Good morning world! Have several different things to get finished today that I started yesterday. It 9was just one of those days I could not finish anything, laundry, filing, housework, paperwork..... So today will be the finish up day. Even last night I had the boys clean up the kitchen so it would not be waiting for me this morning.
I have been thinking about why I blog. I know blogging has been around for years. I started this one back in 2010, I think. Just never kept it going. It is a money making venture I suppose. Not for this girl. So why do I blog? I think it is a therapeutic for me. The other blog I had started was suppose to be a record of my spiritual journey. I did not keep that one up either. (See the pattern on not finishing things?) Until recently, I did not really think about who or how many were reading this. When I refer to "you", it has always been in a general sense, like a diary of sorts. When I found these blogs again, I liked reading the past years. This is my place to be happy and celebrate to sad or angry and vent. The other day Patrick walked by as I was sitting here typing away. He's gave me a quick hugs and said, "Here's my cute blogger."
Yesterday was a very sad day in our communities around here. It even made the national news. Thursday night a man in the community of Tyrone found his mother dead (by natural causes) and was so distraught he went on a shooting spree. Shot 8 people, then drove not too far away and shot himself. One person lived. Children were made orphans. One 8th grader was hiding in a bedroom. One 15 year old heard gun shots and ran out of the house, barefoot and in her nightgown to a neighbor to have them call 911. Patrick knew them as classmates from high school and customers. Praying for the families and the community!
On a different note. Yesterday, I made the decision to use only natural homemade cleansers and body products. So what was I going to do with the multiple products I have under my sinks and on my vanity? I asked that question on facebook. Someone answered with give it to the local women's shelter. There is a safe house in the process of being put together in a neighboring town for women who have been rescued from human trafficking. I think I will box it all up and give it to them when they open.
OH, and it is snowing! Yes, again. I love it! It is so pretty and peaceful! I am definitely going on a walk this morning. We were not suppose to get snow until this afternoon. They were off by a few hours.
Be blessed and be a blessing.
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Phone call
Good morning world. I know, it' not exactly morning. My day started out with me thinking I'd be following my usual schedule. Boy, was I wrong. I got a phone call from a cousin of mine who lives in Texas. We were on the phone for about 2 hours. I haven't spoken to her in a couple of years. The jest of her call to me was she wants to move here, to Missouri. She wants her girls to know her Dad's side of the family and that's me. Her Dad was my Uncle, my Dad's brother. The last time I saw her, she was 8. It seems she can't find a job where she lives. I'm sure there is more to the story. Always is.
Now here's the thing. When the last family left us, I said no more for a long time. I wanted my house back to myself. But this is family. Am I totally convinced this should happen? No. Am I thinking about it and praying about it. Yes. I'll keep you posted.
On another note, I tried the homemade cleaner from yesterday and I'm happy with it. AND I found a simple recipe for a spot and stain remover, like a super duper cleaner. Here's what is in it:
2 Parts Hydrogen Peroxide
1 Part Dawn dish soap
Put into a small spray bottle. Gently shake. And spray. I had an old carpet stain. It's gone. I'm going to have to start taking pictures! Also, get more peroxide! I was so excited, until I realized I now have to shampoo the carpet since the clean spot is brighter and cleaner than the rest of the carpet that wasn't stained. :)
In my effort to become what I perceive as an old fashioned housewife, I had dinner done and the house cleaned by the time Patrick got home from work. It was really nice. Until I realized I still had hot rollers in my hair. Making progress, not perfection.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Now here's the thing. When the last family left us, I said no more for a long time. I wanted my house back to myself. But this is family. Am I totally convinced this should happen? No. Am I thinking about it and praying about it. Yes. I'll keep you posted.
On another note, I tried the homemade cleaner from yesterday and I'm happy with it. AND I found a simple recipe for a spot and stain remover, like a super duper cleaner. Here's what is in it:
2 Parts Hydrogen Peroxide
1 Part Dawn dish soap
Put into a small spray bottle. Gently shake. And spray. I had an old carpet stain. It's gone. I'm going to have to start taking pictures! Also, get more peroxide! I was so excited, until I realized I now have to shampoo the carpet since the clean spot is brighter and cleaner than the rest of the carpet that wasn't stained. :)
In my effort to become what I perceive as an old fashioned housewife, I had dinner done and the house cleaned by the time Patrick got home from work. It was really nice. Until I realized I still had hot rollers in my hair. Making progress, not perfection.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Homemade cleaner
Good morning world! Yesterday didn't end up being my baking day. I'll get back with you on that one. However, I did make the homemade cleaner. I think I'm going to be happy with it. Still haven't cleaned my couch yet. That's going to happen today. So I'll let you know how it cleans that. It did get a stain out of my carpet and that's a big plus. I made a gallon of it and put some in a spray bottle. Here's what I used:
3 tablespoons of ammonia
2 big squirts of dawn original dish soap
16 ounces of rubbing alcohol
Fill jar with warm to hot water (I didn't use too hot as I was using a glass jar)
I already use vinegar and water mix for windows and mirrors. Make my own liquid laundry soap, have for years. I just read that someone sprinkled baking soda in the tub and just squirted some dawn dish soap too. And it worked great as a scrubbing cleaner for the tub. Going to try that next.
