WHOOOO HOOOOOO!

This is a tiny "corner" of my bedroom. The only place to work!
Just a short post to give a bit of news. My dh has gone above and beyond and fixed my sewing machine cord. (I looked on ebay and they go for 25-50 dollars) The machine was a wedding gift from my parents. I haven't been able to use it for almost a whole year-which if you know me, you know that is extremely long!!

Isn't it beautiful. After watching him fix it, I could do it-it's so very easy!! It only took a few minutes and my machine seems to run smoother! Maybe like when we were little and we ran faster when we had new shoes! Now I have the wherewithal to make dresses based on this find I got at a garage sale for $2-new! It fits #5, so I will make the dresses for the older two girls. I also will be able to take in my plum dress!!

Well, I'm off to make my bread that is falling out of the pan!! .....ahhhh...gotta run!!



And while I'm remembering:

HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY BIG SIS & BIG BROTHER!

Winter Eating Holiday Festivities

The countdown has begun. It feels like a Sunday, but there's too much work to do! Enjoyed coffee with breakfast and a Lindt chocolates after lunch! NOW the festivities may begin. I will probably be up after midnight, but it won't be to eat; the other night I put up dry wall...ok, dh helped me hold it up & put in the first screw so it wouldn't fall on me, but then I placed all the others and started on another wall. We have to grout the bathroom tile still, so if the children go to bed well, I will offer to do that for hubby...I'm better at that then the screws-takes a whole lot more "umph" to drive a screw straight and in line with the others after the first few. The drill gets heavy, the screws become stubborn, etc. I'm not complaining, just pointing out that it's not as easy as hubby makes it look! I thought I'd quick take some pictures while I was waiting for the internet to connect again! (Yeah, the cable here is not very good, especially when the whole town is on the computer-makes it more difficult and longer than dial-up, but then it costs almost twice as much for the landline phone...so we use the Magic Jack (just $20 per year-long distance included...great deal if your cable works!) and when the internet works and we have time, then we make calls. Keeps us doing what we need to do everyday, rather than talking too much. But that could be done here as well.

This is the other side of the wall I did. The other side had the closet door resting on it. I guess the pictures will look better when we've finished walling in the rooms and clearing them to carpet et al!


Well, as you can see, hubby is busy grouting the tile as I sit here and type (and do laundry and feed the children and all that good stuff). I guess we'll be able to start on another project after bedtime.
It snowed again and we have a whole new batch of 4-6" outside on top of the already 3-4". After being inside for too long, it was time to bundle everyone and romp outside until fingers and toes began to numb. Hubby began to shovel the snow and the man who was snowblowing the school sidewalk drove over & plowed our driveway!! What a HUGE blessing. What would have taken a half hour or more took only 5-7 minutes! Thank you Mr. Neighbor!!



I made chili for dinner last night with leftovers for another meal...yummy. Today I decided to make another Broccoli 'n' Rice Soup. There's enough for another 2 meals. I know it's not the traditional Raviolis, but to a hungry man any bitter thing is sweet! (It's not bitter at all, very warming and stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal!)

What else? Making myself a pair of bedsocks. I'm doubling the yarn from the sweater my mom knit me (3 different yarns-twice) it's a bulky weight and it will keep my toes warm. They will only be ankle high. I also made 3 headscarves/headbands (calorimetry)...they are so wonderfully warm & better than a hat for me.



So, same 'o same 'o. It's a whopping 6 degrees (windchill of -11) and it was just barely warmer when we went out. The wind was around 15-20 mph and bit into my wet hair. Maybe I was hoping for freeze-dried hair, hehe! (I was wearing 2 hats and a scarf)


Oh, just saw the labor and birth of Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar's 18th baby, born by C-section on the 18th (just the other day). I guess I should vent on my other site. So you know...it's about the birth and not the number of children.

Ok, can't think of much more. Have a great day/week/month. Until next time.

On the -1st day of Hanukkah...

I know, it'll be Hanukkah starting tomorrow evening, but who says we can't start celebrating now?? And who says you can't continue all through til Spring?? I really dislike it when the holidays are over...then it's just cold and dreary and nuthin' to look forward to anymore!!

Anyway, Progress!! *singing* "Arizona here we come..." Ok, still working on the house, but definitely making progress!! I went through, in one evening, 1 file cabinet and 2 more boxes equivalent to the cabinet & dumped the old and have just a bit more filing to do!! Unseen progress, but progress nonetheless!! Then I consolidated 5 Rubbermaid/Sterlite/Whatever big boxes/buckets and 2 other boxes of misc. junk into 2 of the bucket things!! Then I organized my desk and made more horizontal space!!

Here's a promised construction pic: The second bedroom wall, the closet has since been added here and doors (sliding double) are ready to be installed.oops: I guess this pic isn't the one I thought I took. (see previous post) Will be getting that for you soon.

Biggest and Best of ALL -- I returned to being a Geek!! I (yes, finally for the first time since it's power supply was fixed) hooked up my oldest computer! It just beeped and I air cleaned the dust and reseated the components. Then I read online that it was the ram. Fearing a busted piece, I tried reseating the memory & HEY!! it works!! Then later I tried the CD player...it came on, but didn't do anything. I heard that wonderful still small voice say that it wasn't connected. I thought it must be connected-the power light came on. I knew that it needed to be connected to the motherboard. In I go, my own geeksquadette, get the cable-thing I had found while I was sorting through the boxes and plug it in...VIOLA!!! All in working order!! Now, I have a computer for the children to use and one for each my husband and I!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!


And here it is...our first batch of Kombucha. It's been interesting to say the least! Dear Hubby is taking care of it with precise temperature measurements and calibrations. It came with instructions, but not being satisfied with limited information, we turned to do extensive research online. Found plenty of pictures of healthy s.c.o.b.y.'s and unhealthy. Reading all about the process and chemical reactions that occur. I have really enjoyed learning!





So, are you satisfied with all these goings on? Right, meal planning: here's my list though I don't have days assigned.

