I was inspired by this website HOME SANCTUARY TO set up a chore list for me!! I hope this makes me feel on top of my mountain of work!!!

Here is what I came up with for me!!  Have a great day!!!

Dorcas

To my online friends,

I am needing your advice, opinions, and expertise on this subject.

I am strongly considering trying the cloth diaper route this time around!!!

I will say that I am qualified to cloth diaper, As the oldest of 11 children who all wore cloth I’ve pinned a “few”, Hung way more than I care to remember, and folded and folded & folded!! It has been a few years and I’d like to do the more modern version, but I want to be sure it is worth it before I lay out all that money.

I am only planning to do this at home and use Disposables when we are not with in reach of the changing stand:))

THis is were the confusion began, I have a coupon for diapers.com and so I checked out the cloth diaper selection,……ah yah…….!!!

Expensive!!!!!

How do I choose!!!

Expensive!!!!!!

What all goes togeather??????

So I hopped over to e-bay, this was only a little less confusing, It is less expensive to get pre-worn but……

What brand is best?

Should I go with “all in ones”?

What do you use for liners?

Do the diaper covers really work?

Do you still need diaper pins?

I have a friend  here on AMMI makes diaper systems and has written on my blog, ( I made her past posts sticky right below this one) and I am planning to use some of hers but I am still wondering…..

What is the best way to do this?

How do you do it?

Oh yah and here are some more questions that go along with it….

What is your diaper pail system?

What is the best way to get them clean?

Do you have to line dry? (Winter Baby)

I will say that I am qualified to cloth diaper, As the oldest of 11 children who all wore cloth I’ve pinned a “few”, Hung way more than I care to remember, and folded and folded & folded!! It has been a few years and I’d like to do the more modern version, but I want to be sure it is worth it before I lay out all that money.

I am only planning to do this at home and use Disposables when we are not with in reach of the changing stand:))

Just Slightly Confused~~ Dory

Why Use Cloth?~~~By Andrea

Simply put: ‘Go Green, Save Green’. Cloth diapering eliminates the waste of disposables.A disposable diaper can take up to 5 years to decompose in a landfill! How many do we put in there every week? We can greatly reduce this number by using cloth diapers.

Your baby also benefits from the cloth diapers. The natural fibers of cloth are much better for your baby’s skin than the synthetic fibers and chemicals in disposables. (Some chemicals that have been banned from other products because of side effects are still being used in diapers!) The breathability of cloth diapers also helps to prevent diaper rash. Some pediatricians recommend extra breathability when your baby has ‘the runs’. If you’re using disposables, you would have to prick holes in the diaper with a pin. With cloth, simply leave off the waterproof cover!

Another big reason to use cloth is for the sake of your bank account! Looking at the initial cost of starting up your cloth diaper supply, it can look very intimidating. “$300-$600 depending on the system you choose?” you say. Have you ever stopped to add up the cost of buying disposable diapers for one baby? Let’s say you choose to buy the cheapest off-brand diapers available and potty train your baby by age 2. You’ll spend around $900 on diapers in those 2 years. How realistic is this? Many babies will take until age 3 to be fully potty trained and, let’s face it, sometimes those cheap diapers just don’t cut it. On this end of the spectrum, buying name-brand diapers for 3 years can cost $2,000-$2,300!!!

So, now you’re asking the questions: “What diapering systems are available, and How do I choose the right one for me?” Tune in again next week to have these questions answered in Part 2.

Andrea of Mama’s Simple Solutions

By Guest Blogger Andrea~ Of Momma’s Simple Solutions

What is available and how do I choose the right system for me?

There are many varieties of cloth diapers available.  You can choose from economical and slightly more time consuming, or total convenience with more cost.  You can choose from lesser quality with less initial cost, or a higher quality with slightly more initial cost.  And, just about anything in between!  There is no right or wrong way to cloth diaper.  There are pros and cons to each system.  Simply weigh the options and choose what works for you.  I will say that, in my experience, even the most expensive cloth diaper options are much more budget-friendly than the cheapest disposables–even if you only use your cloth set for one child!

