Monday, November 14, 2011
Keeping Things "Normal" For The Kids
As you know if you've read my previous post; my brother took his life last month. My kids are having a tough time with the loss of their beloved uncle and I've been trying really hard to hold it together around them. A few nights ago my two Littles put on a show for us. Zoe drummed while Talia sold trinkets. The trinkets were various items she found from a pencil to a bracelet. Anyways, here is my Dad trying to make us laugh. He was successful.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
My Brother's Suicide
On Wed. October 12th I got a text message from my little brother. The text said, "I just wanted to tell you that I love you". My heart sank and I thought that he was saying goodbye. I called him immediately and he convinced me that he was just expressing himself. We started talking about dinner reservations and other mundane topics. This is what I wrote to my girlfriends afterwards:
At this point I was feeling a little bit silly for calling the police; I was hoping that Jon had taken off for Vegas or something and didn't tell anyone.
My dad called the police around 1pm. I was going nuts waiting. At 2:30 I had to go pick my kids up from school. After I got them in the car; around 3:15, I got a call from my friend Morgan. She asked me where I was and I said picking the kids up. She said, "You have to go to your mom's house right now honey. Right now!"
I knew for sure that something horrible had happened. I began to cry uncontrollably and when my 11 year old asked me why I was crying I said, "Something happened to Uncle Jonny and I think he died". I had five kids with me and they all started crying. I called my oldest daughter who is at college and told her to drop everything and go to Nanny's house (my mom). I called my husband and told him the same thing.
When I got to my mom's house around 3:40 - I was met by Jordan, my oldest daughter. She ran to the car and I was surprised to see her because I had forgotten that I called. I must have already been in shock. She said, "They found his body". I started screaming and wailing like in the movies. I literally dropped to the ground and my mom had to come pick me up. I am not one for drama but that was my reaction. My poor kids had witnessed the entire thing.
The rest of the day is a blur. I know that many of my mom's friends came over to be with us. I called my sister-in-law because I had her son with me and told her what happened and she didn't even leave work to come get him, she sent her mom. (obviously I am still pissy about that). My husband was literally holding me up all day because my body was jelly and I couldn't stand on my own.
At some point we found out that my brother had shot himself in the heart. There was a note but the police had it.
The days after are also a blur. I packed, or rather my husband packed for me to go to Cleveland. I played detective trying to piece together what happened. This is my version:
After reading Jon's writings and evaluations from professionals I can say for certain that he was depressed and suicidal since the 90's. I didn't see it and there is a good reason why. He was happy with his family. His big hole in life was passionate love; he didn't know how to connect to peers or women. He was lonely and in love with a woman who didn't reciprocate. He thought that he was too ugly for a woman to love. (Obviously I am summing up quite a bit)
So, after looking at his bank records and credit cards I know this. He spent thousands on this woman that he was in love with, but the money wasn't only spent on her. He flew her, her new husband and her son out to DisneyWorld all expenses paid. That was just one example, he did similar things several times.
Did she know how he felt? I don't know. Do I blame her for his death? No. I do think that she used him and no woman, or man would accept such extravagant gifts without an ulterior motive. I do think she is a gold digger but I don't think that anyone can be blamed for my brother's choice.
She got married 2 or 3 days before my brother ended his life. That right there says it all.
I got on a plane and went to Cleveland to be with my family and have the funeral for my brother. People rallied around us there. There was someone at our (my dad's) house almost all the time feeding us, cleaning or just sitting. My girlfriends Jodi and Michelle hardly left my side. Several families chipped in to cater meals while we were in mourning. My cousins, grandparents and Aunt and Uncle were constant companions. My Aunt, who rightfully should have been waited on like the rest of us, insisted on organizing all the meals and picking them up.
I slept at Jodi's most nights and I got to crawl into bed with her and her husband (both friends of mine since childhood). Jodi and Michelle ran errands for me, drove me around and held me while I cried. I am so grateful to have them.
If there can be a bright side to this nightmare - it's that I re-connected with my family in Cleveland. They started a "Get Ali To Move Back To Cleveland" campaign and I really do want to move back home. The trouble is that I have a blended family and I will be taking three kids away from their other parents. Chuck and I decided to spend the summer in Cleveland and then to really decide after a year of mourning has passed so that we know our decision wasn't made out of grief.
Right now I feel really alone in Tucson - my mom is here and she's wonderful and loving and present but I don't have the same level of friend and family support that I do in Cleveland. One of my girlfriends came over a couple of times and that was about it. No one calls. No one stops in to check on me. It's just me, my family and my mom. My heart hurts because I miss my family in Cleveland and my friends.
I found a support group for suicide survivors and I am taking some comfort from that.
I know that it's only been three weeks but I can't imagine ever feeling complete again. My brother was not just my brother; he was my confidant, my stable adult male in my kids life, my best friend and my partner in crime. I miss him every minute of every day. I'm not mad at him but I am so, so, so sad that he was in so much pain and no one knew. Furthermore, even if I did know, that was a hole that I just couldn't fill. All my life I protected him, advocated from him and loved him. Now he's gone and it's surreal.
