Feeding Your Brain

Amidst the hype of low and non-fat diets, I have not fallen for it. It never made sense to me! Why separate an egg to miss out on the lecithin that naturally dissolves fat? Why eat low fat dressings to miss out on the good cholesterol to nourish your brain? Why drink skim or low fat milk and miss out on the vitamins and minerals? (Besides the fact that farmers feed their pigs skim milk to fatten them!!) Why get sucked into the trends that end up making it more difficult to lose weight, more difficult to stay in shape and be healthy?

SO, I decided I wouldn't do that. I also cannot eat only protein. Natural whole grains are great for the body, extending an even blood sugar level as well as soluble and insoluble fibers. Why suffer through diets where you CANNOT eat, and just get rid of the junk that you SHOULD NOT eat? Sugar and white flour (whether enriched or not) is not food. They are leftover processes that defeat the purpose of nourishing your body. Processed foods have added chemicals to keep products longer and enhance the flavor for the sole benefit of having the consumer buy more. Otherwise known as neurotoxins. They work on the brain to stimulate a sense of well-being just like drugs.

Ok, anyways, we finally finished the last of the white rice we had and I think I'm going to throw away the noodles. It's not worth it for my body or my family's to suffer and try to eat healthy and lose weight at the same time. It's not worth going out to eat-NOBODY cooks like I do. I actually ate 1 whole peanut M&M today and within seconds of putting it in my mouth I felt bad. It doesn't taste good anymore! (not a bad peanut) Maybe it was the Blue Lake, maybe it was the sugar coating, maybe it was the artificial flavor of the chocolate? Maybe it was just a bad idea!

Just one M&M caused me to determine to forget about all those foods I associate with good times and happy memories. It's detrimental to my body to have to deal with those toxins and suffer the emotional as well as the physical reactions.


Back to the basics. Today I made Whole Wheat Bread...I added a little more honey, it had been tasting a bit yeasty. Also put on a pot of Potatoe Soup with lots of celery and carrots and leftover Roast juice that had garlic. Just finished 4 eggs with 2 slices of my bread with butter. I don't starve my body-or eat meals only 3 times per day, but I feed my body so it recognizes that I will feed it next time and therefore will get rid of the reserves of unnecessary fat. If I eat only 3 times per day, I gain weight, even if I'm working out! I eat more protein than carbs, but I eat plenty along with lots of fats. Olive oil, butter, Cod Liver Oil are what we have now, but I can't wait til we can get Coconut Oil again...that's when I had better weight loss and just felt much better overall!!

So, if you have problems losing weight, keeping it off or have any health problems or issues-consider what you put in your mouth and if you really want to work that much harder to get it out of your system! "A minute on the lips-a lifetime on the hips" really comes into play here when you don't eat The Extreme Healthy Foods.

Whatcha gonna do? When are you gonna get up from the computer and work off that last ________ you had? When are you gonna stop planning meals based on junk or not planning and going out to eat junk? I can hear you say, "But I don't like it, my family won't eat it" then figure out a way...and stop making 3 year old's excuses, you are an adult!

Ok, gotta run.

Here's some food for thought:

"He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee. " Psalm 81:16 "And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." Psalm 104:15

"And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land
flowing with milk and honey;" Jeremiah 32:22




This is an older pic, homemade cinnamon roll with whole wheat flour and honey and butter.

The Working Mama

Ah- HAH!! I got your attention!! hehe, I'm just talking about all the work I've done!!

Today was a busy day, finished up school with Math drills (flashcards with Daddy) and the Math Lessons which took a while to do-TGIF! I was in a brain-fog and am drinking my water right now!! As I am getting sick of being online (but love to get email and comments) I'm working on limiting my time. That is usually best done if I just leave the computer off!! I made a batch of bread and actually had a wonderful Potatoe Soup ready at the same time!! Amazingly, we didn't get the snow, but it's still COLD-hence the cooking! :)




So, finished the dishes (while cooking) and was working on the laundry since this morning. Feeling a bit discouraged about the laundry (which is unlike me-I really enjoy it, nothing to think about and it gets done!), and happened on A Wise Woman Builds Her House in an older post where she talks about doing laundry. I was encouraged and thrilled that she does her laundry almost exactly how I've always wanted to do mine!! You'll haveta go see.

