Gracious Homestead

7 months...

2011-05-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

Already?!

Life is funny sometimes:)

2011-05-24T16:16:00.002-05:00

Big Daddy got laid off last week (yes again, he was laid off last September from the last company he worked for) and we are trying to figure out what to do! I mean its not the we are worried about money, it has nothing to do with the money part. Its more about what direction we should take our lives.
God has been increasingly adamant that we should start a family run business. But the problem is that we are not quite sure what "type" of business to start. Or if we should do a ministry instead. Decision decisions!
We did order this and got it in the mail yesterday. Have watched 3 dvds and already it has been such a blessing!!
Can't wait for Russ to get home so we can watch another!
Thankfully he never seems to be bored when he is without a full time job, he is out installing garage doors today with a buddy from church. God is so faithful, it is so humbling!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And to round this post out, I leave you with a pic of the boy:)

2011-04-29T10:08:00.000-05:00

I just purchased two Ebooks that I think are going to be good:) The first is one that I hope can enlighten me on how to get my suddenly disobediante newly 4 year old girl to OBEY! Its called conveniantly enough- Getting your Children to Obey and its by Kelly at Generation Cedar. If you don't know about this family and their current situation. Please hop on over to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home and read about how God is Mighty to Save!!!

The 2nd purchase I made this morning is 31 Days to Clean by Sarah from Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. Iv already paged though it and I think that this will be a real blessing for my home!

Okay, I'm off to do some reading! Please pray for all those who have lost life and homes in the ravaged states in the South. And please be generous with the blessings God has given you by passing it on to those in need.
   Feed the hungry,
      and help those in trouble.
   Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
      and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
     The LORD will guide you continually,
      giving you water when you are dry
      and restoring your strength.
   You will be like a well-watered garden,
      like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58:10-11

Resurrection Day

2011-04-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

Aw, we had a lovely Resurrection day!!! We ate and laughed and spent time together as a family. And we did it all to the Glory of God!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Sense of Community

2011-04-14T09:42:00.000-05:00

Where has our sense of community gone?? I mean really this has been bugging me so much lately. Let me state first off that I am not, I repeat NOT a social person naturally. I have to really try to put myself out there and deliberately take action to interact with others outside of my little family. I know though that the Lord wants us to be in community with each other and this is something that He has been working out in my life. So I guess it makes sense that He has sparked this desire in my heart to see people come together.

Recently my grandmother said these words to me..." I never see you guys anymore and I feel like I'm being pushed out". Wow that cut me. Why, regardless of her own motives in saying that to me, should my children not be seeing their GREAT grandmother on a regular and frequent basis??? Most people I know never even knew their great grandparents.
And then the other night Big Daddy and I were talking and he was saying how he'd like to see more frequent potlucks at our church.
Then I posted something to the effect of wanting to plan a monthly get together on Facebook and my cousin said her husband has been thinking the same thing.

Why is it people spend so much time working to get the things they want only to of lost so much time with the people they love??? Its just so silly!

So I'm going to try to plan a eat out for June. Weather should be good and kids will be out of school. I hope its something that will catch on.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

How does your garden grow?

2011-04-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

Spring is here in full effect and Im LOVING it!!! Spring in Texas for the most part is just lovely! Minus the occastional storm, the weather is perfect! 70-80's daily and lots of sun! Great for the growing garden.
Our little sprouts have turned into thriving plants and I just can't wait to eat the fruits of our labor;))

Everything is just growing around here!! Especially this one...

Can't believe he will be 6 months old this month! Craziness I tell ya!!

Why does everything go on sale when you have no money!!!??

2011-03-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well just because I can't take advantage of this great deal doesn't mean someone else shouldn't! Get a great discount on Family Strategies From Vision Forum.
Use discount code FAMILYSAVE35 and get $35 bucks off! Making it only $60, which I believe is well worth the money!!

Family Strategies: An Invitation from Doug and Beall from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

Protect our girls-

2011-03-18T13:53:00.000-05:00

"Girls, like those on Toddlers & Tiaras, that are throwing tantrums, calling themselves divas, and saying to their mothers “I can do whatever I want” will grow up to be women who are brash, conceited, self-worshiping, and find value in their sexuality. They will be the queens and princesses on the throne of their heart, unless they let God become ruler of their hearts."

Read the Full Article Here

Gardening

2011-03-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

So we planted out garden beds over this past weekend. Hoping this last nights cold weather wasn't a bit too cold for the young plants. I know the seedlings will be fine, but the plants with leaves...hmmm I'm kinda worried about those. I don't think it dropped below freezing last night, but there was frost on Big Daddy's windshield this morning.
So here is what we planted:

Tomatoes (love them!!)
eggplant
cucumbers ( hoping to try out pickle makin' this year)
zucchini
strawberries
bush beans
lettuce
potatoes
carrots

And the girls got to pick out and plant a packet of flowers each:) I hope they make, they'll be so excited!

Speaking of growing things....my little fat baby is going to be 5 months old here shortly and I can't believe how big he's getting!!!!

Isn't that blanket cute! Russ' Aunt Sherry made that for John. I just love simple things like that when they're personalized:)

Ok, off to cut some grass! The weather is finally starting to look alot like spring around here!

1 for 2011

2011-01-25T08:40:00.002-06:00

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

So this year I have a goal of seeing our family's routine go from sketchy to wonderful!
Its not that we have to be boring about it or stick to our routine and system like its law. But a good household routine and system for getting the things that need to be done in place helps make the rest of life more enjoyable.

I've been reading Large Family Logistics.
And its given me some really great tips and ideas! So Iv been trying to implement some new routines and home management techniques to keep things running smoothly around here. So far, the house is looking better then ever, I feel less stressed and the children are doing well with there routines also!
I highly recommend the book, even if you only have one child.

Another tool Iv found that I just love is Money Saving Mom's Daily Docket. Love it!!! You can customize the PDF file to fit your life and it has really helped me out big time!!

Too long, so much!

2011-01-20T12:29:00.000-06:00

Wow has it really been since Thanksgiving that I updated here!!!

I really would love to have daily or at least weekly updates, but alas; homeschooling, caring for our home, and little Mr John Roy are much more important then the blog! Not that I wouldn't love to write and participate in all the neat blog carnivals and such. Have to keep the priorities straight though.

Here are a few pics that Iv been meaning to post though:

Happy Thanksgiving From our Family to yours!

2010-11-25T16:18:00.000-06:00

We have so much to be Thankful for this year as with previous years, God is too good to us!

Sweet Blessings from God....

Family....

Good Men....

Food to fill our tummy...

And Lots of Love....

Back to the Bible: Daily Devotional

2010-11-17T09:28:00.000-06:00

Back to the Bible

Newest Addition has Arrived-

2010-11-08T16:24:00.000-06:00

John Roy was born Oct 26th at 9:55pm. He weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 15 oz and 20 1/4 inches long.
We were blessed to have a all natural birth, no meds whatsoever! However we didn't do the home birth like planned. Although I'm not disappointed because God is good and his will is perfect, we labored and delivered our son at the birth center. And it was a water birth at that!!

I had a short birth, at only 3 1/2 of active labor and pushed for maybe 20 minutes. I'm writing up his birth story, but just like babies do, he takes up most of my time these days.

I'm so looking forward to this Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are having a simple yet meaningful Christmas this year and I have some crafts and recipes that I can't wait to share on the blog. Hopefully baby boy will stop eating long enough to let me post a few;)

More pictures to follow soon!

Lists, To Do's, Planning....

2010-08-23T10:01:00.000-05:00

So I think instead of nesting in this pregnancy, I'm listing;)
I have this insatiable need to make al sorts of lists. Calenders, to do's, schedules, plans. But this is a good thing...well actually its a great thing! Because for me there is nothing more satisfying then marking off a item on my to do list!!
So although I don't have the urge to nest (just yet) I have a list of nesting items on my to do (in fact I have a 8 week schedule of tasks, it started today)and each item I get to mark off is so one more way I can prepare for Baby:)

One list I have and will be starting to check off is a freezer meal plan.
Here are some things that I will be cooking and freezing for after baby's arrival.
Seasoned taco meat
Meat Loaf
Chicken and Dumplings
Potato Soup
Mashed potatoes
Meat ball marinara
Chili
Chocolate chip cookies (for the holidays of course)
Banana nut bread
Blueberry muffins
Pancakes
Chocolate chip butterhorns
pie crusts (again for the holidays)
And I'm stocking up on things like frozen veggies, shredded cheese (it freezes great in small portions), canned items such as refried beans.
Anyway, that is just the start of my list, I "plan" on having a month worth of meals, plus some extras premade for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Oh yeah I'm also addressing Christmas cards this week!

Proverbs 19:14, says, "House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, BUT A PRUDENT WIFE IS FROM THE LORD."
Im sure Big Daddy will appreciate all the meal prep when baby is here, after all I know I'll be spending my time feeding baby and not cooking in the kitchen:)

Firsts....

2010-08-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

Aw, by girl has lost her 1st tooth!!! She was scared at first but now she's excited to be like her older cousin Skylar who has also already lost a few of his baby teeth.

Randomness

2010-07-07T05:30:00.010-05:00

Oh things have been a little hectic around here as of late. But I think its finally slowing down to a easier pace!
The last two weeks we have been dealing with the cleaning and repairing of our rental house in Dallas and that has kept me away from the computer:( I haven't been able to update on things like my pregnancy, our garden, our plans, or participate in the Completing Him Challenge. I'm two posts behind on that and I don't think I have the time to catch up, but I have been reading others posts and really enjoy it! I think its a great challenge though!

