Environmentally Friendly Toilet Paper

  Call me nuts - but I'm not alone!  If you've never heard of cloth diapering - from this point out your are going to think I'm some kind of nut case...though this may be, I still would like to share with you another environmentally friendly concept that is by far not new.  Just forgotten perhaps.

   American's have been flushing money for decades now, but before that - what did they use for centuries?  REUSABLE TOILET PAPER.  This little bit of fabric can save you a lot of green over time, and leave you feeling cleaner with a softer wipe.  If you talk to a veteran cloth rump wiper, they will tell you how annoyed they get when going out in public and resort to the use of abrasive cheap paper.

Some call it family cloth, reusable wipes, reusable toilet paper...but no matter what you call it - it's such a cleaner and softer alternative.  I chose flannel for ours.  Yes, ours.  My sons' are hooked as well.  My middle son that the specialists' claimed would not make it to see his 1st birthday - is totally hooked.  He was diagnosed failure to thrive, and has severe Encopresis.  He is now 11.

  For less then $10, I was able to buy 3 yards of flannel.  (You can also use cotton, for hypo allergenic...they wash fine and you can sun dry them to remove any stains too).  With what I got, I made 55 TP sheets in the size of 4"x8".  I cut them down to this size with the idea that they would fit nicely in a thin baby wipe container to take with us on the go. {So we won't have to resort to unfriendly dry paper}.

Small pile in basket above the Toilet

  I also wash these by themselves rather then with our regular laundry.  After each use, I've a bin in each bathroom that has some vinegar water and there is NO SMELL.  Shocker rite!?!

  Sometimes they're used for #1, #2 or just for drying.  If you're not cracking up yet and still reading, here is a picture of the portable bidet I bought for cheap on Amazon.  And yes, it's used just like that!  As hygienic as we Americans are about washing hands and using harsh chemical hand sanitizers...you would think there would be more attention to detail when it comes to our valuable rumps., after all - it's our chair we take everywhere lol.  

  The first thing {I hope to purchase} when we buy a house is a bidet!  Or, at least modify our toilet with a bidet add-on kit.

Yep, it's used just like that!

  My first reaction was "Ewwww!  I could NEVER do that!"...but after trying it with an open mind, it's rather refreshing!  I think the thought was so appalling to me, I couldn't let it go.  Why did I get squeamish when thinking about my hygiene but wouldn't think twice about cloth diapering a baby?  For a #2, flush...and swish out your reusable TP and drop it in the bucket.  AND, if you have a healthy diet - #2 isn't greasy or messy to begin with.  I've taken so many measures to try to 'save our planet' and teach my children the same respect I have for it.  I started adding up all the money our family spends out monthly and yearly.  After talking to a few of my out of country pen-pals, this is normal.  You can find lots of sellers online making 'family cloth' rite now and check out their sold sections!  Aside from saving money, we're lessening our carbon footprint.  Except for my husband...he still refuses to try it.  So if you come to visit, don't worry - you have options ;)

*Also note, you don't have to run to the fabric store to buy new material.  You can up-cycle old flannel shirts, or flannel bed sheets.  From a fitted and flat sheet you can yield A LOT of TP.  *insert giggles, but have fun saving green - from your wallet to our planet!  Every small step helps.

  So what do you think?  Are you already a 'Cloth Wiper', would you consider it, or totally grossed out by the thought?  I can't wait to hear all your responses and check back for our giveaway for those interested in getting started with a sample pack!

Yoga {for children with special needs}

  Having multiple special children with special needs on different spectrum levels, I love finding treasures like these.  This is a DVD I borrowed from our local library, cause I'm frugal like that!  It tailors to the wiggle and giggles kids naturally have.  As they go through the exercise program, they get multiple opportunists to just jump up and down, wiggle back and forth, and be silly.  Of all the years applying yoga programs to our morning routine - this one has made my list top 10!  Despite the title saying it's tailored to kids with Special Needs, it's really just tailored to kids.  And kids know what they like to do - laugh and be silly! {especially boys!}.

  I hope you can find it at your local library, if not here is a link to purchase it on Amazon by clicking on the pretty Wellness picture lol.  This post does contain my Amazon Affiliate link, so thank you for considering purchasing through my blog. {or anything else you want to buy on Amazon for that matter!}.

