Bella Mama's Prairie Life

Just one more thing...

2010-02-01T14:08:00.000-06:00

Sorry ya'all! I don't have time to blog or email! I miss all you'alls! We are working REALLY hard to get the house done for a showing by next weekend. We've had a couple dozen phone calls and we KNOW that God has provided a buyer and we just haveta finish! Down to polishing doorknobs and the like and then I'll take the pictures.

The children are on their way to mastering multiplication and division and their penmanship is improving every day! Our school schedule is lighter, keeping to the essentials since we'll be doing summer school. I am excited to be moved and started on all the schooling-it's gonna be so much fun!! :)

We had the snow when everyone else did and now it's finally melting. The heat wave (25 degrees) is making for more pleasant days with actual sunshine!

For me: I've not been doing any handwork, not even day dreaming-I don't mind. Starting to see that we won't be here much longer and we'll be seeing family!

I just started an exercise program: marching. I started marching (lifting knees to at least horizontal) for 5 mins. and now I'm marching for 20 mins. with my 5 lb weights. It's really tough without a distraction. I workout while the babies are falling asleep during naptime. I think it would be a great time to listen to an audio book. I dropped 7 lbs over the weekend and look forward to doing better this week! I also started to take a tablespoon of coconut oil a couple times per day. We already eat very healthy & I was getting discouraged. I can't "diet" or eat less since I'm feeding the baby, so I kept a food log for a day when I ate the regular and I'm close to not eating enough. I also started having cottage cheese and either crackers or carrots after I workout. I was thinking back to when I lost 40lbs in 2 months after #2 was born. This is what I did. I'm already seeing a difference, the 7 lbs and 1.5" helps me keep motivated!

Everyone is healthy and doing well learning and playing kindly! We are all excited to finish here and go see the grammas and grampas!! Probably won't post until after we move...at least by then I'll have pics to show and maybe even of our next place!

So, "Hi", "Happy Birthday", "Happy Anniversary", "Congratulations" and have a peaceful and productive next few months!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T17:10:00.004-06:00

Hello from all of us here! I know, don't yell at me, it's been 6 months since I've written, but believe me-I write to you everyday...you just can't read my thoughts, yet!

We had a beautiful baby boy on the 26th of August weighing 8 lbs and only 4 hours of labor with a full hour of sleep/rest the middle!!

We started school with 5 in attendance in September and we're off for the holidays. The older two are in 3rd grade, the next two in 1st and the last in Kindergarten, with a daycare for the two babies. Still just me...I don't have any lavish au pairs!! But one can daydream! :)

We are going to watch Polar Express tonight. It's all about kid's being kidnapped for Christmas, but I'm sure it's safe for children!! LOL

Hubby and I (with the help of the children) have been working to finish the house. I am taking pictures when the batteries work. I think the camera eats the battery 'juice' while it's off and then laughs at me after I take one picture and get the "low battery" sign and it auto shuts off!

I've been painting doors and patching missed holes and other miscellany jobs. Hubby has been finishing framing windows and doors and the baseboard (which I'll need to paint) and then we'll lay the padding and carpet, finish the electrical for the stove downstairs and do cleanup. We're very close to being done. We'll have the odd jobs of putting in the doorknobs and packing tools and look for other things like polishing hindges that might have drywall mud, etc. You're really gonna love the pics. Ok...you've convinced me. I'll include this pic of the door before I painted it. It still needs another coat and the trim. This is how close we are to finishing!! I'll be so glad to post the finish pictures-maybe even figure out how to post a video!! Here are a couple of things we saw in the drywall mudding. I just added the pencil lines to define it.

So, that's what's been going on here. Very, very busy!! Hope to make this more regular again! I'd love to hear from all of you-even a simple hello so I know that you are all there!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Blessed New Year!!

Hugs to all you alls!!

Laugh with Me!

2009-06-13T19:35:00.009-05:00

Ok, After seeing several ads for the Acai Berry diet(where they all lose about 20 lbs the first month and another 20 in the second month), I decided to look up natural-quick-weight-loss sites. I came across one called FormerFatGuy and looked a second, saw he had a blog and read a couple of posts. You'll haveta scroll down to June 9. The title is MacDonald's hits Africa. Updated: I couldn't get the link to work and finally found and saved the picture. So if the link doesn't work, here's the funny pic:

In other news, here are some pictures of our cherry tree, we pick about 8-10 per day.

Hubby also discovered, while he was mowing back along the fence line, 3 mulberry trees WITH FRUIT!! We have another one without fruit which is likely the male tree. It's enjoyable to watch the children run the length of the yard to disappear in the bushes and eat all the ripe berries they can find!!

Hubby had cut down the trees after we moved in, about 4 years ago. They grew again and we left them. This is the first year there has been any fruit. I love it when God plants the tree (volunteer) and it bears fruit!! Whole-lotta scripture comes to mind! :)

What else? Things are not always as they seem!

The baby's been kicking tons and tons especially when hubby speaks or sings! Yup. Baby #7 will be coming along by the first half of September! I'm doing just fine. I was swelling a bit in the legs and ankles (having nothing to do with temperatures or activity levels), then my mom in law suggested more Potassium & that worked!! Hubby bought a bunch of bananas, nectarines and canned-in its own juice-pineapple. It's wonderful to eat fruit til I'm full!! (that would be about 2 nectarines, 1 banana and 1/2 can of pineapple slices) I have skinny legs and feet again!! :)

So, I'm not super woman thin/fit right now. But if weight gain continues as it has been, I will only put on as much as I did with my firstborn, which was the best I did and well within normal range! We have been walking almost every day.

I've been working alongside hubby mudding and drywalling and sanding and patching and all of that 3-5 times per wall/ceiling! Things are getting closer to being done. Just alot of basic things: window jambs, painting, stretching/laying carpets, trim, a bit more electrical (I worked on my first box almost all by myself!), a little more tiling and a bit more that's not coming to mind. Getting down to the last bit!

I am constantly amazed how God has given me strength to do my regular duties and help hubby. I need to take a few pictures of the downstairs and show off our work! I think I will have mega shoulder muscles from sanding the ceiling in particular! Ohhhhh!! It's gonna be beautiful, it's so close and I can see how lovely it will look!
Yes, we like the house, just not the location. We will miss it, but we know that God has provided the way to move where(ever) we desire and have what we need!

You are always welcome to email or comment! I will be posting regular stuff here but not often, not because of the pregnancy but because of the house construction!! I will get pictures soon and you'll be able to see how much work renovating a house is! It's not difficult at all, just time consuming, but it will be worth everything!!!!!!!!

Don't forget to check over at my sewing blog for more info, especially if you haven't read my story yet! Bella's Sewing.

Right then. I'm done here. Hope you are enjoying the warmer weather (or cooler for those south of the equator) and keeping God first in all that you do!!

Potatoe Soup, Fresh Bread and a New Blog

2009-05-27T16:37:00.004-05:00

Morning started cool and raining. I decided to make bread again & I'm glad I did. Hubby got more potatoes and I needed to make something...cool weather equals yummy meals with fresh bread!

Welcome back.
I've opened a new blog. Fresh new start. Come if you like.

Snowbird's Escape is not quite in use yet, since I made it for after we move.

Bella's Sewing I've already posted a few times and plan on continuing.

Sunshine On My Shoulder Makes Me Happy!

2009-05-17T13:00:00.009-05:00

This is of the rain falling over the ridge. Taken before we cleared the blueberry patch, the lot just south of the shed (or to the right in this pic).

We have just been enjoying the outdoors!! Though it's rained off and on, the weather is almost warm-at least the children are in shorts. No garden this year and so one day we cleared out the blueberry patch. It was overgrown with just grass which might have saved several bushes. We put the plants in pots and set them against the shed and hubby mowed the patch. He and the children worked at filling in the holes in the garden-formerly "Jumpy Squirrel's HideAway" and general digging area. After mowing the yard a couple of times, it also looks better. Made more room for the dandelions to grow, go to seed, then leave stems of brown sticking up all over. #6 likes to go and pick these stems and all the other children pick the long flowers and make bouquets or just tear apart the flowers to put the petals in their "pizza" as cheese<--that would be #4!

Hubby and I also cleaned up the back room the other day. I was picking up and sweeping and so I almost cleared the whole downstairs! I organized everything that needed it and threw out the rest...it really made it look better and we could easily see how little we have left to do! Since hubby had to tear out lathe and plaster, old ceilings and such, it was a big mess. Now there won't be anymore tearing out & the new construction can resume!

Before the clean up, hubby and I laid tile in the laundry room. It extends from the kitchen & it looks so nice now! After working out so much, I had the wherewithal to help put in the flooring. This is my work here in the picture and the towel was for my knees until hubby got the knee pads for me. We needed to make the floor level with the rest and so we laid down plywood and screwed it in and then mud, then the tile board and screwed it down (appropriate screws for each thing), then the mud and the tiles. Hubby put the tiles and I helped with the spacers, then after a couple days of drying, moved the machines back in to do laundry, then back out to finish grouting. We did the tiling while the children were awake and quickly found how much more efficient we are when they are asleep!

In the space of time I've not blogged, the fruit trees have leafed, flowered & fruited!

This is a Santa Rosa Plum

This is one of the apple trees

This is the pear treeI skipped putting the picture of the cherry tree & will try to get pictures of when its fruit is red!

Wanted to show you my counter space. This is when I made Veggies, White Sauce, Marinara, with noodles after finishing the dishes. The dishwasher has been downstairs since January and I do the dishes by hand. I am the more efficient, water saving, better quality dishwasher! This model also cooks :) I enjoy washing by hand, this is the reason I told hubby he could leave the dishwasher downstairs after he offered to bring it up.

To the left

and to the right
That's all I can remember right now. Need to go share the fresh bread and then head outside again! Ciao for now.

"Andre, You've Sunk ANOTHER Submarine?!"

2009-04-26T11:29:00.011-05:00

Yet another update.

Exercise:

I have yet to reach failure on most of these. TOO EASY DRILL SERGEANT!!
These are the exercises we do. Of coarse, hubby is much, much stronger than me, but my goal is to come close!

*Bicep curls: 15lbs, 12x's (these are to failure)-these are each arm, so if I had a bar it would be 30lbs.
*Shoulder press: 40lbs, 12x's (to failure)
*Tricep/Overhead extentions: 30lbs, 12x's (I could probably do 15-not to failure yet)
*Bench press: 55lbs, 12x's (to failure)
*Leg extentions: 70lbs, 12x's (TOO EASY STILL)
*Leg curls: 35lbs, 15x's (to failure)
*Squats: 95lbs, 12x's (TOO EASY!)
*Dumbbell rows: 40lbs, 12x's (to failure)

That's it. We are also walking, or trying to, everyday. I've lost 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks and have gained noticeable muscles! The numbers are what I did last workout. I started with much less weight and worked up. For the things that are too easy still we will add 10, 15 or 20 lbs at a time to see where my limit is. If I cannot do at least 8 reps, then it is way too heavy. That's all here.

Housing/Packing:

I've listed my very first-all by myself-ebay items for sale! (just books) I am very pleased, for hubby has wanted me to put things for sale and I just hadn't learned the format yet! I kept counting the pennies and what they might turn into...yarn, knitting books, fabric! Just dreaming! Being the practical family, it would be more likely groceries, bills, gas money!

Hubby is still working hard on the house. He called me one time (you know that call where you drop everything and run!) he was standing in the back room and I know now what "Atlas" looks like. He was putting up drywall for the ceiling and, well, let's say, I'm his right hand man!! So very glad we're done with all that. The people who owned the house before did some renovating and for being in the construction business made HORRIBLE errors in things like the wiring. In layman's terms, they put the wrong "thickness" of wire so that if there were a fire, the breaker would NOT trip and the house would burn with no alarms going off!! Hubby's been redoing so much of this: can't leave such dangers!!
Meal Planning/Cooking:

Meal planning has been great! I have a meal for everyday and everyone is loving it. Umm, except for yesterday. Everyone loves the food so much that there aren't the leftovers anymore! I usually make 1/2 of my 12qt pan and have enough for at least two meals! Do I need to make more? I have that pan and also a 16qt pan (where I make yogurt). Oh, and I also forgot to figure in when hubby goes shopping. It is mostly when he needs something from the hardware store, so that could be 2 times in a week or not for 2 weeks! I try to keep stocked everything, but everyone keeps eating it!!!

Schooling:

Ok, I was wrong. I apoligize. My children will not be skipping a grade or workbook. They will be finishing High School by the time they are 12. I was also mistaken in how long it took for them to complete this grade. Under 3 months: the are just about finished with the 2nd book, which took them a month and the only reason they took longer for the first book was because we took off for visiting family and we were only doing one lesson per day! (though we tried at the time to have school 6 days per week) As we continue through the summer, the older two will work through Math 3 and be ready for Math 5/4 by the time school starts this fall! That's my 2nd grader and my 1st grader will be doing 4th/5th grade math! As far as History and Science, they are doing well learning about trees, flowers, seeds, seasons and geography. I'm thinking of getting some older grades in this area since it is just 'random' facts and not at all like math with concepts that are built onto each other. I am excited to see what's out there and find the perfect curriculum for our children! Yesterday during naptime, #3 had found a kindergarten/1st grade workbook we had bought for the older children a couple of years ago. He was doing the pages (with some of the instructions being read to him by an older sibling) with ease!! I'm going to separate the pages that he can do and keep them for records. I'm sure I have a thin binder, probably packed away already, well, the folders are still out, that'll work. He now reads books to the little girls!

I think that's all the news here. Slowly selling things and it clears out space for hubby to work. Getting phone calls of interest on the house. Spending all my time with the children to keep up on training so that there isn't a lull into poor attitudes and bad behaviour. Refiguring lessons, incorporating Biblical principles, keeping the Word ready in our hearts. Ah, and we finished reading The Man in Bearskin!! The children loved it and asked what the next book will be. Right, I already had them sent to storage. I guess hubby will go get the well marked box. Not knitting-REALLY wanting to sew or even make dishcloths, but I can wait and continue designing in the meantime! I came across this quilt...looks like it would be fun to make & I love the colors! Caution to all who quilt: you might be inspired by all the quilts this mama makes!! Much like this site, not simple one patch quilts but very beautiful!! And visit this site with so many tutorials...I think I'll be finishing quilts before I get around to actually sewing clothes once we settle in AZ!

Just finished making bread and spent a bit of time outside. It was not too cold, but the wind made us shiver. It was nice to come inside and eat the bread with butter and honey or honey and crunchy peanut butter!! Now, we are just chillin' and enjoying the warm house.
I've been thinking of taking out my sewing machine, but then I've been talking with hubby about helping him more on the house. I knitted 2 rows last night and it didn't have the same wonderfulness as before. I am so very ready to quilt and sew. If I help hubby, he said we would really be done in a week. On one hand: sewing, on the other: helping hubby with house which equals moving sooner. I guess we'll be doing some tiling tonight! I need to finish the laundry so we can take that out of the room. Later all ya alls!!

Occupy

2009-04-18T11:07:00.015-05:00

Here's just another update on what we've been doing.

I'll start with the boring stuff

Workouts and Exercise:

Well, hubby asked if I wanted to work out with him lifting weights...what can I say, "YES!". It's a completely different mentality than working out to lose weight. In fact, I'll be gaining weight , but I will definitely be leaning!! Hubby's done this workout before and had amazing results! We work out twice per week-yes, only twice-all the major muscle groups. You workout to "failure", this in turn makes your body produce the growth hormone hGH, which makes it easier to put on muscle. I've already improved in lifting 50-100% more! We are not changing what we eat (nothing to change there!!) and I'm already seeing benefits in lifting everyday things as well as more energy! I'll let you know how it goes!!

House/Packing:

Yesterday I packed ALL of our storage items, having switched seasonal clothes & put away all non-essential items. (I have one closet I couldn't reach to do and I actually packed up almost all of my knitting things-gasp!) Hubby is taking them to a storage unit (we don't have a garage) until we move to make more room for a better house showing. Our house is now on the market to generate interest as hubby finishes the last of the work. We will have private showings. If we apply ourselves, we should have everything done and ready in as little as two weeks with the max. of 4 weeks. Hubby has been working on the back room, put in a closet last night and finished reinforcing the floors under the tiled upstairs kitchen. He has the ceilings and walls to dry wall, then mud. He likes to have several running projects, while he waits on things like the mudding to dry he is able to work on one or two more.

I am so very excited as this ball rolling downhill is increasing in speed!

It was fun to consolidate all the boxes and I had 3 more buckets (rubbermaid type containers) and 6 boxes that were suddenly empty!

I've been called "The Queen of Organizing and Alphabetizing", so naturally, as I excel in one area, my mind is quick to plan the next step in another area (but all comes from God as He gives wisdom and out of His mouth comes understanding!). I've possibly figured out a weekly menu for our family:

Sunday: Meatloaf & Mshd Spuds

(beef meal-since we are finishing the last of our cow)

Monday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Meatloaf and Salad

(leftover day)

Tuesday: Veggies & Noodles with White Sauce &/or Marinara

~BREAD~

Wednesday: Lentils and Rice

(this will be once per week)

Thursday:B'fast-Oat Cereal

Lunch-Leftovers

Dinner-Eggs & Toast (b'fast everyday)

Friday:Creamy Chicken Noodle Veggie Soup

(soup or stew day)

~BREAD~

Saturday:Leftovers (also made pumpkin bread)

This has already eased my cooking schedule-though I spent yesterday going full steam for 17 hrs. I got up at 6 this morning (after only 4 hrs of sleep) and finished putting away the bread and straightening the kitchen AND I was able to read the Word-very refreshing-while I watched the pinks and reds in the sky. Yup, it's cloudy & it's supposed to be raining right now, but the high is supposed to be 73 degrees!! A wonderful day, now, if only we could dodge the raindrops and go outside!! I was getting a bit upset because it was raining/going to rain, but then the Lord showed me that He was cleaning the air for us! Yesterday, the neighbors decided to burn (at least this time it wasn't trash) and the wind blew most of the smoke right into our house. So, today, the Lord blesses us with rain to clean the air & we are able to open our windows again...umm, right after I find the screens.

Schooling:

#1 & #2 will be finishing the Math 2 by the end of the 'school year'. (It only took them 3 months to finish the second book) I need to get Math 3 (or maybe reassess to see if they could skip a grade with a bit of added effort on my part). I need to think of what Math to do for #3. I'll look into the Math 1 and see how it is. I need to get a workbook for writing for him & start that as well. I'll probably couple #3 & #4 in a grade, since she is right there with him. Then #5 always does everything with #4 and will want to join her....hmmmm, incorporating 3 beginning students is a new challenge for me. That would increase my classroom size-I'd have 5 children at the table. I had the younger ones for less time and different types of lessons-more verbal-than the older two. By the way...we year-round school. Learning doesn't stop, neither have we.

