I decided to get some more strawberries. So, hubby and 2 little boys went along with me. I wish I had taken a picture of the two little boys, as the checkout lady was so tickled to see their strawberry juice faces. We picked 2 more gallon sized pails, which I made 10 more small jars of freezer jam, and froze 9 quarts of whole tomatoes.
I also made some crock pot pork chops. Yum! It is nice to have supper done, or nearly done, so I can go on to other things.
We finally got the netting on the cherry tree. The tree has really gotten big, we had to hook two nets together, to get it to fit. I waited too long to get the netting on, as we lost cherries. Bummer.
The laundry soap was getting low, so I made a whole new, bigger batch. The last batch was only 2 1/2 gallons. :) I wasn't sure if any of the children would react to it, so I made half a batch, to try it out. Seems to be working really well. This soap does not use Fels Naptha, which is what I think the children were having reactions to. So, I whipped up 5 gallons of laundry soap.
Tomorrow, we plan on going to the Dells!! Woo hoo!! Spend some time at the water parks.
I also got a whole bunch of work done for the Power Team promotions--made up about 150 postcards, as well as worked on 4 lighted thumb tips. They now work great!!! The boys need to start practicing. Oh, and I also made a mouth light, too.
It's great to get work done. I think I will take my Chore book along to read, as long as I have 3 hours to kill in the car. Moving right along. . .
Still need to pick up some stuff for the Sunday School picnic. Not sure what games I should have my class partake in, or what treats to pass out.
Siah is having a 25th birthday celebration on Saturday, we will be back for that, and will enjoy celebrating with him. He got an I Pad for his birthday, and he is really enjoying it--almost as much as I enjoy mine. ;-)
I should go get a bowl of my home made Very Cherry Ice Cream--it is so yummy!!!!
Update: Instead of having the ice cream, I made two batches of popcorn. I love my Whirley Pop popcorn popper!! (and no, I am NOT paid, or reimbursed to say this!) It makes the best popcorn. The first batch I made was regular butter, and the next batch was Kettle Corn. The children say I make the best Kettle Corn. They are so sweet!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Oh, Summer Days!
I am enjoying my summer! And finding deals!!
On Saturday, we got a corner armoire for $15! And, a full sized bed for $10!! We've been looking for both items for a long time. The funny thing is, we went to the house only for the armoire. The lady just happened to ask if we needed a bed. We also got a slide for the jungle gym on sale, as well as a hanging pot with flowers for half price.
Sunday, we had the whole family over, and I made Crock pot style Gyros. I think everyone enjoyed them, there wasn't any left over. :)
On Monday, I took my mom strawberry picking. We picked 2 one gallon pails, each. I made mine into freezer jams, as well as some frozen whole.
Today, I spent weeding the garden. Well, I should say I weeded, and removed rocks from my garden. I wasn't sure if it was a vegetable garden, or a rock garden at first. :)
Then, I fixed the pool pump. Figured out I assembled it wrong. Argh. It is now working wonderful. I still need to figure out where the hole is, in the top tube.
We went into town, to pick up some photo coffee mugs I had ordered, as well as to see about getting some donations for the Power Team. I really need to work on the thumb tips, so we can do a Light Show for the 4th of July Fireworks. As they are doing the Light Show, we pass out flyers, announcing the Power Team. It draws a crowd, and what better way to get people, when they are already assembled in one place.
On Saturday, we got a corner armoire for $15! And, a full sized bed for $10!! We've been looking for both items for a long time. The funny thing is, we went to the house only for the armoire. The lady just happened to ask if we needed a bed. We also got a slide for the jungle gym on sale, as well as a hanging pot with flowers for half price.
Sunday, we had the whole family over, and I made Crock pot style Gyros. I think everyone enjoyed them, there wasn't any left over. :)
On Monday, I took my mom strawberry picking. We picked 2 one gallon pails, each. I made mine into freezer jams, as well as some frozen whole.
