Wednesday, April 30, 2008

My Fave Stain Remover


Yes, I am blogging about a stain remover.... If you have children you know that a good stain remover can mean life or death for that cute new shirt that you splurged on for your child. I have always just used basic stain removers from the grocery store but my baby seems to get blueberries and sweet potatoes everywhere but his bib. I am also trying to gradually go the more natural route with products that come in close contact with my kids.

I stumbled on a product online called Caldrea Sweet Pea Stain Remover and read its reviews. It said that it was really powerful on organic stains and used plant derived surfactants to gently remove the stain. I ordered it and LOVE it! The stain remover got blueberry stains out in one wash and has removed old stains that have been through the dryer. It is a little spendy but you don't use much. I am seriously loving this stuff!

Yes, this may be my 2nd most ridiculous blog (next to my Pedi Egg blog) but if you are having the same stain problems that I have, you should try it!

Dark Vader and his Light Saver

Liam has become obsessed with "Dark Vader" and desperately wants us to buy him a "Light Saver." Jesse let him watch a little Star Wars on Saturday (I won't comment on that right now) and he of course loved it. He begged us all Monday to go to his buddy Duncan's house (Duncan is considerably older and a wonderfully patient boy) to play with his light savers. Jesse finally called Duncan's dad to see if we could work something out. Liam didn't know that Duncan had a "Dark Vader" helmet. He obviously had the time of his life...

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Baby Mama

I went to see the movie, "Baby Mama" last night and I thought that it was really good. I obviously don't get out to see movies much these days because the $10 ticket price was a real shocker. It was worth it to just get out of the house. Here is why you should try to see it in the theater.

It's target audience is a 30 something woman. Two 30 something women starred in the movie. It isn't a romantic comedy though there is a little romance. The main character is a smart and funny woman with a successful career. It was #1 in the theaters this weekend even though it was up against another successful comedy. It was super funny with a ton of lines that I will totally try to quote but butcher. Steve Martin was her boss and he was hysterical. I love Tina Fey. She didn't write it but she was wonderful as usual.

I would go into more detail but I was up late and up early and my brain doesn't work on a good day... Bottom line if I am blogging about it while in a fog - it was worth watching!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Sleep deprivation or crazy... maybe both...


I took the boys to Target today to buy a few things we need before we leave for Hawaii on Saturday. I made a list of the items I needed at home because I always forget what I need and get distracted by all the shiny mom toys. I left my list at home. I should have known that things wouldn't go well at that point.

We made it to Target successfully and I think that I stayed on track while shopping avoiding the clothing and housewares all together. Finn started to get grouchy within the first 10 minutes but I couldn't hold him because our cart was of course defective and I needed two hands to push it. Being the careful mom that I am I checked out one of our items and decided to give him the travel size laundry detergent from the cart. Brilliant I know but that appeased him for 10 more minutes. I thought about buying him a new little toy but I have been telling Liam that he doesn't get a new toy every time we go to Target. Therefore Finn should not get one either... great...

I thought that I had everything that I needed and made a run for the cashier as Finn was starting to lose it again. I unloaded all of my junk and realized that I forgot the camera battery and video tape! Here is where you might worry a little about me (if the detergent as a toy didn't phase you...)

With one customer in front of me and one behind me I flipped a cart u-ey and made a run for the camera department about 30 aisles down. Two aisles into my run I realized that all of my crap is still up with the cashier! I do another crazy u-ey, Liam says, "Whoa Mama! Slow down! I'm gonna hit my head!" I race back to the cashier who is looking at me like I am completely insane. Finn starts balling. I try to cover up my mistake by saying, "Oh man! I thought that I could make it but it is too far down. I will have to come back for it." (I never told her what "it" was). She slowly nodded her head, looked at Finn crying and Liam talking incessantly and she then seemed to realize what was going on. She gave Finn and Liam (empty) gift cards to chew on and look at and Finn stopped crying right away. I paid and went outside. I stopped sweating as we walked out into the often elusive NW sun. We made it home without incident. I will be visiting Target by myself for the stuff that I missed.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Jesse's 1st 5K Today

I am a very proud wife today. My husband ran his very first 5K this morning in Redmond, WA. I am fairly sure that 5K is 3.1 miles. As he ran by us and through the finish line, I found myself getting very choked up. After his accident and leg/ankle surgery, we didn't ever think that he would run or do anything else high impact again. But, his leg miraculously has healed over the last 4+ years and he looked great running by us. Liam was screaming "Dada! Go Dada!" He has also been telling people that his Dada won the race today. He is very proud. Finn started crying when Jesse walked up but I think that is his little way of showing that he cares... Jesse doesn't think that he looks like a runner but I really thought that it was beautiful.

