Front Porch Ponderings

MamaBuzz Review: Sixty-Minute Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet by Cass Foster (and giveaway)

2011-09-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

MamaBuzz Review: Sixty-Minute Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet by Cass Foster (and giveaway)

Menu Plan Monthly

2011-08-30T19:27:00.000-04:00

3 weeks of Menu Plans Posted Here:

August 14-20th:

Sunday: Lunchmeat Sandwiches or leftovers

Monday: Oven Fried Chicken, mashed taters, corn on the cob, and fried squash & onions

Tuesday: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Wednesday: Chicken Broccoli Brown Rice Cheese Casserole (using leftover chicken from Monday) and Garden Salad

Thursday: Crockpot Taco Chili served with fritos and sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese

Friday: Dominos!

Saturday: 25th Wedding Anniversary Potluck for good friends at church

August 21st-27th

Sunday: Company For Dinner: Hubby smoked pork and beef ribs in the smoker (Saturday), Potato Salad, homemade Mac-n-cheese, Cucumber/Tomato/Onion Salad, Fresh Homemade Fiesta Salsa w/lime tortilla chips and watermelon for dessert

Monday: Leftovers from Sunday

Tuesday: Sauerkraut Soup

Wednesday: Leftovers from Sunday and Tuesday

Thursday: Chicken and Dumplings and Mom-In-Law's

Friday: Dominos!

Saturday: Youth Rally at church - hot dogs, chips, desserts, and soda

August 28th-September 3

Sunday: Leftovers

Monday: Homemade Ham Salad Sandwiches and Ranch Salad

Tuesday: Spaghetti & meatballs, Broccoli, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread and Root Beer Floats

Wednesday: Pinto Beans, Fried Potatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes, Corn Bread

Thursday: Soft and Hard Taco Buffet (include Refried beans using leftover pinto beans from Thurs, Spanish Rice and Guacomole and lime tortilla chips

Friday: Dominos!

Saturday: Leftovers (because Lord willing will be going to the Fair at New Boston)

Next week:

I will more than likely start the rotation again of what we had this month but check my pantry and freezer to see if there will be any variations depending on ingredients

Menu Plan Monthly

2011-08-08T18:16:00.001-04:00

I'm still working on the Monthly plan so I thought I would tell you what we had last week and what I've got planned for this week.

Last Week:

Monday: Pork Enchiladas - see previous post for pic

Tuesday: Frozen Pizza, Homemade Garden Pasta Salad, Homemade Fresh from the Garden Salsa & Chips

Wednesday: Beef Pot Roast, Roasted Herbed Potatoes and Carrots, Sauteed cubed Spaghetti Squash and Onions (turned out delicious!)

Thursday: Beef and Noodles (using leftover Beef Pot Roast), Carrots, Green Beans

Friday: Dominos and leftover Garden Pasta Salad

Saturday: LEFTOVERS

Sunday: LEFTOVERS

This Week:

Monday: California Chicken (chicken marinated in Italian Dressing - cooked in crockpot over Calif. Medley veggies and 2 cut up yellow squash from my garden), served over brown rice with a garden salad on the side

Tuesday: Beef and Noodles (leftover from last week), Fresh Corn on the Cob and Garden Salad

Wednesday: ~~Chicken Broccoli Cheese and Brown Rice Casserole~~ Chicken Caesar Salad and Italian Wedding Meatball Soup

Thursday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garden Salad and Rolls

Friday: Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato Sandwiches, Garden Salad, Soup and Chips (frozen pizza and cheesy breadsticks for Kids - to them it isn't Family Fun Night unless there is pizza *smile*)

Saturday: LEFTOVERS

Sunday: Ham Salad Sandwiches, Garden Salad or fresh veggies & dip

Family Time Video

2011-08-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

Here is a video I made with a few photos from our Texas Vacation. Check it out here: Family Time

Menu Plan Monthly

2011-08-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

Well I have decided that after taking a 3 week sabbatical just sitting by the pool that it has given me the umph to get back in gear! I am in the process, with my husband's help, coming up with TONS of Dinner Meals that are the basic, down to earth, no Bobby Flay or Rachel Ray stuff (even though theirs is excellent!). I have listed my meals by these categories:
Beef or Venison
Chicken
Pork or Fish
Soups, Salads, Sides and Such

I'll post these soon.

I am going to try and make up menus for 2 weeks at a time and then maybe move it up to 1 month in advance. I was inspired by all the ladies out there who blog about menu planning (and I have been trying to motivate myself to actually do it!). I also got inspiration from the hotel we stayed at. They had their monthly dinner menu posted on all the refridgerator doors.

Tonight we had

Pork Enchilada topped with sour cream and black olives

Homemade Fresh From the Garden Salsa

Sauteed Fresh From the Garden Onion and Squash

Next Weeks Menu

2011-07-18T15:03:00.001-04:00

July 25th - 28th

MON: Chicken Florentine - Mediterranean Couscous - Herb Crusted Tomatoes - Dinner Rolls - Garden Salad

TUES: Beef Stroganoff - Vegetable Medley - Pasta - Dinner Rolls - Garden Salad

WED: Personal Pizza - Italian Wedding Soup - Garlic Parmesan Bread Sticks - Caesar Side Salad

THURS: Lemon Pepper Chicken or Lemon Pepper Shrimp - Tomato Basil Soup - Garlic Parmesan Rolls - Classic Romaine Salad

What's for Dinner this week?

2011-07-18T15:00:00.001-04:00

This is this weeks menu. July 18th - 21st

MON: Pulled Smoked Pork - Roasted Corn on the Cob - Kaiser Rolls - Garden Salad

TUES: Chicken and Tortellini Alfredo - French Cut Green Beans - Garlic Pesto Bread Sticks - Caesar Salad

WED: Mama's Meatball Sub - Italian Roasted Peppers and Onions - Parmesan Herb Potato Wedges - Sliced Tomato Salad

THURS: Buffalo Chicken Wings - Overloaded Potato Soup - Celery & Carrot Sticks - Garden Salad

What's fo Dinner? (last week)

2011-07-18T14:57:00.001-04:00

I must say it is AWESOME that they offer not only Breakfast Buffet 7 days a week but also a Dinner Buffet 4 days a week. It is like a restaurant that you don't have to pay for (well technically it is included in the bill). Here is last weeks:

July 11th-14th

MON: Salisbury Steak - Mashed Potatoes - Dinner Rolls - Garden Salad

TUES: Choice of Asian Express Beef Stir Fry or Szechuan Shrimp - Wok Fried Rice - Egg Rolls - Garden Salad

WED: Chicken Fajitas - Refried Beans - Corn on the Cob - Flour Tortillas - Garden Salad - Guacomole

THURS: Choice of Vegetable Lasagna and Meat Lasagna - Spring peas w/mushrooms - Caesar Salad - Parmesan Bread Sticks

What We're Going to Do!

2011-07-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, July 23rd we are going to have some EXTRA fun!

We will visit Sea Life first.

Then we will visit LegoLand.

We are all so very excited! We will visit Sea Life and it will be a fun but also a learning experience as we will be studying Apologia's Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures for our Science this year and this is our "hands-on" time. I'm excited to spend the day with my family at these 2 great places.

Family Fotos of Fun!

2011-07-17T22:12:00.000-04:00

We had a FABULOUS FAMILY FUN day!

RooRoo's Aqua-batics!

2011-07-17T22:03:00.000-04:00

This pics were taken today, Sunday July 17th

Look at me mom, I LOVE THIS!

Fun in the Sun!

2011-07-17T21:51:00.000-04:00

Here are pics of the children last week at the pool (Monday or Tuesday). My children have never really been around a pool except here and there and have never had swimming lessons. I seriously contemplated swimming lessons this Summer (possibly Winter) and was actually thinking that they might be really scared. I can tell you now that I definitely do NOT think that anymore. My children ABSOLUTELY LOVE the water. My son was very hesitant and now, well I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Here is the pool from the stairs.

Posing by the pool.

All you need is LOVE to overcome your fears!

My son who was VERY hesitant now has NO fear!

He LOVES to "dive" in which usually ends up with a belly flop due to his floaty. He doesn't even plug is nose (the girls still do)!

Makahla loves to do the running jumps and cannon balls.

Amyah also loves to jump but she is still a bit hesitant for the cannon balls. The pic is a bit dark as it should actually go towards the end of the pics because it was getting later in the day. We have been going either around 10/11 am or around 6:30/7 pm when the pool is shaded more and less hot. The heat advisory is definitely in effect here with 100+ temps (on Thurs or was it Friday it registered 106 on my van temp gauge).

A pic of me sitting in the shade but still enjoying the sun!

I love being able to sit by the poolside as I found a very modest swimsuit and I wear a pair of men's swim shorts that go down to my knees. I feel very comfortable and believe that I'm still holding true to my values and convictions of being modest in attire! I thank Jesus for helping to locate this clothing so that I can feel comfortable by the poolside! This day was a very enjoyable day!

Our hotel, Homewood Suites - Hilton (Plano, TX)

2011-07-17T20:04:00.000-04:00

Note: pics of the hotel are courtesy of the hotel website with a few of mine thrown in (you'll know which ones because they were taken with my iPod *smile*)

Here is the link to our hotel in Plano, TX where we are having our working vacation - Hubby is working and we are working hard at not working :-)

My husband's company has put him (us) in a VERY nice Hotel! We have a one bedroom suite that has a living room with a pull out bed. This is a pic of the living area of the suite. Our suite looks like this but reversed. Our TV is actually a large flat screen and they supply a DVD player so that you can get movies locally (Redbox.com is awesome!)

Here is a pic of the outside of the lobby where the fountain is. It is a beautiful fountain.

Here is a view of the bedroom from the living area.

A pic of our bedroom with the king sized bed and ostrich-like leather headboard (I think it is faux but still pretty!)

This a sculpture which is right outside of our window. Our windows are to the right of that window directly behind the sculpture (the corner window).

A pic of the vanity which is inside of the bedroom. The bath area is directly opposite of the vanity but I don't think anyone really wants to see a pic of a toilet - I mean you've seen one you've seen them all right?

A pick of the hotel lobby near the front desk.

A pic of the pation right outside the dining area that is shaded and overlooks the pool.

A pic of the beautiful spa (at the bottom of the pic) and the pool - more pics of the kids and us enjoying the pool coming soon.

Here is where we get our breakfast 7 days a week and our dinner 4 days of week (yes, they supply dinner - awesome, huh?!)

This is a pic of a dining area very similar to ours - ours actually have light blue designer chairs but everything else is pretty much the same. It is a beautiful dining area.

Here is KayKay exhausted laying on the pull out couch in the living area of the suite. It was a long day of driving and we arrived the evening of Saturday, July 9th.

Here is my desk area of which I'm typing this post up right now. There is my coupon folder that I take with me to the store (I have WAY more coupons that I brought but I don't bring them all - just what I need so that I stick to my list as closely as possible - that is how you save better.)

Amyah "claimed" the chair as her sleeping area but unfortunately for her it doesn't fold out to a bed (that is an ottoman on its side trying to extend the chair out to be a "bed" for her. Nice try but it only lasted for one night.

This is our kitchen area. That is another fantastic thing I like about this hotel. We have a FULL size fridge which as come in quite handy! It has a flat top stove top (no oven), a microwave, a dishwasher, a sink and of course real glass glasses and real plates & bowls and silverware. It is great for making meals so we don't have to eat out all the time.

I must say that I absolutely LOVE this hotel and I'm so glad we are with my Hubby on his trip! In light of all that has happened to us these past few weeks with the loss of my Dad-In-Law I'm glad I can be here with my Hubby while he is grieving but sad to not be at home with my Mom-In-Law while she is grieving.

Well I'll post more pics soon of the fun in the pool and next Saturday we plan to visit the newly opened Sea Life in Grapevine, Texas and LegoLand right next door! More on that ...

Our Vacation Journal Days 1 & 2

2011-07-14T14:51:00.002-04:00

We left for a two day journey South, a total of 1,000 miles. I planned tons of activities and toys along the way but low and behold due to the events preceding the trip I completely forgot to pack them away. I had some fun things to give them and told them about but now they will have to just wait until another special occasion. Maybe I could use them as rewards for doing well during school time or for an "allowance" for doing chores well done. We'll see!

Well anywhoo-on to why I'm blogging again. I just have had no time to blog in the past and I'm pretty sure no one really reads this blog so I guess this will be more for me and my family and friends and of course myself for memories later on. I'm going to send out an email to let them know if they want to follow us on our journey they are welcome to.

We started out on a Friday and about 8 hours (or was it 9 - we were VERY tired!) later we stopped in Memphis. Here is our journey until that point.

Just a pic of a sign on our way.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville I think?

Girls being very good - I mean it was a very long trip and they hardly complained at all.

The children watching one of many shows I packed for the trip.

Memphis hotel very chlorinated pool but the kids loved it!

The only pic I could get of Memphis. I wasn't prepared to take a pic so this is it!

When we left Memphis we were just a hop, skip, and jump away from Arkansas. Here is what we saw next.

Crossing the Mississippi River

Mississippi out my Hubby's window

Crossing into Arkansas from Tennessee

By the looks of this as we passed it seems to be a city/county storage area where they store the rock salt for the sanding of the Arkansas roads in the winter. Not something you would expect to see in Arkansas or for the storing of city stuff.

Amyah posing for the camera

My handsome Hubby!

My rambunctious son was quite calm and relaxed the entire trip and even took a nap. I was very proud of him for having such self-control.

Makahla would be in the picture but you can see just the top of her arm as she fell asleep (Amyah had just woken up *smile*)

We didn't go to Texarkana but I thought it would be neat to take this pic.

We stopped at a rest stop to eat lunch. It was super hot but we found this spot that was under a grove of trees and was actually quite cool. We didn't stay long, just long enough to stretch and eat lunch. We had Chance run from tree to tree to work out the wiggles and then off we went again.

We have arrived! Texas gave us a very "warm" welcome! I haven't experience weather this hot since I live down here 14+ years ago. Takes a bit of getting used to but there is a breeze that blows off the pool water when your in the shade (but that is for another post).

Long Time No Blog! Free Homeschooling Resources!

2011-04-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I lasted blogged as I am SUPER busy these days! This past year was our first OFFICIAL year of notifying the state that we are homeschooling and so we have been busy doing just that, Homeschooling :-)

So without further ado I have compiled PART ONE of resources that I have found that have been or will be beneficial to me and my children in the future. I hope that you will share with me any helpful resources that you might know about or have on your blog! Let us help each other!

History - American Heritage - http://www.americanheritage.org/k-12_lessons.html - FREE - This is grouped by Elem, Middle & HS.

Art – Blick: http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/videos/ - FREE – this is art explained with video and a downloadable. It also has Art History and blends art with other subjects like Social Studies, etc. I think this site is pretty awesome!

Here it is broken down by grade levels:

• http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/grade-level/k-4/

• http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/grade-level/5-8/

• http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/grade-level/9-12/

• http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/grade-level/special-education/

Art – Color Me Masterpiece – FREE – this site is for all age groups and is AWESOME too! If you are studying Masterpiece Paintings, Sculpture or American Art this site allows you to print out a black and white line drawing of the masterpiece and you color it in. This can be done by your own interpretation or with the colors/shading originally done by the Artist. I plan to use this even with my littles! http://www.color-me-online.com/masterpiece/index.html

Art and Music – http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/welcome.html - Guided Tours of different artists and their time periods. Classical Music that you can play as an .mp3 on your computer

Geography –

• Academic Kids Encyclopedia of Geography with LOTS of links - http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Geography

• American Landmarks - http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/SocialStudies/Landmarks/Landmarks.htm

• FREE Maps – These are online interactive, printable, map puzzles, etc. - http://www.yourchildlearns.com/geography.htm

• Paper Dolls Around the World, Careers, etc. (for girls and boys) - http://www.education.com/worksheets/paper-dolls/ - this is geared (in my opinion) more towards the younger group

• National Geographic Geography Games - http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/geographygames/

• United States – State profiles which includes land area, population, name origins, entrance into union, and so much more - http://www.infoplease.com/states.html

• United States Games - http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm (I LOVE sheppardssoftware.com – it is a free online game site but it is educational for preK thru whatever grade you have! My children have learned quite a bit here.)

