One of the pitfalls of renting a tiny split level home (in a 4-plex) is that there is hardly any room for storage. We'd have food storage, if we had somewhere to put it. Our kitchen is small. Our bedrooms are small. Every available closet shelf is used for storing things we don't need right now but might/probably need in the future.
In fact, Marshall doesn't even have access to his closet. It is chock-full of crib parts and baby toys, boxes of clothes he doesn't fit in anymore, and other miscellaneous kid/baby-related items.
The sad thing is, I have gone through every closet in our house (except the linen closet in the hall - it's on my To-Do list) and thrown/given away TONS of things in the 2 1/2 years we've lived here. I am constantly amazed at how much crap I find to through away each time I do it. But, now we're at the bottom of the barrel. I've gotten rid of everything I can think to get rid of. I honestly about killed myself the last time I went through our storage cupboard under the stairs. It's the hardest to go through. You have to drag everything out, go through all the different boxes, then rearrange it and hope you end up with a little more space than you had before.
This process explains why every time food storage items go on sale (or Macey's has a case lot sale) Mike says "No, we don't have anywhere to keep it." It makes sense, but I forget every year.
So, when we saw that corn was on sale for $14 for 48 ears at our local food co-op, I was surprised when Mike said "Let's do it. We can freeze it for food storage."
What?!
Who are you and what have you done with my husband?
So that is how we spent this afternoon. We blanched the ears of corn, took all the kernels off the cob, and bagged them into freezer bags. I made 21 bags with 1 1/2 cups in it, and 1 bag with 2 cups. 33 1/2 cups of corn, and a newly cleaned out freezer, later, I now have plenty of corn to last me through the winter. No more spending $1.50 on the cheap generic brand of corn that doesn't have a resealable bag and gets freezer burn 5 seconds after you open the thing.
I can't tell you how proud I am that I've finally done something "domestic" in preparation for winter. If we had the stuff (and space) to can, I'd probably be doing that like crazy too. Someday, someday. When I have a house of my own with its own giant food storage area in the basement, then we'll see how much canning I can get done. Until then, I'm going to have to be content with putting up corn in the freezer. :)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate? That is the Question
DISCLAIMER: This post is long and doesn't have any pictures (Sorry!) but it does have some good info about vaccines, requirements by law, and informative websites/links to visit. If that doesn't exactly float your boat, then feel free to skip over it. If it sounds interesting it all though, please read on! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments. :)
So, with the birth of our 2nd child approaching faster than anticipated (or slower....depending on the day and how hot it is outside), Mike and I have been doing a lot of thinking about vaccinations.
With Marshall we didn't know "better." The doctor told us that he needed 5 shots when he was 6 weeks old, so we said "Okay, go ahead." With the exception of his 4-year-old Well Child visit, he has gotten at least 4 shots (actual shots, not just immunizations. Each shot held immunizations for 1 or more diseases) per visit. I blame this for the reason that he hates to go to the doctor. He loathes it. He starts screaming and crying as soon as we pull into the parking lot.
About a year and a half ago, Mike heard a guest on a satellite radio program he listened to talking about immunizations and the possible link to autism.
Now, I want to clarify: The guest was not against vaccinations. He was against the intense vaccination schedule that the CDC recommends.
Instead, he advocates a program called Two and Talking. The purpose of this program is to vaccinate for only the important diseases. There are a lot of vaccinations/immunizations that the CDC recommends that you don't necessarily have to have. Instead, they suggest waiting to vaccinate your child until he/she is two and talking. That way, if there is in fact a link between any ingredient in a vaccine, or the vaccine itself, you know what is to blame.
Before some of you get defensive and start yelling "But it's been proven there's no link between vaccinations and autism!" at your monitors, read this article and this article (it's long but well worth the read). We particularly liked the second article because it pointed out that yes, there is no clear link between thimerosal/mercury in the vaccines and autism AND that there is no clear link between the MMR vaccine and autism. What it also points out is that there are dozens of other ingredients, and plenty more vaccines that have not been tested/studied for links between their administration and autism.