Today, I spent weeding the garden. Well, I should say I weeded, and removed rocks from my garden. I wasn't sure if it was a vegetable garden, or a rock garden at first. :)
Then, I fixed the pool pump. Figured out I assembled it wrong. Argh. It is now working wonderful. I still need to figure out where the hole is, in the top tube.
We went into town, to pick up some photo coffee mugs I had ordered, as well as to see about getting some donations for the Power Team. I really need to work on the thumb tips, so we can do a Light Show for the 4th of July Fireworks. As they are doing the Light Show, we pass out flyers, announcing the Power Team. It draws a crowd, and what better way to get people, when they are already assembled in one place.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Living Last Supper photo
My big, beautiful back yard
My new gazebo.
The new swing from Siah and Sarah outside my bedroom patio door.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
I figure if you haven't posted in a while--try to catch up all in one day. :)
I forgot to mention--we were supposed to be on vacation this week. But, we are not. My hubby hurt his back last Friday. I have never seen him in so much pain. I took him to the chiropractor, who said his L4 and L5 were out of position (dh said he heard it pop!! OUCH!) He put him back into place, and then gave him a back brace. Rick said he was feeling some better, but still in pain, insomuch, that he could not even sit! Thankfully, my dad was preaching on Sunday (which is another miracle!) Sunday afternoon, the deacons came over to the house, and prayed for him. Sunday night, Matthew jumped up and over Rick, and he was in terrible pain, again. But, the amazing thing?? The very next morning, he woke up, feeling much better--and could even sit!! Yes, he is still sore, and is still recuperating, but he is so much better than he was!
So, how do you handle disappointments?? We were all counting on taking a vacation. Yes, we will take it later, but it was rather hard to do things we normally do, thinking that we should have had some time off.
My other disappointment? Well, my oven quit working! So, dh had had it with the stove, as I have had a few problems with it. So, I wrote out a list of what I wanted in a new stove. I found the perfect one!!! Really!! Then, I had the idea, maybe I should pull my old stove out from the wall, unplug it, and see if the computer would reset. Well, it did, and I'm still using it. So, I have to give my desire for a new oven over to the Lord. Yep--I really did want a new one (I was going to get a convection oven). But, look how much money we saved, by just keeping the one I have. I really do like this stove, but, I kind of had my sights on a convection oven.
The miracle of my dad? Well, a couple weeks ago, my dad had a stroke. Mom took him into the nearby hospital, which had the miracle stroke drug. After they got his blood pressure down, they were able to administer this drug. Then, they airlifted him to Eau Claire. By the time he landed (less than 10 minutes), he had use of his hand again. He stayed for 2 days in Critical Care, and was discharged. The one doctor suggested he go to a Stroke Clinic, but his regular doctor says that's for people who are really bad--problems with speech, or moving a limb, etc., whereas my dad is doing great!! So, that is the miracle that my dad was able to preach on Sunday!
So, how do you handle disappointments?? We were all counting on taking a vacation. Yes, we will take it later, but it was rather hard to do things we normally do, thinking that we should have had some time off.
My other disappointment? Well, my oven quit working! So, dh had had it with the stove, as I have had a few problems with it. So, I wrote out a list of what I wanted in a new stove. I found the perfect one!!! Really!! Then, I had the idea, maybe I should pull my old stove out from the wall, unplug it, and see if the computer would reset. Well, it did, and I'm still using it. So, I have to give my desire for a new oven over to the Lord. Yep--I really did want a new one (I was going to get a convection oven). But, look how much money we saved, by just keeping the one I have. I really do like this stove, but, I kind of had my sights on a convection oven.
