H2O

No, the sensory smart mama has gone astray from our new "smart life."  We are living in God's blessing of a 70+ degree March and spending plenty of time outside!  Sandy floors, sandy baby hair, and sandy shoes have become a way of life for the Sensory Smart home...but only a year ago little Xabe cried when we put him in the sand and now he can't get enough!  Natalee loves it as well, and I sit in awe when I sit back and watch them scamper up the slide unassisted or run and play without stumbling.  My babies...well they aren't such babies any more.  *sniff, sniff*

I do want to update you all to let you know that Mike and I finally bit the bullet and bought a Brita water filter for our kitchen faucet! :)  It was only $20 but, as I've mentioned before, I'm cheap. :)  We're adjusting to flipping the switch back and forth to filtered/unfiltered water for drinking and washing/cooking.  I have to admit, the filtered water tastes different...something I wouldn't have thought was possible, but I keep telling myself it's because there's so much less chlorine and other "bad things" in it!  One more step towards hitting our goals...!

I also was the recipient of the gift of a huge aloe vera plant...I call her Miss Sue and she's living out on my porch right now.  I was able to split her when we re-potted her and so we have a big Miss Sue pot and a smaller Little Susy plant. :)  Living naturally is exciting...and it's coming more and more 'naturally' to me!

It's the Little Things

Life is often all about a bunch of little things that are rolled together to make big memories.  We have some "big" things going on in our life right now but among them I have been praying about a "little" thing.  You may think it's silly but here you go:
The thought has crossed my mind many times since Natalee started therapy that a trampoline would not only benefit her but also be a great source of energy & stress relief for her....and the rest of the family might enjoy it, too!  Then I would price them and let the thought go.  Mike and I don't buy large "non-necessities" like ever so to just go buy a trampoline would not be our mode of functioning.  We had talked about and pretty much settled on budgeting part of our tax refund for a trampoline but for some reason I was still dragging my feet since the refund came.  So, I decided to just pray about it.  I've been re-reading the Duggars' books again and I find great inspiration in that they pray about every decision - big and small.  Instead of praying, "Lord if you want us to get the children a trampoline send me a sign," or something vague like that I decided to stretch myself and pray more specifically.  As soon as I did I knew that it was the reason I'd been dragging my feet...because I didn't want to "blow" that tax refund money without being sure it was a good decision.  The prayer I prayed was, "Lord, if you think a trampoline would be beneficial for our family, please show us a way to provide the children one without dipping into the tax refund."  Feeling peace, I left it at that.  I prayed that prayer on the way home from my IA shopping trip on Friday and as soon as I got home Mike left for a computer job.  He was home in a couple hours and as these are routine I didn't think much about it...but then he said, "while I was fixing that computer [someone else] called me to do some network repair on [their company] computers.  We'll have a nice little chunk of extra cash."  Feeling bubbly I shared my prayer with him, and he too saw it as a direct answer...
Since we don't believe in coincidence we can only determine that this is His way of blessing our little "extra"... the 2 extra jobs Mike did will cover the cost (with net) and the tax with maybe a little left over.  So, if you need us...we'll be in the backyard! :)

Homemade Lotion!

I have NO idea why my homemade lotion turned green!  I used high quality, organic oils...yet it is green.  Oh well!  It's nice and smooth and smells yummy (peppermint!).  The verdict will be out to see how well it moisturizes and keeps our skin soft (the kids are in the tub right now waiting for their first round of homemade slather!) but my hands (that were quite raw from a morning of working outside) feel great after 1 application. 

Here's the recipe I used and the video tutorial link (I doubled the recipe):

The Oils:
10 TBSP + 2 tsp grapeseed oil
4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (the printable recipe says 1 T [so 2 T doubled] but in the video she says 2 T and it looks like 2 T in her bowl so that's what I did)
2 TBSP coconut oil
2 TBSP grated beeswax

Combine in a small pot and stir over low heat until beeswax is melted.  Pour into your blender and set aside to cool.


The Waters:
1 cup distilled water
2 TBSP aloe vera gel (I don't have a plant any more so mine was purchased at Everybody's Whole Foods and was the purest form I could find.)
1/2 tsp dead sea salt (I couldn't find cosmetic grade borax so I substituted after doing a little research on the Internet.)

Combine in small pot and stir over low heat until salt is dissolved.  Set aside to cool.






 (so very, very green...strange!)


The Blending:
Once the oils are cool (they'll be soft but set in the blender), take the middle part out of the blender lid and put the lid on.  Cover the hole with your hand and turn on low.  After blender has started, take your hand off the hole and slowly pour the waters into the vortex formed by the blending oils. 
Drop in:
10-12 drops Vitamin E oil (or 4 capsules pierced)
10-12 drops essential oil of choice (optional - I chose peppermint b/c it's what I had on hand.)