We’ll start with the most economical form of cloth diapering–pre-folds with a cover!  Even with the pre-folds, you have lots of options.  You can buy very inexpensive diapers that may need to be replaced already before the first baby is potty trained.  Or, you can buy diaper service quality pre-folds which are likely to last for the second baby.  You can buy traditional rectangular pre-folds, contour pre-folds, or the tapered pre-folds available here on the A Mommy Made It website.  The rectangular pre-folds are the cheapest option, and also the most bulky.  The contour pre-folds are the most expensive option and the most trim, but they tend to be leaky.  The tapered pre-folds are a happy medium between these two extremes.
The other option that you have with pre-folds is your choice of pins, snappies, or simply folding the diaper into thirds and laying it down the center of a wrap-style cover.  The wrap-style cover without pins or snappies is similar to using a pocket diaper or all-in-one, but is less expensive and less laundry.  However, you will need to change the cover more often than you typically will with a pinned or snappied diaper as solid waste tends to squeeze out the sides of the diaper more when done this way.  (If you have a good cover, you still won’t be likely to have leaks on your baby’s clothes, just on the cover.)
You also have your choice of covers:  vinyl pants, wrap-style covers (waterproof or fleece), or pant-style wool soakers.  Vinyl pants are probably the best for containing messes and least initial cost.  However, they do not breathe at all, and wear out quickly.  They will need to be replaced often enough that if you’re concerned about cost, it’s much better to purchase higher quality covers.  In my opinion, the most cost-effective option is the waterproof wrap-style cover with the adjustable rise.  These covers can be used so long before your baby outgrows them that you don’t have to invest in so many different sizes, or find a place to store them when you’re not using them.  And, they are available right here at A Mommy Made It!

Another diaper option is the fitted diaper.  These diapers come in a variety of sizes and are very cute!  They are a thick diaper, made to fit your baby like a disposable.  They do not have a waterproof outer layer.  Fitted diapers are thick enough that, if changed often enough, a cover is not always necessary.  This is great for in the summer time when a breathable diaper helps to prevent diaper rash or for when your baby has ‘the runs’ and you need to leave off the waterproof cover to allow his skin to breathe.  They are typically more expensive than pre-folds, but not as expensive as all-in-ones–similar to a contour diaper.  With these diapers, you will need to purchase a variety of sizes from newborn up to toddler size.  You may choose to have a few covers on hand to use for overnight, nap time, and trips–any time when your baby will be in the same diaper for an extended period of time.  Because of their thickness, these diapers have a longer drying time than the pre-folds.

The next option is the all-in-one.  This diaper is literally a washable disposable!  It is every bit as easy to put on your baby!  It is made just like a disposable–with a stay-dry layer against baby’s skin, an absorbent core, a waterproof outer layer, and snap or velcro closures–the only difference is these are washable!  These are probably your most expensive option–especially if you choose the organic option.  However, if this is what appeals to you, remember that you still spend far less on these than on disposables!  The one thing to consider with these diapers is that this amount of material layered together–particularly with a waterproof layer on one side–makes it difficult to thoroughly sanitize the diaper and they are more likely to hold an odor.  They also have a much longer drying time.  If this seems troublesome to you, look to the pocket diaper!  These diapers will also need to be purchased in a variety of sizes ranging from newborn to toddler.

Which brings us to the last style we will discuss.  The pocket diaper is essentially the same as the all-in-one, only it has an opening at one end through which to remove the inner absorbent layer for washing!  This makes it possible for a more thorough cleaning and a quicker drying time.  It also allows for an adjustable rise which eliminates the need for multiple sets of diapers in a variety of sizes.  The same diaper will fit your baby from birth to potty training, eliminating the extra expense and clutter!  Simply adjust the rise to fit, and customize the amount of absorbency required for your baby.  This custom absorbency is very convenient for heavy wetters–simply add more to your absorbent core;  and for light wetters, decrease the core for a more trim-fitting diaper.

If you have further questions on diapering styles and systems, I will be happy to answer them for you in the comment section.  Tune in next week for care instructions of different diapering options.  Happy diapering!

Andrea of Mama’s Simple Solutions

Cloth Diapering–Final Chapter

So, how do I get the most life out of my diapers?  The answer to this question depends a lot on the type of diapers you use.  A basic answer is: Any diapers will last longer if line dried vs. drying in the dryer.

