Friday's Fotos

Yay, it's Friday again! :o) One of my favorite days! We have had a good day thus far. The kids woke up a little grumpy from going to bed late. The fireplace really wouldn't get too warm this morning either, so it was a little bit cold. They didn't like that too much. :o) But, we have had fun today. Yesterday I caught up on laundry and dishes and so I have just hung out with the kids today. We have had a lot of fun being silly and it seems the Lord has just given me some extra *joy* today! I love Him so much!
Here are some pictures from our day or another day this week...

Emory, just coming inside, getting his creative juices flowing. *He favors me on this picture*

Erin, apprehensive about trying mom's new breakfast dish, Apple Dumplings. *Also looking like childhood mom in this picture*


New recipe, Apple Dumplings (from Amish cookbook)---they took a while to make but I would say they were worth it.

Erin, looking especially beautiful, before leaving for church.

Daddy, aka "scratching tree", tells the continuing saga of SeeMore and SeeLess, Raunchy and Nasty Skunk Family. :o)



It may be corny to post a pic of my laundry detergent, but my mom gave me this--she ordered a case--yay, I won't have to make any for a while! It is, of course, natural and it has a smell! That's the exciting part! :)


This is an awesome picture Emory drew today--probably my favorite so far! These are outer space creatures from the planet RobotLand. You can see WooWee, Gus, and a GeeBer, and a few more that hadn't been named yet (at this drawing). My favorite character is the alien over on the lower left. He comes out of the crater and that is his smile face he is holding. He has taken his smiley face off at this drawing. The alien on the planet at the top is sliding down the ring. That is Earth on the right. Pretty imaginative, huh? He took me on a 'tour' of this drawing and I was so amazed.

Erin's new puppy, Gabby. This is the 3rd Gabby we've had, so I hope that name doesn't bring bad luck. She is the sweetest puppy and is so clean and cuddly. We got her last night. She was supposed to be a Christmas present, but my dad got it for her and told her early. She is a Rat Terrier. That was what our previous dog was and she was the *best* with kids.






Just wanted to show off my holiday shirt! :o) It is so comfy and cute. I got it for about $4.00 at a burnt out type store. :o)

"The Mouse takes the....er...mouse" I don't know what the thing above is...a decorative cloud, maybe?? Another creative masterpiece today. :o)

About to attempt a nap--that is cake batter on her face. I made a cake (sort of like Red Velvet Cake) to take to a very sweet elderly man from our church because he has been really sick. They had fun eating the icing on the beaters.

Now I must do a few things before the really cold temps come down hard (22 degrees tonight). I also need to icing the cake. Hope you had a fun Friday and enjoyed my photo tutorial!PS. Sorry no pics of Ev Man--he was sorta sick today and wasn't feeling well, so I somehow didn't snap pics of him. He has a new haircut and is looking esp boyish, so I'll try to get him a shot on here.

Thursday's Tip--Advent Activity

Today I thought I'd share an activity I wanted to do last year but didn't have the time (due to my non Stay-at-Home status). You might enjoy doing this with your family as well. I can't wait to get started.

Matchbox Advent Calendar

You will need:

• a lot of match boxes• strong glue• spray paint• colorful paper• numerical stickers• advent activities, sweets or trinkets to put inside (optional)

Directions

1. Glue together 24 matchboxes to form a bank of drawers.

2. Paint or decorate around the outside of the boxes.

3. Glue small rectangles of colorful paper to the match box drawers (can use a scrapbooking page).
4. Number the drawers and pop your advent activities inside each of them. (To make them easier to open, you can use paper fasteners or glued-on buttons instead of numbers)

*Pictures and activity from KidCraftWeekly.com

Some Advent ideas are:

1. Put up Christmas tree

2. Make Christmas ornaments (I'm thinking of maybe something edible??)

3. Bake Christmas cookies (we'll probably do this several times)

4. Purchase a toy to send to a needy person or give to a charity (I thought about looking into doing a shoebox full of toys to send to a child or organization)

5. Have a picnic

6. Go out looking at Christmas lights after dark

7. Write a letter to Santa (If I do this I make sure my children understand that Santa is not real because I do not lie to my children or mislead them)

8. Sleep in the living room in front of the Christmas tree & fireplace

9. Watch a Christmas movie (can do this more than once)

10. Play games all evening

11. Bake something for Great grandparents and go visit them

12. Sing Christmas songs by guitar music

13. Make homemade hot chocolate with peppermint or cinnamon sticks

14. Take the kids to the mall to see Christmas decorations and to ride the carousel

15. Read the Christmas story and watch the movie about it (we have one)

16. Make a cake for Jesus' birthday

I'm about out of ideas for now and if you have any to share, please let me know! I would love to hear some of your ideas or traditions.

hope you enjoy the craft. I'm already enjoying listening to Christmas music all day as we are going about our daily routine.

Have a great day--I have a messy house to tackle! :o)

What Went on Wednesday..

