Raising 4 Godly Men

New Blog and A New Name

2011-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Changing to a new name and I am moving my blog to...

Please click and come on over!

Simple Pleasures~ Some Spring Green

2011-03-17T06:39:00.001-07:00

Living in a place that we can get up to 6 months of winter weather you sure appreciate green when it comes. But when outside doesn't want to cooperate ( like today...it snowed again) with your need for green... then you make it happen inside. My hubby was pruning the fruit trees on the homestead and picked me some desert plum branches to force. I learned a new trick this year. Put one tablespoon of bleach in the water and it will prevent any bacteria growth and you will have nice clear water in your vase as it buds. Earlier this week after we finished our dinner I noticed the neat shadow play that was happening on the wall. I really wished I was able to catch it better but I loved how the branches and the shadow was leaning into each other.

The time to enjoy a bit of green and shadow play was such a sweet simple pleasure after a long winter.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Wild Turkeys On the Run and Seedy Sunday's

2011-03-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

The last three Sunday's my hubby and I have participated in some local Seedy Sunday Sales. We sold our seed from our small joint family seed business. I really enjoy these get together's. It is a neat way to meet people out in our local community and surrounding areas. There are a lot of neat people that we have been blessed in friendship with. One friend we have made through these sales the last couple of years has blessed us with new seed to try out and grow and save. I am really excited with the bean seeds given last year, tomato seeds he gave us this year and a tomato variety he wants to share next year. We are so blessed by this friend.

On the way home from the seed sale we had the pleasant surprise of getting to see some of the local wild turkeys. We wondered where they were sense we hadn't seen them in a while but they made their appearance on Sunday. In the picture down below is at lake level and there is hardly any snow down there unlike us further up the mountain. Snow is melting more and more each day and it won't be too long before we start digging in the garden.

Waking Up to Longer Days and Earlier Risings

2011-03-12T06:57:00.001-08:00

This mornings sunrise

This morning I awoke to the joy of sunlight shining through my bedroom window. I have been blessed this morning with several sites that winter is leaving and spring is breaking forth. For instance ...earlier sunrises, birds returning and chirping, a squirrel scampering up and down on a ladder hanging off our woodshed, sunlight creating a diamond sparkle on the snow. I am feeling very cheerful and encouraged by God's amazing beauty in His creation. I find every winter I tend to not be able to get up as early as I would like but I am doing better now that the sun is rising sooner so I rise sooner. I look forward to this time because it is easier for me to have my quiet time. The treat of a quiet house, a cup of warm tea, a time to reflect and spend with the Lord.

some goals for my spring break....

finish cleaning out the future bathroom
Make perogies ( and write a tutorial)
make cottage cheese for the first time
give the house a extra clean as much as I can (so I can take pics of my home to share)
some knitting *grin*
Make some lesson plans

Those are my great aspirations and we will see what reality will be. *grin*

Spring is Starting to Pop Up!

2011-03-10T07:31:00.001-08:00

A Tray of Leeks

I am so excited that I am starting to finally see signs of spring here. I have to admit to those who don't know this about me but I am not a natural lover of gardening. My hubby the gardener and he has slowly lured me into helping him. I do enjoy certain parts of the garden more than others. For example after planting and waiting and then the plants just... break forth out of the ground is such a simple pleasure of mine. It to me is a sign of hope and new life. New life coming forth is such a pure joy, if it be a new born baby, or animal, or plant. I loved the verse in the creation account in Genesis that mentions that God planted a garden. He didn't speak it to be but it said He planted it. That just shows the loving and caring side in our creator that I think is missed ohhh too often. I didn't catch that till I was in my 30's and I went to a woman's breakfast at church and a sweet lady who was the speaker drew our attention to that. Isn't our Lord so amazing. I hope that you take a moment sometime this spring and stand and be amazed at our Lord's creation and know that it didn't just evolve but was a gift from our creator who thought out every detail as a gift for us.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Still Some Snowy Days and a Peak Into My Knitting Bag

2011-03-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

A peak out my dinning room window today.

This time a year I have to work real hard not to be discontent and feel the grass is greener on the other side. (literally, lol) It is that time of the year of transition time between winter and spring. We are seeing glimpses of spring but we are still getting snow. I am drooling over pictures on blog posts that show trees in bloom and life. Yes, it will happen here too...soon. Till then I will cozy up to my knitting and sit by the fire and patiently wait and daydream for spring.

Here is a peak into my knitting bag of goodies. I am using up odds and ends in my yarn stash and making hot pads that I will make a quilt front and then put on a binding. The moss stitch gives the thickness so I don't have to use batting or a backing. It is all in one, neat eh? I am hoping during spring break I can get some quilt fronts made and then assemble them. I used chunky 100% wool or cotton for this. That is important because if you use acrylic it will probably melt when used, I know b/c I used my hubby's aunts and that happened, not a good thing.

I See Light at the End of the Tunnel or...Bathroom

2011-03-08T07:56:00.001-08:00

The last two Saturday's I have been working on de-cuttering and clearing out all the STUFF for the future bathroom. I have talked about this in the past but now it is GOING to happen. This time trying to clean it out I made a rule with myself. When I take something out to sort through and if it doesn't pertain to the future bathroom it cannot go back in. This has been really working. ((happy dance)) I have a bit more to go and with spring break at the end of this week I know I will make it happen. We have a claw foot tub and a shell pedestal sink are just waiting to go in. I still have to get a toilet and tile for behind and under the tub area but it is getting close.

BEFORE

UP TO DATE as of Saturday March 5th

I have a bit more to go but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a carrot dangling to get there. I am determined to soak a couple of hours in my light lavender painted tub.

Here is the shell sink I found at a second hand store...score!!!

And my tub. It is hard to see but it is a pale lavender colour on the outside and white on the inside.

Simple Pleasures~ A Touch of Red

2011-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl I LOVED the color red. I had a red carpet, red bedspread, and what ever else I could have to be red. Then I went quite a few years of being sick of red but in the last decade or so I have returned back to my love of red. I accent whenever I can now with red. Red teapot, knitted and felted hot pads, table clothes, mugs, tea towels, baskets. You name it I am looking for red. When we were planning the colours for "The House That God Built" ( I need to write a post on this blog to explain this title. ) I wanted a red wall but alas my hubby did not. So when ever I can I decorate with red I do. I am thankful that red has become popular again and it is making finding things easier right now. My simple pleasure is... a splash of colour, RED. ( British spelling for colour)

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Winter Is Still Here But Getting Ready For Spring

2011-03-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

What I see out my door today....

Do you see my kitty's tracks?

Last night we started our leeks on the plant table. It is amazing how teeny tiny these seeds are. You plant them 1cm ( 1/2 inch) deep. We seeded 6 seeds each square because the germination rate of the seed was lower and then later on we will thin out for the best leek in each square.

We are trying to get what ever frozen fruit in the freezer made into jam or used up in pies, cakes, muffins, custards, and juice. Here is Handsome making strawberry jam and Noah is perched at the laptop on the breakfast counter. This is where I blog from. *grin*

Yes, these are the days that we are caught up in between the two seasons. Finishing up what we need to get done before it gets too busy with spring chores. And at the same time we are getting ready for planting the garden.

A Time of Prayer and Fasting

2011-03-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

I want to share where God is humbling and growing me right now. Please know this post is not to glorify me but to glorify HIM. Please do not take this as "a look at me moment" but it is a I want to share what the Lord is doing post. Please know this post is given from a very humbled spirit and I hope it will inspire someone if the Lord wants it to.

