Monday, October 6, 2008 - Monday Oct. 6th daybook

Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...It is cloudy and rainy and just dreary morning.  Not a good way to start a Monday or the beginning of the week to say the least.  But I know that God is Good and Jesus Loves Me.

I am thinking...that I need to go and get on my exerciser. 

I am thankful for...my house to keep me out of the rain.

From the kitchen...It is dark and quiet, but I can't say clean.  I think it is calling my name as many other things are. 

 I am creating...a cross-stitch and a quilt at the present time.

I am hoping...to get a Green Tomato Pie made today.  You can find the recipe on my site. 

Green Tomato Pie Recipe

I am hearing...my daughters CD player playing Adventures in Odyssey

Around the house..Every one is getting ready for the day.  

From the learning rooms... School hasn't officially started for the day.  though oldest daughter is getting ready to start her music and youngest is finished with her piano practice for the day.  So we are getting something accomplished as far as learning goes. 

A few plans this week...to get more done on my sewing projects. 

Here is a picture I am sharing with you..

Saturday, October 4, 2008 - busy week

Just wanted to check in with my blog today.  I've had a really busy week this week.  Just wanted to let you know I am still alive and kicking almost too alive  heeheeheehee

I've been in here as you can see I've added the Breast Cancer awareness stuff; I just haven't posted too much. 

I did more on my quilt and came upon a problem.  Now I have to re-do some things  argh!!!  My appliqué musical notes were too big for my squares.  So now I have to back up again and redraw the musical notes or think of a different plan.    I have 12 nice appliqué musical notes.  dd suggested just cutting them down. I don't think that would work.  I'm still debating and I hope to get some work done on it as soon as I get off this computer.  I thinking! (Out loud, or maybe quietly, on paper no computer.)  As Pooh would say.... THINK, THINK, THINK! 



I love Pooh he's such a loveable character. 
Now I better get off of here and THINK, THINK, THINK  what my next attack plan is going to be... How am I going to fix this problem? 

Happy Weekend to you all. 

Saturday, October 4, 2008 - Green-Tomato Chutney

Green-Tomato Chutney

4 pounds green tomatoes,  cored and cut (10-14 tomatoes)
2 medium sweet red or green peppers,seeded and cut up
2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and cut up
1 medium onion, cut up
1 & 1/2 cups vinegar
1 & 1/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins or dried currants

•Using a food processor or the coarse blade of a food grinder, chop or grind tomatoes, red or green peppers, pears, and onion (should measure 10 cups).
•In a large saucepan combine the chopped mixture, vinegar, sugar, dry mustard and salt.  On the range top, bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar; reduce heat.  Cover; boil gently for 10 minutes.  Uncover, stir in raisins or dried currants.  Cook, uncovered, for 35 minutes. 
•Ladle hot relish into hot, clean pint jars,  leaving 1/2-inch headspace.  Wipe jar rims; adjust lids.  Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (start timing when water boils).  Makes about 6 pints. 

Monday, September 29, 2008 - Simple day book

Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...It is dark and the stars are shining high above.

I am thinking...It is getting about time to climb into a cozy warm bed to rest my body.

I am thankful for...my warm blankets that I can snuggle into. 

From the kitchen...It is dark and there is quietness and clean and waiting a new day come morning.  Nothing is happening in there at the moment. 

 I am creating...a cross-stitch and a quilt at the present time.

I am hoping...to get to bed sometime tonight. 

I am hearing...nothing much just the working of the computers

Around the house..It is rather quiet.  The girls are working on Christmas projects and hubby is reading his news and emails and I'm posting this post. 

From the learning rooms... Not much is happening as it is late.  Can't say the lights are out because then I'd be in the dark.  However, two desks set empty and ready for tomorrow. 

A few plans this week...to get some more of my quilt done as I have all the material ironed and ready to be cut. 

Monday, September 29, 2008 - John 3:16 by Nancy Moser

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

John 3:16

Tyndale House Publishers (September 9, 2008)

by

Nancy Moser

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical, Washington's Lady.

Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters,
symphonies, and choirs. She gives Said So Sister Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included.

Find out more at Nancy Moser.com and Sister Circles.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect... In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day.

If you would like to read the first chapter of John 3:16, go HERE

I'm reading this book my review will come when I'm finished. 