Every article we have read has suggested that we as parents do what we feel comfortable with. Two and Talking advocates using a less rigorous vaccination schedule and vaccinating only for school requirements. You can see their schedule here. Please Note: They are based out of Florida, so if you live somewhere else and would like to follow their schedule, you may have to adapt.
We plan on following their schedule but adapting to the requirements here in Utah with a few exceptions.
The first exception is Hep B. According to some of our research, 90-95% of cases clear up after 3-4 wks of symptoms. In the late 90s (yes, I know that it was a while ago, but still....) there were only 279 cases reported in children under 14. Most sources we have found have said the main way to contract Hep B is to a) get it from your mother at birth (no worries here), b) get it from promiscuous sexual activity (which, hopefully, children under 14 are not engaging in), or c) sharing IV needles (again, no worries here).
The second exception is Varicella. Varicella is the chickenpox vaccine. Now, I understand that they are trying to prevent this disease, BUT, Mike and I both had it as children and we are fine. My parents had it. Their parents had it. My cousins, aunts, uncles, they all had it. We're all fine.
So, what do you do if you don't agree with your state's vaccination requirements? According to the NVIC, there are a few things you can do about it. If you live in a state that allows you to claim vaccination exemption, you don't have to vaccinate your children. Some states allow you to pick and choose while others are all-or-nothing states. In an all-or-nothing state, you either vaccinate or you don't. Luckily, Utah is a pick and choose state. . . . for now. State Legislatures are being pressured to remove the personal/philosophical exemption clauses from their vaccine laws, so you'll have to keep checking if your state is one of the ones that allows this type of exemption. Other exemptions are medical (verified by your pediatrician) or religious (but usually they have to have documented doctrine opposing the vaccines. Check with your state laws though, because some states may not).
We found Utah's immunization guidebook here. On this page, a little ways down the page, they tell you which page to find sample exemption forms, in case you don't want to read the entire guidebook.
Now, I'm not saying that based on what my husband and I have learned that you are doing it wrong. Everyone is comfortable with vaccines on a different level from their friends, family, and neighbors. Some people oppose it completely (some of my relatives), while others vaccinate whenever they feel like it (other relatives). We vaccinated Marshall according to our pediatrician's, and the CDC's, recommendations.
The only reason I'm posting this is because maybe you don't know. Maybe you have reservations but you don't know where to look, and google's not helping. Maybe you just want to know what other people are doing.
This is our plan for baby girl:
We are going to adamantly refuse the hep B shot given at birth. There is just something wrong with jabbing your 12 hr old baby in the arm/leg/wherever with a shot full of aluminum, mercury (possibly), formaldehyde, human DNA, and other weird chemicals/ingredients. (For a full list of ingredients and the possible side effects from vaccines, please go here.)
To start Kindergarten in Utah you have to have 5 DTaP, 3-4 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hep B, 2 Hep A, and 1 Varicella. That is still 16-17 doses before your child is 5. That seems like a lot. We are going to claim personal exemption for the 3 Hep B and the 1 Varicella. This bring's baby girl's total down to 12-13 doses (depending on when she gets her 3rd Polio shot).
We plan on the following schedule:
28 months: Polio
31 months: DTaP
34 months: DTaP
37 months: DTaP
40 months: Hep A
43 months: MMR
47 months: Polio
51 months: Hep A
54 months: DTaP
57 months: Polio
60 months: MMR
63+ months: DTaP (they'll still let you start school if you are working on finishing the series, from my understanding)
By spreading them out every 3 months, we make visiting the doctor less traumatic (no more 6 needles per visit!), and if there is an adverse reaction to the vaccine, we'll know EXACTLY which vaccine it was that caused it. (heaven forbid!)
I really hope this post helps someone out there who can't decide what to do regarding vaccines. My husband and I really feel a lot more comfortable with vaccinating our kids (present and future) now that we know more about the vaccines, reactions, and requirements.