Knitting: (more boring stuff)

I finished my vest 2 weeks ago. I really like it...just the right warm without getting in the way while I work! I finished almost one sock, but I won't be wearing wool socks until next January-ish. My shawl I also packed, it will be quick to finish-when I have the umption! I am already thinking of things to sew. I would love to make the girls matching sundresses for Sundays and 1 or 2 matching dresses for everyday. We'll see, the little girls already have a number of summer dresses, so maybe I'll just be sewing for #1-unless G'ma T is willing to get out a few of the "heirloom" dresses. I remember a sleeveless lavendar dress and maybe one or two more. I haveta remember when we stop by on our WAY TO ARIZONA!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I'm calm. I'll go, since this is getting a bit lengthy.

"And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them,

Occupy till I come."

Luke 19:13

Menu Plans

2009-04-10T19:21:00.005-05:00

I haven't listed my menu in a long time. Though I keep it from having certain days posted, I have the flexibility to change the meal depending what's in the cupboard. So far for this week I have these meals, not counting leftovers. I am also waiting to see what dh brings home from the store. He does an awesome j0b & it's always exciting to see if he brings home "extra" ingredients! He goes to the grocery store (saves time with just him-he makes the decision & there is never an ill spent cent) about every week and a half to two weeks. This makes it possible to save money on gas, since the store is far, and he's able to go to the hardware store all in one trip.

~Chili

~Noodle soup (watching Kung Fu Panda will make you need noodles!)

~Lentils & Wild Rice

~Grilled Cheese & Tuna

~Broccoli Soup

Meals always are for 2 times if not more except for things like grilled cheese, that usually accompanies leftovers or is a semi-snack.

I must say that Lentils & Rice is something that the Lord showed me to make. I use the Lundberg rice which is a mix of brown/wild rices. I throw the rice, lentils, water, salt and butter in the pan, bring to boil, cook at simmer for 50 mins & let it rest for about 10. I just revisited this site and found out that lentils and rice is a depression era food, as in this recipe. I am amazed that God gives wisdom to anyone at anytime - makes cookbooks pretty useless here!! Speaking of The Best Chef giving me His recipes, I also made a delicious Creamy Broccoli Soup today. Once again, 3 1lb bags of frozen broccoli, cover with water & bring to boil and cook til soft. Blend with a stick blender (don't splash it into your face-it kinda hurts) add one stick of butter, 1 TBSP of salt, a dash of pepper, at least 1 cup of milk and then the super secret sauce...oh, yeah, here you go: 1.5 cups of white sauce, or alfredo, or secret sauce:

1 stick butter melted into pan, add 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour and 1 tsp of salt with a dash of white pepper. Cook til bubbly then add 3 cups of milk. Bring to a boil, without burning the bottom of the pan. In another pan (or the same pan before you start the sauce) saute 6 cloves (1/3 to 1/2 head) of garlic, 1/4 cup diced onions, salt and pepper in butter. Cook until clear to golden. Blend with stick blender add to white sauce.

This is not for this meal, but you can pour it over veggies/noodles with this wonderful sauce:

1 can tomato sauce (I use the walmart brand-least amount of ookies)

6 garlic cloves

1/4 cup diced onions

1/4 tsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

pepper to taste (or just a dash)

1/2 can (small) refried beans ~* surprise! (or 1 part beans to 3 parts sauce)

This is great as a dip as well & it gives you added protein.

I just finished a pumpkin pie bread muffin cake thing. It is already 2/3rds gone. Having these yummy, nutritious and warm meals when it's still very chilly out is a wonderful way to get pleasant smiles and mmmmmmmms all around!

What else. Since I've lost another 1-2 inches this week (log is put away right now), but weight is not quite falling off, I've been restructuring my workout. Also, it's been so chilly or rainy or just pbbblt outside, walking has become almost non-existant (except for 3 days ago when it was so pleasant & sunny & I was able to take my 30 laps!!) I need to find my weights - I have 5 & 10 lbs free weights, hubby has a bench but it is down in the construction zone. I found youtube instructional videos (the pictures are inappropriate & I don't want to send people there) that explain how to workout more efficiently. A incredibly qualified (schools et al) trainer that explains things a bit like Teresa Tapp, but shows the benefits of using weights-or strength training. You know, the whole principle of gaining muscle which will in turn burn fat or use more energy therefore you lose weight. Another don't-need-to-look-at-the-scale-to-be-in-shape people!!

Psst...I can do 10 regular push-ups now followed by 10 more "girlie" push-ups!! Wooohooo!!

Anyway, what I've gathered is that I need to use my weights, workout only one of the Push/Pull/Legs workouts rather than something like: arms/chest one day then back the next...if you are paying attention to what you workout, then it is unnecessary to overwork the same muscles. Also that I need to raise my metabolism by doing small sets throughout the day, for when your body is at rest it is burning fat. While you sit, eat, sleep, and all, you are losing weight-not when you are working out-most of the time!

So, I'm gonna be improving my weight training and warm up to stretch and I will finally drop this extra flabbie! I've had a hard time getting my workout in this past week. Babies up late, overworking during the day so that I crash at night-basically never taking a rest time. All these things as well as the cold and cloudy weather took its toll on me. Since I don't have my regular trainer (dh) I have to be my own. I quit (in process) the "Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans". I never needed a crutch before, and have been sorely disappointed in this group. Maybe it should better be named the "Sisterhood of the Shrinking"; a complete thought (gerund modifying/describing subject) that doesn't suggest the opposite of what I think their purpose is . Oh well, not everyone will live up to my high expectations! Speaking of high expectations: I found these old links to Teresa Tapp describing her workouts.

Part 1 & Part 2. It's nice to review & remember why I did these workouts in the first place. Here's the Hoedown. (This does not nullify the fact that I will use weights/strength train)

Okie dokie, having a lighter school schedule. Only one lesson per day rather than two. Spending a little more time with setting up a tiny bit of chores, but really it should be called responsibilities.

#1 is putting away dishes (she's started washing bowls/plates when they are needed), switching the laundry.

#2 is making beds (mainly the little girls & mine-since everyone likes to sit on it)

#3 is cleaning the playroom

#4 gets the laundry out of the dryer with

#5 helping #4

They all help with picking up in general and the boys (#2 & #3) are pleased to trade off setting the table for meals. I am continually amazed at how they teach each other and care for each other. #3 has proven he can read...same as big brother, at the age of 4. Taking out the computer has also been a huge sucess! They are better behaved, kinder to each other (dearly so), quick to come when called, willing to acheive whatever task is set before them! Well worth all the effort-though I coulda saved myself alot of my own trouble by being consistent a long time ago! It's not the scheduling, routine or specific curriculum or ways, but doing the same thing with the same set of rules-always. It's really something you learn on your own, for you are your own family.

Alright. That's the news from Lake Woebegone...ummm, I mean here, where the woman is strong, the man is good looking and all the children are above average!! Goodnight folks.

Yummy Taco Pizza

2009-04-01T22:09:00.004-06:00

Here's another great meal...plenty of protein and tasty as well.

I was rummaging for a yummy meal. Let's see, lettuce, moz. cheese, milk, refried beans, eggs, ummm....I'm not getting much: ok, here we go.

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup corn flour
1 tsp salt
1/3 stick of soft butter
Water enough to make a dough

Roll onto large cookie sheet & bake for 7 mins at 400 degrees
then add:
Refried Beans mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with tomato sauce
Mozerrella Cheese & a tad of Colby Jack
Black Olives

Finish in the oven for 3-5 mins or until the cheese looks how you like.

Viola. Isn't it beautiful? I think I'll finish the last piece after workout tonight

Now, what am I going to make for tomorrow? I've got b'fast down (need to get a loaf of bread out of the freezer), lunch...umm...and dinner....oh, yeah. THINK! Guess I just haveta throw something else together!

Probably need to make tomorrow my laundry folding day and finish planning meals for the week. I helped hubby mud the dry wall we put up, the children were all wanting to help & did a little. We have a few more coats, but the partition to the stairs is looking top-notch!

Well, I'm off to workout. All 6 children are in bed (not necessarily asleep) and it's much quieter. I had #2 (6yrs) & #3 (4yrs) both helping with setting the table and getting the food out when it was time to eat. Pretty soon here, I won't have to lift a finger, except to care for myself! I love being a manager! The older ones are constantly using whatever they have, whether books or toys, to teach the younger children. It is amazing to hear them teach concepts and explain things and then encourage the child(ren) listening! K, gotta workout for real now, ciao!

Wednesday Weigh-In

2009-04-01T13:57:00.004-06:00

Ok, still weigh the same as last week: 140 (which I am very thankful for-it had fluctuated up 4 lbs during the week!) but my measurements went down overall 2.75" the biggest loss of 2.5" in my abs! I didn't work out on Saturday or Sunday, so I have a 5 day work week. (Somebody needs to make the meals and do the laundry and change the diapers, ect. ad nausea)

I had the hardest time working out-it hurt and I really wanted to quit! With the constant posts at the "sisterhood" site and knowing ALL the "sisters" out there working hard, encourages me everyday to keep going!! (I really couldn't let them all lose their weight while I just give myself too many free days!) My jeans fit better in the waist, but are a bit snug in the thighs and calf-these jeans had already gone into the "too big" pile 4 months ago!! I'm going to keep it up and lose big in this challenge!! Next month will come too soon and I'll look back and know it was worth it!!

"No Pain, No Gain!"

I always feel like I could workout more, even after I'm done! I feel GREAT!! It's worth it so far!!

I've added the "Hoedown" and "Awesome Legs" to the 2-3 approx. 10 min workouts with Gilad. (This link has the same videos, but I can't find the site I have bookmarked on my comp.) Still walking when it's nice enough out-which is once or twice per week. I need to go get dinner started and then head outside-it's finally super sunny and warm 53 degrees (though the cold country wind makes me need to wear a coat-it's perfect on the deck where the wind is blocked by the house) *mental note: need to open the windows and air the house!

See ya next week, more inch loss and more likely some weight loss (unless I decide to start lifting weights!)

ETA: I have the #20 lb button on my sidebar because I've lost 20 lbs since I started really working out last August. (I'm not counting from when I had baby the end of last March-cause that woulda been 50lbs total!!) #5 lbs of it in September, #5 lbs in October and the last #10 lbs the first two weeks of November! Yeah, I was down to 128 all the way until we got back from the wedding. I had to start working out again while we seriously started working on the house & moving from room to room to renovate!! Now things have settled and I know when to help my hubby and can plan around it, so, I can now workout. I gained 14 lbs in the last 2 months of not working out (and weaning the baby). So, that's why I have 20 lbs to lose-having lost 4 last week. So there. pbbbbbbbt.

Happy Birthday Blog!

2009-03-30T20:43:00.004-06:00

This is the second year I've blogged! I can't say that time flew in this instance!

Today was really windy, but much warmer (around 50 degrees). We went outside for 40 mins. I was able to walk around the yard 12 times & I paid attention to keep a fast pace & even ran a bit-that was a great feeling, sorta like coasting downhill on a bike!! I have a workout tonight also to do & look forward to a really great week!

It was wonderful to be out in the sun-my whole attitude is more of a calm, collected mama after the exercise in the sunshine! I just wonder how fulfilling it will be to have so much more sun & so many more months to be outside in Arizona!!

Today we also got up earlier & I feel so wonderful for all that I accomplished today before the children went to bed!! I straightened some books & then the children "found" them again--I thanked God we don't have television; they were reading to each other, and not only that-they were TEACHING each other how to read!! (#1 with #3) It's so cute when the baby girls (3 & 2) play with each other, the elder teaching the younger with much praise, "You did it! YEAH!!"

Just finished helping hubby hang more dry wall. He's working on the stairwell with its partition wall. He's prepping it now to mud-which I may be able to help on this side of the stairs! :)

That's all for now. Ciao.

Mmmmm....Delicious

2009-03-29T18:04:00.004-06:00

Today I made a mouth-watering Roast with Mashed Spuds!! Crockpot meals are so easy and yummy. Thaw roast, put olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh garlic cloves (sliced in half if big), and then the roast on top, dash a bit more salt and pepper on the roast. Add some water depending how much broth you want to be left over after you've served the gravy with the meal. Cook on high for about 4 hrs & enjoy the aromas that waft through your house! How easy!! Boil 5 lbs potatoes for 20 mins with salted water, drain (& keep for another stew, potatoe bread, ect.) and put in a mixer (Bosch is THE best!) add 1 stick of butter, salt, white pepper and 1 cup of milk and mix til the right consistency. Serve before everyone comes, or it will be gone and they'll be asking for seconds before you're done serving!! :) Don't forget to make a volcano with the gravy in the potatoes-that's what we called it when my mommy did this for us!

To answer this question: For your cinnamon rolls, do you just use honey instead of white sugar? Would brown sugar be OK?

We don't use brown sugar, but we do eat lots of molasses! (full of b vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium!!) Brown sugar (I'm sure you know) is only sugar that a small amount of the molasses has been added back to it. I only put a minimum of honey in the dough so it slightly sweetens it, but won't burn. I add a mix of butter, honey and vanilla (maybe cream -whipped or not if we have it on hand) and pour or brush it on after the rolls are out of the oven.

Oh, I forgot...I put a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and ground ginger in 2 cups of honey and use part of this for the icing.

And I've had to figure how much bread we eat each week and which were the best days to bake it. For me it's Tuesdays and Fridays, then there is no bread making on the weekend and I still have the day after if I get behind on things! This was the only way I could keep up!

Nothing else here. Amazingly enough, the snow has melted and it was such a bright sun shiny day!! :)

Feeding Your Brain

2009-03-28T01:47:00.000-06:00

Amidst the hype of low and non-fat diets, I have not fallen for it. It never made sense to me! Why separate an egg to miss out on the lecithin that naturally dissolves fat? Why eat low fat dressings to miss out on the good cholesterol to nourish your brain? Why drink skim or low fat milk and miss out on the vitamins and minerals? (Besides the fact that farmers feed their pigs skim milk to fatten them!!) Why get sucked into the trends that end up making it more difficult to lose weight, more difficult to stay in shape and be healthy?

SO, I decided I wouldn't do that. I also cannot eat only protein. Natural whole grains are great for the body, extending an even blood sugar level as well as soluble and insoluble fibers. Why suffer through diets where you CANNOT eat, and just get rid of the junk that you SHOULD NOT eat? Sugar and white flour (whether enriched or not) is not food. They are leftover processes that defeat the purpose of nourishing your body. Processed foods have added chemicals to keep products longer and enhance the flavor for the sole benefit of having the consumer buy more. Otherwise known as neurotoxins. They work on the brain to stimulate a sense of well-being just like drugs.

Ok, anyways, we finally finished the last of the white rice we had and I think I'm going to throw away the noodles. It's not worth it for my body or my family's to suffer and try to eat healthy and lose weight at the same time. It's not worth going out to eat-NOBODY cooks like I do. I actually ate 1 whole peanut M&M today and within seconds of putting it in my mouth I felt bad. It doesn't taste good anymore! (not a bad peanut) Maybe it was the Blue Lake, maybe it was the sugar coating, maybe it was the artificial flavor of the chocolate? Maybe it was just a bad idea!

Just one M&M caused me to determine to forget about all those foods I associate with good times and happy memories. It's detrimental to my body to have to deal with those toxins and suffer the emotional as well as the physical reactions.

Back to the basics. Today I made Whole Wheat Bread...I added a little more honey, it had been tasting a bit yeasty. Also put on a pot of Potatoe Soup with lots of celery and carrots and leftover Roast juice that had garlic. Just finished 4 eggs with 2 slices of my bread with butter. I don't starve my body-or eat meals only 3 times per day, but I feed my body so it recognizes that I will feed it next time and therefore will get rid of the reserves of unnecessary fat. If I eat only 3 times per day, I gain weight, even if I'm working out! I eat more protein than carbs, but I eat plenty along with lots of fats. Olive oil, butter, Cod Liver Oil are what we have now, but I can't wait til we can get Coconut Oil again...that's when I had better weight loss and just felt much better overall!!

So, if you have problems losing weight, keeping it off or have any health problems or issues-consider what you put in your mouth and if you really want to work that much harder to get it out of your system! "A minute on the lips-a lifetime on the hips" really comes into play here when you don't eat The Extreme Healthy Foods.

Whatcha gonna do? When are you gonna get up from the computer and work off that last ________ you had? When are you gonna stop planning meals based on junk or not planning and going out to eat junk? I can hear you say, "But I don't like it, my family won't eat it" then figure out a way...and stop making 3 year old's excuses, you are an adult!

Ok, gotta run.

Here's some food for thought:

"He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee. " Psalm 81:16 "And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." Psalm 104:15

"And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land
flowing with milk and honey;" Jeremiah 32:22

This is an older pic, homemade cinnamon roll with whole wheat flour and honey and butter.

The Working Mama

2009-03-27T19:11:00.003-06:00

Ah- HAH!! I got your attention!! hehe, I'm just talking about all the work I've done!!

Today was a busy day, finished up school with Math drills (flashcards with Daddy) and the Math Lessons which took a while to do-TGIF! I was in a brain-fog and am drinking my water right now!! As I am getting sick of being online (but love to get email and comments) I'm working on limiting my time. That is usually best done if I just leave the computer off!! I made a batch of bread and actually had a wonderful Potatoe Soup ready at the same time!! Amazingly, we didn't get the snow, but it's still COLD-hence the cooking! :)

So, finished the dishes (while cooking) and was working on the laundry since this morning. Feeling a bit discouraged about the laundry (which is unlike me-I really enjoy it, nothing to think about and it gets done!), and happened on A Wise Woman Builds Her House in an older post where she talks about doing laundry. I was encouraged and thrilled that she does her laundry almost exactly how I've always wanted to do mine!! You'll haveta go see.

Anyway, gotta go. I need to switch the laundry and do a quick pickup and ready for bed. Ciao.

Shrink into Summer Weight Loss Challenge

2009-03-25T12:05:00.009-06:00

As per The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans, I will be posting something about my weight loss. They're a bit hung up on the weight loss in association with caloric intake rather than inch loss and caloric output with extreme healthy eating (so caloric intake is a moot point). They should seriously look into it!! I have lost tons of inches and weighed the same-I was always more pleased that I could actually fit into my jeans better than the fact that my weight didn't change. I guess that's what you call building muscle!

My goal weight is 120 (I was way too skinny at 112!) I now weigh 140 (according to my fickle, old, beat up scale) and 152.0 (according to my digital scale that weighs my weights 8lbs more for every hundred-yeah right digital is accurate!-it's even a Weight Watchers-not adjustable in any way) So, I'm looking to lose 20 lbs.**

I was walking and starting to do sprint intervals, but it's been raining and I must take into account having children outside playing--so, once again, I haveta change my workout. Whatever I do will be for approx. 1 hr, because that is the time I've found that I actually start to lose weight-anything else is just stretching! (i.e. pilates, yoga, etc.)

My goal is muscle building (I guess I'll be getting out my weights) as well as weight loss, but more importantly inch loss. I can go to FitTV online and workout with Gilad's workouts for the National Body Challenge. He uses weights and does plenty of cardio. The workout sessions are in approx. 10 min segments. There are several, so I can pick and choose how intense and how long I workout. I will probably be working out at night (11p.m. or so) since I'm not an early riser that much earlier than the children!! I'll set that goal another time! As the weather improves, I will be going outside to walk/sprint and maybe incorporate the 5K Run method at the same time!! (that would be just tooooooo coooooool!)

