coming soon(ish): blog makeover!

I'm excited to announce that I'm on the waiting list to get a blog makeover. A (very) belated Mother's Day present from Aaron, I've been dreaming of a professional blog makeover for months and months! The waiting list may be two months long, but I will wait patiently!

I also wanted to tell you that Once Upon A Blog is doing a giveaway in celebration of thier third birthday. Go visit their site and check it out...

cottonwood

For those of you who tried your hand at guessing how big around our cottonwood tree is, here you go...


Our tree, which sits smack dab in the middle of our backyard is 220 inches long, which comes out to just over 18 feet. Nice guess, Nick! You were definitely the closest!




PS. It sounds like Stellan is going to be going back to Boston for a procedure that will likely end in open-heart surgery and the implantation of a pacemaker, which he'll need for the rest of his life. Please keep him and his family and doctors in your prayers.

this and that - UPDATED AGAIN

SECOND UPDATE:

Please keep sweet baby Stellan in your prayers. I visited him in the hospital yesterday (Saturday) morning and had breakfast with his mommy, and was blessed to see his smiling face. He converted into SVT just before I got there, and has been in it since. So he's really been going downhill since then. Pray for strength, peace, endurance, and healing. Also pray for his family as they struggle with a long list of emotions during this stressful time.

UPDATE:

For those of you who have yet to guess on how big around this tree is (or for those of you who would like go make another guess), here are two pictures to give you a bit more frame of reference.

Oh, and I survived the night in the tent!

******

ORIGINAL POST:

First, I wanted to share a photo Aaron took last weekend when we were having our family photos taken.



Next, I'd like to show you what happens when I get desperately bored while Camille is off playing with Grandpa and I'm left with a camera in my hands.

This is what Camille does when she sees a phone (or anything that resembles a phone, such as a calculator).

And this is Camille watching Grandpa drive away on a quick run to the store.

And this? This is the tent I am supposedly sleeping in tonight in the back yard...

...under the stars tree.

Yes, that tree.

Anyone care to venture a guess as to what the circumference of that rather large cottonwood tree is? Post your guess in the comments, and I'll go measure it tomorrow (if I can find a measuring tape long enough).

Wish me luck in the tent!

Good Search

Aaron's mom recently introduced me to a search engine they have been using for their online searches. It's called Good Search, and for every search you enter, one penny is donated to the charity of your choice. A small drop in the bucket, I know, but it can add up over time. So I just wanted to encourage you to give it a try. Find a non-profit company you'd like to support, and click away!

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap

I've heard about Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap before, but never really put any thought into what it was used for or where I could buy it. But yesterday when I was browsing Target's Sunday circular from last week (which was Earth Week) I discovered that they had some on sale. Huh, I thought. Maybe I should try some. So off we went to Target. I figured, if it's on sale, then I might as well get some. Unfortunately, the one that was on sale was out of stock, so we grabbed a rain check and a travel size bottle of the Lavendar scent (along with organic shampoo and conditioner for me, hair gel for Aaron, and a few other things) and went to the check-out.

When we got home I googled Dr. Bronners. And much to my surprise, it appears as if you can use Dr. Bronner's for just about anything! I love that it's completely natural, is made from fair-trade products, and is gentle on skin. And they have quite a variety of scents. But I think one of the greatest advantages of this is how economical it is. At right around $13 (at Target, at least) I think a 32 oz. bottle of Dr. Bronner's could last me many months. Even if I do use it in the shower, on my face, to clean the bathroom, kitchen (well, Aaron can use it to clean the kitchen), in the washing machine, in C's bath, and wherever else I think it might do the trick.

So if anyone else is interested...

*There's a website - iherb - that sells many different sizes, scents, etc. for cheaper than Target. I've purchased from them before and thought shipping prices were very reasonable. I also have a code for $5 off your first purchase, if you're interested.

*I found two websites that I found helpful and were written by people who use Dr. Bronner's for various things. They are this and this.

Next weekend I am going to be going to the Living Green Expo at the State Fairgrounds with my friend Kristy. I'm hoping to come away with lots of great green ideas!

PS...

Aaron just said to me randomly, "We could dye some of her white socks!"