Have my youngest under the weather. When my oldest got up, he complained of a massive headache from congestion. So out the essential oils come. Doing the Mommy Mode on both of them. Good thing I've stocked up on Thieves! Now to continue on with my day!
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
3 tablespoons of ammonia
2 big squirts of dawn original dish soap
16 ounces of rubbing alcohol
Fill jar with warm to hot water (I didn't use too hot as I was using a glass jar)
I already use vinegar and water mix for windows and mirrors. Make my own liquid laundry soap, have for years. I just read that someone sprinkled baking soda in the tub and just squirted some dawn dish soap too. And it worked great as a scrubbing cleaner for the tub. Going to try that next.
Have my youngest under the weather. When my oldest got up, he complained of a massive headache from congestion. So out the essential oils come. Doing the Mommy Mode on both of them. Good thing I've stocked up on Thieves! Now to continue on with my day!
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Honey
Good morning world! There are some mornings everything seems to go so smoothly and then there are mornings like today. I was sort of taking it easy this morning and I guess I set the tone for the rest of the house. Getting the boys up and going on chores was a kin to trying to pour crystallized honey into a jar. Just doesn't happen till you put a fire under it.
Now chores are done. School getting ready to start. I'm trying to decide on a baking day. In my efforts to be more frugal, I've decided to have a baking day. That will be the day I'll bake bread for the week, cookies, muffins, maybe a couple of pies and a cake. My goal is to get away from buying these things for many reasons. Saving money, more healthy... I already buy flour, sugar, and oats in bulk, 50 pounds at a time. Does anyone else out there do this? Just wondering. I'll let you know how it goes.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Now chores are done. School getting ready to start. I'm trying to decide on a baking day. In my efforts to be more frugal, I've decided to have a baking day. That will be the day I'll bake bread for the week, cookies, muffins, maybe a couple of pies and a cake. My goal is to get away from buying these things for many reasons. Saving money, more healthy... I already buy flour, sugar, and oats in bulk, 50 pounds at a time. Does anyone else out there do this? Just wondering. I'll let you know how it goes.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, February 23, 2015
Home blessings
As a general rule, after school with the boys, I do a house blessing. Since my husband, boys and home are my first ministry, I have adopted the attitude that when I clean house, do laundry, bake bread, or even fix supper I'm blessing my family. I have followed a Flylady way of doing things for several years now. That's where I got the home blessing idea. I don't follow it perfectly by any means. But it was definitely a good starting place for me. And it's a good place to start when thinking of being an "old fashioned" housewife and homemaker. I still have a problem with floors that need swept and mopped. I think that when I do them, they should stay clean for at least more than 5 minutes. Then I get a martyr attitude, poor me. I'm always having to sweep and mop the floors and no one cares. Oh brother. Or I'll get angry about it. Which is worse. But if I consider it to bless my family, it's not so bad.
Today I'm going to be making an overall cleaner out of dawn dish soap, baking soda, ammonia, and water. Going to try it out on a couch and a couple of stains on the carpet. I'll let you know how it goes. If it works, I'm clearing out under my kitchen and bathroom sinks of cleansers! I'll have more room for the drainer when it's not full of drying dishes. Yes, the majority of the time I wash dishes by hand instead of using the dish washer. Have for years. Just a therapeutic feeling of washing dishes, looking out the window, letting my mind wander of the day's upcoming events in the mornings or over my day if it's evening dishes.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today I'm going to be making an overall cleaner out of dawn dish soap, baking soda, ammonia, and water. Going to try it out on a couch and a couple of stains on the carpet. I'll let you know how it goes. If it works, I'm clearing out under my kitchen and bathroom sinks of cleansers! I'll have more room for the drainer when it's not full of drying dishes. Yes, the majority of the time I wash dishes by hand instead of using the dish washer. Have for years. Just a therapeutic feeling of washing dishes, looking out the window, letting my mind wander of the day's upcoming events in the mornings or over my day if it's evening dishes.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Forgiveness and peace
Peace is such a wonderful thing! Peace in the house. Peace in my heart and soul. Today we helped my oldest foster son and his fiancé load a U-Haul with their household stuff from 2 separate storage units. I was apprehensive before we went to meet them for a late lunch. My plan was to talk to her sometime before they left. It didn't happen. My plans aren't always God's plan. God's plan was so much better. As we hugged everyone, I went back to her and gave her one more hug. I simply asked her if we we're cool. She said, "yes, I hope so." That's all it took. That and a really big hug!
