My front porch is my new favorite place to be...to pray, to fellowship with friends, to listen, to teach, and to learn. I am looking forward to all that the Lord sends my way, as I now have a quiet place to go, to listen to God in the stillness of my front porch under the maple tree. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sat, 7 Jan 2006 00:26:00 -0600 Sat, 7 Jan 2006 00:26:00 -0600 I am now at Homesteadblogger.com   http://www.homesteadblogger.com/Snowberryfarm/   Come on over!!!!  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/64827/ Sat, 7 Jan 2006 00:26:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/64827/ I recently found out about the new Homestead blogger affiliated with this site, and I am so excited! It's me!!! I just signed up, and am amazed at how many people are already over there blogging away about their farm animals, life on a farm, and all that comes with homesteading, or attempting to homestead. I think I will learn so much there, and hopefully have some things to share along the way as well. I will post a link soon, as I am just getting started!   Wishing you all many blessings for 2006!   Michelle     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/64359/ Fri, 6 Jan 2006 00:13:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/64359/ As Christmas approaches, I find myself reflecting more on the blessings I have, and the things around me I am thankful for. Today, I have so much to thank God for, sometimes just the little things are what I feel blessed by, and I thought I'd share a few here.   My current health crisis. It has been a difficult struggle, one that has tested me in so many ways, yet somehow I am starting to see it as a gift, and finding the blessings in it. I know it will all glorify God in the long run. The joy that the Christmas season brings. The peace the Christmas season brings to my son. His behavior is almost perfect this time of year. He can't do anything that might ruin his chance at opening his presents! The peace in our home we experience this time of year with our son on his best behavior! Watching my husband making his annual fudge in the kitchen. Not that I can have any this year, but it's fun to see him keeping up his tradition. Seeing the excitement in my children's faces as they experience all the season has to offer. Sledding in the snow. We are fortunate to live right next to an orchard that is on a hill. Next to the orchard behind our barn is a great sledding hill. We have spent much time there the past few weeks. The joy of listening to Christmas carols and songs that warm your heart and put you in that wonderful Christmas spirit. Opening Christmas cards. Connecting with friends and those we don't see often. Spending time with family. Having the opportunity to teach my children that although Santas are nice and presents are fun, the truth about Christmas is God's only son!                         Have a blessed Christmas!                                                                      http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/58607/ Wed, 21 Dec 2005 01:03:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/58607/ As I sit here tonight, I am looking out my window at the beautiful snow and ice covered trees and the twinkling christmas lights on my porch. The next thing I know, our neighbors dogs are invading the porch after one of my cats. I jump up, and bang on the window, and they just ignore me so I open the door and they finally run away. About two weeks ago it was those same two dogs who came up on the porch and killed my sweet baby kitten. I had no idea they would do this. They have also been getting into our garbage cans on a weekly basis and have been spotted trying to get to our bunny in her hutch.  So, my husband called animal control and was told that the best thing to do would be to shoot and kill the dogs the next time they are on our property. We don't own guns, so we weren't sure about this. We were also told we could trap them and take them to the pound. I talked to my dad who is a hunter and he said shooting them is not the best idea, as they will probably only get wounded and run home. I don't want to do that. After talking with my husband about this for a few days, I finally approached the neighbor to explain the issues we are having with his dogs. He asked us to shoot his dogs with bb guns to train them to stay off our property. I agreed that we could try this, but it doesn't seem to be working. We don't always see them when they are on the property, as they seem to come out more at night to do their dirty work. I am not sure what to do next. I guess this is just part of life in the country, however I wish we didn't have to take on all the responsibility of training the dogs, when they aren't even ours!   The funny thing is we went to a Christmas play this weekend called "Doc's Holiday". It was a comedy about a guy who was very fed up with his neighbors dog coming up on his porch! We all got a good laugh, as we could definately relate! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/56299/ Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:39:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/56299/ Well, I didn't quite fix my computer that day, as it was infested with some mean viruses, but is now home from the shop, and working fine again.   