Bus for 11 Hours + Kids = Pain in the BUTT!

I was very adventurous this March break.... I actually went on an 11 hour bus ride with--get this--a 7 month old and a 5 year old. Yes, I am crazy--but I was desperate. My husband was away for the break and I had to make the critical decision between being alone (cooking, cleaning, laundry, feeding, bedtime, bathtime, tantrum time...alone...) or dumping my neediness on my parents in Montreal. The only issue was the 11hour overnight bus trip that seperates us. When I say that the trip was a pain in the butt--I mean that literally. My bottom was so numb by like 30 minutes in that I thought about abandoning ship. The kids were good on the way up. The boob does wonders for plugging up a wailing 7 month old and the Nintendo DS--a lifesaver! It was hard--but I have learned some tips about travelling alone in these situations:

--A DS or other handheld game system--and the charger (don't forget!); books are also good
--Teething toys/hand held toys for baby
--Bring a wrap style carrier--they fold up small but can really help if you need to go into a store or get off the bus for the bathroom.
--Snacks...even overnight...bordome causes hunger, even at 4am
--Change--Tim Horton's might be your only option
--A bottle to pee in--this is a joke--but seriously, I never considered how I would get to the back of the bus in the event of an emergency...also, my 5 year old got stuck in the washroom...luckly there are friendly people on the bus...(you can't walk down the aisle on a moving bus with a baby!)
--Pillow-this may be the most important-you wont sleep otherwise
--Slip on shoes--you'll want to take them off

My biggest recommendation though is to stay home! I have to admit, I won't be making that trip alone again. It was too painful...seriously...

Out with the Old, in with the New

Hello all,

Time flies doesn't it? My newest edition is now almost 7 months and has changed so much over the monthes. His skinny little body has turned into a roley-poley squishy one and his desire to always be held has developed into a desire to discover and play. He has also started solid foods--which he just LOVES. Although he only wants to feed himself and hold the spoon, which he passes back to me to re-fill with whatever mush he's eating. There is no creeping or crawling yet, but I'm sure that will come with new challenges. We have recently moved into a much much larger apartment and are no longer on the North Side. My older son now attends Connaught Street School, which is fantastic. I know he misses Nashwaaksis Memorial and his teacher, Mrs. Dane, but he is fitting in well at his new school. I also now look after one aftershooler who is only a few months older than my son. I would like to take in one or two more children from the school, but no such luck yet. I'm thinking about taking in a preschooler instead, so if anyone lives downtown and needs someone, leave me a message and we'll talk!

This new year has brought everyone extra challenges with staying on budget--well at least it has for me. Especially since I am now at home with my baby. Christmas time brought me a few money saving items that are really helping with this such as;

A food processor--for making my own organic baby food (which I love)

A large soup pot--for dollar stretching meals

An indoor Aerogarden--for growing my own herbs, tomatoes, peppers and salad greens

Cookbooks and chef's knifes--for making great meals at home instead of eating out

What kinds of products help you all save money? What kinds of things are you doing at home now to help with your budget? I would love to know your ideas!