Got up: 6:40am...I slept a little later today because my husband had to go out of town, so he left about 4:30am...needless to say, I *didn't* get up that early..I had ironed for him the night before.

Had my quiet time...read from Acts 19-20...loving Acts...so appreciate the disciples' (esp Paul's) dedication to telling others about Christ, amidst persecution.

Had just enough time to get some wood from the woodpile and go to the mailbox to mail some letters (it was COLD doing all of this) before child #1 woke up (Erin) immediately followed by child #2 (Evan). The rest of the morning prior to Child #3 waking up (Emory) was spent folding and putting away laundry, rebooting laundry, hanging up laundry, etc. I'm still not caught up, but things are better.

Breakfast was: Waffles...they were soo good, but I made half the recipe and *I* ended up with only a tiny waffle. I had forgotten that I'm fixing Evan his own food now on his own plate so that made up an extra waffle. :o) Oh, and a small tip inserted here: If you're like me and don't like *artificial* foods, then you probably stay away from pancake syrups (read: high fructose corn syrup). I've always bought Maple Syrup, but it is soooo expensive. Last time I grocery shopped, I got Pure Cane Syrup instead because it was $2 and some change cheaper. It is really good and not much difference in taste than the maple syrup--maybe just a bit bolder in flavor, not as sweet. Anyway, just thought I'd share that.

After breakfast, the kids made their beds and got dressed. I made a big batch of chili and got a shower while the kids watched a bit of educational cartoons. I made a feeble effort to wash some dishes, but that didn't get far. :o)

Now, here's the good part: I met 2 other friends for a breadmaking bash. We met at our church's fellowship hall, ate chili, and baked 4 loaves of bread. My kids played with their kids (well, one friend has a 7 month old, so he slept mostly) the whole time--in the church gym--so it was so nice to talk and bake our bread. This was sort of a tutorial for them and their bread turned out better than mine! :o) Beginner's luck! :o) J/K. Wish I had pics to share, my batteries had died in my camera. Anyway, it was fun and we had a good time. I talked to one of the gals (my pastor's wife who is becoming a great friend!) and she said that a whole loaf was already eaten by tonight! :o)

The kids had so much fun playing with her kids so they were really tired tonight at church. Emory wrote a love note to the little girl he played with, Maddie. :o) I think he may have a crush! :o) Anyway, my mom took them home with her tonight, so I'm looking forward to another cleaning/organizational project tomorrow! Be sure to come by to see what I'm up to! Have a great night!

Tuesday's Topic--Early Mornings

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:15
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 20:13

I'm really not sure what to title this, but what I want to talk about probably briefly is the need for mothers to get up early for various reasons. First of all, I don't want to sound like I've done this for ages, because I haven't. Several months ago, after feeling frustrated about not getting my quiet time done and always behind on housework, I felt the Lord leading me to get up earlier. I tried it for a week or so and it was wonderful. I would get up around 5 or before even and have my quiet time & tea, etc. Well, old Satan can't stand progress so he slyly caused me to fall back into the old routine of just waking up with the kids, succumbing to the love of slumber.

Well, last week after having several bouts of frustration with not getting things done, including my quiet time, I felt the Lord gently reminding me about getting up early. It was like he was whispering, "5 oclock--you know what you need to do". So, we started it back again. I am so enjoying my quiet time and the Lord has been so near to me this week. I don't get too much done, housework wise, but I do get my prayer and Bible reading done. My husband gets his clothes ironed and....ahem...breakfast! :o) Every morning, the Lord reassures me that I'm doing the right thing--this is the right thing. It is SO worth the sleep missed to sit alone, well, me & God, reading his Word, sipping my coffee, and getting the fire going for my family.

So, are you up to the challenge of getting up early? I feel like this will become a habit for me that I'll follow for the rest of my life. I pray that I don't let Satan subtely lull me back to the routine of sleep. For you know he doesn't barge in on anything, he *lulls* you into something where you don't really see him moving in. He is so sly, isn't he? But, God is so good to be so mindful of us. He shows us a better way.

Well, off to do the chores with the kids, make dinner, do our schoolwork, and have rest time. The afternoon will be so full.

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday. We are enjoying our fireplace today and having children's Christmas music playing from WebRadio. I have bread making in my breadmaker (an early Christmas present from my in-laws) and the childrens' laundry in the washing machine. Currently, Evan is taking everything out of my wallet, so I'd better attend to that. :o)

Making my House a Haven... (pictures added)

Several bloggers at whom I visit are hosting a week of "Making your House a Haven". This theme focuses on tackling spots in your home that are untidy, have been ignored, and so forth.
My mom has the kids today so I thought it would be a great time for me to participate. I *will* have *before* and *after* pictures. You won't want to miss those! LOL I have to be very brave and transparent in front of you to post these *before* pictures. :o)

Here is my schedule for today:

7:00 up, coffee in hand, settled in chair for my Bible reading, Acts 4-6, prayer time DONE (it was about 7:20 before I made it to the chair, and I didn't get my Bible reading finished before I had children in my lap, but I did finish reading it, it was really good this morning. I also prayed with the children around me, which was fine because Emory was feeling sick and wanted me to pray with him. I think it does them good to see me pray in front of them some times)
8:00-9:00 getting kids ready to go to mom's, taking them, etc.
9:10-10:00 settled at the computer for a few minutes of blogging, surfing (I did get my water distiller going and fed the cats)
10:00-11:00 general cleaning which includes: washing dishes, tidying kitchen, making beds, general straightening and getting laundry going DONE..didn't get much straightening done and I'm still continually working on the laundry
11:00-12:00 Project One: My porch--pictures to be added later (you don't want to miss those Before pictures--I cleaned my van out last Monday and just about everything is on the porch, not to mention it hasn't been swept much lately, out of sight, out of mind, ya know? Well, it's the first thing my guests see when they come in the house. Yikes. Well, good thing I rarely have guests, huh?) :o) DONE, took about an hour...I cleaned off the porch, watered the almost dead plant that I repotted Tuesday, swept the sidewalk, and even put some pinestraw in the awful nonexistent flowerbed
12:00-12:15 Lunch break (will be leftover Split Pea Soup from last night, yum!) DONE..the soup was delish and I was famished. I took a longer lunch break because my cousin was over using the internet to job hunt. I visited with him for a few minutes extra
12:15-1:00 Project Two: Linen closet--okay, this closet hasn't been TOUCHED since we moved here almost 4 years ago. It was designed to be a linen closet (right by the bathroom) but during the remodeling (4 years ago) it was just a quick place to put leftover paint cans, tools, wood glue, etc. Then, we when decided to remodel our master bathroom (nearby) about a year ago, it became a good place to shove some of the stuff from it into. Today I plan to transform it into that Linen closet that I so envision. I do have a good excuse for not doing it sooner. During naptime (when I would have time to tackle such a project) we always have a baby lying down in our room which is adjacent the linen closet. DONE, this took about an hour, but I was late getting started...I'm REALLY proud of this project..because while the porch has only been that messy for about a week, this closet has been this messy forever!
1:00-2:00 Project Three: The extra bedroom--this room has NEVER been really clean since we moved here 4 years ago. It used to be my husband's grandmother's room when this house was her's and I know the Lord doesn't let her see it from heaven because it would probably make her sad. :o( So, Nanny, today, I hope I can make you proud. I seriously doubt that I can get this room finished in an hour, but I'll try. I have been waiting until I could buy some more Rubbermaid containers because mostly this room is filled with clothes that are too little or too big. This room is the next room we will remodel because with our growing family, we need another workable bedroom. I hope before too long I can post a newly remodeled picture of this bedroom. The paneling will have to go, the ceiling redone, and the floor covering gone. It seriously needs leveling as well. Well, that's for another time...anyway... DID NOT GET DONE...ran out of time..I would work on it this evening, but I've got piano lessons. I *may* get to it tonight, we'll see.
2:00-3:00 Project Four: The Budget--Oh, I am such a failure in this area. I. seriously. *stink*. in this area of my housewifery. I will do a budget about a week after my honey gets paid. By then most of the money is gone and I'm catching up to see what is left. Okay, transparent here. LOL. Anyway, my hardworking honey gets paid tomorrow, so I plan to do the budget TODAY and also organize the bills, throw away junk mail, etc. You probably won't get a picture of this. :o)
Well, that's my day. I plan to be working my behind off. So, if I'm going to get to enjoy a few moments of computer time, I better get off MY blog. :o) Just about to work on...I have 30 minutes, so I probably won't get completely finished. I will just do the budget and not worry about organizing my bill container.
Love to all my dear readers. Come back to see the before and after pictures. You won't want to miss them. :o)

Before and After of the porch:

Before and After of the entrance: (That is panties by the door, btw..Erin brought them to me after having a 'go' in the yard...lol...good thing we live in the country, huh?)

Before and After of the Door leading to the screen porch:

Before, During, and After of the closet:

That's all...:o)

Tuesday's Topic--Children's Chores

It's been a long time since I posted on a topic. Something that I wanted to share today was chores for your children.

Do your children do chores around the house? Do you find yourself just doing it yourself because it takes to long for them to do it or to show them how? Could you use some extra help with little small jobs? Well, I have the answer? Assign these jobs to your children!

For about 3 weeks now, I have been assigning specific chores for my children. I made it interesting and they *almost* think it is fun. :o) Here's what I do:

I will go around the house and find 9 things that need doing. Examples are:

trash needing emptying

toys need picking up in certain rooms

books need picking up

puzzle pieces need to go back in ziploc bags

dirty clothes need to go to hamper

couch/pillows need straightening up

table needs sweeping under

child's clothes needs hanging up or putting away in drawers

all shoes to be put away in closet

schoolwork and drawing papers to be put in a pile

Animals need to be fed, etc.

