Good morning world! I made a new batch of homemade shampoo this morning before I took a shower. So far it feels good. It was easy to comb out. And normally it takes some time to comb out my hair after a shower. I used the older homemade shampoo as a body wash. It smelled great! Out with the store bought stuff! Now to look up how to make castile soap. AND make up, but that is for another day and post. I will document how it goes with this homemade shampoo daily.
Today is baking day. My plan is to bake 4 loaves of bread (still have some from baseball game day that we bought), Quadruple the biscuit recipe, bake both peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies, and a sheet cake of some kind. I am thinking this should be enough baked stuff for a week. What do you think?
I did fairly good yesterday with getting finished the things I had not done during the week. I blessed the house, which is dusting, vacuuming, sweeping & mopping, and picking up each room. Spending only about an hour or so doing it all. Laundry was finished. Mending and ironing did not get finished. Menu planning did. Bathroom got deep cleaned, kitchen did not. I figured I would get that done what I am waiting for things to bake.
"7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Anxiety, cares, troubles, problems all can be given to Jesus. He loves us so much! He cares about even the little things in our lives, even if my bread rises or not.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Part of the 50's lifestyle
Good morning world! My focus is back on my home. Yesterday, my boys had their first baseball game. They are on a homeschool team. They did not win, but they had fun. The game was played about more than an hour away, so most of the day was driving there, playing the game, and driving back. Not much time spent at home. I am finding out more and more how much of a home body I am.
Today's chores are menu planning and deep cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. I have to add to that list ironing and mending from yesterday.
I have joked, as others have, about the homemakers of the 50's dressing nice daily (even in heals), wearing make up daily (even when they stayed home), had dinner made for their husbands when he got home from work and more. But they always looked nice. When I take the time to dress nice and wear make up, I feel good. On the days I have not taken the morning shower I should have thinking I'll take a bath tonight, and my hair is yucky, no make up and wear the clothes I really do not even want my husband to see me in, I either have to make a run into town for something or someone shows up. UGH!
When I have the table set nicely, dinner on that nicely set table when Patrick gets home from work, he is a happy man. Why not make him happy? I know he LOVES to come home to a clean house too!
Where as I do not wear heals to clean in, I do wear a skirt and blouse. When I do not have eczema on my face, I do wear make up. And now that the winter/summer clothes switch is over, the dining room table is cleared off, it will be set for dinner each night. I will not be making fun of the ladies of the 50's.
"22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22 NIV
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today's chores are menu planning and deep cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. I have to add to that list ironing and mending from yesterday.
I have joked, as others have, about the homemakers of the 50's dressing nice daily (even in heals), wearing make up daily (even when they stayed home), had dinner made for their husbands when he got home from work and more. But they always looked nice. When I take the time to dress nice and wear make up, I feel good. On the days I have not taken the morning shower I should have thinking I'll take a bath tonight, and my hair is yucky, no make up and wear the clothes I really do not even want my husband to see me in, I either have to make a run into town for something or someone shows up. UGH!
When I have the table set nicely, dinner on that nicely set table when Patrick gets home from work, he is a happy man. Why not make him happy? I know he LOVES to come home to a clean house too!
Where as I do not wear heals to clean in, I do wear a skirt and blouse. When I do not have eczema on my face, I do wear make up. And now that the winter/summer clothes switch is over, the dining room table is cleared off, it will be set for dinner each night. I will not be making fun of the ladies of the 50's.
"22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22 NIV
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Our world, it is a changing!
Good morning world! I realize this post is not going to be a warm fuzzy post, but it is my post. Horrible things going on in Baltimore, Maryland today, last night, and yesterday. And now there is a call out to some "protestors" to show up and "protest" in Ferguson, Missouri. How can the news media continue to call them "Protestors"? The correct term is criminals and thugs. When the protest goes from "picket signs" to stealing liquor bottles to throw them at the police and bystanders, they are worse than the problem they think they are protesting. I can not imagine that happening in my small town. I imagine the citizens of Baltimore thought that until yesterday.
Our world, it is a changing. What was once wrong, evil, or bad is now acceptable, good and right. Abortion, killing babies; gays in the military and getting married; even the president not following the constitution as he promised when he took office. We are told these are a sign of the end times
I sometimes am criticized for homeschooling, raising my boys the way we are, being a stay at home mom, wanting to live a more old fashioned lifestyle, having a traditional biblical marriage, and more. I do not care what people think about any of this. I use to. I use to tip-toe around some issues because I did not want to offend someone. Or I would just keep quiet. No longer!
I am AGAINST common core, gun control, abortion, gay marriage. I reserve the right to expand this list.
I am a Jesus's blood bought child of God!
"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. " Romans 12:9 NIV
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Our world, it is a changing. What was once wrong, evil, or bad is now acceptable, good and right. Abortion, killing babies; gays in the military and getting married; even the president not following the constitution as he promised when he took office. We are told these are a sign of the end times
I sometimes am criticized for homeschooling, raising my boys the way we are, being a stay at home mom, wanting to live a more old fashioned lifestyle, having a traditional biblical marriage, and more. I do not care what people think about any of this. I use to. I use to tip-toe around some issues because I did not want to offend someone. Or I would just keep quiet. No longer!
I am AGAINST common core, gun control, abortion, gay marriage. I reserve the right to expand this list.
I am a Jesus's blood bought child of God!
"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. " Romans 12:9 NIV
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, April 27, 2015
God's grace and Sundays
Good morning world. Yesterday I woke up with a pretty bad headache. What I had in Essential Oils did not help much, neither did Ibprophen. So we opted to stay home from church. About 1 or so, the boys went out to the garden to start planting. About 2, I was feeling somewhat better, so I joined them. Now before I get judged for us working on Sunday, let me say 2 things.
First, the weather for the coming week has changed a couple of times in the past few days. It was suppose to be a wet and chilly week. Still suppose to be chilly, but no rain. Since there was no rain yesterday, We felt it was a good day to plant what we could. Usually the garden goes in quite late, late May or even June due to weather.
Second, usually our Sundays are a day of rest and worship. But I believe that God's grace covers us even when we work on Sundays. God's grace is amazing! "6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6. NIV If I believe I have to observe the Sabbath or I might lose my salvation, then God's grace is for nothing.
In the garden, we planted onion sets, potatoes, corn, lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, okra, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, dill, mint, and a couple of other herbs. That is between 1/3 and 1/2 of the garden. We still have green beans, beets, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and I forgot what else to plant. I'm please with the work we did yesterday. Pictures to come!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
First, the weather for the coming week has changed a couple of times in the past few days. It was suppose to be a wet and chilly week. Still suppose to be chilly, but no rain. Since there was no rain yesterday, We felt it was a good day to plant what we could. Usually the garden goes in quite late, late May or even June due to weather.
Second, usually our Sundays are a day of rest and worship. But I believe that God's grace covers us even when we work on Sundays. God's grace is amazing! "6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6. NIV If I believe I have to observe the Sabbath or I might lose my salvation, then God's grace is for nothing.
In the garden, we planted onion sets, potatoes, corn, lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, okra, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, dill, mint, and a couple of other herbs. That is between 1/3 and 1/2 of the garden. We still have green beans, beets, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and I forgot what else to plant. I'm please with the work we did yesterday. Pictures to come!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Saturday, April 25, 2015
A Saturday of time
Good morning world. Letting the family sleep in as we got home very late last night from our friends the Griswold's. We visited them after the Lincoln Reagan dinner for Douglas County in Ava. Ava is about an hour away, the Griswold's live between us and Ava and they are about 40 minutes away. Although I made it to Ava last night in about 40 minutes. It seems to be a habit now to measure distance by time. When I lived in Houston, Texas, I definitely did not measure distance by time. I lived in far north Houston, Spring actually, and worked off of the Southwest Freeway. If you know anything about Houston traffic at times that could be a 2 hour commute depending on what time I left home. And that was over 18 years ago.