Now for a quick update and then its off to make eggs and bacon for breakfast!

Pregnancy is going wonderful! We have decided (and I may have already posted about this) to NOT find out what gender we are having! I think it will be a grand surprise and one of life's more memorable moments:) Although we still would LOVE to have a son, if the Lord has decided on a 3rd daughter for our family then we will gladly accept her and be ever so grateful for her:)

I'm so disappointed in our garden this year:( Between a late freeze (okay maybe we just planted a week too early) and major heat, then some serious rainfall (7 inches in 1 day!) our poor garden just couldn't take it! But every year we plant and every year we learn new things. This year we learned that if you plant wheat you must harvest it when you your suppose to, or else it will rain and your wheat will mold and all your effort will be for not!

Oh yeah, we're not getting a ultrasound done either. Unless something comes up that would indicate we need to further investigate by getting a u/s done. Im so excited to meet this little one this fall!!!

Because I'm an over achiever in the planning department, I'm thinking about things I can do to prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. See I'm suddenly struck by the thought that I will have a newborn who will be just a few weeks old at Thanksgiving and then maybe 6-8 weeks old at Christmas! Wow that alot to take during the holidays. And because I love that time of year I do still want to to enjoy it and have my family enjoy it despite any sleep deprivation I may be experiencing. So I'm putting together a list of things I can do in the next few months to make it easier. One thing is obvious...freezer cooking and baking. Cookies, fudge, quick breads, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. If I have these things on hand, I can mange a bird or ham and not feel over whelmed in the kitchen. And we have also decided to opt out of any Christmas gift exchanged, really we won't have the money and I don't know how many of those family gatherings we will be attending. But I know I will be purchasing stocking stuffers ahead of time also.

Lastly some of my favorite newly discovered spots on the internet.
Money Saving Mom
Women Living Well

And one of my newest faves-Raising Homemakers! Which is a subject near and dear to my heart!

Okay well that is all for now. Hhmmm maybe a picture is in order to round this post out?

Oh my sweetheart, how I LOVE him!!!! He's not aiming at anything living;) Just target practicing in our backyard:)

Week #1 of the Completing Him Challenge.

2010-06-14T12:14:00.002-05:00

Well here we are at week 1 of the Completing Him Challenge!

This week is about our dating story and how we captivated that man we married while we were first dating.

I met Big Daddy through friends when I was 23 and oh so immature!!! When we first met he was dating a good friend of mine and I was married! Yes I know shocking!!!

We saw each other occasionally when friends got together to go do immature things like going to the clubs or bars. (hey keep in mind, this was before Christ changed my life!!:))
But for the most part we really had no interest in each other. One night out though that all changed!
My BFF and I were on our way to a club on a Saturday night and we had not intended to meet up with anyone else. My marriage was falling apart at the time I was fixin' to file for divorce. I needed a night out! As we were leaving that evening, my friend (and Big Daddy's ex) called asking if they could come out, as they were still friends even though they were not dating any longer.
So I said sure and we met them along with a few others at the club. That night was long and crazy and had lots of mixed drinks! Needless to say I was in no shape to drive let alone walk when we left the club in the wee hours of the morning. So some how I ended up in Big Daddy's big, loud and black pickup truck and we proceeded to go on to my apartment. Nothing sinful happen that night:) He made me some Pasta Roni and we watched Shrek! No kidding! And we stayed up the entire rest of the night/morning talking:)
The next day we went to breakfast and spent the entire Sunday together driving around in his truck. Oh yeah did I mention he was from Texas!
This all happen while he was stationed in my home state of Washington!! We couldn't be more culturally different!!!
But I can say by the end of Sunday I was in love!! No I'm serious!!!!!!!
I can honestly say that I have no doubt in my mind now 7 plus years later that I was truly in love with my man, not just lust. I mean really, you never saw two people cling to each other the way we did and still do!!!

After a few weeks of seeing each other and being completely obsessed with one another, we had our first real date. He took me as his date to his PLDC Army Ball.

I know its not the best picture ever but it's all I could find! Oh and here is one of the truck, its name- Black Beauty, why do I show you it? Because it really was a huge part of our dating and staying together in that first year.

Again I know, not a great pic! But this is what you get from a old picture and crappy scanner! LOL:)
A few months after this picture was taken, I (being the only girl who he ever let drive his truck regularly) got into a bad accident while driving Black Beauty to the base to take him lunch. It was totaled. That was a turning point in our relationship!

One thing I'm going to work on this summer with my husband is to do more with him that doesn't involve the kids. Sure dinner and a movie are great sometimes, but one thing that I think my hubby always loved while we were dating is that I would do stuff with him most girls didn't want any part of. Work on the truck, go off roading, you know guy stuff!!
So even though I am 20 weeks pregnant right now, I really want to get out and do something he likes with him, for him:)

Can't wait to read some of the other lady's posts from the challenge!!!

My Big Girl Turns 6!

2010-06-08T09:03:00.002-05:00

I'm a little late getting this up...but on May 31 my oldest child turned 6 years old! I'm sure for seasoned moms 6 seems so young, but for me it seems that she is growing in leaps and bounds! I wish she'd stop that!!
We didn't throw a big party or anything, she wanted to go to the zoo and then to lunch at her favorite restaurant, so that is what she got:)
Here are a few pics from her fun day-

They really do grow so fast! I'm starting to realize more then ever before the limited time I get to have with my little ones!! Such a short period of time to form their character and win their hearts for the Lord!

I'm so happy I get to spend so much time with her, if I sent her off on that big yellow bus everyday, Id miss so much! Recently there have been major important questions and challenges that have come her way, and I'm so thankful to be there for those times.

Psalms 127:3 says “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”
Its taken a few years from the time she was born to realize what a great blessing she really is to me! But Thank you God for this gift:)

Completling Him Challenge!

2010-06-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

Here's a great summer challenge that will undoubetly improve your marriage!!

This summer from June 7th to August 9th, Courtney over at Women Living Well
is having a wonderful challenge! Check out this video that gives a run down on the fun-

Hope y'all will join in, head over now to link up!

Remember our Fallen as you Enjoy your weekend!

2010-05-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

WFMW- TMI...this one's for the ladies:)

2010-05-26T10:15:00.003-05:00

So this is a Works for Me Wednesday tip that is for those of us of the female variety. But it has helped me so much that I couldn't help but share, even if its a little TMI! So if you want to know more scroll down below the picture.

So being pregnant comes with various issues and discomforts, one of them being itchiness and pH problems down south of the border. So when I felt a yeast infection starting about month ago I immediately talked to my midwife about a natural way to solve this issue quickly and with out the typical, and might I add expensive, OTC treatments.

So step 1 was to use a clove of peeled garlic inserted into the vagina over night at the first sign of discomfort. For those of us who have regular yeast infections we know that tingle that is so alarming!

Magic! Two nights of garlic treatment and eating yogurt to get some of that ever so important pro biotic, problem gone!

Step 2, balancing my pH levels. I find that I am generally slightly itchy during this pregnancy, so I started to use a apple cider vinegar rinse. A couple cap fulls into a cup full of water, rinsing those lady parts morning and night. I found this to be especially helpful after intimate times.

I highly recommend using this rinse (not douche, I do NOT recommend douching!) to help correct the pH balance and perhaps keep yeast infections at bay.

Its worked for me!!!

For more great tips visit:

We are That Family!

Memory Verse

2010-05-21T09:54:00.000-05:00

I just stumbled upon Good Morning Girls! this morning and I am so happy I did!
Although I'm not part of a group in my area, I'm still looking forward to learning and growing over the summer with some help from this website!
Check it out, you'll be glad you did!

This weeks Verse to memorize and meditate on:

Galatians 5:22,23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Go visit the website for great tips about memorizing scripture and why you want to do it!

Just so you know...

2010-05-20T18:59:00.000-05:00

I really dislike Texas weather sometimes. Aside from the 2-3 week period of absolute loveliness we have in spring...most of the time its HOT or its stormy!!

Between golf ball size hail, winds and funnel clouds...its been one heck of a day!
Thankfully most of the really nasty stuff seemed to skirt us! Thank you Jesus!

Go here to check out some pictures from around the area today--http://www.wfaa.com/younews

Excited:)

2010-05-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

We're going to see our midwife today. It always nice to get to hear the baby's heartbeat and confirm that all is going well. But today will be special because we are taking both the girls with us. Madi may not understand what is going on as she is only 3 but Cheyenne gets it and is excited to hear her little brother or sister's heartbeat.
Can't wait for my next appt, 4 weeks from now. That will be when we find out if its a boy or girl:)
Now I must go hang clothes out on the line. Its such a pretty time of year here in Texas. Not scorching yet, mid 80's and breezy. Perfect weather for drying laundry out on the line!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-04-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

There are so many things to be Thankful for today! Here's a picture of one of them.

Its our dog Molly who was the most recent additional to our family. She was abandoned over Christmas at the lake. She would have starved to death if we had not took her in. She has turned out to be a wonderful and sweet dog. She's great with the kids, protective even. She doesn't chase the chickens. And she barks at unexpected visitors. And as you can see, she is quite photogetic! I'm thankful the Lord sent her to us!