I'm pasting my Eulogy below in case you want to read about Jon's life:
On Monday the 17th I got a call from Jonny's best friend David. David asked me if I had heard from Jon. I said that I had spoken to him last week. David said that Jonny wasn't calling him back, which is very out of character for him. I called him on my other line and he didn't pick up for me either. I asked David if he had gotten an "I love you text". David said yes and then I knew. I called my dad and asked him the same thing and he also said yes. I told him to call the police in Florida and have them go check on Jon.
At this point I was feeling a little bit silly for calling the police; I was hoping that Jon had taken off for Vegas or something and didn't tell anyone.
My dad called the police around 1pm. I was going nuts waiting. At 2:30 I had to go pick my kids up from school. After I got them in the car; around 3:15, I got a call from my friend Morgan. She asked me where I was and I said picking the kids up. She said, "You have to go to your mom's house right now honey. Right now!"
I knew for sure that something horrible had happened. I began to cry uncontrollably and when my 11 year old asked me why I was crying I said, "Something happened to Uncle Jonny and I think he died". I had five kids with me and they all started crying. I called my oldest daughter who is at college and told her to drop everything and go to Nanny's house (my mom). I called my husband and told him the same thing.
When I got to my mom's house around 3:40 - I was met by Jordan, my oldest daughter. She ran to the car and I was surprised to see her because I had forgotten that I called. I must have already been in shock. She said, "They found his body". I started screaming and wailing like in the movies. I literally dropped to the ground and my mom had to come pick me up. I am not one for drama but that was my reaction. My poor kids had witnessed the entire thing.
The rest of the day is a blur. I know that many of my mom's friends came over to be with us. I called my sister-in-law because I had her son with me and told her what happened and she didn't even leave work to come get him, she sent her mom. (obviously I am still pissy about that). My husband was literally holding me up all day because my body was jelly and I couldn't stand on my own.
At some point we found out that my brother had shot himself in the heart. There was a note but the police had it.
The days after are also a blur. I packed, or rather my husband packed for me to go to Cleveland. I played detective trying to piece together what happened. This is my version:
After reading Jon's writings and evaluations from professionals I can say for certain that he was depressed and suicidal since the 90's. I didn't see it and there is a good reason why. He was happy with his family. His big hole in life was passionate love; he didn't know how to connect to peers or women. He was lonely and in love with a woman who didn't reciprocate. He thought that he was too ugly for a woman to love. (Obviously I am summing up quite a bit)
So, after looking at his bank records and credit cards I know this. He spent thousands on this woman that he was in love with, but the money wasn't only spent on her. He flew her, her new husband and her son out to DisneyWorld all expenses paid. That was just one example, he did similar things several times.
Did she know how he felt? I don't know. Do I blame her for his death? No. I do think that she used him and no woman, or man would accept such extravagant gifts without an ulterior motive. I do think she is a gold digger but I don't think that anyone can be blamed for my brother's choice.
She got married 2 or 3 days before my brother ended his life. That right there says it all.
I got on a plane and went to Cleveland to be with my family and have the funeral for my brother. People rallied around us there. There was someone at our (my dad's) house almost all the time feeding us, cleaning or just sitting. My girlfriends Jodi and Michelle hardly left my side. Several families chipped in to cater meals while we were in mourning. My cousins, grandparents and Aunt and Uncle were constant companions. My Aunt, who rightfully should have been waited on like the rest of us, insisted on organizing all the meals and picking them up.
I slept at Jodi's most nights and I got to crawl into bed with her and her husband (both friends of mine since childhood). Jodi and Michelle ran errands for me, drove me around and held me while I cried. I am so grateful to have them.
If there can be a bright side to this nightmare - it's that I re-connected with my family in Cleveland. They started a "Get Ali To Move Back To Cleveland" campaign and I really do want to move back home. The trouble is that I have a blended family and I will be taking three kids away from their other parents. Chuck and I decided to spend the summer in Cleveland and then to really decide after a year of mourning has passed so that we know our decision wasn't made out of grief.
Right now I feel really alone in Tucson - my mom is here and she's wonderful and loving and present but I don't have the same level of friend and family support that I do in Cleveland. One of my girlfriends came over a couple of times and that was about it. No one calls. No one stops in to check on me. It's just me, my family and my mom. My heart hurts because I miss my family in Cleveland and my friends.
I found a support group for suicide survivors and I am taking some comfort from that.
I know that it's only been three weeks but I can't imagine ever feeling complete again. My brother was not just my brother; he was my confidant, my stable adult male in my kids life, my best friend and my partner in crime. I miss him every minute of every day. I'm not mad at him but I am so, so, so sad that he was in so much pain and no one knew. Furthermore, even if I did know, that was a hole that I just couldn't fill. All my life I protected him, advocated from him and loved him. Now he's gone and it's surreal.