• Geography Games - http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm

Pretty As A Princess

2010-09-18T22:51:00.002-04:00

Digital invite personalized with Smilebox

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

2010-09-17T17:08:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting a quick but healthy breakfast on the go and thought why not oatmeal cookies. I mean really, what is so different about eating a bowl of oatmeal vs. a big oatmeal cookie? So I was looking at a new blog today, American Homemaker and she had a good recipe for a Breakfast Cookie Bar and I thought I would try it and make a bit of a variation to liven things up a bit for the Autumn Season. Here is here recipe below and my variation is below hers.

Breakfast Cookie Bars

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. pearsauce or applesauce
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips

Mix everything together well. Pour into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. pureed pumpkin (homemade or canned)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 c. cinnamon chips or butterscotch chips (both are DELICIOUS!)

Mix everything together well. Drop by the spoonful on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes (less or more depending on your oven).

Disclaimer: I have not made these cookies yet but I'm going to!

A Modest Ladies Survey

2010-08-22T20:55:00.000-04:00

I saw this at Candy's site, Keeping The Home I would love to see your responses to these questions as well. If you have a blog then post it and send me the link so I can read them (and others can too). I'll put in my answers to the below questions, so make sure to comment and leave your URL (or answer right here on the comments) so we can read your answers.

Do you wear makeup? Yes. I wear just a bit on occasion. I wear brown eyeliner, black mascara and a bit of neutral eyeshadow (browns or purples - not like royal blue purple but subtle). I like to do this for my hubby as well as a pick-me-up to myself. I also wear tinted lip glosses. Once a year I get all dolled up to go to my Hubby's company End of the Year Party and then I wear my hear real fancy with a bit more make-up with a new (or new from thrift-store) skirt and blouse and of course got to have some beautiful stylish high heels.

Do you wear a head covering? I cover sometimes as my Hubby is not quite convinced of the head covering as he believes my waist length hair is my covering.

Do you wear dresses? No - I only wear below the knee skirts (unless swimming - see below) and nice t-shirts or blouses. I'm small up top and have curvy hips so dresses have never been very flattering to my figure and I do like to look nice for my Hubby. At bed I wear nightgowns or pajama pants to bed. I'm not a real athlectic type of person but if I had to do something strenuously sporty then I would most likely wear coulottes or *gasp* pants that weren't too revealing on my backside :-) Otherwise when I play volleyball or softball I wear my skirts just like anyone else in my church (which is wear we play these sports).

Do you wear a modesty vest over your dresses or a cape dress? No.

Do you wear stockings or knee socks for added modesty? Only in the wintertime but not for modesty issues. I do it to keep warm when it is blizzard-like conditions outside. My skirts are always below knee length but it gets downright cold and nippy under the skirt in those conditions.

Do you wear open toed shoes? Absolutely! I am a flip-flog gal in the warm spring and hot summertime. In the fall and winter I wear socks/tights and usually leggings outside with usually my slip on open back shoes (I don't usually wear shoes that are all enclosed as I like my feet to feel free but I have found some cute shoes/boots that are all enclosed and I do wear them when the occasion arises.)

Do you sleep in your head covering? No

Do you wear modest swimwear? I definitley wear a modest "bathing suit". I actually found a shirt and a skirt that is like swimwear and I wear it over my one piece bathing suit when I go to a public pool or a friends house. Years ago I tried wearing a one piece and it just felt too revealing to me even though it was not low-cut. With my legs all exposed I just felt really uncomfortable. I do not harbor any ill feelings to any other person who wears anything different than what I mentioned. I just want to feel comfortable.
Jewelry? I have worn the same earrings for several years and have only taken them out for my Hubby's end of the year party where I wore a dressier type of earring. I also only wear my engagement ring and wedding band and usually on the middle finger of my other hand I wear a ring that either my Hubby gave me or a family member has. As for necklaces I used to wear a small heart diamond and ruby pendant that my hubby gave me but the necklace broke and I haven't replaced it. When I did wear it I usually wore it under my clothing close to my heart so as to not draw attention to myself and be "flashy".
Do you have a TV? Yes. My hubby is a TV person and he wouldn't know what to do without it :-) He is a very handy person and loves his family but that is his way to unwind and I wouldn't take that away from him. We love to watch shows that are wholesome and good for the family and have our Family Fun Night just about every Friday night where we order pizza or take-out and watch a movie or play Wii.

Do you have worldly magazines and books in your home? Not usually unless I signed up for a free magazine and got something I wasn't expecting (this has happened a couple of times but they end up in the trash can). As for books the answer would be no with the exception of some Adoption books that weren't written by Christians.

Do your children have worldly toys and interests? We try to be selective in what we buy for our children but sometimes toys come in from family/friends that are not something we would normally buy but if it is not within our standards we put it on the shelf almost immediately to be dealt with later (we do this after the gift-giver has left). For the most part my children have toys that would not be considered offensive to anyone else and other families would be quite comfortable coming over and having their children play.
You've seen my answers so now I want to see yours. I am very interested in this survey - please leave a link to your site so I can look at your blog and of course read your answers :-)

Free Back To School Giveaway @ My Precious Kid

2010-08-09T15:01:00.000-04:00

This is an awesome giveaway you have got to sign up for. Check it out!

“Free Back To School Giveaway at http://www.mypreciouskid.com/blog/2010/08/free-backpack-school-supplies/ Register today! @MyPreciousKid ”

Homemade Sauerkraut

2010-07-27T13:51:00.000-04:00

Last week my friend OhioSarah came over for a lesson in making Sauerkraut. She did all the work and went home with some homemade saurkraut. Today I thought it was time for me to do something with my cabbage from my garden as I planted 8 heads of cabbage but 2 have already rotted in the garden so now I'm left with 6. Last year was the first time I ever made sauerkraut and it turned out great! This year I thougt I would take pics and give a little tutorial for ya. So here you go!

Here are the 4 heads of cabbage left after using 2 for my kraut.

I used my Mom-In-Law's handy dandy food processor which did the work in a quarter of the time it would have taken me to slice everything!

Here is the last of the shredded cabbage (I had already started filling up my glass canister). Kraut is just shredded cabbage and lots of salt (I use Sea Salt).

First put all of your shredded cabbage in a bowl - my 2 large heads of cabbage fit into both of these green bowls because I needed enough room to fold in the salt without all the cabbage falling outside of the bowl.
Once your salt is folded in, have a taste. If it is nice and salty but not overbearing then take a potato masher or a heavy cup/mug and smash/smush down the kraut. You should start to see liquid at this point.
Keep smushing/smashing and until you have it packed into your bowl. Then wait about 10-15 minutes and start smushing/smashing again. You should have liquid start to rise now to the surface. If you don't see enough then add a bit more salt and fold this in and start smushing/smashing again. Wait another 10-15 minutes.

Here is the masher with no liquid

Here is the foamy liquid.

My kraut added to my glass canister. One bowl was already added and packed down to make room for the second bowl.

I'm about to mush it all down so that the kraut is packed and the liquid is on top.

Here is the packed down kraut. It is hard to see the liquid on top as it is right at the seam of the canister.

As you can see there is actually a LOT of liquid but I had to use my masher to show the liquid for the pic.

Here is an idea I got last year over at The Family Homestead where she makes Lacto Fermented Kraut via the Nourishing Traditions way (which is extremely healthy and beneficial and just as easy to make and actually is ready sooner that "old fashioned kraut"). The tip I borrowed from her was to take a gallon size ziploc baggie and place it inside the canister and push it down so that the kraut juice starts to come up. Then get a quart size baggy and fill it with water.

Place this water filled baggy inside the gallon size one (already in your canister) and push it down so that you see the kraut liquid rise up around the sides. This is the last step before placing it in a dark spot on your counter to ferment for a few weeks.

Here it is sitting on my Brewing/Fermenting Counter next to my KitchenAid. Right now it looks nice and fresh but in about a week it will start to turn a very light yellow/to very light tan color and start to have a "nice" aroma to it (NOT!).

Make sure over the course of the next few weeks you check the liquid brine and make sure that it is still covering the kraut. If it isn't then take out your baggies (it will be messy so take care) and pour on top of your kraut about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salty water (brine) and replace your baggies. If all goes well in about 3-4 weeks my kraut (and yours too) will have a nice RIPE smell and it will be ready to can in my (your) pressure cooker. This is not a requirement though. There are LOTS of people that do not preserve their kraut via canning. They just keep it covered with the liquid brine and scoop out what they want when they want it and this actually retains all of the good nutrients and beneficial bacteria. For my family I have chosen to preserve it individually in pint size canning jars via a pressure canner to open when we are ready for it. We like kraut but just not very often.

What to do with your yucky cabbage leaves and cores of your cabbage - COMPOST IT! (I know I was supposed to do a few posts on compost but for ya'll that follow my blog you know I don't post often as I would like. I'm a busy woman with 3 littles so I post when I can). Who knows, maybe one day I'll get around to it :-)

In the mean time here is a good short video of the steps for kraut but she use an actual sauerkraut crock - I'm a bit envious but I know they are expensive so I will be thankful for what I have :-)

Well that is sauerkraut in a nutshell. I hope this helps someone out and if you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment - I LOVE COMMENTS!

Joining 2 Homeschool Co-Op's

2010-07-23T17:43:00.000-04:00

We will be joining 2 Co-Op's this year but on different days and at different times. This is our schedule as of right now:

T.H.A.T. (Teaching Hearts About Truth)
Every Monday from 9 am til Noon
Fall Semester is Sept thru Nov
Spring Semester is Feb thru April

Makahla will be taking these classes:
FALL -- Animals
FALL -- Dinosaurs
FALL -- Art

SPRING -- Wild Ohio
SPRING -- Human Body
SPRING -- Drama (at the end of April the entire co-op puts on an end of the year performance for family/friends)

Amyah will be in the Kindy class the entire 3 hours (which I will be teaching) and we will be doing:
FALL -- Open Gym with planned out activities to get the wiggles out
FALL -- Five In A Row - Cranberry Thanksgiving Lapbook
FALL -- Science will be the Seasons for Fall and Winter

SPRING -- Open Gym with planned out activities to get the wiggles out

SPRING -- Five In A Row -- Book is TBA but there will be a corresponding Lapbook/Ongoing Activity to go with this
SPRING -- Science will be the Seasons for Spring and Summer
SPRING -- Drama

Chance will be in his PreSchool class but the subject matter is still yet to be determined.

C.H.E.C.C. (Christian Home Educators of Clark County)
Every other Friday (give or take) from 9 am til 3:30 pm
September thru May

Makahla will be taking these classes:
9:30-10:30: Spanish
10:30-11:30: Kinder Music
11:30-12:30: Math Flash Cards and Fun Games
12:30 to 1:30 LUNCH
1:30-2:30 Health, Safety, Manners

Amyah will be taking these classes:
9:30-10:30: Spanish

10:30-11:30: Kinder Music
11:30-12:30: Kinder Gym
12:30 to 1:30 LUNCH
1:30-2:30 Health, Safety, Manners

Chance will be taking these classes:
9:30-10:30: 1st Friday will be Storytime with Miss Maggie and 2nd Friday will be Before Five In A Row

10:30-11:30: Kinder Music
11:30-12:30: Kinder Gym
12:30 to 1:30 LUNCH
1:30-2:30 He will either go to the nursery and have playtime or if he is having a "bad" day then he will sit with me in Makahla and Amyah's class and do a fun activity I have for him.

After 2:30 there aren't any classes that pertain to us so our day will end here.

Our days will be plenty busy but we will get lots of schooling in and the kids will be having FUN!

Homeschooling 2010-11

2010-07-23T15:37:00.002-04:00

Well I'm planning out our school year and thought I would just copy and paste and put it here for all to see. If you have your breakdown of what you will be doing this year please comment and give a link for us to see. If you have any schedules please email me at heavenboundmama @ woh . rr . com (for obvious reasons leave out the spaces).

LITERATURE: Five In A Row

SCIENCE: Five In A Row

MATH: Five In A Row/Math-U-See

ART: Five In A Row

MUSIC: Piano Lessons

HEALTH/SAFETY/MANNERS: Abeka

GEOGRAPHY: Five In A Row

HISTORY: Five In A Row

PHONICS: Various Workbooks, McGuffey Readers (downloaded FREE from Google), Abeka Readers, Jumpstart Comp. Software & Starfall

HANDWRITING: Handwriting Without Tears

CHARACTER TRAINING/VALUES FOR CHILDREN: Bible Devotionals and Kids Bible Story Books, Values Driven Discipleship by Values Driven Family, Five In A Row Bible-Study Supplement

In addition to the above schedule at home we will also be involved with 2 co-ops this year, starting in Sept thru Thanksgiving then starting again Feb thru end of April which will be on Monday's and our other co-op will be starting in Sept going thru May and it will be every other Friday give or take. We also plan to attend several field trips this year along with being a part of Keepers At Home Club.

Right now I have big plans and have to start somewhere but we will most likely be scaling it down once we get into a routine.

Speaking of routine, would anyone have any Household/Homeschooling schedules of their own they would be willing to share or help me find a link to? I am in the process of putting together mine but I'm new at this so I would love to see what other moms do over the course of their day to include school and household chore time (if you have any visual chore time reminders for kids that would be awesome too!).

Menu Plan Monday (on Wed)

2010-06-02T16:50:00.001-04:00

Monday: Sandwiches each family members choice

Tuesday: Homemade Potato Soup and Turkey and Ham with cheddar on whole wheat bread Sandwiches

Wednesday: Shepherds Pie with green beans and carrots on the side (canned last year - gotta use up my jars to get ready for this year)

Thursday: Chicken Enchilada Casserole with either Edamame or Seasoned Greens

Friday: Beef Stew over Amish Egg Noodles

Saturday: Hubby's Company Picnic at Youngs (will eat our fill during day and eat leftovers at home)

Sunday: Take out or Crock-Pot Soup (possibly more leftovers)

Canning Zucchini Tomato Salsa

2010-06-02T12:32:00.000-04:00

So our garden has been planted for quite some time now and it is looking PURTY! I just bought some zucchini, squash, and cucumber plants as the seeds we planted just did not sprout this year. :-(

Anywhoo-It got me to thinking that it would be nice to post a canning recipe here that I can't wait to try this summer. Last year I attempted a salsa recipe from Ball but even though family and friends raved about it and wanted more, my husband and I just did not like it. It was too hot and too vinegary (I know, not a word). So this recipe sounds very appealing but I think I might experiment a bit on the vinegar. We LOVE Salsa and we love zucchini and I thought since we usually have LOTs of tomatoes and zuchinni planted (usually WAY more than what we know what to do with it.) this will be the perfect recipe!

Just a little note for ya'll: I would love to see what canning recipes you might have also. So here it is:

Photo by Calee

ZUCCHINI – TOMATO SALSA

10 cups zucchini
3 cups onions
3 1/2 cups total of red and green peppers
1 to 3 jalapeno peppers (to taste)
***please wear gloves when working with hot peppers, speaking from experience, you do not want to feel the burn from the oils in the seeds and membranes!!!***
5 tbsp pickling salt (not table salt)
1 tsp garlic powder (I'm going to use fresh garlic)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 cup brown sugar (I may use xylitol or agave nectar to make it lower glycemic)
2 tins tomato paste (5.5 oz each, used as a thickener)
2 tsp dry mustard
2 cups vinegar
1 tbsp Sambal or crushed chili pepper (to taste)
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp nutmeg
8 cups tomatoes peeled, chopped, drained

Finely chop zucchini, onions, and peppers in a food processor. Transfer to a large bowl and mix together with pickling salt. The salt helps to draw out a lot of the liquid from the vegetables, otherwise your salsa will be very soupy. Let stand overnight.

In the morning rinse the mixture and drain well. To do this, line a strainer with an old tea towel or a couple of layers of cheesecloth. Add some of the mixture and then run water over it to help rinse out the salt. Gather up the edges of the cloth and wring out as much moisture as you can and then transfer to another container. Continue in batches until all of it has been rinsed.

Put the mixture into a large pot and add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking and scorching on the bottom of the pan.

The next step is canning. I do mine in a boiling water canner. Pour the salsa into sterilized jars, seal, and process for 30 minutes. Remove from the canner and place on a towel to drain. I like to wrap another towel around the jars to keep them warm. Listen for the music to a canner's ears. That little pop, pop or I like to say PING! that says your jars have sealed. Leave the jars to cool for 24 hours before labeling and moving to storage. Be sure to set a little off to the side before canning so that you can sample some yourself! Enjoy!

What is Memorial Day?

