Friday, June 8, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Hot, Sweaty and Clammy
Those are words I think describe how I have been feeling the past week or so. Here comes the heat! I am not a heat-lovin' gal by any means. In fact, when we were out in beautiful Monterey, CA, I think I found the perfect climate for me. It rarely went above 80 and being seaside provided those wonderful breezes.
God has us where we are now, though, so I had best make do with it! :) We hauled out the fans and I am trying not to pester my husband to get an air conditioner right yet...
The town we live in had our "all over town" yard sales this past Saturday. It was so steamy hot that day, but I was glad to see some of our "junk" go! We didn't make a huge killing off of it, but my best find was a handbag to resell on EBay. That is how our family yard sales, since we don't really NEED anything at the moment. Dave, especially, looks for the deals to resell. Dave stayed here, manning our sale with our oldest son, while I took the younger two and my mom and we buzzed around. I did find a few things I was on the hunt for: a metal spatula (mine broke) and a sprinkler for the kids to play in. Not terribly exciting, but it made me happy!
Things around here have been so busy lately, and the kitchen renovations have been put on hold for a while. Two weekends ago, we were up in MA, visiting relatives for a whirlwind tour. This past weekend was the yard sale, and now this coming Saturday, there is a presbytery meeting at our church that is very important for us to attend. Our cabinets come early July, so hopefully things slow down and Dave and my stepdad can get back to work on that kitchen!
Baby #4 has been baking wonderfully. My insidious pelvic pain has come back full force, however. :( This time I got smart. Actually, some friends of ours introduced us to a chiropractor about 40 minutes from us who only charges $35 per family! She has helped me so much with my carpal tunnel problems, and now I am seeing her for the pelvic pain. She not only adjusts, but also gives info as to how you can make things better yourself. It seems to be helping with the pelvic pain somewhat, so that is encouraging.
This past Thursday, I was out front putting down peat moss in our huge garden, when I saw a minivan slow somewhat on our road. I looked up, wondering what they were slowing for. They had hit one of our hens, and barely slowed (probably wondering what it was), saw it was only a chicken, and went speeding on! I ran across the road and scooped her up out of the ditch. She didn't have any blood, and it looked like she got bumped by the car, not hit head on. I put her into the coop with food and water. Guess what? She is still alive today! She seems to be getting better each day, too, and eats and drinks. I now know where the term "tough old bird" comes from! haha
God has us where we are now, though, so I had best make do with it! :) We hauled out the fans and I am trying not to pester my husband to get an air conditioner right yet...
The town we live in had our "all over town" yard sales this past Saturday. It was so steamy hot that day, but I was glad to see some of our "junk" go! We didn't make a huge killing off of it, but my best find was a handbag to resell on EBay. That is how our family yard sales, since we don't really NEED anything at the moment. Dave, especially, looks for the deals to resell. Dave stayed here, manning our sale with our oldest son, while I took the younger two and my mom and we buzzed around. I did find a few things I was on the hunt for: a metal spatula (mine broke) and a sprinkler for the kids to play in. Not terribly exciting, but it made me happy!
Things around here have been so busy lately, and the kitchen renovations have been put on hold for a while. Two weekends ago, we were up in MA, visiting relatives for a whirlwind tour. This past weekend was the yard sale, and now this coming Saturday, there is a presbytery meeting at our church that is very important for us to attend. Our cabinets come early July, so hopefully things slow down and Dave and my stepdad can get back to work on that kitchen!
Baby #4 has been baking wonderfully. My insidious pelvic pain has come back full force, however. :( This time I got smart. Actually, some friends of ours introduced us to a chiropractor about 40 minutes from us who only charges $35 per family! She has helped me so much with my carpal tunnel problems, and now I am seeing her for the pelvic pain. She not only adjusts, but also gives info as to how you can make things better yourself. It seems to be helping with the pelvic pain somewhat, so that is encouraging.
