This past weekend my husband and I sat down to a planning session for our garden. We pulled last years seeds out and pleasantly have almost enough for this season! We really are trying to go with all Heirloom seeds. The non-hybrid seeds (GMO-less) do something amazing..they reproduce each year! Many folks don't realise that many seeds will not reproduce the same item the next year (basically they are one year usage seeds). That is an issue! We want to be able to grow a "true seed", one that has not been modified and can reproduce over and over. We will see how it goes this year!
We found a place that we were happy with to order seeds...it is called Sow True. They have a web site called http://www.sowtrue.com/ . My potatoes did AWESOME from them last year, and we have many seeds we are going to use this year from them. I also ordered from Gurneys, as they have a section of non- modified seeds. And I can note that I ordered a raspberry bush from Gurneys last year. It produced soooo well on the first year! I was somewhat skeptical about mail order plants, but I was amazed at that!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Easiest Ever Peanut Butter Cookies
In aiming for simple living, we also like more "natural "living. Less of the store bought foods and items, more homemade ones. So when nutter butters (such an excellent cookie!) were a bit steep for what I wanted to pay, I made these this week. I have made them for years. They are one of the best and easiest cookies ever!
Ingredients:
1Cup Peanutbutter
1 Egg
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla (opt)
Chocolate Chips (opt)
Step One...mix everything together. The dough will be stiff.
Step Two....use a cookie scoop or a spoon and make tablespoon sized balls. Then put them on ungreased sheet.
Ingredients:
1Cup Peanutbutter
1 Egg
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla (opt)
Chocolate Chips (opt)
Step One...mix everything together. The dough will be stiff.
Step Two....use a cookie scoop or a spoon and make tablespoon sized balls. Then put them on ungreased sheet.
Step Three...Squish them with a Fork
Put Chocolate Chips on Top If You Want! Bake for about 10 min. They won't look golden brown
Let them cool ON THE PAN for about 5 min, then move to rack. Then ENJOY!
Tutu Cutie; Tutu Thrifty!
My daughters are going to the Daddy Daughter Dance aboard our base. It is a night for the girls to get to be the " Princess", or in our case the princesses! So, after finding tutu dresses online I liked, I decided to try to be mindful of our budget and our desire to simplify. So I set out to make something for her myself. The ones online I liked ranged in price from about $45-$100. I looked at one helpful You Tube video.(Link here..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7aSPMEn7S0). Then I set out one evening to the fabric store and found EVERYTHING I needed on sale (God is so merciful!). I spent about $13 and knew I had bought a bit extra of the ribbon and fabrics. I splurged and got glittery fabric...seriously, soooo cute! What little girl does not like a little sparkle?!?!
So here are my results. These things are super easy to make. And she is sooo happy with it. I made her a bow to go with it also out of scraps. She is wearing a dress under it for the dance that my sister-in-law graciously passed down her from her daughter. (She is not wearing the dress in the pics, just a tee. This was a quickie try on!!)
So here are my results. These things are super easy to make. And she is sooo happy with it. I made her a bow to go with it also out of scraps. She is wearing a dress under it for the dance that my sister-in-law graciously passed down her from her daughter. (She is not wearing the dress in the pics, just a tee. This was a quickie try on!!)
She has been wearing this bow for two days! She loves it!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Observations on Not Eating Out & New Goal
So as our years of attempting to live more simply pass by, I am always needing to evaluate. When we added the no eating out, I have noticed these things:
1- We spend more time at home
2- I bake more than usual
3-I think we have less food that goes bad
4- I have to prethink what we will eat. Use to if I did not "prethink" dinner, we could just run and get take out, but since that is off the table, I am managing our home more.
5-Budgeting is way easier. I buy groceries and won't end up with ($75 or whatever) in eating out expenditures I had not planned for. Plus company is less expensive as I used to get take out for that at times.
6- The kids have realllly adjusted. They are eating what we have!
The hardest thing..
DISHES!!! We have no dishwasher. We have 5 people that eat three meals in house each day, and my hubby takes his lunch so we have those dishes when he gets home. And when you cook a lot, you have a lot of dishes. I think I did 5 "loads" yesterday. So.............. I have to admit that I went to paper plates for some meals to help with that. I was thinking on that today. I am not sure that is the best idea. It just seems so much nicer to eat on a pretty plate!