2010-05-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

I have been reminded again today that Memorial Day is not just another holiday to plan a BBQ and have friends over to have a good time of food and fellowship but there is a reason this holiday was established. I hope you too are reminded of why Memorial Day is celebrated.

Please remember and pray for all the brave young men and women serving our country!!

~~~~This Memorial Day~~~

MAY GOD BLESS THIS AIRLINE CAPTAIN:

He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said,

"We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked.

Picture can be purchased here
'Yes', she said.

'Is there an escort?' I asked.

'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.

'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said..

A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.

'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.

I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia .

The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her.

Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.

Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:

'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp andplane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'

I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'

Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.

'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I
realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting of the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'

I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter.

Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'

We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.

When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.

Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.

I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA .

Foot note:

(This was sent to me, author of this blog, via an email and I now post it here in the words of the author:)
As a Viet Nam Veteran I can only think of all the veterans including the ones that rode below the deck on their way home and how they were treated. When I read things like this I am proud that our country has not turned their backs on our soldiers returning from the various war zones today and give them the respect they so deserve.

I know every one who has served their country who reads this will have tears in their eyes, including me.

Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it!!! Feel free to link to this post.

How does Your Garden Grow Part III

2010-05-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

Whew! Today has been a BUSY day! Here is my breakdown for my day:

* Woke up yesterday morning at 6 am and from 6-6:45 I cleaned my kitchen, started a load of laundry, and then headed out to Walmart for groceries while Hubby and littles were still asleep.

* Arrived home around 10:30 am to unload everything and gave out surprises to my littles, some new shoes for Chance and night lights for both of the girls in their bedroom and Chance's bedroom

* Then started another load of laundry and took the 3 loads of laundry off the clothes line (which I left on overnight, *grin*)

* Then I sat down for a snack while hubby was outside mowing the grass again

* While eating snack Hubby came in and said he could use my help replanting the garden. So I finish up the snack and head on out.

Then went out to help hubby in garden (pics below). About half of our seeds did not germinate so we had to replant some beans, corn & snap peas, zucchini, squash, and cucumber.
After doing this we went ahead and planted a row of carrots and marigolds. Then 2 mounds of Organic watermelon and 1 mound of pumpkin. Hubby and kids came inside and I found a place to plant some Nasturtiums (about 30 seeds) and I can't wait to eat some!

My garden is starting to look so pretty and I can't wait until more color explodes in my garden - RED and YELLOW ripe tomatoes, GREEN and RED bell peppers, YELLOW squash, ORANGE carrots, YELLOW marigolds, RED-YELLOW-ORANGE Nasturtium flowers, GREEN cucumbers, GREEN zucchni, GREEN watermelon, and ORANGE pumpkins! I can't wait to see all the colors!

* Well after the garden I came in to make Ravioli with meat sauce and garlic french bread

* Dessert is Strawberry Shortcake (pic below)

* Now I have to work on finances and get more stuff done around the house.

Now on to those pics:

Hubby is attacking those ever present weeds and my littles are watching

A visit from a little cutie! My daughter wanted to hold Mr Froggy really bad but he wouldn't sit still long enough for her to grab a hold of him!

Daddy teaching Amyah how to plant

Amyah planting her beans just like Daddy taught her

Daddy and Daughter Team doing a great job!

Hubby digging new holes for beans and corn (Beans are where he is and corn is where daughter in pink is)

To end a joyous day we eat our delicious Strawberry Shortcake

Blessings until next time! ~Micki

Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers: The Public School Parents' Guide to Homeschool Parents

2010-04-26T11:16:00.000-04:00

Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers: The Public School Parents' Guide to Homeschool Parents

How does your garden grow? Part II

2010-04-15T18:31:00.001-04:00

These are our cucumber mounds - total of 4 with about 3 or 4 plants on each one. Hubby and I decided we were going to plant a couple of extra plants so that I can make more pickles. We are almost out of last years as I have been using them sparingly. Next year I want to just go downstairs and grab a jar whenever the mood strikes for some good homemade bread-n-butter pickles! Yummy!

Here are our onion sets that we planted. I would say there are about 50 planted.

My awesome Hubby planting my red Heirloom tomatoes. I already can't wait for fresh tomaotes for homemade salsa and canning season! We are going to have another Titus 2 Workshop on Canning this this Summer if you are reader and live close by (Ladies Only)

On the Red plastic bag looking thing up there - that is called Red Mulch. To find out more this is where we ordered ours from Gardens Alive which is a place to get all natural and organic materials for your garden. Anything from disease control - weed control - lawn care - animal and insect pest control - lawn care - soil care - and plant care. I love this place. As a matter of fact I just placed an order for these items:

1  3203    WATERMELON ORGANIC SUGAR BABY

1  8797    GREEN STEP CATERPILLAR CONTROL
1  3201    WATERMELON ORGANIC CRIMSON SWE
1  8206    WEED-ASIDE PT                 
1  8352    SWEET CORN ALIVE 3#           
1  2840    ENZ-ROT BLOSSOM END ROT SPRAY

As you may see I also ordered some Watermelon seeds.  I ordered 2 different kinds to help with growth as you need cross pollination.  I now just have to find a place to grow them as we all LOVE watermelon and my Darling Hubby doesn't want anymore plants that vine in the big garden.  WOW-as I'm typing this the UPS man just delivered my package from them, Hallelujah!

Here is Makahla helping to tend the Bell Pepper plants.  They loved helping out!

On this side is planted to your far right, 3 zucchini and 2 squash plants (compared to 7 squash plants and 9 zucchini plants last year - WAY too much!)

Also planted is 4 rows of Trofeo Bush Beans and 2 rows of Sweet Corn with sweet pea vine growing pea pods planted at the base of the corn (so that it can trail up the corn as a natural pole)

There is still a lot of area that we have not planted but I'm thinking of planting Butter Crunch lettuce and some carrots. There will still be space and I'm thinking about it. Any ideas to help me out?

Well until next time! Blessings to ya!

Micki

How does your garden grow?

2010-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

We have been busy busy busy on our modest homestead these past couple of weeks. While my computer was down I took time to actually work, LOL! We worked on things around the house and in our yard and garden. Here are some picks that I hope you enjoy.

Here is my fabulous Hubby starting to till up the garden.

Here is a long view of Hubby tilling the garden.

Here are the little's watching Daddy from a safe distance

Surprise! The tulips I thought I got the year before last I guess I missed a few little ones as they have poked thru the ground and made themselves known. Oh well their glory was short lived because hubby kept right on tilling.

Look at that beautiful dirt! The contrast between the rich, dark, fertile tilled up dirt compared to the dried out weed infested woodstove ash covered ground. It is such a beautiful sight to behold!

Here is a closer view of my fantastic Hubby and our monster of a tiller (I can not control this thing, it is like a Great Dane - it takes me for a walk, not the other way around!)

Here is a view my 5 year old had when she took the photo of Daddy - I think she did a pretty good job.

My daughters love to play with Earthworms any chance they get and boy did they with the newly tilled garden.

Well that is all for the pre-planting pics. Hope you enjoyed it, we sure did!

FACEBOOK Trojan Virus

2010-04-15T15:29:00.000-04:00

Well I had to be on a hiatus for a time due to a malicious Trojan virus that completely attacked my computer and wiped out everything! It came in a back door and completely went around my Anti-Virus Software (it did not even detect it). Thank you Jesus for my Pastor telling me to subscribe to www.Carbonite.com which I did months ago! It was the best $54.95 I ever spent (this is for one year). I was able to retrieve ALL of my documents, etc. and now I am almost 100% up and running. It cost me $112 to get my computer fixed but I know now not to trust everything I see on FACEBOOK as this is where my Trojan Virus came from! I just say everyone BEWARE of what you download and who you accept as friends as I'm still not sure where it came from but I do have my suspicions for a possibility of a couple of potential spots.

Well anywhoo-I'm back up and running thanks to a reputable Nationwide company that fixes sick computers like mine. I will be more careful next time. Well on and I wanted to post in a bit on Composting but first I'm going to post some pics of our humble garden.

Stay tuned!

Blessings,
Micki

April 1st - National Gardening Month!

2010-04-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

101 Ways to Celebrate...

Plant a Row for the Hungry
Host a Plant Swap
Organize a Community Green-Up Day
Yard Sale Philanthropy
Organize a Garden Poetry Circle

For other ideas please visit National Gardening Association

Our Breakfast This Morning

2010-03-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

Light and Fluffy Whole Wheat Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour (+/-)
1/3 cup of sugar (organic, sucanat, brown, white - whatevery you have)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Wet Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups of buttermilk (or kefir, or plain milk or a mixture)
2 lg eggs
2 tsp of Real Vanilla
3-4 Tbsp of melted Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup of blueberries OR 1/2 cup of chocolate chips OR 1/2 of nuts OR your favorite addition to pancakes

Combine all wet ingredients (be forewarned that the coconut oil will solidify once added to cold ingredients so you may want to warm up wet ingredients before adding coconut oil).
Add sugar, salt, then baking powder and baking soda and mix well
Now slowly add 1/4 cup of flour a little bit at a time until you get a the right balance of batter (not too liquid and not too thick). Now add your Optional ingredient and gently stir.
Pour 1/8 cup of batter onto a hot griddle and flip when bubbles appear and edges are slightly dry.

Serve with Pure Maple Syrup and ENJOY! We sure did! It was absolutely delicious as I received a freshly made 1/2 gallon jug of Ohio Maple Syrup (see pic) from a fellow Homeschool mom, Tammy at co-op yesterday! Her boys (and hubby) sure did a fine job! I know where I'm gonna get my maple syrup from, for now on!

Here are our finished plates (yes on paper as this Mama didn't need any more dishes to do this morning!)

Blessings,
Micki

Gardening! Sprouting! Me, Oh My!

2010-03-29T20:51:00.000-04:00

Pic Found here

Part 1 of this series is based upon the Gardening Workshop that was held Saturday, March 27th. I had such a great time with a great bunch of ladies, a couple of whom I met for the first time. I met Sarah Jo over at An Ohio Reviewing Mom and another deal lady, Courtnie. There were so many great discussions from what to plant - to sprouting - to having a wormery. It truly was so much fun. So much so that we ran out of time and the ladies had to get home to their families. Afterwards as I sat down to my computer to check emails (play a little bit of Farmville, :-) I received an email with some great questions from Courtnie that I thought I would address here. Plus over time I have compiled some great resources that I would like to share in some separate posts (to keep them better organized for future research). So without further ado I would like to address Courtnie's great questions.

1. Do you sprout indoors first and if so, when do you start them?

2. How do you know which plants are better to grow closer to each other and which should be kept farther away from each other?

3. How did you decide how much space you needed and where to place each kind of plant?

4. When do you plant seeds outdoors (if you don’t sprout them?)

Addressing Question # 1 -

Pic found here

You do NOT have to start your seeds indoors but overtime this will save you money. There are lots of seeds that are self-sowing and you can just plan them directly in the soil of your garden plot. If you choose to start your seeds indoors in the winter months so that they are ready for spring planting here is a website that I recommend checking out Gardening 101: Seed Starting for Beginners

Adressing Question #2 -

Pic found here

This is a most excellent question and it goes along with companion gardening. Tinkers Garden - this is my favorite as it has a chart with Plant - Good Companion - Bad Companion. Then below that there is also an Herb Companion

Golden Harvest Organics - This is an extensive listing of garden crops and what benefits them and what does not. I really like this site because it deals with Organic Gardening and using natural methods of growing as well as ridding your garden of pests.

National Sustainable Agriculture - excellent resource with additional resources listed

Adressing Question # 3 - This too is a great question and the answer depends on a few thoughts:

Pic Found here

Would I consider myself a beginner gardener, more advanced gardner, or one who loves it so much that I've been doing it for years and it come second nature to me?
What does my family like to eat?
How much will my family eat?
Do I plan to can/freeze/dehydrate items from the garden for Fall/Winter eating?

These questions will help you determine what you want to plant and how ambitious you are, LOL. My husband and I have a good size garden (some would say large but we think it could be larger but not yet :-D ) I would say maybe 70' by 20'? This is a big guesstimate because I've not bee out there to measure and I forget how much he said from last year.

You can start really small and choose to do a Spaghetti Garden - just plant Basil, Oregano, Tomatoes, Garlic but it can be a raised bed or even containers. Or just do an herb garden outside your back door or a full scale garden with all the veggies/fruits your heart desires.

Addressing Question # 4 -

Pic Found Here

Most seed packets will have a planting diagram on the back of the packet to let you know when it is "safe" to plant. Tinkers Garden also gives you the ideal temps (but this is not an exact science and don't get overwhelmed by this).
Here is an extra resource for you. If you feel like you might not have enough time for your vegeatable garden here is a site with 10 tips: Home Construction Improvement

A good site with LOTS of info is Veggie Gardner and towards the bottom you can sign up for a FREE online e-course on How To Start A Vegetable Garden. This site also helps you with picking what variety you want, planting it and what pests to look for.

Well I hope this has helped. The next post is going to be on composting the traditional way or having a wormery. I love comments so please let me know if this was helpful to you. It encourages me to write more posts!

Blessings,
Micki

Gardening Workshop at New Life Church

2010-03-18T09:43:00.000-04:00

Here is the link to the flyer for you to see. This is March 27th from 10 am until 2 pm

"Cultivating Friendships" Gardening Workshop

to view the Event on Facebook please visit here

This workshop is for beginners, intermediate or advanced gardeners. It is for those that want to plant a vegetable garden or a flower garden. Please RSVP to mailto:michelle@nlcspringfield.org (take out the spaces when emailing)

Encourage a Soldier

2010-03-17T18:50:00.001-04:00

MENU PLAN Monday ;-)

2010-03-02T19:56:00.000-05:00

Okay so I'm a couple of days late. Been busy. So without further ado:

MONDAY: BBQ Pulled pork, Cheesy Broccoli Rice, Carrots and German Red cabbage

TUESDAY: Beef & Sausage Enchildas with all the fixins and Spanish Rice

WEDNESDAY: Beef Strganoff and a veggie (Disclaimer: I have a box of Hamburger Helper that I will be using which I DO NOT normally use but I have it so I'm gonna use it, LOL)

THURSDAY: Smorgasboard

FRIDAY: Family Fun Night (pizza or take-out)

SATURDAY: Soup and Sandwiches

SUNDAY: Either a crock-pot meal or eat out - I hope eat out but it is up to Hubby :-)

I want a new phone, HELP!

2010-03-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

Okay my dear friends I'm calling on you for help. I have decided that it would be nice to have a new phone but it has been awhile since I got one. Currently I have a Blackberry 7100g (old model - see pic) that is a bit difficult to navigate.

I'm involved in church actively as Secretary to the Pastor, Treasurer of the Church, a Sunday School teacher, on the Ladies Day of Renewal Conference committee, I head up our Titus 2 Women's Homemaking Ministry and I'm also involved in other things around church - website/Facebook/VBS/etc. I also work for my Pastor for another Christian organization, I'm a homeschooling mom of 3 little ones and we are active in a homeschool co-op and next Fall will be involved in a second one. I'm also a full time Keeper of the Home so I need to keep track of things like maintenance, groceries, etc.

I have had 3 different phones recommended to me on Facebook already but want to know if there are others out there and maybe you might have a suggestion why you like it. Here are the suggestions so far:

iPhone
Palm Pre
Droid
HTC Hero

Now if you have an opinion of any of the above mentioned please feel free to share. I would really like to get others thoughts on all kinds of phones for planning (I just don't want a simple flip phone - I need something with some meat to it, but not so much that it will go to waste, LOL).

Blessings,

Micki

I GOT IT!

2010-02-26T11:37:00.000-05:00

It came today! My "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald came today via USPS and I'm so excited. As I stated before I read this before after borrowing it from the library but now I have it to reference any time I want! It is a great book and there are not too many that I would read over again but this is one I highly recommend!

