Memorial Day

(Copyright Joe Heller, 2004) Permission has been obtained to use this material.

Don't forget the reason for this three day weekend. Please find time to think about those who have sacrificed their lives to help protect and serve this country. 

Family photos....incredibly difficult with 6 kids!

Every time we get photos done it turns out to be a stressful experience. I am not sure why I thought this time would be better...

Let's take last year's photos for instance... right off the bat, we got nearly a perfect picture:

Okay, well it was perfect enough for us.

But...then things started to get a little crazy....

Okay, this one isn't too bad, BUT you should have seen the chaos going on around us...kids everywhere, trying to leave, it just was no good.

Then came this lovely photo...

Adorable right? But, again, there was chaos....complete chaos going on.

And then...there is this photo:

And this is the best one we captured of these two...it was torture for them, TORTURE. (well, it at least seemed like it to everyone who was present). 

Well, our most recent experience was with a different photographer, in fact, it is a girl I went to school with. We thought we were prepared...we had the outfits set, we matched wonderfully! We bribed the children ("If you are good and listen to directions you can choose a toy or ice cream from the local fast food place!"). We had given the children naps, they were ready for the shoot...so. we. thought.

We walk into the studio, not bad, everything seems cool. There is a big pool like blow up with balls in it (a ball-pit) and the kids were excited. Well, this is okay, I thought... I can use this fun stuff as a bribe for the family shoot.

Oh no. That did not happen. We tried, but to no avail. The children just wouldn't cooperate. Okay, okay...so we try a bottle with Annabelle. Nope, that wasn't the issue. We try getting the boys to take pictures together... Nope, didn't happen. Okay, well it SORT OF happened- but they were NOT interested in posing.

We gave in, let's do the ball pit and get the kids' energy out.

Well, let's just say, it was wild. Kids were being kicked, some were hoarding balls, others were flailing around like fish out of water.

Once we had all the screaming and crying we could take, we said enough is enough of the ball-pit. (Thank heaven the photographer didn't kick us out yet!) The kids were mad, but the show had to go on!

Next up, TRYING family photo's again. Now, this time wasn't too bad, most of the kids were cooperative to a point, except Nolyn. Nolyn didn't want any part of this photo shoot business. Not to mention he insisted on holding a bright green ball from the ball-pit. We mutter through a few dozen pictures, praying that our kids will look okay for just one. Then the photographer says "say cheese". Well, for some reason the boys thought they had to draw out cheese until they ran out of breath...

CheeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZe

Okay, this was funny, nope scratch that...HILARIOUS! They just kept doing it...they would breathe and then

CheeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZe

I couldn't help myself, I cracked up. I couldn't take it anymore, it was just so funny. I think the stress made me crack a little bit too...it was just what we all needed. (Thank you, boys!). They just kept going and going..and I kept laughing and laughing, even with tears in my eyes.

We eventually get enough photographs taken that the photographer thinks she can compile something that resembles a normal family portrait. Then, we hurry and change Annabelle into her pretty little dress for some Annabelle only shots.

Annabelle isn't fond of strangers, so, having her on her own didn't work to well. She also was drooling like a dog staring at a steak. 

  

I ended up holding Annabelle, just in hopes to get some smiley pictures.

   

Then, Raymond and I needed to get a few in...at least these were easy (as the children ran rampant).

   

  

Then...done. Thank goodness. What a very stressful event...photos with six children (all 7 and under) are insanely trying! Thank goodness for a patient photographer!

We purchased the rights to the 2010 family pictures in the first part of this post, the 2011 family photos are being used with permission from Tatum McWatters of Tatum Photo and Design.




You can find more family photos of my family in the tab, The Nest!

Sip N' Go Review

We recently received the Sip N' Go water bottle to try out. It is an interesting concept, it is a foldable water bottle. The first thing it reminded me of is those juice pouches that you can buy (instead of juice in a box, it is in a  pouch). 

When folded and snapped, the Sip N' Go can easily fit in a pocket; I prefer to put mine in a cargo pocket or my jacket pocket as the cap/spout can be uncomfortable in other pockets. 

