My Mighty Nest

As many of you all know this past year our family has been on a journey of transformation. Not only has it been familial (how we parent and school our children), spiritual (centering our daily lives on our God), but material as well. Part of that material transformation has required us to be more conscious and better stewards about the items we bring into our home as well as the ones we currently have (especially when they involve our children) This means that all of our toys and child feeding gear has gone under the microscope. While I try my best to not be an alarmist, it really is quite disturbing the amount of chemicals that go into any of the products that we use in our homes. Even more alarming is that many of those chemicals are or are suspected to be harmful. 

I will never forget in 2007 and 2008, when I my daughter was one year old, discovering that every single bottle that we used had BPA in it. Every single one. At the time, I had no idea what BPA was or what its effects were (and I was a junior in college so not being educated wasn't an issue). All I knew was that my brilliant environmental engineer sister-in-law told me to toss them so they must be bad. 

When Jonas came along in 2010 I still was not really on the bandwagon. I knew BPA was a no-no but everything else seemed fine. I mean it should be illegal to put harmful chemicals into products that our children use... right? Its the USA for crying out loud, not China! Well once again I was wrong. So after more recommendations from the brilliant sister in law and doing some hunting on my own, I learned what products are safe and responsible on the market. 

But the story doesn't end here...! 

Sadly I had a hard time finding a site or store for that matter which carried the safer products. In addition, I was quite put off and disillusioned by most stores whom carried suspicious products now and in the past. It was pretty obvious to me that they really did not have our kids' best interest at heart. Then enters the Mighty Nest. 

When I first found their site I was in heaven. Seriously. They had all the safe and cool kid products that I was looking for... in one place. They also carried kitchenware, clothes, and toys! However what I love the most about them are the information and reviews that they provide on every item. No more searching and calling companies to see where they manufactured their product, or what is in it- the Mighty Nest puts it all right out there for you. Total disclosure and no hiding. 

So by this point you might be asking yourself, are they paying me to say this about them? NOPE! I just love them and I want to share them with you so that you do not have to pull your hair out when looking for a good place to buy safe products. Plus to top it off, I also just won a Kinderville set in a contest. Before I entered the contest I had already ordered from them twice (Lifefactory and Klean Kanteen sippy cups), so this new free stuff was just a lucky accident and tremendously helpful since it was free (and we all know that sadly safe products tend to cost more- its worth it). 

So here is my unsolicited review of the goodies I received. I plan on ordering more Kinderville sets as well because they are so wonderful and my kids adore them! 

When I first saw the new Kinderville products I was a bit suspicious. I have been against all plastics when it comes to my kids since I had been burned by them in the past. But upon taking a closer look, all of Kinderville's products are silicone! Silicone is a great substitute to plastics and they are BPA, phalate, and lead free. In addition the added benefit of silicone is they they cannot break (like glass) or dent (like stainless steel). Plus they are very easy to clean and the kids think they're fun because of the nice colors. If you were addicted like I was to the cute melamine divided kids plates, then these are a safer and cute alternative. 

By far my three favorite items (while I love them all) are the Bigger Bites Silicone Storage Jars, the Little Bites Silicone Freezer Trays, and the Ice Pop mold. 

The storage jar is fabulous for snacks. What I love it is that Deirdre and Jonas can remove the top too. Plus there are no leaks and the jar is insulated. For our picnic I steamed veggies and put the in the jar to take with us and 40 minutes later they were still warm- an added benefit! 

The freezer tray would be great for making and freezing our homemade baby food, if we still did that! So I have been using it a  mini snack tray for Jonas. He loves it and since it comes with a lid, whatever he has left over I and slip back into the refrigerator and get it out later for a snack. Plus since it is deeper, it is harder for food to spill out! 

By far Deirdre's favorite is the ice pop mold (no pictures yet sorry). The first night we had it I made a pop for teething baby Jonas and it was a life saver!!! The mold has a lid and it does not leak as all. It took about 90 minutes for the pop to freeze solid. Plus the shape of the mold is the real winner. Since it has a funnel shape, kids can push the pop up by themselves and the  juice doesn't slip all over them- seriously! This has been a struggle for us- with many stained clothes, and now we have found the the perfect mold and pop! It makes for a special summer treat and activity to make your own pops with your kids and have them experiment with fruits and flavors. So far our favorite is peach lemonade! 