Just tonight as I was holding my 4 yr old baby in my arms, I asked her what she likes most about Christmas, and to my amazement, she said "giving"! I was shocked, since I have not really talked with her much about this yet, but have observed that she is just a natural "giver", and she loves to give things. One of her favorite things to do is to go into her room, and wrap up one of her toys in a small blanket, announce that she has something for me, and then she lights up as I open it. It is the sweetest thing. Since I have seen how much she loves to give, and my son loves to give as well, I decided it was time we adopt a family for Christmas again. So, I called some agencies the other day, and found that they are all in  great need of people to adopt families for Christmas. You can call up almost any social service agency and tell them you are interested in adopting a family for Christmas. You can even tell them the size of the family you can help, and they will match you with one right away.   I remember the first family I ever helped. This was not a tradition my own family did, but my junior year in high school, my home-ec class adopted a family for Christmas. My friend and I were the designated deliverers. We only met the father, and he was such a sweet, humble man. He had suffered a severe back injury, and could no longer support his family with the work he knew how to do. Since then, I have adopted a family every year. Some of the next years I was single, and in college, but I still rememebered that man, and the look on his face as I placed a turkey in his arms to share with his family for Christmas dinner, and I somehow made it a priority to give to a family each Christmas no matter what. I haven't always been able to give a lot, but I know I can always find something to bless someone with. I remember one year when my husband and I were dating, we adopted a single mom and her two kids. When we arrived at their apartment, all they had was a large green peice of paper cut out in the shape of a Christmas tree taped to the wall. When we brought in our gifts, they were so excited and the kids placed them under the bare paper tree against the wall, and the mom was in tears. I wonder who God will give us this year? I am excited! This is one of my favorite aspects of the Christmas season! God Bless! Michelle http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/53457/ Wed, 7 Dec 2005 23:36:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/53457/ A few years back I heard something that has stuck with me, and I do this often around Christmas time. Instead of asking kids "What do you WANT for Christmas?" I ask them, "What are you GIVING for Christmas?" The look I get from some children is one of confusion at first, and then once it sinks in, they usually try to think about it and tell me what they would like to give someone. It is funny to see the responses at first, but I believe it helps them focus more on others and the spirit of Christmas than on themselves.   Gotta go, I am trying to fix my computer, it seems to be acting up! More to come... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/50501/ Thu, 1 Dec 2005 01:29:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/50501/ Okay, I am so excited right now, as I just tasted the (healthy) chocolate I just made, and it was good! My dh even liked it! It is very good for you, and only took me about two minutes to whip up.   Here's the recipe:   Faux Chocolate   Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and place in the freezer while you mix the following ingredients.   1/2 cup coconut oil-I use organic extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil. This stuff is sooo good for you! Heat it in a bowl in the microwave for 1 minute.   Stir in 2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder, stevia to taste, and a dash of cinnamon. Pour into the lined pan and freeze. Mine only took about a minute and it was ready. Break into peices and store in the refrigerator.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/47683/ Tue, 22 Nov 2005 23:35:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/47683/ For those of you who have never given up chocolate or sugar cold turkey before, I must say, it is one of the hardest things to do! I am struggling today. It doesn't have to be chocolate, I'll take anything sweet. But, by Dr's orders, I am not allowed not one grain of sugar, fruit or anything sweet until further notice. This is tough. I am getting creative though. I used to hate carob, but the other day, out of desperation, I ate some natural, unsweetened carob chips, and I swear, it was pure heavenly chocolatey tasting! Now I know I've gone over the edge. I work 20 hrs a week, and last week my co-workers celebrated my birthday, and one of my sweet friends brought chewy, moist, chocolatey chocolate chip brownies to celebrate with, and as all of my co-workers dug in, and started to indulge, out of our little office refrigerator she pulled out this little pan of something. She had made me a special birthday treat because she knew I couldn't eat the brownies. It was made of tofu, pure unsweetened cocoa sweetened with stevia, and vanilla mixed up over a triscuit crust. I am sure your mouth is watering now. Let me tell you, it tasted great! I was so touched by her ability to do this for me! Now when the others in the office tasted it, they all just about lost it. It is amazing to me how aversive most people are to really healthy food. They don't want to even try to change their eating habits. I see this all the time at work. Even those that want to lose weight wouldn't try my little dish. Oh well. I enjoyed it! So, to answer some of the questions I've had regarding this healthy eating adventure, no,  my family is not enjoying my new found way of cooking yet either. Today was the first time I felt I am making some progress with it though.  