Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas 2008
Here are some pictures from our Christmas 2008. We spent the 24th & 25th with our family. From Santa Oaklen got a Bob the Builder set and Salem got his "Spiderman set" that he wanted. :) Grandma Elaine made the pajamas and Grandma Josephson made them red hats. What a great Christmas.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
2008 Blessings
Last night for FHE we listed some of the blessings that we received in 2008. I'll share some with you:
2008 Blessings (in no particular order)
* Heather became pregnant with boy #3
* Darrell received a new job position at his employer
* Salem started Kindergarten
* We received new windows and paint for free
* Darrell and I were able to go on a vacation to DC for our anniversary
* Salem & Oaklen were able to have a fun time with their grandparents while Mom & Dad were on vacation.
* Salem played tee ball in the spring
* Heather established a cleaning routine in the home, and it's working
* Darrell was not badly hurt in his bike/car accident
* Salem & Oaklen got to have free lunch at the park almost every day this summer
* Salem learned how to read
* We received free clothes, toys, food, and other things throughout the year
* Heather has been perfecting her bread making skills
* We were able to sell our car and buy a mini van
* The family got to go on vacation to Delta, UT
* Salem learned how to tie his shoes
* Oaklen learned how to ride a tricycle
* Salem learned how to roller skate
* Salem was able to take swimming lessons
* Heather was called as Primary President
* The family has been healthy all year with only a few bruises
* Darrell has been able to go running almost every morning
* Salem made more friends
* Darrell and Heather received no traffic or speeding tickets
* Heather continues to save money at the grocery store with coupons & sales
* Darrell installed a fence so now we can more safely play in our back yard
* Oaklen received an orange garbage truck for Christmas (We asked him what he was blessed with and that's what he told us.)
2008 Blessings (in no particular order)
* Heather became pregnant with boy #3
* Darrell received a new job position at his employer
* Salem started Kindergarten
* We received new windows and paint for free
* Darrell and I were able to go on a vacation to DC for our anniversary
* Salem & Oaklen were able to have a fun time with their grandparents while Mom & Dad were on vacation.
* Salem played tee ball in the spring
* Heather established a cleaning routine in the home, and it's working
* Darrell was not badly hurt in his bike/car accident
* Salem & Oaklen got to have free lunch at the park almost every day this summer
* Salem learned how to read
* We received free clothes, toys, food, and other things throughout the year
* Heather has been perfecting her bread making skills
* We were able to sell our car and buy a mini van
* The family got to go on vacation to Delta, UT
* Salem learned how to tie his shoes
* Oaklen learned how to ride a tricycle
* Salem learned how to roller skate
* Salem was able to take swimming lessons
* Heather was called as Primary President
* The family has been healthy all year with only a few bruises
* Darrell has been able to go running almost every morning
* Salem made more friends
* Darrell and Heather received no traffic or speeding tickets
* Heather continues to save money at the grocery store with coupons & sales
* Darrell installed a fence so now we can more safely play in our back yard
* Oaklen received an orange garbage truck for Christmas (We asked him what he was blessed with and that's what he told us.)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sweater Brothers
Today was the last Sunday before Christmas and I always like to dress up for the occasion so my boys wore some "Christmas sweaters" to church. They looked nice except I couldn't convince Oaklen to wear black shoes with his black pants & socks, he insisted on his brown shoes that he wears everyday. They're still cute.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tigger Bump
We have something at our house called a "Tigger bump." It's an gel cold pack shaped like Tigger the character. I got it at the dollar store and it has been a great thing to have. I've seen similar items at other stores for $2-3, so I'm glad that I found it for only $1.
Whenever Oaklen gets hurt, I rush to the freezer to get "Tigger bump." Within seconds of putting it on his wound, he is better. It even works better than "mommy's kiss better."
