Here I sit, on the last day of the year, thinking about how things have changed! For one, I am not searching for the party of the year. I have no intention whatsoever of getting so schnockered that I don't even remember bring in the new year! I remember when I enjoyed doing that, now I just wonder why on earth anyone wants to spend the first day of the new year hung over? Instead, I have done nothing but sit on the couch with my husband, watching our two beautiful children playing on the floor with their plethora of new Christmas toys. Looking back, it was a crazy year. Many things changed in our family: new jobs for my man; surgery, new friends, and a new school for my girl; changing from baby to toddler for my son. As for me, there are a lot of new things. Most people would view them as insignificant, but not I. No, I see every detail as something important in some way. I do not believe in chance, or coincidence. Each moment that has happened, or will happen, was specifically written into my life by my Creator.
I've spent a solid year without having to choose between a 9-5 job and my kids. Instead, I've been given the privilege of caring for my children, as well as the children of 3 teachers here in town. I figured it up: I make a whoppin' $8 an hour watching those extra kids, and I certainly don't get paid for my own. But to me, its priceless to be able to serve my family every hour of the day.
I've had to learn how to be OK alone at times. That I will be OK if Barb Wire Man doesn't make it home every night because of his job. I learned that keeping a very large revolver close at hand sometimes helps me feel more at ease when he is gone!
I've been proven yet again that God, not a job, the government, or a husband, is my Provider. This has proven true more times in my life than I could ever count! When my husband went without a job, we never hurt for money. We never went hungry, and our bills were always paid and current. My husband's dream job opened up for him at just the right time. God's timing is always perfect.
I've re-learned that not only is God my provider, but He is also my protector. "Something" told me we had problems with our home's gas service. On a hunch, I called the gas company and asked them to look at it. Sure enough, gas was leaking into my home from a broken line under my kitchen. The leak was so bad, the gas man was surprised no one was injured. Thankfully, we were able to convert our gas water heater to electric in a matter of hours. How many nights did my family fall asleep, unknowingly breathing in carbon monoxide, yet wake completely healthy the next day?! I'm sure experts could give you reasons, but I will operate on the fact that is was God providing divine protection for His children.
I've learned that going to college does not make you intelligent, nor does dropping out of school make you an idiot. That a person lacking "higher education" can make as much if not more money than the genius just out of college.
I've learned that sometimes it is nice to sit on the couch holding your children on each side of you, and not worry about the way your kitchen looks, or the laundry piled up on the other couch....which was probably the reason the kids were so close to me to begin with!
I've learned much more, but will stop there. The last day of 2010 in the Texas panhandle is pretty nasty....winds in excess of 25 mph sustained, with gusts upwards or 55. Yes, its the type of day when the weather men tell you to tie down lawn furniture, and to hold on to dogs and small children. Anyone under 100 pounds should put rocks in your pocket, and/or tie a flag to yourself. There are some nasty brown clouds, not because rain is on the way, but because there is so much dirt in the air the sky is actually brown. And its bitterly cold - 37 degrees by my thermometer- which makes the wind chill negative to damn cold for me to go outside degrees. (I made that up, by the way!)
I think I will go now and put on some hot tea to warm my bones, then cuddle up next to barb wire man who is asleep on the couch, holding the remote control so I can't change the channel on the TV. And I bet I will be in bed by 10:30, so have fun ringing in the new year without me!
Happy New Year, everyone, and may 2011 be blessed!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Lady in the Craft Store
I pray that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and that everyone was able to share some wonderful time with your family making memories. I have but 3 more days of vacation, spending time with my two babies. I didn't get nearly accomplished that I had hoped, but I did get to see them learn and experience some of life's most important lessons. I will share one of those with you today, and hope it brings you a little smile.
When, if, I waste my valuable time watching TV, its almost always on some type of history related show. I absolutely love anything about history. I've even been known to watch ghost hunter shows, only to hear about the unique history of a building....I could care less about hunting ghosts!
One of my favorite periods to learn about is World War II. I cannot soak in enough about this era, so we were watching a show about the Nazi's. My sweet Flower had a horrified look in her face when she looked at me, and the conversation went something like this:
Momma, I think this just cannot be true.
And why is that?
I just don't think there is anyone who can be that mean, cruel, and hate other people so much, that they kill them just because of what they believe.
Well, unfortunately, there were, and still are, people with that much hate in their heart. And yes, this truly did happen. Never forget it, and learn from it.
Yes, but mom,. it was so long ago. I mean, I bet we don't even know one person who could tell us about how it really was then.
I began telling her stories of how my Grandfather fought in World War II. Told her how a very dear friend of mine's grandfather was actually in the SS during this time. Told her about another friend I have who's grandmother was in a concentration camp. She was blown away, when I began connecting people we know very well to a story on TV....we knew someone from almost every side of that war.
We went on about our day. Drove an hour to go shopping with some Christmas money we had received. Our last stop was at Hobby Lobby, and I was, of course, on the knitting supply aisle. A lovely elderly lady was just a few feet away from us. My girl said "MOM! Can I get some more yarn to finish my scarf with?" I told her no, that she needed to finish knitting what she already had first. "You never do, mom." She caught me....do as I say, not as I do! Right then, this lady said "Excuse me, but I couldn't help but over hear your conversation with your daughter. Did she say she knits?" "Yes ma'am", I said, "She certainly does. Still learning, of course, but doing very well." Her face lit up, and was so happy to hear that this little 7 year old knew how to knit. I will shorten the story., but you will get the gist. It started like this:
"Back ages ago, when I was not much older than you, my mother taught me to knit. My very first project was an olive drab sweater, size 46, for a young man. You see, this was back during The War, and we ladies did anythin' we could for those fightin' boys. I knew that young man was fightin' off them 'natzees', and he needed something to keep himself warm....
45 minutes later, we learned that she married one of those fightin' boys, but the last few years were a bit harder, because the Lord called him home.
I struggled to keep the tears back.
Flower was entranced. I could tell by the look in her eyes that she was not ready for the story to be over. She even asked if we could invite her to our house for tea. My Flower learned that the stories she saw on TV were much, much more than stories. They were personal. The lady she saw working on fighter jets on the show? Well, that could easily have been the woman we just spoke with. The soldier she saw rescuing Jews from the concentration camp? That could have been her great-pa. There are people who remember those days as well as you and I remember what we had for breakfast.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, to that sweet little old lady in Hobby Lobby. I fell in love with her!
Let's remember a few things, too.
If we do not learn from history, we will repeat history!
We have "fightin' boys" now, too. I'm not a huge supporter of this, but we have fightin' ladies, too. We need to always remember them, pray for them, and support them, regardless of how you feel about that war being fought. Their job is not to choose, but to do the duty they signed up to do.
When, if, I waste my valuable time watching TV, its almost always on some type of history related show. I absolutely love anything about history. I've even been known to watch ghost hunter shows, only to hear about the unique history of a building....I could care less about hunting ghosts!
One of my favorite periods to learn about is World War II. I cannot soak in enough about this era, so we were watching a show about the Nazi's. My sweet Flower had a horrified look in her face when she looked at me, and the conversation went something like this:
Momma, I think this just cannot be true.
And why is that?
I just don't think there is anyone who can be that mean, cruel, and hate other people so much, that they kill them just because of what they believe.
Well, unfortunately, there were, and still are, people with that much hate in their heart. And yes, this truly did happen. Never forget it, and learn from it.
Yes, but mom,. it was so long ago. I mean, I bet we don't even know one person who could tell us about how it really was then.
I began telling her stories of how my Grandfather fought in World War II. Told her how a very dear friend of mine's grandfather was actually in the SS during this time. Told her about another friend I have who's grandmother was in a concentration camp. She was blown away, when I began connecting people we know very well to a story on TV....we knew someone from almost every side of that war.
We went on about our day. Drove an hour to go shopping with some Christmas money we had received. Our last stop was at Hobby Lobby, and I was, of course, on the knitting supply aisle. A lovely elderly lady was just a few feet away from us. My girl said "MOM! Can I get some more yarn to finish my scarf with?" I told her no, that she needed to finish knitting what she already had first. "You never do, mom." She caught me....do as I say, not as I do! Right then, this lady said "Excuse me, but I couldn't help but over hear your conversation with your daughter. Did she say she knits?" "Yes ma'am", I said, "She certainly does. Still learning, of course, but doing very well." Her face lit up, and was so happy to hear that this little 7 year old knew how to knit. I will shorten the story., but you will get the gist. It started like this:
"Back ages ago, when I was not much older than you, my mother taught me to knit. My very first project was an olive drab sweater, size 46, for a young man. You see, this was back during The War, and we ladies did anythin' we could for those fightin' boys. I knew that young man was fightin' off them 'natzees', and he needed something to keep himself warm....
45 minutes later, we learned that she married one of those fightin' boys, but the last few years were a bit harder, because the Lord called him home.
I struggled to keep the tears back.
Flower was entranced. I could tell by the look in her eyes that she was not ready for the story to be over. She even asked if we could invite her to our house for tea. My Flower learned that the stories she saw on TV were much, much more than stories. They were personal. The lady she saw working on fighter jets on the show? Well, that could easily have been the woman we just spoke with. The soldier she saw rescuing Jews from the concentration camp? That could have been her great-pa. There are people who remember those days as well as you and I remember what we had for breakfast.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, to that sweet little old lady in Hobby Lobby. I fell in love with her!
Let's remember a few things, too.
If we do not learn from history, we will repeat history!
We have "fightin' boys" now, too. I'm not a huge supporter of this, but we have fightin' ladies, too. We need to always remember them, pray for them, and support them, regardless of how you feel about that war being fought. Their job is not to choose, but to do the duty they signed up to do.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Ready for Some Normalcy!
My goodness. I haven't sat down to write in over a week. It feels like longer, though! It has been insanely crazy around here lately.
I have had this week, and will have all of next week, off from the daycare. I am very lucky that all my moms are teachers, so when my little Flower is out of school, so are the teachers! I thought it would be quite relaxing. Well, this is one of the very few times I was wrong!
Flower's surgery went great. They did give her some loopy meds before they actually took her away for the surgery, but the poor child is just like me. We have very high metabolisms, and medicines tend to wear off on us before they do on other people. So she remembers them taking her away, and so do I. I will never forget that. I assumed it would be hard. I was wrong again. It was painful. It broke my heart. My daddy was back there with me when they took her, and as they wheeled her off she turned around, tried to get off the bed and cried "Mommy NO!!!! Mommy!!!! Mommy!!!!" It broke my heart, and when I got to the waiting room with my son and my mom I lost it. About the time I recovered, they came and told me it was over! The doctor said he had never seen such scarring from infection on a 7 year old, so it was high time for those tonsils to come out. She is recovering perfectly, and we had our follow up today. Everything looks great, and she should be able to eat Christmas supper just fine!
Our laptop went to visit the great big Dell laptop cloud in the sky. Or so I thought. I struggled with repairing that thing all night last Wednesday. Even had a friend here who witnessed it! The last thing the screen told me was "This computer cannot correct itself. Please contact Dell." I turned it off, and put it in the back room. My husband came home, pushed the power button, and would you believe the damn thing turned on perfectly!? NOT ONE SINGLE PROBLEM! And it hasn't messed up since. So, my sweet Barb Wire Man told me that I was no longer allowed to use it, because every time I touch it it messes up! So, I have been relegated to the desktop computer. The one hiding in our bedroom that we forget we have. The one my hubby used in college. Over 6 years ago. I swear, it takes a full 12 hours just to boot up. But, it did give me incentive to organize our room and rearrange furniture!