Some of the differences:  If you use vinyl pants for a waterproof cover, NEVER dry in the dryer!  Also, when washing, you can extend their life by placing them in a lingerie bag, and always washing on WARM rather than either HOT or COLD.
If you use a wrap-style cover made from PUL, mostly line-drying is good, but they should be dried on medium heat in the dryer at least once a month.  PUL is self-healing and the warm dryer will help any small holes or stretch marks to ‘heal’ and your cover will be waterproof again. (This also applies to pocket diapers and AIOs.)
Any type of diaper should be washed with a minimal amount (1/4 strength) of additive-free detergent.  Detergents can build up in the diapers and decrease absorbency.  If you feel that you need more detergent to get the diapers completely clean, you can give them an extra rinse to decrease build-up.  If you feel that they have gotten a build-up and need to be stripped down, simply add 1 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle.  Then run another rinse cycle with clear water.  This may need to be done regularly–maybe as often as once a month–with any covers or diapers made with PUL.  A detergent build-up on PUL will cause leakage.
Wool covers will need to be re-lanolinized periodically.  Lanolin is naturally present in wool and this is what makes these covers water resistant.  However, multiple washings will remove the lanolin and it will need to be replaced. This is done by washing them with a lanolin wash.  This specialty wash is available on most cloth diapering websites and in some specialty stores.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.  I am happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Thanks for reading and HAPPY CLOTH DIAPERING!!!

Andrea of ~Mama’s Simple Solutions

Andrea is on of the Mom’s who makes a product to sell at the Mommy Made It Store Be sure to check out her line of cloth diapering necessities and accessories.

Starting today we will feature a MOM  from our own store here at A Mommy Made It!! Stop back each week to see who the MOM of the Week is!! See the ” Shop Mommy Made” Button in the Left hand Upper corner!! That will take you to The Shoppe!!! All of our moms have bios on the right hand side of the page Just click on their name!!

Today I’ll begin with:

Mama’s Simple Solutions

Hi!  My name is Andrea.  I am a Work-at-Home-Mom from Va.  I am passionate about cloth diapers.  My son, Sean (1), loves his own cloth diapers and cries when I put disposables on him to go to “Papaw & Nana’s house” in PA.

Sean loves when Mama is at home and he likes to play “in the sewing room while Mama sews pretty diapers”!

Sewing is therapeutic for me.  When I have a stressful day—you Moms out there all know about stressful days—I can sew a handful of diapers and the stress evaporates!

My goal is to provide you with a quality product that is fun, easy and affordable.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

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Andrea has a line of cloth diapers here at our store!! We are excited to be able to offer this “green” alternative to disposable diaper, and help a Stay at home Mom!!

Andrea has everything you need to outfit your diaper bag, from wet wipes, wet diaper baggie, pocket diapers, pre-folds, & diaper covers!! To see Andrea’s products click on the ” Shop Mommy Made” button in the upper left hand corner. All of Andrea’s products are under the children Button!! Just Look for her name!!

Please comment back and let Andrea know what you think of her diapers!!! Also  share our link with a friend who may be interested in cloth diapering!!

Don’t forget to see Andrea’s three part post here on how to chose the best diapering system for you!

Have a great Day!!

Dorcas

This morning my little guy woke up before I could even get his dad off to work, and he was not about to be convinced that it was to early to be up!!!

So he snuggled on my lap while I drank my coffee, and he snuck down the hall to see if just maybe big brother was out of bed. He kept asking in his cute way if he could watch a movie till big brother woke up, but that is not our morning policy so he snuggled a little more, then played with the tape dispenser ( it has floaty things in it).

I could see he was getting bored, so I asked him if he wanted to color, no, did he want to cut, yes, so he sneaked to his bedroom and got his siccors and came back. Quickly I looked for some scrap paper, but all I saw was the weekly flyer for my favorite grocery store, but since I had already done my shopping last eve I really didn’t need it. “Here you can cut out, all the pretty pictures out off this”, He grinned and sat right down!!

As he was cutting his little brain stumbled across a question he had, ” why do some people need cheering up”? “I’m not sure Some times they are sad I guess”, I answered.  Then he said   ” Ya, they just need to take a deep breath, That is what I do when I need to cheer up”!! I had to try really hard to not laugh, “Yes I said that might help”!! This question was after the question about: why his aunt’s baby died, why roses are called flowers, why daddy goes to work, why daddy mixes spray at work, How big was our baby, could he get small again to get inside mommy so he could see it, What does raw meat mean, is turkey meat good for you, what does yo-yo mean? All these question before 8:30 am, I’m so glad that my child is healthy and inquisitive, but some times……Wow!!!!!

When you see life through a child’s Eye it is not really so simple!!!!

Have a great Day

Dorcas

Do you have your children do chores around the house? We do here. I have a chore/job list for each boy and they must finish it before doing “fun” stuff like swimming.

We also pay them allowance based on some of the jobs on the chart. We do not pay for cleaning up after yourself.

Here are a few pictures of things our boys do:) sorry about the picture quality:(

Make their beds, and pick up the dirty clothes in their room,

Lil Guy takes the clothes hampers to the laundry room.