Today is a work day full of "honey do's". Finishing up in the house for me before some friends come over. Then the guys are doing a number of things, both here and at the friend's house. Wonder how much they will get accomplished? I already have the bathroom swished and swiped, dining room table cleared off (the major catch all), laundry re-booted, coffee made and that is about it. After Patrick gets up and moving, I will be in our room cleaning as today's weekly chore is a going over in my room. And after trying to decide what to wear last night, it needs it.
Enjoy your day! Even though we will be working, I plan on doing just that, enjoying time. The only true commodity we have is time. Spending time with family and friends, what is better than that?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today is a work day full of "honey do's". Finishing up in the house for me before some friends come over. Then the guys are doing a number of things, both here and at the friend's house. Wonder how much they will get accomplished? I already have the bathroom swished and swiped, dining room table cleared off (the major catch all), laundry re-booted, coffee made and that is about it. After Patrick gets up and moving, I will be in our room cleaning as today's weekly chore is a going over in my room. And after trying to decide what to wear last night, it needs it.
Enjoy your day! Even though we will be working, I plan on doing just that, enjoying time. The only true commodity we have is time. Spending time with family and friends, what is better than that?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, April 24, 2015
I Am Important Too!
Good morning world. So here goes. The other day when I pulled my arm muscle, and I asked Patrick to get some Ibprophen and water for me (we were already in bed), and he would not, telling me I should just go to sleep. He put oils on my arm and I was ok. In fact, the arm is fine, does not hurt. However, yesterday Patrick's head and neck were hurting so much so he went to the Chiropractor. He was told to take it easy and rest for the rest of the day.
When he asked me to get his pillow from our bed. I have to admit, my first reaction was to tell him to go get his pillow. I would not do that anyway. I wanted to. I did mention the Ibprophen request from the other night. He said he was really tired that night. I did not answer. In my mind, he said that I am not as important as he. When he gets hurt or sick, I take care of him. When I get hurt, well, he did put oils on me.
Here is the truth of this. I do take care of Patrick when he gets sick or hurt. AND he DOES take care of me when I am sick or hurt. As part of my ministry here at home is to take care of my husband and children when they are sick or hurt.
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us..." Ephesians 5:1 Following Christ's example of love is putting others first.
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. Ephesians 5:22 Submitting to my husband in everything is part of how I take care of him. When he is sick, I am right there for him.
Putting them first, taking care of them, making sure they are healthy and well is all part of my ministry. Does that mean I do not take care of myself? Or that I am important? Absolutely not! God loves me just as he loves my family. If I do not take care of myself, I get sick easily and can not take care of my ministry, my home and family.
Patrick did take care of me that night. He thought the oils would work better than the pills. And they did.
Do we have the perfect marriage? No. We are not perfect people. Do I think we are happy most of the time, yes I do. But even then, happiness is not everything.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
When he asked me to get his pillow from our bed. I have to admit, my first reaction was to tell him to go get his pillow. I would not do that anyway. I wanted to. I did mention the Ibprophen request from the other night. He said he was really tired that night. I did not answer. In my mind, he said that I am not as important as he. When he gets hurt or sick, I take care of him. When I get hurt, well, he did put oils on me.
Here is the truth of this. I do take care of Patrick when he gets sick or hurt. AND he DOES take care of me when I am sick or hurt. As part of my ministry here at home is to take care of my husband and children when they are sick or hurt.
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us..." Ephesians 5:1 Following Christ's example of love is putting others first.
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. Ephesians 5:22 Submitting to my husband in everything is part of how I take care of him. When he is sick, I am right there for him.
Putting them first, taking care of them, making sure they are healthy and well is all part of my ministry. Does that mean I do not take care of myself? Or that I am important? Absolutely not! God loves me just as he loves my family. If I do not take care of myself, I get sick easily and can not take care of my ministry, my home and family.
Patrick did take care of me that night. He thought the oils would work better than the pills. And they did.
Do we have the perfect marriage? No. We are not perfect people. Do I think we are happy most of the time, yes I do. But even then, happiness is not everything.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Family Meetings
Good morning world. We just got finished having a family meeting. Do you ever have those? Sometimes we will go for months or a couple of years without having one. Extra people living here, we had them often.
This one was good. We start out with saying that this is a safe zone, meaning the boys can talk about anything without the threat of getting into trouble. Sometimes they have things to talk about, sometimes not. Today there was a couple of things we talked about in that category. Then we move on to what we have planned for the next couple of weeks. The guys are getting some major spring projects underway this week and weekend.
And we laughed. To me there is no sound better than the laughter of my family. My youngest is so funny at times.
Today is baking day. I still have some things to get put away from the clothes switching. So now to get into the kitchen and while the bread is rising, I can take care of those things. Then get something else started.
Have some fun today and laugh!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
This one was good. We start out with saying that this is a safe zone, meaning the boys can talk about anything without the threat of getting into trouble. Sometimes they have things to talk about, sometimes not. Today there was a couple of things we talked about in that category. Then we move on to what we have planned for the next couple of weeks. The guys are getting some major spring projects underway this week and weekend.
And we laughed. To me there is no sound better than the laughter of my family. My youngest is so funny at times.
Today is baking day. I still have some things to get put away from the clothes switching. So now to get into the kitchen and while the bread is rising, I can take care of those things. Then get something else started.
Have some fun today and laugh!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
We are healed!
Good morning world. I would be finished with the clothes switch of summer and winter clothes, however, I'm going through everything and getting rid of some things. So far 6 large trash bags to go out! I still have 3 containers to go and still have to pull out winter clothes for Patrick and our closet. Then to get caught up with things that got put on the back burner yet again.
Last night when I was taking my dog out (Little Man is on a leash now to go out, he likes chickens a tad too much), he decided to go a direction I was not ready to go and pulled a muscle in my upper arm. I had Patrick help me, we put Copaiba and Lemongrass Essential Oils on my arm and shoulder. I was able to sleep. This morning we put more on as it was hurting when I got up. Those oils and ice will be my friends today.
"and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV This is the promise for me and you today. We are not made to be sick or hurt. We are made in God's image. We are not only healed physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. I will be praying for you all today!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Last night when I was taking my dog out (Little Man is on a leash now to go out, he likes chickens a tad too much), he decided to go a direction I was not ready to go and pulled a muscle in my upper arm. I had Patrick help me, we put Copaiba and Lemongrass Essential Oils on my arm and shoulder. I was able to sleep. This morning we put more on as it was hurting when I got up. Those oils and ice will be my friends today.
"and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV This is the promise for me and you today. We are not made to be sick or hurt. We are made in God's image. We are not only healed physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. I will be praying for you all today!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Perfection and busy
Good morning world. Did we get the clothes switched? Not quite. But a work in progress. Going through and having the boys try on things takes more time than I remembered. And the "That's mine, not yours.", and "Mom, that can't possibly fit me, I've grown since summer! Oh yeah, it fits." Sometimes make me smile, other times I get frustrated. So my main goal today is to get it finished!
Today's weekly chore is ironing and mending. But since I do not have laundry finished due to the clothes switch, it will be laundry today, ironing tomorrow, and mending tonight. I have a couple of things to finish up with the house blessing too, but that will not take long to get finished either.
