Busy Feet Running & Digging

This summer's vegges

2011-07-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

I seem to be doing better this year in our gardens. We have several and though they all haven't been completely fruitful on the table now, they will find their way there somehow. I have grown corn specifically for that. I was thinking that the corn on the cob would be good but letting little boys plant seeds by broadcasting them closely in the row is not such a good idea. However I will get good compost. I think of it as getting a lot from a little. Here i am with very little compost (at the moment) but after pulling up the stalks, I am sure we will get a decent block from that. Not to mention the squash plant! Many are climbing large shrubs and gourds have taken over my laundry line.

We are currently waiting for some heirloom tomatoes to turn their ripe color but I have had several findings of horned worms. aka, catapillars. they eat sooooo much.

I am also very proud to say that I have learned to put in drip system lines. Honestly this is an easy job but I feel accomplished. This allows everything to be watered efficiently and on a timer which helps so much. Also, it was so stinking cheap to buy the necessities!! What have I been doing all this time???

Looking around for planting guides is on the list of things to do. I am getting ready to get some mini pots to start seedlings. A personal goal of mine is to grow enough onions for the whole year without going to the store to buy them..... Is this a lot? Yes. Considering that I often go through an onion per meal. I would love to grow all the veggies we consume. I would also like to continue to share with our friends and neighbors, but more would be great.

Knowing what to plant, and when is so important. We have good long growing seasons here so I have to continue to plant around the year. My problem? saying goodbye to plants that aren't producing as much as before, to make space for new crops.

At one point I got to talking with some folks from my parish after they had seen food inc. (tee hee) and some of them were really hip to starting a church/community garden! I was totally excited but it didn't pan out. If it were ever to come to pass, I certainly know better now some of the things that could be done to grow a lot, in smaller areas, without being wasteful with our precious water here in the desert!

(I feel i am having such a hard time coming here as I have adopted the facebook thing pretty well. I must keep telling myself to blog here.)

the youngest boy....

2011-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

his birthstory is in the works.... I am working on it, I promise!

After a long break.....

2011-06-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

I feel the need to post a recipe I just made here.

Vanilla Chai (latte?) tea

5 heaping tablespoons Black tea (i used english breakfast since that is all i had =)

1/4 tsp clove

1 tsp cardamom pods

2 (3inch) cinnamon sticks

1 pinch nutmeg

3 vanilla beans, split lengthwise

1/2 cup raw honey

brew the first six ingredients together in (just off the boil) hot water. cover and steep for 30 minutes. Pour into a half gallon jug and add honey, stir. Add filtered water to the rest of the jar and there you have it! A chai tea concentrate.

Pour a half glass of concentrate, then the other half of raw milk. Drink up!

New gardens and ferments.

2011-04-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

So it seems that I have a friend who not only is a gardener for fun, but for life! His greens are so big and wonderful, strong and vibrant. All because he makes compost and ferments for his garden using EM, and anything else he thinks may help. Fermented milk, too.

Sooo i am going to share what it is that seems to be working in his garden very well, and what is working in mine too.

Prickly Pears!

With such the hard frost we had this winter there seems to be many prickly pear pads that have frozen, cracked, fallen, and lastly cut and drawn out to the curb for someone to come get. My friend was so amazed at how much was out in front of peoples yards that he just started to bring buckets to scavenge the neighborhood for their unwanted pricklys.

So, being that I have some that have done the same in my own yard, I of course used what we already had. Which was an overflowing wheel barrel full! With tongs, and a large kitchen knife I began to cross cut, then hack these pads into pieces over a 50 gallon drum. I think after all the cutting I may have had about 1/3 to almost half a barrel full of the cacti. I added about a cup of molasses, 1 1/2 cup whey (from raw milk), and full cup of EM. I had to put a brick on top of the cacti because it floats to help in the fermentation i set it in there.

This was done yesterday. It should be ready to use when the white film on top is present. =)

I am extremely excited because if one puts a gallon of this gooey ferment in a larger bucket (approx. 10 gallons) with water, and then fills 1 gallon jugs with three holes on the bottom and sets them in places for a new garden, the caliche is softened and allowed to fall downward..... supposedly. I'm not really sure of this particular idea but the acid in it would make this make sense.

But! The most exciting thing is that when you add it to the soil it allows for less watering in general to the whole garden!!! This is so very important in the desert. I try to use the rain water when I can this will save us a tremendous amount of water when it is all said and done.

I really should take pictures of what is going on in the yards here. Where's my camera?

This 37th week...

2011-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

I am feeling the time drawing me nearer to the end. To the beginning of the unknown, a mother of 5, rather than 4. I am preparing our home to be a safe haven, and a place to welcome our 2nd son. I would like to think that all will go well, and would like to think only good things. I have read too many stories though, and been close to a few women, who have not had such great birthing experiences.

Here now, I type and try to think of only the best, and when bad thoughts come I shun them almost immediately as I realize they have entered my thinking. I am scarred after each dreadful thought. It lingers a while.

I want to be ready. I feel that when the right time comes, I will be. Fears and scary thoughts came to me during my last pregnancy but once labor started I was excited! Nervous, yes, but excited beyond explaining!! Once labor really progressed (a long, long labor) I don't remember feeling very concerned of any previous fear that had come. I was in it for the ride. The long and amazing ride!

St. Teresa of Avila

2011-04-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

St. Teresa of Avila (feast day Oct. 15)

Let nothing disturb you; nothing frighten you.
All things are passing.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God.
God alone suffices.

This is something that is bringing comfort. I need to remember this when I begin to worry.

Let there be no worry. Only trust, that God Himself, will take care of everything.

'UN Convention on the Rights of a child'

2011-03-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

http://arconservativenews.net/?tag=u-n-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child

i am just sharing this info.....

i am glad that Senator John McCain is on board.

at least on this one.

1st day

2011-03-09T05:13:00.001-08:00

‎"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." Matthew 6:16-18

Today, the day before Lent

2011-03-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

It seems as though this Lenten season will be a challenging one.

With my husband at work, the children have only me to depend on most of the time. This is not a terrible issue but it I find that I alone do not have all the right answers. My responses are not, at times, what they may need to hear.

I will do my best.

We are managing lessons, chicken raising, water harvesting, and plantings of spring veggies. We are looking to the nearest future with brightly open eyes. With the new babe coming, we are trying to get everything ready.

I hope though that my vision for our home, our family, and our season of sacrifices made come together in the most positive way.

Tomorrow we go for Ash Wednesday. Yet another beginning to our celebration of the Return!

Have a good day!

What will you sacrifice this Lent?

Things to be done......

2011-02-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here I am thinking that I need to be in a rush to get duties done before the baby comes and i just realized that we still have 3 WHOLE months left.

Gosh, 3 Whole months.

That is a long time to go yet.

Today, after I go to the store to buy pork cracklins (of course, don't you know me at all?), I will get to work grouting the tile in my shower. Its been such an eyesore for such a long time that I finally got set to do it. All i have to do now is just, do it!

I also need to plan to build the missing shelf in my kitchen cabinet. After the whole bathroom/kitchen disaster we had the folks come to rebuild our cabinets. Then, in the end, they forgot to build a shelf. AHhh, the pain in my rump! I don't want to deal with any more people like that right now so we are going to build an awesome shelf ourselves which will be exactly what I would like anyway.

Our hallway is almost finished. The carpet was pulled up, and the linoleum tile is gone. We just need to pour the concrete for the step, and scrape the glue before we can finish that part. It will be so nice once it's done.

Our barn doors for the shed are not in the works yet, but they will be soon. HOPEFULLY!!! hahah

The pigeons! (need I say more?)

Also, the chicken coop is also in the middle of repair. We are trying to better the plans from before. Too many neighboring birds were coming in to eat the feed, and lie in the hay..... bringing mites that eat MY birds' feathers and did I mention that they were eating the feed?

Oh, yes I did.

The PiGeOns!!! yikes!

And so i am off, to get some things done.

Some time I will really get back on the blogging thing more readily and often. I do miss coming here to type all the thoughts I had, and post the pictures of my lovely babes. Darn that Facebook! Since I joined at the urging of a friend, I rarely come here. Sheesh, and all the other stuff is mindless matter!

I am a big fan

2011-02-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Not the circulating kind on your ceiling, but a follower of sorts of another blog.

Cheeseslave.

I enjoy reading her posts of cheese, butter, fat, fat, fat.

She has an ingenious look into the world of Weston A Price. I wish I could more often do what she does, and try ever so much to incorporate what I think is the best traditional diet around!!!

And so, here, I have entered her give-away, yet again.

This one is for a kitchen aid wand blender....

One I could use so much!!

This would make mayo even easier to make and right in a jar!! If I won, there would be mayo on everything!!!! lol!

Bright orange mayo. Made with red palm oil and coconut oil, or bacon fat..... MMmmmm. Baconaise. Oh yeah.

2011-01-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I have posted any pictures so I thought I'd post a quick one here today. My two youngest really love to lay in Poppas bed. Its so comfy with his mattress and quilt. I gotta say, if we had the chance to lay together, being on his bed really is very comfy.

(this is the 4 year quilt..... it was so much work, but all in all, it is totally worth the time it took to make it.)

One more drawing -iPad!

2011-01-11T07:06:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd share this too since a free iPad would be awesome.