Thursday, September 25, 2008 - Green Tomato Pie

Most of us have heard of fried green tomatoes, but green tomato pie?  Try this recipe on anyone who loves fruit pies, and don't tell them what's in it until they've tasted it.  They'll love the pie.  and be surprised to learn what the primary ingredient is!  My note:  From my growing up days and remembering mincemeat pie this reminds me of mincemeat pie in many ways.  If memory serves me right.  My hubby loves it and I had to acquire a taste but it is ok now.  My daughters don't care much for it, but when I was little I didn't like mincemeat pie either.  Very strong taste.  But good.  And you use up those green tomatoes.  Saturday we are making Green tomato relish.  I'll try to post that recipe next week. 

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - Full of Information today

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

When The Soul Mends

WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)

by

Cindy Woodsmall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel, When The Heart Cries, released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her last book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.

Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and daughter-in-law reside in Georgia. Her husband is a registered land surveyor and a vice president at an engineering firm. Their oldest son has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine and works at a local hospital. Their second son and his wife are both students at the University of Georgia. Their teen-aged son keeps the household energized with his love of music, books, and writing.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Soul Mends, go HERE

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - Cool girl Fun!

Look what Jamin has posted today any one with younger girls will love this.  This is just way too cool.  Wish my girls were still young enough to do this. 



Since my daughter LOVES all things American Girl next week we are starting an American Girl Club.  Our club will be meeting one night a week to learn together about the different time periods the girls are from. 

We will start with Samantha (1904) and meet 12 times to go through the 6 Samantha books. (So the girls will read 1/2 a book each week before they come to the club.)

The activites for the club will be based on these books:
The craft and cook book are out of print, but are readily available on E-Bay.  (I got all 3 of these at a used bookstore for a total of $12.00!) 

Each week we will do a craft from the craft book, have a snack from the cook book and read a bit about the period from Welcome To Samantha's World. This book is like a museum in a book!  It is loaded with pictures and drawings of things from the time period.  I just LOVE it!  We have 4 of the different girls "World" books and I find myself leaving them on my nightstand so I can look through them on my own time. :^)

This is the craft we will be doing the first week:
This is called a Calling Card Box.  Back in the day before telephones people would just drop in for a visit!  If no one was home they would leave a calling card.  (Like a business card with just a name and a decoration on it.)  Boxes like this were kept in the parlor to collect the cards of friends and family in.  The second week we will be making enough calling cards for all the girls to trade and have one from each girl in the club!

We will also do a few booklets of a Samantha Lapbook each week and when we finish up each girl will have a lapbook they have created all about Samantha and the early 1900's.

Here is the link to the free American Girl Lapbook we will be making:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/American_Girl_Lapbook.php

My daughter and I are very excited about getting this club going!  We have 16 girls and their mom's signed up to join us!  It should be a lot of fun!

Here's a link to Jamin's Felicity lapbook that was made.  I never got the link posted up as I wanted to so I'll just add it here .  Abi

Happy Homeschooling,

Jamin

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - Where's the time go??

Thursday, September 18, 2008 - Fall Swap

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - computer time

This week has been a crazy one and I've not found myself much computer time.  Just when I think I'm caught up on my work so I can set down and do the computer someone else needs it worse than me.  Argh!!  Guess that's the life of Home schooling.  You get kicked off the computer because the kids need it for school.  Oh, well better days lie ahead.  The girls took a bike ride and I have the grading caught up.  So I thought I'd set down here and write real quick. 

I wasn't able to post my Monday Daybook because I just didn't have time on Monday to do the computer.  It was truly a crazy Monday. 

I actually got an hour in on the exerciser this morning.  That has been a rare thing for some time now since school has started and hubby's schedule is always changing from week to week.  We have to change with it and lot of times the exercising is what goes, which isn't a good thing for me.  This morning,  I took my book and just walked while I read and the hour flew by.  I should have walked outside as there aren't too many more nice days left before the weather starts to get too cold to want to walk outside.  But I was too lazy that would have meant me changing into something besides my sweats, which I only wear in morning and evening around the house.  So I opted to do the exerciser so I wouldn't have to change.  naughty me!!  Hey, at least I did exercise.  You have to give me some credit. 

Last night I got started cutting out some of the quilt I'm making.  I got 7 strips and 12 musical notes cut out.  Big step was just getting started.  Well, I had to get motivated to do some thing.  I was unsure if I wanted to wash the material.  So had to ask some advise from some that I knew did lots of quilting, the pros.  Then I think I was just afraid to make that first cut in the material.  This is a scary thing as I've not attempted such a big quilt project as this.  I used the cutting wheel, Oh, I love it.  I did make one boo-boo but I corrected it and didn't lose too much material in the process.  Have to get use to using that wheel cutter.  next step is appliqué the musical notes onto the center of the square.  For those that didn't read my quilt-to-be post you may do so here. 

