Falling Tomato Juice

Yep.  Falling tomato juice.  When we froze our tomato juice from last summer's bounty we put it in freezer bags.  We also canned some, but we're using the ones in the freezer first.  We lay them flat in freezer when we first freeze then we can stand them up like books to better use our space.  Well the other day one fell out and just about took off a toe.  (Well, sorta.) We have a fridge/freezer combo upstairs and in the basement and also two upright freezers in the basement.  They can get pretty full when fall rolls around. After a summer of freezing blueberries, strawberries, cherries and zucchini we then move on to tomato sauce (and a lot of it...we love Chili!), green beans, etc. We also buy half and whole horns of cheese and shred so we have baggies of those in the freezer as well.  All of those baggies can get a bit overwhelming.  So I've been reading a few books and hunting around the internet and found this pic.

Isn't that lovely?!  Not only am I going to buy some baskets to organize my frozen fruits, veggies, sauce, etc.  I think I'm going to buy some of those plastic freezer containers for my sauce this year.  Woo hoo!  I'm excited for freezer organization!  (Come on...you have to be a little bit motivated, too, right? ... Right?) 

- - -

Do you have any freezer organization ideas you'd love to share?  Please do!!

Spring Cleaning: Week 4

Phew!  We're more than half way done, right?  Well...I...um, am not. I have gotten behind between various appointments, ill children, being ill myself, and all of life's other items.  But our homes don't have to be perfect so I'm settling with doing things on the lists that have to get done.  This week one of those absolutes is the string of cobwebs between the wall and ceiling of the living room (which, if you've been following along, was a task for last week).  Plus I've been saved by the fact that a lot of the items on my list are done on a regular basis in the Motivated Mom's Planner.  If you've been keeping up with that then you don't have to do as much. *wink*  Go HERE to order the planner.  It's only $8!

So if you're starting now, don't worry.  Go back and begin with week one and go from there.  Accomplish what you can. Tackle the chores a bit at a time...like doing all closets on the list at one time, all ceiling fans on the list at one time, etc.  Break it up into doable lists. Go through and decide what you need to get done this week and divide it up into however many days this week you have the time. 

I have the entire five week Spring Cleaning Check-List over HERE for you to print out.

I'll go through the list and share ideas for this week's chores...

 

Downstairs Bathroom

 

Vacuum ceilings, corners, baseboard, and floor 

 

Sort through drawers and medicine cabinets -- check for expireds and ask your local pharmacy where to dispose of meds.  They are harmful for the ground and water table...especially if you have well water!

Clean lights -- make sure to wash light bulbs when they are cool. If you use a damp rag and they are hot they will burn out.  Not that I'd have any experience or anything.  *wink*

Wash sink and toilet -- I use baking soda and vinegar!  Natural and inexpensive!

Wash walls -- You can use either a Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag to wipe away difficult marks.  Be sure to follow after with a clean damp rag...both processes leave a residue.

 

Scrub tub -- again...baking soda and vinegar

Scrub floor -- I use a wet, hot rag and a toothbrush if needed.  (Make sure it's an old toothbrush that has a strip of tape or something to distinguish it from the currently used ones. Again...not that I'd have any experience at. all. )

Downstairs Hallway (this is adjacent to our laundry room, bathroom and playroom)

Vacuum ceilings, corners, baseboard, and floor

 

Clean lights -- make sure to wash light bulbs when they are cool.

 

Vacuum hampers

 

Wash cabinet, walls and trim --again, Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag

 

Scrub floor --again, wet hot rag and a toothbrush if needed. 

Laundry Room

 

Declutter room -- use 3 trash bags to divide up clutter (trash, donate, keep) and work around the room clockwise from the door

 

Vacuum ceilings, corners, baseboard, and floor

 

Vacuum  dryer vent -- This needs to be done twice a year not only to prevent fires, but also so your dryer won't waste energy.

 

Wash appliances -- add 1/2 c. vinegar to a quick wash cycle in the washing machine to give it a good cleaning (I use vinegar as my fabric softener!  1/4 c.)

 

Wash walls  -- again, Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag

Pantry

 

Clean out pantry -- check for expireds

 

Clean shelves

 

Vacuum corners and floor

 

Vacuum curtain (wash if needed) -- our pantry "door" is a curtain

 

Reorganize

 

 

This post is part of Homestead Barn Hop.

