I really enjoy decorating my home and spend way more time than I'd like to admit coordinating colors and mood. Finding affordable furniture that is pleasing to the eye and has a life-long quality is exceptionally difficult, and I believe makes many women settle with something of less quality and overall less appealing just because they are lost with where to find a deal at the right time.
Here are a few resources I've discovered:
For upholestry smart investments can be found at Lee Industries. Our local resources are at Crate & Barrel or Kittles Furniture.
Crate & Barrel
8702 Keystone Crossing Suite #3A
Indianapolis, IN 46240
http://crateandbarrel.com
Phone: 317-818-9900
29 miles
Kittles Furniture
8600 Allisonville Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317-849-5300
32 miles
Ballard Designs are definitely among my favorite and I receive their catalog regularly. Their fabrics are great and give me a lot of inspiration. Pottery Barn and Anthropologie are fabulous as well. These are pricey though, so often I go a LONG time without something so I can save and buy exactly what I want. We lived in our house for over a year before I bought any living room furniture. I preferred that to buying something I wasn't in love with and then having to wait longer once I found what I did want. This too was true of shelving. I can't stand those compress board shelves, and while they would have helped me organize my stuff in the early days, I preferred piles and boxes and the vision of shelving that would stay with me for a lifetime. Mike and I found shelves at an unfinished outlet and stained them ourselves. Love 'em.
Furniture options are endless, particularly if you attend flea markets or auctions, but I haven't had as much time lately. I love the Ashley furniture store in Lafayette, but also Hickory Chair, Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, Bassett and even Target, Hobby Lobby, and Pier One Imports.
Lighting has been fun to shop for as we've had to replace lighting in our old home. Overstock.com, Lowe's, Menards, and Pottery Barn have been our primary sources, but Circa, Shades of Light, and JC Penney are also good options. Unfortunately this is one purchase I feel rushed to complete, so we do have some lighting that I am not in love with. I don't vision chandeliers and sconces as well in my home as I do furniture, so sometimes once it is up I am often disappointed. This pecks at me until I find what really satisfies the room.
I love our chandelier in the living room, but otherwise, I am indifferent. I think the light in my office would look great in my kitchen over the sink, but I need to find another one to complement it. We also need a chandelier in the dining room and one for the back stairway. In my previous post, I shared that I had great hope of moving the chandelier in our bedroom over about a foot (crossing my fingers someone perfect for the job falls in my lap). Mike is patient with me here. He even taught Keely how to hang a light or remove a ceiling fan - all of which we have eliminated from our home. I realize this is all luxury beyond what I should be granted, so I try to take baby steps and purchase these items with respect to our budget and needs.
Most of our home is carpeted, but we do need a rug in the dining room - a large one. Keely needs one in her room as well. I have found Pier One to be a fabulous source for rugs. Williams-Sonoma Home, Rugs Direct, and Budget Buy are also good sources.
Accents are everywhere. Hobby Lobby sometimes has the coolest little accessories like tables and lamps for half price. Pier One is a favorite spot, Target, and Craigslist, Overstock.com or local antique stores. Dibs, One Kings Lane, and JC Penney are also sources for seasonal shopping that is kind on the budget. I love reading magazines and finding inspiration and then making various decorations with my children. Most of what I put on our walls are pictures of the kids and I just set the tone with the framing. While I see a lot of art that I enjoy, I always wonder if it would really like it forever. It just seems so permanent, but the kid's art or pictures are timeless. We certainly need to update the family pictures.
The dining room is my current project. I'll keep you all up-dated!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Weekend
Not having a great deal of family, means holidays are often play in the yard days. It is hard to imagine, but Mike and I really look forward to free time so we can get all our small jobs done. It really is very relaxing. Toyota has suffered from the tsunami so they have shut down each Monday and Friday, and then only four hours each evening on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through the end of May. This means that they'll likely have a great deal of overtime later in the year, though. I am grateful it is not scorching hot or freezing cold and he can use the time off to get some of his fun jobs done.
This weekend, we've cleaned out the barn, which should have been done months ago so it took a great deal more time and strength. The straw was compacted under all the goat urine, so not only was scraping it up difficult, but we had to scrub it down with vinegar after wards. January shared that wood chips were far easier to work with, so we'll be purchasing some of those tomorrow. Mike made a runner for the chickens as well, but I think it might be too steep. We are challenged with making a roosting bar and nesting boxes that are low enough for the chickens, but high enough that the goats won't eat our eggs. We also collected trees, branches and all the previous year's decorative grasses and dumped them in the goat pin. They were quite thrilled.
Mike hung some new hose reels, cleaned the garden of the old chicken coop, Noah sold the coop, and Mike and I moved it into the driveway for pick-up. Mike put together a wagon he purchased last year, and I swept the entire driveway.
I was a bit frustrated to not see all the daffodils I planted last year come up, which means the bulbs must have been dead. I had a square-foot patch of what I thought was over-crowded daffodils (they've never bloomed), so I dug them up this afternoon and found more than 125 bulbs in that one area. I split and replanted them all around the trees in our driveway. I can't wait to see them next spring.