That's it.  I'm excited to use this batch and tweak it to my liking next time if it needs it.  I'm patiently waiting for my boughten natural deodorant to run out so I can make some of my own and put it in the old container!  And if anyone has a start from an aloe vera plant that I could have I'd love you forever!

Homemade Play-Doh Using Natural Dye

I made a quick batch of play-dough this morning using blueberry juice that I've had in the freezer since my baby food making days.  The juice is leftover from when I boiled and mashed blueberries for making baby food.  It was....old.  :)  I found a recipe somewhere online and it worked wonderfully!  Easy, with simple clean-up.  And it's pretty!

Here you go:
1 cup flour
1 cup dyed water (mine was the blueberry "juice"...you could boil flowers, beets, etc to make your water).
1/2 cup salt
1 TSBP cream of tarter
1 TBSP cooking oil

Combine all ingredients in a pan.  Put the pan on medium to low heat and keep stirring until mixture forms a ball.  It will stick to the bottom and side of the pan too!  Dump ball out on a floured surface and knead well until the consistency is just right...you'll know when!

That's it folks...doesn't get much easier than this!

And as an added bonus this smells delicious!

6 Things You Don't Know About a Special Needs Parent

I'm so grateful everyday that Natalee's delays aren't more serious.  But as I read through this article, I found that Lin's "list of 6" applies to me.  Everyday, more and more, I'm finding that I can relate - really relate - to the parents of the rest of my preschoolers.  I am one.  It's hard to accept.  Being the parent and the teacher..finding the balance, not listening to the scuttle behind me about what other people think.  But we're doing it.  Natalee's doing it.  Xavier's doing it.  Mike's doing it.  We're finding the balance.  We're working hard.  We're continuing the climb.  But still, how Lin's 6 applies to our lives:

• I am tired.  Every move has to be planned.  Changes result in meltdowns.  What's happening "next" is just as important as what's happening now.  Life skills have to be explicitly taught and retaught.  I have to be patient all.the.time.  When my kid throws a fit in public we know people look at us and think, "spank her" but we can't.  If we spanked her for every tantrum that's all we'd get done.  Mike and I rise at 5:30 and are lucky to be in bed by 10:30.  We rarely give ourselves "time" until the children are in bed.  It's okay, it's rewarding, we're seeing results from the fruit of our labor...but we're still tired.
• I am jealous.  When your 2 year old "gets" it and my 3 1/2 year old doesn't...I get sad, and a little jealous.  When we see her struggle to do things that come naturally to other children we feel jealous for her.  We view jealousy as a sin and we're working hard to turn these feelings into feelings of pride for the accomplishments that Natalee has succeeded at.  
• I feel alone.  Sometimes know one else just really gets it.  It's okay.  It's not your fault.  But please don't judge our feelings, our decisions, or our lifestyle because we're doing the best we can.  
• I wish you'd stop saying "retarded" and "normal."  What is "normal" anyways?  Our view of "normal life" is very different from yours.  And retarded?...well it's just not a nice word!
• I am human. {direct quote} "I have been challenged and pushed beyond my limits in raising my [children.]   I've grown tremendously as a person, and developed a soft heart and empathy for others in a way I never would have without him. But I'm just like the next mom in some ways. Sometimes I get cranky, my children irritate me, and sometimes I just want to flee [and do something alone]. I still have dreams and aspirations of my own...
• I want to talk about my children/It's hard to talk about about children.  Sometimes when we've had a rough morning at home or another meltdown I might be quiet.  I'm not unhappy or angry - I just don't want to talk about it.  Likewise, when I share something about my children that seems minute to you, please know it's probably a big deal to us.  When I tell you that, after 8 months of potty-training my 3 year old was finally able to verbalize to me the phrase, "I have to go potty" know that we are seriously rejoicing.  Or when my 1 1/2 year old invites the 3 year old on an imaginary play scheme and she takes the bait - we're seriously excited!  If you want to know how we're doing ask specific questions.  The question, "how's Natalee?" is overwhelming - because she's both good and challenging all at the same time.  But "how's Natalee's physical therapy?" gives me a path that I can respond to.  Xavier is the same...when you say, "how's Xavier?" I feel overwhelmed.  Do I tell you that I often feel so sad for him because I feel like I don't do a good enough job at keeping him out of the shadow?  Do I tell you how hard it is for him to sit through an hour of therapy but that he does an excellent job and the therapists are so kind to him?  But if you ask me how Xabe's doing at Lora Jean's or his vocabulary is coming along then I'll know which avenue to respond to.  My children are my pride and joy, and while our accomplishments might not be the "mainstream" we'll never stop being proud of the people that they are.