Do you think you have to be perfect in your home keeping endeavors? I do sometimes. I like schedules and feel off kilter sometimes when things do not go as planned. So when something comes up that needs my attention and I do not get things finished as planned, I get upset. Lately I have been trying to have a more relaxed attitude about this in the scheme of all things important. Not in the getting things accomplished , but dropping the attitude of perfection.
God does not expect us to be perfect, just willing. I believe that to be true in all things. I have told the boys multiple times "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, " Colossians 3:2 NIV
If I can remember this in my house work, my attitude of perfection will fall away. Do I have a lot to do? Yes! Can I get it done? Hopefully, yes. Do I need to beat myself up and get angry if I do not? NO! However is saying all of this, if I spend time playing games on my phone, watching TV, surfing the internet, or something else that I could justify that takes me away from working, then I need to rethink my time management skills.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and action,
Elizabeth
Today's weekly chore is ironing and mending. But since I do not have laundry finished due to the clothes switch, it will be laundry today, ironing tomorrow, and mending tonight. I have a couple of things to finish up with the house blessing too, but that will not take long to get finished either.
Do you think you have to be perfect in your home keeping endeavors? I do sometimes. I like schedules and feel off kilter sometimes when things do not go as planned. So when something comes up that needs my attention and I do not get things finished as planned, I get upset. Lately I have been trying to have a more relaxed attitude about this in the scheme of all things important. Not in the getting things accomplished , but dropping the attitude of perfection.
God does not expect us to be perfect, just willing. I believe that to be true in all things. I have told the boys multiple times "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, " Colossians 3:2 NIV
If I can remember this in my house work, my attitude of perfection will fall away. Do I have a lot to do? Yes! Can I get it done? Hopefully, yes. Do I need to beat myself up and get angry if I do not? NO! However is saying all of this, if I spend time playing games on my phone, watching TV, surfing the internet, or something else that I could justify that takes me away from working, then I need to rethink my time management skills.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and action,
Elizabeth
Monday, April 20, 2015
Monday and Clothes
Good morning world. Oh my goodness, a busy day ahead of us. Need to get feed this morning, probably should have done that Saturday. But that was my melt down day. Then we will have school. After that, concentrate on getting the clothes dealt with. This year, I am going to be getting rid of things I have been hanging onto for some time. I know the rule is if a piece of clothing has not been worn in a year (some do 6 months), then it goes. I do that to a certain extent. However, if it was something I loved or "might" get back into, I have kept it. On the other hand, I do not do that.
We were given some clothes for the boys a year or so ago. These are shirts that are a men's extra large. I can not see my boys fitting into them any time soon. Why am I keeping these? I know a family they will fit now. So out they will go.
I am hoping to pare down the number of containers to less than 10. Can it be done, of course. Can I do it? Questionable.
Monday's weekly chores will be done today also. Weekly blessing of the house and laundry. Although laundry will be sheets and towels. The rest will either wait until tomorrow or if I have time later tonight. That way I will not be overwhelmed with clothes.
"3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3 NIV
I need to remember this as I go through my day today, especially after what happened with me on Saturday. I need to remember that my keeping house blesses my family and making a home is my first ministry.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
We were given some clothes for the boys a year or so ago. These are shirts that are a men's extra large. I can not see my boys fitting into them any time soon. Why am I keeping these? I know a family they will fit now. So out they will go.
I am hoping to pare down the number of containers to less than 10. Can it be done, of course. Can I do it? Questionable.
Monday's weekly chores will be done today also. Weekly blessing of the house and laundry. Although laundry will be sheets and towels. The rest will either wait until tomorrow or if I have time later tonight. That way I will not be overwhelmed with clothes.
"3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3 NIV
I need to remember this as I go through my day today, especially after what happened with me on Saturday. I need to remember that my keeping house blesses my family and making a home is my first ministry.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Forgiveness
Good morning world. Well, I did not get the clothes switched in one day. I did not get started till yesterday and unfortunately yesterday was not a good day for me. Not sure was wrong. I was up way too late the night before for starters. After that, I just was not doing well. Last night I checked my blood pressure and it was up. Then I realized I had not taken my medication. This is the reason I am on the Adkins diet plan. When my weight is down, blood pressure medicine is not necessary.
Today being Sunday, we will not be home. The mess will be here till tomorrow. Last night I went to the boys rooms and talked to them. I over reacted to a situation and lost my temper earlier in the day. That should have been a clue that my blood pressure was up. When the boys were very little, I had decided if I was wrong in dealing with them I would apologize to them and ask for forgiveness. Several lessons I wanted them to learn.
First and foremost, I am not perfect. I held my parents up on a pedestal for years and when I found out they were human, I remember being upset. I wanted my boys to know that even though I loved when they thought I knew everything and could do no wrong, I did not know everything and I make mistakes and wrong decisions at times.
Second, I wanted them to learn about forgiveness. I believe it is important to ask for forgiveness as well as give forgiveness. "15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" Matthew 6:15 NIV What a better place for my boys to learn this but at home.
Am I perfect in asking for forgiveness? No. There are situations I have not been able to go to whomever I needed to ask. In those cases, I go to Jesus, asking him to forgive me and in that prayer I will ask for whomever to forgive me. In turn, when I have been wronged and they do not ask for forgiveness, I will, in prayer, tell Jesus I forgive them.
Have a forgiving Sunday!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today being Sunday, we will not be home. The mess will be here till tomorrow. Last night I went to the boys rooms and talked to them. I over reacted to a situation and lost my temper earlier in the day. That should have been a clue that my blood pressure was up. When the boys were very little, I had decided if I was wrong in dealing with them I would apologize to them and ask for forgiveness. Several lessons I wanted them to learn.
First and foremost, I am not perfect. I held my parents up on a pedestal for years and when I found out they were human, I remember being upset. I wanted my boys to know that even though I loved when they thought I knew everything and could do no wrong, I did not know everything and I make mistakes and wrong decisions at times.
Second, I wanted them to learn about forgiveness. I believe it is important to ask for forgiveness as well as give forgiveness. "15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" Matthew 6:15 NIV What a better place for my boys to learn this but at home.
Am I perfect in asking for forgiveness? No. There are situations I have not been able to go to whomever I needed to ask. In those cases, I go to Jesus, asking him to forgive me and in that prayer I will ask for whomever to forgive me. In turn, when I have been wronged and they do not ask for forgiveness, I will, in prayer, tell Jesus I forgive them.
Have a forgiving Sunday!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, April 17, 2015
When things happen
This is another edited post from early February.
Good morning world. Just had a thought. I know, I know... it happens once in a while. I was upset a lot during the last 6 months of 2015 and the first couple of months into 2016. It is just stressful having extra people living with you and your family. No matter how good friends you are, it is very difficult for more than one family to live together even in the best of circumstances. What I have learned from this is I'm not just a creature floating through life. I have to have some say in what happens to me and my family, this is my responsibility. I do not believe God wants us to wander through life and wonder how things happen to us. Everything I do, everything I allow has consequences, whether they be good or bad.
Will I let anyone stay with us? If God prompts me, yes.
Another lesson learned from all this... I think God wants us to use our free will and go to Him with everything. Meaning have Him involved with every aspect of our lives. But I'm not helpless. I have a brain and God wants me to use it. I will no longer look at something that has happened and say how did that happen, or get upset over something that happened because I allowed it to happen.