If you enter and mention this blog, then I also get an extra entry.

Very cool!

Apps-School

whats better is that you don't have to sign up for a 100 different things that only gives you junk mail. i like that.

Giveaway!- Garlic Press

2011-01-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

I thought that I'd let you know, for those who find this blog of interest, that the Cheeseslave (my fave) is giving away a garlic press.

All you have to do is subscribe to her monthly newsletter, which is AWESOME!

check it out.

yeah!

http://www.cheeseslave.com/2011/01/10/giveaway-kuhn-rikon-epicurean-garlic-press-40-value/comment-page-2/#comment-95000

a bit to read....

2010-12-30T05:38:00.000-08:00

Who will struggle in 2011?

this being said, then read, i will say here that i am grateful to my father in law, and to my dear husband for providing us the place we are in right now. Its big enough to do what i think will be good for our family in this era. I often think about what the women did during The Depression from saving all their panty hose, and used cooking oil, and tin cans as they recycled everything to make armory for the servicemen. NOT that they did it themselves, but to be a big participant, they did this.

I see that we need to really revive the Victory Garden!! With the struggles that we are all finding to be true, we need to help ourselves to be more available physically with the earth that God has allowed us to live on. This place is our home, and it is a shame that we have "evolved" so far away from knowing it that only the major farmers are doing the bulk of the work for us, the people, to be wasteful with our foods and for the earth to be poisoned and uncared for tenderly. After all, we support their practices by buying their goods.

Perhaps I sit here and just vent my feelings and yet I know that I am not a perfect specimen of the human race, nor a perfect mother, nor a perfect gardener, or citizen. But if one can just try! Try to do the best they can. The best that I can.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfull, commited citizens can change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has
~Margaret Mead

I know that i am needing to plant seedlings at the end of January, and then for SURE in February. Realizing that yes, the possibility of a late frost can happen. What will i do this year?

I will teach my children the importance of caring for the young plants, and show them that they are truely our food, and not to play with the little pots as this will be our food source.

One thing that gets me upset is when the babes go and play with the pots and dump out all the seedlings. This year, with more care and determination i WILL teach them not to play with it. Perhaps this will be more work on my part, but when time comes, they will be able to get into the garden to pick the fruits of all of our labor and determination that went into the whole thing months before. I feel that this will be one of the best lessons yet for them, and for myself.

TO appreciate our hard work and such, is quite the feat! To reap the benefits is a gift! To know that all of this is a skill to be had by all, can be more beneficial than most of today's skills that are raved about!

Schooling is important for so many reasons, yes. But life skills are also equally important. Being able to eat and be sheltered is but the most important knowledge needed! Its the only thing that can truely keep us together with God, while alive. Other skills are also important, but to learn to work for a company is just not what I see as an important life skill.

Advent - - - - making a candle wreath

2010-11-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

It seems as though this time of year, although I had been planning for it for what seems like months, has just snuck up on me! With the knitting and the other crafting being done, putting up lights and the tree, I am feeling a little crunched for space in my mind!!

Gifts are being sewn. Mostly toys and clothes, etc. Hats are being knitted, as well as some booties.

All this, and I had forgotten what I had been planning all year!! An advent wreath. I have our beeswax candles all ready, but nothing to put them in. (well, actually we do have one but I had been wanting to make one for the longest time, which is what I am trying to get at here!)

So Zman and I had been trying to cut a nice slice from our Eucalyptus log.... This was really taking a long time! It was too thick for our saws, and it was really getting chilly, so to make up for the lost time of the evening we decided to get a much smaller log and slice and even cut for the bottom. Then using his most awesome drill press, we made way for the candle's places.

This is what we came up with - - - This one is for our dear friend, who seems to like it.

We are making one for ourselves today.

I really like that it keeps its integrity, and obviously looks like a log that should go in the fire. (Eucalyptus though??? I am thinking, No.) One could burn decorations on it, which is something I may do, however my friend wants to burn prayers into the log and I think that would be really nice. I'm not quite as skilled at the arts as she so I may keep the art simple, or simply do nothing to it and leave it the way it is. It's beauty is natural, and keeps the theme of the holiday the way I like it.

Tis this season...

2010-11-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

we are ready to begin the season with the turkey of course.

I have also been working on the gift making process. The girls are so excited to make the special gifts that they have so warmingly thought up as well. Knitting and sewing is definitely on the agenda for us all and finding the time to share the sewing machine will be a challenge. Perhaps another visit to the fabric store will be needed for the "special" gifts.

We are being challenged every day to pray for the families we are close to while trying to tackle the daily chores, and other duties needed to be done around here. It feels as though we can barely keep up but at the end of the day, we all get a good nights rest (well, most of us) and we are ready to begin the next day, refreshed!

Here's hoping that the season is full of joy, and thankfulness. For why else do we celebrate?

it has been a cooling few days

2010-10-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

and all i seem to think about these days is my dear friend who is just too far away. far away in another state, far across many sounthern states.
for many reasons i find that it's probably best this way as i would just be a bother to them by cooking too much terrific food, waking them up by cleaning the yard stuffs with my kids, or just knocking on their door too early because they wake up later than we do....... (i'm joking about all this, really i am.)
on a serious note, i am thinking of her and her wonderful family and praying that their next few weeks will be filled with peace. assurance. joy. solace. acceptance.
If you feel you would be willing to do much praying....
if you feel you are a person who's ready to just get a taste of what they are experiencing,
please read her blog.

Liz.

I love you, and though you are focusing on your family and keeping well to your own, know that i am in up to my nose in prayers for you all. When your precious babe comes, give him a gentle kiss for me.

It's official.

2010-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yes I have told some, but not all.
I am expecting again. This will be my 5th baby.
I am happy, yet overwhelmingly nervous. I hope to have a homebirth yet again and feel that I will find someone this time as well.

We are still getting adjusted to the idea of having another baby because I don't really think we thought it all through. Being married is such a wonderful way to live. Living with the knowledge though, that when you give love without interferances, the family will undoubtedly grow.

Welcome little one. I will do my best to nourish you.

Things have been. . . .

2010-08-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

quite interesting around our house for the past 24 days. There has been a lot of cooking outside, washing dishes in tubtrugs, and hauling of water. Broken glass seems to chime it's chaotic sound in the kitchen so often these days.
We are on the hind end of the kitchen being finished.
I know, I know. There isn't a true "need" for a dishwasher. But I have really enjoyed it and now that it is not available, I really appreciate having it so much more and am looking forward to having it do one of my chores for me.
We have just put on a heat pump so now our casa will not be so sticky. I sit here, dry as I type. It will be a while before most of the humidity is out, but I am loving it already, and it is super Quiet!
We are looking forward to repairing a leaky pipe outside, and then we will be putting in an outdoor shower. I have been looking forward to this for quite a while now, and what would go best with a humanure toilet anyhow? A shower of course!
I sure hope you all are well.
Blessings.

garden progress, mid-june

2010-06-22T08:23:00.001-07:00

Father's day 2010

2010-06-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Oh we had such a lovely time escaping the heat up in the White mountains. We got to enjoy watching Poppa fish in the river. Tubing a bit, and finding wild peppermint was a great way to get a little R&R for myself too. Thanks to our buddies for letting us use a little bit of their land for safe camping.

Their dogs kept any other creature in the woods at bay, and their cat made for fun entertainment in the middle of the night as it ventured on the top of our tent as the jumping cat act! Oh my goodness.

Today we have a date with friends to go to Sabino Canyon for a little Birthday celebration. We are looking forward to this since we get to go swimming once again. You just gotta LOVE the non-public-pool excursions!

Hahahah

2010-06-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

I feel that I am on an unlikely site here in the internet world but heck..... sometimes I "can" be funny and I sm sure used to being outside of the mainstream. I can however blend well (usually) so i figured I would join in.
http://lookville.com/cjsfeet
I dont have the hippest pic up yet, but i did make my first fashion statement.
So, ok. We will see how people will like, or not, my ideas. With so many people on there I doubt much attention will come to my things anyway. hee hee hee

The things that happen....

2010-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Life can be just full of eventless, and eventful happenings. Why is it that I have such a great relationship with my husband? What have I done to have this? He is so wonderfuland so caring, and I love him dearly.

With others, I find that many relationships aren't like mine. A general understanding of and for one another is so important. So vital.

Love is unconditional. A seperation between two people, far in the depths of love, should never come into question. Divorce, should never be in the marital vocabulary. People all the world around have overcome some of the worst situations, and came through them happier people. But was it an easy hurdle? Probably not.

Strange that people will draw a line that is just not really worth drawing. Communication is key! Key! People need to care enough to say what they mean and learn to be better. This is something I have had to do and something that my husband has had to do. Working on it at the same time, and together is so important.

The Garden so far...

2010-06-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

tomatoes and society garlic

society garlic

baby cukes

a sage and pumpkin

sunflowers

tomatoes and potatoes!

eggplant.

watermelon.

yellow crookneck.

cantalope.

2 small basil plants in the flower section with marigolds and other wildflowers.

one larger circle.... the child is for size comparison. =)
The Garden is well. Skimpy but well. Tomorrow may be the day we plant the okra too! I am glad to yield what we will.

