Life as A Vintage Housewife

Poll

2011-04-12T16:25:00.002-04:00

I'm taking a poll! It is to your right please answer the questions honestly. I was wanting to see how people felt about commandment number 4: Remember the Sabbath Day, To keep in holy. After the poll is up I will publish the results and let you all know what I think about this commandment.

Feel free to make comments about the poll on this post!

Sweet Love

2011-04-05T23:50:00.003-04:00

"But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank oh his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter."
II Samuel 12:3

As I read this verse, it put a huge smile on my face and reminded me of my babies. I thought of my Puppy and how I snuggle him, and feed him of my plate and water of my cup. I thought how wonderful this is, people thousands of years ago treated their animals as their children like some of us do today. It brought such joy to my heart. I love my animals. They are my children.

But if you keep reading the story isn't happy ever after. This is a parable about King David and what he has done to Uriah. Go read and find out what happens next!

Yard Sale-ing

2011-04-01T11:41:00.003-04:00

My sister-in-law and I started yard sale-ing the first week of November. We sold up until the first week of December, then it got too cold. We did pretty good during this time. We also found out what sold good for us and what didn't. I have figured out that you either need a professional looking table with all new stuff, or just yard sale stuff. When you try to do a mix of both, the new or homemade stuff just don't sell. I have done the best at selling used clothes for $1 or $2 for each piece.

We started sale-ing again the second week of March and sold for three consecutive Fridays. We have done horrible so far this year and have decided to wait until the weather warms up. I have only made $25 in the past three weeks we went to sale. So, counting my gas there and back and food, it hasn't been worth it. Hopefully, we'll do better when warmer weather comes!

Back to School

2011-03-31T11:59:00.002-04:00

I started back to school about two and a half weeks ago. I'm currently taking Microeconomics, in a bi-term, online class. A bi-term class only lasts 8 weeks, so you do a semester worth of work in only half the time. I'm only taking one class, because college is expensive! I figure I can take one or two classes a semester until I finish up my degree. I am pursuing a general Associate in Applied Science degree. I only need seven more classes, after finishing up Microeconomics. After obtaining my AS degree, I plan on transferring to a four year college to further my education even more, but we'll just have to wait and see what happens when I get there. Life is always changing and you have to find joy in whatever circumstance the Lord puts before you.

College was never a priority for me, I've never wanted a career. The thing I've always wanted the most was children. I've waited almost six years now, and I still have no children. So I decided I had better quit sitting here waiting, I'd better put to use the life the Lord has given me. So, I decided to go back to school, while I wait on the Lord and His perfect timing.

Hi! I'm back!

2011-03-30T14:13:00.002-04:00

What have I been doing since my last post in October? I've been:

Yard Sale-ing.
Attending Church
Scripture Study
Cleaning House
Bowling
Working on my Food Storage
Reading
Saving Money
Started back to College (lots of studying)
and.... Spending Time with Family

I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of it at the moment....
I'm hoping to start blogging again regularly, but how many times have I said that? Right?
I hope all my old blogging buddies are doing great! I love you all! May you be blessed in Christ!

This and That....

2010-10-13T07:24:00.004-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers and concerns, sorry its been so long since I posted. A couple days after my last post the biological mother ran off to North Carolina, somewhere along the coast, and we have not heard from her since Saturday, August 21, 2010. The first two weeks was very hard and devastating. I was so depressed I couldn't bring myself to do anything. When all of this happened I was in the middle of working on the floor in the baby's room. I had baby furniture all over the house. After about two weeks, I came out of my depression and I had more energy than I've ever had my whole life. I finished the floor in the baby's room, moved all the furniture back, got everything set up in there, painted and completely redecorated the bathroom, and redecorated the kitchen. I done all of this in a matter of a few days. I also put all my energy into keeping a very clean house, this lasted several weeks, but has now worn off.

My Husband left for a business trip this morning, so he will be gone till late this evening. I plan to do a really thorough cleaning of the house today, visit my Dad and Grandparents, and maybe some arts and crafts. I have been making various things, such as baby blankets, belly bands, holiday wreaths and center pieces, knitted baby caps, headbands(picture above), bows and decorated baskets, and I've also been finding some yard sale type items around the house. My sister-in-law and I are planning to go sale at the flea market in a few weeks, which has been a dream of mine for quiet some while. Hopefully we do good, and can go back regularly. I'm going to try to make hair-bows and maybe container candles before we go also.

We Need YOUR Prayers

2010-08-20T22:40:00.003-04:00

Pray for me, my family, the baby, the biological mother. Pray that God will work everything out for all our benefit, whatever the outcome may be, HE knows best. The biological mother told me today she is now undecided on whether to keep the baby or adopt it out. Pray that we will also understand and accept HIS decision no matter what.

Menu Monday

2010-08-16T23:33:00.002-04:00

So Much To Do

2010-08-10T12:36:00.002-04:00

So little time.... lol I have been working the past three months to pay for the adoption, and boy have I let everything else slide! My house is a disaster and the baby's room doesn't even resemble a nursery. I have let my house get so cluttered you can't see the surfaces. I still have too much stuff, even though, I have been taking trunk loads to goodwill ever since I found out about the baby! MY PROBLEM: I accept everything anyone gives me.

My Plan

Stop accepting things I don't need.

When bringing in a new item throwout or give away a similar item.

Well, I'm going to go get busy and clear my kitchen table and counter tops off! I sure would love to be able to see them again!

I Called, You Can Too!

2010-06-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

SR 519 Approaches Half-way Point

The Senate resolution opposing ratification of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child is very near the half-way point, with 16 of the needed 34 cosponsors already signed on. To reach this level of success in so short a time is very encouraging – but we still have a ways to go, and need to get there quickly!

You know as we do that if your senator is a Republican, there is no reason for him not to sign on, so we are targeting that group this week. The only reason many have not cosponsored yet is that they don’t think it is important enough to make the effort – and your phone calls are needed to change that perception. If they get enough phone calls about an issue, it becomes important, so we need you to make SR 519 vital to them!

If Your Senator Is a Democrat...

...don’t quit calling. This is not a partisan issue, and there is a chance your senator may sign on. Find their Washington number at ParentalRights.org/Status, and urge them to oppose international law by co-sponsoring SR 519. And tell your friends so they can call, too!

If Your Senator Is a Republican and Not a Cosponsor...

...he is one of our targets this week. Please take the following actions:

1. Call your Senators. Tell them we don’t want international law running our country. Tell them to seize this opportunity to win a victory against the Obama agenda.

To easily check their status and get their Washington phone numbers, find your state on the list at ParentalRights.org/Status. If you have already called their D.C. office, please call their District Offices at the numbers listed below. Alternate every couple of days and keep calling both offices!

AL Sen. Richard Shelby	(334) 223-7303 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (334) 223-7303 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
AK Sen. Lisa Murkowski	(907)-271-3735 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (907)-271-3735 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
FL Sen. George LeMieux	(904)-398-8586 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (904)-398-8586 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
ID Sen. Mike Crapo	(208)-334-1776 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (208)-334-1776 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
IN Sen. Richard Lugar	(317) 226-5555 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (317) 226-5555 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
KS Sen. Sam Brownback	(316) 264-8066 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (316) 264-8066 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
KS Sen. Pat Roberts	(785) 295-2745 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (785) 295-2745 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
LA Sen. David Vitter	(225)-383-0331 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (225)-383-0331 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
ME Sen. Susan Collins	(207) 622-8414 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (207) 622-8414 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
ME Sen. Olympia Snowe	(207) 622-8292 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (207) 622-8292 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
MA Sen. Scott Brown	(617) 565-3170 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (617) 565-3170 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
MS Sen. Thad Cochran	(601)-965-4459 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (601)-965-4459 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
MO Sen. Chris Bond	(573) 634-2488 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (573) 634-2488 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
NE Sen. Mike Johanns	(402) 476-1400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (402) 476-1400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
NH Sen. Judd Gregg	(603) 225-7115 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (603) 225-7115 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
OH Sen. George Voinovich	(216) 522-7095 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (216) 522-7095 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
SC Sen. Lindsey Graham	(803) 933-0112 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (803) 933-0112 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
TN Sen. Lamar Alexander	(615) 736-5129 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (615) 736-5129 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
TN Sen. Bob Corker	(615)-279-8125 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (615)-279-8125 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
TX Sen. John Cornyn	(713)-572-3337 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (713)-572-3337 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
UT Sen. Robert Bennett	(801) 524-5933 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (801) 524-5933 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
UT Sen. Orrin Hatch	(801) 524-4380 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (801) 524-4380 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
WY Sen. John Barrasso	(307)-772-2451 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (307)-772-2451 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
WY Sen. Michael Enzi	(307) 772-2477 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (307) 772-2477 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

2. Tell your friends. Every chance you get, tell your friends about the dangers of the CRC, the UN’s treaty that would transform parental authority into a treaty obligation of the national government, making Washington responsible to ensure that you raise your kids according to UN standards. Send them to ParentalRights.org to sign the petition (or have them sign a printed copy), and encourage them to join you in calling your senators!

If Your Senator Has Already Sponsored...