So all in all, we love the set. I have no complaints, and trust me I am hard to please. If you are in need to some great and SAFE kid kitchenware, give kinderville a try from the Mighty Nest. They have a GREAT return policy, so if you are not a fan you can get a refund, which makes me even more convinced that they care. Also their blog is a great resource on healthy living and consumer safety. I read it weekly and I am amazed at how much I have learned, like that BPA is linked to male infertility- eek! 

At any rate good night my friends. Enjoy the photos of our fun picnic by the lake and give your kiddos (big and small) an extra hug today. We are so blessed to have them. 

Sick Babies and No Sleep

I do not have the energy to blog tonight. I was going to write about our family's Eco-friendly and Waldorf journey, but I seriously am about to pass out.

Jonas is sick -or- he is teething so badly that he is making himself sick. My heart literally shatters into pieces when my children are hurt or sick. It is even worse when I cannot make it better, and that is where Jonas is tonight (and has been for 2 days now).

So I am going to try to sleep while he is asleep for the first time in more than 24 hours. However I must say that even though I am cranky, tired, and weary as well- I would not trade this for the world. Never.

Also let me just put this out here but this does not make me want to never have anymore children either. It really unnerves when people say this to me when my children act like well...children. Each child is different, a glorious gift, and a blessing all their own. I mean I am not always pleasant to be around, heck I am downright mean when I am sick. Why should I expect a child who just leaned to speak, to act more pleasantly than a grown man when they are sick? Shesssh. (Can you tell that I am weary?)

At any rate, I covet your prayers tonight. Pray for us and for wisdom. We are going to the doctor's tomorrow to see what this might be and hopefully get some answers! In the meantime enjoy some newborn Jonas photos.

Bonne Nuit!

::right now::

::right now:: A weekly Soulemama tradition. 

right now, I am ...

:: marveling that it is almost July. One month until we move into our new home. One month, one month...

:: revisiting memories of my summer pregnancies as I rejoice with my sister and brother (in law- but I'll keep them) about their new little life that will be a girl. Their daughter. My niece. The cousin of my children. 

:: plotting plans for our new home. New rooms and places of love and refugee. And yet I still realize that its not about the new 'things' we have but the love and memories that we will share there- which is what really matters. 

:: finishing the old toys round-up and purge. The twinge of mothering guilt stings less and less each day as I discover that my children do not miss them and are better for it. 

:: stopping myself from running off and spending the new money on lots of new toys, instead getting one heirloom toy , table, bedset, and a rug! 

:: wondering if the baby bluejay that adopted me this evening will make it through the night. Shalom. What will be, will be... by God's grace. 

:: loving my sweet precious daughter whom came home early at 10pm tonight from her overnight stay with Omi because she "missed me and daddy and babyey Jonas Bonus". As I tucked her into bed and gave her lion kisses with my arms wrapped around her, she told me that "this feels much better, this is the right place to be". Oh dear heart and soul be still and savor this. Breath her life in and keep this moment forever. 

:: listening to the cicadas hum. Ah yes this is the song of summer. 

:: thanking the Lord for providing us with a free bed and mattress for my baby Emil Jonas, who is moving into his big bed in a months time. Thank you Nicole Carroll. You and your family are blessings from the Lord to us and our church. 

::weeping as I realize my baby Jonas isn't a baby anymore. They're tears of mixed emotions. Happiness that he is experiencing new parts of God's world. Sadness because of my realization that he will never need me as much as he once did anymore. And immense all encompassing gratitude that the Lord has given me such a beautiful gift, deemed me worthy to receive it, and kept him from harm thus far. 

:: feeling very connected to the needs of my family right now. Mommy needs to hold a bit more this week and clean a bit less. 

:: loving my daughter's heart for those in need. She still prays every night for her friend with CF and his Mommy. 

:: hoping that she keeps her sweet caring spirit with her all her life. 

:: wanting to go back to my mother's house and to the beach. I love the beach. The ocean is just what I needed this weekend! 