Native Seed Search

2010-06-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best little stores around! Many seeds that are native, or that have been grown here in this desert and collected for their heat tolerance are such a special treat to have!
This month we are soaking okra seeds for a day or two and will plant very soon! Being an African derived plant, okra will grow very nicely here and I plan to fry, and Lacto ferment/pickle them.
Since zman went to get some seeds for us today, I will be planting the gourds, melons, and winter squash next month with the monsoons as they come. Also I will be planning a corn plot! Hopefully complete with a maze and all. We really enjoyed a maze several years ago but yielded very little corn. This year, we will definitely plant much more to ensure a better harvest. Creamed corn!!! Yummo.
Tomatillos and tomatoes are something we will also be looking forward to.
September will be the time to plant all the other goodies I enjoy so much, like beets, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, celery, cilantro, peas, spinach, kale, and garlic. Many others too of course but I won't type the whole list now.
As for now, the garden is doing OK. Our crookneck squash is starting to put out some and I think that the eggplant is getting ready to flower. Here's hoping for the zucchini to make it's mind up for growing fruit, or not. Also the tomatoes.
I question whether or not we planted all these things at the right time. I guess it may be time to get a farmers almanac directed toward our climate.....

Humanure Toilet!!!

2010-05-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Zman letting me use his tools, and showing me how to use the drill press, I made a humanure toilet!! It (the waste) should be ready to use in a year...or so. =)

And so we land it in the shade... pretty fancy, no?

Free Bee Pollen

2010-05-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Add to shakes. Get your free sample here!
http://www.pollenpower.com/

A laundry line.

2010-04-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

I used to have a clothes line until the the eucalyptus tree's branch fell on the lines, and bent the steel pole. BENT! And quite honestly anyway, I rarely used it. But now that it is gone I feel sad a bit by the whole thing.

So, as of now i haven't a strong laundry line, but I do have the satelite kind of which i have been considering putting up for those certain things that need it. I have had so much (of nothing???) to do lately, that i just am so blatenly lazy at doing house chores.

Ideally I would like to have everything tidy. Nice and neat, all of the time.

Realistically, I have children who like to play in clean areas. So they don't stay that way for long. And really, who can blame them? When things are clean, we are inspired so many ways. This is probably why I am lacking in inspirations a lot, because my little ones find them before I can. (giggling) So what do I do most of the time?

There ya go.

This morning we are off to mass and I when we return I will set up the line, just to appease my need for doing so. I think it can be a helpful item in the yard for our clothes that get worn out with one wear. So many items could use a dry in the sun.

And believe me, he generally isn't wearing pants.

This morning in pictures

2010-04-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

dod no doh.... tee hee

The Gardening Adventure

2010-04-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

So its mid april. Our garden has been so little for so long. We have been feeling the need to expand.

Expand.

This is the new plan of which we have really been embarking on. A large, round garden in the center of the yard. Built in the lasagna style. Planting carrots, onions, acorn squash, crook neck squash, gourds, basil, corn, tomatoes, eggplant, pimentos, bell peppers, watermelon, cantelope, beans, peas, dil, and.....

I planted so many seeds because we had that many. Also being that some were several years old, i figured, if they grow then they will be a blessing. I will take pictures to note the progress of their growth. I really hope it is fruitful.

We are getting ready to make the order for the water harvesting tanks and rain gutters. This will be extra nice because the water won't have the added chlorine or salts. The garden, and we, will really appreciate this since it will be less harsh on the roots.

The yard has been so bare for so long that we also planted a fig tree. Among it we have planted a tangerine, pomegranate, and coctail tree (ruby red grapefruit, sweet orange, and lemon.) I pray we get a lovely year. Full of fruits and veggies.

Our herb garden has been doing well. Peppermint is growing so nicely that we now are able to pinch a few leaves to add to our iced tea drinks in the warm spring sun. Sage is doing great, and has flowers that add that burst of purple! The lavendar is just now shooting up some blooms as well and the garlic is getting nice and fat!

We have pulled a few carrots and those are soooo tasty. We can barely bring them in to wash befor ethey get eaten, right then and there! Basil is poking through the soil and so we need to watch where we step since they are growing randomly. The seeds were spread from last years plant.

We all have been outside so much the past couple of weeks getting things going. Pulling weeds. Making wells around trees and plants.

It's all very much fulfilling.

Head coverings....

2010-04-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

I know things are hard to according to the biblical standard. I also realize so many [men and women] feel that some descriptions of our roles are truely out dated. BUT! Give this reading a considerable thought!
A Mother's Point of View: Modesty in Headcoverings

Alter Serving

2010-03-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

So my dear oldest is soon to be recieving her first communion in May! I am so excited for her but I am troubled on the side knowing what is to come afterward. So many people have gone to become alter servers. Boys, and girls. This is not an issue for a lot of the world but to me I feel that there is a something, a small detail or so, missing.

First, along with the short numbers of priests, are the small numbers of nuns. Sisters! Holla at me!!!! Where are you and why aren't you often seen?

In my church I see that there is only 1, yes ONE, sister. And though I love the woman, if you didn't know who she was, then you could easily dismiss her as part of the lay people. She wears no habit, therefore is not going to be obvious to most.

I wish to make a difference in the world. Simply for being a woman desiring the simple womanly art of homemaking and child rearing. What truely makes all this somewhat difficult is what the feminist movement has accomplished. My foremothers have helped make finding a job that/what seemingly appears to be, fairly easy. This and for many other things that feminism has done, I am truely grateful for.

BUT! why is it that being a mom and a stay at home-cook our own food from scratch-giving my children chores daily-expecting lady like behaviors from my daughters- wearing dresses or skirts ONLY to church on Sunday- preferably wearing knee length or longer skirts as a general dress code- and son(s) being gentle people- raising daughters to be Loving Mothers etcetera etcetera something that seems less than worthy by many other WOMEN!???

Now don't get me wrong, I realize that I as one person have a lot of support by friends, and especially by a wonderful Mother-in-law who is one of my biggest supporters. But it seems there are a lot of people in my church who think that I am not progressive for wanting my daughters to assume the role as women have for centuries in the church. Why is it hard to believe that one remembers what women did before the church decided to change up the roles?

If a girl child serves as an alter server, is she to then want to be a priest? How could she know what a nun does if we never let her know what nuns do? I don't want there to be a time when a girl contemplates becoming a sister in the church and wonders why she cannot become a priest.

A woman is someone to be held with great reverence. We all can learn a lot more if we let the men be men, and women be women.

Its been quite a month....

2010-02-22T14:47:00.001-08:00

I feel like the whole family has been fighting one kind of nagging illness or another. Haven't caught the worste of anything but it hasn't been a lovely walk in the park either. I have had to up the vitamins and probiotics but have lessened the breads and sweets. (right back up after all is well though... =)
If it isn't me, then it is someone else. We, or I, have attended mass twice this month only and haven't socialized much in the public. I think that when we stay home a lot to get better, the next thing we know, we go out, and catch something else!
It's been that kind of month. However, we have had some really great times though too. From playing basketball together, to celebrating my baby girl, Rosemary's, 3rd birthday, to beginning Lent, it's been wonderful.
Hey if it were only one way the appreciation would cease.

I gotta do better at writing here. Perhaps I should share some ideas for the Etsy shop. I just need to think about that a little so that I can be more productive. I would like to supplement a little with the finances while being able to be free and creative at the same time for all of us.
Who couldn't use a little tincture sometime?
At the moment I am steeping cinnamon and valerian root. Seperately of course. I may mix the valerian with chamomile for a restful tincture. I am also looking at the other side of things. Roasted coffee extract. A real pick-you-up!

A celebration banner for this upcoming year

2010-02-04T14:04:00.001-08:00

I just need to string some of the hemp string through it. I might do beads between the flags or some sort of thing to give it pizazz. I think i really like it! its felt applique on felt so it was fairly simple to think about and come up with.

I am thinking of making a bean bag shooting star thing with a bunch of ribbons attached so they can be thrown around by the soon to be 3 year old girl of mine, wink wink wink. I am hoping to get her a few other fun things. Imagination strengthening fun things.

2010-02-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

US researchers find new clue into infant deaths.

Ok I had to post somewhere how I feel about this. And so here I go.

This study says that low levels of seratonin the cause of SIDS. Seratonin helps regulate the breathing and heart rate.

So I say hey! Seratonin helps all of us, including babies, feel great! When we are aroused or happy from something the seratonin in our brains is released and makes us feel good. Low levels of triptophan hydroxylase, an enzyme, is also lower in the SIDS babys.

I think the simple and most unselfish thing to do is to sleep with your baby. Cribs are a manufactured product mostly made by large corporations and they want you to buy buy buy! The are only interested that you spend money for the baby.
If you sleep with baby they make no money.

So, being that happiness for baby comes from being close to and loved by it's parents is not something hard to understand. Seratonin is being released often!
Not only does the brain chemical help regulate the baby's heart rate and breathing but the parents heart and breathing help also! Not to mention warmth!

I have always thought that SIDS was a baby depression thing. And I have never thought that it was as true as I do now. I am also thinking that this could be part of the reason we have such high numbers of "depressed" people walking around.

Without that parental love what we see are people as adults that have suffered from a sort of neglect but go along with life the way they are taught. ( I consider crying till they sleep to be a neglect for babies. ) And so continues on the crib death!

CRIB DEATH

A lot of nothing.

2010-01-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

Is going on . I am just feeling like .................. bleck.
I haven't had any coffee today. Why? many reasons. name one? i can't. why? because i feel blecky.

