Another Post?!

I was reminded of this great quote : "Assume nothing...assign everything" that has helped with how I do much with all the babies crying at the same time!!

#1 has started folding and putting away the laundry - never having been asked or told to!

She says, "I wanted to help you, mama."

#2 on most occassions takes charge of #5, carrying her out of the kitchen (during baking times), playing with her & picking up a room without being asked or told!!

#3 (ok, about 1/2 the time) says, "I'm going to be obedient and take my nap so that you will say, 'Good job!' 'What a blessing!'" and proceeds to do so!!

#4 is quick to volunteer to do a job (even assigned to someone else), saying, "Me, me, I will, let me!" and running to help. She also shares her bottle & feeds #5 on her own.

#5 comes to the laundry room and holds out her hands to help put the clean clothes in the dryer & can!! Also helps often to pick up the toys and put them away!!

These are the big things that come to mind, but they constantly are like this. I guess I am in amazement seeing the work of encouraging to help with chores, because this is what we do, has paid off tremendously!! All children 6 and under!!

Are we perfect? Are our children perfect? (Long pause...hehe) NO! We all have our days where the world is upside-down, but the majority of our problems are solved by eating the next meal, being reminded to say things kindly (Please or No Thank You) no matter what happens to you, or just going to bed!

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Proverbs 15:1

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

I just want to encourage you to keep going with doing what is right! Blessings will abound!

Weekly Memory Verse

Proverbs 9:10

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

We are enjoying memorizing the Word!! It is truly refreshing!! We are able to have the 2 older children memorize and write out the verse - a great penmanship practice and vocabulary lesson!! William Morris : Acanthus Leaves

In meal planning: Not having assigned days helped with flexibility. I have the option of making what our tastebuds want and it disappears so much faster!!

You can see, updated on the same post, what we've already had, with leftovers as lunches and next day dinners a couple of times. I don't include snacks, because that's dependant upon what we have as a meal and what's left to make.

SNACKS:

~Berry drink (made with homemade yogurt, orange juice, pineapple, banana, and a berry-straw or rasp usually)

~Nuts and Berries (apricots, prunes, raisins, walnuts-those are the standard-with a slice of cheese and some cracker or chip if available)

~Fresh Fruit

~Leftover B'fast breads (Chocolate, Pumpkin, Spice, Nut) or Cookies with milk

~Carrot Sticks and Celery (rarely with homemade sour cream'n'onion dip and peanut butter-use p.b. in cookies often enough and s.c. is a special treat)

Weekly Memory Verse

Proverbs 19:21

"There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."

I thought I'd try memorizing with others. I am also including, at least dd#1 in this. She's already read the verse, even the "big" word: nevertheless!!

You can join us with this verse for the week at In Light of the Truth.

That's Cool!

Today, I am exactly 1/2 way through this pregnancy! I couldn't figure out the baby due date calculator. It showed I was 20 weeks/140 days & 20 weeks/140 days to go! Interesting.

In other news, I made my 2 weeks meal plan again. I didn't assign days, yet.

(Updated Dec. 4th & 6th)

*Meatloaf & Mashed Spuds

Grilled Cheese & Leftovers

*Meat Turnovers

Hamburger Skillet

*Pizza

Canneloni

Chicken Noodle Soup*Cream of Broccoli

*Tacos

Spaghetti & Mini Meatballs

Chili

Bread (Double Batch)

*Pumpkin Muffins/Banana/*Nut Bread/*Spice Bread

Oatmeal Cookies/*Chocolate Muffins

Noodles

*Biscuits

*Crepes

Pita Bread

(*Meals made)

Yeah, I know it's a little on the ambitious side, but I was feeling energetic and thought if it continues I'll be able to do this!!

Menu is different from the last planning because my siatic nerve was pinched and I could do only so much and couldn't move at all. I also dropped a ceramic crock bowl on my foot.

Praise the Lord, I am healed!! I'm just glad that I had made HUMONGOUS amounts of food (I made 12 qts Rice Stew-lunches and not quite as much chili) that's why the chili is at the bottom of the list and Rice Stew won't be seen for a LONG time!!

This evening I made LOTS of baked potatoes! 10 pounds of potatoes can dissappear when little fingers are around! So, here they are:

I peel and slice them, put them on an oil covered pan, salt and pepper, bake at 425F for approx. 15-20 mins. and that's it. Even baked sweet potatoes, but they were almost in the dessert catagory.

I need to go knit-making a mad dash before the end of the month! You can see my progress here.

"...But the Fire's So Delightful"

We are staying very warm!! My dear hubby finished installing a wood stove. It is such a blessing!! This is our very first real fire-place.

