18 Goals in 2018

2018...I cannot believe we are here already!  Happy New Year to you and yours!

Last time, I shared some of my favorite things from 2017...this time, I think I will share a few goals I have.  I am not saying resolutions, because it seems so strong of a word and I often forget about mine about mid March.  I have noticed though, if I don't have a plan for what's ahead, I will not have a way of measuring where I am in regard to what I hope to do in life.  Some of these are very specific...some, much more general...but I hope to see progress toward achieving what I am laying out in this coming year.

1} Become healthier- this includes eating right, exercising and seeing the doctor about a few concerns.  I have put this off for too long and need to make this a focus area.  I did get this started in 2017 and made some good progress...hoping to get back on track and move forward.  I will not list specific markers, mostly because I haven't laid that all out yet.

2} Read- I have a shelf that I set aside for the books I am hoping to work through next.  This stack of books has been shoved aside by reading I am doing for school assignments for the kids.  I am still hoping to work through this stack.

3} Blog- I am hoping to move my blog and be more intentional about how/when I post.

4} The Big Math Catch-up- We are already about halfway to this goal...this was a HUGE school focus for us this year.  The kids are doing a great job on this!

5} Craft a Month- You know all those projects many of us have laying around and all the ideas we want to come to?  Well, it is my goal to create something each month.  This has been shoved aside for too long and bags of supplies need to be used.  Here is the first thing I want to make.

6} Cookies- Have you seen all the cool decorated cookies people have been making?  I have had a few sets made and let me tell you...I want to learn how to do this...
Here are some sets that I ordered through Diane.  If you get some from her, tell her I sent you!

7} Build up our Christmas movie collection- This might seem silly...but I am hoping to get at least 24 Christmas movies collected this year.  We enjoy watching a movie a night in December...but we are mostly dependent upon whatever we can find at the library.  We have seen some good movies, but some pretty corny ones too.

8} Build up our Emergency Fund- this has been used quite a bit in the last year or so and is sadly lacking.

9} Budget Buckets- Along with the emergency fund, I would like to get these full...the budget buckets are categories in our budget that only come along once or twice a year...Christmas, birthdays, school fees and such all fall in this category.

10} Get ovens fixed/new ovens- we are without ovens right now...which is interesting.  Thankfully, we live in a time when there are many ways to cook food!  While I am thankful for all those other ways to cook, I am looking forward to getting working ovens again.

11} Lead the children to more independent school work- This has come a long way so far this year...we are probably about halfway on this goal too...Mostly my younger guy needs work on this.  Since I am working a little bit now, ,I need them to be able to be productive when I am not here.

12} Re-read The House That Cleans Itself and implement a plan for staying on top of cleaning projects.

13} Weekly De-Clutter Day- I AM THE WORST at this!  Pray for me!  I need all the help I can get here...both because I have no time AND because I am an infamous pile stacker.

14} Regular Meal Planning- Life runs so much more smoothly when I actually sit down and do this.  It will help with my first goal too!

15} Get a new computer- Mine has been acting up.  I need to see my IT lady and see what she thinks.

16} Go on more hikes- NICER WEATHER- I am a fair weather hiker...so more in late spring, through early fall for this one.

17} Finish a one year history book in one year! I did this for the first time EVER last year!  I was so happy and I know I can do it again this year!!!  We are on track to meet this goal too!

18} Get a new camera- My camera was stolen several years ago...along with it, 8 years of photos I can never get back, including the flag ceremony at my dad's memorial service.  When it was stolen, I lost all motivation for taking pictures and scrapbooking.  I miss that and would like to get that back.  In the grand scheme of life, this is pretty low on my list...but I needed an 18...so there you go.

I think that is it for now!  Once again, Happy New Year!

With much love!

Carrie

17 Faves in 2017

Hello all,

We are at the end of another year...How on earth do these go by so very quickly? I listened to a fascinating Ted Talk on how time seems to fly by the older you get.  I can't find the exact one I watched, but it was really interesting...I had never thought of it before, but I sure feel the effects!

So, as we are at the end of another year, I thought I would share a few of my favorites of 2017.  Just a way of setting a year apart from another.  These are in no particular order.
{Disclosure: All Amazon links are affiliate links.}

1} Favorite book...of course, I can't have one...so I will separate them a little
Life in a Jar- This book was AMAZING!  I learned about it when I saw a short video on Facebook about the Life of Irena Sendler. Seeing that video made me curious about her life, and upon further digging, I found this book.  I just loved seeing the impact ONE PERSON can have.  Often, we feel like we can't change things or feel frustrated thinking we don't have an impact.  To those children she rescued, Irena's courageous work had a HUGE impact.  There is power in ONE.

My other favorite, I will place more in a home schooling category-  The Reading Promise .
This was an amazing book of a commitment of reading aloud every single night.  This father and daughter continued this for nine years.  Seeing the impact of that time and their commitment to keeping the streak was amazing.  If I had to pick only one more, Deconstructing Penguins would be on this list as well...I LOVED this book.
Ok, I will leave the books now...I could seriously write pages on good books.