I was happy to see that nearly an entire bottle of water (16.9 oz) could fit into the Sip N' Go. I couldn't quite get it all inside the Sip N' Go, but  it was close enough and I just drank the last sip that was left.  The website does say that 17 oz fit into the bottle, but I couldn't squeeze it in.

Sip N' Go says it is the "greenest bottle on the planet", here is why...

"Unlike most plastic bottles, Sip N' Go is free from harmful chemicals like BPA. Made of extra strong FDA approved material. Sip N' Go is top rack dishwasher safe, so it's hygienic and easy to clean. It's flexible, lightweight and ships flat which makes the Sip N' Go the greenest water bottle on the planet." (Sip N' Go, 2011)

I personally loved the carrying ring that came with the Sip N' Go. It was one of my favorite features. This would be easy to clasp to a diaper bag, or purse... no extra hand needed. I also liked the space where a name could be added, this could be a great alternative for lunch boxes!

I did find that I had a difficult time washing the Sip N' Go. I do not have a dishwasher, so I wash everything by hand. While I used a bottlebrush, I still didn't feel confident that I cleaned my Sip N' Go as well as I would like.

Overall, Sip N' Go is a neat product that can be helpful when needing a drink on the go.

I received free samples of the Sip N' Go in order to complete this review. I received no monetary compensation and all opinions are my own.

Fluffy Fridays- Lovely Pocket Diapers CLOSED

Let me introduce this week's featured fluff.... Lovely Pocket Diapers. Lovely Pocket Diapers (LPD) is on a mission to help you cloth diaper your child without breaking the bank. 

Melissa, owner of LPD, sent us two diapers to review.

First Thoughts: So cute!

These diapers both cost $7.50. Not a bad price at all! I think it is SO important that diapers be affordable... a lot of parents who choose cloth do so to save money. When diapers cost $25 a piece, they no longer are affordable for most.

Even more affordable are the solid diaper options at only $7.00 per diaper.

Isn't Nolyn ADORABLE in this cow print?!

I like the fit of these diapers, since they are one size diapers they were able to fit both my, now, 7 month old daughter and my 2 year old son.  I did have one problem with them... wing droop. Since these diapers do not have hip snaps, I have found that the front of the diaper droops down and creates an area that can leak.  This usually doesn't happen right away, but if your child is active it does happen more quickly.

One feature that I do like is on our monkey diaper the outside material overlaps and covers the inside top portion of the diaper. This is very helpful to prevent wicking if you have a major front wetter like we do.

LPD also released their newest diaper, the Rave. It is a little more expensive, but has some nice features!

Brand: Lovely Pocket Diapers

Price:  about $7

Type: Pocket

Fluff Factor: Fairly trim

Containment: Good

Ease of use: A-

Drying Time: Good

In order to complete the review I received free product from the company. I received no monetary compensation for this post and my opinions are entirely my own. You may or may not have the same experience as I did with this product. 

GIVEAWAY!

Open to the US and Canada !

Lovely Pocket Diapers is offering one Six in the Nest reader one Lovely Pocket Diaper in their choice of boy, girl, or gender neutral color!

You must be a public Google Friend Connect follower of Six in the Nest to enter any

 Six in the Nest giveaways.

Mandatory Entry

These entry is REQUIRED.
Post one comment per entry, all entries MUST include your email!

1 entry-  Like  Lovely Pocket Diapers on Facebook.  Leave Facebook name in comment.

Optional Entries

1entry- explore Lovely Pocket Diapers and tell me what your favorite print is. 

1 entry- Thank Melissa for the giveaway by posting, "Thank you for the chance to win a LPD diaper on @ Six in the Nest!" on LPD's wall ( be sure to tag Six in the Nest if you can).

1 entry- Follow LPD on Twitter

1 entry- Follow Six in the Nest on Twitter

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1 entry- Post this on your Facebook page- leave link

1 entry- Enter another Six in the Nest giveaway (one comment per giveaway entered)

2 entries- Click the Google +1  button on the post, and the +1 for the page which is under the header. (One entry for each thing)

1 entry- Tweet this post on Twitter-this can be done once daily-leave link.