A few days ago, Oaklen was running on the slippery floor with his socks on and slipped and bumped his head. He got a goose egg for the first time in months. I got Tigger bump from the freezer and gave it him. He put it on his head for 1 second then said "But Tigger loves me!" What a cute kid...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday Frugal Tip - Vinegar
I'm sure many of you know of the great benefits of vinegar. I use this in my house everyday. You can get a big bottle of white vinegar for $2-3 and there are so many possibilities. I also like it since it's environmentally friendly, non-toxic and edible so I don't have to worry about my kids getting into it, in fact they use it all the time too! Here is a small list of ways I use it:
1. Dishwasher - I use my regular dish detergent in the soap compartment that closes, but I use vinegar for the other soap compartment used for pre-wash. It extends my expensive dish detergent and my dishes and glasses come out clear and shiny!
2. Vegetable & Fruit wash - I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen and use that to wash my fruits & vegetables.
3. All purpose cleaner - Again, I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen, and bathrooms and use it to wash everything. Sinks, toilets, tubs, floors, mirrors, walls, etc.
4. Remove odor - I spray my vinegar solution on things to freshen the smell. (It smells like vinegar for a minute but then neutralizes the odor.)
5. Relieve sunburn - I remember many times putting vinegar on my brother's neck to help his sunburn.
6. Disinfectant - Once in a while I spray vinegar on my toothbrush to disinfect it. Since vinegar is edible I don't have to worry about being poisoned. :)
7. Meat tenderizer - I don't cook a lot with meat, but I've noticed the few times that I've sprayed chicken breasts with vinegar, they're more tender. Then I always spray the cutting board and tools I used to cut the raw meat with vinegar to disinfect before putting in the dishwasher.
8. Buttermilk substitute - When we need 1 cup buttermilk for a recipe, we always use about a tablespoon of vinegar and then fill the rest up with milk. (You can do many substitutes with vinegar for things sour like lemon juice, sour cream, etc.)
9. Hard water deposit remover - I soak my shower heads in vinegar to remove hard water deposits.
There a ton of ways to use vinegar, above is just a sample. I've only brushed the surface. To dive in further just google uses for vinegar, you'll find a lot of info.
1. Dishwasher - I use my regular dish detergent in the soap compartment that closes, but I use vinegar for the other soap compartment used for pre-wash. It extends my expensive dish detergent and my dishes and glasses come out clear and shiny!
2. Vegetable & Fruit wash - I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen and use that to wash my fruits & vegetables.
3. All purpose cleaner - Again, I have a spray bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in my kitchen, and bathrooms and use it to wash everything. Sinks, toilets, tubs, floors, mirrors, walls, etc.
4. Remove odor - I spray my vinegar solution on things to freshen the smell. (It smells like vinegar for a minute but then neutralizes the odor.)
5. Relieve sunburn - I remember many times putting vinegar on my brother's neck to help his sunburn.
6. Disinfectant - Once in a while I spray vinegar on my toothbrush to disinfect it. Since vinegar is edible I don't have to worry about being poisoned. :)
7. Meat tenderizer - I don't cook a lot with meat, but I've noticed the few times that I've sprayed chicken breasts with vinegar, they're more tender. Then I always spray the cutting board and tools I used to cut the raw meat with vinegar to disinfect before putting in the dishwasher.
8. Buttermilk substitute - When we need 1 cup buttermilk for a recipe, we always use about a tablespoon of vinegar and then fill the rest up with milk. (You can do many substitutes with vinegar for things sour like lemon juice, sour cream, etc.)
9. Hard water deposit remover - I soak my shower heads in vinegar to remove hard water deposits.
There a ton of ways to use vinegar, above is just a sample. I've only brushed the surface. To dive in further just google uses for vinegar, you'll find a lot of info.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday Frugal Tip - Saving Money On Gasoline
Here are a few ways that I try to save money on gasoline.
1. Grocery Stores - Most of the time I buy my gas at Albertson's since it's close to my house. If I enter my preferred savings number then I get $.03 off per gallon. I never carry my preferred card around so I registered my phone number. (In fact, I think the card is hidden in a wall in my house. Salem played with my wallet once when he was a toddler and I haven't seen the card since.) I learned a trick once from one of the Albertson's employees. Since the pump machine won't let you type in just your phone number, all you have to do is type "4253" then your phone number. It works everytime! Smith's also give you a discount if you spend a certain amount at the store. I try to go there when I visit my mom since there's a Smith's with a pump nearby.