I write all the chores (I have a collection now and just put the appropriate ones in) down and put the slips of paper in a jar. Each child will *draw* for their chores. Each time they draw, they will go and do that chore and come back to get another, etc. Even Evan has one chore that he does (4 for Emory, 4 for Erin, and 1 for Evan). You can do this based on the age of the child. For example, a 2 year old could do 2 chores, 5 yr old, 5 etc.

It usually takes us about 30 minutes to do all the chores because I have to help them and guide them some.

Now, think that it will be better for me to just do it myself? Well, the first week was hard. I had to explain everything. How to put the clothes on the hangers and put them in the closet, how to arrange the pillows on the couch, etc. But, by this week, I have to do less and less explaining, esp because they are getting repetitive chores every day. Practice makes perfect. I envision that in 6 weeks, they can draw their chore, even read it themselves, and rush off and do it without my help.

If they do all their chores cheerfully and without complaint, they get to pick a piece of leftover Halloween candy. I will probably keep this up until the candy is gone and then they will just be expected to do the chore without a *tangible* reward. :o) Today, Emory didn't get candy because he did not pick up all the toys off of the bedroom floor. And then when I went in there to check on him, he was sitting on the bed, pouting. So, after the proper *training* method, he did the chore, but still didn't get any candy. :o)

My goal is hardworkers who work cheerfully. I do not want them to be my slaves and I will not treat them as such. But, everyone in the family should be required to do their share. It will make the family operate smoothly. If I start them young helping out then they won't look on it as work or drudgery. It will be a normal part of the day.

As for me, I'm still washing clothes, hanging out, dishes, cooking, etc., etc., :o) :o) Now, as they get older, it will be so nice to have a daughter stand beside me washing dishes and drying...:o)

What is your method or take on children doing chores?

Monday's My Day

Wondering about my day?

We didn't get up until 8ish and it was very cold inside, which made us want to stay in bed. I got up, donned my slippers and built a fire. We have some very good lighter so it didn't take long to get the fire blazing. I wandered around getting nothing done until 9 or so and was feeling so frustrated about not getting anything done. So, I put my clothes on, shoes, fixed my hair and made a list. Those things always help me get going! I made a list of all the things I wanted to get done and separated them into hour blocks. Dishes, washing/hanging out clothes, making tea was in the first hour while the kids played. Second hour was chores for the kids, getting dressed for the kids, and our devotion/story time. Third hour was going to the store, lunch, and making a cake for my Father-in-law. Fourth hour was schoolwork, blogging, and cleaning off the front porch. The only one I got to was schoolwork. :o)

After the kids were up I made the cake (see the picture), which is a carrot cake and turned out scrumptious!! I also made supper (pork chops, corn, string beans, and biscuits) which didn't turn out too good because I was busy with the cake and also rushing because I had a piano lesson at 6:15. After my piano lesson, we went up to my in laws and celebrated my FIL's 58th birthday. We had a good time and didn't leave until almost 10.

Erin found a really cold lizard today that let her keep it. We even found it this morning too and warmed it by the fire. Erin, the nature, animal lover! :o)

That was my day.....Busy as EVER, but rewarding.

Simple Saturday

Well, I'm posting this a little late, but never mind! :o) Hope you had a spendid Saturday--complete with all the good things that comes with having your family with you on Saturdays.

Just a few simple pictures from our Saturday...a simple meal of Chicken Fajitas that were delicious!! (new recipe) Also, several Saturdays I will be posting a picture of some of my favorite things. You want to do the same?

This is a tea set that I got at a yard sale a couple of months ago for $1.oo! No kidding! It is soo pretty and simple at the same time. My kitchen is painted the green color you see in the teapot, so it matches really well. I really love this tea set. It is one of the favorite things in my house.

Sorry the pics are soo blurry--I think my camera has gotten switched to a different setting by accident and I've got to figure out how to change it back!

More posting coming today, Lord willing...

Friday's Fotos

Some bubbalicious photos of my kiddos!

PS. Someone had left the top loose on my body wash (Burt's Bees..you know that stuff is not cheap) so it was all in the tub when we took a bath. We decided to have a little fun! :o)

Thursday's Tip--my bread recipe

I say "My" bread, but of course, I didn't invent it, the Amish did. :o)

Here it is and you can see what is left from yesterday out of one loaf.

Ingredients

2 cups warm water

2/3 cup white sugar

1 & 1/2 tbs active dry yeast

1 & 1/2 tps salt (don't skimp--I add a little extra b/c I use sea salt)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

6 cups AP or bread flour

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.

2. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth (I just knead it in the bowl, if it is large enough, it will do fine...flip over, knead with your knuckles and flip over, etc...). Place in a well oiled bowl and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. (I turn my stove on about 120 degrees..or the first setting while I'm making this and then turn it off when I put my bread in to rise..the stove will be nice and warm, but not too hot)

3. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well oiled 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Enjoy the yummy smell wafting from your oven!

Have a great Thursday--I'm off to our Homeschooling Thanksgiving Dinner in a bit. Gotta get the kiddos ready and mash up my potatoes on the stove. Today is a gorgeous day here--enjoy!!