Queen of the Castle: Week 9

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

This week's chapter, "When There's No Way Around the Busyness", spoke to me.  We all have moments when we are spinning a bunch of plates like a circus performer, and then look at the stack of plates that are waiting for our attention and get discouraged.  Am I right?  Sometimes we try to simplify life as much as we can, but there's nothing else we can cut out of life.  Doctor's appointments, library trips, groceries, laundry...it all has to get done.  Lynn, the author, reminds us that in our day "If you spoke encouraging words to a child, if you communicated with God, if you lent your husband a supportive ear and provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you have put in a good day's work.  No matter how much is still on your to-do list."  *sigh*  What a great reminder!

We can have a busy life, but still have peace.  If we start to feel panicked then maybe we've failed to ask the Lord which way we should go.  Joanna Weaver in her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World says "Ask God to reveal the next step.  As you go through your day, keep asking the Lord.  'What is the one thing I need to do next?'  Don't let the big picture overwhelm you.  Just take the next step as he reveals it -- wash one dish, make one phone call, put on your jogging clothes.  Then take the next step...and the next."  Wow!  Was that ever inspiring to me!  I tend to look at the list of all the things I need to do and get overwhelmed.  I like to make to-do lists for myself.  I love my Motivated Mom's planner (I wrote about it HERE.).  I love scratching off items on the list.  Anyone else weird like that?  So what I'll do sometimes is make a mini list...one for the morning before breakfast, then one for between breakfast and lunch, then one for after lunch.  It helps a bit.  Give it a try.  Baby steps. *smile*  It makes it seem not so overwhelming and if the Lord leads the day in another direction then I'll just use the next mini-list for another time.

 Lynn shares a few ideas for quick breaks for us busy moms...

*Take five minutes to enjoy a cup of tea or juice.  (I love my chai breaks when the little one goes down for her nap, the older ones are finishing school work, and the other ones who are done for the day get to watch a short video in the play room...that's my down time...a cup of chai and a quiet break.)

*Listen to classical music as you fold laundry, drive, or make dinner.  (I like to listen to a bluegrass-ish hammered dulcimer cd in the kitchen when I'm making dinner.)

*Take deep breaths through your nose.  Exhale.  (I have to do that a lot throughout the day.  *wink*)

*Hug someone.  If no one's around, hug the dog.  Or yourself.  (There's always someone around to hug in this house!  Nice problem to have!!)

*Stretch!  Lie on the floor on your back, scoot your bottom as close to the wall as you can, and put your legs straight up in the air, touching the wall.  Let your arms rest however feels most comfortable, and relax there for a couple of minutes. (I do something similar before bed, except I put my feet up on the side of the bed.  Works wonders and I feel better and ready for sleep!)

* * * 

"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;  You will cry, and He will say, "Here I am." ... And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday.  And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."  Isaiah 58:9-11

Spring Cleaning: Week 3

Welcome to week three!  If you're starting now don't worry.  Go back and begin with week one and go from there.  Accomplish what you can. (I'm a bit behind myself so I'm catching up a bit this week.)

Tackle the chores a bit at a time...like doing all closets on the list at one time, all ceiling fans on the list at one time, etc.  Break it up into doable lists. Go through and decide what you need to get done this week and divide it up into however many days this week you have time.  A lot of the items on the list are done on a regular basis on the Motivated Mom's Planner.  If you've been keeping up with that then you don't have to do as much. *wink*  Go HERE to order the planner.  It's only $8!

I have the entire five week Spring Cleaning Check-List over HERE for you to print out.

I'll go through the list and share ideas for this week's chores...

Living Room

    declutter room & closets (armoire, etc.) -- use 3 trash bags to divide up clutter (trash, donate, keep) and work around the room clockwise from the door

 clean ceiling fan  -- if your ceiling fan is really dusty then you may want to use the hose from your vacuum to suck off  excess dust before you use a damp rag (I save old towels and dish rags as they get unsightly from the kitchen and bathrooms cut them up to usable sizes)

 wash quilts/throw (store for fall ...assuming it's warm enough where you are.  It just snowed the other day so they won't be packed away just yet.) -- air dry your quilts and throws outside if it's a nice day

 vacuum corners/ceiling -- work from top to bottom

 vacuum valances -- (wash if needed)

  

   clean light and ceiling fan

   vacuum lamp shades 

 clean off and dust or vacuum furniture

 vacuum under furniture and baseboards

   organize cd's and videos

   sort through books and magazines

  

 wash windows -- I use either the blue ammonia product or vinegar and water in a spray bottle.  I like to spray the window, wipe the window with crumpled up newspaper to loosen the dirt then wipe with a sheet of paper towel, then spray again and use a squeegee as a final non-streak step.  It really doesn't take as long as it seems and it has quite the nice result.

    vacuum floor 

  wash marks from walls -- You can use either a Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag to wipe away difficult marks.  Be sure to follow after with a clean damp rag...both processes leave a residue.

