This is my first new recipe that I learned. I grew up eating this wonderful dish, and I finally got my mom to email me the recipe. It’s not nearly as hard as I thought it would be.
3 boneless chicken breasts
1 medium onion
4 T EVOO or 4 T butter
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 medium can chicken broth
2 cans green chilies
12 corn tortillas cut into quarters
3 C shredded cheese
Cook the chicken breasts. Sauté onions in butter until tender. Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced chilies, and 1 1/2 C cheese to the onions. Mix. Cut the chicken breasts into chunks, and add them to the soup mixture. In a 9x13 baking dish pour a small amount of the soup mixture without the chicken onto the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange a layer of the quartered corn tortillas. (About 16 quarters.) Pour half of the soup mixture onto the layer of corn tortillas. Arrange another layer of corn tortillas and pour the rest of the soup mixture on top of that layer. Arrange a final layer of corn tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of those tortillas. Bake for 30 minutes in a 325 degree oven.
Hints:
Chicken breasts take longer to cook than it does to make the soup mixture, so start them first, before you do anything else.
I cook the chicken breasts in a frying pan on the stove, and add salt to help flavor the chicken a little. Turn them often so as to not burn the outside.
I use chicken stock instead of broth, because I have tons of it for my chicken noodle soup. My stock is in the quart size boxes, so I measure some of it into a cream of chicken soup can to get the right amount.
Green chilies are different than jalapeños, as Michael and I discovered the first time I made this.
The tortillas can be frozen, but are easier to cut if they are thawed just a little.
The more cheese, the better, especially if you take the time to shred it yourself.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Three Finished Goals
It’s been a while since I posted due to having Miss Leah. During that time, I have finished three more of my goals. We bought a house. Yay! I made two very basic scrapbooks, which I gave to my parents for Christmas. And, I organized the shoes by the front door.
I have a lot to say about the process of buying a house, and all of the drama that goes into finally owning a house, but that’s going to take more than one post, so those are to come later.
The scrapbooks were 6 X 6 pages, which I could not find paper for, so I had to cut 12 X 12 pages into four pieces. All of the pictures I had were 4 X 6, so I had to cut those down as well. It took forever, but I had fun, and I think they turned out nice.
I have two shoe hangers that I put in our coat closet, which is right next to the front door. I put the shoes that we have worn recently on the floor next to the door, and the shoes that we won’t be wearing until the summer in the shoe hangers. It looks so much better.
I have a lot to say about the process of buying a house, and all of the drama that goes into finally owning a house, but that’s going to take more than one post, so those are to come later.
The scrapbooks were 6 X 6 pages, which I could not find paper for, so I had to cut 12 X 12 pages into four pieces. All of the pictures I had were 4 X 6, so I had to cut those down as well. It took forever, but I had fun, and I think they turned out nice.
I have two shoe hangers that I put in our coat closet, which is right next to the front door. I put the shoes that we have worn recently on the floor next to the door, and the shoes that we won’t be wearing until the summer in the shoe hangers. It looks so much better.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Attempt #1 at the No Spend Month
I call this an attempt, because in my opinion, we failed, but we learned a lot from trying this, and it’s amazing how we are able to keep applying all the things we learned from this little money experiment. Just to summarize what a No Spend Month is, because most people think it means not spending any money at all, you pay all your bills and take care of any emergencies that happen in your life. The part where you try to not spend is on things where you have to consciously decide if you want to buy it or not. Examples of these things are gas, food, clothes, outings, etc.
So, we took our food budget, which was still very high from when we were using formula with Lizzy, and cut it almost in half. Then we used it for all of the above mentioned things. We cut back on driving as much as we could, so that we could stretch a tank of gas to two weeks, which is annoyingly hard, because it meant less trips to Salt Lake. If we wanted a treat, we’d either buy it at the grocery store or go super cheap at a fast food place. I tried to make sure that we always had enough food at home so that there was no excuse to go eat out. We actually liked most of these changes, so we’re going to stick with them for a while.
As for the part where we failed, at the very end of the month, we had spent more on food and gas than we budgeted. It was still significantly less than previous months, but part of that was from eating out occasionally, which I think we can easily eliminate for one month when I am no longer exhausted from being pregnant.
We gained a lot from this experience. We were able to buy new tires for the car with cash, because we weren’t spending that money on frivolous things. And, we got a dehydrator so we could add food to our food storage, however, I have eaten all of the food we dried already. It’s just too tasty.
So, we took our food budget, which was still very high from when we were using formula with Lizzy, and cut it almost in half. Then we used it for all of the above mentioned things. We cut back on driving as much as we could, so that we could stretch a tank of gas to two weeks, which is annoyingly hard, because it meant less trips to Salt Lake. If we wanted a treat, we’d either buy it at the grocery store or go super cheap at a fast food place. I tried to make sure that we always had enough food at home so that there was no excuse to go eat out. We actually liked most of these changes, so we’re going to stick with them for a while.
As for the part where we failed, at the very end of the month, we had spent more on food and gas than we budgeted. It was still significantly less than previous months, but part of that was from eating out occasionally, which I think we can easily eliminate for one month when I am no longer exhausted from being pregnant.