2. Gas cards - You can get a gas credit card that will give you a rebate or discount. I have one that gives me 5% cashback. I can use the card at most gas pumps as well as on any kind of purchase, but I usually only use it at the pump. I always pay the balance off every month and it's nice to see how much I'm spending on gasoline.
3. Warehouse Clubs - Most warehouse clubs usually have cheaper gas than other places. If you're already there shopping, you might as well fill up your tank.
4. Ferox - My friend introduced me to Ferox. These are little tablets that you stick in your tank as you fill up and it helps you get better gas mileage as well as help keep your engine & oil clean. She gave me some free samples a while back and I used them. Unfortunately I haven't done the analysis to see if it's worth the cost of buying the tablets for the savings I'd receive on gasoline. She gave me her analysis, and I believe her when she says that she is saving money. I've just been too lazy to do the analysis myself. So, you might want to check it out then let me know how it goes! :)
5. Gas price websites - There are websites out there that track gas prices. I honestly don't use them because I usually just fill up where it's convenient for me. It might be worth checking out if you're going on vacation and need to fill up the car, truck, or boat. I have noticed that certain parts of the valley have cheaper gas than other parts of the Salt Lake Valley. If you're out visiting dear Aunt Ida, you might want to check the gas prices out there compared to your region.
1. Grocery Stores - Most of the time I buy my gas at Albertson's since it's close to my house. If I enter my preferred savings number then I get $.03 off per gallon. I never carry my preferred card around so I registered my phone number. (In fact, I think the card is hidden in a wall in my house. Salem played with my wallet once when he was a toddler and I haven't seen the card since.) I learned a trick once from one of the Albertson's employees. Since the pump machine won't let you type in just your phone number, all you have to do is type "4253" then your phone number. It works everytime! Smith's also give you a discount if you spend a certain amount at the store. I try to go there when I visit my mom since there's a Smith's with a pump nearby.
2. Gas cards - You can get a gas credit card that will give you a rebate or discount. I have one that gives me 5% cashback. I can use the card at most gas pumps as well as on any kind of purchase, but I usually only use it at the pump. I always pay the balance off every month and it's nice to see how much I'm spending on gasoline.
3. Warehouse Clubs - Most warehouse clubs usually have cheaper gas than other places. If you're already there shopping, you might as well fill up your tank.
4. Ferox - My friend introduced me to Ferox. These are little tablets that you stick in your tank as you fill up and it helps you get better gas mileage as well as help keep your engine & oil clean. She gave me some free samples a while back and I used them. Unfortunately I haven't done the analysis to see if it's worth the cost of buying the tablets for the savings I'd receive on gasoline. She gave me her analysis, and I believe her when she says that she is saving money. I've just been too lazy to do the analysis myself. So, you might want to check it out then let me know how it goes! :)
5. Gas price websites - There are websites out there that track gas prices. I honestly don't use them because I usually just fill up where it's convenient for me. It might be worth checking out if you're going on vacation and need to fill up the car, truck, or boat. I have noticed that certain parts of the valley have cheaper gas than other parts of the Salt Lake Valley. If you're out visiting dear Aunt Ida, you might want to check the gas prices out there compared to your region.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Happy Haircut?
Among my many talents, I also cut hair! (Please sense the sarcasm in that sentence.) When Darrell and I were engaged, he told me that he always dreamed/thought of his wife cutting his hair. I just laughed thinking that I'd never do that.
Well, he gave me enough courage (and the realization that we'd be saving money) that I started cutting his hair. Years ago I went to the salon and watched the lady cut his hair and then the next time around, I tried it. I've gotten better over the years and it looks pretty good, but I'm sure a good hair stylist would be able to spot the "home job" from a mile away. :)
I use scissors, clippers and have even tried using a flowbee that my former neighbor gave me.