I also recommend Candy's ebooks over at http://www.keepingthehome.com/. I printed all of mine out and put them in a binder so that I can read them again and again!

Menu Plan Monday UPDATE

2010-02-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

TUESDAY: Didn't feel like spaghetti so I made Cajun Dirty Rice and brussel sprouts - it was delicious!

TODAY, WEDNESDAY: Because I don't feel well tonight was supposed to be Shake-n-Bake Chicken but tonight will be leftovers of meatloaf, dirty rice, and veggies.

THURSDAY: will be Shake-n-Bake Chicken, broccoli cheddar brown rice (this sounded better than just seasoned brown rice, don't you think? LOL) and of couse we will have some sort of veggie. I'm thinking of digging at the bottom of the freezer and getting out the frozen zucchini and squash. Yep! That is what I will do! Nothing like the taste of summer to help get rid of the cold winter blues!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

MONDAY: Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans

TUESDAY: Shake and Bake Chicken Breasts with Seasoned Brown Rice and Steamed Broccoli

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti and meat sauce with green salad and garlic bread

THURSDAY: SMORGASBOARD

FRIDAY: Family fun Night - Pizza Delivery

SATURDAY: Bean with Bacon Soup and Sandwiches

SUNDAY: Eat out at Mi Jalepenos after church!

What are you having? Leave me a comment linking to your blog or post it in the comments or FB me!

Blessings!
Micki

Ran Errands Today

2010-02-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

Written Yesterday, Thursday PM:

WOW! I woke up with a fantastically horrible headache that I didn't even know was there until I sat up in bed, weird I do say. It hurt to move my head especially bending over. So I got a shower and washed my hair and took some pain reliever and got dressed. Then got my girls dressed and headed out the door (my parents who are staying with us watched my little man). My day went something like this:

Left at 8:30 to Beavercreek to drop off my husbands shoes he forgot (he wore his boots to work because of the snow but changes in his office into other shoes)
Ran by Burger King (I know bad fast food) and got me a cup of coffee (I hadn't had any yet) and also some mini cinnamon rolls and hashbrowns and a special treat of Sprite for the girls. I also "treated" myself to the cinnamon rolls as well (they weren't really that good but my girls liked them!)
My gas light started flashing and the ding ding ding of its alarm came on so had to go get gas (this is something hubby usually does)
Headed to a meeting that started at 10 am at Wittenberg College for Catholic Social Services Second Harvest Food Pantry mandatory meeting for all soup kitchens and food pantries. This lasted until 11:30 and my girls were SUPER GOOD! I brought them their Polly Pockets and gave them their Burger King and the also colored.
Then headed to the bank to get some cash so I could go to Aldi's for some groceries and softner salt.
Then over to Walmart to get the remainder of groceries and a few birthday gifts (one from each child) for a dear friend of ours little girl who just turned 5 (she and my girls are "bestest friends" as they say)
Then went the main library in the middle of town to pick up books for co-op on Monday that deals with things underground (good selection I picked up).
Packed everyone up and headed home.
Then we unloaded the van of all the groceries. Thank goodness for my parents because at this point (actually at the library) my headache started to come back and I felt pretty horrible. My mom suggested I lie down for a bit to get the headache under control (took more pain relievers). I never lie down but she offered to watch the kids and I took her up on the offer. I thought I would just lie there for a few minutes until the pain reliever took hold but I ended up falling asleep for 45 minutes (4:15-5:02). I felt much better but still with the headache there but the sleep helped.

So now I'm home and my parents are taking care of dinner. We were going to have Smorgasboard tonight but my mom was in the mood for Saurkraut, Polish Sausage, and mashed potatoes and who was I to argue? I LOVE this meal and it is made with homemade canned this summer saurkraut and they are making the dinner. So I'm on here checking Facebook and emails and blogging. I can NOT do one task at a time. I do not claim this but people say this is what ADD/ADHD people do. This is normal to me and this is what I do, LOL. Well I didn't know what else to blog about so there you have it. My day in a nutshell. Hope you have a fabulous day (when you read this). I love comments so leave me one, would ya?

Blessings,
Micki

FREE: Passionate Housewives Desperate For God

2010-02-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

This is a book that I can not recommend enough. I borrowed it from the library and read it in a few days but wished I had it for my own library to read whenever I wanted. Now I have that opportunity. Vision Forum is giving away a book and you only have to pay shipping and handling. Just use the code FREEPHDG when you check out and Voila your book is on its way to read (or read again like me) and add it to your libary for whenever you want to have a boost of what God designed for us. Mine is ordered and on its way so before it is too late order yours!

Recipes to Share

2010-02-16T13:46:00.001-05:00

By request I will share a few recipes in this post (link to them). I have updated my previous post, Menu Plan Monday, Feb 15, 2010 with links directing you to the recipe pages.

Potato Broccoli Cheese Soup

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Ground Beef Steak and Potatoes Soup

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-15T15:43:00.001-05:00

MONDAY:
Bacon and Lettuce Sandwiches (no tomatoes, boo hoo) on Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Homemade Home Fries (sea salt fries and cajun sweet potato
Sweet Creamed Style Corn

TUESDAY:
Chicken Fettucini Alfredo over Whole Wheat Pasta
Peas & Carrots
Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Garlic Bread

WEDNESDAY:
15 Bean Soup (made with Tomatoes and Ground Venison)
Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread spead with Real Butter

THURSDAY:
Smorgasboard (leftovers)

FRIDAY:
Family fun night - order pizza or Chinese take-out

SATURDAY:
Homemade Potato and Broccoli Cheese Soup
Grilled Ham Cheese Sandwiches on Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread

SUNDAY:
Ground Beef Steak and Potatoes Slow Cooker Meal
Fresh from the garden canned this summer green beans
Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread or Rolls

Free Resources

2010-02-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

I have found over the course of several years many great sites that have given me FREE resources to use in Homeschool. I was going to send a personal email to Debra as she is beginning her journey in homeschooling but I thought maybe there are others out there in blogland that might benefit from this posting as well. So I have included a list with links that is not complete by any means but it could get you started. I also LOVE to find resources I do NOT know about and would love to hear your comments directing me to their site and then I can post it here (or maybe I'll start a favorite links list). Disclaimer: A lot of these sites I'm familiar with and are Christian friendly but others may not be. I have NOT reviewed nor visited every single site and every single link so please use caution when visiting.

Before I go any further would anyone know of links to sites with FREE printables that would give me info on things underground like tunnels/pipes/rocks/dinosaurs/basements/structure-foundation of buildings/etc. Basically things underground.

Without further ado here ya go!
HomeSchoolFreebie - Monday thru Friday free stuff but you do have to sign up for it and it usually only last one freebie per day but they are GREAT freebies and this is where I have gotten most of my resources from. Not just printables but entire unit studies/books/mp3's/etc. LOVE LOVE LOVE this site!
CurrClick - they are adding free stuffl all the time
Practical Pages - this is a new one I found today thru Homes
Make Learning Fun - great for Pre-K and Kindy (even up to 1st)
Dynamic 2 Moms - Unit Studies/Lapbooking/Notebooking
Handbook of Nature Study
Homeschool 101 - MP3's downloadable podcasts for helping mama get prepared or help while homeschooling (lots to listen too)
Homeschool dot com - this direct link takes you to their links of TONS of free curriculum (looks like unit studies) - I am so liking this as I just found this today (I knew aobut the Homeschool 101 but just never went further)
Homefires - Free Daily Curriculum Tips/Tidbits/Ideas
A to Z Teacher Stuff - Great site!
KinderPrintables
Danielles Place - Crafts and Activities
ChildFun Family Website

Free Coloring Pages:
http://coloringbookfun.com/

There will be more resources to come but I have to retrieve them from my other laptop. So be sure to stay tuned to the blog or my facebook page (where it will automatically come up when I post). Until then I pray blessings upon you and your family.

Winding Rough Roads

2010-02-11T19:07:00.000-05:00

Life is NOT a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!!!

This is so true! What has your journey been like?

Menu Plan Monday (posted Wed :-D )

2010-02-10T11:48:00.000-05:00

I posted this on Facebook on Monday but I thought I would post it again to my blog which will post it again to Facebook (I love finding new widgets, buttons, etc. to help streamline so that I do not have to duplicate my work! Hallelujah!)

MONDAY:

Curry Chicken with sweet potatoes, white potatoes, cauliflower, and fresh homemade turnip greens with chopped turnips

TUESDAY: Beef Enchiladas made with whole wheat tortillas topped with light sour cream and salsa with a side vegetable

WEDNESDAY: Sloppy Joes on homemade whole wheat buns and either Pasta Salad with broccoli or potato salad

THURSDAY: SMORGASBOARD (leftovers)

FRIDAY: Family Fun Night - will order pizza or maybe Chinese

SATURDAY: Grilled Cheese on homemade whole wheat bread served with Olive Garden Zuppa Tuscana Soup

SUNDAY: Something to do with Valentines Day - will make it special for my littles (after church)

8th Grade Final Exam-Circa 1895

2010-02-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

My Pastor sent this to me and I thought I would share it with ya'll.

Would you pass???

1895 8th grade final exam

Take this test and pass it on to your more literate friends.

What it took to get an 8th grade education in 1895...

Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895?

This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina , Kansas , USA .. It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina , and reprinted by the Salina Journal...

8th Grade Final Exam:

Salina , KS - 1895

Grammar (Time, one hour)

1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.

2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications

3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph.

4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of 'lie,' 'play,' and 'run'.

5. Define case; illustrate each case.

6 What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.

7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic (Time,1 hour 15 minutes)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.

2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet Long, and 3 ft.. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?

3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs, what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs for tare?

4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?

5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. Coal at $6.00 per ton.

6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7percent per annum.

7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft long at $20 per metre?

8... Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.

9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?

10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.

U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)

1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided

2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus .

3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.

4. Show the territorial growth of the United States .

5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas .

6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.

7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?

8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.

Orthography (Time, one hour)

[Do we even know what this is??] I looked it up, it is spelling.

1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?

2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?

3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?

4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u'.

5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.

6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.

7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.

8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.

9.. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.

10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.

Geography (Time, one hour)

1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?

2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas ?

3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?

4. Describe the mountains of North America .

5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba , Hecla , Yukon , St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco .

6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.

8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?

9.. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.

10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.

HUH??? Are they kidding??? This is hard to believe....

Notice that the exam took FIVE HOURS to complete.

Gives the saying 'he only had an 8th grade education' a whole new meaning, doesn't it?!

Also shows you how poor our education system has become and, NO, I don't have the answers! Do you.

Facebook | Share

2010-02-08T13:12:00.000-05:00

Facebook Share: "Share"

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-02-08T13:04:00.000-05:00

Outside my Window … it looks beautiful with the sun shining. Hard to tell that there will be LOTS of snow coming soon.!

I am thinking …that I need to get to work on church stuff.

I am thankful for… my two warm woodstoves and my nice schoolroom/office

From the kitchen … going to make Curry Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and homemade Turnip Greens

From the learning rooms … all is quiet at the moment as the littles are watching Miss Spider Sunny Patch with Nana and Popie

I am wearing … a teal long sleeve T-shirt and my flowing to my ankles blue layered gauze skirt (very comfy)

I am reading … Facebook

I am hoping …to get rid of this cold I have in my head soon.

I am hearing … the sound of my mom sewing in the family room.

I am creating … worksheets/printables for co-teaching the Kindy class when we start co-op next Monday (things underground and insects/arachnids/scorpions, eeww! LOL)

Around the house … I see things that need to be swept/mopped, organized put away.
One of my favorite things … feeling like I accomplished something so I need to get back to work!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ….wait out the storm coming, make it to the store later this week to get a present for a baby shower on Saturday and a birthday present for next Saturday.

How about a picture … A picture of me and my mother-in-law who passed away several years ago. I wish my children could know her in person.

(I no longer wear sleeveless like this but it is my wedding dress and I'm not "doctoring" the photo, *smile*)

Apron Giveaway

2010-02-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

Head over to Penny Raines Blog to enter to receive a free Apron from jumpinbloomers.com. Here is a pic of the cutest apron!

I wish you the best but just know I'm trying to win it also, LOL!

Free Giveaway for Homestead Blessings!

2010-01-29T10:13:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to say that I LOVE these videos and have the whole set except for the 2 new ones.

I wanted to share with you a giveaway I just found out about which will be for 8 blessed readers! To enter please go to:

New Life on a Homestead

Sites for Organizing

2010-01-15T19:28:00.000-05:00

Food Storage Made Easy: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net

The Happy Housewife:

Today's Devotion

2010-01-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

...what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8

O Lord, for me to walk humbly with You, You need to be in control of my life. Please help me as I begin this new year to allow You to be in control. My heart's desire is to please You. -Amen-

Facebook Recipe Request, Swiss Cheese and Vegetable Omelet

2010-01-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

We were playing a "post game" that said this:"Grab the book nearest you. Right now. • Turn to page 56. • Find the fifth sentence. • Post that sentence AS YOUR STATUS. AND POST these instructions in a comment to this status. • Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST book!!"

My closest book happened to be the South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook by Arthur Agatston, MD

So someone posted they would like to have this recipe becuase the bitty bit I shared sounded good. Here was what my bitty bit said: "Add bell pepper, tomato, and Italian seasoning; cook 3 minutes more."

So without further ado here is the recipe.

(this delicious pic is actually a Red Kale and Cheese Omelet for two found at www.kaylynskitchen.blogspot.com)

Swiss Cheese and Vegetable Omelet
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 bell pepper, any color, cut into 1/4-in squares
1 small plum tomato, diced
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch of Ground black pepper
1 ounce reduced-fat Swiss cheese, finely grated (1/4 cup)

Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add bell pepper, tomato, and Italian seasoning: cook 3 minutes more. Transfer vegetables to a plate.

Season eggs with salt and pper. Heat remaining oil inthe same skillet over medium heat, add eggs, and let set for 30 seconds. Using a heatproof spatula, genly lift edges of eggs while tilting pan to allow uncoooked eggs to run underneath until eggs are set, about 1 minute. Sprinkle cheese and vegetables over half of omelet. Fold omelet over filling, slide onto a plate, cut in half, and serve. Makes 2 servings.

Per serving; 220 calories, 15 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 14 g portein, 7 g carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 430 mg sodium

Day 9 of 14 days

2010-01-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

Well it has been a couple of days since posting and I'll make this short as there is much to do.

GREAT NEWS! I lost 1.8 lbs - woo hoo. I know it doesn't sound like alot but it is progress. One week at a time. I didn't get this way overnight (gaining 27 extra lbs) so I won't lose it overnight. Just one foot in front of the other and one day at a time.