We gained a lot from this experience. We were able to buy new tires for the car with cash, because we weren’t spending that money on frivolous things. And, we got a dehydrator so we could add food to our food storage, however, I have eaten all of the food we dried already. It’s just too tasty.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ghost Costume
I finally finished another goal! And it’s a cute one at that. Earlier this year, Lizzy decided that playing under blankets and sheets was the most fun thing in the world, so I decided she would be a really cute ghost. I designed the costume and Lizzy and I picked out the material together. It is made out of two layers of fleece so that if it snows this Halloween, she’ll be nice and warm. The hardest part was lining the arm holes. If I ever make this again, I’m going to use a scrap of fleece instead of the ½” biased tape that was almost impossible to sew to the fleece.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Project Noah
“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” – D&C 38:30
“Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food… and were debt free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: They have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food free.” – President Thomas S. Monson, Church News, May 12, 2001, 7
When we were in the Aspen 2nd Ward, they gave us Project Noah. It is a way to build up your one year emergency food, water, and supplies. This outlines what one adult will need. You can add more for more people and anything you may need for children and your own special needs. Once you have everything, you must rotate items so that food doesn’t spoil and supplies don’t wear out.
We have been using these guidelines to buy food in bulk when it is super cheap. Occasionally Costco has really good sales on baking goods where you can get white flour, rice, baking soda and powder, brown sugar, etc. When Macey’s had their huge case lot sale, we stocked up on green beans, corn, apple sauce, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. While we are doing things out of order, we are getting the things we use daily first.
January
“No man is truly free who is in financial bondage. Think what you do when you run into debt,’ said Benjamin Franklin, ‘you give another power over your liberty.’” – President Ezra Taft Benson
Goal: Develop a budget and stay within it this month.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 5 gallons of water
Week 2: 5 gallons of water
Week 3: 2 dozen candles
Week 4: 4 boxes of matches
PLUS: 1 box of band aids and 1 tube of antibiotic ointment
February
“I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for that morning and evening practice of kneeling together-father, mother and children.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: Join with your family in prayer morning and evening each day this month.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 25 pounds of sugar
Week 2: 2-3 pounds of shortening
Week 3: 15 pounds of cornmeal
Week 4: 10 pounds of rice
PLUS: 1 flashlight and 1 package of paper plates
March
“This is a competitive world. You need all the education you can get. The Lord wants you to educate your mind and your heart. It does not matter what field you choose, but become a (worker) of integrity, prepared to contribute to the world.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: This month further your education by developing or improving a skill.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 1 large box baking powder
Week 2: 1 gallon cider vinegar
Week 3: 1 large box baking soda
Week 4: 1 gallon of bleach
PLUS: 6 rolls of toilet paper
April
“I like to compare the home evening with an umbrella. If the umbrella is not opened, it can give little protection from the storms of nature. Likewise, God given plans are of little value unless they are used.” – President Spencer W. Kimball
Goal: This month have Family Home Evening every week.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 6 cans of soup
Week 2: 10 cans of tuna fish
Week 3: 10 cans of applesauce
Week 4: 1 #10 can of whole wheat
PLUS: 1 can opener and 1 package of paper cups
May
“The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation as boarding the Ark was to the people in the days of Noah.” – President Ezra Taft Benson
Goal: This month prepare one 72-hour emergency kit.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 1 pound dried fruit
Week 2: 10 cans of pork and beans
Week 3: 1 large can hot cocoa mix
Week 4: 1 pound of honey
PLUS: 1 small bottle of olive oil (for consecrating)
June
“If we are a temple going people, we will be a better people. I know your lives are busy, I know you have much to do. But I will make you a promise that if you will go to the House of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: This month attend the temple once more than you have been going.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 2 – 42 oz. boxes of oatmeal
Week 2: 10 pounds of brown sugar
Week 3: 10 cans of evaporated milk
Week 4: 12 cans of vegetables
PLUS: 4 bars of soap
July
“The responsibility for each person’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical or economic well-being rests first upon himself, second upon his family and third upon the Church, if he is a faithful member thereof.” – President Spencer W. Kimball
Goal: This month, do something for a member of your family to show them they are loved and accepted as a child of God.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 10 pounds of split peas or lentils
Week 2: 3 pounds of pasta
Week 3: 1 large can fruit drink mix
Week 4: 2 large cans of pumpkin
PLUS: 1 box garbage bags and 1 package plastic utensils
August
“We should seek to know more about ourselves and our bodies, about what is most conducive to health and how to preserve health and how to avoid disease; and what to eat and what to drink, and what to abstain from taking into our systems.” – President John Taylor
Goal: This month, team up with a friend or family member and exercise 30 minutes a day, three times a week.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 2 pounds dried nuts
Week 2: 3 jars assorted spices
Week 3: 1 gallon liquid detergent
Week 4: 5 pounds of salt
PLUS: 1 Book of Mormon
September
“And if it so be that ye should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” – D&C 18:15
Goal: This month invite a friend or neighbor who is not a member of our Church to Family Home Evening or a Church meeting or activity.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 25 pounds of white flour
Week 2: 10 pounds of pinto beans
Week 3: 10 pounds of macaroni
Week 4: 12 cans of tomato sauce
PLUS: 1 battery powered radio
October
“Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study, and also by faith.” – D&C 88:118
Goal: This month read a good book and share it with your family.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 24 packages of Ramen noodles
Week 2: 6 cans of chili
Week 3: 6 cans of stew
Week 4: 12 packages of Jell-o
PLUS: 1 large bag of hard candy
November
“Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day. It’s Heavenly Father’s special gift to you. By following it’s teachings you will learn to do the will of our Father in Heaven.” – President Ezra Taft Benson
Goal: This month read one chapter of the Book of Mormon each day.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 2 jars (50 cubes) of bouillon
Week 2: 10 pounds of popcorn
Week 3: 10 4-oz packages of pudding mix
Week 4: 4 cans of chicken or turkey
PLUS: Feminine hygiene needs
December
“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking of ourselves.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: This month participate in a Humanitarian Project.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 3 pounds of jam or jelly
Week 2: 12 cans of tomatoes
Week 3: 12 cans of fruit
Week 4: 2.5 pounds of peanut butter
PLUS: 1 toothbrush and toothpaste
“The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes….