2}  So, I lied...Favorite book for youth- This HAD to be its own category...
HANDS DOWN, it is Navigating Early.  I LOVE Clare Vanderpool's writing style...In some ways, her writing reminds me of Charles Dickens, in that things you see early on in the book, come around full circle at the end.  Pay attention to ALL THE DETAILS with this one.  I cannot recommend this highly enough.  She also wrote Moon Over Manifest, which is good as well, but I really enjoyed Navigating Early so much!  I hope to see many more books by this author.

3} Favorite Movie- It is hard to remember what all you have seen over the course of a year, but to the best of my recollection, I have two... Sully and Hidden Figures.  Both of these films were so very good and will become a part of our home movie library.

4} Song- Either Even If by Mercy Me or Matt Maher's I Need You.  Every hour...

5} Kitchen Tool- Kitchenaid Slicer/Shredder attachment- This has been the MOST AMAZING tool for the kitchen this year!!!  I LOVE the shredder part of it and use it OFTEN for grating cheese!!!  I can grate 2 pounds of cheese in around 5 minutes!  I LOVE THAT!!!  I do not usually buy pre-grated cheese because it has natamycin and cellulose in it.  That seriously grosses me out.  But, I am also a BUSY mom...With this shredder attachment, it is so quick and easy, I don't even think twice about it.  This is PROBABLY my daughter's favorite kitchen tool too, because she was the resident grater prior to this discovery.

6} Home School Tool- My Home School Grades- Another NO BRAINER WIN for the year...this makes my home school record keeping UNBELIEVABLY simple.  Created by a home school grad and a home school dad, this program is intuitive and easy to use. With a good mix of pre- loaded curriculum and options of customizing your own thing, you can choose to give a final grade, grades by assignment or pass/fail.  AND, can you say Transcript?  Talk about a professional document, this is a thing to behold.  On top of all the wonderful things I can say about My Home School Grades, John Echols, the homeschool dad of the team, is so wonderful in responding to your questions, suggestions and concerns.  And, I ALMOST forgot, because this is web based, you can access it wherever you are...phone, library computer, at Starbucks, etc.

7} Makeup Item- This is an area of great sadness for me...In 2017, my favorite skin care/makeup company {BeautiControl} was closed by the parent company {Tupperware}. I have been using their products for about 25 years...it was a HUGE SHOCK to hear.  While this is sad, the good news is that Rick Heath (son of the founders of BC) and Gary Jones (So involved in BCs research and development for SO MANY YEARS) have partnered together to bring us TruAura.  I am looking forward to seeing what they are planning.  I really like what I have seen so far about the Prebiotics and Probiotics with regard to our skin's microbiome.  I am signing up as a consultant, mostly to get my products at a discount.  Watch for the launch on February 1, 2018.  And feel free to ask me any questions...while I don't know much yet, I will do my best to get you an answer.
That said, aside from my BeautiControl products I LOVE, I will say that my favorite item for the year is either Young Living's Savvy Minerals blush Smashing, OR Younique's lipstick Stinking Rich.  The blush has a little sparkle to it that is lovely and the lipstick is a GORGEOUS cool red.  I think I need to order another one of these.

8} Snack- Lily's Salted Almond Milk Chocolate Bar- Trying to get my health in order, I have been sugar free for most of 2017....until the dreaded Christmas fiasco...seriously NEED TO GET THE SWEETS OUT OF THE HOUSE!!!  Anyway, this bar is sweetened with Stevia and is such a wonderful treat that supports the way I am trying to eat now.  There are several varieties to choose from, but this is my favorite.

9} Perfume- Do Son- I got a little sample of this perfume in an Ipsy bag. I absolutely LOVE this scent.  I need to grab a bottle. Here is the description from the website: Divinely mysterious tuberose unveils its powers of seduction on a bed of berries and flowers. It is embraced by the fresh sweetness of a sea breeze, like a pagoda on the edge of the Gulf of Tonkin.

10}Wallet- Hobo Lauren- I absolutely LOVE this wallet!  It is a pretty good sized wallet with two sides.  Each side has a snap closure.  It fits my budget envelopes nicely as well as all the other things that gather in my wallet.

11} Planner- My BUJO- have you heard about Bullet Journaling?  Well, I love the flexabilty of it...  It can be used for whatever need I have and then I just go to the next page for whatever my next need is.  I love that nothing is wasted and no blank pages are staring at you counting off your planner failures.  AND, it is whatever I NEED...not whatever the planner creator thought I would need.  Some people have very artsy BUJOs, but mine is messy and very utilitarian.  One day, maybe it will be a work of art...just not today!  I am a pen and paper gal, but my hubby prefers the electronic way, so I use COZI for him.

12} Field Trip- This is going to be a toss up between seeing the Chinese Terra Cotta Warriors and a senior trip we took to Friday Harbor in the San Juans.  It was a perfect day when we went and the English Camp was GORGEOUS!!!  We had a blast.  I was hoping to make it back there with my family, but that just didn't happen.  Maybe next summer.  If you are in Washington State and it is a beautiful day, please make the trek to Friday Harbor.  You will not be disappointed.

