A Safe Haven

I've moved!!

2010-03-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

I decided to move things over to Wordpress. All the same posts plus the new stuff will be on the new blog with a slightly different name. Hope to see you there!

You can find me here! http://oursafehaven.wordpress.com/

I want to be fabulous!

2010-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

A Proverbs Wife is challenging us to kick the frumpy mom look out of our lives forever. The plan is to get dressed everyday as if you have somewhere to go. Now, I do work outside the home as a preschool teacher. However, it's very easy to get into a slump with how you look. I tend to go for the comfortable look...jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts....pretty bland and boring. But, skirts haven't worked for me because I am up and down off the floor with the children and have a hard time manuevering in skirts. For now, I guess I'm going to have to stick to pants for work.

I also have very thick, curly hair that is very difficult to work with so most days it gets pulled back into a pony tail.

Not too fab looking, huh?
I've used relaxers most of my life but decided a year ago that I wanted to stop putting the chemicals so close to my brain. So....I need to figure to out a new look and somehow work with my own hair texture.

This is my hair right after it's been wet and brushed out. (Sorry for the dark picture).

It's a lot longer and generally what I do is braid it while it's still wet and then take it out while still damp and fluff it. This keeps it from shrinking up so much.

I do have a really good electric flat iron that I use that will straighten it completely. It will last as long as I keep it dry. However, I don't do it very often because it takes a good 45 minutes to and hour to do it because I have so much hair. My arm gets tired! I've been toying with the idea of cutting it short, but dh likes it long. Plus, years ago I did cut it pretty short and everytime it got wet it shrank up past my ears! not a very good look....
I did wear it down several days last week and got lots of compliments at work. I think the change is good.
A Proverbs Wife is going to continue the challenge in March. I'm looking forward to it because I have some other changes I'd like to try.

Family Nutrition

2010-02-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for this year is to eat healthier. I deliberately left it a vague because I wasn't sure what changes I wanted to make. I tend to start out with hugely drastic goals and then give up because it's too much. This time I've picked one goal for for this month. I want us to eat more fruits and vegetables. So... I've put up a chart for each family member to check off how many servings are eaten each day. My hope is that this will make us more aware what we are eating.

I'm linking this post up to Coming Clean: Confessions of An Imperfect Parent: Mission Family Nutrition.

Bible in 90 Days~Leadership

2010-02-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

Has anyone noticed that a huge issue in the Bible is a lack of leadership?

How many times were things going well for God's people when there was someone in charge who kept reminding them to follow God's Laws. But, as soon as that leader passed on another one would take his place....and the majority of them 'did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

It's Day 35 in the Read the Bible in 90 Days Challenge and we are reading in Nehemiah. Nehmiah turns things around and gets the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and begin again to follow God's Laws.

But, what happens as soon as heads goes back to the kings castle? One of the priests does something he's not supposed to do...from there it's downhill all over again....

The same thing is happening today. The breakdown begins with the people who are in charge...they want to do whatever they can to keep everyone happy (lobbyists?). If they have no set rules for themselves (how many of our leaders are faithful followers of the Bible?) They end up going wherever the wind blows them (or the money directs them...). This is when a country or city or even a family begins to fall apart.

Strong leaders are needed now more than ever to inspire and to guide....

730/365 Decluttering Challenge

2010-02-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

It's already been a month since Amy over at The Finer Things in Life set up a decluttering challenge. My goal is to do 2 items a day so that by the end of the year I will have gotten rid of 730 items. So far I've said goodbye to 44 pieces of STUFF. I know, I know...it should be 64 items by now...but, I'm getting there. One thing I've discovered is that it's easier to help someone else get rid of their things than it is to get rid of your own. Lots of sentimental value in our things...

I've been doing some organizing as I've been going along. I'll put up some pictures in another post.

Eat From The Pantry Challenge~Last Days

2010-01-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

The Eat From the Pantry Challenge is now officially over, but, we could keep eating from the pantry if we needed to. I'm feeling pretty good about that. I did go over my $75 budget. I knew that was kind of low...guess I was being a little overly ambitious. I ended up spending $125. That $125 included 2 days of eating pizza out...once because it was just an incredibly long and exhausting day and once because my knee was acting up so much that cooking was just not going to happen. It also was because of an unexpected visit from family that required extra drinks and fresh veggies. That is one of the best things about having a pantry...I was able to whip up spaghetti, biscuits, salad and a cake with 15 minutes notice that they were coming.

My most important goal was to clear out my freezer and use up older items in my pantry. I definitely succeeded there. The last of the frozen meat I wanted to use up is in the oven cooking. I also used up some flour and grains that were getting older.

Another goal was to get things more organized. Still not completely there yet, but I have a much better idea of what I have to get to my goal of a year supply of what wee need.

Outback Restaurant

2010-01-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

Dh took me to an Outback Restaurant last night for a date night. This was a first time for me. Can I just say that their food is outstanding! They served us these little loaves of a dark bread first. I remember looking at it and wondering if the bread was going to be hard. Not at all. It was soft and had a slightly sweet taste. Dh and I ate almost 3 loaves of it. Can we say...piggie, piggies?
For the main meal I had a 7 oz. sirloin steak, garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable. The steak had this exceptionally yummy seasoning and was so tender the meat practically shredded as I cut it. The seasonal vegetables were a mix of the freshest broccoli, carrots and squash. And the garlic mashed potatoes? Oh my, my... I am a huge mashed potato fan...could eat them everyday. These mashed potatoes were outstanding. Every bite was a wonderful mix of potatoes and garlic. My hips don't want to know how many calories I had...I just know that I am definitely going back again!
Big thumbs up Outback!

Bible in 90 Days~Day 18

2010-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well, it's 18 days into this challenge and I'm pretty happy with the fact that I'm still on track. I've been finishing each days reading on the same day. Ok, wait. Last night I fell asleep while reading Day 17. I had 3 pages left. I finished them as soon as I woke up. Talk about feeling a little guilty...

My plan had been to blog about what I was reading as I was going along...but, that's not happening. It's hard enough keeping up with the reading. Now the plan is to read the full 90 days...pull out some bible studies for the different books...and then blog as I read the studies. I have quite a few questions and feel the need to study the different books more in depth.

Evernote Challenge~Notes 1 and 2 (Food)

2010-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

I decided I need to declutter my Evernote account just as much as my house this year...considering that I have almost 800 notes of information in it...and, yes, that is more than I had in it when I did the original post. "Sigh"... Is there a program for people with an information gathering addiction?

Today I'm trying out 2 food category notes.

Todays dinner is coming from the cdkitchen. It called What's On Hand Soup. The recipe is just the way it sounds. I had some leftover chicken, frozen veggies in the freezer that need to be used up for my Pantry Challenge, an excess of stewed tomatoes I've been trying to figure out how to use up, plus the many potatoes also needed to used before they start to sprout. It's all in the crockpot and making the kitchen smell wonderful.

Note number 2 is a recipe for Masonades. I found this recipe over at the Cold Antler Farm blog. I've made these before so I can give then official thumbs up! Nothing like fresh lemonade....

Masonades are soda-can sized servings of hand-squeezed lemonade or iced tea.