Mike and I planted twenty-four ground-cover plants near the alley, under the trees. We have hostas there, but we also spend quite a bit of money mulching the area and I'd like to eliminate that bill each year. I absolutely love the flowering tree in the front of the yard, so of course I spent some time reading on the porch too. For some reason, we lost about half our phlox this year on both sides of our walkway. I am not sure if this occurred from our TruGreen sprayers or not, but this is rather devastating. Clearly, we had many decades of growth down both sides of the path. I purchased four large plants to help start filling that area back again for next year.
The kids and I laid grass seed all through the back yard, as well as grub killer, and then laid a nice layer of straw. I hope the rain showers will help the new grass flourish and I won't have to spend too much time and water tending to it. Grass seed is expensive!
Keely stained both her rabbit hutches, and Mike laid shingling on the roofs, as well as fixed the bottom of both the cages so they don't hang under the weight of the waste. They look fabulous!
Mike and I have talked for a few years about putting down either a patio or a deck. I think during his break, this will be his big project although we're only planning an 8 by 11 deck. I really just want something for him to grill on, maybe a little cafe table and just enough to get us down into the yard. I love the old brick pathway so might put some sort of brick patio at the landing. That might be next year's plan, although we really need to paint the house in the near future as well.
Tomorrow...I am not sure yet what we have planned, but the kids have quite a bit of school work and 4-H projects ahead. I failed to mention that the kids had a piano recital last night. Fun. Keely has come quite far in piano, but I've learned she must be REALLY challenged to really practice and advance her skill. She's been at the same stage for quite a long time. Noah is good too, but he needs a bit of stern direction because he can be really lazy with timing or reading his music with any diligence, such as observing staccatos or crescendos. I'll be keeping my eye on him.
This weekend, we've cleaned out the barn, which should have been done months ago so it took a great deal more time and strength. The straw was compacted under all the goat urine, so not only was scraping it up difficult, but we had to scrub it down with vinegar after wards. January shared that wood chips were far easier to work with, so we'll be purchasing some of those tomorrow. Mike made a runner for the chickens as well, but I think it might be too steep. We are challenged with making a roosting bar and nesting boxes that are low enough for the chickens, but high enough that the goats won't eat our eggs. We also collected trees, branches and all the previous year's decorative grasses and dumped them in the goat pin. They were quite thrilled.
Mike hung some new hose reels, cleaned the garden of the old chicken coop, Noah sold the coop, and Mike and I moved it into the driveway for pick-up. Mike put together a wagon he purchased last year, and I swept the entire driveway.
I was a bit frustrated to not see all the daffodils I planted last year come up, which means the bulbs must have been dead. I had a square-foot patch of what I thought was over-crowded daffodils (they've never bloomed), so I dug them up this afternoon and found more than 125 bulbs in that one area. I split and replanted them all around the trees in our driveway. I can't wait to see them next spring.
Mike and I planted twenty-four ground-cover plants near the alley, under the trees. We have hostas there, but we also spend quite a bit of money mulching the area and I'd like to eliminate that bill each year. I absolutely love the flowering tree in the front of the yard, so of course I spent some time reading on the porch too. For some reason, we lost about half our phlox this year on both sides of our walkway. I am not sure if this occurred from our TruGreen sprayers or not, but this is rather devastating. Clearly, we had many decades of growth down both sides of the path. I purchased four large plants to help start filling that area back again for next year.
The kids and I laid grass seed all through the back yard, as well as grub killer, and then laid a nice layer of straw. I hope the rain showers will help the new grass flourish and I won't have to spend too much time and water tending to it. Grass seed is expensive!
Keely stained both her rabbit hutches, and Mike laid shingling on the roofs, as well as fixed the bottom of both the cages so they don't hang under the weight of the waste. They look fabulous!
Mike and I have talked for a few years about putting down either a patio or a deck. I think during his break, this will be his big project although we're only planning an 8 by 11 deck. I really just want something for him to grill on, maybe a little cafe table and just enough to get us down into the yard. I love the old brick pathway so might put some sort of brick patio at the landing. That might be next year's plan, although we really need to paint the house in the near future as well.
Tomorrow...I am not sure yet what we have planned, but the kids have quite a bit of school work and 4-H projects ahead. I failed to mention that the kids had a piano recital last night. Fun. Keely has come quite far in piano, but I've learned she must be REALLY challenged to really practice and advance her skill. She's been at the same stage for quite a long time. Noah is good too, but he needs a bit of stern direction because he can be really lazy with timing or reading his music with any diligence, such as observing staccatos or crescendos. I'll be keeping my eye on him.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Menu Monday
Monday: Tuna Salad for Lunch
Chicken and Keilbasa over Couscous
Ingredients:
1/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 ounces fully cooked kielbasa, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 1/3 cups chicken broth
1 cup couscous
1 medium green pepper, cut into strips
1 cup chicken broth
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
6 ounces fully cooked kielbasa, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 1/3 cups chicken broth
1 cup couscous
1 medium green pepper, cut into strips
1 cup chicken broth
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
1. Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut into bite-size strips and set aside.
2. In a 10-inch skillet cook and stir kielbasa, celery, carrots over medium-high heat about 5 minutes or until kielbasa is browned.
3. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more or until carrots are nearly tender. Drain off fat.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan bring the 1 1/3 cups broth to boiling. Stir in couscous; cover remove from heat. Let stand while preparing meat and vegetable mixture.
5. Add chicken and green pepper to skillet, cook and stir over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
6. Combine the 1 cup broth and cornstarch, stir into skillet.
7. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, then cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
8. Fluff couscous with a fork. Serve chicken mixture over couscous. Makes 4 servings.
Tuesday: White Chili
Wednesday: Dip and Cheese
CROCK POT BEST DIP EVER
Ingredients:
1 (1 pound) package Velveeta
1 can Chili - no beans
1 pound medium or spicy sausage, browned and crumbled
Directions:
1. Put all ingredients into the Crock Pot on low until blended and then keep it there to serve.
Thursday:
Italian Wedding Soup is a soup with a lot of fans. The spinach, garlic, mini meatballs and tiny pasta are the perfect marriage of flavors and texture in the mouth. Interestingly enough the term “wedding” was a mistake in translation of sorts. It was in reference to the flavors blending well, not that it was served at weddings.
The history of this italian recipe originated in Spain where the heavier version contains more meats. It wasn’t until pasta became more affordable that it was added to this fantastic Italian Wedding Soup.
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean mini sized meatballs
4 quarts chicken broth
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 large stalk of celery, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt to taste
10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed
8 oz. orzo, uncooked, or other tiny pasta
Directions:4 quarts chicken broth
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 large stalk of celery, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt to taste
10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed
8 oz. orzo, uncooked, or other tiny pasta
1. Put the broth on to boil while chopping the vegetables.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, seasonings and lemon juice, but leave the salt for later.
3. Bring to a full rolling boil, then turn down the heat and cook until the carrots are very tender.
4. Add salt to taste.
5. Squeeze the thawed spinach gently to remove excess liquid, and add with the pasta.
6. Bring back to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Add the meatballs and simmer gently until the pasta is well done and the meatballs are hot.
Friday: Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
2 10-¾ ounce cans cream of chicken soup
¾ cup milk
1 10-½ ounce package tortilla chips
4 ounce can green chilies, drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 10-¾ ounce cans cream of chicken soup
¾ cup milk
1 10-½ ounce package tortilla chips
4 ounce can green chilies, drained
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, soup and milk together; set aside.
2. In a lightly greased 13"x9" baking dish, layer tortilla chips, half of chicken mixture, green chilies and cheese.
3. Repeat layers ending with cheese.
4. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
5. While casserole is baking, prepare a tossed salad to serve with dinner. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Cake Pops
A few weeks ago, a few girl-friends came over for movie and drinks night. Emily brought with her the most amazing cake pops. They were red velvet, covered with white almond bark, and sprinkled with white pearl candy. I've Googled a few recipes and found not only a variety of fun options.
These are similar to those Emily brought over. I am thinking I'll try these for the end of the baseball season for the boys and decorate little baseballs. I might even make some baby heads for our practice anniversary party.
These are similar to those Emily brought over. I am thinking I'll try these for the end of the baseball season for the boys and decorate little baseballs. I might even make some baby heads for our practice anniversary party.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday's Menu
Monday: Porcupines
Tuesday: Chicken Noodle Soup - recipe from the back of the Reames Egg Noodle package
Will need onion, celery, carrots, and heavy cram or half and half.
Wednesday: White Chili - need to find this recipe, but will need three types of white beans and ground turkey.
Thursday: Roast
Friday: I'll be exhausted by this point, so might do homemade pizzas.
We should have a few births this week, I am in the office each day, the boys start baseball this week, guitar, piano, Bible study and ATV, dog agility and Keely's birthday party. Oh my. I am suppose to work out too.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Fats & Oils
This week I had four straight days off call. It was fantabulous!! I cooked every single meal for the kids and our house hasn't ever been cleaner. Fun!! I even did some chores from the "to do" list. I cleaned out a huge junk pile box and painted a few chairs. We didn't go anywhere special as the kids had hoped, but we were productive.
Inspired by my week, I thought I would share a bit about healthy oils and fats. I'll share a bit too about the not so healthy ones.
The Good
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I am sure you already knew that, but did you know this oil is best for non-heated use like salad dressing or dipping bread. It can be used for frying at low temperatures, but even better for frying is butter or extra virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil in particular is great for baking and higher temperature cooking. Be sure to always purchase the virgin oil. It can be stored on your counter.
Are you alarmed by butter? It is a fabulous fat source actually. An important point though, is that toxins are stored in the fat of animals. Butter is no exception, so it is important to find an organic butter source. Grass-fed or pastured butters are best.
Grapeseed oil, sesame, sunflower and peanut are all high in omega-6. Flax seed shouldn't be heated and is more of a supplement.
The Bad
You might be surprised again, but canola oil is dangerous and toxic! Canola oil is genetically modified and not fit for humans. Other vegetable oils like safflower, soy, corn, and cottonseed are highly processed oils and usually used for baking and other high temperature cooking. Move these out and replace them with butter or coconut oil.
The Ugly
Oils kept out in the light, in clear glass or plastic bottles, that are exposed to air or that are old, can easily become rancid. Buy oils in smaller amounts, and store either in the fridge, or in a dark, cool cupboard.
