is that is causing you angst and step into your prayer closet (which more often than not in my world is a darkened bedroom).

Seek Him!  What you are looking for is there.

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

I imagine you never expected to be introduced to the stove before anything else in our new house!  But, I have to tell you, the stove is a defining feature in our home.  When the stove elicits exclamations such as, “Where did you hide the stove?!” you know you have something special!

The photo above is our ENTIRE stove.  It’s not missing the stove top, you just can’t see it because of it’s lovely 1960′s super-compact, edgy design.

See that little “Release” button?  Push down on that and slide that stove top right out of there!

Oh, how chic!  Oh, how luxurious!  Oh, how RETRO!

And if that isn’t enough for you, check this out:

The oven door opens like something off of Back to the Future!

The bad part about this stove is I’m afraid I’ll break it.  The good part about this stove is I had seen one just like it years ago, so I didn’t totally freak out.

A quick note about the Welcome Home Link Up:

Unfortunately, WordPress changes my code every time I post the link up code and it causes my emails and rss feed not to work right.  If I’m very careful, I can get it work right, so this week I am being very careful.  Hopefully, it works!  You can find the button code in my sidebar to link back.

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

She said, “I hope what happened last time, doesn’t happen again.”  I smiled into those flannel gray eyes and said, “I know, honey.”

There are no guarantees and heartache is something no one is immune to.  But, my children do not live in fear.  In fact, you would never be able to tell by looking at our happy little family that anything tragic had ever happened to us.

It’s not that my children don’t grieve and remember.  It’s the fact that joy supersedes that grief and the happy memories outweigh the sad.

Today, you can find me at Raising Homemakers talking about The Impact of Miscarriage on Our Daughters.  Will you leave your children a legacy of sorrow or one of victory?

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20

I’ve always loved the outdoors. I remember as a little girl wandering around my own backyard jabbering at the trees and flowers and myself.

My mother could make anything grow (I did not inherit her green thumb…or rather I did not inherit her diligence when it comes to gardening – hoping to remedy that this year!).  As I grew up amongst forsythia bushes and strawberries, hollyhocks and rose bushes, I was acutely aware of just how beautiful nature could be.

I was always fascinated by wooded areas (what child isn’t? – you should see the hours upon hours my children spend in our woods!)  I could find solace in those random rows of trees.

How can we NOT see God’s magnificence all around us?

In fact, it almost seems ludicrous to assume all of this just accidentally happened.

And of the most deceived of all are the scientist themselves.  The ones who study all of this magnificence!  They know how intricate the design is, yet they insist there is no Designer.

Open your eyes.  You are without excuse.

Weekends in the Word is a ministry of Raising Arrows meant to offer a time of worship and encouragement specifically for those mommies who find themselves, due to circumstances beyond their control, unable to attend worship services with other believers. However, all are welcome here each weekend to feast on His Word.

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

The winner of the Sweet Little Blessings $75 Gift Certificate is:

Allison Gunnup!

Congratulations!

And I failed to mention that the coupon code – SWEET – for 10% off any order lasts until February 22!  Enjoy your new stash!

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

Posts in this series:
Getting Started
All About Diapers
All About Covers
Other Diapering Methods

I know we talked diapers earlier, but this post is more in depth about the diapers that aren’t just diapers, but are diapering systems that are self-contained, which often proves an easier method for many.

What are All-in-Ones?

Coleen:  All in ones go on just like a disposable diaper.  They are one piece and don’t require stuffing.  All in ones are convenient, easy to use and great to have in the diaper bag for a quick change when you are away from home.  I am really impressed with the new Thirsties Duo all in ones.

What are All-in-Twos?

Coleen:  All in twos have a soaker that snaps in to the diaper to help it dry faster than an all in one.  Unlike some two part systems, the cover can’t be used more than once and you will need a brand new diaper for every change.  Bottombumpers are an example of this style of diaper and are one of my favorites.  They are trim fitting, super soft and available in Velcro, snap and one size.