Ingredients

Box of pint mason jars (with lids)
Fresh organic lemons
Water
Ice cubes
Natural sugar
Natural lemon juice
Organic black tea bags
Fresh mint or lemon verbena from the garden

Take your jars and fill them up halfway with cold water. Cut half a lemon and squeeze its juice into the jar, and then plop the whole half into the jar as well, making the water tart and filled with little bits of pulp and flavor. If you really want to kick the tartness up - add some fresh lemon juice (about a teaspoon) to the mix. Then add as much sugar as you feel appropriate (depending on mood and heat it could be as little as a teaspoon or as much as 2 tablespoons) and then top it off with ice till it's nearly overflowing. Seal the lid and shake the hell out of it untill it's one big, frothy, delight. There you have it. Farm fresh, all natural, and ready for travel.
Masonades can also be made into iced tea - which is a healthier alternative. Pour hot water from a kettle into room-temperature jars with an organic black tea-bag and let it cool on the kitchen counter. Then add in a little lemon slice and a pinch of sugar, some ice, and a sprig of lemon verbena or mint and let it sit in the fridge alongside the jars of lemonade. When it's cold enough to condense water off the sides, it's manna from the still. (Taken from the Cold Antler Farm site.)

And the winner of Power of a Praying Wife is....

2010-01-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

ChicMama! Send me your snail mail address and I'll get your book out to you.

Pantry Challenge

2010-01-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's now day 10 of the Pantry Challenge. I decided against doing set menus for last week because I wanted to use up leftovers in the fridge and I knew there might not be enough for full meals. It worked out well with there being some days where there might be 2 different things served up for dinner or lunch. My fridge is now pretty cleared out...there's no old food or science experiments.

I've made one trip to the store for bread, bananas, salad and some other items for a total of $44 spent...and yes, I will admit that $5 of that was for a Caesars pizza because I wasn't feeling well and just couldn't cook. I'm feeling pretty confident that I'll make it to the end of the month on my $75 budget because my freezer is still full.

Over the next week the plan is to get my pantry organized. Too much of my stuff is scattered. I'd really like it in one central location because I've found a few things that were expired because they shoved behind something.

Evernote Challenge

2010-01-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I found Evernote...a wonderful free resource for saving and organizing all of the information that can found on the web. I have used this to help me save all of the great ideas I see on other peoples blogs but don't have time to get to right at that moment.

Well, just like ideas scratched on paper can get out of control, so can ideas saved on the web. I have over 700 pieces of information saved in my Evernote account ranging from recipes to try to preschool activities to ideas to improve my marriage.

I think it's about time I actually tried them out, don't you?

So, my own personal challenge to myself is going to be that this year I'm going to try the recipes (and write them down in a notebook if they're keepers), do the activities with dd2 and kids in my classroom, and bless my dh with the wonderful ways of improving my marriage...along with the many other categories I have in my Evernote account.

I have come to terms with the fact that I'm an information gatherer...now it's time to use it or lose it... :)

Small Things~

2010-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to be getting back to doing the Small Things from Home Sanctuary regularly again. They are wonderful for keeping me on track.
Monday was all about saying goodbye to your trash. I'm feeling really motivated right now about getting rid of clutter...I got rid of three bags of trash and stuff to donate. The plan is to keep it up for the rest of the year.
Tuesdays Small Thing was Minimum Maintenance....pretty much doing a routine. I kind of have that down...been doing Flylady since 2000...but, I find myself falling off the wagon regularly and this was a good reminder.
Wednesday was about giving yourself permission to do something less than perfect...no issues with me there!
Thursday was about making yourself clear when communicating with others. How many problems could be alleviated if we were just clear with others? I needed to make myself clear with ds15 that day...
Friday we celebrated the beauty around us. It's so easy to neglect this area of our lives because we can get so busy. I bought some flowers to plant in my garden so I can have some year round beauty.

Menu Plan for the Week of January 4-10~Rotating Foods Through

2010-01-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

One of my problems in keeping a stocked pantry is making sure that everything is rotated through. I have an excess of brown rice, potatoes(about 40 pounds), cornmeal, home canned applesauce and homecanned meats. Some of these need to be used because they are coming close their "expiration" dates. Next time I will store smaller amounts because I'm not using them as much as I used to.

Menus for the week:

Breakfasts will be a choice of: cold cereal (when it's gone, I won't be buying any more until Feb), leftover cornbread muffins, oatmeal, farina, toast, pancakes (weekends when I'm not working).

Lunches will be peanut butter/jam sandwiches plus extras (for son who goes to school) and I will take leftovers to work. Anyone at home will also eat leftovers.

Dinners will be done differently this week. I didn't have time to take everything out and do an inventory because of preparing for parent/teacher conferences next week so...I'm taking a meat out of the freezer each evening before and we will have either a rice, pasta or potato side dish along with a vegetable.

Getting rid of the CLUTTER

2010-01-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

Amy at The Finer Things In Life also has decluttering as one of her goals for the year. She's planning to get rid of 730 items over a year long period. Getting rid of stuff is one of my goals for this year. While I don't know if I have 730 things to get rid of I know that I do have a lot of stuff that needs to go. I do like her idea of keeping track...so I've decided to keep an unofficial tally of what is going out of our home. Today a bag of 12 items and 1 item for consignment left the house...never to return. Hmmm, I wonder if there's a counter of some sort I could use to keep track of the numbers?

My One Year Blogoversary and a Giveaway!

2010-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

Oops! The day is almost over and I just realized this is my one year blogoversary. Kinda hard to believe that I started writing stuff down a whole year ago. I've never been one to successfully keep a written journal and my lists always seem to be all over the place. This blog has helped me to get more focused and has allowed me to keep my thoughts all in one place. As Martha would say, that is definitely a good thing.

This seems to be a good time to have a first giveaway. I have a copy of The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I'm a big fan of her books. I've read through this one several times.. If you'd like a better marriage...read this book. If you'd like to win a copy of this book please leave a comment....any comment is good. :) Giveaway will end Monday, Jan 11 at 6pm PST.

I guess I need to say that I'm not getting any money for doing this giveaway...I just happened to have 2 copies of the book and thought it would be nice for someone else to have it.

Responsibility

2010-01-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

I was watching a young man on the Judge Judy show yesterday who had borrowed his girlfriends car to go to a job interview. Afterwards he decided to go visit his grandparents and got into a car accident. The girls insurance would only cover half the costs of the repairs and she was suing him for the other half. What was amazing is that no matter what was said this young man (23 yrs) didn't believe he had any responsibility to pay even though he was responsible for the accident. Judy Judy grilled this man up and down and he would not change his stance...he believed someone else was responsible for his actions. Even at the very end he said that it was his girlfriends fault because she knew he had been in accidents before and she shouldn't have loaned it to him. Pretty unbelievable, huh?

I began my journey this morning in reading through the Bible in 90 days. As I was reading in Genesis I was struck by how Adam and Eve did the same thing. In Genesis 12 and 13 when they were asked why they had eaten from the tree of knowledge Adam first said, "the woman you put here with me, she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Sounds like Adam doesn't want to take responsibility for his own actions...almost like he's blaming God for giving him Eve in the first place. Then when Eve is confronted, she says "the serpent deceived me , and I ate." She is blaming the serpent even though she made the choice to take that bite.
Later in Genesis 16:1-5 we see Sarai blaming someone else for her choices. She didn't want to wait on God to conceive so she gave her servant Hagar to her hubby Abram. Well, you can imagine what happens there, right? Hagar gets pregnant, Sarai gets upset when her servant has lost some respect for her and she tells her hubby that he's responsible for her suffering. This one always gets me when read it...you put another woman in your husbands arms and then get mad over the consequences?
And yet, we've all been there, haven't we? You do something you just know isn't quite the right thing to do (or maybe you do think it's the right thing to do) and then when things happen you don't like...it's very easy to play the blame game. I see this everyday with the young children I work with...but, sadly I also see it regularly with many adults. I have to challenge myself regularly as well to look at my actions and not try to blame someone else if I don't like the way things turn out.