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| Me and Jonny in 1991 |
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| Jonny and I as kids |
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| One of Jon and Jordan's Disney Trips - Uncle Jonny really spoiled her :) |
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| A rare photo of Jon smiling as an adult. This is his best friend David. |
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| Last May at Jordan's high school graduation; the last family photo I have with me, Jon and both our parents |
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| Disney World 2005 with three of my girls |
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| This is classic Jon |
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| A year ago today; Jonny with me and my mom |
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| My girls SO loved their uncle |
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| Old family photo that Jonny had on his FaceBook; these are some of my cousins |
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| Hanging out with his nieces in Florida |
I'm pasting my Eulogy below in case you want to read about Jon's life:
My brother was born Oct. 1, 1976. He was silly, inquisitive and kind and he had the biggest heart and the most contagious smile. He was the most generous man – he would help anyone out with anything; no questions asked. He loved his family and friends fiercely and he would do anything to make our lives more wonderful.
As a small child, Jonathan had a language disorder called Aphasia, which meant that he had difficulty remembering words and sometimes he mixed up grammar and tenses.. As a result he had some memorable “jon-isms”. Bananas were balabahs, Aunt Bonnie was “hey Lady” at first and then progressed to “Aunt Boonie” as he got older. Lisa; our babysitter of several years, was just plain “babysittar!”
When Jonny was a toddler he held out his arms to Aunt Judy saying, “unc Denny!” My parents didn’t keep much junk food in the house but Jon knew where to go to get his fix. On arriving at Aunt Judy and Uncle Denny’s house he frequently said “You got anything with sugah?” My Aunt Judy used to make molded chocolate candy and Jonny discovered where she was storing the trays. Soon after the candy mysteriously vanished and jon had chocolate around his mouth.
Another famous Jon-ism was “you got anything was bwoken?” When Jonny was a kid he was fascinated by how things worked, specifically electronics. He would walk up and down our street looking for TVs that people were throwing away. If he was lucky enough to find one; he would either haul it home or enlist the help of our neighbor Larry Chernikoff to help him get his treasure home. Once Jonny got the TV home he would spend hours taking it apart in our basement. Once the television was unrecognizable; he would abandon it to find another. Not once did he put anything back together.
As Jon grew; his curiosity abounded. When he was 6 or 7 my parents had our entire backyard bordered in heavy stone pavers. Jonathan wanted to see the bugs underneath the pavers so he systematically lifted each paver, looked underneath for bugs and then discarded it onto the grass until the entire border was a pile of rocks on the grass. My parents saw the mess and were so surprised that such a little guy could life those heavy pavers that they just had to laugh.
Another time that year Jonny was sent to his room for a time-out. I can’t remember what the offense was but he was so irate at being sent to his room that he took every single piece of furniture; including his bed and dresser, and put them out in the hallway. No one could get through until he was calm enough to put everything back. Again; my parents shook their heads in wonder and laughed. My dad was famous for telling jonny, “Im laughing but I’m really mad”
There was a period of time when Jonny was little that every morning he would tell my parents, “I see you”. They really didn’t think much of it until they discovered the hole he had somehow drilled into the suitcase closet in his room which was next to their room. Sure enough – Jonathan was spying on our parents through the hole. Luckily all he could really see was their ceiling.
Jonny enjoyed food immensely, so much that when he was eating something particularly yummy, he would hum. Like this (hum) One December we were at my Uncle Al and Aunt Sue’s house in Florida and Jonny was eating cheesecake. He asked for seconds and when my mom said “you must have really enjoyed that”, Jonny came back at her with, “well, I wasn’t humming”.
As Jonny got older he really enjoyed organizing things. My room looked like a small tornado had run through it and it drove Jonny crazy. So much so that he would sneak into my bedroom when I wasn’t home, to clean and organize it. I came home after one of his organizing sprees to find that he had not only organized my stuff; he had helpfully thrown away all my trash which included my term paper that was due the next day.
Some of Jon’s fondest memories are of Hershey Family Vacations and 4th of July gatherings. He truly loved being surrounded by his family. He loved to reminisce and he had been trying to get everyone on board for another trip this year.
Jonathan spared no expense when it came to me and his nieces – he enjoyed the finer things in life and he showed his love by lavishing what he could on us. He was a loving uncle; my kids adored him. He spent quality time with each and every one of my kids on a regular basis; spoiling them as only as Uncle Jon can do. When Jordan moved out to start college this fall she had the essentials that any college student would need. Jonny, however, wanted her to have everything and proceeded to buy her a plasma tv, a wii, more furniture and a bunch of other stuff that she really didn’t need. I said to him, Jon it’s supposed to be a little but harder then this and his reply was, “She’s my neice and I don’t want her to do without”. Obviously, Jonny and I had different ideas of what doing without meant.
Jonny had been begging me to bring my family to Disney World and Universal Studios. I explained to him over and over that it was just way too expensive to take a family of 8 cross country and especially to theme parks. He couldn’t wrap his mind around that because he so loved to play. In true Jonathan fashion, he made sure that I took the girls to Disney. His last wishes were that we spread his ashes in a lake by Disney World and Universal Studios. That’s Jon for you.