Anyway, gotta go. I need to switch the laundry and do a quick pickup and ready for bed. Ciao.

Shrink into Summer Weight Loss Challenge

As per The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans, I will be posting something about my weight loss. They're a bit hung up on the weight loss in association with caloric intake rather than inch loss and caloric output with extreme healthy eating (so caloric intake is a moot point). They should seriously look into it!! I have lost tons of inches and weighed the same-I was always more pleased that I could actually fit into my jeans better than the fact that my weight didn't change. I guess that's what you call building muscle!

My goal weight is 120 (I was way too skinny at 112!) I now weigh 140 (according to my fickle, old, beat up scale) and 152.0 (according to my digital scale that weighs my weights 8lbs more for every hundred-yeah right digital is accurate!-it's even a Weight Watchers-not adjustable in any way) So, I'm looking to lose 20 lbs.**

I was walking and starting to do sprint intervals, but it's been raining and I must take into account having children outside playing--so, once again, I haveta change my workout. Whatever I do will be for approx. 1 hr, because that is the time I've found that I actually start to lose weight-anything else is just stretching! (i.e. pilates, yoga, etc.)

My goal is muscle building (I guess I'll be getting out my weights) as well as weight loss, but more importantly inch loss. I can go to FitTV online and workout with Gilad's workouts for the National Body Challenge. He uses weights and does plenty of cardio. The workout sessions are in approx. 10 min segments. There are several, so I can pick and choose how intense and how long I workout. I will probably be working out at night (11p.m. or so) since I'm not an early riser that much earlier than the children!! I'll set that goal another time! As the weather improves, I will be going outside to walk/sprint and maybe incorporate the 5K Run method at the same time!! (that would be just tooooooo coooooool!)

**I took the inches off the site, but I'll be keeping track, maybe with a total of inches lost to post here.

From last week (3/18), I actually lost 4 lbs!

With motivation I look forward to losing a minimum 5-10 lbs per month, and since this is an 8 week challenge, I think it is very possible!!

I will try to take my measurements and weights in the morning before any food intake.

It's tough being this honest (some may think I'm being a freak 'cause I'm not that fat, but I'm not in as good of shape as I desire and I just had a baby a year ago and would like to shed the extra flabs!)

Ok, that's all I can think of. Come back next week to see my progress!

Happy Birthday!!

Today is Baby Boy's 1st Birthday!!

He is running everywhere, comes when he's called, gives us the "yuckies" instead of trying to eat them, he's getting his 5th tooth (the top 2 came in the same day he was weaned-about 2 weeks ago), he's talking-saying so much & we are learning exactly what it is & how I LOVE it when we get it right, his smiles and hugs are just perfect! He is learning to like bananas, but it just depends what he wants. He likes his salty and savory foods before his sweet foods! The children love him much and are always playing with him: getting down on all fours and chasing him til he gets down and chases them back! They all are wonderful!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!!

Another Great GiveAway!

Anne over at Jensen Family Blog is having a giveaway that will close Wednesday the 25th at 7p.m. (she's in Colorado, so whatever time zone)

Go visit, leave a comment & welcome her into the blogging world!!

I may be adding other giveaways-if I have make time!

Win a free Bumgenius 3.0 Diaper! This is a valuable All-In-One cloth diaper that you can use for yourself or give as a gift to someone expecting a baby! Go check out Hot Belly Mama's Blog for details on how to win this wonderful All In One Cloth Diaper. Hot Belly Mama will announce the winner on March 30th, after her 30th birthday!

Here is the direct link to her blog:

http://hotbellymama.blogspot.com/

go to her March 8th entry!


You can go here (Two Under Two) for yet another giveaway (guess where I've been all day!!)

This is what she's giving away! Adorable!!

Ultimate Blog Party '09

Ok, once again, another Blog Party, but this one is HUGE!! I hope I have time to search through at least a few blogs & find like-minded peoples!!