So, with the birth of our 2nd child approaching faster than anticipated (or slower....depending on the day and how hot it is outside), Mike and I have been doing a lot of thinking about vaccinations.
With Marshall we didn't know "better." The doctor told us that he needed 5 shots when he was 6 weeks old, so we said "Okay, go ahead." With the exception of his 4-year-old Well Child visit, he has gotten at least 4 shots (actual shots, not just immunizations. Each shot held immunizations for 1 or more diseases) per visit. I blame this for the reason that he hates to go to the doctor. He loathes it. He starts screaming and crying as soon as we pull into the parking lot.
About a year and a half ago, Mike heard a guest on a satellite radio program he listened to talking about immunizations and the possible link to autism.
Now, I want to clarify: The guest was not against vaccinations. He was against the intense vaccination schedule that the CDC recommends.
Instead, he advocates a program called Two and Talking. The purpose of this program is to vaccinate for only the important diseases. There are a lot of vaccinations/immunizations that the CDC recommends that you don't necessarily have to have. Instead, they suggest waiting to vaccinate your child until he/she is two and talking. That way, if there is in fact a link between any ingredient in a vaccine, or the vaccine itself, you know what is to blame.
Before some of you get defensive and start yelling "But it's been proven there's no link between vaccinations and autism!" at your monitors, read this article and this article (it's long but well worth the read). We particularly liked the second article because it pointed out that yes, there is no clear link between thimerosal/mercury in the vaccines and autism AND that there is no clear link between the MMR vaccine and autism. What it also points out is that there are dozens of other ingredients, and plenty more vaccines that have not been tested/studied for links between their administration and autism.
Every article we have read has suggested that we as parents do what we feel comfortable with. Two and Talking advocates using a less rigorous vaccination schedule and vaccinating only for school requirements. You can see their schedule here. Please Note: They are based out of Florida, so if you live somewhere else and would like to follow their schedule, you may have to adapt.
We plan on following their schedule but adapting to the requirements here in Utah with a few exceptions.
The first exception is Hep B. According to some of our research, 90-95% of cases clear up after 3-4 wks of symptoms. In the late 90s (yes, I know that it was a while ago, but still....) there were only 279 cases reported in children under 14. Most sources we have found have said the main way to contract Hep B is to a) get it from your mother at birth (no worries here), b) get it from promiscuous sexual activity (which, hopefully, children under 14 are not engaging in), or c) sharing IV needles (again, no worries here).
The second exception is Varicella. Varicella is the chickenpox vaccine. Now, I understand that they are trying to prevent this disease, BUT, Mike and I both had it as children and we are fine. My parents had it. Their parents had it. My cousins, aunts, uncles, they all had it. We're all fine.
So, what do you do if you don't agree with your state's vaccination requirements? According to the NVIC, there are a few things you can do about it. If you live in a state that allows you to claim vaccination exemption, you don't have to vaccinate your children. Some states allow you to pick and choose while others are all-or-nothing states. In an all-or-nothing state, you either vaccinate or you don't. Luckily, Utah is a pick and choose state. . . . for now. State Legislatures are being pressured to remove the personal/philosophical exemption clauses from their vaccine laws, so you'll have to keep checking if your state is one of the ones that allows this type of exemption. Other exemptions are medical (verified by your pediatrician) or religious (but usually they have to have documented doctrine opposing the vaccines. Check with your state laws though, because some states may not).
We found Utah's immunization guidebook here. On this page, a little ways down the page, they tell you which page to find sample exemption forms, in case you don't want to read the entire guidebook.
Now, I'm not saying that based on what my husband and I have learned that you are doing it wrong. Everyone is comfortable with vaccines on a different level from their friends, family, and neighbors. Some people oppose it completely (some of my relatives), while others vaccinate whenever they feel like it (other relatives). We vaccinated Marshall according to our pediatrician's, and the CDC's, recommendations.