Ah, Spring in Texas!

2010-04-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

The one season I can actually enjoy here in Texas is spring. Which last about a month before the heat sets in:)
Last weekend we took a walk over to the lake and I snapped a few photos of the girls in the Blue Bonnets:)

Molly had to join in on the fun too:)

WFMW- Morning sickness Remedies

2010-03-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

For this first time I am experiencing morning sickness. My first two pregnancies I ate whatever I wanted and never had on iota of queasiness! But not with this little one, I was sick at 4 weeks 1 day!
So here is a few things that have helped me along the way the last 4 weeks. Not everything works all the time for me. But at least one of these things greatly reduced that horrible nausea!

Seabands
were the first thing I tried, and they really did help me. I still use them 4 weeks later and they do still work for the most part. And of course they are all natural, so you don't have to worry about taking any pills.

Instead of saltine crackers, pretzels have really been the thing that has helped me. I just love them!

Of course things like Jello help too. I found the sugar free kind gave me heart burn though, so stick to the original Jello.

Also when I can eat, I try to eat things that are very high in protein. High protein diet for the last two weeks has all but make my morning sickness vanish!
One food that I found that I can get alot of protein out of is a veggie burger sandwich made with Ezekial bread.

Oh and try and figure what triggers the morning sickness if possible. For me its dairy, being tired and dehydration. Iv stayed away from dairy that last few weeks too, and I think that has helped big time.

And when all else has failed and I'm having a really bad day...I go to the morning sickness cocktail.
Iv only used this option twice. Take 50 mg vitamin B6 in the morning and again in the evening, and in the evening also take 1/2 of a Unisom ( 12.5 mg of Doxylamine Succinate), Sleep tabs, not the gel caps, those have a different ingredient in them. I'm telling this stuff works like a charm. Of course it will make you very drowsy!!!
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical professional. Talk to your Doctor or Midwife before taking any medication or vitamin. I talked with my Midwife before taking this!!!!
Well this is what has worked for me when it comes to that evil thing called morning sickness!!!

For more awesome ideas, tips and tricks visit We are THAT family!

City vs Country

2010-03-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

You just never wake up to the sound of gobbling in the city!
There were 29 wild turkey in my yard this morning:)
It was really neat to see:)

NEWS

2010-02-22T09:32:00.000-06:00

We are happy to announce that we are expecting baby #3 this November!!!!

More Snow Pictures

2010-02-12T11:31:00.000-06:00

Texas Snow Day

2010-02-11T19:34:00.000-06:00

The weather has gone insane here! In case you didn't know it North Texas does not get snow. Oh sure we may have a dusting or two every winter but not like the snow we are getting today!
Here are a few pictures from around the Dallas/Ft worth area-

And here are a few from my house, we had not had much when these were taken.

I'll be taking more in the morning. We are suppose to be having more snow through the night.

Quick update

2010-02-10T08:58:00.000-06:00

This month is already going be so fast!
This weekend the kiddos are going to go to a birthday bowling party for their cousin Jacob who is turning 8. While they are doing that Big Daddy and I are going to take the opportunity to have a early Valentine's lunch together:)

I hope ya'll are doing something nice with your loves this Valentines:) Im still trying to figure out what to have the girls make for Daddy:)

It been cold again this week in North Texas. In the 30's and 40's. We may have some snow tomorrow, fingers crossed!

On the homestead front, we placed our order for hard red spring wheat. We will be planting about an acre worth which should yield about 3/4 of a ton of wheat...no I'm not kidding! So come mid summer we will be harvesting wheat and reaping the rewrds of that!

Well I must go out and take care of the chickens...Im getting a late start this morning!!

WFMW- French Bread

2010-02-03T07:57:00.000-06:00

I found this recipe/video several months ago and since then I have made french bread this way at least a dozen times...LOVE IT!
In case you watch the video and miss the amounts here it is:
4 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon yeast
and Water...watch the video for an idea of how much.

For more great ideas, visit We are that Family!

What I'm doing today

2010-02-02T08:37:00.000-06:00

Today I have the itch to cook and organize.
So Im making pancakes for the freezer, they make mornings super easy!
Also I'm soaking pinto beans to make refried beans tomorrow!
Then on the organizational front I'm cleaning the kids room. Toys are being gone through and given away.

I Am A Christian

2010-02-01T12:08:00.001-06:00

I Am A Christian

Posted using ShareThis

One child

2010-01-30T10:28:00.001-06:00

Yesterday and today it's just been me and my toddler, Madi.
My 5 year old is with her great grandmother and my husband has been in Dallas for work.
Why is it I never realized how easy it was to have one child when I only had on child?
Madi has been perfectly content playing with playdough, watching PBS and napping for the last 48 hours!
Tonight is what Im really looking forward to though. Date night!
It was one of our new years goals to have at least one date night out a month. It almost didn't happen. But Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we will be enjoying a nice evening out!
Speaking of the creep rising. Man have we had some rain!
My front yard looks like the lake. I think we had about 5 inches of rain here, but a few counties over got 10 inches!
Then it froze last night and its in the 30's today. So I have to figure out something cute to wear tonight and still be warm!
Well I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, enjoy your time with your family!

How do you Run?

2010-01-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

How do you run? Im not talking about exercise here, because frankly I look really funny when I run.
I mean how do you run from God? Is it through false doctrine? Excuses? Living for other people instead of Jesus? Comparing yourself to others instead of Jesus?

When God calls on you how do you respond? Have you read the story of Jonah?

Just as Jonah ran from God’s presence, we run from His presence and just as God pursued Jonah and brought him to the end of himself, so too, God in His grace, brings us to the end of ourselves and offers us Himself instead.

Great Sermons here at the Mars Hill Church website.

Why I choose to believe the Bible.

2010-01-28T08:00:00.003-06:00

"I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies, and they claim to be divine rather than human in origin."
Read more HERE.

WFMW- Homemade Taco Seasoning

2010-01-27T03:51:00.001-06:00

I stopped buying those little packets of Taco Seasoning years ago because I started making my own. I store this in a re-purposed glass jar and use about 6-7 teaspoons for a pound of ground meat. Works well with beef or turkey.
This will make enough seasoning for 3 pounds of meat. Its so much easier to keep these around even though the initial cost is more expensive then the packet of taco seasoning, the over all cost is less and these spices can be used in many other ways:

6 teaspoons chili powder
5 teaspoons paprika
4 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

If you have a young child or someone who is sensitive to spicy foods you can omit the cayenne pepper and the red pepper flakes.

For more great ideas visit We are That Family!

Im Back!!

2010-01-25T10:02:00.002-06:00

Well I'm back after a wonderful week! I have to say I'm surprised I that I didn't miss the internet as much as I thought I would. Now that TV I had a little bit of issue with, mainly because I normally watch the news early in the morning after Big Daddy leaves for work, and I found it to be a little too quiet and well...creepy with out the TV on!
But I got over it;)
Other wise I spent much more time with the kiddos and in the kitchen this week. I actually had an empty...yes EMPTY laundry basket for most of the week. Since I washed, folded and put away ALL of our laundry on Monday!
I have to say that I am much more sensitive to the internet this morning though. Of coarse I wanted to catch up on Facebook and Gmail, but I really didn't want to get sucked in. I highly recommend doing a media fast, it was one of the more interesting and productive things I have done with my time this year so far:)

Anyway, husband and I have been talking more about starting a ministry group. Ill tell you more about that another day.

Media Fast!

2010-01-15T09:50:00.001-06:00

7 Day Media Fast

Won't you Join Me?

Next Week January 17th - 23rd

I believe as a Christian we need to cleanse our minds and hearts at times.

A refresher. A time of Repentance. Devotion. A time to regain our strength from Jesus.

Usually it can come in the form of prayer and reading God's Word.

When we prepare for Christ's Death, Burial and Resurrection by fasting before Easter, we limit food and give up things for Lent. It helps us cleanse our body and focus on what Jesus did for us sinners.

The kind of fasting I'm proposing is a media fast. A renewal, refresher, a cleansing of the mind.

We live in a culture of depravity, sex and therefore sexual sin is everywhere!

I think we have become desensitized to it, and there for more accepting of those sins we see and probably even do on a regular basis.

So between Next Sunday and Saturday turn off you TV (no dvd's, or game systems either), Don't use the internet, yup that means not even for Facebook or email (only respond to necessary work emails) or blogging. No Radio, not even talk radio. No MP3 player (its in the music we listen to also!)No magazines or newspaper. And for some this may also mean no text messaging, because lots of things get sent to our smart phone we should not be looking at or reading!

The only acceptable exception to the above rules would be listening to sermons or perhaps some previously chosen music.

I know it will be tough, especially for those who rely so heavily on Facebook, email and blogging to stay connected socially. But I promise you if those people are really your friends, you can pick up the phone and call them! Even for you bloggers this may be a great opportunity to make some real connections.

So what will you do without TV, Internet, and radio? You work like usual, come home spend time with your family pray and read the bible. That's it. What, sound boring? Its not, your just use to those sinful desires being fulfilled. You may even get creative and do somethings with your family you never had time for before.

I hope you will join me. By the following Sunday I believe you will look at the world a little different.

Great Giveaway!

2010-01-14T11:59:00.001-06:00

Head over to The Pioneer Woman to be entered in a different kind of giveaway!

Where is your sin?