I meant to take a picture of him running by us but of course forgot my camera. We took a picture of him with Liam and Finn and his number instead.

Congrats Jesse! I am SO proud of you!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Pictures for a Purpose



Your child's smile could help save a life...

Eastside Women of Purpose is launching their 1st Annual Pictures for a Purpose fundraiser! We have five super talented photographers lined up to photograph our kiddos on Saturday, June 28th from 9am to 6pm. To coolest part is that every photographer is donating their entire day and all profits to Eastside Women of Purpose! Everything we make will go towards programs that help protect children at risk from being trafficked in SE Asia.

Experts estimate 5.7 million children are trapped in forced or bonded labor. About one
million of these children are exploited in the sex trade each year. (Source: UNICEF) Many
times, unwitting parents hand over their children to slavers under false pretenses, such as
promises of schooling.

You can help. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure a lasting memory of your child. All proceeds will be used to pay for desperately needed educational and training resources used
by World Concern to combat child trafficking throughout SE Asia.

Your $30 sitting fee goes directly to this cause. Pick the photos you like from our easy-to-use
website—flexible a la carte pricing lets you pick the photos and sizes you really want. There’s
no obligation to buy. Again, all of the proceeds from this event will go towards this project.

We will start selling these photo sessions towards the beginning of May at OCC (across from the info booth) or by finding an Eastside Women of Purpose member. If you live in the Seattle area and would like to participate but have absolutely no idea what OCC is, feel free to comment on this posting or visit picsforapurpose.com (after May 4th) to schedule an appointment.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

I Heart 963 Coffee...

Jesse and I received our 963 Coffee order on Tuesday afternoon. I must admit that I was I little nervous that the coffee would be horrible. Don't get me wrong... I would still buy it on occasion to support a good cause. If you haven't read my previous blog about it, you should know that our dear friends Josh and Neely McQueen receive $4 from every $10 bag of coffee or cocoa that people purchase by clicking on this link. The money raised will go towards the cost of adopting their beautiful daughter (I haven't seen her yet but I am quite sure she is amazing) from Ethiopia.

Anyway - I am excited to report that the coffee is REALLY good! I would dare say that it is my favorite cup of coffee to date - and that is saying a lot. Jesse and I love a good strong cup and this coffee really hits the spot in the morning. I would highly recommend it! Plus, you can feel great knowing that the coffee is Fair Wage certified (check out my previous Starbucks blogs for why I love this) and a good portion of your purchase goes towards bringing Baby Girl McQueen home!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

I am Legend



Jesse and I decided to watch "I am Legend" last night. Neither one of us knew anything about the movie going into it. We started it a little late and only watched half of it... I totally went to bed and had nightmares all night! I woke up thinking about the movie and it took a lot of self control to not watch the other half of it today before Jesse got home. We finished the movie tonight and I have a feeling that I will be dreaming about it again. If you haven't seen it you should know that it is FREAKY! It was good though and worth the watch.

A side note... I can't help but love Will Smith. I loved Fresh Prince of Bel Aire back in the day and can still sing the theme song. Am I the only one? Maybe. Despite my love for Will, I would have never guessed that he would be a big film star...

"In West Philadelphia born and raised - on the playground is where I spent most of my days..."

Monday, April 21, 2008

My Dear Pedi Egg

We are all heading to Hawaii in a couple of weeks and I am too cheap to get a much needed pedicure. While at Target a couple of days ago I decided to splurge and buy the $10 Pedi Egg that I have seen advertised on late night tv. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I have horrible calluses on my feet so the oh so gentle Pedi Egg advertisement really stuck with me.

Well, they sure weren't lying! My feet look better than ever. I simply "pedi" (that's what I am calling it these days) and moisturize and they look WAY better than they did three days ago. Join my little Pedi-revolution!!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

What I Will and Won't Do For Love...



Over the years I have been in the support role a number of times. I kind of reside their on a regular basis these days... My husband has once again asked for my support in his latest and possibly most difficult endeavor. He hasn't been spreading it around, but he has started training for a marathon (or at least a half marathon).

A marathon... he has asked me to join him in training and running but I have turned him down. I am not and have never been a runner. In the best of shape, it hurts all of my joints and I am really not in the best of shape these days. I have never been one of those people that has "running a marathon" on their list of things to do. I will support him by cheering him on along the way.