...please send him a thank you letter or card expressing your appreciation:

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)	7550 Halcyon Summit Dr., Suite 150, Montgomery, AL 36117
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)	2200 East Camelback, Suite 120 Phoenix, AZ 85016
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)	5353 North 16th Street, Suite 105 Phoenix, AZ 85016
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)	100 Galleria Pkwy., Suite 1340 Atlanta, GA 30339
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA)	1 Overton Park Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30339
Sen. James Risch (R-ID)	350 North 9th Street, Suite 302 Boise, ID 83702
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA)	721 Federal Bldg., 210 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY)	600 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Place Rm. 1072b Louisville, KY 40202
Sen. Roger Wicker (R- MS)	245 East Capitol St., Suite 226 Jackson, MS 39201
Sen. John Ensign (R-NV)	400 S. Virginia St., Suite 738 Reno, NV 89501
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)	201 N. Front St., Suite 809 Wilmington, NC 28401
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)	100 North Broadway, Suite 1820 Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK)	1900 NW Expressway St., Suite 1210 Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)	1901 Main St., Suite 1475 Columbia, SC 29201
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)	320 N. Main Ave., Suite B Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)	961 Federal Building 300 East 8th Street Austin, Texas 78701

Campaign 519 Beyond Half-way

We have received more than 335 donations so far in our campaign to stop the CRC. Our goal of 519 donors giving $5.19 or more to support Senate Resolution 519 is now within reach, with fewer than 200 donors to go. If you haven’t given yet, please click here to make your contribution and help us reach our goal.

Call Your Congressman

If your Congressman is not already a cosponsor of the Parental Rights Amendment (HJRes. 42), call and urge him to sign on. As the elections approach, candidates from both parties are beginning to realize that the parental rights issue is vital to all Americans. Representatives from either party may wish to sign on now to help their re-election campaigns. You might want to mention this to them, as well.

To take action, visit ParentalRights.org/States and click on your state. Then, if your Congressman is not already a cosponsor, click on his name to get his contact information – and give him a call. Tell him you believe parental rights will be a major issue this election, and that it can only help his chances if he defends parental rights by cosponsoring HJRes. 42, the Parental Rights Amendment. Be courteous, and thank the staff workers for their time.

Constituting America Deadline Approaching

The July 4 deadline for Constituting America’s student arts contest, We the People 9*17, is approaching. Top prize in the high school division is a $2000 scholarship. Students in public, private, and home schools are all welcome. Click here for more information.

Join the Network

Click here to sign up for this weekly news-letter or action alerts if this email was for-warded to you.

Amendment Cosponsors

To date we have 137 cosponsors in the U.S. House and 7 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.

Become a Member

Your gift of $35 will support our on-going efforts, and you'll receive a Membership Kit to share the word with your friends.

View This Email Online

In case there are updates or you have trouble viewing this properly, you can view it online here.

Its A Boy!

2010-06-02T10:13:00.003-04:00

As you can see, we found out the sex of the baby! My husband is so excited we're having a little boy, he's already making future plans of hunting, fishing, dirt bikes, and sports! lol He is absolutely thrilled! I'm so excited too! I have to start on the nursery soon! I want to make practically everything, the curtains, sheets, bumper pad, crib skirt, paint some baskets for the room, make some decorations, paint the nursery, get new flooring for the nursery, the list goes on and on.

On a side note, I have been learning to embroider! I love it! I've only learned two stitches so far, the running stitch and the hem stitch. I've made some new friends that love sewing, so I'm learning so much from them. And they have a great love for God and it just makes the friendship so much better. We just clicked the instant we met and I believe it was because our shared love in Christ.

TEL-EVIL-SION

2010-05-17T13:02:00.000-04:00

Strange Reactions

2010-04-30T20:27:00.002-04:00

We finally told everyone in our family, we couldn't wait until the next appointment which is a week from today. Some family members were extremely excited and others weren't happy at all. I had some that were happy and excited until we told them we were adopting, then they were like no, don't adopt, whats wrong with you?.... About half of the people we told acted like it was the most horrible sin we could ever commit. I wasn't expecting these types of reactions, they almost had me in tears. I told one family member, "Well, my husband, me, and they baby will all just be happy together, even if no one else is." What is wrong with people today? Why can't the just see that ALL children are a blessing from the Lord?!

First Appointment

2010-04-14T11:07:00.002-04:00

Last Tuesday, April 6th was the first appointment. Things didn't go as planned, I was supposed to be there, but wasn't even told of the appointment. I was told later that night that the birth mother went to her first appointment. I was kind of upset, but I'm just glad that she finally went to the doctor.

The doctor said the baby was perfectly fine and healthy so far. The baby was at 10 1/2 weeks, so now its at 11 1/2. Its heartbeat was 155 and the baby's due date is October 28!

Its exciting! The next appointment is May 7th, I can't wait! We will probably tell our family after this appointment. I'm kind of nervous of how they'll react....

More Updates

2010-03-12T22:57:00.004-05:00

I got to talk to the Birth Mother today. She was so nice and honest. But she does need your prayers, she has an addiction. So prayers are especially needed for the safety and health of the Baby. Her previous two children were boys and she said she had the same dependency while pregnant with them and they turned out just fine, so we are hoping for a healthy baby this pregnancy too. Nothing is impossible for God! She said this pregnancy is completely different than the other two and so she is convinced she is having a girl. She said she would like to be a part of the baby's life and be able to visit and that she would like to pick its name. I told her that was completely fine with me, I wouldn't mind a bit! If it were to be a girl she already has a beautiful name picked out, Lindsay Rayne!

Update

2010-03-11T21:05:00.003-05:00

God has blessed us so! The Baby has been promised to us! We are no longer second in line, Praise God! Legal papers and doctor visits will soon be in the future. Oh, how I can't wait to hear the baby's heart beat and see it on the ultrasound screen! We're trusting in the Lord that we will have a precious baby to hold in our arms in less than seven months! Please continue to pray that the baby is healthy. And that the financial part of the adoption won't be a burden and that the adoption itself will be smooth and easy.

Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers! God does listen!

Picture from: http://www.alwaysquilting.com.au/ThreadsOnline/greeting_cards.htm

Please Pray

2010-03-08T15:25:00.002-05:00

We just got an offer today that we couldn't refuse. There is a lady that is currently pregnant and wanting to give up her baby when she has it. We, of course, would LOVE to have the baby. We are second in line, there was another couple wanting the baby, but haven't made up their minds completely yet. Please pray that the baby is healthy. And that the financial part of the adoption won't be a burden and that the adoption itself will be smooth and easy.

We hope this is an answer to our prayers!

Picture from: http://rccexperiments.blogspot.com/2007/09/baby-plus-praying-hands.html

Happy Late New Year

2010-01-03T13:08:00.002-05:00

I'm a couple days late, but that's okay. I started off my new year pretty good. I rung in the new year at church and later that evening I went to the gym with my husband. I also went to the gym yesterday, I worked out 2 hours both days and hopefully I'll stick with it the rest of the year and the rest of my life! lol I'd like to go to the gym today, but my husband wants to rest, so I may do an exercise video. I can't wait to go back to the gym tomorrow, I feel so good after working out. The first day I worked out on the treadmill and the elliptical machine and then stretched with my husband. Yesterday I also used the treadmill and elliptical machine, then my husband and I lifted weights, done a count down exercise, and stretched together. I know I'll be able to stick with this as long as my husband does, because wherever my husband is, I'll always love to be there by his side.

What I'm doing Today

2009-12-31T18:06:00.002-05:00

Right now I'm getting ready to complete one of my goals I posted a few days ago.

Bless Goodwill with a load of stuff, before this year is over.

And after I drop it off I'll be heading to church for the Night Watch Service. I first started attending this church exactly one year ago today, when I attended their Night Watch Service last year. Its hard to believe its already been a year, time has flew by.

Christmas

2009-12-29T18:17:00.004-05:00

It has been so busy since Christmas! Christmas was great! Got to see lots of family and spend lots of time with them. The presents were the best we had ever gotten and I would say it is due to the hard economic times. This year there wasn't as many presents to go around, but they were very practical and will be used! I got a new to me (used) Kenmore sewing machine, which I can't wait to try out! A Gorgeous curio cabinet, which didn't cost my parents a fortune! School books for next semester, which I was in great need of. And my favorite present of all, a pressure canner! Now I must study up on growing a garden and canning!!! I can't wait to get started!

We had a very happy and blessed Christmas, Thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ! I hope you were very blessed this Christmas too!

The Christmas Story

2009-12-24T12:35:00.000-05:00

Luke - Chapter 2

¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

²([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹²And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

²¹And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Blessings

2009-12-22T21:53:00.002-05:00

I decided I would bless my mom today. I went and helped her clean her house before Christmas. By deciding to be a blessing God doubly blessed me. I had been wanting Biscuits, Eggs, Gravy, and Sausage for quite sometime and that is exactly what I got at my mom's house for dinner tonight! Then one of my aunts blessed me with a brand new set of cookers, which we where in desperate need of. Isn't it so good that God knows our wants and needs and desires to bless us!

Things To Do Before January 11th!

2009-12-21T17:42:00.004-05:00

While in between semesters at school, I have been thinking about some things I would like to get accomplished before the next semester begins. Because I know once school starts back I won't have this extra time on my hands. I'm expecting next semester to be the hardest of all. I will be taking English II, College Algebra, Anatomy I with Lab, and Heath and Nutrition. These classes will be energy and time consuming, so I'd like to get as much as possible accomplished before I go back on January 11th.

Things I Would Like To Do:

Plan a new routine of things to do that is specific to each day of the week.
Have the new routine implemented!
Deep clean Kitchen, Hallway, and Bathroom.
Paint Kitchen, Hallway, and Bathroom, including the cabinets.
Organize Laundry room, including sewing and knitting supplies.
Clean out and organize closets.
Bless Goodwill with a load of stuff, before this year is over.

If anyone would like to leave some organization tips or links that would help organize sewing or knitting supplies, it would be very appreciated. I have always had trouble getting my craft supplies organized.