So for our new goals we are considering the following:
1) No premade foods (admittedly this is not super hard as almost all of our meals I make from scratch and I bake our bread and snacks often, but I do think it would be a challenge)
2) No Wal-Mart, No Target, No K-Mart (not overly hard because we don't frequent there anyway, we are BIG believers in supporting small local business and this would force us to look for things in other areas, AND it would require we preplan things...mom and pop stores are not open on Saturday nights at 7 when I need something!
1- We spend more time at home
2- I bake more than usual
3-I think we have less food that goes bad
4- I have to prethink what we will eat. Use to if I did not "prethink" dinner, we could just run and get take out, but since that is off the table, I am managing our home more.
5-Budgeting is way easier. I buy groceries and won't end up with ($75 or whatever) in eating out expenditures I had not planned for. Plus company is less expensive as I used to get take out for that at times.
6- The kids have realllly adjusted. They are eating what we have!
The hardest thing..
DISHES!!! We have no dishwasher. We have 5 people that eat three meals in house each day, and my hubby takes his lunch so we have those dishes when he gets home. And when you cook a lot, you have a lot of dishes. I think I did 5 "loads" yesterday. So.............. I have to admit that I went to paper plates for some meals to help with that. I was thinking on that today. I am not sure that is the best idea. It just seems so much nicer to eat on a pretty plate!
So for our new goals we are considering the following:
1) No premade foods (admittedly this is not super hard as almost all of our meals I make from scratch and I bake our bread and snacks often, but I do think it would be a challenge)
2) No Wal-Mart, No Target, No K-Mart (not overly hard because we don't frequent there anyway, we are BIG believers in supporting small local business and this would force us to look for things in other areas, AND it would require we preplan things...mom and pop stores are not open on Saturday nights at 7 when I need something!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Raised Garden Beds
This winter has been shamefully warm here. My bulbs are up already! So this weekend we are going to plan our Gardens. Here is what we are planning to work with. (We cannot do in ground gardens where we are...there are dense roots under the top soil all over our yard)
We built these frames this summer/fall. The berry posts were yielding lovely berries until our dog ate the whole plant, thus the netting now. We have had lots of our strawberry plants multiply, so that is great. We are going to fill the boxes soon. We filled them slightly with topsoil, peat moss, and leaves that have since had time to compost down. We did use treated lumber (after reading the views of both sides) and have waited to fill them until the leaching could take place over the last months.
I am thinking we will decide to add more boxes. We had such success with what little we did this past year, that it excites me to see what this year holds. We will be able to use our compost (we keep it meat and dairy free for scent and safety!) and chicken poop. We did not move in until May last year, and it was June-July before we were settled. So this year we have lots of opportunity!
I am thinking we will decide to add more boxes. We had such success with what little we did this past year, that it excites me to see what this year holds. We will be able to use our compost (we keep it meat and dairy free for scent and safety!) and chicken poop. We did not move in until May last year, and it was June-July before we were settled. So this year we have lots of opportunity!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Church Food Pantry Ideas
So I have an opportunity to get my food pantry ideas in front of a pantry in it's baby stages for consideration. I am super excited. And of course, all my files I had previously made for such an occasion are on my currently crashed laptop so I have made a fast redo of what I can recall this morning. I am going to next test each batch I think...to make sure my servings are accurate. Then I have a paper that goes with the box with "Meal Ideas" on creative ways to make meals using the box contents. I LOVE this idea also because you can give a list to those who want to donate items, and the recipient gets a complete "kit" . It makes it super easy for the recipient, the staff, and the givers. Win, win, win!
Here is what I have in part already crafted:
Here is what I have in part already crafted:
Food Boxes for 1-2 People
(1) Pancake Mix
(1) Syrup
(1) Tuna Helper/Chicken
(1) Tuna/Chicken
(1) Sm Rice
(1) Pepperoni
(1) Cooked Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
(1) Box Pasta (Not Spaghetti)
(1) Spaghetti
(1) Spaghetti Sauce
(4) Canned Veggies
(4) Canned/ Dry Fruits
(1) Box Cereal
(1) Canned Milk/Powdered Milk
(1) Bag Beans or (3) Canned Beans
(1) Portion Flour, Oil
Spice Packet
These Meals Can Be Made with the Above Items: (26 meals total)
Pancakes with Syrup (x4) | Rice and Beans (X3) | Cooked Cereal with Fruit (x3) |
Veggie Soup with Fried Bread (X2) | Tuna Helper (x2) | Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce |
Rice with Pepperoni; Veggie | Fruit and Pancakes | Box Cereal; Fruit (3) |
Easy Muffins; Beans | Rice Pudding; Fruit | Fried Bread with Beans |
Pasta with Diced Pepperoni | Fry Bread Pizza | Pasta with Veggies |
Monday, January 23, 2012
Simple Pleasures
One of my daughters loves the simple tire swing her Daddy made her. She rushes to beat the others to it at times! Here is her pretty self today...