Jonathan – you are missed and loved more then you will every know. Safe journeys little brother, rest in peace. I love you and I forgive you.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Buy Local - A Call To Action
Why Companies Manufacture Overseas
Companies have nearly $500 billion stashed abroad that can be taxed here at home. There are several reasons why companies choose to manufacture overseas; I am sure that the financial benefits take precedence. To read what I have to say about the cost of manufacturing overseas click here.
My work wife, Melissa, and I chose to keep our products made locally for several reason. If you have interest; here is the back story.
What YOU can do
>Contact lawmakers<
If our lawmakers revoke the tax breaks for overseas manufacturing and bring the big companies back to the USA, I believe that our economic future would look brighter. I humble suggest contacting our lawmakers and demanding that they stop giving companies incentives to manufacture overseas.
Here is a link with all the Congressmen and Congresswomen's contact information and here is a link that lists the Senators.
>Buy Made in the USA<
I am no economist but I am fairly certain that if Americans buy products made in the USA and support our mom and pop shops, it would make a difference.
Why Buy Local
Buying products made in the USA supports our local economy by providing jobs, which support families and generate domestic spending. Buying domestic also reduces the environmental impact by eliminating energy to ship goods internationally. Refusing to buy anything made outside of America will be a challenge for sure. While clothing and food are easier to find locally; I could not find any cell phones that are made in the USA nor could I find televisions. I did find this site that lists made in the USA products. *Note to self; get LolliDoo® listed*
Melissa and I manufacture in the USA using domestic components because we strongly feel that WE can make a difference, and SO CAN YOU! Next time you go shopping, instead of hitting Target or WalMart; try checking out a local mom and pop shop.
Read labels; I cannot reiterate this enough. Oftentimes folks believe that they are purchasing something made in the USA because the company is based out of the US when in actuality the goods are manufactured overseas. Additionally your items may be manufactured in the USA but the components are from overseas. It's not easy to find 100% American made goods.
I'm sure that this is a simple answer to a complex problem but I am confident that small changes make a big difference.
Companies have nearly $500 billion stashed abroad that can be taxed here at home. There are several reasons why companies choose to manufacture overseas; I am sure that the financial benefits take precedence. To read what I have to say about the cost of manufacturing overseas click here.
My work wife, Melissa, and I chose to keep our products made locally for several reason. If you have interest; here is the back story.
What YOU can do
>Contact lawmakers<
If our lawmakers revoke the tax breaks for overseas manufacturing and bring the big companies back to the USA, I believe that our economic future would look brighter. I humble suggest contacting our lawmakers and demanding that they stop giving companies incentives to manufacture overseas.
Here is a link with all the Congressmen and Congresswomen's contact information and here is a link that lists the Senators.
>Buy Made in the USA<
I am no economist but I am fairly certain that if Americans buy products made in the USA and support our mom and pop shops, it would make a difference.
Why Buy Local
Buying products made in the USA supports our local economy by providing jobs, which support families and generate domestic spending. Buying domestic also reduces the environmental impact by eliminating energy to ship goods internationally. Refusing to buy anything made outside of America will be a challenge for sure. While clothing and food are easier to find locally; I could not find any cell phones that are made in the USA nor could I find televisions. I did find this site that lists made in the USA products. *Note to self; get LolliDoo® listed*
Melissa and I manufacture in the USA using domestic components because we strongly feel that WE can make a difference, and SO CAN YOU! Next time you go shopping, instead of hitting Target or WalMart; try checking out a local mom and pop shop.
Read labels; I cannot reiterate this enough. Oftentimes folks believe that they are purchasing something made in the USA because the company is based out of the US when in actuality the goods are manufactured overseas. Additionally your items may be manufactured in the USA but the components are from overseas. It's not easy to find 100% American made goods.
I'm sure that this is a simple answer to a complex problem but I am confident that small changes make a big difference.
Monday, October 10, 2011
My Tye-Dye and Batik Projects
I really, really, really love to create tye-dye and especially batik works of art. I NEVER use batik blocks or other stamps. Everything I made is hand painted freehand. Here's a peek:
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| Two color batik |
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| Women's skirt that I wound up keeping because I loved it so much |
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| Dolphins - I wish that I had a better picture |
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| Two color batik |
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| Tye Dyed LolliDoo® Fitted Innie™ |
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| Another LolliDoo® |
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| Matching outfits |
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| 3 color batik |
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| Someone was very specific in what she wanted :) |
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| Two color tye-dye with a little batik |
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| Two color batik |
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| A tiny batik |
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| Multicolor batik scarf |
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| Three color batik scarf |
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Some Funnies From My Littles
Zoe age 6
Zoe told me that she wanted Aqua Sand for her birthday. I reminded her that she just had a birthday in May. She said, "that's not fair! Why do I always have to use the same date for my birthday?
“Mom, not letting me draw on my body is crushing my creative soul.”
“Mom, I got a comb stuck on the top of my head”-I’m driving Zoe, I’ll get it out when I get home. “OK mom, I’ll just be a helicopter then”
I'm driving kids to school and there is a police car behind me. Zoe yells, "step on it mom, we have to lose the Po-Po".
Talia age 4
"Mom pretend I have a penis but I'm still a girl"
Talia recently told me that before she was born she went to heaven and asked God if Alison Manes could be her mommy. Sigh.