I just want to sit and vegggggg.

the winD outside has beckoned the children to play. i jUst want to sleeeeep.

Listening to beck. na na na na na na naaaaa, talking trash to the garbage around you. lol love that line.

Sorry for the off-color post.

na na na na na na naaaaaaa

Please read my friend's post....

2010-01-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

Liz, my friend, and author of Interior Castle, wrote a post about homeschooling. It is short, but straight to the point. I must say, we all have 2 heads around here and we don't eat our dog, but I think at times, we would like to.

Ugh.... gall bladder?

2010-01-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

Yeah. I think I know that this is the problem.
My my died a few years back due to this sort of problem. My cousin has had the same problem and now periodically gets them still even though her gall bladder isn't there anymore.

So, i drank half a lemon's worth of juice and a swallow full of Organic EVOO. I will drink lots of water and and drink more EVOO and lemon juice before bed. Ugh......
i have many lemons at the moment but I think if I didn't have any the next best thing would be the apple cider vinegar.

Thank God I have that too.

Geez, could you tell?

2010-01-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

I am totally slacking here. What with the FB, and the Etsy shop, and the new dogs, and the desire to get things organizzzzzzzed and the milk stuff, I have barely had time to come and write. I mean seriously! After sitting at the computer a while as it is, I truely forget!
I gotta make a list for things to do at the desk before I leave.

Oh, hahahaha, I gasp! I have so many lists. Too many. So many lists, so little time.

Really though, I am trying. Really.

Where's the coffee?

What?

There is none?

Hrmmmm, how bout another pot?

Feeling the decor bug.

2010-01-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

It feels like I haven't been writing much. And I haven't. Although I do feel that I may be sitting here just typing to myself. No matter though. Really. I have been ultra busy with re-designing our living place.

I found a place to put the kombucha. I currently have 4 gallons going. I had to add another because I talked with a woman who knew a man who wanted to buy it. I called. He answered. We talked. And now, he is gonna buy 1 gallon from me every 2 weeks. If he likes it enough of course. Whoa, right?

Also, with all that is going on here already with the clutter of things I want to do in my for the house in mind, we have lessons to be done. Homeschooling isn't hard, but it does take a while to be skilled in a characteristic that I fall short of greatly. Organization. With everything from chores to meal planning to checking work. I really need to evaluate.

Another thing too is that I am trying to get the Etsy shop up and running to get a little cash flow coming in. I do mean little too. I know friends who flatter me with ideas of being able to sell things and I never really got into it. Now that I am really trying I seem to have forgotten all that I can do. There is a list around here somewhere from when I wrote down all that I can do, or had done. So far the things that are part of daily life for me is up on the shop page, the extras will have to wait until later when they can be featured.

I have had some great ideas with all these aspects though and hope to take pics and share stories here. One thing that might be interesting to my fermenting foodies out there, I am trying to make a little something. Something that perhaps a WAP foundation can agree with. I won't spill beans about it but if I can finish it, perhaps I can do a special event!

Happy January 5th!

A year, old and new.

2010-01-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

2009 proved to be a very interesting year. It was definitely a fast paced. Or at least I would say so.

Not foretelling the future, but I am thinking that this year will not be near as hectic. This year will be a refreshing one. I am looking to do things I have said I would do. But haven't. These "things" may be insignificant to some, but I think that I can finally rest once these "things" are finshed. fine. finito.

2010. what a mouth-full. a mind-full. a duty-full year to begin.

Almost time....

2009-12-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

to get ready to leave for our trip. I am getting anxious to go because I'm not sure of the weather we will run into. Hopefully it will be decent and not icy.

I am also glad to say that one more gift is finished. Its not big but it took some time, what with size 2 needles and all. Not to mention other things calling me to get them off their needles and into a paper package.

You know, i am really surprised that I did not sew anything. I mean I really love the handmade gifts but with everthing going on, and though I did start a few things in AUGUST I feel like I didnt get much done. I feel like my potential has dropped a lot. Must I really start in May to fulfill such a desire to make all things handmade? Must I? Must I?

To answer my own question, I would have to reply yes. I suppose I have one more day to really sew other things. I did have a dress in mind for the smaller two girls. I wonder if my pattern would fit for the big one. Maybe typing on this blog should be the least of the things I am trying to do.

Ah...... back to the craft board. Merry Christmas to you all, and to all, I wish you luck in finishing your goals by the time that special morning rolls around.

a way to think about the Christmas season.

2009-12-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

http://animacenter.org/blog/?p=1098

and just one more thing about the holiday season, regardless of religion, race, creed.
i like the way this post was put. i agree wholly. and I hope that we all can take this and ponder upon the ideas said.

This day we are all looking forward to, for many reasons, is almost here. Cherish it yet again for all the UNworldly aspects, rather than the short-term highs from gifts and goodies.

Doulas Rule!

2009-12-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/17/birth.plan.tips/

this was done by my doula. If you read more about this girl or see the videos of the newcaptions, you will see that she was in the same boat as myself. I am not sure though if she had 3 previous cuts or not, but it was still a difficult fight nonetheless. so. You go Sally! You rock!

FB and duties.

2009-12-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

yup. i am busy with this already. as if i have nothing else to do than check the latest stats of people, or post my own. i just really need to be doing my duties, finishing projects for Christmas, and getting ready to go.

i am glad though to get things back in order here. I am almost through sorting the clothes that dont fit into drawers. who needs that many clothes anyway? not my five year old for sure. she complained that she had too many clothes and with a whining voice she asked to donate some. of course i consented as i am tired of the excess also.

i hope that i can get all of what i need to get done, done!

i feel like i want to post pictures here too but until i get the ''real'' computer back, this will have to wait. unless you want to see photos that are oh, about 2 years old.

A pixie hat

2009-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

A knitting machine! I do not have one. Nor do I want one. But I feel like I am one!

A search yesterday for a head cover led me to the one I am currently making. A sort of pixie hat. One that doesnt look like an overexposed nipple. Nipple? What am I saying??? I actually like the point. It gives the hat a little something extra and makes it fun.

I rarely, it seems, have chunky yarn. I find that I am usually doubling yarn to make it be the right weight. I do enjoy wool very much but lets be honest here a moment, it can be expensive. So as I would love to use it alone (as i do often anyway), I have with this hat doubled the wool with the acrylic. Is a snooty knitter going to criticize? I think yes. But let me say that this hat is extremely soft. Warm. Good looking too. And perhaps in a mistaken wash it wont shrink to fit a barbie.

The spring Pixie pattern This is the same pattern only I bought mine on Ravelry. It may not be a complicated pattern to figure out all by one's self but the fact remains that it turned out wonderfully and we all like the style very much. It will keep our ears and neck warm for our trip to Oregon in the next couple of weeks. We all know the wind will blow even here in Tucson.

camera please?

EC video. . . . . .

2009-12-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j20B-c9-K3Q

bookstore buys, by and by. . . . money, bye bye

2009-12-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

a few things from the bookman's down the road.
the red wall series. i got a few of these simply by recommendation. a friend seems to like reading this to her kids, and i read a blog of which has a young girl reading it. she also is very fond of the books.

ian fleming's books. for my husband.

herbal books were on the list too. not for me this time.

projects fine!

2009-12-08T08:24:00.001-08:00

And of course we did make our own advent calendar as you can see below. That we are glad to finally have had finished and just in time I might add.

The bear pattern was fun. I found it on Etsy and bought it as a pdf file. from fuzzymitten.

The slippers are a MaryJane style, and was a free pattern that I found online. I do like free ones so much. If they don't work out then only time went into the project and not money. However I will say that if you buy the patterns they are likely to come out just fine.

Advent is getting ready for Christmas......

2009-12-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

So I add only a few pictures. I have said that my computer is acting very peculiar lately. I can only do things in ten minute increments.

I am sorting through the many things and clothes. We are blessed to have so much, and cursed. How are we to add any more to this home with the overflow that we have already? It is time to downsize and simplify, more. Time for donations.

Meals are also being prepared for the Operation Hospitality. Sweet pulled pork it is! I hope the men like it.

I sure hope you all are doing very well this season.

Until it is fixed.

2009-12-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Not so much posting now since the computer shuts off all by itself 10 minutes after being turned on. So, I leave you with this. A note. I hope that the season we are sharing is good, and things are being done in your home (productively), and that you are all having a wonderful Advent!

A day to Truely be Thankful for. . .

2009-11-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving passed was wonderful.

My anniversary of 2 years with my husband was so nice. We were busy for the holiday but it was so nice to have him in the house. His company is often the best part of my days!

We had company of the best kind. Family and friends. We ate fine. We were filled with so much goodness. To be as blessed as we are we obliged to do the same for others and with joy!

I would love to share pictures, but as usual, I have done something with the camera. I lost the memory card. So, once again, another holiday has gone uncaptured in photographs. Touche!

By the way I have been married a long while now, but we recognize this anniversary because it is the 2nd year we have been married in the church. So really, we have been married 8 years. We have 2 anniversaries per year.

Kitchen patrol and child labor management.

2009-11-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving preparations are underway. Pie making is being split into jobs. Apples are cut by one girl and crusts are being measured out by another. Apple and pumpkin pies are on the menu. Lattice tops for the apple pies. But, of course!