What are Pocket Diapers? 

Coleen:  Pocket diapers have an opening for you to stuff in an absorbent insert.  The outside of the diaper is a waterproof fabric and the inside of the pocket is usually made from a stay dry fabric like suedecloth or fleece.  You just need to remove the insert from the pocket before putting them in the diaper pail. Pocket diapers are available in both sized and one size versions.   FuzziBunz and bumGenius are very popular examples of this type of diaper but there are lots of other great brands to choose from.

Amy:  I didn’t chime in on the AIO’s and AI2′s because I don’t own any; however, I do own a whole stash of FuzziBunz Pocket Diapers.  These are my favorite diapers for traveling!  However, I am looking into some All-In-Two’s for travel and grandparents as well.  These really are the kind of diapers you need if Dad or Grandma are a little freaked out by cloth diapering.

Coleen:  I also wanted to add that…. As your baby gets ready to potty train, there are lots of cloth options to make it easy!

How do I care for these kinds of diapers?

Coleen:  They are easy to care for!  I do a cold water rinse, a hot water wash with detergent, followed by an extra rinse.  You want to be careful not to use too much detergent as it can build up and cause odors.

Amy:  I do the same wash routine as Coleen.  I do want to clarify that you need to separate the inserts from the diapers, don’t use traditional diaper rash cream on any of your cloth diapers (I’ll do a post on this later on), and make sure they are dried thoroughly.  More on that here…

Is it hard to get AIOs  thoroughly clean and thoroughly dry? 

Coleen:  Some may take a little longer to dry, but most have been redesigned to allow for better cleaning and quicker drying.

What are the best stuffers for pocket diapers? 

Coleen:  Most pocket diapers come with microfiber inserts, but there are several other kinds available.  If your baby is a heavy wetter, you might try adding a hemp insert for extra absorbency. In fact, Thirsties Duo Diapers include a microfiber/hemp combination insert that works very well. FuzziBunz Elite one size come with soft, minky inserts.  You could even try bamboo inserts or stuff a pocket diaper with a cotton prefold.

Amy:  If you can stuff it in a diaper and it is even remotely absorbent, I’ve used it!  I really like hemp inserts and I LOVE the minky inserts; however, I’ve been known to go to the store and buy shop towels (you know those absorbent microfiber ones) and stuff those in there too!  And yes, prefolds are great as well!

Why would I want to use these diapering methods?

Coleen:  These diapering methods are very convenient and may offer a trimmer fit than prefolds.  With all the different styles and brands available you are sure to find one that works for you.

Amy:  These diapering systems are most like disposables.  If you have nightmares about cloth diapering, yet still want to try it, this would be a good place to start.  They do cost more, but you are paying for convenience and ease of use.

I’ll be adding to this series throughout the year, but this is a good start.  Let me know if there are any other cloth diapering topics you would like to see discussed!

And don’t miss the coupon code and giveaway!

Coupon code: SWEET gets you 10% off any order from Coleen’s store – Sweet Little Blessings

And today is the last day to enter to win a $75 gift certificate from Sweet Little Blessings!  Don’t miss it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

Posts in this series:
Getting Started
All About Diapers
All About Covers
Other Diapering Methods

We’re back with a little advice about choosing covers for your diapers.

Which diapers need a cover? 

Coleen:  You will need a separate cover with prefolds, fitteds and two part diaper systems.

How do I choose a cover?

Coleen:  You need to decide whether you would like snap or Velcro covers and if you want a sized or one size system.  Some diaper covers also have gussets to help prevent leaks.

Amy:  When I started cloth diapering, I bought several different kinds of covers and then sold off what I didn’t like.  I like covers that will cover any diaper I own.  My favorite cover for coverage is the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap.  I used to only use them on my newborns, but recently started using it for my older babies too.

What are covers made out of?

Coleen:  Most covers are made from a waterproof yet breathable fabric called polyurethane laminate or PUL.  Some PUL covers, like Imse Vimse are extra soft and pliable. Rumaprooz uses a bonding process called TPU, which uses heat instead of chemicals to produce their waterproof fabric.  Covers can also be made from wool.