2010-01-14T11:28:00.002-06:00

My husband and I recently sat down and confessed a few sins to each other. This may sound odd, especially to a non believer. But it has been one of the best thing we have ever done in our marriage.
I won't be sharing those confessions here on the blog, there is a time and place for everything, and sin confessed should be between you, God, your pastor and the person you sinned against.
For many years I thought that as long as I confessed my sin and repented with God, all was forgiven. No need to share those things with my husband of all people! But when Im wrong Ill say Im wrong!!! I was wrong. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin and was not going to let go until I confessed to my husband. And as painful as it was, once I confessed and repented for those sins, the result was glorious.
If you've sinned against your husband ladies, I urge you to prayerfully seek to be convicted of those sins, confess and repent. My husband has forgiven me for my sin and is lovingly encouraging me to change so I will not sin in those ways again.
I think alot of the time us ladies (well and men, but Im appealing to the woman here) don't even realize they are sinning against their husbands.
Here is a short list of ever so silent yet powerful ways we sin against out husbands.
Gossip- we talk about them behind their backs. We complain to our girlfriends, sisters, moms about all the things our husbands don't get right in our minds. Even the smallest statement. Example- " Oh He forgot to take out the trash, again!" heard by another and thought in our brain will bring negativity to our marriage.
Rebellion- we don't trust our husband's decisions. If your husband has a bad track record I understand you may have some fear of trusting his decision making skills. But lets face it, sometimes we think that the best way to do something is the way we do it. Example- you ask him to help out with something around the house, or with the kids, but you keep on questioning his actions...big no no. Let him do it his way, I promise the world will not come crashing down. And he will feel more confident and respected when you tell him how much you appreciate him afterwards, without jumping in to do it yourself.
Another way we sin against our husbands is- with Shame. We don't let them touch us the way they want, we don't let them see us when they want. Mark Driscoll in Song of Songs sermon, says we should be visually generous with our men. They are visual people and need to see, let him see. Don't let shame creep in and stop you from sharing with your husband that which is meant for your husband.

I would love to go into more about sexual sin on here...but I don't know how well it will be received. If anybody is reading this and is interested let me know by leaving a comment!
I leave with a quote from Martin Luther-
“our Lord and Master Jesus Christ . . . willed
the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”

WFMW- freezing milk

2010-01-13T08:49:00.002-06:00

Anytime I see milk on sale I always stock up, I live in the country and running out of milk is not an option. Yes I keep powdered milk on hand, but I prefer whole milk. Rarely will we go though more then one gallon in a week, but it depends what's going on in my kitchen.
If I'm making yogurt that week, or ice cream in the summer, we will often go through two gallons. But for those weeks we don't, I don't want my extra gallon to spoil. So I freeze it!
When I bring the milk home from the store I just pour out a little from the jug and put it in the freezer. This is important or else you may find your jug has busted once frozen. You then thaw in the fridge for about 2-3 days, yes this does require planning ahead. So take the frozen milk out as soon as you see your under a half gallon in the fridge. You can also freeze smaller portions in zip lock bags or glass jars so that it doesn't take too long to thaw.
EDIT- To answer some questions, no it doesn't change the consistency of the milk, however the milk does separate. So give it a good shake once thawed and you ll be good to go. Otherwise I find little to no difference in the taste and look of previously frozen milk.

Freezing milk Works for Me!

This post is rated R

2010-01-12T13:18:00.000-06:00

Iv been wanting to share this on my blog for awhile now, but I really didn't know how to do it. I know you can find sex and everything you ever wanted or didn't want to know about it with out even searching for it on the web!

But this is about Biblical Sex! Did you know the bible actually has lots to say about sex? Well it does. Go read Song of Songs...and you might even blush;)

I encourage any married or single persons to go Here, Mars Hill Church Website, and watch or download and watch this sermon series on the song of songs. It will give you an eye opening view of sex according to the bible. And if you are a married couple, this series should be watched with your spouse. Trust me when I say that if you start looking at your sexual relationship with your spouse the way God intended it to be, you will have an amazing love life!

To be clear I'm advacating sex WITHIN marriage between a MAN and a WOMAN. And no where else. If you are a single person this sermon series will give you a better understanding of the opposite sex and what to prepare your heart for when you are married.

Here's a clip of some of the questions that are answered in this series.

My Goals 2010

2010-01-11T09:38:00.000-06:00

So here is our goals for 2010-

First and foremost our financial goals.

Paying off the rest of our debt outside of our Home and car loan-

Which consists of,

Lawyer fees from last year- $800 ($100 p/mo Jan-Mar, then $500 payoff Mar 26th)

YAY!~~United Rental $287.97~~ -Jan. 8(this was the amount after Ins. paid for the accident that we owe)

Hospital balance from L/D with Madi- $1,145.87 ($100 p/mo until paid full)

Suburban- $1,200 ($400 ea mo for the next 3 months)

Put $200 in saving per month= $2,400 in Savings by December

Next Family Goals.

Better nutrition. More variety for all of us. More organic foods, better base ingredients, more fresh veggies.

Work on reading with Madi.

Less TV/internet

Marriage Goals.

Date night at least once a month.

Be more involved with Church groups.

less resistance for each others affection/ideas/plans.

Personal goals.

Me-

And this of coarse is a financial/family/couple goal, but because Ill be the one doing all the work- have baby #3!

improve sewing skills.

exercise regularly (normally I have the lose 5 lbs on my list, but this year Im going for general health since Ill be pregnant in a few months.)

read the bible in its entirety.

become less cluttered and more organized.

Russ-

Get out of debt

exercise regularly

outfit all weapons (okay I know this sounds weird, but what he wants is for his hunting rifle and shotgun to have the things on them/for them to improve their function.

Become more involved in the youth ministry at church

Master Auto LISP (its programming software he uses at work)

Of course there are many other things we want to do in 2010, I would love to take a trip to WA, but I also want to get out of debt, so if finances allow I will also go to Seattle this year.

Merry Day after Christmas y'all!

2009-12-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

Wow! Well Christmas came and went,huh? It seems so crazy every year when we spend weeks planning for this wonderful day the family. Food, gifts, games, fun!Then in a blink its over. I hope all of you took the time yesterday to pray and give sometime to Jesus.
I would have liked to of given a little more of my time to Jesus yesterday, well everyday. Its so easy to get caught up in the things of this world!

We are blessed and I am ever so thankful to the Lord our God for giving us a roof over our head and all the yummy food that we got to indulge in yesterday, and probably for the rest of this month!
My girls had a wonderful time! Its funny out of all the gifts they got their favorite items are the ones we spent the least on. Home made playdough for one and the my older one loved the Leapster2 she got. I got it on sale for like 20 bucks and she just loves it. She also received a bike and Madi got a giant puppy that she wants to sleep with no matter what I say:)
Oh and how can I forget to mention, it SNOWED here! Yes in North Texas!!!
It was wild to see and drive in on Christmas eve, but very beautiful and really put us in the Christmas mood:)
The biggest surprise was my sweet husband got me a "new" (its used but that doesn't matter) Chevrolet Suburban for Christmas. He's spent the last 3 weeks doing some maintenance on it, cleaning it, changing the oil and stuff like that without me ever knowing. Really I didn't have a clue! He did have to tell a few lies along the way, which, he said, killed him to do. But it turned out to be a wonderful surprise!
No we have room in the family car for another 4 babies!!! LOL
Well here are a few Christmas pictures-

Sad day:(

2009-12-23T12:56:00.000-06:00

Its a sad day in my house. One of our hens was taken this morning.
We live in the country with lots of woods and right across from a large body of water at that, so wild animals are a given. But its always hard for me because I get so attached to those sweet little birds. And you know I was going to take a picture of all them this morning and didn't, now I wish I would have.
Next spring Ill be sure to have new babies though.

2 days left....!!!!!

2009-12-22T11:12:00.001-06:00

Wow this season has just flown by!
Im so excited for Christmas. I just love all the decorations, the food, the family time spent together. I love seeing people who we don't get to see regularly. But most of all I love being reminded everywhere I look about the birth of our Saviour!
Its so easy to remember your faith during Christmas.
But the hard part is to continue with the feeling of love and adoration for our Lord once all the decorations have come down. Will I remember Christ at the turn of every corner in my home? Will I think of him as Im baking? Will I continue to tell stories of Jesus to my children like I do during the Christmas season?
I sure hope I do!
We had set our Christmas budget low this season, we could of spent much more on presents this year...but we chose not to go overboard. I have made many more handmade gifts. We will spend more time at home this year. We will go go candle light service on Christmas eve, which we are very excited about! At first we thought we would have to attend another church on Christmas Eve, since the Pastor said they normally do not do one at our Church since he had started preaching there a few years ago. But we expressed out interest and he said he would think about it...then the fallowing Sunday it was in the church bulletin! Ask and you shall receive!!
Its a short service, 30 minutes. But that will be just enough to remind us what Christmas is about and the girls should be able to sit through it. Plus we will be coming from my father in laws house that evening, which is usually filled with many presents. It can be overwhelming for the kids and Christ will often get lost in all those presents.
Well Im on a mission to get the house clean and prepared to celebrate the birth of our King! Must get going:)

Advent Conspiracy

2009-12-16T14:39:00.000-06:00

Frugal Friday- Being a One Income Family- Christmas Time

2009-12-04T09:28:00.002-06:00

Head over to Life as Mom for other great Frugal Friday posts!