Valentines!
I have been working for a while on Valentines for my family and friends. It has been fun. I hope to have them all done by next week so I can get them in the mail!
Here is one I did last night....
Here is one I did last night....
Food Savings
Today we went to Aldi. It is a drive for us, but worth it for the quality and savings. We got over 200 canned goods (fruits, veggies, beans, soups,tuna) , a case of breakfast cereals (not pictured), and other things for the price of about 5 meals out. I believe that there are enough staples here to feed a family of 4 for at least 6 weeks or so well. Maybe longer. {This was purchased for a project we are a part of locally}
We were able to get all of this...the pic does not do it justice!
We were able to get all of this...the pic does not do it justice!
Chicken Coop Re-do...No more escapes!
Here is the new enclosure that my husband did Saturday in the rain! He fixed both issues...the hawks /flying out of the coop and them escaping under the fence. Here is the result. Two days since he did it and NO issues! Such a relief!
It is hard to see the wildlife netting that is over the Chicken Run, but the entire thing is covered.
He made this handy lift for the netting at the gate. The netting is attached to the board. So we have easy access to the coop, yet the birds stay out. The pallets were placed on the side where they dig the most under the fence.
It is hard to see the wildlife netting that is over the Chicken Run, but the entire thing is covered.
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You might also note that we have our composter near the coop as it attracts bugs they like to snack on!
Our girls...
He made this handy lift for the netting at the gate. The netting is attached to the board. So we have easy access to the coop, yet the birds stay out. The pallets were placed on the side where they dig the most under the fence.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Homeschool Upgrade
As my children get older, I am seeing how even Home schools must adapt and grow with their students. I guess I thought only the content would change, but we have climbed one mountain and now see there is a new one to ascend! How wonderful!
I upped the ante this year a little. I attempt to do that every year at least once. Get them used to and ok with one work load, then add to it when they are ready.
My 2nd grader finished her ENTIRE math curricula for this year~ JUMP 2. It is January. She began the same curricula on the 3rd grade level. And she will soon begin (God Willing) Teaching Textbooks in addition that (3rd grade level on that) So........we are now having more and more things on the computer.
We are not believers in allowing young children to have most of their schooling on the computer, nor do we want that to be where all of their schooling comes from (just our current preference). But I now see as they get older how handy it is.
This is what we are looking at for the 2nd semester for the computer. I would like to upgrade as far as our computers go (our laptop recently crashed!) so we can have at least two for them to use.
1) Teaching Textbooks Math --Grades 3,5,6
2) Critical Thinking ~ all three grade levels
3) Typing~ all three grade levels
4) Russian Foreign Language~ Rosetta Stone~ sixth grade
5) Spanish Foreign Language~ Rosetta Stone~fourth grade
My youngest uses Starfall too currently, so that is one to add to the list I suppose. I have Muzzy for the little girls and Spanish, so I can use that on the TV.
It is funny how things change~ I might have said years ago I would never let them be on the computer for so many things!
So I am excited they can learn things like Russian (I am not fluent in that!) and am thankful for the computer to give them such opportunities that they desire.
I upped the ante this year a little. I attempt to do that every year at least once. Get them used to and ok with one work load, then add to it when they are ready.
My 2nd grader finished her ENTIRE math curricula for this year~ JUMP 2. It is January. She began the same curricula on the 3rd grade level. And she will soon begin (God Willing) Teaching Textbooks in addition that (3rd grade level on that) So........we are now having more and more things on the computer.
We are not believers in allowing young children to have most of their schooling on the computer, nor do we want that to be where all of their schooling comes from (just our current preference). But I now see as they get older how handy it is.
This is what we are looking at for the 2nd semester for the computer. I would like to upgrade as far as our computers go (our laptop recently crashed!) so we can have at least two for them to use.
1) Teaching Textbooks Math --Grades 3,5,6
2) Critical Thinking ~ all three grade levels
3) Typing~ all three grade levels
4) Russian Foreign Language~ Rosetta Stone~ sixth grade
5) Spanish Foreign Language~ Rosetta Stone~fourth grade
My youngest uses Starfall too currently, so that is one to add to the list I suppose. I have Muzzy for the little girls and Spanish, so I can use that on the TV.