I pray that God gives me grace in this area of my life! More later on the homesteading, old fashioned homemaking lists that I've been making too!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Good morning world. Just had a thought. I know, I know... it happens once in a while. I was upset a lot during the last 6 months of 2015 and the first couple of months into 2016. It is just stressful having extra people living with you and your family. No matter how good friends you are, it is very difficult for more than one family to live together even in the best of circumstances. What I have learned from this is I'm not just a creature floating through life. I have to have some say in what happens to me and my family, this is my responsibility. I do not believe God wants us to wander through life and wonder how things happen to us. Everything I do, everything I allow has consequences, whether they be good or bad.
Will I let anyone stay with us? If God prompts me, yes.
Another lesson learned from all this... I think God wants us to use our free will and go to Him with everything. Meaning have Him involved with every aspect of our lives. But I'm not helpless. I have a brain and God wants me to use it. I will no longer look at something that has happened and say how did that happen, or get upset over something that happened because I allowed it to happen.
I pray that God gives me grace in this area of my life! More later on the homesteading, old fashioned homemaking lists that I've been making too!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Homemade Powdered Sugar
Good morning world. Just a quick note, I will NEVER (or at least almost never) buy powdered sugar again! I thought I still had some from Christmas baking. Nope. All gone. Thought I had seen something online about making powdered sugar. Looked it up and presto! So cool. A cup of regular granulated sugar, in the blender, hit pulse a few times and powdered sugar. The recipe said if storing it add a teaspoon of corn starch to the sugar when putting it into the blender to keep from clumping later.
Today is blessing the house and detailed vacuuming. Will work on most of this while we are in school. I also want to start switching winter for summer clothes today. I am ready. Can I get it all done today? That is my challenge. Usually it takes me two to three days to finish. And I am meeting a friend in a neighboring town for an hour or two. Definitely a challenge. Coffee in hand, I am ready for the challenge!
Oh and an update on the homemade shampoo, I did mix recipes. This weekend, I will made a new batch and start again.
Feeling so blessed today!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today is blessing the house and detailed vacuuming. Will work on most of this while we are in school. I also want to start switching winter for summer clothes today. I am ready. Can I get it all done today? That is my challenge. Usually it takes me two to three days to finish. And I am meeting a friend in a neighboring town for an hour or two. Definitely a challenge. Coffee in hand, I am ready for the challenge!
Oh and an update on the homemade shampoo, I did mix recipes. This weekend, I will made a new batch and start again.
Feeling so blessed today!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Baking Day
Good morning world. I admit it, I am a failure. I gave in again this morning to commercial shampoo. I washed my hair with my homemade stuff and as I rinsed it out, it felt waxy still even more so. I am wondering if, since I was making several things pretty much at the same time if I put something in it that does not belong. For some reason, it smells just like the body wash I made. So I will make some more before I wash my hair next and try again. *Sigh*
Keeping up with everything else, trying more old fashioned ways of keeping house seem to be working. I got pretty much everything done yesterday, except for the mending. I need to get stronger reading glasses so I do not have to have the boys thread the needle for me. I will finish cleaning the couch today as part of it needs done again. And today is baking day. We have a birthday party to go to tonight, so a birthday cake is on the list. The request is a Pioneer Woman's Sheet Cake, sometimes called a Texas Sheet Cake. Here is the recipe. The only difference is I do not always use nuts. But the result is the same Enjoy!
Keeping up with everything else, trying more old fashioned ways of keeping house seem to be working. I got pretty much everything done yesterday, except for the mending. I need to get stronger reading glasses so I do not have to have the boys thread the needle for me. I will finish cleaning the couch today as part of it needs done again. And today is baking day. We have a birthday party to go to tonight, so a birthday cake is on the list. The request is a Pioneer Woman's Sheet Cake, sometimes called a Texas Sheet Cake. Here is the recipe. The only difference is I do not always use nuts. But the result is the same Enjoy!
Ingredients
- FOR THE CAKE:
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 cups Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 4 Tablespoons (heaping) Cocoa
- 2 sticks Butter
- 1 cup Boiling Water
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 2 whole Beaten Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- FOR FROSTING:
- 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Pecans
- 1-3/4 stick Butter
- 4 Tablespoons (heaping) Cocoa
- 6 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 pound (minus 1/2 Cup) Powdered Sugar
Preparation Instructions
Note: I use an 18x13 sheet cake pan. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa. Stir together. Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool. In a measuring cup, pour the buttermilk and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at 350-degrees for 20 minutes.
While cake is baking, make the icing. Chop pecans finely. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat. Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir together. Add the pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake. Cut into squares, eat, and totally wig out over the fact that you’ve just made the best chocolate sheet cake. Ever.
Have a great old fashioned day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
While cake is baking, make the icing. Chop pecans finely. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat. Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir together. Add the pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake. Cut into squares, eat, and totally wig out over the fact that you’ve just made the best chocolate sheet cake. Ever.
Have a great old fashioned day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Not the perfect housewife
Again this post was edited so it might come out as today's post but it is from February 11th of this year. It seemed to be offensive to some as I spoke of my house not being clean. All I said was that I tried. I have since posted I am not the perfect housewife and do not try to put up a front that is what I am. So here is the post edited. Blessings.
Good morning world! I have started my posts on facebook with "Good morning y'all!" For so long, my friends wonder what's up when I don't. Since I'm not sure if anyone reads these, I'll just say Good morning world.
Yesterday I attacked my bathroom. There is a cabinet in there that was used by others that needed cleaning. I'm not the perfect housewife as far as everything being spotless. However, when something is obviously dirty, I try to take care of it. That being said, don't look at my floors right now. Back to the bathroom. I cleaned that cabinet and decided my hair stuff was going there, hot rollers, perm rods, sponge rollers, Velcro rollers, hair spray, jel, everything hair. And it's full. But now I know where it all is. So in the mist of all of this, I decided to use those Velcro rollers. Putting them in wasn't bad. Taking them out, OUCH! I haven't thrown them away, yet. So last night I put in the sponge rollers with dry hair. And guess what? I have curls! Too cool! Why did I do that? I like pretty hair and my DH (Darling Husband) loves curls. I have pretty much bone straight hair. I'll have to figure out how to post pictures here soon.
The rest of the bathroom got cleaned our straightened out except one shelve. I'm doing that today. Just ran out of time yesterday. My oldest had to be picked up from his job. Then dinner fixed. Then we watched a movie together. Then bed, after dishes.
The plan for today is school with the boys this morning. Lunch. Then finish the bathroom. Dining room is next. Including cleaning out the bottom of the China cabinet. UGH! That might get bypassed today, now that I see it in print. I really have to get some desk time and paperwork for Pat's Services. So I have 2 plans. Let's see which one wins out. Maybe both.
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Elizabeth
Good morning world! I have started my posts on facebook with "Good morning y'all!" For so long, my friends wonder what's up when I don't. Since I'm not sure if anyone reads these, I'll just say Good morning world.
Yesterday I attacked my bathroom. There is a cabinet in there that was used by others that needed cleaning. I'm not the perfect housewife as far as everything being spotless. However, when something is obviously dirty, I try to take care of it. That being said, don't look at my floors right now. Back to the bathroom. I cleaned that cabinet and decided my hair stuff was going there, hot rollers, perm rods, sponge rollers, Velcro rollers, hair spray, jel, everything hair. And it's full. But now I know where it all is. So in the mist of all of this, I decided to use those Velcro rollers. Putting them in wasn't bad. Taking them out, OUCH! I haven't thrown them away, yet. So last night I put in the sponge rollers with dry hair. And guess what? I have curls! Too cool! Why did I do that? I like pretty hair and my DH (Darling Husband) loves curls. I have pretty much bone straight hair. I'll have to figure out how to post pictures here soon.