Life Is Changing

2009-12-18T18:16:00.004-05:00

I haven't blogged in quite a while. As you all know I started back college this past August and just finished up this semester this past week. I go to the local community college and there isn't very much to choose from, so I finally choose to major in Dental Hygiene. I don't remember if I shared or not, but the reason I started back to college is because my Husband asked me to while I still had the chance.

From the time that I decided on a major my thoughts have been changing. My dreams and desires are still to be a housewife and a homeschooling mother, but lately I have been thinking about something quite different. I have been thinking maybe I should continue with school and get my degree and work until God blesses my Husband and I with children. Which I hope I don't go childless that long, because graduation is still at least two years away. But I was thinking we would be better off financially if I could get my degree and work long enough to help pay the house down quite a bit or even pay it off. And once we had children I would then get to stay at home with them and we would have less financial strain. Just a thought.

On another note, at the beginning of this month I decided to make an appointment with an OBGYN, to talk to them about getting pregnant. I called and the earliest they could get me in was March 4th. I thought that was quite a long time to wait. :(

It feels good to leave you all a message! Hopefully I'll be blogging regularly again! :)

I'd like to know what you think about my thoughts. About working until the Lord sees fit to bless us with children.

Cake Balls

2009-09-27T22:43:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard of cake balls? I hadn't until back in July when I went to my Best Friends Baby Shower. Her Shower was catered and one of the items were decadent little Cake Balls. I have been dreaming of them ever since. I haven't found a place locally to buy them, but online you can buy them at The Cake Ball Company. But you'll be hurting financially after buying some there, 36 cost $80! So, either tomorrow or Tuesday I'm going to try my hand at making some. And I'll blog my recipe and experience so you don't have to spend your whole grocery budget on one little treat! I bought the ingredients tonight at our local Walmart for a total of $6.33. That is a whole lot cheaper than $80 for pre-made ones!

Missing in Action

2009-09-26T00:33:00.002-04:00

I know I've been missing in action for a while and its all because of school. I just have so much homework its crazy and I've been helping my mom with hers too. I can't wait till she gets a little more confident and steps out on her own two feet. She is getting better and better every week!

I used the Homestead Blessings Art of Bread Making DVD to make two more items. I made rolls a few days ago and today I made pizza bread. They both turned out delicious, but I forgot to take pictures. The rolls I made out of half whole wheat and half unbleached flour, because this is what they did in the video. But I think they would have been just as good with whole wheat! The pizza bread I made with whole wheat flour! It was absolutely wonderful! My Husband loved it! I stuffed it with pizza sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese.

I also made a wreath today!!! It's hanging on my front door! I've had the stuff to make it since this time last year, but I just got around to it today. Maybe within the next week I'll take a picture and upload it!

Today Was Fun!

2009-09-12T23:51:00.005-04:00

Today my Husband and I spent the whole day together! I rode with him to our local Yamaha store to buy some chain lube for the bike. We then came back home and washed the bike and he lubed the chain. We let it sit for a while.

He then took me to a nice little creamery just down the street from our house. I didn't even know it was there! I had never even heard of it before. We ordered a meal and shared. We talked to the guy behind the counter and I said I never even heard of this place before, and he said that they didn't advertise, that they relied on word of mouth. This little place was great! They had delicious food! And their ice cream was Divine! I got a hand dipped praline pecan in a waffle cone. It had little balls of pecan praline all through it with praline sauce swirled in. I will surely tell my family about this great little creamery, how good the food was, and how nice the people were.

After we left the creamery, my husband took me up to the over look. I hadn't been up there in quite a while. The city has done so much work on it, that it looks like a totally different place. I felt like I had lost my whereabouts. They put up several new covered shelters with grills, parking areas, and playgrounds. It looks so fun now! It would be a great place to get the whole family together at! At the top, we parked and he held my hand as we walked out on the overlook. I really need to get some pictures of this place one day. And I really need to get some pictures of my husband and I on the bike. People smile at us as we walk by with our bikers jackets on and holding hands , with our helmets swinging in our other hands. This would make such a great picture. I wonder what other people think when they see us? I wonder if they could even imagine that I'm a stay at home wife, trying to fulfill my Godly role?

We then came back home and watched a movie called Instinct. It was a really good movie, but it made me cry. It was about a man studying Gorillas and they accepted him and he lived among them for two years. They became his family and they tried to protect one another.

I love when my Husband and I get the chance to spend the day together. Its the simple things like him holding my hand and just spending time with me that I love the most. I'm always looking forward to our next day together and I thank God for the wonder day he gave us today.

The picture at the top is of my Husband when he went to the Dragons Tail a few months ago.

Dinner

2009-09-11T23:50:00.002-04:00

Tonight for dinner we had Manwich over slices of the homemade whole wheat bread I made yesterday and green beans on the side. Hubby loved it! He always complained before when I bought whole wheat bread from the store. But yesterday and today he absolutely loved the homemade bread. I really think this bread is going to be a big step toward healthier eating in our home.

My First Bread Making Expericence With The Home Blessings DVD

2009-09-10T23:05:00.013-04:00

I made a loaf of whole wheat bread and a meal in a loaf.
Chicken, zucchini, and yellow squash were in the meal in a loaf.
It was absolutely delicious!
My husband even liked it, and he usually doesn't like whole wheat bread!

School and Gardening

2009-09-09T23:16:00.002-04:00

Starting school back has been harder than I thought. It has also took up more of my time than I ever imagined. I am struggling to keep the house clean, clothes washed, food cooked, animals took care of, and homework done. I haven't checked my email much since starting school, so now, it is out of control! I think I have close to 600 unread emails. I suppose I need to set some time aside sometime soon to work on that, before it gets even more overwhelming. Unsubscribe to a few newsletters and such.

This whole year I have been wanting to plant some greens, which was supposed to be done last month. I'm thinking about going ahead and doing it now and see if they survive. This year has been my year of experimentation with gardening. A lot has went wrong!!! lol But I am learning. Next year I want to try a large garden(Large to me! lol Probably small to all you professionals!). I have a small piece of land in another county close by, I'm planning to garden there. I figured I could go work it once a week or once every two weeks. Would that be enough?

Living Room Curtains

2009-09-08T22:48:00.004-04:00

About a month ago I made some curtains for my living room window. I wrote these two posts back then, but I'm just now getting around to posting them. Due to the fact that I don't like transferring pictures from my camera and phone to the computer. So, I'm just now getting around to uploading the pictures. Here are the two missing post! lol

Curtains Take One

Curtains Take Two

It has been almost a month now since I made the curtains! They have really grew on me and I think I will just leave them as they are.

Happy Labor Day

2009-09-07T22:30:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a fun filled labor day!
May God bless each and everyone of you!

Oil Pulling

2009-09-06T16:09:00.004-04:00

Yesterday and today, I have been suffering from a really bad sinus infection. So I decided to do some research on home remedies. So I just discovered Oil Pulling, which is from India. It sounds so promising! Everyone should check it out, It has even been reported to cure Cancer and AIDS!

Here are the two websites I visited:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/oil_pulling.html

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2003/02/10/stories/2003021000160400.htm

I just finished Oil Pulling for the first time about 20 minutes ago, and I am already able to breathe and feel much better! I'm going to make this a daily part of my life! And I used extra virgin olive oil!

Home Stead Blessings: The Art of Bread Making

2009-09-05T12:06:00.002-04:00

Yesterday evening when I put in the Homestead Blessings DVD and started to watch, I just couldn't stop! I watched them make the Standard Bread Dough and I just wanted to know more! I ended up watching the whole thing in one sitting! It was wonderful! The recipe I want to try the most is the Meal in a Loaf! It looked so elegant, but simple to make! This would be great to take to Holiday Dinners!

Homestead Blessings DVD

2009-09-04T17:17:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited! The Homestead Blessings DVD just arrived in the mail! It had a wonderful little note attached to it from Jenna, she is so sweet! Thank you Jenna! I'm going to put it in and watch a little right now! Today is my grocery shopping day. So I'm gonna watch a bit so I can add a few ingredients to my list before I go. I hope to be making some bread by the beginning of next week!

2009-08-26T11:44:00.003-04:00

Okay! I'm getting a late start today, and I have lots of things I would like to accomplish! On days like this Lists are Great!

Morning Routine
Evening Routine
Pick Up End Table (Hopefully its there today!)
Organize, Clean, and Change Bedding/Decor in Guest Bedroom
Move All Books and Sewing Supplies to Guest Bedroom
Organize all Books and Sewing Supplies in Guest Bedroom
FlyLady's Home Blessing Hour
Homework!!!

Dinner is already on! We're having Roast, Carrots, and Potatoes in the crock pot. And I will warm up some rolls at dinner time!

Homework....

2009-08-25T23:53:00.002-04:00

Today has been a busy day. I got up early this morning and went to school. I had some free time at around noon and came home for a quick lunch and then headed back to school until 3:00. I was now home bound again, but not free from the school work!!! lol My mom came over and I helped her with her homework. I was the one that talked her into going back to school, so I see it as part of my duty to help her succeed. She went back to school for her last class of the day at about 6:00 and arrived back here for more help at about 8:30. I made us all Vegetable Spaghetti for dinner and we ate while working away. She finished up her work a little after 10:00 and left for home. I'm so happy she is going back to school and I can't wait till she gets a hang of things! lol Its just after helping her for so long, I kind of get burned out on homework and I also have to find time to squeeze mine in. Hopefully, soon, she will gain more confidence in her ability and be a little more independent.

