A new year is upon us! I cannot get over how mild the winter has been up till now. Facebook shows me my "memories" nowadays and so frequently the last 2 years we were under snow starting at Thanksgiving. I will admit that I don't miss it. We had a flurry of wet, huge snowflakes the weekend before Thanksgiving but so far that's it and just now do we have what I consider "winter" temperatures. I hope that this doesn't mean a late spring but I suppose we will have to wait and see.
If you are reading this from a link on facebook, you might have noticed I've been a little quieter lately. It's not necessarily on purpose. I've just been reflecting and working towards some good things for me and my home.
I have, for many years, dismayed on the "lived in" look of our home, but honestly we do live here. We LIVE here.
Read that again.
And again.
Take a second and turn that word around in your mind.
LIVE
We live here.
What does that mean for us? For you?
I had someone lament recently that they would also have time to do the crafty things I do if they didn't work full time away from home. And I completely understand that as a homemaker, I have complete and total control over my time. Almost all 24 hours of it. That, however, doesn't mean that I am sitting around watching netflix all day. In fact, I watch so little TV that I can't keep up with the very few BBC shows that I do enjoy.
The truth is that I am a homemaker.....number 1 person in charge of housekeeping, laundry and all meals. Occasionally, dh will fix a meal or help with one, but 99.9% of the time if we eat, its because I fixed something. I try to cook whole foods, from scratch, nutritious meals. I make homemade bread at least once a week. Not because I'm better than you or I want to rub your nose in it, but because it is better for us, cheaper and I enjoy doing it. Sometimes I don't feel like fixing that big, hearty meal, but I do it anyway, because it is my job.
I also homeschool 2 children. I know that I don't HAVE to do that, but I believe that it is a better way and I enjoy having the extra time with them. Educating them takes about 2-3 hours of my time, 5 days a week, 180 days a year. 90% of the time it goes well and I enjoy what I'm doing, but sometimes I really don't want to....but I do it anyway, because it is my responsibility.
We raise livestock for meat and plant a garden for veggies and fruit. We do our own butchering and preserving of the bountiful harvest. I help with or do almost all of the preserving. I also help in the garden. This saves our family untold dollars in food and ensures that we know where our food comes from and what exactly is in it.
We have a high school aged son that is heavily involved in competitive and school soccer. That takes time to go to practices and games.
We have an adult son that still lives at home. I enjoy spending time with him.
We LIVE here. Sometimes that means the dishes didn't get washed or the garden needs to be weeded. Sometimes that means that I'm curled up in my chair with coffee and a book. While you might get off work at 3, I will still have tasks to do, so I take my breaks when I can....after school and housework, before chores and supper.
We have a beading set all over our dining room table;
****empty jars sit on a counter waiting to be refilled with homegrown goodies
****my crafting stuff occupies the breakfast nook
****my dh has tools charging in the dining room
****my van is full of animal feed
****books are everywhere (I personally believe it is important for reading)
After a very stressful move this fall, I've come to realize the importance of feeding my soul. I need to feed the souls of so many that come through my home, I need to recharge, I need to soak up the quiet for the times when it isn't quiet.
In order to do that I have blocked out time every day to do the following:
**read my Bible and journal (usually 1st thing in the morning and at lunch)
**read a chapter in whatever book I am enjoying (I was actually able to do that while Bear did worksheets today - its a biography of Abigail Adams and her relationship with her sisters)
**knit for at least 30 minutes every day (I enjoy listening to an audio book or podcasts while I knit or sometimes I just sit in silence)
I'm also carving out sewing time on Saturday when I'm not focused on school.
It's the little things people. If you have a home but you are too busy working or micro-managing it to enjoy it, then what do you really have? A burden.
I'm sitting in my cozy nook at my table, wrapped in a shawl, soaking in the sunshine for a few minutes before we get back to school. I'm spending a few minutes doing what I enjoy (writing) before I get back to the tasks that are responsibilities. I will do this again later this afternoon and maybe even for a bit this evening. I will read to my children, listen to their stories and plans and projects. I will snuggle a sweet little dog. I will enjoy my domain and be grateful for every minute I get to spend here. Every minute is precious.....make sure you are doing what you love.
I look forward to another year of simplicity. I ask that you join me in the journey and I would love to have you.....just please don't ask me what I do all day. I don't think I'm better than you, I've just chosen a different path. If what I'm doing makes you irritated or envious then maybe you need to reevaluate your path. Are their changes that you can make? Also, I ask that you don't idealize my life. Sometimes my work is hard, my burden is heavy and I have difficulties just like you. Remember that there are 2 sides to every story and it is unlikely, even reading this blog, that you know the whole side-story of my life. I just ask that we share our time together. I learn so much from other bloggers. I hope that someone can take something good away from their time here.
Showing posts with label Homemaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homemaking. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Dealing with the Day to Day When Husbands Must Work Away
On August 1, 2000....15 years ago....my husband went away.
He didn't leave us. He wasn't dead.
He was hired by the State of Illinois, Illinois Department of Corrections specifically and left to do his 6 weeks of academy training. He would go to the academy very early Monday morning and come back to us on Friday night.
This was just the beginning of a 3 year separation for us. Why? Because the prison he was hired to work at was 3 hours away from our home and rather than remove us from our family and friends, he opted to work "away" while the boys and I remained behind. When he accepted the position we were told that he could transfer to an institution closer to home in 18 months but the state of Illinois froze transfers so it was almost 3 years before he came home.
Let that soak in.
When he left that August morning, we had 2 sons. Lee was almost 3 and Greg was 4 months old. Explaining to a 3 year old that the daddy he adored wasn't coming home that night, or the next or the next was excruciating. He didn't understand. He would cry for the first 2 days and almost every night at bedtime. Greg was spared that for the most part, as an infant, but had colic that started about the time Norman left. He would scream for hours every night. Hours. For weeks. Greg also got severely car sick. Norman wasn't allowed to drive himself to the academy so I drove 4 hours on Monday morning to drop him off and 4 hours every Friday afternoon to pick him up. For 6 weeks. My parents are farmers and this was their busy season so for the majority of the time I would drive a Geo Metro 2 hours each way with at least 1 screaming kid. Twice a week. Sometimes I would have a panic attack on Friday mornings just anticipating the drive.
But it was worth it....because we were going to get Daddy.
After the 6 weeks, Norman started his employment at Dwight Correctional Center. He stayed in some employee dorms on the ground of Pontiac Correctional Center. He would drive himself up and back on his "Monday" and "Friday" (which were never actually Monday or Friday). This left me with no vehicle. If I was desperate I would borrow a vehicle from my parents. We did all errands and shopping when Daddy was home.
For years we would celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving on whatever nearby day Daddy was home. That's probably why we don't have all these traditions in our family regarding holidays....sometimes they were celebrated a week early or a week late....but we made the best of each situation....being so thankful for the days that we were together.
I don't think people understand how hard this was on me. I became mom and dad 5-6 days a week. I suffered from depression before but I also had to deal with severe anxiety. Some days I would just huddle in bed and cry. I laugh when people say that they can't be as strong as me. I wasn't strong. I was a mess. But I did what I had to do.....
Why? Because although I missed him terribly and the workload/responsibilities were huge, I was at home. I was in a familiar town/area with my family and friends. If I had an accident I could call someone. If I was so lonely I just couldn't handle it, I had family I could visit (some of them literally saved me). I kissed my kids good night before bed every single night. Norman was in an unfamiliar town. He did make friends but it took some time. I can't imagine how hard it was for him to be away from the boys. That ache had to almost drive him to insanity somedays. I do know he worked a lot of overtime while he was up there. He said it helped the days go faster.
He thanked me yesterday, for not making it harder for him than it was. You see, I never once complained. I never told him how much we would cry while he was gone. I put on my smiley happy face when he was home (because we were so happy that he was home!) and a cheerful voice into every phone call. I determined early on that I was not going to make this any harder for him than it already was. Was there anything that he could do about the crying boys? The days my heart broke and I spent the whole day in bed? Sure there was. If he knew, he would have quit his job. The best job he had ever had. He would have come home to us. Because that is what he would have given anything to do. But he knew he had a responsibility to provide well for us and this was the path that God had given him to do it. So he stayed at Dwight and I kept my mouth shut.
I look back now and wonder how many women realize the responsibility they have in their marriage to make things just a smidge easier for their husbands. Do you really need to complain when he works overtime again? Or should you be thankful that he is providing? Should you lay out all your problems at his feet? Or should you suck it up and remember that it isn't his job to be your everything.....it is God's?
You see, those sacrifices we made those years enabled Norman to find fulfillment in a job he enjoys. He makes a wage that enables me to be home, to educate the kids and kiss the booboos and give the lovings that children need and have to get from others when both parents are employed. I'm not saying I don't wish there had been another way, but there wasn't. Sometimes you must just accept the way things are and make the very best out of them. Doing that shouldn't make it harder on the other person.
As I look back, I recognize some things that did help me cope during those long days, weeks, months and years.
1. Focus on TODAY. If today is Monday and Norman just left, I wouldn't dwell on how many days it would be until he got home. I would decide what I was going to do that morning, what I was fixing for lunch, what I was doing that afternoon, what I was fixing for supper, what books we would read or movies we would watch at bedtime. Do that the next day, and the next day and the next.
2. Find a confidant. I've never said that you should keep all your feelings bottled up. I've only said that you shouldn't burden your husband with them. Find a FEMALE friend or two to confide in when you just need to vent. It happens. Find someone that will ENCOURAGE you to keep on keeping on. Nobody is meant to do everything alone. I've offered to be that person for several people. I hope that someday they take me up on the offer.
3. Get out of the house. I spent part of the time Norman worked away with no vehicle. Having no vehicle doesn't mean that you have to sit in the house and brood all day. Go for a walk. Plant flowers. Enjoy nature. If you are blessed enough to live in town, walk to a library or park or coffeeshop. Even 30 minutes a day can improve your outlook on life. I tried to go on a walk every day I could, weather permitting. Once I had a vehicle, we would drive into town one day a week for lunch and a trip to the library. I tried to make it mid-week so that it broke up the time that dad was away a little. Schedule play dates if you have little kids. It takes effort. I'm an introvert so doing these things sometimes took a lot out of me, but in the end I needed the adult interaction and the kids needed fun things to do.
4. Find a hobby. You might not have much time. I get that. Find something that you enjoy doing and carve out 30 minutes for it. I read, knit and blog. I did cross stitch for years and I also sew (sometimes I enjoy it, sometimes I don't). Do you garden? Lift weights? Fix things? Scrapbook? Play an instrument? Don't know? Then go get some books from the library. You might find some new things that interest you. When Norman worked away I learned to knit, canned my own food, had a garden, read lots of books, did cross stitch and started writing (in a journal because blogging wasn't a thing yet).