Basically we are low on groceries pertaining to this diet and I need to make a trip to the grocery this week to get prepared for this coming week when we enter into Phase 2 of our South Beach Diet. I have my hubby going to Sam's tonight after work since he basically works almost next door to them. I placed an order last night for pick-n-pull (which is so awesome) so he doesn't have to be wandering around the store for all of the specifics (of which he does not care for). We are completely out of salad fixin's after making my hubby's lunch this morning so that is the basics of his shopping trip tonight. With Phase 1 you eat LOTS of salad and fresh steamed veggies and you add the protein in to balance it out.

So here is my menu today:

Breakfast:
2 hard boiled farm fresh eggs (oh those yolks are so rich and flavorful)
2 cups of coffeee (made with a bit of creamer and some xylitol)
Dieter's Cleanse Herbs

Lunch:
Tuna made with egg and dill pickle and some seasonings
Cut up Celery and any other veggies
8 oz of V8 juice

Dinner:
Rotisserie Chicken (from Sam's)
Steamed veggies seasoned
Cottage Cheese

Next week I think I will make this yummy looking dish! It is a Garbanzo Bean and Veggie Salad

The recipe can be found here: http://www.ehow.com/how_4770792_garbanzo-bean-veggie-salad.html

Can I Offer You a Cup of Hot Cocoa?

2010-01-09T15:37:00.002-05:00

This is what it is like outside today, 17 degrees but it feels like 6 with the wind chill. Brrr, Cold. I took these photos with the door slightly cracked and I was chilled immediately.

It looks so pristine. The beautiful sunshine reflecting off the snow shows a beautiful diamond-like shimmer.

This is what Frosty looked when we first made him 9 days ago.

This is what Frosty looks like today.

Well I'm making Homemade Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa with my beloved Cocomotion by Mr. Coffee. I found this at Goodwill shortly before last winter and it was a wonderful investment for only $3.99 and in the stores it retails for $15-20. Last Winter and this Winter we used it almost everyday (my children love either chocolate milk in the Spring/Summer or Hot Cocoa in the Fall/Winter).

Even though I can not have this because of the sugar in the candy cane I thought I would make you a delicious cup of hot cocoa with a peppermint stick and some ever yummy dollop of whipped cream. So as promised here you go.

(photo from grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com)

Enjoy!

Dinner Tonight! Yummy Yum Yum! 4 Real!

2010-01-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

Meatloaf
Fauxtatoes
Seasoned Green Beans
Mocha Ricotta Cream for Dessert

Meatloaf:
1 lb of grnd venison
1 lb of organic grnd beef
1 lb of grnd pork
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 packet of lipton onion soup
1/4 cup of dried onion
1 packet of frozen bell pepper sauteed in coconut oil (the best for you)
1 Tbsp of garlic powder
1/2 cup of grnd flax seed
2 Omega 3 Eggs (Egglands Best)

Mix all togther and place into to loaf pans. Bake at 375 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours (internal temp of 170). Then when all done if you like to have that tomatoe taste (like this family) then take a can or two of Stewed tomatoes and drain. Then mash it up really good and heat thru. Then spoon tomatoes over top of sliced meat and voila, delicious low carb meat loaf.

Fauxtatoes:
2 heads of cauliflower steamed until really soft
8 oz of low fat or fat free cream cheese
1 clove or 1 tsp (or 2 if you prefer) of garlic
1 Tbsp of butter (or transfat margarine - I don't recommend any margarine)

Mash this all together until nice and "creamy". If you want it a bit more cheesy then shred up some cheddar cheese and mix it into the fauxtatoes and you have a very delcious side dish wih no worries about the carbs.

I'll try to remember to take a photo of a completed dish.
salt and pepper to taste

Mocha Ricotta Cream
will come soon

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2010-01-07T11:39:00.011-05:00

Right now we have snow continuosly falling and it looks beautiful. It reminds me of how much God loves us and sends us beautiful things to remind us of His wonderous power and forgiving grace. I am so glad He sent Jesus for my sins. I am soo happy that I have been forgiven and washed clean by the crimson blood He shed on Calvary. I once was dark and dingy but now I'm clean and white as snow. Thank you Jesus!

So in honor of the beauty of His wonder on New Years Day we went out in the wet falling snow and made this snowman. Here are the pics of the kids in birth order. We had a lot of fun (even though I did not help I just took the pics :-). We are supposed to get about 3-4" of snow today and it won't taper off until this evening. -- So grab a cup of hot cocoa and cuddle up in front of the fire with the kiddos read a book or two and have a blessed day.

I know I will.

Roo Roo

My My
Kay Kay

Dada and Roo Roo

The had sooo much fun!

My Diet

2010-01-06T09:54:00.004-05:00

Well I thought I would post what I ate yesterday and today:

I must say as a disclaimer that I do not use artificial sweetners (splenda/equal/sweet-n-low, etc.) I use honey and agave nectar when I need a sweetner. Because of the South Beach Diet's phase 1 I have to eliminate all "bad carbs" (all kinds of potatoes/rice/pasta/sugars/breads/etc.) This is so that my body can adjust itself to regulate the insulin in my body. This takes 2 weeks to take away the "sugar" craving and I must say that it indeed works. When we were on this diet before I was amazed that I no longer craved them. So that being said here is what I ate.

With each main meal I also take my Dieter's Cleanse herbs

MONDAY-

Breakfast - 2 boiled eggs, coffee w/sugar free creamer

Snack - low fat mozzarella string cheese

Lunch - salad with a sliced boiled egg and italian dressing

Snack - low fat mozzarella string cheese

Dinner - Grilled Chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella/parmesan topping and a large helping of steamed broccoli and a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and 8 oz of 1% milk

Snack/Dessert - Sugar Free popcicle and creamcicle

TUESDAY -

Breakfast - 2 "fried" eggs (made in a non-stick skillet w/pam), coffee w/sugar free creamer

Snack - celery w/all natural peanut butter

Lunch - big salad with grilled seasoned chicken with grape tomatoes and a boiled egg and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Then topped with some Italian dressing (not drenched but just enough to taste it on my veggies)

Snack - 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and 5 grape tomatoes

Dinner - Dijon Mustard pulled pork (no bread), stuffed roasted roma tomatoes, asparagus, leftover saurkraut and summer canned green beans. Also had 8 oz of 1% milk.

Snack/Dessert - 1 sugar free popcicle and 1 sugar free fudgecicle

Long Time since posting

2010-01-05T11:05:00.002-05:00

Hello my friends and Family - It has been since August since I last posted so a lot has happened. I want to start this New Year off with a new look, but you know me, it will most likely change again as you can never have too many pairs of black shoes :-)

So more than likely my posts will be something like Facebook, short and sweet with a few bigger posts thrown in for good measure. So stay tuned to some of these subjects:

Healthy Weight Loss - using the South Beach Diet plan, adding in Nourishing Traditions food including lacto-fermented kraut/kombucha/kefir and maybe some other things along the way as I progress toward my goal.
Proverbs 31/Titus 2 Subjects as related to the wife, mother, and woman that we each are and could strive to be better. This will include my study along the way of the awesome book, "Created To Be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl
New Life Church's Titus 2 Ministry postings
Organizational Tips/Tidbits that I find along the way. I am in so desperate need to purge, purge, and did I say purge? I have so much "stuff" that is great but it is just taking up so much space. I will sort and price to be ready for Spring Yard Sale - woo hoo!
Homeschooling stuff will be posted here with the link to my homeschooling page
Computer Tips/Tidbits that I find
And anything else that floats my boat to post

So until then check back often. I would love to have other followers so pass the word!

Pesky Pests!

2009-08-05T11:15:00.002-04:00

Those Pesky Fruit Flys! I detest them but have found a great way to capture them. My method is a little different using an old 2 liter pop/soda bottle. Here is a great NATURAL and frugal way to capture those pests! Click Here

12 Week Holiday Planner SALE!

2009-08-03T11:45:00.002-04:00

I have this planner and have looked it over and already LOVE it! I love the holidays and always get so busy during the season from Thanksgiving thru New Years. I plan to use this planner for the first time this year so I highly recommend it to you if you want to keep everything organized!

The 12-Week Holiday Planner will be on sale during the months of August and September for only $8.95.....that's $4.00 off the regular price!

The planner starts on the first of October, so you will want to buy your copy today!

To receive the special sale price, you will need to enter the following discount code at checkout:Discount Code: AUGSALE

To see a sample and purchase your copy today Click here

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Discount

2009-07-25T10:29:00.004-04:00

How would you like to sign up for an AWESOME magazine, "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" designed for homeschoolers but can be used by anyone due to its awesome content on Christian subjects and fabulous articles!

By using my special code, authorized by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, you can get a 2 year subcription (whether you are new or renewing) for $5 off. PLUS to the first 5,000 that subscribe they are giving away $400 in FREE gifts but you have to hurry as they have already had a little over 1,000 sign up already.

Now you may be wondering why I'm "advertising" this, huh? Well if 12 subscriptions are ordered using my code then I will be given a FREE one year subscription to the magazine. Now I will tell you that I had this magazine before and I LOVE IT! Please Order Here

So to get your subscription please go here and make sure to use code: MRSGL5OFF when you check out to get your discount and so that I get credit! Please Order Here

For the 19 FREE gifts please go here.

FREE Chocolate

2009-07-24T09:17:00.002-04:00

Mars, Inc. Candy is giving away a coupon for a free chocolate bar TODAY! They limit the coupons to 250,000 a day so HURRY so you don't miss because it can take up to 6 weeks for the coupon to come it. But don't feel bad if you miss today because they will have it again next Friday and all Friday's until Sept. 25, '09. To get yours go to:

https://secure.realchocolate.com/

Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

2009-07-21T09:26:00.003-04:00

I will be making Variations 9: Blueberry Pecan (I will add 1/2 cup of pecans to this variation), Variation 11 Banana Creme, and Variation 17: Zucchini Pineapple or 18: Zucchini Chocolate Chip or 19: Chocolate Zucchini.

To 1 cup Starter, add:

1 cup oil (I use Organic Virgin Coconut Oil)

4 eggs (Free Range is the best)

1 cup sugar (Sucanat is good or use Organic Sugar)

2 tsp. vanilla (I use Simply Organic brand)

1 large instant pudding (try and find an organic brand if you can)

2 cups flour (I use Bob Red Mill's Whole Wheat Pastry Flour)

1 tsp. baking powder (Bro Red Mill's Aluminum free)

1 tsp. baking soda (Bro Red Mill's Aluminum free)

Use Variations as previously posted or to make Traditional add:

2 tsp. cinnamon...1 cup raisins...1 cup chopped nuts

To the remaining batter, add oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla & pudding mix. Blend well.

Add the combined dry ingredients, nuts & raisins, mix well.

Put into 2 well greased 9x5 loaf pans that have been greased (if making Traditional then sprinkle also with cinnamon & sugar).

Bake 60-70 minutes at 325 degrees F.

NOTE: Cut the fat by using Egg Beaters in place of the eggs & applesauce for all or part of the oil.

Amish Friendship Bread Varieties

2009-07-07T18:03:00.004-04:00

I thought I would post about this as I have some Amish Friendship Bread that I revived from the freezer. I love the original recipe that is cinnamon with a cinnamon sugar crumble on top, Delcious! But I wanted to have some variety as I have tons of starter and I don't know of anyone at church who would want any (about a year ago - this is how old mine is we did a lot of sharing in church). So in my search I found many delcious sounding recipes. So that I have a reference place for them so that I can try them all I'm posting them here and maybe you can try a few also.

So here they are:

Variation 1 Orange-Cranberry: Use vanilla pudding and replace 1/2 cup milk with orange juice, 1 Tbsp. orange peel instead of vanilla and 2 cups chopped frozen cranberries. This may bake better in the upper 3rd of the oven

Variation 2 Lemon-Cranberry: Use 1 small pkg. lemon pudding and add 2 cups chopped frozen cranberries.

Variation 3 Cherry Vanilla: Use vanilla pudding, add 1 can tart red cherries in water, drained, and add almond flavoring instead of vanilla.

Variation 4 Chocolate Cherry: Use chocolate pudding, add 1 can tart red cherries in water, drained, and add almond flavoring instead of vanilla.

Variation 5 Apple Cinnamon: Use butterscotch pudding and add 2 cups chopped, peeled, apple.

Variation 6 Caramel Pecan: Use butterscotch pudding and add 1 cup chopped pecans

Variation 7 Banana Walnut: Use banana cream pudding, 1 chopped banana and chopped walnuts. Can also add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips here or to Variation 11

Variation 8 Tropical: Use Almond extract to replace vanilla, 1 sm can of well drained pineapple, about 6 marachino cherries chopped up, 1/2 cup chopped pecans OR macademia nuts, and approx 2-3 tbsp of coconut (plus extra to sprinkle on top about half way thru baking)

Variation 9 Blueberry Bread or Blueberry Coffe Cake: Use 2 cups of frozen blueberries

Variation 10 Cherry Cheesecake: Use cheesecake pudding and add approx 6 chopped up marachino cherries with at little bit of juice

Variation 11 Banana Creme: Use banana cream pudding and add 2 smashed bananas (you may want to add a little bit more time and test doneness)

Variation 12 Lemon Poppy Seed: Use 2 boxes of lemon pudding and 1/4 cup of poppy seeds and bake for 1 1/2 hours

Variation 13 Caramel Apple: Use caramel (or butterscotch) pudding and add 1/2 to 1 cup of dried apples

Variation 14 Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bread: Use chocolate pudding and add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Variation 15 White Chocolate Macademia Bread: Use white chocolate pudding and 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips and 3/4 cups of caoarsly chopped macadamia nuts.

Variation 16 Zucchini Bread: Add 1 cup of grated zucchini with excess water squeezed out.

Variation 17 Zucchini Pineapple Bread: Add 1/2 cup of grated zucchini with excess water squeezed out and 1/2 cup of well drained pineapple. RESERVE pinapple juice and use this to replace the milk (add milk to juice mixture if not enough to 1/2 cup of milk)

Variation 18 Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread: Add 1 cup of grated zucchini with excess water squeezed out and 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips.

Variation 19 Chocolate Zucchini Bread: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, one cup of grated zucchini with excess water squeezed out and 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips.

Variation 20 Coconut Macaroon Bread: Use 1/4 cup of coconut, replace vanilla with almond extract (real stuff), and 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped almonds.

Holiday Versions:

Variation 1 Gingerbread: 2 tbsp of molasses for equal amount of sugar and add spices for gingerbread

Variation 2 Orange Cranberry: Use 1/2 to 1 cup (your preference) of craisins and replace milk with orange juice (OR use milk but instead add a box of orange jello in replacement of vanilla pudding) and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (this is similar to Variation 1 above but does have it's differences)

Variation 3 Orange Chocolate Raisin: Use orange juice (to replace milk) and add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of chocolate covered raisins

Variation 4 Bundt Pan Date Pecan Cake: Add one box of chopped dates (not sure how big a box is) and 1 cup of chopped pecans

Variation 5 Fruitcake: Add glazed fruit mix with walnuts and almonds.

2009-07-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Independence Day!

Chuck E Cheese Promotions

2009-07-01T09:34:00.002-04:00

I thought I would post this here instead of sending out an email since my emails seem to be having problems getting to everyone I send them to. I know a lot of moms from my new co-op go to Chuck E Cheese as it is right next door so I especially wanted to post this for them.

So anyway-I was on someone's blog this morn and found where Chuck E Cheese will give you 10 free tokens via these promotions (http://www.chuckecheese.com/promotions/rewards-calendars.php)

Here they are listed:

Sports Awards NEW
Tooth Fairy Award NEW
Getting Dressed NEW
Reading Rewards NEW
Active Kid
Homework Helper
Potty Training

Sleep All Night
Magical Manners
Doctor/Dentist Good Patient Award
Stop Thumb Sucking
Clean Your Room
Teeth Brushing

Blessings!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-06-30T11:38:00.002-04:00

Sunday:

Crock Pot Ham, Egg Noodles, Sauteed Zucchini/Squash/Onion in butter, Carrots that I canned this winter

Monday:

Soup beans flavored with onions, zucchini casserole, leftover ham, and 2 kinds of buttermilk cornbread (sweet for me and salt for my hubby)

Tueday:

Leftovers: Chicken Fingers, vegetable casserole (made from leftover veggies-green beans/brussel sprouts/carrots/zucchini), egg noodles and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday & Thursday:

Don't know yet

Friday:

Special Anniversary meal for my parents who just moved back from Oklahoma. They will be celebrating 37 blessed years together.

Saturday:

BBQ sandwiches, pasta salad or potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and kombucha, and Flag Jello cake (cake mix with red jello added spread with cool whip and topped with strawberries/blueberries to make a flag)

My New To Do List

2009-06-30T10:49:00.004-04:00

NEW LIST in no particular order:

Work on home and church finances
Work on Ladies Day of Renewal blog
Check on kefir & buttermilk in brewing cabinet TODAY
Make more yogurt
Plan menu this week.
Work on laundry - wash/dry/put away. This will also include going through kids clothes to get rid of too small clothes and inventory for this coming fall what will need to be purchased (I usually try to do this in the Spring but I'm a bit behind this year).
Start reading book from Values Driven Family entitled, Values Driven Family :-). You can check out there books here. This family is awesome. I had the chance to meet them at CHEO and they are just like you and me. Down to earth but on Fire for God! I was also pleased to meet their 7th child, Jubilee who was born June 15. She is the littlest thing, no bigger than a minute! So be sure to order something from them as it will help support them in all they do and help them financially as they prepare to go to Kenya later this year. http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com/ (oh yeah BTW-if you are looking to homestead and raise your children on beautiful acreage, they have a beautiful home for sale in Indiana 3,000 SF log home on 10 acres: 4 BR, 3 bath, with front and rear decks. Central air for $204, 900. In my opinion this is a GREAT price compared to some places in my area!
