Flannel Diapers and Wipes

A good friend of mine went to a yard sale on Saturday and got a big box full of things for $5. She thought of me when she added about 3 yards of flannel to that box. She brought the fabric to me Sunday, and I put it to use today. I stitched up 3 RRP diapers and 15 wipes. For the wipes I cut 30 squares of flannel at 6 1/2". Then I stitched them (right sides together) leaving a small opening. Next I turned and top stitched them. I can't wait to use these.

Flannel Diapers and Wipes

James 1:21-25

Today our Bible reading was from James 1:21-25.

Doers Not Hearers Only

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.


We also sang one of my favorite contemporary Christian songs called Open the Eyes of My Heart.



Another song we sang was Love the Lord. It has become a favorite of ours. My kids love to sing it and do motions. My oldest two helped lead the congregation in singing this song and they were so cute doing the motions. Music is such a wonderful expression of our faith and I want my children to enjoy music and worship.

James 1:21-25

Prefolds & Flat Cloth Diapers

As much as I love to sew I sometimes don't have time to make everything I want to. So, I purchased a few diapers and covers to help me not get overwhelmed with the task of sewing all the cloth diapers I need for the baby.

I purchased a dozen DSQ infant prefolds from Dianne's Diapers and a waterproof cover. The prefolds are really nice and they don't get crunchy on the clothesline. I have been using them to stuff the pocket diapers I have made, but I also like to just pin them on the baby sometimes. I would also recommend purchasing from Dianne. She is so nice and has great customer service.




I also wanted to purchase some birdseye flat diapers. I purchased mine from Little Lions Cloth Diapers. I ordered two dozen flats that were unbleached birdseye. They are so soft. I like to fold them and lay them inside a waterproof cover. They dry so quickly on the line. They measure about 27 inches square.




The Diaper Hyena has some great information on cloth diapering. I have found their pictures and info on diaper folding to be very helpful when using prefolds and flats.

Prefolds & Flat Cloth Diapers

Recycled Wool Sweater

About a month ago I went to a Goodwill Outlet. It was really cool. I paid for my items by the pound. The more pounds you buy the cheaper the price. I didn't buy much, but I figured I still got all of my items for around 50 cents each. I found 2 wool sweaters. One of them is pictured above. I felted the sweaters by washing them in a pillowcase with hot water, and then drying them on high heat in the dryer. This makes them very dense and allows them to be cut like regular fabric. I was able to make a pull on diaper cover and a pair of longies from the sweater above.

The diaper cover pictured below was made using the Mile High Monkey's Pattern I purchased here. This pattern is great and so quick.



I also used the sleeves to make the longies pictured below. I followed this tutorial for making them. The sweater was small so the longies would fit a newborn. They are too small for my baby, so I will have to find someone to either give them to or sell them.



I may use some large scraps to add an extra layer to the wet zone of the cover and longies. The sweater wasn't overly thick, so they may need the extra piece. This project was fun and I will definitely be making more of these.

Recycled Wool Sweater

Baby Pants from an Old Shirt

I had some long-sleeved t-shirts that were in good shape, but had my old business name embroidered on them. I didn't want to throw them in the rag pile, but I didn't want to wear them anymore. So, I decided to cut them up for some sewing projects. I used the sleeves off the only one that wasn't a girly color to make my baby some pants. The shirt was a 100% cotton knit.

I used another pair of pants to cut the curve and to know where to cut them at the top. Then I just stitched them together. I made a waistband out of fleece (too bad I didn't have any that matched). They were super easy since the side seams and bottom hem were already sewn. I think I will have to make some more of these.

Pants in Action

Baby Pants from an Old Shirt

Frugal Diapering

I stitched up another RRP Fitted Pocket One-Sized Diaper on Tuesday. I recycled a 100% cotton hooded bath towel that I was given recently. It had been used for at least one of the previous owner's children, and I could have used it for my own baby. However, my first thought was to make a diaper out of it. So, I used the printed portion of the towel for the outside of the diaper, and the white smoother backside of the towel for the inside of the diaper.

I also used a flannel sheet that I found at Goodwill to make a flat diaper. I sewed 2-27"x27" pieces of the sheet (right sides facing) together and then turned and top stitched them. I can use this as a traditional flat diaper, lay it inside of a waterproof cover, or use it as an insert in a pocket diaper. I have used it once inside the towel diaper and the combo really worked well.