**I took the inches off the site, but I'll be keeping track, maybe with a total of inches lost to post here.

From last week (3/18), I actually lost 4 lbs!

With motivation I look forward to losing a minimum 5-10 lbs per month, and since this is an 8 week challenge, I think it is very possible!!

I will try to take my measurements and weights in the morning before any food intake.

It's tough being this honest (some may think I'm being a freak 'cause I'm not that fat, but I'm not in as good of shape as I desire and I just had a baby a year ago and would like to shed the extra flabs!)

Ok, that's all I can think of. Come back next week to see my progress!

Happy Birthday!!

2009-03-25T01:16:00.005-06:00

Today is Baby Boy's 1st Birthday!!

He is running everywhere, comes when he's called, gives us the "yuckies" instead of trying to eat them, he's getting his 5th tooth (the top 2 came in the same day he was weaned-about 2 weeks ago), he's talking-saying so much & we are learning exactly what it is & how I LOVE it when we get it right, his smiles and hugs are just perfect! He is learning to like bananas, but it just depends what he wants. He likes his salty and savory foods before his sweet foods! The children love him much and are always playing with him: getting down on all fours and chasing him til he gets down and chases them back! They all are wonderful!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!!

Another Great GiveAway!

2009-03-24T15:42:00.004-06:00

Anne over at Jensen Family Blog is having a giveaway that will close Wednesday the 25th at 7p.m. (she's in Colorado, so whatever time zone)

Go visit, leave a comment & welcome her into the blogging world!!

I may be adding other giveaways-if I ~~have~~ make time!

Win a free Bumgenius 3.0 Diaper! This is a valuable All-In-One cloth diaper that you can use for yourself or give as a gift to someone expecting a baby! Go check out Hot Belly Mama's Blog for details on how to win this wonderful All In One Cloth Diaper. Hot Belly Mama will announce the winner on March 30th, after her 30th birthday!

Here is the direct link to her blog:

http://hotbellymama.blogspot.com/

go to her March 8th entry!

You can go here (Two Under Two) for yet another giveaway (guess where I've been all day!!)

This is what she's giving away! Adorable!!

Ultimate Blog Party '09

2009-03-24T13:03:00.007-06:00

Ok, once again, another Blog Party, but this one is HUGE!! I hope I have time to search through at least a few blogs & find like-minded peoples!!

Ok, this is me, BellaMama, married to the Best Husband in the World for the past 8.5 years, and we have 6 blessings that are 7 and under. I homeschool all of them (but actually keep records for 5), I'm a stay-at-home mom--I actually stay at home, We eat no processed foods and I bake our own whole wheat bread from freshly ground flour and make plenty home-cooked meals, We don't watch T.V., We cloth Diaper and Baby Carry and Co-Sleep, We love to research information and try to better our lives. Currently we are renovating our house to sell and move soon! What else? I love what I do, where I am and how God works in our lives each and every moment!!

Ok, off to find others or maybe I should be knitting--hmmm, tough toss-up!

These are my top ten prizes I'd be glad to receive:

1.USC 1: Spanish for Children DVD series .

2.USC 14: Glass and stone earring and necklace set

3. USC 66: $50.00 Gift Certificate to the online maternity and baby boutique, Madre Gear.

4. USC 7: Organic Nest Egg take-a-long pillow

5.USC 17 :$50 Sterling Silver Earrings from Ice.com

6. 20: 5 bars of handmade goat milk soap

7.USC 73: Go baby OutMat

8.USC 26: 10 $50.00 Gift Vouchers to Hatley

9. USC 45: Pair of shoes from Eleven Collection Spring/Summer 09′

10. USC 58: Handmade Retro Apron of your choice!

11.USC 9: $50 gift certificate to Salon Hive

These are all from the US/Can list and #6 is the only one from the regular list.

I also have a blog where I write about my pregnancies, my babies and my health during these times. (Written for wives and moms though not inappropriate)

One more blog where I write up free patterns for knitting. I hope to one day include my crochet patterns, but a girl's only got so many hours in the day! :)

Ok, I think that's all! Talk to you'alls later!

Knitting Kit GiveAway

2009-03-23T19:57:00.004-06:00

Go leave a comment at FUZZY THOUGHTS by Friday for a chance to win a Scrap Chaps Knitting Kit! Quite adorable, just like the other knitting patterns at her Etsy shop!

What Not To Make

2009-03-22T17:14:00.004-06:00

I started surfing Allrecipes . com yesterday, looking for something different to make. I got my recipe I was looking for and then continued to look for other ideas. Big mistake. Ok, I have the ingredients, sounds good and easy, I'll try it.

Kugel (Never forget the name!)
2 lbs noodles
10-12 eggs
1 cup butter
someone commented about their modifications so I tried my own
1/2 lb broccoli chopped
1 cup of spinach chopped
1/4 onion sauteed
salt and pepper

make noodles, mix with everything and put in a pan for 1 hr at 350 degrees.

See, really easy, sounds good (except for those who don't like specific veggies)

My hubby nicknamed it "The Embalmed Cassarole" The children had such pitiful faces and asked, "Do I have to finish this?" in the sweetest way. Baby #6 ate it just fine, but stopped after a while and just spit it out with a face that said "yucky". #5 lovingly gave me all of her portion and said it was for me.

This is not what I expected at all, but was pleased that hubby said it was ok to ditch it. I offered my "fix" of cutting it into pieces to put into a soup, hubby said, "Yeah, cut it into pieces to put into the trash." Guess I shoulda made a quiche!

House news: Hubby has all but one window in downstairs. He's also been finishing up the mudding of the downstairs room's drywall and cleaning up and getting rid of stuff. It's so nice to hear him say he's getting rid of things!! No pictures....cause we didn't take anymore. He's also scraping ceilings to get rid of all the "popcorn" texture.

As always, knitting in the evenings and weekends. I just found this beautiful, free shawl. I don't know if I'll make it or make a vest. I'm working on a vest right now. I dunno if I'm gonna write the pattern to sell or not, we'll see.

Other than that, all's quiet here. It's starting to warm nicely and I've been walking around the yard for exercise. It's difficult to workout at night (11p.m.-1a.m.) and be wide awake, so I'm opting for outside time with the children playing. Now, I can knit at night! :)

Ok, that pretty much all the update here. Have a blessingfull week!

Caution: Construction Zone

2009-03-14T15:05:00.005-06:00

Here is my husband's latest work zone. He is framing the windows, adding insulation, wrapping the house, then putting in the windows and putting up siding. The first picture is of the North side of the house, the second is the South side. He's working on the front also, but didn't take a picture.

While we're working, our neighbors (actually where we used to rent before we got this house 2 houses down) took down about 1/2 of a dilapidated garage. Though I don't have before pics, this is quite an improvement!!That's all for now, going to go outside to get some sunlight before it's gone!

Modesty

2009-03-09T23:20:00.002-06:00

Another group to enter to win prizes and talk about Modesty!

Enjoy the fellowship!

Induction Cookers & Yogurt Making

2009-03-04T14:17:00.008-06:00

Thought I'd show you'alls my induction cookers. They are wonderful, especially when your stove goes out and you still have electricity! They are also great in summer when you don't want added heat in your house! This is the white one, it has a lip at the edge of the plate, the black one doesn't. They're very easy to use, the children are starting to learn. Since our stove is fixed, but so old and inefficient, that I am using the induction cookers for everything that would be stove top. I still make bread in the oven and things like meatloaf, but that's all.

The principle is on magnetism therefore, if a magnet doesn't stick to your pan, you won't be able to use it, the cooker will automatically shut off. Also, if you take your pan off the plate, the connection is broken and it will beep a few times and then shut off. I love this for teaching the children to cook, the plate does not get hot except for the retained heat from the pan. The concept is brilliant!!

Right now I'm making yogurt-thought I'd take pictures to show you!

This is the black one, I must use for this huge pan (no lip on the plate). So, by tonight sometime, we will have 2 gallons of yogurt! (and meatloaf I made last night.)

That's all that's going on here besides the children have moved to doing 2 Math lessons per day-they are absolutely excelling!! :) We will finish the first work book in no time and move to the second. We need to start Multiplication and Division now that they are good at Addition and Subtraction. Then Algebra is next, Geometry will be interspersed so that Trigonometry will flow easily as well!! I will be checking their placement and skip a few books, since in elementary the main processes are learned and then repeated until the upper grades. Their reading is doing quite well and I hope to get out these books I got from Rod & Staff:

Thrilling Escapes by Night
The Man in Bearskin
Evangelist in Chains

I have more, and I think these are great true stories and truly real life based. I think I'll be selling my Laura Ingalls books...I'd not read them before now and found that I don't want to know the inner thoughts of Laura or the disobedient things that Almonzo did. Don't children have enough bad examples that we would have to introduce more?! We want them to emmulate Christ-like characters and will be looking for more whether taken from scripture or biographies.

Well, that's all for now. Need to go get another meal/snack out! Have a blessings of a day!

Titus 2 Blog Party

2009-03-02T17:52:00.004-06:00

Sure, I'll join to get more people to visit me. So, do sit and have a cup of tea and enjoy!

This blog was started to mainly stay in touch with far away family and has turned into an outlet for me to see what I've been doing! I've realized that I can accomplish more when I want to blog than I did before I started a blog! I hope to encourage other moms of many small children that they are capable of getting all they are required to do and much more done since we are all allotted the same amount of time in each day!! I don't apologize for what I believe or how we rear our children. There are many books and teachings and the few I've read and heard I like only a few sentences from each and therefore don't support the rest. I've learned not to look to others for help as God is my helper and I am learning to make Him my All in All! We are a cloth diapering, co-sleeping, baby carrying, not cry-it-out family. We look for opportunities to show our children that treasure in heaven is our ultimate goal and that living perfectly in Christ by walking in love.

You're always welcome and please comment!

Here's the link to get back to the Titus 2 Blog Party go see others!

Do I Look OLD?

2009-03-01T18:59:00.004-06:00

For years I've read and heard the verse about the older women teaching the younger women. I just reread it and the Lord showed me something:

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5

Did you see that also? Do I look aged to you? I think I still fall in the catagory of a young woman, I'm still learning the things that are listed!

So, I will refrain myself from trying to teach you. I've not come that far in life that I can consider myself aged!! I will abide by this verse:

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
"And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
I Corinthians 14:34-35

Grease for the Squeeky Wheels

2009-02-27T18:08:00.006-06:00

For all you out there that must have pictures, I thought I'd grease the wheel.

So this is the floor in the kitchen. Tiles are real, with real mortar and real grout. It was fun to help hubby, I mostly cleaned up and he did the actual hard work! I'm looking for a before picture...hold on.
Here's a sample of the old peel 'n' stick linoleum that was in the kitchen. The black dots are the staples used to hold down a thin layer of plywood underneath.

Finished making the bread while hubby worked on moving and putting in the lights. I've also been knitting the last two days! I'm making a shawl and thought you'd like to see it.
Click on it to see a bigger image. It's called the Weaver's Wool Mini Shawl...all the others I've seen on ravelry have been mainly solid or in chunks of stripes, but nothing like mine!

Have a good day and don't forget to be a blessing!

The Old Church House

2009-02-25T14:36:00.006-06:00

Just wanted to address a couple of areas in regards to the house.

It's not a new house, it was built in 1914. I say renovation, but it's necessary construction. We are not putting in the newest things because it hit our fancy. We spent the least amount as possible to still have a quality product. ANYTHING we've done has improved this place that had, for example, the peel and stick "linoleum" in the kitchen that was worn through, carpeting that has been over worn, in fact, we had to get this tar paper off the wood floors downstairs before we could sand and poly them before we moved in 4 years ago. We've been working on the house since we bought it, but hubby had a job with rotating shift work and it was difficult to just maintain a normal life, let alone work on a house! Our main goal in working on the house is to prepare it to sell-this has always been the priority and we've just recently watched as the Lord opened doors for us and we can see all the way down the corridor. We will only have a short time to enjoy our labors before we move!! My husband has done the majority of the work, but I've been his right hand man!! : )
So, to recap: this is a major construction of a 2 bedroom 1 (3/4)bath apartment that was above an old construction worker's store/business place with 1 (1/2) bath As-is/DIY/Handyman's special. Now, it will be a 5 bedroom 3 bath (1/2, 3/4 and full) with 2 kitchens and new carpet and tile throughout and refinished hardwood floors, newly painted and ready to move into!!

We've been blessed with this place after looking for a place just like it for the first 4 years we were married. We saw it a month after it went on the market and for the perfect price! Not everyone is a "handyman", but everyone can work with his hands. We've learned much, researched more and have done it.
We haven't bought unnecessary things like new furniture or new vehicles or things of that nature, but have learned to live with less and work to make more. We decided that it's not good to live in debt just to satisfy the desires of the flesh for the moment. We don't have cable t.v. (not any for the matter), we don't eat out, we don't eat processed foods which means I cook alot of homemade foods and we don't buy the latest things of any nature (except the freshest foods). It's not difficult, it's not harder, it's actually easier to be at home and not take a zillion trips to the store. Essentially, we have learned to be content with what we have. It wasn't until we were content that the Lord provided many ways, opened many doors and has made our marriage sweeter as opposed to those who say that working on a house may cause problems!

So, we just came in from outside: It was pleasantly warm and very sunny!! The children helped with getting the burn pile ready and adding to it as we had a bonfire, mainly to get rid of scrap wood and old papers. It was warm by the fire and easy to stay out. We came in to the wonderful smell of fresh baked bread & devoured one of the two loaves. I might, Lord willing, make a full batch of bread tomorrow (4 loaves).
I feel refreshed and the children look so also. They ran the length of the yard (1/2 acre) several times keeping up with daddy getting more fuel for the fire. I'm am looking forward to the babies sleeping through the night!

okie, second post for the second day could get too tiring, so I guess I'll go and finish straightening the kitchen in preparation for tomorrow (like FlyLady recommends), switch the laundry, wash the children, help hubby with grouting the kitchen tile (YEAH!!) and maybe, just maybe I'll be able to knit tonight. I say maybe, 'cause if my brain is not functioning anymore or my fingers, then I must go to bed! I've fallen asleep in between stitches just trying to finish a row!!

Ok, really going now. Hope you alls enjoy the picture, please feel free to suggest anything (after I post 'em) I try for the best angle. K, later all.

Going UP!

2009-02-24T16:05:00.006-06:00

**this is not my house, my stove or mine at all. I thought it was pleasantly minimalistic!**
We've moved back upstairs! It's much better and what I'm used to!! Have caught up on most everything and have helped hubby more with the switch-er-roo of rooms. He finished painting and putting in the carpet in all but the old dining room. He'll leave that so that we can eat there again & not dirty the new carpet! He just fixed the OLD Frigidaire electri-clean 50's or 60's stove. I like it because of it's flat burners not the coils of electric yuck that always seemed to burn things! I look forward to using the oven...that I've been without for the past month! Hubby is also okay-ing getting rid of stuff. I happen to have the most of those rubbermaid/sterlite tubs filled with sewing and knitting things. We consider it equal to "potential energy", things I can make for the family, like unto the idiom: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. I'm not sure what we're gonna get rid of since we are extremely practical! Hubby was saying things that we haven't used in 5 years-I can think of kitchen things and I'm sure there's plenty more we could do without and still live comfortably!

What else? Handling the everyday in the construction zone. Since the tile is just about done in the kitchen, I won't have to walk on boards to pass or lean over large newly set areas. I look forward to walking through any path without extension cords. I am so pleased with the progress that it is so easy to put up with these inconveniences. I enjoy house hunting with hubby and knowing what we can do to fix a house and put up with instead of buying perfectly new and paying with "an arm and leg"! We like looking at the different layouts of the houses and figuring what would be more suitable for our family-tons of fun for us!!

Cooking: this has been a bit difficult without a stove. In fact I need to go make a vegetable soup and we already had refried beans with cheese and chips for lunch. Everyone really enjoys these stovetop meals, I'm just ready for a few meals that I can throw in the oven!

Schooling: going well, we've stopped almost all t.v. and video games. We have our obedient smart children back! Also taking Cod Liver Oil (Carlson's Lemon flavor!) is helping alot too. I found my McGuffey Reader and will see where the older 2 are-they are probably ready for the next book. #1 is doing handwriting beautifully and #2 has neatened his penmanship. #3 is reading simple books and doesn't "like the long words so (he) just skips them"-funny! I guess I need to read to him and see where he really is. #1 & #2 read to the children and #3 is constantly asking for another book to be read! #4 is working with #5 on speaking correctly, "no, we say banana, not babana"...she is always anticipating and helping everyone! #5 is speaking clearly and is so cute when she asks for a bottle for #6 and herself. I just love their little baby voices speaking in coherent sentences!! #6 is walking so very well, almost to the running stage. He has a few sounds that sound like several words: Ha for yes, mama, dada, ba-ohl for bottle and many more. I enjoy his face lighting up when we actually guess what he's saying!

Well, children are off to bed, hubby is finishing the tile in the kitchen, I just finished cleaning up dinner (cheesy cream of vegetable noodle soup) and changing the laundry. I was thinking that once the kitchen is done, I might actually put a picture. I'll find something with the "before" and then you'll see how great it looks now!! I forgot to mention that we moved alot of the storage things into the children's old room. We have more things downstairs to move up, then I'll be able to finalize what we will keep and ready everything for the move! **Did I mention that I love to organize and consolidate??!!**

Okie, I'm tired and I haven't knitted in 2 days!! Need to finish my shawl, I might post a picture since it looks so different from the usual! :)

All-you-alls have a blessed week and keep putting God first!

In EVERY Thing???!!!

2009-02-14T16:12:00.005-06:00

You can't be serious! It doesn't really mean that! That was written for that time only, it doesn't apply to today, or our culture, or these times!

ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT GOD LIES!! My God doesn't lie.

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."
Ephesians 5:22-24

What did you say in your wedding vows, your covenant before God? Wasn't it something to the effect of "to love, honor and obey"? Nowadays many write their own "vows" that exclude such language altogether. But for those of us who had these poignant words, is this not a vow before God who NEVER CHANGES!!

I've heard so many, many excuses from women. Women that read the Bible, want to live Proverb 31 lives and desire to be godly. I'm getting over my surprise on how much they can wrest (or twist) God's Word.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

I have come quite a long way, or rather, I've been where you've been. I needed my time, my way of doing things, my schedule, my life : nice and neat.

I also discovered for myself the wonders of actually doing what my husband says to do. IN EVERYTHING. You know, all those little nuances of how he speaks to you that you know without a doubt in your heart that he is making his request and you just throw those thoughts aside, insert your opinion and don't do what hubby requests or just talk him out of it.

IN EVERYTHING.

Does he request certain meals? Does he mention he likes his house to look a certain way? Has he noticed when you dress nicely? Does he like it when things are going smoothly with the children? Does he like you to have a soft voice?

IN EVERYTHING.

Does he ask you to budget? Does he request desserts? Does he want to watch a movie at home with you-his choice?

IN EVERYTHING.

Did he say he wanted the schedule different today? Did he say he was going to go work on one of his projects? Did he say he wanted you to teach in this other method? Did he want you to just try his way, again?