Ok, this is me, BellaMama, married to the Best Husband in the World for the past 8.5 years, and we have 6 blessings that are 7 and under. I homeschool all of them (but actually keep records for 5), I'm a stay-at-home mom--I actually stay at home, We eat no processed foods and I bake our own whole wheat bread from freshly ground flour and make plenty home-cooked meals, We don't watch T.V., We cloth Diaper and Baby Carry and Co-Sleep, We love to research information and try to better our lives. Currently we are renovating our house to sell and move soon! What else? I love what I do, where I am and how God works in our lives each and every moment!!

Ok, off to find others or maybe I should be knitting--hmmm, tough toss-up!




These are my top ten prizes I'd be glad to receive:

1.USC 1: Spanish for Children DVD series.

2.USC 14: Glass and stone earring and necklace set

3. USC 66: $50.00 Gift Certificate to the online maternity and baby boutique, Madre Gear.

4. USC 7: Organic Nest Egg take-a-long pillow

5.USC 17 :$50 Sterling Silver Earrings from Ice.com

6. 20: 5 bars of handmade goat milk soap

7.USC 73: Go baby OutMat

8.USC 26: 10 $50.00 Gift Vouchers to Hatley

9. USC 45: Pair of shoes from Eleven Collection Spring/Summer 09′

10. USC 58: Handmade Retro Apron of your choice!

11.USC 9: $50 gift certificate to Salon Hive

These are all from the US/Can list and #6 is the only one from the regular list.


I also have a blog where I write about my pregnancies, my babies and my health during these times. (Written for wives and moms though not inappropriate)

One more blog where I write up free patterns for knitting. I hope to one day include my crochet patterns, but a girl's only got so many hours in the day! :)

Ok, I think that's all! Talk to you'alls later!

Knitting Kit GiveAway

Go leave a comment at FUZZY THOUGHTS by Friday for a chance to win a Scrap Chaps Knitting Kit! Quite adorable, just like the other knitting patterns at her Etsy shop!

What Not To Make

I started surfing Allrecipes . com yesterday, looking for something different to make. I got my recipe I was looking for and then continued to look for other ideas. Big mistake. Ok, I have the ingredients, sounds good and easy, I'll try it.

Kugel (Never forget the name!)
2 lbs noodles
10-12 eggs
1 cup butter
someone commented about their modifications so I tried my own
1/2 lb broccoli chopped
1 cup of spinach chopped
1/4 onion sauteed
salt and pepper

make noodles, mix with everything and put in a pan for 1 hr at 350 degrees.

See, really easy, sounds good (except for those who don't like specific veggies)

My hubby nicknamed it "The Embalmed Cassarole" The children had such pitiful faces and asked, "Do I have to finish this?" in the sweetest way. Baby #6 ate it just fine, but stopped after a while and just spit it out with a face that said "yucky". #5 lovingly gave me all of her portion and said it was for me.

This is not what I expected at all, but was pleased that hubby said it was ok to ditch it. I offered my "fix" of cutting it into pieces to put into a soup, hubby said, "Yeah, cut it into pieces to put into the trash." Guess I shoulda made a quiche!


House news: Hubby has all but one window in downstairs. He's also been finishing up the mudding of the downstairs room's drywall and cleaning up and getting rid of stuff. It's so nice to hear him say he's getting rid of things!! No pictures....cause we didn't take anymore. He's also scraping ceilings to get rid of all the "popcorn" texture.

As always, knitting in the evenings and weekends. I just found this beautiful, free shawl. I don't know if I'll make it or make a vest. I'm working on a vest right now. I dunno if I'm gonna write the pattern to sell or not, we'll see.

Other than that, all's quiet here. It's starting to warm nicely and I've been walking around the yard for exercise. It's difficult to workout at night (11p.m.-1a.m.) and be wide awake, so I'm opting for outside time with the children playing. Now, I can knit at night! :)

Ok, that pretty much all the update here. Have a blessingfull week!

Caution: Construction Zone

Here is my husband's latest work zone. He is framing the windows, adding insulation, wrapping the house, then putting in the windows and putting up siding. The first picture is of the North side of the house, the second is the South side. He's working on the front also, but didn't take a picture.