The rest of the bathroom got cleaned our straightened out except one shelve. I'm doing that today. Just ran out of time yesterday. My oldest had to be picked up from his job. Then dinner fixed. Then we watched a movie together. Then bed, after dishes.
The plan for today is school with the boys this morning. Lunch. Then finish the bathroom. Dining room is next. Including cleaning out the bottom of the China cabinet. UGH! That might get bypassed today, now that I see it in print. I really have to get some desk time and paperwork for Pat's Services. So I have 2 plans. Let's see which one wins out. Maybe both.
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Elizabeth
Another new year for blogging
I have edited this post and now it's as thought I just wrote it. I actually typed this out February 10th or so. So here is the rest of what I wrote back then.
Oh wow!! I just read what I wrote the past few posts, A YEAR AGO! Too funny, well at least to me. Another year gone. And what a doozy of a year it was. In May, one of our grown foster sons, his fiancé, and son came to live with us. She had her baby here. Let me tell you. If 2 families could be more opposite, we are. Our family goes to church, they don't believe in God. (This is not how our foster son was raised) They party, a lot, we don't. Smoking and cussing. They stayed till just after July 4th. Their stuff is still in storage here.
We had about a month before the next family came to live with us. Then two days later, another family moved in. They had been talking about moving in so they could save money to buy a place here. They were not financially bad off. They were going to pay for propane and the monthly light bill. They did pay for the propane, not the light bill. The first family stayed till the end of October. Her 15 yr old son kept talking about death, killing, and what happens to a body when it hangs. He would ask my youngest son daily, "How do you want to die? By fire or locked in a deep freeze." As soon as I found out that was going on I told her they needed to find another place to live. The 2nd family stayed with us 6 months total. They found a house back close to the area they left, Springfield. They have been gone for a week. That's for another blog.
I'm getting ready to go out on a date with my sweetie! Much needed!! I've been on the eating plan since before Thanksgiving in November. Have lost 25 or so pounds. :) More about it all tomorrow.
He's waiting on me now.
Just some of my thoughts.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Oh wow!! I just read what I wrote the past few posts, A YEAR AGO! Too funny, well at least to me. Another year gone. And what a doozy of a year it was. In May, one of our grown foster sons, his fiancé, and son came to live with us. She had her baby here. Let me tell you. If 2 families could be more opposite, we are. Our family goes to church, they don't believe in God. (This is not how our foster son was raised) They party, a lot, we don't. Smoking and cussing. They stayed till just after July 4th. Their stuff is still in storage here.
We had about a month before the next family came to live with us. Then two days later, another family moved in. They had been talking about moving in so they could save money to buy a place here. They were not financially bad off. They were going to pay for propane and the monthly light bill. They did pay for the propane, not the light bill. The first family stayed till the end of October. Her 15 yr old son kept talking about death, killing, and what happens to a body when it hangs. He would ask my youngest son daily, "How do you want to die? By fire or locked in a deep freeze." As soon as I found out that was going on I told her they needed to find another place to live. The 2nd family stayed with us 6 months total. They found a house back close to the area they left, Springfield. They have been gone for a week. That's for another blog.
I'm getting ready to go out on a date with my sweetie! Much needed!! I've been on the eating plan since before Thanksgiving in November. Have lost 25 or so pounds. :) More about it all tomorrow.
He's waiting on me now.
Just some of my thoughts.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Homemade shampoo
Good morning world. I was just looking at my weekly chores for today. Menu planning, deep clean the bathroom and kitchen. Bathroom will be a snap. Swishing and swiping makes the deep cleaning fairly easy task. The kitchen will definitely need a deep cleaning. That room is first!
Yesterday, I had decided to try yet once again to use the shampoo I had made. Going from store bought shampoo to homemade shampoo is not easy, at least for me. I am one of those girls who has a transition period of time. Hopefully, the time will not be too long. Shampoo is a detergent which strips hair of oils, natural oils. When we go no shampoo or homemade, our scalp has a time of over producing oils as it does when we use shampoo and go a couple of days without washing. Yuck. From what I have read, this does not happen to everyone.
When I first tried the homemade shampoo, it was yucky then. I washed it in shampoo that first day. This time, I am determined to get past the yuck stage. Today is day 2. It does not seem quite as yucky as yesterday. And still smells good. Might be able to do this after all. Here is the recipe:
Homemade Shampoo
Here is some ideas about which essential oils to use.
20 drops peppermint essential oil & 20 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil, 25 drops lemongrass essential oil & 10 drops lemon essential oil
Will help with dandruff; 10 drops each lemon, lavender, melaleuca and rosemary essential oils
Will help with hair loss; 10 drops each rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood and lavender essential oils
How many of you either have gone no poo, or make your own shampoo?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday, I had decided to try yet once again to use the shampoo I had made. Going from store bought shampoo to homemade shampoo is not easy, at least for me. I am one of those girls who has a transition period of time. Hopefully, the time will not be too long. Shampoo is a detergent which strips hair of oils, natural oils. When we go no shampoo or homemade, our scalp has a time of over producing oils as it does when we use shampoo and go a couple of days without washing. Yuck. From what I have read, this does not happen to everyone.
When I first tried the homemade shampoo, it was yucky then. I washed it in shampoo that first day. This time, I am determined to get past the yuck stage. Today is day 2. It does not seem quite as yucky as yesterday. And still smells good. Might be able to do this after all. Here is the recipe:
Homemade Shampoo
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup canned cocoanut milk, (tip: freeze the rest of the contents of the can in cubes using an ice cube tray so you can use it for future recipes.)
- 1/4 cup honey, (I used raw honey)
- 1 tbsp. Vitamin E oil
- 20 - 40 drops essential oils
Here is some ideas about which essential oils to use.
20 drops peppermint essential oil & 20 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil, 25 drops lemongrass essential oil & 10 drops lemon essential oil
Will help with dandruff; 10 drops each lemon, lavender, melaleuca and rosemary essential oils
Will help with hair loss; 10 drops each rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood and lavender essential oils
How many of you either have gone no poo, or make your own shampoo?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Painting again??
Good morning world. I did not get quite everything done yesterday as planned. In fact, the boys did better on their list than I. Blessing of the house did not get finished. I will be adding that to today's list. Patrick, my DH, was gone for the weekend and was home on and off yesterday. I just wanted to spend time with him. Selfish, I know. Today I will be ironing and mending.
Yesterday I went into my studio for the first time in a while and was so upset. My studio is housed in an old out building. Patrick's grandfather used it as a wood working shop. It might be about 10' x 10', I am not completely sure about that. Part of the ceiling had fallen in. Under that was a bookshelf holding containers of various things that is ruined, the bookshelf not the containers. I am hoping this afternoon to get in there and get that side cleaned out. I have a couple of old projects to complete and a new project to get done. I miss painting.
This Eagle Flag was painted on a flat rock.
Well, if I am going to be able to spend time in my studio today, I have work to get finished now.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday I went into my studio for the first time in a while and was so upset. My studio is housed in an old out building. Patrick's grandfather used it as a wood working shop. It might be about 10' x 10', I am not completely sure about that. Part of the ceiling had fallen in. Under that was a bookshelf holding containers of various things that is ruined, the bookshelf not the containers. I am hoping this afternoon to get in there and get that side cleaned out. I have a couple of old projects to complete and a new project to get done. I miss painting.
