A whole new world

There is nothing like watching your child grow and develop.... It seems like over night Lucas turned into a toddler. He is walking all over the place and we even got his first pair of walking shoes from stride rite last week. My mom and dad took us there to get our first pair of shoes so it seemed like the perfect place for our little guy. He was our little hippy baby before that b/c he refused to wear shoes... I mean if we ever tried to put them on him he would scream and throw a fit until he pulled them off... and this is not like him he is normally pretty calm. But, low and behold when we got to stride rite he was a perfect child. It almost made me laugh. He stood there perfectly still while they measured his feet and had no problems once they put the shoes on him.. then just walked around like he had been wearing them for ages.
So, now I feel like a whole new world has been opened up for us. He can go outside and walk around.. and Fall is the perfect time of year for exploring. Today Mark was off work so we decided to take him to the park. He had such a good time running around.. and of course loved the slide. Days like today makes me feel so blessed... I have a good friend who's husband has Leukemia. We were talking the other day about how all that matters in life is your family, friends and health. Work, "things", money... none of that matters. So, with my sweet friend on my heart I think of her and remember that life is a gift. Enjoy every second of it b/c you never know what tomorrow holds.

Tiffany

Freezing Time..

I was talking to my dad today about photography. We were discussing how we have always had an interest in photos and really enjoy taking them.... and dad said something that really struck me... He said the reason he loves photography is b/c you can never freeze time except though a photo. That picture will be with us for hundreds of years.. if not longer. So, tonight I headed to the basement to sort though some old pics and get them out of boxes. I ran across pictures from childhood, high school, college, family photos and some of me and Mark when we first got together. It brought back soooo many wonderful memories :)

There have been several times I have been holding Lucas and thought "I wish he could stay exactly this way forever." I try to cherish every moment with him because I know they grow up so fast. I take hundreds of pictures of him (mark actually calls me the paparazzi). But, I know that in years to come these pictures will be our little treasures. They actually already are...

Tiffany

Going Green

Ok. I get it. I finally get it. I'm on the bandwagon. I'm actually excited about going green.

Once you have a child, it's harder to ignore worldly problems. It's easier to think in terms of 'where's my country going to be in my daughter's future?' and 'what are these chemicals doing to my daughter's earth?' Thus inspiring me to become a more eco-conscious consumer, mother and woman.

I've researched green cleaning products, which are very competitive when price comparing to standard products. And, cleaning companies are getting smarter too. Most of our favorite brands--Clorox, Scrubbing Bubbles, Comet--have eco-friendly versions of all our products from toilet bowl scrubs to glass cleaner.

Tiffany and I started thinking about and discussing all the chemicals we were using in our homes where our children were thriving. Do we really want harsh chemicals around our children. With that in-mind, we both started thinking about homemade cleaning solvents. I've included a small list below. These home remedies to your cleaning problems are non-toxic (most of which require to alert poison control if ingested by your little ones).

~Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
~Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
~Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
~Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
~White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
~Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
~Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
~Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
~Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

Below are some recipes for cleaning solutions that use non-toxic ingredients:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Deodorize:
• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hours

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.
If you want to use a commercial dishwashing soap, try Ecover Ecological or Trader Joe's powders, which contain no bleach or phosphates.

Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)
To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.

Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.
For unvarnished wood, mix two tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Laundry Detergent: Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm.


Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.

Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.

Shoe Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.

Stickers on walls: Our children covered the inside of their room doors with stickers. Now they are grown, but the stickers remained. To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)

Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.

Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

Letters

I visit my great aunt Jewell every Friday. She is in her 80's and is one of my favorite people in the world!! The past few years have been extremely difficult for her...she has lost her husband and all of her siblings (one of which was my grandpa). My aunt Jewell does not have any children so I am sure life can get pretty lonely. I am so glad she decided to move back to the old camp house just a brisk walk away from ours. What I love about her generation is the way they kept in constant contact with one another by writing letters. My uncle Frank and aunt Jewell started courting though letters... She has hundreds that chronicle their relationship. How comforting it must be to pull those letters out and relive parts of their relationship... She has said how much she treasures each word...
My aunt Jewell was also very close to my aunt Jane who lived in Texas... But do you think the distance made these sisters grow apart..NO WAY!! Of course they talked on the phone almost every day, but on top of that they would write letters each week. At my aunt Jane's funeral a few months ago they mentioned how they hoped this generation would not let the art of writing letters fade away. Because we all know how easy that would be with texting, email, myspace, facebook, twitter etc... Since Mark and I have been working on our basement it has forced us to go through several boxes from our childhood forward... And we have found so many notes and letters from friends and past loves.... It was so precious to find!! I found notes Jennifer and I wrote back and forth in middle/high school. These days I am sure kids just text only for it to be lost forever. This generation won't have the joy of reliving a memory though finding notes or letters. So, you may ask yourself why am I writing about this? Well, I have decided to make it a point to sit down and write on paper a short note or letter to friends and family.... I also started and ongoing journal with Mark. We use just a small spiral notebook and write little notes or letters back and forth and leave it on each others night stand. It can be just a sentence or pages if we want. It really just chronicle our day or what we are feeling or it can remind us to do something..This probably sounds soooo corny, but it is fun :) You know how you get busy with kids and life and sometimes you just want to tell that person what you love about them or even what upsets you? Just getting it out on paper is good for the soul. I always look forward to see what he has written :) I love that we will have something to look back on one day when (god willing) we are 80. We can remember small details that we would have otherwise forgotten. So, maybe you can do something like this in your life? It does not have to be a journal...maybe it is just leaving a quick note saying I love you or I appreciate everything you do.. Whatever it is write it down. It will become some of your most prized possessions :)