2010 Goals

2009-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hard time believing it's going to be 2010 in a few hours. Where did the time go? As a child I remember people saying that time seemed to go faster as you got older. I never understood that until a few years ago when it started happening to me. I don't know what causes it...maybe all the busyness in our lives? How do you slow down and still get the things done that need to be done? I'm not sure if I have an answer to that. But, I do know that creating a plan is necessary to make changes. I've come up with some goals for this coming New Year. Not too many to be overwhelming, but enough to make life interesting. :)

Spiritual:
1. Read through the bible in 90 days.
2. Read through the shelf full of unread Christian books I have.

Personal:
1. Eat healthier.
2. Exercise 4 days a week.

Marital:
1. Plan a date night once a week.
2. Get back in the habit of praying for dh daily.

Family/Home:
1. Spend more fun time with the kids.
2. Pray for each child daily.
3. Increase my food storage to a one year supply.
4. Get my garden going.
5. Get rid of more stuff!

Financial:
1. Pay off a loan.
2. Read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.

Bible in 90 days

2009-12-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow starts the Read the Bible in 90 Days Challenge. I'm pretty excited about this. My book finally came yesterday (I was beginning to get a little worried it wouldn't arrive in time). I have been thinking about how I'm going to carve out time to read the 12 pages a day and have come to the conclusion that I just need to make it a priority and make it happen. There are always a gazillion things that need to be done...but this is the most important thing. I'm looking forward to seeing what God is going to reveal through his word.

If you would like to participate and can't afford the bible there are a limited number of scholarship bibles available.

From the Bible in 90 Days site:

“So many people indicated an interest in our scholarship Bibles that we’ve put the application online. Our ministry is tiny, but we are committed to helping people in need who themselves are committed to this reading. To be successful, we believe it is important to start with resources that are best suited for the purpose. We can’t help everyone, but will help those we can.”
If you have a genuine need and are committed to the challenge, please apply at the ministry’s website. If you are able to purchase the Bible yourself, or if you are just contemplating the idea, please reserve the scholarship Bibles for those with a genuine need.

Eat-From-The -Pantry-Challenge

2009-12-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Over at Moneysavingmom.com and Lifeasmom.com a new challenge has been put out there. It's an eat from your pantry challenge where you eat what you have and avoid the grocery store as much as possible. The idea is not to eat all of your food and end up with nothing left...but, it can be a good opportunity to inventory what you do have and save some money.

I personally feel like I've spent way too much time in the stores over the past several weeks and would like to get back to the way I used to shop...maybe two or three times a month. Plus, with dh still being out of work I need to come up with as many ways to save as possible.

So, here are my goals for this pantry challenge:

1. I will shop only 3 times for the month (for fresh foods...and if I spot some deals that I just can't pass up, I will buy, but put them back to be used for February).

2. I'm giving myself a $75 budget for the month. It should be doable if I'm careful.

3. I'm going to clear out (use up) the older items in the freezers and and the pantry so we can start anew for the year.

I'm looking forward to doing this challenge. Care to join me?

Menu Plan for the Week of Dec 28-Jan 2

2009-12-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

Monday Pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans

Tuesday Burritos, salad

Wednesday Crockpot turkey, pasta alfredo, salad

Thursday Ground beef, rice, corn

Friday New years Snacks!

Saturday Baked chicken, baked potatoes, salad

Read the Bible in 90 Days

2009-12-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be participating in a wonderful challenge over at momstoolbox. We're going to read the Bible in 90 days! I've tried reading through the Bible by myself several times over the past 20 years and I've never been able to finish. I found myself getting stuck in the Old Testament readings. This time, however, I'm confident that with a plan and a huge support group I will finish!
Amy, over at momstoolbox, has written the following guest post. Won't you join us?

Have you ever thought about reading the Bible... the whole thing, from start to finish?
I thought about it for years, and even attempted a few times on my own, before I discovered Bible in 90 Days, joined a group at my church and read the whole thing without stopping, cover to cover.
I was so blown away by the experience that I offered to facilitate it at my next church and have since facilitated several more times, trained facilitators and now plan to host an online community via my blog, MomsToolbox.
If you have ever considered reading the whole Bible, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you join me January 1- March 31, 2010, as I read and blog through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, bit by bit, in order, every day.

If you would like to join our online community, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Plan to set aside about an hour each day from January 1- March 31 for an incredibly enriching experience.
Get your hands on a Bible in 90 Days Bible from http://www.biblein90days.org/, or your local Christian bookstore.
Consider also purchasing the Bible in 90 Days Participant’s Guide which offers weekly questions for you ponder to gain more insight from your reading. (I’ll be using these questions for our weekly Twitter meet-ups.)
Consider purchasing the Bible in 90 Days Essential Bible Companion, which offers a snapshot of information to help you make it through each week’s reading without getting distracted by researching on the internet.
Bookmark my site, http://www.momstoolbox.com/, and plan to visit January 1- March 31 after you have completed each day’s reading to see what I learned and report in that you have read for the day.
Follow me on Twitter (@MomsToolbox) and plan to be on Twitter every Monday night of the program from 9-10 CST (much like a study meeting—just online!) when we can ask and answer each other’s questions. Use and look for the #B90Days hashtag for our group discussion.

I would bet some of you are asking “Why this particular Bible?” Here’s why:
The official Bible in 90 Days Bible is an NIV Bible, so it is an easy-to-read direct translation. This edition has large type, minimal footnotes and indicates where you should start and stop reading each day. Sure, you could accomplish this goal using your own Bible, but the statistics point to a huge success ratio for those using this official Bible... and not so much success for those who choose to use a different one. And don’t you want to succeed this time?

Although we won’t be meeting in person, my prayer is that via almost-daily online communication on my blog, as well as on Twitter we can still hold each other accountable, helping each other to accomplish our goal to read every word of the Bible attentively in 90 days.
I’d love to encourage you in this endeavor. It has been life-changing for me.
I cannot express how much reading the bible in 90 days has helped me with every study I have participated in and every sermon I have heard since then. I now know the context of the stories. I know where to find them... and I can clearly see how they are related. And to read about Christ and the fulfillment of countless prophesies just after you’ve read about those prophesies is amazing!
If you’re up for the challenge, I’m up for encouraging you every step of the way.
Pray about it. Think about it… And click on over to MomsToolbox.com to let me know if you’d like to join in the challenge and to learn more. But do it soon so you’ll be ready to start 2010 in His Word… all of it!
Hope to see you there!

A few links to add:
http://www.biblein90days.org/
http://www.momstoolbox.com/
http://twitter.com/momstoolbox

Fall Into Reading 2009: Wrap Up Post

2009-12-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the Fall Into Reading Challenge is already over! I wanted to do this challenge because I found myself not setting enough time for reading for myself. I find time to read for work, for school or for the kids...but, I was finding that I wasn't making much time for the books I wanted to read. So, here is my original list...
Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich (easy read...nice story about here life of change. I like her blog too.)
What’s He Really Thinking? By Paula Rinehart (Still haven't finished this one...not sure why...the material is fairly easy to read...maybe because I've read a lot of similar books on the subject?)
Left Behind (Book 1) (This really threw me off my list...I finished number 1 and couldn't stop...I'm now almost finished with book number 6 in the series)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (I never got to read this one...I got it from my library but was too busy...and it had 9 holds on it so I guess it will wait until the next go round).
The Power of a Praying Parent and The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian (These are really ongoing type books...I'm taking the chapters slowly because of the importance of praying for my children... I would recommend these if you have adult children)

I'm very happy I did this because it impressed upon me the importance of making some time for my own personal reading and I am looking forward to the Spring Challenge!