  

Kingston and Vaughn working it, and able to keep up!

They already have better balance than me ;)

  Do you do a specific exercise plan with your little ones, or do you switch it up like I do?  I'm interested to hear what you do for physical fitness programs :)  {mine seems to be stuck in robot cleaning mode till I fall over} lol

Mad Science!

Kingston is feeling the electrons!

  The Bentonville library in NW Arkansas hosts an event each year for the children to get an opportunity to get excited about science!  As you can see from my picture above, my shy little 7 year old that never wants attention on himself, was actually on his knees waving his hand back and forth for the chance to volunteer.  My eyes did get a little misty seeing how proud he was to be selected and watch his hair rise with such a LARGE group of strangers.  How can you go wrong when you mix science and fun!?!

 

Vaughn got picked to join the boys vs. girl team!

The Race is on for both teams!

Vaughn is a true sport - he started praying for his tornado win!

 I will be adding my own little video clip after gathering all the pictures.  I took over 200!  The kids loved the vortex cannon, learning about sublimation, Doppler and how to equalize the air pressure to get objects to move through containers they otherwise would not have!

The crowd went wild over the flowing toilet paper!  

My crew with Mr. Mad Science

  Here is the link to head over to Mad Science to get more information.  They are nationwide and host camps, after school programs, and events such at this.  You can also look for your local chapter Facebook page too!  My little blooming engineers LOVE everything science.  This was such a fun event for them :)  Thank you Nasa and Mad Science for these special events to bring the fun back into science!

 Here is a YouTube Link for their Special Events...but check out the other videos that are great (and safe) for your little ones to watch and do at home.  Mad Science Special Events

20 Different Ways to Say - Happy Birthday America!

Land of the Brave, Hungry & Crafty!  

  Here is a picture of the Patriotic Table Cloth I made for picnicking with my boys (we love using it year round!).  This one I actually hand stitched tightly together while my sewing machine was down, and it's held up all year long.  It's light weight and easy to fold up to store in my picnic basket while filling her up!  :D

For the centerpiece, I used an old blue bottle that I use for a vase, and found these really cute wispy red, white & blue decoration.  The handkerchiefs I've sewn together in a pattern.  The total project cost me $9.00 for material (plus my time).  Considering its our favorite tablecloth, it was well worth it.  

Let me know what you think of the Patriotic Table Cloth I made, I will also be selling them on my Etsy Shop Coffman's Creations as well ...below are some other amazing Red, White & Blue themed crafts & recopies for you.

CLICK HERE to head over to get your recipe!  

You can make this adorable little American Flag Bean Pin for a gift for everyone on your list.  Especially fun for parade time! - get your tutorial by clicking Rockabyparents.com to heading over!

Try some red white and blue popcorn balls!  CLICK HERE to head over to Thrifty Jinxy for your tutorial.

 Look at these amazing homemade banners!  Get the how to by CLICKING HERE to find Hope in Every Season.  -She is such an inspiration to me!  While you're there, check out another great idea:

CLICK HERE to get recipe

CLICK HERE for another amazing red/white/blue snack recipe.  

This one is given to us by Loving Life and Living on Less.

Breakfast Parfait

Easy Red, White, and Blue Treats
by Cha Ching on a Shoe String 

Red, White & Blue Muffin Recipe by
Farm Fresh Feasts 

CLICK H

ERE to head ove

r to Jinxykids to down

load your free printable!

CLICK HERE to get the fourth of July Tutorial with pinwheels tutorial by Ang Sails The 7 C's

CLICK HERE for the tutorial on how to make these cute little treat boxes

CLICK HERE for instruction to make these frozen star Popsicle 

CLICK HERE to get directions to make this simple and cute flag print t-shirt!

CLICK HERE to make this fabulous Punch for your big party!

CLICK HERE for this scrumptious mason jar parfait! 

CLICK HERE  for instructions to make this cute decoration out of toothpaste boxes - I can't wait for my boys to make theirs!

CLICK HERE to learn how to make these fruit rockets!  What a healthy way to celebrate!

CLICK HERE to make these yummy 4th of July Waffles!

  I do hope you enjoyed all these found Treats by Tanya, this post contains my Esty site link to my store Coffman's Creations, but all the other sites I was not paid to support - we are just an amazing network of bloggers!  