Do you remember one of my very first posts about my poor toe? If not, read it here. At the writing of that post, that stupid bed had been in our bedroom for a good month. I have beenasking begging nagging my husband to get that thing out of our room. Did he ever do it? Nah. But I did. I am not a very big person...5'2" on a real good day, 120 lbs soaking wet with combat boots on. But I got that queen sized bed out into the garage all by myself. And, just as a little thank you very much to my man, I put it right in the way of his Harley Davidson. If he wants to go for a ride, he has to move the bed. HAHA. Sweet revenge.
All the Christmas packages are wrapped and ready to be torn into. Tomorrow, we bake in preparation for the Christmas meal at my house on Saturday. (I am so excited. Barb Wire Man's grandmother made me some Kringla, which are Norwegian cookies. I have never in my life tasted anything so delectably delightful in my life.) It will be a long day, but so totally worth it!
I actually got everything sewn that I had intended! I even got some of them mailed on time for Christmas! I still have one thing to make, for one of my very dearest friends. We don't buy each other presents, we always make them. Neither of us really have the money to spend, and we think handmade from the heart is priceless. But, I am knitting it, so it might not get finished in time.
And so, I must close to go knit before I fall over from exhaustion. Tomorrow I plan on posting pictures of my baking adventure with a 7 year old little girl, and a 2 year old little boy who can't sit still for 2 minutes. Have a great night!
I have had this week, and will have all of next week, off from the daycare. I am very lucky that all my moms are teachers, so when my little Flower is out of school, so are the teachers! I thought it would be quite relaxing. Well, this is one of the very few times I was wrong!
Flower's surgery went great. They did give her some loopy meds before they actually took her away for the surgery, but the poor child is just like me. We have very high metabolisms, and medicines tend to wear off on us before they do on other people. So she remembers them taking her away, and so do I. I will never forget that. I assumed it would be hard. I was wrong again. It was painful. It broke my heart. My daddy was back there with me when they took her, and as they wheeled her off she turned around, tried to get off the bed and cried "Mommy NO!!!! Mommy!!!! Mommy!!!!" It broke my heart, and when I got to the waiting room with my son and my mom I lost it. About the time I recovered, they came and told me it was over! The doctor said he had never seen such scarring from infection on a 7 year old, so it was high time for those tonsils to come out. She is recovering perfectly, and we had our follow up today. Everything looks great, and she should be able to eat Christmas supper just fine!
Our laptop went to visit the great big Dell laptop cloud in the sky. Or so I thought. I struggled with repairing that thing all night last Wednesday. Even had a friend here who witnessed it! The last thing the screen told me was "This computer cannot correct itself. Please contact Dell." I turned it off, and put it in the back room. My husband came home, pushed the power button, and would you believe the damn thing turned on perfectly!? NOT ONE SINGLE PROBLEM! And it hasn't messed up since. So, my sweet Barb Wire Man told me that I was no longer allowed to use it, because every time I touch it it messes up! So, I have been relegated to the desktop computer. The one hiding in our bedroom that we forget we have. The one my hubby used in college. Over 6 years ago. I swear, it takes a full 12 hours just to boot up. But, it did give me incentive to organize our room and rearrange furniture!
Do you remember one of my very first posts about my poor toe? If not, read it here. At the writing of that post, that stupid bed had been in our bedroom for a good month. I have been
All the Christmas packages are wrapped and ready to be torn into. Tomorrow, we bake in preparation for the Christmas meal at my house on Saturday. (I am so excited. Barb Wire Man's grandmother made me some Kringla, which are Norwegian cookies. I have never in my life tasted anything so delectably delightful in my life.) It will be a long day, but so totally worth it!
I actually got everything sewn that I had intended! I even got some of them mailed on time for Christmas! I still have one thing to make, for one of my very dearest friends. We don't buy each other presents, we always make them. Neither of us really have the money to spend, and we think handmade from the heart is priceless. But, I am knitting it, so it might not get finished in time.
And so, I must close to go knit before I fall over from exhaustion. Tomorrow I plan on posting pictures of my baking adventure with a 7 year old little girl, and a 2 year old little boy who can't sit still for 2 minutes. Have a great night!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Its Just Another Manic Monday!
My to-do list is no less than a mile long. Now, I admit, I am a list maker, and love to make lists, so sometimes my list includes to-do items like "make tomorrow's to-do list", or "cook supper". But some days are so crazy I need to be reminded to cook supper.
Today has already been productive, though, thankfully! I am happy to report that I am 90% finished with my very last set of pajamas. Thank you, LORD! I am so incredibly sick of that pattern. I literally dreamed about cutting it out last night.
I need to wrap presents, because I can barely get to the clothes in my closet. Then I wonder, what the heck is the point!? I have a two year old son. Last year, my girl knew what she was getting way before Christmas because he decided to rip the paper off weeks before it was time. So, I am going to wrap them, then stick them BACK in my closet until Christmas Eve. Any advice here? How do you keep Christmas presents from being opened, when on a daily basis you have 3 boys under 2 at your house!?
I'm also busy getting my little girl ready for her surgery on Monday. While I am so ready for her to have this surgery, because she will stop being so sick, I am really quite nervous. I've never had to watch someone walk away with my baby while I just stand there and watch.
Now, for a bit of business.
Any orders placed up until midnight tonight (excluding custom orders) will be shipped tomorrow. I will continue to accept orders, but will not be making any shipments between 12/15-12/22. I need to spend my time being mommy, and making sure Miss Flower recovers fully from her surgery. I hope this doesn't cause any problems. If for you some reason you just absolutely must have something shipped, please contact me!
And, finally, I apologize for not being able to read every one's blog and comment...its been a crazy few days! I have some catching up to do...if my computer will continue to work halfway like it is supposed to. (It has turned off 3 times since I started typing this. And it is fully charged.) Frustration!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day, and an even better week!
Today has already been productive, though, thankfully! I am happy to report that I am 90% finished with my very last set of pajamas. Thank you, LORD! I am so incredibly sick of that pattern. I literally dreamed about cutting it out last night.
I need to wrap presents, because I can barely get to the clothes in my closet. Then I wonder, what the heck is the point!? I have a two year old son. Last year, my girl knew what she was getting way before Christmas because he decided to rip the paper off weeks before it was time. So, I am going to wrap them, then stick them BACK in my closet until Christmas Eve. Any advice here? How do you keep Christmas presents from being opened, when on a daily basis you have 3 boys under 2 at your house!?
I'm also busy getting my little girl ready for her surgery on Monday. While I am so ready for her to have this surgery, because she will stop being so sick, I am really quite nervous. I've never had to watch someone walk away with my baby while I just stand there and watch.
Now, for a bit of business.
Any orders placed up until midnight tonight (excluding custom orders) will be shipped tomorrow. I will continue to accept orders, but will not be making any shipments between 12/15-12/22. I need to spend my time being mommy, and making sure Miss Flower recovers fully from her surgery. I hope this doesn't cause any problems. If for you some reason you just absolutely must have something shipped, please contact me!
And, finally, I apologize for not being able to read every one's blog and comment...its been a crazy few days! I have some catching up to do...if my computer will continue to work halfway like it is supposed to. (It has turned off 3 times since I started typing this. And it is fully charged.) Frustration!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day, and an even better week!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Will It Ever End?!
You know, it seems like sometimes, the odds are just stacked against you. Instead of spacing themselves out, difficult situations just hit you all at one time.
This is one of those times for my girl.
She was so very excited to go to school this morning, because they were going on a field trip! And mommy was going with her class!! Without brother!!! Tomorrow was going to be a perfect day!!
But, when I kissed her goodnight last night, I recognized a few tell-tale signs. I fell asleep praying "Lord, please, please, please don't let her get strep again. Not tomorrow!! Not this close to her surgery!"
She has strep. Again. And right on schedule, too. I mean, almost to the day she gets it every thirty days.
No school. No field trip. No special Mommy-time. Instead, she gets to go lay in her bed, while brother and three daycare kids play in the living room. "Its not fair, Mommy," she said, "I just wanted to have fun with you today! Why do I have to keep getting this!?"
I explained exactly how she gets strep, and how the surgery will help. "Well, call my doctor today, and tell him that we need to get those tonsils out today. Just call my Nana. She will come keep all these kids and brother, I know she will. And Papa will help you while I am in surgery. They always help me, because I;m their favorite person!"
Well, the part about Nana and Papa is true.
So today, I will call the doctor. I so hope this doesn't effect her scheduled surgery.
So, I ask you to pray for her. Please pray she will recover quickly, and that we can still have the surgery so this doesn't happen again! Have a great weekend, everyone!
This is one of those times for my girl.
She was so very excited to go to school this morning, because they were going on a field trip! And mommy was going with her class!! Without brother!!! Tomorrow was going to be a perfect day!!
But, when I kissed her goodnight last night, I recognized a few tell-tale signs. I fell asleep praying "Lord, please, please, please don't let her get strep again. Not tomorrow!! Not this close to her surgery!"
She has strep. Again. And right on schedule, too. I mean, almost to the day she gets it every thirty days.
No school. No field trip. No special Mommy-time. Instead, she gets to go lay in her bed, while brother and three daycare kids play in the living room. "Its not fair, Mommy," she said, "I just wanted to have fun with you today! Why do I have to keep getting this!?"
I explained exactly how she gets strep, and how the surgery will help. "Well, call my doctor today, and tell him that we need to get those tonsils out today. Just call my Nana. She will come keep all these kids and brother, I know she will. And Papa will help you while I am in surgery. They always help me, because I;m their favorite person!"
Well, the part about Nana and Papa is true.
So today, I will call the doctor. I so hope this doesn't effect her scheduled surgery.
So, I ask you to pray for her. Please pray she will recover quickly, and that we can still have the surgery so this doesn't happen again! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Slacking....
I know, I have been slacking on the writing. And I feel bad, because I love to write. But, I have literally been sewing every free second I have. I am determined to get these Christmas presents finished. And that means staying up late, getting up early, and working through naptime. The good news is I only have a few more pajama sets to make.
The bad news is I am getting really sick of making them.
I am pretty sure I know now how the people who sit in workshops, making pennies a day, sewing t-shirts over and over again for Walmart feel. Seriously. I am so sick of the pattern, that when I went to cut the smaller size, I didn't even save the larger size. Nope. I just whacked it off. So, if I ever need to make those jammies in a size 7-8 again I am just S.O.L.
Honestly though. I won't ever need that size again. Because I am not going to make it again. Relatively certain I am going to throw the whole pattern in the trash.
My grandmother is rolling over in her grave right now, and will probably visit me in my sleep, lecture me on how wasteful that is, and haunt me until I pull it out of the trash can. I already feel guilty for throwing away the 4cm x 5cm pieces of material that were on the edges of what I cut. Seriously. She even saved those, because they could be used for stuffing at a later date.
God bless that woman.
I took my daughter to get the blood work for her upcoming surgery today. She is not looking forward to it, and neither am I. I don't like seeing my babies in pain, but constant sore throats are no fun either. I probably won't be around much next week, as her surgery is on Wednesday. She is quite the drama queen when it comes to pain!
One last note, before I take my I-wok-up-at-4:30-and-am-exhausted butt to bed.