Miles Standish stuffing is probably my ultimate favorite stuffing for my birds and I have made it year after year so far. I have tinkered with others but this one is always on the side somewhere. I guess its something doing with the mozzarella, sausage, and spices that always gets me.

Of course too, it never fails to have forgotten an ingredient or two. Cream, etc. I mean, I, in my right mind (versus left????) would not buy cool whip, or anything like that so I clench my teeth, and dig in the stash of cash I have very little of but had been planning for something else to do with, to buy cream.

Bailey's is also on my menu. . . .
perhaps pictures of slaving kids is in the works. . . . . . . . . . . .

Tallow/Lard French Fries

2009-11-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

~~~This picture of the plate would have looked a lot better but it was attacked. Hungry kids who certainly enjoy fries and ketchup just couldn't help getting to it before I did with a camera. Not to mention the very abused camping plate.~~~

And so I was reading the Cheeseslave's article of Beef Tallow French Fries. So with the abundance of potatos in the sack in the corner I decided to try these with the tallow I collected from my cooled stock pot. I had to add lard because there simply wasn't enough tallow.

If I may say so, these may very well be the best fried potatos I have ever had! Also, there is one nice aspect to using animal fat. As it splashes (hopefully not a lot as we are obviously careful with grease on a gas stove) and hits the skin it cools a whole lot faster than vegetable oil. I did splash a bit down to my foot and with a yelp I realized, " heck, that wasn't too bad!" Is that a crazy-o thought or what!?

Anyway. The fries were AWESOME! Especially with the homemade ketchup (fermented of course from the Nourishing Traditions COokbook)! And cracked sea salt! So, if you got the fat for it, try it! Dare I say it is guilt free?
Sure, why not. . . .

I would suggest a subscription to Cheeseslave's blog. I do so enjoy the information she shares. I mean, who else lets their children eat butter? I do.

2009-11-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

I have been uber busy today. After reading an article Leah sent me I have really been thinking. In fact it has hit the very spot I have been wondering about so often lately. And so, I am learning to approach something in a different way.

My children, and being a mother.

And so, to be forward about the whole thing, we have had an exceptional day! I don't know if it is because I learned something today and so I have been more attentive or if it is because K is going to her first confession. ( We examined our conscience today so I brought a lot of attention to my own mind my very own wrong doings.) Or both!

Anyway, I look forward to each day with joy and desire to serve them better.

Crib recall.

2009-11-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

Crib Recall. . . .

Ok so I did a search on co-sleeping deaths and, yes, some did come up.
However I will state that the parents were less than sober. So with that being said, if putting your babe in a crib is supposed to be safer, then we might as well sleep with them instead because these accidental numbers being presented to us on the crib info is less than comforting.

At least then, we could get a more restful sleep together with our younger babies and know that we were only trying to give them attentive love. Just as the parent who sets their babe in a crib with the thought in mind that they were doing best for their babe.

So who is to say the co-cleeper wouldn't regret co-cleeping after something like this and swear off sleeping with their children forever? Such is the parent who wishes they were there to help save the baby who was suffocating. "If I only had him in my bed I would've known. . . . "

I pray for peace to fall upon the hearts of any parent who has lost a child. Those precious babes are no longer needing to conform to a harsh world one day at a time. In God's hands must be the most peaceful place. Such rest!

Basket Weave Pursey Pattern

2009-11-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have never written a pattern. Nor am I very good at knitting but I have to say that this purse turned out so well that I thought I would give it a shot at writing the pattern down. It is my own, and quite simple. Nothing fancy. No bells. No whistles. Just a button. *grin*

At least the wee-est of my girls will enjoy such a purse for Christmas.

Straps.

Cast on 5 stitches and knit in garter stitch for 10 inches.

Cast off.

Purse Body.

Cast on 28. Knit in garter stitch 6 rows.

Knit 4, purl 4, to end of row.

Next three rows, knit the knits and purl the purls.

Then change the knits to purls, and purls to knits for 4 rows.

Then change the purls to knits, and knits to purls for another 4 rows.

Continue in this manner to create the basket weave until you reach a measurement of 9 inches.

knit in garter stitch 5 rows.

On the next row cast off 12 then knit to the end of row.

Next row cast off 12, then knit last 4 stitches.

K for 1 inch.

K 2 stitches, then make button hole, knit 2 stitches.

K for a half inch more to finish the small flap.

Assembling.

Fold in half and sew outer edges of purse together. Add straps to the purse top.

Add a button in center of the the purse where the flap of buttonhole meets the purse.

Weave in all ends to hide the loose yarn.

it reminds me of a Mass bag. . . . **wink wink Liz**

Raw Milk Yoghurt

2009-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

If I do say so myself, this is the EASIEST chore I have.
One gallon of raw milk to heat only to 110 degrees is all I need to do! I add 3 Tablespoons of yogurt to that in each quart jar. I place in my dehydrator for about 16 hours. Then Voila! In the fridge it goes to cool, then consume.
And consume it we do.
It resembles in flavour to the BrownCow Cream top yoghurt. My fave.
We all love it!

dead birds

2009-11-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

i am simply posting that all my birds are dead. dog is now on craig's list for the taking.

So I started an Etsy shop.

2009-11-16T07:21:00.001-08:00

No looky-lues yet I think, but I am glad to have at least started one. I'd like to sell some things on a somewhat regular basis so as to help with the prices of things I like, or need to get. My food bill is pretty high up there, and our school funds are quite often low.

I can make many things. Many many things. However, finding time to make and sell in the midst of needing to make stuff we need is a challenge. I can hardly seem to find the extra time to clean, write here, sew, enough as it is already.

So, I will do my best. I will, oh yes, I will.

Growing chicks. . . . 4 weeks later.

2009-11-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

They are growing! Our boiler (roosters) are just about twice the size of the other chickens. So..... in about two weeks we shall be seeing them on the plate! I am glad for this since it is our own fed birds, and because these are the ones that make the most Terrible mess. Each of them are really neat in their own way, but these two guys are just too much. The two RhodeIsland Reds are just as nice as can be. The Black and white one is great too. The bantam is also a fine bird.

The roosters are already pushy. Like all the stories I have of my own childhood, or the stories that many people have told me these roosters will likely be supper at some point because they all seem to bully small children. So I am hoping to avoid all those situations, although, my kids could benefit from being chased a little by a big bird. I think it could be good for them.

I took these pictures about 1 and a half weeks ago, so honestly they need another picture to really show how much they have grown.

2009-11-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Man I have been really terrible at writing here. I'm sure things will pick up sometime.

The chicks are growing.

2009-11-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

I will post pictures later. But, for now I will say that they are 4 times the size they were when we got them. They all have a full body of "real" feathers. They make a terrible mess of their mash. But they call for me when they need more water and food. Most of them don't mind when I come in, especially the two reds. They are the birds with the finest manners. The blacks don't know what to think of me though. LOL

Today's shenanigans

2009-11-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, today has been quite the day and it isn't close to being over yet.

All last night Baby E had been restless. In and out of sleep a lot, squirts in between. Nothing really substantial to the poops, just a little colored water and some curds. (TMI? well, my blog, my story, right?)

Early this morning K goes out to check on the chicklings and comes close enough to the door to scream the one one the older chickens was dead in the drive way. Murdered by Buddy,our dog. He knew he was in trouble as he came to the back door still trying to get the feathers out of his mouth.

I went to check the bird to see if it was still warm, and it was. So we began to boil water in the canner for the hot, 30 second dip. Mind you, I was not pleased because yes, I was looking forward to butchering my first bird, but I hadn't planned on cooking a hen TODAY! Nor was wanting to eat a laying hen! ( Not that any eggs had come from her yet.)

I had to reach for my Encyclopedia of Country Living for the details on how to draw out the innards. Luckily I hadn't burst the gall bladder. I got all the guts out just fine, but I guess I forgot to get the oil gland and the anus!!!!! AHHHHH. Before I realized this though, I had already put it in the pot to cook. I continued to boil it but thought for sure we weren't going to eat it.

Meanwhile, I go out to check the little chicklings and find only 5. Looking all around the ground I didn't see the 6th, but I heard it. Cheep cheep it called out for me. So, placing the others inside the coop on the ground, I look behind the wooden case, and there it was. In the dark, in a really small space. I had to fish out the bird then fix the [possible] space from where it might have gone through to get there in the first place.

Lo and behold, Zman comes home for lunch and I tell him everything. Then he asks me if I made chicken noodle soup. I said no but with all the wierdness I made a vegetable stew. He added the chicken breasts to his bowl and ate it. So much for my worries of eating the poopy bird. Everyone ate it, except me. They loved it.

So now I am off to, hopefully, finish our day. Peacefully.

Table Etiquette

2009-10-27T14:35:00.001-07:00

I was brought up in a home where things were somewhat formal. We had a daily set of dishes and a set that was used for special occasions. I now have the dishes in a safe place for such occasions as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

They were my grandmother's china dishes. Also my dear mother-in-law (a wonderful woman) gave us glasses that once belonged to her father.

My daily set is of the shadow iris corelle.

This brings me to think of my daughters and though I have not put a huge emphasis on order and mannerisms previously, I am now. I see that they are growing older and rather interested in royalty. I feel a need to express the importance of table manners.

