Life with Megan ~ 3 days of potty training

Last week I decided to really work at getting Megan potty trained. She is now 2 1/2 and I thought it would be nice to get it done! I decided to follow a method where you have 3 days of intensive training and then you should be completely done. The child is never to go out of your sight. This would have been pretty easy to do with Mara as she was the first and only child and she did everything with me pretty much. Megan however likes to do stuff with me but also likes to do stuff by herself or just with her older siblings so keeping a constant eye on her was a challenge. The first couple of days were interesting but on the last day she did seem to be getting it for the most part. She still is not all the way there but we aren't having that many accidents and we are certainly over the hump! It is pretty exciting to be done with diapers!

I took a bunch of pictures of Megan helping me and so I thought it would be fun to share.

~Helping to make bread.
~ She helped put together a centerpiece for our table.
~ She and the other kids helped to cut up broccoli (a couple of 5 gallon buckets full from Mom and Dad) to blanch and freeze.
~She enjoyed stirring our laundry detergent.
~Busy scrubbing the stove top.

~Taste testing some raw pumpkin.
~Ready to help make salsa.
~Playing legos out at the table. Usually they play in the boys room and I went in and played with them for a while (Which the older kids thought was pretty neat since I don't do that very often) but then I wanted to get some other things done so they brought them out to the table so I could still keep an eye on her.

Angels

I just finished my first angel for this season....it takes 6 hours to sculpt one of them so I knew I had to get busy to get my orders done by Xmas.....this one will take about 3 days to dry..then I'll spray it completely white and put a songbook on her hands...I make the songbooks with sheetmusic!!!

Other angels are holding a harp, mandoline or ladybug. Have one order this year for an angel with praying hands...nice idea.

Orville's Baby Boots

After reading Karen's blog at homefree.blogs.com I had to find this picture of a friend's babyshoes. He was so pleased when I asked him if I could photograph his baby boots..

I fell in love with his baby shoes...but he wouldn't part with them!! Can't you just see him (in overalls ..of course!) trucking around the old farm in Saskatchewan ..making miles with these little boots. If only they could talk! You have to love his Mom for saving them for him.

A fun week for us Politically

We have had a fun week as far as getting to meet various people in politics. It has been a great learning experience for the kids as we have been able to not just talk about our leaders but actually meet some of them.
On Monday our Governor, Tim Pawlenty came to Bemidji. We went to see him and listened to about an hour long discussion (With him and other house candidates or people that are already a member of the house speaking and taking questions). I found it to be very informative. We all (except Aaron) had the opportunity to shake his hand as well.

Last night was an exciting night for Bemidji because Todd Palin came to town. As far as we know a president, V.P. or any of their spouses or anybody running for those offices have not come to town since when Eleanor Roosevelt did in 1955. A huge crowd showed up last night and it was fun to see so many people that were supporters of McCain - Palin. There were also some protesters which made the whole event more interesting. Todd only spoke a little bit and then we all got to go and shake his hand. Ken and I tried to get pictures of us shaking his hand but it was to crowded and we had to go to fast. Oh well. :-)

Last week we also got to see Senator Coleman again. He is also planning on coming again next week. This picture is actually from a month or so ago but we just got it e-mailed to us.

It is quite fun for me to hear the kids talk about our elected leaders as though they know them personally, I hope they will have a great understanding of how it all works and will be great citizens of our great country (But even more devoted followers of Christ Jesus!) when they grow up.

New underwear from Old T-shirts

A project I have had fun with lately that is both green and thrifty is making underwear for Megan. I am currently working at potty training Megan and that sort of undertaking (especially at first) requires quite a few pairs of underwear. I thought about going out and buying some (she already had a few pairs) and then I thought "Why?" I have a bunch of t-shirts to use for projects that would work perfectly to make underwear out of and I also had been given quite a bit of elastic that would work. So here is what I did:

1. I took a pair of panties that she already had and made a pattern (carefully add seam allowances). 2. Cut out a front and a back.

3. Then add any "pretties" that you want on the front.

4. Using zig zag sew a very narrow stitch at the crotch.
5. Then take another piece of fabric and lay it on the inside (covering up the seam). Zig zag in place.
6. Trim the crotch fabric to the right size.

7. Sew elastic on the leg holes. I secure the elastic at one end and then stretch it out while sewing it one the fabric. Lay the elastic on the right side of the fabric and use a zig zag stitch.
This is what it looks like with the elastic on both legs.

8. Sew one side seam. have only 1/2 inch or less seam allowance.

9. Put elastic on waist the same way you did on the legs.

10. Sew other side seam.


Tada! You are all done. This is a very quick project and fun because you are using up something that would have otherwise been discarded and it makes something useful. So far I have only made some for Megan but I think I am going to do it for anybody else that needs some too. I am thinking I could make boxers for the boys. These might also make good birthday presents for my sister Keren. (Don't you think so Keren?)

For more Thrifty Green tips visit Green Baby Guide.