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| Talia wearing her goggles as a headband while at a restaurant |
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I LOVE LolliDuos™
My Work Wife Melissa has created the greatest diaper ever! The all new LolliDuo™ is fantastic for several reasons; here are my five favorites:
Want to see more? Click here.
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Miss Ellie in a LolliDuo™ - she was around 9lbs in these photos and as you can see, they fit her really well.
Don't believe me? Read what other folks are saying.
I honestly believe that Melissa deserves a HUGE Hooray for her genius in designing all LolliDoo® diapers. Well done Melissa, well done!
- The LolliDuo™ is a truly versatile one-size cloth diaper. You can use is as a diaper cover, a pocket diaper OR you can use it as a diaper cover but stuff it for extra absorbency.
- LolliDuos™ are trim enough for daytime use but thirsty enough for overnight.
- The entire diaper saves at least six water bottles from going to the landfill. This is because the high quality performance fleece, that we are now known for, is made from recycled bottles.
- We have several super cute color combinations.
- You can choose snap or hook and loop closure.
Want to see more? Click here.
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Miss Ellie in a LolliDuo™ - she was around 9lbs in these photos and as you can see, they fit her really well.
Don't believe me? Read what other folks are saying.
I honestly believe that Melissa deserves a HUGE Hooray for her genius in designing all LolliDoo® diapers. Well done Melissa, well done!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Mr. Mom for Three Days
I needed a break - badly. I had been going non-stop for almost two years. Working from home full time, taking care of six kids, taxi driving and housekeeping; most of you know the drill.
I treated myself to three whole days of Me Time in LA with my best friend Alana.
It was heavenly.
Back on the home front my wonderful husband Chuck was holding down the fort. I made him a detailed list of kid needs along with a calendar with schedules. I had him prepared right down to the time that he had to leave the house.
I left a list of banned school foods so that he didn't pack contraband sugar, meat, eggs or nuts. I reminded him that he needed to send cold water bottles with all the kids and at least two snacks each in addition to lunch.
I didn't think that it was that much.
I got a call Monday night that went something like this...
Chuck, "I don't understand how you keep up with all of this! How do you get anything done when you are constantly driving or catering to kids? When do you work?!?"
*Insert me smiling smugly*
"I need you to text me a list of things to pack the kids for lunch, I don't understand why they can't have peanut butter! (There is a child with a deadly nut allergy at school, I've told him this at least a dozen times) Do they have to go to Hebrew school? Can we skip gymnastics? Do I have to take them all to the grocery store?" Chuck, sounding really stressed out. "I couldn't get the Littles to sleep so I put them in our bed and Tali kicked me all night while Zoe snored like a man."
At this point I am feeling extremely validated. I assure him that they can skip gymnastics this once but not Hebrew school. I also inform him that the kids know how to behave in the grocery store. I remind him where the coupons are and wish him luck.
He did well but he didn't use any coupons but whatever. The kids were safe and happy and the house was relatively clean. Most importantly; Chuck had a little glimpse into my wonderful chaos and I don't think he be taking me for granted anytime soon.
I treated myself to three whole days of Me Time in LA with my best friend Alana.
It was heavenly.
Back on the home front my wonderful husband Chuck was holding down the fort. I made him a detailed list of kid needs along with a calendar with schedules. I had him prepared right down to the time that he had to leave the house.
I left a list of banned school foods so that he didn't pack contraband sugar, meat, eggs or nuts. I reminded him that he needed to send cold water bottles with all the kids and at least two snacks each in addition to lunch.
I didn't think that it was that much.
I got a call Monday night that went something like this...
Chuck, "I don't understand how you keep up with all of this! How do you get anything done when you are constantly driving or catering to kids? When do you work?!?"
*Insert me smiling smugly*
"I need you to text me a list of things to pack the kids for lunch, I don't understand why they can't have peanut butter! (There is a child with a deadly nut allergy at school, I've told him this at least a dozen times) Do they have to go to Hebrew school? Can we skip gymnastics? Do I have to take them all to the grocery store?" Chuck, sounding really stressed out. "I couldn't get the Littles to sleep so I put them in our bed and Tali kicked me all night while Zoe snored like a man."
At this point I am feeling extremely validated. I assure him that they can skip gymnastics this once but not Hebrew school. I also inform him that the kids know how to behave in the grocery store. I remind him where the coupons are and wish him luck.
He did well but he didn't use any coupons but whatever. The kids were safe and happy and the house was relatively clean. Most importantly; Chuck had a little glimpse into my wonderful chaos and I don't think he be taking me for granted anytime soon.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Road Signs and Sightings from AZ to AR
Chuck, the Littles, Middles and I drove from Tucson to Springdale, AR and back this summer. We saw a few interesting things on the way... enjoy, I sure did.