I have heard about fasting over the years and I had only tried once and totally failed before the day was out. I had tried to not have coffee for a period of time and the flesh was very weak but the spirit was willing. ( this was before I had given up coffee for good) Now some years later I have been needing a time of deep renewal in my relationship with the Lord. Because I know He is working things out in me so I felt a deep pulling inside to try fasting again. I thought very seriously about what I would fast from and because of my blood sugar issues I was very leery of fasting from food. Then I had heard about the Daniel Fast but for me to give up meat was not much of a sacrifice but I may still try this in the future. But in the sermon I heard on fasting recently the pastor mentioned that even a fast from the internet could be a fast. That struck a chord in my spirit and knew that was what I needed at this time.

Christian Fasting - Focus Deeper on God
Christian fasting isn't some kind of a "work" that's commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn't mean that fasting isn't recommended as a part of our spiritual growth. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish our flesh, but to focus on God.

"Yes, it's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The primary Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18)."

That Sunday I asked my hubby to check emails for me and I would not go on the computer on Sunday's and Monday's. I am not sure how long I will keep doing this but the Lord is blessing these times with Him like I truly had hoped. He is leading me in my prayer and quiet times where He is peeling off layers that have needed facing for a long while. I am very excited and humbled at the same time.

"Christian fasting is more than denying ourselves food or something else of the flesh - it's a sacrificial lifestyle before God. In Isaiah 58, we learn what a "true fast" is. It's not just a one-time act of humility and denial before God, it's a lifestyle of servant ministry to others. As Isaiah tells us, fasting encourages humility, loosens the chains of injustice, unties the chords of the yoke, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. This concept of fasting isn't a one day thing - it's a lifestyle of servant living for God and others.

"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am' (Isaiah 58:8-9)."

If the Lord strikes a chord in your heart to try this I pray that you will be as blessed as I have been in prayer and fasting.

Participating in....

Feeling A Bit Under the Weather

2011-02-23T05:53:00.001-08:00

I thought I would come up for air and say that I am feeling a bit under the weather. Yes, it is cold season and our family this winter seems to be getting the latest, most new cold passing through. This latest one I just feel like crawling in bed with a good book and a tea but I need to keep going because my family does. I am very thankful being able to take the Rose Hip Syrup I made in the December. Nursing my cold with herbal teas, apple cider tonic, and earl grey green tea. Yesterday I made a big pot of chicken soup and a batch of whole wheat bread that should last a couple days. At this point I don't know if I will be posting a simple pleasure and Friday Farm Girl's posts or not. I guess time will tell. But I do hope to get some blog visiting in here and there. Hope you all are in good health.

My MIL's Stripy Wooly Socks and Ramblings

2011-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

With all the day dreaming I find myself slipping into here and there thinking about spring. I need to remember to savor the now. I know that in the next week or two it will be the beginning of starting seeds on the plant table. Which means in the next couple of months we will start prepping the garden to be planted and it will be full speed ahead from there till New Years again. So, I need to remember to savor this time of quiet days sitting and stitching and planning.

It also shows me I need to get a move on certain projects I wanted to get done this winter. I better get them started and finished in proper time. I really want to clean out what will be our future bathroom. Ohh for those who have known me for the last few years...well yes things have crept back into that room. I need to just get it all out and not allow anything other than what is needed for the future bathroom back in there. I think I will get started on this mammoth of a project a week from today. I will have to block out my Saturday for that alone. Maybe a pre-made frozen dinner is a good idea or a crock pot dinner. I think I will have to get hubby to get me a kitchen timer this week so I can set intervals of work and rest periods. Then what ever doesn't get done that day I will set a goal of 15-30 minutes each day till it is done.

Do you have any mammoth projects that are calling your name this winter?

Friday Farm Girls ~ Super Simple Bread Recipe

2011-02-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

This is the recipe that started my bread making career way back when I was 12 years old. *grin* If you haven't made bread before it is a wonderful starting point. This bread is made with store bought flour which acts different than home ground wheat. If you want to make bread from freshly ground flour then go HERE.

~Super Simple Bread Recipe~

Soften in a small bowl for a few minutes till frothy.

-1 rounded Tablespoon or one package of active dry yeast

-1/4 cup of warm water ( can test temperature by using a candy thermometer and you want it to be between 105 to 115*F)

- 1 Tablespoon sugar

~Combined in a large bowl:

-2 cups scalded milk ( heat till steamy but do not boil)

-2 Tablespoons sugar

-2 Tablespoons salt

-2 Tablespoons shortening or... margarine or.... butter.

~Cool to lukewarm and add:

-yeast mix

-2 cups of flour

Beat with mixer for 5 minutes. Add enough flour to make a firm ball. Which is about 4 cups flour. Knead until smooth.

-cover with a cloth and let it rise 30 minutes.

-Punch down

-divide dough into 2 pieces.

-Rolls each into a rectangle.

-roll up to a firm smooth loaf.

-place in a buttered bread pan and place into oven at 200 *F for 1 hour ( check at 30 min.) until doubled in size.

-Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes.

( To read other Farm Girls @Heart and/or join in on the fun go visit my friend Lori's blog by clicking on the graphic)

Simple Pleasures~ Brightness of Snow

2011-02-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

Being a Pacific Northwest raised gal I have never grown tired of the novelty of snow sense I have moved inland. I love how it brightens everything around. It helps with the winter blahs so much. Each time it blows in a new layer on the tired old snow it is all fresh and new again. I can sit by the window and get lost in watching the flakes come down. Sometimes big flakes some times small. Sometimes they come down fast and sometimes slow. I also love how our Lord decided to make it that there are no two flakes alike. All unique and all beautiful...just like the way he created us. I also like winter for the time to slow down and ponder, to think of things that we don't seem to have much time any other time of the year. I also like to take extra time this time of the year to stitch projects, which create more time to think. I work hard not to create too much business so I can soak up this time. Yes, I try not to rush this time and enjoy it for what it is.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

::right now::

2011-02-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

right now, I am ...

:: marveling .How it is acting like spring already.

:: plotting what we will be ordering in our seed order and planting in the garden when spring is here.

:: finishing up my MIL's stripy wooly socks.

:: stopping and pondering where I am in life and what goals I want to work towards.

:: wondering how time has gone so fast and how I am old enough to be a mom of a son who is married.

:: listening to Nicolas watching how they made the Lord of the Rings DVD's...again.

:: feeling like I am discovering so much and growing so much in my spiritual walk and learning so much more right now in my homemaking skills.

:: loving meeting so many new Sweet Sister's in Christ on blogspot. I am thankful I made the jump to come here.

:: hoping to get a lot more organised as this year progresses.

:: wanting more hours in my day to get to do all I want to and still have time to rest too. *grin*

:: thinking and thinking and thinking what I want to do in our little homeschool.

:: making many baby steps to much better health.

:: planning to try to make cottage cheese soon.

:: learning how to make my own beauty products and trying to expand my sewing skills. I got to get on my dream sewing projects soon.

:: thankful for all that has been given and not given. I am coming to a place of contentment.

He Hath Heard My Voice

2011-02-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

Our family was not able to make it to church on Sunday because our road (which is on a steep hill) was a sheet of ice. After we attempted and thankfully parked our car and we went home. I prayed for what our family would study together that morning. And the Lord gave me a verse...