The only reason I'm posting this is because maybe you don't know. Maybe you have reservations but you don't know where to look, and google's not helping. Maybe you just want to know what other people are doing.
This is our plan for baby girl:
We are going to adamantly refuse the hep B shot given at birth. There is just something wrong with jabbing your 12 hr old baby in the arm/leg/wherever with a shot full of aluminum, mercury (possibly), formaldehyde, human DNA, and other weird chemicals/ingredients. (For a full list of ingredients and the possible side effects from vaccines, please go here.)
To start Kindergarten in Utah you have to have 5 DTaP, 3-4 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hep B, 2 Hep A, and 1 Varicella. That is still 16-17 doses before your child is 5. That seems like a lot. We are going to claim personal exemption for the 3 Hep B and the 1 Varicella. This bring's baby girl's total down to 12-13 doses (depending on when she gets her 3rd Polio shot).
We plan on the following schedule:
28 months: Polio
31 months: DTaP
34 months: DTaP
37 months: DTaP
40 months: Hep A
43 months: MMR
47 months: Polio
51 months: Hep A
54 months: DTaP
57 months: Polio
60 months: MMR
63+ months: DTaP (they'll still let you start school if you are working on finishing the series, from my understanding)
By spreading them out every 3 months, we make visiting the doctor less traumatic (no more 6 needles per visit!), and if there is an adverse reaction to the vaccine, we'll know EXACTLY which vaccine it was that caused it. (heaven forbid!)
I really hope this post helps someone out there who can't decide what to do regarding vaccines. My husband and I really feel a lot more comfortable with vaccinating our kids (present and future) now that we know more about the vaccines, reactions, and requirements.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Salem Days Retreat: AN UPDATE!!!
Have you met the fabulous ladies from Izzy n Ivy Designs? They are so much fun, and so fun to be around! Plus, they're all uber-creative and make the cutest things!! Their newest notion is called Sprinkles, and they are the sweetest little tags to finish off your handmade item. They are so darling!!
(photo from Izzy n Ivy Designs)
Well, we are happy to announce that these fabulous ladies have agreed to come to our retreat to do a little Show n Tell.
And by Show n Tell, I mean a FASHION SHOW! We can't wait to see all of the cute things they've done, and hear any tips or tricks that they've discovered to help you make their fun creations.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
2011 Salem Days Retreat
I am so excited to be able to announce the First (hopefully annual!) Salem Days Quilt Show Kick-Off Day Retreat!!!!
It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to be able to spill all of the juicy details!
But, here's a sneak peek of what's in the works:
Awesome trunk shows (we are working on lining up some really GREAT guests to show off their stuff!)
Quick and Easy Make and Takes - Learn some new tips, tricks, and techniques. Kits will be provided
LUNCH!!! We have a yummy lunch planned for everyone!
PRIZES!!!!! We will be holding drawings periodically throughout the day for special prizes. Plus, everyone gets some sweet swag to take home with them! You won't be going home empty handed, that's for sure!!
The retreat info is as follows:
Saturday, August 6, 2011
10 AM - 4 PM
Registration is $20, and includes ALL of your kits, handouts, and lunch! (such a good deal!! seriously!!)
Join in the discussion on our Facebook event page (it's a public event, so anyone can join in the fun!!)
Print off your registration form and mail it in (or bring it in in person, if you're in the area). Don't forget your registration fee though!
This is seriously going to be so much fun, and we are so excited about it!!! Keep checking in here or on the Facebook event page for updates! We'll be announcing our awesome guests as soon as we get everything locked in! It's going to be a blast!!
It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to be able to spill all of the juicy details!
But, here's a sneak peek of what's in the works:
Awesome trunk shows (we are working on lining up some really GREAT guests to show off their stuff!)
Quick and Easy Make and Takes - Learn some new tips, tricks, and techniques. Kits will be provided
LUNCH!!! We have a yummy lunch planned for everyone!