5. Try to keep Daddy days fun. This one is hard and might not always happen but it is so important. If your husband is only home 1 or 2 days a week or worse, a month, then it is important that the time be as enjoyable for everyone as possible. We would go into town, have lunch at Bonanza and then do grocery shopping. Every week. The employees at Bonanza knew our orders. We would have so much fun and get errands done and it was special time with the kids. We would spend time with Norman's mom (she missed him too).
6. Have a set routine on the day Daddy leaves. This is important. Especially with little kids, but I think that it is useful for wives as well. We would get up and do the same things every day daddy left. The routine was comforting for the kids and helped with their anxiety and the tears that tended to take place. It was easier for everyone.
We are in a slightly different place now. Those 2 little boys are almost all grown up (18 and 15). We have 2 new little ones (7 and 5). My husband works at Robinson Correctional Center now and works a lot of overtime. The thing with overtime is that you don't always know when that will happen. So I mark time by a clock. Norman will call by 2 if he is staying late at work that day. I rarely plan my evening until I know what he will be up to. The kids have learned to be flexible. I have to take on farm responsibilities and parenting responsibilities. I make a lot more decisions than I would like because I am the one home most often. I think that the early years prepared me for this. I'm very flexible. Evenings are lonely, but we have a sort of routine for when Daddy works late. I usually get more of "my" projects done when Daddy works late. We make the best of the situation.
In the end, that's all you can do. Complaining and whining don't help but you can help yourself (and your husband/children) make the best of a difficult situation. As the wife and mother, you set the tone for the home, so set a positive, joyful tone. You won't regret it, I promise.
He didn't leave us. He wasn't dead.
He was hired by the State of Illinois, Illinois Department of Corrections specifically and left to do his 6 weeks of academy training. He would go to the academy very early Monday morning and come back to us on Friday night.
This was just the beginning of a 3 year separation for us. Why? Because the prison he was hired to work at was 3 hours away from our home and rather than remove us from our family and friends, he opted to work "away" while the boys and I remained behind. When he accepted the position we were told that he could transfer to an institution closer to home in 18 months but the state of Illinois froze transfers so it was almost 3 years before he came home.
Let that soak in.
When he left that August morning, we had 2 sons. Lee was almost 3 and Greg was 4 months old. Explaining to a 3 year old that the daddy he adored wasn't coming home that night, or the next or the next was excruciating. He didn't understand. He would cry for the first 2 days and almost every night at bedtime. Greg was spared that for the most part, as an infant, but had colic that started about the time Norman left. He would scream for hours every night. Hours. For weeks. Greg also got severely car sick. Norman wasn't allowed to drive himself to the academy so I drove 4 hours on Monday morning to drop him off and 4 hours every Friday afternoon to pick him up. For 6 weeks. My parents are farmers and this was their busy season so for the majority of the time I would drive a Geo Metro 2 hours each way with at least 1 screaming kid. Twice a week. Sometimes I would have a panic attack on Friday mornings just anticipating the drive.
But it was worth it....because we were going to get Daddy.
After the 6 weeks, Norman started his employment at Dwight Correctional Center. He stayed in some employee dorms on the ground of Pontiac Correctional Center. He would drive himself up and back on his "Monday" and "Friday" (which were never actually Monday or Friday). This left me with no vehicle. If I was desperate I would borrow a vehicle from my parents. We did all errands and shopping when Daddy was home.
For years we would celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving on whatever nearby day Daddy was home. That's probably why we don't have all these traditions in our family regarding holidays....sometimes they were celebrated a week early or a week late....but we made the best of each situation....being so thankful for the days that we were together.
I don't think people understand how hard this was on me. I became mom and dad 5-6 days a week. I suffered from depression before but I also had to deal with severe anxiety. Some days I would just huddle in bed and cry. I laugh when people say that they can't be as strong as me. I wasn't strong. I was a mess. But I did what I had to do.....
Why? Because although I missed him terribly and the workload/responsibilities were huge, I was at home. I was in a familiar town/area with my family and friends. If I had an accident I could call someone. If I was so lonely I just couldn't handle it, I had family I could visit (some of them literally saved me). I kissed my kids good night before bed every single night. Norman was in an unfamiliar town. He did make friends but it took some time. I can't imagine how hard it was for him to be away from the boys. That ache had to almost drive him to insanity somedays. I do know he worked a lot of overtime while he was up there. He said it helped the days go faster.
He thanked me yesterday, for not making it harder for him than it was. You see, I never once complained. I never told him how much we would cry while he was gone. I put on my smiley happy face when he was home (because we were so happy that he was home!) and a cheerful voice into every phone call. I determined early on that I was not going to make this any harder for him than it already was. Was there anything that he could do about the crying boys? The days my heart broke and I spent the whole day in bed? Sure there was. If he knew, he would have quit his job. The best job he had ever had. He would have come home to us. Because that is what he would have given anything to do. But he knew he had a responsibility to provide well for us and this was the path that God had given him to do it. So he stayed at Dwight and I kept my mouth shut.
I look back now and wonder how many women realize the responsibility they have in their marriage to make things just a smidge easier for their husbands. Do you really need to complain when he works overtime again? Or should you be thankful that he is providing? Should you lay out all your problems at his feet? Or should you suck it up and remember that it isn't his job to be your everything.....it is God's?
You see, those sacrifices we made those years enabled Norman to find fulfillment in a job he enjoys. He makes a wage that enables me to be home, to educate the kids and kiss the booboos and give the lovings that children need and have to get from others when both parents are employed. I'm not saying I don't wish there had been another way, but there wasn't. Sometimes you must just accept the way things are and make the very best out of them. Doing that shouldn't make it harder on the other person.
As I look back, I recognize some things that did help me cope during those long days, weeks, months and years.
1. Focus on TODAY. If today is Monday and Norman just left, I wouldn't dwell on how many days it would be until he got home. I would decide what I was going to do that morning, what I was fixing for lunch, what I was doing that afternoon, what I was fixing for supper, what books we would read or movies we would watch at bedtime. Do that the next day, and the next day and the next.
2. Find a confidant. I've never said that you should keep all your feelings bottled up. I've only said that you shouldn't burden your husband with them. Find a FEMALE friend or two to confide in when you just need to vent. It happens. Find someone that will ENCOURAGE you to keep on keeping on. Nobody is meant to do everything alone. I've offered to be that person for several people. I hope that someday they take me up on the offer.
3. Get out of the house. I spent part of the time Norman worked away with no vehicle. Having no vehicle doesn't mean that you have to sit in the house and brood all day. Go for a walk. Plant flowers. Enjoy nature. If you are blessed enough to live in town, walk to a library or park or coffeeshop. Even 30 minutes a day can improve your outlook on life. I tried to go on a walk every day I could, weather permitting. Once I had a vehicle, we would drive into town one day a week for lunch and a trip to the library. I tried to make it mid-week so that it broke up the time that dad was away a little. Schedule play dates if you have little kids. It takes effort. I'm an introvert so doing these things sometimes took a lot out of me, but in the end I needed the adult interaction and the kids needed fun things to do.
4. Find a hobby. You might not have much time. I get that. Find something that you enjoy doing and carve out 30 minutes for it. I read, knit and blog. I did cross stitch for years and I also sew (sometimes I enjoy it, sometimes I don't). Do you garden? Lift weights? Fix things? Scrapbook? Play an instrument? Don't know? Then go get some books from the library. You might find some new things that interest you. When Norman worked away I learned to knit, canned my own food, had a garden, read lots of books, did cross stitch and started writing (in a journal because blogging wasn't a thing yet).
5. Try to keep Daddy days fun. This one is hard and might not always happen but it is so important. If your husband is only home 1 or 2 days a week or worse, a month, then it is important that the time be as enjoyable for everyone as possible. We would go into town, have lunch at Bonanza and then do grocery shopping. Every week. The employees at Bonanza knew our orders. We would have so much fun and get errands done and it was special time with the kids. We would spend time with Norman's mom (she missed him too).
6. Have a set routine on the day Daddy leaves. This is important. Especially with little kids, but I think that it is useful for wives as well. We would get up and do the same things every day daddy left. The routine was comforting for the kids and helped with their anxiety and the tears that tended to take place. It was easier for everyone.
We are in a slightly different place now. Those 2 little boys are almost all grown up (18 and 15). We have 2 new little ones (7 and 5). My husband works at Robinson Correctional Center now and works a lot of overtime. The thing with overtime is that you don't always know when that will happen. So I mark time by a clock. Norman will call by 2 if he is staying late at work that day. I rarely plan my evening until I know what he will be up to. The kids have learned to be flexible. I have to take on farm responsibilities and parenting responsibilities. I make a lot more decisions than I would like because I am the one home most often. I think that the early years prepared me for this. I'm very flexible. Evenings are lonely, but we have a sort of routine for when Daddy works late. I usually get more of "my" projects done when Daddy works late. We make the best of the situation.
In the end, that's all you can do. Complaining and whining don't help but you can help yourself (and your husband/children) make the best of a difficult situation. As the wife and mother, you set the tone for the home, so set a positive, joyful tone. You won't regret it, I promise.
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
The Curse of Facebook
I had every intention of entitling this post "How Facebook was Killing My Soul". But that was last week and other stuff (somewhat related) has happened and I don't have time to break this down into 45 blog posts so, here ya go.
So, over the years I have had a sneaking suspicion that I spent too much time on facebook. It wasn't really a suspicion as it was a conviction (which is much more important in the light of eternity!). I ignored it, justified my facebook addiction (my personal favorite is my lack of adult interaction without it), and just continued on my merry little way.
And it was merry.
For a while.
Then jealousy creeped in.....anger.....bitterness....a judgmental attitude.....envy.....spite.....
It wasn't pretty....and it was killing my soul.
That anger towards someone who "slighted" me (or did something I deemed stupid - whether it was my business or not) ended up being foisted on my poor unsuspecting family.
I would see someone go on a date, a vacation, buy a new car, new house, move to a new "exciting" place.....and I would get jealous and bitter.....
Even though I live in a perfectly fine (albeit cold in the winter) house, on a lovely piece of property (that we don't own but our landlord is WONDERFUL!), and drive nice, used, paid for vehicles....I would be jealous. I would covet. And then I would be angry that I couldn't do that, or have that.
Pretty ugly, huh?
I think so too. I spent one whole day weeping in despair over what I had become. A horrible, ugly sinful person.
Facebook didn't make me that way but it enabled those sins to creep in, grab a hold of me, and significantly alter my personality and emotions. It was bad.
So, after significant prayer and guidance from God I have made some fairly drastic changes to my facebook account. You may notice, or not. IT IS NOTHING PERSONAL. This is all about me. I am still posting on facebook some. We have family that isn't nearby and it is a convenient way to keep in touch with them and share pictures, etc. I finally decided that as long as what I post isn't angry or judgemental then it was up to the reader to do what they wanted with it. I'm am still reading on facebook some. Not much, but some.