“We can begin with one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month and then to three months…. I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.
“Begin in a small way,… and gradually build toward a reasonable objective.”
- President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, Nov. 2002, 58.
“Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food… and were debt free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: They have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food free.” – President Thomas S. Monson, Church News, May 12, 2001, 7
When we were in the Aspen 2nd Ward, they gave us Project Noah. It is a way to build up your one year emergency food, water, and supplies. This outlines what one adult will need. You can add more for more people and anything you may need for children and your own special needs. Once you have everything, you must rotate items so that food doesn’t spoil and supplies don’t wear out.
We have been using these guidelines to buy food in bulk when it is super cheap. Occasionally Costco has really good sales on baking goods where you can get white flour, rice, baking soda and powder, brown sugar, etc. When Macey’s had their huge case lot sale, we stocked up on green beans, corn, apple sauce, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. While we are doing things out of order, we are getting the things we use daily first.
January
“No man is truly free who is in financial bondage. Think what you do when you run into debt,’ said Benjamin Franklin, ‘you give another power over your liberty.’” – President Ezra Taft Benson
Goal: Develop a budget and stay within it this month.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 5 gallons of water
Week 2: 5 gallons of water
Week 3: 2 dozen candles
Week 4: 4 boxes of matches
PLUS: 1 box of band aids and 1 tube of antibiotic ointment
February
“I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for that morning and evening practice of kneeling together-father, mother and children.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: Join with your family in prayer morning and evening each day this month.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 25 pounds of sugar
Week 2: 2-3 pounds of shortening
Week 3: 15 pounds of cornmeal
Week 4: 10 pounds of rice
PLUS: 1 flashlight and 1 package of paper plates
March
“This is a competitive world. You need all the education you can get. The Lord wants you to educate your mind and your heart. It does not matter what field you choose, but become a (worker) of integrity, prepared to contribute to the world.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: This month further your education by developing or improving a skill.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 1 large box baking powder
Week 2: 1 gallon cider vinegar
Week 3: 1 large box baking soda
Week 4: 1 gallon of bleach
PLUS: 6 rolls of toilet paper
April
“I like to compare the home evening with an umbrella. If the umbrella is not opened, it can give little protection from the storms of nature. Likewise, God given plans are of little value unless they are used.” – President Spencer W. Kimball
Goal: This month have Family Home Evening every week.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 6 cans of soup
Week 2: 10 cans of tuna fish
Week 3: 10 cans of applesauce
Week 4: 1 #10 can of whole wheat
PLUS: 1 can opener and 1 package of paper cups
May
“The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation as boarding the Ark was to the people in the days of Noah.” – President Ezra Taft Benson
Goal: This month prepare one 72-hour emergency kit.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 1 pound dried fruit
Week 2: 10 cans of pork and beans
Week 3: 1 large can hot cocoa mix
Week 4: 1 pound of honey
PLUS: 1 small bottle of olive oil (for consecrating)
June
“If we are a temple going people, we will be a better people. I know your lives are busy, I know you have much to do. But I will make you a promise that if you will go to the House of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: This month attend the temple once more than you have been going.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 2 – 42 oz. boxes of oatmeal
Week 2: 10 pounds of brown sugar
Week 3: 10 cans of evaporated milk
Week 4: 12 cans of vegetables
PLUS: 4 bars of soap
July
“The responsibility for each person’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical or economic well-being rests first upon himself, second upon his family and third upon the Church, if he is a faithful member thereof.” – President Spencer W. Kimball
Goal: This month, do something for a member of your family to show them they are loved and accepted as a child of God.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 10 pounds of split peas or lentils
Week 2: 3 pounds of pasta
Week 3: 1 large can fruit drink mix
Week 4: 2 large cans of pumpkin
PLUS: 1 box garbage bags and 1 package plastic utensils
August
“We should seek to know more about ourselves and our bodies, about what is most conducive to health and how to preserve health and how to avoid disease; and what to eat and what to drink, and what to abstain from taking into our systems.” – President John Taylor
Goal: This month, team up with a friend or family member and exercise 30 minutes a day, three times a week.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 2 pounds dried nuts
Week 2: 3 jars assorted spices
Week 3: 1 gallon liquid detergent
Week 4: 5 pounds of salt
PLUS: 1 Book of Mormon
September
“And if it so be that ye should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” – D&C 18:15
Goal: This month invite a friend or neighbor who is not a member of our Church to Family Home Evening or a Church meeting or activity.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 25 pounds of white flour
Week 2: 10 pounds of pinto beans
Week 3: 10 pounds of macaroni
Week 4: 12 cans of tomato sauce
PLUS: 1 battery powered radio
October
“Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study, and also by faith.” – D&C 88:118
Goal: This month read a good book and share it with your family.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 24 packages of Ramen noodles
Week 2: 6 cans of chili
Week 3: 6 cans of stew
Week 4: 12 packages of Jell-o
PLUS: 1 large bag of hard candy
November
“Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day. It’s Heavenly Father’s special gift to you. By following it’s teachings you will learn to do the will of our Father in Heaven.” – President Ezra Taft Benson
Goal: This month read one chapter of the Book of Mormon each day.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 2 jars (50 cubes) of bouillon
Week 2: 10 pounds of popcorn
Week 3: 10 4-oz packages of pudding mix
Week 4: 4 cans of chicken or turkey
PLUS: Feminine hygiene needs
December
“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking of ourselves.” – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Goal: This month participate in a Humanitarian Project.