Work on implementing 2 key things from their book-Scheduling and Budgeting
Work on schedule for Fall - this will be for the day to include cleaning, school, and overall life.
Go through school book, My Father's World Kindergarten to set up schedule of supplies
Figure out how to implement their Child Training to include chores and allowances. We have purchased this bank, "My Giving Bank" and this book called "The Jingle In My Pocket" and will use them together to help our children understand the beginnings of how money works. It is all about Sharing It (Tithe), Saving It (for that special occasion), Spending It (to rewards yourself for your hard work).
Determine how I will implement these 2 lapbooks, "Harvest Festival" and "Celebrating Passover" when it is the appropriate time of year.
Research more lapbooking sites to get ideas for school and for my Sunday School class that I teach.
Research lapbooking for Spring Kindergarten Co-op. I will be helping/co-teaching with a friend of mine about things underground (insects/tunnels/pipes/buildings/roots/etc.) I think it would be neat do a lapbook on this.
Go through school room and get it organized
Go through my JUNK room and get it organized and ready to sell stuff in yard sale
Plan yard sale for non-hot day
Start a homeschool blog for journaling our days (when I can) over at Homeschool Blogger

Well I have to get off this blog or I will be on here all day. As you can see above I have quite a list of activities/chores to complete and it will take me some time to get it all done.

Blessings to you all until next time!

My To Do List Today (so far)

2009-06-22T08:11:00.005-04:00

I have completed my entire list but have comments in Red today.

Make Breakfast - free range brown and green eggs with a 1/3 banana on the side
Soak whole wheat pastry flour in kefir for tomorrow's Spiced Zucchini Bread Muffins (harvested 5 zucchini's - 1 went to our Pastor for first-fruits and the other four will go into the muffin batter)
Soak Oatmeal for tomorrows breakfast (to be served with butter and honey) - this didn't turn out so appetizing. I tried it the Nourishin Traditions way but it just wasn't all that appealing for any of us. I will try something else next time.
Stir my Amish Bread Starter and find a new recipe using this - I found different recipes but just have to choose which ones I will try when my Nourishing Traditions Zucchini Bread is all eaten up.
Make Whole Wheat Sour Dough Bread Starter-I started this on Sunday so tonight will be day 3 to add to it. Next week I should be able to make some sourdough whole wheat bread. How exciting!
Check on my Kefir grains - I had to put my grains away when I went to CHEO but now I have a batch of kefir going in my brewing cabinet.
Check on my Kombucha (see my picture) - my Kombucha finished brewing this past Sunday (7 days it took to brew). Now it is fizzy and a little strong but it is good! I added some concentrated cherry and have drank anywhere from 2-4 oz these past couple of days. Great stuff. Oh yeah, I now have a "baby" scoby which is actually much bigger than the momma but it is neat to look at. My 5 year old thought it was neat also and starting cooing to it talking baby talk :-) Kids say the cutest things!
Make buttermilk - I put this in the brewing cabinet last night.
Add strawberry jam & honey to homemade yogurt cream cheese - did this but it went from thick to really thin so I had to strain it to thicken it back up. But now it is time to throw it out as it is getting old and not fresh anymore. Will plan on makking more this week.
Plan Lunches/Dinner for the rest of this week
Choose workshops to attend while at CHEO - this is SOOOO HARD! There are so many I want to go to and most of them are offered in the same hour as the other ones. So I have to narrow it down even further to the ones I REALLY want to go to and maybe purchase the CD of the other workshop that would be 2nd on my list. I can't go overboard with this or I won't have enough funds for other things at the vendor tables that I will need for school. *Sigh* what's a girl to do?-I attended so many GREAT workshops but then my best friend attended some that I didn't and I thought, OHHH I SHOULD HAVE GONE TO THAT ONE! But all is well. I am encouraged and excited to know that it is going to be an exciting first year of homeschooling!
Pack for CHEO (I am so excited to go this year for the first time and I'm going with my best friend, Sherice. This will be the first time she and I have ever gone anywhere for ANY length of time more than a few hours to get together. We will be like school girls staying up late talking and catching up and talking about the conference, etc. Did I mention that I'm really excited about going to CHEO and going with my best friend? :-) - It was so much fun to go and reconnect with Sherice and meet some of the other ladies from my new co-op. I truly had a lot of fun but just wished our hotel was closer to the other ladies so we could have visited longer. I am excited to meet more ladies and get to know them as well!
Make list for hubby to pick up groceries at Sam's-I did this but hubby will have to get the items this week for me.
Wash/Fold/Put away clothes-well this is done for last week but now it is time to do this weeks. **Sigh**
Take kids outside to play in pool while I hang laundry up on the line-I will be doing this again this week but later in the week as it is supposed to rain today.
Research how to kill cabbage worms organically-we ended up getting diatomaceous earth at a recommendation from Lowes but it is NOT helping! Gotta find something else now as hubby is getting frustrated and wants to just get seven dust *POISON* to put on it! No way! Gotta find something that works and won't harm us in the long run!
Order library DVD for Family Fun Night-they ended up going to Mamaw's and Papaw's to watch Wall-E
A whole bunch of other stuff that I will find to do in between stuff
Post this entry

Case against homeschoolers - HA!

2009-06-18T08:28:00.005-04:00

May 30, 2009 Case against homeschoolers. Top 10 reasons why Homeschoolers are doing the WRONG thing. This is most ridiculous! But I do like Alexia's take on this over at OurFunHouseOfGod. Go have a look see. I'm sure you will agree with her comments. I sure do!

Now here are 20 GREAT reasons to Homeschool.

You may have to click on image and print image to see it better.

If you still can not see the words after pulling it up, here is the list from left to right. My favorites are #'s 7 & 16:

The only "gang" your kids belong to is your family...
The teacher-pupil ratio is great
You don't need security guards or metal detectors...
Your kids enjoy socialization with people of ALL ages...
You don't have to run to catch the school bus...
You can sleep in on rainy days...
School prayer is encouraged... "thank you for my family..."
You don't have to buy "back-to-school" clothes... "thanks for the hand-me-downs MOM!"
You don't have to develop a taste for cafeteria food...
You can celebrate your birthday with a school holiday...
Vacations can be called "extended field trips"...
You get to read more books than you ever realized existed...
The latest fads usually never make it to your house..."it's the 'fish lake' MOM! All the kids are getting it!"
You don't have to worry about what your kids learned in school today...
You don't have to raise your hand to go to the bathroom...
You can wear pajamas to class and not be kicked out...
Chores may be called "home projects"...
There's always time to bake cookies..."can I help?"
Learning becomes contagious..."Mom, listen, I taught Jessica her alphabet! A-B-C-D-1-2-3-Q-R-S-T-Do-Re-Me"
Your family is right where they ought to be...Home!

Kombucha (kom - boo - cha) and Kefir (keh-fur)

2009-06-16T16:16:00.007-04:00

Well I just ordered my Kombucha scoby and my kefir grains (I will post about this later but I have already started making my own kefir (from powder) and homemade yogurt and have had fantastic results, at least from the yogurt, thus the reason for purchasing the grains).

So Anywhoo-- It is really exciting when you start doing things in your kitchen that is so much better for your family and for yourself too. Well you are probably curious about Kombucha so I thought I would post about it real quick. If you are interested I have a past post on kefir that I linked to someone else if you want to find out more "How to Make Kefir" and "Drinking Kefir and Probiotics" )

Here are some pics of my kefir I made about a week ago. I also made yogurt the same day.

I need to make some more of each. Kefir I will probably make tonight but the yogurt I will have to do tomorrow or Thursday is it is an overnight process.

Kombucha tea is natures probiotic in a real sense that the tea contains numerous beneficial bacteria, acids and yeasts that aid our bodies on a great many levels. A probiotic is a live bacteria that helps populate the

large intestine with friendly bacteria known as gut flora, which dissolve harmful micro-organisms. Kombucha tea provides the body with additional gluceronic acid which is what the liver produces to detoxify the body.

The tea also gives you an energy boost, due to the range of B vitamins in the tea, particularly B1, B2, B6, and B12. These vitamins also help the body to process fats (the tea is a great addition to any weight-loss regimen) and proteins. There is also vitamin C which is a potent detoxifier, immune booster and enhancer of vitality. Many have found they can wean themselves off caffeine once they start incorporating kombucha tea into their morning routine.

In addition Kombucha has a wide range of organic acids and enzymes. The health benefits of Kombucha tea may also aid the body to alleviate a wide spectrum of ailments and conditions; from the mildest indisposition to the most serious diseases. A cursory google search provides many many testimonies of those who have been healed of various illnesses, and attribute Kombucha tea to their recovery.

Considering all of kombucha teas attributes, it really makes sense that everyone who is concerned about their health should include this tea in their daily regimen. The best thing about it is that it costs only pennies a day to make and enjoy!

Because it is so great and it is recommened by Nourishing Traditions (to read reviews go to Amazon) and it will help my body to begin to heal and I will have more energy I can't wait to try it out. I should be able to experience the full benefits so here goes in a couple of weeks.

Blessings!

Vitamins & Supplements For My Children

2009-06-05T17:12:00.004-04:00

This picture can be purchased here

Thought I would just put up a quick post.

I used to use SuperKids but my children don't like the liquid so we switched to chewables.

We now use Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade (Children's Chewable Multi-vitamin & Mineral Supplement with whole food concentrates)

AND

Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade KidGreenz (with broccoli, spinach, and other green foods)

Both are hypo-allergenic, vegetarian, and Gluten free

They seem to do quite well for my children and I like the price (I ordered another 3 months supply today via www.vitacost.com).

I also purchased today (from Vitacost.com) some Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil Strawberry -- 8 fl oz to go along with the vitamins especially since we will start homeschooling oldest daughter (kindergarten) this Fall. This will help with her attention/brain function/etc (and will also help soon to be 4 year old and 2 year old).

I also throw in a tsp every so often of concentrated Elderberry syrup to help their immune system if they are experiencing any signs of becoming sick. Today I purchased Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade Immune Booster Chewables to go along with the Elderberry just in case I run out (I prefer the Elderberry but thought we would give this a go since it isn't liquid and try it out for a bit).

Well enough about us, what about your kids? What do you use?

Blessings!

Faithful Blogger Friends

2009-05-27T09:32:00.003-04:00

Picture can be purchased here

I just wanted to send a note to let you know that I'm still here but due to it being the Spring coming into Summer season there is sooooooo much to do! Things I am currently doing and thus the reason I'm not on the computer much these days:

Planted garden (put out another row of pole beans last night) - we ran out of room to plant things due to doing rows. I hope my husband will be convinced to try square foot gardening next year so that we can plant more.

--Garlic (1 bulb to make many little plants) - still need to plant in a sunny spot due to running out of room

--Strawberries -- one of those round 2 tiered strawberry plant things with the sprinkler in the middle (from gurneys.com) Comes with 50 ozark beauties (can't wait to make strawberry jam-pies-bread-short cake, etc.) - we ended up planting the strawberries in containers but due to not planting in time because of bad weather all of our strawberries died and we got a refund. We are going to try and find at least a few plants at a local nursery so that we can have some strawberries next year.

--Rhubarb (to go with the strawberries) - planted but these did not survive also and we received a refund as well.

--2 Elderberry bushes - these are little bitty but are thriving and growing fast

--4 Apple trees (2 of Pixie Crunch and 2 of Apple Goldrush) - doing wonderful and hopefully in a couple of years we will have lovely apples to eat and can.

--Blueberry bush (great for pies, pancakes, muffins, etc. and rich in Anti-oxidants!) - doing wonderful also. In a couple of years we should be able to have some yummy berries!

We tried growing some items from seed but due to poor lighting in the house they did not do so well and we ended up composting them and buying some things from the nursery.

--2 lbs each of Red potatoes and Yukon potatoes -from seed potatoes - these are doing great. A couple of days ago we mixed in some manure mix to get them good and fertilized.

--at least a row of Golden wax beans - from seed we planted 2 short rows, about 10-12 plants each row

--at least a row of purple pod pole beans - from seed we just planted these last night because of running out of room and not having anything to have them climb on. But a solution has been found. We used leftover fencing and planted a row about 10-12 seeds (one row)

--at least a row of trofeo green beans - from seed we planted 2 short rows, about 10-12 plants each row

--8-10 plants of Cucumbers - we have, I think, about 12 plants right now (planted from seed)

--2-3 plants of green peppers - we ended up planting 4 green bell peppers and 4 red sweet peppers that we got from the nursery

--1-2 plants of jalepeno peppers - we planted 1 that we got from the nursery in a container on the patio

--6-8 heads of Cabbage -we planted 8 plants from nursery

--4-6 plants of zucchini - I believe we have around 11 plants from nursery

--4-6 plants of squash - we have 7 plants planted from seed and my husband planted a few more seeds last night

--3-4 plants of Roma tomatoes - we planted 8 Roma plants from nursery

--3-4 plants of Golden rave tomatoes - we planted 8 yellow plants from nursery (it wasn't Golden rave but they will be just as tasty)

--Pumpkins - ran out of room but haven't given up hope to plant them in some sunny spot

--Watermelon - ran out of room but again, haven't given up hope to plant them - just have to get a little creative and put them and the pumpkins in places not normally seen in a garden.

--Lettuce - I have some organic heirloom seeds mesclun seeds that I received Earthbound Farms for free. I can plant these this fall when the weather starts to cool again

--radishes/carrots - I have some seeds but no where to plant. I'm trying to find a container that I can plant these in along with my lettuce so that I can have salad added to the menu this summer.

Just finished putting up privacy/chain link fence
Planted some sunflower seeds on the side of house where it is sunny. - I have a couple of bare spots in between plants so will plant 3 more packs so that we have good and plenty sunflowers to make it look beautiful on the side and so I can have some seeds for next year to plant.
Working on laying down newspaper and spreading mulch over my flower bed - to prevent the onslaught of weeds/grass that has invaded. Now I have half done and need to get the other half completed by Friday.
Just planted 13 lily's beside my shed - these are red/yellow/orange to go along with the 3 lily plants I already have planted and the giant red hibiscus that will be blooming this summer.
Need to still plant on the other side of the shed that is partly shady - Asiatic Lily's: 2 lollypop, 2 Vivaldi, 2 navona - Oriental Lily's: 2 stargazer, 2 LeReve, 2 Mona Lisa - and another 7 Oriental Lily's that no names were given for. I will also be planting 10 pink Gladioli "Tout a Toi" and 10 cream with hot pink Gladioli "Priscilla"

Also working on:

FGMA (Full Gospel Ministers Association, Inc.) Renewals - these are due by May 31 but they keep coming until the end of June
Planning my soon to be 5 year old's Nemo birthday party for mid June
Planning a mini vacation and needing to remember everything to take for 5 people
Have to buy gifts for and attend 3 different graduation open houses (June 6th - my niece, 14th - my son's Uncle, and 20th - a lovely homeschooled young lady from church)
Have to design Ladies Day of Renewal Info and Registration brochure to mail out by June 10 (and still don't have pics and bio's from the ladies-this gets to be near impossible with deadlines every year when you are waiting on others info :-)
Also have to retype all addresses for all ladies that have attended past Renewals so that everyone gets an invite this year (last year some addresses were omitted by mistake). We have done this for either 5 or 6 years now so there is well over 100 individual's addresses to type and have ready by the 10th.
Plan our new Titus 2 Home Ministry (the name is still in the works) - this will be the Titus 2 Woman teaching other ladies that have the desire to be a Proverbs 31 woman to be a Keeper of the Home. This will start this Summer with a canning session. We will be teaching ladies how to can fresh produce in order to prepare for the winter and save money in the long run. We have many other ideas in the works as well but have to plan dates, etc. as we want this to be an ongoing event and not just a fly by the night ministry.

Well I'm sure there are many more things that I'm not listing but this post has taken me more time that what I have with all of the things that still need to be done. So until next time, blessings to you and your family and may you have a wonderful and fruitful season of gardening as well (I will be posting off and on so don't give up on me!)

Memorial Day

2009-05-27T08:47:00.005-04:00

In Honor of Memorial Day a couple of days late. God's blessings to all who served or who are serving and to all the family members!

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T13:04:00.005-04:00

Today is the National Day of Prayer (NDP), so we've got prayer on our minds.

We all want to effectively pray for the ministries God gives us to lead. So here's a helpful prayer guide that assigns a different area to pray for each day of the week. And it just so happens that each day's prayer "assignment" begins with the same letter as the day of the week. It's easy to remember and helps us ensure that we've got it all covered.