This past Thursday, I was out front putting down peat moss in our huge garden, when I saw a minivan slow somewhat on our road. I looked up, wondering what they were slowing for. They had hit one of our hens, and barely slowed (probably wondering what it was), saw it was only a chicken, and went speeding on! I ran across the road and scooped her up out of the ditch. She didn't have any blood, and it looked like she got bumped by the car, not hit head on. I put her into the coop with food and water. Guess what? She is still alive today! She seems to be getting better each day, too, and eats and drinks. I now know where the term "tough old bird" comes from! haha
Monday, May 21, 2007
Free Food Jellies
After reading a post on my friend Rebecca's blog, my memory was jogged about my mom making violet jelly quite a few years ago. My mom has a reputation for trying, ahem, "exotic" things. So, like mother, like daughter. I cannot disappoint! :) I decided to try my hand at making some violet jelly, too, because I had always wanted to but just didn't make the time and also because when my mom made it, it turned out tasting "grassy". I have come to the conclusion that either my mom left the stems in the mix or forgot the lemon juice because my jelly turned out pretty tasty and all the boys (and mama and da!) love it.
The recipe that I looked up on the internet also mentioned that it worked with mint, lemon balm, etc. The woman also said that she wanted to try dandelions next. Hmmm... As I eyed our lawn overflowing with violets and dandelions and my herb garden with peppermint and lemon balm flourishing, I decided to make more than just violet jelly. Also, seeing as I will have a brand new baby smack dab in the middle of canning season, I thought I should can what I could now. Of course, I will have to make an exception for some more of those volcano pickles (YUM!)
Here are some photos of my "free food jellies": peppermint-lemon balm, violet, and dandelion. They look like jewels in the light! The mint kind is surprisingly not that minty, considering I used peppermint. The lemon balm must balance it out nicely. I did use a few drops of food coloring in the mint and the dandelion, but only perhaps 3-4 per recipe. It did perk up the color, though. I usually am not much for adding things like that to what I make, but the color was pretty bland without it. :)
The recipe that I looked up on the internet also mentioned that it worked with mint, lemon balm, etc. The woman also said that she wanted to try dandelions next. Hmmm... As I eyed our lawn overflowing with violets and dandelions and my herb garden with peppermint and lemon balm flourishing, I decided to make more than just violet jelly. Also, seeing as I will have a brand new baby smack dab in the middle of canning season, I thought I should can what I could now. Of course, I will have to make an exception for some more of those volcano pickles (YUM!)
Here are some photos of my "free food jellies": peppermint-lemon balm, violet, and dandelion. They look like jewels in the light! The mint kind is surprisingly not that minty, considering I used peppermint. The lemon balm must balance it out nicely. I did use a few drops of food coloring in the mint and the dandelion, but only perhaps 3-4 per recipe. It did perk up the color, though. I usually am not much for adding things like that to what I make, but the color was pretty bland without it. :)
Sure-Jell Stephen
This isn't the best photo, but I just loved the look on his face. He wanted to be a big helper. :)
Violet Liquid
This is what happens when the dark blue violet liquid has lemon juice added to it-NOW it actually looks violet!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Sneaky Pete
Timothy, my third boy, understands most commands you tell him. He obeys most of the time. He, however, never ceases to amaze me with the things he thinks up. One day, upon becoming disgruntled that he couldn't see what was going on on the table, he decided to drag our cooler (which I hadn't put away yet...) over to the table and climb up on it to gain a better view. He takes advantage of it whenever the opportunity arises...
Birthday photos
Here are some photos of last night's little party. Matthew sure had a lot of fun! :)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Happy Birthday, Matthew!
Today is my oldest's 5th birthday. How did that happen?! Late last night, I had the idea of blowing up a number of balloons and writing the number "5" in bold, black marker on them. I then opened the door to the boys' room and gently tossed them in. This morning, while laying in bed, I awoke to the ooooing and ahhhing sounds of little boys who had discovered the brightly colored treasures strewn along the floor. They tossed them down the stairs and have been playing with them all day, even Timothy who has managed to pop two before naptime. :)
We took a jaunt to the local park and the boys enjoyed playing on the swings and slides. Timothy, much to my dismay, does NOT like the bucket swings. He clings to me desperately and screeches every time I try to let go. No fun!