13} Leggings- So I went to the Lula Side...these leggings are buttery soft and many have fun patterns.  I also scored a black pair when that line was introduced.  Like wearing your pajamas!  If you haven't tried them, I think you might love them!

14} Soda- Going sugar free, I miss my old Diet Coke.  On Trim Healthy Mama, Diet Coke is NOT on plan...Probably better for me too!  So I have been enjoying Zevia's Ginger Ale.

15} Organizing tool- 31 Bags- I have two styles that I like...The Zip Top Organizing Utility Tote with the Fold and File insert is my most favorite bag. I have one of these bags for everything...one for Bible Study, one for co-op, one for Awana...etc. I love how great these are for my various needs.
My second favorite is the Large Utility Tote.  I added the insert, but I don't love it as much as I thought I would.  The bags are great though and I keep them in my van.  Keeps lots of various things from rolling around all over in there.

16} Young Living Essential Oil- Ok...I really can't have just one...I need them all, really...but I love how Tangerine makes me feel so happy and Thieves and RC when we are feeling a little under the weather.  Also, can we say Frankincense?  Well, many other favorites, but I will end there and save you all a major ramble.  If you are interested in learning more about Essential Oils, feel free to let me know or check it out here.

17} Budget tool- The last Favorite from 2017 is a tablet I made for our budget.  We do a weekly budget and as a pen and paper gal, I used to write each line out each week on a small yellow pad.  I got tired of writing out the same thing over and over and over, so I had tablets made.  I love these. They work PERFECTLY for me...
I do KNOW that I can do this in excel...but I do not LOVE Excel...and I am a pen and paper gal.  There is just something so satisfying in writing this out for me.

Well, that is my list...sorry it is so long.  I hope you have a fantastic 2018!  Next post will be my goals for 2018!

Random November Thoughts

Well, it is the last day of November...and I am thinking on many things...the joy of being in Christ, the wonder of Christmas, the busyness of daily life and much more...

Just going to leave a few of those thoughts here...nothing really gathered...just random thoughts

DD lost a tooth yesterday...his first tooth fell out when he was eating, so I got RIPPED off...you see, I have had the pleasure of pulling out the FIRST tooth of every other Cannon child...and I hate to say it, but I LOVE doing that...I have no idea why...but anyway...I do. So DD said his tooth was REALLY LOOSE..I asked him if I could wiggle it and he let me. I asked him if I could pull it out and he really did not want me to do it, but somehow, I talked him into it...You would have thought I was cutting off a toe with all the fuss...but when it was out he said, "That didn't hurt at all" Can't believe how big he is getting to be.

Trying to line up some activities for GK and DD to do in December and came across Truth in the Tinsel. It steps you through Advent, keeping Christ in Christmas. It is written with younger children in mind, but I think both of my youngers will enjoy it. I found many fun things to do on Pinterest too...and HOPE to post each day the things we do...Never got my December Daily book put together last year...maybe I will use it for this instead.

Got our tree tonight...I have NO IDEA what the name of the place is, but it is that BIG RED BARN on Getchell on the right when you head east. They were VERY NICE and HELPFUL and we got a great looking tree...I think it is about 7 feet tall. We looked ridiculous driving it home on the Malibu...but it is what it is...They don't have a HUGE selection, but I would recommend them if you don't have your tree yet...

So very thankful for so many things...too many to list, and list often sounds like something you spew out without much thought...I am truly thankful for many things...My family...we have had a tough year and you all continue to be a great blessing to me with your love, generosity, how you encourage one another and think of things to make the way a bit easier for others. You are all fearfully and wonderfully made and my life is so much richer and deeper because of you...Friends, especially THE friend who sticks closer than a brother, God's word...how it is ALWAYS just what I need, work, another day... so many things.

The First Term of Co-op in Everett was a great blessing...My children got to take some wonderful classes by some of the most gracious and loving women I have ever met. Thank you SO MUCH for your gift! The classes I taught blessed me SO MUCH...in the Flat Stanley class I taught, two of the boys got back the MOST AMAZING books from their friends for their flat people...WOW is all I can say...their hosts really went the extra mile to create a very special gift for these boys and really set the Flat Stanley Host bar very HIGH...Great Job! My other class had the sweetest kids...they were so excited and fun to work with...really looking forward to next term, but also thankful for a few weeks off.

We received a VERY THOUGHTFUL gift from a few sneaky ones just before Thanksgiving...while I have no idea who to thank for all of that...the Lord knows and I am very thankful for each one of you! My cup overflows!

Well, I told you it was a bunch of random thoughts...probably not worth reading, but there you have it...

Blessings,
C~

Star Wars Saga on DVD

As you may or may not know, we are a Star Wars family...now when I say WE, I really mean THEM...the boys, but who's keeping track of all that...
So, an opportunity is before me...review the Star Wars on Blu-Ray...and since May the Fourth is a holiday to at least ONE of my boys, I am making a shameless PLUG to receive this item to review...ON BLU-RAY...the WHOLE THING...so since we own more of these on VHS than DVD, AND I think we are missing at least one, AND one of my boys has been counting down the days until it was released, I am raising my hands, waving frantically and saying...PLEASE PICK ME...I think it would qualify me as being MOM of the year...and what mom REALLY does not need some of that???
So Jono....PUHLEASE, PUHLEASE, PICK ME!!!!