What's going on Wednesday...

Let's see....

We are all doing really well, enjoying our favorite season. The kids are growing, playing, bringing such joy to my life that I can't explain adequately. This morning, Evan called to me from the bedroom to come get him (he can get down by himself, but for some reason he wants me to get him out of the bed in the mornings). He was sooo warm and snuggly. I couldn't help but kiss him a thousand times, it seemed. The kids and I got back into my warm bed and I read them a story. It was a very nice moment.

What's going on here....

Bathroom renovations....still. :o)

Daddy is busy working and coming home and working some more at times. We all look forward to his coming home in the evenings and sometimes a 'surprise' during the day.

I am, as usual, cooking, cleaning, washing, washing, and washing, diapering, clothing, mothering, training, teaching, nursing, and all the while praying that I'm doing and saying as I should to my precious ones. Today as I was outside toddling after my toddler, I couldn't help but offer hands raised in gratitude and thanksgiving for my being home with my children.

I am teaching piano lessons and am enjoying it thoroughly--I added two new students this week, making my total 6 or 7?? I get all of my lessons done on Thursday evenings so I don't feel like my time is taken from my children too much.

Emory is doing great in school. We cut back our subjects, 3 one day and the other 3 the next. Six subjects in one day was too much for him. This is working great for us.

Today I went outside to check on the children and he was raking leaves, putting them into the wheel barrow. He had also stacked some wood at the front door. He made his bed without my asking and cheerfully did his chores. I was so proud of and thankful for him.

Erin is my playful one. She wants to play all day--and she does mostly. She becomes really engrossed in play and will play for hours at the time. She still isn't interested in learning her letters and numbers. LOL

Evan is sitting down beside me, playing with my camera, saying, "Cheese". He is saying a LOT of words. He is a joy to train and teach to obey. He is doing great in our mini training sessions. He loves balls and trucks and loves to play hard. He loves outside and can now climb up the slide and down by himself.

Today I have been baking--baking 2 loaves of Chocolate chip Banana Nut Bread and 2 loaves of White Bread. The kids did their chores, I talked to my sister on the phone for a while, and washed the hubs clothes. We are settling in for our evening routine...time to wake up Erin and punch down my bread. Then it will be time to get ready for church.....

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday evening!

Monday's My Day

Hello, dear friends, how are things in your world? The weather has turned off crisp and very cool this evening. At this moment, I have my socked feet buried in between the couch cushions where they are searching for warmth. Don't you love the changing of the weather, though? It reminds me just how so not boring God is.
I suspect that we will fire up the logs tomorrow in our fireplace for our first fire of the cold snap. I love to have the wood-burning fire place going with the logs snapping in the heat. Oh my, it is going to be nice being home this winter, keeping the 'home fires' burning, coming in and drinking hot cocoa after playing outside with the kids, getting on a pot of soup and warm bread ready for supper, wiping cold, runny noses, getting to enjoy the Christmas tree all throughout the day, baking more Christmas goodies, getting ready for family and church get-togethers without having to rush, rush, rush, and fix something at the last minute. Yes, God has granted me the desire of my heart. Has He granted your's? Are you allowing Him--perhaps having a little faith in the matter? I pray you will. He would love to give you the desire of your heart, especially if it is the pleasure of your staying home with your precious jewels. In fact, if you're not staying home with your precious jewels, won't you pray and see if you are truly pleasing God in putting your children second best to your job? I did it--put them second-best--and it hurt so desperately for me to admit that--I tried every way to keep from admitting that they were second best. I loved them more than I did my job, but I was still not putting them first. I was with my job more than with my children. I was not even putting my husband first. I could not wash his clothes, cook his meals, be prepared as a wife as I needed to be for him and still be married to my job. I appreciate the Lord allowing me to have a wonderful job that I loved and so enjoyed, but I'm so glad that he gently tugged on me and invited me to come home. :o) He is so good. It is so good to be home.
Well, what went on at my home today? First of all, we got up around 8ish to a chilly morning. My wonderful husband took off today so he and his dad could speed up the bathroom renovations a little. It was so nice to have him home, even if he did spend more time with the bathtub than with me. :oP Just to have him around is so, so nice. They got to work pretty fast and I cooked them up some Oatmeal Muffins, which were so good. Mom volunteered to keep the children so I could help with the renovations, if needed, and also so Evan could nap (his sleeping area is right next to the bathroom). I got them seen off with mom and got started on my day. My house was near disaster, being Monday and all (Sunday is REST day..) so it took awhile just to straighten it up. I started with the Living room, taking stuff back to their proper rooms, fluffing the pillows, sweeping, and even mopping. Then I moved on to the Dining Room, doing the same. Next came the kitchen, where I washed dishes, wiped off the counters, and swept. By this time, it dinner-prep time, so I began getting ready. I made Meat Loaf and while that was cooking, I cut up potatoes for mashed potatoes. To finish it off, I warmed up some String Beans from yesterday's dinner, and cooked a pan of cornbread. We had Cherry Torte for dessert (also leftover). It was a satisfying meal and there wasn't much left! :oP We were glad to have my FIL eat with us. After dinner, I washed up the dishes, straightened up the kitchen, etc. You know today is Bed linens wash day, so all this time, I am washing bedclothes, hanging them out to dry (it was a wonderful day to hang out clothes), and putting them on the beds. Emory stayed today to 'help', so I did some schoolwork with him (having to 'motivate' him on several occasions). My mother-in-law came by to see the progress (which, indeed, involved putting the bathtub in the bathroom and doing some plumbing) and she helped me get the beds made and took Emory with her to her house. I put up my laundry from last Thursday (my clothes) and then worked on the kids' room for a while (it is always TERRIBLE on Monday). I finally called mom around 6 to see why she hadn't called, turns out she had been trying for a WHILE and the phone was dead, so it wasn't ringing. Anyway, I think she was initially upset, but she is over it now (can't help what can't be helped) and I got the kiddos back. Picked up Emory from his Cartoon daze (I was pretty upset at him because he was watching some teenage cartoons that we definitely don't let him watch) and brought him back home. I fixed Chocolate chip whole wheat pancakes for supper (pretty good--way too rich, IMO) and Erin and I had goat milk with ours (my mom is back getting goat milk for us..yay) which was pretty good after I strained the curdles out of it. :o)
Now, everyone is in bed (as they should seeing it is 12:00am) and the house is getting really cool. My house looks soo cozy this evening. It is really clean, the lamps are on, my children are sleeping peacefully, my husband loves me and is going to be so warm in the bed (he is my heater..I'm like an ice cube) and why in the world am I still on here? :o)