So a few weeks back I wrote some about being a one income family. There are lots of difficulties that come with living on one income but I believe many more benefits.
This time of the year can be particularly hard when it comes to staying disciplined and focused. Just because its Christmas doesn't mean you forget all about your budget. In fact if you are an organized one income family you will have budgeted Christmas into your finances months ago.
I know its tempting to forgo putting extra on the credit card your trying to pay off so that you can buy that video game for your kid. But trust me when I say your child will understand, maybe not now...but when he/she is older they will remember what it means to be responsible and wise when it comes to money. So whats your Christmas budget look like? Do you have one? Here are some tips-

1. Set a budget and stick to it! Sounds simple doesn't it. But our consumerist society is out there waiting to temp you into buying more. And its not just stores that don't have your best interest in mind. Its friends and family too!
Just yesterday I was told by my well meaning Grandmother to just get a $5 gift for a gift exchange at a family gathering. Although I had just told her that we are not doing gift exchanges because our budget will not allow. Just $5, and my nephew will have something to open up. As if he doesn't already have many gifts to open that day. Its easy to think "Just $5" but that's a slippery slope to go down. Don't do it.

2. Make a list and check it twice! Yes, write it down, everyone your buying for and what you will be buying, then try as best you can to stick to it. I know once you get out there you might see something for someone you hadn't thought of, and that's okay. But it has to fit into the budget. Set a limit for each person your buying for. It might be $20 for your Aunt, and $100 for mom. If you see something while your out that you just know that special someone would love but it doesn't fit into your budget you will have to have the discipline and strength to move on. Maybe you can save to get it for them another time. There's always birthdays! Plus they will never know that you didn't get them that "other" gift!

3. Don't forget about the "other" expenses. Gifts are not the only thing that you spend more on this month. There's all that yummy holiday food, and gas to drive to visit family and friends. Is there going to be a office Christmas party, a bible study group gift exchange, or perhaps your child's school will have a special event that you'll have to bake something for? You must consider all of those things and add them into your budget.

So how is my family budget doing? We set a $500 limit and have about $200 left to get our kids their main gift and eachother something special. Okay, I would like to be able to spend more on my kids, my friends, my in laws. I want to bake every neighbor, church member and acquaintance cookies. Give my pets something special to show my love. But when it comes down to it that isn't what I want my kids to remember when they think back on Christmas. They won't remember that they didn't receive some toy that they wanted when they were 5. They will remember if Mom and Dad where always struggling to pay the bills or never saved for college.
And also let us not overlook that Christmas is about CHRIST, not shopping and presents!

Thankful Thursday

2009-12-03T12:01:00.000-06:00

I don't know what I did to deserve these two, but Im sure happy I did!

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

2009-11-26T09:00:00.007-06:00

A Psalm For Giving Thanks

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Proclamation of Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

As President, on October 3, 1789, George Washington made the following proclamation and created the first Thanksgiving Day designated by the national government of the United States of America:

“ Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Source: wikipedia

Thanksgiving Recipes

2009-11-24T11:20:00.006-06:00

We are headed to my MIL for the Family Thanksgiving dinner this year. Here's what Im bringing to the party.

Pioneer Woman's Peach Crisp. This was my husband's request. I told him good luck finding fresh peaches this time of year. But he is determined!

Libby's Pumpkin Pie. Because its really the best! Especially when you add freshly made whipped cream!

And my favorite...Apple Pie. Which I don't have a recipe to share. Its all in my head, every time I make it I tell myself to write it down, and then the apples and cinnamon and sugar and dough all over take me and I forget!

Sweet Potato Casserole. I use this recipe with some of the changes that are mentioned in the reviews, like reducing the sugar a bit and I also still add the marshmallow along side the pecan topping like the picture above shows.

Im also bringing a basic salad and some potato skins as a appitizer. I hope to be eating around noon. We are going to try to visit some other family that afternoon, but we will see how things go. My MIL just had major surgery last week so Im not sure how much she will be up for. Having 6 grand kids running around all under the age of 7, 3 under the age of 3 will were on her Im sure.

Well I do hope everyone has a wonderful week and may your hearts and home be full of divine blessings on this Thanksgiving!

Frugal Friday- Being a One Income Family

2009-11-20T05:00:00.002-06:00

We have been a one income family for over 3 years now. Before that I had a part time child care position at our church and prior to that I worked retail. I was happy when my husband and I decided that I would exclusively stay at home with the kids. At the time I was 5 months pregnant with Madi and picking up the kiddos at the church was getting increasingly difficult. A short time after Madi was born I toyed with the idea of getting a part time job again. But the LORD lead me to continue to devote 100% to my family and my home.
And its one of the best decision we have ever made.
I think every family can do it given the right set of tools.
What tools are needed to not only survive but thrive on one income you ask? Well here's my thoughts.

Let me preface this by saying the method of living on one income when you are a family of more then two, so a Dad, a Mom and child(ren) works best when you are following Jesus, and by following Jesus you are living or trying to live biblical. So you accept and embrace the roles GOD has defined for us. Real Men and Real woman are the ones who do best and thrive on one income (aside from the wealthy of course). So the tools that have worked for us-

1. Humility. You must humble yourself to let go of all the things that you think life should look like and hand it over to God. Be humble and ask for HIS help. You can't do it on your own. Staying at home day in and out with your children is trying at the very least and you can't do it without HIS help, period.

2. Get Organized. Not just financially, but through out your home. Recently we made about $900 on EBay from selling stuff that we discovered by simple organization of our stuff! There are tons and tons of great advice and help online to get you organized. If you need links let me know!

3. You have to be Disciplined! We could have very easily taken the earnings off EBay and bought any number of things we wanted. But instead we are saving it for things we need. And you have to be disciplined enough to say no to the things you want and smart enough to know the difference between things your need and things you want.

4. Wise. You have to be prudent and seek wise counsel not only from GOD but from others who you know have their stuff together when it comes to finances. Don't seek advice about how to structure your budget from a working parent of a two income household who is drowning in credit card debt! Go to someone who's been there where you are now, perhaps a fellow member of your church, or perhaps it your own Mom!

5. You must be deliberate, not hasty. When it comes to living on one income this is important. You cannot make hasty decisions when it comes to your money or your time. Talk it over before you buy anything or schedule anything. Once you work on a budget, your not just done with it. Its a continued process, just like your schedule. Your time must be handled carefully also. You may make the mistake of thinking because you will now be staying home, you'll have more time..trust me that couldn't be farthest from the truth. So consider your time spent carefully. Before you schedule that dance class for your daughter on a whim look carefully at what time of the day it falls...is it right around dinner time? Husband decides on a dime to have appetizers with the buddies after work without talking it over with you first? Things like that can really through a wrench in your schedule.

6. Full disclosure. Talk about everything with your spouse, everything. Even the lunch date you have with your girlfriends or the cute shirt you saw and thought about buying. Full and open disclosure of every cent spent is necessary when you are first starting out. Because see most people who have two incomes sometimes spend extra without really talking about it with their spouse simply because they think they can cover it with their income.

7. Stop being a consumer! Start being a producer! You must turn away from the old ways of figuring out how to get more stuff and start figuring out how to produce a meaningful and lasting legacy for your children and YES it can be done on ONE income. There are so many frugal ways to buy the stuff you need and even the occasional thing you want in a frugal manner where you don't have to break the budget and you will actually get ahead more so on one income then when there was two!

8. And this may be the most important yet the hardest one to do. Be CONTENT. Stop comparing your house to the one down the street. Stop wishing your had a newer car, or nicer clothes or a new pair of shoes. Just be content in whatever situation you have and live and make the most of it. Once you start doing that and maybe even trying to give some of it away you'll find that living on one income is so easy!

Oh and since you will be staying at home now...consider homeschooling those kiddos of yours huh?:) Okay did I go to far?? :)

Okay next Friday Im posting more about transitioning from a two income to a one income household. Come back y'all!

The Incredible Edible Egg!

2009-11-19T19:00:00.001-06:00

Im so excited! My hens have finally started laying eggs! I went to close the coop door tonight and to my complete surprise there was a perfect light brown egg sitting in the nest! I didn't think I could be so happy over an egg! But I am:)

Husband is in Dallas tonight, so I made homemade Mac & cheese for dinner and we have chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven as I type. Once the girls go to bed Ill be finishing a peasant top that Im sewing for Madi. Its a wonderful cool evening:)

Happy Thursday everyone!

Works For Me Wednesday- Clothes pins

2009-11-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

I have alot of clothes pins around my house and have found many ways that they come in handy.
There's a list here.

But my favorite uses are as a chip clip and to hold a towel around my kids for when they eat messy foods like spaghetti, works for me and my laundry!

Oh and if you want to get fancy, Iv seen people paint them with cool little flowers and bright colors! Neat, but I don't have time for that:)

Christmas Cards?

2009-11-17T13:55:00.001-06:00

Done!

Happy Veterans Day!

2009-11-11T07:45:00.002-06:00

Thank a Veteran today! And please keep our Soldiers in your prayers and thoughts each and everyday!
Rather they are abroad or at a base here in the states. Their everyday life is difficult and trying in many ways that the average American has no idea. And also pray for and thank those families who support our troops. Its not easy being a military spouse, I know this to be true.
So a big THANK YOU from our family to all our military and Veterans. I'd hug ya if I could!