Cloth diapering can be as inexpensive as your time allows. I enjoy finding ways to save money even if my husband thinks I am a little crazy. :-)

Frugal Diapering

Joseph's 1st 'Real" Food

Joseph has been exclusively breastfed since his birth in December. I received the book Super Baby Food for Christmas and have been browsing through it off and on. Joseph is 4+ months now and met almost all of the criteria for starting solids.

So, armed with my book,


a box of Earth's Best Organic Rice Cereal, a bowl, and spoon


I started the process. Joseph ate his cereal just like my other three children did their first time. He grabbed the spoon in an attempt to figure out what his mother was doing.


He also displayed looks ranging from disdain


to pleasure (OK at least he looks pleasant not necessarily excited)


over the mixture I was placing in his mouth. I think he did really well, and I am sure we will have lots more fun (and messes) during this next phase of his life.

Joseph also had another milestone today. He rolled from his back to his tummy for the first time. He has been rolling from his tummy to his back since he was 6 weeks old. I guess I better start baby proofing again. :-)

Joseph's 1st 'Real" Food

Peanut Butter Balls

My oldest son James absolutely loves these. My mom gave us the recipe and it was originally titled Honey Milk Balls. However, James gave them the name Peanut Butter Balls. They are very easy to make and require no heating at all. We use raw honey we purchase from a local source, but all of the ingredients could be organic as well. Below is the recipe and a picture of James and Joshua making the balls. (They also enjoyed eating some when we were finished.)



Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Cup Nonfat Instant Powdered Milk
1 Cup Uncooked Rolled Oats

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and/or knead with hands until blended. Shape into balls.

Peanut Butter Balls

John 14:1-14

The Bible reading from today's sermon at church was John 14:1-14.

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

Jesus the Way to the Father

5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

8Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."

9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

John 14:1-14

New Purse and Lip Balm Holder

The Jenny Bag



I ordered this pattern from Wired Up Designs. This was the second pattern I have purchased from Rebecca. The first was the Hot Mama Messenger Bag. She is so nice and I really recommend her patterns.

I used some fabric from my stash that I hadn't found a use for yet. The purse is designed to be reversible, but I chose to use the same fabric for the inside and outside. Other materials required were fusible fleece, bias tape and grosgrain ribbon. The only thing I need to add is the grosgrain ribbon for the bow. The purse was pretty easy to sew and I think I will have to make some more in other colors. I did iron on some Velcro Fabric Fusion in four places to keep the pockets and main part closed. I guess I just didn't want everyone to be able to see inside. I am anxious to try this purse when we are out and about.

Inside View



Crocheted Keychain Lip Balm Holder



I crocheted a keychain lip balm holder using this pattern. It was a fun fast project and is a great place to hold my Jordan Essentials Mini Lip Tube.

New Purse and Lip Balm Holder

101 Reasons for Having Children

Since we have had our 4th child we get lots of questions about whether we will have more children or not. I am leaving it up to God, and would welcome any more we are blessed with. Anyway, below is a list I found of some reasons to have children from Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies.


101 REASONS FOR HAVING CHILDREN!
By Nancy Campbell
________________________________________
I receive constant complaints from mothers telling me how hurt they are from the negative comments which they receive from family and friends when they share the news that they are going to have another baby. "God gave you a brain, didn't He?" or "Oh No, not another one!" and so on. One Above Rubies reader wrote to me, "....I can't understand why people think children are such burdens that they'd only want one or two, and then suggest to me that I stop at that number also....I've sometimes joked with my husband that I could write a book of all the one liners people say and title it, "101 Reasons Why Not to Have Any More Children."
This gave me a wonderful idea. But I decided to dwell on the positive rather than the negative. I asked our readers of Above Rubies to share why they love having children. I received so many answers and so here are "101 Reasons Why Mothers Love Having Children." Many of these reasons were reiterated over and over again by different mothers.