Psalm 116

¹I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

²Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

I was very encouraged that day as our family started a bible study together. We are using Understanding The Bible~ A Biblical Survey. It covers from Genesis to Revelations. I love how the verse the Lord gave and saw how he lead our family that day. It also spoke to my heart that my Lord has not forgotten me and knows what I need. I love how the Lord never turns His back on us even when we might feel that He is distant. He isn't but what it means I need to put all that doesn't matter aside and to gather at His feet and and pray all the more fervently and gather close to Him.

My Favorite Whole Wheat Bread Recipe and Dough Enhancers

2011-02-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Update:

I will share next week how to make some simple breads using flour bought from the store. They DO act differently than home ground flour.

Using Dough Enhancers When Making "Home Ground" Whole Wheat Bread

Sense last summer I have been figuring out how to make yummy things from grinding my own wheat in our grain grinder. I haven’t been fully happy with my bread till last summer. The change ? It was using dough enhancers. I haven’t bought any pre-made ones because it had things that my 2ds is allergic to. So of course I have been researching on the net. And I found some answers. ((happy dance))

Here is a link to a neat video Dough Enhancer for making Homemade Bread

*******Here is the bread recipe that I used and loved ! It is at BreadExperience .com **********

Tips for using your own everyday items as dough enhancers in WHEAT BREAD: (It’s best to use ALL THREE of these enhancers when making whole wheat bread)

Gluten: use 1/2 T. – 1 T. per cup of flour (this means before you measure a cup of flour place the 1/2 T.-1 T. gluten in the bottom of your cup and then measure flour as usual)

Apple Cider (or white) Vinegar: use the same amount of vinegar that you are using for yeast (i.e. 1 t. yeast – 1 t. vinegar)
I have to say that prefer to use Apple Cider vinegar because it is healthier and more natural but white vinegar works just fine.

Potato Flakes or Potato Startch: use 1/8 to 1/4 C. per loaf of bread you are making, experiment to see what works best in your recipe. (do not substitute in potato pearls, they don’t dissolve as easily and are artificially flavored which you will be able to taste in your bread)

If you are making bread and want to give a extra umph try it and here is some must sees in how to make really good bread videos. I learned soooooooo much from this gal and I have been making bread for 30 years.

***Lately I haven't been using Potato Starch and it does pretty okay. It you make some bread from this recipe I hope you share that you did. I would love to hear how it worked.

Here is a series of videos that REALLY helped me in this learning curve.

1/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

2/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

3/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

4/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

5/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

6/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

7/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

8/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

Participating in ....

Simple Pleasures~ Knitting in the Round

2011-02-10T12:15:00.001-08:00

This week I took some yarn that I had hand dyed and then made a sweet gift ( a cowl) for a sweet friend. There is something so fun about knitting in the round. I added a bit of lace knitting to it but not too much because it would be lost in the texture of the yarn. I am very pleased how it turned out. I find when I have a lot on my mind and heart I tend to knit more. It is a very therapeutic way to sooth the nerves and mind. And a wonderful time to pray.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Important Prayer Request for my DIL

2011-02-08T17:03:00.001-08:00

Update On Essie:

Essie is now home and doing well. Cat scan was good and Philip has to keep a close eye on her and check on her every couple of hours. And he has the next couple of days off so he can be with her. Thank you sooooo much for ALL your prayers. Please keep them in your prayers for the next couple of days for full healing and no problems.

Please pray for my Daughter in Love. My two sons and Essie went snowboarding today and she had a accident. She is suffering from a concision and is suffering from short term memory loss and is having a hard time thinking clearly. She is in good hands and with prayer covering will be such a blessing for her and the family. Hubby and Luke are with Philip and Essie at this time. Essie is being transported from our local hospital to a different one near by. Thank you for your prayers they are so appreciated.

What A Friend We Have in Jesus

2011-02-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Lord woke me up this week with this song singing in my heart. I have had some sweet blogging sister's in Christ impacting me in being simple and drawing near our Lord. I have been laying down what is not important, my fears, praying more and just laying everything at His feet. I have been feeling so blessed and I can finally hear the whispers of the Lord again. It has been too long. It feels so good to lay all my doubts down at his feet and to ask Him to meet me at my unbelief. Yes, our Lord can take it and will come along side us and pick us up in His arms and love and minister to our souls in these times. Thank you Lord for who you are and for all your love despite our sinful nature.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Friday Farm Girl~ Doodle Stitching and Other Projects

2011-02-04T07:06:00.001-08:00

Today in my Farm Girls @Heart post I want to share how I have discovered the love of Doodle Stitching. In years past I use to cross-stitch but now I have found with all the things this homeschool mama has to do. The mental power to do cross-stitching is to much. I like needlework that is more freeing and forgiving. I like how the author encourages you to carry on and create your own designs. I hope this coming year to spend some time each week just...doodling. And I hope to be able to create some of my own doodles. I love crafts that I can just play with colour and shapes and only the sky is the limit.

I also have been knitting a shawl for a charity. I hope in the next week or so this will be done. I have done a lot of complex designs but sometimes a very simple one will stump me, lol. The middle yarn overs that create the lacy holes sometimes will move to one side or the other. Not what I want. I have to be very careful this doesn't happen. I don't know if you can see it very well but I made a beaded stitch marker. I hope to be making some to put in a Etsy store. Trying to find a way to sell my crafts and not have to leave the home to do it.

( To read other Farm Girls @Heart and/or join in on the fun go visit my friend Lori's blog by clicking on the graphic)

Simple Pleasures~ Comfort Foods

2011-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

In my previous post I was talking about my All In A Frump Day. And of course days like this a person tends to search out comfort foods. What is my comfort food? Cookies... and even better if it is chocolate chip cookies. Well to be exact it was Cinnamon Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. I think just going through the motions of mixing and baking the cookies help with easing and sorting out my emotions. Having the simple pleasure of the process of making and enjoying ( a few) cookies on a frump of a day.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

All In A Frump Day

2011-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

I am in a frump today. I have been feeling out of sorts and couldn't really put my finger on it. Then after emailing a dear friend back and forth I figured it out. My dad's birthday is today and I miss him very much. He passed away some years ago and I miss him dearly. I was a daddy's girl. I remember loving my dad so much. He would come to breakfast in his white undershirt to breakfast and I would do the same to be like him. He would eat till his belly was rounded and pat it and would copy him in this. I followed him around and LOVED watching him build and remodel the house I grew up in. I was fascinated by all he could do with his tools and wood and building supplies. I also loved that he carved and loved all the things he made. I thought he was the smartest man ever.

Learning and Life

2011-02-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

As my earlier post showed it is a time of dreaming, reflecting and planning. I am looking at what we have gotten done and what we still have yet to do. It seems that I always pick a lot more read aloud's than I can get done. We are In the second book of the of the MacNeil's adventure trilogy, "Under A Shooting Star" by Maxine Trottier. It is a series of historical novels in the setting of very end of the 1700's and the early 1800's. The second book is during the year of 1812. So far, like the first book the boys don't want me to stop once I start reading it. It really gives a flavor of what it would have been like for the early settlers of Canada. I highly recommend it.

I am starting to get ready to make my list of what we need to continue on in our little homeschool. I have to admit I don't have such a cut and dry start and finish in our school the last few years. School the last few years has blended one into the next. When one of my boys finish their math books we move onto the next. We are doing some catch up in language arts. I am trying to make sure the basics are covered and we have a solid foundation. This coming year I feel like I need to dive more fully into the Charlotte Mason style that I have steered a bit off of. I joined the Charlotte Mason Online Organizer and hope to get that all figured out and going asap. I have to admit that I want us to just continue on with our Canadian History curriculum. We have been enjoying it so much and I don't want to try to rush through what we have left just because we are not done with it this year. So I think we will continue on.