Well, the girls are back from bike ride and we have a missionary coming in for services this evening so I must get off of here and get supper going.  Just thought I'd let you all know I am among the living even if I don't get on this computer. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - The Bride Bargain by Kelly Eileen Hake

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Bride Bargain

Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008)

by

Kelly Eileen Hake

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Life doesn't wait, and neither does Kelly Eileen Hake. In her short twenty-three years of life, she's achieved much. Her secret? Embracing opportunities and multitasking. Kelly received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract five years ago, she's reached several life goals. Aside from fulfilling fourteen contracts ranging from short stories to novels, she's also attained her BA in English Literature and Composition and earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools. If that weren't enough, she's taken positions as a college preparation tutor, bookstore clerk, and in-classroom learning assistant to pay for the education she values so highly. Currently, she is working toward her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. No matter what goal she pursues, Kelly knows what it means to work for it!

Kelly's dual careers as English teacher and author give her the opportunity explore and share her love of the written word. A CBA bestselling author and dedicated member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kelly is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents program, where she's been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader's Choice Awards; including Favorite New Author 2005, Top 5 Favorite Historical Novel 2005, and Top Five Favorite Author Overall 2006 in addition to winning the Second Favorite Historical Novel 2006!


ABOUT THE BOOK



Desperate to provide for the woman who raised her, Clara agrees to find a bride for the man's son--a stalwart bachelor. How hard can it be to find a bride for one handsome Doctor? Apparently more difficult than she imagined when Saul Reed seems determined to ramain single.

Will Clara's faith and wits help her wrangle a resolution to The Bride Bargain. Striking a bargain with a lonely trader to fool a head-strong doctor could lead Clara to an unexpected avenue of romance.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bride Bargain, go HERE

Set down upon the wild American plains during the 1850. Clara is desperate for a home and a future for herself and her aunt. When Clara Fields and her aunt are kicked off their wagon train, a store owner in Buttonwood offers a chance at redemption. If Clara is able to wed his grandson off to any of the local girls within a month, he'll sign over his two-story house. Her Prairie Promises trilogy, set in the 1850s Nebraska Territory, features her special style of witty, heartwarming historical romance.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - In the Christmas spirit

Ok here's a cute little ditty to do just for fun. I guess since it was a bit chilly here today it got me in a little bit a Christmas mood. Then I was looking at some crafts from Merry Makers that I subscribe too. So it all just got me in the mood I guess. Any way have fun finding out your true Christmas color. Blog Things - What color Christmas tree should you have?

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner–Instantly

I get an e-newsletter from Health.com and they posted this article that I thought I'd share here to help anyone that may want some clues on how to dress to look thinner.  Take it for whatever you wish.  I thought it was interesting. 

How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner–Instantly

 

Can you lose 10 pounds in an instant? You bet you can. All it takes is the right clothes that play up your strengths and diminish your trouble spots. Five Health readers show how it’s done.

Manage your middle
Tanya Kim-Johnson
Age: 37
Size: 12
Height: 5′ 6″
Job: Financial trader

Fashion challenge: “My stomach isn’t as flat as I’d like, and I’m thicker than I used to be. I don’t like trying to conceal my stomach under loose, baggy tops, but it’s difficult to find beautiful clothing that fits well.”

Expert answers: Wear an attention-grabbing necklace to draw the eye to your face. Find curve-hugging clothing in heavier fabrics like chunky knits and suede. This suede dress follows curves while also camouflaging flaws. Slip on a pair of pointy-toed pumps to lengthen the look of your legs.

DON’T: wear heels with an ankle strap; they cut off your legs at the ankle, making them appear even shorter.

Downsize your derriere
Toni Collado
Age: 33
Size: 8
Height: 5′ 5″
Job: Account manager

Fashion challenge: “I have a fairly wide butt and curvy hips, so finding pants that are flattering can be difficult.”

Expert answers: Choose tops with ruffles and other detailing that draw attention away from your lower half. Look for jeans with back pockets that are parallel to the center seam. They take inches from your rear. Stick with boot-cut jeans like Toni’s. The slight flare at the bottom balances out your rear.

DON’T: wear light denim, which (like any other light-colored clothing) tends to make everything look bigger; choose a darker wash.

Tame your tummy
Geremie Callaghan
Age: 38
Size: 10
Height: 5′ 6″
Job: Marketing director

Fashion challenge: “I’ve gained a little weight in my belly, so I don’t like wearing formfitting outfits. It’s tough to find something that’s comfortable but still looks good.”

Expert answers: Try dresses and tops with an empire waist, especially if the material is thin. The below-the-bust cut on this flowing floral dress allows the fabric to drape over the stomach without revealing bulges. Stick with smaller prints. Large geometric patterns can make you look bigger. Wear peep-toe shoes to make your legs look longer.