Empanadas (meat turnovers)
Meatloaf 12-20
Grilled Cheese 12-21
(with leftover Meatloaf)
Lentils 12-16
Tacos 12-17
(with leftover Lentils)
Quiche 12-17
Pizza 12-18 Leftovers 12-19
(with Taco Meat)
Chili
Sweet Potatoes
Broccoli with White Sauce
Beans
Mixed Rice with Veggie Saute 12-20
Giant Omelet with Broccoli
(with leftover Taco Meat) 12-17

Ya think we don't eat meat-think again. We just eat alot more bean meals and/or mix beans with the meat, not to stretch it necessarily but to make it more digestible or to use leftovers. Breakfast is either omelets or just scrambled eggs with my bread toast and Gingermonhoney-(tm). We don't have sandwiches (except when I make meatloaf & use it in grilled cheese) and we don't have Mac'n'Cheese or Ravioli-O's or other processed foods. We are making our own yogurt again.

It snowed all day today. We had about 4" when I checked around 3pm and I didn't look again. Dare I brave the wind and weather for a true measurement for you....ok, be back in a jiffy.

Sorry, can't open the back door to the deck-frozen shut, mostly at the bottom.

So, are you done reading my blabbings? I'm getting hungry...need to eat...hmmm....Peanut Butter Balls.

1 jar of Smuckers Peanut Butter
equivalent Honey to PB
1 TBSP Molasses
2 tsp Vanilla
2-4 cups Oats (to your own consistency)

Refrigerate til workable. Form into balls, put in baggie and freeze. They may stick together this way, but it's no big deal.

Okie dokie, I'm off to eat. Talk to me...leave a comment...cause a ruckus, have a cream soda -- do something already Sidney!

Very Thankful Thursday

Happy Birthday to MEEEEE!!! Today, my niece and I share a birthday; she'll be 10!

Last night after all the babies were asleep, my hubby and I worked on the house. We laid tile in the new bathroom. Today we've been going through boxes/tubs of stuff - reorganizing and consolidating. Hubby has been putting up a wall to the second bedroom downstairs. Things are really coming together and looking like it too!! I'm so encouraged by our progress and am ready to get things moving up here. We're going to have to move downstairs when it's finished so hubby can work on the upstairs. It's really fun and challenging at the same time, but all in a good way. The more progress we see, the better we feel and are ready to tackle the next project! We have a 5 week time-line and we're going to be done!!

This is to the left as you enter through the main door:

This is to the right, standing in the same spot. The pictured door is the entrance from the master bedroom.

I will have better pictures and maybe a sketch of a bird's eye view of the house when we're close to done. It's really beautiful!

This is the wall to the second bedroom that hubby put up this evening.
I am thankful for all this great progress while still caring on a "normal" life! I've heard it said that a couple is really tested when working on a house (remodeling, repairing, refurbishing, etc.), but I know for a fact that letting your husband make the decisions and not getting upset because he uses you as his sounding board for ideas and plans, then things run so very smoothly and there are no problems! I am enjoying working with my hubby on this house and helping as much as I can.

"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127:1

Go to the Thankful Thursdays site for more who have posted of their thankfulness!

Coming Home

We're back from spending Thanksgiving with family! A wonderful 2.5 weeks! My 8th niece was born and we were able to see my brother's family 4 days later!! Yet another SUPER-MOM!!
I sorta climbed my oldest brother's tree with climbing holds. It was a little difficult with a straight skirt and in the dusk/dark. We were going to go climbing, but it didn't work out; maybe next time!

We're taking the weekend off and look forward to starting our tough work until it's time to go to my sis-in-law's wedding mid-January. Hubby will be working on the house and I will be going through stuff to get down to our minimum so we can move. Yes, we are selling the house and moving. This is only going to be a 6 week visit here to the Siberian-winterland and then back to visit family/wedding and on to ARIZONA!! We are soooooo very excited. So, I won't be online as much (not that I have been these past few months anyway).

While we were visiting, Hubby repaired my parent's shower. It looks like a brand new shower!
The work he did made all the work he needs to do here seem alot easier!
After we get on our schedule again I will post pics. I'm still in my PJ's and have taken all day to type this. He also tore out the carpeting in his folk's place & I guess he'll have a big list of things to do when we go back!

I decided I'm going to remake my dress from my brother's wedding for January. I'm going to take the sleeves off, make the waist fitted & put a zipper down the back to accommodate the fitting. Then I may make a shrug or shawl (probably a shawl for a wedding) to put over my shoulders since it will be January around the timberline location! I may have to do all this by hand, since my machine's cord is still outta commission, but then again, I may finally just get a new cord.

Tomorrow, I plan on folding my dozen loads of laundry & at the same time getting rid of clothes we don't wear and won't need. We are doing a lighter school, since we did a little bit of math and some reading while on vacation, that will make all my other doings easier. We will be eating lots of sweet potatoes as well...I have only one main recipe, but I will be looking up more. Maybe a soup or in combination with other vegetable soups/stews.

The children are getting used to being home and our regular rules again! Baby #6 is crawling so well and pulling up on everything, but I am truly blessed with my house (I don't know how my mom did it with a split level and 5 children!!) the only stairs have a door and everything else is open, so I can easily see everywhere while I'm doing my chores!

Well, I'm off to start something for dinner (sweet potatoes) and finish organizing so I can knit a little tonight. I started a winter headscarf while we drove home and might be able to finish it in the next couple of days. I won't be knitting much else except finishing a pair of socks, this headscarf and a short pair of wool socks for me...my feet are REALLY cold-maybe just 'cause I haven't started working, but anyway, am excited to get to work and get all these things done & try to enjoy the last bit of time we have here!!

Again, will try to put up pics for all that we are doing, so check back!! Have a productive and blessed week & don't forget to enjoy time with family and friends!!

Ciao.

Since an Eon has passed...

I thought I'd write a quick hello! This pic is "over the hills and through the woods".

We are preparing to go to Gramma's house for Thanksgiving and are very, very excited to see everyone!! (Did I mention, it's been 3 years-except for a short visit from hubby's mom!) All my neices and nephews have grown too big and I dunno if they'll let their auntie give them hugs and say how much they've grown and dumb stuff like that! I didn't realize how much I've missed everyone. So, don't look at me funny if I start crying when I see you, it'll be because "I'm soooo happy!"