Kitchen

  declutter room -- use 3 trash bags to divide up clutter (trash, donate, keep) and work around the room clockwise from the door

  declutter counters -- wipe down everything with a warm damp rag

  clean light and ceiling fan

  vacuum corners and ceiling

  vacuum valances  --  (wash if needed)

  wash cupboards

  wipe down appliances

  clean the top of the refrigerator

  clean out the refrigerator and wash

  clean mixer and other counter top appliances

  clean and organize cupboards (break this down however you need to) 

  clean and organize drawers (you have my permission to skip the junk drawer *wink*)

  clean the top and inside of microwave

  clean and organize shelves

  wash trim and walls -- Use either a Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag to wipe away difficult marks.  Be sure to follow after with a clean damp rag...both processes leave a residue.

  sweep and scrub the floor  -- Use a rag, an old toothbrush, a bowl of steaming hot water, and some elbow grease.

  wash windows -- I use either the blue ammonia product or vinegar and water in a spray bottle.  I like to spray the window, wipe the window with crumpled up newspaper to loosen the dirt then wipe with a sheet of paper towel, then spray again and use a squeegee as a final non-streak step.  It really doesn't take as long as it seems and it has quite the nice result. (Don't forget to take the screens out and give them a good scrub.  You may have to wait for a really nice day to take them outside or if they are small enough they can bathe in the tub. )

This post is part of Homestead Barn Hop.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday: Kitchen Helpers

Let the kiddos help out in the kitchen!* 

Little ones (ages 2-5) can scrub veggies, pass out napkins, help set the table.  

Older kiddos (ages 6-9) can help measure, shred (carefully!), stir, crack eggs, and oversee the littlest ones in their preparations.  

The oldest ones (ages 10 and up) can chop, read a recipe, prepare a dish by themselves, help with meal planning and even help with grocery shopping.  Help the older ones see the importance of unit pricing, buying in bulk, shopping sales and using coupons.  

It may be difficult and even stressful at first but after a while it will be such a blessing!  Meals and memories will be made.

The kitchen is the heart of the home!

*These are all guidelines and should be to the parent's discretion.

Spring Cleaning: Week 2

How did ya'll do on your Week 1 of Spring cleaning?  Last week's Spring cleaning chart break down is HERE.  

Tackle the chores a bit at a time...like doing all closets on the list at one time, all ceiling fans on the list at one time, etc.  Break it up into doable lists. Go through and decide what you need to get done this week and divide it up into however many days this week you have time.  A lot of the items on the list are done on a regular basis on the Motivated Mom's Planner.  If you've been keeping up with that then you don't have to do as much. *wink*  Go HERE to order the planner.  It's only $8!

I have the entire five week Spring Cleaning Check-List over HERE for you to print out.

I'll go through the list and share ideas for this week's chores...

UPSTAIRS BATHROOM

declutter room

vacuum ceiling & corners -- Work from top to bottom

vacuum valances (wash if needed)

wash lights

wash window -- I use either the blue ammonia product or vinegar and water in a spray bottle.  I like to spray the window, wipe the window with crumpled up newspaper to loosen the dirt then wipe with a sheet of paper towel, then spray again and use a squeegee as a final non-streak step.  It really doesn't take as long as it seems and it has quite the nice result. (Don't forget to take the screens out and give them a good scrub.  You may have to wait for a really nice day to take them outside or if they are small enough they can bathe in the tub. )

wash walls  -- Use either a Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag to wipe away difficult marks.  Be sure to follow after with a clean damp rag...both processes leave a residue.

wash rug & decorative towels

scrub tub -- Sprinkle the tub with baking soda.  Dampen a rag with vinegar and scrub the tub.  Inexpensive and not a chemical that can harm you!

vacuum floor edges & baseboards

scrub floor -- Use a rag, an old toothbrush, a bowl of steaming hot water, and some elbow grease.