1. We love receiving gifts and blessings from God.
2. Why would I ever want to turn down one of God's blessings?
3. We not only want to receive gifts from God for ourselves, but we want to give more gifts to the world. Every child God gives us is a gift to the world.
4. It's so exciting to see who God will send to bless us each time.
5. It's an honor for the Lord to use my womb again.
6. I love being "with child."
7. I love to see what God thinks of next. I believe each child is a precious and unique thought, with vast possibilities, straight from our Heavenly Father. It's the most exciting thing in my entire life to give birth and see the new little person. There is nothing that moves me as much as seeing the birth of a baby.
8. I love to behold the handiwork of the Lord as a new little miracle comes forth.
9. The birth of a baby is the ultimate fulfillment of love between a husband and wife. Each child is an unbreakable bond between a father and mother.
10. It is amazing to think that each child is a part of me and my beloved husband.
11. God said to Jeremiah, "BEFORE I formed you in the womb I knew you..." God is the One who will form my future children. If He knew Jeremiah before conception, then He knows all my children before conception, yes, even the children who haven't yet been formed. I don't want to refuse children God has chosen.
12. I'd love another baby because to choose not to is like saying NO to God. I want to say YES to God and His will for my life.
13. I'll have more people to love.
14. I'll have more hands to help.
15. I'll have more babies to nurse and therefore less risk of breast cancer.
16. I feel so blessed that God wants to reward us again.
17. I look upon each child as an incredibly beautiful jewel. Each one takes on a different loveliness and I can't wait to see the next jewel arrive.
18. Another baby in the family makes my other children so happy.
19. I love to see the faces of my children as they see a new brother or sister for the first time.
20. Babies teach the older children so much about caring for little ones, being kind, protective, and unselfish.
21. Children brighten up the home. They make life interesting.
22. I become a better mother with each child I have.
23. Children teach me patience.
24. My children think I'm beautiful no matter how I look.
25. The more children we have, the more they entertain one another.
26. There's always someone around to visit with, play with, pray with, or read to.
27. It's just as easy to cook for ten as it is for one!
28. More children give us the opportunity to have our faith increased as we see God meet our daily needs.
29. You have your own cheering squad in whatever you do.
30. The more children we have, the more impact we have upon the world.
31. We want to establish a godly dynasty that will continue down the generations to come.
32. We want to raise another soul for Jesus.
33. We desire to raise up a standard for God in this evil day.
34. More children releases more of Christ in our home.
35. Because babies are the most irresistible things on earth.
36. There is nothing like a new baby in the house.
37. There is no occupation more rewarding than motherhood.
38. Because I am fulfilling the only career that is eternal! Every other career will be left behind when we leave this earth, but I can take my children with me into glory. My children are eternal souls who will live for ever.
39. Parenthood is investing in eternity.
40. Children are like arrows which we send to places where we will never be able to go.
41. We want to fill our quiver.
42. Because of the people who might be reached for Christ through this child.
43. I want to increase the 'salt' and 'light' proportion in the world!
44. We're forming our own orchestra to make music to the Lord.
45. Having and raising children aids in sanctification of us parents.
46. Having children helps to develop in us the godly character of servant hood.
47. My children help me surrender the selfish desires of my flesh.
48. Parenthood allows us to experience the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for us.
49. In an era when so many individuals condone the denial, or taking of life - we want to give life - for life is sacred.
50. We don't want to deprive our parents of their "crowning glory" (Proverbs 17:6). We want to bless them with grandchildren.
51. Our children are my teachers. I learn sweet things from them every day.
52. I'm replenishing the earth with godly seed.
53. I want to be obedient to God's Word to "Be fruitful and multiply."
54. My children are my friends and my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Now who can have too many of these?
55. I have a passionate love for babies.
56. I just love being a mother. I love being pregnant. I love giving birth and I love breastfeeding.
57. I love the sweet smiles, the delightful giggle, the soft baby to cuddle.
58. Jesus said that when we welcome a little child into our home and family we are actually welcoming Him. I don't want to spurn Jesus.
59. We want our children to have the riches of many relationships with brothers and sisters. When we are no longer living, our children will have each other for encouragement, fellowship and a sense of family.
60. The more children we have, the more our love is multiplied.
61. We still have an empty seat in our van, and we'd like to fill it!
62. Our children are all so wonderful, who could resist another one?
63. God says that children are a reward and we believe Him!
64. Children are the most precious gift of marriage.
65. We get lots of experience in sharing and communicating.
66. Children help me see my daily dependence on God for His wisdom and strength.
67. I love to feel a precious life within my womb.
68. Large families are FUN! And we love having fun.
69. In a large family, the children and teenagers don't want to go out to find entertainment because they are lonely and bored - there is already fun and entertainment at home A new baby reminds me of how Jesus came into the world.
70. To be open to more children shows our present children that we love them. How can our children understand the love of God if we have the attitude that a certain number of children is too many?
71. More children help to grow the church.
72. I want to rear strong soldiers for the Lord.
73. I'll be able to spend eternity with my children.
74. My body was created for this purpose.
75. Family celebrations - birthdays, holidays and Christmas are even more wonderful with a new baby in the house.
76. Hope for mankind is expressed in the miracle of a baby's birth. Wherever there is life, there is Hope.
77. Babies are sweet, cuddly, adorable and have so much potential. It's like planting seeds in a flower garden - a beautiful bouquet for the future.
78. There will be more people to pay for the aged's social security benefits.
79. I want to yield my womb as a living sacrifice to God.
80. To prevent menses and enjoy the nursing hormones of prolactin and oxytocin. My most enjoyable and peaceful times are during the absence of menses during pregnancy To give a sweet testimony to a lost world.
81. Babies remind us of how wonderful and how creative our God is.
82. We are training a godly generation that will cover the earth with the Gospel and prepare the way for Jesus' return.
83. Younger children teach the older children how to be helpers. By the time the are old enough to be married and have children of their own, they'll be prepared for raising them.
84. I want another arrow for God's army.
85. I love to feel a precious new life moving within me.
86. I would hate to stand before God on Judgment Day and have to answer why I rejected the children He had ordained for our family.
87. Our children have taught me the value of relationships and the shallowness of the world's value system.
88. I trust God in all other areas of my life and I want to trust Him in the area of having children too.
89. It sure is nice to kiss and smell a little one again. Their scent is so sweet.
90. Babies are also a blessing to other people. They sure love to hold and cuddle mine. Since my siblings have stopped at two children per family, I want to supply them for my parents and everyone else's pleasure.
91. Our horizon and interests are constantly widened. Each child is born with a different destiny upon his/her life. Each child has different gifts. As we encourage our children in their varied gifts we constantly learn new things ourselves. Our children will often take on ventures and interests that we would never have dreamed of. Parenthood is not confining, but enlarging.
92. Babies are future dish washers!
93. Babies are a lot more entertaining than TV.
94. We're helping to build the kingdom of God.
95. So I can buy cute baby and children's clothes, even if it's at a yard sale.
96. I'll be able to spend eternity with my children.
97. Children teach me to become a servant, and that's what Jesus wants us to be. Jesus Himself said He came to serve rather than to be served.
98. To be convicted of sin and the need for repentance as I observe my sinful nature in my children's sinful natures.
99. The more children we have, the more we will be blessed when we are older. Instead of being lonely, we will have many children and grandchildren around to entertain us, bless us and care for us.
100. Raising up a godly seed is laying up treasure in heaven.
101. Having children causes us to depend upon God moment by moment!
After reading all these wonderful reasons, wouldn't you like another baby?