Ok, so therefore, I've been busy (like mega duh!) cleaning the house (I hate to come home to a mess!!), trying to eat the food in the refrigerator without running out yet, doing laundry and packing the clean stuff so we don't wear it again, gathering all the regular and extra stuff we need, as well as the regular day to day.

Hubby is finishing the plumbing for the downstairs bathroom. When that's perfect, then we'll be able to start tiling-after we come back. He replaced the window and it looks so nice. I found an old picture of the area where the bathroom is now, but it's on my computer, so I'll haveta do before/after pics at a different time.

What else.

That's pretty much all. Doesn't sound like much, but it fills each and every day!

Mindset of Festivities. Enjoying time with those we love dearly. Another hug. A cup of tea with homemade cookies. A sweet baby. Shining eyes and cute smiles. Mom opening the window because it's too hot in here-though it's 35 degrees outside. Card games. An uncle running to the store for the forgotten ingredient and maybe more chocolate....just in case. Dad praying over the meal. Thankfullness abounding!!

Look forward to seeing all of you very soon!!

Presidential Elections

I used to get all riled up when "my" candidate didn't win. It started when I couldn't vote in November 'cause my 18th birthday wasn't til December-not that my vote would have changed the tide!!

I thought those same feelings would return yesterday and today. I found a wonderful peace in God: allow me to share.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
I Timothy 2:1-4

"Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
"And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
"He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."
Daniel 2:20-22

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
Proverb 21:1

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
"And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD."
Genesis 10:1-2 (the Word says that God hardened his heart 7 total times)

I am truly thankful to Jesus for his Peace!! I know that God is ALWAYS in control and nothing "happens" that he doesn't know!!

Yum, Yum, Yummy

If you're a fan of broccoli, I have a soup recipe to share.

Yummy Broccoli Soup
5 lb bag (80 oz) cut broccoli
2 roasted squash
*Clean seeds (roast coated in oil and salted for 10-15 mins at 200F degrees for appetizer) and place in an inch of water with 1 TBSP oil and cook til soft, about 30 mins at 400F degrees.
1 stick of butter
3 TBSP Real Salt (only do this amount if you have Sea Salt or Real Salt)
Black Pepper to taste

Put Broccoli in a 12-15 quart pan and cover with water and cook/boil til soft. (I usually forget about it and when I smell it, it's ready.) Add everything else and cook to make sure everything is mushy. Blend with a stick blender. Serve when cool.

The squash gives it a sweeter taste and smoother texture.




I will be starting more and more organizing and "purging" and cleaning. Hubby is working on the house again. There's so much to be done: tiling, carpeting, walling, bathrooming, and all the little things that make the work perfect.

We have the kitchen to tile, the living room to carpet upstairs and a bathroom and 2 bedrooms to put in downstairs. I, hopefully, will be posting the pictures. It's so exciting seeing all of our ideas and plans come together!! I am absolutely jumping up and down!! More importantly, I am glad to see God's hand in our life as door after door is opening for us!! ...more later.

Happy Birthday!!

I was exactly 2 years ago today we were joined by our fifth child and beautiful baby girl! Our oldest made a card for her almost a week ago and gave it to her today. Birthday girl has been singing, "Happy Birthday to meeeeee." with lots of smiles and giggles as she "reads" the card! She was arguing with her year older sister over b'fast about whose birthday it is: "It not your burfday, it mine!" said #5, "You're 2 and I 3." said #4, "NO, I not, it my burfday!" said the adamant birthday girl. On the road to debate!
We're having a very relaxed day with computer games for the older 3 (for a little while) and nosching for all of us! Late last night, I finished folding just 4 loads of laundry and I have 4 more in rotation I'll be completing. Other than that, maybe a nice meal to plan and make and hopefully outside time as it is no longer "too wet and scary outside"!! It's cold, hovering around 50 degrees for the next week with storms coming and going - it's only going to be getting colder!! Digging out all the winter hats and cuddling under the down comforters with all the babies giggling and laughing!
So that's all here, whatcha doing today? Do have plans for a fun day or restful day?

Ummmm....I'm thinking some fried foods, like mama's throw cassarole, or other yummies; but, alas, I am out of coconut oil.....but I'm not out of butter!!! Ideas pouring in!!

Later, ya'all, have a great day and be BLESSED!

**I've always liked this picture, I saw it when I was about 15 yrs old and knew one day I would have two little girls that would look like it. They are #4 and #5 who are 13 months apart. Perfect!!

Whaddaya Think?

This is our pear tree. The Lord has blessed us with these beautiful yummy pears for the second year! All this we picked today; it's supposed to frost tomorrow night! We have 2 medium buckets, an estimated 20 lbs of pears. They are huge!! Thank you Lord!

I've been knitting and designing during my "spare" time. I have just a few projects to finish & I have 3 sweaters waiting for finalization. I also discovered Annie Maloney's books. Right now I'm interested in the cable book. I haven't found these cables anywhere and they're not like all I've seen. Anyway....

Just made a cream of broccoli soup to go with the bread yesterday. When it's cooler, I enjoy baking more. It's easier to bake. It's cool and it just "feels" like cinnamon roll and coffee weather, or chili and corn bread, or even a batch of crepes as pancakes with honey or other sweet dressings.

The children are learning well. The two oldest finish Bible and Spelling this morning before b'fast, then we did a lesson in Science and they were all but jumping up and down when I finally let them get out their math. They love it, look forward to it and just eat it up!! I could just give them the workbook and let them do the lesson mostly on their own, but I need to really get with it, cover the few things I've just touched and get them rolling into the 2nd book and then let them work on their own!

I need to start requiring that #1 write in handwriting. (cursive). She prints beautifully and I think she's ready to take her creative abilities and begin illustrating.

#2 is reading everything...I need to dig out my old books and give him something more than the baby (dick and jane) that we have out! One can get sick of reading too many books about animals as well!

#3 is working with dh on his reading. Mr. Brainy( #3) will spell and read just fine if he can play a computer game! So we use it and everyone wins!!

#4 is teaching #5 her abc's, colors and shapes. Yup, that's the 3 yr old teaching the almost 2 yr old!