How do I choose the right cover for my baby? 

Coleen:  You will need to know your baby’s weight to be sure you are getting the right size.

Amy:  Also consider is your baby a heavy wetter?  You’ll probably want gussets.  Is your baby wiggly?  You’ll probably want Velcro.  I’ve also found that the medium size seems to be what baby is in for the longest.  If you simply cannot afford anything else, invest in this size.

Best cover for overnight?

Coleen:  Wool covers are a wonderful natural option for overnight because it is highly breathable, yet extremely absorbent without feeling wet on the outside.  A durable cover such as Thirsties or Bummis will also work well overnight.  (Amy:  Definitely planning on getting some wool soon!)

How many covers do I need?

Coleen:  You will need one cover for every 3-4 diapers or inserts in rotation.

Amy:  I like to have 6-8 covers in each size.  If the cover is not soiled and just wet, I air it between diaper changes and can often get many wearings out of that one cover, especially on an older baby who doesn’t have as many poopy diapers in a day.  (To air the cover, I simply hang it over the changing table wet side up.  The PUL covers are made to dry quickly so they are always ready to go for the next diaper change!)

I hope you are finding helpful information in this Basics series!  Don’t forget to check out Coleen’s store:

and take advantage of the 10% off coupon code: SWEET

And don’t miss the $75 Gift Certificate giveaway from Sweet Little Blessings!
(email readers, click over to the post to enter!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

Posts in this series:
Getting Started
All About Diapers
All About Covers
Other Diapering Methods

What are the pros and cons of the different kinds of diapers on the market?

I’m going to let Coleen handle this one since she’s the expert – I’ll just put my $.02 in here and there!

Coleen:  Some thoughts to consider as you read through the different kinds of diapers – there are many one size diapers available today.  While it is nice to have just one set of diapers for your baby, there are a few drawbacks.  Sized diapers offer a trimmer fit with less chance of leaks.  They also last through multiple children since they are not being washed as often.

Here is a quick overview of the different styles of cloth diapers:

-Prefolds and covers are the most economical choice, but might be little trickier to put on your baby than an all in one. You can either fold the prefold in thirds and lay it in the cover or fasten it with a Snappi. The great thing about prefolds is that if the cover doesn’t get soiled, you can reuse it for several changes.  (see Amy’s video on how to use a prefold with snappis)

-Two part diapers systems are very similar to prefolds except they have an insert that lays in the cover instead.  Just like prefolds, you can often reuse the cover for several changes.  Some types even have inserts that snap in to the cover to help keep them in place.  They can be a little more expensive than prefolds, but are easy to use.  (Amy:  You’ve heard me talk before about MotherEase diapers being the first diapers I ever used…they fit into this category.)

-Fitted diapers and covers are super soft and great at preventing leaks.  You can reuse the covers for several changes, but do have to fasten two pieces with every change.  (Amy: these are my favorites for newborns!)

-Pocket diapers have an insert that you stuff into a pocket. They go on in one piece just like a disposable and you will need a new diaper for each change. They dry quickly and are easy to use, but it does take a little time to stuff all the pockets.  (Amy:  These are my favorite travel diaper and I-don’t-feel-like-cloth-diapering-but-I-will-anyway diaper!)

-All in Ones/All in Twos are most like disposables and you will need a new diaper for every change.  They are all one piece and don’t need to be stuffed. All in Twos have an insert that snaps to the cover. Some versions do take longer to dry, but they are very convenient.

How do I choose the right diaper for my baby? 

Coleen:  Start by deciding what type of diapering system you think will work best for you, and then look at all the available brands.  It really helps if you are able to see the diapers in person!  If you are looking at sized diapers you will need to know how much your baby weighs and their measurements may come in handy to make sure you are buying the right size.