1 entry- Share this giveaway on Facebook, leave link. can be done daily,

1 entry- "Like" one of my previous reviews' Facebook page and tell them "Six in the Nest sent me" (This can be done once per Facebook page!)

1 entry- Vote for Six in the Nest on Picket Fence Blogs (This can be done DAILY!)

2 entries- Post my Fluffy Fridays, or Six in the Nest button(s) on your blog, leave the URL and tell me which you posted. You can have two entries for each button and you can post both.

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway, must include link in post and comment. :)

Giveaway will close 6/13/2011 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen  via random.org and given 48 hours to reply to the email I send, if no reply the winner will forfeit the prize. *Please check spam folders!*

Switch to Nurtrish!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nutrish. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nutrish knows your dog is a part of your family. I know I want the best for my pets... Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6 dry dog food , is a limited ingredient dog food with only six simple, natural ingredients, plus vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition. Not to mention, this delicious product does not include corn, wheat or soy. Just 6 also includes all the vitamins your dog needs to keep him happy and healthy. Did you know that proceeds from Rachael Ray’s Nutrish product go toward helping animals in need through her Rachael’s Rescue organization? What a great bonus... help your dog, AND another!

Heartbroken by the thought of the millions of mistreated and abandoned animals taken in by shelters each year, Rachael has created the Rachael's Rescue website to highlight organizations that are dedicated to helping animals in need.

The Nutrish Just 6 line also includes dog treats in Lamb, Beef, and Chicken flavors. It is nice knowing that your dog can enjoy good food and a nice treat and you can meet all your dog's nutritional needs.

Guess what.... another bonus!

You can get a free sample of Nutrish! Yep, that's right. TRY it.

Back To Life: A Transformation Through Back Surgery

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

As some of my readers know, my husband recently had back surgery. When I saw the opportunity to review BACK TO LIFE: A Journey of Transformation Through Back Surgery I was excited.  Now that I have read this book, I am even more excited to tell you all about it.

Pamela Douglas, an award winning screenwriter, faced a very scary reality when the curvature of her spine became severe... continue and do nothing and end up in a wheelchair, or take a good chunk of her life and dedicate it to getting back surgery and healing.  She chose the latter and decided to write about it for all the world to read. 

I am thankful Pamela wrote this book. There are more than a half million back surgeries every year. That is a lot of people being very nervous, scared even, about the days, weeks, months, years that will lead up to and follow such an ordeal. I was one of them. While I didn't actually go under the knife, I was just as scared as my husband, perhaps for different reasons, but scared nonetheless. 

I started reading this book about a week before my husband's surgery. I really liked that Pamela wrote about events before the surgery. I felt like I had a road map of what this experience would be like. I had an insider's view. As I read, I discovered that Pamela and my husband both had surgery on the same day (many years apart, mind you), May 16th. Somehow this little coincidence made me feel more connected to the book and experience, and it also made me feel better. 

Pamela discusses her fears, the "what-ifs" and the planning that happens before a major surgery. Pamela also shares insight from those around her, primarily her daughter Raya's feelings, in the book. I found a lot of answers in BACK TO LIFE: A Journey of Transformation Through Back Surgery, a lot of answers to questions that you don't think to ask, or are reluctant to ask.

Overall, I would highly recommend reading this book if back surgery will be a part of your life in any way. If back surgery isn't part of your life, this book still offers a great story and intimate look inside a woman's life and her incredible experience, and is an enjoyable read.

BACK TO LIFE will be available June 1st, 2011.

You can like BACK TO LIFE on Facebook as well.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Say What Creations Review

Sarah, owner and designer of Say What Creations, started Say What Creations because she wanted to create affordable personalized jewelry with the same quality as the more expensive options. When you order from Say What Creations you will get a made for you piece that you can have customized just for you!