I can't begin to tell you what a difference this has made in my life! I am reading my bible with a goal of understanding, having long prayer chats with God, sewing, knitting, cleaning and blogging again. I've started reading Anne of Green Gables and I'm watching Downton Abbey and Doctor Who and Sherlock. I'm snuggled up in bed with the kids reading Mr. Popper's Penguins or having "life talks" with my teenagers. I'm living a life, a real life....not one created on a hand-held device.
My attitude has changed as well. I'm thankful for the gifts that we have been given. I'm trying to see both sides of the coin - and regardless, not passing judgement. I'm making purposeful connections with friends....real life connections....not over a screen.
Does this mean that I'm completely free from those sins? No. Unfortunately, Satan is always there, trying to distract and pull me away from what is best for me and my family. I am grateful that God finally got through to me about this though. I'm glad to have my life back.
So, over the years I have had a sneaking suspicion that I spent too much time on facebook. It wasn't really a suspicion as it was a conviction (which is much more important in the light of eternity!). I ignored it, justified my facebook addiction (my personal favorite is my lack of adult interaction without it), and just continued on my merry little way.
And it was merry.
For a while.
Then jealousy creeped in.....anger.....bitterness....a judgmental attitude.....envy.....spite.....
It wasn't pretty....and it was killing my soul.
That anger towards someone who "slighted" me (or did something I deemed stupid - whether it was my business or not) ended up being foisted on my poor unsuspecting family.
I would see someone go on a date, a vacation, buy a new car, new house, move to a new "exciting" place.....and I would get jealous and bitter.....
Even though I live in a perfectly fine (albeit cold in the winter) house, on a lovely piece of property (that we don't own but our landlord is WONDERFUL!), and drive nice, used, paid for vehicles....I would be jealous. I would covet. And then I would be angry that I couldn't do that, or have that.
Pretty ugly, huh?
I think so too. I spent one whole day weeping in despair over what I had become. A horrible, ugly sinful person.
Facebook didn't make me that way but it enabled those sins to creep in, grab a hold of me, and significantly alter my personality and emotions. It was bad.
So, after significant prayer and guidance from God I have made some fairly drastic changes to my facebook account. You may notice, or not. IT IS NOTHING PERSONAL. This is all about me. I am still posting on facebook some. We have family that isn't nearby and it is a convenient way to keep in touch with them and share pictures, etc. I finally decided that as long as what I post isn't angry or judgemental then it was up to the reader to do what they wanted with it. I'm am still reading on facebook some. Not much, but some.
I can't begin to tell you what a difference this has made in my life! I am reading my bible with a goal of understanding, having long prayer chats with God, sewing, knitting, cleaning and blogging again. I've started reading Anne of Green Gables and I'm watching Downton Abbey and Doctor Who and Sherlock. I'm snuggled up in bed with the kids reading Mr. Popper's Penguins or having "life talks" with my teenagers. I'm living a life, a real life....not one created on a hand-held device.
My attitude has changed as well. I'm thankful for the gifts that we have been given. I'm trying to see both sides of the coin - and regardless, not passing judgement. I'm making purposeful connections with friends....real life connections....not over a screen.
Does this mean that I'm completely free from those sins? No. Unfortunately, Satan is always there, trying to distract and pull me away from what is best for me and my family. I am grateful that God finally got through to me about this though. I'm glad to have my life back.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Canning Goals/Reality
A friend asked/challenged her fellow home-canners to share what our canning goals are so here I am to share :)
I will admit up-front that my goals may not be spot on for us. I haven't done much canning in the last 4-5 years so I'm not completely sure what we will use in a year.
The smaller # in a range is what I think we will need for 1 year, the large would be a guess at 2 years worth. It pays to be prepared and you never know what will happen to a garden next year.
Sweet corn (freezer) GOAL: 52-104 3 cup bags
DONE: 101 3 cup bags
Green beans (canned) GOAL: 52 quart jars (that is a 2 year estimate for us as we don't eat beans every week)
DONE: 57 quarts
Salsa (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 30 pints
Spaghetti Sauce (canned): GOAL: 12-24 quarts
DONE: 7 quarts but we had one for lunch today
Tomato Puree (canned - I use this like juice): GOAL: 12-24 quarts
DONE: 2 quarts
Tomato Sauce (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 0
Diced Tomatoes (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 0
Pizza Sauce (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 0
Okra (frozen): GOAL: 2 gallons
DONE: 2 quarts
Jellies/Jams: There is no goal. I make as much of these as humanly possible both for our consumption and to give as gifts. I have no idea how much I have made because I just store it and keep going. lol
Shredded Zucchini (frozen): GOAL: 24 bags
DONE: 64 bags (I just kept shredding as I can substitute it for hash browns
Pickles (canned): GOAL: 12-24 quarts
DONE: I have absolutely no idea. I think that I have 60 quarts and 40 some pints.
Pickle relish (canned): GOAL: 6 half pints
DONE: 0 but I still have some left from last year
Rotel (canned): GOAL: 6-12 half pints
DONE: 0
Apple pie filling (canned): GOAL: 12 quarts
DONE: 0
Fruit: I would put up as much fruit as I can get my hands on but it is expensive and I don't have any growing here. I will do some apple butter, applesauce and pumpkin butter. And can some pumpkin. I am also going to dehydrate some watermelon and canteloup when it is ready.
We will have a calf in our freezer very soon and a pig or 2 in a few months. We have 57 chickens now :) Plus pheasants, guineas, a turkey and ducks. And hopefully someone or another in this house will get a deer. We are very blessed. In a few weeks we will dig our potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes for storage :) I've been picking mint. Hopefully next year my herbs will do better.
I will admit up-front that my goals may not be spot on for us. I haven't done much canning in the last 4-5 years so I'm not completely sure what we will use in a year.
The smaller # in a range is what I think we will need for 1 year, the large would be a guess at 2 years worth. It pays to be prepared and you never know what will happen to a garden next year.
Sweet corn (freezer) GOAL: 52-104 3 cup bags
DONE: 101 3 cup bags
Green beans (canned) GOAL: 52 quart jars (that is a 2 year estimate for us as we don't eat beans every week)
DONE: 57 quarts
Salsa (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 30 pints
Spaghetti Sauce (canned): GOAL: 12-24 quarts
DONE: 7 quarts but we had one for lunch today
Tomato Puree (canned - I use this like juice): GOAL: 12-24 quarts
DONE: 2 quarts
Tomato Sauce (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 0
Diced Tomatoes (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 0
Pizza Sauce (canned): GOAL: 12-24 pints
DONE: 0
Okra (frozen): GOAL: 2 gallons
DONE: 2 quarts
Jellies/Jams: There is no goal. I make as much of these as humanly possible both for our consumption and to give as gifts. I have no idea how much I have made because I just store it and keep going. lol
Shredded Zucchini (frozen): GOAL: 24 bags
DONE: 64 bags (I just kept shredding as I can substitute it for hash browns
Pickles (canned): GOAL: 12-24 quarts
DONE: I have absolutely no idea. I think that I have 60 quarts and 40 some pints.
Pickle relish (canned): GOAL: 6 half pints
DONE: 0 but I still have some left from last year
Rotel (canned): GOAL: 6-12 half pints
DONE: 0
Apple pie filling (canned): GOAL: 12 quarts
DONE: 0
Fruit: I would put up as much fruit as I can get my hands on but it is expensive and I don't have any growing here. I will do some apple butter, applesauce and pumpkin butter. And can some pumpkin. I am also going to dehydrate some watermelon and canteloup when it is ready.
We will have a calf in our freezer very soon and a pig or 2 in a few months. We have 57 chickens now :) Plus pheasants, guineas, a turkey and ducks. And hopefully someone or another in this house will get a deer. We are very blessed. In a few weeks we will dig our potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes for storage :) I've been picking mint. Hopefully next year my herbs will do better.
Monday, June 02, 2014
Finding My Place in History
I'm a historian. Looking at the big picture in light of past events is something I do...sometimes unconsciously. I like to fit together the pieces of the puzzle, compare past events and their consequences with things that are happening or seem to be happening now. I enjoy teasing out the way history has been "revised" to fit present "correctness".
Once upon a time I thought I might enjoy a future in politics. Historically, many of our founding fathers dealt in politics, although I'm sure nothing like the current mess we have. I wanted to be out there MAKING history. I didn't just want to read about it....I wanted to DO it.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered, correctly, that I wouldn't be cut out for politics....in any century. My skin isn't that thick, I don't think that quickly and I doubt I could shoulder the burdens of the world for one minute let alone for the duration of a career.
That's probably just as well that I discovered this early....like in 8th grade. lol Anyway, as a young adult, a young mother, I discovered my favorite part of history.....learning about the lives of those who have gone before us. That is true history. The day to day stuff that shapes the lives of children, families and communities. THAT is what will eventually trickle down and create history. The lives and actions of ordinary people make a big difference in the scheme of things, even when their names and lives are forgotten. I think that is why it is most important that we keep a journal, whether online or on paper (I do both). I find those things fascinating and I'm sure others do.
In our world today we are fighting a war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The big debate is whether Bowe Bergdahl was a deserter, taliban sympathizer or genuine prisoner of war (I'm sure his mother is glad he is home but was the price too high?). And what in the heck is his father spouting off about?? Who knows, right? Unemployment is through the roof (and touches the lives of those I know), drug use is running rampant and the state of IL is going down the drain (rapidly).
Let's face it....what can I do about any of that? Really? In the course of historical events relating to these headline items, you will not find my name. You won't find the name of anyone that I know personally.
And that's ok.
That took me a long time as an adult to realize.
It's the little things, the mundane things, that matter. They really do.
If I don't feed our cows, they will die. The same with the piglets and chickens. If I don't care for them daily in feeding, watering and general maintenance then they will die. If they die we are out food for the next year and a fairly large chunk of money. I school my children daily so that they will grow into hardworking, dependable, loving, generous and kind adults that make an impact in their family; their community. I shop (care for my family, supporting my community businesses) and visit and take part in community activities. I volunteer. I read. I knit. I try to expand my understanding of the world around me. Not because I can single-handedly change it, but because God made this wonderful, beautiful world and I want to know what's out there. Why shouldn't I?
I want to be able to help my neighbors and friends. I want to love unconditionally. I want to impact my little world. I CAN do that.
Washing dishes might not seem like much but if they aren't clean, chaos reigns supreme. If chaos reigns, then how will my children understand the peace of order? If clothes aren't clean, will my husband be able to go about his duties with a full focus on the work in front of him? If meals aren't healthy, how will our bodies get the nourishment they need to grow and function properly? If we don't expand our minds, how will we know what could be?