IN EVERYTHING.

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Colossians 3:3

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." I Corinthians 6:19-20

What should be your expectation? To what are you entitled?

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Luke 17:10

What are your duties? Are you getting them done? Is your husband satisfied with what you've accomplished? How much more should you be doing?

Let's review the verse.

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."

Are you sure to do what YOUR husband says? Are you listening to other wives' suggestions?
Is Suzy Q trying something different for her family, like setting the perfect table? Is is something you think you should do. Yes, it is sin if you know that it would be a time waster in your family. Especially when your hubby says that he'd rather just feed everyone and hose them off when they're done.

Setting the perfect table, making the perfect meal, wearing the perfect clothes and make-up is not going to help your marriage or make it "like it used to be".

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; "But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." Titus 2:9-10

Is your pastor or one on the radio dictating what you try or what is your HUSBAND'S responsibility? I don't see any qualifiers to the verse saying, Only IF your husband loves you like Christ loves the Church.

What advice are you taking? It must be from God's Word. If you are having problems or just not able to make things work, then as a Christian woman, you MUST go to God and Obey Him first. And what does He say???

You can go here to look up verses online.

Here are a few to get you started on your own study.

I Timothy 2:9
Ephesians 5:22
Colossians 3:18
I Timothy 3:11
I Peter 3:1

Search for yourself and see God's Word open to you and bless you in ways you never thought possible!!

Yes, Going like the Energizer Bunny!

2009-02-13T12:54:00.004-06:00

Well, last night was our first night in our brand new bedroom upstairs. Hubby moved us out of our room and he painted it last night (or rather, early this morning) and he'll be carpeting it then moving on to the children's room after they are moved into our old room. Then he'll start tiling the kitchen and bathroom. He is going NONSTOP!!

We went to the grocery store the day before yesterday--ahhh, what a pleasant break from the construction zone!! We were out running errands and the like for 4 hours and were ready to be home again. I am cooking lots more now that the kitchen is a bit more organized and I don't haveta run upstairs or send someone (my "fast like a bunny" little ones) to get ingredients or pans. I'm also JUST starting to drink enough water again! Amazing how you can get "sick" so quickly by not having enough water!! I was "suffering" from many things including a couple of pinched nerves, headaches, tummy aches, lethargy, brain fog....all this caused by not drinking water. So you know, I would drink juice mixed with water (1/2 'n' 1/2) or a few glasses of milk and maybe a cup of tea. NO WATER. Now that I'm just drinking (in addition to other liquids) at least 1/2 gallon of water I'm doing much better!! I had stopped working out so I didn't need quite as much water. Like I said, things are much better and I look forward to getting more done as well as always helping hubby with the house.

I guess I got upset with all you alls. Yes, most of you don't leave comments, but I was going by the 50-100 hits I get on my blog per day and thought some of you needed to really say something. Well, come to find out, the hits are a total from all my blogs. I'm guessing that the majority of hits are for the knitting patterns. I don't apologize for getting upset, 'cause I'm still waiting for some family and friends to comment. I'll give 'em the excuse that maybe their computers are broken, yeah, that's it. They really do care and would comment! Ok, I'll go with that!! (chuckle)

I am surprised that I'm still able to (and still desire to) knit! I'm halfway through a scarf, but I ran out of yarn, so now I'm working on thick wool socks for me. It's been cold and won't be warming to a warm temp for several months still. We all are enjoying being downstairs where the sunlight (when it does come through the clouds) shines in and warms the room. The children like racing to a sunny spot whether to do their schoolwork or to just sit and be warm. They remind me of our old cats! Speaking of schoolwork, since we started again (after all the traveling and moving) they are doing well and understanding it quickly and working quickly while doing it even neater and more precise!!

I'm thinking of doing a video of the house when it's done. I think it would work better and you'd be able to see more than just a series of pictures. I haveta figure out how to put a video in, but that's still down the road...something to look forward to! It's looking great!

Ok...what else. I need to feed the children (and me-go figure) the homemade vegetable noodle soup. Maybe we'll have tuna and cheese and crackers, too! I need to make bread, but I haveta wait. That's ok, we got chips and crackers at the store, so no lack of carbs!

Here's what we had for breakfast: (serving 7)

Scrambled eggs, Refried bean and cheese burritos, oats with raisins and molasses and gingermonhoney cereal. Finally heard, "I'm soooo full!" So, gotta run and do this again and think of dinners.

Have a good, be good and good!

Ciao.

Whatcha been up to? (forget the dangling prepositions and read it as the common greeting that it is)

2009-02-05T16:25:00.003-06:00

Well, got the computers moved and online downstairs. Hubby cleaned up the construction zone and we moved downstairs. Still moving the kitchen and misc. that is in the way. Won't be moving the bedrooms, at least not yet. It is so wonderful to see the sun and feel so much better and organize and get rid of the last of the stuff we don't use!!

Hubby started on the room upstairs and hopefully by tonight will finish framing in the room and closet. Then it's just drywall, painting, carpeting, and the final touches, oh, and the tiling. The other night I helped with stuff in the basement: too cold, too tired, but I helped! Things are really starting to pull together and looking closer to being done!

Ok, just wanted to update, not that you'd really notice. So are you gonna leave a comment already? I'm waiting. Oh, well...I enjoy having one-sided conversations, I always can give my opinions and know I am right...of course, I'm right! See, I can be my own "yes man"! :)

Ok, all you alls. I'll just get back to my busy schedule-which none of you can match!! I can think of ONLY one other homeschool mom that probably does, if not as much, more than I do! If you think you come close: LEAVE A COMMENT! Otherwise, quit your fussing like a little baby and learn from the pros!!

Toodles *worms.

*Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare

"It Came To Pass, Not To Stay"

2009-01-31T12:07:00.003-06:00

Welcome back to a pseudo-scheduled blogging! We went back to visit family for another two weeks and go to sis-in-law's wedding! We stayed longer for to visit my dear, dear friend-well worth the wait!! I will barely mention much except to say that it was a wonderful, beautiful wedding and I was so glad to see all my family there!!!

We are doing MUCH better, Praise the Lord! Hubby was the only one who didn't get sick & played Mr. Mom for a couple of days. It was really difficult for my physical body to so sick and STILL help with the children being sick! I think I temporarily lost my sense of smell (Praise God!) for I could barely smell the shampoo! God showed himself in the fact that in my weakness He was made strong-I felt such peace through the roughest time knowing that God is bigger than whatever I go through even if it were to last a lifetime! It all started Wednesday night, no, it was the 2 older children at G'ma's the night before we left, so Monday night. I had them sick for that night and the beginning of the trip home (7.5 hrs) and they slept most of the way. Then the 4 youngest children and I "talked to Ralph on the big white phone" started Wednesday at bedtime and through the night. I don't think I slept and these past 2 mornings I've felt so good and ended up overdoing it. My body is still weak and tired, but everything else seems mostly normal!!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; "Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Psalm 103:1-5

What else? I guess I'm going to be busy with coming home still! I still have the luggage to put away, the laundry to catch up, the dishes to complete as well as getting on with the list of things to move!! So, once I'm good enough to handle the everyday and the children (who, Praise the Lord, are also better!) then hubby will be going down to work on the house. No more trips to interrupt the process, though it may be the summer before we actually go. Right now, I'm not upset. I'm too sick of traveling and not being home-I'm truly looking forward to preparing conscientiously to get rid of most of everything and organize/consolidate what we do move.

Ok, I think I am just starting to blab. I thought I had more to tell, maybe I'm just not 100% just yet. If you have questions-PLEASE ask, it makes it easier to write something when just the regular is going on!

Hope you have a wonderful, blessing of a day & don't forget that GOD is ALWAYS in control!!

Ciao for now.

P.S. I'll put up pics of the house as it is COMPLETED. In progress are too "busy" and you can't see much. K, later.

WHOOOO HOOOOOO!

2008-12-30T13:08:00.008-06:00

This is a tiny "corner" of my bedroom. The only place to work!
Just a short post to give a bit of news. My dh has gone above and beyond and fixed my sewing machine cord. (I looked on ebay and they go for 25-50 dollars) The machine was a wedding gift from my parents. I haven't been able to use it for almost a whole year-which if you know me, you know that is extremely long!!

Isn't it beautiful. After watching him fix it, I could do it-it's so very easy!! It only took a few minutes and my machine seems to run smoother! Maybe like when we were little and we ran faster when we had new shoes! Now I have the wherewithal to make dresses based on this find I got at a garage sale for $2-new! It fits #5, so I will make the dresses for the older two girls. I also will be able to take in my plum dress!!

Well, I'm off to make my bread that is falling out of the pan!! .....ahhhh...gotta run!!

And while I'm remembering:

HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY BIG SIS & BIG BROTHER!

Winter Eating Holiday Festivities

2008-12-24T18:29:00.006-06:00

The countdown has begun. It feels like a Sunday, but there's too much work to do! Enjoyed coffee with breakfast and a Lindt chocolates after lunch! NOW the festivities may begin. I will probably be up after midnight, but it won't be to eat; the other night I put up dry wall...ok, dh helped me hold it up & put in the first screw so it wouldn't fall on me, but then I placed all the others and started on another wall. We have to grout the bathroom tile still, so if the children go to bed well, I will offer to do that for hubby...I'm better at that then the screws-takes a whole lot more "umph" to drive a screw straight and in line with the others after the first few. The drill gets heavy, the screws become stubborn, etc. I'm not complaining, just pointing out that it's not as easy as hubby makes it look! I thought I'd quick take some pictures while I was waiting for the internet to connect again! (Yeah, the cable here is not very good, especially when the whole town is on the computer-makes it more difficult and longer than dial-up, but then it costs almost twice as much for the landline phone...so we use the Magic Jack (just $20 per year-long distance included...great deal if your cable works!) and when the internet works and we have time, then we make calls. Keeps us doing what we need to do everyday, rather than talking too much. But that could be done here as well.

This is the other side of the wall I did. The other side had the closet door resting on it. I guess the pictures will look better when we've finished walling in the rooms and clearing them to carpet et al!

Well, as you can see, hubby is busy grouting the tile as I sit here and type (and do laundry and feed the children and all that good stuff). I guess we'll be able to start on another project after bedtime.
It snowed again and we have a whole new batch of 4-6" outside on top of the already 3-4". After being inside for too long, it was time to bundle everyone and romp outside until fingers and toes began to numb. Hubby began to shovel the snow and the man who was snowblowing the school sidewalk drove over & plowed our driveway!! What a HUGE blessing. What would have taken a half hour or more took only 5-7 minutes! Thank you Mr. Neighbor!!

I made chili for dinner last night with leftovers for another meal...yummy. Today I decided to make another Broccoli 'n' Rice Soup. There's enough for another 2 meals. I know it's not the traditional Raviolis, but to a hungry man any bitter thing is sweet! (It's not bitter at all, very warming and stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal!)

What else? Making myself a pair of bedsocks. I'm doubling the yarn from the sweater my mom knit me (3 different yarns-twice) it's a bulky weight and it will keep my toes warm. They will only be ankle high. I also made 3 headscarves/headbands (calorimetry)...they are so wonderfully warm & better than a hat for me.

So, same 'o same 'o. It's a whopping 6 degrees (windchill of -11) and it was just barely warmer when we went out. The wind was around 15-20 mph and bit into my wet hair. Maybe I was hoping for freeze-dried hair, hehe! (I was wearing 2 hats and a scarf)

Oh, just saw the labor and birth of Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar's 18th baby, born by C-section on the 18th (just the other day). I guess I should vent on my other site. So you know...it's about the birth and not the number of children.

Ok, can't think of much more. Have a great day/week/month. Until next time.

On the -1st day of Hanukkah...

2008-12-20T17:46:00.007-06:00

I know, it'll be Hanukkah starting tomorrow evening, but who says we can't start celebrating now?? And who says you can't continue all through til Spring?? I really dislike it when the holidays are over...then it's just cold and dreary and nuthin' to look forward to anymore!!

Anyway, Progress!! *singing* "Arizona here we come..." Ok, still working on the house, but definitely making progress!! I went through, in one evening, 1 file cabinet and 2 more boxes equivalent to the cabinet & dumped the old and have just a bit more filing to do!! Unseen progress, but progress nonetheless!! Then I consolidated 5 Rubbermaid/Sterlite/Whatever big boxes/buckets and 2 other boxes of misc. junk into 2 of the bucket things!! Then I organized my desk and made more horizontal space!!

Here's a promised construction pic: The second bedroom wall, the closet has since been added here and doors (sliding double) are ready to be installed.oops: I guess this pic isn't the one I thought I took. (see previous post) Will be getting that for you soon.

Biggest and Best of ALL -- I returned to being a Geek!! I (yes, finally for the first time since it's power supply was fixed) hooked up my oldest computer! It just beeped and I air cleaned the dust and reseated the components. Then I read online that it was the ram. Fearing a busted piece, I tried reseating the memory & HEY!! it works!! Then later I tried the CD player...it came on, but didn't do anything. I heard that wonderful still small voice say that it wasn't connected. I thought it must be connected-the power light came on. I knew that it needed to be connected to the motherboard. In I go, my own geeksquadette, get the cable-thing I had found while I was sorting through the boxes and plug it in...VIOLA!!! All in working order!! Now, I have a computer for the children to use and one for each my husband and I!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!

And here it is...our first batch of Kombucha. It's been interesting to say the least! Dear Hubby is taking care of it with precise temperature measurements and calibrations. It came with instructions, but not being satisfied with limited information, we turned to do extensive research online. Found plenty of pictures of healthy s.c.o.b.y.'s and unhealthy. Reading all about the process and chemical reactions that occur. I have really enjoyed learning!

So, are you satisfied with all these goings on? Right, meal planning: here's my list though I don't have days assigned.

Empanadas (meat turnovers)
Meatloaf 12-20
Grilled Cheese 12-21
(with leftover Meatloaf)
Lentils 12-16
Tacos 12-17
(with leftover Lentils)
Quiche 12-17
Pizza 12-18 Leftovers 12-19
(with Taco Meat)
Chili
Sweet Potatoes
Broccoli with White Sauce
Beans
Mixed Rice with Veggie Saute 12-20
Giant Omelet with Broccoli
(with leftover Taco Meat) 12-17

Ya think we don't eat meat-think again. We just eat alot more bean meals and/or mix beans with the meat, not to stretch it necessarily but to make it more digestible or to use leftovers. Breakfast is either omelets or just scrambled eggs with my bread toast and Gingermonhoney-(tm). We don't have sandwiches (except when I make meatloaf & use it in grilled cheese) and we don't have Mac'n'Cheese or Ravioli-O's or other processed foods. We are making our own yogurt again.

It snowed all day today. We had about 4" when I checked around 3pm and I didn't look again. Dare I brave the wind and weather for a true measurement for you....ok, be back in a jiffy.

Sorry, can't open the back door to the deck-frozen shut, mostly at the bottom.

So, are you done reading my blabbings? I'm getting hungry...need to eat...hmmm....Peanut Butter Balls.

1 jar of Smuckers Peanut Butter
equivalent Honey to PB
1 TBSP Molasses
2 tsp Vanilla
2-4 cups Oats (to your own consistency)

Refrigerate til workable. Form into balls, put in baggie and freeze. They may stick together this way, but it's no big deal.

Okie dokie, I'm off to eat. Talk to me...leave a comment...cause a ruckus, have a cream soda -- do something already Sidney!

Very Thankful Thursday

2008-12-11T17:49:00.008-06:00

Happy Birthday to MEEEEE!!! Today, my niece and I share a birthday; she'll be 10!

Last night after all the babies were asleep, my hubby and I worked on the house. We laid tile in the new bathroom. Today we've been going through boxes/tubs of stuff - reorganizing and consolidating. Hubby has been putting up a wall to the second bedroom downstairs. Things are really coming together and looking like it too!! I'm so encouraged by our progress and am ready to get things moving up here. We're going to have to move downstairs when it's finished so hubby can work on the upstairs. It's really fun and challenging at the same time, but all in a good way. The more progress we see, the better we feel and are ready to tackle the next project! We have a 5 week time-line and we're going to be done!!

This is to the left as you enter through the main door:

This is to the right, standing in the same spot. The pictured door is the entrance from the master bedroom.

I will have better pictures and maybe a sketch of a bird's eye view of the house when we're close to done. It's really beautiful!

This is the wall to the second bedroom that hubby put up this evening.
I am thankful for all this great progress while still caring on a "normal" life! I've heard it said that a couple is really tested when working on a house (remodeling, repairing, refurbishing, etc.), but I know for a fact that letting your husband make the decisions and not getting upset because he uses you as his sounding board for ideas and plans, then things run so very smoothly and there are no problems! I am enjoying working with my hubby on this house and helping as much as I can.

"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127:1

Go to the Thankful Thursdays site for more who have posted of their thankfulness!

Coming Home

2008-12-07T12:27:00.004-06:00

We're back from spending Thanksgiving with family! A wonderful 2.5 weeks! My 8th niece was born and we were able to see my brother's family 4 days later!! Yet another SUPER-MOM!!
I sorta climbed my oldest brother's tree with climbing holds. It was a little difficult with a straight skirt and in the dusk/dark. We were going to go climbing, but it didn't work out; maybe next time!

We're taking the weekend off and look forward to starting our tough work until it's time to go to my sis-in-law's wedding mid-January. Hubby will be working on the house and I will be going through stuff to get down to our minimum so we can move. Yes, we are selling the house and moving. This is only going to be a 6 week visit here to the Siberian-winterland and then back to visit family/wedding and on to ARIZONA!! We are soooooo very excited. So, I won't be online as much (not that I have been these past few months anyway).

While we were visiting, Hubby repaired my parent's shower. It looks like a brand new shower!
The work he did made all the work he needs to do here seem alot easier!
After we get on our schedule again I will post pics. I'm still in my PJ's and have taken all day to type this. He also tore out the carpeting in his folk's place & I guess he'll have a big list of things to do when we go back!

I decided I'm going to remake my dress from my brother's wedding for January. I'm going to take the sleeves off, make the waist fitted & put a zipper down the back to accommodate the fitting. Then I may make a shrug or shawl (probably a shawl for a wedding) to put over my shoulders since it will be January around the timberline location! I may have to do all this by hand, since my machine's cord is still outta commission, but then again, I may finally just get a new cord.

Tomorrow, I plan on folding my dozen loads of laundry & at the same time getting rid of clothes we don't wear and won't need. We are doing a lighter school, since we did a little bit of math and some reading while on vacation, that will make all my other doings easier. We will be eating lots of sweet potatoes as well...I have only one main recipe, but I will be looking up more. Maybe a soup or in combination with other vegetable soups/stews.

The children are getting used to being home and our regular rules again! Baby #6 is crawling so well and pulling up on everything, but I am truly blessed with my house (I don't know how my mom did it with a split level and 5 children!!) the only stairs have a door and everything else is open, so I can easily see everywhere while I'm doing my chores!