Margarine should always be avoided. Period.
Hydrogenated oils should absolutely be avoided. This is found in lots of junk food snacks and of course trans fats, avoid.
Inspired by my week, I thought I would share a bit about healthy oils and fats. I'll share a bit too about the not so healthy ones.
The Good
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I am sure you already knew that, but did you know this oil is best for non-heated use like salad dressing or dipping bread. It can be used for frying at low temperatures, but even better for frying is butter or extra virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil in particular is great for baking and higher temperature cooking. Be sure to always purchase the virgin oil. It can be stored on your counter.
Are you alarmed by butter? It is a fabulous fat source actually. An important point though, is that toxins are stored in the fat of animals. Butter is no exception, so it is important to find an organic butter source. Grass-fed or pastured butters are best.
Grapeseed oil, sesame, sunflower and peanut are all high in omega-6. Flax seed shouldn't be heated and is more of a supplement.
The Bad
You might be surprised again, but canola oil is dangerous and toxic! Canola oil is genetically modified and not fit for humans. Other vegetable oils like safflower, soy, corn, and cottonseed are highly processed oils and usually used for baking and other high temperature cooking. Move these out and replace them with butter or coconut oil.
The Ugly
Oils kept out in the light, in clear glass or plastic bottles, that are exposed to air or that are old, can easily become rancid. Buy oils in smaller amounts, and store either in the fridge, or in a dark, cool cupboard.
Margarine should always be avoided. Period.
Hydrogenated oils should absolutely be avoided. This is found in lots of junk food snacks and of course trans fats, avoid.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Midwifery - My Calling
Being a midwife only places me where the Lord wants me to strengthen my faith and to evangelize. He thrills me with His creation, His plan and places me in a position to share my joy, my testimony. It is not about midwifery, or natural childbirth entirely. The only importance in my role is that I am a midwife in love with my Father and am called to love His children.
Every act in our lives strikes some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
Every act in our lives strikes some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
My Prayer for Lyric
"Lord, I am tentative in asking you for another child. You know my heart and how long I have held the desire. I believe you are all knowing and see what is best for our family, the dynamics, relationships, safety through birth, and the heart of such child. I want your will. I am also aware of how undeserving I am of another little one. I have much to learn as a Godly mother. Patience. Kindness. Gentleness. I also am not in control of my health, to have the safest pregnancy and birth. Yet, Lord, if it is pleasing to you, I ask of you to bless me again. Create in me a mother after your own heart. If it is your will that I shall not birth again, please give me peace. Help me not to grow bitter. Most importantly, assist me in my role today. Keely and Noah need a mother you have molded. A mature, God-fearing, self-controled, obedient, loving woman of God.
Lord, I pray my children will both desire a loving family throughout their lives. That they will create and nurture loving relationships. Further, I pray for them unity at home. Allow me to better direct them in this goal. Gentleness. Loving. Self-controlled. Patience. Peaceful.
Amen."
This was a bittersweet finding. I can not comprehend how fulfilling it will be to meet my Father face-to-face and know full well that He understood the intentions of my heart.
Lord, I pray my children will both desire a loving family throughout their lives. That they will create and nurture loving relationships. Further, I pray for them unity at home. Allow me to better direct them in this goal. Gentleness. Loving. Self-controlled. Patience. Peaceful.
Amen."
This was a bittersweet finding. I can not comprehend how fulfilling it will be to meet my Father face-to-face and know full well that He understood the intentions of my heart.
Natural Cleaning Products
I've had a few requests for our natural products recipes, particularly our laundry soap. I've used a few different recipes, but always use a liquid form. Some of my clients use powder, but it seems like more work to make but certainly takes up less room. We choose the Ivory soap since it is free of any perfumes or chemicals, and I typically add a little lavender for fun. Mike has taken over this responsibility to a large degree, because he can use his fancy stir stick that connects to his drill which apparently is quite fun for him.
Homemade Laundry Soap
1/3 Fels Naptha, Zote or whole bar Ivory Soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax powder
essential oil to scent as desired
5 gallon bucket
Grate soap into sauce pan. The smaller the shavings the easier and quicker it will melt. Add 6 cups of water and heat on low. Stir until soap melts. Add washing soda and borax. Stir until dissolved. Pour 4 cups in hot water into large bucket, add soap mixture and stir. Add additional 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let soap sit for 24 hours, to gel. Use 1/2 cup per load of clothing. Put in water and mix before adding clothes. Costs about a penny a load.
Keely and I make the natural cleaning products and we do love them. They work well and because we add essential oils, they smell fabulous as you clean which is exceptionally motivating. We do have a bit of trouble getting the fish tank glass clean, but I think overall appreciate that it is a natural product and far safer for the fish, so an easy compromise. Many of the recipes we use can be found here.
We recently make our own bee's wax, hand-dipped candles and love them as well. We're hoping to make soaps soon as well. The biggest decision we have made is that we won't buy junk food anymore. This is part of our weight loss plan. Rather than deny ourselves entirely and then fail miserably, we've decided if we want something like that, we'll just have to make it homemade.