Mothers, fathers, don't get stuck in thinking that life is mundane nothingness and then you die! It is the little things that count! One more story, clean laundry, home-cooked meals, snuggling in bed, driving to practice, homework.......we are impacting the lives of our children and those we encounter every single day! Let's put a smile on our faces and embrace our places in history. My place is as a wife, mother, gardener, animal caretaker, dog and cat owner, baker, knitter, seamstress, learner, explorer.......and I plan to leave a written (typed) legacy of all those wonderful things for those that come behind me. How about you? What is your legacy? Have you embraced your place in history?
Once upon a time I thought I might enjoy a future in politics. Historically, many of our founding fathers dealt in politics, although I'm sure nothing like the current mess we have. I wanted to be out there MAKING history. I didn't just want to read about it....I wanted to DO it.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered, correctly, that I wouldn't be cut out for politics....in any century. My skin isn't that thick, I don't think that quickly and I doubt I could shoulder the burdens of the world for one minute let alone for the duration of a career.
That's probably just as well that I discovered this early....like in 8th grade. lol Anyway, as a young adult, a young mother, I discovered my favorite part of history.....learning about the lives of those who have gone before us. That is true history. The day to day stuff that shapes the lives of children, families and communities. THAT is what will eventually trickle down and create history. The lives and actions of ordinary people make a big difference in the scheme of things, even when their names and lives are forgotten. I think that is why it is most important that we keep a journal, whether online or on paper (I do both). I find those things fascinating and I'm sure others do.
In our world today we are fighting a war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The big debate is whether Bowe Bergdahl was a deserter, taliban sympathizer or genuine prisoner of war (I'm sure his mother is glad he is home but was the price too high?). And what in the heck is his father spouting off about?? Who knows, right? Unemployment is through the roof (and touches the lives of those I know), drug use is running rampant and the state of IL is going down the drain (rapidly).
Let's face it....what can I do about any of that? Really? In the course of historical events relating to these headline items, you will not find my name. You won't find the name of anyone that I know personally.
And that's ok.
That took me a long time as an adult to realize.
It's the little things, the mundane things, that matter. They really do.
If I don't feed our cows, they will die. The same with the piglets and chickens. If I don't care for them daily in feeding, watering and general maintenance then they will die. If they die we are out food for the next year and a fairly large chunk of money. I school my children daily so that they will grow into hardworking, dependable, loving, generous and kind adults that make an impact in their family; their community.
I want to be able to help my neighbors and friends. I want to love unconditionally. I want to impact my little world. I CAN do that.
Washing dishes might not seem like much but if they aren't clean, chaos reigns supreme. If chaos reigns, then how will my children understand the peace of order? If clothes aren't clean, will my husband be able to go about his duties with a full focus on the work in front of him? If meals aren't healthy, how will our bodies get the nourishment they need to grow and function properly? If we don't expand our minds, how will we know what could be?
Mothers, fathers, don't get stuck in thinking that life is mundane nothingness and then you die! It is the little things that count! One more story, clean laundry, home-cooked meals, snuggling in bed, driving to practice, homework.......we are impacting the lives of our children and those we encounter every single day! Let's put a smile on our faces and embrace our places in history. My place is as a wife, mother, gardener, animal caretaker, dog and cat owner, baker, knitter, seamstress, learner, explorer.......and I plan to leave a written (typed) legacy of all those wonderful things for those that come behind me. How about you? What is your legacy? Have you embraced your place in history?
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Hello Saturday :)
It's been a good day! I recovered from my itty bitty pity party and am optimistic and joyful again :)
We started our day with our 4H club at a local cemetery placing American flags on the graves of those who served in our military. While there we met my sister-in-law and took possession of my nephew Brennan.
I had managed to get 2 loads of laundry on the line before we left this morning so when we got home I finished my house picking-up, brought in the clothes and hung out my sheets and quilt. There is nothing in this world that compares to bedsheets and quilts after they have soaked up some sunshine.
Baby chicks are hatching! We have 4 new arrivals so far so I helped Norman set up the brooder. We gathered eggs (19!), fed and watered chickens. Brennan loved the chickens! He held a chick and a big chicken. He has no fear of them at all :) I just love that little guy!
I baked some cookie bars this afternoon, folded laundry and remade my bed with my nice, warm, sun-shiny sheets and quilt. After my brother picked up Brennan, the littles, Thor and I walked down the lane for the mail. Supper is in the oven now.
Norman and Greg worked on the hog pen again all afternoon. I think its almost done (which is good because the pigs are ready to move!). They fed the cows for me and then Norman ran Greg into town to the swimming pool. I think we are being gifted a tiller so he went to check on that also. What a blessing!
I can smell the herb potatoes in the oven and am feeling so blessed. I'm so very, very blessed! Have a wonderful enjoyable weekend friends!
We started our day with our 4H club at a local cemetery placing American flags on the graves of those who served in our military. While there we met my sister-in-law and took possession of my nephew Brennan.
I had managed to get 2 loads of laundry on the line before we left this morning so when we got home I finished my house picking-up, brought in the clothes and hung out my sheets and quilt. There is nothing in this world that compares to bedsheets and quilts after they have soaked up some sunshine.
Baby chicks are hatching! We have 4 new arrivals so far so I helped Norman set up the brooder. We gathered eggs (19!), fed and watered chickens. Brennan loved the chickens! He held a chick and a big chicken. He has no fear of them at all :) I just love that little guy!
I baked some cookie bars this afternoon, folded laundry and remade my bed with my nice, warm, sun-shiny sheets and quilt. After my brother picked up Brennan, the littles, Thor and I walked down the lane for the mail. Supper is in the oven now.
Norman and Greg worked on the hog pen again all afternoon. I think its almost done (which is good because the pigs are ready to move!). They fed the cows for me and then Norman ran Greg into town to the swimming pool. I think we are being gifted a tiller so he went to check on that also. What a blessing!
I can smell the herb potatoes in the oven and am feeling so blessed. I'm so very, very blessed! Have a wonderful enjoyable weekend friends!
Saturday, February 08, 2014
My Winter Routine
I think as wives and mother we are always trying to be as efficient as possible. I know I am. I think that is why I love reading about the days of others......it helps me think through the way I do things and fine tune anything that needs work. So I try to share the things that I like to read from others, not because I think I have anything figured out, but because maybe my day can be a help to someone else :)
Wouldn't it be nice if I could just do this in bullet style and you could go on to something else? Not going to happen. I ramble. Be prepared to make it to the end or get out now :)
And we being....
I get up at 6:00 a.m. Every day. There are cows to feed - 3 steers, named Larry, Mo and Curly - and they like to maintain a schedule. In the evening that isn't always possible so I try to stay to the same morning time as much as possible. So I get up, wake Lee if it is a school day, add more clothes over my pjs if the temperature requires it (although anymore I sleep in so many clothes unless it is severely below 0 I am good) and then don my rubber boots, hat, double wrap cowl, sweatshirt zip jacket with hood up, then heavy brown cowl, barn coat with hood up and gloves. I fill the woodstove up and then venture outdoors for my walk to the barn/pasture. I keep a small flashlight in my barn coat pocket that Greg gave to me and sometimes I have to use it to find a path through the snow. I check the water first. It is all the way over on the far side of the pasture but we are very blessed to have automatic heated waterers for the cows. We have had a little trouble with them this winter but I am so grateful every day that they work. So I make sure that they are working then back-track to the barn. I give the cows grain, check their bedding and make sure they have hay. Norman does the straw and hay but I always check it so I can tell him if there are problems. I call the steers in, make sure they are eating, lock everything back up and head back to the house.
Now I'm good and awake. I unbundle myself and give the cats new water, milk and scoop their litter box (they will give you no peace until those things are done), move laundry from washer to dryer, start a new load in the washer and make coffee. I sit down with my Bible and read my Sunday school lesson portion and my chapter for the day and pray. Greg usually gets up about now. Then I check facebook, eat breakfast and talk to the boys about their upcoming day.
Abby is usually up by now (around 7 a.m.). Some days she wants to watch cartoons, some days she wants breakfast immediately, sometimes she wants to snuggle and read a book. I go with the flow. The big boys leave around 7:20.
I reboot the laundry and get a shower.
By 8 a.m. I'm usually ready to tackle the day. I will be honest here and say that if I'm not planning on going anywhere I put on new pjs. My pajama pants are heavy fleece and I wear leggings under them. They are honestly the warmest thing I own so that is what I wear if I'm going to be home. On top I wear a t-shirt and sweatshirt...socks and slippers. I get started on chores. I try to do dishes the night before but if I didn't I start there, fold laundry and sweep the downstairs. I usually have a "daily" chore like cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, mopping or something. If I have time I do that now, if not later.
School starts at 9. Usually Bear is up by now. Usually Norman is too. School takes about an hour. Please remember that I have one in kindergarten and one in preschool. We have a good routine and it doesn't take long if everyone is cooperating. Next year will take a little longer.
School is usually over by 10. By now, Norman is moving. He waters the chickens, gathers morning eggs and does any cow chores for the day. I fix lunch. I either fix a big lunch and we have the leftovers in the evening or we have a big supper with the leftovers for lunch. I try to know what this will be the day before. It is a work in progress.
Lunch is usually around 11. Norman and I visit. I finish any house chores I had. He gets ready for work. He leaves around 1:30. After that the littles and I read together, play, I bake and sometimes we run to town for errands or the library. Often I can get some sewing or knitting in depending on how the day is going.
The big boys get home from school at 4 unless Greg has basketball practice. That gets over around 5 so either Lee or I run back into town and pick him up then. I gather the evening eggs and feed the cows their supper sometime in between 4 and 5. I fix our supper (the difficulty being in a whole new meal or leftovers). I start a load of laundry in the washer (you can see why in my long hard winter post). After we eat I clean up the kitchen and we settle down for the night.
Abby and I like to go lay down around 6. She watches TV. I read a book. She usually drifts off around 7. I usually crash around 8. I know that is early but I check on the woodstove at 10, 12, 2, 4 and then get up at 6. So I need the sleep.
Norman gets home around midnight. And the new day begins :)
In the comments link up your day. I really do love to read all about it!!!!!
Wouldn't it be nice if I could just do this in bullet style and you could go on to something else? Not going to happen. I ramble. Be prepared to make it to the end or get out now :)
And we being....
I get up at 6:00 a.m. Every day. There are cows to feed - 3 steers, named Larry, Mo and Curly - and they like to maintain a schedule. In the evening that isn't always possible so I try to stay to the same morning time as much as possible. So I get up, wake Lee if it is a school day, add more clothes over my pjs if the temperature requires it (although anymore I sleep in so many clothes unless it is severely below 0 I am good) and then don my rubber boots, hat, double wrap cowl, sweatshirt zip jacket with hood up, then heavy brown cowl, barn coat with hood up and gloves. I fill the woodstove up and then venture outdoors for my walk to the barn/pasture. I keep a small flashlight in my barn coat pocket that Greg gave to me and sometimes I have to use it to find a path through the snow. I check the water first. It is all the way over on the far side of the pasture but we are very blessed to have automatic heated waterers for the cows. We have had a little trouble with them this winter but I am so grateful every day that they work. So I make sure that they are working then back-track to the barn. I give the cows grain, check their bedding and make sure they have hay. Norman does the straw and hay but I always check it so I can tell him if there are problems. I call the steers in, make sure they are eating, lock everything back up and head back to the house.