Kiddos Create: Bells In A Bottle

2009-12-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

This weeks Kiddos Create Challenge is jingle bells. I was lucky enough to have an old Christmas ornament that was made of small bells that I decided to repurpose. I gave my little sparrow a bowl full of bells and an empty tall water bottle and watched to see what she would do. What a success! She was very excited to shake the bells, drop them into the bottle and then pour them back out...for almost 20 minutes! (Can you believe having 20 minutes of uninterrupted time with a 2 1/2 year old??) One funny comment towards the end of the 20 minutes...she looked up at me and said..."This is really hard work I'm doing..."

Sorry for the graininess of the picture...one day I'm going to get a better camera.

On Christ The solid Rock I Stand

2009-12-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

He is my rock.....

Kiddos Create: Pinecone

2009-12-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Pinecones were the object of choice this week in the Kiddos Create challenge. We decided to make pinecone bird feeders. They're fairly simple to make. You need a pinecone, peanut butter and birdseed. I told dd2 we were going to make a bird feeder so the birds outside could habe something to eat. I laid a small bowl of peanut butter, a handful of birdseed, and a pinecone on a tray. I gave her a plastic knife and explained that she needed to spread the peanut butter on the pine cone and sprinkle the birdseed all over. She stayed at this activity for a good 20 minutes. I did have to tell her she couldn't eat any of the nuts because these were only for the birds....

Disclaimer: The picture above isn't the one we made...my camera is still being flakey.

Simplifying Christmas Day 7~Simple Gift Ideas

2009-12-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

We bought plenty of toys for first ds (now age 26). By the time dd rolled around three years later we were buying less because we were getting tired of paying money for toys that were discarded after a short time. We started buying mostly Legos because they last forever and can be added to. We always bought books too. As the children grew older they might get one big gift and several token type gifts.
This year money is extremely tight because of my husbands job loss. Ds15 is getting a keyboard because we gave up our piano for our move...he'll get some pajamas and a a new pillow because practical is the keyword this year. Dd2 will get a new baby doll and some smaller toys I managed to find over the past few months...didn't spend more than $15 total. The older kids (who are out on their own and have jobs) will get a hug and a kiss (just kidding)...but, they will only get token stuff in their stockings.
I'm hoping they won't feel deprived...they shouldn't because we all really have everything we need. I learned that lesson when we had to pack up 15 years of stuff for our move...we have way more than we need. Plus, the real reason for Christmas is not about how much stuff you get.....

Menu plan for this week

2009-12-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts:
Toast, fruit
Oatmeal
Cereal, milk

Dinner:
Sunday: Baked Chicken, Baked potatoes, apples
Monday: Spaghetti with ground beef, broccoli
Tuesday: Biscuits, eggs, fruit
Wednesday: Homemade pizza
Thursday: Crockpot chicken, rice, salad
Friday: Refried beans, cheese, tortilla chips,etc. (nachos)

Small Things This Week

2009-12-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

This week over at Home Sanctuary one of the Small Things was to sit and think of things you can do in a chair. I fully intended to sit and work on my to do list....but, I sat and took a nice nap. Naps are a good thing, right?

The other Small Thing was to work on a Danger Zone...also known as a hot spot...a clutter catcher...my kitchen table... It sometimes seems an impossible task to keep it clear...

Simplifying Christmas Day 4~Share a Favorite Christmas Memory

2009-12-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas memories was 11 years ago when ds15 was just 4. He was a shepherd in our churchs' childrens Christmas program. He had gone to the practices and sang the songs (no lines because he was too little) and walked down the aisle at just the right time. But, when he saw all the family who had come to see him, he was so excited he just kept waving at everyone for the whole program...didn't sing a song...just stood there with a big grin on his face waving.... :).

Simplifying Christmas Day 3~Keeping Shopping Simple

2009-12-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

The thing I do to make my Christmas shopping easier is to shop throughout the year when things are on sale. I've gotten some great deals doing this. It does require a little planning in advance. You do need to know who you're shopping for.

I've also reduced our gift list. This year we are buying only for our immediate family and I will be making some food gifts to take along when we visit extended family.

Simplifying Christmas Day 2~Christmas Cards

2009-12-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

We used to send quite a few Christmas cards but, this Christmas I'm only sending out cards for a Christmas card exchange I'm participating in. The expense can be quite a bit. Many of the people that we would be sending them off to we'll be seeing them in person throughout the holidays anyways. Quick. Easy. Cheaper for my budget.

Simplifying Christmas Day 1~ Simplifying Budget and Gift List

2009-12-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

In the past we did Christmas pretty big. There were lots of gifts under the tree and so many decorations. Our stress levels were pretty high too. I can remember trying to find the "oh so perfect" gift at the last minute and just hating going shopping. It was really tiring and we ended up spending more money than we planned.

Over the years we have spent a lot less...trying to buy ahead and buy what each person needs.

This year we are really having to curb our spending because of my husband being laid off. We aren't buying anything for extended family (I'll probably make some food gifts). Our two older children who are over 18 might get a small amount of cash (or maybe not...they both have jobs!)
We got our 15 yo a keyboard that I scored on Black Friday for $50 because we had to give up our piano when we moved. Music is very important to him so that will be the one big expenditure. He'll also get some new pajamas (we do this every Christmas) and some small items in his stocking. We have gotten our 2 yo a new baby doll and some toys dishes (I didn't spend more than $15). Dh is planning on getting me new slippers (because that's really the only thing I need) and I still haven't figured out yet what I'm going to get him because he says he doesn't need anything.

Simplifying Christmas

2009-11-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

Over at A Heart Of A Mommy a meme is starting up tomorrow about making a simpler Christmas. This is something I've been thinking about quite a bit this year. I don't want the focus to be on what we're going to get. I want it to be about making memories. As my children get older and move out I want them to look back and remember happy memories...not the things they got. I'm looking forward to seeing how others are going to be simplifying their Christmas'.

Unplugged Project

2009-11-30T17:03:00.001-08:00

The Unplugged Project for this week was Hands. We did a handprint Christmas tree similar to this one over at The Adventures of Bear. I will upload the picture I took as soon as I can get my camera to work.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-30T15:58:00.000-08:00

Simple Woman's Daybook

November 30th
FOR TODAY...
Outside my window... beautiful red roses
I am thinking... of the many things on my to do list
I am thankful for... my husband and my children
I am wearing... black jeans and a green sweatshirt
I am remembering... our Thanksgiving get together. It was a blast!
I am currently reading... book five in The Left Behind Series
I am hoping... to be more organized for the holidays
From the kitchen... making a big batch of burritos
Around the house...Christmas stuff is slowly being pulled out
One of my favorite things~ watching dd23 sitting with her sleeping 2yo sister

Thanksgiving is over

2009-11-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know Thanksgiving was over days ago. I'm just slow. We had a wonderful visit from family (19 of us total). I feel so old as I saw my nephews tower over me and talk about their college experiences. I remember when they were just babies! At times the conversation got so loud you could barely hear yourself talk. The food was plentiful and delicious if I may say so. The turkey melted in your mouth and the new recipe for mashed potatoes I tried had me sneaking tastes before everyone got there. I really love getting together with family, though. I wish it could be more often...

Now, on to Christmas.

Open Ended Art

2009-11-29T12:16:00.002-08:00

Over at Letters and Numbers and Books, Oh My! they are doing a meme on Open Ended Art. I've always been a fan of allowing children to create what they want from different materials as well as present them with different craft ideas. That way the get the best of both worlds.