See you tomorrow, Lord willing. I can't decide if I'm going to blog on Procrastination or Modesty. Hmmm....be sure to come back for a visit.

Love to all!

Friday's Fotos

Just a few photos from our week...mostly from Monday...stocking up on firewood, building a birdhouse with Emory (daddy did--found out later that it shouldn't have been painted red), cousins playing, an extra of Evan, and some homemade doughnuts I made. :o)

Enjoy the cool temps tonight! Brr....

Thursday's Tip--Laundry

Do you have a laundry schedule? If you have a medium to large family, you may find that you need a schedule to stay on top of the laundry (before it piles on top of you). :o) I consider our family medium-sized and it is so easy for the laundry to get 'piled' up if I don't implement a schedule. Here is my favorite laundry schedule which I have been implementing for about 5 or 6 months now:

Monday: Bedding day--I wash all sheets and pillowcases. Every 4th wash, I will wash my quilts and other blankets we have on our beds. Every 8th wash I will wash my comforter on my bed (it is easy for me to keep up with 8 washes for some crazy reason).

Tuesday: Kids' clothes--I wash Erin's and Evan's clothing together because their clothes are smaller. However, I noticed the past 2 washes how huge the load is, so I may be having to separate their washes into individual washes before long. After their large load, I wash Emory's clothing.

Wednesday: Husbands' clothes--This takes 2 large loads because his clothes are larger than the others'

Thursday: My clothes--still usually takes 2 loads

Friday: Towels/Washcloths--sometimes takes 2 loads, it is according to how many baths we have taken during the week :o) I also do bathroom rugs every other week on this day.

*I wash everything together--I don't separate whites from darks. I rarely ever let my clothes sit in the washer for long periods of time, so the colors don't have a chance to bleed. When I notice my whites getting dingy, I just pick a day to bleach the T-shirts, socks, etc.

*I hang everything out on the line except Towels/washcloths, unless it is cloudy or really humid.

I also use my own homemade laundry detergent and have done so for a year or more. It is really easy to make, super cheap, and is a great detergent. I only have to make it every week and a half or so. Here's how I make it:

Grate 2 bars of Ivory soap ( I use unscented but last time picked up lavendar by mistake--it has added a nice smell to my laundry)

Add 1 cup of Borax (this is in a box found with the laundry detergents)

Add 2 cups of baking soda

Store it in a plastic container (I use a rubber maid brand small container with a lid) and shake until it is evenly dispersed. Now, enjoy the satisfaction you will receive from making your own detergent. No harmful chemicals or irritations for your body.

Once you get into a routine you will enjoy doing laundry!! It can even be therapeutic! :o) Now, if dishes were that way.....

Have a nice Fall evening!

Thursday's Tip--A Plethora of Breakfasts

Dear Friend, do you struggle with what to cook your dear ones for breakfast? As you know, breakfast is a very important meal, probably the most important one for the day. Breakfast shouldn't really be a heavy meal, per se, but it should be really nutritious. So, the sugary, cheap cereals are out, right? Yes, that's right--so are the PopTarts and the Toaster Strudels (I used to love those things!). These are processed foods. They have tons of sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives in them. Things foreign to your little ones' bodies. Now, I'm sure occasionally (think once or twice a year), you wouldn't see any harm done from eating the above mentioned foods (if you could call them that), but leave it as a rare treat.