By the time I got home, I realized how at peace I was. Last night I asked God to help me to forgive her, and to forgive me for my unforgiveness. This morning I thanked God for his grace and mercies, realizing I need to extend that same grace and mercy to my extended family.
Now can I do this with the others that lived in my home? The one family, with the lady and her 2 kids. Yes, I can. This is a situation that I can forgive without putting myself back in that situation. I don't feel angry when someone says something about them. Or I see her at a mutual friend's house. The family that just left us about 3 weeks ago or so, I need to keep praying about that situation. I can forgive in my head and thinking. I have started praying for them. That's what I do as the first step. Not always easy. I was going to write that I still get angry. But I'm not. Maybe that's what forgiveness does for me. What can it do for you?
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
By the time I got home, I realized how at peace I was. Last night I asked God to help me to forgive her, and to forgive me for my unforgiveness. This morning I thanked God for his grace and mercies, realizing I need to extend that same grace and mercy to my extended family.
Now can I do this with the others that lived in my home? The one family, with the lady and her 2 kids. Yes, I can. This is a situation that I can forgive without putting myself back in that situation. I don't feel angry when someone says something about them. Or I see her at a mutual friend's house. The family that just left us about 3 weeks ago or so, I need to keep praying about that situation. I can forgive in my head and thinking. I have started praying for them. That's what I do as the first step. Not always easy. I was going to write that I still get angry. But I'm not. Maybe that's what forgiveness does for me. What can it do for you?
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, February 20, 2015
Hospitiality
Good afternoon world! Patrick just informed me that our oldest foster son is on his way here to get their stuff. Now, most of it is in a storage unit they rented. Some in a storage unit we have rented, and a couple of things here at our house. Last May, we drove to Kansas. Helped them pack. Loaded a small trailer that we brought with us. And brought them here to live with us till they got back on their feet. They (our foster son, his fiancé, their son and the baby she had while they were here) stayed about a month and a half.
Where do we draw the line about helping people and keeping our house a safe refuge and our family safe? I knew going in they weren't Christians. To what extent, I didn't know. Found out when we got to Kansas though. I kept expecting them to act a certain way. But a friend of mine told me why expect it when they don't have Christ in their hearts? When they left, there was some hurt feelings on my part because of some disrespect on their part.
If we are to be Christlike in our walk, are we to open up our homes? A while back I had realized that my first ministry is my family and home. To me that means I'm to be hospitable, while keeping my home a safe haven for my family. Keeping house, meals, and laundry and such all are a part of that. Tending to the boys' homeschooling too is a part of that.
This is a chance, I think, for me to deal with some bad feelings that have hindered my walk with God. We are told to forgive others. We are told to not hold ott against someone. We are told to show Christ's love to each other. Over the years with different situations, I believe I've been able to do just that. However, this past year not so much. I will be praying about this tonight as they will be here tomorrow. I'm in tears now thinking about all the time I wasted being angry about this situation and the things that happened when the other 2 families stayed with us. And that anger bleed over to others. I pray God will forgive my unforgiveness!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Where do we draw the line about helping people and keeping our house a safe refuge and our family safe? I knew going in they weren't Christians. To what extent, I didn't know. Found out when we got to Kansas though. I kept expecting them to act a certain way. But a friend of mine told me why expect it when they don't have Christ in their hearts? When they left, there was some hurt feelings on my part because of some disrespect on their part.
If we are to be Christlike in our walk, are we to open up our homes? A while back I had realized that my first ministry is my family and home. To me that means I'm to be hospitable, while keeping my home a safe haven for my family. Keeping house, meals, and laundry and such all are a part of that. Tending to the boys' homeschooling too is a part of that.