While we're working, our neighbors (actually where we used to rent before we got this house 2 houses down) took down about 1/2 of a dilapidated garage. Though I don't have before pics, this is quite an improvement!!That's all for now, going to go outside to get some sunlight before it's gone!

Modesty

Another group to enter to win prizes and talk about Modesty!

Enjoy the fellowship!

Induction Cookers & Yogurt Making

Thought I'd show you'alls my induction cookers. They are wonderful, especially when your stove goes out and you still have electricity! They are also great in summer when you don't want added heat in your house! This is the white one, it has a lip at the edge of the plate, the black one doesn't. They're very easy to use, the children are starting to learn. Since our stove is fixed, but so old and inefficient, that I am using the induction cookers for everything that would be stove top. I still make bread in the oven and things like meatloaf, but that's all.



The principle is on magnetism therefore, if a magnet doesn't stick to your pan, you won't be able to use it, the cooker will automatically shut off. Also, if you take your pan off the plate, the connection is broken and it will beep a few times and then shut off. I love this for teaching the children to cook, the plate does not get hot except for the retained heat from the pan. The concept is brilliant!!

Right now I'm making yogurt-thought I'd take pictures to show you!

This is the black one, I must use for this huge pan (no lip on the plate). So, by tonight sometime, we will have 2 gallons of yogurt! (and meatloaf I made last night.)

That's all that's going on here besides the children have moved to doing 2 Math lessons per day-they are absolutely excelling!! :) We will finish the first work book in no time and move to the second. We need to start Multiplication and Division now that they are good at Addition and Subtraction. Then Algebra is next, Geometry will be interspersed so that Trigonometry will flow easily as well!! I will be checking their placement and skip a few books, since in elementary the main processes are learned and then repeated until the upper grades. Their reading is doing quite well and I hope to get out these books I got from Rod & Staff:

Thrilling Escapes by Night
The Man in Bearskin
Evangelist in Chains

I have more, and I think these are great true stories and truly real life based. I think I'll be selling my Laura Ingalls books...I'd not read them before now and found that I don't want to know the inner thoughts of Laura or the disobedient things that Almonzo did. Don't children have enough bad examples that we would have to introduce more?! We want them to emmulate Christ-like characters and will be looking for more whether taken from scripture or biographies.

Well, that's all for now. Need to go get another meal/snack out! Have a blessings of a day!

Titus 2 Blog Party

Sure, I'll join to get more people to visit me. So, do sit and have a cup of tea and enjoy!

This blog was started to mainly stay in touch with far away family and has turned into an outlet for me to see what I've been doing! I've realized that I can accomplish more when I want to blog than I did before I started a blog! I hope to encourage other moms of many small children that they are capable of getting all they are required to do and much more done since we are all allotted the same amount of time in each day!! I don't apologize for what I believe or how we rear our children. There are many books and teachings and the few I've read and heard I like only a few sentences from each and therefore don't support the rest. I've learned not to look to others for help as God is my helper and I am learning to make Him my All in All! We are a cloth diapering, co-sleeping, baby carrying, not cry-it-out family. We look for opportunities to show our children that treasure in heaven is our ultimate goal and that living perfectly in Christ by walking in love.

You're always welcome and please comment!

Here's the link to get back to the Titus 2 Blog Party go see others!

Do I Look OLD?

For years I've read and heard the verse about the older women teaching the younger women. I just reread it and the Lord showed me something:

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; "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." Titus 2:3-5

Did you see that also? Do I look aged to you? I think I still fall in the catagory of a young woman, I'm still learning the things that are listed!

So, I will refrain myself from trying to teach you. I've not come that far in life that I can consider myself aged!! I will abide by this verse:

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
"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 14:34-35

Grease for the Squeeky Wheels

For all you out there that must have pictures, I thought I'd grease the wheel.

So this is the floor in the kitchen. Tiles are real, with real mortar and real grout. It was fun to help hubby, I mostly cleaned up and he did the actual hard work! I'm looking for a before picture...hold on.
Here's a sample of the old peel 'n' stick linoleum that was in the kitchen. The black dots are the staples used to hold down a thin layer of plywood underneath.