My favorite part about Christmas is the music. Oh Come Emmanuel, and O Holy Night are two of my favorite classics. But, I have this inner rock side. I secretly listen to Mettalica, GodSmack, Steelheart, Guns and Roses, Iron Maiden and Alice in Chains when my kids aren't around. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!!! Especially my dad!) Anyhow, my rock world and Christmas world combined tonight. Trans Siberian Orchestras Christmas Canon Rock.
Oh. My. Gosh. I literally sat there with goosebumps, and by the time the song was over I had tears coming down my face. Really glad I was alone. This song is and always will be at the top of my favorites, no matter how you play it. I even walked down the aisle to this song when I married my man! And, if you watch the version that shows the band playing it, you'll see I even get my longeighties-hair-band fix!!!
So, here is my early Christmas present to you!
Trans Siberian Orchestra: Pachabel's Canon in D - Christmas Canon Rock
The bad news is I am getting really sick of making them.
I am pretty sure I know now how the people who sit in workshops, making pennies a day, sewing t-shirts over and over again for Walmart feel. Seriously. I am so sick of the pattern, that when I went to cut the smaller size, I didn't even save the larger size. Nope. I just whacked it off. So, if I ever need to make those jammies in a size 7-8 again I am just S.O.L.
Honestly though. I won't ever need that size again. Because I am not going to make it again. Relatively certain I am going to throw the whole pattern in the trash.
My grandmother is rolling over in her grave right now, and will probably visit me in my sleep, lecture me on how wasteful that is, and haunt me until I pull it out of the trash can. I already feel guilty for throwing away the 4cm x 5cm pieces of material that were on the edges of what I cut. Seriously. She even saved those, because they could be used for stuffing at a later date.
God bless that woman.
I took my daughter to get the blood work for her upcoming surgery today. She is not looking forward to it, and neither am I. I don't like seeing my babies in pain, but constant sore throats are no fun either. I probably won't be around much next week, as her surgery is on Wednesday. She is quite the drama queen when it comes to pain!
One last note, before I take my I-wok-up-at-4:30-and-am-exhausted butt to bed.
My favorite part about Christmas is the music. Oh Come Emmanuel, and O Holy Night are two of my favorite classics. But, I have this inner rock side. I secretly listen to Mettalica, GodSmack, Steelheart, Guns and Roses, Iron Maiden and Alice in Chains when my kids aren't around. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!!! Especially my dad!) Anyhow, my rock world and Christmas world combined tonight. Trans Siberian Orchestras Christmas Canon Rock.
Oh. My. Gosh. I literally sat there with goosebumps, and by the time the song was over I had tears coming down my face. Really glad I was alone. This song is and always will be at the top of my favorites, no matter how you play it. I even walked down the aisle to this song when I married my man! And, if you watch the version that shows the band playing it, you'll see I even get my longeighties-hair-band fix!!!
So, here is my early Christmas present to you!
Trans Siberian Orchestra: Pachabel's Canon in D - Christmas Canon Rock
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday Tea Time
Ahhh....tea. I am serious - hot tea is so therapeutic. Today, as I was watching one of my new favorite TV shows, it got me to thinking about when I was younger. I'll tell you about the show later, after I give you some history about me!
Every kiddo talks about what they want to be when they grow up: a doctor, fireman, teacher...blah blah blah! That just wasn't going to do it for 7 year old Emily. Oh no. From the time I can remember, I only wanted to be two things...a mommy and an archaeologist - more specifically, a Biblical archaeologist. So there was a time when I wanted to be a buggieologist and specialize in collecting beetles, but that was fleeting.) I would tell people I wanted to be an archaeologist, and they would look at me like I was crazy. I know they were thinking "How in the heck does this kid even know what an archaeologist is!?"
I was so serious about being an archaeologist, my parents got me a subscription to the magazine Biblical Archaeology when I was in the 3rd grade. For Christmas one year I got a dig kit, where I was able to "excavate" an "ancient" jar, then actually put it back together in all its glory.
Obviously, I chose the former. I wasn't too old when I realized that being a mommy and an archaeologist at the same time would be quite difficult.
Had I chosen to go to college, my life would probably be very difference. I would have sworn off marriage and family, and instead taken myself to the Middle East. I would have spent the remainder of my life studying ancient Israel, Egypt, on up into the time of the Templars. I have a friend who is convinced that history and science will one day disprove God.
Not me. Oh no. I am 100% convinced that one day history and archaeology will prove that everything in the Bible actually did happen. However, science will never prove nor disprove God, for the simple fact that God requires faith...not proof.
OK, I will step down off that soap box now. As my husband says "Oh please, don't get her started!!!!"
Anyhow, my new favorite TV show (I have very few....I actually hate TV) is called The Naked Archaeologist. Simcha Jacobovici is the narrator/archaeologist. He is an Orthodox Jew, so immediately I decided I loved him for that one simple fact. He makes his show funny, not just the typical history-type show. He has likewise set out to prove how so many of the Biblical stories can be proven. He has even set out to prove that the stories of Jesus are true, though he doesn't obviously believe Jesus is Messiah (our similarities end there!).
The whole time I watch his show, all I can think is "Oh. My. Gosh. This is a male version of me."
I want to meet Simcha so bad! Seriously...if I was male, Jewish, and an archaeologist, I would be him.
Instead, I am a tough broad from the Texas Panhandle, devoutly Christian, and a mommy.
One of these days, though, I will live out this dream of mine. Until then, I will just keep watching my new show!
Every kiddo talks about what they want to be when they grow up: a doctor, fireman, teacher...blah blah blah! That just wasn't going to do it for 7 year old Emily. Oh no. From the time I can remember, I only wanted to be two things...a mommy and an archaeologist - more specifically, a Biblical archaeologist. So there was a time when I wanted to be a buggieologist and specialize in collecting beetles, but that was fleeting.) I would tell people I wanted to be an archaeologist, and they would look at me like I was crazy. I know they were thinking "How in the heck does this kid even know what an archaeologist is!?"
I was so serious about being an archaeologist, my parents got me a subscription to the magazine Biblical Archaeology when I was in the 3rd grade. For Christmas one year I got a dig kit, where I was able to "excavate" an "ancient" jar, then actually put it back together in all its glory.
Obviously, I chose the former. I wasn't too old when I realized that being a mommy and an archaeologist at the same time would be quite difficult.
Had I chosen to go to college, my life would probably be very difference. I would have sworn off marriage and family, and instead taken myself to the Middle East. I would have spent the remainder of my life studying ancient Israel, Egypt, on up into the time of the Templars. I have a friend who is convinced that history and science will one day disprove God.
Not me. Oh no. I am 100% convinced that one day history and archaeology will prove that everything in the Bible actually did happen. However, science will never prove nor disprove God, for the simple fact that God requires faith...not proof.
OK, I will step down off that soap box now. As my husband says "Oh please, don't get her started!!!!"
Anyhow, my new favorite TV show (I have very few....I actually hate TV) is called The Naked Archaeologist. Simcha Jacobovici is the narrator/archaeologist. He is an Orthodox Jew, so immediately I decided I loved him for that one simple fact. He makes his show funny, not just the typical history-type show. He has likewise set out to prove how so many of the Biblical stories can be proven. He has even set out to prove that the stories of Jesus are true, though he doesn't obviously believe Jesus is Messiah (our similarities end there!).
The whole time I watch his show, all I can think is "Oh. My. Gosh. This is a male version of me."
I want to meet Simcha so bad! Seriously...if I was male, Jewish, and an archaeologist, I would be him.
Instead, I am a tough broad from the Texas Panhandle, devoutly Christian, and a mommy.
One of these days, though, I will live out this dream of mine. Until then, I will just keep watching my new show!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Memory Monday
What a relaxing weekend I had! Was so nice! I spent most of Saturday with my mom and had such a good time. We walked around a local craft show (which I did not find out about in time to be apart of), and probably spent a lot of money on things we didn't really need. The kids clued us in that it was time to leave and go get lunch, so we ate at a Chinese buffet here in town. Mom helped me out with a few sewing questions I had, then we spent the rest of the weekend drinking tea and just talking. About a whole lot of nothing. And it was wonderful.
My in-laws came to visit for a few hours on Sunday, but had to get back home. With a 4 hour drive in front of them they didn't want to stay too late.
And today, I am filling a few orders! I will be getting them in the mail soon, but had to whip a few things up before I could mail them. I was excited on Friday to get three orders! YAY!
Can you believe how fast time is flying by? I can safely say there is NO WAY I will get everything made in time for Christmas. Nope. Not going to happen.
Have a great week everyone!
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| This is a picture Mom snapped that sums up our weekend better than any words can! |
My in-laws came to visit for a few hours on Sunday, but had to get back home. With a 4 hour drive in front of them they didn't want to stay too late.
And today, I am filling a few orders! I will be getting them in the mail soon, but had to whip a few things up before I could mail them. I was excited on Friday to get three orders! YAY!
Can you believe how fast time is flying by? I can safely say there is NO WAY I will get everything made in time for Christmas. Nope. Not going to happen.
Have a great week everyone!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Fantastic Friday
Praise God, the weekend is here. I need it, too. I have only seen my husband for about 5 hours since Sunday, and doubt I will get to see him anymore until this coming Sunday. At least I hope I do! That is one of the hard parts about his job...he doesn't know what he will be doing or where he will be going until the day he is supposed to do it.
I am and always have been very independent, so I am perfectly capable of staying here with the kids myself and taking care of things....I don't need my husband. But I dern sure want him here! I can't turn my brain off at night, and haven't been sleeping well, so I am exhausted. I think today maybe I will take a nap!
I am super excited about this evening! After my little Flower gets home from school we are going to make a Christmas tree ornament out of pipe cleaners, beads and bells. Then, all the Girl Scouts in town are going caroling at the nursing home here in town. I love old people, so I can't wait! Afterward, we are all going to have a pizza party! She has already earned 3 patches in scouts, and tonight will get 2 more!
Just a reminder that today is the last day of my Cyber Monday Week long sale! If you want 30% off of everything in my store, including customs, then you better head over there now! Just type CYBERMONDAY in the coupon code box when checking out. It ends officially at midnight tonight, so make sure you get what you want early! Just click here to get to my site! If you have any questions about any of the products, please feel free to contact me. Again, I have more than what is listed, so feel free to request different colors, or extra pictures!
I am and always have been very independent, so I am perfectly capable of staying here with the kids myself and taking care of things....I don't need my husband. But I dern sure want him here! I can't turn my brain off at night, and haven't been sleeping well, so I am exhausted. I think today maybe I will take a nap!
I am super excited about this evening! After my little Flower gets home from school we are going to make a Christmas tree ornament out of pipe cleaners, beads and bells. Then, all the Girl Scouts in town are going caroling at the nursing home here in town. I love old people, so I can't wait! Afterward, we are all going to have a pizza party! She has already earned 3 patches in scouts, and tonight will get 2 more!
Just a reminder that today is the last day of my Cyber Monday Week long sale! If you want 30% off of everything in my store, including customs, then you better head over there now! Just type CYBERMONDAY in the coupon code box when checking out. It ends officially at midnight tonight, so make sure you get what you want early! Just click here to get to my site! If you have any questions about any of the products, please feel free to contact me. Again, I have more than what is listed, so feel free to request different colors, or extra pictures!