Amy:  As I mentioned in the Getting Started post, it helps to know another cloth diapering mama and see what she uses and how she uses it; however, you also have to do what works for your family.  If Daddy or Grandma will be changing a lot of diapers, then you might want to invest in All-in-Ones or Pocket diapers as they are easier for those unfamiliar with cloth diapering.  Or maybe you are after the cute factor or the most economical route.  I use a variety of diapers on my babies – fitteds/covers for the newborn, one-size & prefolds for older babies, pocket diapers for traveling and for Daddy & Grandma.

How do I prep prefolds?

Prefolds need to be washed in hot water at least three times. The diapers should be dried in between washes to help them shrink and quilt properly.

How do I use a snappi?

Amy:  Pinning prefolds is pretty much a thing of the past.  No more sticking pins in bars of soap or running them through your hair or running the risk of poking baby.  Snappis are an amazing invention that I love dearly!  You can see how they work in this video: How to Use a Prefold with a Snappi.

What is the difference between snaps or hook and loop closures?

Amy:  A quick clarification before I let Coleen tackle the pros and cons of both of these types of closures…snaps are typically resin or plastic, not metal, hook & loop is what we’ve come to know as Velcro, only a softer, more baby-friendly grade of it.

Coleen:  I think that hook and loop is easier to fasten on a wiggly baby and much more adjustable, but it does show wear quicker than snaps. Snap diapers are going to stay looking brand new.  Some people also prefer snaps since they make it harder for your baby to get their diaper off by themselves.

What are One-Size diapers? 

Coleen:  One size diapers are designed to fit your baby from about 8 pounds through potty training.  They can be bulky when you baby is brand new, but get trimmer as your baby grows.  Different brands adjust different ways.  Most use snaps on the front of the diaper to adjust the rise like bumGenius or Rumparooz.  Others have adjustable elastic like FuzziBunz or Softbums which allows for a nice, snug fit on newborns.

Amy:  Personal interjection here – Again, this is where I started, but I started on an older baby and found when it came to my newborn, they just didn’t fit the way I wanted them to.  So, I used fitteds and covers during that newborn stage and transitioned to my one-size diapers when baby was about 4 months old.

Best diaper for overnight? 

Coleen:  Right now my favorite overnight diaper is a Softbums with an organic bamboo insert and doubler.  Sometimes I will stuff microfiber and hemp inserts in to a pocket diaper.  I have also wrapped a prefold around a microfiber inserts with a cover or stuffed in a pocket diaper.  A hemp or bamboo fitted with a wool cover works great for heavy wetters.

Amy:  Boy, am I glad Coleen answered this question as I have yet to find something I like.  I will definitely be trying her suggestions!  (and in case you are wondering, I currently put my babies in disposables at night! *gasp*)

How many diapers do I need?

Coleen:  You are going to need more diapers for a newborn than a toddler, but I would say that 18-24 is a comfortable amount to wash every other day.

Amy:  I try to have 24 newborn diapers on hand and I manage with only about 12 toddler sized diapers.

Have more questions?  Leave them in the comments section and we’ll do our best to help out!

Don’t forget, you can get 10% off any order of any size from now until 2/22/12 using this coupon code: SWEET

And Coleen is graciously giving away a $75 Gift Certificate to her shop!
(if reading via email or reader, click here to enter the giveaway!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!

Posts in this series:
Getting Started
All About Diapers
All About Covers
Other Diapering Methods

Welcome to the Cloth Diapering Basics series!  I am so excited to be presenting this series to you with the help of Coleen from Sweet Little Blessings, a long time cloth diapering sponsor here at Raising Arrows.  This series will run all week in a Q&A format, covering the basics of cloth diapering from two experienced cloth diapering mamas!

And don’t miss the AWESOME giveaway running all week long at the bottom of each post in the series along with a coupon code (SWEET) for 10% off any order from Sweet Little Blessings!

This post is all about Getting Started Cloth Diapering…

Why cloth?

Coleen:  Cloth Diapers are convenient, save money and are super cute!!  Plus they are better for the environment.