This has now lead me into cutting my boys' hair. We usually use clippers with longer attachments for them so it's actually pretty easy...if they held still. When Salem was a toddler I put him on my lap and let him play a sesame street game on the computer while I cut his little hair. I stopped that after two times since I didn't want the hair mess on the computer. Now we do it in the kitchen or outside if it's warm weather.
.JPG)
Oaklen's first haircut May 2007
Last night I cut Salem and Oaklen's hair. I had been meaning to do it for a week or two but I realized that I HAD to cut Salem's hair last night when I found a huge bald spot on the crown of his head! He has a habit of twirling his hair and he twirls it so much that his hair falls out. That's the reason we've kept it relatively short, but I always try to let it grow a little more each time to see if he'll stop the habit.
Salem's first haircut September 2004
While I was cutting Salem's hair last night, I discovered not only one bald spot but four! I felt so bad for him but it's his own fault. I'm sure others look at his hair with the bald spots and think "Geez, that kid got a really bad hair cut!" So, the next time you see Salem, remember that it's not a bad hair cut, I cut it as evenly as possible.
Well, he gave me enough courage (and the realization that we'd be saving money) that I started cutting his hair. Years ago I went to the salon and watched the lady cut his hair and then the next time around, I tried it. I've gotten better over the years and it looks pretty good, but I'm sure a good hair stylist would be able to spot the "home job" from a mile away. :)
I use scissors, clippers and have even tried using a flowbee that my former neighbor gave me.
This has now lead me into cutting my boys' hair. We usually use clippers with longer attachments for them so it's actually pretty easy...if they held still. When Salem was a toddler I put him on my lap and let him play a sesame street game on the computer while I cut his little hair. I stopped that after two times since I didn't want the hair mess on the computer. Now we do it in the kitchen or outside if it's warm weather.
Oaklen absolutely hates hair cuts, regardless if I use the clippers or the scissors. He screams bloody murder. A few months ago we cut it really short so we wouldn't have to cut it again for a while.
.JPG)
Oaklen's first haircut May 2007Last night I cut Salem and Oaklen's hair. I had been meaning to do it for a week or two but I realized that I HAD to cut Salem's hair last night when I found a huge bald spot on the crown of his head! He has a habit of twirling his hair and he twirls it so much that his hair falls out. That's the reason we've kept it relatively short, but I always try to let it grow a little more each time to see if he'll stop the habit.
Salem's first haircut September 2004While I was cutting Salem's hair last night, I discovered not only one bald spot but four! I felt so bad for him but it's his own fault. I'm sure others look at his hair with the bald spots and think "Geez, that kid got a really bad hair cut!" So, the next time you see Salem, remember that it's not a bad hair cut, I cut it as evenly as possible.
Friday, December 5, 2008
First Baby Friendly Hospital in Utah
Yeah! We finally have a baby friendly hospital in Utah. Congrats to the University Hospital for achieving this breastfeeding-friendly status.
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=56&sid=4980132
The initiative recognizes hospitals and birth centers that have policies and practices in place to enable parents to make informed choices about how they feed and care for their babies.
University Hospital made a commitment to this initiative about four and a half years ago because we believe breastfeeding is the best for both baby and mom. The pediatricians, family practice physicians, and nurses in labor and delivery and the nursery are behind the program.
University Hospital received designation this month, making us the first hospital in the state and the 71st in the country to be recognized as a baby friendly facility.
Why Choose a Baby Friendly Hospital?
• A baby friendly hospital has taken special steps to create the best possible environment for successful breastfeeding.
• Nurses in the well baby postpartum floors, Newborn ICU, and Labor and Delivery have spent the necessary time and energy to become experts in breastfeeding.
• University Hospital wants moms to know we are here to support them when they decide to breastfeed and to make it a successful experience.
Why is breastfeeding important?
• There is quite a bit of evidence that the sooner mom and baby start breastfeeding, the longer mom will maintain it after leaving the hospital.
• We know breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and fewer problems with food allergies (especially babies with a family history of allergies). Breastfeeding also promotes better brain development.
How does a hospital implement successful breastfeeding? The Baby Friendly Initiative recommends 10 steps to successful breastfeeding.