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| Backscrubbers go great with a body wash gift set! |
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| Dishcloths are just $7 for 2, and are great stocking stuffers! |
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| T-shirt scarves are a great way to recycle old t-shirts, are super cute, and one of a kind! |
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| This 100% wool scarf set would be a classy gift for any special woman! |
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| T-shirt scarves come in many designs, and get a discount if you use your own shirts! |
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| Flower pony tail holders or hair clips are just $5 for a set of 5, and make a great stocking stuffer for any little girl! |
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thrifty Thursday
I don't know about you, but I am already for the holidays to be over, and schedules back to normal! I love the holidays, but my head is going in forty different directions! And, like I tell my husband, I am good, but not that good!
I have been sewing alot lately. I have only gotten 2 of the 7 pajama sets finished. But, seeing as I have 3 little boys under the age of 2 with me every day, on top of the every day things I have, on top of being a Girl Scout Leader, on top of being a part time single mom when the Barb Wire man is on road, I think I am doign pretty decently! My mom may be coming over to help me out this weekend, and I am so looking forward to that. I can trace so many childhood memories to the clickity clack of my mom and grandma's sewing machines, so getting to chat with my mom while sewing with her is one of my favorite things. That and she is a pro at sewing and cutting patterns, and Lord knows I could use the help!
Still, I am convinced that making the pajamas, along with all the other things I am making, will save me a bundle. Even with paying $4.00 a yard for the 12 yards of flannel! ("But mom! I LOVE that one! Please mommy? They will love it too I know!") Ahh well. One of these days she won't want to be caught dead in clothes that I made her, so I might as well buy the print she likes now.
How are some of the ways you save money during the holidays? Well, I am waiting on a call to come in from my hubby, and still have lots to accomplish before this day is over, so I better get going.
But first, Chanuka Sameach!
I have been sewing alot lately. I have only gotten 2 of the 7 pajama sets finished. But, seeing as I have 3 little boys under the age of 2 with me every day, on top of the every day things I have, on top of being a Girl Scout Leader, on top of being a part time single mom when the Barb Wire man is on road, I think I am doign pretty decently! My mom may be coming over to help me out this weekend, and I am so looking forward to that. I can trace so many childhood memories to the clickity clack of my mom and grandma's sewing machines, so getting to chat with my mom while sewing with her is one of my favorite things. That and she is a pro at sewing and cutting patterns, and Lord knows I could use the help!
Still, I am convinced that making the pajamas, along with all the other things I am making, will save me a bundle. Even with paying $4.00 a yard for the 12 yards of flannel! ("But mom! I LOVE that one! Please mommy? They will love it too I know!") Ahh well. One of these days she won't want to be caught dead in clothes that I made her, so I might as well buy the print she likes now.
How are some of the ways you save money during the holidays? Well, I am waiting on a call to come in from my hubby, and still have lots to accomplish before this day is over, so I better get going.
But first, Chanuka Sameach!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday Tea Time
Won't you pull up a chair, grab a nice cup of hot tea and listen to me ramble for a bit? Good!
I am excited to say that my Christmas shopping is finished. I am one of those who starts my Christmas shopping in January. I was a little behind this year, but caught up pretty quickly. I did get my kiddos a few extra things today with some of the Cyber Monday sales, and I was excited that I got my son 3 items, and my daughter 2 and only spent $40! And that is how much one thing was alone regularly priced!
I am concerned that I haven't gotten all my Christmas gifts made yet. Which is only made worse when I realize most of my gifts this year are not store bought. So while it seems like I have it all under control, I am really freaking out. Seriously. I need to make 7 nightgowns, several aprons, a few dishcloth sets, and I won't say what else. Not. Cool.
Have you finished your shopping? Have you started!?
I am also wondering how sales for everyone went? I was incredibly disappoint with my sales. Wait...let me say I was incredibly disappointed in my complete lack of sales. Not one. Nadda. Zilch. Zero. Bumpkis. Frustration. Seriously, everything is 30% off, but still no sales! I am beginning to think maybe people think I have some disease or something!
But, I will stop complaining. I don't like complainers, so I don't want to become one. Instead, I'll turn my little ol' computer on in the morning and start all over again. I am trying to come up with unique ways to get my name out into the public eye more. How do you promote and advertise? I send a business card in with my bills, and everything I mail. I promote on forums, and websites, as well as social networking sites. Tonight, I created a mailer to send out to people around town, which was going superbly until I ran out of ink! If you would be so kind, let me know how you creatively get your business name out there! Surely I am not the only one who needs a little help?! I don't know. And don't call me Shirley.
(A little homage to one of my favorite actors EVER)
I am excited to say that my Christmas shopping is finished. I am one of those who starts my Christmas shopping in January. I was a little behind this year, but caught up pretty quickly. I did get my kiddos a few extra things today with some of the Cyber Monday sales, and I was excited that I got my son 3 items, and my daughter 2 and only spent $40! And that is how much one thing was alone regularly priced!
I am concerned that I haven't gotten all my Christmas gifts made yet. Which is only made worse when I realize most of my gifts this year are not store bought. So while it seems like I have it all under control, I am really freaking out. Seriously. I need to make 7 nightgowns, several aprons, a few dishcloth sets, and I won't say what else. Not. Cool.
Have you finished your shopping? Have you started!?
I am also wondering how sales for everyone went? I was incredibly disappoint with my sales. Wait...let me say I was incredibly disappointed in my complete lack of sales. Not one. Nadda. Zilch. Zero. Bumpkis. Frustration. Seriously, everything is 30% off, but still no sales! I am beginning to think maybe people think I have some disease or something!
But, I will stop complaining. I don't like complainers, so I don't want to become one. Instead, I'll turn my little ol' computer on in the morning and start all over again. I am trying to come up with unique ways to get my name out into the public eye more. How do you promote and advertise? I send a business card in with my bills, and everything I mail. I promote on forums, and websites, as well as social networking sites. Tonight, I created a mailer to send out to people around town, which was going superbly until I ran out of ink! If you would be so kind, let me know how you creatively get your business name out there! Surely I am not the only one who needs a little help?! I don't know. And don't call me Shirley.
(A little homage to one of my favorite actors EVER)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Memory Monday
Mondays after vacations are always so....wierd! Who really wants to go back to work and the normal, every day grind?
Yesterday would have been my grandmother's 69th birthday. Next to my own parents, she was the most influential person in my life. If you haven't read about the reason my business is called 13 Plum, you can do so here. I can't put into words how much I loved my Grandma! I know I have said it before, but I miss her so much. Infact, even though its been 4 and a half years since she was killed, I still find myself occasionally picking up the phone to call and ask her a question. Its always a question about yarn, sewing, cooking, or the best way to do something. I am pretty sure she had the answer to everything.
The Barb Wire Man is more like my grandfather than I would care to admit, and I think I learned how to put up with a man like that from her. (My dad is a much kinder, gentler and understanding man....maybe my hubby should take some lessons from him!!!) My cousin, sister and I called her Grandma Sunshine, and she was just that. I always sing to my babies before they go to bed. Tonight, I sang You Are My Sunshine, and choked up on the first line. My sweet little girl finished singing it to me, and said "Its OK, mommy. You know Grandma Ryan is with Jesus, and she isn't sad at all."
And she is so right. She isn't sad. She hasn't a tear for eternity. She is with my Grandpa. She has a million stars in her crown, and an endless supply of 100% acrylic, Red Heart Yarn. I did not get that from her.
Happy Birthday, Grandma Sunshine! I love you, and even though I am not sure if I believe this or not, I hope you can look down, see my sweet little family, my business and be so proud. I never would even have this if you hadn't set such a great example.
On a much lighter note, I am still having a sale at 13 Plum Knitted Creations! 30% off everything, when you use the coupon code CYBERMONDAY at checkout. Like most of my listings, just contact me and I will create a special listing for you. The discount also applies to any custom orders! Let me know you are ordering after reading this, and I will even give you free shipping!
Dishcloths and ponytail holders are both under $10, and make great stocking stuffers!
Yesterday would have been my grandmother's 69th birthday. Next to my own parents, she was the most influential person in my life. If you haven't read about the reason my business is called 13 Plum, you can do so here. I can't put into words how much I loved my Grandma! I know I have said it before, but I miss her so much. Infact, even though its been 4 and a half years since she was killed, I still find myself occasionally picking up the phone to call and ask her a question. Its always a question about yarn, sewing, cooking, or the best way to do something. I am pretty sure she had the answer to everything.
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| This was my grandparents in the 80's, and how I picture them today. Pawpaw played Santa Claus, and Grandma played Mrs. Claus! |
The Barb Wire Man is more like my grandfather than I would care to admit, and I think I learned how to put up with a man like that from her. (My dad is a much kinder, gentler and understanding man....maybe my hubby should take some lessons from him!!!) My cousin, sister and I called her Grandma Sunshine, and she was just that. I always sing to my babies before they go to bed. Tonight, I sang You Are My Sunshine, and choked up on the first line. My sweet little girl finished singing it to me, and said "Its OK, mommy. You know Grandma Ryan is with Jesus, and she isn't sad at all."
And she is so right. She isn't sad. She hasn't a tear for eternity. She is with my Grandpa. She has a million stars in her crown, and an endless supply of 100% acrylic, Red Heart Yarn. I did not get that from her.
Happy Birthday, Grandma Sunshine! I love you, and even though I am not sure if I believe this or not, I hope you can look down, see my sweet little family, my business and be so proud. I never would even have this if you hadn't set such a great example.
On a much lighter note, I am still having a sale at 13 Plum Knitted Creations! 30% off everything, when you use the coupon code CYBERMONDAY at checkout. Like most of my listings, just contact me and I will create a special listing for you. The discount also applies to any custom orders! Let me know you are ordering after reading this, and I will even give you free shipping!
Dishcloths and ponytail holders are both under $10, and make great stocking stuffers!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT AND MUCH MORE!!!
Dear Blog Friends -
I am so sorry for not blogging, announcing winner, and basically falling off the earth for a few days. But that is exactly what I did. I had a few days off from the daycare, and my husband was about to begin his over the road trucking job, so I decided to devote all my time to my kids and husband. And I enjoyed every single second of it!
With the help of my beautiful babies, we got our Christmas Tree up! Every single ornament we own (and there are a lot of them) were on the front bottom half of the tree! (Hey, when you are 7 and 2 you can only reach up so high!) So, during the night, Santa's Elves made a quick visit to hang some of them higher, in order to protect the babies from reaching them. If they knew I was the one who moved the ornaments, their little hearts would have been broken!
We spent Thanksgiving at my husband's grandmother's house. Almost all the family was there, and it was very nice. Their traditions are quite different from my family's. My family is very Southern, and his is, well, Yankee and Norwegian. So I really missed my family's style of cooking!
The Barb Wire man left for his new job early this morning, and we won't see him again until Tuesday. Hopefully. Its going to be hard, but I firmly believe God provided him this job, so He will see us through it.
And now, to announce the winner.....
I didn't forget about the V*Dazzled earring giveaway, I promise! In a very highly scientific manner, I wrote every one's name down according to the number of times you entered. I then tossed them all into my husband's Harley Davidson baseball cap that hasn't been washed since he bought it 4 years ago, and let my daughter pick a name. And the winner is.....................
Jennifer Green Sundquist!
Congratulations! Please e-mail me at 13plumknittedcreations@gmail.com, so I know where to send these lovely earrings! And again, a big thank you to V*Dazzled!
I still have other giveaways!! To those wonderful businesses that have sent things to giveaway, don't worry! I haven't forgotten, I am just a little behind!
Also, to my wonderful sponsors....
I will be adding your advertising spots back, and will be giving each of you an additional month of advertising for free. Thank you for being patient with me!