Anyways, the theme for this week is Hans Hoffman. Dd is young so we talked about how Hans Hoffman was an artist who liked to do his art with different shapes. I had her repeat his name and she was able to tell me that the shape we used was a square. She also recognized the colors yellow, green, pink, white, black and orange. She's been showing her picture off to everyone who will use it. :)

Kiddos Create Challenge of the Week

2009-11-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

Over at Mama Jenn's there is a blog carnival each week where you use an everyday item to make something creative that is made by, for, or with your children. She posts an item for the week and you get creative. My little one is only 2 1/2 so for now things are going to be pretty simple. We did clothespins in a container. She's been playing with it all week.

Muffin Tin Monday

2009-11-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

We're participating in Muffin Tin Monday this week. There isn't a theme for the week so it's gonna be baby girl's favorites..burritos, carrot coins and oranges.

Fasting

2009-11-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

I've been fasting and praying today because of a blog post over at A Place Called Simplicity. I've never really fasted before...although I've skipped a meal.

It seems that the Canadian government has decided to stop all Visas allowing children from Africa who are waiting to be adopted by Canadian families.

As I've been pondering and praying about this I find myself wondering why it has become so difficult for families to provide a home for children who need it. Why are they made to jump through so many hoops? Why is it so expensive that it keeps many families from being able to adopt?

I've begun to get that head-achey feeling and hollow stomach that you get when you miss a meal. But, I know that I have the option to have dinner later. I know this isn't my day to day reality. It is for so many children in this day and age.

Each of us has the obligation to do something about this...even if you don't believe in the Bible that says we are to take care of the widows and orphans...it is just the right thing to do. What are YOU going to do to help someone today?

English Muffin Bread

2009-11-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Today I tried a new bread recipe that I saw over at A High and Noble Calling. It turned really good...after a failure for the first try.

Here is what happens when you don't proof your yeast...those little packets are not always reliable. (My daughter thought it looked like playdough). And yes, that was after it was cooked!

And here is what happens when you do things right.

This recipe is definitely a keeper. I have all the ingredients in my food storage and it was not difficult to make.

Here is the recipe:

Recipe makes 2 loaves. To get the true english muffin texture, make sure you don’t over mix and there is no kneading. This is one bread recipe I don’t use my Kitchen Aid on! I put my ingredients in a mixing and use a wooden spoon to mix it by hand.
6 cups of flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 cups of milk (I only had instant dry milk and it came out fine)
1/2 cup of water
1 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp. salt
Grease two 8″ loaf pans and sprinkle with a little cornmeal to coat the bottom and sides.
Combine 3 cups of flour, yeast and baking soda an set aside.
Warm the milk, water, sugar and salt until just warmed. You can do this in a saucepan or microwave.
Combine the milk and flour mixture using wooden spoon. Add the remaining three cups of flour and mix.
The dough will be very sticky and hard to work with, so just scoop it out and put evenly into bread pans. I try to shape the tops a little with my spoon. Sprinkle with a little more cornmeal.
Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Cook in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Take out of pans immediately and cool on a wire rack.

Menu Plan Week of November 17th

2009-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

Breakfast

Oatmeal, cold cereal, English Muffin Bread and sausage

Lunch

Sandwiches, leftovers

Dinner

Fettucini Alfredo with ground beef, Nachos, polska kielbasa, rice with ground beef, breakfast for dinner, Chicken Stir-fry (all served with some sort of vegetable/fruit)

He is my refuge

2009-11-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

Psalm 91 (New International Version)

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Kiddos Create: toilet paper tubes

2009-11-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Over at Mama Jenns she has a challenge going on to do something each week with a particular item with your little ones. This week was toilet paper tubes. Well, our little one is only 29 months so I went for simplicity. We made a kazoo! Well, I made a kazoo and she watched. You only need a toilet paper tube, wax paper and a rubber band. I put it together and had to demonstrate how to use it. At first she wouldn't have anything to do with it. Then she tried and got the sound you're looking for when you hum correctly. Boy, did her eyes light up!

I do feel a need to post a warning though...when you give your children noise makers...be prepared to listen to them go on and on and on......

Name Change

2009-11-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I've decided on a name change for my blog. As I look around at what's happening in this world today and see the stresses my family has to deal with on a day-to-day basis, I've come to realize the importance of having a safe haven to retreat to. This is going to be my new focus for this blog...creating a safe haven in our new home.

Update: Shortly after changing the name I clicked on the Heavenly Homemakers blog and look what I found....many words of wisdom...just what I needed to hear.

Gratituesday

2009-10-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

I've been reading at Heavenly Homemaker for a while and she has been hosting a meme called Gratituesday. It's been nice to see people writing about the things that they are grateful for. You don't see that very often.
I was struck today while rocking 2yo dd as she woke up from her nap...I am so grateful to be able to parent my children...for the time that I have them...for the ones that are still at home and for the ones who have moved out.
You can be going through some really difficult times and you can easily get wrapped up in the challenges and forget the good times. The time we have with our children is short. Enjoy them while you can.

Fall into Reading-One Month In

2009-10-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

It's already been a month since I began Callapidder Day’s Fall Into Reading 2009 Challenge. Kind of hard to believe the time has gone so fast...but, my life seems to have gone into overdrive lately. I'm really glad I decided to participate in this challenge. So far I've finished the first book and second books in the Left Behind series http://www.amazon.com/Left-Behind-Novel-Earths-Last/dp/0842329129 and am working on the third one. I only had the first one on my list but had forgotten how much the series can grab you...it's just too hard to read one and have to wait around to see what will happen to the characters next. I have the whole series so I guess I need to add them to the list. I'm also about a third of the way through Made From Scratch and enjoying it tremendously. I was also able to get Hunger Games http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253677674&sr=1-1 from the library. I'm going to have to start that right away because someone else has a hold on it and I only get it for 3 weeks.

M's books: We've read her books many times over and have since read a slew of new ones...too many to list.

Excited about exercise

2009-10-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Susanna over at My Family Forever has started a new linky about exercising. This is perfect timing since one of my goals is to exercise more and improve my diet. I've been walking and using weights but I still need to do it on a regular basis. The weather has started to change up so it's time to pull out my step and some exercise videos. I have the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds series and some others that I haven't pulled out of the moving boxes yet.

Thanks for the extra motivation Susanna!

Pumpkin Pie Playdough

2009-10-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

I pulled out my control journal..got things done that needed to be done and had time to make this....

It makes a soft playdough easy enough for a 2yo use. It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge and makes your hands smell wonderful! I got this recipe over at Ramblings of a Crazy Woman.

Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
Ingredients:
5 1/2 cups flour
2 cup salt
8 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 oz pumpkin pie spice (or your own combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace)
4 cups water
Food coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)
Mix in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until all lumps disappear. As soon as it cools enough to handle, knead on a flour surface until smooth.
Store in air tight container.

Routines

2009-10-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's so easy to get out of the habit of doing the routine things when the business of life keeps getting in the way. I have a control journal ala Flylady that has worked well for me...but...it's still in a box in the garage. It should've been pulled out as soon as we moved in. I've been trying to follow along with emails Flylady sends out but that really isn't working because I've been tryin not to spend so much time on the computer. Sooo...what to do? Get up and go dig out my contol journal.

Talk softly

2009-10-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

and carry a big stick.... just kidding. I always liked that phrase but only the title has something to do with what I'm taking about.

I have a little boy in my classroom who talks in a loud voice ALL THE TIME. He only started a few weeks back and comes from a very challenging homelife. The first thing we do when we have a child like that is see if there might be a hearing problem. That's not the case with this child. I'm pretty sure it's environmental because I've known the stepmom since she was a child and I know her mom...she is loud as well.