After seeing a doctor recently and having his formally bad ankle/leg checked out, Jesse was advised to lose some weight before training too hard to avoid injury. The doctor suggested the South Beach Diet as a way to kick start his metabolism. The doctor also told him that I will need to do it with him though so that he can stick to it. So... despite the fact that I am nursing, I am going to do the diet. I am almost done nursing Finn and the doctor said that my milk supply should be fine as long as I continue taking a daily prenatal vitamin.

I spent an hour preparing food for my husband to take to work with him tomorrow. Nice how that works. He has now been informed that he will be taking an active role in our food preparation. This whole thing should be interesting!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Liam Wants a Big Boy Bike

Liam has decided that he is ready for his own big boy bike. He has just figured out how to get his buddy Andrew's bike to work and he LOVES riding around it around in circles. He can now go backward and forward and has a wonderfully proud grin on his face as he shows us his new found skills. Since Liam's birthday happens after the summer months, we have decided to indulge him this summer. We made our very first chart so that he has a chance to earn the bike.

We let him know that he can earn a stamp when he doesn't get a time out all day or when he helps out his mama, dada, or brother without complaining. We started the chart on Thursday and he so far has three stamps. (He needs 30 stamps to get the bike). He seems motivated to be a good helper at this point but we will see how it goes. He hasn't yet received a stamp for not getting a time out all day if that tells you anything! It may be a while!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Looking for slave free cocoa?

My boys and I just had dinner at a friend's house and she served cocoa for dessert. It was SO good that I am still thinking about it 2 hours later. It was super chocolatey and delish - this was not Swiss Miss... I just ordered some today and now can't wait for it to arrive. You can buy this delish Ghana cocoa by the pound through 963 Coffee and feel confident that there were no children involved in harvesting the cocoa beans. If you click on this link, 40% of your purchase will go to the McQueen family adoption.

Help Stop the Hunger Crisis!

Stop the Hunger Crisis

In just three years, the price of staple foods like wheat, corn and rice has almost doubled, and this week, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said that if left unchecked, global food shortages could set the world back seven years in the fight against extreme poverty and global disease. We must urge our leaders to take action.

Sign One's petition to President Bush. Click on this link and take one minute to sign the petition!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Liam's 1st Mariner's Game

Liam went with his dad, his best buddy Sim, and Sim's dad Josh to the boy's first Mariners Game. They sat in the cheap seats and Liam enjoyed the one inning that he made it through by eating cotton candy and ice cream. (I believe that's cotton candy in the picture).

After the first inning, they all headed to the kid's play area where the dad's watched the game on the monitors. Yes, the dad's spent $40 to let the boys play and watch the game on the tv. After that, they decided to head home. Liam came home happy and I had a few hours alone with my little Finny. I would say that the day was a success!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Too Tired to Blog...

I had an amazing weekend. I led worship (for the first time ever) at our OCC Women's Event Awake... While my spirit was awakened, my mind and body were drained. I am SO tired. I now understand why a long weekend of leading worship completely wipes out my poor husband...

Awake was amazing though. People came ready to engage, the women there were awesome, supportive and loving, and I have to say that my all female worship band rocked. They were great. I am not dying to lead worship again but it sure stretched me out of my comfort zone and we all need that once in a while.

As an added bonus, the women of Overlake were extra friendly on Sunday and I love that we all felt connected and energized. We laughed REALLY hard together and cried next to each other and that is the best way to bond. I had so much fun and feel incredibly honored to have been a small part of the weekend!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

A New Breed of Superhero

He is his father's son for sure... Daddy made him a Batman mask out of paper and electrical tape and we have been living it up here in the Butterworth household!



I can't help but think they're adorable...



Another Great Company to Buy Your Coffee Through


My friends Josh and Neely are in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. Because it is such a financially huge thing to adopt, they have been looking for ways to raise money. Neely just posted this on her blog. When you buy a $10 bag of coffee through their site, $4 of it goes to Josh and Neely's adoption fund! All you need to do is press on this coffee link and your purchase will automatically be credited to their account. Plus, the coffee is fair wage certified. (If you have read my previous blogs, you will know that fair trade coffee isn't always what it is cracked up to be). I am in need of a new bag of coffee and will be ordering today! They also have Cocoa that looks to be delish! Pass this on and help Josh and Neely adopt their daughter from Ethiopia!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Truth Behind Chocolate

Among other things, I am a chocolate lover. I just came across an article about the trafficking of children into the chocolate business. An estimated 12,000 children have been trafficked into Cote d’Ivoire to work on small cocoa farms. Nearly half of the world’s chocolate comes from Cote d’Ivoire. That's 12,000 children making our cheap-o chocolate!! This really rocks me. So what can we do as consumers of chocolate (some of us more than others).