DINING ROOM

declutter room  -- Use 3 trash bags to divide up clutter (trash, donate, keep) and work around the room clockwise from the door

clean lights

vacuum corners & ceiling  -- Work from top to bottom

dust greenery -- Put greenery in a paper sack with a handful of table salt.  Close up bag and shake well.  Take greenery out, shake off extra salt.  Voila!  Dust-free greenery!

wash windows

clean china cabinet -- Take pieces out carefully and hand wash if necessary.  Vacuum out the cabinet and dust shelves with a rag dampened with water (use a wood oil if necessary).

dust mantle, bakers rack & piano (or whatever pretties you have)

vacuum lamp shade

vacuum floor &  baseboards 

spot mop -- Use a damp warm rag. 

OFFICE & FOYER

declutter room -- Use 3 trash bags to divide up clutter (trash, donate, keep) and work around the room clockwise from the door

clean light &  ceiling fan  

vacuum corners & ceiling -- Work from top to bottom

vacuum valances (wash if necessary)

dust hutches &  desks

vacuum computer keyboards and the vents on the hard drive

wash windows -- see above

vacuum floor &  baseboards

wash walls -- see above

 

This post is part of Homestead Barn Hop at

Homestead Revival. 

Queen of the Castle: Week 7

We're back near the beginning of the book.  We started on week 17 of Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker HERE (in April of 2010).

Chapter 7 is "It's OK to Say No:  Managing Our Time as Homemakers".  Lynn, the author, starts with:

"What I have really decided is we all want more time than we have, and there are a couple of ways for us to cope with the realization it ain't gonna happen:

1. Schedule yourself ever more stringently, cutting people off midsentence because their three minutes are up.

2. Accept the fact that you can't do everything."

I vote for the second option. *wink*  This week's topic is something that I've written about before. Time Management is a big to-do lately. With all sorts of things pulling at us, wanting to use up our time from all directions, we sometimes want to stop time and just take a break. Can I get an Amen?!  Meetings, sporting events, work, chores, school "stuff", church gatherings; it's a lot.  Don't even get me started on all the gadgets: internet, computer games, Facebook, smart phone this and that.  All that technology vying for our time is enough to make me want to go Amish.  Although, our Amish neighbors' kids have cell phones and Gameboys so I guess it's not all the tech-free.  What I'm saying is this: We need to find balance!  We need to carve it out or no one else will.   We need to decide what's "important" and a "need" versus what's "fun" and a "want".  We find that out through prayer and meditation, and reading God's Word.  I'm not expecting the Lord Almighty to send me a stone tablet (although it'd be nice some days!), but just the action of starting your day with Him will help lead you down the right path of your day's actions.

I can't emphasize enough how important good time management skills are.  I've said it before and I'll say it again; two of the biggest tools in my life are Amy Andrews' "Tell Your Time" ebook and the Motivated Moms Planner.  Amy's ebook is a great tool to learn how to prioritize your time.  Now I'm not saying my life is perfect.  I have days where I let the kiddos sleep in and we're in our jammies eating breakfast at 10 am.  (We still get all of our school work done for that day, but a bit later in the day.)  We have to be flexible.  I'm saying that you need to get your ducks in a row and this is a wonderful way to learn out how!  Even if you think you have your ducks in a row...a refresher course might be up your alley right about now.

Tell Your Time 

 On Sale Now!  $12  $9  Promo code: 9BUCKS

 

Once you've got your time mapped out you need to get a handle on chores and to-do's.  No matter how lax you are in life you have a to-do list.  Whether it be in your head or on a piece of paper, having it typed up and ready in one go-to place in your home puts you a step ahead in your day.  Motivated Moms Planner is a download printable with each week or day of the year to a page.  You can choose from half sheet or 8 1/2 x 11 size.  With scripture or with out.  A page per day or a page per week.  You have a lot of options and for only $8 it's quite the benefit.  There are samples of each kind.  I have gotten a lot of personal comments and e-mails regarding how much this planner has been a help in many a mother's life.  It so simple and it works so well! 

Motivated Moms

$8

Go take a peek at those ebooks and let me know what you think!  At under $20 combined I don't think you can afford NOT to read these and implement them in your life.  Drink water only for a couple days instead of buying a latte.  *wink*

Spring!

Next month is what we've all been waiting for!  The month that we can finally say the "S" word.  No, not Snow...the good "S" word!  SPRING!   Now, don't get all "It sure doesn't look like Spring" on me.  It will be Spring in 28 more days!  At least on the calendar, anyway.  I know...I'm an odd sort.  At least we can say that Spring is right around the corner, right?  Punxutawney Phil didn't see his shadow so we get an early Spring!  Never mind the fact that it was too stinkin' snowy for him to see it.  Hey, I'll take what I can get!