For Your Cupboard:
Week 1: 3 pounds of jam or jelly
Week 2: 12 cans of tomatoes
Week 3: 12 cans of fruit
Week 4: 2.5 pounds of peanut butter
PLUS: 1 toothbrush and toothpaste
“The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes….
“We can begin with one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month and then to three months…. I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.
“Begin in a small way,… and gradually build toward a reasonable objective.”
- President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, Nov. 2002, 58.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
My First Snap Project
Last month, I participated in a co-op to get snaps for 40% off the normal price. I, also, got snap pliers and an awl for 30% off the normal price. I got my snaps on Monday, so I was very eager to learn how to use them and get started on my first project. The hook and loop on some of our Bumgenius 4.0s has been coming apart, making the diapers useless. I tried to sew it back on, but PUL is very sticky and I couldn’t get it to slide easily when I took the extension table off. So, I found this tutorial about how to convert the hook and loop to snaps. It took me about an hour to do the whole thing, and since I wasn’t at a sewing machine, I got to watch TV at the same time. Now I have another working diaper and I hope this means less washing. My next project will be to finish all of the newborn diapers. I'm going to make all of them with snaps, because I'm sick of how much effort it takes to keep hook and loop nice.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
My Quiet Day
I’ve been getting very frustrated lately, mostly because I’m so tired. I’ve raised my voice way too much, so I decided that I would spend a whole day whispering and talking quietly. I still got frustrated, but rather than getting louder and louder, I got softer and softer, and sometimes I just wouldn’t say anything. Like once, when Lizzy head butted my nose so hard that it made my eyes water. Normally I would very loudly say, “Ow, that hurts!” But instead, I said nothing, held my nose until it stopped hurting, and then kept cuddling and playing with Lizzy.
Lizzy was still her rambunctious self, but she seemed to be happier, and I was better able to understand what she wanted. I was so quiet throughout the day, that when Michael came home, his regular speaking voice seemed very loud. When Michael was doing the dishes, rather than raise my voice so he could hear me over all the noise that causes, I decided to wait until he was done to tell him what was on my mind. I feel like my voice got a nice break, and my family really enjoyed the calmness it brought into the house.
Lizzy was still her rambunctious self, but she seemed to be happier, and I was better able to understand what she wanted. I was so quiet throughout the day, that when Michael came home, his regular speaking voice seemed very loud. When Michael was doing the dishes, rather than raise my voice so he could hear me over all the noise that causes, I decided to wait until he was done to tell him what was on my mind. I feel like my voice got a nice break, and my family really enjoyed the calmness it brought into the house.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Fix the Hem on Michael's Shorts
Michael asked me to let out the hem on his shorts, because they had shrunk and were starting to look like short shorts. I tore out the stitching, and sewed a new hem, adding about an inch to the length. They look a lot better now. I finished this goal on September 9, 2011.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
101 Goals in 1001 Days
I found this and thought it would be great for me. Basically, set 101 goals to accomplish over the next 1001 days, which ends up being about 2 3/4 years. It gives you the flexibility to get the small things done and plan out the big things as well. Also, have fun with it. Don't just make everything something serious to accomplish. I think my favorite goal that I've seen someone set so far was "Start a fire with a magnifying glass." Here are my goals.