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| Just starting out |
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| I saw this sign and thought that it was a joke. Chuck had to explain that it was actually two town; Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte. |
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| This was my FAVORITE - we saw it right in Springdale as we drove in. The locals didn't understand why we had to stop and take a photo. |
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| Littles and Middles happily road-tripping |
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| Self-portrait when I was bored |
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| I don't even know - this was in an abandoned lot somewhere in New Mexico |
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| Unusual |
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| Uncle Sam holding a chili pepper in Hatch, NM |
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| That is one big bottle of booze! |
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| Random figurines in Hatch, NM |
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| On a closer look - I think that is Colonel Sanders with a Chili wreath |
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| The world's largest cross - I think that this was in Texas somewhere |
Friday, August 12, 2011
Name That Doo!
Our new All Purpose LolliDoo® cloth diaper needs a name!
*Name our new diapers and win 6 FREE.
Some information:
What we are offering is a combination eco-pocket®/Outtie™. Click here to see it on LolliPlace.com.
It has a myriad of uses; as a diaper cover, a pocket diaper or as a diaper cover that is stuff-able for extra absorbency.
Additional information:
~ Suitable for day and overnight use
~ Trimmer then Overnight eco-pockets
~ Lower price point
~ Made from recycled performance fleece
~ Highly breathable
~ Super absorbent
~ Generous waist dimensions
~ Made in the USA
How to enter:
Just post your name suggestions on http://earthymommaodyssey.blogspot.com/ (or if you are reading directly from the blog - post a comment).
*Once you enter the contest you are giving GGSI permission to use the name without restriction.
Contest ends 8-31-11
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Disposable Diapers Are Better Then Cloth Diapers
Or so someone recently said. This was his reasoning:
*Note, I didn't correct spelling or grammer
1) You do not have to wash disposable diapers.
2) You can save on water and time use to wash cloth diapers.
3) Time will be better spend doing anything else than to wash cloth diapers.
4) You do not have to change your baby clothing because they seldom get wet if they wear disposable diapers.
5) You do not have to worry about getting yourself wet when you carry your baby.
6) You do not have to bring wet cloth diapers back home to wash if you baby wet himself outside. Disposable diapers are more convenience to use when traveling.
7) There is something call diaper rash cream to prevent and heal diaper rash.
8) Large safety pins are dangerous.
9) Double or triple layers cloth diapers are hot for the butts.
10) Disposable diapers leak less.
11) Day care or childcare center do not want to deal with cloth diapers.
I respectfully disagree:
1. You don't have to wash disposable diapers however they are consuming much of our natural resources. Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR. Not to mention that at least 1/3C of crude oil goes into one disposable diaper.
2. Cloth diapers today rarely leak, ours are known for not leaking even after extended use.
3. An extra 2 loads of laundry a week equals less water used then a potty trained child flushing the toilet 5 times a day.
4. When you make the decision to become a parent you are also making a decision to dedicate time to raise your child. Changing and laundering diapers are a part of that.
5. You don't have to change the baby with cloth either.
6. You do have to bring wet diapers home, I'll give you that one. I do travel with cloth diapers and it's not an issue.
7. Diaper rash cream has it's purpose but why put extra chemicals on babies skin when the issue was most likely caused by chemicals on babies skin.
8. Cloth diapers today do not use safety pins, they are available with an aplix closure, snap closure or a snappy which is a plastic doohickie that fastens diapers.
9. Babies sweat more with disposable diapers because the plastic outer heats up the entire diaper. Depends on the type but generally cloth diapers are far more breathable.
10. That's completely untrue and redundant.
11. That is not true of all day cares, some will only take cloth.
*Note, I didn't correct spelling or grammer
1) You do not have to wash disposable diapers.
2) You can save on water and time use to wash cloth diapers.
3) Time will be better spend doing anything else than to wash cloth diapers.
4) You do not have to change your baby clothing because they seldom get wet if they wear disposable diapers.
5) You do not have to worry about getting yourself wet when you carry your baby.
6) You do not have to bring wet cloth diapers back home to wash if you baby wet himself outside. Disposable diapers are more convenience to use when traveling.
7) There is something call diaper rash cream to prevent and heal diaper rash.
8) Large safety pins are dangerous.
9) Double or triple layers cloth diapers are hot for the butts.
10) Disposable diapers leak less.
11) Day care or childcare center do not want to deal with cloth diapers.
I respectfully disagree:
1. You don't have to wash disposable diapers however they are consuming much of our natural resources. Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR. Not to mention that at least 1/3C of crude oil goes into one disposable diaper.
2. Cloth diapers today rarely leak, ours are known for not leaking even after extended use.
3. An extra 2 loads of laundry a week equals less water used then a potty trained child flushing the toilet 5 times a day.
4. When you make the decision to become a parent you are also making a decision to dedicate time to raise your child. Changing and laundering diapers are a part of that.
5. You don't have to change the baby with cloth either.
6. You do have to bring wet diapers home, I'll give you that one. I do travel with cloth diapers and it's not an issue.
7. Diaper rash cream has it's purpose but why put extra chemicals on babies skin when the issue was most likely caused by chemicals on babies skin.
8. Cloth diapers today do not use safety pins, they are available with an aplix closure, snap closure or a snappy which is a plastic doohickie that fastens diapers.