Sunday...Studies

Pray for the Bible studies, mentoring groups, book clubs and any other small groups that will meet in the coming week.

Monday...Ministry

Ask for God's direction for yourself and those who lead with you. Pray for specific ministry needs.

Tuesday...To Do's

Need we say more? We all have a list. Let's pray about it.

Wednesday...World

Pray for the nations, the missionaries, the persecuted church and governments around the world.

Thursday...Those in Need

Lift up those who are hurting, lonely or poor. Pray for those who need a Savior.

Friday...Future Plans

We all have dreams. Let's commit the future of our ministries to God.

Saturday...Sunday Services

Pray for your pastor, for others who serve and those who will worship with you this week.

Week 1 Home Managment Schedule

2009-04-06T10:30:00.000-04:00

MONDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Upright Fridge/Freezer
PROJECTS: Organize Pantry

TUESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Kitchen Counters
PROJECTS: Clean all indoor trash cans

WEDNESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Kitchen Sink
PROJECTS: Bleach Tile Grout in Bathrooms

THURSDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Kitchen Floor details (under fridge, stove, in pantry, laundry room)
PROJECTS: Clean High Chair Thoroughly

FRIDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Vacuum cobwebs in corners/rafters
PROJECTS: Sort Toys

Resurrection Sunday, AKA "Easter"

2009-04-03T09:31:00.004-04:00

In advance please forgive my rambling thoughts and questions. Just go with the flow --

I thought I would post on this topic since it is coming up in about a week.

Since my children were born I have not done the Easter Bunny thing (just like at Christmas my children see Santa Claus on TV but they know that he has nothing to do with the real reason behind Christmas and that he is make-believe. We decided from the beginning not to lie to our children-Strong feelings here: Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Halloween, etc. are all lies and if I don't want my children to lie then I will not lie to them about these).

So anywhoo--last year we started really focusing more on it being Resurrection Sunday instead of Easter. This is due to a strong conviction once I found out the history surrounding "Easter". My children are almost 5, 3, and 2. Now as they are getting older I want to start incorporating more of the traditional Biblical festivals/feasts associated with and around the time of Christ crucifixion and His resurrection. I will start this next year.

WHAT WE DO:

--We say: Happy Resurrection Day and if someone says Happy Easter we say back Happy Resurrection Day.

--We meet with our family (usually my mom and dad inlaw-my parents live in Oklahoma or they would be with us also) and have a "traditional" dinner with the ham and trimmins'. Next year according to how we decide to incorporate new ways of celebrating I would like to try to make lamb (does anyone have any good recipes they would like to share?)

--I usually will give my children something special on this day but it is usually Bible related. This year I purchased from http://www.cbd.com/ for my girls and me the neon green t-shirts with bright pink lettering that say "Yes, I am a Princess My Father is the King of Kings" and for my 2 yr old son a little t-shirt that says "Do not Underestimate Me in big letters and in little letters -with God all things are possible" and for Daddy he is getting an Army green t-shirt that has the "crown of thorns looking cross" that has "FORGIVEN" weaved into the thorns and the "i" is dotted with a little drop of red blood. For DS and Daddy's shirt they are already sold out so can't show you what they look like. Anywhoo-DD's shirts I want to (if I have time) sew onto the bottom some material to make it a play dress.

--We do give the children baskets but it is usually not done on Resurrection Sunday. My Hubby's b-day is March 20 (first day of Spring) and we give them what we call, "Spring Baskets" to celebrate Spring and Daddy's birthday. This is to give them some fun things and candy that they don't get often but we (especially me) do NOT say it is an Easter basket. Hubby was out of town for his birthday this year and we have yet to celebrate it. So when we have our "traditional" Resurrection Sunday dinner I will also throw in a special time to celbrate his b-day and give the children their "Spring Baskets" and Resurrection Sunday gifts.

QUESTIONS:

--Can anyone give a breakdown of the festivals/feasts during this time and what are some ways to celebrate each one? If you have a link to share please leave me a comment with the link.

--How do you deal with egg hunts at church? My Pastor allows them as they have been done for years before he came (he came to our church about 10 years ago) but he doesn't really agree with it. We have had a lot of people leave the church over the years for one reason or another but a lot has to do with the fact that he preaches the Bible Truth and doesn't sugar-coat-it. He doesn't mind stepping on toes when he preaches. He is a traditional Holiness Pentecostal Missionary Evangelist Pastor (he still evangelizes on Missionary trips-as a matter of fact he is in Belize right now on one). He never follows a book with pre-planned sermons. He follows the leading of the Holy Spirit and has been known to have notes all ready but have the Holy Spirit change the sermon literally at the last moment during Praise & Worship.

So anywhoo-He allows the hunts so as to not "rock-the-boat" anymore than it has been in the past but it is clear to those in charge of the hunt that we do NOT say the eggs came from the Easter bunny or anything like that which would take away from Christ's resurrection. I have mixed feelings about my children participating in the egg hunt but my husband thinks there is nothing wrong with it. So for the past couple of years I have went along with it. What are your thoughts?

Okay enough rambling - who would like to comment?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

FOR TODAY March 30, 2009...
Outside my window... I see a completed playset. My husband finished the tunnel and now the children can play all over it now. I just hope that the weather is warm enough today.

I am thinking... Of my TO DO list which is quite extensive. I have motivation today to get stuff done but I'm just not sure how much I will get done.

I am thankful for... my husband. He is a wonderful man, husband, father, provider, priest of our home. I appreciate him more and more every day. I am so thankful to God that he brought us together.

From the learning rooms... I have to start getting our curriculum, My Father's World Kindergarten, ready for the Fall. I bought my teacher's manual used and it is coming out of its binding a little bit so I want to transfer everything over to page protectors in a 3 ring. I also need to go thru the days and start getting them ready for each day and each week.

From the kitchen... I need to do an inventory of everything I have. I have decided that I need to do a PANTRY CHALLENGE. This is where I use only what I have in the pantry and in the freezer and only buy the items necessary at the store to supplement those meals. In other words buy dairy products, fresh veggies and any other thing that I might need. The goal is to USE what I have before buying anything else. I have stuff in the freezer (meat, etc.) that has been in there quite a few months and needs to be used up. So stay tuned as I post on my PANTRY CHALLENGE.

I am wearing... a dark brown almost like a broom skirt that has brown sequins here and there sewed on it. My shirt is an orange square cut dressy t-shirt. On top of all of that I have my reversable red apron on that my Mama made for me. It is red with little bitty yellow, green, dk blue and lt blue shooting stars all over it and on the other side it has bears at school (all the same colors). I am wearing my pink satin princess ballerina Isotoner slippers and my hair is in a braid down my back.

I am creating... a mess of ideas in my head. I have to work on our Reflections newsletter and have it "published" by April 11th. Plus I have a ton of other things that need to be done. Maybe I post on that later.

I am going... to try and make it to Sam's today before I start my Pantry Challenge. I have a few items that I need to get and now is a good time to accomplish that since I have to go pick my hubby up from work this evening.

I am reading... My Bible again- I woke up this morn at 5:30 and I feel refreshed (even though my DD3 got up once last night and I had to steer her back to bed. Then my DS2 got up 3 different times -he climbs out of his crib. This all happened between the hours of 2 AM and 330 AM. I came in the kitchen and made myself a cup of coffee and sat down to read my Bible. Praise God! I'm getting back on track and rededicating my days to the Lord.

I am hoping... to get a lot accomplished today so I can't be on the computer too much today.

I am hearing... the crackling of my fireplace as it is taking the chill out of the morning air.

Around the house... I see a pile of this here and a pile of that there with some clutter here and some clutter there. That is one of my goals today is to get this tidyed up today.

One of my favorite things... Homemade bread fresh out of the oven with sweet cream butter and jam spread on it. I will try and make some bread this week as in a pinch yesterday I had to run to the store and pick up a loaf at WalMart.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Clean/Organize/Practice Play/Practice Song for Play/Work on Newsletter/etc.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My 3 children with their cute little feet encased in their rubber rain boots around an special find. You can't really see it here so the next pic is the surprise.

Stand For Parental Rights

2009-03-30T08:25:00.000-04:00

Candy over at Keeping the Home has some very interesting information about how our God given Parental Rights are in the process of being taken away. THIS IS NO JOKE!

Stand For Parental Rights

Take a look - I could never write a post telling it exactly like she did so I'm sending you her way. This will affect me, you, and everyone. This is something that the UN is getting involved in and other countries have already been affected. Obama is trying to get the United States to participate.

PLEASE take a moment to read her post. This is important!

Blessings,
Daughter of the King

How does your garden grow?

2009-03-26T10:17:00.003-04:00

Here's an update to our garden:
We have already received our seeds and have started them. We now have some nice plants going and will be able to plant them in a couple of weeks when the threat of frost is over with.

To see what our Spring Garden Plan is please go here

We ended up not ordering broccoli but did end up ordering a few extra things.

Here is what else we will be planting:

Garlic (1 bulb to make many little plants)
Strawberries -- one of those round 2 tiered strawberry plant things with the sprinkler in the middle (from gurneys.com) Comes with 50 ozark beauties (can't wait to make strawberry jam-pies-bread-short cake, etc.)
Rhubarb (to go with the strawberries)
2 Elderberry bushes
4 Apple trees (2 of Pixie Crunch and 2 of Apple Goldrush)
Blueberry bush (great for pies, pancakes, muffins, etc. and rich in Anti-oxidants!)

All of the above are either waiting to be shipped or are in transit as we speak. We have determined where our Elderberry bushes and trees are going to go but the blueberry, Rhubarb, and strawberries are still a mystery but we will figure it out.

If you are planning a garden please leave me a comment with your link and I will post them for others to see.

Blessings,

Micki

Week 4 Home Managment Schedule

2009-03-23T10:30:00.002-04:00

MONDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Stove & Oven
PROJECTS: Organize Catch All Cabinet

TUESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Bedroom Surfaces
PROJECTS: Organize Girl's bedroom

WEDNESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Toilets
PROJECTS: Organize Mudroom Cabinets/Drawers & Windex washer/dryer

THURSDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Vacuum Under Furniture
PROJECTS: Organize Girls Clothes/Closet

FRIDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Organize art supplies, etc.
PROJECTS: ?

Sewing & SquigglyTwigs Design Blog

2009-03-17T12:31:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting to learn to sew. I get a wealth of hand me down clothes for my girls of which I am ever so grateful and my girls are always well dressed but I have been wanting to supplement with other clothing as well. Thus the reason to want to start sewing.

I have the desire to provide something for my children made with my own hands and now I have that opportunity (because of the desire and the generous loaning of my father-in-laws sewing machine).

So I found this great sewing blog that has just started up and she is trying to get the word out. In helping her get the word out I have the chance to win a free pattern. What I would like to ask you: Whether you like to sew or not please stop by SquigglyTwigs Designs and help me win a free pattern. Leave a comment for her (say what you would like to but mention you found out about her site through "Front Porch Ponderings author Daughter of the King". I would be ever so grateful because she has more patterns she will be posting of which I have seen pics of and they are so cute!

So take a look and help your good ole buddy ole pal here!

Blessings,

Daughter of the King

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-03-17T10:31:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY March 17, 2009...

Outside my window... I see the sun shining with the promise of a warmer day of around 68. Great playing outside weather for my children (sick or not).

I am thinking... of all the things that I want to get done around the house and outside and becoming a bit overwhelmed again. There is just so much to do. So much stuff that I have collected over time (like country/primitive decos, etc.) thinking oh that looks so cute I'll get it just in case I need it and then I just don't have the room for it. So I need to PURGE! I need to clean up and get rid of stuff! Just need to get started! Pray for me!

I am thankful for... My husband has a very good job and I am able to stay at home with our children.

From the learning rooms... They worked on starfall.com this morn already and played with playdough. Later because of the sickies they might color or something like that.

From the kitchen... I still have to work on my menu for the week plus I need to clean up my desk and work on my Home Mgmt Binder which is kept there.

I am wearing... A green shirt (has nothing to do with St. Patty's day). I just happened to pull that out of the drawer this morning first thing. An ankle length jean skirt (my favorite kind) and brown socks that my hubby and daughter got me for Christmas. My waist length hair is wound tight into a bun literally right on top of my head (I just put it up there a little too high but didn't feel like redoing). Well I've come back to this because the bun on top of the head was adding to the already hurting head I have so now it is in a braid down the middle of my back.

I am creating... Our Ladies Ministry "Reflections" Newsletter which will be published in time for Resurrection Sunday for all in the church plus visitors. My real goal is to try and have it done by April 11 as we will be having our "Sunday Is Coming" play and will have visitors come to that. I am also working on the Ladies Day of Renewal blog, check it out here Ladies Day of Renewal 2009.

I am going... Nowhere! I was hoping to go again to church tonight where we are having a marriage enrichment class until Wednesday. I loved last night as he was very funny and his teaching was so down to earth and understandable. The unfortunate thing is 2 of my children woke up this morning sick. One threw up once but now has diarrhea and the other is just throwing up. No fever just sick. I also have a cough and a little bit of sinus pressure and chest congestion and my ears are a little tingly? So all in all we will be staying home tonight so as to not infect anyone else.

I am reading... The same book, the Stonewyke Trilogy - very far and few between and trying to get back into reading my Bible full time. I have partnered with a friend so that we can hold each other accountable and we will be study the Titus 2 woman (we are doing this in our Ladies Group as well). She is the same friend that I was supposed to be encouraging and calling weekly to make sure she was reading and studying her Bible. Well I have kinda dropped off from what I am supposed to be doing so we are working together to get back on track.

I am hoping... To be a good encouragement to my friend in this Bible study and also to my dearest friend, Sherice in her time of need right now with the struggles she has going on in her life right now.

I am hearing... my dishwasher running which always makes me feel good because I know my kitchen is cleaned up.

Around the house... It is a bit of a mess. I have clean clothes in my bedroom that need folding because it got washed last week but then it got neglected due to the baby shower (which BTW was a great success-she was blessed with so much stuff - 2 cars full of bags of stuff and diapers galore.) I have toys that still need to be sorted to get ready for my yard sale that I want to hold the first weekend in May.

One of my favorite things... Is having HEALTHY children (myself included)

A few plans for the rest of the week... Tomorrow is supposed to be a high of 68 again but rainy. I hope this changes because I would love for the kids to be able to go outside again.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Our new playset which we purchased with our tax refund. The children really needed something to play on and they have already had a blast on this the past couple of days (it took my husband from around 2 until dark on Thursday, daylight to dark on Friday with some help from his Dad, daylight to dark by himself on Saturday, and daylight to dark on Sunday by himself to get it done.) The reviews are great on this set but everyone did say that I took forever to get it up but it is well worth the time invested in it when it is all put together. Hubby, myself, and children all agree as we all LOVE it!

BTW-these are not my children, it is a pic from http://www.samsclub.com/ where we purchased it.

Week 3 Home Managment Schedule

2009-03-16T10:30:00.003-04:00

MONDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Microwave
PROJECTS: Organize Desk & Home Management Binder

TUESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Bathroom Counters
PROJECTS: Organize Son's bedroom

WEDNESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Showers/Tubs
PROJECTS: Organize Guest Bath Cabinets & wipe down front

THURSDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Vacumm edges & corners
PROJECTS: Organize Sons Clothes/Closet

FRIDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Organize desk drawers (upstairs and in basement)
PROJECTS: Organize Hubby's office area & my craft area

Updated Menu Plan Monday 3/9/09

2009-03-09T11:29:00.005-04:00

Things have changed a bit due to the week being a bit busy and having company Sunday we used some of the meat planned for this week.