There's a light at the end of the tunnel!  We can almost smell it!  Remember what it smells like?  Bliss!  The green grass, the fresh dirt to dig our hands into, the flowers!  Then there are the sounds.  The sounds; birds chirping, animals scattering about, lawn equipment breaking out of their winter homes.  You can almost hear the buds popping out of the barren tree limbs.  Oh and don't get me started on the sights of Spring!  The baby animals, the bulbs popping from the earth, the small light green buds peaking their way through the brown branches, the greener than green grass.  O.K. so I got started on the sights.  You know you wanted me to.  *wink*

With Spring comes all of the fun activities.  Going to the parks for picnics, long walks down lonely country roads, bike rides, playing outside, and just soaking all the yummy sunny goodness that we've been missing all winter long.

Since we've been cooped up all winter long along comes the "C" word.  *whispering*  "Cleaning"...as in "Spring Cleaning".  It's not as bad as it could be.  Really.  Before all those fun aforementioned sights, sounds, smells, and activities start beckoning you from your home we need to get a heads-up on the cleaning.  It's not that bad.  Really.  I'll hold your hand along the way. 

Staring today I will get you started on the easiest Spring cleaning ever.  Just do what I say every week and everything will be alright.  Pinky promise!  *wink*

Below you'll find my Spring Cleaning Check-List.   Each page is a week of spring cleaning chores.  In five weeks, by the end of March, you'll have your house sparkly clean and ready for Spring!  If you are using the Motivated Moms planner (post on it HERE and purchase it affordably HERE) you may skip over some of the items on the check-list since you're doing those items regularly on the list anyway.

Spring Cleaning Check-List

Each week on Monday I'll post my list on the blog and give you some tips and how-to's.  Are you ready?  Let's get started!  Go to the post below for Week 1.

This post is part of Homestead Barn Hop at

Homestead Revival.  

Spring Cleaning: Week 1

I know, I know, you looked at that list and thought "How in the world am I going to get all that done in one week?", didn't you?   That's what I thought, too.  Just imagine how nice it will be to have the bedrooms and hallway clean by the end of the week?  It'll feel really good!  Just do a bit at a time...like doing all closets on the list at one time, all ceiling fans on the list at one time, etc.  Break it up into doable lists. Go through and decide what you need to get done this week and divide it up into however many days this week you have time.  A lot of the items on the list are done on a regular basis on the Motivated Mom's Planner.  If you've been keeping up with that then you don't have to do as much. *wink*  Go HERE to order the planner.  It's only $8!

I have the entire five week Spring Cleaning Check-List over HERE for you to print out.

I'll go through the list and share ideas for this week's chores...

MASTER BEDROOM

 declutter room & closets -- use 3 trash bags to divide up clutter (trash, donate, keep) and work around the room clockwise from the door

 clean ceiling fan  -- if your ceiling fan is really dusty then you may want to use the hose from your vacuum to suck off  excess dust before you use a damp rag (I save old towels and dish rags as they get unsightly from the kitchen and bathrooms cut them up to usable sizes)

 wash bedding/turn mattress -- air dry your quilts and mattress covers outside if it's a nice day

 vacuum corners/ceiling (closet) -- work from top to bottom

 vacuum valances

 clean off and dust furniture

 vacuum under bed and furniture, baseboards

 vacuum lamp shades

  

 wash windows -- I use either the blue ammonia product or vinegar and water in a spray bottle.  I like to spray the window, wipe the window with crumpled up newspaper to loosen the dirt then wipe with a sheet of paper towel, then spray again and use a squeegee as a final non-streak step.  It really doesn't take as long as it seems and it has quite the nice result.

    vacuum floor 

  wash marks from walls -- You can use either a Magic Eraser or some baking soda/water paste on a dampened rag to wipe away difficult marks.  Be sure to follow after with a clean damp rag...both processes leave a residue.

GIRL'S & BOY'S BEDROOM

(Make a separate list for each room for checking-off purposes if you like.)

 declutter room & closets

 clean ceiling fan

 wash bedding/ turn mattress

 vacuum corners/ceiling (closet)

 vacuum valances

 clean off and dust furniture

 vacuum under bed and furniture, baseboards

 vacuum lamp shades

 wash windows

 vacuum floor

 wash marks from walls

UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

 vacuum ceiling and corners

  wash lights and walls (Be careful not to clean the lightbulbs when they are hot.  Not only is it dangerous, but the coolness of the rag may blow the bulb.  Not that I would know from experience or anything. a-hem)

 dust pictures  -- I usually just use the soft brush attachment on the vacuum or a feather duster. If the glass is really bad I might use a paper towel dampened with window cleaner.

 vacuum hampers, baseboards

 vacuum floor and landing

Think of how clean and nice these rooms will look and feel when you're done!  You'll be a fifth of the way done with finishing your Spring Cleaning! 