On most days we do have our meals at the table. Together. There are the rare occasions of when we sit elsewhere, but I stress that it is rare. We have since been practicing the polite table manners and questions. "Please pass the salt." "May I have a roll, please?" Or of course there is no burping, picking our teeth, or talking of poo at the table. And yes, we do have to remind ourselves that this kind of talk is totally inappropriate. tee hee

Now it's time to really show them how to set the table properly. I know that we won't always use the salad plate and the extra forks but a basic setting is knowledge needed for a little order and organization. I actually like things to be set this way and lately have been gathering the necessary linens to set the table as such. Placemats, napkins, coasters (if needed) are all part of the plan. And believe me, when we are through, it will be absolutely FABULOUS!

~basic setting~

~informal setting~

~formal setting~

(I'd also like to make a small note here that in no way are we going to give up eating in the living room for such days/nights of movies and popcorn. )

It's ok, I'm with the Band!

2009-10-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so fun! My little people and I went to see the battle of the bands. This is a competition that I previously attended as a member of my highschool band for four years, now over 10 years ago.. When Zman mentioned that it was on Saturday I lit up! There was no way I would miss taking my kids to see the coolness that happens on the fields.

Music was such an awesome hobby of mine. I enjoyed listening to it of course, but actually playing music can make one feel it more intensly. That is what I liked. That is what I still like.

It felt good to be out in the sun watching the bands take over the fields. I can't wait for next year!

And with this girl expressing such an interest in several musical instruments I hope to encourage her love of wanting to play them. It is so gratifying.

a few pics of the praying mantis

2009-10-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Out in the garden yesterday evening we see this mantis. Just look at him watching! Fascinating little creature. Honestly. I almost took 100 pictures or so of it. The little dots for eyes were following my camera around making sure I wasn't going to try anything funny. I did keep a good distance and when my photo shoot was over, we all left it to go about it's business.

Pumpkin picking.

2009-10-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

We had such a nice trip. Wilcox, and Amado were two destinations we went to visit. In that time we went to pick up apples. Really we wanted to pick them but the farms weren't doing that so we just bought a box. If we'd known that none of the farms were going to let us pick them then we would have bought more boxes!
Nonetheless, our trip was fruitful! Apple butter and pumpkin butter is next on the list. We love to have these butters ready for the winter because our window is so limited in making them. I also like to cut pumpkin into fat chunks and boil them. This way I can freeze them for our curry dishes as well as typical stews.

The Neti Pot

2009-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

This little nasal cleansing pot is so helpful. When I get the dry sinus problems that come with living in the desert this helps so much. Although it may seem strange to put water into the nasal passages willingly, it brings relief.

The first time I used it I remembered how often I would accidentally get pool water into my nose. All the mucous would feel bad in there and there was nothing left to do but blow it out. However I do remember being cleaned afterward.

The neti pot is so useful and for those considering using such a pot, I would highly recommend it!

pick up wont be soon enough.

2009-10-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

We have been out of sugar a while now. Sugar to us is rapadura. White sugar is a big taboo around here. We have been using it though the last week since it was the only sweet thing around. I use the white so sparingly and by that I mean, only in the Kombucha.

This morning my cafe is being mildly sweetened with maple syrup. It isnt so bad. In fact it's quite good, but the syrup is sooooo expensive I feel glad to know that the rapadura is coming in today. Soon. This afternoon we will go to pick up our order of rapadura sugar (33lbs! worth), real salt (7lbs! worth), pectin (1lb), maca root (1lb), and olive oil (1gallon.)

This next coming month I will not be ordering because I am on such a budget. What with the holidays coming and all. We need to pick pumpkins soon, get apples, and make our yearly supply of pumpkin butter and apple butter. Each year we all look forward to this time. The fresh bread accompanied with a sweet treat layered on top. Soaked pancakes with butters on top. The comforting scent of cinnamon curling from the oven.

Knitting projects are slowly being completed. Slowly beginning. All in a frenzied haste! I am really trying to focus a little on everyone so that this winter will be of simple gifts made with love. So this means booties for all! ha ha. just a little joke. maybe not for all, but heck, I would love booties for myself so why not?

So the morning here needs to begin. Have a good day!

Yup, that's me. An Uptight Ninny!

2009-10-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with so many things.
A. I have been working with Zman on the chicken coop. 3 days after we got the 5month old chickens, one was spooked by a lizard (of all things) and flew out of the yard. FLEW! So with a little neighborhood running I finally got it out of the neighbor's yard only to scare it into the easment between 2 properties. Mine, and another Neighbor's. I tried feverishly then to catch it in a homemade-tied together- sort of net. This only spooked it into yet another neighbor's yard. There it remains for the rest of it's life as I am done chasing it and the fact that those particular neighbors seem to be on the drink a lot I would much rather keep the peace especially since they hardly noticed it was there.

So, we only have 2 of the older chickens. We really had to shorten the run a lot so that we could enclose it completely. I felt really bad for the chickens because they hadn't come outside in a few days. Now it seems they prefer it in there.

B. With our school lessons I seem to be on the run keeping everyone busy at the same time. With all of the things that need to be done with them I can hardly leave the room unless its break time. If I have other things to do while they work on their lessons I find that the distraction to play and talk is so great that I would just be better off going in there with a book to read, or a knitting project to have on hand. There is just too much when they are alone in there. I try to laugh at the situation but let's face it. I am an uptight Ninny!

C. Yesterday we went to Mass. This is so important because it sure brings focus to our life and it helps for the following week. So with the intentions of feeding the poor, I baked bread. It felt so good to do something that I think each week we will make bread, and a meal for a family. I read so many blogs of others making things for their family and friends but hardly for people that they do not know. So, I feel the need to supplement. The homeless is growing in numbers due to economic crisis, and winter is coming. (being charitable is also something that isn't easily learned unless taught especially while one is young. My children will benefit for helping others. The world will be a better place because of their love.)

D. CLEANING and keeping CLEAN is such a problem here. Not that we are living in filth, but it seems like organization isn't easily kept here. Its getting better, but slowly. I am thankful for that.

Bok Bok Bok

2009-10-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

We finally got the coop up and running. It isn't absolutely perfect but it is in working condition. We've got a run, and a few roosting boxes going inside the old metal shed that we have converted into the hen house. It's lined with alfalfa now and I think the older chickens are going to be ok there.
The floor inside the coop, and the ground in the run is also covered with the alfalfa. Not sure how long we'll do that in the run but we figured until we get the hang of things we will do it this way for now.
Rosemary was contented a long while by just sitting, watching the birds.

I hope Buddy does well with controlling himself. We already had a chase earlier. Soooooo, here's hoping for our bird dog to protect the birds. Not eat them.

I look forward to possibly butchering a chicken. A stewing hen is all mine!

A small lot of 6 baby chicks that are only 3 days old are keeping warm under a heat lamp. There are also three birds, about 5 months old, that are not used to being handled. They run away if we come close so I think that when we feed them they will eventually come around to being humanized. The chicks are going to be better dealt with later since the girls are all over them constantly.

I do hope that they will lay well for us. I will give them lots of compost, worms and feed of sprouted wheat, kamut, corn, barley and oats. Organic of course if the budget allows. As of now it is all organic.

I do hope that all the chicks make it through to adult hood. I read there is a percentage of chicks that die and I don't want any of ours

Gaps food diet recommendations

2009-10-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Food Recommendations

Click on this link above for info. Get the book too. It sure does explain a lot. Although I think that for many, not all foods on the list are triggers. You will just have to see for yourself.

Baby Ezra's Baptism in a few photos

2009-10-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

Carrot Coconut Mold

2009-10-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe in the NT book, page 189. I was eager to try the gelatin that I purchased in bulk. This was the perfect opportunity. It calls for ingredients that I actually have on hand and so seemed something we could have with our supper this evening.

1 tablespoon gelatin

1/2 cup cold water

1 cup boiling water

1-2 tablespoons raw honey

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup orange juice

2 cups grated carrots

1 cup dried unsweetened coconut

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/2 cup chopped pecans

mix carrots and coconut, ginger and nuts and strew into a mold. Soften gelatin in cold water and add boiling water. Add orange juice and pour mixture into mold. Chill until firm.

The Minstrel Knight

2009-09-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Retold by Constance Hieatt

This story was so wonderful. A love story of a great King Orfeo and his Lady Etain. Music and wood is all about the story. I will hope to read this when my youngests are older.
The few pictures are so artful that I could just look at them for a long while.
Ah to make a forest in my land here will take so many years and special planning, but I really would love to have such a nice place to frolic as this story does. Only a desert forest is more like it.

We are used to reUsing the Used for uses

2009-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Raggedy Rugs.
This one is finished. It is smaller than I like but I can always enlarge it.

lol. really though, a short bit about using the sewing scraps, old t-shirts unwelcome in the closet/drawer, old pillow cases and sheets, slings that can no longer be loved, long socks, unfavored printed fabrics, etc.