Tiffany

The picture above you will see my aunt Jewell on the left and my aunt Jane on the right when they were in their early twenties. You can't beat black and white photos :)

Coffee Tip

Don't you just love your morning cup of coffee!! I never really drank coffee until I left Verizon and had a job where I had to be there early every day :) I am not an all day coffee drinker.. I just like one cup in the morning and depending on how much sleep I got the night before I may have one more around 3:00. I love cream and a little sugar in my coffee!! Well, I read that it is so much healthier to use honey in your coffee instead of sugar. Sounds gross right? Well, today I tried it and it tastes just like sugar!! You body processes it much easier and it is a natural sweetener that lasts longer in your system so you don't have the crash effect. Just thought if there are any coffee drinkers out there you may want to give it a try :) Jennifer, I know you are a fellow coffee lover so try it and let me know.

Tiffany

Not funny

Do any of you have certain things you can't stand? There is really only one pet peeve I have..which is to see someone made fun of. I don't think there is anything worse than that... I don't even watch American Idol (I know crazy right). But, the reason I don't is because I cringe during the first few weeks when they take turns critisizing people who they say cannot sing. I know this may sound silly, but it is not entertainment to see someone's dreams crushed and on top of that be made fun of. Or, when people make cracks at someone being overweight or looking different. Wouldn't it be easier to just smile or say hello to a stranger rather than talking about them after they pass by. I just feel there are so many amazing people that come in all sorts of packages. What started this was Mark telling me about this lady who was overweight...He went on to say how you could tell she took a lot of time making sure her makeup was perfect and she wore clothes that were just a little too tight, but that she looked really nice. Well, when she got up to leave he said that a lot of people starting making fun of her and saying that they would hate to be that chair... you know really mature comments. It just broke my heart. What if that lady had heard everyone in there? She took so much time making sure she looked just right then people treat her like that. Everyone is special and unique... Wouldn't it be nice if we could point out what is beautiful in someone instead?

Tiffany

Could I be a match?

I have always asked myself how I could help out a stranger?...One way I have found very simple is to donate blood....And when I broke my knee I actually needed a blood transfusion after surgery....So, you see it really does help!! Well, over the years I have always had a nagging feeling that I needed to sign up to be a bone marrow donor... For some reason I just really feel that if I get on a list I would be a match for someone one day.... I feel like this illness is going to hit close to home in some way... friend or family?... And after having Lucas I have thought about it more and more. So, yesterday I decided to look up what it takes to be on the donor list. There are different bone marrow drives all through out GA. All I will have to do is go to one of the drives and give a blood sample and answer some health questions.. then bam you are on the list!! You have to be in between the ages of 18-60...I was under the impression that it is extremely painful to donate marrow, but these days you are put to sleep...They can even get the marrow from you blood. So, I called Mark to see what he thought and he said it was a awesome idea. He said we would both get on the list. I may not be a match for someone, but even if there is a small possibility that I could help save someones life it is worth it. I think of my sweet Lucas...What if he needed a transplant one day? Would a stranger be willing to help my son? If you are interested in getting more info go to www.marrow.org. You never know if this could be your family. Love to all!!

Tiffany

Everyone Needs a Break

It's that time again!!! Time for a much needed girls night of dinner and a movie!! Being a mom is great, but sometimes don't we all need a break? I have a lot of friends who are moms, teachers or both!! What I love about my friends is I can call them up (or text them) and they are always willing to do what it takes to make girls night happen. It is not always an easy task to prepare for a night out you know. For one it means our husbands will be on their own for an evening...And no matter how wonderful and involved they are you can almost see the terror in their eyes when you announce you will be gone for an evening...or an even bigger challenge is single moms who have to go through the even bigger task of finding a sitter....But, once the details are worked out it is always well worth the trouble!! I am so lucky to have friends in my life that go WAY back, which makes catching up that much more fun...We laugh, talk about old times, talk about our babies, husbands, the challenges of motherhood, work and so much more!! After dinner it is a must to see a chick flick and have buckets of popcorn, candy and coke. And when the night comes to an end I love the feeling of happiness that I am coming home to my sweet Mark and Lucas... Yes, every now and then we all need a break from our everyday routine, but that everyday routine is what I look forward to coming home to...