Orientation

Hi there!  *me waving*  I know so many of you are new and I wanted to fill you in a bit on what's going on over here at Old House Kitchen.  First off, we are celebrating our one year "blogaversary".  Or is it "blogoversary"? With an "a" or and "o".  Oh well... Anywho...there are giveaways sprinkled throughout the month and recipes, etc.  It's one big party!   Be sure to enter the current giveaway HERE!  It ends tonight at midnight!

Over at the right hand column you can search for a recipe, find some popular recipes and a topical index.  You can also find a button link to my shop, Old House Mercantile.  There are sales galore and always FREE SHIPPING! 

Over on the left hand column you can view my profile, click on the envelope to send me a question or a comment, and become a follower or a Facebook fan (or both...please and thank you!). 

You'll also find some buttons for very inexpensive and highly effective time management tools. The posts about Motivated Mom's HERE and Tell Your Time HERE.  You can order Motivated Moms  HERE and Tell Your Time HERE (use promo code 9BUCKS for a special price of $9)

See the Gooseberry Patch ribbon?  Click on that to read my interview over at Gooseberry Patch. You can click on "BigOven" recipe system to order, but first read my tutorial HERE.  There's also an Amazon carousel listing some of my favorite cookbooks.  (I'd like to add that any time you want to order something from Amazon, if you would click to Amazon through one of my links and start shopping, I would appreciate it!  Every little click helps...that's how I've been able to give some items away this month!)

There's a button for Raising Homemakers where I am a contributing writer.  Bargains to Bounty is a wonderful site that lists store deals and coupons.  I go there first before I make my shopping lists!  I also have a few of my favorite kitchen links...like my dear friend, Karla, over at The Culinary Enthusiast.

There you have it!  A brief tour of the Old House Kitchen!  I hope you like what you see and visit the links!

A Clean Slate

wisteria.com (Love this site!)

Literally!  These past few weeks have been full of joy, fun and merriment that goes along with the holidays!  These past few weeks have also been painful!  In the wallet and with our patience.  The week and a half before Christmas our septic tank needed to be pumped.  The Sunday before Christmas our furnace went kaput.  We lived with the warmth from our propane fireplace and heaters for 4 days.  The Thursday before Christmas we had a shiny new furnace installed; along with a shiny new bill to pay in the coming year.  Then a few days before the end of the year our computer was hit with a virus.   A bad one.  So bad that my techie hubby was not able to combat it.  So bad that he had to save what he could on disks (on New Year's Eve while we watched The Sound of Music--love that movie!) and then make it a clean computer on New Year's Day...when he was going to be finishing up scoring school papers and final touches on Sunday School lessons.  So we have a computer that is much better now ... even better than this time last year!  But...we have lost so much.  He was able to save pictures that I had yet to upload to Kodak.  I am so happy about that!  He was able to save all of his church and school documents that were very important.  What he couldn't save and I didn't realize it until this afternoon is we have lost last year and this years' school records.  I have a paper copy from this year, but I will have to go through every. single. workbook for last year and re-record it.  (I think I'll wait until a lazy summer day to tackle that one!)  Lost are all of my lists and charts for school, chores, recipes (not sure about my BigOven recipes...hubby's checking on that), Christmas card lists, Christmas letters from past years, all of my blog folder belongings, personal items, past e-mails (including addresses), etc.  I am sorry to babble on so, but I'm really bummed by this loss.  So...

On we start the year new...with a clean slate!  I am trying to look at it on the upside that when suggested in Motivated Mom's planner to clean out old e-mails and files I don't have to worry about it for quite a while.  I'm all set!  *wink*


How are ya'all doing on your goals for the year?  I'm plugging away at mine.  I thought I'd take a moment to share my plans for the blog this year.  In keeping with my goal to spend more time with family (as well as my other goals), my posting here may be a bit less often compared to last year.  If there are a few days that are post-less, don't be alarmed.  I'll still be here and on Facebook, too.  I'll still share yummy recipes, I plan to continue the Queen of the Castle series, share a few shameless pictures of my kiddos, share a craft every now and then, but in less volume.  My children were so happy that I spent a lot less time on the computer during Christmas break.  They weren't looking forward to school starting back up for the semester.  Not just because of less play time, but because "Mom'll be on the computer more"...ouch!  So...since my babes are a priority (after the Lord and my hubby) I need to make sure they feel that they are a priority. 