Friday Farm Girls~ Dreaming of Future Sewing Projects

2011-01-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

Part of being a Farm Girl @Heart is dreaming of what you want to create next. I have had a re-birth of the desire to learn to sew more and better. I have very basic skills and want to expand on them and have fun building one skill at a time with one project at a time. I have dedicated a section of my Learning Room as my sewing area. I want to have a space to be creative in this way. I love how it is also not too far from my wood stove and I will have a chance to enjoy it too. Here I have shared links to many of my dream projects and I have also invested some sewing books that I hope to share as I start using them this year. Do you have any dream projects you want to learn? What are they? Share please. [0=

Braided Rag Rug

Woven Rag Rug

Simplicity Skirt 7141

Rolled Hem Hankies

Spring Napkins

How To Change a Dress into a Skirt

Reversible Totebag

Boxers

Notebook Cover

Flower Pin Cushion Or Apple Pin Cushion

Simplicity #3842

Jenny of ELEFANTZ Give Thanks Wall Embroidered Hanging

Annie's Crazy Thumb Pin Cushion

( To join in on the fun go visit my friend Lori's blog by clicking on the graphic)

Simple Pleasures~ Reading That Feeds The Soul

2011-01-27T07:42:00.001-08:00

It seems I have limited reading time so I have to pick my books carefully. During last nights visit with my oldest son and his new bride...Essie gave me a new book. It was un expected but very happily received. I have been wanting to read the Pilgrims Progress original unabridged edition for a long while. (I have in the past read The Dangerous Journey) I mentioned to my new daughter-in-love a future birthday gift idea to for a copy of a the unabridged Pilgrims Progress would be wonderful. Little did I know she would give me one that night. After spending a wonderful dinner and evening visiting with them we came home and I got everyone settled down. After the evening chores were done I got to settle down with a warm drink and a new book, *grin*. What a wonderful Simple Pleasure that is. Other than the Bible this book also feeds my soul. I hadn't heard of the book till I was a young lady reading Little Women. It mentioned Pilgrim's Progress in it. I asked my parents what book that was. My dad's response was it was a book that all kids were required to read when he was in school. Hmmmm just think what the world would be like today if that was still on the required school reading list.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Dyeing Wool With Food Coloring or Kool Aide

2011-01-21T06:42:00.000-08:00

I was going through my craft patterns last night and found my notes on how to dye wool with food coloring or Kool Aide. I sure am getting the itch to try my hand at it once again this winter.

On January 10th, 2010 I posted on my old blog of my experience dyeing wool with food coloring and had to share it with you all. I have have been enjoying my hand dyed wool Calorimetry headband this fall and winter. ( pattern HERE)

(January 2010)

I have been wanting to dye my own wool for years but never have had the courage to. But I keep hearing about those ( my older brother included) who have dyed animal fibers with Kool Aide. It is a safe and wonderful non fussy way to do it in your own kitchen. You even can use your crockpot ! My crockpot has become one of my most favorite tightwad tools.

My brother gave me some white sheeps wool last year. I have been holding onto it for awhile and decided to take the plunge and dye it. But as I was researching how to dye it I found out you can also dye it with food colouring ! This neat must see homestead video that shows how to dye wool with Kool Aide. Off there they gave a link in in their more info a very well written out instructions too and a neat link to food colour dyeing your wool.

Here I am winding my wool into a hank of yarn.

I tied my hank in several places to hold it together while I dye it. ( suggestion here: tie very loose or it will give a tie dye ring…not reccomended unless you want that look.)

Here I am soaking my wool in a vinegar and water bath over night to help it to absorb the dye better.

Here is my yarn in the crockpot after I have poured my food coloring mix into it. Please watch video and read the instructions on the side. It explains it very well. There is one other site that I recommend to read too. Go HERE.

This is what the water looks like after it has exausted all the colour from the water. It is so fun to keep peeking in and seeing it disapear. This is a GREAT science experiment with learning color therory. I had a ton of fun mixing my own colours with the food colouring.

TA DA ! Here is my first tries !

((((HAPPY DANCE)))

And my second tries !!

I thought I would show what my knitting basket looks like right now. The top right corner shows the two balls of yarn that I dyed the second time round. Doesn’t this make you want to try it ?!?

( To join in on the fun or check out other Friday Farm Girls @Heart posts click on the graphic and go visit my friend Lori)

Simple Pleasures~ Reading The Little House Books

2011-01-20T07:55:00.001-08:00

I am going to start off my reflections in "Simple Pleasures" meme with something that I have enjoyed over the many years in my little homeschool. It starts when my boys have read through all the I Can Read books, Frog and Toad books, Owl books. Then, I have them read The Little House On the Prairie books with me. In the beginning (well for quite awhile) I read a paragraph and then I have them read a paragraph. Back and forth we go for the alloted time set on the kitchen timer. By the time the child gets through all the books in the series their reading is pretty smooth. I have really enjoyed this and building their reading fluency and heart ties with mom. I am getting VERY close to starting this ritual with my youngest boy. I can't wait to start. I am thinking it might be in a week or so. *grin* I can't wait to start.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Count It JOY

2011-01-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

In the last 1o years the Lord occasionally will give me a message through a wonderful man at church. I really do feel like I am hearing a direct audio-able message from the Lord. I am usually in tears because it pierces my heart as I hear what is being said. This dear sweet man of God has taken such physical wounds and have allowed to learn from them and praise the Lord and constantly minister to others. He shares his story and shares how God is in control and knows every last detail of what is happening in our lives. He shares how he was spared two times from near death accidents and lives to still spread the good news. He says that God must not be done with him yet here on earth or the Lord can't stand him and is not ready for him to come home yet. [0= He shared how nothing in our lives is happening outside of Gods protection. He knows everything what we need and is very involved in our lives. Nothing is too hard for God. He shared with me that after suffering for 20 years then a second near death accident that happened year ago is causing his body to heal things that he has suffered from the first accident. PTL!

For 20 years he would have to leave right after church to avoid all the noise because it would cause such pain and suffering but now he can stay and visit. He also couldn't sing because it would cause such suffering but over the last month or so he has been able to sing through a whole service. What doctors thought would never improve IS. PTL !

As my dear friend was sharing all this with my this last Sunday I felt God was speaking strait to me. I felt through my dear friends words that the Lord was saying to me that He (God) knows every last detail in my life. That He (God) is in control of it all and knows what I need. I felt the Lord was telling me through my friend that He has not forgotten me. ( sometimes lately in my frustration I felt this) I have never given up but I have felt tired and dry and I am very ready for the Lord to breath new life into me again. I prayed that this morning in my quiet time with the Lord. I am ready to trust even when times get tough.

I am going to share that things have been very tight lately. With friends who have followed my blogging over the last 4 and half years know that I am very frugal but the Lord is teaching me even more in this department. I have said over the last couple of years...." I have cut so many corners that I am down to a circle". *grin* Well every time I seem to say that.... the Lord says that there are a few more corners you can cut. I rejoice that I am learning this because I am thankful as I learn to cut another corner that I get to share with others how to save money and put it where it is more needed.

"I count JOY my brethren when I meet various trials for the testing of my faith produces steadfastness and let steadfastness take full effect so that I may be perfect and complete."