Homemade Laundry Soap
1/3 Fels Naptha, Zote or whole bar Ivory Soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax powder
essential oil to scent as desired
5 gallon bucket
Grate soap into sauce pan. The smaller the shavings the easier and quicker it will melt. Add 6 cups of water and heat on low. Stir until soap melts. Add washing soda and borax. Stir until dissolved. Pour 4 cups in hot water into large bucket, add soap mixture and stir. Add additional 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let soap sit for 24 hours, to gel. Use 1/2 cup per load of clothing. Put in water and mix before adding clothes. Costs about a penny a load.
Keely and I make the natural cleaning products and we do love them. They work well and because we add essential oils, they smell fabulous as you clean which is exceptionally motivating. We do have a bit of trouble getting the fish tank glass clean, but I think overall appreciate that it is a natural product and far safer for the fish, so an easy compromise. Many of the recipes we use can be found here.
We recently make our own bee's wax, hand-dipped candles and love them as well. We're hoping to make soaps soon as well. The biggest decision we have made is that we won't buy junk food anymore. This is part of our weight loss plan. Rather than deny ourselves entirely and then fail miserably, we've decided if we want something like that, we'll just have to make it homemade.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Gardening
So I am preparing for the new season, although my beautiful garden has been taken over somewhat by our ever-growing farm. This year, I am hoping to split some of our crops with Holly and as always, I have full intentions of really making a good go at it so we can maximize our harvest.
It will be a bit of bittersweet though, because Keely let her goat run wild quite often through the fall and she has eaten most of my work last year. All my roses bushes are gone (which I waited three years to find), strawberries gone (organic grown from root), my evergreens in the middle of the garden are nearly gone and Lyric's Rose of Sharon is just a single twig. Yes, I feel as if she has completely disrespected me and I don't think she has a clue how much her negligence has broken my heart. That is all part of growing up a child. They will grow back. Forgiven.
This year, I am thinking once again marigolds around the inside perimeter. I am going to try a row of carrots and radishes. I am planning to put those together so the slow growing carrots will be protected by the faster growing radishes. Although, I might move the carrots to a barrel.
I'd like to plant some colorful varieties of lettuce like 'Red Sails' and 'Buttercrunch.' We need to plant these a few days apart so we don't waste our bounty. Leaf lettuce would also be great, fast to harvest.
I've never had success planting inside, but I think I might give it another try. I could purchase a light and start them in the basement. Would that be too out-of-sight, out-of-mind?
Bush beans this year - a variety so we don't get as bored. Royal Burgundy, Bush Blue Lake and Mellow Yellow. Pole beans too.
I've wanted to try onions again. I loved their smell through the yard last year. Maybe Super Snappy peas and Gypsy peppers. Cucumbers. Bush are suppose to be more compact.
Green tiger zucchini and Scallop squash. Maybe.
Mixing tomatoes like Early Girl with colorful, sweet, bite-size types like yellow pear. Even chocolate cherry. We can tomatoes a great deal though, so the Roma are a definite. The chickens really like the cherry tomatoes, so we might need to do some of those as well.
Sunflowers for the kids - Teddy Bear and Kong.
I am hoping Holly will grow some corn, pumpkin, cantaloupe and watermelon. I still have a great deal of planning ahead of me. I am excited to see our front yard landscaping come to life this season. We need a deck built in the back desperately and then hope to have a bit of work done back there (really, just boundaries cut into the yard, and more mulch under the swing set).
I anticipate filling the yard with more peonies! I think they complement the house nice. Oh how I would love to paint this ol' salmon home. If only we had the money.
It will be a bit of bittersweet though, because Keely let her goat run wild quite often through the fall and she has eaten most of my work last year. All my roses bushes are gone (which I waited three years to find), strawberries gone (organic grown from root), my evergreens in the middle of the garden are nearly gone and Lyric's Rose of Sharon is just a single twig. Yes, I feel as if she has completely disrespected me and I don't think she has a clue how much her negligence has broken my heart. That is all part of growing up a child. They will grow back. Forgiven.
This year, I am thinking once again marigolds around the inside perimeter. I am going to try a row of carrots and radishes. I am planning to put those together so the slow growing carrots will be protected by the faster growing radishes. Although, I might move the carrots to a barrel.
I'd like to plant some colorful varieties of lettuce like 'Red Sails' and 'Buttercrunch.' We need to plant these a few days apart so we don't waste our bounty. Leaf lettuce would also be great, fast to harvest.
I've never had success planting inside, but I think I might give it another try. I could purchase a light and start them in the basement. Would that be too out-of-sight, out-of-mind?
Bush beans this year - a variety so we don't get as bored. Royal Burgundy, Bush Blue Lake and Mellow Yellow. Pole beans too.
I've wanted to try onions again. I loved their smell through the yard last year. Maybe Super Snappy peas and Gypsy peppers. Cucumbers. Bush are suppose to be more compact.
Green tiger zucchini and Scallop squash. Maybe.
Mixing tomatoes like Early Girl with colorful, sweet, bite-size types like yellow pear. Even chocolate cherry. We can tomatoes a great deal though, so the Roma are a definite. The chickens really like the cherry tomatoes, so we might need to do some of those as well.
Sunflowers for the kids - Teddy Bear and Kong.