Monday: Baked Chicken with stewed tomatoes served with "Spinach & Rice Casserole", salad and Garlic Butter on Biscuits

Tuesday: Leftover Beef Roast with Green Beans and Baked Macaroni and Cheese (and leftover biscuits if there are any left)

Wednesday: Freezer Meal: Soup Beans w/Ham and corn bread (and if I can make it to the store - Fried potatoes and Greens)

Thursday: Freezer Meal: Cheesy Bean & Beef Burritos and Spanish Rice (beans and beef are frozen-all other items will be made to order)

Friday: Crock-pot Italian Marinated Pork Chops with leftover Spinach & Rice Casserole and Broccoli w/cheese (Family fun night has to be moved to Saturday so that we can decorate for shower)

Saturday: LUNCH: Vegetable Beef Soup w/grilled cheese sandwiches (This is for baby shower but hubby and children will partake of this bounty as well)

DINNER: Family Fun Night - I'm going to be exhausted so we will ORDER pizza

Sunday: Leftovers and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Week 2 Home Management Schedule

2009-03-09T10:11:00.004-04:00

MONDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: WEEK 1 & 2: Upright Fridge/Freezer & Chest Freezer - I did this Saturday-I took everything out and threw away trash like old grocery bags, old food, etc. Then I inventoried everything before putting it back in an organized manner.

PROJECTS (15-30 minutes): WEEK 1: Organize Pantry AND WEEK 2: Organize Cabinet above desk (cookbooks, etc.)

I am listing week 1 & 2 because last week I didn't get to these 2 things and I wanted to make sure that they got done (I don't want to wait another month)

TUESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Kitchen Table (top, cracks, legs, chairs)
PROJECTS: Clean walls, switches, and light fixtures

WEDNESDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Bathroom Sinks
PROJECTS: Organize Master Bath Cabinets & wipe down front

THURSDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Bathroom Floor details (master & guest)
PROJECTS: Clean Doors & Frames

FRIDAY:
FOCUS CLEANING: Clean Windows
PROJECTS: Organize books, CD's, DVD's, videos, etc.

2009-03-09T10:00:00.004-04:00

For Today, March 9, 2009...

This is week 2 for my Home Managment Schedule.

Outside my window... It is wet and 39 degrees. My little plastic table that has removeable legs is upside down with 1 leg off to the right in the grass. The large and heavy plastic frog and concrete bunny rabbit that was sitting on top is now sitting on my patio.

I am thinking... I have a lot to do this this week because on Saturday I'm giving a baby shower for my niece. It is so hard to believe that she is going to have a baby at almost 16 (and since getting pregnant she and her boyfriend have gotten saved). They deserve to have a good baby shower because this may be her only one so I want it to be special for them. So far we have RSVP about 70 people (I really don't know if that many will show but we have to be prepared!)

I am thankful for... my hubby. He is a wonderful man, wonderful provider, wonderful Daddy, wonderful everything. I am so glad that God brought us together.

I moved here from Louisiana to move "home" with my parents. I say "home" because I'm an Air Force brat and never stayed in one place too long. My parents moved back to their home state after retiring from Air Force then truck driving. When I was down on my "luck" (don't believe in luck) I thought I'd move here to be with them and refocus my life and maybe go back to school. This was all at the prompting of an ex-boyfriend who moved to California while I was in Louisiana.

So I moved back "home" and severed just about all ties with my past (I still keep in touch with an old boss/friend from when I was an Asst. Mgr. for a Things Remembered store in Baton Rouge. If your interested in purchasing some beautifully engraved gifts check out her website http://www.cnsdirect.com/).

So long story short-I moved here on Feb 2, met my husband on Feb 14 at a Church Valentine Dinner. He called me later that week and during our conversation I realized his commitment to the Lord and I decided that was what was missing in my life as well. So I decided to rededicate my life to the Lord after our conversation.

We had a whirlwind romance and on April 19 (2 months and 5 days after meeting) we were married. I knew it was meant to be when we went together to the altar for prayer (as we always did) with no clue as to what was about to happen on Wednesday, March 19. That night at church after preaching we went to the altar for prayer (as we always had) and when the Pastor came to us for our turn at prayer request hubby nervously looked at both of us (we were already kneeling) and he, right-then-and-there, asked me to marry him. I knew then his dedication to God, his dedication to me, and dedication to our future as a married couple as we were going to follow the leading of the Lord in our marriage. (BTW-he had been acting real nervous and come to find out he had already asked my Dad's permission to marry me. I had told him during our dating that when I marry my soon-to-be-groom needed to ask my Dad for my hand in marriage and he listened. I had a lot more admiration and respect added to how I already felt for him when I found out he had did that). So we are soon to be married for 12 years.

From the learning rooms...(if this applies) The children right now are playing dress-up. For later I will have them do some Table-Time activities like pegs, playdough, magnets, etc. I will have my girls work on the computer on http://www.starfall.com/ to practice their phonics.

From the kitchen... This morning we had leftover eggs and oatmeal with fresh toast. I had 2 cups of coffee. I also have to bake 2 more loaves of bread today for this weeks meals. I plan on today redoing my pantry (didn't get to do it last week and it needs done) and organizing the cabinet above my desk (I may work on my desk too)

I am wearing... a flared just-below the knee blue jean skirt with a cream colored print shirt that has a rust color butterfly on it with a lot of French words.

I am creating... a mess of thoughts in my mind trying to figure out how I'm going to get everything accomplished.

I am going... to try and keep it all organized so that I stay motivated because when I get too overwhelmed I tend to "shut down". I kinda just curl up within myself and try to shut the chaos out. I can't do this I have to tackle it all one by one and get the job done. Hey I rhymed. :) Hee Hee

I am reading... Still the Stonewycke triology. Didn't read much last week as I was awfully busy. I did not get to read my Bible today but am going to try to get some reading in tonight before bed.

I am hoping... to get to the grocery store one day this week without my children so that I can stock up for the next 2 weeks.

I am hearing... The nature sounds on my blog playing right now. I love these sounds because it makes me feel like I'm outside enjoying God's beautiful creation.

Around the house... I have things that need to be done but I'm still on this computer trying to get this post finished.

One of my favorite things... is having a clean an organized house. Which is usually far and few between during the winter months but I'm getting the Spring fever to get going fresh this year (a lot of people feel this in January but mine doesn't set in until the weather gets warm outside). I want to purge all of the unused stuff and get ready for my late spring yard sale to earn a little bit of cash and to make my house feel less cluttered.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I am going to be consumed with organizing my house and finalizing this baby shower.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Here is the Mommy and Daddy to be come April ...

The T-Shirt she has on is a reminder to Michigan Wolverine Fans that Ohio State Buckeye's are the best!

MENU PLAN MONDAY

2009-03-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

Monday: Italian Night (I have a bag of Spinach Alfredo dip that I have to use-Have to come up with some sort of recipe here) along with Salad and Garlic Toast

Tuesday: Beef Roast with Roasted Root Veggies (potatoes/carrots/onions/celery root/turnips/beets)

Wednesday: Vegetable Beef Soup (I plan to try my hand at canning the leftovers on Thursday) and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Thursday: Navy Beans with Smoked Sausage Fried Potatoes and Greens and Corn

Friday: Family Fun Night - going to make pizza again.

Saturday: LEFTOVERS

Sunday: Leftover Vegetable Beef Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

MENU PLAN MONDAY

2009-03-02T13:20:00.003-05:00

This menu will include this past weekend:

Saturday: Potato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (made on Ezekiel Sprouted bread)

Sunday: Leftovers of Potato Soup with sandwiches (ham and Organic aged cheddar cheese on homemade wheat bread-yummy good!)

Monday: BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches (on homemade wheat bread) with Roasted Ranch Potatoes and Steamed Veggies

Tuesday: Cube Steak with Mashed Taters and Gravy and Steamed Veggies

Wednesday: Leftover Potato Soup made into Broccoli/Ham/Potato/Cheese Soup

Thursday: Baked Pork Chops with leftover Potatoes (roasted ranch and/or mashed taters) and Steamed Green Beans

Friday: Family Fun Night - we usually order pizza but that is getting EXPENSIVE! I'm going to try and make one.

Saturday: LEFTOVERS

Sunday: Baked Chicken with Seasoned Wild Rice and Succatash

My Life is not perfect but it can be!

2009-03-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

I have to get back in the groove of life. I have been so blah-seh, blah-seh about life these past few months (I would venture to say almost a depressive state on the inside but don't know why and going through the motions on the outside). I can't be this way anymore! My children and my husband deserve better.

So to get started I have to get back into reading the word every morning (yes-I am not perfect just forgiven). This blog was created to be an encouragment to others striving to be a Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 woman but what is more encouraging to know that I'm just like you? I'm not perfect and right now I am picking myself up, dusting myself off, and will continue down that path that God wants me to be since I have lapsed in my pursuit. So on that note, I have to get myself and my children on a schedule. I have to get them going with sit down at the table school, etc. etc.! I'm tired of the bickering, hitting, disobedience and most of all MY LAZINESS!

So to start my week off I decided to do the Simple Woman's Daybook to ponder my day and weekdays to come. Also to get on track I'm going to try real hard to supply my Menu for the week (Menu Plan Monday). This is for those interested out there but mainly for me to get a schedule going. And then I'm going to try and work on my Home Management Schedule (see sidebar).

So to get started here is:

FOR TODAY March 2, 2009...

Outside my window... The sun is shining and I see a lone bird off in the distance trying to find it's prey. Their is a smidgen of snow on the ground and the temperature is 11 degrees. If I didn't know it was 11 degrees I would say it could be a spring day.

I am thinking... I can't wait until Spring (actually warm temps). My mom lives in OK and they are expecting the temp to be in the 70/80's this weekend. Their daffodils are already blooming. Sigh ...

I am thankful for... To be back home after a 2 week "sabbatical". I am getting back in the groove of my Home Management today.

From the learning rooms... Children will work on threading beads, pegs, counting bears, playdough, and some other activity.

From the kitchen... Going to work on getting my routine back in place:

LAUNDRY: As much washing as I can do today

LIGHT CLEAN: Kitchen Appliances (stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer)

FOCUS CLEANING:WEEK 1: Upright Fridge/Freezer

PROJECTS (15-30 minutes) Organize Pantry and a few other projects to get myself back on track (I always have tons but if I limit it to 15-30 mins it doesn't seem so overwhelming).

If you would like to see what the rest of my week will be like please see sidebar for Home Management Schedule. This is NOT set in stone but I will try to follow as much as possible.

I am wearing... An ankle length blue jean skirt that buttons up the front and is very roomy, a red 3/4 length sleeve red t-shirt with a red rhinestone heart on the front and my new for Christmas black houseshoes (when I'm done typing this I'm going to get on a pair of socks also-my feet are cold!)

I am creating... My weekly routine schedule again. See side bar for Home Management Schedule. I am also working on the Menu plan.

In addition I am working on 2 cookbooks. One that will have menu plans (for the simple woman like me) along with recipes and the other will be Hotel living menu plan and recipes (will include shopping lists, etc.) These are all in the works but won't be finished for some time.

I am going... to work hard at getting myself back on track!

I am reading... What am I not reading? Oh yeah that's right, the Bible, the most important book I SHOULD be reading on a daily basis. I am going to get back into my daily routine. I used to get up at 5 and read/study before my children and husband woke up but since Christmas I have just not been doing it and have been quite lazy, sleeping until the last moment before I have to get up and make hubby's lunch and breakfast for all.

What I HAVE been reading other than the Bible is:

--For Reading Enjoyment: "The Stonewycke Triology" (Christian Historical Romance) by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella

--For Enrichment: "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet" Spirit by Teri Maxwell (ww.titus2.org)

--For Training: "Raising Godly Tomatoes" by L. Elizabeth Krueger -- this book you can read right online or you can purchase the hard back book.

What I want to start reading this week:

--For Training: "Keeping Our Children's Hearts: Our Vital Priority" by Steven and Teri Maxwell

--For Home Managment: "Managers of their Homes" by Steven and Teri Maxwell (to help with my home managment getting back on tract thinking)

--For the Garden: "Great Green book of Garden Secrets" by Jerry Baker (I just ordered the seeds for the garden and this book tells you how to GO GREEN by using natural fertilizers/pesticides, etc. so that we can have this garden as much non-certified organic/natural as possible)

I am hoping... That God will strengthen me and help me overcome my laziness so that I can get back on track. Please pray for me.

I am hearing... The fireplace blower of which I think I need to add more wood because it still seems awfully cool in here (yep, it is 69 degrees when usually with the fireplace it is between 72-75 degrees)

Around the house... I have a lot of clutter that I need to tackle. I'm getting the spring fever where I just want to start pitchin everthing. Of course I don't mean that literally. I have my keep, sell, toss boxes and started yesterday with my bedroom (my children were sick so we stayed home from church). It felt really good to purge! Along with my Home Management Scheudle I also want to start every Friday the "31 Thing Fling". In addition to that I also want to take up "Organized Junkie's Monthly Organizing Round-Up". Check these 2 things out. This will help me tame that Ugly Clutter Monster that seems to keep taking over my house!

One of my favorite things... to hear quiet in the house when my children are playing nicely together.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work on my daily schedule (please see sidebar for Home Managment Schedule)

Here is picture thought I am sharing... In honor of my Great-Grandfather Earl Gooding who passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 94. I'm standing next to my Grandpa and this is his Dad, my Great-Grandpa.

Saturday - Home Management Schedule

2009-03-02T12:12:00.002-05:00

Saturday's To Do

This is a light day

--Prepare Sunday School lesson
--Organize Purse & Diaper Bag
--Organize Shoe & Coat Closet
--Clean out vehicles (Spring, Summer, Early Fall)
--Work on Garden (Spring, Summer, Early Fall)
--Work on Garden Planning (Late Fall, Winter)

Spend Day with Family

Friday - Home Management Schedule

2009-03-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

Friday's To Do

LAUNDRY: All Bedding (Air Out/Febreeze Mattresses)

CLEAN: School Room & Office--Clean off tops of desks--Organize inside of desks--Straighten/Organize Bookshelves--Plan & Organize next weeks lessons

FOCUS CLEANING:
WEEK 1: Vacuum cobwebs in corners/rafters
WEEK 2: Clean Windows
WEEK 3: Organize desk drawers
WEEK 4: Organize art supplies, etc.
(WEEK 5: Sort, send, sell storage tub items)

PROJECT (15-30 minutes):
WEEK 1: Sort Toys
WEEK 2: Organize books, CD's, DVD's, videos, etc.
WEEK 3: Organize Hubby's office area
WEEK 4: ?
(WEEK 5: ?)

Thursday - Home Management Schedule

2009-03-02T12:02:00.002-05:00

THURSDAY'S TO DO

LAUNDRY: Throw Rugs

CLEAN: Floors (sweep/mop) and Vacuum all carpet

FOCUS CLEANING (get corners w/toothbrush):
WEEK 1: Kitchen Floor details (under fridge, stove, in pantry, laundry room)
WEEK 2: Bathroom Floor details (master & guest)
WEEK 3: Vacumm edges & corners
WEEK 4: Vacuum Under Furniture
(WEEK 5: Extra Yearly Focus)

PROJECT (15-30 minutes):
WEEK 1: Clean High Chair Thorougly
WEEK 2: Clean Doors & Frames
WEEK 3: Organize Sons Clothes/Closet
WEEK 4: Organize Girls Clothes/Closet
(WEEK 5: Organize my closet)

Wednesday's - Home Management Schedule

2009-03-02T11:18:00.004-05:00

Wednesday's To Do

LAUNDRY: Towels & Washclothes

LIGHT CLEAN: Sinks - Bathtubs/Showers - Toilets

FOCUS CLEANING (this means scrub-a-dub-dub from top to bottom and everything in between):
WEEK 1: Kitchen Sink
WEEK 2: Bathroom Sinks
WEEK 3: Showers/Tubs
WEEK 4: Toilets
(WEEK 5: Extra Yearly Focus)

PROJECT (15-30 minutes):
WEEK 1: Bleach Tile Grout in Bathrooms
WEEK 2: Organize Master Bath Cabinets & wipe down front
WEEK 3: Organize Guest Bath Cabinets & wipe down front
WEEK 4: Organize Mudroom Cabinets/Drawers & Windex washer/dryer
(WEEK 5: Organize Mudroom Shelves)

Tuesday - Home Management Schedule

2009-03-02T11:15:00.002-05:00

TUESDAY'S TO DO

LAUNDRY: Children

LIGHT CLEANING (Surfaces Wipedown/Dust)
Bedrooms: Dressers, Nightstands & Lamps, Beds, TV's & Stands
Bathrooms: Light Bar, toilet cabinet, sink/counter
Family/Living Area: End Tables, Coffee Table, TV & Stand
Kitchen: Countertops (lift up things and wipedown)

FOCUS CLEANING (remove everything and thorougly clean/disinfect):
WEEK 1: Kitchen Counters
WEEK 2: Kitchen Table (top, cracks, legs, chairs)
WEEK 3: Bathroom Counters
WEEK 4: Bedroom Surfaces
(WEEK 5: Extra Yearly Focus)

PROJECTS (15-30 minutes):
WEEK 1: Clean all indoor trash cans
WEEK 2: Clean walls, switches, and light fixtures
WEEK 3: Organize Son's bedroom
WEEK 4: Organize Girl's bedroom
(WEEK 5: Organize Master Bedroom)

Monday - Home Managment Schedule

2009-03-02T10:47:00.001-05:00

MONDAY'S TO DOLAUNDRY: Hubby's and My clothes

LIGHT CLEAN: Kitchen Appliances (stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer)

FOCUS CLEANING:
WEEK 1: Upright Fridge/Freezer
WEEK 2: Chest Freezer
WEEK 3: Microwave
WEEK 4: Stove & Oven
(WEEK 5: Extra Yearly Focus)

PROJECTS (15-30 minutes)
WEEK 1: Organize Pantry
WEEK 2: Organize Cabinet above desk (cookbooks, etc.)
WEEK 3: Organize Desk & Home Management Binder
WEEK 4: Organize Catch All Cabinet
(WEEK 5: Organize all other cabinets)