Well, I'm off to start something for dinner (sweet potatoes) and finish organizing so I can knit a little tonight. I started a winter headscarf while we drove home and might be able to finish it in the next couple of days. I won't be knitting much else except finishing a pair of socks, this headscarf and a short pair of wool socks for me...my feet are REALLY cold-maybe just 'cause I haven't started working, but anyway, am excited to get to work and get all these things done & try to enjoy the last bit of time we have here!!

Again, will try to put up pics for all that we are doing, so check back!! Have a productive and blessed week & don't forget to enjoy time with family and friends!!

Ciao.

Since an Eon has passed...

2008-11-17T23:54:00.005-06:00

I thought I'd write a quick hello! This pic is "over the hills and through the woods".

We are preparing to go to Gramma's house for Thanksgiving and are very, very excited to see everyone!! (Did I mention, it's been 3 years-except for a short visit from hubby's mom!) All my neices and nephews have grown too big and I dunno if they'll let their auntie give them hugs and say how much they've grown and dumb stuff like that! I didn't realize how much I've missed everyone. So, don't look at me funny if I start crying when I see you, it'll be because "I'm soooo happy!"

Ok, so therefore, I've been busy (like mega duh!) cleaning the house (I hate to come home to a mess!!), trying to eat the food in the refrigerator without running out yet, doing laundry and packing the clean stuff so we don't wear it again, gathering all the regular and extra stuff we need, as well as the regular day to day.

Hubby is finishing the plumbing for the downstairs bathroom. When that's perfect, then we'll be able to start tiling-after we come back. He replaced the window and it looks so nice. I found an old picture of the area where the bathroom is now, but it's on my computer, so I'll haveta do before/after pics at a different time.

What else.

That's pretty much all. Doesn't sound like much, but it fills each and every day!

Mindset of Festivities. Enjoying time with those we love dearly. Another hug. A cup of tea with homemade cookies. A sweet baby. Shining eyes and cute smiles. Mom opening the window because it's too hot in here-though it's 35 degrees outside. Card games. An uncle running to the store for the forgotten ingredient and maybe more chocolate....just in case. Dad praying over the meal. Thankfullness abounding!!

Look forward to seeing all of you very soon!!

Presidential Elections

2008-11-05T18:04:00.006-06:00

I used to get all riled up when "my" candidate didn't win. It started when I couldn't vote in November 'cause my 18th birthday wasn't til December-not that my vote would have changed the tide!!

I thought those same feelings would return yesterday and today. I found a wonderful peace in God: allow me to share.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
I Timothy 2:1-4

"Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
"And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
"He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."
Daniel 2:20-22

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
Proverb 21:1

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
"And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD."
Genesis 10:1-2 (the Word says that God hardened his heart 7 total times)

I am truly thankful to Jesus for his Peace!! I know that God is ALWAYS in control and nothing "happens" that he doesn't know!!

Yum, Yum, Yummy

2008-11-03T15:40:00.007-06:00

If you're a fan of broccoli, I have a soup recipe to share.

Yummy Broccoli Soup
5 lb bag (80 oz) cut broccoli
2 roasted squash
*Clean seeds (roast coated in oil and salted for 10-15 mins at 200F degrees for appetizer) and place in an inch of water with 1 TBSP oil and cook til soft, about 30 mins at 400F degrees.
1 stick of butter
3 TBSP Real Salt (only do this amount if you have Sea Salt or Real Salt)
Black Pepper to taste

Put Broccoli in a 12-15 quart pan and cover with water and cook/boil til soft. (I usually forget about it and when I smell it, it's ready.) Add everything else and cook to make sure everything is mushy. Blend with a stick blender. Serve when cool.

The squash gives it a sweeter taste and smoother texture.

I will be starting more and more organizing and "purging" and cleaning. Hubby is working on the house again. There's so much to be done: tiling, carpeting, walling, bathrooming, and all the little things that make the work perfect.

We have the kitchen to tile, the living room to carpet upstairs and a bathroom and 2 bedrooms to put in downstairs. I, hopefully, will be posting the pictures. It's so exciting seeing all of our ideas and plans come together!! I am absolutely jumping up and down!! More importantly, I am glad to see God's hand in our life as door after door is opening for us!! ...more later.

Happy Birthday!!

2008-10-25T13:23:00.003-05:00

I was exactly 2 years ago today we were joined by our fifth child and beautiful baby girl! Our oldest made a card for her almost a week ago and gave it to her today. Birthday girl has been singing, "Happy Birthday to meeeeee." with lots of smiles and giggles as she "reads" the card! She was arguing with her year older sister over b'fast about whose birthday it is: "It not your burfday, it mine!" said #5, "You're 2 and I 3." said #4, "NO, I not, it my burfday!" said the adamant birthday girl. On the road to debate!
We're having a very relaxed day with computer games for the older 3 (for a little while) and nosching for all of us! Late last night, I finished folding just 4 loads of laundry and I have 4 more in rotation I'll be completing. Other than that, maybe a nice meal to plan and make and hopefully outside time as it is no longer "too wet and scary outside"!! It's cold, hovering around 50 degrees for the next week with storms coming and going - it's only going to be getting colder!! Digging out all the winter hats and cuddling under the down comforters with all the babies giggling and laughing!
So that's all here, whatcha doing today? Do have plans for a fun day or restful day?

Ummmm....I'm thinking some fried foods, like mama's throw cassarole, or other yummies; but, alas, I am out of coconut oil.....but I'm not out of butter!!! Ideas pouring in!!

Later, ya'all, have a great day and be BLESSED!

**I've always liked this picture, I saw it when I was about 15 yrs old and knew one day I would have two little girls that would look like it. They are #4 and #5 who are 13 months apart. Perfect!!

Whaddaya Think?

2008-10-16T21:36:00.007-05:00

This is our pear tree. The Lord has blessed us with these beautiful yummy pears for the second year! All this we picked today; it's supposed to frost tomorrow night! We have 2 medium buckets, an estimated 20 lbs of pears. They are huge!! Thank you Lord!

I've been knitting and designing during my "spare" time. I have just a few projects to finish & I have 3 sweaters waiting for finalization. I also discovered Annie Maloney's books. Right now I'm interested in the cable book. I haven't found these cables anywhere and they're not like all I've seen. Anyway....

Just made a cream of broccoli soup to go with the bread yesterday. When it's cooler, I enjoy baking more. It's easier to bake. It's cool and it just "feels" like cinnamon roll and coffee weather, or chili and corn bread, or even a batch of crepes as pancakes with honey or other sweet dressings.

The children are learning well. The two oldest finish Bible and Spelling this morning before b'fast, then we did a lesson in Science and they were all but jumping up and down when I finally let them get out their math. They love it, look forward to it and just eat it up!! I could just give them the workbook and let them do the lesson mostly on their own, but I need to really get with it, cover the few things I've just touched and get them rolling into the 2nd book and then let them work on their own!

I need to start requiring that #1 write in handwriting. (cursive). She prints beautifully and I think she's ready to take her creative abilities and begin illustrating.

#2 is reading everything...I need to dig out my old books and give him something more than the baby (dick and jane) that we have out! One can get sick of reading too many books about animals as well!

#3 is working with dh on his reading. Mr. Brainy( #3) will spell and read just fine if he can play a computer game! So we use it and everyone wins!!

#4 is teaching #5 her abc's, colors and shapes. Yup, that's the 3 yr old teaching the almost 2 yr old!

#6 is doing great. He's eating well, sleeping much better and is his happy self once again! He's pushing up like he's ready to crawl, but still does the roll and turn over to get to a different place. He's also talking more. He was downstairs with dh this morning and he was just saying "mamamamamamma" until dh brought him up and then he was full of satisfied giggles when he was put in my arms!! SO adorably cute and sweet!

That's all here. Full schedule and the same 'o same 'o everyday so I won't bore ya until I have something more to tell ya. Ok.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - With A Glass of Milk

2008-10-08T17:48:00.005-05:00

I must preface by saying that we have our sweetness levels reduced since we don't have many sweets. You may want to ice them or for the pumpkin recipe use a cream cheese frosting, just suggestions. It is mandatory to have these with milk. Swap out the raisins for chocolate chips even with the pumpkin.

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups oats
1.5 tsp baking pwd
1.25 TBSP cinnamon
1 cup honey
1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup butter (1.5 sticks)
1 cup raisins (or up to 1/2 cup more if desired)

Sorta drop, but mush into a cookie shape (they don't fall down) on an UNGREASED cookie sheet. Bake at 375F degrees for 12-15 mins.

*Variation:
1/2 small can or 1/4 large can of Pumpkin substituted for the Sour Cream/Yogurt
add only 1 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

The weather is clearing and now we wait for the pears. I'll take pictures. Since we didn't go out while it rained the past 2 days, we had about 1.5 cups of raspberries today. Everyone had a goodly amount!
I'm posting patterns on my handwork site and have been busy with that and finishing lots of knitting. I am keeping myself from starting yet another project until I have finished quite a few. Busy, busy, busy! Prepared the taco and pizza meat and we had the leftover soup/stew with grilled cheese sandwiches. Correlating the shopping with the meal planning has been a challenge to keep meals going when "regular" ingredients are lacking.
We are truly blessed to have our needs provided by our Jehovah Jireh - our Provider! I am finding myself automatically going to the Lord for everything, in prayer AND thanksgiving! Days are more peaceful and organized. Now on to the tongue! I am learning and will have what I say!

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Mark 11:22-24

What do you say that may be a curse, rather than a blessing?
I just can't do this, I don't know how to handle this, How will I ever get to this?

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Phillipians 4:13

Read the previous verses also. God has given me the ability to handle everything that comes my way.

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Proverb 16:3

If I go to the Lord first...I will have His help, strength, peace, joy and all good things! I CAN do ALL THINGS!!

Ok, just wanted to share how I've been blessed this past week! How have you been blessed? How can we rejoice together in what the LORD has done in our lives? Ok, last verse:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Phillipians 4:8

We are to not only speak what is right, but to also think. So dwell on these things, mull them over, mentally ruminate and your life will show fruit!

Turkey Recipe

2008-10-07T15:44:00.005-05:00

Here's my answer to a recent comment:

My favourite Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is my mom's! When she cooks, that's my most favourite!!

I've never made turkey (whole) and I think I made a roast when dh went to work. Warms up better than the first time it's eaten.

When we ate more chicken, I'd make fajitas. Not really Thanksgiving food, but still yummy!! I think just making something you and yours like is the best part of celebrating together, no matter the day-or missed day!

I like to keep Thanksgiving meals for getting together with family, rather than making a mess at something I've not tried and don't have a reason to! I like all the memories associated with Thanksgiving...I'd like to keep it that way!! LOL

Well, I've been busy today. It's raining and overcast, but I have had a song in my heart and have enjoyed singing with the girls!
I just finished making a wonderful Potatoe and Hard-Boiled Egg Stew, the Bread is rising and since I didn't have bread, pancakes or any muffin type thing to have with eggs for b'fast, I made Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. If you consider the ingredients...they are the same for all of the above (except bread, but you could have raisin bread!). Again, no sugar, no white flour and you have good food you can have ANY time of the day!!

As I sip my freshly made herbal tea: chamomile, lavender (oh, yeah, totally calming!), spearmint, rose hips, fennel, dandelion leaf and red clover.

So, besides all this, I wrote out 3 (yes, three) patterns that I'll be posting sortly!!
(Yup, all this done while homeschooling and caring for the babies!)

Well, need to go feed the tribe and enjoy the constant sound of rain and cars driving through it!

Mmm...PIZZA!

2008-10-04T13:47:00.003-05:00

I forget how much we enjoy eating pizza. I finally found a way to make it that has a whole lot more protein! I make the crust out of Naan Bread and roll it thin, sauce, toppings, bake and EAT!

I know that it is contrary to my heritage and being this close to Chicago, but I really like the thin crust NEW YORK style crust/pizza!

This pic is from the other time I made it. You can make personal size, medium, or one panfull size. This recipe makes enough for our family (of 8-well, 7 eating) for 2 meals!

Ok. This is the simple way, here it is all laid out:

Naan Bread
3 cups of flour (whole wheat)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp honey
2 TBSP oil
4 TBSP Yogurt
3/4 cup warm water

Mix dry, then add wet, and lastly yogurt. Let rest for about 20 mins. Then I roll it and patch it onto a pizza pan (a cookie sheet works too)

Sauce
1 can (32 oz) tomato concentrate (it's the walmart brand and ONLY has tomato pulp-no salt!)
1 TBLS salt (still using Real Salt)
2 TBLS oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/3 large onion
1/2 head (several cloves) garlic

Toppings

*I cook hamburger with salt and onions-use what I need and freeze the rest for next time I make pizza...helps alot
-also cooking the onions with the hamburger, flavors it differently than if I put them as a topping. When I've added onions as a topping, my pizzas always came out watery!
*sliced black olives
*grated mozzarella cheese -I do this

These are the topping we like, keeping away from my favourite of pepperoni which have nitrites and other oddities. I had headaches for years when I ate white flour crusts and pepperoni!

Throw together and cook in oven at 400F degrees for about 12 minutes. Lower temp, cook longer and get a crisper crust.

I have made a cornmeal crust and mixed beans and meat and added the cheese and olives and it was like a mex-pizza!!

Enjoying the cooler weather. It's between 62-65 degrees now, except for the next few days of being in the upper 60's and barely into the 70's! Wonderful cooking weather and even better to sit in the sun outside while the children play and (what else?) KNIT!

Need to go make bread, wake babies and prepare to go outside again!! (change the laundry, too)
Ciao for now!

Sorry for the Rants. Please enjoy the Rave!

2008-09-23T20:18:00.005-05:00

I apologize for not keeping to the regular and everyday. I wanted to share more, but I’m becoming one of those boring blogs-in my honest opinion. So, I’ll get back to letting everyone know what’s up here.

We are having wonderful progress in school. I’ve put the oldest two together, keeping in mind that the younger will be challenged, but not requiring as much as the older. We are just flying through Math and I have to come up with other projects to keep them in Science and History so the book may last the year. If they are able to comprehend all this (which I know they are) we’ll be finishing these books and moving to the next level.

Here’s my curriculum for this year:

Saxon Math 2 (1 teacher’s book & workbooks for each)

Rod & Staff Pattern’s of Nature 2nd grade science (teacher’s and student book each)

Rod & Staff Our Father’s World 2nd grade history (teacher’s and student book each)

Rod & Staff English Grammar (in depth, will use through senior year of studies)

KJV Bible reading & comprehension & spelling 4th grade level (each own Bible)

Watercolors for art (Crayons, Coloring Books, Blank Spiral Notebooks for free draw)

Sign Language Made Simple by Edgar D. Lawrence (A complete manual for learning sign language in sentence form)

A set of 50 single words on 25 cards

Spanish (need to start) See It & Say It in Spanish

Right now, the children are watching (for the 2nd time) Berenstein Bears in French.

I’ve been busy keeping school going and I’ve noticed that they could start reading the lesson plan to do the next subject and prepare. I use a composition book and list the date and what we covered in each subject. It was much easier than a column book or anything else.

The next two younger (#3 and #4) are great at their alphabet and hubby is teaching them to read. We found that the more time you spend with your children in an enjoyable setting, the more they learn, the more they can surprise you with what they already know! As mothers who homeschool, this is our duty, job, obligation each and every day. We have no excuse but that our children should learn and learn well!

I’ve been finishing my knitting projects. I’ve put everything on RAVELRY . It’s easier to organize since it’s set up that way. I will post at my handwork site all that I’ve placed on ravelry so you can see.

Hubby and I are working out lots and lots. He has started biking again, riding as far (and further) as we did when we biked after #2 was born. We also walk about 2 to 3 miles 5 times out of the week as long as it’s not raining too much-or should I say storming! I’m doing my exercises that I did before and after #1 was born all the way until after #2 was born. Something happened (maybe I complained, or decided to let myself become overwhelmed with my God-given duties) and I didn’t lose weight as well after #3 though I sorta-mostly worked out. After #5 was born, I rarely worked out and then stopped until after #6 was born. BIGGEST MISTAKE.

Well, I repented of my hardheartedness and unthankfulness and the Lord has blessed me!

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Proverb 17:22

Though it is slow going, I’ve lost 5 lbs in the last month and I’ve gone down from a size 14 to a size 10. I still have a good 20 to 25 lbs to lose which will further my inch loss. I am glad that I measure myself and weigh myself and keep track, otherwise I would be tempted to skip days when I didn’t feel like working out!! After #2 was born I lost about 40 lbs in 2 months— I didn’t lose but 10 at the birth, so really 30 lbs, but that’s 1/2 lb every day! I was able to do 10 REGULAR push ups before I had to stretch to do 5 more. Now, I can only do 10 without even going all the way down, then I do 10 “girl” push ups (with knees bent) all the way down. These little advances encourage me to keep going!

With all this, I found yet another encouraging verse:

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” I Timothy 4:8

We are eating regular meals, since I’m not expecting, I don’t need to eat every 2 hours around the clock-duh! I’ve increase my water intake from about 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon up to 1 to 1 1/2 gallons per day. Trusting God to show us what we need to every day helps with everything all day!!

Well, it’s outside time/walk time and I need to finish thawing the meat for hamburgers. I plan on making an arm roast for Thursday possibly and loads of peas with mashed or fried potatoes.

This is a cantaloupe from our garden. It was "normal" size and very yummy!! We look forward to planting more next year!

ok, sorry that's all the pics you get. I have many to download and organize, but you can always visit my handwork blog. I just posted many there, if you're interested in knitting!!

Later!

Should I Now Quit The Memes? Ayep!

2008-09-13T15:39:00.005-05:00

I must get back to my original view for this blog: to stay in touch with family and friends. With all that I do everyday (I don't see how anyone else could blog more than I have done and still manage their home!) I see that I spend too much time here.

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."

I Timothy 6:3-5

So I withdraw from memes and commenting to others of my own volition. I am done with useless conversations with those who are not aspiring Proverb 31 women. If you are in the sidebar or I regularly comment or email you, it is not you.

"And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." I Corinthians 14:35

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." I Corinthians 15:33

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." I John 2:27

These are the verses the Lord has given to me to confirm that I should not be roaming others' blogs that do not fervently adhere to God's Word.

You can't see me, I'm hiding behind my computer.

2008-09-11T14:46:00.005-05:00

Blogger has been very disobedient! I have had trouble logging into anything Google related and today is the very, very first I've gotten this far!! So, since I haven't been online (I could visit other sites) too much I've been working and doing soooo much! In fact, we finish school before lunchtime as long as I get up early!! Yesterday I was up at 5:30A and was able to have a wonderful quiet time and read through Galatians. I am so encouraged that God is true!!
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." James 4:8a

What else?! Yup, been knitting too. Usually when we go outside and also in the evenings. We're waiting on the last batch of raspberries for the season. Just about all done!