I finally was able to get all my listings back on my Etsy Shop, and am so excited! I hope you will stop by and take a look at 13 Plum Knitting! Today through Friday, I will be offering a 30% discount on every item, including custom orders. Just use the code CYBERMONDAY when checking out. Here are a few of the things I currently have for sale:
I am so sorry for not blogging, announcing winner, and basically falling off the earth for a few days. But that is exactly what I did. I had a few days off from the daycare, and my husband was about to begin his over the road trucking job, so I decided to devote all my time to my kids and husband. And I enjoyed every single second of it!
With the help of my beautiful babies, we got our Christmas Tree up! Every single ornament we own (and there are a lot of them) were on the front bottom half of the tree! (Hey, when you are 7 and 2 you can only reach up so high!) So, during the night, Santa's Elves made a quick visit to hang some of them higher, in order to protect the babies from reaching them. If they knew I was the one who moved the ornaments, their little hearts would have been broken!
We spent Thanksgiving at my husband's grandmother's house. Almost all the family was there, and it was very nice. Their traditions are quite different from my family's. My family is very Southern, and his is, well, Yankee and Norwegian. So I really missed my family's style of cooking!
The Barb Wire man left for his new job early this morning, and we won't see him again until Tuesday. Hopefully. Its going to be hard, but I firmly believe God provided him this job, so He will see us through it.
And now, to announce the winner.....
I didn't forget about the V*Dazzled earring giveaway, I promise! In a very highly scientific manner, I wrote every one's name down according to the number of times you entered. I then tossed them all into my husband's Harley Davidson baseball cap that hasn't been washed since he bought it 4 years ago, and let my daughter pick a name. And the winner is.....................
Jennifer Green Sundquist!
Congratulations! Please e-mail me at 13plumknittedcreations@gmail.com, so I know where to send these lovely earrings! And again, a big thank you to V*Dazzled!
I still have other giveaways!! To those wonderful businesses that have sent things to giveaway, don't worry! I haven't forgotten, I am just a little behind!
Also, to my wonderful sponsors....
I will be adding your advertising spots back, and will be giving each of you an additional month of advertising for free. Thank you for being patient with me!
I finally was able to get all my listings back on my Etsy Shop, and am so excited! I hope you will stop by and take a look at 13 Plum Knitting! Today through Friday, I will be offering a 30% discount on every item, including custom orders. Just use the code CYBERMONDAY when checking out. Here are a few of the things I currently have for sale:
I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoyed as much time with your family as I did! My real life starts again tomorrow, and hopefully things will be back to normal....whatever that is!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Are You Ready For FREE STUFF!?
Good Monday morning!
Today is going to be a great day, I can feel it. I woke up to a clean house. I got a shower even! Last night I started on a new knitting project, but I can't say what it is! Its a Christmas present for my Aunt, and if she gets on here (and I hope she does!) she would find out what it is. I'll just say that its already turning out really pretty, and I can't wait to see it finished!
So, I asked if you were ready for some free stuff. I have a blogger friend named Deb, and she has one of my all-time favorite blogs called Frugal Living and Having Fun. She has a ton of frugal tips, but the best part is all day every day she posts links to sites that offer free and majorly discounted items. If you like her on her Facebook page, you will be updated constantly on some really awesome deals!
Anyhow, today she is having her own version of Black Friday called Black Friday Giveaway Fun. Every hour on the hour she will have an awesome giveaway!! (Heads up...at 3:00, she will be giving away 2 sets of my dishcloths!!!)
I am personally hoping to win a TON of stuff! Stop by and see what you can win, and tell her I sent you!
Today is going to be a great day, I can feel it. I woke up to a clean house. I got a shower even! Last night I started on a new knitting project, but I can't say what it is! Its a Christmas present for my Aunt, and if she gets on here (and I hope she does!) she would find out what it is. I'll just say that its already turning out really pretty, and I can't wait to see it finished!
So, I asked if you were ready for some free stuff. I have a blogger friend named Deb, and she has one of my all-time favorite blogs called Frugal Living and Having Fun. She has a ton of frugal tips, but the best part is all day every day she posts links to sites that offer free and majorly discounted items. If you like her on her Facebook page, you will be updated constantly on some really awesome deals!
Anyhow, today she is having her own version of Black Friday called Black Friday Giveaway Fun. Every hour on the hour she will have an awesome giveaway!! (Heads up...at 3:00, she will be giving away 2 sets of my dishcloths!!!)
I am personally hoping to win a TON of stuff! Stop by and see what you can win, and tell her I sent you!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Fantastic Friday!
Good morning! I am so excited about today's blog!
Last night, right before I went to bed, I got an email from a very sweet lady who had been working on my blog for me, letting me know my new blog layout is up and running! I am so excited! Literally, I dreamed about writing today because I was so excited to show of my new blog!
I'm just going to brag. Its beautiful. I love it. I can't take credit for it in the least. I can write, knit, sew, balance a gagillion things at once, but when it comes to coding for layouts like this, I know less than zilch.
But Christina at Joyful Rose Custom Designs and More hooked me up with this beautiful design! And let me tell you, she read my mind. All I did was tell her the colors I liked, the lettering I liked, and sent the picture I wanted at the top. She created the rest on her own, and it couldn't be more perfect if I did it myself. I couldn't be happier! If anyone is thinking of having your blog layout created professionally, I highly recommend Joyful Rose Custom Designs and More. And I mean highly recommend her. She got my layout done quickly, with very little input from me, and she is a small, home based business, just like I like to shop.
She offers much more than just layouts, so please take a few minutes to look around her shop! I think you will be very impressed with what she has to offer, and the beauty of each thing she creates. I am certain I will be going back to her in the future!!
I want to say THANK YOU, CHRISTINA! My blog is perfect now! I love it, and thank you for all your hard work!
As a side note, I did take the picture at the top. It was taken about 15 miles from the home my grandmother lived in, by a little town called Skellytown. (Don't bother looking it up. I think maybe 50 people live there, and if you blink while driving by, you will completely miss it!) We drove by this spot each time we went to Grandma's house, and even as a child I found that spot beautiful. Its an old cattle pen, and the wood is starting to rot and fall down. The fence posts are still made of mesquite wood (most of them burned in the fires of 2006), and the barb wire is starting to fall a bit...to me, that is the beautiful part. But my favorite part is the old windmill. I have an obsession with them. On a windy panhandle day, you can hear the whoosh of the metal turning in the wind. (Ask any old rancher around here what a windmill is for, and they will tell you they help keep the cattle cool in the summer. If you believe that, I have a Bridge I want to sell you.) My other favorite part is how far you can see into the distance. In this part of Texas, you can see for miles and miles and miles.
**To my sponsors: I will be adding your sponsorship spots back as quickly as possible. Any days lost will be made up to you!! Thanks for your patience!!**
I will be continuing to add things to the blog, and information on my extra pages will be added...thanks for understanding!
Please, visit Joyful Rose Custom Designs and More! I know you will love her site!
Also, don't forget Winning Wednesday's post is still open for entries, up until midnight on Monday, so if your entry isn't in....better hurry!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Thanks for reading today!!
Last night, right before I went to bed, I got an email from a very sweet lady who had been working on my blog for me, letting me know my new blog layout is up and running! I am so excited! Literally, I dreamed about writing today because I was so excited to show of my new blog!
I'm just going to brag. Its beautiful. I love it. I can't take credit for it in the least. I can write, knit, sew, balance a gagillion things at once, but when it comes to coding for layouts like this, I know less than zilch.
But Christina at Joyful Rose Custom Designs and More hooked me up with this beautiful design! And let me tell you, she read my mind. All I did was tell her the colors I liked, the lettering I liked, and sent the picture I wanted at the top. She created the rest on her own, and it couldn't be more perfect if I did it myself. I couldn't be happier! If anyone is thinking of having your blog layout created professionally, I highly recommend Joyful Rose Custom Designs and More. And I mean highly recommend her. She got my layout done quickly, with very little input from me, and she is a small, home based business, just like I like to shop.
She offers much more than just layouts, so please take a few minutes to look around her shop! I think you will be very impressed with what she has to offer, and the beauty of each thing she creates. I am certain I will be going back to her in the future!!
I want to say THANK YOU, CHRISTINA! My blog is perfect now! I love it, and thank you for all your hard work!
As a side note, I did take the picture at the top. It was taken about 15 miles from the home my grandmother lived in, by a little town called Skellytown. (Don't bother looking it up. I think maybe 50 people live there, and if you blink while driving by, you will completely miss it!) We drove by this spot each time we went to Grandma's house, and even as a child I found that spot beautiful. Its an old cattle pen, and the wood is starting to rot and fall down. The fence posts are still made of mesquite wood (most of them burned in the fires of 2006), and the barb wire is starting to fall a bit...to me, that is the beautiful part. But my favorite part is the old windmill. I have an obsession with them. On a windy panhandle day, you can hear the whoosh of the metal turning in the wind. (Ask any old rancher around here what a windmill is for, and they will tell you they help keep the cattle cool in the summer. If you believe that, I have a Bridge I want to sell you.) My other favorite part is how far you can see into the distance. In this part of Texas, you can see for miles and miles and miles.
**To my sponsors: I will be adding your sponsorship spots back as quickly as possible. Any days lost will be made up to you!! Thanks for your patience!!**
I will be continuing to add things to the blog, and information on my extra pages will be added...thanks for understanding!
Please, visit Joyful Rose Custom Designs and More! I know you will love her site!
Also, don't forget Winning Wednesday's post is still open for entries, up until midnight on Monday, so if your entry isn't in....better hurry!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Thanks for reading today!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thrifty Thursday Sidetrack!
Because of doctor appointments, and funky work schedules, I haven't been able to do as much research on my Thrifty Thursday subject I had intended on writing. I also missed my Tea-Time Tuesday, which upsets me much more.
So today, I am going to brew myself a cup of tea, skip Thrifty Thursday, and make-up my Tea-time! In all truthfulness, I have already had 3 or 4 cups today.
I did have a very dear friend come with her kiddos for a visit. We try to get together every week, and I so look forward to it. We have so much in common, and it is so nice to just be able to talk to an adult! Barb Wire Man got to come home early too, which always makes the day a little better. Our kids are always so excited when Daddy comes home!
However, we got our best news ever today. OK, maybe not ever, but the best news we have had in a long time!
My husband just found out that he got the job he has been wanting for the last couple of years!!! He originally hauled hay for a man he had known for quite some time, and due to the economy was let go. Hay just wasn't moving fast enough to warrant the number of drivers he had. After spending time working in Colorado during the week, and coming home one the weekends, he finally found a job closer to home. I don't know if you know any truck drivers, but they don't get paid like most people - they get a percentage of what the load costs. So, if Barb Wire man ran like crazy and had a lot of loads, he got paid pretty well. However, the job he is at is very slow, meaning no loads, which means no pay. With a family of four, that makes things pretty tough.
But, after visiting with the owner of the new company (he has been out there more than a couple times looking for a job), they finally gave him a chance! We are so excited, because the pay is better, and it is his dream job. We will eventually even have the opportunity to own our own truck! The downside is he may be away from home for several days at a time. I am thankful we have a very strong marriage, and deep love for each other, because it is going to be hard!