Finished making the bread while hubby worked on moving and putting in the lights. I've also been knitting the last two days! I'm making a shawl and thought you'd like to see it.
Click on it to see a bigger image. It's called the Weaver's Wool Mini Shawl...all the others I've seen on ravelry have been mainly solid or in chunks of stripes, but nothing like mine!

Have a good day and don't forget to be a blessing!

The Old Church House

Just wanted to address a couple of areas in regards to the house.

It's not a new house, it was built in 1914. I say renovation, but it's necessary construction. We are not putting in the newest things because it hit our fancy. We spent the least amount as possible to still have a quality product. ANYTHING we've done has improved this place that had, for example, the peel and stick "linoleum" in the kitchen that was worn through, carpeting that has been over worn, in fact, we had to get this tar paper off the wood floors downstairs before we could sand and poly them before we moved in 4 years ago. We've been working on the house since we bought it, but hubby had a job with rotating shift work and it was difficult to just maintain a normal life, let alone work on a house! Our main goal in working on the house is to prepare it to sell-this has always been the priority and we've just recently watched as the Lord opened doors for us and we can see all the way down the corridor. We will only have a short time to enjoy our labors before we move!! My husband has done the majority of the work, but I've been his right hand man!! : )
So, to recap: this is a major construction of a 2 bedroom 1 (3/4)bath apartment that was above an old construction worker's store/business place with 1 (1/2) bath As-is/DIY/Handyman's special. Now, it will be a 5 bedroom 3 bath (1/2, 3/4 and full) with 2 kitchens and new carpet and tile throughout and refinished hardwood floors, newly painted and ready to move into!!

We've been blessed with this place after looking for a place just like it for the first 4 years we were married. We saw it a month after it went on the market and for the perfect price! Not everyone is a "handyman", but everyone can work with his hands. We've learned much, researched more and have done it.
We haven't bought unnecessary things like new furniture or new vehicles or things of that nature, but have learned to live with less and work to make more. We decided that it's not good to live in debt just to satisfy the desires of the flesh for the moment. We don't have cable t.v. (not any for the matter), we don't eat out, we don't eat processed foods which means I cook alot of homemade foods and we don't buy the latest things of any nature (except the freshest foods). It's not difficult, it's not harder, it's actually easier to be at home and not take a zillion trips to the store. Essentially, we have learned to be content with what we have. It wasn't until we were content that the Lord provided many ways, opened many doors and has made our marriage sweeter as opposed to those who say that working on a house may cause problems!

So, we just came in from outside: It was pleasantly warm and very sunny!! The children helped with getting the burn pile ready and adding to it as we had a bonfire, mainly to get rid of scrap wood and old papers. It was warm by the fire and easy to stay out. We came in to the wonderful smell of fresh baked bread & devoured one of the two loaves. I might, Lord willing, make a full batch of bread tomorrow (4 loaves).
I feel refreshed and the children look so also. They ran the length of the yard (1/2 acre) several times keeping up with daddy getting more fuel for the fire. I'm am looking forward to the babies sleeping through the night!

okie, second post for the second day could get too tiring, so I guess I'll go and finish straightening the kitchen in preparation for tomorrow (like FlyLady recommends), switch the laundry, wash the children, help hubby with grouting the kitchen tile (YEAH!!) and maybe, just maybe I'll be able to knit tonight. I say maybe, 'cause if my brain is not functioning anymore or my fingers, then I must go to bed! I've fallen asleep in between stitches just trying to finish a row!!

Ok, really going now. Hope you alls enjoy the picture, please feel free to suggest anything (after I post 'em) I try for the best angle. K, later all.

Going UP!