We've or rather my hubby again (I was watching a little)has made yogurt. The first time it came out perfect and the second time it was just about the same.

Here's what we did:

Raw milk in 1/2 gal jars

Put jars in large double-bottom pot (16qt) in lukewarm/cool water

Add starter (dannon plain yogurt) to milk approx. 1/4 cup per 1/2 gal of milk

Warm slowly to 108-112 degrees Fahrenheit, no less-will take a long time to set, no more-will kill the starter.

Leave for approx. 5 hours (it started to separate, which means it "cooked" for too long)

Put jars in refrig. and eat when cold.

*The 2nd time we heated the milk (to supposedly kill the "bad" stuff that fights the yogurt culture) added the started and let "cook" for about as long. It came out tart and a little less set!

So that's what we've been doing. And it did snow for Thanksgiving. Just flurries, but it was gone as fast as it came.

Encouragement for the Holidays

Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, but there are plenty of get together times. Here is a great reminder of what we should do no matter what we do!!

2 Week Meal Plan

Ok, I'm putting my menu here this time...maybe to some certain extent it will keep me accountable and help me do better!! This is my attempt at a 2 week rotating menu. We eat leftovers for lunches, so it's kinda like 28 (if they're all there) meals. Okie Dokie...here goes.

Thursday: Bisquits 'n' Beef Gravy

Friday: Rice Stew 'n' Tuna

Saturday: Meatloaf 'n' Mshd Spuds

Sunday: Leftovers (from Saturday)

Monday: Quick Quiche / Bread

Tuesday: Chili 'n' Cornbread

Wednesday: Hommus 'n' Corn Shapes

Thursday: Crockpot Roast 'n' Potatoes

Friday: Chicken Pot Pie

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Leftovers (from Saturday)

Monday:

Tuesday: Tacos

Wednesday:

Ok, 2 blanks, not bad. I'll figure out something. I know, it's Monday already!!

I was doing well planning the last few meals that I included them.

Yes, this is all made from scratch, no canned anything. This is taking into account laundry days, everyday chores and homeschooling. We'll see how this one works.

I just couldn't resist!!

Some bloggers share too many bad days. Regular ol' bad days. It's anyone's "right" and it's their blog. So, since this is my blog I thought I'd post this...hehe. Smile anyway...it ONLY helps!!

In The Last 10 Days

Am I really caught up on the laundry, again?! I didn't realize how much one can accomplish when modivated with knitting. After taking the night to blog (and not knit) I'll have a little bit of catching up to do in the dishes. You see, if I was going to knit, I would have made sure to get the dishes done during the day!!

I need to make Honey-Oat Bread and I think I'll be making Banana Bread-since the bananas are turning brown and I'm sick of the 80 cookies I made yesterday! (I didn't eat all of them and there are a few left.) I made some yummy soup that was just missing the little alphabet letters. Maybe next time. The children's eyes lite up when I mentioned alphabet soup and they started to ramble about spelling and reading while eating. Ok, now I'm really really really hungry....mmmmmm, soup...mmmmmmmmmm doughnuts!! LOL, Yes, I still have cravings!!



And dh had been able to do so much!! He tiled and put in the side door. That is sooo simply put, for those of you who have done these jobs know there are several steps before "just putting in tile" or "just putting in a door".


The 1st pic: Taking out the wood floor (gasp) to the edge of where we wanted the tile. 2nd pic: More than half way done tiling.
3rd pic: Door framing partly done. It's now complete, but I'll get better pics later.

One Year Today

Isn't it amazing how time flies?! Well, I received a birthday present today. I was encouraged by others, and hopefully encouraged someone also!! I am all caught up on the laundry and cleaning and most of the dishes, that I feel like I'm on a mini-vacation!

So, I need to come back and start my meal prep (thaw hamburger, soak beans for Tacos) and planning. This cooler weather definitely helps me bake, cook and make more yummy meals.

What do you have to show for your time?

As you know, I've picked up knitting again. As I went to a zillion sites, I really, really wanted to have already done what these women have done. I want to be able to knit so quickly that I can turn out something for my family when it's needed. I was even starting to complain (gasp!) and ask God why all these women have time (whether with or without children) and I didn't. I knew I did, but my time seemed to be allotted to mainly child rearing, cooking, cleaning and laundry and blessing my husband. Then the Lord showed me how much time I spent online. Good reading, encouragement, inspiring time, but I had NOTHING to show for it. I was using the "when I get my work done or need to sit and nurse, then I'll go online" excuse. I do well, but I yet had nothing to show for my time. I was reminded of a story my mom told me about a woman who had a friend visit her once a week and they would show each other the progress of their handwork. One visit, the younger woman told the other that she took the week off...she wanted to catch up on her reading. The older (and wiser) woman pointed out that the younger had nothing to show for her time and remanded her with:

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." I Thess. 4:11-12

(Yes, I did rearrange that story, but that's probably the best way for me to remember it!) So, the moral of the story, well, you can decide for yourself how it may apply to you. I will be knitting for a while...what will you be doing??

