I told myself that after our trip to California it would be time to start cloth diapering Owen. I’ve given myself a couple months of disposable while I adjust to life with two, but when I think about my cloth diapering experience with Jude, I realize that it doesn’t add much onto my work load except a load or two of laundry a week.

Why use cloth? Many reasons, but they are saving us hundreds of dollars on diapers, (see below) are better for the environment, (arguably so, some say, but the system I have down only uses one extra load of laundry per week using mostly cold water and line drying when possible) and seem comfier to wear for a little one than disposable. Don’t get me wrong- disposables are great and I use them too, at night and when away from home for the day, but overall the money saving factor makes cloth win out for us overall. And it really is easy!

My method is to use pre-fold diapers with covers that close with velcro- no pins, usually no leaks, and the covers can be used several times before needing to be washed. When a diaper is soiled I throw it into an airtight small trash bin, unless it’s filled with poop that can be gently shaken into the toilet, then in it goes as well, poop residue and all, into the bin to await laundry day. I do a pre-wash, then a regular wash, and dry the diapers (not liners- they last longer if air dried) on high or on my clothing rack on sunny days. Added bonus of line drying- sunshine bleaches out stains.

I don’t have exact figures for you but I do know for sure that my stash of several dozen cloth pre-fold diapers, diaper covers, and home made cloth wipes (squares of fabric from soft swaddling blankets sewn around the edges) could not have cost us much more than $100, if that. The fact that this stash of diapers is being used for multiple children makes the savings even greater. There are a lot fancier cloth diapers out there, but mine works great and is very cost effective. Including the price of laundering this is much cheaper than disposable.

Online Resources for cloth diapering:

*Where to start- Green Mountain Diapers- information, products, etc.

*Kushies brand diaper covers- you can find these for great prices online.

*A whole other subject but I’ll throw it in as well- this saved me a ton of laundering and diapers, and I’m starting slowly with Owie now too- ‘infant potty training’ aka ‘elimination communication’.

*If you want more info let me know! I’d be happy to share what has worked for me and other resources. When I was starting the cloth diapering process my cousin Heather helped me choose the kind of diapers that would work best and shared what worked for her and what didn’t, and it helped so much to have her as a resource and help me get started- thanks Heather!:)

From our growing little garden… a humble salad of baby lettuce, spinach, and sliced radish. I don’t think I’ve been that excited about a salad (and such a simple one at that) in a long time- because I GREW IT! I may have a green thumb after all! We paired our salad with lasagna and strawberry rhubarb crisp with home made vanilla ice cream. Next year I plan to get a patch of strawberries and rhubarb in along with all my veggies in early Spring, until then we have a farm about 10 minutes from us that doesn’t spray any of their crops and you can go pick your own fruits and veggies for pretty good prices. Both strawberries and rhubarb freeze well when sliced and frozen on a cookie tray, then packed into freezer safe bags or containers. The crisp I made last weekend used up the last of my frozen strawberries frozen from last summer! Here’s my favorite crisp recipe:

(Mouse over the bottom right hand side of the slide show to go through pics one by one if you like) We took the trek down to California by car, splitting up our trip each way by staying in Oregon. On the way down we stayed with some dear friends, Mike and Adrienne Davis and their daughter Rosabelle. So fun to see the kids play together, and Rosa loved holding Owie- so sweet! We had a wonderful time in Eureka with all of Andrew’s family. We got to see a few friends as well as visit our old church. The time definately went too fast, we could have used some extra days to have more time with everyone but it was a great trip and we’re so thankful for the time we had there. We celebrated Andrew’s 30th birthday, had lots of BBQ’s and get togethers with the family, went to the ocean, Redwood park, and the Arcata Farmer’s Market. The boys were amazing- sleeping well away from home and having a blast playing with all their grandparents, aunties and uncles.

*Happiest Father’s Day to my wonderful Papa and my amazing Hubby!*
Hope it is a day filled with all the things you guys enjoy! You are both patient, wise, funny, and amazing men and I’m thankful for both of you more than I could ever express!

30 years ago this Friday the man that would make me the happiest wife in the world was born. Andrew Timothy Fouche came along… and the world was never the same! Here’s to your first 30 years of life, and to many, many more to come. You are an amazing husband, father, and friend. Not to mention your igloo building skills and your ability to make cool rap songs from kid’s books. The fact that I hope our boys grow up to be just like their papa pretty much says it all! Happy Birthday (week:) Andrew Fouche!!!

We also had an end of the year pool party for our middle school youth ministry- Fusion. Jude got to hang out with a bunch of sweet girls and swim, he wasn’t ready to go home when it was over!:) We are closing out our (almost) 2nd school year with the 6th through 12th graders at our church and are so blessed to be doing what we’re doing.

I thought this article was interesting- it details how much energy is used up by our tv’s, laptops, etc. and how much we could save per year if we shut them off when not in use.

Coming soon… videos of the boys and more about Andrew’s China outreach!