The miracle of my dad? Well, a couple weeks ago, my dad had a stroke. Mom took him into the nearby hospital, which had the miracle stroke drug. After they got his blood pressure down, they were able to administer this drug. Then, they airlifted him to Eau Claire. By the time he landed (less than 10 minutes), he had use of his hand again. He stayed for 2 days in Critical Care, and was discharged. The one doctor suggested he go to a Stroke Clinic, but his regular doctor says that's for people who are really bad--problems with speech, or moving a limb, etc., whereas my dad is doing great!! So, that is the miracle that my dad was able to preach on Sunday!
First days of summer vacation!! Woo Hoo!!
Yesterday was our first day of summer vacation. Yippee!!
So, what did I do?? I asked on Facebook, what I should do--work, or take it easy, and got a couple responses--telling me to take time off, and not do any projects. I'm not a procrastinator. :) So, I got right to work. Dan and I mowed our lawn. Dan used the riding lawn mower, and I used the push mower (I've been doing that lately, as I need the exercise!) I go around all the trees, jungle gym, pool, garden, etc. It makes it easier for the person on the rider. I'm so glad we got the lawn mowed, as last night, and all day today, it rained.
I also have fixed Matthew's bike, for the umpteenth time. Hoping this time, it stays fixed! I also did a bunch of sewing yesterday. And, I am working to fix our glider rocking chair, as it broke a spring. How's that for 1 day??
Yes, we got our pool up, and most shockingly---I planted a garden!!! Well, I guess you could call it a garden. It's about the size of a toddler's shoebox. LOL Well, it's a little bigger than that. I have planted 3 asparagus plants, 2 rhubarbs, 2 blackberry, 1 raspberry, 2 heirloom tomatoes, and some green beans. Mostly perennial plants, which is what I prefer!
We have had crazy weather. We had 2 very nice, hot days--it got to 103 degrees!! Then, it dropped down to 50. Yesterday was a nice day, in the 70's, but now it's cold and rainy.
Today, I did a small amount of cleaning. I got a new computer for my birthday, and I'm trying to get things up and running on it. Getting older has it's challenges in trying to figure things out. :)
We found a newborn black manx kitten, abandoned by it's mother. We tried to help it, fed it with a dropper, but it died the next morning. It had some problems. I won't go into details, but it was GROSS!
I've also been painting!! I think the little picnic table is all done, now! Yippee!! For a while, I was sporting Green and Yellow highlights in my hair. I had offers to give anyone free green and yellow highlights, as well, but no one took me up on it. Rick and I painted a wood picnic table green and yellow (it looks sharp), that we were given. I think it took 5 coats of paint! Ben finally told us to use a roller--not only did it save time, but it covered it well. Then, I looked at the little children's picnic table, and that needed some work! So, after scrubbing it down, putting primer on, it matches the grown up picnic table.
We've acquired some new stuff for our back yard. We got a screened in gazebo from my parents, a swing from Josiah and Sarah that I really enjoy, and we bought a fire pit, and a hammock. We have really enjoyed the fire pit--eating s'mores, and cooking hot dogs, and we got some pie makers, too! First, I had gone to Wally World, to get some pie makers. They had some for $10, but were so cheaply made. I was discouraged. The poles were bent, and the handles were plastic and swiveled. Not safe at all!!! So, dh had the idea to go to Scheels, and they had some really nice, cast iron ones!!! Regularly $15, and I got them 1/2 off!!!!!! We have made cherry pies in them, as well as a grilled cheese sandwich, and some Reubens! I love summer! Have you ever used those really big marshmallows?? They are fun!
So, what did I do?? I asked on Facebook, what I should do--work, or take it easy, and got a couple responses--telling me to take time off, and not do any projects. I'm not a procrastinator. :) So, I got right to work. Dan and I mowed our lawn. Dan used the riding lawn mower, and I used the push mower (I've been doing that lately, as I need the exercise!) I go around all the trees, jungle gym, pool, garden, etc. It makes it easier for the person on the rider. I'm so glad we got the lawn mowed, as last night, and all day today, it rained.
I also have fixed Matthew's bike, for the umpteenth time. Hoping this time, it stays fixed! I also did a bunch of sewing yesterday. And, I am working to fix our glider rocking chair, as it broke a spring. How's that for 1 day??