#6 is doing great. He's eating well, sleeping much better and is his happy self once again! He's pushing up like he's ready to crawl, but still does the roll and turn over to get to a different place. He's also talking more. He was downstairs with dh this morning and he was just saying "mamamamamamma" until dh brought him up and then he was full of satisfied giggles when he was put in my arms!! SO adorably cute and sweet!

That's all here. Full schedule and the same 'o same 'o everyday so I won't bore ya until I have something more to tell ya. Ok.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - With A Glass of Milk

I must preface by saying that we have our sweetness levels reduced since we don't have many sweets. You may want to ice them or for the pumpkin recipe use a cream cheese frosting, just suggestions. It is mandatory to have these with milk. Swap out the raisins for chocolate chips even with the pumpkin.

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups oats
1.5 tsp baking pwd
1.25 TBSP cinnamon
1 cup honey
1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup butter (1.5 sticks)
1 cup raisins (or up to 1/2 cup more if desired)

Sorta drop, but mush into a cookie shape (they don't fall down) on an UNGREASED cookie sheet. Bake at 375F degrees for 12-15 mins.

*Variation:
1/2 small can or 1/4 large can of Pumpkin substituted for the Sour Cream/Yogurt
add only 1 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.


The weather is clearing and now we wait for the pears. I'll take pictures. Since we didn't go out while it rained the past 2 days, we had about 1.5 cups of raspberries today. Everyone had a goodly amount!
I'm posting patterns on my handwork site and have been busy with that and finishing lots of knitting. I am keeping myself from starting yet another project until I have finished quite a few. Busy, busy, busy! Prepared the taco and pizza meat and we had the leftover soup/stew with grilled cheese sandwiches. Correlating the shopping with the meal planning has been a challenge to keep meals going when "regular" ingredients are lacking.
We are truly blessed to have our needs provided by our Jehovah Jireh - our Provider! I am finding myself automatically going to the Lord for everything, in prayer AND thanksgiving! Days are more peaceful and organized. Now on to the tongue! I am learning and will have what I say!


"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Mark 11:22-24

What do you say that may be a curse, rather than a blessing?
I just can't do this, I don't know how to handle this, How will I ever get to this?

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Phillipians 4:13

Read the previous verses also. God has given me the ability to handle everything that comes my way.

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Proverb 16:3

If I go to the Lord first...I will have His help, strength, peace, joy and all good things! I CAN do ALL THINGS!!

Ok, just wanted to share how I've been blessed this past week! How have you been blessed? How can we rejoice together in what the LORD has done in our lives? Ok, last verse:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Phillipians 4:8

We are to not only speak what is right, but to also think. So dwell on these things, mull them over, mentally ruminate and your life will show fruit!

Turkey Recipe

Here's my answer to a recent comment:

My favourite Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is my mom's! When she cooks, that's my most favourite!!

I've never made turkey (whole) and I think I made a roast when dh went to work. Warms up better than the first time it's eaten.

When we ate more chicken, I'd make fajitas. Not really Thanksgiving food, but still yummy!! I think just making something you and yours like is the best part of celebrating together, no matter the day-or missed day!

I like to keep Thanksgiving meals for getting together with family, rather than making a mess at something I've not tried and don't have a reason to! I like all the memories associated with Thanksgiving...I'd like to keep it that way!! LOL

Well, I've been busy today. It's raining and overcast, but I have had a song in my heart and have enjoyed singing with the girls!
I just finished making a wonderful Potatoe and Hard-Boiled Egg Stew, the Bread is rising and since I didn't have bread, pancakes or any muffin type thing to have with eggs for b'fast, I made Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. If you consider the ingredients...they are the same for all of the above (except bread, but you could have raisin bread!). Again, no sugar, no white flour and you have good food you can have ANY time of the day!!

As I sip my freshly made herbal tea: chamomile, lavender (oh, yeah, totally calming!), spearmint, rose hips, fennel, dandelion leaf and red clover.

So, besides all this, I wrote out 3 (yes, three) patterns that I'll be posting sortly!!
(Yup, all this done while homeschooling and caring for the babies!)

Well, need to go feed the tribe and enjoy the constant sound of rain and cars driving through it!

Mmm...PIZZA!

I forget how much we enjoy eating pizza. I finally found a way to make it that has a whole lot more protein! I make the crust out of Naan Bread and roll it thin, sauce, toppings, bake and EAT!

I know that it is contrary to my heritage and being this close to Chicago, but I really like the thin crust NEW YORK style crust/pizza!

This pic is from the other time I made it. You can make personal size, medium, or one panfull size. This recipe makes enough for our family (of 8-well, 7 eating) for 2 meals!

Ok. This is the simple way, here it is all laid out:

Naan Bread
3 cups of flour (whole wheat)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp honey
2 TBSP oil
4 TBSP Yogurt
3/4 cup warm water

Mix dry, then add wet, and lastly yogurt. Let rest for about 20 mins. Then I roll it and patch it onto a pizza pan (a cookie sheet works too)

Sauce
1 can (32 oz) tomato concentrate (it's the walmart brand and ONLY has tomato pulp-no salt!)
1 TBLS salt (still using Real Salt)
2 TBLS oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/3 large onion
1/2 head (several cloves) garlic

Toppings

*I cook hamburger with salt and onions-use what I need and freeze the rest for next time I make pizza...helps alot
-also cooking the onions with the hamburger, flavors it differently than if I put them as a topping. When I've added onions as a topping, my pizzas always came out watery!
*sliced black olives
*grated mozzarella cheese -I do this

These are the topping we like, keeping away from my favourite of pepperoni which have nitrites and other oddities. I had headaches for years when I ate white flour crusts and pepperoni!

Throw together and cook in oven at 400F degrees for about 12 minutes. Lower temp, cook longer and get a crisper crust.

I have made a cornmeal crust and mixed beans and meat and added the cheese and olives and it was like a mex-pizza!!

Enjoying the cooler weather. It's between 62-65 degrees now, except for the next few days of being in the upper 60's and barely into the 70's! Wonderful cooking weather and even better to sit in the sun outside while the children play and (what else?) KNIT!