Now I'm good and awake. I unbundle myself and give the cats new water, milk and scoop their litter box (they will give you no peace until those things are done), move laundry from washer to dryer, start a new load in the washer and make coffee. I sit down with my Bible and read my Sunday school lesson portion and my chapter for the day and pray. Greg usually gets up about now. Then I check facebook, eat breakfast and talk to the boys about their upcoming day.
Abby is usually up by now (around 7 a.m.). Some days she wants to watch cartoons, some days she wants breakfast immediately, sometimes she wants to snuggle and read a book. I go with the flow. The big boys leave around 7:20.
I reboot the laundry and get a shower.
By 8 a.m. I'm usually ready to tackle the day. I will be honest here and say that if I'm not planning on going anywhere I put on new pjs. My pajama pants are heavy fleece and I wear leggings under them. They are honestly the warmest thing I own so that is what I wear if I'm going to be home. On top I wear a t-shirt and sweatshirt...socks and slippers. I get started on chores. I try to do dishes the night before but if I didn't I start there, fold laundry and sweep the downstairs. I usually have a "daily" chore like cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, mopping or something. If I have time I do that now, if not later.
School starts at 9. Usually Bear is up by now. Usually Norman is too. School takes about an hour. Please remember that I have one in kindergarten and one in preschool. We have a good routine and it doesn't take long if everyone is cooperating. Next year will take a little longer.
School is usually over by 10. By now, Norman is moving. He waters the chickens, gathers morning eggs and does any cow chores for the day. I fix lunch. I either fix a big lunch and we have the leftovers in the evening or we have a big supper with the leftovers for lunch. I try to know what this will be the day before. It is a work in progress.
Lunch is usually around 11. Norman and I visit. I finish any house chores I had. He gets ready for work. He leaves around 1:30. After that the littles and I read together, play, I bake and sometimes we run to town for errands or the library. Often I can get some sewing or knitting in depending on how the day is going.
The big boys get home from school at 4 unless Greg has basketball practice. That gets over around 5 so either Lee or I run back into town and pick him up then. I gather the evening eggs and feed the cows their supper sometime in between 4 and 5. I fix our supper (the difficulty being in a whole new meal or leftovers). I start a load of laundry in the washer (you can see why in my long hard winter post). After we eat I clean up the kitchen and we settle down for the night.
Abby and I like to go lay down around 6. She watches TV. I read a book. She usually drifts off around 7. I usually crash around 8. I know that is early but I check on the woodstove at 10, 12, 2, 4 and then get up at 6. So I need the sleep.
Norman gets home around midnight. And the new day begins :)
In the comments link up your day. I really do love to read all about it!!!!!
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Menu List June 1-15
Every 2 weeks I sit down and consider our meals for the next 2 weeks. I really wish that I could somehow streamline this process. For a while I did this for a month and I really liked that. Maybe after we move I will go back to that method (especially since the grocery store won't be quite so close).
Anyway, I try to choose 14 main dishes. That allows for an occassional night or 2 each pay period that we can eat leftovers. And by we, I mean me and the littles, usually on a night that dh is working a double shift and the older boys are gone.
Breakfast
cereal, oatmeal or something leftover in the fridge (lasagna, anyone? That's what I had yesterday morning.) I've been having a pbj sandwich because the protein keeps me going longer. If I can swing it in the budget I buy greek yogurt and granola for me. I'm going to start making my own granola. That can be a later post.
Moving on.
Lunch
pbj sandwiches (The littles usually have either peanut butter or jelly but rarely both together. I don't know why...they are weird)
Grilled cheese sandwiches
lunchmeat
leftovers
Supper
Tacos
Corn dogs
baked potato bar
hot dogs - probably grilled
cheeseburgers - also on the grill
BBQ ribs
spaghetti
pizza - homemade
BLTs
ham and cheesy noodles
jambalya
pancakes/waffles
sausage gravy and biscuits
chicken and veggies
SIDES: I usually only choose the main dishes....I just buy some sides and I pick what we are having when I start cooking. This time I will get french fries, mac and cheese, carrots, corn and some frozen veggies. We also have lots of potatoes so could have fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, etc. When the garden starts producing we will have zucchini, okra, etc.
Snacks
Fruits
Zucchini bread
Oatmeal cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
I spread the baking out over 2 weeks. The fruit will be real lucky to make it 3 days after purchase. My kids are fresh fruit hounds. So then I start baking.
I'm going to start working on new menu ideas and mix making over the next few weeks. With moving I'm not sure how much of that I will get done, but I really need to tighten the belt so it is just going to have to get done. Please share favorite recipes! My guys are kinda picky and my dh is a real "meat and potato"man so it is hard. Right now I need fast, or slow cooker easy. Some days I leave to work at the "new" house early and don't make it home till just an hour before the kids need to go to VBS.
Because someone always asks, I am working with a $200 grocery/household supply budget (twice a month). The above meals will come out of that as will trash bags, baggies, tide, dawn and toliet paper. I get our tolietries from AVON and use my earnings for that. I shop at Aldi mainly, IGA for our meat and sometimes Walmart but only if I am desperate (my yogurt, pizza sauce). I am feeding me, my husband, 2 teenage boys, a 5 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. Some days, Abby can outeat everyone else at the table. We also average 1 extra teenager per day, although they usually show up 2 or 3 at a time. I love these kids and don't mind feeding them one little bit! That's also another place that ready-made snacks come in handy....they are great meal stretchers!
Anyway, I try to choose 14 main dishes. That allows for an occassional night or 2 each pay period that we can eat leftovers. And by we, I mean me and the littles, usually on a night that dh is working a double shift and the older boys are gone.
Breakfast
cereal, oatmeal or something leftover in the fridge (lasagna, anyone? That's what I had yesterday morning.) I've been having a pbj sandwich because the protein keeps me going longer. If I can swing it in the budget I buy greek yogurt and granola for me. I'm going to start making my own granola. That can be a later post.
Moving on.
Lunch
pbj sandwiches (The littles usually have either peanut butter or jelly but rarely both together. I don't know why...they are weird)
Grilled cheese sandwiches
lunchmeat
leftovers
Supper
Tacos
Corn dogs
baked potato bar
hot dogs - probably grilled
cheeseburgers - also on the grill
BBQ ribs
spaghetti
pizza - homemade
BLTs
ham and cheesy noodles
jambalya
pancakes/waffles
sausage gravy and biscuits
chicken and veggies
SIDES: I usually only choose the main dishes....I just buy some sides and I pick what we are having when I start cooking. This time I will get french fries, mac and cheese, carrots, corn and some frozen veggies. We also have lots of potatoes so could have fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, etc. When the garden starts producing we will have zucchini, okra, etc.
Snacks
Fruits
Zucchini bread
Oatmeal cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
I spread the baking out over 2 weeks. The fruit will be real lucky to make it 3 days after purchase. My kids are fresh fruit hounds. So then I start baking.
I'm going to start working on new menu ideas and mix making over the next few weeks. With moving I'm not sure how much of that I will get done, but I really need to tighten the belt so it is just going to have to get done. Please share favorite recipes! My guys are kinda picky and my dh is a real "meat and potato"man so it is hard. Right now I need fast, or slow cooker easy. Some days I leave to work at the "new" house early and don't make it home till just an hour before the kids need to go to VBS.
Because someone always asks, I am working with a $200 grocery/household supply budget (twice a month). The above meals will come out of that as will trash bags, baggies, tide, dawn and toliet paper. I get our tolietries from AVON and use my earnings for that. I shop at Aldi mainly, IGA for our meat and sometimes Walmart but only if I am desperate (my yogurt, pizza sauce). I am feeding me, my husband, 2 teenage boys, a 5 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. Some days, Abby can outeat everyone else at the table. We also average 1 extra teenager per day, although they usually show up 2 or 3 at a time. I love these kids and don't mind feeding them one little bit! That's also another place that ready-made snacks come in handy....they are great meal stretchers!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine
As most of you know, I've been in a dark place lately. A couple of weeks ago, my wonderful husband recognized that I needed a break and sent me to town with some "mad" money to hang out by myself. I grabbed a book before I left......True Treasures: 10 Years of TEACH Magazine by Lorrie Flem. Once in town, I went straight to Starbucks, ordered a large Caramel Macchiato and sank down in a huge armchair with my book. I only made it 2 pages before tears were flowing down my cheeks.
Homemakers know that staying home all day is hard work. I realize that the rest of the world believes that we are all sitting around eating chocolate and watching soap operas (I do eat chocolate, but not all day. I do not watch soap operas, wouldn't even if I did have time). Each day I am mom, wife, cleaning lady, teacher, pretend doctor, bottle holder, diaper changer, remote control wielder, laundry washer/dryer/folder/putter-awayer, train track builder.....the list goes on and on. While doing all those things, I am giving advice, prayfully answering questions, kissing real booboos and giving pieces of my heart to everyone I meet. So much goes out of me every day.....it is like "the force" is leaving my body. God's love is the force and I am thankful that I am here to administer His grace, mercy and love to those around me....but sometimes I get empty. Sometimes I get so dry that I can't soak up God's word on my own. I need a human touch. Frequently, TEACH magazine and Lorrie Flem have been that human touch. Lorrie and those that share with her, use real life experience and God's words to encourage and lead those of us who are seeking back to godly womanhood.
True Treasures is the BEST of the first 10 years of TEACH magazine. The articles are laid out on 2 page spreads; short little tidbits to help even the busiest of wife/mother. She has divided the articles into sections so that you can quickly find the encouragement you are looking for. Parenting, marriage, mothering, homemaking and serving others are all addressed. I honestly believe that it would be impossible to come away from this book without having received encouragement.
True Treasures is available for $19.97 at http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ . While you are there, check out the other wonderful resources that Lorrie offers. Also, please note that TEACH Magazine is changing names. It is the same wonderful resource, with a more fitting name I believe.......Eternal Encouragement Magazine. Use coupon code GabbyMoms to get $4 off True Treasures :)
If you want to read what others think about this wonderful publication, feel free to check out The Gabby Moms to see other reviews written by homemakers just like you!
***Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review from TEACH magazine as part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Choosing Joy
In this lifetime I will have many choices to make. Many choices to be made every single day. Although most of the choices I make have no bearing on my eternal life, many will impact how my day goes or how others perceive my life or how my life experience is remembered.