Tonight we had 3 people from church over for dinner and I made crock pot taco soup that everyone seemed to love! No dessert for me though. One day when I am finally back to normal, I believe that I will continue on this path of cooking and eating right, but I hope to be able to enjoy an occasional treat once in awhile, but it won't be a daily occurance as it always has been. More to come... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/46567/ Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:27:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/46567/ For the past month I have been on a tranforming mission, to rid my body of many toxins that have been making me sick! I started by taking all sugar, yeast and sweetners of any kind, except stevia out of my diet. This was hard at first! I am used to drinking my almost daily mochas, eating whatever sweet treat someone puts in front of my face, and drowning myself in carbs. After all the research I have done, I knew this was what I had to do. Then, last week, I visited a naturopathic physician for the first time in my life. He confirmed the diagnosis I had given myself! I am now following this diet, along with taking supplemental herbs and vitamins. This will continue until just before Christmas, where I will then assess where I am at. This has been a roller coaster ride for me. One day I am feeling great as I know what I am doing is healthy, and will greatly improve my health. Then the next day is a struggle as I watch everyone I come in contact with eating goodies, breads and yummy drinks. My main beverage now, is sparkling water mixed with a few drops of lemon juice and stevia. Other than that it is purified water. I am finally beginning to see all of this as a blessing. I could have just taken my regular Dr.'s advice, not changed my diet and been on medication, but it never would have addressed the core issues that I am now addressing! And I would be sicker! I have learned so much in all my research. There is a natural foods store here in town called Mill Creek natural foods, and the guy who works there has been so helpful. I am meeting people who treat illnesses with herbs and vitamins and get well! Imagine that? Most of the people I talk to never even consider natural remedies. How did our society get turned around? Have most people forgotten that the Lord provides what we need to be healthy through natural plants and herbs that grow on our earth in pure forms? So much of what we do just cover up symptoms. I have also learned so much about how to cook. I thought I used to eat healthy before, because I ate a lot of veggies. Yeah, always followed by desserts of some sinful sort! You should see my kitchen now. Some of  the new ingredients on my shelves are: 100% stone ground wheat flour, buckwheat flour, and brown rice flour, raw ginger, homemade salad dressing with no sugar or vinegar, rye crisps, organic produce and probiotics. I have learned so much, but have lots more to discover! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/43840/ Sat, 12 Nov 2005 23:42:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/43840/ My husband shares in the homeschooling at our house, as we both work part time. It is a wonderful situation, although sometimes I wish I was home even more, but there are also those days that I am so ready to head out the door to work. The other day he was out running errands with the kiddos, and our daughter was having a particularly difficult time. She wasn't listening, she was running off, and whining a lot. They were in Home Depot and had to leave early due to this. This is not her typical behavior, so he was caught off guard, and found himself being much more frustrated with her. So, as they were out in the parking lot getting into the van, she continued with this behavior and was being passive agressive as well, moving as slowly as she could to get in her carseat, etc. Finally, my husband turns around in the drivers seat and raises his voice at her and says something like, "Put that seatbelt on RIGHT NOW!" and her response, along with this big smile on her face was "Can I have a milkshake???"   We are still laughing,  thinking about this. It was one of those moments when you just sit back and think, she didn't really just say that, did she?  Her big brother is now walking around the house saying "Can I have a milkshake?" and it is becoming a big joke around here. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/38110/ Fri, 28 Oct 2005 11:06:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/michelleshiree/38110/