***There is no substitute for reading the Word of God!! Do take the time to read and refresh your soul!!

"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." I Tim. 4:7

New Blog

I decided to devote another space to my handwork. Please visit it here. I may be posting there more than here, we'll see.

KNITTING!!

Ok, once again I am knitting. I wanted to post the pics of what I started, but the batteries needed charging. So, instead of drooling over everyone else's projects, I've started a pair of socks. It is my 2nd pair ever. My first pair I made in 5 days in February of 1999. They are worn through the balls of the foot and heels, but I've found I can take apart that and knit it into another pair!!!! I forgot how easy it is...but then again, I've not gotten to the heel yet. I'm glad I made my own notes the first time, but I will be looking up how to decrease and such! If I am able to stick with this and really begin to get the projects done, then I may have to devote another blog just to handwork!! That's just more motivation to get off the computer and start getting EVERYTHING done!!

Ok, batteries are charged and pics taken.

This is my sock (I mean, my dh's sock) with #4's toes. And here is the scarf, wrap, sweater, I dunno what 'cause I haven't decided. I think I'm just going to finish this ball (there is one more ball left) and make something else with the last. It's acrylic, but it's brown...mmmmmm...chocolate!

Ok, that's all for now...gonna sit 'n' knit.

Tea sounds good right now, too!!

Help?!

My computer is "acting up". I can't seem to fix the ActiveX so it runs. If anyone knows how to help, please let me know. Everything is already enabled, but I can only post and not change my side-bar things. Thanks :)

Need to change the mouse...

If it were possible to get one with a walking toddler.

#5 is now walking, just about 6 steps at a time.

She gets up and cheers herself and stands and claps, laughs, then toddles over blubbering "I did it, I did it, I did it!" with each step!!

The Woodshed

I'm not sure if I've seen this site before, but it was refreshing to read!

Garage Sale Find

We were able to go last Saturday to several sales. This was my favourite find!! It's another inspiration for sewing and quilting. So, I began my red homespun quilt. I put together 3 rows Tuesday night. Last night I went to continue, and to my great dismay, the electrical cord had come apart!! So, I went and embroidered!! I copied someone else's design of a girl with a fishing pole and Number 1 will be starting that as soon as I can find the embroidery floss!!! I will get handwork done!!

It's All Gone...or it will be soon!!

This was just a wonderful combination for a summer dessert!! I made my Scrumptious Chocolate Cake and my Scrumptious Chocolate Pudding. I will not call it what it is not, Mousse, but it is sooo YUMMY!! I found this recipe online for a "Dairy Queen Ice Cream", but it was not up to par, so here is my Scrumptious Chocolate Pudding:

Make chocolate whipped cream


1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/4 cup honey
1 Tbsp cocoa

A good chef tastes his food and modifies it to his liking. These are approximates.

2 env. Knox gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
4 cups milk
1/3 cup honey (3 Tablespoons)
1 tsp. molasses (for a vanilla type flavour)

Mix gelatin and water and let stand. Heat milk (do not boil). Remove from heat and add honey and gelatin mixture. Cool milk mixture. Fold or whisk in whipped cream. Refrigerate until set and eat. Freezing makes it too hard and when set out to thaw a bit will begin to separate.

This made a HUGE bowl for our family, but I'm sure no one has a problem with it!! Don't forget you get the full benefits of the gelatin and there is no sugar or artificial yuckies!! Though, if you don't have desserts often, it's filling. Remember, for those who still have sugar, it's not as sweet and may taste too much like honey.

Sewing for Modesty

I've been inspired for attire from Eyes of Wonder!! I love to sew and design and have been for the past 25 years!! I love the simplicity, especially the pinafores for the little girls. All the women's clothing is feminine and modest. The prints and colors are lovely! How they've altered this peasant blouse is just perfect with the skirt shown!