And, for those of you who had to read this and are saying to yourselves how lame it is...you KNOW you'd do it too for one of yours! Just plug in THEIR THING! :-)


C~

It's been a while....

As blogging does take a back seat to life, you can see I haven't been writing here for a bit...but as I do want to remember the Days of our Lives, so to speak, I do want to be sure and check in from time to time and record the things that often get forgotten as we race through life...
It feels like SO MUCH and yet NOTHING has been going on...ever have those days? So just a few tidbits from that past month or so...
Birthdays- Well our bookends are a bit older...DD turned FIVE...one whole hand...and Our techy guy will be 17 TOMORROW...I just do not know how time can go so fast and slow all at the same time...my words to the wise...cherish every minute...Time flies when measured by growing babies. DD had a great day...it was very LATE, but a great day...and as for our techy guy...well we have yet to see...
BSF- Recently finished the year of BSF with sharing day and a group fellowship...bittersweet. My favorite verse right now is Isaiah 49:15-16...This was an amazing study in a book that is INCREDIBLY relevant in our world today and I am very glad that I was in this class...it was "for such a time as this."
Schooling- School is looking a little different here as we seek the Lord and try to determine some things...Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Not to mention His wisdom)...we could use some prayer support here...
ADOPTION- Well a friend of mine has been working on bringing a precious boy home and she is in the last part of this...waiting for the travel dates and trying to get the last bit of funds to be able to make the trip...God has moved in a mighty way for their family and I believe He will bring them exactly what they need...it's less than pennies to Him! I know this family would appreciate your prayers on their behalf...
The principessa learned how to cross stitch and is in the process of making a book mark. Her enthusiasm has inspired me to pick up needle and thread again...no project in the works yet, but I got our the supplies. I love the thought of being able to sit and do this with her.
Techy Guy had AN excellent Dr. appt last week...He is doing really well and we are SO thankful We would love for God to heal him and continue to ask for that, but today, I am thankful for what we have. I am also thankful and most willing to develop a new interest in him...he has really been enjoying cooking. He definitely takes after his father in this area! The mediator like to bake, so between them we have some good food! His brothers all think he should open a restaurant and call it Lou's...they keep saying...everyone wants to go to a restaurant called Lou's...it really is funny to me...I love how the children interact with each other...well, most of the time. I am not sure if he has any tendencies towards restaurant work though...right now he is gobbling up books. It is interesting to see the paths, talents, interests that God puts in your children and to watch what God shapes them into.
Super Jock has been doing a wonderful job on his schoolwork...it is exciting to see his enthusiasm when he knows he has done well..he has also been playing some guitar...not my style, but he has been learning... he would like to have a band...and really..what boy doesn't (well I am sure there are those who don't, but many do...) I may need a supply of earplugs!
As for me, I feel like God has stripped off some things that were not lovely and as I keep walking on, I find myself coming to the end of me...we might be very far from the actual END of me, but it feels like I cannot walk in my own strength...it is a strange combination of feelings...humbling and freeing, ugly and beautiful, etc...and while this particular walk is not easy or fun...I want what is at the other end...what is that? I have no idea....might be a deeper faith or something in my character developed to be more like Christ's...could be so many things...and as a good friend says, "This is so big, God has to be in it." He has a purpose for it in my life...I want to learn this lesson WELL, I want to have whatever He wants for me in it and I want to be able to bring glory and honor unto Him every time I say...this is what God did. Any of you struggling through something difficult...let me encourage you with these words...He leads us into loss so He can enrich us with lasting gain...
Well, I have rambled for quite a bit now...time to go...
Blessings to you...God IS faithful,
Love,
C~

Stuff and Such

I think it is one of those days where it is a bit of this and a bit of that....listening to Micheal W. Smith's STAND album and is a very worshipful mood...LOVE this cd...fits in with my walk with the Lord right now...learning through trials to trust Him more and to be confident in His purposes for my life.
So, I am putting the finishing touches on a scrapbook project I have been working on, which really translates into working like a frantic wreck tonight to finish it before tomorrow am...I have some pictures taken and need to finish getting all the pictures I need...I will have to post those through my hubby's computer though...
BSF was so good today...I am weekly in AWE of HOW RELEVANT God's word is in every time...it IS living and active...the very words of our GREAT and MARVELOUS GOD...we have about 7 weeks left of lessons and then I will need to figure out what to study over the summer. Any suggestions? Maybe I will work on memorizing Philippians...yes, the WHOLE BOOK...I LOVE the book of Philippians...
Are any of you having a hard time since SPRINGING forward....doesn't that sound so energetic...well I have been EXHAUSTED ever since...having a hard time waking up each morning...I will be glad when my body gets adjusted to the change...so very sleepy...then I try to take a nap and can I sleep...NO...so maybe I will try a cup of coffee...
Had a VERY FULL DAY yesterday...first helping a friend with setting up for a garage sale...then to another friend's house for a game day...then back to the first friend's house...more setting up...then home to meet with a friend for about an hour...to meet another friend to give her something...whew...FULL day, but feeling a little energized (except for the WHOLE spring forward exhaustion) by having seen so many people I love to share time with.
Projects: After the album is done, I have two skirts to finish...been working on them FOREVER...or maybe I should say, I have been stalling at this one point FOREVER...just nervous about the hem...and you would think I was hand sewing something fancy, but just need to sew on a ribbon...the things I trip over...after that, I want to make a quiet book for DD...hopefully he will be able to play with it before he is 30...the rate I am going, does not look good. Maybe I should have a sewing party...you know how misery loves company...er, I mean, many hands make light work...anyone want to come over for a day?
Well, I need to go and finish up things here...like laundry, dishes...kisses...do those things ever end...well, at least with the last one, I hope not!
Blessings to you and yours!