PRIZES!!!!! We will be holding drawings periodically throughout the day for special prizes. Plus, everyone gets some sweet swag to take home with them! You won't be going home empty handed, that's for sure!!
The retreat info is as follows:
Saturday, August 6, 2011
10 AM - 4 PM
Registration is $20, and includes ALL of your kits, handouts, and lunch! (such a good deal!! seriously!!)
Join in the discussion on our Facebook event page (it's a public event, so anyone can join in the fun!!)
Print off your registration form and mail it in (or bring it in in person, if you're in the area). Don't forget your registration fee though!
This is seriously going to be so much fun, and we are so excited about it!!! Keep checking in here or on the Facebook event page for updates! We'll be announcing our awesome guests as soon as we get everything locked in! It's going to be a blast!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
OPAM finish for May
OMG this month has been AWFUL! My camera isn't working, so of course I can't get any of my pictures off of it. And to top it all off, my Gammill broke! It's been in the shop for a week, and I just BARELY got it back! Needless to say, I didn't get a lot accomplished this month :(
But, I did finish one project. I made a quilt for one of my grandmother's for Mother's Day, and even though I got it finished a little late, I did manage to finish it. Sadly, the photos are on the broken camera so I can't actually post them! But trust me when I say that it is super cute!!
But, I did finish one project. I made a quilt for one of my grandmother's for Mother's Day, and even though I got it finished a little late, I did manage to finish it. Sadly, the photos are on the broken camera so I can't actually post them! But trust me when I say that it is super cute!!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Best Mother's Day Prank Ever
For Mother's Day, since the quilts I was making didn't get finished in time, I decided to send flowers to my grandmas.
I called the florist on Friday (I know, I know, totally last minute, and I should know better, working at a floral myself), and they were really great to help me out. The card I had them put with the flowers said: "Happy Mother's Day! We love you! Love, Mike, Joanna, Marshall, and baby." hehehehehehe sneaky, huh?
We were planning on telling my parents Sunday night at dinner at their house. My MIL pointed out though that if my grandma got the flowers, she might call and ruin the surprise, so we had better order flowers for my parents as well. So I did.
Their card said "Happy Mother's Day. Congratulations on your new baby! Love Mike and Joanna." hehehehhee
It was supposed to be delivered Friday or Saturday morning. By about 2 PM I hadn't heard anything. I texted my dad.
Me: Hey, did mom get any flowers for mother's day?
Him: The floral just called about a delivery.
Me: OK, cuz I was going to bring some up if she didn't get any. I guess I'll find something else to do now.
(I am sooooo sneaky! and it's a good thing I did it by text, because I couldn't keep a straight face/level voice to save my life! hehehehe)
When we saw them today, they told us how surprised they were. At first, after the florist called, they said that they thought the flowers were from me, but then my mom pointed out that it didn't make sense for me to send flowers when I work at a floral. They were so surprised!
This is by far the best mother's day prank ever, I'm sure of it! haha
I called the florist on Friday (I know, I know, totally last minute, and I should know better, working at a floral myself), and they were really great to help me out. The card I had them put with the flowers said: "Happy Mother's Day! We love you! Love, Mike, Joanna, Marshall, and baby." hehehehehehe sneaky, huh?
We were planning on telling my parents Sunday night at dinner at their house. My MIL pointed out though that if my grandma got the flowers, she might call and ruin the surprise, so we had better order flowers for my parents as well. So I did.
Their card said "Happy Mother's Day. Congratulations on your new baby! Love Mike and Joanna." hehehehhee
It was supposed to be delivered Friday or Saturday morning. By about 2 PM I hadn't heard anything. I texted my dad.
Me: Hey, did mom get any flowers for mother's day?
Him: The floral just called about a delivery.
Me: OK, cuz I was going to bring some up if she didn't get any. I guess I'll find something else to do now.
(I am sooooo sneaky! and it's a good thing I did it by text, because I couldn't keep a straight face/level voice to save my life! hehehehe)
When we saw them today, they told us how surprised they were. At first, after the florist called, they said that they thought the flowers were from me, but then my mom pointed out that it didn't make sense for me to send flowers when I work at a floral. They were so surprised!