**this is not my house, my stove or mine at all. I thought it was pleasantly minimalistic!**
We've moved back upstairs! It's much better and what I'm used to!! Have caught up on most everything and have helped hubby more with the switch-er-roo of rooms. He finished painting and putting in the carpet in all but the old dining room. He'll leave that so that we can eat there again & not dirty the new carpet! He just fixed the OLD Frigidaire electri-clean 50's or 60's stove. I like it because of it's flat burners not the coils of electric yuck that always seemed to burn things! I look forward to using the oven...that I've been without for the past month! Hubby is also okay-ing getting rid of stuff. I happen to have the most of those rubbermaid/sterlite tubs filled with sewing and knitting things. We consider it equal to "potential energy", things I can make for the family, like unto the idiom: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. I'm not sure what we're gonna get rid of since we are extremely practical! Hubby was saying things that we haven't used in 5 years-I can think of kitchen things and I'm sure there's plenty more we could do without and still live comfortably!

What else? Handling the everyday in the construction zone. Since the tile is just about done in the kitchen, I won't have to walk on boards to pass or lean over large newly set areas. I look forward to walking through any path without extension cords. I am so pleased with the progress that it is so easy to put up with these inconveniences. I enjoy house hunting with hubby and knowing what we can do to fix a house and put up with instead of buying perfectly new and paying with "an arm and leg"! We like looking at the different layouts of the houses and figuring what would be more suitable for our family-tons of fun for us!!

Cooking: this has been a bit difficult without a stove. In fact I need to go make a vegetable soup and we already had refried beans with cheese and chips for lunch. Everyone really enjoys these stovetop meals, I'm just ready for a few meals that I can throw in the oven!

Schooling: going well, we've stopped almost all t.v. and video games. We have our obedient smart children back! Also taking Cod Liver Oil (Carlson's Lemon flavor!) is helping alot too. I found my McGuffey Reader and will see where the older 2 are-they are probably ready for the next book. #1 is doing handwriting beautifully and #2 has neatened his penmanship. #3 is reading simple books and doesn't "like the long words so (he) just skips them"-funny! I guess I need to read to him and see where he really is. #1 & #2 read to the children and #3 is constantly asking for another book to be read! #4 is working with #5 on speaking correctly, "no, we say banana, not babana"...she is always anticipating and helping everyone! #5 is speaking clearly and is so cute when she asks for a bottle for #6 and herself. I just love their little baby voices speaking in coherent sentences!! #6 is walking so very well, almost to the running stage. He has a few sounds that sound like several words: Ha for yes, mama, dada, ba-ohl for bottle and many more. I enjoy his face lighting up when we actually guess what he's saying!

Well, children are off to bed, hubby is finishing the tile in the kitchen, I just finished cleaning up dinner (cheesy cream of vegetable noodle soup) and changing the laundry. I was thinking that once the kitchen is done, I might actually put a picture. I'll find something with the "before" and then you'll see how great it looks now!! I forgot to mention that we moved alot of the storage things into the children's old room. We have more things downstairs to move up, then I'll be able to finalize what we will keep and ready everything for the move! **Did I mention that I love to organize and consolidate??!!**

Okie, I'm tired and I haven't knitted in 2 days!! Need to finish my shawl, I might post a picture since it looks so different from the usual! :)

All-you-alls have a blessed week and keep putting God first!

In EVERY Thing???!!!

You can't be serious! It doesn't really mean that! That was written for that time only, it doesn't apply to today, or our culture, or these times!

ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT GOD LIES!! My God doesn't lie.

"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

What did you say in your wedding vows, your covenant before God? Wasn't it something to the effect of "to love, honor and obey"? Nowadays many write their own "vows" that exclude such language altogether. But for those of us who had these poignant words, is this not a vow before God who NEVER CHANGES!!


I've heard so many, many excuses from women. Women that read the Bible, want to live Proverb 31 lives and desire to be godly. I'm getting over my surprise on how much they can wrest (or twist) God's Word.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

I have come quite a long way, or rather, I've been where you've been. I needed my time, my way of doing things, my schedule, my life : nice and neat.

I also discovered for myself the wonders of actually doing what my husband says to do. IN EVERYTHING. You know, all those little nuances of how he speaks to you that you know without a doubt in your heart that he is making his request and you just throw those thoughts aside, insert your opinion and don't do what hubby requests or just talk him out of it.

IN EVERYTHING.