This Eagle Flag was painted on a flat rock.
Well, if I am going to be able to spend time in my studio today, I have work to get finished now.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, April 13, 2015
Homemade Stain Remover
Good morning world. Looks like it is getting ready to storm outside. Not a reflection of inside today. Patrick is back from being gone this past weekend, and the boys are behaving. Makes me smile.
Ok, time to get our new schedule to work. Let us see, laundry started, bathroom swished and swiped, pancakes making with eggs, Of course dining room table full of Patrick's stuff from the weekend. Will not take long to take care of it all. When school starts in a bit, I will get the house blessing started. If I can get it done while the boys are working on school, then I can be in my studio this afternoon or start a sewing project, new curtains for the bathroom. Have not decided which to do.
If I have time, I might scrub the couch again. :) Love the new recipe I used.
Stain Remover:
1 part Dawn Dishwashing Liquid (the original blue kind)2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix together and pour directly on the stain.
I used this on the couch last time I cleaned it and oh WOW!!! It worked! I have been using this as a laundry stain remover too.
Have an old-fashioned day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5: 25-27 NIV
Ok, time to get our new schedule to work. Let us see, laundry started, bathroom swished and swiped, pancakes making with eggs, Of course dining room table full of Patrick's stuff from the weekend. Will not take long to take care of it all. When school starts in a bit, I will get the house blessing started. If I can get it done while the boys are working on school, then I can be in my studio this afternoon or start a sewing project, new curtains for the bathroom. Have not decided which to do.
If I have time, I might scrub the couch again. :) Love the new recipe I used.
Stain Remover:
1 part Dawn Dishwashing Liquid (the original blue kind)2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix together and pour directly on the stain.
I used this on the couch last time I cleaned it and oh WOW!!! It worked! I have been using this as a laundry stain remover too.
Have an old-fashioned day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
"25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5: 25-27 NIV
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Just a Sunday
Good morning world. Still have been spring cleaning this past week. The past couple of days, I have been concentrating on my room. It had become the catch all for a while. I have a little more to do tomorrow then I will be finished with it. I am so excited to have the junk out of there. A little more to do and I will be done with spring cleaning. This coming week we will be switching out winter for summer clothes.
Since we live in an old farm house, we do not have closets to speak of. The master bedroom actually has a wall that a closet with shelves was added many years ago. Still not the size of a walk in closet. So twice a year we, the boys and I, switch out seasonal clothes. It takes a couple of days to get it all done. Everything else seems to go by the wayside, housework and such. So this time, I am determined to not let that happen.
Do you spend part of your weekend, or Sunday planning out your week? I seem to do that after church, sometimes on paper and sometimes in my head. Of course, when it is in my head, it gets lost at times.
Y'all have a most wonderful and fun Sunday!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
" Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 NIV
Since we live in an old farm house, we do not have closets to speak of. The master bedroom actually has a wall that a closet with shelves was added many years ago. Still not the size of a walk in closet. So twice a year we, the boys and I, switch out seasonal clothes. It takes a couple of days to get it all done. Everything else seems to go by the wayside, housework and such. So this time, I am determined to not let that happen.
Do you spend part of your weekend, or Sunday planning out your week? I seem to do that after church, sometimes on paper and sometimes in my head. Of course, when it is in my head, it gets lost at times.
Y'all have a most wonderful and fun Sunday!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
" Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 NIV
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Love Life
Good morning world. I know, it is not morning where I am. However, somewhere in the world it is morning. I have been thinking lately about what makes me happy.
It is funny to me that in winter, I love winter. Not because of the cold, but I absolutely love the snow! It smells clean, fresh, and bright. And the world gets quiet when it is snowing.
In spring, I love spring. Everything is blooming. One of my favorite color combinations are purple and green. I get to see a lot of that in spring. Windows are opened to let the house breathe fresh air. Clothes that are hung out on the line, smell so sweet. Even spring cleaning can be a joy.
In summer, I love summer. I cannot wait to go camping and swimming in the creek. We have a favorite camping spot not very far from our house. We can run home to take care of the animals and get anything we might have forgotten. Camp fires at night with hot dogs and marshmallows.
In autumn, I love autumn. Walks in the woods with leaves full of color and falling. The colors in the Ozarks are breathtaking! School starts, although we traditionally homeschool throughout parts of summer, holidays are on the horizon, hayrides and bonfires.
I love sunsets! Cannot tell you why I love sunsets over sunrises, but I do. My boy's laughter. My husband's laughter. Mushy movies that make me cry. Watching my chickens in the front yard. Coffee on the front porch with Patrick (my DH) sitting on the front porch swing.
These are some of the things that make me happy. There is so much more. I guess I love life. Am I happy all the time? Not even. I can look at what God has given to me instead of circumstances and find happiness and joy!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
It is funny to me that in winter, I love winter. Not because of the cold, but I absolutely love the snow! It smells clean, fresh, and bright. And the world gets quiet when it is snowing.
In spring, I love spring. Everything is blooming. One of my favorite color combinations are purple and green. I get to see a lot of that in spring. Windows are opened to let the house breathe fresh air. Clothes that are hung out on the line, smell so sweet. Even spring cleaning can be a joy.
In summer, I love summer. I cannot wait to go camping and swimming in the creek. We have a favorite camping spot not very far from our house. We can run home to take care of the animals and get anything we might have forgotten. Camp fires at night with hot dogs and marshmallows.
In autumn, I love autumn. Walks in the woods with leaves full of color and falling. The colors in the Ozarks are breathtaking! School starts, although we traditionally homeschool throughout parts of summer, holidays are on the horizon, hayrides and bonfires.
I love sunsets! Cannot tell you why I love sunsets over sunrises, but I do. My boy's laughter. My husband's laughter. Mushy movies that make me cry. Watching my chickens in the front yard. Coffee on the front porch with Patrick (my DH) sitting on the front porch swing.
These are some of the things that make me happy. There is so much more. I guess I love life. Am I happy all the time? Not even. I can look at what God has given to me instead of circumstances and find happiness and joy!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, April 10, 2015
Adjust my thinking
Good morning world. The day before yesterday, I was stayed busy almost all day. I made a list that morning of the usual things I want to get done in a day, along with the weekly chores for that day, and a few minor things that needed taken care of. Some of it I finished, some the boys took care of. Everything was not marked off as finished, but almost everything. It felt good.
So why is it so difficult for me to stick to a schedule? Been thinking on that this morning. Our house was always clean and neat growing up. I do not remember really seeing my Mom clean. My only memory as a little kid, I was sick at home from school, I helped Mom dust her dresser. My brother and I took turns washing dishes when we were old enough. Other than that, I was not taught the routines.
The second thing I think affects me with this cleaning schedule is I was told, growing up, that I could do anything. That meant go to college, be somebody. I was told that by my Mom. She wanted more for me than what she had and was. I thought what she had was great! I think my Dad wanted me to be a homemaker. He was old school. Anyway, somebodies do not stay home and clean house. That was the idea I got from my mother.
Now, I since I have come to realize that, I need to adjust my thinking. While I have been thinking about all this, I started laundry for the day, swish and swiped the bathroom, washed up a few dishes, made my bed. My morning has started. All of that before coffee. I will be making a new list for today.
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." Proverbs 31:17 NIV
Have a good old fashioned day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
So why is it so difficult for me to stick to a schedule? Been thinking on that this morning. Our house was always clean and neat growing up. I do not remember really seeing my Mom clean. My only memory as a little kid, I was sick at home from school, I helped Mom dust her dresser. My brother and I took turns washing dishes when we were old enough. Other than that, I was not taught the routines.