Homework and Dinner

2009-08-24T15:54:00.002-04:00

I just got finished with my algebra homework. Now I'm gonna go outside for a walk! When I get back, I will start some soup beans simmering and then off to do more homework! We are having Soup Beans, Fried Taters, and Cornbread for dinner tonight. Such a simple dinner is great when you have a lot to do!

So Excited!

2009-08-23T11:34:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited and quite happy to say that, God has blessed me with the Homestead Blessings The Art of Making Bread DVD!

I would like to thank Jenna over at Feminine Farmgirl and Franklin Springs for making this possible!

When I receive this wonderful gift I will make sure that I bless my readers also by blogging about my experiences with this DVD and bread-making!

Give Away

2009-08-20T16:32:00.003-04:00

Jenna over at Feminine Farmgirl is having a give away! A lovely bread-making DVD! Make sure you enter to win!

College and Opinions

2009-08-20T16:06:00.002-04:00

This week has been so busy! And I'm sure there will be plenty more. I started school back this past Tuesday after taking a year off. I have been swamped with homework every since. I was so tired Tuesday that I fell asleep at 6pm and slept till 10:30 am the next morning!

My classes are College Algebra, Psychology, Sociology, and English. I took all in class classes, instead of taking online classes, because I just learn better that way. And guess what! In two of my classes you go to class for your lectures and demonstrations, but all your assignments are given online.

Yesterday I worked on homework all day long. I started regretting going back, wondering if it is really worthwhile....

I would like to hear your opinions. What do you all think about getting a college education? What do you think about using your education for benefit at home? Do you think it even benefits your home life?

Curtains Take Two

2009-08-14T11:57:00.006-04:00

Well, Yesterday I I took my curtains down and headed over to sewing class. We ended up cutting them in half horizontally and sewing them together to make them wide enough and weigh less, so the threads wouldn't snap from the pressure of the weight. I finally finished them up at about 2 a.m. this morning. There really cute, but now there too short vertically for my taste, and they look a little awkward on the huge window. So, now I think I'll make a plain cream color valance to hang behind them. This will add a little more vertical length and prettiness! lol

Here is take two! Be Warned! The pictures aren't so great....

Curtains Take One

2009-08-12T17:07:00.006-04:00

I finally made my curtains today.... Got them finished, hung them up, and guess what.... Two threads broke and my gathers came loose and they were a few inches too short........ Oh, well. I'll try again. They where very beautiful though.

Since two of the threads broke I went ahead and broke the other two to make them match. I'm gonna leave them hanging up until I make new ones. Here they are, my first curtains. I can't believe I made them too small.

Tables and Swimming

2009-08-11T12:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning, I swept and mopped and then we started putting the tables together. First we put an end table together and I dusted the Styrofoam off. Then we opened up the box the sofa table was in and pulled it out, and it was busted.... So, we moved on to putting the coffee table together and it was fine. I then called the furniture store and told them it was busted and they promptly ordered us a new one, and it is supposed to be there today. My other end table is supposed to be there today also, so that works out great!

Yesterday afternoon, I returned my mother-in-law's weed eater that we borrowed. While I was there she asked me to get in the pool with her. I was kind of hesitant, I told her maybe after my brother-in-law left for work I would. But she keep persisting, so I agreed. It had been about 3 years since I had been in a pool. I wore a shirt and shorts with a swimsuit underneath, and wrapped a towel around my legs while walking to the pool. And even though I wore a shirt and shorts in the pool I felt so uncomfortable and naked.... I did have fun, I just felt like my normal level of modesty wasn't there. Maybe I should buy a pair of coolots for swimming?

The Hard Part Is Over

2009-08-10T10:49:00.003-04:00

The living room is finally finished!!! With the exception of one little corner, where our tile isn't put down yet. So, I couldn't finish the trim there either. But the rest of it is all done!!! Yay! lol

Today I'll be mopping the living room and cleaning up the rest of the house. It has got quite out of order since I've been working non-stop on the living room. And I'll also be putting my tables together and rearranging furniture.

This week I plan on making matching curtains, pillows, and doilies for the living room. Then I'll try to upload some pictures!

A Whole New Outlook

2009-08-08T13:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was awesome! I repainted the section of the ceiling that I done a horrible job on and put a second coat on the wood around the edges of the ceiling. It looks great! Then I got ready and went to the grocery store, I was in and out pretty quick. But I still didn't get finished in time to go to sewing class. I came home and fixed dinner, we had potato chip chicken casserole, twice baked potatoes, and rolls. It was delicious! While sitting and enjoying my dinner I kept thinking about the living room. Thinking about the trim that goes around the top of the ceiling. Thinking, I want to hurry up and get this done!!! lol So, after dinner I decided I didn't want to wait on anyone to help me, its untelling when someone would actually get the time. I decided to do it on my own. And guess what?! I did a pretty good job, and it wasn't near as hard as I thought it would be. I thought that I would need an extra person to hold the opposite end of the trim, because I had some pieces 12 and 14 foot long. But I discovered one person could do it just fine!

I have been letting fear hold me back from doing so many things. First it was sewing. I used to sew, but hadn't in four years and was fearful to start back. But I did, at the beginning of this year! And I absolutely love it! It has become my hobby now and small cottage business! And then painting! I had never painted in my life until this week, because I feared the way it would turn out. I now know that when I become fearful of something new, thinking I just can't do it! That I need to go ahead and try, cause you might just be surprised about how it turns out! You never know where trying something new might take you! I just wanted to paint the ceiling and now I'm doing carpentry work!!! lol

I don't have all that much left to do now. I just have to cut and put up the corner pieces and then paint. Yesterday it seemed like I'd never get finished, but I have a whole new outlook today!

Slow Day Yesterday, Still Lots To Do Today

2009-08-07T13:03:00.004-04:00

I worked on the living room all day yesterday, but didn't get very much accomplished. I got most of the baseboards put down, except in one corner by the door. We haven't got any flooring put down right there yet. We still have to lay tile there. The base boards still need painting.....

I think I was slower yesterday because my arms were so tired and sore from all the sawing. Its a hand saw, not a power saw... lol I still need to put up the trim around the top of the ceiling, but I don't know when I'll get around to that. Maybe I'll wait and ask my Dad or someone to help me with that.

So, this is what I'm planning on doing today. There is one section of the ceiling that needs repainted cause I did a horrible job. I don't know what happened there, the rest of the ceiling looks great! And the wood around the edges of the ceiling needs a second coat! So, if I get all that done in time I'm planning on going to sewing class and getting some help making a set of curtains for my living room window! And I really need to go grocery shopping too! I hope I can fit all of these things into my day!

Lots Accomplished, Lots To Do

2009-08-06T08:21:00.002-04:00

I got a lot accomplished yesterday also! I'm really getting into this stuff! lol My mom ended up bringing me the ladder, not my step dad. But as soon as I got it I got straight to work! I painted in the corners between the beams and all around the edges of the ceiling. I also touched up the sides of the beams with my brush because I didn't get them good enough with the roller.

Then I got some courage and decided to put up chair rail all by myself. My dad loaned me his miter saw and I got straight to it! I had never mitered corners before, but with a miter saw and box it is so simple and easy to do! But it can be tiresome! It was so easy and fun I have decided to put up cornice and new baseboards today! I'm leaving in a few minutes to go get them!

My Husband and I went and got our tables yesterday, all but one. They misplaced one of the end tables and couldn't find it. So they had to order another one and told us just to call back in a few days to see if its there. I can't wait to get everything set up! Hopefully I'll get the tables set up today, it just depends on how long it takes me to miter all those corners and then paint!

These last two weeks have been so busy, but a lot of fun! I'm enjoying all this carpentry work! ;)

Pretty Good, Pretty Bad

2009-08-05T07:24:00.004-04:00

Yesterday went well. It rained all day so I couldn't pick up my tables, I called to let them know and guess what.... All four of them arrived together instead of two yesterday and two Saturday. We are supposed to be picking them up today.

Yesterday was my first time painting. It took me all day long, until after midnight, but I got a lot accomplished. I got the trim, front door, and the majority of the ceiling painted. It looks pretty good! I painted them all Brilliant White, the living room looks so much brighter now! I didn't have a ladder, so I couldn't get around the edges of the ceiling or the corners between the beams and the ceiling. My Step Dad is supposed to be bring me a ladder today, so I can finish up!

I woke up about 6ish this morning from a bad nightmare, and it is still bothering me pretty bad. So please pray for me about this! Thank you all for reading my blog and attending to my prayer requests!

Painting

2009-08-04T10:36:00.003-04:00

I have been so so so busy here lately! So I decided to stop by and tell you what I was getting myself into today! My mother in law bought us some furniture for our living room, cause all we have in there is a sofa and chair. She bought us a table set, which includes a coffee table, sofa table, and two end tables. And I must go pick up the two end tables today, the other two will be in Saturday. But I decided I wanted to paint the ceiling, front door, and trim before putting my tables in there. And I have never painted before!!!! So please pray for me! Pray that God will give me the knowledge, strength, and energy to get the job done in a timely fashion.....

A Week Of Journaling: Monday

2009-07-20T23:13:00.003-04:00

Hubby ended up working all night last night, he went to bed sometime this morning and was called bright and early to fix another problem that he was able to handle from home. Since he worked about 15 hours yesterday, they gave him today off. After fixing the problem he went back to bed and slept in quite late today.

While he slept, I sewed. I made a dress last week, and it was absolutely hideous! lol It was just the wrong style for me. It looked like a giant Hawaiian moo moo. So not flattering. The arm holes were gigantic, they went all the way to my waist. And two other people probably could have fit into it with me! lol So I decided I would cut off the bottom and gather the skirt. Then I cut and seamed down the top and arms quiet a bit, and added another pleat at the bottom of the bodice. Then I sewed the top and bottom together and WaLa! A whole new dress!