DON’T: wear a belt cinched tight right at your middle—it will make you appear thicker and short-waisted.

Minimize your bust
Bernadette Carasso
Age: 35
Size: 14
Height: 5′ 3″
Job: Newspaper art director

Fashion challenge: “I tend to wear layers to minimize my size 38DD chest—but that doesn’t really seem to help.”

Expert answers: Choose tops that cling to your curves but are made of thicker fabrics (like cotton knits). Clothing that hangs can make you appear shapeless and square. Fight the short-waisted look (a danger for large-chested women) with longer tops and jackets that fall low on the hips and elongate the torso. Try wide-leg pants, which keep your legs in proportion with your upper half.

DON’T: think an outfit has to be all black to be flattering. A combination of rich hues and vertical lines does the trick here.

Disguise your thighs
Carolyn McClain
Age: 36
Size: 12
Height: 5′ 7″
Job: Art director

Fashion challenge: “I have thick thighs, but a rather small waist. When something fits my waist, it’s too tight in the thighs and draws attention to that area.”

Expert answers: Put lighter, brighter colors on the top and save darker shades for the bottom half of your body to draw the eye up and away from problem areas. Minimize thighs with an A-line skirt like this one, which flares from the waist. Skirts that fall at the narrowest part of the lower body, usually at or above the knee, are the most flattering. Get a long, lean look with tall black boots. A good heel—2 to 3 inches—can also help elongate the body. Choose chunky heels for stability and comfort.

DON’T: wear ankle-length skirts. They only look good in drapey, loose fabrics, but those reveal every bulge.

By Megan O’Connell

 

Monday, September 8, 2008 - My Monday Daybook

Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...It is a cloudy day.  The sun is up there I'm sure of it but I just can't see it.

I am thinking...that this computer is driving my crazy today.  ARGH!

I am thankful for...silly antics of children.

From the kitchen...quietness.  Nothing is happening in there at the moment. 

 I am creating...a long, long over due cross-stitch at the present time.

Monday, September 8, 2008 - Loving Laundry

I get a TEACH Talk e-newsletter in my e-mail weekly.  This week Lorrie the Publishing Manager posted an article title:  Loving Laundry.  Just thought I'd pass it on as I found some helpful hints in it.

Saturday, September 6, 2008 - New Twist

Well doesn't this look yummy!!!

Lori who blogs @  My Wooden Spoon posted her version of an ice cream float.  No she doesn't use coke or root beer.  She uses Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper.  Oh, it does look so yummy!  I may have to try it out.  Just thought I'd plant a seed in your mind as she planted one in mine.    Hey, you can thank me later.    Head over to her site she has other yummy recipes posted too. 

Friday, September 5, 2008 - Banana Nut Butterscotch Muffins

Banana Nut Butterscotch Muffins

Ingredients:
1 cup quick oatmeal, uncooked
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butterscotch mini chips (we used regular chips)
1 cup chopped nuts
2 bananas
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease muffin tins.
In a food processor, puree oatmeal and sugar until fine; place in mixing bowl with remaining dry ingredients.  Stir in butterscotch chips and nuts. 

Puree peeled bananas.  Stir together pureed bananas and remaining ingredients.  Add to dry mix, stirring with wooden spoon just to blend.  Fill prepared muffin tins 2/3 full.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the tops spring back when lightly touched. 

Monday, September 1, 2008 - My Daybook

Please visit Miss Peggy at the simple woman

Outside my Window...The sun is shining however I don't hear the outdoors because the A/C is on it is hot and humid here today. 

I am thinking...that I really need to do some stuff around the house as we are having church picnic here tonight along with game night. 

I am thankful for...A/C on these rare hot and muggy days that we get in ND.

From the kitchen...comes the smell of brownies baking as my daughter is making Black Forest Brownies for our cook out.  

 I am creating...a baby cross-stitch that is long over due. 

I am going...to get off this computer so I can get my work accomplished. 


I am wearing...my denim skort that I won made by:

I am reading...several books.  There's a Spaceship in my Tree! by Robert West

For more books I'm reading check out my Books I'm presently reading bookshelf  (scroll down on left hand side)  @ 4 LOVE of BOOKS

I am hoping...to get off this computer today. 

I am hearing...youngest daughter practicing her piano.

Around the house...not much is being done because I'm on this computer. 

From the learning rooms... School is canceled for Labor day and because I am a teacher.

A few plans this week...Do a little more on my reading assignment and the quilt for oldest daughter.  Little by little big things get done.