Big guy Feeds the dog, checks for chicken eggs,

Waters House plants and Occasionally does some trim mowing.

They work together on the dishwasher three times a week.

Big guy Practices piano everyday.

They work together to fold a basket of wash twice a week,

and they have to organize the toy corner twice a week.

Little guy also empties small trash cans once a week and waters some outside plants with the hose.

Big guy vacuums the hardwood floors twice a week and the carpet twice a week.

If they are feeling motivated they easily accomplish this in an hour.

We use the allowance money as an opportunity to teach saving and healthy spending, as well as an

“attitude adjuster” at times by docking for sassing and back-talking,

I have been surprised at how much better they get along when they have to work and not just play all day!

What Chores do your children do and what tips can you share?

Dorcas

It is not even 8:30 am here yet but I have already had to face my biggest giant~ the checking account~ I hate that thing,  it is a never ending battle to keep it happy!!!  I try not to let it stress me out, its hard but I try!!! This morning after I was done scheduling bills and writing checks and praying that everything works out, I hopped over to a friends blog and found just the pick me up I needed,  a reminder to savor the small moments in life!!

So this morning I’m going to share my Savory list:))

Boys sleeping in! All the way to 8:31

A coffee maker, and being able to smell it with out visiting the ceramic throne!

A healthy Garden, And a hubby who takes out unwanted furry visitors!!

Sunshine!

A God fearing extended family who care about my family!

And of course jobs, to keep the hungry checking account happy, skinny but happy!!

What are you savoring this morning?

Have a tasty Day:)

Dorcas

Admin

I feel that I owe my faithful readers an explanation for the long silence on here!!! Hopefully the picture below will explain it all:)

Have a wonderful and productive day and stay tuned for more posts!!

Thanks for your ,

Dorcas

Admin

Hi folks!

My name is Marissa. I live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia!

God has chosen 3 little boys for us to teach and cherish. I enjoy pleasure reading,

sight-seeing, scrap-booking and keeping up with family & friends; as well as sewing!

My mother and older sister had the patience to teach me basic sewing on

little blankets, doll clothes, etc. I am excited about being able to supplement my

husband’s income, with something I’ve enjoyed doing since I was just a young girl!

The plastic bag holders are simple to make, yet very useful. I mean, everyone ends up collecting bags!

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These very handy & cute bag holders are available in our store!!

Click the “Shop mommy made” at the upper left hand corner of our blog and look in the kitchen section!!!

We love to hear your comments!!

Dorcas

I am “Mama” in a family that embraces 8 children,

one son-in-law and two grandchildren.

Our 7th child, Ethan, was born with

cerebral palsy eleven years ago.

He has changed our lives and our perspective of life,

drastically. About 6 years ago, as I sat by his bedside,

during and after hours of seizure sessions,

I worked out my prayers by crocheting rag rugs.

Although his seizure activity was eventually (virtually)

controlled, I have continued this creative endeavor and

use it as a time of prayer, often for the one for which I am

crocheting.  I have made nearly 50 rugs in the last 5 years or so.

Almost all of them were gifts.

In order to aid us in meeting Ethan’s special needs,

I opened a small second-hand store 3 years ago,  at our

residence.    The contents of S.H.A.R.E.

(Second Hand And Remember Ethan)

are donated,  and are “sold” on a donation basis, as well.

Proceeds from the crocheted rag rugs that I sell

are also deposited into Ethan’s account to help pay

for his therapy and equipment.

I invite you to visit Ethan at:

http://ethansrainbowconnection.blogspot.com/

And, see the process of my rugs at :

http://ragrugreverie.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

SHARE is open to anyone, anytime.

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These are pictures of Leslie’s Most recent Rug!!

This Rug measures 43 1/2″ long by 28″ wide oval.

The Price is 70.00

This Price includes shipping.  If you would like this rug to grace your home,

just leave a comment and I’ll contact you with

instructions for payment!!

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When Leslie Said she Prays For people As she Crochet, That is true!!

As Leslie Crochet this rug she prayer for my grandma and our family.

My Grandmother was very low and the doctors did not give us much hope.

Today I am Glad to say that by Gods Grace she is still with us and Doing Much Much Better.

There were many people praying for her, people I don’t even know,

But Today my heartfelt THANKS goes to Leslie for caring and praying for someone she has never met!!

Have A Wonderful Day!! Do not forget to pray for those you love!!

Dorcas

Ps:) Don’t forget to go the “shop mommy made” button at the top left of the blog

to see other MOM Made products!!