9. Babies sweat more with disposable diapers because the plastic outer heats up the entire diaper. Depends on the type but generally cloth diapers are far more breathable.
10. That's completely untrue and redundant.
11. That is not true of all day cares, some will only take cloth.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
LolliDoo Diapers and Advocacy for a better planet
LolliDoo™ Diapers and Advocacy for a better planet
By Melissa Morgan, IBCLC and co-founder of LolliDoo™ Diapers.
I don't usually step on my soap box, but I feel this one's important. I began watching this video (as initially introduced to me by Spokane Riverkeeper) because water quality and conservation is an important issue to me and the Lochsa River is a vital part of water recreation in my neck of the woods. But where this video leads you goes so far beyond that...
http://youtu.be/HoKW771tG_Q
For my new friends who may not be aware, not only am I an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) serving families in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and throughout the web, I am also a Managing Member of Go Green Sustainable Industries (along with my business partner and kindred spirit Alison Manes) and am the designer of LolliDoo Diapers. The recycled eco-fleece used in LolliDoo Diapers are inspired by my and my husband's experience as whitewater enthusiasts; they are designed to be integrated with an outdoor lifestyle for the growing family, as well as to conserve water and energy through household laundering.
By using LolliDoo and supporting our American small business, you are part of a movement to "be the change" and "buy local." Your commitment to cloth diapering with LolliDoo effects change not only with your family and the health of your little ones, but also impacts a greater global good. Our eco-fleece outer saves an environmentally costly raw material (petroleum-based water bottles) from a landfill-filling fate and repurposes it into a useful, recyclable product that can be used again and again while keeping your baby dry. In addition, our cottage industry provides much-needed income to American families AND saves environmental and financial resources from no overseas shipping of raw materials and finished goods.
Petroleum-based plastics have become an integral part of our daily life, but the manner in which these plastics are obtained is of great consequence. Fan Advocates for the West if you're interested in learning and doing more to save our Wild West and to protect our American way of life from corporate greed.
...and now back to breastfeeding. :)
By Melissa Morgan, IBCLC and co-founder of LolliDoo™ Diapers.
I don't usually step on my soap box, but I feel this one's important. I began watching this video (as initially introduced to me by Spokane Riverkeeper) because water quality and conservation is an important issue to me and the Lochsa River is a vital part of water recreation in my neck of the woods. But where this video leads you goes so far beyond that...
http://youtu.be/HoKW771tG_Q
For my new friends who may not be aware, not only am I an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) serving families in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and throughout the web, I am also a Managing Member of Go Green Sustainable Industries (along with my business partner and kindred spirit Alison Manes) and am the designer of LolliDoo Diapers. The recycled eco-fleece used in LolliDoo Diapers are inspired by my and my husband's experience as whitewater enthusiasts; they are designed to be integrated with an outdoor lifestyle for the growing family, as well as to conserve water and energy through household laundering.
By using LolliDoo and supporting our American small business, you are part of a movement to "be the change" and "buy local." Your commitment to cloth diapering with LolliDoo effects change not only with your family and the health of your little ones, but also impacts a greater global good. Our eco-fleece outer saves an environmentally costly raw material (petroleum-based water bottles) from a landfill-filling fate and repurposes it into a useful, recyclable product that can be used again and again while keeping your baby dry. In addition, our cottage industry provides much-needed income to American families AND saves environmental and financial resources from no overseas shipping of raw materials and finished goods.
Petroleum-based plastics have become an integral part of our daily life, but the manner in which these plastics are obtained is of great consequence. Fan Advocates for the West if you're interested in learning and doing more to save our Wild West and to protect our American way of life from corporate greed.
...and now back to breastfeeding. :)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Cloth Diapers ARE Swim Diapers
Many folks go out and buy swim diapers. If you are a cloth diapering family - you do not need this extra expense. Most cloth diapers do double duty as swim diapers. I will speak to what I know best, LolliDoo™.
LolliDoo™ has a couple of options for swim diapers. Our Recycled Outties™ aka diaper covers, are perfect for swimming. The intention of a swim diaper is to contain messes NOT liquids. Any fleece or PUL diaper cover should work nicely in the pool.
LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ are another viable swim diaper option. No need for Organic Absorbency Innies™ aka absorbency inserts. Again - the idea is to catch messes.
You can even use a LolliDoo™ Free Spirit as a swim diaper (hey if you want to spend $79 on a swim diaper I won't stop you).
When covering your little one's bum in the pool - keep in mind that the diaper still needs to be tight enough to contain messes and without the Innies™ sometimes you have to really tighten up the leg elastic. Cloth diapers, when used for swimming, can be comparable to disposables in trimness but unsurpassed when it comes to comfort.
LolliDoo™ has a couple of options for swim diapers. Our Recycled Outties™ aka diaper covers, are perfect for swimming. The intention of a swim diaper is to contain messes NOT liquids. Any fleece or PUL diaper cover should work nicely in the pool.
LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ are another viable swim diaper option. No need for Organic Absorbency Innies™ aka absorbency inserts. Again - the idea is to catch messes.