Works For Me Wednesday

2009-11-11T07:18:00.002-06:00

I recently read a post about the struggle to make Sunday the day of rest. The Sabbath day. Keeping that day Holy is difficult. Especially for Mom.
Between cleaning, cooking and caring for your family were does a loving Mom get her rest in?
Well here is what works for me.

1. Make Sunday meals simple. One pot meal for the big meal, rather that be Lunch or Supper. Also known as Dinner and supper 'round these parts:)
The crock pot is my best friend on Sundays. Chili is the one thing that seems to work the best. You can throw in in the morning, it will be ready by the time you get home from Church and you can do a variety of things with it. Chili dogs, Frito pie, or just keep it simple and serve it with some crackers.

2. To reduce dishes...use paper. I know not very fancy,but we are looking to reduce our work load here!

3. Dress simply. Keep you clothes and your kids clothes easy. Casual dress but no jeans is usually the rule for me and my kids. And I stay away from things that need to be ironed, and if it does I do it the night before. Plus lay the clothes out the night before so your not searching through the closets that morning. Oh and let the kids dress themselves if at all possible!

4. Because we are a home school family and get to do whatever makes us happy:) LOL
We do a 4 day school week and leave Mondays as our chill day. Another words Monday is the day mommy catches up on the things that didn't get done on Sundays. The girls usually do crafts and art, watch movies and play on Mondays.

5. Keep things in perspective. I know for me I can look around the house by Sunday afternoon and just be disgusted at the amount of mess there is. I mean I just cleaned yesterday! But really its because my house gets lived in, the kids play, we eat, we hang out together and focus on our family and the Lord on Sundays not rather or not the kitchen is clean.

And it works for me!

Run the Earth, Watch the Sky...: Homeschooling: Part Two - Radical discipleship

2009-11-06T12:00:00.002-06:00

I read this today and it really sums up why we homeschool-

This is reason #1 why we are planning to homeschool: I believe that God has given us a job that takes 24 hours a day. Will my children have the whole Bible memorized? Probably not. But making learning and living the Scripture a centerpiece of their years in our home is something I believe wholeheartedly that we must do - and it will take tremendous effort and time.runwatchplaywait.blogspot.com, Run the Earth, Watch the Sky...: Homeschooling: Part Two - Radical discipleship, Aug 2009

You should read the whole article.

My Favorite time of the year!

2009-11-03T13:14:00.003-06:00

Hands down this is my Favorite time of the year! November and December are glorious months for me:) It didn't always use to be like that. I use to not be such a fan. But once my first child was born something clicked. Its like "gee these are the memories Im making for my children". Me being a scrooge or just letting all the commercialism control me, that is what my kids will remember. Its taken me a few seasons to get my holiday attitude under control, but its a work in process. This year we will have a country handmade Christmas for the most part. I made my husband promise me that he would not under any circumstances let me go out on black Friday! We are doing the "want, need, wear, read" idea this year for the kiddos. Each of them will get something that falls into each of those categories plus a Santa gift:) Im going to make PJ's for them as the "wear" item. And Im thinking a kids cookbook for Cheyenne as her "read" gift.
I have my BFF taken care of and Im going to make and mail her cookies too:)
Last year I made these and they shipped and kept very well!
What about y'all, do you have any great ideas for simple yet lovely Christmas gifts?

Oh goodness, I just realized I made a Christmas post and its not even Thanksgiving yet!

Free Ebook- bible study for kids

2009-10-30T08:53:00.004-05:00

Someone recommended this to me and I think its a good one to share- Through the Bible with my Child-
Free E book here!

Pay it Forward!

2009-10-21T08:55:00.004-05:00

Because I recently won a book over at The Happy Housewife, I want to pass it on and do my own giveaway. Problem is I have to idea what to giveaway! I want to promote Christ, cooking and family. So my gift to you will be something from those categories. Take the poll below and let me know what you think. Have another idea? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Great Giveaway!

2009-10-16T13:22:00.002-05:00

Head on over to Kitchen Stewardship for a great giveaway!

Today's Memory Verse

2009-10-09T12:26:00.003-05:00

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." Phil. 4:19

I must remember that our Lord does provide all that I need. Even those things that I thought I needed and didn't get, turns out I didn't need them after all.
And then the things I didn't even know I needed until the Lord blessed me with them. Wow our God is good!

What a weekend!

2009-10-05T12:53:00.002-05:00

This weekend was crazy and it was filled with fear and doubt. Worry, its got to be my biggest downfall.
But as always, the Lord finds a way to let us know it will all be okay. Our Sunday sermon was about Romans 8:28-

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Wordless Wednesdays

2009-09-30T05:40:00.003-05:00

(Sorry about the poor quality)
One of the many things that I love about living in the country, at least 'round these parts, is the white tail deer that I get to see almost daily!

Deal of the Day

2009-09-29T05:24:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to make a quick post about a good deal. I just ordered the Couponizer
this morning and saved a few dollars on it using the code- STARTNOW. If you coupon, you will love this great way of organizing you coupons. It makes saving money at the grocery store and lots of other places so much easier! And fun!

Finally Friday!

2009-09-25T11:12:00.005-05:00

2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

I watched Niteline last night. They are doing a series on the ten commandments. Last nights show was about Adultery. The question- Are we born to cheat?
They had Pastor Ed Young of the Fellowship Church in Dallas, a recovering sex addict, Ashley Madison.com founder and CEO Noel Biderman, and author Jenny Block. Don't know what Ashley Madison.com? Its a dating website of sorts, like E Harmony, but serves those who are searching exclusively to cheat on there spouse. Openly on the website, perhaps not so openly in their marriages though. And Jenny Block is an advocate for open marriages. She herself has been married for 13 years I believe she said and now has a ten year old daughter and a girlfriend on the side, that her husband knows about. She not only has a lover on the side but is also engaging in a same sex relationship.
Obviously the Pastor had the proper view on these things and defended the sanctity of Marriage, the biblical definition of Marriage, another words God's definition.
The two panelists that were defending redefining marriage just made me so frustrated. Some of the things they said, were so, offensive to everything that God has created for us. The Author, Jenny Block was so blasphemous it was almost laughable. She said she had a wonderful relationship with God, yet rebuked anything in the Bible that didn't agree with her own selfish wants as not really being the word of God. Both the "pro Adultery" panelists repeatedly showed their ignorance of what the bible says. But really these two are just a couple of the examples of the moral decline in America. There is no two ways about it. Marriage was created by God. Therefor Marriage is defined by God. God also made grass green, we can't just (because we want) redefine grass and say its purple when its really green no matter what we say it is. I suppose science could some how produce a seed that made a purple grass but...oh just never mind. My point is that the Word of God says that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman and that adultery is wrong. Period.
People have got to start living a better life, leading a better life. Americans are rejecting Christianity, and even those who still practice Christianity don't even understand the basics of the Christian faith anymore. As the above examples so clearly show. These people really believe they are Christians, yet they say adultery is okay, what?! Am I the only one who sees the disconnect there?

New Again

2009-09-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

2009-09-24T17:29:00.002-05:00

Once a lady went to visit her friend. During the visit the children of the friend entered the room and began to play with each other. As the lady and her friend visited, the lady turned to her friend and said eagerly and yet with evidently no thought of the meaning of her words: “Oh, I’d give my life to have such children.” The mother replied with a subdued earnestness whose quiet told of the depth of experience out of which her words came: “That’s exactly what it costs.”
Simply the BEST article Iv read about Motherhood.

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-24T05:59:00.004-05:00

" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Last night I laid in bed and just had to Thank God over and over for the life HE has given me. Through my life I use to think that I was the one in control, the one who was making all these big decisions. When in fact HE was in total control at all times. When the things that were happening didn't make sense.
Im not saying the I didn't make some choices, some very poor choices, because I did. But even then God used those sins to change me, to lead me down his path further.

Who knew! God had a plan all along for a lonely little girl who was born from irresponsibility and rejected from the very beginning of life.

Through out my childhood I sought acceptance and unconditional love and never received it. From a very early age I realized that the love that was in my family was conditional. I felt it at such a young age, maybe around 4-5 years old. I thought that if I did something wrong or something that my Mother didn't approve of, I would be shunned. I wouldn't be worthy of love anymore. And even when I was walking on the thin straight line my family expected of me, I still felt unloved. I needed to do something special to be loved. So I started lying, telling stories. Anything that would shine a light on me. So I could be noticed and they would realize how special I was and that I deserved love.
Even as I grew older it didn't stop, even when I knew that there was nothing I could do to receive that unconditional love from them. I still seeked it out. But then it was from others. Men, friends, employers. I got married at a young age. I also got divorced at a young age. Life was so crazy back then. Little did I know God had a plan to get me out of that place and give me all the love that I so craved in life.

Once I met my husband I had been down in a pit so long that I didn't believe it was possible to be pulled out of it.
But I took a leap of faith and followed God's plan instead of my own. It took me to Texas. So far away from all I knew and thought I wanted. It took me to Motherhood, something I thought for sure I never wanted. God's plan gave me love like I never thought was possible.

When I had Cheyenne I finally realized that there was nothing she could do to earn my love and there was nothing she could do to make me stop loving her either.
I realized all that time I spend trying to please my Mother and family was pointless. It wasn't anything to do with me. It was all them. I was always worthy of love and acceptance. And the fact is I had always had it, I just was looking in the wrong places.
I tried my Mother's way for raising my child for a short while, but was left feeling so empty and torn from my actions. I finally asked God to use me, to use my brokenness to make me a better mother. And HE did!
I tried those same mistakes with my husband and again it didn't work out very well. And again I prayed asking the Lord to forgive me and heal me and my relationship. And HE did! My marriage has never been stronger! Of coarse these things took lots of work, but the Lord gave me the ability to change!