This is a chance, I think, for me to deal with some bad feelings that have hindered my walk with God. We are told to forgive others. We are told to not hold ott against someone. We are told to show Christ's love to each other. Over the years with different situations, I believe I've been able to do just that. However, this past year not so much. I will be praying about this tonight as they will be here tomorrow. I'm in tears now thinking about all the time I wasted being angry about this situation and the things that happened when the other 2 families stayed with us. And that anger bleed over to others. I pray God will forgive my unforgiveness!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Good evening y'all! As I'm sitting here typing, I'm listening to the noises of my household. I hear Patrick (my DH) getting onto the cat in the bathroom. One of the boys is playing a game, actually all three of them probably are as they are waiting on Patrick and I to get back into the living room to start up the movie again. I'd rather them watch movies than play games on their phones. And when I say their phones, they are not set up as phones. They are used for games, music, and the camera. I would like to get rid of my phone at times. I don't think teens need a phone. Tommy goes to work. When he needs to call me, he uses the phone at work. Since we have strict rules about where they go and who they are with, there is no need for a phone.
As far as the boys go, we are not only homeschooling them, but also have been teaching them about courtship. They don't date. I probably wrote about this before. We have stopped going to a church not only because things had happened that we felt we couldn't support, but also I felt the need to be in a church or with other believers who supported and believed in homeschooling and courtship. I got neither at Blue Buck Church. Don't get me wrong, they are a wonderful church and a great church family. However, I had been feeling for sometime that it wasn't the best place for our boys.
I've learned a lot of lessons this past year. The biggest I think is I've learned a bit more about grace, God's grace. I believe he is my Lord and Savior. It has taken me several years to realize that nothing I do is going to make me a better Christian. I can't pray enough, read the Bible enough, dress modestly enough, keep my house clean enough, submit to Patrick enough to make it to heaven. Jesus already has done that for me. The rest of it isn't a salvation breaker. However, those things will make my life on earth more pleasant. If I try to say that I have to be better. If I have to do more. I put Christ back on the cross again and again. He's not there. He sits at the right hand of the father. He is also in my heart.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
As far as the boys go, we are not only homeschooling them, but also have been teaching them about courtship. They don't date. I probably wrote about this before. We have stopped going to a church not only because things had happened that we felt we couldn't support, but also I felt the need to be in a church or with other believers who supported and believed in homeschooling and courtship. I got neither at Blue Buck Church. Don't get me wrong, they are a wonderful church and a great church family. However, I had been feeling for sometime that it wasn't the best place for our boys.
I've learned a lot of lessons this past year. The biggest I think is I've learned a bit more about grace, God's grace. I believe he is my Lord and Savior. It has taken me several years to realize that nothing I do is going to make me a better Christian. I can't pray enough, read the Bible enough, dress modestly enough, keep my house clean enough, submit to Patrick enough to make it to heaven. Jesus already has done that for me. The rest of it isn't a salvation breaker. However, those things will make my life on earth more pleasant. If I try to say that I have to be better. If I have to do more. I put Christ back on the cross again and again. He's not there. He sits at the right hand of the father. He is also in my heart.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
SNOW
Good evening y'all! Those who know me, know I love snow. Now the rest of you know. I love the peacefulness of the snow. Taking a walk when it's snowing is one of my favorite things to do. The Ozarks is blanketed in the wonderful white stuff. More of it to come tonight too! Tomorrow is going to be fun! I hope.
This might be short tonight as the family is wanting me to watch a movie with them. I should have done this before now. More tomorrow. I will be doing more desk work, Pat's Services work, and tax work tomorrow. Have a great night and stay warm!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
This might be short tonight as the family is wanting me to watch a movie with them. I should have done this before now. More tomorrow. I will be doing more desk work, Pat's Services work, and tax work tomorrow. Have a great night and stay warm!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Good evening world! Happy Valentines Day! Hope all had a wonderful one! I got to spend time with my DH and that is the best gift of all. He did get me a pod charger type thing. And I love it, but the time I got to spend with him was the best!
Yesterday I was talking to a friend about homesteading and being self sufficient. Both of us have the strong desire to do that as much as possible. I'm going to be making a list of what I do now and a list of what I can do in the future.
Today was such a relaxing day. I even relaxed on the make up and hair. I woke up with eczema around my eyes. So I thought I'd give my face a rest too.
Have a great rest of the weekend and a blessed Sunday! Refresh your spirit and soul! I will in the Lord.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday I was talking to a friend about homesteading and being self sufficient. Both of us have the strong desire to do that as much as possible. I'm going to be making a list of what I do now and a list of what I can do in the future.
Today was such a relaxing day. I even relaxed on the make up and hair. I woke up with eczema around my eyes. So I thought I'd give my face a rest too.