There is a nice track around our park, so I brought the lumpy double stroller along to finally be able to take a walk. The road we live on is pretty busy for a rural area, with tractor trailer trucks and all sorts of vehicles barreling along, so I don't dare to take walks with the kids during the day. All other available roads seem to be set at a 90 degree incline, so I pass at those, too!
On one side of the park, there is a small drain that allows the water that seeps from an underground spring to flow out of the grass. Matthew and Stephen love to check this out, and today Matthew asked many questions about springs. I remembered a spring near a lake not too far from the park, so after we piled back in all sweaty and pink-cheeked, I drove to the spring and the boys filled their sippy cups and I filled my large cup with the sweet water. If only the stuff that came out of our tap was this yummy!
After that, we came back home for lunch and now, a delicious nap for the kids and downtime for me! Tonight, we are having a small get-together with my mom and stepdad. The menu is hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, french fries, and a tossed salad. On a day like today, the grill just begs to be fired up! Oh yes-cake and ice cream, too!
We took a jaunt to the local park and the boys enjoyed playing on the swings and slides. Timothy, much to my dismay, does NOT like the bucket swings. He clings to me desperately and screeches every time I try to let go. No fun!
There is a nice track around our park, so I brought the lumpy double stroller along to finally be able to take a walk. The road we live on is pretty busy for a rural area, with tractor trailer trucks and all sorts of vehicles barreling along, so I don't dare to take walks with the kids during the day. All other available roads seem to be set at a 90 degree incline, so I pass at those, too!
On one side of the park, there is a small drain that allows the water that seeps from an underground spring to flow out of the grass. Matthew and Stephen love to check this out, and today Matthew asked many questions about springs. I remembered a spring near a lake not too far from the park, so after we piled back in all sweaty and pink-cheeked, I drove to the spring and the boys filled their sippy cups and I filled my large cup with the sweet water. If only the stuff that came out of our tap was this yummy!
After that, we came back home for lunch and now, a delicious nap for the kids and downtime for me! Tonight, we are having a small get-together with my mom and stepdad. The menu is hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, french fries, and a tossed salad. On a day like today, the grill just begs to be fired up! Oh yes-cake and ice cream, too!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
This Old House
Here are a few shots of our "old kitchen"- a work forever in progress, it seems! Dave and my stepdad Gary have been working many hours on this room. It has come quite far from the lath and plaster mess it once was. We tore down a supporting wall and had some guys come and install a beam the length of the room. I think it turned out very nicely. Now, Dave and Gary are working on installing insulation in the ceiling. They got it finished last weekend, plus the firring strips to attach the drywall to. It was a lot of work and they spent practically the whole day Saturday on it! This weekend, they are taking a break, but will get the needed insulation for the walls next. We also need a new front door in the kitchen since the old one has so many layers of peeling, nasty paint and is in such disrepair it isn't worth it to, well, repair it. So, we have to add "new door" to our already long shopping list.
We also ordered our cabinets and they should be arriving the first week of July. We are excited to get this room DONE! We figure it will be done by the fall, then we can open up the "old kitchen" and our living room. Right now, there is a makeshift closet in the living room and the doorway that goes from there to the "old kitchen" is blocked off by styrofoam. Classy, I know...
My biggest problem sometimes is continuing to be patient! I know Dave has a lot on his plate right now (including our secretive research/progress!), so I have to just step back and see the whole picture and not get overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done. Especially with this evergrowing belly, I have to learn to sit down and rest once in a while and not be a Super Mom... :)
We also ordered our cabinets and they should be arriving the first week of July. We are excited to get this room DONE! We figure it will be done by the fall, then we can open up the "old kitchen" and our living room. Right now, there is a makeshift closet in the living room and the doorway that goes from there to the "old kitchen" is blocked off by styrofoam. Classy, I know...
My biggest problem sometimes is continuing to be patient! I know Dave has a lot on his plate right now (including our secretive research/progress!), so I have to just step back and see the whole picture and not get overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done. Especially with this evergrowing belly, I have to learn to sit down and rest once in a while and not be a Super Mom... :)
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