I said, "Yeah! We could! Wanna dye today?"

He said, "No, maybe tomorrow."

Twitter Added to Sidebar

I've just set up a Twitter account and added my Twitter updates to my left sidebar. My account name is JennaTMG (you know, Through Mommy Goggles). I really have no idea how Twitter actually works, and what you're supposed to use it for. But I thought it would be nice to post mini-updates to the blog without actually having to create a full posting.

Also, I won't be twittering/tweeting from my phone anytime soon since we don't have a texting plan and have to pay per text. Maybe we'll get one someday, but not for now...

Any if anyone wants to explain Twitter to me (like following and followers, perhaps?) that'd be great!


happy tweeting,

And the winner is...

One Diaper, Two Diaper, Red Diaper, Blue Diaper!

Kat, come claim your prize! You can choose one of two prize options:

Option 1: You may choose any two dyed diapers (not only are they great diapers, but they also make wonderful dusting cloths!)

Option 2: You can supply me with a 100% cotton item (t-shirt, small towel, etc.) that I will dye whichever color you choose

Happy choosing!

Thanks for playing,

Anyone know anything about blog design?

I've spent most of the day trying to learn the bare minimum basics of web/blog design. I seriously have no idea what I'm doing! I've managed to create a "signature" for my posts (I think), and to turn the background blue. But really that's about it. So if anyone reading knows anything about blog design and/or HTML would you help me out a bit? Or if you know someone who might be able to help/teach me a little, could you pass the link along to them? I'd love to make this an even more interesting blog to visit by somehow jazzing it up a bit!

Welcome!

I'm glad to say we've made the switch to our new blogging home without too many glitches. But please let me know if you notice something that's not quite right...a broken link, wrong-sized graphics, etc. I really had no idea what I was doing when I switched it over, and I'm sure something got messed up!

My reason for transferring the blog to a new address was for safety. With as much "information" and photos as I put in this blog, I wanted to make sure that at least some aspects of our life were kept private (i.e. our last name) - at least kept private from complete strangers. Of course, you are more than welcome to pass our link on to friends of yours, or put it on your own blog. I'll just feel better about it now knowing that there's no contact information listed here.

Along with the switch to the new title, I am also hoping to start writing about other aspects of life (you know, things besides Camille). Hard to believe, I know. Although my life really does revolve around Camille, it also branches out further than her. I plan on writing about faith, new hobbies (photography, semi-green living, etc.), great books I've read, as well as other topics that I'm sure will come up. But, as the title of this blog says, all of these aspects of my life are now viewed through mommy goggles. So you'll still get to read/see plenty about Camille! And maybe Aaron will even do a guest post here and there, so you can hear about life through daddy goggles...

So, without further ado, I welcome you to through mommy goggles!



**I also wanted to add that the contest for naming my previous blog post is still open until tomorrow. Megan and Kat, would you please re-post your suggestions to this blog. For some reason the comments from my previous posts didn't input when I uploaded the blog. Thanks!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

In an effort to be "greener," and because I just simply wanted something to do on Sunday night, I made a batch of homemade laundry detergent. The recipe is as follows:

Equal Parts of:
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
Borax
OxyClean Free
Bar Soap (I used half Fels-Naptha and half Kirk's Castille, but I think you can use just about any brand), finely grated

*I was able to find all of these ingredients at Rainbow Foods. WalMart only had Borax and OxyClean Free.

*You can store it in a hard-sided container you have around the house (coffee canister, OxyClean bucket?) or in a Zip-Loc bag, like I did.

*Each large load of laundry takes just 2 tablespoons of detergent in a regular washing machine, or 1 tablespoon in a high efficiency washer.

*If you are washing in cold water, I recommend dissolving it with hot water first, then switching the water to cold.

*Instead of using fabric softener in the rinse cycle or dryer sheets, adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle will leave your clothes super soft! Don't worry, they won't smell like vinegar.

I've used this on several loads of laundry already and am loving the results! I washed our bedsheets last night and had a hard time falling asleep because I kept noticing how clean they smelled!