Today's tip is to give you some ideas of what to cook for breakfast--now that you know not to buy cheap, sugary cereals. If you like, have a cereal morning--we usually do this for Sundays. It's quick and doesn't require much preparations. However, make sure your cereals are as natural as possible. We like the Cascadian Farms or Kashi brands. These are natural (and yummy) cereals with no preservatives. Preservatives will be listed as BHT in the ingredients. They may be a little more pricey (not much, though), but if you have cereal only once a week, they will last at least 2 Sundays! :o)

On Saturdays when your hard working husband is home, cook him the Breakfast Bar. :o) Grits, eggs, biscuits/toast, bacon, the works. He will love it. :o)

During the week, serve some of the following breakfasts: Breakfast casserole (this is mostly eggs, which are very healthy in protein and Omega 3s)--recipe can be found just about anywhere, Egg Omelets (I add a little buttermilk to my eggs, before I fold it over, I add cheese, cut up mushrooms and a little ham), Fruit Salad (cut up apples, bananas, pears, grapes, oranges, add some raisins and a wee bit of coconut, if you're really lucky, mix up some cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla and put in with the fruit....YUM-O), Hashbrowns (this morning we had hashbrowns and Salmon...very healthy...cut up a couple of potatoes into small pieces, cook in a small bit of healthy cooking oil, add some salt and garlic...put a couple of pieces of Salmon in the skillet...sprinkle some lemon pepper on top..cook about 6 or 7 minutes on low heat..yum), Muffins...our favorites are Blueberry Muffins, Banana Muffins, and Oatmeal Muffins, using leftover Oatmeal...all are yum and I can post recipes if wanted...this may not sound very healthy, but you can make all these muffins from scratch...you KNOW what is in them, unlike the premixed muffin packages, Oatmeal...the old standby...VERY healthy...don't buy the packages unless you read the ingredients...just get the plain ole oatmeal, cook it, add some maple syrup and raisins, GREAT filling breakfast...you can also go to Candy's website at Keeping the Home and get her Baked Oatmeal recipe, it is sooo good. How about Pancakes? Wouldn't that make your little ones smile? Pancakes have always been my favorite Breakfast food. Mix 1 cup of AP flour, 1 tp salt, 1 or 2 tp Baking pwder, 1 cup milk (reg or buttermilk), 1 egg, and you have a great pancake recipe, from SCRATCH. Stay away from premixes! They put caseinate and other things in the boxed kind, which can cause food allergies. DO NOT use artificial flavored syrups. The only kind of good syrup out there on the shelves is Maple Syrup. Make sure it is 100% Maple Syrup. It is the real deal. It is pricey, but aren't your kids worth it? If you only have pancakes once a week, a bottle will last you a few weeks. Scrambled Eggs and Toast never fail. Better yet, put the eggs ON the toast, add a little mayo and that's a great sandwich! Have you tried French Toast? Mix up 3 eggs, add some cinnamon and a little sugar (no more than a tp) Dip some bread (preferably homemade, but yeah, I know...:o) in the egg mixture and 'fry' in the skillet that has a little butter (NEVER use margarine, EVER) or olive oil in it . Top with a small dollop of butter and maple syrup and mmm, mmm, good!

Well, there's you some ideas for some fresh, EASY, from-scratch breakfast foods to get you cookin'. If you don't have time for anything but prepackaged, put the kids at the table while you bake. The smell will keep them there. :o) Or, you could set out some coloring books, crayons, blocks, or some old, new toys for them while you cook. Or, you could set the youngest ones on the counter to participate or be a spectator! Mine love to do this. Watch out for them, tho! :o) Accidents can happen quickly!

I'll leave you with a pix of my dear one, Erin, picking some Huckleberries off of our tree. I loved the pigtails. I think I'll do her hair like this every day! :o)

Have a great breakfast tomorrow!

Wednesday's What's Going On?

Hello, dear friends. Autumn is definitely here and after yesterday's few inches of rain, today has been cool and breezy. Crisp. Don't you love it when the weather gets crisp? Today Evan and I mowed a little grass and the crisp wind hit our face and it was enough to make me say, Ah, Thank you Lord for the different seasons! One thing God isn't and that's Boring! :o)

So, what's going on with us? Well, life is busy and going at the speed of light. Every day we make memories, laugh, cry, stress, are at peace, and in the midst of it all are busy. I enjoy the routine things we do: the making of the beds, the hanging out of the clothes (I so love this, it's therapy), the reading of the Word with my children, the reading of Black Beauty, the fixing the lunches and breakfasts, hearing my children say the blessing, the scooter riding of my son (in the house, every day), my daughter playing with the kitten most of the day, imaginative play coming from my kids' room, changing the baby's diaper, consistent nursings, watching my baby shake his head after he eats something he doesn't like, learning to read with my oldest, saying prayers at night, bathing, tucking in, hearing my little girl say, "Is it time for you to lay with me?" :o) All of that makes a day just so wonderful.