{Xavier's invitation this morning - "let's go shopping, Nalee!"  hats, automobiles, bags...and they were off!}

But most of all know that we know that you mean well.  We know you love us.  Care about us.  Support us.  Don't feel criticized when we read a label in front of you.  It's not about us - or you - it's about them.  Don't feel slighted if we have to take Natalee into a separate room for a break or a brushing...it's not about you, or me, it's about her.  Pat me on the shoulder when I am quiet, hug me when I tear up, and rejoice with me when I am joyful.  The journey continues....

Whole Food Shopping

My friend, Lori, and I went to Fairfield today to check out their whole foods store and the natural health section at their Hy-Vee.  We stopped along at my dear favorite Dutchman store on the way home and our day was complete.  We had a fantastic time and came home with a great haul.  I had made my monthly menu and a list, but was also on the hunt for the ingredients to make my own lotion (based on this recipe), as well as to find some inspiration for new healthy cooking from Lori (the queen of feeding her family vegetables) and the ingredients around us.  We had plenty of "what is this?" moments and I asked many times, "and how do I cook that!?" but I did come home with several new things from the veggies section, some new organic snack foods to have on hand for those "have to" moments, and a couple of other exciting things.

For the first time EVER (don't make fun of me), I bought real garlic cloves, 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, a bag of onions (not exactly sure what I'm going to do with those yet as Mike HATES them!), green spinach tortilla shells, beets, and brown whole grain rice.  Lori says we can take those beets & slice them thin and bake them into chips (we'll see!).  I was also quite proud of my organic produce purchases (bananas, broccoli, apples, beets, and all the oils I bought for lotion making).  The trip was definitely worth our while, opened our eyes to some new foods, and was a lot of fun!

The ingredients for lotion making.  The recipe calls for cosmetic grade borax but I'm substituting real sea salt instead.  The beeswax I bought from the Dutchman store in Cantril and I grated a hunk of it for lotion making tomorrow.  The Vitamin E oil I ordered from Vitacost in anticipation of making lotion.  All of the other ingredients were found at Everybody's - organic grapeseed oil, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, and organic aloe vera gel.  I didn't buy any essential oils for my lotion but maybe I'll put in a little peppermint oil since I have some of it already.

And lastly...(drum roll please....)

 A BUTTER KEEPER!  I found this little gem (the only one) at the Dutchman store!  It was only $8!!! I'm so excited!  I've been wanting a Butter Bell Crock since I discovered that real butter could be left at at room temperature for easy spreading but was reluctant to part with the money to buy one so my butter continued to reside in a bowl with a saucer as a "lid" to keep it clean.  Bowl and saucer no more!  Very excited about my butter keeper and that God answers even our silliest prayers and rewards us for being patient, following our budget, and waiting for something that is a "want" not a "need."

So, friends, send me YOUR best recipes using onions, beets, garlic, peppers, real green beans, and any oil from the above (there WILL be left over!).  I'm anxious to try new things (and Mike will get over the sighing and eye rolling!).

WAHOO!

Every home needs a WAHOO.  We were introduced to the Wahoo by my friend and cousin-in-law when she requested one for her little boy's first birthday.  I skeptically ordered it, blew it up & delivered it at the party, not understanding what all the hype was about.  Her little tyke was overjoyed with it, as was his big sister and my own children. 

  It's not the same as a hopping ball.  It's better.  You hold onto the ears and hop along but it's sturdy because of the 4 legs (not to say it can't bounce you off!).  This has been, hands down, one of the best therapy tools we have gotten for Natalee.  A few months after the cousin's party their family let us take their Wahoo home for a long weekend.

The borrowed Wahoo in September.  They've gotten much better at it since then!

Since then Natalee wanted one very badly and it took every mommy muscle not to just order it.  She patiently waited for her birthday to get one and specifically asked for it.  Since then she's gotten her use out of it and just this week Xavier has finally figured out how to really make it hop.  

Not only does the Wahoo help with Natalee's strength and balance it gives her a sensory input that brings her a great deal of calm.  Often she doesn't walk from one place to another in the house, she hops, but when she gets there she's calm and ready.  Just tonight I asked her to potty before bed and she went to the opposite end of the house as the bathroom, got on the Wahoo, hopped all the way into the bathroom, did her business, and hopped all the way back to the stairs for bed.  And she was ready for sleeping when she got there. :)

Every therapy department and mother of young children needs a Wahoo!  It's saved us when the weather is yucky or when tension is a little high in the house!