With my large family I struggled to find a piece that would be perfect for me. However, I really liked the Lynda Necklace. The Lynda is a sterling silver disk which has names or a phrase hand stamped in a swirl pattern. I could have done the kids' names, but I thought a nice phrase would be better. I chose to have "If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart" as my phrase.

Sarah did a wonderful job, I LOVE my necklace!

Isn't it pretty! I LOVE it. I honestly cannot say even one negative thing about this necklace!

The Lynda Necklace can be purchased for $42, which is pretty fair... it is completely sterling silver (minus the pearl, of course) and each letter is carefully placed and hammered, I couldn't even imagine! I have seen quite a few hand stamped pieces, and Sarah did a spectacular job lining the letters up and keeping the words even.  Another little touch that I really like is on the back. On the back Sarah has placed a makers mark and year. I love seeing little details like that.

I also want to let everyone know about a really neat program on Say What Creations.

Say What Creations offers Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) A-WEAR-NESS Jewelry, in partnership with Sophia's Cure Foundation.

When this jewelry is purchased a portion of the proceeds will go to Sophia's Cure Foundation. This is a great way to help out!

Sarah has offered Six in the Nest readers the chance to win the Sarah necklace.The Sarah is a 2-disk stacked necklace. The top disk is sterling silver 1/2" and can be personalized with up to 8 characters. The bottom is a 3/4" sterling silver disk and can be personalized with up to 14 characters. It includes 2 birth stones on an 18" sterling silver chain.

GIVEAWAY!

Open to the U.S.

You must be a public Google Friend Connect follower of Six in the Nest to enter any

 Six in the Nest giveaways.

Mandatory Entry

This entry is REQUIRED.
Post one comment per entry, all entries MUST include your email address!

1 entry-  Like Say What Creations on Facebook 

Optional Entries

1 entry- Thank Sarah for the giveaway by posting "Thanks for the giveaway at Six in the Nest!" on Say What Creations wall. Leave post's link in your entry comment. 

1 entry- Tell me which item from Sarah's Etsy Shop is your favorite by leaving a link to the item in your entry comment.

1 entry- Follow Six in the Nest on Twitter

1 entry- Like Six in the Nest on Facebook

1 entry- Enter another Six in the Nest giveaway (one comment per giveaway entered)

1 entry- Tweet this post on Twitter-this can be done once daily-leave link.

1 entry- Share this giveaway on Facebook, leave link. can be done daily,

1 entry- "Like" one of my previous reviews' Facebook page and tell them "Six in the Nest sent me" (This can be done once per Facebook page!)

1 entry- Vote for Six in the Nest on Picket Fence Blogs (This can be done DAILY!)

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway, must include link in post and comment. :)

5 entries- Make a new purchase from Say What Creations, tell us what you purchased.

Giveaway will close 6/06/2011 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen  via random.org and given 48 hours to reply to the email I send, if no reply the winner will forfeit the prize.

 *Please check spam folders!*

This morning I shared my shower...

with this...

Yep. annnnd I am TERRIFIED of spiders. Seriously, this photo CREEPS ME OUT. But, I am so PROUD of myself. Normally my reaction would be to freeze and scream...and probably cry, but I know my husband can't come save me right now- as he probably would have jumped out of bed to see what is wrong and end up hurting himself. So... I quickly finished my shower, never allowing this thing to leave my sight, and got out of there. Then, in my amazement of myself I took a photo or 12.... just so I can remember that I was able to be in proximity to this thing without dying.

I really don't know where my fear of spiders comes from... I don't remember being terrorized with them or anything like that. One of my first memories is a HUGE spider being on the floor and my mom stepping on it at least three times before it finally died. Maybe that is it, maybe not. I don't think spiders can kill me... as most cannot do any harm, and I am able to deal with creatures that can pose more harm than a spider...but nevertheless, these things scare me. *Sigh*. It is what it is, I guess. 

What is your fear? If you don't like spiders either... what is your "scariest" encounter?

Is it the end of the world?

Okay, I guess I am a little behind the newsflash...but I just heard that tomorrow is the beginning of the end. We will be "meeting our maker", or at least judged, on May 21st at 6pm EST, according to Harold Camping.