The second thing I think affects me with this cleaning schedule is I was told, growing up, that I could do anything. That meant go to college, be somebody. I was told that by my Mom. She wanted more for me than what she had and was. I thought what she had was great! I think my Dad wanted me to be a homemaker. He was old school. Anyway, somebodies do not stay home and clean house. That was the idea I got from my mother.
Now, I since I have come to realize that, I need to adjust my thinking. While I have been thinking about all this, I started laundry for the day, swish and swiped the bathroom, washed up a few dishes, made my bed. My morning has started. All of that before coffee. I will be making a new list for today.
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." Proverbs 31:17 NIV
Have a good old fashioned day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Consistency
Good morning world. Yesterday did not go quite as planned. I did get some mending done. No ironing though. I will get that done this morning while the boys are reading. I can also get the deep cleaning of either the bathroom done when they are doing school. Multitasking is my middle name. Not really, but sometimes it feels that way.
I woke up with a nasty headache. My go to essential oil for that is peppermint. It is still there, just not as bad as before. I applied it to my forehead, temples, and the back of my neck. After another application or two, it should be gone.
So what do you do when you have a lot to get done and do not feel like doing anything? Depending on how bad I feel, headache or sick to my stomach, I sometimes just do not do whatever is on my list or much of anything at all. I want to stop doing that. Consistency is the key to everything from disciplining the boys to eating healthy to housework. Daily picking up will make the deep cleaning easier. That is definitely true in the bathroom. When I have swished and swiped daily, the deep cleaning does not take as long. Swish and swiping is simply spraying windex, I use vinegar and water solution, on the mirror, sink, counter, top of the washer, outside and inside the toilet. Wipe everything down, starting with the mirror, working my way to the toilet. Just makes things easier.
Have a great busy blessed day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I woke up with a nasty headache. My go to essential oil for that is peppermint. It is still there, just not as bad as before. I applied it to my forehead, temples, and the back of my neck. After another application or two, it should be gone.
So what do you do when you have a lot to get done and do not feel like doing anything? Depending on how bad I feel, headache or sick to my stomach, I sometimes just do not do whatever is on my list or much of anything at all. I want to stop doing that. Consistency is the key to everything from disciplining the boys to eating healthy to housework. Daily picking up will make the deep cleaning easier. That is definitely true in the bathroom. When I have swished and swiped daily, the deep cleaning does not take as long. Swish and swiping is simply spraying windex, I use vinegar and water solution, on the mirror, sink, counter, top of the washer, outside and inside the toilet. Wipe everything down, starting with the mirror, working my way to the toilet. Just makes things easier.
Have a great busy blessed day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Daily living
Since I missed yesterday, I am going to write 2 posts today. I looked at my weekly schedule that I wanted to try and it needs some tweeking. Here is what I had a week or two ago:
Monday: blessing the house, laundry, baking
Tuesday: ironing, mending
Wednesday: laundry, menu planning, deep cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
Thursday: bake bread
Friday: laundry, dust, vacuum
I am going to move laundry to daily chores as I can keep up with it much better if I do at least 1 load a day. However, it will show up on Mondays as I wash sheets and towels on that day.
Monday: laundry, blessing the house
Tuesday: ironing, mending
Wednesday: menu planning, deep clean the bathroom and kitchen
Thursday: baking day; bread, pies or cake, cookies, biscuits
Friday: blessing the house, detailed vacuuming
Saturday: AM clean my room
I added Saturday morning to deep clean my room as it sometimes becomes the catch all room. Let me explain blessing the house. It is spending only an hour or so doing the following things; dusting, vacuuming the main walkways, picking up each room as needed, sweeping and mopping. I change this at times depending on what is needed. I got this idea from Flylady. Her list is slightly different with a couple of extra things on it, such as empty trash cans. Those things are part of chores for my boys and are done daily.
Well, here goes my day! Breakfast for the family, dishes, school with the boys, a load of laundry, swish and swipe the bathroom, make lunch, clean up kitchen again, one son to work, two sons to baseball practice, back to iron and mend, start supper, pick up working son, later pick up baseball sons, dishes again. That is about my day for today. If I have time, I need to work on Pat's Services paperwork. And I want to get out to my studio. Wonder how today will actually go. I will let you know.
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27 NIV
Monday: blessing the house, laundry, baking
Tuesday: ironing, mending
Wednesday: laundry, menu planning, deep cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
Thursday: bake bread
Friday: laundry, dust, vacuum
I am going to move laundry to daily chores as I can keep up with it much better if I do at least 1 load a day. However, it will show up on Mondays as I wash sheets and towels on that day.
Monday: laundry, blessing the house
Tuesday: ironing, mending
Wednesday: menu planning, deep clean the bathroom and kitchen
Thursday: baking day; bread, pies or cake, cookies, biscuits
Friday: blessing the house, detailed vacuuming
Saturday: AM clean my room
I added Saturday morning to deep clean my room as it sometimes becomes the catch all room. Let me explain blessing the house. It is spending only an hour or so doing the following things; dusting, vacuuming the main walkways, picking up each room as needed, sweeping and mopping. I change this at times depending on what is needed. I got this idea from Flylady. Her list is slightly different with a couple of extra things on it, such as empty trash cans. Those things are part of chores for my boys and are done daily.
Well, here goes my day! Breakfast for the family, dishes, school with the boys, a load of laundry, swish and swipe the bathroom, make lunch, clean up kitchen again, one son to work, two sons to baseball practice, back to iron and mend, start supper, pick up working son, later pick up baseball sons, dishes again. That is about my day for today. If I have time, I need to work on Pat's Services paperwork. And I want to get out to my studio. Wonder how today will actually go. I will let you know.
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27 NIV
Cherish
Good morning world. Finally woke up before the sun did. Ever since daylight savings time I have had a problem waking up as early as I like. However, this morning, YEAH! My alarm went off, I hit the off button, fell back asleep only to wake up a few minutes later. I feel refreshed and awake. Coffee in hand, list started for the day, and now I sit for a few quiet moments and type.
Yesterday a dear friend of mine lost her son. He had been sick for some time, but had been hanging on. He leaves behind a wife and children, 2 I think. My friend and her husband are devastated. Even though they know in their heads he is not hurting anymore, he is walking the streets of gold with Jesus, their hearts are broken at the thought of not seeing him with his family. I have never lost a child so I can only imagine the grief they are going through. Please pray for them as they go through their time of grief. I pray that God's peace that surpasses all understanding surrounds them and their family!
Cherish your family and friends. We do not know what tomorrow holds for any of us. We have heard and been told this at different times in life. Today think about it. Are you angry with someone? Have you been wronged in any way? Have you wronged anyone? Forgive and ask for forgiveness.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday a dear friend of mine lost her son. He had been sick for some time, but had been hanging on. He leaves behind a wife and children, 2 I think. My friend and her husband are devastated. Even though they know in their heads he is not hurting anymore, he is walking the streets of gold with Jesus, their hearts are broken at the thought of not seeing him with his family. I have never lost a child so I can only imagine the grief they are going through. Please pray for them as they go through their time of grief. I pray that God's peace that surpasses all understanding surrounds them and their family!
Cherish your family and friends. We do not know what tomorrow holds for any of us. We have heard and been told this at different times in life. Today think about it. Are you angry with someone? Have you been wronged in any way? Have you wronged anyone? Forgive and ask for forgiveness.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Are you Ready?