Start Date: Sept. 9, 2011
End Date: June 5, 2014
1. Fix the hem on Michael’s shorts. (9/10/2011)
2. Make 36 newborn diapers.
3. Make Lizzy’s Halloween costume. (10/25/2011)
4. Organize fabric.
5. Read the New Testament.
6. Read the Old Testament.
7. Finish reading Sense and Sensibility.
8. Finish Lizzy’s dress.
9. Memorize Reverie.
10. Go to Bryce Canyon.
11. Grow a garden.
12. Buy a house. (12/1/11)
13. Get out of debt.
14. Buy a second car.
15. Print wedding pictures.
16. Strictly follow Dr. Gunn’s diet for 1 month.
17. Teach Lizzy how to read.
18. Finish Lizzy’s first year book.
19. Make a first year book for Leah.
20. Finish first scrapbook. (12/24/11)
21. Don’t eat ice cream for 1 month. (1/1/12)
22. Don’t eat sugar for 2 weeks.
23. Lose baby weight.
24. Decide on a date night.
25. Graduate from college.
26. Go to the temple 25 times. 24 to go.
27. Enroll Lizzy in dance lessons.
28. Make Lizzy and Leah Easter dresses.
29. Make 10 small diapers.
30. Make 10 large diapers.
31. Learn 10 new recipes. #1
32. Get a year supply of food storage.
33. Do the dishes everyday for a week.
34. Go on a family bike ride.
35. Watch Stargate: Atlantis.
36. Finish the campaign for Starcraft 2.
37. Make 72 hour kits.
38. Have 10 songs memorized at once.
39. Teach Lizzy the alphabet.
40. Teach Leah the alphabet.
41. Potty train Lizzy.
42. Go on a church tour.
43. Plant a flower garden.
44. Spend a day with each of my siblings.
45. Go on a special trip with just Michael.
46. Go on a hike.
47. Have a family picture taken and hang it on the wall.
48. Have FHE every week for 3 months.
49. Don’t drink soda for 6 months.
50. Have a concert for friends and family with my 10 songs.
51. Read the Book of Mormon.
52. Host a sewing retreat.
53. Pay for someone else’s food in the drive thru.
54. Complete visiting teaching every month for a year.
55. Pray every night for 3 months.
56. Learn how to wash diapers by hand.
57. Practice washing laundry by hand for 2 weeks.
58. Organize important documents in a fireproof box.
59. Learn how to make my mom’s bread.
60. Make a snowman with the girls.
61. Visit a state I have never been to.
62. Get my extra license.
63. Read my ham radio manual.
64. Play through the entire hymn book.
65. Play through the entire primary song book.
66. Get Lizzy down for bed by 8 pm for 2 weeks.
67. Go to the Days of ’47 Parade.
68. Have a 4th of July party.
69. Do our own fireworks show to music.
70. Write my memoires from high school graduation until the present.
71. Make a popcorn chain for the Christmas tree.
72. Make juice popsicles and eat them with the girls.
73. Complete 1 “no spend” month. Attempt #1
74. Get all my scales up to 120.
75. Go see the lights at temple square as a family.
76. Go to a Jon Schmidt concert.
77. Read the constitution.
78. Organize the shoes by the door. (12/24/11)
79. Make a piñata.
80. Make play dough.
81. Donate to the perpetual education fund.
82. Give someone in need $100.
83. Start a savings account for Lizzy and Leah.
84. Get a 3 month savings.
85. Learn how to play all the board games we own.
86. See the tulips at Thanksgiving Point.
87. Go on 25 dates with Michael. 24 to go.
88. Learn to play 3 hymns on the guitar.
89. Finish crocheting a blanket.
90. Don’t say anything negative about anyone, including myself, for 2 weeks.
91. Don’t whine for 2 weeks.
92. Read the Doctrine and Covenants.
93. Learn Spanish.
94. Get a 10 gallon salt water fish tank.
95. Organize the filing cabinet.
96. Make my own granola.
97. Go to bed by 10 pm every night for 2 weeks.
98. Visit Arches National Park.
99. Visit Dinosaur National Monument.
100. Ride on the Heber Valley Railroad.
101. Go on a drive in the mountains in the fall. Collect pretty leaves to press.
Start Date: Sept. 9, 2011
End Date: June 5, 2014
1. Fix the hem on Michael’s shorts. (9/10/2011)
2. Make 36 newborn diapers.
3. Make Lizzy’s Halloween costume. (10/25/2011)
4. Organize fabric.
5. Read the New Testament.
6. Read the Old Testament.
7. Finish reading Sense and Sensibility.
8. Finish Lizzy’s dress.
9. Memorize Reverie.
10. Go to Bryce Canyon.
11. Grow a garden.
12. Buy a house. (12/1/11)
13. Get out of debt.
14. Buy a second car.
15. Print wedding pictures.
16. Strictly follow Dr. Gunn’s diet for 1 month.
17. Teach Lizzy how to read.
18. Finish Lizzy’s first year book.
19. Make a first year book for Leah.
20. Finish first scrapbook. (12/24/11)
21. Don’t eat ice cream for 1 month. (1/1/12)
22. Don’t eat sugar for 2 weeks.
23. Lose baby weight.
24. Decide on a date night.
25. Graduate from college.
26. Go to the temple 25 times. 24 to go.
27. Enroll Lizzy in dance lessons.
28. Make Lizzy and Leah Easter dresses.
29. Make 10 small diapers.
30. Make 10 large diapers.
31. Learn 10 new recipes. #1
32. Get a year supply of food storage.
33. Do the dishes everyday for a week.
34. Go on a family bike ride.
35. Watch Stargate: Atlantis.
36. Finish the campaign for Starcraft 2.
37. Make 72 hour kits.
38. Have 10 songs memorized at once.
39. Teach Lizzy the alphabet.
40. Teach Leah the alphabet.
41. Potty train Lizzy.
42. Go on a church tour.
43. Plant a flower garden.
44. Spend a day with each of my siblings.
45. Go on a special trip with just Michael.
46. Go on a hike.
47. Have a family picture taken and hang it on the wall.
48. Have FHE every week for 3 months.
49. Don’t drink soda for 6 months.
50. Have a concert for friends and family with my 10 songs.
51. Read the Book of Mormon.
52. Host a sewing retreat.
53. Pay for someone else’s food in the drive thru.
54. Complete visiting teaching every month for a year.
55. Pray every night for 3 months.
56. Learn how to wash diapers by hand.
57. Practice washing laundry by hand for 2 weeks.
58. Organize important documents in a fireproof box.
59. Learn how to make my mom’s bread.
60. Make a snowman with the girls.
61. Visit a state I have never been to.
62. Get my extra license.
63. Read my ham radio manual.
64. Play through the entire hymn book.
65. Play through the entire primary song book.
66. Get Lizzy down for bed by 8 pm for 2 weeks.
67. Go to the Days of ’47 Parade.
68. Have a 4th of July party.
69. Do our own fireworks show to music.
70. Write my memoires from high school graduation until the present.
71. Make a popcorn chain for the Christmas tree.
72. Make juice popsicles and eat them with the girls.
73. Complete 1 “no spend” month. Attempt #1
74. Get all my scales up to 120.
75. Go see the lights at temple square as a family.
76. Go to a Jon Schmidt concert.
77. Read the constitution.
78. Organize the shoes by the door. (12/24/11)
79. Make a piñata.
80. Make play dough.
81. Donate to the perpetual education fund.
82. Give someone in need $100.
83. Start a savings account for Lizzy and Leah.
84. Get a 3 month savings.
85. Learn how to play all the board games we own.
86. See the tulips at Thanksgiving Point.