This is an honest review of the Wahoo product my Marky Sparky.  I was not in any way compensated or contacted to review the Wahoo.

Chemicals

This information was in the Nature's Sunshine March 2012 newsletter that Lora Jean sent to me.  It amazes me, makes me angry, but also encourages me in that maybe I'm on the right track in ridding our home of these chemicals!

• Prior to the 20th century, only 1 out of 8,000 people were stricken with cancer. With the myriad of chemicals introduced since the industrial revolution, the rate of cancer has risen to 1 out of every 3 people.
• Since WW II, we have developed more than 80,000 chemicals for use in cleaners, pesticides, plastics, hygiene products and more.
• 80% of exposure to chemicals occurs in the home.  A 5 year study concluded that many homes have chemical levels 70 times higher than outside air.  
• Cleaning products found in the home are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air pollution.
• The average American home uses more chemicals than were found in a typical chemistry lab in the early 1900’s.
• Laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that are known to disrupt endocrine systems. They also contain synthetic fragrances that effect allergies and asthma. 
• One third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic. 
• Glass cleaners and spot removers contain chemicals known to cause cancer and disrupt the nervous system. 
• Antimicrobial soaps contain a pesticide that causes reproductive problems and promotes the growth of E. coli. 
• Oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and air fresheners contain extremely toxic chemicals that are neurotoxic & known to cause cancer.

I'm pleased to say that I finally switched over our kitchen to natural dishwasher detergent and regular detergent.  I've been making my own laundry soap from natural ingredients for several months now.  I am still using Spray & Wash Oxy for spots...any suggestions on what to switch to?  And I'd LOVE to make my own lotion...anyone have any good recipes to share (besides the one that involves a bottle of baby lotion...I think I want to start from scratch).  Articles like this one from Nature's Sunshine fuel me on to continue to make improvements to my home!  You want to know something about using natural ingredients in the home?...things are simpler (less bottles of cleaner, less boxes of "stuff" that we don't need to eat in the pantry, less soap choices, less beauty products, less, less, less!).  I love a simpler home!

Thursday Therapy!

This week's therapy is brought to you by one 3 year old with a very short attention span and two very patient therapists!  Natalee's poor OT and PT had to switch activities several times tonight.  We've had a similar week at school...just a scattery, jumpy, hard to reign in attention span.  

Natalee did have a fun time at therapy until the very very end when she told the PT, Meagan, that her legs were too tired to do any more!  Walking backwards on the treadmill is a chore. :)  We're proud of Natalee's progress and her Miss Meagan even commented tonight that her balance is getting better.  She is falling less and is able to recover herself when she trips instead of going down like a lead balloon.  She is also taking some steps in the one foot/one step, next foot/next step fashion that most of us walk them instead of having to put both feet on a step before going to the next one.  She's getting stronger!!  Tonight's activities included trike and soccer outside (yay for beautiful weather!), trampoline, walking with the theraband, balancing while writing, rolling the ball (focusing on tracking), and walking forwards and backwards on the treadmill.  We're waiting for Miss Meagan to have her baby and when she does we'll have a substitute therapist for a couple of months.  This will be an adjustment for Natalee but as a mama there is no better place for Miss Meagan to be than at home with her new baby!!

In OT the focus tonight was proper grasp and hand strengthening.  She worked with scissors and made an adorable stained glass cross, she used tong tweezers to clean the bed bugs out of the bed (cute game!), and wrote on the easel, working on her tripod left-handed grasp.  I appreciate that Jennifer worked our faith gently into her lesson tonight by making a cross template for Natalee to do her stained glass on.  She could have done a hundred other shapes but she chose a cross and that means a lot to Mike & I. 

Physical Therapy with Miss Meagan:

 

Occupational Therapy with Miss Jennifer:

 

We are also SO grateful that the therapists allow Xavier to use some of their equipment on nights that he comes along.  It's hard to be a little boy and sit for an hour while your sister gets lots of attention and for the most part Xabe does excellently...but tonight, when one of the therapists offered him the trike, he didn't think twice and it entertained him for the better part of 30 minutes!  Thanks, girls, for treating our family like your family and welcoming us into your work space!  You make us feel so relaxed and give us such support...we always leave feeling positive and upbeat! (and it's not just because you exhaust our kids and we know they'll be calm the rest of the night!!!)

And Mr. Xavier...we're blessed that you are such a gentle little boy that is easily entertained!  Thanks for being so sweet and usually patient!