James 1:2-5

Homestead Ramblings ~The Snow Scenes Before It Rained

2011-01-15T06:43:00.001-08:00

This last week was a winter wonderland in the beginning and then it warmed up and the rains washed some of it away. I am a Pacific Northwest raised gal and the novelty of snow has never left. I much prefer snow over rain in the winter. I love how it brightens up everything and makes it all new. I can see how the analogy of when we are forgiven that our sins are washed away and it is as white as snow. No blemishes all is perfect and beautiful. It really does look like new beginnings after a good snow.

This is a picture from our front door looking up to our neighbors barn. The border of our property is just beyond the lilac bush that the two bird feeders hang on. I never get tired of looking at that barn. It was a barn that was built by the original owners of the land before it was sub divided and sold. Where our house is is where the old log cabin was. Being up here on this mountain top feels like a world removed and in itself. And sometimes it feels like times stands still. I hope you enjoy some of the fun I had with my camera and also editing them on a free photo editing site...Picnik.

Our Home Sweet Home

It is a bit misleading because it is a bit bigger than what it seems. The house is set into the hill and there is a walk in basement level.

There you have it ...a taste of winter on our Mt. *grin*

{this moment}

2011-01-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

{this moment}
*** *** ***

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Shalom ( Cardigan)

2011-01-13T10:03:00.001-08:00

Picture taken by Nicolas 10 yo

I was finally able to get a sweet ds to take my picture of my new FO ( finished object) my Shalom Cardigan ( the pattern is HERE but I used THIS alterations to it.) . *GRIN* I love my new cardi so much. The wool I picked is so soft and a joy to wear. I have some green cotton yarn to make a different sweater( that is a bit complicated for my full brain) but I am now thinking maybe a Shalom II might be a choice. [o= One thing I would do different is make the sleeves a bit longer. Just long enough to go over my elbows and I want to try using the moss stitch instead of the garter stitch for the edges and cuffs. I just love the 3/4 length sleeves. I have some other FO's I want to share and I need to take some time this week or next to get some pictures of them for you.

( To join in on the fun go visit my friend Lori's blog by clicking on the graphic)

Food Storage Challenge~ In The Thinking Stage

2011-01-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

Click on graphic to find out more.
I am working on the first assignment of the Food Storage Challenge at my friend Lori's blog. It is going slowly for me right now being sick with a bad cold and I think we finally finished packaging the seeds up for the seed business. I have to admit I am still in the thinking stage. I am taking mental notes of what we have stored up and what holes need filling. I have had sooooooo much fun looking through all my cookbooks and making a dream menu list of what I would like to make. Then I should probably take it down a notch or two. *grin* It's got me looking at things I have always wanted to try to make and got me thinking about it again. One thing I thought looked too hard to make really didn't look that hard this time round. I want to make cottage cheese. I tried one way once and did not like it because you used vinegar and that was all I could taste when I had made it. But I have a recipe for another way that I thought was too hard but doesn't use vinegar. And I think I will try making it when I am not sick with a bad cold. In some ways it reminds me of making yogurt. If it works out for me I am happy to write a tutorial on it for Friday Farm Girls @ Heart. The only thing I need for it is buttermilk. [0= But other than that I have a bit to go in picking what I want to put on my menu plan and then I need to break it down what I still need.

The part my friend Lori talked about in the instructions really stands out to me is the part about praying. She is so right and we need to stop and pray what steps the Lord wants us to take. It may be harder for some but each small baby step will get us closer and closer to our goal. I do believe the Lord wants us to prepare. Not to leave everything to chance. It is one thing if you cannot do something on your own and you need the Lord's help but it is another thing when we can over time and once again depend on the Lord for each step and leading.

I hope to be writing out on my index cards the next few days of some plans and will post a update on it.

Here is some of what Lori had said in her post....

PART A ~ PRAYING
Always, always, always pray before undertaking any kind of project for your family! Ask God to watch over you. Ask Him to help you make wise decisions. Ask Him to lead you. And, if you are married, ask your husband if it's alright for you to do this.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. ...She looks well to the ways of her household..." (Proverbs 31:25, 27)

PART B ~ THINKING
(1) Take a walk through the house and decide where you will keep your stored food. How much space will you need? It depends upon what foods you choose, and what form they come in (normal size packaging vs. bulk, flour vs. wheat berries that you'll grind later, boxes, cans, etc); that said, I have read that a super basic storage would fit under the average twin-size bed.

You'll need either your computer or good old-fashioned paper and pencil, and 29 file cards (or paper cut into roughly card size, I use 4x6"). We will NOT be buying anything for a while yet...we are planning, planning, planning!

On a piece of paper, or on your computer, make a list of 7 things your family likes to eat for breakfast, then 7 things your family likes to eat for lunch, then 7 things your family likes to eat for dinner, and finally 7 things your family likes to eat for dessert. Keep in the back of your mind that we're going for food storage, so try to list things that are easy to make and that aren't largely dependent upon fresh produce! (If you're at a loss for what kinds of things to select, or just want some ideas or new recipes, Wendy lists a number of them on her site...click HERE to view the post, and you'll find the meal ideas almost halfway down the page.)
Next, you'll need 29 file cards (or file-card-size pieces of paper). Divide these into four piles of 7 cards, with one card leftover (it is your "Bread Card").
Take your first set of 7 cards, and at the top of each card write down the name of an *uncomplicated breakfast that you could make for your family and which you could eat once a week for 13 weeks (3 months). You should have 7 cards, each one with a different breakfast name written at the top. They can be similar, like "Oatmeal w/strawberries" and "Oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins," that's fine. If you eat Granola every single morning, then you'll have 7 cards that each have the same "title" at the top: "Granola."

Take your 2nd set of 7 cards, and at the top of each card, write the name of an *uncomplicated lunch which you could feed your family and which you could eat once a week for 13 weeks (3 months)...7 cards, 7 different lunches.

Take your 3rd set of 7 cards, and at the top of each card, write the name of an *uncomplicated dinner which you could feed your family and which you could eat once a week for 13 weeks (3 months)...7 cards, 7 different dinners.

Take your 4th set of 7 cards, and at the top of each card, write the name of an *uncomplicated dessert which you could feed your family and which you could eat once a week for 13 weeks (3 months)...7 cards, 7 different desserts.

*It is up to you if you feel you're doing this food storage for an emergency where you will assume you have no access to electricity or running water, or if you're doing it assuming an extreme economic hardship like a job-loss, but you'll still have an oven/stove/microwave, etc. You should select your meals accordingly...if you want waffles, you can store the ingredients, NO PROBLEM! But you're assuming you'll be able to plug in your waffle iron, unless you have a cast iron waffle pan and can cook them over an open fire. *grin*
Now, for each card you've made, on the left side, make a list of every ingredient you would need to prepare that recipe for your family. Don't leave anything out...include the water needed to boil things like pasta and rice,especially if you want to plan for a scenario where you would not have running water available to you.
Next, multiply each ingredient by 13 and list it on the right side of each card (there are 13 weeks in 3 months). Here, for example, is one of my breakfast cards:

You should now have 28 filled-out cards, and 1 blank card, which will be your "Bread Card." Rubber band them all together, or put them in an envelope, and set them aside somewhere safe...we'll come back to these in February!

To find out more please click on the graphic above and go visit my friend Lori.

{this moment}

2011-01-07T22:44:00.001-08:00

{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember

Mastering the Art of Yogurt Making

2011-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the method that helped me finally master the art of yogurt making. I have tried different ways and had always had runny yogurt. I was about to give up and then I found a way I could master the art of yogurt making.