It is funny how things change~ I might have said years ago I would never let them be on the computer for so many things!
So I am excited they can learn things like Russian (I am not fluent in that!) and am thankful for the computer to give them such opportunities that they desire.
So Excited
Ok, I am super excited. Today we found out we get the opportunity to....Make dinner next Wednesday Night at Church!!!!!!!!!!! I so enjoy being able to do for others and this is a way we can serve. My children can have fun helping with this project, so that is a big time blessing. I really want them to have hearts to serve the Lord by serving others. I am deciding on the menu still. I used to cook for a Church as a job, YEARS ago, on Wednesday evenings, so I have an idea of what I have gotten myself into ;) .
We are also planning to join this new- to- us Church soon. We have been going there about 7 months, but wanted to be super sure before we joined it was the one for us to be at currently.
We are also planning to join this new- to- us Church soon. We have been going there about 7 months, but wanted to be super sure before we joined it was the one for us to be at currently.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies;Eating Out
It has been a long while since I have baked Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies. I made some this afternoon. So delicious. I mean Super Yummy. I use the recipe from Hershey's Dark Chocolate Chips. It is the best recipe I have ever found for CC cookies. And something I learned from a friend...take them out before they appear done. When they are set, not firm. They will harden slightly as they cool, and you will be left with a moist, soft cooky.
And today we WANTED to eat out. And we had thought about going to a town a ways away to shop for some things. But, I had not pre-cooked us anything, so alas, we ended up at home. We had bacon and eggs...it was good. Plus I was able to make dinner (baked spaghetti & bread) while working on lunch so there will be little clean up and time to make dinner. Yippee!
And today we WANTED to eat out. And we had thought about going to a town a ways away to shop for some things. But, I had not pre-cooked us anything, so alas, we ended up at home. We had bacon and eggs...it was good. Plus I was able to make dinner (baked spaghetti & bread) while working on lunch so there will be little clean up and time to make dinner. Yippee!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Whoopie!
My Aunt sent us a treat yesterday in the mail. A box full of Wicked Whoopie Pies! It was a double blessing because we were having company and I had no dessert made. It is so much fun to get something special in the mail!
Here is what is now left. There were MANY of them upon their arrival! Ok, there is one less than in the pic now, as I am eating it as I type!
Here is what is now left. There were MANY of them upon their arrival! Ok, there is one less than in the pic now, as I am eating it as I type!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fun! Fun! Fun!
Sometimes we just gotta have fun! Homeschooling affords us a lot of time for fun opportunities! Here are some from the past few months.
A while back we got to take a fun field trip to Fort Macon. It was fantastic.
A while back we got to take a fun field trip to Fort Macon. It was fantastic.
And my girls went to a Super Hero Party. Too cool!
My son had the wonderful experience of speaking for the first time at Church!
My three oldest got to go to Aquarium Day Camp. Hands on learning!
We bought a Science Bag of fun things to do..this is not our school ones, so that makes it even more fun!
The children made a gingerbread city with their Grandma.
We went to a planetarium, Science, and Nature Center
The children got to go to their first Ballet...the Nutcracker
We made a trip to see the Grandparents. It was a bit after Christmas (In January), but they were kind enough to leave the tree up until we got there!
Some fun time with Daddy scootering on Base
His eyes are shut on purpose! He does it to see if the camera's sensitivity can pick it up! lol
All four kids got to be in the Christmas Play!
Friends & Stress
Last week a friend got some sad news...her hubby will be leaving for a year..three weeks earlier than they thought. I had the blessing to be able to encourage her. I prefer to be the encourager, but.....
Yesterday and Today I had the privilege to share with my dear friend. I was feeling overwhelmed and upset. So much to do, lists to be completed. Like a hamsters wheel, never ending A mason jar of soup I was taking to someone spilled all over my car floor, that was the "melting point" for me. . She was so kind. She used her time to encourage me. To remind me of ways to help things. What a gift, priceless friendship.
I knew my vision was blurred by my emotion. But my friend helped me to see clearer, to regroup.
I want to do it ALL. I don't like any part of my home or life off balance much. I spaz out, get cranky, get angry. Oh, I have gotten MUCH better than I used to be (even so says my husband!), but I still fall so very short. I get cranky, then I get frustrated with myself for being cranky or short with my words. So the cycle goes for a bit.