Listen

I have been wanting to post something ALL WEEK...but have struggled with what to post...when I feel like things are going fine again, something difficult plunges us back into the place where I feel like I have nothing to share...no wisdom...nothing clever or creative...just nothing...no words even in prayer...then it dawned on me...the words aren't coming because I need to be listening...listening to what God is telling me through His word...listening to the Spirit guide me...listening to the wisdom of others who know and have walked this before me...So, since I have nothing to share, I want to share a couple of posts written by a dear friend...these posts have been a great blessing to me...I hope they are to you as well...
You're going to need this
Then help me to learn

Come near to me and hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
For the time that it was, I was there.
And now the Lord God and His Spirit
Have sent Me.
Isaiah 48:16

Listening....
C~

Blog Stalker?

So, many of you might be thinking I never read your blog...I assure you...I do...I just have this issue...a pet peeve really...I don't like the way the comments are done...how you have to go to a seperate page to leave a comment...the when you are done, press back a few times til you are where you were...makes me nuts!!!! I wish the comments could just be left under the post...like facebook...I can leave you a cheery little message and scroll down right keeping up with what is going on...ahhh...perhaps one day...but not today...Bessie just can't take it...even if it didn't make me nuts on a regular day...
So...anything make you nuts about blogging...either posting or reading...do tell...just don't get me started on those fancy pants blogs where you have to click "read More" to read more...or I might really go over the edge...do something drastic...like tweet to all my twits or write on some walls...only if Bessie doesn't get her bytes in a bundle!!!
C~

Comments

Just a brief note...I am still without a computer...but I have turned on comment moderation because I have been having some troubles with a few comments...and do not want that to be a stumbling block to any faithful readers...a couple of thoughts on this...if you would like me to post your comment, please make it appropriate and relevant to the post you are commenting on...we do not need to agree, but I will not be posting anything vulgar. Also, I would appreciate posts in English please...makes sense since that IS the language I speak.

Thank you so much!
Love,
C~

Difficulties

I have been reading on Facebook and in various blogs and in talking with people and hearing what a difficult year 2009 was for so many...while it was for us too, I think that they have forced us to see where our faith truly is...Do we really TRUST God...BELIEVE that He really cares for us and is only good all the time...Can we see God's hand in the difficult times...as I sit here and reflect...as I am formulating my personal goals for 2010...as I think of the darkest days of my walk last year where there were days all the faith I had was that He Is...I think...those struggles make me rely on Him in ways that I don't when all is good...Those struggles chip of portions of my hard heart and get down to the tender flesh...those struggles form me more and more into the image of Christ...and for that, I can be thankful...I can say today that "ALL things work together for good, for those called according to His purpose." I can see some of the good in it...I may not even know the extent of his purpose, but knowing WHO HE IS helps me know there is a purpose.
I will be posting my goals for this year when I have developed them a little more fully, but for now, I just want to encourage you to be of good cheer and also to press on toward the prize and to Fight the good fight...because ALL THINGS work together for good...All....things....
Love,
C~

Busy over at Dollars and Sense

I have been so busy over at my other blog that I have been neglecting this one a little bit. Nothing is really new...I have been getting ready for a baby shower...lots to do, so little time. It is so hard to believe that it is almost Thanksgiving...where has the year gone...I always say, "Time flies when measured by growing babies!"
On my mind lately is what is going on at Boeing...I have heard that Boeing is moving to one of the Carolina states...I can never keep those straight...anyway, I am wondering how many people this is going to affect. I remember back in my retail days, one year when Boeing was on strike near Christmas time...it seems that we live and die by what is going on at Boeing...
Well anyway...that is really all I have to say today...
C~

Working on something new

Well, I am working on a new project and hoping to give a peek soon, but life is full and some things are just more important right now...but soon...
Today, my techy guy has an appt. at the Rheum. Dr....pray that that goes well. He also has been wanting a particular burger at a particular restaurant(Dick's) near-ish to said Dr...so we'll see...
I have a baby shower coming up...working on that...and need to get the house company ready...thankfully, the big heavy work is done!
And then, we are transitioning right into the holidays...mmm...my favorite time of the year!
Well, that is all I can think of right now, but be watching for the "NEWS"...
C~

Great Recipe and more

So, it has been a little while since I posted...haven't had much to say...haven't had time to think it through...etc...
First, I would like to share a GREAT recipe...I will post it how I make it...and you can try it that way...but it is VERY GOOD...my family likes the meat the best, so I do add a little more than the recipe calls for, but I would try it the way written first. Also, it takes and hour of cooking time, but do not let that deter you...30 minutes is just cooking on the stove. I serve this with rice, because it FEELS like it needs a starch to go with it.