I am also excited because I have a new tea being shipped to me! Normally my mom and I get our tea through Teavana, but you all know how I prefer to buy things that are hand made and from small businesses. So yesterday, I stumbled across this great Etsy site called Teaman. He hand blends his own tea. Since I have a couple allergy issues, I have to be very careful about flavored teas, and I was able to email him personally to find out exactly what was in his tea. I ordered the loose tea (of course, that is all I drink) in apricot flavor! I am excited to get it! The tea is also priced very reasonably, since loose tea can be brewed several times more than a tea bag. The canister is also pretty enough to keep out on my counter, which is where I keep all my tea paraphernalia. My tea habit is akin to an addiction....
Dear Mom, if you are reading this, and don't get me an awesome camera for Christmas, please purchase every loose tea available on Teaman's site. (excluding the Earl Grey, since I can't drink that.) On second thought, I would really like all of it even if you do get me the camera. Love, your favorite daughter.
I pray everyone has a super blessed day today! This is the day the Lord has made...rejoice!
So today, I am going to brew myself a cup of tea, skip Thrifty Thursday, and make-up my Tea-time! In all truthfulness, I have already had 3 or 4 cups today.
I did have a very dear friend come with her kiddos for a visit. We try to get together every week, and I so look forward to it. We have so much in common, and it is so nice to just be able to talk to an adult! Barb Wire Man got to come home early too, which always makes the day a little better. Our kids are always so excited when Daddy comes home!
However, we got our best news ever today. OK, maybe not ever, but the best news we have had in a long time!
My husband just found out that he got the job he has been wanting for the last couple of years!!! He originally hauled hay for a man he had known for quite some time, and due to the economy was let go. Hay just wasn't moving fast enough to warrant the number of drivers he had. After spending time working in Colorado during the week, and coming home one the weekends, he finally found a job closer to home. I don't know if you know any truck drivers, but they don't get paid like most people - they get a percentage of what the load costs. So, if Barb Wire man ran like crazy and had a lot of loads, he got paid pretty well. However, the job he is at is very slow, meaning no loads, which means no pay. With a family of four, that makes things pretty tough.
But, after visiting with the owner of the new company (he has been out there more than a couple times looking for a job), they finally gave him a chance! We are so excited, because the pay is better, and it is his dream job. We will eventually even have the opportunity to own our own truck! The downside is he may be away from home for several days at a time. I am thankful we have a very strong marriage, and deep love for each other, because it is going to be hard!
I am also excited because I have a new tea being shipped to me! Normally my mom and I get our tea through Teavana, but you all know how I prefer to buy things that are hand made and from small businesses. So yesterday, I stumbled across this great Etsy site called Teaman. He hand blends his own tea. Since I have a couple allergy issues, I have to be very careful about flavored teas, and I was able to email him personally to find out exactly what was in his tea. I ordered the loose tea (of course, that is all I drink) in apricot flavor! I am excited to get it! The tea is also priced very reasonably, since loose tea can be brewed several times more than a tea bag. The canister is also pretty enough to keep out on my counter, which is where I keep all my tea paraphernalia. My tea habit is akin to an addiction....
Dear Mom, if you are reading this, and don't get me an awesome camera for Christmas, please purchase every loose tea available on Teaman's site. (excluding the Earl Grey, since I can't drink that.) On second thought, I would really like all of it even if you do get me the camera. Love, your favorite daughter.
I pray everyone has a super blessed day today! This is the day the Lord has made...rejoice!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Winning Wednesdays - V*Dazzled!
My Granny once told me that a lady never leaves the house without earrings and lipstick.
Guess I'm not a lady! I'm lucky if I have time to put on makeup, and even luckier if I find a pair of earrings in the inside-zipper pouch of the diaper bag. But, that doesn't mean I don't have a love for jewelry! In fact, my great-grandfather was a gemologist, and also made very fine silver jewelry inset with gemstones. Anyhow, I am getting off topic.
Take a look at these beautiful earrings that were sent to me!
Aren't the pretty!? I just love them! These beautiful earrings were made by Victoria Ruhl, owner of V*Dazzled on Etsy!
Victoria, only 26, began her business in August of 2010, though she has been making jewelry for over a year. Looking at these earrings up close, however, you would think she has been doing it for a lifetime. Victoria has taken a class in jewelry making, although I am wondering to myself how in the world she had time, because she is a grad student, studying to get her PhD in cancer biology! Now, normally here I would insert a witty comment about over achievers, but will refrain this time!!
Victoria spends all day in the lab studying, then spends any free time she has designing and creating her jewelry. Victoria says this is a great way to relax, and get her mind off school. She lives in Massachusets, which I would venture to guess is quite beautiful this time of year!
One of my favorite sections on V*Dazzled is the bracelets for cancer. Some of you know, but some don't, that both of my grandmothers had breast cancer. Thankfully, by God's grace, they were both treatable. I'm thankful for people like Victoria, who are "over-acheivers".....I mean, people like me certainly won't find a cure for cancer!
V*Dazzled also offers necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, all of which are absolutely gorgeous, so it might be hard to pick a favorite!
Now, those beautiful blue earrings? All mine. However....Victoria also sent a pair just like them, in teal, and they are all yours to win! Victoria was kind enough to send a pair for me, and a pair for you! How in the world do you win these earrings? So glad you asked!!!
1.) You must be a follower of my blog. That gets you one entry.
2.) Take a look at V*Dazzled on Etsy, then come back here and leave me a comment telling me what your favorite item in her shop was. Its going to be hard because its all pretty!!!
3.) Tweet, Facebook, or blog about this giveaway, and include a link to Victoria's site. Leave an additional comment letting me know you did so!
Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do, that way I don't accidentally miss something!
The contest will last until midnight (Central Time) on Monday November 22rd, so tell everyone you know! I will announce the winner on my Tea Time Tuesday post! Good luck, and remember the one thing I always try to remind people of....if we all make even one purchase from a small business we can change the way our economy is! This country is run by people like Victoria and me...and YOU. When we are succesfull, so is our country!
Guess I'm not a lady! I'm lucky if I have time to put on makeup, and even luckier if I find a pair of earrings in the inside-zipper pouch of the diaper bag. But, that doesn't mean I don't have a love for jewelry! In fact, my great-grandfather was a gemologist, and also made very fine silver jewelry inset with gemstones. Anyhow, I am getting off topic.
Take a look at these beautiful earrings that were sent to me!
Aren't the pretty!? I just love them! These beautiful earrings were made by Victoria Ruhl, owner of V*Dazzled on Etsy!
Victoria, only 26, began her business in August of 2010, though she has been making jewelry for over a year. Looking at these earrings up close, however, you would think she has been doing it for a lifetime. Victoria has taken a class in jewelry making, although I am wondering to myself how in the world she had time, because she is a grad student, studying to get her PhD in cancer biology! Now, normally here I would insert a witty comment about over achievers, but will refrain this time!!
Victoria spends all day in the lab studying, then spends any free time she has designing and creating her jewelry. Victoria says this is a great way to relax, and get her mind off school. She lives in Massachusets, which I would venture to guess is quite beautiful this time of year!
One of my favorite sections on V*Dazzled is the bracelets for cancer. Some of you know, but some don't, that both of my grandmothers had breast cancer. Thankfully, by God's grace, they were both treatable. I'm thankful for people like Victoria, who are "over-acheivers".....I mean, people like me certainly won't find a cure for cancer!
V*Dazzled also offers necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, all of which are absolutely gorgeous, so it might be hard to pick a favorite!
Now, those beautiful blue earrings? All mine. However....Victoria also sent a pair just like them, in teal, and they are all yours to win! Victoria was kind enough to send a pair for me, and a pair for you! How in the world do you win these earrings? So glad you asked!!!
1.) You must be a follower of my blog. That gets you one entry.
2.) Take a look at V*Dazzled on Etsy, then come back here and leave me a comment telling me what your favorite item in her shop was. Its going to be hard because its all pretty!!!
3.) Tweet, Facebook, or blog about this giveaway, and include a link to Victoria's site. Leave an additional comment letting me know you did so!
Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do, that way I don't accidentally miss something!
The contest will last until midnight (Central Time) on Monday November 22rd, so tell everyone you know! I will announce the winner on my Tea Time Tuesday post! Good luck, and remember the one thing I always try to remind people of....if we all make even one purchase from a small business we can change the way our economy is! This country is run by people like Victoria and me...and YOU. When we are succesfull, so is our country!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Memory Mondays
Well, here it is the start of another week. I am slightly annoyed, because my much loved weekends, filled with my man and my two kids is over! But, I have lived to see another week, so for that I am grateful!
I have three little boys here with me today, from 21 months down to 15 months, and its been quite an eventful morning. Who would have though that such little human beings could cause such destruction and chaos?!
And then, there was potty training. Be warned. I am about to talk about pee.
Yes. My two oldest (my son and one of the daycare kids) have started showing signs of being ready to potty train. So, I have two little potties sitting in my bathroom, and a plethora of NASCAR, Superman, Spiderman and toy car undies piled on the counter.
I also am armed with rags and carpet cleaner.
We have successfully gone potty on the potty twice each. Which would be considered a success except for the fact that we have also gone potty on the floor about 5 times each. And instead of thinking "oh no, we should have gone on the potty!", they laugh!
Watching themselves pee on my floor makes them laugh until, well, they pee again. It is crazy. They are typical males, and are flat out obsessed with what they can make those little things do.
I am trying to remind myself to enjoy the little things about my son being little for as long as I can. One day, I am going to look back at this, laugh, and wonder where that little boy went. I might even miss having to clean up pee off the floor. I know I will miss hearing his giggle and hearing "OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!!!!" when he watches himself. Its all so new to the boys, but one day, they are going to know it all.
I am getting very little accomplished today, as we are making a game of running to the potty every 15 minutes. We sit there and sing or play or read books until something happens.
A passerby would think I was insane, singing "lets make pee-pee, on the big boy po-o-tty" to the tune of Iron Man.
I figure if I have to sing about pee at least I want a cool song stuck in my head.
So, have any of you had to potty train boys? My daughter was so much easier. Any tips or suggestions?! I know its only day one, but I am close to laying newspaper down on my carpets!
I have three little boys here with me today, from 21 months down to 15 months, and its been quite an eventful morning. Who would have though that such little human beings could cause such destruction and chaos?!
And then, there was potty training. Be warned. I am about to talk about pee.
Yes. My two oldest (my son and one of the daycare kids) have started showing signs of being ready to potty train. So, I have two little potties sitting in my bathroom, and a plethora of NASCAR, Superman, Spiderman and toy car undies piled on the counter.
I also am armed with rags and carpet cleaner.
We have successfully gone potty on the potty twice each. Which would be considered a success except for the fact that we have also gone potty on the floor about 5 times each. And instead of thinking "oh no, we should have gone on the potty!", they laugh!
Watching themselves pee on my floor makes them laugh until, well, they pee again. It is crazy. They are typical males, and are flat out obsessed with what they can make those little things do.
I am trying to remind myself to enjoy the little things about my son being little for as long as I can. One day, I am going to look back at this, laugh, and wonder where that little boy went. I might even miss having to clean up pee off the floor. I know I will miss hearing his giggle and hearing "OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!!!!" when he watches himself. Its all so new to the boys, but one day, they are going to know it all.
I am getting very little accomplished today, as we are making a game of running to the potty every 15 minutes. We sit there and sing or play or read books until something happens.
A passerby would think I was insane, singing "lets make pee-pee, on the big boy po-o-tty" to the tune of Iron Man.
I figure if I have to sing about pee at least I want a cool song stuck in my head.
So, have any of you had to potty train boys? My daughter was so much easier. Any tips or suggestions?! I know its only day one, but I am close to laying newspaper down on my carpets!