BUT, we must keep our eye on the prize.We must do what is more important, not what we necessarily want. My friend reminded me to make a list of what is important, then do those things first. And I remembered what I have been thinking about lately...He won't give me more than I can handle. He gives me just enough time each day to accomplish all He needs me to. When my vision gets foggy, I can't see that. With my vision cleared, it is so obvious.
I am just so thankful I have a few good friends I can be candid with. It is hard, because I feel so silly telling them my issues. They see the good, the bad, and the ugly. And they even stick around after seeing all the bad and ugly! We can encourage each other to live for Him, for His highest. Those are the treasures in life that make even days like this one so wonderful.
Yesterday and Today I had the privilege to share with my dear friend. I was feeling overwhelmed and upset. So much to do, lists to be completed. Like a hamsters wheel, never ending A mason jar of soup I was taking to someone spilled all over my car floor, that was the "melting point" for me. . She was so kind. She used her time to encourage me. To remind me of ways to help things. What a gift, priceless friendship.
I knew my vision was blurred by my emotion. But my friend helped me to see clearer, to regroup.
I want to do it ALL. I don't like any part of my home or life off balance much. I spaz out, get cranky, get angry. Oh, I have gotten MUCH better than I used to be (even so says my husband!), but I still fall so very short. I get cranky, then I get frustrated with myself for being cranky or short with my words. So the cycle goes for a bit.
BUT, we must keep our eye on the prize.We must do what is more important, not what we necessarily want. My friend reminded me to make a list of what is important, then do those things first. And I remembered what I have been thinking about lately...He won't give me more than I can handle. He gives me just enough time each day to accomplish all He needs me to. When my vision gets foggy, I can't see that. With my vision cleared, it is so obvious.
I am just so thankful I have a few good friends I can be candid with. It is hard, because I feel so silly telling them my issues. They see the good, the bad, and the ugly. And they even stick around after seeing all the bad and ugly! We can encourage each other to live for Him, for His highest. Those are the treasures in life that make even days like this one so wonderful.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Simply Simple
I wanted to share this neat-o way I have found to save time with my bill paying (I do not want to keep an online log, just not my style). I typically pay bills twice a month. I used to be a mess, and concerned I would miss something. Then I went to Dollar General and found this practical bill organizer for about $2! I am now on my 2nd or 3rd one, and they save me loads of time. I keep all needed account info, and confirmation numbers in it. They have pockets for paper bills or whatnot. I don't miss anything this way, and I can easily compare this months expenditures with last months. And if I cannot recall when I did pay last years car renewal , I can simply pull it out and look. I think some of the other methods are lots of extra work or expensive, and therefore not appealing to me. This is simple, efficient, and easy.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Bathroom Flooring
Simplifying can mean lots of things to lots of people, but to us it and homesteading go hand in hand, so we elected to do our own bathroom remodel. The benefits 1) Learning Skills; 2) Saving Money; 3) Getting it done Quickly. The downside? A very sore body! lol! The bathroom seems much more spacious now and of course all fresh and clean!
Here is the after of the sink issue previously posted about..So much better!
The floor was easy to install, and fast. Fast being somewhat relative! Measure and cut. I only used my old sewing scissors.
So pretty! I am pleased with it. Total cost about $50
Monday, January 16, 2012
Had to Share...
This is SO cute I had to share it. In my look for a shower curtain I came across this. I think it is wonderful. If the colors were more in line with my recent remodel I would love to have it in my home. I might be able to use it for my daughters upcoming room redo.
The link to it here:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=993372&catId=THERES_ALSO&pushId=HOME-BATH&popId=HOME&navAction=leaf&navCount=0&color=067¤tCategory=HOME-BATH
The link to it here:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=993372&catId=THERES_ALSO&pushId=HOME-BATH&popId=HOME&navAction=leaf&navCount=0&color=067¤tCategory=HOME-BATH
Bathroom Before
These are some pics of our bathroom before the issues we had with the main line backing up into the house...My dear friend painted the awesome murals on the walls. She has since moved to Texas, so she could not come and redo them, but I wanted to make sure I had pics of them before we began the remodel. It was a super fun look for our eclectic house! She even went over the closet door so you cant even really tell it is there...making the little room look bigger!
