May. 21, 2008 Busy days.....
The days have been busy here.... I'm not complaining..... 
First thing to mention, we were able to take a short trip a couple of weeks ago, we at first were planning a longer trip, but things came up here, so we had to cut it short. We had a great time and we enjoy our little vacation. It just went by to fast. We had lovely weather and time with friends is always wonderful! We have lovely memories.
While we were away, baby turned 7 months. She is such a sweetheart!
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May. 12, 2008 Making Your Home a Haven Monday: Showing Christ's love
Today Crystal at Biblical Womanhood encouraged us to....
So today, instead of some encouraging you to accomplish some project related to organizing or cleaning for Making Your Home a Haven Monday, I want to challenge everyone (myself included!)to take some time today to enjoy your children, show practical love to your husband, open your home up for ministry to someone in need, or refresh your own spirit in the Lord so that you might be a more joyful wife, mother, and/or homemaker.
I thought is was perfect! So often I know for myself I get all caught up in seeing what I can get accomplished in a day or busy doing what needs to be done and yet my most important is maybe not done as well as it should be. So today, I left the work for awhile (it still will be there later or tomorrow) and spent some time doing something with my children. While the two little ones were napping, my older 3 children and I created a lapbooks. It was fun, the general topic we chose was how we should treat others. While we worked we were able to talk about the verses we were writing down. It was a good time. We wrote out verses from 1 Cor. 13, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 15:26, Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 25:11, Eph. 4:32 and Phil. 2:3.
One of my favourite verses was
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other(s) better than themselves. Phil. 2:3
It was a refreshing afternoon.
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May. 11, 2008 Happy Mother's Day!
Here I am with my precious blessings.
I'm so thankful to be a mommy.
What a special blessing.
May the Lord continue to bless me with love, wisdom
and strength. I know I'm so blessed!
Sweet family
Just for fun, here is my post from last year's Mother's day and in that post there will be a link to the year before that. Seeing the pictures is neat, how the children grow, plus our family got bigger too. I would have again had the picture taken outside by the same tree, but it was rainy here today and that tree is just starting to flower. We are a bit later this year. Anyway, I'm so blessed,
I have much to be thankful for.
Her children arise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28 |
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Apr. 29, 2008 Sleeping Baby
Today, R. was holding baby for a few mintues while I finished up something.
When I came back to get baby, she was sound asleep in big sister's arms.
Big sister was gently rocking her and before she knew it her baby sister was fast asleep.
So sweet! |
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Apr. 29, 2008 Kitchen Tip Tuesdays - Homemade Salad Dressing
Yesterday, I decided that I must tackle Mount Iron. So up came the ironing board, iron and all the clothes that needed ironing. While my oldest was sitting at the table doing math, I was able to bring the "mountain" down, piece by piece and encourage my daughter along in her math at the same time. Worked well and by lunch time I had 3/4 of the pile done. Today, I finished up the remaing pieces. It feels good to have that done, I know I have said this before, but I do hope to stay on top of it this time.....  
Mount Iron
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Apr. 24, 2008 Clear the Clutter part 3
This is what I was able to clear out of our home today!
I still have some areas that I need to go through, but the week is just about over and that is all I had time to do.
Anyway, it felt good to carry out those bags today.
Feel free to check out Crystal's blog for more decluttering stories.
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Apr. 22, 2008 Clear out the Clutter- part 2
Today, I again joined Crystal and her clear out the clutter challenge. I was able to clean and organize our little closet which is where we store the vacuum hose, bags and other such things. I also cleaned out a kitchen drawer and removed everything that I'm not using or have used for a number of months. I told myself there is no point on hanging onto things that are just sitting there and taking up space.
Before pictures of the closet.....
After pictures....
Anyway, it feels good to have that done and now I know exactly what is in that closet and where. |
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Apr. 21, 2008 Time at the Park and More
One of the first things I was able to accomplish before breakfast was to get two loads of laundry out on the line. It has been wonderful to use the clothesline again and the diapers are coming in so fresh and white.
This is what our kitchen looked like after breakfast.....
Our morning was busy with school and the closet cleaning, plus an early lunch.
This afternoon S. and her Daddy went out on field trip with our homeschooling group. They took a tour through a local Toyota Plant. They had a very interesting and enjoyable tour. They learned many things, one was that a car can be made from start to finish in 17 hours, 7 of it is the painting time. Anyway, while they were gone, R. and I wanted to surprise S. and clean their room. I told R. we would work for an hour and then we would walk up to the post office to mail a couple of letters and then spend some time at the park. Time at the park was fun and the children throughly enjoyed themselves.
Our happy toddler......
Two peeking out of a huge tire....
Baby interested in looking everywhere else, but at mama. :)
Happy children.....