Hubby and I have been exercising alot. We walk approx. 3 miles at least 4 or 5 times per week. It is easy to make a track in the backyard and the children can play! I'm losing more weight by just adding Olive Oil (2 TBLS trying for twice per day) taken as "medicine" in orange juice. I FINALLY fit in my size 10 jeans!! I've gone from bigger than 14, then they fit, then 12 and now 10! I'm also eating more protein & vegetables and a lot less carbs and almost no cheese! We also figured that I've been eating at night since baby#5; eliminating that has helped also!!
I've stopped T-tapping. I think it helped to build my spine and strengthen all of me, but I needed more! I now do my stretching exercises I did while pregnant with #1 & #2 (when I lost ALL my weight 2 months postpardem!) and Hubby and I walk & occasionally I will lift weights with him. I don't have a problem lifting weights, I don't bulk up or look like a guy, I just get cut muscles and lose weight!

Next, school is going swimmingly! We are done before lunch & we accomplish so much! I also have Math, History and Science so that they are 3 times per week every other week - Math is a constant Monday/Wednesday/Friday. I'm using the Science & History for at least two and up to three times per lesson. It is full of information that I want to be sure they retain as well as seeing that they are working on their reading comprehension - that's not really taught, so I figured I'd do this to help them get ahead even more!! I must tell you that we had Sign Language on Tuesday when I just demonstrated and said 50 words (on a set of cards) and today we went through them by just showing the sign & #1 got 47 out of 50 correct!! (I'm not a prompter in any way, shape or form!) I enjoy teaching and seeing how the children really love to learn!!

Right now, I'm thawing hamburger to make chili. I finally made a batch of beans that were perfect - soft without being "refried" mushy! I have tomatos from the garden that I'll have the children pick when we go out here shortly. (They're all red now, this was taken about a week ago.)

I made some delicious pancakes the last few days. I'll share my recipe:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups oats
4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp rounded cinnamon
1 tsp rounded ground ginger
1/2 - 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 - 1 tsp salt
4 TBLS butter or cocunut oil (it's cooler here, so it's turned solid)
4 TBLS honey
3 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup raisins

Mix dry ingredients & add wet. Let sit so the oats begin to break down. Add raisins last.
Make sure everything is wet & bake on a greased pan stovetop. Ya know, like pancakes are made! Enjoy with a glass of creamy whole milk!

Hmmm...when I was offline I thinking up many things to blog about, now I'm not remembering too much now. Well, I best be off to make that chili & such. I already made the Scot Oat Cakes, they came out more like crackers this time!

Well, I'm going to see if blogger likes me & I can post this. I'm thinking about scheduling a time where my computer is connected when hubby doesn't need it. It will most certainly be after the children are in bed!! "Curious George" is almost over, so I better go.

Have a blessingfull week (or however long it is til I see ya again!)

Faith by Works

2008-08-28T21:06:00.004-05:00

I am thrilled to tell you my experience. I know that it will just seem as "that's nice" to some, but to others that have been there-I know you'll understand my excitement!!

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
Titus 1:2

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
II Corinthians 1:20

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Romans 10:17

Now I read my Bible out loud to myself. I had rarely ever understood completely what I read until now. It's like someone finally fitted my brain with the decoder card!! I have been so blessed to read and understand. So all yous out there that read your bible...read it OUT LOUD!

What Does BUSY Mean To You?

2008-08-21T23:12:00.017-05:00

This is the Ellis Family. I found it online. No relation. I just thought for an old picture, they have approximately the age distance, same birth order and number of children. Just for fun!

I've been busy. I've been over here knitting! There's the knitting, schooling, cleaning, cooking, rearing, feeding, obeying, disciplining, exercising, eating/drinking and all other everyday things I may have forgotten!

I was just digging through my boxes of books & I have so many language books!! We'll be starting with 3 easy languages: Spanish, German and Sign Language. The other languages I have are: Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Japanese, Russian and Short Hand. We could learn a language per year!!

I also found my music books. I'll start with Music Education in the Elementary School 1944-I have another 1/2 dozen music books. I have a bag of rhythm things as well as a recorder since #1 wanted to learn to play the flute. We've already used the McGuffey First Eclectic Reader and we'll review that and move up to the Second Eclectic Reader and I need to incorporate the Handwriting for each lesson! I'm still looking for my English Grammar book, I'll find it soon-I know where it is!

Now I'm waiting on:

Science - Rod & Staff Grade 2

Social Sciences- Rod & Staff Grade 2

Math - Saxon Math 2 (did get Saxon Math K, 1, & 3 so I'll have some foundational work for the babies (1, 2.5 &4) and then seeing how well the older two go through Math 2, I have 3 ready'n'waiting :NO, not new>eb.ay used!)

This will be for the 2 oldest and I'll be starting all 5 children in a learning schedule!! I'll let the 4 month old (yup, he's that big already) wait a little bit before catching up with his siblings.

Just like cloth diapers, I won't have much to buy for each child that goes through this curriculum!!!

I, like every mother out there that spends time & teaches her children, know where my children are academically. I can see where I haven't pushed them AT ALL and they catch on to concepts and ideas well. So, when I teach them, they'll be learning more efficiently and if I ever push them (encourage them to do more) they will excel! Last year was our "practice" year & we did the minimum and they advanced tremendously. This year is our "real" year for our oldest as far as scheduling, record keeping and subjects; but-you know, I just realized that we homeschool from birth. Subject closed.

**If you haven't figured out by now, I was homeschooled. Only 9th thru 12th and then I continued with a few subjects for several years after. I loved it so much more than any other schooling I ever had!! (I've been to Public, Catholic, Private Christian and Homeschool) I helped my parents along with my two younger brothers to set up several state homeschool conferences, then went on to teach a few violin students and played in 4 local orchestras. (My Lord Jesus gets credit for that talent, I just used it) I worked for almost two years in a violin shop before I was married and started another country!! (see above picture)

Did I mention that I fell in love with the violin after seeing the movie,

"And They Shall Have Music"

I started playing at age 14 and still play for my children.

Go here for more homeschooling mom's pages!

And We're Back!

2008-08-15T21:31:00.009-05:00

Sorry about that gap in blogging. My computer would NOT log into Bl.ogger, G.m.ail or even Go.ogl.e!! My computer super brother fixed everything-remotely!! My #1 was laughing, moving the mouse trying to mess him up! Extra big hugs to him!!

Ok, now to the blog...ya know, real life!!

I wanted to share my other cake/muffin-thing recipe. It was so good that when I ate the leftovers I was surprised it came out of my oven!! Ok, here goes...

2 cups flour

1 1/4 TBS baking pwd

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 TBSP orange peel

1/4 cup butter or coconut oil

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup yogurt (homemade)

1/2 orange juice

1/2 cup honey

Blend orange peel in the orange juice. Mix dry ingredients, add liquids, mix well til nothing is dry. Put in GREASED pan. Cook at 400F degrees for 20 mins. Watch/check your cake the last 2-5 mins depending on your oven temps.

It doesn't taste like ginger, but it does have a strong orange flavor that is just naturally wonderful!! Please enjoy with your favourite beverage!

I have also been contemplating whether or not to continue with the Thankful Thursday or Then Sings My Soul Saturday. I don't blog regularly (barring the week of clothes) and I missed Thursday & would like to spend all of tomorrow outside. If I do continue, it may end up being Thankful Everydays and Singing to the Lord!

Okie dokie, what else? Not much here. I plan, Lord willing, to knit more & write up patterns and therefore blog less. We'll see. Hope you're enjoying the last days of summer break. I have school to start & projects to plan to keep everyone happy, busy and learning without realizing it!! Maybe I'll let you know what I'm doing for school, once I get it going. I have some great ideas from my big sis & am so ready to start!

K, nuthing else here. Ciao.

Last of the Clothes

2008-08-11T14:54:00.007-05:00

I want to thank Nancie for the awards/recognition/friendship. It was truly kind to include me!! I want everyone that visits my site to go ahead and be included in the sharing of friendship. Copy to your computer the pictures and add to your blog. You can let me know, if you like!!This will be my last installment of clothing pictures. This is a maternity top, but it never fit when I was expecting, so I wear it now & it's just empire waisted and long! Both items were found at garage sales for "pennies". It's all polyester, but for cool days it's perfect & feminine! #1 put on the top & shoes and came to show me. It looked like a nice knee-length dress, just too cute!

SUNDAY

I was thinking about doing something along these lines of clothes for a week: my house. Going room by room & taking pictures. But it would not be a daily thing *giggle* as my whole house is not always ready for pictures. Ok, rarely even one room is ready!! I thought it would be a great way to clean and organize the house and get things done!! I'll let you know when I get to that. I'm telling you now so I can be held accountable!! It is Fall cleaning time, just before the school year starts, I think this is what I need! I am blogged out!! I am not an everyday blogger. I've spent way too much time online & look forward to a much quieter week. I hope to keep up with the Thankful Thursdays and Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Other than that, I'm going to get some constructive work done with my hands!

Ciao for now!

Singing Clothes (can't come up with anything witty right now)

2008-08-10T11:38:00.008-05:00

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

Here's what I wore the past two days. (You might even see the smudges of dirt and little muddy handprint) Another O.ld Na.vy T-shirt and a pair of wideleg slacks again folded to just below the knee. (If I fold it higher, it's a little dorky looking-my preference)
We played outside lots in the dirt, water & running around in the orchard playing dodgeball. We came in & were kinda late in putting the children to bed. The youngest 2 were asleep & the others in their beds "visiting" when I walked out of my room and saw it. A BAT!!
Haven't I had enough of these??!! I didn't scream and freak out & dh was home, so he took things to block the bat's way to lead it to the open window and door, but them critters are fast! The children obeyed and stayed in their room & I ducked in and out of our room. It finally went out through the window. Praise the Lord. When I first saw it, I was shaking, trembling & I knew I didn't have to be afraid. We told it to go outside and prayed and I felt better. When it was all done & we cleaned up (just normal picking up & turning fans back on) I was exhausted! I sat with dh, he prayed for me & I didn't do anything else. Went to bed a little earlier than usual, but #6 was awake and fussy-strangely not the way he is at all!! And #5 came to our bed (she's only slept through the night in her own bed the previous night) and tossed and turned. I knew I wouldn't be able to function when I was up with #4 at 7 in the morning (but did see a beautiful red/orange sunrise-and now it has already rained & it's overcast) & slept maybe an hour more.

This morning I made eggs with sliced carrots and scot oatcakes:

3 cups oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 TBLS coconut oil
2 TBLS honey
1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients & let sit for a couple of minutes. This begins the breakdown process of the oats & will stick together. I form palm-sized patties (smaller than hamburgers) close to 1/4" to 1/2" & place on a cookie sheet (ungreased). Cook for 12-15 mins. at 350F degrees. (less time is softer & longer gets it crunchier)

Oh yeah...it's Saturday!! (Scratch that, Sunday now!) Ok, a song. I just received the request for Jesus Loves the Little Children. ooooh, and O, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus! It's sung by one woman and I was able to sing along. It's so refreshing switching from alto to tenor (sung an octave higher than written)!!

I didn't sleep too well last night. But I was in constant prayer!
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
I was thinking of the bat & remembering when we had bats (around 1/2 dozen) for a few nights 6 years ago! There were no more, Praise the Lord and I was able to get up earlier, before anyone else & exercise & shower & start b'fast!!

Since my computer was not connecting to the internet yesterday, here's the next set in the series:

SATURDAY

Yet another T-shirt with a navy color "cargo" style knit jersey skirt. This is of the storm that rolled in yesterday & has made it much cooler 75-80F with a LOT less humidity!! I'm considering putting on a sweater!

This is one of my longest posts, so I will end here without formalities.

Privacy Policy & Phone Connections

2008-08-08T14:04:00.006-05:00

I just want to let you all know what I will post and what I won't in regards to names. If you are not comfortable with leaving your real name, leave a "nickname" and if I know you, then email me. Even really simple: Hi, this is Suzy and my nickname is RedHead.
If you are saying family names of mine, I won't post it. Sorry, but I must draw the line somewhere. If you've left a comment that you don't want here...you ARE able to delete it yourself. (I'm thankful for that blogger feature!) It hurts to delete comments so please be general if speaking of my family or just email me.

For Family: I probably call my mommy the most. Next is my mommy-in-law. So, you can see, we are not on the phone people. All that taken into consideration, I expect (Lord willing and we can actually schedule it!!) to be calling my sis-in-law #1 & we'll probably talk for a few hours, but we haven't spoken to each other in almost a year. (I don't even know if I spoke with her or if it was my brother after baby #6 was born-I was so weak and tired!) We've barely even emailed . We both know that we are very busy with many children & are still learning to get things done for our families. My main computer time is after the children are all asleep, as I've said before, it can be as late as 10 or 10:30P and then I have all my work to catch up on, exercise, shower, Bible reading/listening so I'm up mainly working til 1 to 3 in the morning.

I would love to schedule calling everyone and keeping in touch, but that is not practical. That is why I started the blog. There are too many people to be calling & returning calls. I'm sorry if this offends, but I must obey & get my work done. When I am on the phone it interrupts my day & keeps me from caring for my children and husband. Dh is also busy & relies on my blog to keep family up to date.

So you know: my phone can be very quirky. I've just found all the information to check messages, though I don't do that often. The caller id sometimes comes up and sometimes not.

There you go. Now I've devoted naptime to tell you and I didn't get the business things done. See! I make sacrifices too! "But I will suffer in silence, O, how I suffer!"

*smiling!*

Do have a good day and be a blessing!

P.S. I'm not doing clothes today because I'm wearing yesterday's clothes again! (gasp!)
*still smiling and laughing!*

Thankful Thursday & A Week of Clothes

2008-08-07T13:27:00.007-05:00

Let's start with being Thankful!

Today I am seeing fruit in my own life, not only because I am thankful, but I am learning to obey!
Obey God AND my husband!! I've been listening to Wives and Husbands and seeing the scripture that says:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." Ephesians 5:22-24

God said it, we must do it!! I want to walk in heavenly love (I Corinthians 13) toward my husband and to everyone!!

So, I am thankful to The Living Saviour Ministries for showing me to go to the scripture each and every moment, to live by the Word, to walk in faith & see God answer my prayers - each and every day!!

Ok, now to the nominal.

WednesdayThe cotton top is a wonderful garage sale find and wideleg jeans. I need to make a belt (knitted?) for these are too big for me now. I have a good 3 inches to pull at the sides of the legs. I don't have shorts (not that I'm against them) so that's why they are folded; they hit right below the knees.

Not much else, cooler around 80F degrees for the next week and slowly dropping into the high 70's for the weekend!

I made crackers from this recipe. I just added finely chopped onions & will be making these again & again! So very inexpensive & yummy!! (I didn't use rosemary)

Ummm...I need to go prepare the hamburgers & finish warming the leftover rice & lentils.

Blessings from God to you as you seek Him!!

3rd Day of Clothes

2008-08-06T10:49:00.006-05:00

Wow, I hope I'm not leaving you wondering what comes next!! LOL! Here's what I wore for my anniversary. We didn't go anywhere or exchange gifts. This was the best anniversary because I changed my attitude & knew it would be a great day!! I still did the laundry, dishes, cooking, child raising (& blogging) that I do everyday, but having a happy heart made all the difference in the world!!

Tuesday

This a denim shirt with a fair isle knitted, 100% cotton skirt that my mom bought at a garage sale years ago!! My brothers called it the "N.ational Ge.og.raphic Skirt". (Not as bad as when I had a floral skirt in rusts and dark yellows & they called it my "Pizza Sauce Skirt"!!) Yup, I've had this skirt for approx. 15 years. The picture makes both peices look worn and faded, but they are VERY bright, must be the flash.
I'm starting to be tired of blogging every day!! It doesn't take long, but to fill in information is tedious!! Ok, need to distribute water & then head outside. It's much cooler today, with high around 85F for the next week!! We might actually be done with that hot weather.

Ciao for now!

Our Eighth Wedding Anniversary

2008-08-05T22:09:00.007-05:00

"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Mark 10:5-9

Another Day, Another Outfit

2008-08-05T12:45:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was 96F degrees with a heat index of 104F. You could swim as you walked outside, but the breeze was wonderful! After the storm passed through it was soooo chilly it felt great to breath the cool air!! There were a few tornados about 45 mins away, but no sirens or anything here. I now know that green sky color!! (it wasn't that dark here, but that green just lighter) The electricity blipped off for a min and there was a great rushing wind with lots of rain that blew across the yard.

Here's what I wore yesterday.

MONDAY

A cotton polo shirt from Old.Navy, the couture skirt is my original design (a rectangle with an elastic waist, hehe!), and very comfortable leather sandals.

I guess I wanted to make the point that you don't have to wear a dress only. And no one looks frumpy or overweight in skirts. I still have a good 25lbs to lose to get to my "skinny" weight, 15lbs to be my "mommy" weight. I am working on building lots of muscle since I didn't exercise this last pregnancy and have quite a bit more lightweight-space-filling-flub! Since May I've lost 10lbs and over 13". All I've done is the 15 min T-Tapp workout. I so very much would like to be like this homeschooling mom of 12!!

AND...I received this in the mail today!! Ok, now I'm busy with all this and more, need to finish the last of the laundry and go get lunch, Ciao for now!

A Week of Clothes

2008-08-04T11:16:00.009-05:00

I won't say that I wear solely dresses and skirts, 'cause I don't. I would love to, but that's not me right now. I am gonna pretend you are coming for a visit and I'll show you what I "look" like. Sorry, no real pics of me. So, since this is something so very nonessential, I will share! (Even my husband says, "It's not a fashion show.") I did dress up like I used to yesterday & I felt better all day. These will be the previous day's clothes, so I can be honest. They will be wrinkled and stinky, but this is not smell-o-blog! LOL!!

SUNDAY

This is a 3/4 sleeved cotton blouse from Old.Navy, a worsted wool skirt in the Glen Plaid from e.bay, the black leather shoes were my gramma's - my sole (hehe) dress shoes, and my hair accessorized with my absolutely favorite silk scarf from my sis-in-law #1. I wore hose too, as any 1940's wife would do!

Ok, now on to my real life:

Monday - Friday: Laundry (Mon&Tues), Dishes (AM away & load/PM wash), Meals (much easier in summer, more cool meals, less oven baked), Vacuum/Cleaning, Schooling in Morning after breakfast, Outside Time/Kiddie Pool or Digging in Garden-the children for play, not often me!

Saturday: Last of any laundry, a big meal for leftovers on Sunday, Vacuum, Dishes...just about everything.

Sunday: Take care of family, rest, relax, refresh, read God's Word & KNIT!

Evenings: I finish what was put off or undone during the day, computer time, listening to Thurman Scrivner & knitting.

Here is my diaper table. Bummis Super Snap covers to the far left, then size 1 Kissaluvs, size 0 Kissaluvs, then European Trifold Toddler diapers. I use washcloths with water for wipes and if the babies get a rash, I use D.esitin Creamy. When I used A&D O.intment the diapers smelled fishy when clean!

Ok, now it's outside time/eating...need to go. Have a great week with many blessings from God!!

Singing Saturday

2008-08-02T18:26:00.009-05:00

One beautiful day, just 81F degrees with a minimal 47% humidity!! Plenty hot in the sun to get in the kiddie pool with the children, but, alas, we don't have privacy of any type....well, maybe the van. We're gonna head outside again before bed. It'll be another late nite, the children took an hour nap at 4P.M!! But then again, I do stay up til 2 or 3 in the morning anyway. (Yes, I do sleep for about 5-6 interrupted hours) I'm not complaining...I get so much done in the day, AND so much I need to accomplish is done after children are in bed. I've found that I don't have the energy to complain, but totally lean on God, which makes my day calmer, more efficient, beautiful!!