This is by far the best mother's day prank ever, I'm sure of it! haha
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Cat's out of the Bag!
So....those of you who happen to read this and/or follow me on Twitter might recall that I had a bit of a minor freak-out on Wednesday.
It all started on Tuesday when we decided that we were finally going to purchase our building plans for our house. We were toying with the idea of paying the company to do the plan changes, or having our nephew do them instead (our nephew has agreed to do them, since the city engineer has to approve/certify the plans anyway, so why pay the extra $2000, right?) We were all sorts of excited to be getting ready to buy our plans.
This started the first phase of the freak-out.
How much is building going to cost?
Will we get approved for a loan?
How long will it take to build?
etc., etc., etc.
Add to this the stress of finding a sitter so that I can go to Quilt Market in SLC. PLUS playing catch up on my quilting after taking a week off in April for my grandfather's funeral (Did I mention that? He was a great man....will do a post later about him when I have more than 2 minutes) PLUS! I haven't exactly been feeling well lately. I've been really tired, like the tired where 8 hrs of sleep still isn't enough.
I went home Wednesday in the middle of the day and discovered something that made me freak out a bit more than before.
I took 4 tests. Yes, that's right. 4. I wanted to be SURE.
Well, since pretty much everyone knows already.......
Marshall is going to be a big brother! He is super excited, as are Mike and I. We're freaking out a little about where baby is going to go in our tiny little split-level rental, but have already started dejunking and throwing things away in an effort to get the house ready.
Yes, baby won't be making an appearance until somewhere between Christmas and just after New Year's (secretly I'm hoping for December over January - hello tax credit!), but I want to get as much done as I can while I still feel good.....and before I look like a gigantic whale.
I don't think Mike cares what it is, but secretly I am hoping for a girl. I would love a little girl. And then I could make a TON of cute clothes for her! Boys just don't look good in cute ruffly skirts/dresses. haha
Also......shhhhhh! We haven't told my parents yet....we're waiting for this weekend, so if you see them, don't say anything!! :)
It all started on Tuesday when we decided that we were finally going to purchase our building plans for our house. We were toying with the idea of paying the company to do the plan changes, or having our nephew do them instead (our nephew has agreed to do them, since the city engineer has to approve/certify the plans anyway, so why pay the extra $2000, right?) We were all sorts of excited to be getting ready to buy our plans.
This started the first phase of the freak-out.
How much is building going to cost?
Will we get approved for a loan?
How long will it take to build?
etc., etc., etc.
Add to this the stress of finding a sitter so that I can go to Quilt Market in SLC. PLUS playing catch up on my quilting after taking a week off in April for my grandfather's funeral (Did I mention that? He was a great man....will do a post later about him when I have more than 2 minutes) PLUS! I haven't exactly been feeling well lately. I've been really tired, like the tired where 8 hrs of sleep still isn't enough.
I went home Wednesday in the middle of the day and discovered something that made me freak out a bit more than before.
I took 4 tests. Yes, that's right. 4. I wanted to be SURE.
Well, since pretty much everyone knows already.......
Marshall is going to be a big brother! He is super excited, as are Mike and I. We're freaking out a little about where baby is going to go in our tiny little split-level rental, but have already started dejunking and throwing things away in an effort to get the house ready.
Yes, baby won't be making an appearance until somewhere between Christmas and just after New Year's (secretly I'm hoping for December over January - hello tax credit!), but I want to get as much done as I can while I still feel good.....and before I look like a gigantic whale.
I don't think Mike cares what it is, but secretly I am hoping for a girl. I would love a little girl. And then I could make a TON of cute clothes for her! Boys just don't look good in cute ruffly skirts/dresses. haha
Also......shhhhhh! We haven't told my parents yet....we're waiting for this weekend, so if you see them, don't say anything!! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)