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Fantastic Friday...with SNOW!
What a fantastic Friday today is! My bed was so comfy this morning. I was snuggled up with my hubby and didn't want to get out of bed because it was cold!!! But, I did drag myself out and poured myself a nice cup of coffee. I looked out the window and to my surprise...SNOW! Not your typical first snow of the Texas Panhandle, either, which is usually nothing more than a dusting. This snow is piling up! I rushed to wake up my daughter, because nothing will get her out of bed faster than knowing there is snow on the ground!
The bad news...my camera is junked. It will not work at all. Hmmm maybe a family member will see this and get me a snazzy new camera for Christmas!? So, the only pictures I have are off my cell phone. I apologize for the horrible pictures....but you get the idea!
No, it isn't deep enough to play in. Probably only an inch, maybe two. But still snow! The trees are beautifully flocked, and it reminds me how no painter, no photographer, can capture the beauty of God's creation. Only God Himself can paint such a beautiful picture in His nature.
Unfortunately, I have lived in this part of Texas long enough to know that by 3:00 pm this will most likely be melted off, and we will be trading out sweaters for t-shirts. But it sure is pretty while is lasts! And at least we get to see the snow. My cousin lives down south, in San Antonio. Cold to her is 50 degrees, and she had a friend who, at 20 years old, had never seen snow until she brought him up here once! Can you imagine never seeing snow!?
Today in the daycare I have three boys, one my own, and a little girl. Each of them is standing at the window in awe, constantly yelling their new word-of-the-day "SNOW!!!!!! SNOW!!! SNOW!!!!"
I also get to see my Mother-and Father-In-Law today. They are driving down from Colorado to visit us this weekend, as Barb Wire Man turns 31. Hehe! 31. I take solice in the fact that he will always be older than me.
My little Flower and I will have to change our plans, however. Our Girl Scout troop is selling nuts and candy to raise spring funds for our troop, and we were to go out selling today.
"I'm sorry honey. I am the assistant troop leader, and spend hours helping plan our meetings, but I am not going to go door to door selling nuts in the snow. Call Nana!"
If anyone is interested in buying some nuts or candy, please contact me and we can work something out! Mattie has set a personal goal to sell 50 items in the next two weeks, and our troop would like to sell 250 items.
And now, I must attend to the laundry. That is the not-so-fantastic part of today. Oh well.
I hope everyone has a marvelously fantastic Friday!
The bad news...my camera is junked. It will not work at all. Hmmm maybe a family member will see this and get me a snazzy new camera for Christmas!? So, the only pictures I have are off my cell phone. I apologize for the horrible pictures....but you get the idea!
Unfortunately, I have lived in this part of Texas long enough to know that by 3:00 pm this will most likely be melted off, and we will be trading out sweaters for t-shirts. But it sure is pretty while is lasts! And at least we get to see the snow. My cousin lives down south, in San Antonio. Cold to her is 50 degrees, and she had a friend who, at 20 years old, had never seen snow until she brought him up here once! Can you imagine never seeing snow!?
Today in the daycare I have three boys, one my own, and a little girl. Each of them is standing at the window in awe, constantly yelling their new word-of-the-day "SNOW!!!!!! SNOW!!! SNOW!!!!"
I also get to see my Mother-and Father-In-Law today. They are driving down from Colorado to visit us this weekend, as Barb Wire Man turns 31. Hehe! 31. I take solice in the fact that he will always be older than me.
My little Flower and I will have to change our plans, however. Our Girl Scout troop is selling nuts and candy to raise spring funds for our troop, and we were to go out selling today.
"I'm sorry honey. I am the assistant troop leader, and spend hours helping plan our meetings, but I am not going to go door to door selling nuts in the snow. Call Nana!"
If anyone is interested in buying some nuts or candy, please contact me and we can work something out! Mattie has set a personal goal to sell 50 items in the next two weeks, and our troop would like to sell 250 items.
And now, I must attend to the laundry. That is the not-so-fantastic part of today. Oh well.
I hope everyone has a marvelously fantastic Friday!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Top 10 Uses for Bread on Thrifty Thursday
Good Thursday morning, and Happy Veteran's Day! I want to take this moment to tell every Veteran THANK YOU! I know more Veterans than I can count...from some good friends, to family members, my ex-husband to the husbands of my closest friends. Unless we live that life, we can never truly understand the sacrifices of these men, women, and their families. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!!!
My little sister is coming today to help me bake bread and cinnamon rolls today, and that got me to thinking about all the great uses we have for bread.
I try to make most of the bread my family eats, but I do buy bread as well. You see, the Barb Wire Man is probably one of the pickiest people I know, and really the only person I know who does not like homemade bread! Strange, huh!? So, I go ahead and buy bread for the sandwiches he takes to work each day. That usually amounts to about 1 loaf a week at $1.25 (I buy the cheapest loaf I can find! If you live close to a bread store, a loaf can often be purchased for 99 cents.) If, however, I bought all the bread my family and daycare kids ate, I would be buying no less than 4 loaves a week. The kids love toast, sandwiches, French Toast, and I like to eat bread and butter as a snack with my tea. That is about $20 a month, and $240 a year.
Instead, I make my own homemade bread, and no, I do not use a bread machine. I am a firm believer that everyone should know how to make things the old-fashioned way. Go ahead and use a bread machine, but at least know how to make bread without one!
Now, to really justify turning the oven on, and heating up the house, I make about 8 loaves at one time, and try to do all my baking on one day. (It makes for a pretty long day!) I also reserve a bit of the dough to make a homemade pizza dough!
The recipe I use is an old Amish recipe. (I will include it at the end of this post!) If you want some good eats, friends, find an Amish or Mennonite cookbook.....most recipes are super simple, very thrifty and absolutely delicious!
Anyhow, before I get too far off track, I will explain my process to you. I make the bread dough early in the morning, because it needs plenty of time to rise. After it has risen once, separate into loaves, saving a good handful for pizza dough! Once you reach this point, you can do one of two things....put the dough into pans to rise again, or shape into loaves and freeze the dough. (I don't have much freezer space, so I don't do this often.) When you are ready for fresh bread, put the frozen loaf into a pan, sit on the counter, and it will rise as it defrosts.
Part of being frugal is thinking outside the box. Bread is a great filler, and very versatile. Here are a few hints for using bread.
1.) Stale bread makes the best French Toast, because it absorbs the milk/egg batter better.
2.) Make your own bread crumbs. Cube stale bread, then bake in a 350 degree oven until completely dry. Put into a large plastic sack, then beat the hell out of it until it is crumbs! (This is also a great stress reliever, or a good project to help kids get the wiggles out!)
3.) Use bread torn into small pieces instead of crackers in your meatloaf. This helps cut down on the amount of meat you need, and helps the meatloaf hold together quite nicely.
4.) Give some to the kids to feed to the birds. This will keep them occupied for awhile!
5.) Make your own croutons! Butter the bread and season to your liking. Cube, and bake until crispy.
6.) Bread Pancakes. I stumbled across this recipe (located after the bread recipe) while looking through my Granny's old cookbooks. I have never tried it, so can't completely vouch for it, but see no reason why it wouldn't be good!
7.) Bread pudding!! One of my most favorite things in the world! I wish I could share my Granny's recipe with you, but I can't. She doesn't use recipes, so I was taught by watching her and hearing "You put about this much milk in.....then about this much cinnamon,.... then about this many eggs...nope, I think we need another egg....its done when it looks like this..... (these are always the best recipes!)
8.) When making rice, sometimes all the water is not absorbed. Put in a slice of bread and replace lid. This will dry the rice and make it nice and fluffy.
9.) So you burned your rice? I do it all the time. ALL THE TIME. Put a piece of bread in and allow to sit for awhile. The burned taste will all but disappear.
10.) Use a bread slice to help pick up tiny shards of glass from a dropped glass. This goes without saying, but please throw this slice away! (I would like to think no one would try this, but we do have to warn people that coffee is hot, and not to stick their fingers in blenders these days.)
What is your favorite use for bread? I have so many more, but I will stick with these 10 ideas. I would love to hear what you use your bread for! One side note here. This homemade bread, once baked, does not last as long as store-bought, because there are no preservatives!
I hope everyone has a very blessed day today. This is the day the Lord has made, so rejoice!
Amish Bread
2 quarter ounce packages of active dry yeast 1/2 C Sugar
1 TBSP Sugar 1 C. Boiling water
1 C. warm water 2 1/2 C. warm water
1/4 C shortening 10 C or more of flour
2 TBSP salt
Dissolve yeast and 1 Tbsp. sugar in warm water (careful not too hot!), and set aside.
In large mixing bowl, combine shortening, salt, sugar, and boiling water. Mix together until shortening is dissolved, then add 2 1/2 C of additional warm water. Now add the yeast mixture and blend thoroughly.
Next, add 5 C. flour, gradually mixing and adding more flou until dough can no longer be mixed. Knead the remaining dough for about 20 minutes to add any remaining flour (or extra flour if needed) until the dough becomes soft and is no longer sticky. Allow to rise (in a very large bowl) for 2 hours.
Punch down dough, and separate into 4 large loaves or 8 small loaves, and place in bread pans. Cover with a heavy cloth and let rise for an additional 2 hours.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until it makes a hollow noise when tapped.
Bread Pancakes
1 cup stale bread crumbs
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs beaten
4 Tablespoons melted margarine or oil.
Soak bread crumbs in water 10 minutes, add milk. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, add to bread mixture, add beaten eggs and margarine and mix well. Bake on lightly greased hot griddle. It makes about 12 cakes.
My little sister is coming today to help me bake bread and cinnamon rolls today, and that got me to thinking about all the great uses we have for bread.
I try to make most of the bread my family eats, but I do buy bread as well. You see, the Barb Wire Man is probably one of the pickiest people I know, and really the only person I know who does not like homemade bread! Strange, huh!? So, I go ahead and buy bread for the sandwiches he takes to work each day. That usually amounts to about 1 loaf a week at $1.25 (I buy the cheapest loaf I can find! If you live close to a bread store, a loaf can often be purchased for 99 cents.) If, however, I bought all the bread my family and daycare kids ate, I would be buying no less than 4 loaves a week. The kids love toast, sandwiches, French Toast, and I like to eat bread and butter as a snack with my tea. That is about $20 a month, and $240 a year.
Now, to really justify turning the oven on, and heating up the house, I make about 8 loaves at one time, and try to do all my baking on one day. (It makes for a pretty long day!) I also reserve a bit of the dough to make a homemade pizza dough!
The recipe I use is an old Amish recipe. (I will include it at the end of this post!) If you want some good eats, friends, find an Amish or Mennonite cookbook.....most recipes are super simple, very thrifty and absolutely delicious!
Anyhow, before I get too far off track, I will explain my process to you. I make the bread dough early in the morning, because it needs plenty of time to rise. After it has risen once, separate into loaves, saving a good handful for pizza dough! Once you reach this point, you can do one of two things....put the dough into pans to rise again, or shape into loaves and freeze the dough. (I don't have much freezer space, so I don't do this often.) When you are ready for fresh bread, put the frozen loaf into a pan, sit on the counter, and it will rise as it defrosts.
Part of being frugal is thinking outside the box. Bread is a great filler, and very versatile. Here are a few hints for using bread.