Bavarian Sausage and Apples
Serves 6

3 Tablespoons butter
12 links sausage of choice, Polish, bratwurst, etc. You probably do not want a strong Italian flavor or something like a Cheddar jalapeno, but I think most types would work fine
2 medium onions, sliced
4 apples, unpeeled cut into 1/2" wedges
2 tsp. brown sugar, heaping
2 T. flour
1 c. beef broth
1 c. unsweetened apple juice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cloves

(and, if you do not eat sausages for whatever reason, I am sure that there are veggie options that would work, or you could try it with a similar meat, I am just not sure what that would be....I am not a big lamb person and do not know if that would over power the flavor...maybe a ground beef, ground lamb mix that you make into small meatballs...let me know what you think...)

Take sausages and cut into slices...I like to cut them on the diagonal, maybe 1-1/2 inches long and 3/8 inch thick...this is not obsessive, just a good mouth sized bite.
Brown sausages in skillet with butter, until browned, remove from pan, set aside.

Add onions to skillet; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add apples and brown sugar; cook 5 minutes. Remove apple slices and set aside.

Add flour to skillet; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Return sausages and apples to pan; bring to boil. Lower heat; cover and simmer 30 minutes


I just got (LAST NIGHT) from the Library, Mary's book, Family Feasts for $75 a Week and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!! I read the WHOLE thing last night...this is SO much more than a cookbook...she gives SO many practical and helpful tips for cutting your grocery budget down...I WILL be buying this book...many delicious looking recipes. I am looking forward to my next meal planning session with book in hand!

Also, just in case you have never heard...pre-grated cheese has both an antibiotic in it (Natamycin...can read here for more info) and Cellulose...now, that seriously makes me sick that there are antibiotics in pre-grated cheese...but if that does not bother you, eat freely. I think that most people do not know this and because the price of grated VS block are almost the same...even cheaper for the grated at times, we all go for what is easier. a big thank you to my Pampered Chef lady for letting me know about this one...the ingrediants are right on the back of the package.

So, I think that is all that is on my mind today...I will be back when I think of more things!
Happy Fall...oh and the time change is coming up...I think we FALL back on October 31! Don't forget...

Some New Blogs

Well, through the course of stumbling across things, I have found a few new blogs I would like to share with you all...again, because I don't have a clue, you will have to scroll down to my blog list to click on the link there, because HERE just does not work for me....anyone want to share that tip???
So without further ado...
A small list of new faves:
Mary from Owlhaven- I LOVE this new blog...she has some great posts, but my favorites are the ones where she really stretches herself to feed her family of 11 for next to nothing...this month she is challenging us to really cut our weekly budget and see if we can live on that for a month...she mentioned $75 a week and I think I will try that...you can click on the link and read all about it...She recently posted about going to the fair and only spending $100...now we had a hard time doing that with only the two of us, much less 11....so pop over there to see if she did it!

What's in the Box- I love this blog...works with the workboxes...she has a lot of really great ideas to put in the boxes...very creative...gets those ideas flowing in me. This year, she added her high school daughter into the box concept, so I will love to see how that all plays out.


Girly Do's by Jenn- I think this is my all time new fave....I don't know, I could probably say that about every blog on my list....they all give me something I need....people much smarter than me...so I am thankful they keep posting...anyway...this one is just for this momma hair dork...pony tail was about the limit of my capabilities...until this blog...she guides you literally step by step through some really great girly do's...if you think the principessa's hair looks nice, please give all the credit to Jenn....love this blog!!!

Ok, and one that is not so new, but you all may not know about it...
A Mother's Journal- I really love this blog...she has such an eclectic mix of gardening, homeschooling, and daily life, all wrapped up in wit...I just love her blog posts...she also has the MOST amazing photos in her garden where she gets up close and personal with all sorts of creepy crawlies...really breathtaking...she posted recently pictures of a butterfly just coming out of its chrysalis...I am so amazed that she had the eyes to see it all...I cannot tell you how many times that I am sure similar things were before me, but I did not have the eyes to see it...puts a little more understanding to the words of Scripture for me..."Whoever has eyes to see...."

So, tell me...which are your favorite blogs or new blogs...I really could have posted about every blog on my list...but I know many of you already read the Noa's blog and Fresh Thoughts and That's just Me, etc, etc....but...tell me why you like a particular blog...you never know...it may show up in my blog list...
C~

Time Flies...

Today is July 1st...the first day of a new month...I cannot believe how FAST time flies...in the day to day workings, it doesn't seem to move so quickly...but when you look back...that's when you catch it
This month will mark the 13th anniversary of Super Jock's Life....so, in other words...he will be 13...where did all of that time go? How can he be 13 already. I remember him as such a happy and content and sweet baby, and now, he is practically a man.
So, I am looking for ideas for this man-child for his birthday...specifically for gifts. The item that I had been planning on getting him for MONTHS we have had issues with, so I don't think I will get him that...
Pamela gave us the idea of getting our children a tool box...I think that will be our gift when they turn 16...so, what do you get a 13 year old?

