Giving Thanks to Mother Earth...

Each year we try to bring an awareness to somewhere in our home where we can be less wasteful, more thoughtful in our uses or cutting out unnecessary products. In years past we have eliminated harmful household chemicals, said goodbye to paper towels or switched to reusable grocery bags. Each of these pledges come with challenges (not everyone in our family wants to do without paper towels and we do not remember to bring the bags into the grocery store every time), but the awareness is there and more importantly the kids really become these aware little watchdogs taking it all in and helping us feel an even further purpose to conserve and be mindful.

My father plants up to 200 trees each year on their farm and has done so as long as I can remember, I remember. It stays with me, I hope it will stay with them.

Our commitment this year is again to reduce paper use, in the bathroom. Little ones in our house have a tendency to use yards of toilet paper for each potty visit. It drives me nuts and so we decided to try something different than scolding little ones about three squares every day, a few times a day. Last month the kids and I cut up a few old t-shirts into squares, placed them into a lovely little box and put them behind the toilet. Next to the toilet is a stainless steel bucket with water, vinegar and a bit of laundry detergent. We started this practice in March and the kids and I have embraced it and we are on the road to saving $, paper waste and Mama's sanity. AnaSofia is even good about reminding me that we are low on cloths and that I need to do a load of laundry. Love that. Love that girl.

 Giving thanks to Mother Earth... Today and every day.