2009-09-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today was such a nice day. It started well, and has been ending well.

This morning after mass my son, Ezra, was baptized. We are all so relieved that he is finally in the hands of the Master. Ya!

After that we came home quickly to change and then headed back to the parish to partcipate in the talent show headed by the Knights of Columbus. I was such a proud mama. My two oldest both had their own routine with the hula-hoop.

K did her show doing rounds with the hoop on her arms, neck, shoulders, and thighs, then ankles. She chose the song to do the routine and it was Zorba the Greek, by Herb Alpert. She seemed like a jongleur!

T did the hula-jump! She has this neat way of having the hoop stay on one place of her body as she turned in circles. It was so cute. While she did her act her song was the Boogy Woogy Bugle Boy, by the Andrew Sisters.

I am especially happy that the show was set up to raise money for the poor. It's neat what can be done with a few children. They sure get excited to perform, and the older folks really enjoy watching the children they see often, perform for them! It wasn't only for the children though as there was a 91 year old woman, who rapped! I heard she is on Youtube. lol

I would have gotten more pictures, but leave it to me to not charge the camera battery on such a day. I sigh. And I sigh. And I sigh. I think I may hyperventilate!

Today is the day. . .

2009-09-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Baby Ezra is finally going to be baptized!!!! I am so happy and excited. We were going to dedicate him last month but the birth cert thing was a little iffy, and then when we got it just in the nick of time, a woman at the church said that next month would be better. sigh, but today is here.

Candle. set.
Baby. set
Outfit. Gotta go make a something! Now, ZOoooo oooooooooM! I'm off.

A simply scrappy project

2009-09-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Finger crochet is so very easy. Fun! And rewarding.

K is doing a superb job at casually crocheting the strips of fabric together. It will be a rug for the front door. Outside the house is grey and blue. This will look every so lovely. It definitely looks like water to me. Something that is seemingly rare around this area. Oh! San Diego, how I miss your waves!

frugal tip #4

2009-09-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Cleaning Furniture and dusting

3 cut socks, 1 bowl of hot water and cleaner of choice (ie, Murphys wood oil soap, vinegar and tea tree oil + favorite scent oil, tad of dish soap), coconut oil (or palm, or evoo, or etc.....)

Clean furniture with wet rag sock, then wipe dry, then oil furniture with chosen oil.

With a child who has asthma affected by an array of things we have to use a more natural cleaning practice. I have been doing this for a long while now and thought that it would be a good thing to share.

Previously I had used Pledge, or the like. It seemed so normal to me to use this stuff because I grew up using it. Looking back now, I am sure it affected my mother's asthma but we never thought to link certain products to her flare ups. I now think that Pledge probably had a negative affect on her breathing.

K had an asthma attack shortly after I used Pledge to dust the house. It claims to trap allergens and keep dust down. I however think that a wet rag to clean does just the same but better because the dust gets rinsed in the bowl. Wood furniture doesn't get ruined because the moisture is quickly dried with a clean rag, then oiled lightly for conditioning.

The wood oil soap is used so sparingly that a little goes a very long way. When this bottle runs out, I will probably just use the tad bit of dish soap. The only real reason why I have the oil soap is because I had wooden floors at the house we previously had been renting. Now, with out the wood floors I won't be purchasing it any longer. Either way, it hasn't caused any asthma problems here, at All!

Happy dusting!

Frugal tip #3

2009-09-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

dont throw away good unmatched socks!!!

Slice from band to toe, and use as rags. These will be easy to tell apart from socks that are still in pairs because the slice is so obvious. These are guilt free rags. The can be (and should be) reused but when some get so stained (ie from a painting project) there isn't any hard feelings for tossing into the waste basket. They were doomed anyway.

I keep them in a bag in my cleaning supply area.

another possible idea? sock rugs? http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001084.tip.html
this looks like great fun!

Happy ragging!

Frugal tip #2

2009-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hair Detangler

1/4 cup conditioner
1 1/2 cups hot water

add conditioner to hot! water and mix well. When done pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use.

With a bunch of girls who happen to sensitive on the scalp, this helps tremendously. I already buy conditioner so this works well. We shower in the evening and brush our hair, but in the morning there are tanglings to be combed out still. So, this spray has helped us in the last few years.
I know many may know this tip already, but for those who don't, that is my ratio for the mixture. Happy combing/brushing!

( I guess this will be a small trend of mine. As everyone says, "in this economy" we all need to save a penny!)

A frugal tip!

2009-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Spray Starch.

I know, of course, that anything sold in the markets have once been, or are still, made by someone in their home, somewhere. This being the case, I looked up a recipe for spray starch.

I heard a story long ago of a man that was in the military. He had always the best pressed uniforms according to his co-workers. The man never shared his secret but a man did see a bowl of white sludge. Made of rice, the man made his starch from scratch.

The recipe I found calls for cornstarch, but I substituted for Arrowroot instead. Works great!

1 tblspn arrowroot powder.
2 cups water.

I mixed the powder in a cup of near boiling water. After it was mixed thoroughly, I added 1 cup cold water. I poured the mixture into a spray bottle.

The nice thing about this mixture is that it didn't flake. It also is not a heavy starch so if ine wants it more heavy, then add one more tablespoon powder.

Here's to saving money! And, mastering the craft of home making!!!

Grasshoppers

2009-09-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

They are the main culprit here.

Deterrents: Calendula, cilantro, DE (diatomaceous earth)?

Barriers
Plant the herb horehound (Marrubium vulgare) which is known to repel grasshoppers.
Grasshoppers do not like cilantro which is used by many organic gardeners as a barrier crop.
Plant calendula as a barrier deterrent.
Spray a heavy infusion of garlic oil as a repellent.
Grasshoppers are attracted to monocultures and do not like nitrogen-fixing crops like peas and sweet clover.
Row covers, like Reemay, or screens can be effectively used to keep them from your crops.

Garlic Oil SprayTo make: Combine 3 ounces of minced garlic cloves with 1 ounce of mineral oil. Let soak for 24 hours or longer. Strain.Next mix 1 teaspoon of fish emulsion with 16 ounces of water. Add 1 tablespoon of castile soap to this.Now slowly combine the fish emulsion water with the garlic oil. Kept in a sealed glass container this mixture will stay viable for several months. To use: Mix 2 tablespoons of garlic oil with 1 pint of water and spray.

http://www.ghorganics.com/page12.html

A side note too. Studies have shown bugs that die have a chemical that gives off a signal to other bugs that death is there. Spreading the dead bugs can also deter others from going in that area. Z wonders if that is the reason why dogs roll on bugs after they gnawed on them. A sort of innate instinct form of pest control. And if this is true with dogs, then let that be a very cool thing to learn from them, although I don't think I will be rolling on bugs anytime soon.

Another Nourishing Traditions post

2009-09-23T06:59:00.001-07:00

Yes. I know. And most of you probably know that I love my book.

I simply wanted to state that the recipes in the book starting from page 79, to 111, have been great!
Lacto fermented veggies and fruits are great. Cultured dairy is wonderful. I have made things both with whey, and without, using the extra salt instead. All have turned out Grrreat!

Some of my absolute favorites are:
Kefir (although I use grains. I have given many away before and now it is time to almost dish them out to people again. Our milk feeds them very well. And us.)

Whey and cream cheese. ( I use the whey from the kefir.) However, I am in the process of waiting for the raw milk without kefir grains to seperate from the curds. I think it will be less sour than that of the kefir whey.

Sauerkraut and Cortido (latin american sauerkraut) are a constant here. I rarely don't have this on hand and when it's gone I usually make it right away.

Ginger Carrots (this is soooooo tasty when added to stir fries at the end of cooking. Better not to actually cook this condiment since it is lactofermented and so to get the benefits of the enzymes, just add it after cooking. Yummo!)

Salsa! Ole! (making salsa is easy of course, but when we ferment it the salsas can last much longer in the fridge. Not that it does last here. Its eaten too quickly. Zak makes his beef jerky with this and its the best I have ever had! With the tomatoes and onions dried on the meat, hmmmmm whoa! I suggest trying this yourself.)

Mustard (it's hot!!!!)

Ketchup (I shall never buy a bottle again. This is much better tasting, and better for us. A little thick but is easily remedied with a bit more water and whey. Quite on the cheap end too if you have the ingredients on hand. After using NT a while, I have learned to have a few things readily available. Who knew that ketchup wasnt always in a squeezable bottle!?)

Fruit Chutney. This is great. Tasty, odd, then tasty. lol I think that this would also be a good jerky flavor. It's good with brie and bread.

Now for things on the I want to make that! list:

Fish Sauce

Japanese Sauerkraut (Tsukemono) Looks easy and delicious.

Pickled garlic ( you know the only reason I havent made it is because I have a ton of pickled garlic and peppers from another recipe. I have to finish that first. lol)

pickled cucumbers. ( gotta get some gherkins)

pickled beets sound soooo good too. I already make Beet Kvass, but I think this would be good with grated beets. Beets beets beets. So full of minerals and color. When I look at the root, it just screams HEALTH!

pickled ginger. Hey, its gotta be good right?

Corn relish. I think this will be good with chips.

Fermented Bean Paste. This would keep me from buying the stuff from the asian markets. Making it at home would be much, much cheaper.

Papaya Chutney. The recipe seems so refreshing. I could probably just munch it right out of the jar!

Apricot Butter, and Berry Preserves. This is totally next on the list. I will dry the apricots and go to town with this recipe. Berries gotta be a good price for me to make it, but I assume that frozen berries are ok to use too. When I find a good deal, I am all over it.

The small garden plot.

2009-09-22T11:56:00.001-07:00

It is Oh! so sad. My tiny and beautiful sproutlings of chard, spinach and lettuce have been chewed and eaten by grasshoppers. I am having the hardest time gardening here in Tucson. All of the veggies aren't growing as I would like them to due the garden pests.