Tiffany

We're traditional

Touching on a few of the things Tiffany has already wrote on, I wanted to share a few traditions that I've started with Lauren. Being a single mom affords a lot of opportunity for one-on-one time with your kiddo, but oftentimes, it's hard on the pocket book. So, I have to get creative sometimes when thinking about things to do with Lauren.

Mac & Cheese:
Since our very first week in the apartment, Little Bit and I have had a weekly tradition of Macaroni Monday. It started with a 50 cent box of Kraft mac and cheese and a box of Wal-Mart brand macaroni noodles. We have mac and cheese for dinner, then use the noodles for a craft project. We've made macaroni men, rainbows, pictures frames, jewelry. She loves it, and it's something we can share for a very low cost.

Music & Singing:
Lauren and I have also started other traditions. Like on Tuesday nights, we sing. After dinner, we do a little karaoke show. She loves music and delights in the opportunity to stand on stage (our coffee table) and sing at the top of her lungs into a microphone. In fact, she changes into her "rock star princess" clothes before her performance. I record her on my phone. She totally gets a kick out of it.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned being a mommy is that Lauren needs my time and deserves it more than anyone. So, if she's ever whiny or grumpy, I know that instead of parking her in front of the TV or sending her to bed a few minutes early, I can spend 15-20 minutes of quality time with her. She perks right up.

Crib Time?

So Lucas will be 7 months tomorrow!! He is on the verge of crawling...so, after his fall last week I decided it was time for him to sleep in his own bed (snif snif)....A lot of people can't wait to get their kids out of bed, but we are so sad!! The main reason I want to get him sleeping in his crib is because I don't want him to crawl out of bed and fall on our hardwood!! Right now his bedtime is 8:30...so our routine consists of getting him changed into his PJ's and we read Goodnight Moon and a Mirror Me book... After that I feed him and he usually falls asleep pretty quick....So once he is asleep we barricade him with pillows so he won't roll off the bed before we come in...Yesterday I was talking to my friend Robin about getting him in his room...She agreed that it would be best to have him take some naps in his crib before we transition to nights. So, you may wonder where he has been taking his naps...Usually he falls asleep in his play pen or on the couch curled up next to me :) So, at 10:00 yesterday for his first nap I got him all comfy in his crib. Of course he cried for about twenty minutes and I had to go in several times to calm him down, but low and behold he fell asleep!! I just knew he would hate me when he woke up, but he was all smiles :) So, we got ready to go have lunch with Mark..I was trying this without Mark knowing because every time I mention it he says no way not my sweet baby!! I told him at lunch and he agreed it would be best, but was pretty devistated..When we got back it was time for his afternoon nap...this time he cried for about thirty minutes before falling asleep..I was able to get so much done during both naps!! OK, so I thought since his naps went so well I would try putting him to sleep in his crib and see how long he would sleep..This time it took about forty five minutes to get him to sleep. I was feeling pretty good until we went to bed. We were sooooo sad without our little guy with us!! It was awful. It felt like he was a million miles away!! We laid there and just kept waiting for him to wake up so we could go get him. After a few hours he woke up and I ran in there to get my sweet baby. I know what you are thinking..since he was doing so good I should have got him back to sleep in his room...but I just couldn't do it!! Tonight I promise I will be better!! So, anyone out there who is trying to transition their baby I promise it will be harder on you than on your little one :) I would welcome any advice!! I need all the help I can get :) Don't you love the picture..He is looking at me like...What are you thinking putting me in here!! Until next time...

Tiffany

Uncle Doug

So, this morning I woke up before the boys and before the rain...instead of jumping out of bed I decided to just relax for a bit. While laying there I heard the beautiful sound of birds chirping!! One of the greatest aspects of living in North Georgia are the distinct seasons we get to experience...Spring and Fall are my two favorite..I love how these seasons transition from extreme weather to mild temperatures and you can't forget the beauty of these seasons. As I look outside now I can begin to see the buds on our cherry trees!! Our cherry tress are so special to us!! My great uncle Doug spent many years on this property planting all kinds of fruit trees. He was such a sweet man...you know a gentle man of few words....When we moved here in 91 we had the honor of living with him while we were building our house...Brennan and I just loved him sooo much!! I remember one Christmas season Brennan and I got off the bus and ran up to the house...When we walked in he had went outside and cut holly to decorate the house....He took all of his change that he had collected over the years and placed them in two separate bags on the table..Of course you can imagine how excited two little kids were to see all the money!! We spent the whole afternoon and night rolling the change. I swear it ended up being a few hundred dollars...All the while he had a grin on his face and his hands in the pockets of his overalls. I miss him and wish he was still here with us..But, I know he would be pleased to see all the fruit trees blooming this beautiful spring morning..