:: thinking about the fun musical time we get to have with family tomorrow night- and wishing Craig could be there! 

:: reminding myself that this period is a part of my God's perfect plan and is purposeful. 

:: making lovely home school plans for the Autumn...while I drink more lemonade! 

:: wishing you a lovely summer's eve and a beautiful start to your weekend!  

Sleeping. The poor baby was tired. I must have the touch! 

The silicone dishware giveaway I own, love the MightyNest! 

Spoonflower fabric that I designed and had print. Yep, I am a fabric designer ;) 

Add caption

Tree of Life and Wine

Tonight was another date night- since it is the only day off my husband has fully had in 14 days. So instead of going on our normal coffee and movie date, we went to Norfolk. In Norfolk there is this awesome indie film theater called the Naro. It has been around since the 1920s and they have saved it and restored the theater back to its 20s glory.  


So on a whim we went to see the film "Tree of Life". I loved the movie, it was touching, beautiful, gripping, and makes you relive parts of your childhood while watching the film. If you're a believer it takes you through the existential quandaries we as believers experience when we suffer a deep loss. When we question God's goodness- or if he is even there. 


So I loved it. Craig not so much. He thought it was pretentious! Que sera, sera! 


So now I have had my glass of wine, and Craig is giving me "that look". So I will bid you adieu with promises of crafty goodness and updates tomorrow! 

Daily Verse or Quote: 

 Job 38 4-7 

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?

Tell me, if you understand.

Who marked off its dimensions? 

Surely you know!    

Who stretched a measuring line across it?

 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 

while the morning stars sang together and all the angels^[a] shouted for joy?

Weekending: Kimono

The PJs

This weekend has been filled with busyness, love, sun, and joy. Friday I got to have some great sewing time with my mother-in-law, whom helped me make my way through the Oliver and S storytime kimono pajamas! The pattern was easy once I had someone help me through it and translate the lingo for me. The pattern had us do the sleeves a new way- which now I really like since they're much easier than the previous ways I had done them. Once I am done with my other projects (Red Ridinghood cape, log cabin quilt, quilt bindings) I will make some more for the kids. 

Saturday was a glorious day at the beach with my mother and the kids. Everyone got along and the kids loved the ocean. Plus I have been craving the ocean- literally. The ocean was such a staple of my childhood and teen years. Most of my happy memories involve the ocean in one way or another. And being able to share that love and connection with my kids is subliminal. 


So.... we went back today! Deirdre spent the weekend with Grandma Cindy and so instead of having my mom drop her off at our house, Jonas and I went down to the beach with them and then home (Craig was working a double). Again is was another great day and I even got to take Deirdre body boarding! 


Sunday was also a great day! I had my first log cabin quilting class at Bella Fabrics in Carollton! Ah I am so in love with the log cabin design, I am so excited to get cracking! 


So needless to say I am full, tired, and excited for this week. How was your weekend? 

My favorite thrift find

So excited for her Huffalump PJs

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual created by Amanda Blake Soule. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week (or month- and sometimes for me whats on your mind at the end of the week) A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Have a lovely weekend!

Wine and Date Night

Cocoon baby at the Living Museum

Finally, despite being called in for two hours on his only day off in 11 days, we had family time. Sweet, pure, blissful family time. Not rushed nor unappreciated. The day was not prefect, the kids were not on their best behavior, and neither were we! But that is not what we consider a perfect day, just being together and being ourselves unfettered by worry, now that's perfect. 

Today we were all a family. We were fully present and involved. We all connected. And it was worth the eleven day wait. 

To complete the day we also had a sitter come after bedtime so that we could have our 'special' date night. So now I miss bid you adieu, my husband is giving me that look :) 

Ah I love that one oh so much.

No verse or quote tonight.... just sweet photos from our day :) Why don't you share you're own in our comments! 

Butterfly exhibit at the Living Museum. We decided to get our own caterpillars in conjunction with this new exhibit as part of our summer home preschool. 

Loving Dada- Jonas missed him so! Two peas those two are! 

Deirdre told me that the gnomes left these for her as a gift for our compost!

Please Petunia I want a hug! I am your Mommy, not my Mommy! 

A few more years I think Jonas!