Yesterday was spent in West Planes grocery shopping among other things with Patrick and the boys. Always an adventure that I love. And I do mean that, I love grocery shopping with my family. Not sure why, but I do. Anyway, because of being tired when we got home, I put off baking pies that I need for later today till this morning. Figuring the baking time, I knew I could have fresh pies by the time we needed to go. HA! I am making custard pies and need milk. We do not buy milk at the grocery store. We buy it from a local dairy fresh from the cow. I forgot the boys had the last of milk with breakfast yesterday morning. Talk about not being as prepared as I thought I was. Remedy? Wake up the one driving kid to call, then go get milk.
I often ask on my Facebook, "Are you ready?" and nothing more. Being ready and prepared goes into so many levels. From having all the ingredients for custard pies to having my heart ready for Christ. This Easter morning, I cannot help but to make the correlation. ARE YOU READY? If Jesus Christ of Nazareth came back today, are you ready? In the movie, "Left Behind", the pastor of the church was not ready and was left behind. Even the most church going church lady, if her heart is not right with God, she is not ready.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" Matthew 7:21 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV
I pray this Easter morning for you and your family. If you know Jesus and He resides in your heart, REJOICE! He is no longer on the cross nor in the grave! If you do not know Jesus, I pray you will ask Him into your heart and forgive you of your sins. For all of us have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
HAPPY EASTER!!!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I often ask on my Facebook, "Are you ready?" and nothing more. Being ready and prepared goes into so many levels. From having all the ingredients for custard pies to having my heart ready for Christ. This Easter morning, I cannot help but to make the correlation. ARE YOU READY? If Jesus Christ of Nazareth came back today, are you ready? In the movie, "Left Behind", the pastor of the church was not ready and was left behind. Even the most church going church lady, if her heart is not right with God, she is not ready.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" Matthew 7:21 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV
I pray this Easter morning for you and your family. If you know Jesus and He resides in your heart, REJOICE! He is no longer on the cross nor in the grave! If you do not know Jesus, I pray you will ask Him into your heart and forgive you of your sins. For all of us have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
HAPPY EASTER!!!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Easter
Good morning world! Tomorrow is a huge celebration in the Christian world, Easter. Little kids will wake up to Easter baskets and hidden eggs, do parents still do that even now? And churches fill up as even those who do not darken the doors of church on a regular basis, sit in the pews on Easter morning. I am not criticizing as I was once an Easter and Christmas church goer.
What will I be doing? Spending time with my family and friends, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Even today, I am filled with gratitude for my savior for going to the cross for my redemption of my sins. Jesus paid the ultimate cost, His blood shed for me and you. He was the blood sacrifice.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28: 5-10 NIV
May God's blessings be yours today and everyday of your life!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
What will I be doing? Spending time with my family and friends, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Even today, I am filled with gratitude for my savior for going to the cross for my redemption of my sins. Jesus paid the ultimate cost, His blood shed for me and you. He was the blood sacrifice.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28: 5-10 NIV
May God's blessings be yours today and everyday of your life!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, April 3, 2015
Essential Oils
Good morning world! I was thinking this morning of how I start out my day. Ok, always with coffee! Besides my love for coffee, I start my morning out with my Young Living essential oils. In fact, every morning and every night.
In the mornings I put RC (Respiratory Congestion) on my nose and chest, Lavender on top of that, following up with a bit of Peppermint under my nose and across the top of my forehead. Then, Joy behind my ears, wrists, and on my heart. Anything else depends on the season, weather, or if allergies or eczema is acting up. I have a mixture of Coconut Oil with Lavender and Frankincense Oils in it for eczema and general skin health. That goes on morning and night.
At night I put RC down the sides of my nose, with Lavender and the Peppermint under my nose and across my forehead too. Valor goes on my big toe to get rid of snoring. I do not believe I snore, however, just in case. I also have Lemongrass for sore muscles, if needed.
My boys will come to me to ask where is the peppermint for headaches. They know that Thieves is for various colds, and sicknesses. They will ask for the Lavender and Purification for cuts and scrapes.
Patrick, my husband, will ask if we need to put something on a sore muscle or his neck if he knows it is out. When he has come back from the Chiropractor, he will ask if we still have Valor to put on where ever he got adjusted.
There are so many Essential Oils I still want to try. Just takes time. The last thing I do before I lay down at night is put water in the diffuser with Cedarwood. Some times it will be Lavender and Peace and Calming. Depends on what I have on hand. I have been using Young Living Essential Oils since November of 2013. I cannot imagine being without them. If you would like to know more about them, let me know.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, April 2, 2015
R & R
Good morning world! Love waking up and walking into a clean and picked up house. Makes me smile. And smiling is a good thing first thing in the morning! Praising God this morning for the ability and health to be able to clean my house. What a difference a day makes.
Today is going to be a day of R & R for me. Patrick and the boys are going to be going somewhere with friends and I will have a pamper me day. Does not happen very often. I love my family. I love doing things with them. I love, also, having an hour or two occasionally to myself. Reading, painting, sewing, writing, bubble bath, watching a chick flick, several of the things I could do today.
Still have several things to get done today before my R & R starts. So I'll get busy, after school with the boys. Spring cleaning is still in full force. Have my room, the mud room, and the dining room to finish, parts of the kitchen too and windows. Get busy!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Today is going to be a day of R & R for me. Patrick and the boys are going to be going somewhere with friends and I will have a pamper me day. Does not happen very often. I love my family. I love doing things with them. I love, also, having an hour or two occasionally to myself. Reading, painting, sewing, writing, bubble bath, watching a chick flick, several of the things I could do today.
Still have several things to get done today before my R & R starts. So I'll get busy, after school with the boys. Spring cleaning is still in full force. Have my room, the mud room, and the dining room to finish, parts of the kitchen too and windows. Get busy!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Grumpy?
Good morning world. How do you start your day over when it does not start out good? I have not thought about this in a very long time. This morning I just could not wake up when the alarm went off. Since the time change of daylight savings time, I have not been able to get up at a decent time. So since this morning did not start out well, how am I going to start over?
I have heard of actually slipping back into the bed for about 10 or 15 minutes, then getting up again. If the bedroom is upstairs, sometimes just going upstairs then back down will do it for some. My bed is made so I will not be slipping back into bed. My bedroom is downstairs off the living room, so no stairs to go up then back down.
My solution, spend some time in prayer and in the Bible. Jesus soothes my spirit and mood.
"7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. " Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV
This alone should be reason for shouting and jubilee! Sometimes my mornings are not all sunshine and roses. It is those mornings, especially when I have not slept well, I need to remember that Jesus is all that matters. What He did for us is all that matters. Does not mean my family and friends do not matter, on the contrary, it means they are precious to me. When I do not sleep well, I tend to get selfish and self-centered and grumpy. Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercies which are new every day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I have heard of actually slipping back into the bed for about 10 or 15 minutes, then getting up again. If the bedroom is upstairs, sometimes just going upstairs then back down will do it for some. My bed is made so I will not be slipping back into bed. My bedroom is downstairs off the living room, so no stairs to go up then back down.
My solution, spend some time in prayer and in the Bible. Jesus soothes my spirit and mood.
"7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. " Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV
This alone should be reason for shouting and jubilee! Sometimes my mornings are not all sunshine and roses. It is those mornings, especially when I have not slept well, I need to remember that Jesus is all that matters. What He did for us is all that matters. Does not mean my family and friends do not matter, on the contrary, it means they are precious to me. When I do not sleep well, I tend to get selfish and self-centered and grumpy. Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercies which are new every day!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
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