Some of the choices I have faced today include:
*when to get up (although for the most part, Abby did that for me)
* what to have for breakfast (don't tell WW but I had leftover pizza)
*TV news or Bible study (sadly, today I chose TV news)
*shower or just dress (I showered)
*chores or my fun stuff (I did "must do" chores and then knitting)
* lunch menu (leftovers)
You get the idea. Out of that list, the only thing that I can see that would have eternal value was the choice NOT to have Bible study. However, several of those choices will impact my outlook on the day - did I feel rushed because Abby got up the same time I did? How is my energy level because I chose a crummy breakfast? Am I ready to face the day since I chose a shower? Do I feel somewhat justified in my choice to do something for me (knitting time) now that I have the household running somewhat smoothly?
No matter what option I choose at each crossroads I always have the choice of JOY. Choosing joy means that I am at peace no matter what time Abby or the clock wake me up. I can feel JOY that I didn't have to make myself a big breakfast (or JOY that I had the time/ability/desire to make a healthy breakfast). JOY keeps me smiling when I don't have the time to do my things. JOY breeds patience and kindness when Bear tells me something 25 times or wants me to build the lincoln log town.....again. JOY reminds me that having my husband home every evening is worth the 4:45 a.m. wake-up call. Joy leads to contentment when I wish we could go out to supper, or I can sit on our "imaginary porch".
Living a joyful life enables others to see Christ through me. Do I lead a joyful life daily? Unfortunately not. I hope though, that most of my days are filled with joy. I ask God daily to give me joy in my heart and that the joy I feel will lead others to see the joy of Christ in my life.
Sometimes it is easier not to choose joy. Sometimes feeling joyful takes effort. I have found though, in my life, that the little effort required to find the good in each person or situation leads to wonderful blessings in my life. A day may go from bad to better or at least memories will be made.
My lincoln log mayor is calling me to rebuild his town :) So for now, I am choosing joy in playing with this little boy.....one who won't be little for very much longer. Thank you God for the ability to live with JOY!
Some of the choices I have faced today include:
*when to get up (although for the most part, Abby did that for me)
* what to have for breakfast (don't tell WW but I had leftover pizza)
*TV news or Bible study (sadly, today I chose TV news)
*shower or just dress (I showered)
*chores or my fun stuff (I did "must do" chores and then knitting)
* lunch menu (leftovers)
You get the idea. Out of that list, the only thing that I can see that would have eternal value was the choice NOT to have Bible study. However, several of those choices will impact my outlook on the day - did I feel rushed because Abby got up the same time I did? How is my energy level because I chose a crummy breakfast? Am I ready to face the day since I chose a shower? Do I feel somewhat justified in my choice to do something for me (knitting time) now that I have the household running somewhat smoothly?
No matter what option I choose at each crossroads I always have the choice of JOY. Choosing joy means that I am at peace no matter what time Abby or the clock wake me up. I can feel JOY that I didn't have to make myself a big breakfast (or JOY that I had the time/ability/desire to make a healthy breakfast). JOY keeps me smiling when I don't have the time to do my things. JOY breeds patience and kindness when Bear tells me something 25 times or wants me to build the lincoln log town.....again. JOY reminds me that having my husband home every evening is worth the 4:45 a.m. wake-up call. Joy leads to contentment when I wish we could go out to supper, or I can sit on our "imaginary porch".
Living a joyful life enables others to see Christ through me. Do I lead a joyful life daily? Unfortunately not. I hope though, that most of my days are filled with joy. I ask God daily to give me joy in my heart and that the joy I feel will lead others to see the joy of Christ in my life.
Sometimes it is easier not to choose joy. Sometimes feeling joyful takes effort. I have found though, in my life, that the little effort required to find the good in each person or situation leads to wonderful blessings in my life. A day may go from bad to better or at least memories will be made.
My lincoln log mayor is calling me to rebuild his town :) So for now, I am choosing joy in playing with this little boy.....one who won't be little for very much longer. Thank you God for the ability to live with JOY!
Friday, January 09, 2009
Odd Hours
It was noticed by one of my commenters that my dh works "odd hours" - 2nd shift. She said her husband did too and was relieved to find another homeschooler whose dh didn't work 9-5 hours. Let me tell you, it is great to meet you too!
My dh currently works 2nd shift as a correctional officer. He leaves here at 1:30 p.m. and gets home around midnight. Some days he works a double shift and doesn't get home until 8 a.m. We are so thankful for 2nd shift though, because 3rd shift is almost impossible!
It took me a while to figure out how to make homeschooling "work" around my dh's schedule. Here is what we have so far :)
We school main subjects in the morning. Math and language arts are the "main subjects" in my homeschool. I say that because if you can read and do math you can learn anything else. We school from around 8:30 till around 10-10:30. Sometimes the boys finish up independent reading after that, but I am usually done by 10:30. That also happens to correspond with when my dh gets up (unless he works a double shift - more on that below). The boys do their chores while I cook lunch (the big meal of our day because that is when dad is home) and then they are free to visit with dad and play. We eat lunch together as a family almost every day. When dh leaves for work at 1:30 we do the rest of school: read aloud, science, history, geography, art, music, etc. NOT all on the same days or even same weeks! That is the allotted time for such subjects. This time is also when Bear takes his nap so that works out well. Dh has gotten into the habit of putting him down for his nap while I clean up from lunch and that has been such a blessing for me! School is almost always done by 3. We eat a light supper. I call it "fend for yourself" LOL Our evenings are filled with things like reading, playing, drawing and TV/computer time. We are all in bed when dh gets home from work. He "decompresses" alone when he gets home and comes to bed around 2 a.m.
When dh worked 3rd shift it was very difficult to get schooling done. My husband has a very hard time going to sleep in the daylight. We never really could be quiet enough so that he could go to sleep. Most of the time we ended up leaving the house for a few hours and came back after he was asleep. At that time the boys were younger and we did all of our schooling in the afternoon after dh was asleep. That way he was able to spend mornings with the boys.
Frequently, dh works double shifts. He will get home at 8 a.m. and will have to leave again at 1:30 p.m. Those are days that we have to be very, very quiet. The boys don't spend much time with dad and we eat without him. He will eat after he gets to work. Otherwise our schedule stays the same.
Another hurdle that we have crossed is the fact that my dh has Thursday and Friday off each week. On those days we school in the mornings only. At this time we do not school on Saturday or Sunday. We attend church on Sunday. Saturdays are for cleaning and other projects that I need to do. Sometimes we will completely take off on a Thursday or Friday but we try to make that the exception to the rule.
Homeschooling is possible when the father works 2nd shift. It is important to remember when planning your school schedule that your children need to spend time with their dad, especially if you have boys! Don't force school for the whole time when dad is home. Try to allow time for daddy pursuits! We pray that one day dad will have "normal hours". It will be several years. For now, we have learned to function around his schedule in a manner that works for all of us. Be creative!
My dh currently works 2nd shift as a correctional officer. He leaves here at 1:30 p.m. and gets home around midnight. Some days he works a double shift and doesn't get home until 8 a.m. We are so thankful for 2nd shift though, because 3rd shift is almost impossible!
It took me a while to figure out how to make homeschooling "work" around my dh's schedule. Here is what we have so far :)
We school main subjects in the morning. Math and language arts are the "main subjects" in my homeschool. I say that because if you can read and do math you can learn anything else. We school from around 8:30 till around 10-10:30. Sometimes the boys finish up independent reading after that, but I am usually done by 10:30. That also happens to correspond with when my dh gets up (unless he works a double shift - more on that below). The boys do their chores while I cook lunch (the big meal of our day because that is when dad is home) and then they are free to visit with dad and play. We eat lunch together as a family almost every day. When dh leaves for work at 1:30 we do the rest of school: read aloud, science, history, geography, art, music, etc. NOT all on the same days or even same weeks! That is the allotted time for such subjects. This time is also when Bear takes his nap so that works out well. Dh has gotten into the habit of putting him down for his nap while I clean up from lunch and that has been such a blessing for me! School is almost always done by 3. We eat a light supper. I call it "fend for yourself" LOL Our evenings are filled with things like reading, playing, drawing and TV/computer time. We are all in bed when dh gets home from work. He "decompresses" alone when he gets home and comes to bed around 2 a.m.
When dh worked 3rd shift it was very difficult to get schooling done. My husband has a very hard time going to sleep in the daylight. We never really could be quiet enough so that he could go to sleep. Most of the time we ended up leaving the house for a few hours and came back after he was asleep. At that time the boys were younger and we did all of our schooling in the afternoon after dh was asleep. That way he was able to spend mornings with the boys.
Frequently, dh works double shifts. He will get home at 8 a.m. and will have to leave again at 1:30 p.m. Those are days that we have to be very, very quiet. The boys don't spend much time with dad and we eat without him. He will eat after he gets to work. Otherwise our schedule stays the same.
Another hurdle that we have crossed is the fact that my dh has Thursday and Friday off each week. On those days we school in the mornings only. At this time we do not school on Saturday or Sunday. We attend church on Sunday. Saturdays are for cleaning and other projects that I need to do. Sometimes we will completely take off on a Thursday or Friday but we try to make that the exception to the rule.
Homeschooling is possible when the father works 2nd shift. It is important to remember when planning your school schedule that your children need to spend time with their dad, especially if you have boys! Don't force school for the whole time when dad is home. Try to allow time for daddy pursuits! We pray that one day dad will have "normal hours". It will be several years. For now, we have learned to function around his schedule in a manner that works for all of us. Be creative!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Homemaking
As a homemaker, I come to my job with many goals and a few dreams. It has taken me many years to realize that I am NOT, and will never be, Martha Stewart. I don't like to clean that much and we believe in comfy as a decore. The fact that my house is very rarely spotless, doesn't make me any less a homemaker. I am a homemaker, just by nature of the fact that I "work at home". I spend my days cleaning spills, doing dishes, changing diapers, making beds and folding laundry. Between my daily doings and the chores the older boys have assigned, we usually manage to maintain a liveable, happy home environment.
As ladies, I think that we spend way too much time comparing ourselves to others. I did it too!!! We look at the other moms we know and think about how we don't measure up. Or we secretly "gloat" because for once we had it together while someone else struggled. This isn't what God wants for us! Once I realized that, a tremendous burden was lifted from me.
God wants me to do my very best in my home, for my family, every day. My best may be better or worse than yours. That's ok. God only asks for our very best!
Today is a cold, gloomy winter day. Our whole household has been struggling with sickness. I am tired - but not sick - yet anyway. I rolled out of bed at 6:30 and started the diapers that were soaking. Unloaded the dishwasher and started coffee before Bear woke up at 7. We enjoyed oatmeal for breakfast and woke the older boys at 8. Right on time! I moved the diapers to the dryer, started another load of laundry and we began our homeschool with reading Galatians 5. The boys usually eat breakfast while I read and then brush their teeth and get dressed. Then I read-aloud a chapter from Johnny Tremain. Greg went off to listen to his Spanish CD while Lee and I worked through a lesson in All About Spelling (review to come soon!). Then Greg and I did his lesson while Lee listened to his French CD. Bear sat in his highchair drawing with - I mean eating - a red crayon. As a mother, you can't always win! The older boys finished up with copywork, language lessons, and math while I held Bear and he drew with a pencil on paper.