Well, I need to get going...my olders are working today and so the youngers and I will be going to the lake...
Happy July!

Talk about a timely message...

a small look at what we used to teach our children...means ALOT these days!!!

Swagbucks

I have talked about swagbucks a little, but I wanted to do a post on it here as well.
Swagbucks is a search engine, little google and ask, but you earn points for searching...how? I really don't know...but you do. When you save enough points, you can buy things with them. You also get points when you get friends in swagbucks, for shopping within their network of retailers and by using codes that they put out occasionally.
I pretty much am using it as a search engine right now. I have purchased a couple of things, but the retailer list is limited and I my finances are limited too!
So when I want to go to a website, I go to the Swagbucks page (it is not my home page, but it could be...I choose to go there from my home page) and I enter the name of wherever I want to go. This could be things I am looking for, places I frequently visit or I use it even to go to blogs of my friends...because it earns me points.
You do not get points for every search, it is about every five or so...I am not sure that it is that precise. The point values could vary, but of course, the most common is one point. You also get points when your referred friends get points. I think it is pretty cool and my goal is to get a couple of gift cards before Christmas. All for doing what I already do. If you think this sounds interesting, here is a link:
http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=389198
This link gives me "credit" for referring you...try it for a little bit at least...there are prizes at all point levels such as:
http://www.swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-home

This site shares a little bit about Swagbucks too:
http://masterswagbucks.weebly.com/index.html

Let me know if you join...

Circling our Wagons and more...

Well, many of you are sick of hearing about this, so just skip it...I wanted to record this as a memorial stone for where we were and where I hope we will go...
So at the Christian Heritage Conference, one of the concepts I heard was Circling Our Wagons...this is a technique we are using to change attitudes for the better. It involves being together more as a family and less as individuals doing seperate things. We have been getting a lot of...why can't we do this? So and so can...and so and so this and so and so that...and quite a bit of questioning authority, rolling the eyes and refusing to get our things done...I won't bore you all with the details...but right now, no one is getting in (friends coming over) and no one is getting out (going to friends or to various events) and this does include facebook, etc...our children are in a sort of disbelief, but most of them have gotten a clue that the sooner I clean up my act, the sooner life can return to what we used to know...Oh, they are SO funny!!! But, one Mr. is not quite getting the hang of it yet...I think it will get much more painful for him as he gets told no longer than I am sure he wants to hear...
Another little thing I picked up from the Duggar's Book is the game they play to work on getting the children to do what they are asked immediately and cheerfully...so I will say to the Principessa, go into the kitchen and open all of the cabinet doors...she will say, "Yes Momma, I would be happy to." Then she runs off to do it and come back...It is just little fun and silly things to get her in the habit of having a right heart and doing what she is asked quickly...
So, today, after church, her Sunday School teacher gave her a little bit of praise and said that she noticed and was encouraged by her obedience in Sunday School...just a little tidbit to make a Momma's heart happy!!! So we will keep working on it.

I recently started a schedule where I have entered all of my major housekeeping chores into my Outlook with reminders and alarms...this way we know things are getting done properly, with regularity and more than just the surface. We all work together to accomplish the task, making lighter work for all of us. This is ONLY for major things, not daily picking up. I am hoping that once we have completed a full cycle, my husband will be greatly encouraged knowing that we are trying to make a happy home for him (For him, a happy home is not only one where there is no bickering, but that it is picked up...no clutter, clean, etc) We still have quite a ways to go, but I am greatly encouraged by the small steps...

Well, my task for Sunday afternoons is lesson planning, and it is done for this week...I am thinking, maybe I should do one more week, so I am not planning so close to when they need to accomplish their work...Just in case...I will see what happens...

So, I think that is all that is on my mind for today...I know, it is feast or famine around here...but such is the way it is!

Love,
C~

Stuff & Such

DIAPER DRIVE
This spring, our students are learning to Do Hard Things and what leadership looks like at this time of their lives. They are gaining a new insight into these middle years, which for years have been called the “TEENAGE” years and they are discovering that perhaps they are getting the short end of the stick for what their potential COULD BE. As they grow and discover what God’s plan is for their lives, they will really discover that “With God, nothing is impossible.” So, they are stepping out in faith and walking on the path of HARD THINGS. This student leadership team has decided to collect diapers for Embracing Life, a pregnancy resource/crisis center here in Marysville. They had some great options, we had a lively discussion and they had a HARD choice, but we are so excited by their decision. We are collecting disposable diapers, cloth diapers, wipes, pins and plastic pants/diaper covers. We are also accepting monetary donations and will apply that to purchasing more diapers. This is a great need at this center and we are praying that God would SUPERABUNDANTLY provide more than we could even imagine. There is a page on our website about this and lists the donation items we are collecting and even has a countdown for how much time is left in the drive (www.marysvillehsa.org ).

We are asking a couple of things, which if you could do, we would greatly appreciate it.