When he comes rolling in the door on Monday mornings the noise level doubles as the other children have gotten into the habit of talking loud so they can be heard over him. We know that he can talk in a softer voice...we always get close and down to his level...speak in a softer than normal voice...and he drops his voice lower as well. By the end of the week he isn't shouting at us as much. But, of course, the weekend rolls around and we have to start all over again. Sigh.

Our little one (age 2) also speaks in a loud voice (and she is a non-stop talker). I'm pretty sure it comes from being in a household of big people and just wanting to make sure she gets heard. We are having to work on her toning it down as well. I've also noticed that if the tv or radio is on we all get louder to be heard over it...it's a little harder to get a room full of adults to tone it down than it is a classroom full of children....

Small Thing:Inner Sanctum

2009-10-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

This Small Thing was done over the weekend. It was all about cleaning up your inner sanctum (your bedroom). I had several hot spots that were trying to turn into raging infernos. It looks very nice now. I took before and after pictures but will have to wait to post because my batteries are dead.

Cooler Weather Cooking

2009-10-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's been very cool in the early mornings here lately. Cool enough to need to keep windows closed. It put me in the mood to cook (and warm up the house). I baked some turkey breasts and wings I found on sale the other day. Some of the wings will go to my mom and the meat from the breasts will be sliced and chopped up for meals during the week.

I also made a big pot of rice (the pot behind the turkey) that will be used throughout the week.

I made a big batch of pancakes for breakfast...thinking that there would be a lot of extras to freeze...ummm, not in this house...

Everyone must have gotten the memo that it is colder...and the cold makes you hungrier...because out of a batch of 35 pancakes this was all that was left...

The Mind of Christ Experiment

2009-10-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

This discussion is going on over at SUM.

Transformation of your heart and mind begins with this:

Placing Jesus Christ on the throne of your life.

Are you placing Jesus on the throne of your life?

Small Thing

2009-10-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today's Small Thing was a thought provoking one. It's about leaving behind baggage that keeps you from going where God wants you to go in your life. One suggestion was about refusing to listen to God's direction.
How many times have I found myself in a bad situation because I didn't follow God's direction? I've been trying harder to allow myself to listen to what God wants me to do...then I find myself "tweaking it" so I end up doing what I want to do. So...what am I going to leave behind? My stubbornness...that keeps me doing what God truly wants me to do.

How Time Flies and Setting October Goals

2009-09-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that October is right around the corner. No matter what people say, time really does go faster when you get older. This whole year has just flown by incredibly fast.
I'm setting some reasonable goals for myself for the month of October. The reason I say reasonable goals is that I have a tendency to make up very long to do lists and then feel bad for not getting them done.
My goals for this month are:

Spiritual: Daily Bible Study
Physical: Exercise 5 days a week
Lose 8 pounds
Family: Make sure we eat at least one meal together each week
Home Org. :Create a "chore" plan
Organize garage
Plan/create garden boxes
Financial: Start a change jar
Set a 'use it for what?' goal

Fall Into Reading Booklist 2009

2009-09-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

I’m going to participate in Callapidder Day’s Fall Into Reading 2009 Challenge. Since getting a computer I’ve found myself not reading as much because it seems I never seem to have the time. I know I’m missing out on some really good books out there so the plan is to make time for reading.
I’ve chosen some fiction and some non-fiction books, two bible study books and some read-alouds to read to M., age 2yrs 4mo. Some will be for my own personal reading and some will be for book reviews for Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Non-Fiction
Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich
http://www.amazon.com/Made-Scratch-Discovering-Pleasures-Handmade/dp/160342086X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253678230&sr=1-1
What’s He Really Thinking? By Paula Rinehart (Book Review) http://www.amazon.com/Whats-He-Really-Thinking-Relational/dp/0849918804

Fiction
Left Behind (Book 1) I was given the whole series from a Freecycler and have decided to read them again.
http://www.amazon.com/Left-Behind-Novel-Earths-Last/dp/0842329129
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (waiting to get from the library)
http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253677674&sr=1-1
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (waiting to get from the library)
http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Fire-Second-Hunger-Games/dp/0439023491/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253677674&sr=1-2

Bible Study
The Power of a Praying Parent and The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian ( I love her studies!)
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Praying%C2%AE-Parent-Deluxe/dp/0736922067/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253677750&sr=1-1

Read-Aloud (with M., age 2yrs 4mo)
Elmer by David McKee
Elmer Takes Off by David McKee
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
The Monster at the end of this Book by Jon Stone

Small Thing

2009-09-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today's Small Thing over at Home Sanctuary was to take care of our Physical Nature Call Center and give our potties a scrub. Now that we are in our new place we have one bathroom instead of two. Can I mention that the small inconvenience of having four people using one bathroom is almost made up for because of the ease of cleaning only one bathroom? At our old house both bathrooms were small and it was a major challenge to get to the backs of the toilets. Because of that...they didn't get cleaned as much as they should have. Ew. At our new house there is space around the toilet and I can get to the back easily...even with my creaky knees...

Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-21T19:39:00.001-07:00

This weeks menu will include:

Monday: Ground turkey, rice,veggie
Tuesday: Stirfry with pork, rice, veggie
Wednesday: DD23rd b-day (out to eat)
Thursday: Pasta, veggie
Friday: Pizza (ordered from Little Caesars-ds15's fav)
Saturday: Can I say I have no idea? We have a friend visiting from Seattle and we might just go out to eat. Still waiting to talk to her....
Sunday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green veggie,bread

Small thing: Bathroom Junk & Paper Clutter

2009-09-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

I'm still playing catch-up with the Small Things. Yesterday and today were about dealing with bathroom junk and paper clutter. When we moved in I filled a cabinet(not a drawer) with toiletries. Even dd22 (who has a ton of toiletries) couldn't believe how much I had...neither did I. The problem was it was stored in a storage room and kept getting forgotten. Now it's all in the bathroom cabinet and getting used. However....I don't need to buy another toiletry item for another year or two...or maybe three.....

As far a paper clutter goes...I'm shredding away. We still have a lot of boxes in our garage. I'm just not sure I want this stuff to come in to the house. We are all really enjoying the minimalist look.....

Small Thing

2009-09-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Now that we're moved in I want to get back on track with the Small Things.
I'm going to backtrack a few days. So far I've dusted a lampshade in one room, am creating some order in my home by unpacking a few more boxes, and used some 'pockets' of time (I can do a lot of things in 10 or 15 minutes).

Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Monday Spaghetti, salad, bread

Tuesday Scrambled eggs, rice, veggies/fruit

Wednesday Macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, veggie

Thursday Leftovers (it’s my bunco night)

Friday Pizza

We are in!

2009-09-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

We have officially moved in to our new place and really loving it. It's interesting how you can move into a house and it very quickly feels like HOME. It's a very good fit for our family. Of course we still have a lot of unpacking to do and we will be starting from scratch with the very BIG backyard. But, I'm looking forward to the challenge.

I want to be Fearless: Book Review

2009-09-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

I was able to get an advance copy of Max Lucado’s book Fearless and I want to tell you I was impressed. I’ve never read any of his books before even though I’ve seen them on the bookshelves. I tend to stay away from prolific authors because a lot of times it’s just the same-o same-o, know what I mean? It took me less than two days to finish the book…even with moving and unpacking. It was an interesting read.
I am the worrier. I worry for myself. I worry for my family. I worry for the people at my job. Fear and worry run along the same vein. Lucado said on page 10 “…fear feels dreadful. It sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us dry of contentment.” How true is that! I’ve been working very hard on giving up my worries to God. The book is filled with passages calling us to be courageous and not filled with fears over our children, our finances, things happening in this world…of dying. It also has a discussion guide for individuals or groups.
Definitely a good book to read.