Need to go make bread, wake babies and prepare to go outside again!! (change the laundry, too)
Ciao for now!

Sorry for the Rants. Please enjoy the Rave!

I apologize for not keeping to the regular and everyday. I wanted to share more, but I’m becoming one of those boring blogs-in my honest opinion. So, I’ll get back to letting everyone know what’s up here.

We are having wonderful progress in school. I’ve put the oldest two together, keeping in mind that the younger will be challenged, but not requiring as much as the older. We are just flying through Math and I have to come up with other projects to keep them in Science and History so the book may last the year. If they are able to comprehend all this (which I know they are) we’ll be finishing these books and moving to the next level.

Here’s my curriculum for this year:

Saxon Math 2 (1 teacher’s book & workbooks for each)

Rod & Staff Pattern’s of Nature 2nd grade science (teacher’s and student book each)

Rod & Staff Our Father’s World 2nd grade history (teacher’s and student book each)

Rod & Staff English Grammar (in depth, will use through senior year of studies)

KJV Bible reading & comprehension & spelling 4th grade level (each own Bible)

Watercolors for art (Crayons, Coloring Books, Blank Spiral Notebooks for free draw)

Sign Language Made Simple by Edgar D. Lawrence (A complete manual for learning sign language in sentence form)

A set of 50 single words on 25 cards

Spanish (need to start) See It & Say It in Spanish

Right now, the children are watching (for the 2nd time) Berenstein Bears in French.

I’ve been busy keeping school going and I’ve noticed that they could start reading the lesson plan to do the next subject and prepare. I use a composition book and list the date and what we covered in each subject. It was much easier than a column book or anything else.

The next two younger (#3 and #4) are great at their alphabet and hubby is teaching them to read. We found that the more time you spend with your children in an enjoyable setting, the more they learn, the more they can surprise you with what they already know! As mothers who homeschool, this is our duty, job, obligation each and every day. We have no excuse but that our children should learn and learn well!

I’ve been finishing my knitting projects. I’ve put everything on RAVELRY . It’s easier to organize since it’s set up that way. I will post at my handwork site all that I’ve placed on ravelry so you can see.

Hubby and I are working out lots and lots. He has started biking again, riding as far (and further) as we did when we biked after #2 was born. We also walk about 2 to 3 miles 5 times out of the week as long as it’s not raining too much-or should I say storming! I’m doing my exercises that I did before and after #1 was born all the way until after #2 was born. Something happened (maybe I complained, or decided to let myself become overwhelmed with my God-given duties) and I didn’t lose weight as well after #3 though I sorta-mostly worked out. After #5 was born, I rarely worked out and then stopped until after #6 was born. BIGGEST MISTAKE.

Well, I repented of my hardheartedness and unthankfulness and the Lord has blessed me!

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Proverb 17:22

Though it is slow going, I’ve lost 5 lbs in the last month and I’ve gone down from a size 14 to a size 10. I still have a good 20 to 25 lbs to lose which will further my inch loss. I am glad that I measure myself and weigh myself and keep track, otherwise I would be tempted to skip days when I didn’t feel like working out!! After #2 was born I lost about 40 lbs in 2 months— I didn’t lose but 10 at the birth, so really 30 lbs, but that’s 1/2 lb every day! I was able to do 10 REGULAR push ups before I had to stretch to do 5 more. Now, I can only do 10 without even going all the way down, then I do 10 “girl” push ups (with knees bent) all the way down. These little advances encourage me to keep going!

With all this, I found yet another encouraging verse:

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” I Timothy 4:8

We are eating regular meals, since I’m not expecting, I don’t need to eat every 2 hours around the clock-duh! I’ve increase my water intake from about 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon up to 1 to 1 1/2 gallons per day. Trusting God to show us what we need to every day helps with everything all day!!

Well, it’s outside time/walk time and I need to finish thawing the meat for hamburgers. I plan on making an arm roast for Thursday possibly and loads of peas with mashed or fried potatoes.

This is a cantaloupe from our garden. It was "normal" size and very yummy!! We look forward to planting more next year!

ok, sorry that's all the pics you get. I have many to download and organize, but you can always visit my handwork blog. I just posted many there, if you're interested in knitting!!

Later!

Should I Now Quit The Memes? Ayep!

I must get back to my original view for this blog: to stay in touch with family and friends. With all that I do everyday (I don't see how anyone else could blog more than I have done and still manage their home!) I see that I spend too much time here.

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."

I Timothy 6:3-5

So I withdraw from memes and commenting to others of my own volition. I am done with useless conversations with those who are not aspiring Proverb 31 women. If you are in the sidebar or I regularly comment or email you, it is not you.

"And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." I Corinthians 14:35

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." I Corinthians 15:33

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." I John 2:27

These are the verses the Lord has given to me to confirm that I should not be roaming others' blogs that do not fervently adhere to God's Word.

You can't see me, I'm hiding behind my computer.

Blogger has been very disobedient! I have had trouble logging into anything Google related and today is the very, very first I've gotten this far!! So, since I haven't been online (I could visit other sites) too much I've been working and doing soooo much! In fact, we finish school before lunchtime as long as I get up early!! Yesterday I was up at 5:30A and was able to have a wonderful quiet time and read through Galatians. I am so encouraged that God is true!!
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." James 4:8a

What else?! Yup, been knitting too. Usually when we go outside and also in the evenings. We're waiting on the last batch of raspberries for the season. Just about all done!


Hubby and I have been exercising alot. We walk approx. 3 miles at least 4 or 5 times per week. It is easy to make a track in the backyard and the children can play! I'm losing more weight by just adding Olive Oil (2 TBLS trying for twice per day) taken as "medicine" in orange juice. I FINALLY fit in my size 10 jeans!! I've gone from bigger than 14, then they fit, then 12 and now 10! I'm also eating more protein & vegetables and a lot less carbs and almost no cheese! We also figured that I've been eating at night since baby#5; eliminating that has helped also!!
I've stopped T-tapping. I think it helped to build my spine and strengthen all of me, but I needed more! I now do my stretching exercises I did while pregnant with #1 & #2 (when I lost ALL my weight 2 months postpardem!) and Hubby and I walk & occasionally I will lift weights with him. I don't have a problem lifting weights, I don't bulk up or look like a guy, I just get cut muscles and lose weight!