How to Master The Art of Yogurt Making

First warm your oven to about 350* for 4 minuets and then turn off oven and leave on the oven light. While I had done this I heated up my half gallon of milk on medium heat on the stove to 180* . ( it took me about 30 minutes ) I monitored this with my candy thermometer. I turned off the burner and set the pan on the table on a hot pad to cool near me where I was knitting. I let it cool down to about 115* to 120*. I took out one cup of the warm milk and wisked 4 Tablespoons of yogurt with active bacteria ( my starter). I then poured it back into the pan and wisked it a bit more. After you have mixed it then pour into clean quart jars and place on a cookie sheet in the warm oven. Leave the oven light on and let the yogurt set between 4-8 hours till thickened. If you let it go beyond 8 hours it will be more sour.

I calculated by making your own yogurt you can spend 1/4 th the cost of what it would cost you in the store.

To Make It Even More Tightwad’ish…

One way to make this even more of tightwad’ish tip is to take your store bought yogurt (…your starter) and pour and freeze in ice cube trays. After frozen transfer future yogurt cubes into a zip-lock bag and place in freezer till you need them. Two ice cubes equals 4 Tablespoons. When you need your starter defrost 2 ice cubes and bring them to room temperature and use.

. You can also piggyback starters by using some of the yogurt from your batches of yogurt up to 3 or 4 times (piggy backing). And then you need to defrost another 2 yogurt ice cubes to start over again. If you try to piggy back over 4 times you are more than likely get tarter yogurt. This makes it so it is just pennies in your cost of yogurt starter.

Extra Hints

…if your starter is tart you will probably get tart yogurt.

Only make enough yogurt that you will use up in 5 days and then make another batch.

I found if I wanted a thicker yogurt I used 2 % or whole milk. Or after you make your yogurt with 1% milk or skim you can strain on a coffee filter or cloth like a pillow case in a colander to make a more Greek style yogurt. ( save whey to use in bread or soup ).

PS: I found this neat fact( from here)...

Flu Fighter #2: Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics — good bacteria that line our intestines and defend our body against invading germs. Buy plain yogurt to get fewer calories and less added sugar than you do from fruit-flavored versions, and add your own sweetness with a teaspoon of honey (which may also be an immune booster, because it feeds good bacteria in our gut). To make sure your yogurt contains probiotics, look on the container for the National Yogurt Association's "Live and Active Cultures" seal, which means there are at least two types of healthy bacteria and 100 million bacteria per gram.

To see more Farm Girls @ Heart or want to join in on the fun go see my friend Lori's blog by clicking the graphic.

Or visit Trish at...

On The Home Front

2011-01-06T07:51:00.001-08:00

Winter days can make you think of solitude and hibernation but sometimes here on the homestead means different type of jobs. For about a month there is seed cleaning and packaging for the small seed business. My MIL and her house hold harvest and clean the seeds then we all start packaging them. These are the times I am so very thankful I have trained(ing) the boys to wash the dishes and that has freed up Handsome and I to focus on the seeds. I am the label cutter, sticks the labels , marks the year and germination rate on and then hubby fills them with seeds. In about a week or two life will be back to normal and another year will be done. Hubby( the gardener) is already dreaming of what he wants to grow in the garden and I ( the one who would run from gardening) have caught myself doing a bit of the same. *grin*

Red Mountain Spinach and Broad Leaf Mustard Greens

2011 Food Storage Challenge with Lori

2011-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

( To join in on the fun or meet others who are participating click the graphic)
I saw this neat challenge over at my friend Lori's blog. Now for years we have tried to buy in bulk and store food. But this is a bit more organised and it intrigued my hubby and I. I showed it to Handsome last night and we decided to take the challenge. I am thankful we have certain things already stored up but this will help us fill in the blanks and get organised. *grin* I forgot to ask hubby if we are going to try the 3 month or 6 month storage. I would assume for now we are going to try for 3 month storage. I will be posting the planning after I sit down with hubby.

Weekly Wrap Up~ January 1st

2011-01-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

On The Heart and Mind:

I am sitting and reflecting what a big year this has been for us. My first ds Philip graduated from our little homeschool and got married to the sweetest lady I could ever ask to be a daughter in love. Luke is growing up and is trying on different ideas of what he might want to do in his future. Plus I see him growing into a independent thinker and has good work hard ethics. Noah is getting his feet wet with starting to really learn what it means to work hard for some money. ( He is on snow shoveling duty this winter. *grin*) And then there is Nic who is changing before our eyes. One minute he is a grump a lump and then the next minute his is as sweet as honey.

On a side note....

I have to say that I have been looking at where I am at. And I have been toying with the idea of changing a bit in my blogging. I loved Weekly Wrap Up but I am feeling burnt out on hosting meme's. I think I need to step back from this roll and just enjoy blogging where the spirit leads me. I will pass the baton on if someone wants to and if not that is okay too. I have really enjoyed being here at blogspot and feel very blessed being here. Thank you so much for making me feel at home here. ((HUGS))

On The Home Front:

We have really enjoyed our winter break. Lots of sleeping in, having fun together... sleding, playing games, baking, and having friends and family over. Also, I have gotten a lot of stitching in too. *grin*

My Craft Corner:

Go HERE for my latest update. [0=

In The Kitchen:

We got the gingerbread and shortbread made. But I still want to make some after dinner mints and truffles. That may have to be a future Farm Girls @ Heart post. ((light bulb going on))

On The Healthy Side:

I got a exercise ball to strengthen the core and back muscles and I also got a beginners Pilate's video/book set at Sally Ann's. I hope to start that this coming week.

On My Night Stand:

" The Prayer That Changes Everything...The Hidden Power of Praising" by Stormie Ortaman
" Those Who Trust in the Lord Will Not Be Disappointed" by Peggy Ruth

Knitting Woolly Socks

2010-12-31T09:45:00.001-08:00

I have been busy busting my yarn stash this fall and winter and felt what a great thing to share on FFG@H. This year my MIL only suggested a few things for a gift ideas for her and one of them was a pair of my hand knitted socks. *grin* I was so thankful I had some sock yarn in my stash and I got busy.

I have been knitting for ohhh what seems like forever. I learned from my mom in mid to late elementary. And then became a avid knitter in junior high. But in all honesty I didn't take the leap to learn socks till about 6 or 7 years ago. I was scared of the heel. Now I feel silly but it did help to see someone knit the heel. I am a visual learner. And now I LOVE knitting socks and it is very therapeutic knitting in the round. I am hoping this up coming year to try some fancy lace knitted ones. Up until now I have enjoyed using smart yarn which is computerized striped dyed yarn. It makes the stripes and I don't have to think about it. *grin*

I have found these socks amazing. They are not too thick and they are very long lasting. My family loves them and I have a list of orders from them now that they see me knitting them again.

This years knitting goals are..... I want to make a drop spindle with two CD's and I want to learn how to knit two socks at the same time on two circular needles. If you want to learn how go....

HERE.

Lesson 1 - Getting Started

Lesson 2- Lets Knit !

Lesson 3- Time For the Heel

Lesson 4 - The Toe

If you want to find all kinds of neat patterns.( a lot for free) I suggest to join http://www.ravelry.com/ a online knitters and crocheters community. I have had so much fun there. If you do join look for me Canadagirl. And befriend me too, *grin*.