Have a great rest of the weekend and a blessed Sunday! Refresh your spirit and soul! I will in the Lord.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, February 13, 2015
Good morning world! Most days I'm up and at it before 6am. Today I just couldn't get moving. I like schedules (especially school with the boys). I love getting up and getting the bathroom cleaned up, laundry started, coffee made, fb checked, dressed, and lately hair fixed and make up on. Today I have the start of eczema around my eyes again, so I'm forgoing the make up for today, at least this morning. I got up after 7am, the boys just after 8. So our day has been thrown off a bit for me anyway.
Today on my agenda, not so sure. My DH is home with a sinus infection. I'll be running a couple of errands for him, dropping off a kid, other than that staying home and taking care of DH.
Dinner out is out of the question for tonight and possibly tomorrow. So I've decided that Valentines Day this year is going to be a family thing, instead of a hubby thing. This is what I do most of the time anyway. Candy boxes for the boys, they love them!
My brother called this morning. He had 3 places of skin cancer removed. And referred to a cancer surgeon for the place on his leg to get removed. Please continue to pray!
That's about it for now.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today on my agenda, not so sure. My DH is home with a sinus infection. I'll be running a couple of errands for him, dropping off a kid, other than that staying home and taking care of DH.
Dinner out is out of the question for tonight and possibly tomorrow. So I've decided that Valentines Day this year is going to be a family thing, instead of a hubby thing. This is what I do most of the time anyway. Candy boxes for the boys, they love them!
My brother called this morning. He had 3 places of skin cancer removed. And referred to a cancer surgeon for the place on his leg to get removed. Please continue to pray!
That's about it for now.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Good morning world! Got some not so good news yesterday. My brother has cancer. He's heading to Springfield to the doctor to see how to handle it. I'm believing that God's healing hand will touch him and it will be gone! Before I got the phone call, I had that old feeling that something wasn't right. I use to get this feeling a lot several years ago. It always was connected with my brother and Mom. My Mom has been gone for a couple of years now. So I guess that feeling I get is now connected to my brother. I will be praying that his body lines up with the word of God and he will be healed!
Yesterday, I did get my bathroom shelve cleaned out and organized. The only thing left to do in the bathroom is the windows and pull out a couple of cabinets to clean out behind them. The dining room is next.
This will be short as it's after 8am. The boys are waiting for me in the classroom. Although they are journaling and doing some copy work that I still have them do to practice cursive writing. Tommy works today, but not till 4. So I'll have time to give haircuts after school.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday, I did get my bathroom shelve cleaned out and organized. The only thing left to do in the bathroom is the windows and pull out a couple of cabinets to clean out behind them. The dining room is next.
This will be short as it's after 8am. The boys are waiting for me in the classroom. Although they are journaling and doing some copy work that I still have them do to practice cursive writing. Tommy works today, but not till 4. So I'll have time to give haircuts after school.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, February 9, 2015
Not sure what happened to my post from the other day. Hmmm. Will have to look into that. Another year, many things happened over that year. Some good, some not. Learned I won't put anyone before my family EVER! I've said if someone needs a place to live or wants to "save some money", God will have to hit me over the head before I'll let anyone come live in our house again! And it's true, you never truly know someone till you have lived with them.
That being said, I'm taking back my house, my family, my routines. I've decided to do things a little different. As you might (or might not) have read, I'm a stay at home homeschooling mom. I've used that as an excuse for the condition of my house. At times, it's great, other times not so great. Our home and family IS my main job, ministry, and heart. How it looks and feels is my responsibility. I've been looking in the families of the past. The glamorous housewives of the 50's, the real ones not the tv ones, are going to be my model I think. They lived for their families. I do too. They had hobbies. I do too. They wanted to make their husbands happy. I do too. So on with more research! I'll keep posting what changes I'll be making and what I already do.
Now for more coffee! And get my day going!
Just a few of my thoughts,
Blessings,
Elizabeth
That being said, I'm taking back my house, my family, my routines. I've decided to do things a little different. As you might (or might not) have read, I'm a stay at home homeschooling mom. I've used that as an excuse for the condition of my house. At times, it's great, other times not so great. Our home and family IS my main job, ministry, and heart. How it looks and feels is my responsibility. I've been looking in the families of the past. The glamorous housewives of the 50's, the real ones not the tv ones, are going to be my model I think. They lived for their families. I do too. They had hobbies. I do too. They wanted to make their husbands happy. I do too. So on with more research! I'll keep posting what changes I'll be making and what I already do.
Now for more coffee! And get my day going!
Just a few of my thoughts,
Blessings,
Elizabeth
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