87. Go on 25 dates with Michael. 24 to go.
88. Learn to play 3 hymns on the guitar.
89. Finish crocheting a blanket.
90. Don’t say anything negative about anyone, including myself, for 2 weeks.
91. Don’t whine for 2 weeks.
92. Read the Doctrine and Covenants.
93. Learn Spanish.
94. Get a 10 gallon salt water fish tank.
95. Organize the filing cabinet.
96. Make my own granola.
97. Go to bed by 10 pm every night for 2 weeks.
98. Visit Arches National Park.
99. Visit Dinosaur National Monument.
100. Ride on the Heber Valley Railroad.
101. Go on a drive in the mountains in the fall. Collect pretty leaves to press.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Different Kinds of Cloth
There are so many different kinds of cloth diapers now. The first thing you need to figure out is what kind you want to use or make. As you know, pockets are my favorite. The other two diapers most similar to a pocket are all-in-ones (AIOs) and all-in-twos (AI2s). AIOs have the three layers that I described in my “How pocket diapers work” post all sewn together. AI2s have the PUL layer with an insert placed in it. There is no wicking layer. AI2s, also, have disposable inserts that you can place in the PUL layer.
Then there are and flats and prefolds. These are the “old school” kind of diapers that everyone thinks about when cloth diapers are mentioned. Flats are just a flat piece of absorbent material that you fold and wrap around the baby. Prefolds are sewn in such a way that the very middle is more absorbent than the sides. Snappis are used instead of pins to keep the flats and prefolds closed. Most people like to have a cover made from PUL to go over their flats and prefolds so they don’t have to deal with leaks.
All of these types of diapers have variations. The most notable variation is one size vs. fitted. I bought my pretty baby one size diapers, which can grow from 10 lbs to 35 lbs using snaps or adjustable elastic. I made her fitted diapers, which she will grow out of soon, and I will have to make her more. The one size tend to be more bulky and the fitted more trim, but ultimately they get the same job done. The only reason I am okay with making fitted diapers is because they are so incredibly inexpensive to make.
From there the variations are more design features than anything else. You can use snaps or hook and loop (Velcro) to keep the diapers shut. Some covers are the typical plastic pants while others actually open up like a disposable diaper. There are many different materials that can be used for absorbency. I’ve already mentioned cotton, bamboo, and hemp in a previous post. Then there is wool, zorb, and microfiber blends, all of which I have less experience with. Linen should work as well, and technically silk should, too, but that would be a very expensive diaper, and I don’t think anyone has ever tried it. There are so many different ways to cloth diaper, and they all work.
Then there are and flats and prefolds. These are the “old school” kind of diapers that everyone thinks about when cloth diapers are mentioned. Flats are just a flat piece of absorbent material that you fold and wrap around the baby. Prefolds are sewn in such a way that the very middle is more absorbent than the sides. Snappis are used instead of pins to keep the flats and prefolds closed. Most people like to have a cover made from PUL to go over their flats and prefolds so they don’t have to deal with leaks.
All of these types of diapers have variations. The most notable variation is one size vs. fitted. I bought my pretty baby one size diapers, which can grow from 10 lbs to 35 lbs using snaps or adjustable elastic. I made her fitted diapers, which she will grow out of soon, and I will have to make her more. The one size tend to be more bulky and the fitted more trim, but ultimately they get the same job done. The only reason I am okay with making fitted diapers is because they are so incredibly inexpensive to make.
From there the variations are more design features than anything else. You can use snaps or hook and loop (Velcro) to keep the diapers shut. Some covers are the typical plastic pants while others actually open up like a disposable diaper. There are many different materials that can be used for absorbency. I’ve already mentioned cotton, bamboo, and hemp in a previous post. Then there is wool, zorb, and microfiber blends, all of which I have less experience with. Linen should work as well, and technically silk should, too, but that would be a very expensive diaper, and I don’t think anyone has ever tried it. There are so many different ways to cloth diaper, and they all work.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
How Pocket Diapers Work
We are expecting our second little girl in November, and now that we cloth diaper, I have been trying to figure out how to cloth diaper a newborn. I don’t like covers or all-in-ones (AIO). Pockets are the diaper type for me. Unfortunately, getting newborn or even preemie pocket cloth diapers is very expensive; especially when you consider that they will only being using them for 2-3 months. To remedy my problem, I have decided to make my own cloth diapers, tailored specifically to my needs and wants.
I have learned a lot about how my pocket diapers work, while trying to figure out what I need to buy to make these diapers. First things first, the shell, is made of polyester, on the outside and the inside. The outside material is very fascinating. It is called PUL fabric, which is abbreviated for polyurethane laminated fabric. Basically, it is polyester material on one side, and plastic on the other. This material has proven wonderful for keeping fluids from leaking out. PUL was originally developed for the medical industry as a way to make disposable things reusable, and is able to be sanitized at very high temperatures.
The inside of the shell, the layer which touches the baby’s bum, is also polyester. Micro suede and micro fleece are common materials used for this layer, because they are soft and have “wicking” abilities. Wicking is when a material can pull a liquid through it from one side to the other. Having this wicking function on the inner layer is important to avoid rashes. It helps to keep their bottoms dry.
Next, the insert, is usually made out of a natural fiber material. The three most absorbent, from least to greatest, are cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Cotton is sufficient for most daytime use, where hemp comes in very handy for 12 or more hours of sleep. The polyester wicks the fluids away from the baby’s bum, and the natural fibers of the insert store the fluids until the diaper can be changed. Then the insert can be washed and sanitized separately from the shell, insuring that all bacteria is killed, thus reducing rashes and smell.