Through out all the hard times God always had a plan. A plan to pluck a lonely little girl out of her circumstances and put her in a place where she would have more love and acceptance then she knows what to do with!

GOD is Good!

"Circumstances aren’t the barometer of God’s love and goodness—the cross is."

Wordless Wednesdays

2009-09-23T13:17:00.001-05:00

2009-09-15T05:13:00.003-05:00

So sad about Patrick Swayze. Seems like so many have passed away recently. I feel especially sad about this one though. He was one of my favorite actors, really all my life. He was (is) a unique and caring soul. Im sure he is with the Lord now. I just feel so bad for his wife, my prayers and thoughts are with her. He died so young. I know he was 57 (I think), but he had such a youthful spirit about him. But the Lord calls his children home when he see fit.

The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
Isaiah 57:1-2

Patrick and Lisa were married for 34 years! Long time by hollywood's standards.

The role that made his career, Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing;-)

He gave it one heck of a fight!

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-10T12:54:00.004-05:00

Although I am thankful everyday, today I wanted to share a picture of two of the ones Im most Thankful to God for giving me.
With chocolate on their faces or mud on their hands, man do I love these kids!

Yummy Recipe

2009-09-08T12:09:00.004-05:00

Cranberry Nut Muffins

1 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a muffin pan, or use paper liners.
In a small bowl, mix together applesauce, oil and egg. In a large bowl, combine flours, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in egg mixture. Stir until just moistened. Fold in cranberries and nuts. Spoon into muffin cups, 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 2 minutes before removing.

Tuesday

2009-09-01T09:34:00.005-05:00

I am taking a break from the social networks and blogs today. Life is so much more important then the internet is:-) It might be just for today or it might be for the rest of the week. We will be doing some more fulfilling things today, making bread, granola, sewing some and reading. And we also will be enjoying the beautiful September weather mother nature has given us today.
I leave you with some of Gods Word.

Ecclesiastes 3

Everything Has Its Time

Everything on earth

has its own time

and its own season.

There is a time

for birth and death,

planting and reaping,

for killing and healing,

destroying and building,

for crying and laughing,

weeping and dancing,

for throwing stones

and gathering stones,

embracing and parting.

There is a time

for finding and losing,

keeping and giving,

for tearing and sewing,

listening and speaking.

There is also a time

for love and hate,

for war and peace.

What do we gain by all of our hard work? I have seen what difficult things God demands of us. God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done, and he puts questions in our minds about the past and the future. I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, because God's gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do. Everything God has done will last forever; nothing he does can ever be changed. God has done all this, so that we will worship him.

Everything that happens

has happened before,

and all that will be

has already been--

God does everything

over and over again.

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-31T11:35:00.003-05:00

Reading from Ecclesiastes 2

Memory Verse is-
"If we please God, he will make us wise, understanding, and happy. But if we sin, God will make us struggle for a living, then he will give all we own to someone who pleases him."
Ecclesiastes 2:26

And a bonus that spoke to my heart this morning-

Romans 13:11-14
You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don't go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don't quarrel or be jealous. 14Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won't try to satisfy your selfish desires.

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-27T13:15:00.002-05:00

Reading from Psalm 146:3-9

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

Memory Verse- "But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God."

Breakfast Recipes

2009-08-27T13:00:00.004-05:00

I get so frustrated when I see the Eggo and Poptart commercials. I know lots of parents feel like they don't have time to make their kids a good breakfast, so they turn to those quick and unhealthy fixes.
But really there are lots of things you can make and save time doing it.

Breakfast #1

Crock pot Oatmeal

•2 cups steel cut oats (not instant or rolled oats)
•6-8 cups water, depending on how long the oatmeal will cook
•1 tsp. cinnamon
•1/2 cup brown sugar
•1 tsp. vanilla
•2 apples, peeled and diced
•1 cup raisins
•1 cup sliced bananas
•1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Spray crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. If you're planning to cook the oatmeal 8 hours or longer, use 8 cups of water. If you want to cook it less than 8 hours, use 6 cups of water. Put first seven ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low. Just before serving, Stir in bananas and walnuts. Sprinkle with additional brown sugar if desired.

Serves 8, Iv cut this recipe in half and it serves my family of 4 perfect.

Breakfast #2

Buttermilk Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour (for a healthy alternative use whole wheat flour 1 1/12 cups and 1/2 cups wheat germ)
2 tablespoons white sugar (healthy alternative- honey)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake (for smaller pancakes) and 1/2 cup for large pancakes. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

This batter is also great for waffles if you have a waffle maker.

Now make these ahead of time and freeze between sheets of wax paper inside a ziplock bag. Then when its time for breakfast just pop these in the toaster and they are ready in minutes! Also serve with real Maple syrup instead of the "pancake" syrup.

Breakfast #3

Granola!
I loved this one here.

And the great thing about granola is that you can add or take away lots of things. Don't like nuts, don't add em! You like cranberries? Add em!
My kids love granola, Iv made many variations, but this one is always a hit. They eat it with milk,like a cereal. Or they love to eat it over plain yogurt with a side of fruit.

Breakfast #4

Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie-

1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoons peanut butter
1 banana
6 fresh strawberries, hulled
10 ice cubes (or no icecubes if you use frozen fruit)

Blend all ingredients well and enjoy!
Note- this is obviously only for one serving, so double or triple if necessary. This is great on the go breakfast.

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-26T05:11:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-25T07:46:00.003-05:00

Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The memory verse is- "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength".

Menu Planning Monday

2009-08-24T12:33:00.003-05:00

This weeks menu includes-

Breakfast- Pancakes, eggs, bacon, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt

Lunch- Sandwiches, leftovers, homemade mac & cheese, cheese and fruit

Dinners-
Tacos
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Noodle Soup
Baked Beans and Brown Rice with Honey baked Carrots
Spaghetti on Thursday (its what the girls like to eat when Dad is gone)
Jambalaya

I have a bunch of okra and peppers that need to be used up this week, so I thought Jambalaya would be a good way to use those.
The baked beans and rice with the carrots is what we will do for our "meatless" night. I think it saves a little money if we go meatless one dinner a week.

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-24T08:42:00.002-05:00

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness.
Psalms 103:8

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-21T14:28:00.003-05:00

Although we keep a 4 day a week homeschool schedule, we still have prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and bible study on Fridays.
Its the one from my sidebar today.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."

Maybe a difficult idea for a 5 year old to soak in, especially when she wants everything she sees in the stores and on TV. But all I need to do is plant that seed:-)

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend. We will be tending to a much neglected yard and garden over the weekend and spending some much needed down time with each other. Maybe a few movies and some front porch sittin' will be in store for us too:-)

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-20T05:04:00.002-05:00

Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Also reading Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

Memory Verse

2009-08-19T05:59:00.002-05:00

Today's reading is from Proverbs 2:6-8

"For the Lord gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Memory verse is-
"For the Lord gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Today's Memory Verse

2009-08-18T09:23:00.003-05:00

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

Memory verse- "..for without Me you can do nothing."

First Day of School

2009-08-17T10:49:00.009-05:00

So happy to be a homeschooling family!

"Clearly there is an appropriate kind of sheltering. When those who are opposed to homeschooling accuse me of sheltering my children, my reply is always, 'What are you going to accuse me of next, feeding and clothing them?"

---R.C. Sproul Jr.

"In not mentioning God, my public school teachers preached a thundering sermon every day. By implication, they taught that God is not relevant to most areas of life...with every lesson, in every class period, all day every day for twelve years, I was being taught to think like an atheist in the academic realm. And I didn't even know that I was being indoctrinated."

---Christ Schlect, Scriptural Worldview Thinking

Here is our daily memory verse. Its a good one, especially for my Little's-

Matthew 7:12 "Treat others as you want them to treat you"

This is an example of our schedule. Which we hold very loosely. Well not "very", but we have flexibility. I don't force things. I try to work with Cheyenne to bring out the best in her. So if she just isn't "feeling" her mathematics one day, we might switch to writing or reading some more instead.
Th times are just a general pace for me to keep, we don't adhere to them strictly.
This was what we are doing today. Starting at 9 am running through 2 pm.

9:00 Math- Spectrum grade 1 and we also supplement math with manipulatives.

10:00 Handwriting - My Printing Book

Break-time/snack time happens around 10:30 to 11:00

11:00 Telling time and counting by 5's (this is the time after snack time that I teach her whatever extras I feel she needs to work on)

11:20 Bible study- today we read about the Tower of Babel

12:00 Lunch

Free time

1:00 Nap Time for Madi. Cheyenne does arts & crafts or she helps me in the kitchen.

2:00 End day.

I still have some curriculum on order, so once those arrive we will add that at the 1:00 time slot and push arts and crafts to the end of the day.

5:16 club

2009-08-13T05:45:00.007-05:00

Ephesians 5:16 says, "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Good Morning!

Iv been getting up early all this week and I have to say, although those first few moments are almost unbearable, once I get ready for the day and make that first cup of coffee, I feel happy to face another day.
Go Here to join the club!