Free Homeschool Links {and free printout!}

Even more Free Homeschool Links for you!

  

This List of Links include so many resources for you: Reading/Writing, Math, Typing, Geology, Earth Science, Art, History, Astronomy, Geography, Art, Spanish/ASL, Religion, Printables, etc...

Click Here To Download & Print this List!

  *I hope you enjoyed this Treat by Tanya and please do share.   Thank you so much!

Pea Ridge National Military Park, AR

  One of homeschool adventures this week was to the Pea Ridge Museum.  What an amazing experience for my boys to learn about the Civil War!  It was a great opening for multiple history lessons...

  We started our tour by getting a live demonstration with a lady wearing a full confederate solider uniform.  It was interesting to learn that, though women were not permitted to battle...so many actually were able to sneak in.  Apparently, many pulled it off until one became pregnant and started to show. 

  The children learned all the steps of loading a musket, and saw it fired several times.  Which took quite awhile, was really loud.  I think just about everyone laughed to find out that the only stipulation to join service (other than being a man), was to have at least 4 teeth for ripping the paper to load the powder.

*This was not a paid for post, just sharing our real life with true stories.* 

Then the kids did a scavenger hunt, to find dates and clues throughout the museum.  That was neat, but short lived because the half hour reenactment movie was starting.  For a short film, it made a huge impact on the boys, and me. We were silent in sadness leaving the museum and decided to head to the tavern that became a make shift hospital for both sides.

  We stopped at each lookout point in silence to read the signs and take pictures.  When our homeschool group joined back together at the Elkhorn Tavern, the home that both sides utilized for a makeshift hospital.  the boys quickly perked up to play with the others and check out the apple trees. 

  My boys and I stayed to take more pictures and go for a hike after our group departed.  We had a long talk and short hike due to conversation and heat.  My 7 year old son asked some really big questions.  Like, "Why was it called a civil war when people were killing each other?" And,"Why didn't the people talk out their problems?  Why did over a thousand people die?  They were grown-ups mom, why didn't they act civil and talk it out?  I thought the government was supposed to protect the people not kill them!"  These were his openings...followed up by, "What does slavery even mean?"

  It was quite a history lesson day indeed for my boys.  But I then realized that I've done a great job raising my kids to be 'color blind'.    You see, I was adopted into a foster home before I hit my teens.  My children know that they have aunts and uncles of different races, but never knew there ever was segregation between them.  They know our family photos look like the United Nations, but have never known our primitive history issues.  While we talked, they had their jaws dropped.  Then my littlest asked me, "So what else are you keeping from us?"...so now we are doing a hole Civil War study this summer.

  And I feel guilty educating my children about the dark spots of our country's past.  How am I supposed to teach them about the Civil War (for starters), and sugar coat it?  It's almost like letting my kids watch a horror movie when they're still toddlers.  I don't want their minds to be poisoned by racism.

  I never had a human slave, bought or traded one, so why should I carry guilt because of what someone else did?  I've literately been in fist fights with boys to protect my Haitian sister when she got made fun of at the bus stop when we were kids.  I grew up in a very racist 'white' town being made fun of, not only for being a foster kid - then adopted, but because I was white and defended my family.  Even my adopted white mother made the racial slurs.  When she was mad - we all were called, "Dirty little stupid n*ggers."  (Also, stupid, hate and dumb were a huge part of her vocabulary.  Which is why I raise my children with those words classified under the 'bad word category' because I know how hurtful words are).  It's not that I'm a touchy politically correct person, but there is a line.  It's all in the tone, and implication of what is being said.  Also, there is power in forgiveness.  I've voiced my forgiveness to her and released my pain.

  We do plan on going back to Pea Ridge National Park in the fall after the foliage is down to see more of the battlefields.

  Below you will find my YouTube channel link with pictures of our Trip To Pea Ridge Military Park, in Arkansas.  {Please be kind, this is my very first YouTube video/slideshow I've ever put together.}  Also, take note to the bonnet I found in the gift shop.  It gave me a sweet smile to see it was shipped from Gettysburg, PA.  Since we moved to Arkansas from Pennsylvania, I'm constantly seeing the little reminders of PA.  Maybe because I'm looking for them?