Hubby woke up and we watched some more of the movie that we had started yesterday. I heated up some left over BBQ pork and we had BBQ pork sandwiches for lunch.

My Mom came over for dinner and visited with us for a little while. After she left Hubby got called into work again for about an hour. I tided up the house a bit and finished sewing a lining for a sewing bag that I'm currently making. I now have the exterior, interior, and handle finished, just got to put them all together now! When Hubby got home we finally finished our movie and watched another one. And now its time to sleep!

A Week Of Journaling: Sunday

2009-07-19T22:56:00.003-04:00

Not much happened today. Hubby and I slept in, I didn't feel well.

I decided to try something new, Sweet Potatoes! I baked them in my aroma oven on 300 degrees F for about an hour. They baked so well, when I got them out, the skin just peeled right off! First I tried them plain. They tasted okay, but not great. So I decided to add butter and brown sugar. Then tasted them again. I didn't like them at all with the butter and brown sugar! Hubby refused to even try a sweet potato....

A server messed up where Hubby works and he had to go in for about an hour. While he was at the office I fixed Cajun Chicken Alfredo, so yummy! I had it ready for him when he got home! He fixed the on site problems and then came home to finish the rest of the work remotely.

I managed to run to Big Lots, they were having a store wide 20% off sale. I just bought a few items, toilet paper, puppy pads, and a few other things. I would have loved to have been able to afford some of their furniture! I forgot to get a loaf of bread while I was there, so I stopped by a store close to the house.

Later I fixed BBQ pork sandwiches for dinner and washed dishes. Hubby and I started watching a movie, I was too tired to finish it and hopefully we'll finish it tomorrow. Hubby is still working and I'm off to bed!

A Successful Day

2009-07-08T23:53:00.003-04:00

Today was such a successful Day!
I got the baby quilt finished! Pictures coming soon!
I planted five hanging baskets of strawberries! Yum!
I got started on a matching sewing tote and machine cover!
Successful Days Are So Wonderful!
Don't you love it when you feel like you've got a lot accomplished?

I'm So Happy

2009-07-05T17:27:00.005-04:00

I finally found a quick and easy way to make Rice Milk! The last time I tried to make rice milk I blew my blender up! This recipe is even better for you because it is raw! You don't even have to cook the rice! So this is how I did it!

Rice Milk

Ingredients

1 cup brown rice
4 cups water
stevia to taste

Instructions

Pour rice and water in a bowl with lid, refrigerate overnight.
Blend the rice and water on high with a stick blender for about two minutes or in a regular blender for about one minute.
Strain through a cheese cloth, blend in some stevia to taste.
Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T15:16:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to stop in and say Happy 4th of July!

And also tell you what I've been up to lately! A while back I posted about my best friend being pregnant, well her Baby Shower is July 11! I've been super busy trying to get her gifts ready! Everything I'm giving her is going to be homemade! So, I've been working overtime! lol So far, I have finished a Baby Toboggan and I'm just about finished with her baby Quilt. All I lack on the quilt is the edging. I will be making a few more items for her also. I'll post pics within the next few days!

Have the Promises Been Kept?

2009-07-02T00:00:00.003-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-06-29T23:29:00.005-04:00

Monday
Chicken Fajitas

Tuesday
Nacho Bell Grande

Wednesday
Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Thursday
Lasagna and Garlic Bread

Friday
Tacos

Saturday
Potato Chip Chicken Casserole and Green Beans

Sunday
Manwhich and Green Beans

Don't Let Your Rights be Taken Away!

2009-06-24T10:31:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend of Parental Rights,

Monday in a Harlem middle school, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told a group of 120 students that administration officials are actively discussing “when and how it might be possible to join” (that is, ratify) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As before, she also communicated what a disgrace it is that the U.S. would stand with only Somalia against such a widely-accepted treaty.

This is the first direct public statement by the Obama administration that it will seek ratification of the UN CRC.

In my 30 years of political involvement, I have learned to recognize this as what is called a “trial balloon.” Like in World War I trench warfare, our opponents have “sent up a balloon” to see if it will draw fire. If things remain quiet, they will proceed with their plans to push for ratification of the CRC in the U.S. Senate.

To discourage them from doing so, we need to make sure that our voices are heard with unmistakable clarity. We must let the Obama administration know that we oppose this anti-family, anti-American treaty.

Here’s what we need you all to do:

1. Call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111. Tell them you heard the administration wants to ratify the CRC, and you strongly oppose this giving away of U.S. sovereignty to the UN. Also keep in mind that this treaty gives the government jurisdiction to override any decision made by any parent if the government thinks that a better decision can be made—even if there is no proof of any harm.

2. Call Ambassador Susan Rice’s office at the United Nations. Tell her that you want her to represent the United States to the world rather than trying to get the United States to go along with international law initiated by the UN. Her office number is 212-415-4000.

3. Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose ratification of this treaty. (Find your Senators’ contact information by typing your zip code into the box here.) Ask them also to defeat it once and for all by cosponsoring SJRes 16 – the Parental Rights Amendment.

It is very important that we speak up right now. Please call before you close this email!

Sincerely,

Michael Farris

Find this letter online.

A Poem

2009-06-22T12:35:00.007-04:00

Here is a Poem I wrote for my father for Father's Day.

My Forty-Five
Year Young

Father is
Always
There for me!
He is
Everything a
Real Dad should be!

To Do List

2009-06-19T10:03:00.004-04:00

Today is my Dad's Birthday, so I will be heading to his house today. I planed a surprise party for him. There is only a few things to get done today, before I leave.

~~Ice Cake, Top With Walnuts~~
Morning Routine
Bible Study
~~Load Up The Car, Don't Forget:~~

~~Cake~~
~~Camera~~
~~Potato Salad~~
~~Potato Chip Chicken Casserole~~
~~Potato Chips and Tomatoes~~
~~Present~~

To Do List

2009-06-18T11:45:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is my Dad's Birthday, so I have a lot to do today in preparation for a surprise party I am throwing him. I thought I ought to make a list of all the things I need to do today to keep me on track.

~~Morning Routine~~
~~Make Lunch For Guest~~
~~Take Out Trash~~
~~Bible Study~~
~~Bake Banana Cake~~
~~Make Potato Chip Chicken Casserole (Refrigerate, Bake Tomorrow)~~
~~Make Potato Salad~~
~~Wash All Dishes~~
~~Clean Up Kitchen~~
~~Get Dad's Gift Ready~~
~~Get Non-Perishable Food Ready~~
~~Tidy House~~
~~Make Dinner~~
~~Evening Routine~~

Anniversary Gifts

2009-06-10T23:07:00.003-04:00

These Gifts were for Both of Us, from my Mom.

These Manicure sets were to Me, from Hubby.

And Hubby's Gift was a Dinner at his favorite Restaurant,
two hours away!

Friday In the Kitchen

2009-06-08T22:30:00.002-04:00

This was this past Friday in the kitchen, this completes one week in my kitchen.
Sorry I'm three days late with this post.
Friday was very simple.
We had left over Chicken and Rice Soup for Lunch.

And for Dinner we had Potato Chip Chicken Casserole with green beans.

Vote Yes on 8

2009-06-06T13:12:00.001-04:00

Thursday (not) In the Kitchen

2009-06-04T22:43:00.004-04:00

Today was my Husband's and my Anniversary
and we spent our day visiting Huntington, West Virginia.
Therefor, I wasn't at home to cook.
I wanted to take him out to his favorite place!
Red Lobster!
He ordered the Ultimate Feast!

And I ordered the Cajun Chicken Linguine Alfredo.

It was really late on our way home
so we stopped by a Dairy Queen
and picked up a Cheeseburger and a Treat.

Wednesday In the Kitchen

2009-06-03T22:24:00.002-04:00

Today for Lunch we had left over Chicken Tacos.

And for dinner we had BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fries.
First I peeled and cut up the potatoes and got them going in the oven.
Boiled the Chicken, Fried the Bacon, Shredded the Chicken, Crumbled the Bacon.
When the fires where ready I poured half a bottle of BBQ sauce on them,
then added the Chicken and poured on the rest.
Sprinkled on one cup of Mozzarella Cheese and then the Bacon.
Put it back in the oven to heat.

Delicious!

Tuesday In the Kitchen

2009-06-02T20:19:00.004-04:00

Today we had Chicken Quesadillas for Lunch!

And I used up the rest of the Chicken saved back from the
Whole Chicken by making Chicken Tacos!
We still have plenty of Chicken and Rice Soup left over too!
That whole Chicken has been very economical for us!!!

My Husband's favorite is Hard Shells and Mine is Soft!

Monday In the Kitchen

2009-06-02T20:14:00.002-04:00

Today for lunch I had a BBQ Chicken Pizza made on a tortilla crust and Watermelon on the side, sorry I forgot to take pictures.

And for Dinner we had Crisp Yummy Chicken Quesadillas!

Sunday In the Kitchen

2009-06-01T21:32:00.004-04:00

This is the Chicken Stock that I made from the carcass and drippings.

I decided I'd use the left overs, instead of all the chicken I saved back.

I used about 2-3 oz. of the chicken I had saved back.

Here are the Veggies!

Here is the Soup cooking away!

After I got the soup going, I fixed a Hearty Breakfast.
Here are the eggs frying.

Here are homemade biscuits fresh out of the oven.

Here are more getting ready to go in.

Here is our completed Breakfast.
Homemade Biscuits, Over Medium Eggs, Turkey Sausage, and Bacon.