Those three components, the outside PUL, the inside wicking, and the absorbent insert make up a lot of different types of diapers. My preference for pockets comes in that I can wrap a hemp flat around the microfiber insert and keep our baby dry and sleeping for over 12 hours. You can stuff a pocket with just about anything that will be absorbent.
I have learned a lot about how my pocket diapers work, while trying to figure out what I need to buy to make these diapers. First things first, the shell, is made of polyester, on the outside and the inside. The outside material is very fascinating. It is called PUL fabric, which is abbreviated for polyurethane laminated fabric. Basically, it is polyester material on one side, and plastic on the other. This material has proven wonderful for keeping fluids from leaking out. PUL was originally developed for the medical industry as a way to make disposable things reusable, and is able to be sanitized at very high temperatures.
The inside of the shell, the layer which touches the baby’s bum, is also polyester. Micro suede and micro fleece are common materials used for this layer, because they are soft and have “wicking” abilities. Wicking is when a material can pull a liquid through it from one side to the other. Having this wicking function on the inner layer is important to avoid rashes. It helps to keep their bottoms dry.
Next, the insert, is usually made out of a natural fiber material. The three most absorbent, from least to greatest, are cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Cotton is sufficient for most daytime use, where hemp comes in very handy for 12 or more hours of sleep. The polyester wicks the fluids away from the baby’s bum, and the natural fibers of the insert store the fluids until the diaper can be changed. Then the insert can be washed and sanitized separately from the shell, insuring that all bacteria is killed, thus reducing rashes and smell.
Those three components, the outside PUL, the inside wicking, and the absorbent insert make up a lot of different types of diapers. My preference for pockets comes in that I can wrap a hemp flat around the microfiber insert and keep our baby dry and sleeping for over 12 hours. You can stuff a pocket with just about anything that will be absorbent.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Story About Disposable Diapers
In all my research about cloth diapers, I have learned that many people use cloth diapers as a way to avoid the chemicals in disposable diapers. These chemicals are used to absorb liquid and keep the baby’s bum dry. Some baby’s are allergic to the chemicals and some chemicals are too harsh to be used on a baby and can cause serious problems. That is not our reason for using cloth, however, and this story is simply an antidote I remembered while researching.
When I was in fourth grade, we were given a disposable diaper, a plastic sandwich bag, some water, and some bean seeds. We were instructed to pull the diaper apart until we got to the fluffy stuff inside. Then we put the fluff in the plastic bag and added water. The fluff swelled and turned into a gel. We put our bean seeds inside the gel, closed the plastic bag, and taped them to the window. Then we would check them every day to see what was happening. Our seeds grew marvelously in the diaper gel. There was enough water for them that we never had to worry about them drying up.
When I was in fourth grade, we were given a disposable diaper, a plastic sandwich bag, some water, and some bean seeds. We were instructed to pull the diaper apart until we got to the fluffy stuff inside. Then we put the fluff in the plastic bag and added water. The fluff swelled and turned into a gel. We put our bean seeds inside the gel, closed the plastic bag, and taped them to the window. Then we would check them every day to see what was happening. Our seeds grew marvelously in the diaper gel. There was enough water for them that we never had to worry about them drying up.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Cloth Diapers
I knew that I had cloth on my little bum when I was a baby, and I certainly knew that disposables hadn’t been around forever. Something had gone around our tiny tushes since the beginning of time, and it definitely wasn’t plastic and who knows what else. But when my friend first introduced me to cloth, I had the same gut reaction that everyone else does. “Why in the world would you use cloth? They take so much time to clean, and you actually have to do something with the poop. We have disposables for a reason, and they’re cheap enough.”
Soon after finding out that she was using cloth, we decided to hang out for the day. She showed me her large stash of Sunbabies pocket diapers, in an adorable array of colors, how easy it was to dump a bunch of soiled diapers in the washing machine, and how the same diaper that fit her 6 month old also fit her 2 year old toddler! What? Now I completely understood the money savings aspect of it. If I only had to buy diapers once during the course of my children’s lives, I would obviously save money.
I still wasn’t totally convinced, though. I began doing my research, because I wasn’t about to invest over $400 in something that could save me money, but might ultimately cause me more problems than it would be worth. I talked to other ladies on forums and read blogs about cloth diapering. I found as many retailers as I could, so that I could see as many different kinds of cloth diapers as I could. I decided that it might be worth a try. My friend was more than willing to let me try one of her diapers for the night to see if I liked how a pocket worked. I found it to be just as easy as a disposable diaper.
Now I just had to find the right diapers for us. Thankfully www.diaperjunction.com has a 30 day trial program, so I felt I could safely take the leap into experimenting with cloth. My first purchase was 1 BumGenius 4.0 with snaps, 1 FuzziBunz, 1 GroVia wet bag, and 1 box of BumGenius cloth diaper detergent. At first glance, I loved the FuzziBunz, but when actually on my daughter, I really loved the BumGenius. They fit her perfectly, and we didn’t have any problems with leaks, except for at nights.
I decided that both diapers were worth keeping, and wanted to try some different kinds. My second purchase was 1 Happy Heinys, 1 Flip, and 1 BumGenius 4.0 with hook and loop (a.k.a. Velcro). As well as cloth wipes and spray, another wet bag and more detergent. I was very excited to try the Flip, as it was a different type of cloth diaper (not a pocket). It turned out to be the cloth diaper to give all cloth diapers a bad name. We never use this diaper anymore. It is just not worth the time for us. The Happy Heinys and the hook and loop BumGenius had us dying to get more just like them. With our squirmy little girl, the hook and loop turned out to be the most like using a disposable diaper.