Easy Wall Treatment
Our home is older and was a rental for about the last 12 years. There was a lot of damage to walls. Some I have covered in beadboard (super cute!), but the bathroom walls were uneven in places. So I was thinking about various ways to commuflauge the blemishes. I came across the Tissue Paper idea and we thought it would be great, so off we went. It is easy, and inexpesive. And you can tweak it to your desired look.
We painted three unique colors on the walls, like color blocking. It almost looks like stucko or venitian plaster (and you can mimick that look closer if you smooth it out better). It is simple. Paint a 3x3 section with your choice of paint color. Put up the crinkleed tissue paper you have smoothed out a bit (the paint acts like glue.) Get it all as smooth or as wrinkled as you like. Then paint on top of it with your paint. And you are done..keep going. I like it best with darker colored paints. You can go back over with a bronzer or darker glaze to add to the look....I might do this after I get the other things left completed.
Vanity Insanity
Ok, after the last post and even more drama (which I will spare you of), we got to the end of the project. Only one thing left, the vanity. We looked online, picked it out, and my husband went to pick it up. We got it home, and realised....the measurements online were not completely accurate for our needs. The flooring had been replaced some years ago and they did not move the then current vanity to place the flooring under it, nor did they replace the sub floor!They just made it all fit around the current vanity. Here is a pic of what we are now dealing with. The vanity sitting on top of the gap is the new one. We are going to now have to replace the floor it looks like. The other vanities are similar is the issue at hand, or have other issues for us. And I am not desiring to spend over $300 for one, as this home is an investment for us and we are attempting to balance our desires with that.
Friday, January 13, 2012
When The Simple Life Gets Complicated
Today was a good day. But it was not all that simple! We did our usual stuff and the children were even getting along pretty much. My husband was off an hour early for the long weekend. I cleaned out the chicken coop and as I completed that the roofer came and gave us a fair estimate for our new roof. Up to now it was all pro quot.
...But...Before the roofer left, I was in the kitchen starting supper before my shower when my son informed me that the toilet was overflowing. (We only have but one potty) I rushed to the restroom and found that he was not joking, but it was at the top. Thankfully it was clear, untainted water. I began to remedy the situation by plungering. My wonderful hubby got done with the roofer and came to my aide. I said that I was already dirty from the coop, so I could do it. After having very limited success, he stepped in to try. Still no success. At this time I noticed water leaking heavily from near the wax ring area, the base of the toilet. So we decided to replace the toilet (it was something I had wanted to do eventually anyway). Around this time we opened the shower curtain to put stuff in there till the new install was complete. We saw sewer water. YUCK. Super Yuck. Super Duper Yuck. And when this happens you cant really use ANY water from any sink in the home.
After some reading online, I came to the conclusion it was a "main line" blockage. That requires either a plumber or a tool rental from the Home Depot or Lowe's. It was about 7pm. My hubby tried some other remedy's, but they were to no avail ( but very discusting...and he did it without complaint!~). We had to call the plumber with the heavy duty equipment. Not looking good for the budget!
So now it was about 9. The plumber would be here in about an hour. And he was! Then more drama...they could not find the access they needed to the line. After looking, and clanking, and looking. It is the first cold nights in a while, and they are out there digging and looking. Then He called his boss for help to locate the line. He came out. They looked. They found! About 11 pm at this point. By 1230 all was well, except the new toilet (remember we only have one!!!!) is missing one essential part! That's right, all that drama, $300 with the plumber, and now it is 1:32 am and my dedicated man went to Wal-Mart trying to find a solution to that one part. The bathroom has had a meeting with my bleach cleaner, and soon I hope to finally get that shower I needed at 8 am!
This is life somewhat complicated even when you want it to be simple. And you know what? God is full of mercy and grace. He provided my husband to be here when this happened & children who played relatively nicely so we could find a solution to this delima. He provied us the funds to be able to fix this. He provided peace and calmness. He provided my husband and I time together. I used to spaz out at such things when they occurred, wondering how this and how that. Today He carried me through these trivial things in life with proper prospective. I give Him all the glory! He is a loving and kind God who is full of compassion. And He even cares about these little things in life that won't matter in eternity.
To God be the Glory!