Here I am two hours before Dinner adding the Rice to the Soup.

Ready to Eat!
A bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup and a Homemade Biscuit!

And for dessert we had Peach Cobbler, that was made the day before.
Delicious!

You can get the recipe for this tasty soup at Keeping The Home.

Saturday In the Kitchen

2009-05-30T23:50:00.006-04:00

I tried a couple of new things today. I cooked a Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot and made Peach Cobbler, both for the first time.

The Peach Cobbler turned out fabulous! I served it hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. I didn't get a picture of it, but if Hubby or I eat any of it tomorrow I'll try to get one then.

The Whole Chicken was pretty good, but I'd like to try it again sometime. There are a few things I'd like to do differently. First, I would clean the giblets and such out, I don't like them!!! Yuck! Secondly, I would cook it less. I called and asked a relative how long it would take to cook a whole chicken in a crock pot on low. The answer I got was 8-10 hours. Well, I let it cook for eight. Way too long. When I went to pick the chicken up out of the pot it all broke apart, I didn't even have to cut it. And the giblets and liver came out and were floating in the pot, it was gross. So, I'm definitely gonna clean it out next time. We had potato salad on the side.

I saved this chicken for soup tomorrow.

And I added 3 cups of water to the drippings and carcass,
to make chicken stock for tomorrow's soup .

I thought it was time to try something new and I got the recipes for the Whole Chicken and The Chicken Soup (that we will have tomorrow) from Candy, over at Keeping the Home. She is doing a wonderful series called A Week in My Kitchen. I have learned so much from her videos. I didn't go exactly by her recipes, but I used what I had available.

My Routines

2009-05-28T23:29:00.002-04:00

Morning Routine

Start Laundry
Make Bed
Put Away Clean Dishes
Change Puppy Pads
Clean Mischa's Cage
Wipe Down Bathroom Mirror, Counter, Sink, and Toilet

Evening Routine

Pack Husband's Lunch
Wash Dishes, Wipe Down Counter, Sink, and Stove
Layout Husband's and My Clothes
Get Husband's Work Things Ready and by the Door

Update

2009-05-07T11:04:00.002-04:00

It seems like I have been blogging less and less here lately. I have just been very sad the past week and a half and haven't felt up to blogging. Bunny passed away Monday April 27, 2009. :(

Yesterday made two weeks that I have been doing weight watchers, and so far I have lost a total of 10.4 pounds. You usually lose more weight in the beginning and then it starts slowing down. And today makes 4 weeks that I have been exercising, I'm so glad that I'm sticking to it.

Scary!

2009-04-26T11:29:00.000-04:00

Reasons Why I Took a Blogging Leave

2009-04-22T14:36:00.003-04:00

I didn't plan on taking a break from blogging, it just happened. And it has been a God send! I've had so much time for other things!

Within the first two weeks of my blogging break I read two books and started implementing changes to my exercise and eating habits. These two books were Take 'Control of Your Health' and 'Healthy Recipes For Your Nutritional Type,' both by Dr. Joseph Mercola. I'm doing pretty good with the exercising side of things, tomorrow will make two weeks that I have exercised everyday in a row. But I'm not doing so well with Mercola's Nutrition Plan. So I have decided to take a break from his nutrition plan for a while, (until I get it more figured out or if anyone out there is knowledgeable about this and wants to email me) and start back on Weight Watchers for a while. I had some success on weight watchers about a year and a half ago. I think I need to stick with something that I really know how to do right now, cause I really need to lose some weight. This time last year I weighed 160 pounds, I weighed myself yesterday and I was 190!!! When I got married I weighed 106 pounds and wore a size 2! The numbers on the scale just keep going up and up, but now I'm finally determined to turn that around!

I have also been focusing on my house a lot more while on my break! I've been doing my morning and evening routines, having everything tidy and my sink shinning before I lay down to bed! My house has been chaos free thanks to Fly lady!

And there was also a three day festival that I enjoyed over the weekend. Lots of Crafts and lots of walking!!! I love crafts and I got plenty of Exercise! Too bad I forgot to take my camera!

So Sweet

2009-04-06T13:24:00.003-04:00

My Best Friend Brittney wrote me a Beautiful poem and message, she was also my Maid of Honor at my wedding. I just thought I'd share it with you all, it is so sweet!

A True Best Friend

A true best friend is
The girl in class that for some reason you just want to get to know
A true best friend is
Someone that you just want to share your darkest secret with because you know she’ll keep it a secret
A true best friend is
The person that you tell all your hopes and dreams to because you know she’ll support you in every way
A true best friend is
The one that you tell your biggest fear to, because you know she won’t laugh, and she’ll try to help you overcome it
A true best friend is
Someone that is always there for you
A true best friend is
Someone that is so much like you, you can’t understand why God didn’t make you sisters
A true best friend is
Someone who always thinks about you even though you haven’t spoken in three years
A true best friend is
That friend that you’ve finally found again and you talk on the phone just like you have never been apart
A true best friend is
YOU

SaChay
I wrote this for you as my only true best friend
Even though we just recently got back in touch with each other there was never a day that went by that you didn’t cross my mind
Thanks for everything
Love Always
Brittney

Wordly Views

2009-04-04T23:28:00.005-04:00

Evidently I haven't been out in the world in a long time. My Husband and I went out tonight to Applebee's, and we got our bellies and eyes full! It seemed like every where I looked someone was half naked, shirts so low cut that nothing was left to the imagination (you didn't even need an imagination, everything was in plain view) and bare shoulders and backs everywhere. I'm so used to my Christian Blogs, Websites and the only people I ever see are family and Christian Friends, that when we went out tonight it was a big culture shock! I wanted to scream, "Put some clothes on!!! Didn't your parents teach you any better?!" Has anyone had a similar experience?

Sign the Petition

2009-04-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

DAY 57 of Captivity for Gao Zhisheng -- Chinese Government Responds with Deafening Silence

The silence from the highest levels of the Chinese government regarding Gao Zhisheng's kidnapping is deafening. Christian human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng has now been missing 57 days. When one brave reporter asked the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson about Gao, "the official paled and was visibly shaken," according to a Western journalist who was an eyewitness.

Gao Zhisheng was last seen being hauled away from his home in Shaanxi province by more than a dozen police officers on February 4. According to ChinaAid sources, Gao is being severely tortured. Because Gao fearlessly cried out to the free world, revealing the abuses of the Chinese government against house church Christians and others persecuted in China, Chinese authorities want to silence his voice. Now, you can speak out on his behalf.

Gao Zhisheng's wife and children, who have also been abused and tormented by Chinese authorities, escaped to the U.S. three weeks ago. They are grateful for the more than 36,000 who are speaking out by signing the petition and sending e-mails, but more help is needed. Will you partner with us to obtain 100,000 signatures and continue to bombard Chinese government, businesses and media with e-mails calling for Gao's release? Please forward this e-mail to friends and family and encourage them to sign the petition.

Lend your voice to sustain the outcry for Gao Zhisheng's release. Go to www.FreeGao.com to: continue to send e-mails to officials - new e-mails are posted regularly. Make a contribution online. Help us continue to press for Gao's release -- by sustaining this cry for justice.

» Go to www.FreeGao.com now.

Apron Giveaway

2009-03-30T15:29:00.002-04:00

Kris, over at Country Mom is having an apron giveaway! Go on over and enter!

Deborah Drapper

2009-03-23T22:37:00.003-04:00

Solution to All Problems : Praise God

2009-03-21T21:00:00.005-04:00

Psalms Chapter 67

1	God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2	That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3	Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4	O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5	Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6	Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7	God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

What A Wonderful Surprise

2009-03-19T23:11:00.004-04:00

My Hubby Came home today and surprised me with this!

Its in Perfect Condition and was a Great Price!

I just need to clean it up a bit!

I played so long my hands and wrists started hurting.
Its probably been three years since I last played.

Bad News

2009-03-19T00:08:00.004-04:00

This article was taken directly from www.keepingthehome.com, written by Candy, with her permission.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - BAD NEWS

Apparently, it's no longer enough for Uncle Sam to try to force us into taking care of our children Old Sam's way. Now the U.N. is stepping in, on an international scale, and what they are planning to force on families is insane, and MUST BE STOPPED.

If you have never been politically active, then YOU are part of the problem! Stand up, and look around you! We are no longer fighting for our rights, and they are being taken away. I am NOT exaggerating, and YES I'm mad. You should be too.

Take a look at this seemingly "innocent" commercial for children, about the The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child:

'All children will go to "nice" schools.' Do you know what the UN Convention defines a "nice school" as? It's not private schools, and it's not homeschool. It's public school, but with MORE secularism than ever. If Americans allow themselves to be enslaved under The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, then homeschool will be ILLEGAL in all 50 states, regardless of state laws - they will be overrode with federal and international laws. Christian private schools will no longer be allowed to teach Christianity, without equally teaching all other religions - this means there would be no more CHRISTIAN schools. Perhaps there will be in name, but not in content, subject matter or sanctification.

Did you do something to upset your child lately? Maybe when your child wanted to eat a box of chocolates right before bedtime, and you said "no." Look out! Under The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the child could decide to take you to court and claim that you are not feeding them enough. One child took his parents to court (and won!) because he thought it was cruel of his parents to take him to church three times a week - Sunday morning and evening, and Wednesday nights.
We need an amendment that stands up for PARENTAL RIGHTS. Take a look at this:

The above video states "if we all stand together and raise our voices, Congress will respond." That's right! Let's stand together for parental rights. The U.N. should not have a say in which school our children go to, or if we homeschool them. Nor is it any of the UN's business if our child does something wrong, and is therefore grounded for it.