101 Reasons for Having Children

Pinepple Dew Cake Recipe

Pineapple Dew Cake



1 ½ Cups Sugar
2 Eggs
2 Cups Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
½ tsp. Salt
1 Can Crushed Pineapple with Juice
½ Cup Brown Sugar
½ to 1 Cup Chopped Nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, and pineapple. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and nuts on top. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour (toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).

Topping:
1 ½ Sticks of Butter
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 Cup Sugar
1 Can Evaporated Milk

Mix ingredients in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 10 minutes (stirring frequently). Once cake is finished poke holes in it while hot, and pour the topping over it.

I have made this recipe without the nuts (like in the picture) and it is still good. I would have put nuts on the cake, but when I went to the store I looked right at the nuts, but didn't buy them because they weren't on my list. :-)

This recipe was given to me by a co-worker when I was in college.

Pinepple Dew Cake Recipe

Jeans + T-shirt = Diaper

I had an old pair of jeans that had some major wear on the back side, so I thought I would re-purpose them. I used the RRP one-sized fitted diaper pattern found here. I cut the leg of the jeans open and laid the pattern so that the seam of the jeans was in the center of the diaper. Then I used a 100% cotton t-shirt for the inner. The diaper pattern sews up quickly, and I had fun making a "free" diaper. It would need a cover if I were going to use it under pants. However, I think it will look cute during warmer weather if the baby just wears a t-shirt with the diaper.

Jeans + T-shirt = Diaper

Psalm 23

I would like to start making weekly posts with favorite Bible verses, so I will start today. My dad used Psalm 23 today in his sermon this morning, and it brought back memories of when I first memorized it as a child. This verse seems to be used a lot when people are nearing the end of their time on earth, but I think it can have meaning for all of us in our daily lives. We all seem to be looking towards what we have to do next, or trying to find some thing that will fill a need in our lives. However, as the passage below states "I shall not want". If we have the Lord then we should want for nothing. I find much comfort in that.