Today I decided I would post the thing that inspired me this morning.
This hit me were it hurt this morning. I read it and thought "this is exactly what I did this week to my girls." Everything under the sun was more important then stopping to talk or laugh with my kids. And that isn't right people!
Im planning this years home school curriculum and schedule this week and also the garden. So everytime my girls had something they wanted from me, it was like "not right now, Mommy's busy". But the silly thing is that the things Im doing are really for them, but they can't see that. They certainly won't remember it like that later either. They are the one who are the most important to me, my family comes right after God. I would never put God aside to do other things.
Or wait would I?
We all would like to think that we always put God first (same with our Family) but when we get caught up in "doing" we forget to stop and pay attention to who we are really "doing" for.
Housework, laundry, gardening, homeschooling, cooking...those are all things that are an important part of my daily family life, but they are not what my life is all about. I must remember to focus on whom Im really living and loving. Instead on focusing on all the "doing".

Preparing for the Fall Garden

2009-08-12T14:36:00.004-05:00

We are planning our fall garden. So far this is what we are going to be planting this weekend:

Snap Beans
Pinto Beans
Cauliflower
Sweet Corn
Butternut Squash
Pumpkins (maybe, we are a little late)

Then come September we will plant

Carrots
Swiss Chard
Butterhead Lettuce
Romain Lettuce
English Peas
Spinach (but only a little)
Garlic (mid Sept.)

So Im excited I think it will be a lovely fall garden. I would also like to plant some herbs, Im just not sure which (if any) I can plant in fall. Maybe a window herb garden will be in store for me:-)

So anybody planting a fall vegetable garden? I would love to hear about it and if you've got any tips please feel free to share!

Dog days of Summer

2009-07-31T12:18:00.003-05:00

Life has been lazy around here lately, mostly because of the heat. Although this week we have had a few storms that have given us much needed rain. What a blessing!

Tomorrow we are building nesting boxes for my chickens. They are quickly approaching that age when they will start laying some tasty eggs!
Im so excited.
Although I have to admit my anxiety when it comes to letting them out to free range out of their coop. I know they are plenty old enough and they probably will go back to their coop at night as chickens do, but I still worry. Plus we have tons of predators out here. But again I think they are big enough to fend for themselves.

Lets see in other news, its time for school shopping. But unlike those who send theirs off to school outside the house and don't have to buy anything but clothes and pencils, we have to pick the curriculum. And there is so much of it out there!
I think we are going with Math u see for her mathematics this year. But for everything else we are still deciding.

I found this book on Amazon and Im going to purchase it for Madi. Although she is still much to young for any strict schedule for homeschooling. I think this might give me some good ideas for her while Cheyenne is doing her schoolwork.

Otherwise all is well in out little part of the world!

Ever wonder what the phrase "dog days of summer" means? Click to find out.

Funny how things change

2009-07-24T00:39:00.004-05:00

Its funny to me how just a few short years ago,(okay about 6 years ago) the things I got excited about, the things I laid in bed and thought about where so different then they are now. Then it was men (boys, isn't it always the case), clothes, what I was wearing the next day, friends and when I was going out with them next...stuff like that.
Now, its much different...sure there's the heavy subjects. The health and well being of my family, finances, my husbands serious problem spending too much on sports and outdoor stuff! Okay but then there is cooking and cleaning. Yes I actually lay in bed at night and think about cooking and cleaning.
Those thoughts are layered by another thought of "Seriously? Your thinking about this right now?".
But my point is what Im really thrilled about right now is that this weekend I finally will have a pantry to store up all my great grocery shopping deals. I have managed to clean, organize and purge enough closet space in my home that I was able to EMPTY the closet that is next to my kitchen, the one that is suppose to be the pantry. Now it has no shelving, so Big Daddy will have to fix that.
Anyway, yes people this is what makes my skirt fly up these days...the pantry closet!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-07-13T15:00:00.004-05:00

Because I should have posted this last night and included Sunday's meal, Ill start on Monday.

Monday- Baked breaded Tilapia fillets with rice and spinach

Tuesday- Grilled chicken wraps

Wednesday- Brisket with potato salad and baked beans

Thursday (just the kids and I)- Mac&cheese, fries and corn on the cob

Friday and Saturday are still up in the air since we are not sure if we will be home or in Dallas Friday night and Im not sure if we will be back by dinner time on Saturday.
But options are-
Friday- Tacos
Saturday- leftovers or pork chops

Summer Fun, had me a blast...

2009-07-13T10:56:00.002-05:00

Wow, we have been busy, so busy I can't exactly tell you what we have been up to! All I know is we have been visiting pools, family and its been HOT! TEXAS, why must you be so hot??? I think this is the 6th day of triple digit heat, and only a day or so below 100 prior to that...anyway, I have pictures to share though!

Our new dog Ellie, she's a sweetie!

Birthday party fun!

She is a Daddy's girl!

We had lots of fun at the pool so far this summer!

And lots of fun with family! My kids are so blessed to have so many who love them!

Madi with Mimi Kim (step grandma)

Madi with MawMaw (russ' mom)

This is Joyce, or Grandma (Russ' grandma on his dad's side)

She's alot of fun!

Yes, she did get in and jump in the bounce house!

Cheyenne with Pa (Russ' grandpa on his dad's side)

Madi with PawPaw Rusty (Russ' Dad)

Okay well this is all for now. I have lunch calling and lots of things to catch up on around here after a long week last week. Russ was off for the week and you can guess how much I got done around here while he was home. I enjoyed every minute of it though!
Next to come, our family mission statement!

I scream! You scream! We all scream for....

2009-06-25T11:17:00.004-05:00

ICECREAM!

Summer is in full swing here in Texas! And you know what that means? Ice cream! Not just any store bought ice cream, but home made, hand cranked wonderfully delicious ice cream!
We have the ice cream freezer seen above made by White Mountain Co. Yeah its a manual, meaning you have to use some elbow grease to create your frozen treat, but man does it payoff!
They also make electric ones, so if your not into buff arms you can try that out.
Anyway, I wanted to share some recipes for making ice cream in a ice cream maker and also one if you don't have one.

#1 Basic (but amazing) Vanilla Ice cream

2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 teaspoon vanilla

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl
until light and fluffy.
Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time
then continue whisking until completely blended.
Pour in the cream, milk,
and vanilla and whisk to blend.
Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker
Freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

TIP- make sure to chill the mixture for a few minutes before freezing. (freezing=making the ice cream)

#2 Chocolate Velvet Ice Cream

2/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 2/3 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In large bowl, stir together sugar and cocoa.
Add egg yolks and blend with electric mixer. Add cream a little at a time, beating well after each addition.
Chill mixture in freezer.

While cream mixture is chilling, grate chocolate chips in blender or food processor or using a rotary grater, until fine.
Stir into cream mixture. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

#3
Ice cream made in a baggie!

•1/2 cup milk
•1/2 cup whipping cream (heavy cream)
•1/4 cup sugar
•1/4 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla flavoring (artificial vanilla)
•1/2 to 3/4 table salt or rock salt
•2 cups ice
•1-quart Ziploc bag
•1-gallon Ziploc bag

1.Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla to the quart ziploc bag. Seal the bag securely.

2.Put 2 cups of ice into the gallon ziploc bag.

3.Use a thermometer to measure and record the temperature of the ice in the gallon bag.

4.Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup salt (sodium chloride) to the bag of ice.

5.Place the sealed quart bag inside the gallon bag of ice and salt. Seal the gallon bag securely.

6.Gently rock the gallon bag from side to side. It's best to hold it by the top seal or to have gloves or a cloth between the bag and your hands because the bag will be cold enough to damage your skin.

7.Continue to rock the bag for 10-15 minutes or until the contents of the quart bag have solidified into ice cream.

8.Open the gallon bag and use the thermometer to measure and record the temperature of the ice/salt mixture.

9.Remove the quart bag, open it, serve the contents into cups with spoons and ENJOY!

I haven't tried this experiment, but I have friends that have and say it comes out great! Plus its fun for the kids!
And its a science project all in one!

Leaving Town

2009-06-10T12:43:00.003-05:00

Or rather going to town to stay. We are going to stay with my Husband's grandmother, Dorothy, for the next three days. We call her Gram. She lives by herself as her husband, Roy, or Granddad, passed away around 7 years ago. Its nice to go stay with her. Its easy and comfy. Everything is always the same at her house, cups are in the same place they have always been, your welcomed to help your self to anything in her fridge or cupboards. And if you ask to have something she's almost offended you would even dare to ask:-)
This is the woman who most made me feel at home when we first moved to Texas 5 years ago.

She just has a way about her. Although she is set in her ways she is always up for a conversation about anything. A Christian woman and definitely a Texan. One of the things that I just love about her, is the fact that I know without a doubt she always has the best interest of her grandchildren and great grandchildren in mind.

So we are staying with her thru Saturday. Maybe going out to the lake to feed the ducks and really just spending time. We also will be visiting their other set of great grandparents. I feel my kids are very fortunate to get to have a relationship with their great grandparents.

Gram is the one on the right, next to her are two of her sisters. She was one of 9 kids!

And this is Joyce (or Grandma on Russ' Dads side). She is the one who believes her grandson, Russ, could do no wrong! LOL
But she loves her great grandkids, loves her girls!

Okay back to cleaning the kitchen before we leave.

I hate coming home to a dirty house, so Iv got to clean now.