My boys have daily chores. I will be honest and say that if they don't do their chores, this house is a WRECK. I am sure that says something about my homemaking abilities, but I DON'T CARE. See how easy that is???? After school work is finished, the boys did their chores while I started lunch. I may be a terrible housekeeper, but I am a fantastic cook (if I do say so myself - and I DO!). Today, we had home-made chicken and noodles (Amish noodles - I am not that dedicated), mashed potatoes (home-grown), candied sweet potatoes and fried okra (also home-grown). It was all very yummy! The older boys watch TV or play video games and entertain Bear while I finish up lunch. The 4 of us ate together and played "find that state" on the US map placemats. At 11:30 Bear and I woke up Daddy. He has been working very long hours and is also sick so he slept late.
During the morning hours, I have been grading papers and rotating laundry. Usually lunch is prepared in bits-and-pieces. That is how I manage to get things done around here. After Dad was up, the big bed was stripped and those sheets went in the wash. The rest of the laundry (washed-dried-sitting in baskets in the living room) was folded and put away. I finally got a shower. I cleaned the kitchen up while Dad played with Bear. After Daddy went to work, we read our history and science lessons while Bear ate cheese-balls in the living room. Sadie had her fair share as well.
Bear is down for his nap now. The older boys are playing in their room. They still have independent reading to do this evening. I looked through some books that I ordered, cleaned off my desk, packed some jars in the closet, made my bed back up and worked on some book-reviews.
My house isn't spotless. Toys and blankets are on the floor. There is clutter - I am working on it. I really need to give Sadie a bath.
The most important thing is that we are happy, reasonably healthy and that we are striving to do our very best. I hope and pray that what I have said here encourages you to keep striving toward your best. That is all that God wants from you! Put away the unreasonable expectations that others and YOU place on yourself. Love God, love your family and don't make your home an idol in your life.
Have a wonderful day!
As ladies, I think that we spend way too much time comparing ourselves to others. I did it too!!! We look at the other moms we know and think about how we don't measure up. Or we secretly "gloat" because for once we had it together while someone else struggled. This isn't what God wants for us! Once I realized that, a tremendous burden was lifted from me.
God wants me to do my very best in my home, for my family, every day. My best may be better or worse than yours. That's ok. God only asks for our very best!
Today is a cold, gloomy winter day. Our whole household has been struggling with sickness. I am tired - but not sick - yet anyway. I rolled out of bed at 6:30 and started the diapers that were soaking. Unloaded the dishwasher and started coffee before Bear woke up at 7. We enjoyed oatmeal for breakfast and woke the older boys at 8. Right on time! I moved the diapers to the dryer, started another load of laundry and we began our homeschool with reading Galatians 5. The boys usually eat breakfast while I read and then brush their teeth and get dressed. Then I read-aloud a chapter from Johnny Tremain. Greg went off to listen to his Spanish CD while Lee and I worked through a lesson in All About Spelling (review to come soon!). Then Greg and I did his lesson while Lee listened to his French CD. Bear sat in his highchair drawing with - I mean eating - a red crayon. As a mother, you can't always win! The older boys finished up with copywork, language lessons, and math while I held Bear and he drew with a pencil on paper.
My boys have daily chores. I will be honest and say that if they don't do their chores, this house is a WRECK. I am sure that says something about my homemaking abilities, but I DON'T CARE. See how easy that is???? After school work is finished, the boys did their chores while I started lunch. I may be a terrible housekeeper, but I am a fantastic cook (if I do say so myself - and I DO!). Today, we had home-made chicken and noodles (Amish noodles - I am not that dedicated), mashed potatoes (home-grown), candied sweet potatoes and fried okra (also home-grown). It was all very yummy! The older boys watch TV or play video games and entertain Bear while I finish up lunch. The 4 of us ate together and played "find that state" on the US map placemats. At 11:30 Bear and I woke up Daddy. He has been working very long hours and is also sick so he slept late.
During the morning hours, I have been grading papers and rotating laundry. Usually lunch is prepared in bits-and-pieces. That is how I manage to get things done around here. After Dad was up, the big bed was stripped and those sheets went in the wash. The rest of the laundry (washed-dried-sitting in baskets in the living room) was folded and put away. I finally got a shower. I cleaned the kitchen up while Dad played with Bear. After Daddy went to work, we read our history and science lessons while Bear ate cheese-balls in the living room. Sadie had her fair share as well.
Bear is down for his nap now. The older boys are playing in their room. They still have independent reading to do this evening. I looked through some books that I ordered, cleaned off my desk, packed some jars in the closet, made my bed back up and worked on some book-reviews.
My house isn't spotless. Toys and blankets are on the floor. There is clutter - I am working on it. I really need to give Sadie a bath.
The most important thing is that we are happy, reasonably healthy and that we are striving to do our very best. I hope and pray that what I have said here encourages you to keep striving toward your best. That is all that God wants from you! Put away the unreasonable expectations that others and YOU place on yourself. Love God, love your family and don't make your home an idol in your life.
Have a wonderful day!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Chores and Housekeeping Schedules
We have finally hit on a chore system that works for us. We have used it for about 2 years now and I plan to continue it.I made a “chore chart” placed it in a page protector and hung it on a nail in the kitchen. Even my chores are on it. That way there is no excuse for the work not being done.
My older 2 boys are 8 and 11. They will do a set of chores for about 6 months and then they switch. That way there is no arguing about who has the harder chores. Everyone will get them eventually. The baby doesn’t have chores, YET.
Here is the list for this cycle:
8 yr. old
Daily - scoop litter box, feed animals, make bed, pick up bedroom
M and Sat. - vaccum living room
M - wipe down large appliances
M, T, W, Sat. - put away laundry
T - wipe down light switches
W - wipe down bath tub
11 yr. old
Daily - fetch mail, make bed, pick up bedroom, pick up bathroom, pick up living room, kitchen, hallway floors
M, T, W, Sat. put away laundry
M - clean appliances
T - dust
W - wipe down bath tub
Mom
Daily - lunch, clean-up kitchen, supper, clean-up kitchen
M - bathrooms
T dust/vaccum living room
W - focus on kitchen and dining room (clean/mop)
Sat. - organize desk, sort school stuff, garden
M, T, W, Sat - laundry
I don’t do extra chores on Thurs. and Fri because dh is home those days. The boys do their chores 6 days a week, after school and before lunch. It takes them about 30 mins. They are paid 75 cents a day for this. Large lawn/garden jobs are paid extra by my dh.
I work off a to-do list every day. If it is Monday, on my to-do list will be whatever jobs I want to accomplish in the bathrooms (wash floors, scrub shower, clean cabinets, etc.). General pick-up is done every week but the other jobs are done on an “as needed” basis and are added to my to-do list accordingly. Also, larger jobs like washing windows, clean my bedroom, decluttering closets, cleaning the laundry room, etc. are added to my to-do list as I decide they need done. I work them in through out the week. If nothing but the bare bones is done then the house stays in relatively good shape.
This seems to work for us. I love seeing what works for everyone else.
My older 2 boys are 8 and 11. They will do a set of chores for about 6 months and then they switch. That way there is no arguing about who has the harder chores. Everyone will get them eventually. The baby doesn’t have chores, YET.
Here is the list for this cycle:
8 yr. old
Daily - scoop litter box, feed animals, make bed, pick up bedroom
M and Sat. - vaccum living room
M - wipe down large appliances
M, T, W, Sat. - put away laundry
T - wipe down light switches
W - wipe down bath tub
11 yr. old
Daily - fetch mail, make bed, pick up bedroom, pick up bathroom, pick up living room, kitchen, hallway floors
M, T, W, Sat. put away laundry
M - clean appliances
T - dust
W - wipe down bath tub
Mom
Daily - lunch, clean-up kitchen, supper, clean-up kitchen
M - bathrooms
T dust/vaccum living room
W - focus on kitchen and dining room (clean/mop)
Sat. - organize desk, sort school stuff, garden
M, T, W, Sat - laundry
I don’t do extra chores on Thurs. and Fri because dh is home those days. The boys do their chores 6 days a week, after school and before lunch. It takes them about 30 mins. They are paid 75 cents a day for this. Large lawn/garden jobs are paid extra by my dh.
I work off a to-do list every day. If it is Monday, on my to-do list will be whatever jobs I want to accomplish in the bathrooms (wash floors, scrub shower, clean cabinets, etc.). General pick-up is done every week but the other jobs are done on an “as needed” basis and are added to my to-do list accordingly. Also, larger jobs like washing windows, clean my bedroom, decluttering closets, cleaning the laundry room, etc. are added to my to-do list as I decide they need done. I work them in through out the week. If nothing but the bare bones is done then the house stays in relatively good shape.
This seems to work for us. I love seeing what works for everyone else.
Monday, September 01, 2008
THIS WEEK ONLY
This week only you can purchase Cindy Rushton's Organized Mom Super Set for half price! This is a fabulous resource and an incredible value, at $49.95. Click HERE for the special price. It is not at this price on the website....you must use this link.
Included in this set are:
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 1
Let's Get Organized
Make Your Own Brain in a Binder
The Ultimate Mommy Menu Planner
Getting Back to God's Design for the Godly Home
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 2
Christ-Centered Christmas
PLUS:
6 of Cindy's audio workshops
AND
2 of Matthew's audio workshops
AND
Organization 911: Help for the Messy Mom Seminar Set
AND
Let's Get Organized for the New School Year Seminar Set (Cindy's newest seminar)
This set is normally $99. You are getting this for HALF price! If you are looking for a little help in the organization department, then this set is what you are looking forward. Remember to use THIS link.....the website does not reflect this special "friends only" price.
Please share how this set has encouraged you!
Enjoy!
Included in this set are:
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 1
Let's Get Organized
Make Your Own Brain in a Binder
The Ultimate Mommy Menu Planner
Getting Back to God's Design for the Godly Home
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 2
Christ-Centered Christmas
PLUS:
6 of Cindy's audio workshops
AND
2 of Matthew's audio workshops
AND
Organization 911: Help for the Messy Mom Seminar Set
AND
Let's Get Organized for the New School Year Seminar Set (Cindy's newest seminar)
This set is normally $99. You are getting this for HALF price! If you are looking for a little help in the organization department, then this set is what you are looking forward. Remember to use THIS link.....the website does not reflect this special "friends only" price.
Please share how this set has encouraged you!
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
The Schoolhouse Planner
I am pleased today to be reviewing The Schoolhouse Planner. As a confirmed planner "junkie", I have waited for the release of this planner with baited breathe. Honestly, I own almost every planner on the market for homeschool moms. In all of them, there are features that I like, but there does seem to be something missing. I am thrilled to say that this planner has everything that anyone could possibly need......and more.