...But...Before the roofer left, I was in the kitchen starting supper before my shower when my son informed me that the toilet was overflowing. (We only have but one potty) I rushed to the restroom and found that he was not joking, but it was at the top. Thankfully it was clear, untainted water. I began to remedy the situation by plungering. My wonderful hubby got done with the roofer and came to my aide. I said that I was already dirty from the coop, so I could do it. After having very limited success, he stepped in to try. Still no success. At this time I noticed water leaking heavily from near the wax ring area, the base of the toilet. So we decided to replace the toilet (it was something I had wanted to do eventually anyway). Around this time we opened the shower curtain to put stuff in there till the new install was complete. We saw sewer water. YUCK. Super Yuck. Super Duper Yuck. And when this happens you cant really use ANY water from any sink in the home.
After some reading online, I came to the conclusion it was a "main line" blockage. That requires either a plumber or a tool rental from the Home Depot or Lowe's. It was about 7pm. My hubby tried some other remedy's, but they were to no avail ( but very discusting...and he did it without complaint!~). We had to call the plumber with the heavy duty equipment. Not looking good for the budget!
So now it was about 9. The plumber would be here in about an hour. And he was! Then more drama...they could not find the access they needed to the line. After looking, and clanking, and looking. It is the first cold nights in a while, and they are out there digging and looking. Then He called his boss for help to locate the line. He came out. They looked. They found! About 11 pm at this point. By 1230 all was well, except the new toilet (remember we only have one!!!!) is missing one essential part! That's right, all that drama, $300 with the plumber, and now it is 1:32 am and my dedicated man went to Wal-Mart trying to find a solution to that one part. The bathroom has had a meeting with my bleach cleaner, and soon I hope to finally get that shower I needed at 8 am!
This is life somewhat complicated even when you want it to be simple. And you know what? God is full of mercy and grace. He provided my husband to be here when this happened & children who played relatively nicely so we could find a solution to this delima. He provied us the funds to be able to fix this. He provided peace and calmness. He provided my husband and I time together. I used to spaz out at such things when they occurred, wondering how this and how that. Today He carried me through these trivial things in life with proper prospective. I give Him all the glory! He is a loving and kind God who is full of compassion. And He even cares about these little things in life that won't matter in eternity.
To God be the Glory!
Living Room
Our little home is 1004 square feet according to the documents we were given. We are a family of 6, so I had to get creative in using our space. After ridding ourselves of loads of books, we still had a nice collection! Here is what we did with the main wall in the living room. (The lack of TV makes the room much calmer. We have recently put a tv in there for the winter months when we can't get outside as often. Other wise it was in our room and the children did not "often" watch it)
Simply Family Time
I wanted to share this picture. This to me is a lovely depiction of Simple Living... My oldest daughter had the time to play with her youngest little sister, and they did a "spa" time, which ended with an an almost nap time!! So cute! They might have missed this precious sister time if I had been shuttling them from one event to another every afternoon (which I have done in the past...at one time I ended up taking them to 7 total classes in four weekday nights. Burn out!!!!), so I am thankful they have these memories!
Yard Fresh Eggs! (We can hardly call our home a farm!)
This is a pic of our first eggs. We are getting 3-4 a day generally now. Yummy!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Fast and Furious
Ok.......I am taking a quick break from my home cleaning overall. Let me just say it feels GREAT to be able to really clean our home in a short time. Today is cleaning, grocery, and hopefully home depot day. And of course it is a school day also!
And to make my grocery time easier and for me more efficient in some aspects, I have been using (some, not all the time) over the last years Harris Teeters online ordering. I filled my buggy last night and then today it will be ready. It is the same cost as in store prices, plus $4.95. I know precisely what I have purchased, exactly how much it will cost, and I don't yield to the in store impulse shopping. Plus they put it in your car for you! That's priceless when you have a sick child or a tired mom. Just pull up and they bring it out. Sam's also offers online ordering (you have to get it at the front counter). I am considering reactivating my membership there since it is very close in the new house.
Have a fantastical day!
And to make my grocery time easier and for me more efficient in some aspects, I have been using (some, not all the time) over the last years Harris Teeters online ordering. I filled my buggy last night and then today it will be ready. It is the same cost as in store prices, plus $4.95. I know precisely what I have purchased, exactly how much it will cost, and I don't yield to the in store impulse shopping. Plus they put it in your car for you! That's priceless when you have a sick child or a tired mom. Just pull up and they bring it out. Sam's also offers online ordering (you have to get it at the front counter). I am considering reactivating my membership there since it is very close in the new house.
Have a fantastical day!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Favorite Book of All Time
Aside from the Living Book (Bible) my favorite book is....