Cloth wipes were a total dud for us. We tried them and decided that disposable wipes were easier and gentler on the skin than the cloth wipes. We can’t just throw the disposable wipes away in a diaper now, so we usually wrap the used wipes in a clean wipe and throw them in the garbage. The price is also very manageable, since we buy them in bulk and only have to buy them every 2-3 months.
Our most recent purchase was six BumGenius 4.0 hook and loops, a very large wet bag with a zipper, 3 Hemp Babies Little Weeds and 2 Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds. The large wet bag is double lined, and the zipper keeps the smell inside the bag, so our laundry area never smells like stinky diapers. I wrap a little weed around the insert of a diaper at night so that our daughter can go for over 12 hours without leaking. This works better than any disposable I have found for the nighttime. Also, the hemp is so absorbent, that many times the diaper layer that touches the skin feels completely dry, even though you can feel how heavy the diaper is because it was used a lot.
Occasionally, when we run out of clean cloth diapers (10 is not quite enough to be comfortable), we have to use a disposable diaper at night. The poor diaper doesn’t stand a chance with how often it is used during the night, and we end up dealing with a wet little girl in the morning. Disposable diapers simply cannot absorb as much as organic fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, and hemp can.
So, we are cloth diapering family now, and we enjoy it. It takes maybe a minute to shake the poop off into the toilet, usually less. It really depends on how runny the poop is. You wash your hands after you change a diaper just like you would with a disposable. And it takes practically no time at all to set the controls on my washing machine so that my diapers come out clean and sanitized. We had a slight issue with clean diapers smelling, but after switching detergents, we have fresh smelling diapers again on our cute little baby’s bum.
Soon after finding out that she was using cloth, we decided to hang out for the day. She showed me her large stash of Sunbabies pocket diapers, in an adorable array of colors, how easy it was to dump a bunch of soiled diapers in the washing machine, and how the same diaper that fit her 6 month old also fit her 2 year old toddler! What? Now I completely understood the money savings aspect of it. If I only had to buy diapers once during the course of my children’s lives, I would obviously save money.
I still wasn’t totally convinced, though. I began doing my research, because I wasn’t about to invest over $400 in something that could save me money, but might ultimately cause me more problems than it would be worth. I talked to other ladies on forums and read blogs about cloth diapering. I found as many retailers as I could, so that I could see as many different kinds of cloth diapers as I could. I decided that it might be worth a try. My friend was more than willing to let me try one of her diapers for the night to see if I liked how a pocket worked. I found it to be just as easy as a disposable diaper.
Now I just had to find the right diapers for us. Thankfully www.diaperjunction.com has a 30 day trial program, so I felt I could safely take the leap into experimenting with cloth. My first purchase was 1 BumGenius 4.0 with snaps, 1 FuzziBunz, 1 GroVia wet bag, and 1 box of BumGenius cloth diaper detergent. At first glance, I loved the FuzziBunz, but when actually on my daughter, I really loved the BumGenius. They fit her perfectly, and we didn’t have any problems with leaks, except for at nights.
I decided that both diapers were worth keeping, and wanted to try some different kinds. My second purchase was 1 Happy Heinys, 1 Flip, and 1 BumGenius 4.0 with hook and loop (a.k.a. Velcro). As well as cloth wipes and spray, another wet bag and more detergent. I was very excited to try the Flip, as it was a different type of cloth diaper (not a pocket). It turned out to be the cloth diaper to give all cloth diapers a bad name. We never use this diaper anymore. It is just not worth the time for us. The Happy Heinys and the hook and loop BumGenius had us dying to get more just like them. With our squirmy little girl, the hook and loop turned out to be the most like using a disposable diaper.
Cloth wipes were a total dud for us. We tried them and decided that disposable wipes were easier and gentler on the skin than the cloth wipes. We can’t just throw the disposable wipes away in a diaper now, so we usually wrap the used wipes in a clean wipe and throw them in the garbage. The price is also very manageable, since we buy them in bulk and only have to buy them every 2-3 months.
Our most recent purchase was six BumGenius 4.0 hook and loops, a very large wet bag with a zipper, 3 Hemp Babies Little Weeds and 2 Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds. The large wet bag is double lined, and the zipper keeps the smell inside the bag, so our laundry area never smells like stinky diapers. I wrap a little weed around the insert of a diaper at night so that our daughter can go for over 12 hours without leaking. This works better than any disposable I have found for the nighttime. Also, the hemp is so absorbent, that many times the diaper layer that touches the skin feels completely dry, even though you can feel how heavy the diaper is because it was used a lot.
Occasionally, when we run out of clean cloth diapers (10 is not quite enough to be comfortable), we have to use a disposable diaper at night. The poor diaper doesn’t stand a chance with how often it is used during the night, and we end up dealing with a wet little girl in the morning. Disposable diapers simply cannot absorb as much as organic fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, and hemp can.
So, we are cloth diapering family now, and we enjoy it. It takes maybe a minute to shake the poop off into the toilet, usually less. It really depends on how runny the poop is. You wash your hands after you change a diaper just like you would with a disposable. And it takes practically no time at all to set the controls on my washing machine so that my diapers come out clean and sanitized. We had a slight issue with clean diapers smelling, but after switching detergents, we have fresh smelling diapers again on our cute little baby’s bum.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)