First, could you pray for our group? These students have never done anything like this before and I think that is limiting what they could imagine. Could you ask our great Heavenly Father to provide more than we could even think to ask for? This is my personal request (Carrie)…I think it would be such an encouragement for these students as they begin DOING HARD THINGS. Along with this request, could you ask the Father to give these students an intense focus on their project and also that God would protect them from what the world thinks about this kind of ministry. We have talked about what COULD happen, how people COULD react, but this is really a great unknown for all of us. We don’t want their first attempts to be so HARD that they will never attempt to DO HARD THINGS again. We do not necessarily want them to be protected from everything, but we do not want them to get a full measure of wrath either. Thank you.

Second, if you are in a place to contribute to this endeavor, we would gratefully receive your gifts. I can arrange getting your donation with you. If you are not in a place to donate, we understand, please do not feel like you need to. We are trusting God for what He has in store for us.

Third, if you know anyone who would consider helping us with a donation, could you let them know about this. You can point them to the website, so they will know what we are doing or they can email me personally. Again, I can arrange details of getting your donation.
Fourth, could you pray also that this would be a point that God uses to launch these students into a series of HARD THINGS that cause them to stand firm in their faith, a generation wholeheartedly devoted to God.

PAY IT FORWARD
So, I think I need to get some friends...I have posted about this twice, but have not had any takers yet...the original post is down a few...but the idea is this...I am looking for three people who would like a get a nice homemade gift from me....all you need to do is post some form of the original post on your blog and Pay It Forward...offer it to three more people. I have an idea of the great little thing that I would like to make...but who knows....
HOMESCHOOLING

We FINALLY finished our first unit in our history book and will be moving on...the OFFICIAL TITLE is Missionaries and Barbarians, but I think it covers some of the Middle Ages...I am excited about this...there are all kinds of fun things to do...I have already made one trip to the library to pick up holds, but I will need to make another trip soon...One book I got has 50 activities for the Middle Ages...I think we will build a castle...that should be FUN!
THis makes me think...what do you all use in your homeschooling?
I am currently using:
Diana Waring's History Alive program for all of my children...I LOVE her history!!!! We are in the second book, Romans, Reformers and Revolutionaries...fondly known as RRR in my house, because I can never remember the correct order (The ONLY reason I got it right here is because it is right next to me!!!!)
For science we are using two Apologia texts: Physical Science for my 9th grader and Astronomy for my other three...I love Apologia books!
English is a bit of a mish mash...right now we are focusing on Writing using Susan Bradrick's Understanding Writing and then Easy Grammar and my younger ones have handwriting assignments. We will have some literature things later, but not at this moment. #2 and 3 also have spelling, I think it is called the Phonics Zoo
Math is Math U See for the youngers and Saxon for my older. I think I am going to put him through some Key To books this summer.
My first grader has her Phonics which includes Phonics, reading and Handwriting
Bible for us is reading through Scripture in the mornings, AWANA, history (our program is great for showing what God is doing down through the ages),science, writing, handwriting and just walking by the way discipleship...The Bible is infused throughout our day! Please do not misunderstand that I think I have it all down or anything, but the beauty of homeschooling for us is that it is not a seperate subject, it is in every subject, the Bible is relevant to every area of our lives...
Well this turned out to be a kind of long post, so I will sign off here...
Love,
C~

Been Awhile

Well, it has been awhile since I last blogged...time just flies when measured by growing babies....speaking of growing babies...
One of mine, just got another year older....HAppy Birthday Lou...I love you!

So I am still looking for three participants for my Pay It Forward offer...you never know what you will get...I don't know either!!!!

It's that TIME of year...the time I dread most...TAX TIME...ugghh! I do not like tax time... it involves a lot of time and organization...both of which I am VERY LOW on...so I need to go and gather receipts, check stubs, etc and get this done...the sooner the better!

When JC was gone, we did some cleaning and organizing...amazing that so much can get done, but it looks like nothing did...so I still have much to do. I am thinking that I will make a master Spring Cleaning list and do all of those chores that never seem to get done and break them into small portions so we all can work together for a short period of time each day. One chore that is DONE...boy's room...two of my boys share a room and it was such a sty that you could not even WALK in the room...one small word on their behalf...their room was totally torn apart to get furniture moved, but they added to the mess coniderably...so we tackled the mess and it is done..
Another thing done: Laundry days...everyone has a day and that is when their laundry comes in the Laundry room...bedding and all...I have been training the children HOW to do their laundry and fold it, put away, etc...so they do the laundry, including whatever community things need to be washed too, like dish towels, napkins, etc. So laundry is running MUCH smoother!!! The good news is that the plan is working and bedding is getting washed more frequently...since we KNOW when it was washed last! the bad news...I am doing less laundry...yes, I know...such SAD news...can you hear me crying!
I am still struggling with meal planning...do not even ask me why this is such a struggle...I have no idea...I have a freezer FULL of deer meat that I have no idea of how to prepare...any thoughts??? My SIL blessed us at Christmas with this...what an amazing gift!!!!

Well, I need to get to work...making lemon curd, cookies and need to get this tax stuff done to surprise my hubby!

Have a great day!
C~