If The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is ratified, then each child will have a list of rights, of which they will be taught to know by heart in the public schools that they will be attending by the choice of the UN and our government. Here are a few of those "rights:"

The right to privacy - Yep. If you suspect your teenager has pot stashed in his room, you would not be allowed to go in there and find out. Your child could end up dying from a drug problem, but you couldn't interfere, or it would have violated their "right to privacy."

Freedom of expression - If your toddler throws a temper tantrum, you are not allowed to do anything. If your teen starts yelling the 'f' word out the widow of the car while you are driving to the grocery store, you are not allowed to do anything. The parent would have no right to interfere with the child's "freedom of expression."

If your child decides to take home another child and go to their room and close the door and have sex, you cannot stop them, else you'd be violating their "freedom of expression" and "freedom of privacy." Do you think I'm exaggerating? I'm not...

Here are a few excerpts from HSLDA:

"Under Article 13, any attempts to prevent their children from interacting with material parents deem unacceptable is forbidden. Children are vested with a "freedom of expression" right, which is virtually absolute. No allowance is made for parental guidance. Section 1 declares a child's right to "seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice."

In Article 14, children are guaranteed "freedom of thought, conscience and religion." Children have a legal right to object to all religious training. Alternatively, children may assert their right against parental objection to participate in the occult.

Article 15 declares "the right of the child to freedom of association." Parents could be prevented from forbidding their child to associate with people deemed to be objectionable companions. Under Article 15, children could claim a "fundamental" right to join gangs, cults, and racist organizations over parental objection.

Under Article 16, the "right to privacy" is granted to children. This UN sanctioned "privacy" would seemingly establish as the child's right to obtain an abortion without parental notice, the right to purchase and use contraceptives, and the right to pornography in the home.

Article 19 mandates the creation of an intensive bureaucracy for the purpose of "identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment, and follow-up" of parents who, in violation of the child's rights, treat their children negligently.

To insure State and U.N. control over their development, Article 7 requires all children must be immediately registered at birth."

The above excerpts are taken from the HSLDA.org website. Please read the article in its entirety - Oppose the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Next, please read this .pdf file called "THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD - The Most Dangerous Attack on Parental Rights in the History of the United States." The information contained in this .pdf document is something that everyone needs to know.

As Americans, we need to take steps to make sure America does NOT ratify this treaty. 192 nations have already ratified this treaty. The "Holy See" Roman Catholic Vatican was one of the first ones to ratify it. I make specific mention of this, because I know a lot of Catholics who will NOT support CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child). Therefore, devout Catholics must be made aware, that if they stand with Bible believing Christians in rising up against the CRC, then they are going against the Vatican's wishes. BENEDICT XVI supports the CRC. Roman Catholics, I pray you DO stand with us on this issue. America must not ratify the CRC! Regardless of what religion you are, please stand with me to preserve parental rights.

To date, the only nations who have not ratified CRC, are Somalia and the United States. U.S. citizens, we must NOT allow this treaty to be ratified!

Please take the time to read The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child for yourself. You can read it here.

Here is a list of "Children's Rights," being taught from a UK website.

From what I've read, it looks like Canada and the UK have signed onto this treaty, but have not agreed to every stipulation yet. I know homeschool is still being allowed in Canada and the UK, but I don't know how regulated it is, etc. Obama is pushing for the full ratification of the entire Convention for the U.S, which could make homeschool in the U.S. instantly outlawed. "Primary Education" in article 28 could be defined as government (public) school education only.

Please listen to this video, in which the woman explains this stuff so much better than my feeble attempt:

Steps to Take Action - Time to make a stand!

STEP ONE: Sign the parental rights petition at the parentalrights.org website.

STEP TWO: Contact your state Representatives and Senators. If this is something you have little to no experience in, then consider joining the 10 in 2 program with ParentalRights.org . Here is a quote from their site, summing up the program:

"We need 10-and 2 volunteers who can enlist 10 people to do the following: sign the petition for the Amendment, sign 3 postcards to their Representative and Senators, and donate $1.
Then, we need those volunteers to recruit 2 more people to do the same thing."

I'm volunteering. Are you? Please join me; it'll only take a few minutes of your time, and it could make a BIG difference.

STEP THREE: If you have a website or blog, then please put up an article about the CRC and its atrocities hidden within. The media is not going to get the word out, so it's up to us. If you want to, you can just copy this article I've written and put it on your site - just get the word out! Email and call people as well. Let's do this.

Banana Cake

2009-03-18T23:04:00.005-04:00

I finally got around to making my husband a Birthday Cake.

His Birthday was this past week.

I would have to say that this was the best cake I have ever made.

It was so moist.

The candles where from last year's Birthday.

Twenty Six!

All the candles wouldn't light.

The candles always leave wax behind.
I wonder if its bad for us?

I was trying to get a good picture of the speckles inside the cake.

Starting Seeds for Indoors

2009-03-17T23:43:00.006-04:00

This is a project I've been wanting to do all month! But I've been busy with errands to run. We have too many errands during the months of February and March. To name a few there are Income Tax, deadlines for college paperwork, and Property Taxes to be paid, I feel like I just run, run, run these two months. I even ran a few errands today concerning paperwork for our Home Owners Insurance Claim, we still haven't got that completely taken care of yet. Its drug out for 10 months now! Hopefully it will all be taken care of soon. But I finally managed in some time for making me some homemade indoor plant starters, sort of like the Jiffy things, but the frugal way! lol

Seeds, Tray, Bucket, and Water.

Toilet Paper Rolls

Cut them in half.

I labeled all of them, so I wouldn't forget what I planted.

This was left over from my last project.

Pouring the soild into the water.

Stirring with a stick.

Now it gets messy!

All filled up!I poked holes in them all with my finger.

I put about three seeds in each, only two in the ones with larger seeds.

Covered them over.

Here they are!
Now they are resting in my window seat in the kitchen.
I got this idea from Nancy Today! I love watching her videos!
You can learn so much from her!

I am a New Creature

2009-03-15T07:28:00.004-04:00

Today I have seen God work through me. I have seen the Fruits of the Spirit. Sometimes I get discouraged, and wonder if I ever bare any fruit at all. Today I saw love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God provided me all of these in place of the person I used to be. I am a New Creature in Him! In the past I would have lost all control in the situation in which I was placed today. But through Christ who strengthens me, I have overcome the flesh. If you are discouraged or having a hard time, just stay close to God and he will help you through.

I just wanted to share this in case any of you ever feel the same way. Your not ALONE! Keep seeking God's Will! And you shall bare the Fruits of the Spirit.

Evening Routine

2009-03-12T22:41:00.006-04:00

Feed and Water all Animals
Dishes
Tidy Kitchen
Lay out Husband's Clothes
Pack Husband's Lunch and Store in the Fridge
Get together Husband's Laptop and all Work Materials, place them in his book bag and place close to the door.
On Mondays and Thursdays, Gather and Take Out Trash

Some people say I do too much for my Husband, that I spoil him, but I know these are things I'm commanded to do by God. My Husband goes out and works hard to support me, and I was created to be His Help Meet. So I don't think it would hurt me to get his things ready, so he can peacefully leave for work, without being rushed. What do you all do for your Husbands, to help them out?

Titus Chapter 2:4-5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Things I'd Like to Accomplish This Year

2009-03-10T23:49:00.003-04:00

Grow New Plants from Cuttings : Remember my post on my Roses and Take Root? My Roses are looking pretty droopy, but there are some little bright green buds popping out on the stems. I sure hope they take root and live. Have any of you ever used Take Root before?
Container Gardening
Square Foot Gardening
Commit to Exercising
Learn more and Practice Herbal Remedies : Right now if we get sick or something, we usually just try to ride it out until it passes. I do use Coconut Oil on cuts and scratches. I've took Cranberry extract and drunk plenty of water for Bladder infections. And I've tried equal parts of water, alcohol, and white vinegar dropped into the ear for earaches, but this one didn't work for me. If anyone would like to share any herbal remedies with me, they would gladly be accepted.
Learn Embroidery / Needlework
Sew some Outfits for Hubby and Myself
Knit several Afghans
Learn Candle and Soap Making

Bullet Blog

2009-03-09T22:39:00.004-04:00

I feel like I got a lot accomplished today.
My Husband and I went and filled out college papers.
I finally think I have talked my Mom into going to college, she went and filled out papers also!
I went walking for two hours today, thanks to watching Nancy Today taking a walk. She really got me motivated.
I really need to exercise more.
I read about 6 or 7 chapters in my Bible today.
I worked in my Sunday School Book.
I cleaned off the back deck.
I cleaned Bunny's cage.
I got all the trash took out.
Walking today made me feel so good! It made me really happy, I've always heard it does something in your brain to lift your mood. I believe its true, I felt wonderful and all the other people walking and biking were so nice, smiling, and greeting me. I don't think I've ever seen so many nice and happy people before!
I'd like to make walking a daily habit.
Now, I think I'll go read some. I haven't done any reading today, other than my Bible.

Birthday Gifts from My Husband

2009-03-06T23:29:00.011-05:00

This is what my Husband got me for my Birthday!

He was so sweet! He said, "I hate getting you flowers, because they always die."

The he pulled this out, "Now, they don't have to!"

Wasn't that sweet?

He also got me a nice card and wrote something sweet inside!

Aren't they beautiful?

Flowers are my favorite gift!

So, this is what I did today.

The instructions on the bag said to pat it down firm.

Should I have patted it down firm?
Maybe it was a little too firm!
The rose wouldn't go in.