You can even use a LolliDoo™ Free Spirit as a swim diaper (hey if you want to spend $79 on a swim diaper I won't stop you).
When covering your little one's bum in the pool - keep in mind that the diaper still needs to be tight enough to contain messes and without the Innies™ sometimes you have to really tighten up the leg elastic. Cloth diapers, when used for swimming, can be comparable to disposables in trimness but unsurpassed when it comes to comfort.
Friday, May 13, 2011
SALE SALE SALE
That's right - we are having a sale.
All LolliDoo™ seconds and discontinued colors are on sale at LolliPlace this weekend only. Get your first quality but discontinued colors for the LOW price of $15.66 AND Holy Seconds Batman; get your LolliDoo™ seconds for only $13.05.
If you want some - hurry because we are selling out rapidly.
All LolliDoo™ seconds and discontinued colors are on sale at LolliPlace this weekend only. Get your first quality but discontinued colors for the LOW price of $15.66 AND Holy Seconds Batman; get your LolliDoo™ seconds for only $13.05.
If you want some - hurry because we are selling out rapidly.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
LolliDoo™ Seamstresses - The Revival of Cottage Industry
Did you know that LolliDoo™ cloth diapers are made by moms who sew while babies nap?
Go Green Sustainable Industries is a small family run company located in Newman Lake, WA. We are a cottage industry - supporting local seamstresses. Our seamstresses work mostly from home and come into the shop on Fridays, often with babies, to drop off finished diapers, pick up fabric and snap.
It is our mission to support families in small business while improving the health and well-being of society and our environment by transforming commonly used toxic and disposable products into healthy innovative new products that are comprised of recycled and organic materials and can once again be recycled.
Why?
It's about time companies acted responsibly.
I'm not insinuating that we are the only company with morals - just that we don't see enough of them. Melissa and I set out to create change and while we are just at the beginning stages; we are already making a difference, one step at a time.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Cloth Diapering JUST Overnight Can Save $329 Or More
How easy is this? Purchase just one LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pocket™. Use it only at night. In the morning throw it in the wash with your towels or whatever clothing needs washed that day. Repeat every night.
You can save a lot of money and your baby will wrapped in super soft and dry comfort all night. It's a win-win situation.
An average cost of disposable diapers is .30¢
An average LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pocket™ is $38
While the upfront cost can be daunting. When you multiply .30¢ x 2.5 years -you get $329. This is supposing that you only use one disposable diaper a night. If your child needs nighttime diaper for four years (which is about average) then you save $438!
Go ahead - make your life a little easier :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
How Much Crude Oil Is In a Disposable Diapers
One of my LolliDoo™ FaceBook Fans said that she had converted to cloth diapers because she read somewhere that it took 2 cups of crude oil to make a disposable diaper. I decided to do some digging on my own.
According to the Real Diaper Association: Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.
gDiapers states that there is approximately 1/3 cup of crude oil in each disposable diaper, while Hip Green Baby asserts that it's closer to 1 cup.
I searched both the Kimberly Clark and Procter and Gamble websites and surprisingly they didn't have anything published regarding the amount of crude oil used to manufacture disposable diapers.
I did find this well illustrated slide show that follows a disposable diaper from creation to trash on scribd.com.
I also just read that disposable diaper prices will be going up. Read Here.
I am still unclear on exactly how much oil is used in the production of disposable diapers, however I am certain that cloth diapers win on this one.
According to the Real Diaper Association: Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.
gDiapers states that there is approximately 1/3 cup of crude oil in each disposable diaper, while Hip Green Baby asserts that it's closer to 1 cup.
I searched both the Kimberly Clark and Procter and Gamble websites and surprisingly they didn't have anything published regarding the amount of crude oil used to manufacture disposable diapers.
I did find this well illustrated slide show that follows a disposable diaper from creation to trash on scribd.com.
I also just read that disposable diaper prices will be going up. Read Here.
I am still unclear on exactly how much oil is used in the production of disposable diapers, however I am certain that cloth diapers win on this one.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Family Batiking
I wanted to do something fun with my kids. We tye dye all the time so I thought a natural next step would be to give them a lesson on batiking. I wish I had thought to take photos of the process - but I didn't.
What we did:
1. Waxed the areas of the fabric that we wanted to stay white.
2. Painted on various colors
3. Waxed over the colors painted on
4. Dipped the entire garment into dye
Below are our creations :)
My 4 year old created this sarong
A sarong by my 5 year old
A sarong by my 9 year old
My 11 year old created this apron and the whale sarong below
I made this for my daughter-in-law for Mother's Day, shhhhhh
For my mom
Of course I made something for my grandson
A couple sarongs by me :)
What we did:
1. Waxed the areas of the fabric that we wanted to stay white.
2. Painted on various colors
3. Waxed over the colors painted on
4. Dipped the entire garment into dye
Below are our creations :)
My 4 year old created this sarong
A sarong by my 5 year old
A sarong by my 9 year old
My 11 year old created this apron and the whale sarong below
I made this for my daughter-in-law for Mother's Day, shhhhhh
For my mom
Of course I made something for my grandson
A couple sarongs by me :)
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