Does he request certain meals? Does he mention he likes his house to look a certain way? Has he noticed when you dress nicely? Does he like it when things are going smoothly with the children? Does he like you to have a soft voice?

IN EVERYTHING.

Does he ask you to budget? Does he request desserts? Does he want to watch a movie at home with you-his choice?

IN EVERYTHING.

Did he say he wanted the schedule different today? Did he say he was going to go work on one of his projects? Did he say he wanted you to teach in this other method? Did he want you to just try his way, again?

IN EVERYTHING.

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Colossians 3:3


"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." I Corinthians 6:19-20

What should be your expectation? To what are you entitled?

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Luke 17:10

What are your duties? Are you getting them done? Is your husband satisfied with what you've accomplished? How much more should you be doing?

Let's review the verse.

"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."

Are you sure to do what YOUR husband says? Are you listening to other wives' suggestions?
Is Suzy Q trying something different for her family, like setting the perfect table? Is is something you think you should do. Yes, it is sin if you know that it would be a time waster in your family. Especially when your hubby says that he'd rather just feed everyone and hose them off when they're done.

Setting the perfect table, making the perfect meal, wearing the perfect clothes and make-up is not going to help your marriage or make it "like it used to be".

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; "But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." Titus 2:9-10

Is your pastor or one on the radio dictating what you try or what is your HUSBAND'S responsibility? I don't see any qualifiers to the verse saying, Only IF your husband loves you like Christ loves the Church.

What advice are you taking? It must be from God's Word. If you are having problems or just not able to make things work, then as a Christian woman, you MUST go to God and Obey Him first. And what does He say???

You can go here to look up verses online.

Here are a few to get you started on your own study.

I Timothy 2:9
Ephesians 5:22
Colossians 3:18
I Timothy 3:11
I Peter 3:1

Search for yourself and see God's Word open to you and bless you in ways you never thought possible!!

Yes, Going like the Energizer Bunny!

Well, last night was our first night in our brand new bedroom upstairs. Hubby moved us out of our room and he painted it last night (or rather, early this morning) and he'll be carpeting it then moving on to the children's room after they are moved into our old room. Then he'll start tiling the kitchen and bathroom. He is going NONSTOP!!

We went to the grocery store the day before yesterday--ahhh, what a pleasant break from the construction zone!! We were out running errands and the like for 4 hours and were ready to be home again. I am cooking lots more now that the kitchen is a bit more organized and I don't haveta run upstairs or send someone (my "fast like a bunny" little ones) to get ingredients or pans. I'm also JUST starting to drink enough water again! Amazing how you can get "sick" so quickly by not having enough water!! I was "suffering" from many things including a couple of pinched nerves, headaches, tummy aches, lethargy, brain fog....all this caused by not drinking water. So you know, I would drink juice mixed with water (1/2 'n' 1/2) or a few glasses of milk and maybe a cup of tea. NO WATER. Now that I'm just drinking (in addition to other liquids) at least 1/2 gallon of water I'm doing much better!! I had stopped working out so I didn't need quite as much water. Like I said, things are much better and I look forward to getting more done as well as always helping hubby with the house.

I guess I got upset with all you alls. Yes, most of you don't leave comments, but I was going by the 50-100 hits I get on my blog per day and thought some of you needed to really say something. Well, come to find out, the hits are a total from all my blogs. I'm guessing that the majority of hits are for the knitting patterns. I don't apologize for getting upset, 'cause I'm still waiting for some family and friends to comment. I'll give 'em the excuse that maybe their computers are broken, yeah, that's it. They really do care and would comment! Ok, I'll go with that!! (chuckle)

I am surprised that I'm still able to (and still desire to) knit! I'm halfway through a scarf, but I ran out of yarn, so now I'm working on thick wool socks for me. It's been cold and won't be warming to a warm temp for several months still. We all are enjoying being downstairs where the sunlight (when it does come through the clouds) shines in and warms the room. The children like racing to a sunny spot whether to do their schoolwork or to just sit and be warm. They remind me of our old cats! Speaking of schoolwork, since we started again (after all the traveling and moving) they are doing well and understanding it quickly and working quickly while doing it even neater and more precise!!