One note to all you cloth diaperers out there (I know, nobody who reads this uses cloth diapers): If you want a detergent to use on your diapers, just use the washing soda, borax and OxyClean Free. DO NOT add the soap! It can make the diapers repel water instead of absorb. Yikes! We wouldn't want that!

BabyLegs and Etsy

Earlier today Stellan's mommy posted on her blog that Stellan's BabyLegs (leg warmers for babies) had accidentally been taken with his sheets to the laundry room and were lost. Realizing that we had three new pairs of BabyLegs sitting in a drawer, we put them in a bag and decided to drive up to Children's to drop them off for him. We LOVE it when Camille wears her BabyLegs! They are so cute, and make diaper changes so much easier compared to when she's wearing tights or pants. Hopefully Stellan will enjoy his new leg warmers! I'm praying that they can be a blessing to him (and his mom) during this tough time.

On another note, I see on their blog that some sellers on Etsy are partnering to offer the proceeds on some of their items to go to Stellan's family. I, myself, am a huge fan of Etsy. I love the idea of buying something straight from its maker and supporting them in their own small business. Anyway, if you'd like to browse the items for sale that are supporting Stellan, enter "Stellan" in the search box. It will list the items available. I've got my eye on some of the hair clippies, which are absolutely adorable! I encourage you to take a look, and to browse through the other things Etsy has to offer. It's full of millions of handmade that you won't find anywhere else.

If you're already interested in things like this, I also recommend Hyena Cart. This is actually the site that I purchased Camille's doll, Violet, on. And those of you who know Camille well know how much she loves Violet!

"Savior, Please" by Josh Wilson

The following are the lyrics to a song that has been speaking to my heart lately:

~

Savior, please take my hand

I work so hard, I live so fast

This life begins, and then it ends

And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last

~

I try to be so tough

But I'm just not strong enough

I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me

I try to be good enough

But I'm nothing without Your love

Savior, please keep saving me

~

Savior, please help me stand

I fall so hard, I fade so fast

Will You begin right where I end

And be the God of all I am because You're all I have

~

Hallelujah

Everything You are to me

Is everything I'll ever need

And I am learning to believe

That I don't have to prove a thing

'Cause You're the one who's saving me

~

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

StarTribune.com's Cutest Baby Contest

We all know that Camille is the cutest baby...
Camille is one of 2,000 local babies that have been entered in StarTribune.com's Cutest Baby contest. The babies have been divided up into 10 heats of 200 babies. Camille is in Heat 4, which is open to votes beginning tomorrow (Thursday). The grand prize is $1,000 and bragging rights!

Voting begins on Thursday, March 12 at 10 am and ends on Friday, March 13 at 9 am.

Click on the link below and follow these instructions:
http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=APPROVED&ContestID=5242&SubmissionID=539968&IncrementNumber=1

*Click on the Registration tab to register to vote in the contest (you must set up a user ID and password in order to be able to vote).

*You will get an e-mail from Star Tribune to verify your registration.

*Click on this link and then you will be able to vote for Camille!
*Click on the Vote tab
*She is in Heat 4, so look for her there (or you can come back here and click on the link above which will take you back directly to her photo). Click on Preview, which will show you all the 200 babies in that round.

*Each username is eligible to vote every hour, so keep voting!


Spread the word to your friends and family (feel free to email the link of this blog post to whomever you wish!). We all love Camille know how sweet she is!

Together we can tell the Twin Cities that Camille is the cutest baby!

Lyla's Baptism

This morning Lyla was baptized into God's family! What an exciting event it was at our church, as there are so many people who love her (and her parents!) so much! She can now add a new title to her job description: Lyla Jo Christoffer, Child of God! Lyla, we pray that you will grow to love God and to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. May He bless you in ways we cannot even imagine!

Jamie, Nick, Martin, Angie, Lyla, and Nate

"Comments" is up and running!

You should now be able to post comments on our blog! After searching long and hard (Blogger's help groups are not actually very helpful, and you can't contact Blogger directly about problems) I found someone else who was having the same problem but found the solution. I'd love if you could all drop me a comment so I know for sure if it's working or not!

By the way, Camille's walking more and more each day. Toddlerhood, here she comes!