Mama and baby getting ready to head back home....
After our walk and baby was done for her nap, I took the dry clothes off the line and hung up another load of wet clothes. Then I went through the boys clothes and brought out the summer ones and sorted through the clothes that were to small etc... and put those away. So I guess that was another cluttering job I could have added to my earlier post. I posted that post between the afternoon hanging clothes up and the going through the boys clothes. :)
And finally a clean kitchen. I was able to get it cleaned after supper. :)
Now we are ready to rest sleep and start a new day tomorrow! 
Just a note, I went to post this and the window that came up after I clicked add new entry was the login window, so all was lost. I was so glad, I had the preview window still open! I must remember to keep that open until I know my entry was posted. iIdon't always have time to rewrite it all.
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Apr. 21, 2008 Making Your Home a Haven Monday - Clear Out the Clutter Challenge
Today's challenge is to make a start at "clearing out the clutter". This week from today until Thursday I hope to join in on Crystal's "Clear out the Clutter" challenge. After the week is up, it should be rewarding to see an improvement around here.
So for today, I tackled our closet in the entryway. We have only one closet for jackets and things, so I like to put away the coats and snow pants etc... that are not being used during whichever season we are in. Since spring has come, I pulled out all the winter coats and snow pants, washed what needed to be washed and then packed them away. Also since I was already working in the closet, I vacuumed the floor and shelves for the shoes and stored away the winter boots. Now we have some space in the closet. So this was a getting rid of the winter clutter job!
Another thing we decluttered today was the girl's room. We were able to fill a large bag full of garbage! All I can say is their room looks so much better! I just need to help encourage them straighten up their dresser, desk and bookshelf. 
Anyway, this is my start with Clear the Clutter Challenge. |
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Apr. 19, 2008 Six Month Old Bundle of Joy
Here is our little princess at six month. She turned 6 months on April 5. Half a year already.... She is still our sweet bundle of joy. Her second tooth just came through this past week too. So now she has 2 little teeth on the bottom. She is such a sweet heart. 
I haven't been blogging much lately. My computer has quit working and I have also been busy sewing. Last week a lot of my free time was spent sewing. If I wasn't sewing then I was busy with one of the following:
teaching school,
doing laundry (also enjoying the use of the clothesline! again),
making meals,
cleaning the home,
cuddling our baby girl,
spending time with children, or
walking.
It was a good week, just filled with full days. We have also been enjoying beautiful spring weather too. Anyway, I'm well and thankful. God is good!
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Apr. 14, 2008 Making Your Home a Haven Monday: Anti-Procrastination Day
Today's challenge with Crystal was to tackle any job you have be procrastinating on. Another great challenge to go along with my usual Monday work. In my sewing department, I had 2 rompers for my toddler, 1 jumper for my baby girl and another one for a friend's baby and that needed to be finished on them was buttonholes made and buttons then sewn on. Such a simple job, but they have been waiting for a number of weeks now... So right after lunch and baby was down for her afternoon nap, that is what I tackled! All went well and they are now hanging on hangers!! I have other jobs that need to be tackled, but those will have to wait for another day. I did have dreams of tackling some of them today, too, but there is only so much one can do in a day, without neglecting the most important.
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Apr. 7, 2008 Monday's Making Your Home a Haven - Kitchen Cupboards
Well, for today's Monday's Making Your Home a Haven, Crystal suggested cleaning and organizing the inside of the kitchen cupboards. I did managed to wipe down 3 cupboards amd over half of my pantry. I also took a few pictures, but I'm having some computer troubles, so I may have to add them in tomorrow.
We had a full day, which consisted of school, 2 loads of laundry, sewing, cutting out blouses for the girls, a lovely walk and some kitchen cupboard cleaning. We also enjoyed a beautiful (weatherwise) day too! Today is the first day, I could use the clothesline for drying the clothes. It felt so good to be outside hanging up the laundry. The children had great fun playing out in the warm sunshine too.
God is good!!
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Apr. 1, 2008 Kitchen Tip Tuesdays- Cleaning of the Table
Here is a small tip for when cleaning off the table after a meal. I started to do this when I was young and found it really helped and saved steps. Now I'm teaching it to my children, my little helpers.
Organize the table's contents by category, like place all the fridge items together, then the pantry items and then stack the dirty dishes together. Once that is done, you can start putting things away by category and before you know it, you are finished! This way the children can see that it really is not a whole lot of work to clean the table off and they can also carry two items, if not to big, since they need to go in the same place.
Also another thing we do here too. After each child is done, they take their own dishes to the counter.
Anyway, I have found that helpful and hope this helps you in some way too.
