A Better Way

I have another product recommendation, but this one is just for the ladies. Guys, trust me, just move on. Unless you have a strange interest in menstrual products, you'll be better off not reading this post.

With my disclaimer out of the way, let me ask you, pre-menopausal ladies, if you are satisfied with your menstrual product(s)? Tampons are not healthy for us, disposable pads are uncomfortable and messy, and neither of them is environmentally friendly. But is there anything available that is not harmful to our health and yet is comfortable, clean, and environmentally friendly? I believe there is!

I have only had The Diva Cup for one cycle, but I already love it. This soft medical grade silicone cup has a higher learning curve than pads and tampons, but that's really the only downside I can think of.

How much do you spend on pads and tampons every year? The Diva Cup costs about $35 (including shipping), is guaranteed for one year, though it should last much longer.

How much waste to you produce with disposable pads and tampons (and don't forget packaging)? One Diva Cup will probably last 5-10 years. So, that's years of compiled waste from tampons and disposable pads (plus packaging and applicators) versus one diva cup and its packaging.

How reliable are your tampons/pads? The Diva Cup can hold about a third of what you lose during your period, so unless you don't empty it for days or you don't have it in correctly, you should be leak-free!

I could go on, but I'll let you read up on it for yourself (or feel free to ask me for more info). If this sounds at all interesting to you then I recommend that you check out Diva Cup's website, read reviews on Amazon, and check out what Wikipedia as to say about menstrual cups. Maybe you'll find Aunt Flo's dreaded, inconvenient visit doesn't have to be so bad after all.

Signing Time!

I'd like to share with you a wonderful product for teaching children (and parents) American Sign Language (ASL). First, let me just say that I can't say enough good things about signing with children. It allows them an opportunity for earlier communication, decreases frustration in communication, increases their verbal vocabulary, can be instrumental for opening the door of communication for children with special needs (such as autism), promotes literacy, gives them (and you) an opportunity to communicate discreetly, is LOADS of fun--oh, I could go on and on!

Two Little Hands Production has a great series of DVDs and corresponding CDs that teach ASL. The signs are reinforced with many different children signing and some really great songs. We started letting Eliana watch these around the time when she turned 2, and, a year later, she still LOVES them. We began signing with her when she was 6-months-old, but Signing Time definitely gave a huge boost to her interest in and excitement for signing.

If you have an interest in signing with your child, check out Signing Time's website. They have many other products, ideas, and even a forum. You can also check out the "Sign with your baby!" link on this page under "Resources" for baby ASL classes in your area. And, of course, feel free to ask me any questions!

Fellowship

We had such a wonderful time in Colorado! A big "thank you" goes out to the Bishop family, who graciously opened their home to us and blessed us with warm hospitality. Eliana, like the rest of us, was sad to leave. She is still recounting our trip to the farm and other fond memories of her new friends Caleb, Caroline and Joshua.

A few days ago, after our devotion, I asked Eliana for whom she would like to pray. After a few moments of serious thought she replied, "Caroline." She then bowed her head, closed her eyes, and, with hands clasped, prayed, "Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Caroline and Caleb and Joshua and Ms. Joy and Mr. Bishop. Thank you for their house and for their lives. Please work in their hearts. In Jesus's name, amen."

Ditto. :)

My Sweet Ride

Mommies like new toys, too! We are now the proud owners of a blue 2005 Honda Odyssey. The girls and I will be enjoying the leather seats and other nice features tomorrow on our way to visit some friends in Longmont, Colorado. Unfortunately, the new DVD system will have to wait to be installed until after we return, but we're still very excited about it.

One of the things I'm most excited about is the van's 8-passenger capability. That means we can, Lord willing, get even more out of it until we (hopefully) have to graduate to a cargo van! ;)