Passionate Housewives Desperate For God
It is hands down spot on for me. I had my copy in hand tonight to give to a friend. I could not let myself!!I came home and looked online to see if I could order a few to have on had for such occasions, and YES I found it! Amazon has some! I truly believe that women can glean from this book. It so lifts me up when I get all out of whack over things or get my eye off the prize (my family is my current gift/ prize). A short read chocked full of His truth.
Passionate Housewives Desperate For God
It is hands down spot on for me. I had my copy in hand tonight to give to a friend. I could not let myself!!I came home and looked online to see if I could order a few to have on had for such occasions, and YES I found it! Amazon has some! I truly believe that women can glean from this book. It so lifts me up when I get all out of whack over things or get my eye off the prize (my family is my current gift/ prize). A short read chocked full of His truth.
Not Eating Out, Day 3
Ok, we are not big on New Year resolutions. In fact, we really don't do them. Tonight at Church, my oldest was asked what his was! lol...he chose to reply the family's newest commitment is not eating out generally for about 60 days. He said he got some strange looks!!
Today we drove past one of our favorite restaurants near lunch time...the waifing scent of the delicious aroma made it into our van. It was so fun to chuckle and share that with my kids...we ALL would have like to at least gotten a snack!! I can't really describe it, but it was like an odd moment when we all shared something in common and that was pretty cool.
So we enjoyed a delicious meal of our chickens eggs, sausage, and biscuits, YUM!!!
Today we drove past one of our favorite restaurants near lunch time...the waifing scent of the delicious aroma made it into our van. It was so fun to chuckle and share that with my kids...we ALL would have like to at least gotten a snack!! I can't really describe it, but it was like an odd moment when we all shared something in common and that was pretty cool.
So we enjoyed a delicious meal of our chickens eggs, sausage, and biscuits, YUM!!!
Simple Simplification
My dear sister in law, who doubles as my dearest girlfriend, just let me know that this year she picked a theme word...simplify! I think that is neat because she knew nothing of this blog and I knew nothing of her word! Anyhoo...if you have a desire to live a bit more simply here are some easy ways to do that. A note: if you have a family in house, it can be a bit harder to quickly simplify material things. Give it time and remember that it really is a journey (I used to think that sounded so hokey)..you have to keep at it..and there really is not a destination because life travels and you have to go with it!
~~~Stuff not only clutters our space, it clutters our time and can even clutter our peace~~
1) Think, really think, before you buy. I LOVE to shop sometimes. I enjoy a bargain, but I am getting better about not getting it just because it is a great deal.
2) Don't start a new project until you have finished an old incomplete one!
3) Set aside a part of time each week to organize one area. Rotate the area. In a month you can have 4 areas complete. (for those of you whom are at home moms with several little ones, moms who home educate, or moms who are overwhelmed with keeping it all done...I strongly recommend Titus2.com and their homemaking book, Manager of their homes. It takes a bit to implement, but it can most certainly help to keep your home (and sanity) in order and things caught up.
4) Get a box. Every day find one thing to give away & put it in the box. On Saturday (after a week of collecting) take it to donate somewhere. This is an easy way to get rid of stuff. We all almost have too much stuff!
5) Have a catch all bin. It is for all the stuff (mail, misc items, etc) you don't want to deal with or don't know what to do but you don't want to toss...Once a month go through it until it is all cleaned out. This prevents drawers from becoming cluttered with things long forgotten.
Happy Simplifying!
~~~Stuff not only clutters our space, it clutters our time and can even clutter our peace~~
1) Think, really think, before you buy. I LOVE to shop sometimes. I enjoy a bargain, but I am getting better about not getting it just because it is a great deal.
2) Don't start a new project until you have finished an old incomplete one!
3) Set aside a part of time each week to organize one area. Rotate the area. In a month you can have 4 areas complete. (for those of you whom are at home moms with several little ones, moms who home educate, or moms who are overwhelmed with keeping it all done...I strongly recommend Titus2.com and their homemaking book, Manager of their homes. It takes a bit to implement, but it can most certainly help to keep your home (and sanity) in order and things caught up.
4) Get a box. Every day find one thing to give away & put it in the box. On Saturday (after a week of collecting) take it to donate somewhere. This is an easy way to get rid of stuff. We all almost have too much stuff!
5) Have a catch all bin. It is for all the stuff (mail, misc items, etc) you don't want to deal with or don't know what to do but you don't want to toss...Once a month go through it until it is all cleaned out. This prevents drawers from becoming cluttered with things long forgotten.
Happy Simplifying!
Our doggies
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