I'm still here!

2009-08-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

The countdown is 7 days until our move. I'm still doing the daily husband encouragements (if I wasn't I'd probably be wringing his neck by now with all the stress from this move) but there is just no time to blog about them. We will have everything moved onto the truck on Aug 31...then it will have to sit there until Sept 4 because now we can't get ito the house until then. Oh, the stress....

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 16

2009-08-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

God says it's not good for man to be alone. But, are we so critical of our husbands that they want to be alone? I have to admit I've had some times where I was critical, whiney and complaining so much my hubby actually left the house to get away from it. It's embarrassing to admit that...but, I'm learning. It is something I must remind myself daily...to be more encouraging and a lot less critical.

"And the LORD God said,"It is not good that man should be alone;I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

Garage Sales

2009-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

I love going to garage sales. I love the opportunity to find something wonderful and make a really good deal. But, you know what I really don't like? It's being on the other side of it. The selling side.... I have discovered that I really, really don't like sitting on a Saturday morning while people come by and go through your stuff and then either try and bargain it down to a few pennies or walk away. Am I a hypocrite because I do the same thing when I go to ohter peoples sales? Although I have to admit that I won't try and bargain something down to a ridiculously low price.
But, I do know that as I sit here on this beautiful Saturday morning I keep thinking I could be doing something else....and I could just give all this stuff away.....

***Update...we made almost a hundred bucks and got rid of a lot of STUFF so I won't whine anymore.... :)

Food Preparedness Challenge

2009-08-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

I started the food preparedness challenge 12 days ago that is going on over at Preparedness Pro.
This is day 12 for us in the challenge. Here is what I’ve learned:
1. I have a lot more food than I thought (about 6 months in most areas).
2. A large amount of the food is stuff that is to be used in making things from scratch.
3. That sounds good…unless you are the main cook and hurt your finger to the point of infection and can’t make a lot from scratch because it is downright painful.
4. We didn’t have enough comfort/snack items.
5. As soon as we get moved in I’m going to get a garden started back up because we ran out of fresh veggies very quickly when not able to go to the farmers market.
6. I don’t have enough cat food.

I’m posting this early because we are having a moving sale tomorrow and an unexpected family visit on Sunday. This has been a good experience.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Days 10-13

2009-08-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ok. I hate doing this...but, I have to consolidate these posts...again. I overused my hand..opened up the wound...it got worse...and extremely painful. The pain meds are making me sleepy... Doctor says I need to keep wrapping for several more weeks and I need to be more careful. Let's see...18 more days until we move and I'm supposed to take it easy?

Day 10: Today we need to show our hubby's some appreciation...instead of spending time criticizing...spend some time telling him how much you admire him.

Day 11: This day is about showing respect to you husband. One of those ways of showing respect is by submitting to our husband's authority and leadership.

Day 12: This day is about checking in with ourselves. Do we have unreasonable or unrealistic expectations of our husbands actions?

Day 13: Today is about the sexual relationship with our husbands. This one is a pretty important issue...especially to the men in our lives. We need to be sure to encourage your husbands in the areas of lovemaking. Could be fun.... :)

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Days 8 & 9

2009-08-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

I'm doing two days in one post because the injury to my knuckle got infected...so I'm on antibiotics and pain killers and it's difficult to type with the bandage. I'm still able to work on being an encouragement to my hubby. :)

Day 8 is to be faithful and encourage faithfulness in our husbands.

Day 9 is to really take the time to listen to your husband. This isn't an easy task for me...I like to come up with answers when he doesn't necessarily want one from me. One of my goals is to work on truly listening to him.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 7

2009-08-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Finances....one of the biggest reasons for marital problems. Today we are to let our husbands know how we appreciate how he handles the finances...whether or not he is strong or weak in this area. Not necessarily an easy thing to do if you feel you could do a better job. However, it's important that we figure out ways to encourage him in the areas that he does do well in and work together to create a sound budget.

"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:21

Small Thing

2009-08-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today's small thing is to pick a task you've been putting off and set the timer for 15 min. I love my timer! I use it regularly to get me back on track. Today I used it to get my laundry caught back up.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 6

2009-08-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a day late. Spent a number of hours in the doctors office. I had an accident while cutting some fabric....took a chunk of skin out of my knuckle...my finger will be wrapped for several weeks until it heals. Pretty painful...and a real pain trying to do things (like typing).

Yesterdays challenge was to recognize and appreciate our husbands "creative gifts."
Dh's is definitely his people skills and his ability to work with extrememely difficult children. He's pretty amazing. :)

"Whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 31b

Small Thing

2009-08-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

Todays small thing was to......make your bed. A small thing, yes. But try making your bed and seeing what a huge difference it makes in how your bedroom looks.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 5

2009-08-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Todays challenge was to build our husband up in the eyes of others. I was able to make some postive comments about him in front of our ds14.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph 4:29

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 4

2009-08-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Todays challenge is to let your husband know that you appreciate and value the work that he does. My challenge is that my husband was one of the many teachers in California who got a pink slip in the spring. His last paycheck came this past Friday. I'm working on keeping a positive attitude and not one of worry. I'm also trying to show him that I can be very frugal with the money that is coming in. And doing a lot of praying that the right job will come through for him.

Small thing

2009-08-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Todays small thing is a very important one for us ladies. Today you should do a breast self-exam. I had a scare in the spring that turned out benign...but is something I will have to have checked every 6 months. Here is a site that gives some good information on how to do this... We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our families....

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 3

2009-08-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Todays encouragement challenge was to determine to not say anything negative to or about your husband. The idea is that you try to be encouraging instead. I did it! One thing I do know...when I am more positive and encouraging...everyone around me is more positive and encouraging.

"...love suffers long and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4

small things

2009-08-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Todays small thing is to get your school supplies organized. I can happily say that I have that one done! Ds14 has what needs in his backpack for the first day of school and the rest are boxed and ready to move.

Menu Plan Monday and Food Challenge

2009-08-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

I’m participating in a Food Storage Challenge over at Preparedness Pro. So for the next 2 weeks I won’t be going to the store to shop. This is going to help empty out our freezer for the move in a few weeks too. I’m gonna have to get creative!

Monday:
Breakfast Easy banana bread muffins
Lunch Salad, fried rice (leftovers)
Dinner Homemade chicken strips, corn on the cob, grapes

Tuesday:
Breakfast oatmeal, turkey sausage
Lunch tuna sandwiches, grapes
Dinner bean and cheese burritos, Spanish rice, lettuce salad

Wednesday:
Breakfast Eggs and toast
Lunch smoothies (yogurt, frozen strawberries, bananas)
Dinner rice-a-roni, ground lamb, salad

Thursday:
Breakfast Oatmeal, turkey sausage
Lunch Quesadillas, fruit
Dinner ground beef, rice, leftover veggies in freezer (goulash type dish)

Friday:
Breakfast Cold cereal
Lunch BLT wraps
Dinner pasta alfredo, zucchini, rice

Saturday:
Breakfast biscuits, eggs, juice
Lunch grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit
Dinner baked chicken, cabbage, rice

Sunday:
Breakfast Pancakes, eggs, orange juice
Lunch Tuna sandwiches, fruit
Dinner Italian sausage, rice, zucchini

Ds14 is making peanut butter balls to go in the fridge for an easy snack. I also have some snack items “put away” to pull out when needed.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day 2

2009-08-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

Today we are to give our husbands praise for their willingness to serve others. My dh is very good about doing what needs to be done for his mom and older brother who lives with her due to some handicaps. He's been doing it for years and doesn't get enough kudos for what he does from other family members who sit back and do nothing. Anyone have some of those? In retrospect, I've come to realize I've been stingy with my own praise and with the "thank you's" that should happen on a daily basis.
It's time for a change.....