Next, school is going swimmingly! We are done before lunch & we accomplish so much! I also have Math, History and Science so that they are 3 times per week every other week - Math is a constant Monday/Wednesday/Friday. I'm using the Science & History for at least two and up to three times per lesson. It is full of information that I want to be sure they retain as well as seeing that they are working on their reading comprehension - that's not really taught, so I figured I'd do this to help them get ahead even more!! I must tell you that we had Sign Language on Tuesday when I just demonstrated and said 50 words (on a set of cards) and today we went through them by just showing the sign & #1 got 47 out of 50 correct!! (I'm not a prompter in any way, shape or form!) I enjoy teaching and seeing how the children really love to learn!!

Right now, I'm thawing hamburger to make chili. I finally made a batch of beans that were perfect - soft without being "refried" mushy! I have tomatos from the garden that I'll have the children pick when we go out here shortly. (They're all red now, this was taken about a week ago.)


I made some delicious pancakes the last few days. I'll share my recipe:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups oats
4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp rounded cinnamon
1 tsp rounded ground ginger
1/2 - 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 - 1 tsp salt
4 TBLS butter or cocunut oil (it's cooler here, so it's turned solid)
4 TBLS honey
3 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup raisins

Mix dry ingredients & add wet. Let sit so the oats begin to break down. Add raisins last.
Make sure everything is wet & bake on a greased pan stovetop. Ya know, like pancakes are made! Enjoy with a glass of creamy whole milk!

Hmmm...when I was offline I thinking up many things to blog about, now I'm not remembering too much now. Well, I best be off to make that chili & such. I already made the Scot Oat Cakes, they came out more like crackers this time!

Well, I'm going to see if blogger likes me & I can post this. I'm thinking about scheduling a time where my computer is connected when hubby doesn't need it. It will most certainly be after the children are in bed!! "Curious George" is almost over, so I better go.

Have a blessingfull week (or however long it is til I see ya again!)

Faith by Works

I am thrilled to tell you my experience. I know that it will just seem as "that's nice" to some, but to others that have been there-I know you'll understand my excitement!!

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"
Titus 1:2

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
II Corinthians 1:20

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Romans 10:17

Now I read my Bible out loud to myself. I had rarely ever understood completely what I read until now. It's like someone finally fitted my brain with the decoder card!! I have been so blessed to read and understand. So all yous out there that read your bible...read it OUT LOUD!

What Does BUSY Mean To You?

This is the Ellis Family. I found it online. No relation. I just thought for an old picture, they have approximately the age distance, same birth order and number of children. Just for fun!

I've been busy. I've been over here knitting! There's the knitting, schooling, cleaning, cooking, rearing, feeding, obeying, disciplining, exercising, eating/drinking and all other everyday things I may have forgotten!

I was just digging through my boxes of books & I have so many language books!! We'll be starting with 3 easy languages: Spanish, German and Sign Language. The other languages I have are: Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Japanese, Russian and Short Hand. We could learn a language per year!!

I also found my music books. I'll start with Music Education in the Elementary School 1944-I have another 1/2 dozen music books. I have a bag of rhythm things as well as a recorder since #1 wanted to learn to play the flute. We've already used the McGuffey First Eclectic Reader and we'll review that and move up to the Second Eclectic Reader and I need to incorporate the Handwriting for each lesson! I'm still looking for my English Grammar book, I'll find it soon-I know where it is!

Now I'm waiting on:

Science - Rod & Staff Grade 2

Social Sciences- Rod & Staff Grade 2

Math - Saxon Math 2 (did get Saxon Math K, 1, & 3 so I'll have some foundational work for the babies (1, 2.5 &4) and then seeing how well the older two go through Math 2, I have 3 ready'n'waiting :NO, not new>eb.ay used!)

This will be for the 2 oldest and I'll be starting all 5 children in a learning schedule!! I'll let the 4 month old (yup, he's that big already) wait a little bit before catching up with his siblings.

Just like cloth diapers, I won't have much to buy for each child that goes through this curriculum!!!

I, like every mother out there that spends time & teaches her children, know where my children are academically. I can see where I haven't pushed them AT ALL and they catch on to concepts and ideas well. So, when I teach them, they'll be learning more efficiently and if I ever push them (encourage them to do more) they will excel! Last year was our "practice" year & we did the minimum and they advanced tremendously. This year is our "real" year for our oldest as far as scheduling, record keeping and subjects; but-you know, I just realized that we homeschool from birth. Subject closed.

**If you haven't figured out by now, I was homeschooled. Only 9th thru 12th and then I continued with a few subjects for several years after. I loved it so much more than any other schooling I ever had!! (I've been to Public, Catholic, Private Christian and Homeschool) I helped my parents along with my two younger brothers to set up several state homeschool conferences, then went on to teach a few violin students and played in 4 local orchestras. (My Lord Jesus gets credit for that talent, I just used it) I worked for almost two years in a violin shop before I was married and started another country!! (see above picture)

Did I mention that I fell in love with the violin after seeing the movie,

"And They Shall Have Music"

I started playing at age 14 and still play for my children.

Go here for more homeschooling mom's pages!

And We're Back!

Sorry about that gap in blogging. My computer would NOT log into Bl.ogger, G.m.ail or even Go.ogl.e!! My computer super brother fixed everything-remotely!! My #1 was laughing, moving the mouse trying to mess him up! Extra big hugs to him!!

Ok, now to the blog...ya know, real life!!

I wanted to share my other cake/muffin-thing recipe. It was so good that when I ate the leftovers I was surprised it came out of my oven!! Ok, here goes...

2 cups flour

1 1/4 TBS baking pwd

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 TBSP orange peel

1/4 cup butter or coconut oil

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup yogurt (homemade)

1/2 orange juice

1/2 cup honey

Blend orange peel in the orange juice. Mix dry ingredients, add liquids, mix well til nothing is dry. Put in GREASED pan. Cook at 400F degrees for 20 mins. Watch/check your cake the last 2-5 mins depending on your oven temps.