So I poked a hole with my finger.

That worked.

There multiplying! lol

Giving them some water.

Had to add some more soil.

I made a mess!

My baby waited and watched out the door the whole time!

Have any of you ever used Take Root?
This was my first time using it.
I sure hope it works!

Birthday Stuff

2009-03-03T15:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my 21st Birthday. My Mom brought me a cake, and later last night my Mom and Step Dad took me to the local Mexican Restaurant, Its my favorite! I got several calls yesterday from family wishing me a Happy Birthday. I got some Birthday money also, and decided I'd buy a few things with it. I bought two more skeins of yarn, to finish a project I had started for my bedroom. I bought a book, called Making Candles & Soaps for Dummies. I haven't started reading the candle making part yet, but I have read over half of the soap making section, and this book is not what I was looking for at all! In the Soap Making section it only talks about melt and pour ready made soaps and grating store bought bars of soap, who needs a book for that?!? Right? You just melt it in the microwave and pour it in a mold... I was looking for a book to tell me how to make soap from scratch with lye, but this book does not:( So, I am still on the look out for a good soap making book, anyone have any suggestions? I also bought some seeds with my Birthday money. I'm planing on growing a small Urban Garden. We mostly eat Mexican Dishes, so I'm planning on growing mostly a variety of peppers, onions and tomatoes! But here are the seeds that I have bought so far.

Herbs

Sweet Basil
Dill - Long Island Mammoth
Cilantro - Coriander
Parsley - Moss Curled
Chives

Cilantro is great for making Pico De Gallo! I love Spanish Rice with jalapenos and Pico De Gallo all mixed together!

Vegetables

Pepper - California Wonder (Green Bell Peppers or you can let them ripen to Red Bell Peppers also, for a sweeter taste)
Pepper - Grand Bell Mix (Bell Peppers that come in a rainbow of colors, purples, oranges, reds, black, and white)
Onions - White Lisbon Bunching
Tomato - Delicious
Squash - Straightneck Early Yellow
Zucchini - Dark green
Cucumber - Straight Eight

I plan on getting some more tomato and onion seeds in different varieties. I've also been thinking of getting some dwarf fruit trees also, I haven't really decided on that yet. I'll probably start most of my seeds indoors because they can't be sown outdoors here until April. And I'm so ready to start a garden!!! lol

To Do List

2009-02-28T15:59:00.002-05:00

Morning Routine
Organize all Paper Work, Mail, Etc.
Read from Bible and Catch Up On Sunday School Lessons
Read from The Self-Sufficient Life and How To Live It
Plan Out Small Urban Garden
Pin and Cut Out Dress Pattern
Spend Time with Hubby, Maybe Watch a Couple of Movies
Work on Revising and Organizing Home Management Binder

Did You Know?

2009-02-26T15:58:00.003-05:00

Today was a very nice day. It wasn't very cold, so I decided I'd open the windows and enjoy the day. This afternoon, I heard something outside my bedroom window, so I went to see what it could be. There was a bird bathing in my neighbors gutter. It just amazed me. I always saw bird baths, but I never saw birds in them. I thought they just drunk the water. I didn't know birds took baths! Did you? I wanted to take a picture, but didn't get to. So I thought I'd share some pictures of birds bathing that I found on google. Here you go!

My Inspiration

2009-02-23T12:35:00.002-05:00

Just about every day for the past two years I have visited Candy's Keeping the Home Blog. Today I clicked on the link to her blog, via My Blog List. And to my astonishment, she announced that she is no longer blogging, but living her dream on her homestead. I am so happy that she gets to live out her dream and God's plan for her. But I'm also saddened. I feel as if a part of me is missing. I will greatly miss her blog, she is the reason I started blogging. She has been a great inspiration to me and has helped me grow tremendously as a Christian and a Wife. Her blog was an important part of my life, and I will miss her.

But in a way, this encourages me to press on. This encourages me to be a better Christian and Wife. To take the next step. To do more. To learn more about my God and Saviour. To search out the Truth more diligently.

More On Spiritual Gifts

2009-02-22T23:18:00.004-05:00

Today I took another test to discover what my Spiritual Gifts are. This one was called Spiritual Gifts Inventory by Team Ministry. This test was a bit different and it only had 9 possible Spiritual Gifts, the other test had 22. And so, you can imagine, my scores where different because of the different amount of Spiritual Gifts possible on each test.

So, I thought I'd share my top three Spiritual Gifts with you all, according to this test also. My top three Spiritual Gifts are, (in order from highest to lowest score) Exhortation,Teaching, and Administration.

Here are the definitions of each, according to this test.

The Exhorter
The Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by motivating others to action by urging them to pursue a course of conduct.
The "how-to" teacher, giving the application of God's Word.

The Teacher
The Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by making clear the truth of God's Word with accuracy and simplicity.
The scholar making clear the doctrines and teachings of the Bible.

The Administrator
The Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by organizing, administering, promoting and leading the various affairs of the church.
The person who leads the church and its ministries.

The definitions on this test differ from the other. I believe the definition of The Exhorter on this test, goes hand in hand with the definition of Prophet on the other. This test had the Spiritual Gift of Prophet also, but the definition differed a bit. To see the difference visit my first post on 'Spiritual Gifts'. Here is the definition of Prophet according to this test.

The Prophet
The Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by proclaiming God's truth.
The hell-fire-brimstone preacher who points out sin.

On the first test I took I also scored high in Craftsmanship and Missionary. These two Spiritual Gifts where not included on the test I took today.

As my pastor said, "We are supposed to be in prayer for God to show us our Spiritual Gifts. This test was just a guide line, not God's Line."

For a free Spiritual Gifts Analysis, visit 'Team Ministry'.

Hat

2009-02-19T23:59:00.004-05:00

Remember the scarf I made?

Last night I decided to make a hat to go along with it.

Wanna see?

Yesterday: Decluttering the Office

2009-02-18T22:11:00.006-05:00

This first picture was took right after I had pulled everything out of the closet. I was sorting through things, deciding what to keep, give away, and throw away. I was putting everything into piles, see what a mess I had made.

It was a fun project and it didn't take too long. It took me about an hour to go through everything and put it in its place. Then after that, I spent about thirty minutes on dusting and vacuuming.

I still need to find a home for all those discs and tapes on my desk. I think I'll clean out a drawer in the chest (in the picture below) to put them in. In the top drawer I keep all of our movies, the bottom drawer is full of books. The two middle drawers need to be cleaned out. They contain cords, discs, and computer parts. Its my Husbands stuff, so I should really let him go through them, but I don't ever see that happening! lol

See the basket on my desk? It is full of dog toys! I knew, I had better keep it there until after I took the pictures. Because once it hits the floor, there are toys scattered all over the house!

This stuff is going to good will. A couple of computer printers, a door chime that I bought and never used, a computer chair, and lots of men's clothes.

And all these boxes are going in the trash! We keep boxes too long! We are box hoarders! lol We always keep the boxes in case something tears up, we are afraid to throw them out. Anyone else do this?

Pictures: You Get to Vote!

2009-02-17T12:12:00.004-05:00

Today I have been decluttering and cleaning out the closet in the office. And I have made the biggest mess ever while doing so! I have stuff stacked all over the room, my desk is piled high. I took pictures, but it looks so bad I'm ashamed of posting them. lol I have seen other people post pictures of there huge messes and then post the after pictures of it all nice and clean. I always thought, "Wow, that looks amazing now!" lol I'm still in the middle of cleaning my big mess, I feel like I've just got started. So, what should I do? Should I post them? Or not? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Valentines

2009-02-14T14:43:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Its Been A While since My Last Post...

2009-02-12T23:56:00.006-05:00

This morning, I got up and baked this!

What could it be?

It was a little crispy on one side.

Yum! Banana Nut Bread!

And I rinsed all of these just a moment ago,
my Husband drinks a lot of pop.
Too Much!!! lol

Cornbread

2009-02-07T10:52:00.004-05:00

Last night didn't go as planned. I got ready to go to the sewing class. I was dressed from head to toe, I had all my supplies together, and I was just finishing up dinner before I was to leave. I put on my oven mit and pulled the cornbread baked in my cast iron skillet out of the oven. I flipped it over on to a plate, so the cornbread would be on a plate instead of in the skillet. But the cornbread didn't come out, so I flipped it back over. I got a fork and slid it around the sides, I thought this would loosen it up so it would slide right out. Well, I grabbed a hold of the handle of the iron skillet, and screamed bloody murder! My husband came a running. I had forgotten to put my oven mit back on. I alternated holding ice packs and dipping my hand in a bowl of cold water all night. I had two ice packs that I was switching back and forth from, and then I'd use a bowl of cold water while they froze back.

My mom brought me some burn relief spray, that I told her that I didn't want. We rarely ever use any type of medicine in this house. I told her it had too many poisonous chemicals in it. Well after about three hours I decided I'd give it a try. So I shook up the bottle and sprayed it on. It made my hand burn worse than when I first burnt it! It felt like I was holding my had in a fire! I thought, maybe it takes a couple of minutes. So I left it on there about a minute or two, and I couldn't stand the pain any longer. I rinsed my hand off with cold water and went back to my ice pack. I finally fell asleep sometime after 3 this morning. Holding my trusty ice pack.

My hand feels fine today, until I get it near heat. So I'll just keep avoiding hot water and keep it away from the stove while cooking. Even if I'm just holding the handle of a pot or skillet on the stove, the heat rising from the burner is painful. So I'll just be avoiding those things today.

After burning my hand, I still thought about going to the sewing class. But I decided against it, cause I probably wouldn't have been able to drive there or sew with my burnt hand.