I love the regency clothes from this site!! And this site has a mountain of modest and feminine clothing sites. I enjoy looking and getting ideas, since I don't often use patterns unless it is exactly how I would like it or I am making it from a very slippery material like satin.
As I progress in my chores, I hope to start sewing...which for me the start is deciding who needs what, picking a fabric (which I have!) and then starting to make it! I think right now, the girls would most benefit from a couple of skirts/bloomers and reversible pinafores! Lord willing, maybe I might be able to start tomorrow night, since it's late!! Will update you on that. (I've already been sketching!!)

More Cooking

The last few days I've been on my feet making double or triple batches. Today I made this wonderful Chicken 'n' Rice. Just like most everything I make, it's "Not Your Mama's Cooking"! I sauteed the Onions and Garlic in Olive Oil then added the Carrots and Celery. I used the chicken that was leftover that I had frozen and added that right before I put in the rice ingredients and broccoli. Cook for 10, let rest for 10, voila...and you've got dinner in no time at all (especially with the pre-cooked meat).

As I'm posting this, dh showed me the moon and so I had to take a picture...com'on, it's a digital camera, and how far away is the moon?!

Count Your Blessings - Monday

I know this is a day late, but I wanted to do this. There are few in this group, but they seem to be like-minded. So, once again, I will count my blessings!!

1. I have my perfect husband - who daily helps me grow in the Lord!! (ROFLOL!!)

2. I have 5 wonderful, healthy, extremely smart (4 yr. old is reading!!), willing to learn and beautiful children!! (What can I say: they're my children and I am biased!!)

3. The raspberries are almost in full fruit...we are all learning to wait until they are very red!!

4. I am feeling GREAT this morning and have been able to think clearly and do soooo many regular chores and am almost caught up in every area!! --almost :)

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

5. God is Faithful, Merciful and so much more!!

"Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."Psalm 29:1-2

For more Count Your Blessing Monday participants, click here.

Too Funny

Found this from someone's blog, but had to put it here! You MUST read the description!

Thankful Thursday

I am trying this. I am thankful always, but I don't often "think on these things". My dh has always stopped me when I was on a downhill trend and said to name 10 things I am thankful for. Doing that alone made things much better! So I begin:



1. The last 2 mornings I have been able to wake refreshed before anyone else and read the Word!! (That alone should count for 100!)



2. The weather is starting to be normal for this time of year, cooler!



3. I have LOTS of tomatos to put up for winter chili meals!



4. I have 2 baskets of laundry to fold and I will officially be caught up! (for about 1 day)



5. I plugged in my sewing machine, which is the 1st step in starting to sew again. (which I haven't done for the past 2 years)



I am thankful to post today, I won't count that since I only listed five. Blessings and remember,



"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13



"All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15



"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

If you'd like to find out more about Thankful Thursday,

click here or on the Thankful Thursday Picture

Not Your Mama's Spaghetti!

Homemade Whole Wheat Noodles, Homemade Mini-Meatballs and Homemade Garden Fresh Marinara Sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese

This was a mmmm-mmmm delicious meal!! And as you can see, enjoyed!! Plenty of good food and good reviews!!

Whole Wheat Noodles

2 1/3 cups Flour

2 Eggs

1/3 cup Water

1 tsp Olive oil

1/2 tsp Salt

a pinch of Basil (opt. or marjoram or sage)

Mix ingredients, knead for 8-10 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes. Divide into 4. (If using only whole wheat flour, make sure you let it rest) Roll out, cut into strips. ( I used a pizza slicer) Can cook immediately and/or freeze extra. I made a double batch...used all my counter space and even some cookie sheets. Note: The coarser your flour, the coarser or grainy/almost gritty your noodles. High marks and highly nutritious!!

These were easy to make. Much easier and faster than whole wheat bread!!

Mini-Meatballs

2.5 lbs Hamburger

2 Eggs

1/4 Medium onion

2 Cloves garlic

6 Premium Unsalted Crackers

salt, pepper, parsley to taste

Mix ingredients. Roll/form into 1" balls. Place on wax paper (optional) on cookie sheet and freeze. Great for any skillet or quick meal!!

Garden Fresh Marinara

3-5 Large tomatos

1/4 Medium onion

2-4 Cloves of garlic

1/2 cup Carrots

1/2 cup Celery

salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano to taste

***I added approx. 1/3 cup of Tostitos Salsa (I didn't have green bell peppers and didn't add sugar/honey or tomato paste)

Sautee garlic, onion, carrots and celery in a bit of olive oil. Add tomatos and spices and cook til done/warm.

****I added the already cooked meatballs and frozen noodles to this and cooked it til everything was "al dente"

Making extra and freezing it helped with several more meals with very little prep time!!

Our Seventh Wedding Anniversary

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

I Corinthians 13:4-7