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Mar. 31, 2008 Our Monday Here
We had a good Monday here. Mondays are always busy days, I guess its because we are getting back into the routine. Today Crystal didn't post a Making Your Home a Haven, so I did enjoy the break and focused on catching up on the ironing. I did get most of it done, I think, some could be buried under my sewing projects.
Anyway, I did want to post our hymn of the month for March. We having been singing the hymn "I’d Rather Have Jesus". It is a great hymn and I can remember when I first heard it as a child. May it be our motto, I"d rather have Jesus than what this world has to offer. He does have something better!
I’d rather have Jesus
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
I’d Rather Have Jesus is a song written by Rhea F. Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. You can read a bit more about the song here. |
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Mar. 28, 2008 Winter Still Has Its Hold Here
Here's the lovely view from our kitchen window.
Still looks and feels like winter, but the Robins, Killdeers, Red-Wing Black birds are back, so spring weather must be just around the corner too.
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Mar. 24, 2008 Making Your Home a Haven Monday - Getting Your Home Back in Order
Today Crystal's Making Your Home a Haven Monday really fit into what I was hoping to accomplish today. After a busy weekend, which included pleasant fellowship with family (which included cousins) on Sabbath and then a sewing/cookie making bee yesterday, our home was in need of getting back into order. So that is what we just finished. We did school this morning and then this afternoon we set to work in getting the house back into our little haven.
A list of what we were able to accomplish in less than 2 hours
tidy family room
vacuum family room
tidy main level - that consist of living room, dining room, kitchen and entryway.
vacuum main level
change sheets on girl's beds
tidy bedrooms
quick wipe down in bathroom
Upstairs needs vacuuming, but we will wait until baby is up from nap. I will use that as an excuse to rest for a few minutes. I just need to fold some laundry that I didn't get folded last Friday.
It feels good to look around and see a tidy home and not a cluttered mess. We are a family of 7, so it is not spic and span, but it looks neat, tidy and well, how should I say "well lived in?!!"
Ok, baby is awake, so I should have one of my little helpers vacuum upstairs and the rest of us will tackle the clean laundry pile!
I jsut wanted to add, while we worked we enjoyed listening to a new Cd we purchased recently called Chords of Love by Nina Hall. Nina plays lovely music on the harp. We have really enjoyed it since it arrived in the mail last week. Also we all have a lovely cup of tea and cookies after our work was done.
Blessings to you as you make your home a haven!!
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Mar. 20, 2008 Last Working in Kitchen Post (for now, anyway)
Now we made this recipe from Tammy's recipes a couple of months ago, this the Deluxe Whole Wheat Strawberry Shortcake. While making it, I realized I was all out of whole wheat flour, so I had to use white, but it was still delicious! We topped the shortcake with a strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Yummy!!!
Now a couple of pictures, it is handy having little helpers use the mixer, they have fun and I was able to get some of the other ingredients put together. :)
Favourite time of baking, licking the bowl and spoons! I don't let them do that all the time, but when I do they love it. I would much rather eat the baked product and not before.
Sorry, I don't have a picture of the baked cake, but just picture it with strawberry sauce and whipped cream!
Also check out the links Tammy shared in her two blogger's food posts! I think the one with the baby in the sink was so cute! I'm going to have to try those pitas soon. They look delicious! |
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Mar. 20, 2008 Yet Another Working in the Kitchen Post
I was busy making lunch here and as usual my littlest helper was following me where ever I went in the kitchen with his chair. While I was preparing these broiled stuffed pepper wedges. I gave him the job of placing the olives on top. I told him each pepper slice needed two olive slices and he did quite well with that. I was impressed. Please excuse the cluttered kitchen!
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Mar. 20, 2008 Working in the Kitchen
My friend Tammy's recent post on Bloggers' food posts reminded me that I had pictures I wanted to share on my blog, but I just hadn't gotten to them yet! So here they are!
Here we are making Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins These are one of our favourite muffins to make and eat! B. was delighted that I let him handle the mixer all by himself. He did a great job too.
Big brother was happy to line the muffin tins with the muffin cups, while we started to mix the ingredients together.
Now it is stirring time....
big brother's turn to stir...
...and now big sister's turn to stir
Once I filled the muffin cups, the children dropped the chocolates chips on top. They like to try and make faces with the chocolate chips.
Baking in the oven....
Mmmmmm..... so delicious!
I enjoy working in the kitchen most times, but it sure can be a meek and quiet spirit robber!! It is wonderful to know we are making good memories and I must remind myslef that any mess can be clean up afterwards. I will admit that it is can be overwhelming when all the children are wanting to help and not being patient while they wait for their turn. Anyway, I'm still working toward being a happy and cheerful mommy cooking in the kitchen with my little ones.
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