What's new going on with me? Well, this week I am starting to take a Probiotic called, ThreeLac. It is supposed to help or get rid of the overgrowth of Candida Albicans in the body. Candida overgrows and takes over the good bacteria when one takes antibiotics and/or has stress, eats too much sugar, etc. Some signs of it include Irritable Bowels, Fogginess (Brain fog, anyone?), Stomach cramps, Allergies (ME!!!!!!!!!!!) and Asthma (ME!!), skin rashes (ME, too), and other symptoms. Mostly everyone has it. Anyway, I'm giving some of the probiotic to Emory too. He has some of the same symptoms as I. I have also started taking Flax Oil capsules for the Omega 3s and giving the kids Cod Liver Oil for Omega 3s and other benefits.

Hmmm...what else? Oh, I got me some new glasses last week and I really like them a lot. It has been years and years since I had a new pair and mine were so outdated. I'm enjoying the new 'look'.

Emory is learning, learning in his schooling. He is reading more each day and learning about stuff in HIstory that I never learned about (pyramids, mummies, that sort of stuff). He can do a page of adding in no time. He is really good at math.

My little princess of a darling is soo much fun to be around. She is getting taller as I have noticed she can look at herself in her mirror. Tonight she was taking off her shoes and her dad and I commented on how she had left her shoes off all through church. We were so proud of her. She grinned and gave us a 'thumbs up'--except it was her pointer finger. LOL.

Evan has been 'counting'. I can't believe it. He loves to play outside with the others. He will get right in the dirt with the other two. I can sit back and relax more and watch them play together. He is starting to copy them. Tonight in church, they had FunPads to draw and color in...well he had to find him one as welll. He is growing up and learning some new words!

I have this huge bouquet of flowers growing in a stick pile in our field. They are gorgeous. We went and picked a bouquet and I'll leave you with a picture. We also picked some pears from our trees and I *hope* I get around to peeling and slicing them before they rot!

What else? Oh, we gave our new puppy away to a good home. I really missed him the first couple of days he was gone. He is a *hog* dog so we gave him to a little guy that hunts hogs. He is my former student and I think he will take good care of him. :o/

Tonight was Fried Pork Chops, Garlic cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Peas, and cornbread. Dessert was Pecan Pie Muffins. It was a pretty nice supper! We had to rush at it before time to get ready for church.

Gotta go to bed if I'm to get up again with my sweet husband. God bless you, dear readers! :o)

Monday's My Day

Well, time to get back to blogging....

Come onto my front porch, sit down, and let's chat!

I have not been keeping to my getting up before the sun rises routine. I found that I would have about one 'good' prayer time/Bible reading per week and the rest I was falling asleep, incoherent. I am learning that what works for some may not work for me. So, for now, I'm getting up around 7ish and getting my Bible reading and prayer time done during the day. Sometimes, I will feel the 'urge' to pray at no certain time and I've found that works for me best. That is truly when the Lord meets with me the most--when His Holy Spirit gently nudges me to get down on my knees. Anyway, live and learn....

I do wish I was better at getting up with my husband and ironing and fixing breakfast, etc. I am such a failure in that dept. I guess if he minded too badly then I would get up and do it, huh? ;o) He is just too nice to get me up from my peaceful sleep. :o) I know my mom and MIL both get up with my dad/dad-in-law at 4:00/4:30. Well, I'll just try to do better. That's what we can do, right?

Today's chores have been: doing our bedding laundry, drying outside, putting back on the bed, general picking up, wiping down appliances including washer and dryer (I got a 'new' one over the wk end), cooking, and just general picking up (did I say that already???)

Today's menu included: Oatmeal with maple syrup and raisins, Salmon and bake potatoes for lunch (the BP were already in the frig), and for supper we will have Black Bean and Salsa Soup. I can post recipes if anyone is interested.

Actually, tonight is our monthly ladies' meeting and we are taking finger foods. I am taking Apple dip and Apples: Two pkg Cr Cheese, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbs of Vanilla. That's it. Yummy!

The kids have been playing and playing today. In fact, I did a lot of their normal chores because they were so busy playing that I hated to disturb them. I don't feel bad about this. :) I love it when they play. At one point, all of them were playing in the dirt. Even Evan. Their play was very imaginative today. That's what I like.

My MIL got Erin a Tele-Tubbies outfit at a yard sale (which I don't like Teletubbies, but my kids do) and she wore it for 3/4ths of the day. I'll leave you with a picture of her out playing in the dirt in her outfit! LOL It was hilarious.

We are so enjoying our new pastor and family! Wow, we heard some great preaching (some from the nursery...ugh) this weekend!! Anyway, things are going great with them and we are soaking in the unadulterated Word of God being preached (not that it wasn't before, you kwim).

Okay, well we have some more schooling to do...Emory wants a plum peeled (my kids have been eating tons of fruit today)....and I need to finish my soup for supper.

Lots of love to my readers!