I'm thinking of doing a video of the house when it's done. I think it would work better and you'd be able to see more than just a series of pictures. I haveta figure out how to put a video in, but that's still down the road...something to look forward to! It's looking great!

Ok...what else. I need to feed the children (and me-go figure) the homemade vegetable noodle soup. Maybe we'll have tuna and cheese and crackers, too! I need to make bread, but I haveta wait. That's ok, we got chips and crackers at the store, so no lack of carbs!

Here's what we had for breakfast: (serving 7)

Scrambled eggs, Refried bean and cheese burritos, oats with raisins and molasses and gingermonhoney cereal. Finally heard, "I'm soooo full!" So, gotta run and do this again and think of dinners.

Have a good, be good and good!

Ciao.

Whatcha been up to? (forget the dangling prepositions and read it as the common greeting that it is)

Well, got the computers moved and online downstairs. Hubby cleaned up the construction zone and we moved downstairs. Still moving the kitchen and misc. that is in the way. Won't be moving the bedrooms, at least not yet. It is so wonderful to see the sun and feel so much better and organize and get rid of the last of the stuff we don't use!!

Hubby started on the room upstairs and hopefully by tonight will finish framing in the room and closet. Then it's just drywall, painting, carpeting, and the final touches, oh, and the tiling. The other night I helped with stuff in the basement: too cold, too tired, but I helped! Things are really starting to pull together and looking closer to being done!

Ok, just wanted to update, not that you'd really notice. So are you gonna leave a comment already? I'm waiting. Oh, well...I enjoy having one-sided conversations, I always can give my opinions and know I am right...of course, I'm right! See, I can be my own "yes man"! :)

Ok, all you alls. I'll just get back to my busy schedule-which none of you can match!! I can think of ONLY one other homeschool mom that probably does, if not as much, more than I do! If you think you come close: LEAVE A COMMENT! Otherwise, quit your fussing like a little baby and learn from the pros!!

Toodles *worms.


*Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare

"It Came To Pass, Not To Stay"

Welcome back to a pseudo-scheduled blogging! We went back to visit family for another two weeks and go to sis-in-law's wedding! We stayed longer for to visit my dear, dear friend-well worth the wait!! I will barely mention much except to say that it was a wonderful, beautiful wedding and I was so glad to see all my family there!!!

We are doing MUCH better, Praise the Lord! Hubby was the only one who didn't get sick & played Mr. Mom for a couple of days. It was really difficult for my physical body to so sick and STILL help with the children being sick! I think I temporarily lost my sense of smell (Praise God!) for I could barely smell the shampoo! God showed himself in the fact that in my weakness He was made strong-I felt such peace through the roughest time knowing that God is bigger than whatever I go through even if it were to last a lifetime! It all started Wednesday night, no, it was the 2 older children at G'ma's the night before we left, so Monday night. I had them sick for that night and the beginning of the trip home (7.5 hrs) and they slept most of the way. Then the 4 youngest children and I "talked to Ralph on the big white phone" started Wednesday at bedtime and through the night. I don't think I slept and these past 2 mornings I've felt so good and ended up overdoing it. My body is still weak and tired, but everything else seems mostly normal!!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; "Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Psalm 103:1-5

What else? I guess I'm going to be busy with coming home still! I still have the luggage to put away, the laundry to catch up, the dishes to complete as well as getting on with the list of things to move!! So, once I'm good enough to handle the everyday and the children (who, Praise the Lord, are also better!) then hubby will be going down to work on the house. No more trips to interrupt the process, though it may be the summer before we actually go. Right now, I'm not upset. I'm too sick of traveling and not being home-I'm truly looking forward to preparing conscientiously to get rid of most of everything and organize/consolidate what we do move.

Ok, I think I am just starting to blab. I thought I had more to tell, maybe I'm just not 100% just yet. If you have questions-PLEASE ask, it makes it easier to write something when just the regular is going on!

Hope you have a wonderful, blessing of a day & don't forget that GOD is ALWAYS in control!!

Ciao for now.

P.S. I'll put up pics of the house as it is COMPLETED. In progress are too "busy" and you can't see much. K, later.

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.