I look forward to the coming year and finishing the important tasks set before me.  What important tasks/goals are you looking forward to this year?  Please share!  Let's encourage one another!

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Philippians 3:14  "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

A New Year...

...new set of goals, new hopes and dreams.  I wrote a list of goals at beginning of 2010.  Let's see how I did shall we?  I'll type my comments in italics.  Here we go (as I cover my eyes with one hand while looking at the list in fear!).

Spiritual
- pray for 5 people each day (That one was pretty easy.)
-complete each Bible study that comes in the e-mail (2 each week) --they're not hard...so don't
worry that I'm committing to too much ; )  (Sadly, that did not happen much longer than January...blech!)

Family
- read through the New Testament  (We got about 1/3 of the way. *sigh*)
- love on the kids more and tell them that I love them more  (I think I'm doing better at being an encourager and random hugging!)

Hubby
- encourage more, hug more  (I think I'm doing better here, too.)

Myself
- lose 10 pounds this year --  I know...that's what everyone says...but I really need to do it!  (Well that one didn't happen, but I didn't gain much so I guess I broke even? I plan to lose that 10 pounds this year!)
- get up each morning when Nathan does -- that's early, folks, but hey, it's good to have a goal!  (I do that one about 95% of the time!  Yahoo!)
- spend no more than an hour total on the computer (that means, FB, e-mail, looking up recipes, reading blogs, etc.)   (Well...um...that didn't happen!  Due to a certain blog I started!  (a-hem)  But it's been worth it and I'm working my goals for that.)
- drink 8 glasses of water a day    (Easy one, right? Well...hmm...does chai count? LOL!  Maybe I'll start wtih a goal of 4 glasses.  Baby steps!)
-scrapbook at least once a month   (I may not have scrapbooked once a month, but I did go to a stamping club once a month!  That was something crafty!  This year I really do need to get my little guys' baby book done...he'll be five in February!)


Hmm...well I see I need to revisit some of my goals.  I don't think there's a need to re-write them. I think I was well on track with them the first time around.  Here's to a new year and "new" (refreshed?) goals!  Like I always say..."It's good to have a goal!"  *wink*

So...to help all of us stay on track I'm going to remind you of some systems that I have been using this year and some that I've implemented late in the game.  I'm going to revisit them as well this new year.

Have you bought your new 2011 Motivated Mom's planner yet?  It's super inexpensive and well worth the small amount of money (we're talking less than two lattes!).  You have a variety of options for ordering...8 1/2 x 11...w/ Scripture Reading...1/2 size...1/2 size w/ Scripture Reading...Page per Day...1/2 size Page per Day...Page per Day w/ Scripture...1/2 size Page per Day w/ Scripture!  Lot's of options!!   (I have the 8 1/2 x 11 pictured here.)

 Go HERE to order your 2011 Motivated Mom's planner for only $8

Also...Amy's Tell Your Time program is super inexpensive (oh, let's say less than three lattes *wink*) and very much worth it!!  Read her printout and make a few charts to see where you spend your time, what your goals are, what's important to you, and plot away at how and when you will spend your time in those worthwhile areas.  I would say it's easy to read the printouts, chart, and get started on rearranging your time for those important things in less than 2 hours!  (Psst...I have a testimonial on there...if I'm willing to slap my name on it then you know it's something I believe in!)

Go HERE to order Tell Your Time!
Enter code CLEANSLATE 

On sale for a limited time for only $7.  
(Until January 7th)

Regular price is $12 (or those three lattes).  

So buy now and buy a latte to drink while reading it!  *wink*

Black Friday Sale!

 "Tell Your Time" will be 50% off!! 

That's only $6 for a book that will 

change the way you organize, prioritize and live!

GO HERE TO ORDER

Sale starts Black Friday (Nov. 26) at 12:01am and 

 

Sale ends Cyber Monday (Nov. 29) at 11:59pm.

 

Coupon Code: MONDAYBLACK (this code must be added to your shopping cart at checkout to get the deal)

Don't Stress!