I do not like the pesticide ways. So I am determined to add DE to the soil in attempt to stave off the little critters. I hope it will work. In addition to adding DE I will plant garlic and onions. In the meantime, I need to buy more seeds of greens.

Zak said I should take pictures of the greens as they grow. In this case I should take a picture of the damage done. Ugh.

Terry grows beautiful gardens in one of Arizona's hottest desert. What is her secret? In the middle of the fields where she resides, is it the pesticides sprayed over crops that helps to deter the pests in her garden? Perhaps. Is it a good exchange of veggies for spray-induced headaches? I wonder.

Monday

2009-09-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today could have been much nicer as far as smoothness.

What does one do when there are just too many girls clothes??? I am having a hard time keeping things even somewhat organized with the clothes issue. 3 girls, and so many garments. I want to sew more skirts to just get rid of the worry that things don't fit anymore. A tiered skirt can always just get another tier without a problem. Pants are a whole different story.

I can sew simple skirts. Tiered. A panels. Shirts though? Nope. No skillz there. Pants? Nope, those neither. I can make do with pants turned into skirts, but that is about the extent of it.

Also, we do spot cleaning on the carpets, but this week seems to have been mess central. From me spilling the coffee on the keyboard that I am typing on, to smoothies on the cabinets, I am in trouble. I have broken a mug, and a glass due to a reaching babe.

Could this week get any more troublesome? I suppose it could, but I will try to keep my chin up. It is only Monday after all.

Belut

2009-09-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

is an egg that has a baby chick inside. Not fully developed yet, but almost.

Ah hem. Yes.

I had heard of these eggs and have been wanting to try them for the longest time. I have bought them once before but was unaware that I needed to cook them. Oh, poor, poor Zak.

So, this time around I talked to a woman who informed me (and a friend) of what to do in cooking them. Its just like a hard boiled egg. Boil it for 15 minutes, and voila! Its ready to eat. SOooooo. . . . . . . .

Of course I didn't eat the shell.
Man! That was surprisingly tasty! I will have to return to the woman and let her know that I really enjoyed eating the chick! The juice in the egg was so tasty. Salt and pepper was all it needed. Yummo!

I was told that these belut eggs will keep one young and it's good for the skin.

To them.

2009-09-16T19:18:00.001-07:00

I helped to make your hair, teeth, skin, bones, eyes and their color, brain, muscles, and feet.
You now have my stubborn-ness, and strong will.
Give them back! They are mine and I prefer you didn't have them.

Give Them Back ! ! !

Oh my!

2009-09-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Has it really been that long since i have come to write? I guess the dates noted do not fib.

Let's see. Starting school has been time consuming.

I have had company for the past week or so.

We are getting ready for the baptism of our 4th (and still so wonderful, as the others) baby.

We are trying to have a All Saints Day party organized at the parish for the children. And this has yet to even be spoke of to the "right" person. I am struggling with the hours in the day with finding the time to go and speak to brother Matteo.

I am only able to write at the moment because everyone is having the day off from a cold that I am praying that I do NOT get. Reading books, watching awesome movies, and eating homemade chicken noodle stew all while resting have been, and are still on the agenda.

I have been so proud of T. She is doing much better at her lessons than I had anticipated. Learning to read has been fun for her and I am enjoying seeing her like it!

K is doing great and has been asking me if she could be in 4th grade already. She wants to do all her work so that she can move forward quickly. We shall see if she will do it. I won't stop her if she would like to continue this way, but I have yet to see her do more than the required work. lol

R needs so much guidance during the days we do lessons. She is NOT content with the legos alone. She wants to "do school" like the other girls. She repeats the answers to the flash cards. She wants to do things in school books, but won't do what is asked of her in the books provided for her. But there are scribble scrabble marks in most of the pages. hmmmm

E? well, if I keep him in the ergo, front or back, I am more likely to have a smooth sailing day. If I don't, he really gets irritated easily. Especially because R comes to play with him. When he sees her coming I think he cringes because he knows she is going to pick him up, then drop him. So.....
I will say lol to that too because it is so innocent.

We are enjoying the shorter days so far. Here in the desert winter brings a sort of comfort that we wont have to work so hard. Although the growing season is very long here, plants really are less stressed in the fall. And some can make it through the winter chills. Lettuce, chard and spinach have been sown. I only hope I can nurture them enough.

funny. . . . no?

2009-08-29T21:00:00.001-07:00

I love his little self!

Mamma Tea- the run down.

2009-08-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

I use:

2 part nettles
2 part red raspberry leaf
1 part oat straw
1 part echinacea
1/2 part mint, if you like.
ground fennel, if you like (to taste)

So mix well in a bowl then pour into a container and smash herbs down to reduce air pockets. Store away from light.

Make as you would normally steap tea. as sun tea, hot tea, etc.

Kefir Soaked Flour = Awesome Focaccia

2009-08-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Leah, I am now hooked on the focaccia bread. I have had good success with my recipe rather than the one she shared with me because of the ratios of flour to liquids.

However, I am simply going to share that I did a new focaccia. Will I ever be able to make it this way again? Probably not since I didnt measure a thing, and didnt follow a recipe. AHHH

I should mention that I didn't actually soak in kefir, per say, but rather the whey that was collected from the souring milk gallon given to me by Vanessa. Thanks for that too V! This whey is a bit potent since it came from the kefir, and has a slight hint of kefir flavour in the bread.

It is sooooooo delicious though. I soaked the hard white wheat until it grew a teeny-tiny tail of a sprout. Then I dehydrated it. Ground it to a flour. Then soaked it in the whey. O------M------G------- ! Then kneaded it. Then it rose. Then I spread it onto a LARGE cookie sheet. Poured a ton of olive oil on it, with cracked sea salt, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder (lazy night so I didnt cut up the fresh, but that is so awesome too!), and a whole tomato cut into little chunks.

I love it. This one is quite thin but is like a simple pizza. Though I do like the really soft dough of the previous focaccias, this one really holds a place up there with the others. Man! It's tasty.

See I would also have taken a picture to share the vision with the readers here, but my zman is off camping and has the camera. By the time he returns, I don't suspect that there will be any left to photograph. So you will just have to take my word for it. When I do another, I will post measurements and pics. If it comes out the way I want it to of course. Good night!

The Basket is Bountiful.

2009-08-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. Have I mentioned before that Bountiful Baskets comes to Tucson? If not, then, they do!
However I have been talking with my doula, Sally Stevens, about possibly arranging myself to get to the drop point on the off weeks, so as to provide those Tucsonians, including myself, with an organic basket option. All volunteer.

I have just made my order this time around for the conventional basket, and two boxes of cherries. With the cherries I am going to pit, and dehydrate. I do so love dried cherries.

Tangent:
At one point I was trying to get the box of anaheim chilies but was unable to for some reason. These are great fired, skinned and frozen. When they are ready to be used I take them from the freezer, and throw them into a pan of refried beans and cheese for burritos. Oh man! Is that the tastiest!

So, as I understand that very little people read this bloggy-blog of mine here in this state, I thought I'd share anyway. The conventional basket/box/container (that you bring) gets packed full of veggies and fruits of random sorts. Everything is split evenly between those who bought. 15 dollars is all it costs for the conventional basket. 25 dollars for the organic.

When the organic is to be up and running, I shall post here for a heads up (if needed) so that those who want to buy it can! However one can keep track simply by checking on their own through the Bountiful Baskets site!

Advent Calendar

2009-08-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Mmmm hmmm, I am going to do this. Yup. As I (still) organize my closet and room, straighten out the fabric collection from old, I have decided that this would not only be a great way to use up some of the random material, but it would also be festive for such an important year.

We have bought a new (to us) home, made a new start, and now time for new inspirations!

Why did I bring it up in what is still the summer season? Well I should be up front! I get behind. A lot! So, this will help motivate me to actually make time for it. Will post photos when I get some done.

I will probably invite my oldest to sew some too with her machine. I KNOW she will just love it. She does so enjoy sewing. I am thinking that her small insignificant machine can perhaps be shared with her sister, while I pull out the old vintage machine that is well used by my late grandmother. It may be a basic machine, but boy can it get a job done, lickity split! And then, we can sew together.

When is it time to stop fighting?

2009-08-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Serious enough, it is.

I have given in. I fought against it with sincere reasons forever. And once I go somewhere and see 3, for 3 dollars that's it? I break down? I give up all moral standards?

Damn it Barbie.

Just, damn it.

and though I am truely embarrassed, my girls are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy.

Something so real, it'll make your blood curdle.

2009-08-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

My aspartame experiment. (not really mine, but I'm glad they did it rather than me, not that I could do it anyway) the name says it all. and with rats.

Do you, would you, could you read the works of Cheeseslave?
I enjoy her real food recipes. Today she put out How to make kombucha. A few days ago, it was french fries done in tallow. I am eagerly going to make them as soon as I get more fat from the butch-er.

Free Pattern Creator Download

2009-08-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.wildginger.com/Downloads/default.htm
check it out.

This can create your own pattern to fit the size you set it for.
Cool thing? It's free!

Another thing? There are a lot of different patterns to use.

What am I Making? A hat for the boy....... then for the girls. Then perhaps for Zman. Possibly one for myself.