( to join in on the fun click the graphic and visit my sweet friend Lori)

Weekly Wrap Up~December 18th

2010-12-18T08:46:00.001-08:00

On The Heart and Mind:

I am thinking ...what is on my heart and mind. Hmmmm my thoughts are thinking of the things I need to do. We are hosting meals before family leave on trips. I am hosting the big family dinner. I have been asked by friends if I got all my shopping done. Well, I have been quiet but I don't play up Christmas any more. I do believe in the miracle of Christ's birth but I don't feel comfortable to celebrate it the way most do. I prefer to celebrate Hanukkah and know that Jesus is the true light of the world and our Savior. But I will be hosting the big family dinner as usual but that is it. We are going to be busy bees getting ready for the New Years celebration. We have a games night with all kinds of food and fun. We are really looking forward to that.

On The Home Front:

We are going to be doing a lot of cleaning and prepping for the family get to-gethers. I need to still make more rose hip syrup.(recipe HERE) The picture is of Noah picking from the rose hip bush. I didn't get any done this last week because it was still raining too much. It has turned cold again and I should be able to pick them. It has been getting down to -8C* which I think is 20F* and that will make picking them easier than in rain.

Learning and Life:

I plan to keep reading to the boys from Proverbs and our Canadian historical novel during our winter break. Plus, I want the boys to keep reading to me from their books that they read a loud from.

My Craft Corner:

I have been trying to bust my yarn stash and making things that are useful for our family. For example the red squares are felted hot pads that I just LOVE. ( those are crocheted) Or I can make and give to those who are in real need of a hat or scarf to keep warm this winter. Plus, I am working hard at finishing UFO's ( un finished objects). I have a pair of fingerless gloves that I just need to finish a thumb hole on. I have started the sleeves on my Shalom cardigan and then I just need to sew in the ends and sew the button on. ((yipppeee)) Now on the bottom left is a triangle scarf I am knitting and next to the fingerless gloves is a headband I need to finish. And ....then I hope to one day get back to my hexagons for Essie and Philip's laptop blanket.

Being Frugal:

I have discovered a really neat site called " America's Cheapest Family". I thought I would pass this onto you all. *grin*

In The Kitchen:

There will be a lot of cookies and candies being made in getting ready for New Year's Eve games night. I will be making in the next week or two... ginger bread snowflake cookies, short bread cookies, sugar cookies, Mama Mia's date fudge, Grandma's fudge, milk chocolate fudge, and mint choc. fudge, after dinner mints, and homemade marshmallows, and maybe some thumb print cookies. I know that sounds like a lot but thank goodness my boys will hopefully help. ((hopeful thinking))

On The Healthy Side:

I am sooooooooo glad to say that I can report that my back is out of pain. (((HAPPY DANCE)))

On My Night Stand:

" The Prayer That Changes Everything...The Hidden Power of Praising" by Stormie Ortaman
" Those Who Trust in the Lord Will Not Be Disappointed" by Peggy Ruth

A Time To Be Thankful:

I am thankful for fun times with my family. And a two week period that I hope to get some lesson plans done. ((hopeful thinking))

If you would like to join me in this meme, just write up your weekly summery , using mine or your own catogories. Then sign the Mr. Linky below I'd love to ready your Weekly Wrap Up summaries too. I hope to post mine each Saturday. This meme is a great way to be encouraged and encourage others in our journey of homeschooling.

Making Rose Hip Syrup

2010-12-17T10:47:00.001-08:00

I am really enjoying making Rose Hip Syrup and It is a wonderful way to be frugal too. I love that it is organic and I know there is no chemicals and additives in it. It is wholesome goodness.

Update:

I forgot to mention that rose hip syrup is a real good source for vitamin C. It has a lot more vitamin C than a orange.

Making Rose Hip Syurp

Ingredients

7 cups of water
1-2 cups of sugar
4 cups of rose hips topped and tailed

Method

- Semi-Roughly chop rose hips in food processor

- Bring 6 cups of water to boils

-put chopped rose hips into boiling water

-bring back to boil and then take off burner

-let it steep for 15 minutes

-strain through a cheese cloth or sterilized jelly bag or what I use is a sterilized curtain sheer

- Then boil the last cup and a half and put the rose hip paste back into water

-bring back to boil and take off burner again and let it steep for 15 minutes

-Pour back into clean pan add sugar and boil rapidly for 5 minutes

-Pour into sterilized bottles or jars and seal

-give it a hot water bath for 5 minutes in canner

Things I learned making it...

Pick rose hips after first heavy frost and don't wait for it to snow.
cut rose hips off the rose bush with rubberized garden gloves and scissors
add sugar to taste...try half a cup of sugar till you like the taste. After the first hard frost it makes the rose hips sweeter and you may not need as much sugar or at all. ( depends on taste)

I hope if you try this you will let me know how it went for you. I would love to know. Ohhh I almost forgot to say that you take a Tablespoon a day for good health.

( to join in on the fun click the graphic and visit my sweet friend Lori)

Weekly Wrap Up

2010-12-11T09:23:00.001-08:00

On The Heart and Mind:

Have you ever had a book that you had to read slowly and to digest what it was saying. I have been doing just that this week. The book is " The Prayer That Changes Everything...The Hidden Power of Praising". There has been things that I have been disappointed in in my current life and I am learning how to praise the Lord and not dwell on it. And to let myself not be discouraged and TRUST in the Lord in everything. The book I am also reading... " Those Who Trust in the Lord Will Not Be Disappointed" by Peggy Ruth is working along side the other book. The verse this book zones in on is Romans 9:33 ..." Just as it is written, behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence, and He who believes ( trusts) in Him will not be disappointed. I am learning to not just look at my current situations and learn to trust that the Lord is in control. ( which He is.... if I acknowledge it or not) And IF I keep trusting Him and His leadings in all things then I will not be disappointed. I have to seek His face and trust and obey.

On The Home Front:

Well, this week I have continued to plug away at making rose hip syrup around teaching lessons, feeding my family and keeping up with the house. I still have some more to make this week. It is a somewhat slow process and I am trying to make enough for at least Luke and I for on year. If I can make extra for the rest of the family...bonus. Luke and I are allergic to a lot of fruits and can't take vit. C vitamins from the store. It is a bit more challenging to pick the rose hips the last week because it has been raining. I hope to pick more on this coming week.

Learning and Life:

We are plugging away at our writing lessons and I am feeling very encouraged at how the boys are doing. I am trying to get Luke to feel comfortable in reading out loud from the Bible so I am having him read aloud to me a chapter a day from the gospel of Luke. I am really enjoying this time together. Also, I am having Noah read from the Little House On The Prairie books to build his fluency and Nic is reading Mike Mulligan and His Steam Engine to me. One thing that we are learning a ton from and really enjoying quite a bit is reading a loud a double page (each school day) from " Unlocking The Mysteries of Creation".

Then for Bible study we are reading a chapter a day from Proverbs and discussing it. I highly recommend doing that with your family. Lots of things to take about from it.

My Craft Corner:

In this department it has been dormant. I have been busy with lessons and making the rose hip syrup. And my back has been out so I haven't been stitching. I am hoping to start again this week end sense I have been feeling better after my chiropractor appointments this week.

Being Frugal:

When I went in on Friday for my second chiropractor appointment I had time to burn while I waited between coming in on the bus and my appointment time. I went to the Sally Ann and I was very happy to find what I was looking for. I was on the hunt for gloves ( for me) and snow pants for my two youngest boys. It was a success and now the boys won't be wet and cold while playing in the snow.