It doesn't taste like ginger, but it does have a strong orange flavor that is just naturally wonderful!! Please enjoy with your favourite beverage!

I have also been contemplating whether or not to continue with the Thankful Thursday or Then Sings My Soul Saturday. I don't blog regularly (barring the week of clothes) and I missed Thursday & would like to spend all of tomorrow outside. If I do continue, it may end up being Thankful Everydays and Singing to the Lord!

Okie dokie, what else? Not much here. I plan, Lord willing, to knit more & write up patterns and therefore blog less. We'll see. Hope you're enjoying the last days of summer break. I have school to start & projects to plan to keep everyone happy, busy and learning without realizing it!! Maybe I'll let you know what I'm doing for school, once I get it going. I have some great ideas from my big sis & am so ready to start!

K, nuthing else here. Ciao.

Last of the Clothes

I want to thank Nancie for the awards/recognition/friendship. It was truly kind to include me!! I want everyone that visits my site to go ahead and be included in the sharing of friendship. Copy to your computer the pictures and add to your blog. You can let me know, if you like!!This will be my last installment of clothing pictures. This is a maternity top, but it never fit when I was expecting, so I wear it now & it's just empire waisted and long! Both items were found at garage sales for "pennies". It's all polyester, but for cool days it's perfect & feminine! #1 put on the top & shoes and came to show me. It looked like a nice knee-length dress, just too cute!

SUNDAY

I was thinking about doing something along these lines of clothes for a week: my house. Going room by room & taking pictures. But it would not be a daily thing *giggle* as my whole house is not always ready for pictures. Ok, rarely even one room is ready!! I thought it would be a great way to clean and organize the house and get things done!! I'll let you know when I get to that. I'm telling you now so I can be held accountable!! It is Fall cleaning time, just before the school year starts, I think this is what I need! I am blogged out!! I am not an everyday blogger. I've spent way too much time online & look forward to a much quieter week. I hope to keep up with the Thankful Thursdays and Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Other than that, I'm going to get some constructive work done with my hands!

Ciao for now!

Singing Clothes (can't come up with anything witty right now)

THURSDAY/FRIDAY

Here's what I wore the past two days. (You might even see the smudges of dirt and little muddy handprint) Another O.ld Na.vy T-shirt and a pair of wideleg slacks again folded to just below the knee. (If I fold it higher, it's a little dorky looking-my preference)
We played outside lots in the dirt, water & running around in the orchard playing dodgeball. We came in & were kinda late in putting the children to bed. The youngest 2 were asleep & the others in their beds "visiting" when I walked out of my room and saw it. A BAT!!
Haven't I had enough of these??!! I didn't scream and freak out & dh was home, so he took things to block the bat's way to lead it to the open window and door, but them critters are fast! The children obeyed and stayed in their room & I ducked in and out of our room. It finally went out through the window. Praise the Lord. When I first saw it, I was shaking, trembling & I knew I didn't have to be afraid. We told it to go outside and prayed and I felt better. When it was all done & we cleaned up (just normal picking up & turning fans back on) I was exhausted! I sat with dh, he prayed for me & I didn't do anything else. Went to bed a little earlier than usual, but #6 was awake and fussy-strangely not the way he is at all!! And #5 came to our bed (she's only slept through the night in her own bed the previous night) and tossed and turned. I knew I wouldn't be able to function when I was up with #4 at 7 in the morning (but did see a beautiful red/orange sunrise-and now it has already rained & it's overcast) & slept maybe an hour more.

This morning I made eggs with sliced carrots and scot oatcakes:

3 cups oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 TBLS coconut oil
2 TBLS honey
1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients & let sit for a couple of minutes. This begins the breakdown process of the oats & will stick together. I form palm-sized patties (smaller than hamburgers) close to 1/4" to 1/2" & place on a cookie sheet (ungreased). Cook for 12-15 mins. at 350F degrees. (less time is softer & longer gets it crunchier)

Oh yeah...it's Saturday!! (Scratch that, Sunday now!) Ok, a song. I just received the request for Jesus Loves the Little Children. ooooh, and O, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus! It's sung by one woman and I was able to sing along. It's so refreshing switching from alto to tenor (sung an octave higher than written)!!


I didn't sleep too well last night. But I was in constant prayer!
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
I was thinking of the bat & remembering when we had bats (around 1/2 dozen) for a few nights 6 years ago! There were no more, Praise the Lord and I was able to get up earlier, before anyone else & exercise & shower & start b'fast!!

Since my computer was not connecting to the internet yesterday, here's the next set in the series:

SATURDAY

Yet another T-shirt with a navy color "cargo" style knit jersey skirt. This is of the storm that rolled in yesterday & has made it much cooler 75-80F with a LOT less humidity!! I'm considering putting on a sweater!

This is one of my longest posts, so I will end here without formalities.

Privacy Policy & Phone Connections

I just want to let you all know what I will post and what I won't in regards to names. If you are not comfortable with leaving your real name, leave a "nickname" and if I know you, then email me. Even really simple: Hi, this is Suzy and my nickname is RedHead.
If you are saying family names of mine, I won't post it. Sorry, but I must draw the line somewhere. If you've left a comment that you don't want here...you ARE able to delete it yourself. (I'm thankful for that blogger feature!) It hurts to delete comments so please be general if speaking of my family or just email me.

For Family: I probably call my mommy the most. Next is my mommy-in-law. So, you can see, we are not on the phone people. All that taken into consideration, I expect (Lord willing and we can actually schedule it!!) to be calling my sis-in-law #1 & we'll probably talk for a few hours, but we haven't spoken to each other in almost a year. (I don't even know if I spoke with her or if it was my brother after baby #6 was born-I was so weak and tired!) We've barely even emailed . We both know that we are very busy with many children & are still learning to get things done for our families. My main computer time is after the children are all asleep, as I've said before, it can be as late as 10 or 10:30P and then I have all my work to catch up on, exercise, shower, Bible reading/listening so I'm up mainly working til 1 to 3 in the morning.