I am hoping Holly will grow some corn, pumpkin, cantaloupe and watermelon. I still have a great deal of planning ahead of me. I am excited to see our front yard landscaping come to life this season. We need a deck built in the back desperately and then hope to have a bit of work done back there (really, just boundaries cut into the yard, and more mulch under the swing set).
Monday, April 4, 2011
Prayer
On August 10th, 2003, I prayed...
"Lord, use my children. Cause them to fail even if it causes me to appear a failed mother, if it is to glorify you in their walk."
"Lord, use my children. Cause them to fail even if it causes me to appear a failed mother, if it is to glorify you in their walk."
Ministry
Notes from my old journal - I must stand guard that my women's ministry does not become too comfortable. What compells me to do this ministry? What if everyone says no? What would compell me then? Is this what I want - or what God needs?
Too much who has been given - much is going to be expected - Jodi Lamb.
Psalms 119:37 Have a Vision
Vision changes our attitude. "Lord, this is your moment. This is where you take control!"
If you are working in a ministry God has not called you - you are holding someone back who is called. I have certainly felt the heart-break of that fact.
"Rejoice in the Lord always..." Phil 4:4 Whistle while you work!
Too much who has been given - much is going to be expected - Jodi Lamb.
Psalms 119:37 Have a Vision
Vision changes our attitude. "Lord, this is your moment. This is where you take control!"
If you are working in a ministry God has not called you - you are holding someone back who is called. I have certainly felt the heart-break of that fact.
"Rejoice in the Lord always..." Phil 4:4 Whistle while you work!
Faith Evangelism Wisdom
Faith - I Cor 12:9
The Greek word used for faith is pistis. Conviction, confidence, trust, belief, reliance, trustworthiness, and persuasion. It is the divinely implanted principle of inward confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says. It is the ability to envision what God wants to happen and to be certain He is going to make it happen in response to prayer even when there is no concrete evidence available. Spontaneously granted spiritual ability to release the energy of God for any given action or need.
Evangelism - Eph 4:11
The ability to present the Gospel to unbelievers in such a clear and meaningful way that people respond and become believers. The term "evangelist" comes from a Greek word meaning "one who announces good news."
Wisdom - 1 Cor 12:8
The ability to regulate one's relationship with God by being able to apply God's truth to an immediate problem or need and help others do the same. The Greek word is sophia which means practical, prudence, skill, comprehensive insight. Insight into the true nature of things.
The Greek word used for faith is pistis. Conviction, confidence, trust, belief, reliance, trustworthiness, and persuasion. It is the divinely implanted principle of inward confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says. It is the ability to envision what God wants to happen and to be certain He is going to make it happen in response to prayer even when there is no concrete evidence available. Spontaneously granted spiritual ability to release the energy of God for any given action or need.
Evangelism - Eph 4:11
The ability to present the Gospel to unbelievers in such a clear and meaningful way that people respond and become believers. The term "evangelist" comes from a Greek word meaning "one who announces good news."
Wisdom - 1 Cor 12:8
The ability to regulate one's relationship with God by being able to apply God's truth to an immediate problem or need and help others do the same. The Greek word is sophia which means practical, prudence, skill, comprehensive insight. Insight into the true nature of things.
Monday's Menu
Monday: Beef & Noodle Toss (fabulous and super easy to make)
Break 8oz lasagna noodles in half. Cook. Drain. Season beef with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. Toss with 2Tbsp flour. Heat oil in a skillet. Add meat, remaining flour, and 1 pint grape tomatoes. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until beef is well browned, stirring often. Add 8oz sliced mushrooms and 4 cloves garlic, minced. Cook 5 minutes more. Add 1 14oz can broth; cook 3 to 4 minutes more or until beef is done and liquid is slightly thickened. Add cooked noodles to skillet; stir gently to coat. Heat through. Spoon into pasta bowls to serve. Maybe add asparagus to the side.
Tuesday: Mango Chicken Salad (absolutely amazing!!!)
Preheat over to 350 degrees. Cut chicken into bite-size chunks. Squeeze juice from 1 lime (2 Tbsp); cut remaining into wedges. In large saucepan combine 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk; lime juice, 1 Tbsp soy sauce; and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper. Add chicken (3 skinless halves) and bring to boil; reduce and cook, covered for 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, spread coconut in a shallow pan. Bake, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden, stirring once. Remove chicken and cooking liquid to a bowl. Add mangos; toss to coat. Sprinkle with coconut. Spoon into lettuce leaves. This screams spring!!
Wednesday: Potatoes & Chops in Crock (in the crock now, easy to make and looks delicious)
Trim fat from 4 tenderloin chops. Mix 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp cajun spice season, salt and pepper and rub half on the chops. Brown chops on both sides, in oil. Reduce to low. Pour off excess. Add 1 can cond cream of mushroom and 1 can cond cheddar cheese soup with 1/2 cup water, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of skillet. Set aside. Meanwhile peel potatoes. Slice into large bowl, with 1 med onion and remain spice mixture, tossing to coat well. Put in crock and cover with chops. Pour soup evenly. Cook 8 to 9 hours.