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." II Corinthians 12:10

I don't struggle with the flesh when the flesh is weak!! It makes it so much easier to live for Christ!

So, today, #2 has been singing, "The Trees of the Field"

You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace

The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you

There will be shouts of joy and all the trees of the field will clap,

Will clap their hands

Chorus

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap)

The trees of the field will clap their hands,

The trees of the field will clap their hands

As you go out with joy!

Taken from Isaiah 55:10

Here it's sung with guitar and recorder

Sorry I can't find a link for this next song (it's not what's out there)

Fear Not

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:

When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;

Neither shall the flame kindle a fire on thee

For I am the Lord thy God

It's a wonderful minor melody that repeats over and over! As well as blessing me over and over!! It's taken from Isaiah 43:1-3

Well, hubby is back from getting milk from the farm, so I guess it's outside time. Blessings ya'all and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Fire and Water

Walk Through Our Garden & Thankful Thursday

2008-07-31T22:30:00.012-05:00

I thought you'd like to see these gorgeous HUGE plants. We eat cucumbers every day & we're waiting on the cantaloupe. We kinda got tired of the squash. I could try it fried, but it's hot & that's alot of work for just squash! The tomatos are abundant as well. We have about 12+ plants and I am ready to eat tomatos with salt and pepper & maybe even my mom's yummy summer mix:

Tomatos, Onions, Vinegar, Oil, Salt & Pepper - chop, mix, eat!

This squash is 12", so you can see the humongous plant that this is!! Also, the view of the garden above: if you don't have a family of 20 or more that love squash, only plant one seed!! God is overflowing our garden!! Thank you Lord for your blessings.

For more Thankful Thursday participants, go to Sting My Heart's gathering.

Exercise T-Tapp

2008-07-30T13:10:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to write what I've been doing for exercise. T-Tapp. It only takes 15 mins. You never need any weights or equipment. You only need a little floor space. No jumping or bouncing. It is based on therapy used to strengthen the spine and work the muscles their whole length. When I had horrible sciatic pains from my hip to my toes, I would do the Primary Back Stretch once or twice a day and be all better. I have more energy, more muscle, less fat and I even sleep better (around 6 hours & still have the wherewithal to take care of everything for the next 18 hours!) I drink lots and lots of water & I think I'm still behind!! My skin is wonderful, my hair is thick & curly and my attitude is always getting better and better!! I work out after the children go to bed at night & I've caught up with dishes or whatever else needed attention, which can be anywhere between 9-11pm!

I've done the 15 min. workout for the past 3 months for almost every day. If I don't workout, I have a more difficult day & it's easier to walk with Jesus when I'm not having to deal with my mental fritz when I haven't taken care of myself!

Here's a Video & Part 2 on how it works.

Last year I did the 15 min workout for about a month or two-4 to 5 times per week, then I went right into the BootCamp (a 1 hour workout that you do for 10-14 days, everyday & then maintain with once or twice per week). I believe that since I didn't build my muscles and balance with the 15 min, that my foot rolled and had an almost 3rd degree sprain that took the full 6 weeks to heal that I could walk on it normally. One of the reasons I didn't workout this last pregnancy! I know that my foot was not severely injured because I had exercised (my foot rolled for years), but I should have stuck with the 15 mins to build muscles extensively! So, that's what I've been doing. I really, really want this last 20-ish pounds to drop off like after I had my first 2 children (two months postpartum!), but I am willing to wait so that there is no risk of injury!

All this to say, if you are needing an easy, effective and beneficial workout, consider T-Tapp. If you have any questions or need more information, let me know!

Then Sings My Soul

2008-07-27T11:17:00.006-05:00

I guess it's already Sunday, but I wanted to try this also.

The song that I am teaching the children goes like this:

Ho, ho, ho, Hosanna,

Ha, ha, Ha-lelujah,

He, he, he, He saved me

Now I have the joy of the Lord!

Here's a boy playing it on the guitar. (Its title is Early One Morning)

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" Ephesians 5:19

Do you REALLY believe God?!

2008-07-24T13:17:00.010-05:00

I was saved when I was 4 years old, baptized at 6. I also continued in sin for most of my life until recently. Are you shocked?! I'm not.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

I didn't give my life to God to be my Lord until I was between 18-22 and I STILL didn't obey my God.

I struggled with sins until I would go to God and He delivered me. Again, I began to let Satan have a foothold in my life by giving him place.

"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Gen. 3:1

I became angry, upset, overwhelmed; definitly not one with charity. (See I Corinthians 13)

I never doubted that God is and that Jesus died for my sins, but I doubted that God had a wonderful, painfree, holy life for me through faith.
God is a faith God.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

"...For whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Romans 14:23b

This is all laid out in God's Word.

My parents showed us this site (The Living Saviour Ministries)and said if we wanted to be blessed and build our faith to go.

We listened for a couple of weeks, every night for hours. We are still listening. There are so many stories and sermons to help us go straight to God and the Word!

We repented of our unbelief (I truly didn't believe God...I knew He never lies, but began to believe Satan's lies)
We repented of our sins asking God to show us ALL so that we could repent.
I repented of my unforgiveness (listen to the sermon on How to Forgive & Forget)

Then we began to pray in earnest.

We have prayed for ourselves, friends and family and have seen God's Hand touch all of our lives!
There are many, many stories of healing - not only healings but miricles at The Living Saviour Ministries and worldwide!!

If you are sick, have an illness, disease or even a bad day...REPENT.
Jesus has already paid the price for our sins.
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." I Peter 2:24

God doesn't make mistakes, if you have not had your prayers answered then you need to come clean with God and search your heart:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
"And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

As I visit all these blogs of ladies that have problems, I am grieved in my heart and want to share with them of God's Blessings that are for us all, IF we repent and obey! So simple, so easy. Don't be hardhearted:

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."
James 1:21

Here's the link one more time to listen: Listen Online - Testimonies & Radio
Here's a link for lists of scriptures that show how merciful God is and gives us opportunity after opportunity to do what we ought: Free Downloads Page

I am writing this for you, my sisters in Christ, my friends. I look forward to hearing each of your testimonies of God's Faithfulness! I am in prayer with you all!
Blessings to each of you,
Bella Mama
Mrs. C.

Blogger Must Be Hungry!

2008-07-24T13:17:00.009-05:00

Blogger ate my Thankful Thursday edit! So, here I am again to write how I've been blessed!

#1 (at just 7yrs) has become a humongous blessing! She empties the dishwasher, hangs up and puts away lots of laundry, clears and wipes the table, takes #5 to go potty, and the list goes on! A beautiful olive plant!

#2 (5.5yrs) helps take care of #4, #5 & #6. He often gets books and reads to the younger ones, just like Daddy! Very dependable and trustworthy!

#3 (4yrs) is a sweetie. He tries very hard to be obedient and enjoys helping everyone at all times. Thorough, eager, fast!

#4 (2.75yrs) comes when called & is a constant companion to #5, taking her by the hand & keeping her safe and obedient.

#5 (1.5yrs) makes all of us laugh! Runs to help and obey, takes care of #6 putting in his pacifier, covering him with his fallen blanket, giving him kisses on the forehead. Can almost fold the laundry & if we had the space for mostly folded clothes, I'd let her!

#6 (4mos) the happiest, most contented baby yet! Recognizes the other children & looks at those whose name was called. Beautiful, Perfect child!

My husband. I am blessed. So very blessed! Thank you Lord!

"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Psalm 22:3

I Finally Did It!!

2008-07-24T13:17:00.007-05:00

I wrote & published my very first free pattern!! It's for socks & I'm making a pair right now, just to be absolutely sure it's correct. Also, my husband is very pleased when I knit him socks and I have to make up for the first 3 pair that were either too big or just not quite right.

I've been trying to knit more or should I say, applying my time!

I made Pumpkin Bread (thing/stuff) for b'fast this morning. (I'll get around to fixing that error for the recipe.)

Not much else, it's considerably cooler (just around 80F with next to no humidity!) and I'm thinking of putting on socks!

Okie dokie everyone...Still working on articles for my sites as well as those patterns. Need to go for outside time right after we eat. Have a blessingsfull day!

Ciao.

And the Award goes to....

2008-07-17T10:14:00.006-05:00

I am quite honoured in receiving an award! I will be nominating another 5 for this award also. It was presented by Amy from Amy's Place (a real gem!).

I am changing the rules...because I can! Anyone nominated does not need to post as the original rules state, but do link back to me if you say anything. (I like visitors, but more so, I like COMMENTS, tee hee). I declare this a "Calvin-zone"; feel free to do the same.

Drum roll please. (use your own sound effects)

1. I nominate first and foremost a non-blogger, my 5th born. She has completely potty trained herself at 19.5 months of age & I am thankful to Jesus for all!

2.Peasant House is a wonderful lady whose example of resting in the Word and leaning on Jesus for a peaceable life is a true blessing!

3.Bayith Treasures is a challenging and inspirational life to run the race to win!

4.Purity Seekers is another lady who, even with 5 children, manages to sew, knit, create as well as motivate me to do more and still get so much done! (this is where I found to put spinach in a smoothie!)

5.Mom of 9's Place is a website with mountains of information, encouragement, studies, and the list goes on and on!

*Just a note...I do not like pictures representing angels as women and that's why it's not here.

There Is ONLY One Way!

2008-07-13T17:58:00.004-05:00

Are you good? Is it enough to get into heaven? Does your life, words, thoughts please God?

A wholesome life is absolutely nothing without Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?""And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."Matthew 7:22-23

Examine yourself. You are accountable to God.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
"For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
"In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

Colossians 3:1-25

Bread Making

2008-07-07T11:04:00.008-05:00

I have Bosch Universal Mixer and an Ultramill Grain Mill. These are two of my best investments, even over a dishwasher. This is how I handle my bread making days (I will exclude the multitasking of making breakfast and caring for children).

Put Organic Red Wheat Berries in Grain Mill. Set in bedroom, turn on, come out, shut door. When pitch goes high (when no wheat is left to grind), open door, turn off, come out & shut door.

*all this is done so the effects of high decibel sound does not do damage to any of us.

Ok, so you see it's easy...fresh wheat is more desireable for all it's nutrients are intact for approx. 24 hours. You'll see and taste the difference!!

+Get out bosch, put in yeast, honey & warm water.

+Let yeast "burst"

+Add salt, oil and wheat (and other ingredients like oats, millet, nuts, etc.)

=add flour a few cups at a time, not all at once

+Knead with machine for about 3 minutes.

+Put into oil covered big bowl to let rise til almost falling out of pan (can take as little as 20 mins.)

+Punch down and let rise again

+Punch down and form into loaves & put in oiled ("Pam" can be used) loaf pans to let rise for no more than 25 mins

+Put in oven for 25-30 mins (depending on your oven) at 350 F.

+Take out & let cool before taking out of pans to cool the rest of the way before freezing or eating with honey!

So, it seems like a bit of work, but once you do this, it is so very easy & gratifies the body's cravings for good-for-you foods!!

Here's my recipe (It's what my mama taught me long, long ago)

4 TBLS Yeast

1.5 TBLS Salt

1/2 Cup Oil (Olive)

12-13 Cups Flour (8 cups wheat berries)

1/2 Cup Honey (I put in 1 to 1.5 cups to make the bread sweeter)

5 Cups Warm Water

That's the basic recipe for 4 loaves of bread. Also, I use Stainless Steel Breadpans.

I hope you are able to make bread & enjoy it! (Pay attention to your oven temperatures when cooking with honey. The bread will be darker in color than white flour and look almost burnt. There's a fine line between looking burnt and being burnt.)

Benefits of Approval

2008-07-05T15:37:00.003-05:00

I dunno why I put that title, but I wanted to let you know that I have the moderators approval of the comments on. I was tired of checking almost all posts to see if someone left a comment. Feel free to put *private* on your post if you do not want me to post it. That's all, just some updating.

I'm going now, really I am. :)

Have a good 2nd day of the 4th of July weekend!

Ciao

Storms A 'Comin'

2008-07-02T15:11:00.005-05:00

Just took these pictures. There's a giant red blog on the radar over us & the temperature just dropped to feel cool, almost chilly! You can see it moved & then I turned around & got a view of the small rotations (that are regular, but you can imagine funnels forming, hehe) and dark sky.

The pictures do NOT do the colors justice! But I thought I'd share. As I type, it is breaking up and going on either side of US!! Isn't GOD awesome!! Thank you Lord!!

Ok, Ciao for now.

Dishwasher

2008-07-01T14:22:00.005-05:00

As per Candy's site (you can scroll to June 28th's post) & after Peasant House's example is my dishwasher:

This was the first load...

...and this is the second load yesterday with a view of the top rack.

I learned as a little girl that one does not overload a dishwasher (person or machine). So, this is not overloaded, but fully loaded; hence the double load.

We don't use plastic and yes, our glasses are salsa and peanut butter jars.

I've been blessed with this dishwasher. I didn't have one the first five and a half years we were married (that's hand washing with 4 little ones).

**I almost forgot the bread in the oven! And I think I do need to let it rise that 20 minutes before I turn on the oven...this batch was less & it's alot flatter! :{

But on the other hand: I did put oats in this batch, hmmmm!

Praise the Lord, we have bread!

(I do grind my own wheat.)

Later all...have children running around the house & need to get to them before the floor does. Ciao.

Pizza Anyone??

2008-06-28T12:22:00.006-05:00

This morning started with making bread. Last night I was too hot to make bread, but it worked out great as today is much cooler! My bread is turning out wonderfully & I like it with lots of oats, but we're out. So this is just honey wheat. I make bread twice per week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Last night I made Naan Bread Quick Pizza, so that's why I made bread today.

#1 is just too cute! She gave this to me yesterday, I thought you'd like to see. (Is every day Mother's Day?!) Everyone (except for 2 youngest nappers) is coloring right now. Designers in the making.

APPLAUSE!!

2008-06-27T13:28:00.004-05:00

Yes, thank you, thank you. No, please, no autographs. Thank you.

Thank you for that warm welcome. It's great to be back! I've missed each and every one of you! I hope that what I bring today and each day will be an encouragement and blessing!

I will start by saying that we've been busy. The first month after #6 was born was a time of healing...I found out that I could eat a raw potatoe & was better so much faster. Raw potatoes have a ton (ok, more than a cup of spinach & then some) vitamin K, which helps blood to clot, promotes healing & all the other good things I can't think of right now.

Now #6 is 3 months old and doing great. I've been T-Tapping (only the 15 min. workout) EVERYDAY!! If I don't, I have a very bad mood day, lack of energy/fatigue, nausea, etc. I can handle everyday doing all I do and more with less sleep even!! Praise the Lord!!

We've taken a break from homeschooling (#1 & #2 have lessons & #3 & #4 pretend school...I mean preschool, LOL) while dh works on the house, we get rid of junk & stuff and try to get outside everyday several times to get our vitamin D. It's hot and humid here...no flooding (except for the lake in the farmer's field), rain is making our garden look gorgeous. We have raspberries and we've already eaten all the cherries and there are pears and apples and #3 experienced the aspects of running through honeybee clover barefoot-TWICE! :)

What else. I've been knitting soooo much. I have patterns written & I need to figure how I will post them or if I'll try the A.d.o.b.e A.c.r.o.b.a.t.

I'm kinda mentally overloaded by being able to blog, so I'll leave the rest (if there's more) for another time. Need to wake #3, 4 & 5 from naps, think of dinner & do something else...it'll come to me!

I hope to hear from you soon, too!

Many blessings to you all, Mrs. C.

Welcome Baby!!

2008-03-28T16:18:00.002-06:00

Baby Boy was born!

Tuesday, March 25th

5:10am

7pounds, 8ounces

21"long

We're doing well & I hope to type the birth story for the other site. Still very busy and probably won't be blogging much (my comp. is off the internet), but still getting much done. I usually surf my buddies' sites to see how they're doing, so I'm not completely gone. Many blessings to all of you & enjoy the wonderful spring!!

Memory Verse

2008-03-13T10:48:00.002-06:00

Romans 15:13

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

One Day at a Time

2008-03-06T22:59:00.004-06:00

Officially waiting for baby's arrival. I had amazing energy and clear thinking last night and most of today. I made the potatoe soup & naan, then today made a big batch of chili and cornbread. I've even prepped for pumpkin bread for breakfast tomorrow! Not to mention (but I guess I am mentioning) a thorough vacuuming, learning planned for children -complete with sticker charts, spending time with children, two loads of dishes (anyone volunteering for the pans?), and I can't think of anything else right now.

I had gone downhill for the past week, culminating with trying to get out of bed this morning. It wasn't a pinched nerve (sciatic) or even contractions, but my lower back hurt so bad I had to crawl out of the room, much to the delight of #5 who came to pat me on the back & tickle me.

Most of the morning it hurt, but was getting better as the day went. I noticed that the contractions didn't hurt, helped with the back pain and gave me lots of energy!! So, now I seem to be getting things done while I have contractions - I don't think anyone knows how many contractions I have all day long!! There is rarely a time when I don't, they're usually every 10 mins for hours, I notice when I don't have them!! So...the real reason for the post, PICTURES:)

I'm sorry I can't get exact spacing so you could really compare. The left is a little to the front & taken from a sitting position. The right is almost exactly from my side taken from a standing position. Thought you'd like to see me. The sweater is the same size as the pink/red striped one in this post. I'm looking at that picture and laughing!!

Meal Planning

2008-03-06T01:20:00.006-06:00

I saw these recipes here & it sounded so very good, so I made them!!

Potatoe Soup & Naan Bread

My soup had no "rivils" or white flour & I ended up adding Garlic, Celery and Carrots. I made 10 pounds of potatoes...so, I guess this is lunch for tomorrow as well.

The Naan Bread was so yummy!! I had to keep the children from eating it all! I used whole wheat flour baked at 375F for 10 mins. without flipping or turning.

Easy, satisfying, yummy, good- for- me meal!

I'm Still ONE!

2008-03-04T00:33:00.003-06:00

At the end of my pregnancies, my mom would ask me if I was still one. It was the easy, polite, sweethearted way of asking if the baby had been born yet. You'll haveta go here if you want a bit more info.
I haven't really moved over to my new site. We moved dh's computer across the room & we finally had time to hook up the old one for me. I enjoy all the pictures I haven't seen for quite a while! Today was the first time the internet worked on this one AND I had time to type a little.
You can go over here for all the things I've been knitting since I didn't have computer time!
Other than that, I've been busy setting up frozen prep foods for dh to make meals easily. I've tried a whole meal frozen, but have not had a good product once defrosted!!
This time, I prepped the veggies (onions, carrots, celery, broccoli and also soaked-then-cooked beans) that can be made or added to just about anything and make it taste yummy.
We just rented from the library "SuperSize Me". Aside from the frequent bad language, the majority of the documentary is a wonderful reminder of what we don't want to do=eat processed foods!
We had just gone through the holidays eating "home-cooked" junk food. White flour and sugar for our bread and cookies made us completely messed up, from our attitudes to our sleep patterns and habits, our daily goings-on, and more! We are back on track for right eating and we are more productive, sleeping better, and are happy people (even if we do have a bit of cabin fever)!
Just for me I'm so glad to be rid of all this (and this is what I saw in myself & didn't like!!)
*constipation
*headache
*nausea (NOT preg. related)
*swelling (NOT preg. related)
*irritability
*depression
*lethargy
And, yes, it is not because of being pregnant and hormones, etc, (my children and husband are not expecting and these were their problems as well as my own!), but the white flour and sugar because we stopped for a bit & started to be better in all areas, but thought we'd give in once again (com'on give up chocolate??!!) & it compounded our problems which have once again gone, since fleeing those bad habits!!