2.) Make your own bread crumbs. Cube stale bread, then bake in a 350 degree oven until completely dry. Put into a large plastic sack, then beat the hell out of it until it is crumbs! (This is also a great stress reliever, or a good project to help kids get the wiggles out!)
3.) Use bread torn into small pieces instead of crackers in your meatloaf. This helps cut down on the amount of meat you need, and helps the meatloaf hold together quite nicely.
4.) Give some to the kids to feed to the birds. This will keep them occupied for awhile!
5.) Make your own croutons! Butter the bread and season to your liking. Cube, and bake until crispy.
6.) Bread Pancakes. I stumbled across this recipe (located after the bread recipe) while looking through my Granny's old cookbooks. I have never tried it, so can't completely vouch for it, but see no reason why it wouldn't be good!
7.) Bread pudding!! One of my most favorite things in the world! I wish I could share my Granny's recipe with you, but I can't. She doesn't use recipes, so I was taught by watching her and hearing "You put about this much milk in.....then about this much cinnamon,.... then about this many eggs...nope, I think we need another egg....its done when it looks like this..... (these are always the best recipes!)
8.) When making rice, sometimes all the water is not absorbed. Put in a slice of bread and replace lid. This will dry the rice and make it nice and fluffy.
9.) So you burned your rice? I do it all the time. ALL THE TIME. Put a piece of bread in and allow to sit for awhile. The burned taste will all but disappear.
10.) Use a bread slice to help pick up tiny shards of glass from a dropped glass. This goes without saying, but please throw this slice away! (I would like to think no one would try this, but we do have to warn people that coffee is hot, and not to stick their fingers in blenders these days.)
What is your favorite use for bread? I have so many more, but I will stick with these 10 ideas. I would love to hear what you use your bread for! One side note here. This homemade bread, once baked, does not last as long as store-bought, because there are no preservatives!
I hope everyone has a very blessed day today. This is the day the Lord has made, so rejoice!
Amish Bread
2 quarter ounce packages of active dry yeast 1/2 C Sugar
1 TBSP Sugar 1 C. Boiling water
1 C. warm water 2 1/2 C. warm water
1/4 C shortening 10 C or more of flour
2 TBSP salt
Dissolve yeast and 1 Tbsp. sugar in warm water (careful not too hot!), and set aside.
In large mixing bowl, combine shortening, salt, sugar, and boiling water. Mix together until shortening is dissolved, then add 2 1/2 C of additional warm water. Now add the yeast mixture and blend thoroughly.
Next, add 5 C. flour, gradually mixing and adding more flou until dough can no longer be mixed. Knead the remaining dough for about 20 minutes to add any remaining flour (or extra flour if needed) until the dough becomes soft and is no longer sticky. Allow to rise (in a very large bowl) for 2 hours.
Punch down dough, and separate into 4 large loaves or 8 small loaves, and place in bread pans. Cover with a heavy cloth and let rise for an additional 2 hours.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until it makes a hollow noise when tapped.
Bread Pancakes
1 cup stale bread crumbs
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs beaten
4 Tablespoons melted margarine or oil.
Soak bread crumbs in water 10 minutes, add milk. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, add to bread mixture, add beaten eggs and margarine and mix well. Bake on lightly greased hot griddle. It makes about 12 cakes.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Winning Wednesdays Featuring Sporkful Designs!
Good Wednesday morning friends! We are halfway through this week! I don't know about you, but after my last few days I am ready for the weekend!!!
Today, I get to tell you about a really cool Etsy shop called Sporkful Designs! Sporkful Designs offers photo cards, invitations, and MUCH more!
I love Sporkful Designs, because Meg has the same passion as I do....handmade. There are so many interesting stories you learn about people, from all over the world. Maybe I am also a little biased, that she is in Minnesota. (Barbed Wire Man's family is all in Minnesota. So beautiful there, but being a Texas girl...I salute anyone who lives there. I spent one week there last Thanksgiving, and all I can say is its too damn cold for me!!!)
But, I am sure you are wondering what awesome deal is in this for YOU today?! You know you want one of her invitations. You know that as soon as you saw those you mentally put your own picture in there and had ideas! I already know what I am going to get! Well, from Meg herself, here you go!
"Savings for the Holidays! Get $2 off your first custom photo card order for any occasion at http://www.sporkfuldesigns.etsy.com/! Simply use the promo code: PLUMBLOG during the checkout and your paypal account will be reimbursed $2! Valid through 12/31/2010. Limit one promo code redemption per customer."
Take a few minutes, won't you, and check out this great Etsy shop! I am a firm believer that if each of us supports small businesses like this, our economy will change! Drop her a note! Let her know what your favorite thing is...THEN ORDER IT!
Today, I get to tell you about a really cool Etsy shop called Sporkful Designs! Sporkful Designs offers photo cards, invitations, and MUCH more!
About the Shop Owner - Meg:
Meg is from a small town in Minnesota
One of Meg’s most favorite places to be is in any of the Minnesota State Parks. She loves nature, hiking, and camping. Although she often gets chomped up by mosquitoes, she still loves it!
Meg’s love for graphic design began when she joined the yearbook team for high school. She furthered her education and graduated college with a major in Marketing and a minor in Graphic Design.
Why Meg Loves Handmade:
Meg loves handmade items for several reasons, but her favorite reason is the stories behind everything. The story of the stay-at-home mom making crafts for extra cash, the story of someone raising money for their daughter to have a cat, and purchasing items from real people and helping real families (versus corporations) is what drives her to love handmade.
Why Meg Began Sporkful Designs:
Sporkful Designs recently began in the Fall of 2010. Meg decided to finally give an Etsy shop a chance, because of her love for graphic design. She wanted to create an awesome photo card for her and her boyfriend this year, and couldn’t decide which to pick from…so she decided to share her designs with others!
What You Can Find at Sporkful Designs:
Photo cards for holidays, birthday parties, baby announcements, baby showers, graduations, save the dates, address changes, announcements, invitations, thank yous , and so much more!
At Sporkful Designs, you purchase the image so you can print your image anywhere and print however many you would like!
Sporkful Designs also does custom graphic design work such as background removal and custom Etsy shop banners/avatars. Custom work is always welcome!
Where to find Sporkful Designs:
Etsy Shop: www.sporkfuldesigns.etsy.com
Facebook (Fans get exclusive specials!): www.facebook.com/sporkfuldesigns
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sporkfuldesigns
I love Sporkful Designs, because Meg has the same passion as I do....handmade. There are so many interesting stories you learn about people, from all over the world. Maybe I am also a little biased, that she is in Minnesota. (Barbed Wire Man's family is all in Minnesota. So beautiful there, but being a Texas girl...I salute anyone who lives there. I spent one week there last Thanksgiving, and all I can say is its too damn cold for me!!!)
But, I am sure you are wondering what awesome deal is in this for YOU today?! You know you want one of her invitations. You know that as soon as you saw those you mentally put your own picture in there and had ideas! I already know what I am going to get! Well, from Meg herself, here you go!
"Savings for the Holidays! Get $2 off your first custom photo card order for any occasion at http://www.sporkfuldesigns.etsy.com/! Simply use the promo code: PLUMBLOG during the checkout and your paypal account will be reimbursed $2! Valid through 12/31/2010. Limit one promo code redemption per customer."
Take a few minutes, won't you, and check out this great Etsy shop! I am a firm believer that if each of us supports small businesses like this, our economy will change! Drop her a note! Let her know what your favorite thing is...THEN ORDER IT!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tea Time Tuesday
Do you ever just feel like your life is just spiraling down around you, and you are powerless to do anything about it?
Welcome to my world.
Last week and this week has been a real test of my patience, faith, and even some relationships. The coming weeks will be further tests, no doubt.
If you ask my family and friends who knew me when I was younger, "patience" is not a word they would have used to describe me. Two husbands, two kids, and a daycare later, I have extreme patience.
However....I have ZERO patience for lies, gossip, and stupidity. Those three things I just cannot tolerate! I call things like I see them, and I speak my mind. I wasn't always that way, but once I started....ahhhhh......a sense of relief came over me. I started telling people "No". I stopped pretending like I was interested in the gossip people told me, and most people stopped even bothering to tell me their gossip. 95% of gossip is a lie anyhow.
But there are a few who actually resented that fact that I did not cater to their gossip. A few who even went so far as to deceitfully bring me into their stories, and cause a lot of pain for alot of people. After a confrontation of the people involved (because I refuse to sit on my haunches and allow people to destroy me like that) a couple of relationships were lost, but you know what? Those aren't the type of relationships I want anyhow.
I'm thankful I have a God in whom I can place my trust.
My husband has been presented with a job opportunity, and we are just waiting on final words back from all involved. In a way, its going to be great for our family. A lot of financial stress will be relieved, for certain. But it is also going to test the determination of our family. I am beyond thankful for the unbelievable amount of trust my husband and I have with each other, and the amount of love we have for each other. We may be going days, if not weeks, without seeing each other, and that is going to be hard. Really, really hard. That man is my best friend. But God has proven Himself to me time, after time, after time. And I have to have faith that if this is His plan for us, He will see us through it. I am also thankful that I won't be alone. My closest friend will be right there with me, going through the same thing. Our husbands will be going through the same things. This will be a totally new experience for us! It is scary and exciting at the same time. I feel like I am walking into a pitch dark room, having to trust that there is a floor beneath me, and someone will switch the light on!
Thanks for letting me vent today! I'm sure many of you know how I feel! Tomorrow, I have an awesome Etsy shop to tell you about and can't wait! And tomorrow, the week will be half over.....YAY!!!!
Welcome to my world.
Last week and this week has been a real test of my patience, faith, and even some relationships. The coming weeks will be further tests, no doubt.
If you ask my family and friends who knew me when I was younger, "patience" is not a word they would have used to describe me. Two husbands, two kids, and a daycare later, I have extreme patience.
However....I have ZERO patience for lies, gossip, and stupidity. Those three things I just cannot tolerate! I call things like I see them, and I speak my mind. I wasn't always that way, but once I started....ahhhhh......a sense of relief came over me. I started telling people "No". I stopped pretending like I was interested in the gossip people told me, and most people stopped even bothering to tell me their gossip. 95% of gossip is a lie anyhow.
But there are a few who actually resented that fact that I did not cater to their gossip. A few who even went so far as to deceitfully bring me into their stories, and cause a lot of pain for alot of people. After a confrontation of the people involved (because I refuse to sit on my haunches and allow people to destroy me like that) a couple of relationships were lost, but you know what? Those aren't the type of relationships I want anyhow.
I'm thankful I have a God in whom I can place my trust.
My husband has been presented with a job opportunity, and we are just waiting on final words back from all involved. In a way, its going to be great for our family. A lot of financial stress will be relieved, for certain. But it is also going to test the determination of our family. I am beyond thankful for the unbelievable amount of trust my husband and I have with each other, and the amount of love we have for each other. We may be going days, if not weeks, without seeing each other, and that is going to be hard. Really, really hard. That man is my best friend. But God has proven Himself to me time, after time, after time. And I have to have faith that if this is His plan for us, He will see us through it. I am also thankful that I won't be alone. My closest friend will be right there with me, going through the same thing. Our husbands will be going through the same things. This will be a totally new experience for us! It is scary and exciting at the same time. I feel like I am walking into a pitch dark room, having to trust that there is a floor beneath me, and someone will switch the light on!
Thanks for letting me vent today! I'm sure many of you know how I feel! Tomorrow, I have an awesome Etsy shop to tell you about and can't wait! And tomorrow, the week will be half over.....YAY!!!!
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