Thursday: Chicken Pie
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 3 pound cooked and deboned chicken, cut into pieces in bottom of 9x13 casserole dish. Cover with 2 hard boiled, sliced eggs. Bring 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup and 1 1/4 cup chicken broth to a boil. Pour over chicken and eggs. Combine 1 cup self-rising flour, 1 cup buttermilk and 1/2 cup butter, melted in a bowel. Pour over chicken. Bake for 45 minutes.
Friday: Turkey Meatballs and Vegetable Soup (Samuel's favorite!) with brown rice (a family favorite)
Heat olive oil (2 Tbsp) in large saucepan and saute 1 cup onion diced, 1 cup celery, and 1 cup carrots for five minutes. Stir in 2 Tbsp flour to coat vegetables. Add chicken broth (4 cups) and 24 frozen turkey meatballs. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add prepared brown rice and serve immediately.
Bedtime
We are still struggling with bedtimes. I am quite a bit more successful at getting the boys to lay down just after 9pm, and most of the time they fall asleep right away. In fact, even if I am falling behind in schedule, their behavior reminds me it is near bedtime so clearly their body's are becoming accustomed.
Unfortunately however, they only sleep for about three or four hours and then are up, demanding to be out of bed. Urgh.
I am typically the first one out of bed, even though I am always the last one to bed. Getting everyone out of bed early is really challenging for me. I am finding fewer demands lately that keep me up way past bedtime (although it is currently 0330 and I am trying to finish up charting and billing in the office). Hopefully in the next few months I can master this routine and create a strong influence on Samuel and Simon's biological clock.
I am well aware that their not sleeping well affects their temper tantrums, hyperactivity, growth, health and even learning. It even affects their security and confidence. Routines create security.
Samuel is no longer taking a nap, although Simon still needs two most days.
I am so much more productive in the evening, a typical procrastinator, so Lord willing - I'll start to dim the activity towards bedtime as we make these changes. We have started the bath together every evening, which has proven a great transition. Brush teeth. Diaper and pajamas and a book.
We eat dinner way too late and this is another task I need to take back control. Keely has done the vast majority of the cooking since Lyric passed away. She is a slob when she cooks and destroys my kitchen. When I clean, I tend to start up-stairs so I know that the dirt is going down and everything behind me is clean. This often means the kitchen gets the least of my attention and the dining room is the dumping station. These two rooms though are exactly what our company sees each time they visit. I am so thoroughly happy when the kitchen is clean and because I am a multi-tasker, when I cook, I clean. This is only a win-win because we'll be eating better meals as well (not because I cook better than Keely, but because I plan ahead and therefore have more balanced meals).
I genuinely look forward to baking bread and I've decided no more desserts or cookies or anything baked from the store. If we want to splurge, it must be homemade.
I need to be sure the kids are thoroughly active through the day as well. Mostly they are and they don't tend to watch much TV unless they are eating in the kitchen. I absolutely adore watching them play outside and look forward to the spring and summer. (I sure hope we can get a deck built this summer!)
That's the plan. Pray for restful nights for my boys.
Unfortunately however, they only sleep for about three or four hours and then are up, demanding to be out of bed. Urgh.
I am typically the first one out of bed, even though I am always the last one to bed. Getting everyone out of bed early is really challenging for me. I am finding fewer demands lately that keep me up way past bedtime (although it is currently 0330 and I am trying to finish up charting and billing in the office). Hopefully in the next few months I can master this routine and create a strong influence on Samuel and Simon's biological clock.
I am well aware that their not sleeping well affects their temper tantrums, hyperactivity, growth, health and even learning. It even affects their security and confidence. Routines create security.
Samuel is no longer taking a nap, although Simon still needs two most days.
I am so much more productive in the evening, a typical procrastinator, so Lord willing - I'll start to dim the activity towards bedtime as we make these changes. We have started the bath together every evening, which has proven a great transition. Brush teeth. Diaper and pajamas and a book.
We eat dinner way too late and this is another task I need to take back control. Keely has done the vast majority of the cooking since Lyric passed away. She is a slob when she cooks and destroys my kitchen. When I clean, I tend to start up-stairs so I know that the dirt is going down and everything behind me is clean. This often means the kitchen gets the least of my attention and the dining room is the dumping station. These two rooms though are exactly what our company sees each time they visit. I am so thoroughly happy when the kitchen is clean and because I am a multi-tasker, when I cook, I clean. This is only a win-win because we'll be eating better meals as well (not because I cook better than Keely, but because I plan ahead and therefore have more balanced meals).
I genuinely look forward to baking bread and I've decided no more desserts or cookies or anything baked from the store. If we want to splurge, it must be homemade.
I need to be sure the kids are thoroughly active through the day as well. Mostly they are and they don't tend to watch much TV unless they are eating in the kitchen. I absolutely adore watching them play outside and look forward to the spring and summer. (I sure hope we can get a deck built this summer!)
That's the plan. Pray for restful nights for my boys.
She does him good. (Prov. 31:12)
Lord, I pray that my husband will work hard to provide for our family, to the best of his ability. I pray Lord that if your will be that his work becomes staying at home to help raise his children, so that our midwifery ministry can flourish, that he feel joy in this role and that we find financial security in taking this step. Lord, I pray that the character qualities necessary for either maintaining his position in his current occupation or those required if he were to stay at home will be a growing part of his character - persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, delegation, positive relationships with people, determination and compassion. (Romans 12:11; 1 Cor 15:58).