Amy:  I started cloth diapering to save money when I found myself with 2 babies in diapers.  Then I fell in love with the utter cuteness of cloth diapers!  It also felt good to be doing something that didn’t contribute to the trash on this earth.

How much should you expect to spend for one child?

Coleen:  The amount you spend can vary a lot depending on the style of diaper you buy and how many you want on hand.  I would estimate you could spend anywhere from $125 for prefolds and covers to $400+ for all in ones.

Amy:  There are so many different kinds of cloth diapering methods (which we will be going over in the series!), you really have to decide which method is right for you first and then figure the cost.  However, any method you choose will be cheaper than a full supply of disposables (especially if you diaper more than one child!).

What is the cheapest cloth diapering system?

Prefolds and covers are definitely the cheapest option!

Should I buy used or new? 

Coleen:  Buying used is going to save money, but they may wear out a lot faster.  It is a good way to try different styles of diapers and find what you like best.  Then you could purchase your favorites new!

Amy:  I’ve done both and there are pros and cons to both.  Used, you run the risk of them wearing out and also dealing with bacteria from another household that may be difficult to get rid of.  However, it is typically much cheaper.  New isn’t cheaper and you run the risk of buying something you hate that cost you more than you can get back out of it; however, diapers do have a high resale value on places like DiaperSwappers.com.

How do I keep my cloth diapers organized?

Coleen:  A changing table is a great place to store cloth diapers if you have room for one.  I always change our little guys on the floor in our family room and store the diapers in the drawers in our TV cabinet.  Baskets work great too!

Amy:  Currently, I have a changing table (shown below), but I also keep a large flat basket at the opposite end of the house for changing diapers on my bed.  I’ve seen diapers kept in trunks in the living room, cardboard boxes, and plastic stackers.  It doesn’t have to fancy, just functional!

What else do I need to cloth diaper?

Coleen:  You will need some kind of diaper pail.  A trash can with a liner works well.  I use a FuzziBunz hanging diaper pail on a hook in our laundry room.  You may also want to purchase some cloth wipes or wash cloths.  Just throw them in the wash with your diapers.  I also keep a bottle to squirt water on my wipes as I need them.  You could make your own baby wipe solution, but I find that plain water works quite well.  It might also be nice to have a smaller wet bag for in your diaper bag.  Another extra would be a diaper sprayer to help make clean up easy.

Amy:  I agree with Coleen!  I use a diaper pail that is actually a heavy duty plastic trash can with a flip-top lid that can easily be opened with a yucky diaper in hand.  In my bathroom, I have a diaper sprayer (must have in my opinion!) and another trash can that you step on a lever to open so there’s no touching anything thus eliminating the whole “ick factor.”  I use a plastic grocery sack as a wet bag when away from home simply because I’ve never gotten around to purchasing one!  And I make all my own cloth wipes.

How often should I wash?

Coleen:  I recommend washing at least every other day.  The longer your diapers sit, the more odors can build up.

Amy:  Agreed!  However, there are times when I don’t manage this and have to be a bit more diligent about how I wash them.  (You can read how I wash and dry my cloth diapers.  See also this Cloth Diaper Care series from Mama’s Laundry Talk for more info on caring for your cloth diapers.)

What is your #1 piece of advice for cloth diapering mamas?

Coleen:  There is so much information about cloth diapering that it can be overwhelming at first, but it is really not hard at all!

Amy:  If you can, find another cloth diapering mama and watch her do it!  That was one of my biggest obstacles…I needed to be shown just how easy it was!  If you can’t find another cloth diapering mama, then watch online videos like this one I did on using a prefold diaper…it really does help to see exactly how they work!

Don’t forget, you can get 10% off any order of any size from now until 2/22/12 using this coupon code: SWEET

And Coleen is graciously giving away a $75 Gift Certificate to her shop!
(if reading via email or reader, click here to enter the giveaway!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here for the FEBRUARY SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL ~ Homemaking from the Heart Bundle!