Tiffany

That did not just happen!!!

I just love being a mommy!!  But, like all moms I have my fears...one of my biggest fears is dropping Lucas!!!  I am serious, ever since we brought Lucas home from the hospital  I was terrified of dropping him...  Maybe it is because I never really held newborns...Ask any of my friends... Whenever they tried to put their newborn in my arms I would look at Mark like HELP ME NOW!!!  He can handle babies with such ease...I don't even think it is funny when people say that someone must have been dropped on their head as a child for them to act that way....  Well, thank God once my little man came into my life I had no problems handling him.  With that said...Lucas is six months three weeks old...last week I even thought to myself what a great mom I must be since he had not fallen one time.  (I know I know!!  What an idiot!!)....Well today around 3:00 pm I was feeding Lucas on the couch.  I laid him down right beside me for a split second before I picked him up to burp him.  I literally turned my head for a half second and I heard the DREADED THUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I cringed and thought, " THAT DID NOT JUST HAPPEN"....My sweet Lucas fell smack down on our wood floors!!  Why did we not go with carpet!!  Anyway, it took Lucas a second to start screaming because he was so stunned.  I scooped him up and felt like the worst mother on earth while checking out the damage.  He only cried for about 10 seconds...  he actually stopped crying and looked at me and smiled.  It was like he was telling me, "Mommy I am ok don't freak out."  I am not a frantic person at all..in fact most people would call me laid back...so Lucas was taken aback when I was all out of sorts.  When I called Jennifer to tell her what happened she started laughing telling me it happens to all moms.  Then she told me to walk over to the couch and really look to see how low the couch is to the ground. She was right...not far at all. The moral of the story is....there are plenty more falls to come...the first one just seems to be the most anticipated.... 

Tiffany

Mac and Cheese Please!!

When I was kid I always bugged my mom asking, "what's for dinner?"...I was always thrilled when she mentioned mac and cheese!!  Normally on nights we had a softball/baseball game she would make hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. Over the past couple of years I have really had fun learning how to cook....My mom has always taught me how important it is to cook as healthy as possible...So, most of our meals consist of tons of vegetables and grilled meats...Mark loves anything I put on the table, but I know he misses some good old southern cooking from time to time!! His entire family are wonderful southern cooks.  I am serious, every single Watson can cook up a storm.  So, tonight for dinner I decided to try some homemade mac and cheese!! It turned out great...Mark came in from working outside and was so excited to see the feast I prepared....A little comfort food is good for the soul...and for sleeping!!  He is already sound asleep.  I can't wait to create memories for Lucas like my mom did for us during baseball season.  Don't you just love spring!!  Til next time...

Tiffany

Hi!

Hey there! It's Jen. Tiffany pretty much said it all. She came up with this great idea to blog, and I think it's fabulous! We have been friends for almost two decades now, and I cannot imagine how different my life would be without her in it.

The old adage opposites attract holds true here. Our lives seem to always be on different paths (with one similarity: happiness is our destination). She's a married mother of a beautiful baby boy with an amazing husband. And, she's got the most difficult job of them all...stay-at-home mommy. I'm a single mom with my gorgeous girl at the top of the priority list and a magazine career right behind that. We are both living our dreams and loving whatever life spins our way.

I guess the coolest part about our blog (besides the adorable photos of babies!) will be the juxtaposition of our lives, so very different but always intertwined. And, the rants. We have many ramblings that we think moms, wifes, daughters, 20-somethings and other women alike will relate. So please ENJOY! :)

Why Blog?

Jennifer and I have been friends for 18 years....wow 18 years!!!  We had the idea to start a blog together...we thought it would be fun to get out some of our random thoughts and be able to go back and reflect... My name is Tiffany and I am a stay at home mommy...I have a precious little boy Lucas who you will hear A Lot about!!  Ok, so I have to brag on Jennifer...She is a mother and an accomplished writer.  She is the editor of I do for Brides magazine....  So, her blogs will most defiantly not have any grammar errors...and mine most defiantly will :)  In this blog we hope to share life adventures and we hope that people will be able to relate... whether you are a working mommy or one that stays at home.