In The Kitchen:

This week we made a lot of fried foods for Hanukkah ( which I almost never do). We made french fries, cake doughnuts, latkas. On Friday when I had a long day in town I pre made pizzas so when we got home I only had to pop it in the oven and bake. Ohhh that was a GOOD idea. I will have to remember that for the future. I am looking into pre making some dinners and freeze them for when we need a easy dinner. That sounds so good to me right now.

On The Healthy Side:

I am learning how to take better care of my back and trying to apply the stretches and exercises that I was given by my chiropractor. I am really hoping to get a DVD player so I can get back to walking away the pounds with Leslie Sansone soon.

On My Night Stand:

" The Prayer That Changes Everything...The Hidden Power of Praising" by Stormie Ortaman
" Those Who Trust in the Lord Will Not Be Disappointed" by Peggy Ruth

A Time To Be Thankful:

I am thankful that the Lord put it on my friends heart (and the Lord confirmed it by pressing it on her husbands heart too) to drive me to the chiropractor this week. Otherwise I would have put off going in and would have still been in great pain. What a amazing loving God we have.

Weekly Wrap Up ~ December 4th

2010-12-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

On the Heart and Mind:

I am feeling like I am being led out in the wilderness spiritually. I guess I need to learn to lean on the Lord extra hard. I have felt this before and ran from it but this time I think I will follow and grow where the Lord wants me to grow. I have said this before but I will say it again...I am thankful for my like minded SS'sIC for my support in this journey. It makes the road seem a little less hard.

On another note I am letting you all know that I am now going to be blogging here from now on. It has been something that I have been flip flopping back and forth on for a long time now. And I have now decided I need to be here. I hope you like my new template that my friend Tamara made. I know I need to update the pictures on the header but that will come when my DIL ( daughter in love) Essie helps me take some new ones. She is a AMAZING photographer. I am also hoping to get 2 to 3 posts a week. I am trying to get out of my blogging slump.

On the Home Front:

This week we have been doing a lot of just settling into our lessons and having fun in the snow. The boys have there tobogganing run made and Luke has gone on his first day of snowboarding today. I got my laptop back when my brother and mom visited. But the two other computers are down. ((sigh)) So that makes computer time a bit more challenging. Oh, Philip and Essie started work up at the ski hill today and that we are thankful for.

Learning and Life:

This year we are spending a lot of time in Language Arts. We have started using "Writing Strands" along with our other lessons. So far so good. I a hoping once we are done with book 2 and 3 then I will have Noah use "Wordsmith Apprentice". We are just loving the book " A Circle of Silver" by Maxine Trottier.

Plus this last week we are reading out loud from "A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays" by Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce while we light the Hanukkah candles

. I learned a lot about Hanukkah and the history. It was very enriching. We enjoyed jelly doughnuts during our readings. (deep fried foods is a connection to the oil that burned for the 8 days. Soon we will be making latkas one night and rosette cookies another night. *grin*)

My Craft Corner:

I haven't been knitting as much this week but I am knitting a scarf for the local charity. I am hoping to finish my Shalom cardigan maybe this week. ((happy dance)). My goal this winter i s to bust my stash. I am finding ways to use up all the odds and ends I have plus I found some yarn I bought to make me a sweater and I hope to start tackling that soon. I still need to tie in the loose strands ( my least favorite job.) So I am going to post pics here this week.

In The Kitchen:

Last week I made rosehip syrup for the first time and I hope to make more this week end. Plus last night for the first time I made cake doughnuts. My kids loved them so I think that means they were a winner recipe. Nicolas my youngest pulled out my purple cookbook that I hand write all our favorite recipes in and wants me to add it. That must mean it is a two thumbs up recipe. I am hoping to share both of these on the Friday Farmgirls meme.

On My Night Stand:

I feel at this time I am to put aside my other books (other than the Bible) to read ...

-"The Prayer That Changes Everything...The Hidden Power Of Praising God" by... Stormie Omartian

-"Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed " by... Peggy Joyce Ruth.

If you would like to join me in this meme, just write up your weekly summery , using mine or your own catogories. Then sign the Mr. Linky below I'd love to ready your Weekly Wrap Up summaries too. I hope to post mine each Saturday. This meme is a great way to be encouraged and encourage others in our journey of homeschooling.

Monthly Mosaics ~ July 2010

2010-07-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

Weekly Wrap Up - July 16th

2010-07-16T16:55:00.001-07:00

On the Heart and Mind:

I am hoping the books I ordered will come soon. That way I can get my head wrapped around this coming year before it starts. I am thinking that we will start school a couple of weeks early this August so that way when the things come up ( like a wedding ) then the time that is distracted won’t be lost. Other than that I am in craft mode getting ready for craft fairs this fall.

On the Home-front:

Last week when I went MIA this is the major project I was working on….painting my trim.

Here are some snap shots of the week…

When my brother, sister, and her family came to visit we went on a neat historical field trip to Sandon, B.C. . We visited the ghost town and museum of Sandon.

Nicolas and my sister Lois.

My Nephew Ben

Silver Rush, Train Sequence VIDEO

Sandon British Columbia a real Ghost Town, Gold Rush VIDEO

Then we went to the Sandon Museum

We all wandered around finding sooooo many interesting things.

My BIL Doug

I loved getting to see all the antiques. This pineapple pattern triggered good memories of my grandmother. She use to crochet it quite a bit. I remember ohhhh and awwwing over the huge table clothes she made with this pattern.

I had a lot of fun looking at all the homemaking antiques. I tried to picture how they did ALL they had to do back then. I have to admit as much as I love the simple life I really would miss my KitchenAide and washing machine. [0=

Washing Machine

Cherry pitters and apple peeler

I have used similar contraptions as these. [0=

Living Is Learning:

As we went through the ghost town and museum of Sandon we got to see all kind of things that showed us how people lived in the early days of Sandon, British Columbia. There is sooo much interesting history in this town. There was a lot of history on the silver and gold mining during that time. And they have a great replica of a miners shanty.

Plus we got to see very unusual things that we never dreamed of….

Plus a bit of humorous history too…

Our Family Read Aloud:

Red Wall’s ” The Long Patrol” by Brian Jacques

My Craft Corner:

Works in progress….

In my corner I am finishing up some fingerless gloves and then I can get back to my hexagons. But that will be slow moving because I have started pouring and dipping beeswax candles to sell in the fall craft fairs. My kitchen is now a mini candle factory.

I am knitting hexagons (for a afghan to give to my ds and future daughter in love. I am up to 25 hexagons now.

My Goal: to make a afghan size. If you want to see what they look like go HERE.

In the Kitchen:

As I said before I am in the midst of candle making.

Mother Culture ( for definition go HERE )

.On my nightstand are….

I haven’t had much time for reading but these books are waiting when I have time. But the bible reading I am going to have to schedule a time to make sure it happens.

Reading from the Bible

.

“ A Biblical Home Education …Building Your Homeschool on the Foundation of God’s Word” by Ruth Beechick.

.

“The Nature Study Idea Book …Ideas For All Ages…Even Your Highschooler” by …Mary E. Woodis

.

Simply Charlotte Mason’s “Laying Down The Rails” a Charlotte Mason Habits Handbook and Sue Patricks’s “Workbox System“.

If you would like to join me in this theme, just write up your own weekly summary, using mine or your own categories. Then sign the MckLinky below. I’d love to read your weekly summaries too! I hope to post mine on each Friday or Saturday. If you get yours done before I do, just leave your link in my cbox or comments from the week before. Be sure and check last week’s Mr. Linky for any new ones who posted before I did! It is a great way to meet new people.

Picture Thought I am leaving with you…

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