So, if you think that you're eating just fine, watch the movie...watch it again...learn/remember what happens when we don't take care of what God has entrusted in our care!

*yes, we did let the children see most of this movie. They already know the benefits of eating right...they remind their mama & papa! :)

Moving...in the Blog-o-sphere

2008-01-30T01:38:00.000-06:00

I've moved my blogging over to Wordpress, but I just did so, I'll let you know where (not the same name, hehe) in a couple/few days.
Quick Update: Everyone is fine, healthy & yes, the computer and office have been moved across the room.
Still keeping up on everyday & now figuring out the new blog's layout & whatnots.

Why did I move?
Because I can...really, I saw many others who had blogger move to different places & my new page looks clean and neat and organized by comparison to this one.

Ok, it's late 'n' there's still lots to do & more tomorrow also. See ya soon.

Whole Wheat Sprouts

2007-12-30T22:50:00.000-06:00

I haven't sprouted wheat for several months and had forgotten how yummy (different than holiday cookies) and nutritious they are. We also feel SOOOO good, energized, clear thinking and peaceful. No, this isn't for "atonement", but it's apropos. Hope to be making more bean mix dishes as well.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

I Corinthians 10:30

Let me know what you're favourite "Fallen-off-the-bandwagon" recovery snack or meal is!! I love getting ideas from others!!

Black Bear in Vacinity

2007-12-27T18:42:00.000-06:00

Gonna be passing out (me, almost) Pumpkin Bread after this post. Wanted to show you this: My Poirot-looking bear. When I fill him with the molasses, then, as the children have been calling him, he's black bear. So, they ask for black bear - not molasses. It's an easy way to keep it, no mess and readily available!

Gonna go now...too tired to even knit, but I always recover!! ....I'm already feeling better thinking about knitting!! Ciao for now.

Cold Hands = Warm Heart

2007-12-23T00:43:00.000-06:00

It rained this morning and now it's sleeting. We're supposed to get 3-7 inches of snow. Last time we lost the electricity...so, I have laundry to do before (if) it goes out. Just letting ya'alls know...may not have phone or computer. WILL be enjoying the woodstove, makes the meal planning a bit of an unexpected challenge, but we'll see if anything happens. Have a blessing of a day!

Update 12/24:
No Big Deal here. I wanted to prepare myself & get some other things done. We did get a couple of inches of snow, but the wind was gusting from 20-30 mph!! We're gonna step outside for a bit of fresh air and maybe I'll get out my violin. Never know what you're gonna learn about an online friend, hehe! So, gonna be relaxing...have lunch and dinner to prep and start. Ciao for now!

6 Months Down, 3 To Go.

2007-12-20T23:20:00.000-06:00

I am feeling brave enough to post my picture, or rather the baby's. This is a fairly normal looking pic, just wait until I'm 8+ months--I'm already getting a bit winded waddling around, but PRAISE THE LORD, I have no aches and pains!! I just finished my cereal (oatmeal, walnuts, raisins & molasses-not chocolate sauce) and now am warming water for tea. After I'm done here, I'm going to continue #3's second sock...or maybe work on the afghan over here.

The sweater is cotton & .50 cents from a garage sale. It won't fit for long. *grin*

Meal/Menu Planning

2007-12-20T14:09:00.000-06:00

*Quick Quiche and Fried Spuds (probably baked)

*Chili (with beans***)

*Hamburger Skillet

*Bisquits 'n' Gravy *12/25 D

*Grilled Cheese 'n' Soup Bone Broth

*Crockpot Roast & Mshd Spuds

*Beans 'n' Rice 12/23 D & 12/24 L & 12/25 L

*Malt-O-Meal 12/23 L

*Baked Sweet Potatoes 12/22 D

*Sloppy Joes 12/26 D

*Beefy Beans 'n' Rice & Pumpkin Pie Cake Muffin Bread 12/27 D

**Double Batch of Bread (8 loaves)

***Bean Mix: Pinto, Garbanzo (Chick Peas), Black Eyed Peas, Lentils and Split Peas

Pumpkin Pie Cake Muffin Bread

2007-12-12T17:14:00.000-06:00

This is made with whole wheat flour and honey. This is tweaked especially for these ingredients, substitute at your own risk.

2 cups Whole Wheat Flour

1 tsp Cinnamon, Ginger & Nutmeg EACH

1 1/4 TBLS Baking Powder

1/4 cup (1 stick) Butter (soften, but not melted)

1 can Pumpkin (1/2 large 29 ounce can )

1/2 cup Honey

1/2 cup Whole Milk

2 Eggs

(optional) Walnuts

Mix dry ingredients, then blend in butter with a pastry blender. Add wet ingredients and mix until ALL dry is wet. (don't leave pocket of dry or they will be pockets of dry in the cake)

Put in a 9 x 13 GREASED (buttered) pan. Bake at 400F for 20 mins.

My oven is very old and when a recipe says to cook at 350F, I cook it at 300F; at 400F, I cook at 350F. This is just what I've figured with my oven for everything. Also, if you're cooking with honey keep in mind that you may cook it at a lower temp., but for longer will work better than the opposite as you will burn it and it will not be cooked in the middle (that's what I did with the peanut butter cake...once it comes out more than 2 times and I know what I did, I'll write out that recipe as well.)

Let me know if you try this, how it turned out and if you like it/plan on making it again. Thank you!! :)

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2007-12-11T14:18:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday! The electricity was out again for almost 2 hours and I was able to catch up on most of the laundry & various upkeep and cooking. I was able to visit with my Gramma and she was telling me of her sister-in-law that keeps her own house, but says she just "can't" cook; so she has her daughter (Gramma's neice) come to cook lunch and dinner. I also am amazed at how much she does - at 95 years!! I am reminded of the verse:

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

HONOUR THY FATHER AND MOTHER; which is the first commandment with promise;

THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE, AND THOU MAYEST LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH."

Ephesians 6:1-3

also found in:

Exodus 20:12

Deuteronomy 5:16

Matthew 15:4

Mark 7:10

Mark 10:19

Luke 18:20

So what do you think is the secret to long life??!!

So, I dwell on these things:

"O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."

Psalm 139:1-6

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

One Week Meal Plan

2007-12-10T16:07:00.000-06:00

Here I am once again, planning meals. I didn't make everything from the 2 week meal plan.
In no particular order:

>Chicken Pot Pie
>Cream of Broccoli Soup with Biscuits
~Delicious Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup 12/14 D & 12/15 L & 12/16 D
>Hamburger Skillet
~Biscuits and Gravy 12/11 L
>Baked Sweet Potatoes
>Pizza
~Tuna Alfredo & Spaghetti with Mozerella 12/11 D
~ Baked Russet Potatoes (like sweet) 12/12 D & 12/17 D
(~ meals made, L lunch, D dinner)

This is the recipe I found that someone else had made & I went by their picture and came up with this wonderful thing!!

Sweet Potatoes
Onions
Garlic
Basil
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil

Chop up everything. Add alot more spices then you think. Put oil in bottom of pan & drizzle over everything. Bake in oven at 350F for 1/2 hour. *that's what I did, I don't know what the recipe says...it was from allrecipes (dot) com.

I have leftover pizza sauce, so that's one reason why I'm making it again. It was flatter than any New York Pizza I've ever seen. Maybe it was a streetroller that went over it. I think I'll stick with a pastry crust and make mini pizza this time.

I am so pleased to write out my menu for you'all, I have really been doing well in this area because I must post! I just finished making a Peanut Butter Cake, but I guess next time I'll be tweaking the temp and time! I've also made a wonderful (for those who like it) Pumpkin Pie Cake that is sooo moist and yummy with whole wheat flour and honey!!

"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

"And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart."

Psalms 104:14-15

A Bushel of Wheat, A Bushel of Rye...

2007-12-08T19:29:00.000-06:00

Who's not ready, holler...."I"!

Yup, I've been tagged! This is fun, especially since it's only 4 questions.

I forgot to say who tagged me!! Happy in the Home!! Thanks so much, I had lotsa fun!!

1. What did you accomplish this past week?

*I have been keeping a good meal plan (dinners) and actually getting it done and still feeding the family the rest of the day as well!

*I have knitted so much and planned on so much more, all as a reward for getting my chores done!

2. Did anything not go as expected?

*The electricity was knocked out by an ice storm for 7 hours & we were so excited that we have the wood stove, where we did warm leftovers on the top as well as water for tea! We talked of what others did "back in the day" & enjoyed lots of flashlight time and children learning to be quiet in the stillness!

3. What was the highlight of your week?

*Probably the electricity going out, but then again, when it came back on!! I had been wondering how long it was going to last, since I had not only laundry, but DIAPERS to wash!!

4. Did anything exciting happen that you did not expect?

*My MIL was in a car accident, but is just bruised. Their car is totaled!

All in all, a great week, sleeping more hours at night, keeping up with training, cooking, not laundry, knitting, ummmm...yeah...that stuff! I hope that's an adequate tag. I don't feel comfortable tagging anyone else, but if ya want me to, let me know.

...so, anyone up for a game of hopscotch?!

Another Post?!

2007-12-06T18:19:00.000-06:00

I was reminded of this great quote : "Assume nothing...assign everything" that has helped with how I do much with all the babies crying at the same time!!

#1 has started folding and putting away the laundry - never having been asked or told to!

She says, "I wanted to help you, mama."

#2 on most occassions takes charge of #5, carrying her out of the kitchen (during baking times), playing with her & picking up a room without being asked or told!!

#3 (ok, about 1/2 the time) says, "I'm going to be obedient and take my nap so that you will say, 'Good job!' 'What a blessing!'" and proceeds to do so!!

#4 is quick to volunteer to do a job (even assigned to someone else), saying, "Me, me, I will, let me!" and running to help. She also shares her bottle & feeds #5 on her own.

#5 comes to the laundry room and holds out her hands to help put the clean clothes in the dryer & can!! Also helps often to pick up the toys and put them away!!

These are the big things that come to mind, but they constantly are like this. I guess I am in amazement seeing the work of encouraging to help with chores, because this is what we do, has paid off tremendously!! All children 6 and under!!

Are we perfect? Are our children perfect? (Long pause...hehe) NO! We all have our days where the world is upside-down, but the majority of our problems are solved by eating the next meal, being reminded to say things kindly (Please or No Thank You) no matter what happens to you, or just going to bed!

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Proverbs 15:1

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

I just want to encourage you to keep going with doing what is right! Blessings will abound!

Weekly Memory Verse

2007-12-06T14:36:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 9:10

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

We are enjoying memorizing the Word!! It is truly refreshing!! We are able to have the 2 older children memorize and write out the verse - a great penmanship practice and vocabulary lesson!! William Morris : Acanthus Leaves

In meal planning: Not having assigned days helped with flexibility. I have the option of making what our tastebuds want and it disappears so much faster!!

You can see, updated on the same post, what we've already had, with leftovers as lunches and next day dinners a couple of times. I don't include snacks, because that's dependant upon what we have as a meal and what's left to make.

SNACKS:

~Berry drink (made with homemade yogurt, orange juice, pineapple, banana, and a berry-straw or rasp usually)

~Nuts and Berries (apricots, prunes, raisins, walnuts-those are the standard-with a slice of cheese and some cracker or chip if available)

~Fresh Fruit

~Leftover B'fast breads (Chocolate, Pumpkin, Spice, Nut) or Cookies with milk

~Carrot Sticks and Celery (rarely with homemade sour cream'n'onion dip and peanut butter-use p.b. in cookies often enough and s.c. is a special treat)

Weekly Memory Verse

2007-11-28T13:55:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 19:21

"There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."

I thought I'd try memorizing with others. I am also including, at least dd#1 in this. She's already read the verse, even the "big" word: nevertheless!!

You can join us with this verse for the week at In Light of the Truth.

That's Cool!

2007-11-27T21:10:00.000-06:00

Today, I am exactly 1/2 way through this pregnancy! I couldn't figure out the baby due date calculator. It showed I was 20 weeks/140 days & 20 weeks/140 days to go! Interesting.

In other news, I made my 2 weeks meal plan again. I didn't assign days, yet.

(Updated Dec. 4th & 6th)

*Meatloaf & Mashed Spuds

Grilled Cheese & Leftovers

*Meat Turnovers

Hamburger Skillet

*Pizza

Canneloni

Chicken Noodle Soup*Cream of Broccoli

*Tacos

Spaghetti & Mini Meatballs

Chili

Bread (Double Batch)

*Pumpkin Muffins/Banana/*Nut Bread/*Spice Bread

Oatmeal Cookies/*Chocolate Muffins

Noodles

*Biscuits

*Crepes

Pita Bread

(*Meals made)

Yeah, I know it's a little on the ambitious side, but I was feeling energetic and thought if it continues I'll be able to do this!!

Menu is different from the last planning because my siatic nerve was pinched and I could do only so much and couldn't move at all. I also dropped a ceramic crock bowl on my foot.

Praise the Lord, I am healed!! I'm just glad that I had made HUMONGOUS amounts of food (I made 12 qts Rice Stew-lunches and not quite as much chili) that's why the chili is at the bottom of the list and Rice Stew won't be seen for a LONG time!!

This evening I made LOTS of baked potatoes! 10 pounds of potatoes can dissappear when little fingers are around! So, here they are:

I peel and slice them, put them on an oil covered pan, salt and pepper, bake at 425F for approx. 15-20 mins. and that's it. Even baked sweet potatoes, but they were almost in the dessert catagory.

I need to go knit-making a mad dash before the end of the month! You can see my progress here.

"...But the Fire's So Delightful"

2007-11-24T17:19:00.000-06:00

We are staying very warm!! My dear hubby finished installing a wood stove. It is such a blessing!! This is our very first real fire-place.

We've or rather my hubby again (I was watching a little)has made yogurt. The first time it came out perfect and the second time it was just about the same.

Here's what we did:

Raw milk in 1/2 gal jars

Put jars in large double-bottom pot (16qt) in lukewarm/cool water

Add starter (dannon plain yogurt) to milk approx. 1/4 cup per 1/2 gal of milk

Warm slowly to 108-112 degrees Fahrenheit, no less-will take a long time to set, no more-will kill the starter.

Leave for approx. 5 hours (it started to separate, which means it "cooked" for too long)

Put jars in refrig. and eat when cold.

*The 2nd time we heated the milk (to supposedly kill the "bad" stuff that fights the yogurt culture) added the started and let "cook" for about as long. It came out tart and a little less set!

So that's what we've been doing. And it did snow for Thanksgiving. Just flurries, but it was gone as fast as it came.

Encouragement for the Holidays

2007-11-19T15:59:00.000-06:00

Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, but there are plenty of get together times. Here is a great reminder of what we should do no matter what we do!!

2 Week Meal Plan

2007-11-12T18:35:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm putting my menu here this time...maybe to some certain extent it will keep me accountable and help me do better!! This is my attempt at a 2 week rotating menu. We eat leftovers for lunches, so it's kinda like 28 (if they're all there) meals. Okie Dokie...here goes.

Thursday: Bisquits 'n' Beef Gravy

Friday: Rice Stew 'n' Tuna

Saturday: Meatloaf 'n' Mshd Spuds

Sunday: Leftovers (from Saturday)

Monday: Quick Quiche / Bread

Tuesday: Chili 'n' Cornbread

Wednesday: Hommus 'n' Corn Shapes

Thursday: Crockpot Roast 'n' Potatoes

Friday: Chicken Pot Pie

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Leftovers (from Saturday)

Monday:

Tuesday: Tacos

Wednesday:

Ok, 2 blanks, not bad. I'll figure out something. I know, it's Monday already!!

I was doing well planning the last few meals that I included them.

Yes, this is all made from scratch, no canned anything. This is taking into account laundry days, everyday chores and homeschooling. We'll see how this one works.

I just couldn't resist!!

2007-11-04T21:39:00.001-06:00

Some bloggers share too many bad days. Regular ol' bad days. It's anyone's "right" and it's their blog. So, since this is my blog I thought I'd post this...hehe. Smile anyway...it ONLY helps!!

Bella Mama's Prairie Life

Just one more thing...

Merry Christmas!

Laugh with Me!

Potatoe Soup, Fresh Bread and a New Blog

Sunshine On My Shoulder Makes Me Happy!

"Andre, You've Sunk ANOTHER Submarine?!"

Occupy

Menu Plans

Yummy Taco Pizza

Wednesday Weigh-In

Happy Birthday Blog!

Mmmmm....Delicious

Feeding Your Brain

The Working Mama

Shrink into Summer Weight Loss Challenge

Happy Birthday!!

Another Great GiveAway!

Ultimate Blog Party '09

Knitting Kit GiveAway

What Not To Make

Caution: Construction Zone

Modesty

Induction Cookers & Yogurt Making

Titus 2 Blog Party

Do I Look OLD?

Grease for the Squeeky Wheels

The Old Church House

Going UP!

In EVERY Thing???!!!

Yes, Going like the Energizer Bunny!

Whatcha been up to? (forget the dangling prepositions and read it as the common greeting that it is)

"It Came To Pass, Not To Stay"

WHOOOO HOOOOOO!

Winter Eating Holiday Festivities

On the -1st day of Hanukkah...

Very Thankful Thursday

Coming Home

Since an Eon has passed...

Presidential Elections

Yum, Yum, Yummy

Happy Birthday!!

Whaddaya Think?

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - With A Glass of Milk

Turkey Recipe

Mmm...PIZZA!

Sorry for the Rants. Please enjoy the Rave!

Should I Now Quit The Memes? Ayep!

You can't see me, I'm hiding behind my computer.

Faith by Works

What Does BUSY Mean To You?

And We're Back!

Last of the Clothes

Singing Clothes (can't come up with anything witty right now)

Privacy Policy & Phone Connections

Thankful Thursday & A Week of Clothes

3rd Day of Clothes

Our Eighth Wedding Anniversary

Another Day, Another Outfit

A Week of Clothes

Singing Saturday

Walk Through Our Garden & Thankful Thursday

Exercise T-Tapp

Then Sings My Soul

Do you REALLY believe God?!

Blogger Must Be Hungry!

I Finally Did It!!

And the Award goes to....

There Is ONLY One Way!

Bread Making

Benefits of Approval

Storms A 'Comin'

Dishwasher

Pizza Anyone??

**APPLAUSE!!**

Welcome Baby!!

Memory Verse

One Day at a Time

Meal Planning

I'm Still ONE!

APPLAUSE!!