I've got your back!  Really!  I know I talk a lot about being organized and motivated...yada yada, but really...life goes soooo much smoother if you are!  Read on for some great reminders!

If you are finding that you're spending way too much time on certain things and wish you had more hours to your day to do things that you really need and want to accomplish?  Then you really need to first go HERE to order a very inexpensive, quick read about time management.  You'll be glad you did!

Next you need to download one of the calendars over HERE.  (They're on sale super cheap right now!) You'll find my post on this HERE, but to make it short and sweet...

you'll never forget to scrub the tub or toilets, ditch old coupons or vacuum behind the couch again!

Then since you're time is managed well and you're home is tidy you'll want to get some wonderful dishes cooking.  Go HERE for my tutorial on BigOven to keep all of your recipes on your computer in one spot!

It helps you menu plan, too!

Then you'll want to go HERE to get caught up on all your holiday planning!  

Like I always say, "It's good to have a goal!"  *wink*

Queen of the Castle: Week 46

I know it's not Thursday, the usual day to post QOTC, but I have three QOTC Thanksgiving posts that I I will share with ya'll this week.  I thought you could use these before the day sneaks up on us.  *smile*

If you would like to start at the beginning you can read HERE.

Week 46 is titled "Company's Coming! Hospitality".  Lynn, the author, shares an excerpt from a book Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner.  "Well, now.  I probably shouldn't have curdling milk in the fridge if I'm inviting someone over for tea, and it might be nice if I emptied the kitchen trash can and didn't leave dirty clothes all over the bathroom floor.  But to be a hostess, I'm going to have to surrender my notions of "Good Housekeeping" domestic perfection.  I will have to set down my pride and invite people over even if I have not dusted.  This is tough:  My mother set a high standard.  Her house is always immaculate, most especially if she's expecting company.  But if I wait for immaculate, I will never have a guest."

Is it worth fussing and fitting with your kiddos to get the house perfect?  Can we just tidy up a bit and call it a day?  "Hospitality is not about trying to impress or compete to see who's the best housekeeper or the best cook.  It's simply about opening the home God has given us, grand or humble, and welcoming others in."

Lynn reminds us of the story in I Kings 17, "...where a widow in the midst of a drought, down to her last bit of oil and flour, reluctantly opens her home to a hungry house guest.  "I can't feed you," she tells Elijah at first.  "In fact, my son and I are about to eat the last of our own food, and then we're ready to die."  "Don't be afraid," Elijah answers.  "God says your bowl of flour and jar of oil won't ever be empty until we have rain again."  The widow did as Elijah directed, making him a bread cake and then asking one for herself and her son.  And "the bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah" (I Kings 17:16)."

Whether we enjoy hot dogs and macaroni and cheese or a roast and all the fixings the attitude makes all the difference.  We need to pray and ask God to show us how to have a servant's heart.

With Thanksgiving near I thought I'd share with you some easy ways to make your guests feel welcome.

*It's a great idea to have a basket of toys that little ones can play with.  Some books and board games for different ages are a great idea, too.

*Make sure you have a place to put coats and such...squeezing them in a coat closet can be cumbersome.  We have a mudroom but not a lot of extra hooks.  Hubby's to do list now has this suggestion.  We often us the master bed as a place to throw coats if there's a large crowd.

The following tips are geared toward those having overnight guests:

*If you have overnight company make sure the room they are staying in has proper window treatments.  Especially if you have a yard light outside the window.  They may prefer total darkness.

*Then again, they may like a little night light. Have one plugged in and on.  If they want it off they can turn it off.

*Make sure they have proper bedding and some extra blankets in case they get chilly.  An extra set of sheets on hand is nice, too, in case little ones have accidents at night.

*Have a snack basket in the room if the kitchen is far away.  Fill it with granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and a few chocolate treats.  If you like you can add a small cooler with bottled water and juice.  That way if they get up early they can snack and not starve until breakfast.

*Make sure their room has a place for clothes storage.  Even if they are living out of their bags they are probably going to need to hang up some shirts.  An over the door hook might be a nice addition.

*Have towels and washcloths handy so they don't need to search for them.

*Also make sure the bathroom is fully stocked with toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries you think they might need.  They would feel embarrassed if they had to wake you in the middle of the night because they had no toilet paper. And I'm sure you wouldn't want to be wakened for a TP call at 3 a.m.. *wink*

For more on hospitality Rhonda has great advice over at Raising Homemakers  HERE and HERE.

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"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have 

entertained angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2