"..through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b

Get Rid Of It #18

2009-08-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

This past week at Kathi's Project Blog we are being encouraged to let go of 21 items. I need to let go of a lot more than that!
So far I've gotten rid of old children's books, earrings,plastic containers,shorts and shirts ds14 has outgrown and pot lids that don't match anything. That's just for today! Think I'll be doing this for the rest of the week...

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge Day One

2009-08-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

I decided to start the 30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge because I've heard some positive things about it. I'm hoping to see some positive changes in my relationship with my husband.
Todays challenge was to thank your husband for choosing you above all other women and to let him know that God put us together.

Is your husband confident that you love him?

Cake Mix Applesauce Muffins

2009-07-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

For Food Storage Friday I whipped up a batch of these today. I got the recipe over at The American Homemaker. They are delicious!
In my short term storage I have a bunch of cake mixes I got on sale for .50 a box and I'm trying to figure out some different ways to use them up. The applesauce in it is also some I home canned last year.

Get Fit

2009-07-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Did 10 minutes on my step today. Trying to move at a faster pace to get my heart rate up.

Small Thing

2009-07-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Todays Small Thing is to clean your cutting board. Very easy...got out the vinegar and now 2 of them are sanitized and packed in boxes.

Small Thing

2009-07-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Today's Small Thing is to take Isaiah 51:1 and print it off, post it up, or use it as desktop decor. Meditate on the process the Master is using in your life and know that He is preparing you as only He can.

Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness
and who seek the Lord :
Look to the rock from which you were cut
and to the quarry from which you were hewn;
Isaiah 51: 1.

Independence Day Challenge

2009-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to stay with this challenge with getting ready for our move, but here goes:

Planted something/Community food systems: Cucumbers at the work site

Want not/Prep: We are eating from the freezer and our food storage to lessen what we need to move. Also picked up free grocery bag of asian pears, lemons and zucchini from a neighbor. Added 25 pounds cornmeal to preps (yes, I know I’m trying to pare it down, but it’s driving me crazy to see my food storage dwindling). The cornmeal has been vacuum sealed in jars and boxed to move. Practicing with solar oven.

Solar Cooker Challenge

2009-07-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

So here I go adding another challenge. Over at Preparededness Pro a challenge has been issued to prepare your meals in your solar oven for two days. Today I made the rice for our meal and a peach cobbler. This is the second time I've made rice and each time it comes out sticky. It was still edible but I'd like to figure out what to do to make it a little more dried out. Or is that possible? Hmmmm....

The peach cobbler was very good as usual...although I think I'll use a little less butter and none of the juice from the can so it's not so soggy on the bottom.

Clean Heart Challenge

2009-07-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

This weeks Clean Heart Challenge is about learning to trust in God. This can be very difficult to do because throughout our lives we learn not to trust in people…we get let down all the time. But, that’s because as people we are not infallible. Your expectations might be that someone you trusted very much has let you down…so maybe God will too? But, we need to remember that God is always there. We may not be able to see it when we are in our most difficult situations, but He is there.

Here is the verse for the week:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

And a prayer from The Clean Heart Devotional that I will be praying:

Dear Heavenly Father,
There is so much to done and the task seems so overwhelming. I pray that you would give me the strength to start, and finish, what needs to done. I give myself to you to make the changes in me that need to begin. And as I go about each day this week, I pray that I would not drift from You, but lean on You for understanding and for you to direct my path. I submit myself to You and trust You with my life and all my heart. Direct me Lord. Be there to catch me when I fall, and give me the strength I need to continue on. I trust you Lord. Be with me now and throughout this week, and the rest of the year, as I look to You to finish the tasks that are ahead of me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

I hope you all have a blessed week.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-26T09:57:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: Oatmeal
Biscuits and eggs

Lunches: Leftovers (I’m at work so the family feeds themselves)
Pb&j’s, fruit
Tuna sandwiches, fruit

Dinners: BLT tortilla wraps
Pasta with ground beef/ salad
Spaghetti/ cornbread/ salad

Desserts: Applesauce coffee cake
Peach cobbler

Small Thing

2009-07-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

This Small Thing was to do something fun to relax. We went and saw the Eagle (ds25) in this play. It was a very intense play..but, I am so impressed with my sons acting abilities. It is interesting to watch him grow and wondering where this will take him in his life.

Small Thing

2009-07-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

This Small Thing is to put away something that doesn't belong. I'm working on my kitchen table that is the family dumping spot. No pictures...way too embarrassing. I'd really like to be able to sit down and eat a meal there. The problem is keeping it clear. We all seem to drop things on it...and once one thing is dropped on it..it becomes a clutter magnet.

Ok...changed my mind...how about an after picture? It took 30 minutes and everything on the table was tossed or put where it belonged. Now to keep it clear...

Get Rid Of It

2009-07-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

GROI #15 is cleaning out the silverware drawer. Mine really needed it. Can't remember the last time I cleaned it. I threw out a few things, donated a few knives (didn't put these in the free box because of kids browsing through it) and moved some canning lids. One thing I discovered is I have a number of non-working can openers. I haven't found a really good one that's easy to use and doesn't break after a short time. Anyone know of a good brand? I didn't think to take a before picture...but did take an after picture. Looks pretty good, huh?.

Get Rid Of It

2009-07-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm been behind on doing the GROI projects so I'm going backwards in trying to get them done. GROI #17 was to get rid of something you could possibly use some day, but you know giving it away would bless someone else. I couldn't come up with anything specific...but, over the past weeks of decluttering for our move I've realized how much I've been hanging on to stuff because I can always think of a reason to use it in the future. It has felt really good to put stuff out in front of our house to give away instead of trying to sell it at a garage sale. I know that some of the people I've seen can really use what they've taken. And I also know that we just have too much stuff. There is no way I'm going to allow so much clutter into our new home.

Get Fit

2009-07-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

I did one set of 12 of these http://www.squeezeitin.com/2009/07/new-exercise-crayon-kicks/

And two sets of 12 of these http://www.squeezeitin.com/2009/07/new-exercise-scribble-and-squeeze/

And, 10 minutes on my step.....

Small Thing

2009-07-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Todays Small Thing is to get your entertainment center together. We don't have an entertainment center, but I have gotten all vhs tapes and dvds in their cases and in the plastice shoeboxes. Can we say organized!

Small Thing

2009-07-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Todays Small Thing was to do something square to improve your home sanctuary. Sooo...I made brownies! My family really liked this assignment. As you can see from the picture...one disappeared before I could even get to the camera.

Shelf Reliance Giveaway

2009-07-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Free on Friday: The Providence Essential Two Person 72-Hour Kit!
Shelf Reliance is excited to offer you a chance to win the Providence Essential 72-Hour Kit. This kit includes supplies for two people.

The winner of this great prize will be ready to go with items like an AM/FM radio, a tube tent, sleeping bags, ponchos, water, and a deluxe first aid kit. You can check out the entire list of included items by clicking here. The pack is valued at $119.99. A great thing about this kit is that it’s designed for a quick getaway. It would be great to keep in the trunk of your car or in a closet by the front door, where it can be easily accessed in an emergency.

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