Contained inside this e-book are informational sheets (such as states and capitals, weights and measure conversions), copies of great American documents (Declaration of Independence, American Constitution and others), household planning sheets as well as school planning sheets. The school planning sheets cover everything that you could ever need for school, all the way through high school. I especially like the 12 year curriculum tracker.
Monthly calendars are included along with holidays and listings of other important days for that month. Many educational opportunities are tied in with each month and resources for the study of those items are hyperlinked through the Old Schoolhouse Store. Shopping and planning couldn't be easier! It is my understanding that there are also monthly modules available (as e-books, the cost is around $8) that expand on the monthly educational topics. I am interested in seeing how these might fit into our homeschool.
The household forms look to be fairly standard. There are chore charts for mom and the kids (some with pictures rather than words for the non-readers) and things like packing lists and gardening layout forms (thank you!).
The best thing about this planner is that you have the ability to type your information onto the pages before you print them out. All of the forms can be personalized for YOUR family. I can't express how much this feature excites me! My planner will look professional from now on!
This planner is absolutely perfect. The creators took great pains to make sure that everything a homeschool mom could ever need is included. I feel that this planner is a great value for all the tools that it contains. I did have a problem with the downloading, as the file is rather large. However, The Old Schoolhouse Store's customer service department was fantastic in getting me an attatchment of the planner.
If you would like to see what the fuss is all about you can view the planner at The Old Schoolhouse Store . The cost of the planner is $39.00. This is an e-book so there is no shipping and you will be able to immediately have your planner to make this new school year the best ever.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Crystal Wetherholt
Crystal is a very dear friend of mine. After much anticipation on my part, she has finally gotten her new website up and running. Crystal is a wonderful mother and example of godly womanhood. She speaks with the gift of God on the topics of mothering and godly womanhood. I am excited to see that she is speaking nearby in May and can't wait to be there. I encourage you to check out her website and blogs (linked on her website!) and see where God is taking her fantastic ministry.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
HomeKeeping
Today is a homekeeping day.
I woke up at 5 this a.m. and showered....donned a cute turtleneck with hearts and bears on it and a tan jumper; ate breakfast, fed baby, talked to mom. I spent a few minutes decluttering the hutch countertops in my dinning room. They are next to the door that we all use and tend to pick up lots of clutter. That accomplished and laundry started, I baked chocolate chip cookies. While they were baking I loaded the dishwasher, cleaned out the fridge and got frozen egg rolls out for lunch. The boys have been playing outside in the snow and are now eating warm cookies and hot cocoa. I am taking a break now, sipping tea and reading some wonderful articles that Miss Peggy posted on her blog. Her writing is inspiring me to apply myself as a better hommeaker.
I am gazing out my window.....looking at the snow and thinking of all the possibilities for spring. I am also mentally planning our 3rd annual 4th of July cookout. We always have it on the Saturday following the 4th and invite all of our friends. We have the most wonderful time and I am really looking forward to it this year. Most of all, I am looking forward to warmer weather! And that little groundhog in PA saw his shadow so I guess we get 6 more weeks of winter......I sure hope that they are mild!
Anyway, better get off here and get back to work!
I woke up at 5 this a.m. and showered....donned a cute turtleneck with hearts and bears on it and a tan jumper; ate breakfast, fed baby, talked to mom. I spent a few minutes decluttering the hutch countertops in my dinning room. They are next to the door that we all use and tend to pick up lots of clutter. That accomplished and laundry started, I baked chocolate chip cookies. While they were baking I loaded the dishwasher, cleaned out the fridge and got frozen egg rolls out for lunch. The boys have been playing outside in the snow and are now eating warm cookies and hot cocoa. I am taking a break now, sipping tea and reading some wonderful articles that Miss Peggy posted on her blog. Her writing is inspiring me to apply myself as a better hommeaker.
I am gazing out my window.....looking at the snow and thinking of all the possibilities for spring. I am also mentally planning our 3rd annual 4th of July cookout. We always have it on the Saturday following the 4th and invite all of our friends. We have the most wonderful time and I am really looking forward to it this year. Most of all, I am looking forward to warmer weather! And that little groundhog in PA saw his shadow so I guess we get 6 more weeks of winter......I sure hope that they are mild!
Anyway, better get off here and get back to work!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Update
Sorry that I haven't posted much this week. I have stayed busy with housework and Norman was off work for 3 days so we enjoyed our time together.
Wednesday
Today I just maintained the house. I didn't manage to accomplish any of the tasks on my list. I don't remember what we had for lunch :)
Thursday
I can't think of any of my household tasks that I accomplished. We got school done and then went to town to run errands before taekwondo. I think that we had tuna helper and chips for lunch.
Friday
Finally, I got some work done. Norman and the boys were running around with Mr. G. so while Chad was napping I was able to get to my list.
Things I accomplished:
45 minutes of decluttering - mostly hotspots and my bedroom
laundry - mainly the boy's clothes
Saturday
Today I visited my grandma and Aunt Marge. The boys stayed up late and slept late. I made spaghetti for lunch and after Norman went to work I was able to work as well.
Things I accomplished:
vacuum living room
sweep kitchen
load dishwasher and clean sink
finish laundry
wash sheets
bathe Sadie
I know that there are several things on my list that I didn't get done this week, but I am pleased with this weeks results. I will continue with the same list for next week and see what I am able to get done. I think that things in the house are coming along nicely!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday
Today I just maintained the house. I didn't manage to accomplish any of the tasks on my list. I don't remember what we had for lunch :)
Thursday
I can't think of any of my household tasks that I accomplished. We got school done and then went to town to run errands before taekwondo. I think that we had tuna helper and chips for lunch.
Friday
Finally, I got some work done. Norman and the boys were running around with Mr. G. so while Chad was napping I was able to get to my list.
Things I accomplished:
45 minutes of decluttering - mostly hotspots and my bedroom
laundry - mainly the boy's clothes
Saturday
Today I visited my grandma and Aunt Marge. The boys stayed up late and slept late. I made spaghetti for lunch and after Norman went to work I was able to work as well.
Things I accomplished:
vacuum living room
sweep kitchen
load dishwasher and clean sink
finish laundry
wash sheets
bathe Sadie
I know that there are several things on my list that I didn't get done this week, but I am pleased with this weeks results. I will continue with the same list for next week and see what I am able to get done. I think that things in the house are coming along nicely!
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
100 Posts
Yesterday's post was #100. In the blog world that seems to be a big deal so I thought that I would make note of it :)
Today is Tuesday, normally a "home" day, but today we had a homeschool meeting in town. While there we went to the library. We are just back home and after spending a little bit on the net I am going to do my menu plan and grocery list for this week. It is to my great fortune that Kroger and IGA have their sales fliers online :) It truly does make my grocery shopping that much easier and cost efficient.
Things that I have gotten done today:
bible study
baking (I baked a spice cake and banana bread for the homeschool meeting)
school
lunch (meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans)
homeschool meeting
library
****yet to be done - menu plan and grocery list***
Chad was here today and we had a good morning. I guess that he isn't read to much because he was enthralled with the whole procedure. We read The Grouchy Ladybug and The A Book. He really enjoyed counting the ants! Lee and Greg were able to display some of their Ancient Egypt projects at the homeschool meeting and then they were able to play with their friends. We have had a really good day today!
First thing in the morning I have to go to Effingham and take Uncle Larry shopping. We will go to breakfast and then shop. Then I will go back to his apartment and clean a little or pay bills for him. Usually my mom does this but she is "off" this week. Then when I get home it is payday....that means "pay the bills day". So very busy. Norman also has a doctor appointment. I guess that we will be busy.
Have a great day!
Today is Tuesday, normally a "home" day, but today we had a homeschool meeting in town. While there we went to the library. We are just back home and after spending a little bit on the net I am going to do my menu plan and grocery list for this week. It is to my great fortune that Kroger and IGA have their sales fliers online :) It truly does make my grocery shopping that much easier and cost efficient.
Things that I have gotten done today:
bible study
baking (I baked a spice cake and banana bread for the homeschool meeting)
school
lunch (meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans)
homeschool meeting
library
****yet to be done - menu plan and grocery list***
Chad was here today and we had a good morning. I guess that he isn't read to much because he was enthralled with the whole procedure. We read The Grouchy Ladybug and The A Book. He really enjoyed counting the ants! Lee and Greg were able to display some of their Ancient Egypt projects at the homeschool meeting and then they were able to play with their friends. We have had a really good day today!
First thing in the morning I have to go to Effingham and take Uncle Larry shopping. We will go to breakfast and then shop. Then I will go back to his apartment and clean a little or pay bills for him. Usually my mom does this but she is "off" this week. Then when I get home it is payday....that means "pay the bills day". So very busy. Norman also has a doctor appointment. I guess that we will be busy.
Have a great day!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Monday, February 26
Praise the Lord!
It is a beautiful day!
Here it is almost 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I am pretty much finished with my day. We will eat supper in just a few minutes and then leave for taekwondo. Today I accomplished quite a bit, including:
bible study (regular reading plus I finished laziness study)
homeschool
lunch (fried chicken, scalloped potatoes and candied carrots)
laundry (1 load left to fold and then put everything away)
decluttered sewing area
knitted for about 30 minutes
Chad was here today. He celebrated his 4th birthday last week. He had a cold so he didn't go to school and was here for most of the day. His dad came and got him earlier for a doctor's appointment. Norman worked another double last night, so we had to be very, very quiet most of the day. He is back at work now and the boys are outside shooting at birds with their bb guns. I am enjoying the quiet :)
Tomorrow we have a homeschool meeting so I will have to do some baking first thing in the morning. I think that I am going to make a spice cake and banana bread to take with us. I will need to pick up drinks and paper products either today or tomorrow. We think that Greg may be trying to get a urinary track infection so I need to pick up some cranberry juice as well.
I guess that I may be doing a little shopping this evening.
It is a beautiful day!
Here it is almost 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I am pretty much finished with my day. We will eat supper in just a few minutes and then leave for taekwondo. Today I accomplished quite a bit, including:
bible study (regular reading plus I finished laziness study)
homeschool
lunch (fried chicken, scalloped potatoes and candied carrots)
laundry (1 load left to fold and then put everything away)
decluttered sewing area
knitted for about 30 minutes
Chad was here today. He celebrated his 4th birthday last week. He had a cold so he didn't go to school and was here for most of the day. His dad came and got him earlier for a doctor's appointment. Norman worked another double last night, so we had to be very, very quiet most of the day. He is back at work now and the boys are outside shooting at birds with their bb guns. I am enjoying the quiet :)
Tomorrow we have a homeschool meeting so I will have to do some baking first thing in the morning. I think that I am going to make a spice cake and banana bread to take with us. I will need to pick up drinks and paper products either today or tomorrow. We think that Greg may be trying to get a urinary track infection so I need to pick up some cranberry juice as well.
I guess that I may be doing a little shopping this evening.
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