Teeth

Okay, so some people have been after us to post here, so I suppose I'll do so. We've given up toothpaste.

Okay, now the initial gasp is over, I'll explain. We've moved from using toothpaste to using tooth powder. I got the idea from my research into early 20th Century life, but found some

natural recipes. It doesn't have that nasty toothpaste taste and my teeth and mouth feel cleaner than they ever did right after brushing.

After messing about with ratios, I finally hit on 4:1 mixture of baking soda and sea salt with several drops of peppermint oil. I mix the baking soda and salt then drip in the oil. Then I stir it up again and mush up the clumps caused by the oil to get an even distribution. I put it in a container that used to hold breath mints and a mixture with 6 tablespoons of baking soda fills it up and it lasts for several weeks.

To use it, I wet my toothbrush, then give it a good shake. This leaves me with damp bristles which I touch to the tooth powder. You only need a small amount and if you leave the tooth brush in too long, the water seeps into the tooth powder and you're left with clumpy tooth powder.

It's a Boy!!!!

Seth Warren Harding joined us Thursday morning at 7am, weighing 9 lbs 3 oz.
More pictures here!

Diaper Tutorial Contest!!!

The prize is a $150 gift certificate to Baby Cotton Bottoms, a cloth diaper and babywearing online store.

I have entered two tutorials- The No Sew T-shirt Diaper and my "Bunchies" Adjustable Fitted Diapers. Leaving comments and ratings will help the judges choose, so stop by and have a look! And if you have any tricks or designs for making cheap cloth diapers, or know someone who does, spread the word and join the fun!

Here's a Doodle!

We haven't had any posts about polliwogs yet, though perhaps my brothers will take pics of some marine life on their upcoming trip to the beach (hint hint). But recently my kids have been enjoying some doodles with an imaginary character named Harold who has a magical purple crayon. You can read all about it in my new hub article. Here is the first paragraph:

Who does not remember that magical time when, with a box of new crayons and a fresh sheet of paper, a world of infinite possibility was opened before us? We could do anything, and anything could happen.

Enjoy the rest of the article and the link to the series on hulu!

This Good Day

Yesterday we had a surprise! Nana (Mom) and Pop Harding came for a visit, bringing a delicious lunch and lots of other goodies. But best of all, we had a lovely afternoon spending time together. Pop and Luke tinkered with Luke's old '63 Ford truck while Nana played with and read to her grandkids, chatted with me, did the dishes- (I don't know how she managed, but she did pretty much all of it at the same time.) Thanks to you both for everything!

I needed a lift last week end, and God had the perfect solution! It put me in mind of this song.

Make a Wish and Blow!

My little Miriam is 4 years old now!

The Extra Mile

Lacey helped me mix up pancakes for supper, but she took it a step further than usual. When I had to leave the room to get Simon who had just woken up. I walked back into the kitchen, hearing her say: "Mama, I'm doing dis for you." She put them all on the griddle, being very careful as I cautioned her about the heat, and I flipped them for her. Such a tender and helpful spirit!