After a little research, I found out that fair trade chocolate is also traffik free chocolate. I will be really careful where I buy chocolate from now on. Check out the Good Chocolate Guide to find out where you can buy Fair Trade Chocolate locally. Trader Joes brand is fair trade certified and Whole Foods carries fair trade chocolate as well. Help me by spreading the word about chocolate! Just another step in putting traffickers out of business...

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Liam wants to switch!

After church today my oldest son, Liam told me that he wants to "switch mommies." Jesse confirmed that I had heard correctly and informed me that he had been saying that lately. I then asked him who he would like to be his mama instead of me and he said in an ooey-gooey voice, "Miss Francine." Francine is a friend of mine that is at my MOPS table and goes to our church. She is a wonderful woman and mom to three adorable little boys. Liam thinks that they have the best toys at their house and constantly wants to go over to Miss Francine's. I thought it was just about the toys but apparently he wants something more.

After I said, "Oh! My! Ok..." Liam says, "I want her to play with me and put my pajamas on and be my babysitter." (Picture that said in the same ooey-gooey voice).

Ok.

I asked, "Well if we are switching things around, who's mom will I be?" Silence... "Well, I guess that I am still Baby Finn's mom, huh?"

Liam rather sharply answers, "No. You won't be Baby Finn's mom."

Well, I am not sure how I feel about all of this... It is one of the most hilarious things that he has come up with for sure but it did sting a tiny bit. I mean, I work hard as a mother! Who does he think my life revolves around? Yeah!

I then remembered all of the times that I have told family, friends, and even acquaintances that I would love it if they could take Liam for the afternoon. I would totally be fine with that. No seriously, take him... I guess that I am getting what I had coming to me.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Oh my sweet cupcake!!



If you know me, you know that I have a thing for cupcakes. While I do love eating them, I have realized that for me it is not really about consuming them (I don't really like frosting much but love cake) but just appreciating the beauty of them. They are so artfully made and there is just something so fun about a miniature cake... I love what people can do with frosting... Ah... listen to me go on about them. Yes, I realize that it is a bit ridiculous...

Liam and I watched a little bit of Martha Stewart yesterday (out of character, I know) and she was featuring a Seattle cupcake company. They made the most beautiful cupcakes and Liam started saying that he wanted a trophy. I totally couldn't figure out what he was talking about until the end of the show when Martha mentioned that I should hurry out right away to visit Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle (I am sure that I heard it that way). Liam totally caught the name way before I did.

So, we all drove down to Wallingford (a darling neighborhood in Seattle) this morning and visited Trophy Cupcakes. The store was adorable and the cupcakes were really TO DIE FOR. As a cupcake afficianado, I know. They were delish. I enjoyed the Pink Snowball Chocolate Cupcake (Liam helped), Jesse devoured the Chocolate Chocolate Cupcake, and Liam sampled all of the icing and took bites of them all. I also enjoyed an amazing cup of Hot Chocolate (one of their other specialties at the store). Finn tried a little icing but I helped him decide to stick with his baby food.

Thank you Trophy Cupcakes. You helped turn our dreary, Seattle day into a sweet memory. If you live in Seattle or ever visit, you really should try it. I promise that you will enjoy yourself. Plus their was an amazing smelling Indian Restaurant in the bottom floor of the building that we want to visit next time we head out that direction.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Check out World Baby Foods


Finn is officially on the World Baby Foods website today. Check out his handsomeness. The great part is that we get a free case of food out of the deal! No, he didn't win the Baby Gap Contest - but Mr. World Baby April is exciting enough for this family!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Finn's So Close to Crawling!!

Bummer about the milk bank...

My very reliable source tells me that the Prolacta Milk Bank is no longer sending 25% of their milk to South Africa. I guess that there is a lot of controversy within the international milk bank community about Prolacta taking 75% of the breastmilk (25% was going to South Africa) and selling it to the hospitals to use on preemies. They are apparently making a great profit on the milk and the "lactivists" believe that since the milk was freely given it should be freely received. I do not know what Prolacta is doing now or if they have set it up to ship to another milk bank but it is worth checking up on if you are thinking of donating. I still think that the whole idea is brilliant and hope to find another milk bank shipping to the children of Africa. They have not updated their website with this information at this point...