Yes, we got our pool up, and most shockingly---I planted a garden!!! Well, I guess you could call it a garden. It's about the size of a toddler's shoebox. LOL Well, it's a little bigger than that. I have planted 3 asparagus plants, 2 rhubarbs, 2 blackberry, 1 raspberry, 2 heirloom tomatoes, and some green beans. Mostly perennial plants, which is what I prefer!
We have had crazy weather. We had 2 very nice, hot days--it got to 103 degrees!! Then, it dropped down to 50. Yesterday was a nice day, in the 70's, but now it's cold and rainy.
Today, I did a small amount of cleaning. I got a new computer for my birthday, and I'm trying to get things up and running on it. Getting older has it's challenges in trying to figure things out. :)
We found a newborn black manx kitten, abandoned by it's mother. We tried to help it, fed it with a dropper, but it died the next morning. It had some problems. I won't go into details, but it was GROSS!
I've also been painting!! I think the little picnic table is all done, now! Yippee!! For a while, I was sporting Green and Yellow highlights in my hair. I had offers to give anyone free green and yellow highlights, as well, but no one took me up on it. Rick and I painted a wood picnic table green and yellow (it looks sharp), that we were given. I think it took 5 coats of paint! Ben finally told us to use a roller--not only did it save time, but it covered it well. Then, I looked at the little children's picnic table, and that needed some work! So, after scrubbing it down, putting primer on, it matches the grown up picnic table.
We've acquired some new stuff for our back yard. We got a screened in gazebo from my parents, a swing from Josiah and Sarah that I really enjoy, and we bought a fire pit, and a hammock. We have really enjoyed the fire pit--eating s'mores, and cooking hot dogs, and we got some pie makers, too! First, I had gone to Wally World, to get some pie makers. They had some for $10, but were so cheaply made. I was discouraged. The poles were bent, and the handles were plastic and swiveled. Not safe at all!!! So, dh had the idea to go to Scheels, and they had some really nice, cast iron ones!!! Regularly $15, and I got them 1/2 off!!!!!! We have made cherry pies in them, as well as a grilled cheese sandwich, and some Reubens! I love summer! Have you ever used those really big marshmallows?? They are fun!
Nick of Time - Book Review
I have read all of the Bug Man novels. I anxiously awaited this newest book, insofar as to stay up until midnight to request a free book from Booksneeze. :)
The Bug Man is Nick Polchak, who is a forensic entomologist. Nick and Alena (a cadaver dog trainer) are to be married on Saturday, four days away, when Nick disappears. Nick is caught up in a murder case involving an old friend, and he feels he needs to solve the murder. He promises to call Alena every night, but, something always happens (one time he ends up in jail). The book has many twists and turns in it, and I was thoroughly captivated.
I have mixed feelings about the book. I love Nick's humor, I always have. But, I didn't care for the ending.
I also don't like to see alcohol in a Christian book. I am very conservative, and do not even care to read about anyone imbibing alcohol. I wish Christian books would raise the bar higher. This is a clean book, but, not much on the Christian side, it's just a good read (barring the alcohol).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The Bug Man is Nick Polchak, who is a forensic entomologist. Nick and Alena (a cadaver dog trainer) are to be married on Saturday, four days away, when Nick disappears. Nick is caught up in a murder case involving an old friend, and he feels he needs to solve the murder. He promises to call Alena every night, but, something always happens (one time he ends up in jail). The book has many twists and turns in it, and I was thoroughly captivated.
I have mixed feelings about the book. I love Nick's humor, I always have. But, I didn't care for the ending.
I also don't like to see alcohol in a Christian book. I am very conservative, and do not even care to read about anyone imbibing alcohol. I wish Christian books would raise the bar higher. This is a clean book, but, not much on the Christian side, it's just a good read (barring the alcohol).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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