 But don't worry, the world won't officially end until October 21st, 2011. 

I guess I am not too concerned.. I mean, if it is going to happen why be worried about something you can't change?

What about you...what are your thoughts?

Fluffy Fridays- Dippee Dypees Review and Giveaway! CLOSED

    

Let's talk about prefolds.  I know a lot of parents like prefolds, but have you ever wished that there were some wings or tabs on them? I know, from my own prefold experience, that prefolds can be tricky to fasten sometimes and that  some wings would be very helpful in that department. Well, Renee from Dippee Dypees has done just that.

When Renee's youngest was born she turned up allergic to everything synthetic so Renee started making diapers with bamboo, she loves bamboo French terry, which is very absorbant and trim!

Let's take a look at an example of her diapers:

I love this print, SO cute!  Anyhow, see the wings...yep, those make it much easier to snappi/ pin your diaper!

We received this adorable diaper from Dippee Dypees

I wasn't sure if the piece of fabric on the right was specifically a washcloth, or a doubler, but I have used it as both, lol. 

First thoughts.... why not add snaps?

Now after my first thought, I kinda figured it out though. With Snappis or pins, you can get a truly custom fit.... no worry about if the snaps are in the right spot to ensure fit. So, I do get why you wouldn't want to add snaps. (Renee can add snaps to your prefold, but it will limit the fit).

Anyhow... I like this prefold. Here is a picture of Annabelle wearing the Dippee Dypees,

Now, I am not a Snappi-ing expert yet, so it probably isn't the best use of Snappi that you have seen, but the diaper itself looks great! I love that it is trim... no diaper to baby's knees here!

This diaper has washed well, it still looks very nice!  It also has come clean really well so far. 

I don't use this as an overnight diaper, as my daughter gets really mad when she feels wetness and this diaper seems to bother her more than others, but we use it at nap time and car rides since it is more absorbent that our pocket diapers.

I really couldn't find anything negative to say about the diaper. The only problem we encountered is that Annabelle seemed to notice being wet more in this diaper than others that we have.

Brand: Dippee Dypees

Price: $10-$14

Type: Prefold

Fluff Factor: Trim

Containment: Great

Ease of use: A-

Drying Time: Fair

Also, through the end of the May, if you haven't ever tried Dippee Dypees bamboo diapers there is a great BOGO sale! Definitely worth checking out!

Disclaimer: I was sent the above diapers at no charge so that I could complete the review process. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY!

Open to U.S. and Canda

You must be a public Google Friend Connect follower of Six in the Nest to enter any

 Six in the Nest giveaways.

Dippee Dypees has offered one Six in the Nest reader a surprise Highriser prefold of their own!

Mandatory Entry

This entry is REQUIRED.
Post one comment per entry, all entries MUST include your email address!

1 entry-  Like Dippee Dypees on Facebook 

Optional Entries

1 entry- Thank Renee for the giveaway by posting "Thanks for the giveaway at Six in the Nest!" on Dippee Dypees' wall. Leave post's link in your entry comment. 

1 entry- Tell me which print is your favorite out of the prints in the Facebook albums by leaving a link to the print in your entry comment.

1 entry- Follow Six in the Nest on Twitter

1 entry- Like Six in the Nest on Facebook

1 entry- Enter another Six in the Nest giveaway (one comment per giveaway entered)

1 entry- Tweet this post on Twitter-this can be done once daily-leave link.

1 entry- Share this giveaway on Facebook, leave link. can be done daily,

1 entry- "Like" one of my previous reviews' Facebook page and tell them "Six in the Nest sent me" (This can be done once per Facebook page!)

1 entry- Vote for Six in the Nest on Picket Fence Blogs (This can be done DAILY!)

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway, must include link in post and comment. :)

5 entries- Make a new purchase of one or more Dippee Dypees diapers, tell us what you purchased.

Giveaway will close 6/04/2011 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen  via random.org and given 48 hours to reply to the email I send, if no reply the winner will forfeit the prize.

 *Please check spam folders!*