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health-care staff.
2. Train all health-care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. Breastfeeding champions and lactation experts with the Women's and Children's Services have worked with nurse managers to get all staff trained.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth. This helps concentrate on a very strong mother-baby emphasis. Depending on the health of the baby, this can be accomplished in most cases.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation when separated from their baby.
6. Give newborn infants only breast milk, unless medically indicated. The hospital no longer accepts free formula from formula companies. However, we do ask a mother's preference for breastfeeding or a bottle.
7. Practice "rooming in" by allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. University Hospital's standard of care is to have a healthy term baby in the room and never separated from his or her mother longer than one hour during a 24 hour period. University Hospital has maternal-child nurses, which means mom and baby have the same nurse.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial nipples, pacifiers, dummies, or soothers to breastfeeding babies.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital.
University Hospital's success with Baby Friendly Initiative
• The initiation rate for breastfeeding has always been pretty high—91 to 94 percent—even before we started the journey of becoming a baby friendly hospital.
• What University Hospital hopes is to affect the longevity of mother's who breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
• From data the State of Utah tracks, we know that 62 percent of babies delivered at University Hospital are still breastfed at 2-4 months, up from 50 percent in 2001.
• The Hospital hopes the education, well-trained staff, and support moms receive during their stay at University Hospital will help them be more confident and able to maintain breastfeeding after leaving the hospital.
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=56&sid=4980132
The initiative recognizes hospitals and birth centers that have policies and practices in place to enable parents to make informed choices about how they feed and care for their babies.
University Hospital made a commitment to this initiative about four and a half years ago because we believe breastfeeding is the best for both baby and mom. The pediatricians, family practice physicians, and nurses in labor and delivery and the nursery are behind the program.
University Hospital received designation this month, making us the first hospital in the state and the 71st in the country to be recognized as a baby friendly facility.
Why Choose a Baby Friendly Hospital?
• A baby friendly hospital has taken special steps to create the best possible environment for successful breastfeeding.
• Nurses in the well baby postpartum floors, Newborn ICU, and Labor and Delivery have spent the necessary time and energy to become experts in breastfeeding.
• University Hospital wants moms to know we are here to support them when they decide to breastfeed and to make it a successful experience.
Why is breastfeeding important?
• There is quite a bit of evidence that the sooner mom and baby start breastfeeding, the longer mom will maintain it after leaving the hospital.
• We know breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and fewer problems with food allergies (especially babies with a family history of allergies). Breastfeeding also promotes better brain development.
How does a hospital implement successful breastfeeding? The Baby Friendly Initiative recommends 10 steps to successful breastfeeding.
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health-care staff.
2. Train all health-care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. Breastfeeding champions and lactation experts with the Women's and Children's Services have worked with nurse managers to get all staff trained.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth. This helps concentrate on a very strong mother-baby emphasis. Depending on the health of the baby, this can be accomplished in most cases.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation when separated from their baby.
6. Give newborn infants only breast milk, unless medically indicated. The hospital no longer accepts free formula from formula companies. However, we do ask a mother's preference for breastfeeding or a bottle.
7. Practice "rooming in" by allowing mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. University Hospital's standard of care is to have a healthy term baby in the room and never separated from his or her mother longer than one hour during a 24 hour period. University Hospital has maternal-child nurses, which means mom and baby have the same nurse.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial nipples, pacifiers, dummies, or soothers to breastfeeding babies.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital.
University Hospital's success with Baby Friendly Initiative
• The initiation rate for breastfeeding has always been pretty high—91 to 94 percent—even before we started the journey of becoming a baby friendly hospital.
• What University Hospital hopes is to affect the longevity of mother's who breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
• From data the State of Utah tracks, we know that 62 percent of babies delivered at University Hospital are still breastfed at 2-4 months, up from 50 percent in 2001.
• The Hospital hopes the education, well-trained staff, and support moms receive during their stay at University Hospital will help them be more confident and able to maintain breastfeeding after leaving the hospital.
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