We also sang one of my favorite contemporary Christian songs today. Shout to the Lord



Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His names sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.

Psalm 23

Airing My "Clean" Laundry

Laundry is on my list of household chores that need improvement. I like to have clean clothes, but ours seem to multiply in the hampers. I have tried several ways to get all of my laundry done each week, but the system that works best is to do 3-4 loads each day. Now, the trick is to actually fold/hang-up the clothes after they are dry. (I won't mention that I have a few loads, from the weekend, that are dry, but need to be folded and put away.)

My favorite way to make sure that this is done is to use my clothesline. I am so much more productive if I have my laundry outside. The kids can play while I am working on this daily chore. Last spring my husband put up a clothesline for me that has 6 lines on it. We could have put the poles farther apart, but this length works for me. I love the way the laundry smells after it has been outside on the line. Everything is fresher, especially the cloth diapers. I fold as I am taking things off the line, or put them on hangers. That way everything is ready to be put away when I get it inside. Another bonus to using a clothesline is the savings on our electric bill.

I haven't gotten to use my clothesline all winter, but Monday was such a gorgeous day that I decided to start back up again. The picture above shows my clothesline with 3 loads on it. Today I was able to get 4 smaller loads hung up. I plan to use my clothesline all spring, summer, and fall if possible.

Airing My "Clean" Laundry

KCK One Cloth Diapers

Last Monday I ordered the KCK One Colossal Kit. The pattern came in PDF form the same day. The kit, which included all of the supplies needed to make three waterproof pocket diapers, arrived Wednesday. I was so excited to get started. I finished the first diaper on Friday and the other two on Saturday. The process went pretty quickly because for each step I did what was required for all three diapers instead of completing one diaper before starting the next.

The great thing about this diaper is that it is designed as a one size fits most diaper. I am hoping they will fit the baby until he is potty trained. I am happy with the way they work. I think my sewing could be better, especially on the welt pocket in the front (where the insert goes), but that will hopefully come with practice. I hope to make more of these. I think they will work well when we are out and about.

Here is a link to a video about how the diaper works for different sizes. Below are some pictures of one of the diapers I made.

KCK One Cloth Diapers

Main Dish Recipes

Easy Lasagna


1 lb. Ground Beef
1 Box Uncooked Lasagna Noodles
1 Quart of Spaghetti Sauce
1 Cup Water
16 oz. Cottage Cheese
8 oz. Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef and drain. Add spaghetti sauce and water. Mix well. Arrange in layers in a 9x13 pan as follows: noodles, cottage cheese, sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese. Repeat. Cover with foil and place on a cookie sheet in the oven for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake a few more minutes to make sure cheese is melted on top.

This is another favorite recipe of our family. I use my home canned spaghetti sauce and I can it in a quart jar. That is why the recipe calls for a jar of sauce.

I think this recipe originally came from my aunt.


Sweet and Sour Pork




• 2 Tbsp. Oil or Bacon Grease
• 3 or 4 Cooked Pork Chops
• ½ of a Green Pepper, chopped
• ½ of a Onion, chopped
• 3 Tbsp. Sugar
• 3 Tbsp. Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
• 1/4 tsp. Ginger
• 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 cup Chopped Pineapple, drained
• Reserved Pineapple Juice
• 1 Tbsp. Cornstarch

Cut the pork into bite sized pieces. I use leftover pork chops that are already cooked. Trim away the fat and bones.

Heat the oil or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and green pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3 or 4 minutes. Add the pork to warm for a minute. Then sprinkle the sugar over top of the contents of the skillet and stir it in.

While the pork and veggies are cooking, measure the pineapple juice. Add enough water to the juice, to measure 3/4 cup liquid, total. Combine this with the vinegar and soy sauce. Add the cornstarch, and stir until it dissolves. Pour this liquid into the skillet after you add the sugar. Measure in the ginger and garlic powder. Stir it all up and allow it to boil. Cook and stir as the sauce boils for one minute. Gently add the pineapple. Serve this over hot bowls of cooked rice.

This recipe is from www.hillbillyhousewife.com . However, the recipe listed above shows many changes I have made to the recipe to make it work for our family.

Main Dish Recipes