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Happiest Baby on the Block
I haven't been a fan of Dr. Karp, to the great disappointment of many of my colleagues. I just found my notes and reasons for my great distaste, from a CAPPA conference in 2005.
Dr. Karp explained the "Shhh..." that he discusses as one of the primary mechanisms for quieting a newborn must be louder than the baby's cry. In fact, "It must be at the decimal of a lawn mower." This isn't at all damaging to the newborn's ear.
I made note that my overall impression was, "The baby is the enemy. Here are my strategies to conquer it. Belittle. Restrain. Over-stimulate. Over-power. Depress."
The fourth S is swinging. He stated in this particular workshop that the swing must be set at the top speed and baby must be swaddled tightly in the swing with its arms and hands down at its side. He also mentioned while carried in a sling, the arms should be bound down at the baby's side. In spite of being set at the top speed, the swing might not rock as hard as is necessary. In this case, you might need to do it manually. "Don't worry about shaken baby syndrome. The head must slam the chest and the back to cause damage." No joke.
I spent a great deal of time during this workshop looking around the room for others whose jaw had plummeted to sitting on the table in front of them, but wasn't nearly as successful as I should have been. I honestly think Linda Smith must have blacked out because surely she would have screamed profanities as him had she heard his teaching.
Dr. Karp stated that pacifiers can be a very important. I don't completely disagree, but in the context of everything else, it simply seemed like one more strategy to keep baby from settling at mom's breast. In fact, I believe Freud would say Dr. Karp has a serious case of breast envy.
"Vigorously!" was the term he used repeatedly, as he detailed each of his five S's. Yuck. I honestly was appalled and haven't been back to another CAPPA event. I couldn't believe they had him speak the very next year. His book, although I've never read it and am quite sure it was improved upon his speech by a fabulous editor, was abruptly pulled from my lending library and is now ash at the local dump.
By the way mothers, that "burning" you felt during the birthing process and thought it was because baby had reached your perineum and was now stretching tissue is actually because your cervix just reached ten centimeters and the baby's head is just barely big enough to fit through it. I have no doubt that I made some obnoxious gasps at this point, and am quite certain I was even louder when he said that "people don't do skin to skin because it doesn't work!"
It broke my heart to hear Dr. Karp explain that, "babies don't have the coordination to suck their thumbs," and that they "upset themselves by hitting themselves" which is why we need to restrain them.
State programs have begun to support his teachings. I suppose that makes sense, because they also support spending millions of dollars on cribs rather than teach safe co-sleeping strategies that most parents end up doing anyway - even if they didn't plan to and - even if they tell you differently.
Dr. Karp explained the "Shhh..." that he discusses as one of the primary mechanisms for quieting a newborn must be louder than the baby's cry. In fact, "It must be at the decimal of a lawn mower." This isn't at all damaging to the newborn's ear.
I made note that my overall impression was, "The baby is the enemy. Here are my strategies to conquer it. Belittle. Restrain. Over-stimulate. Over-power. Depress."
The fourth S is swinging. He stated in this particular workshop that the swing must be set at the top speed and baby must be swaddled tightly in the swing with its arms and hands down at its side. He also mentioned while carried in a sling, the arms should be bound down at the baby's side. In spite of being set at the top speed, the swing might not rock as hard as is necessary. In this case, you might need to do it manually. "Don't worry about shaken baby syndrome. The head must slam the chest and the back to cause damage." No joke.
I spent a great deal of time during this workshop looking around the room for others whose jaw had plummeted to sitting on the table in front of them, but wasn't nearly as successful as I should have been. I honestly think Linda Smith must have blacked out because surely she would have screamed profanities as him had she heard his teaching.
Dr. Karp stated that pacifiers can be a very important. I don't completely disagree, but in the context of everything else, it simply seemed like one more strategy to keep baby from settling at mom's breast. In fact, I believe Freud would say Dr. Karp has a serious case of breast envy.
"Vigorously!" was the term he used repeatedly, as he detailed each of his five S's. Yuck. I honestly was appalled and haven't been back to another CAPPA event. I couldn't believe they had him speak the very next year. His book, although I've never read it and am quite sure it was improved upon his speech by a fabulous editor, was abruptly pulled from my lending library and is now ash at the local dump.
By the way mothers, that "burning" you felt during the birthing process and thought it was because baby had reached your perineum and was now stretching tissue is actually because your cervix just reached ten centimeters and the baby's head is just barely big enough to fit through it. I have no doubt that I made some obnoxious gasps at this point, and am quite certain I was even louder when he said that "people don't do skin to skin because it doesn't work!"
It broke my heart to hear Dr. Karp explain that, "babies don't have the coordination to suck their thumbs," and that they "upset themselves by hitting themselves" which is why we need to restrain them.
State programs have begun to support his teachings. I suppose that makes sense, because they also support spending millions of dollars on cribs rather than teach safe co-sleeping strategies that most parents end up doing anyway - even if they didn't plan to and - even if they tell you differently.
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