I would love to schedule calling everyone and keeping in touch, but that is not practical. That is why I started the blog. There are too many people to be calling & returning calls. I'm sorry if this offends, but I must obey & get my work done. When I am on the phone it interrupts my day & keeps me from caring for my children and husband. Dh is also busy & relies on my blog to keep family up to date.

So you know: my phone can be very quirky. I've just found all the information to check messages, though I don't do that often. The caller id sometimes comes up and sometimes not.

There you go. Now I've devoted naptime to tell you and I didn't get the business things done. See! I make sacrifices too! "But I will suffer in silence, O, how I suffer!"

*smiling!*

Do have a good day and be a blessing!

P.S. I'm not doing clothes today because I'm wearing yesterday's clothes again! (gasp!)
*still smiling and laughing!*

Thankful Thursday & A Week of Clothes

Let's start with being Thankful!

Today I am seeing fruit in my own life, not only because I am thankful, but I am learning to obey!
Obey God AND my husband!! I've been listening to Wives and Husbands and seeing the scripture that says:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." Ephesians 5:22-24

God said it, we must do it!! I want to walk in heavenly love (I Corinthians 13) toward my husband and to everyone!!

So, I am thankful to The Living Saviour Ministries for showing me to go to the scripture each and every moment, to live by the Word, to walk in faith & see God answer my prayers - each and every day!!

Ok, now to the nominal.

WednesdayThe cotton top is a wonderful garage sale find and wideleg jeans. I need to make a belt (knitted?) for these are too big for me now. I have a good 3 inches to pull at the sides of the legs. I don't have shorts (not that I'm against them) so that's why they are folded; they hit right below the knees.

Not much else, cooler around 80F degrees for the next week and slowly dropping into the high 70's for the weekend!

I made crackers from this recipe. I just added finely chopped onions & will be making these again & again! So very inexpensive & yummy!! (I didn't use rosemary)

Ummm...I need to go prepare the hamburgers & finish warming the leftover rice & lentils.

Blessings from God to you as you seek Him!!

3rd Day of Clothes

Wow, I hope I'm not leaving you wondering what comes next!! LOL! Here's what I wore for my anniversary. We didn't go anywhere or exchange gifts. This was the best anniversary because I changed my attitude & knew it would be a great day!! I still did the laundry, dishes, cooking, child raising (& blogging) that I do everyday, but having a happy heart made all the difference in the world!!

Tuesday

This a denim shirt with a fair isle knitted, 100% cotton skirt that my mom bought at a garage sale years ago!! My brothers called it the "N.ational Ge.og.raphic Skirt". (Not as bad as when I had a floral skirt in rusts and dark yellows & they called it my "Pizza Sauce Skirt"!!) Yup, I've had this skirt for approx. 15 years. The picture makes both peices look worn and faded, but they are VERY bright, must be the flash.
I'm starting to be tired of blogging every day!! It doesn't take long, but to fill in information is tedious!! Ok, need to distribute water & then head outside. It's much cooler today, with high around 85F for the next week!! We might actually be done with that hot weather.

Ciao for now!

Our Eighth Wedding Anniversary

"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Mark 10:5-9

Another Day, Another Outfit

Yesterday was 96F degrees with a heat index of 104F. You could swim as you walked outside, but the breeze was wonderful! After the storm passed through it was soooo chilly it felt great to breath the cool air!! There were a few tornados about 45 mins away, but no sirens or anything here. I now know that green sky color!! (it wasn't that dark here, but that green just lighter) The electricity blipped off for a min and there was a great rushing wind with lots of rain that blew across the yard.

Here's what I wore yesterday.

MONDAY

A cotton polo shirt from Old.Navy, the couture skirt is my original design (a rectangle with an elastic waist, hehe!), and very comfortable leather sandals.

I guess I wanted to make the point that you don't have to wear a dress only. And no one looks frumpy or overweight in skirts. I still have a good 25lbs to lose to get to my "skinny" weight, 15lbs to be my "mommy" weight. I am working on building lots of muscle since I didn't exercise this last pregnancy and have quite a bit more lightweight-space-filling-flub! Since May I've lost 10lbs and over 13". All I've done is the 15 min T-Tapp workout. I so very much would like to be like this homeschooling mom of 12!!

AND...I received this in the mail today!! Ok, now I'm busy with all this and more, need to finish the last of the laundry and go get lunch, Ciao for now!

A Week of Clothes

I won't say that I wear solely dresses and skirts, 'cause I don't. I would love to, but that's not me right now. I am gonna pretend you are coming for a visit and I'll show you what I "look" like. Sorry, no real pics of me. So, since this is something so very nonessential, I will share! (Even my husband says, "It's not a fashion show.") I did dress up like I used to yesterday & I felt better all day. These will be the previous day's clothes, so I can be honest. They will be wrinkled and stinky, but this is not smell-o-blog! LOL!!

SUNDAY

This is a 3/4 sleeved cotton blouse from Old.Navy, a worsted wool skirt in the Glen Plaid from e.bay, the black leather shoes were my gramma's - my sole (hehe) dress shoes, and my hair accessorized with my absolutely favorite silk scarf from my sis-in-law #1. I wore hose too, as any 1940's wife would do!

Ok, now on to my real life:

Monday - Friday: Laundry (Mon&Tues), Dishes (AM away & load/PM wash), Meals (much easier in summer, more cool meals, less oven baked), Vacuum/Cleaning, Schooling in Morning after breakfast, Outside Time/Kiddie Pool or Digging in Garden-the children for play, not often me!

Saturday: Last of any laundry, a big meal for leftovers on Sunday, Vacuum, Dishes...just about everything.

Sunday: Take care of family, rest, relax, refresh, read God's Word & KNIT!

Evenings: I finish what was put off or undone during the day, computer time, listening to Thurman Scrivner & knitting.

Here is my diaper table. Bummis Super Snap covers to the far left, then size 1 Kissaluvs, size 0 Kissaluvs, then European Trifold Toddler diapers. I use washcloths with water for wipes and if the babies get a rash, I use D.esitin Creamy. When I used A&D O.intment the diapers smelled fishy when clean!

Ok, now it's outside time/eating...need to go. Have a great week with many blessings from God!!