Great Breakfast Ideas:

Instead of sugary cereal for kids try these options. Great for kids and adults:

Juice fresh fruit into excellent juice:
Apple and Carrot (or Purple Carrot)
Banana, Apple, & Strawberry
Dragonfruit & Stawberry
Orange & Pineapple

(tip: for school age children don't just give juice because children, esp boys, need a full stomach. when the stomach empties they can because restless)

Eggs, Multi-Grain Toast with Fruit Spread (not jelly/jam), and fresh fruit
Nuts/Seeds and Fresh Fruit
Cooked Oatmeal with dried berries (blueberries, raisins, and craisins)
Uncooked Oatmeal with milk and bananas
Omelet with cooked Kosher Approved Meat (like elk sausage or turkey bacon), cheese, and diced tomatoes and/or diced bell peppers.
Granola Bars
Yogurt with Granola and dried fruit
Yogurt with Granola and fresh fruit
Fresh Baked Biscuits (whole wheat) with honey and butter (not margarine)

(I can't make omelets well so I make an "inside out omelet") I scrambled all the eggs, then melt the cheese, then add the meat and veggies. Tastes GREAT!!!

Acting Out and Wisdom About Parenting

Matthias is starting to act out more, but he's learning quickly that mom isn't giving in and will NOT tolerate bad behavior. We do a lot of talks with discipline if needed. Direct defiance is the only action that requires a spanking (according to Dr. James Dobson). I personally believe that a corporal punishment should be the last resort, but I believe it is necessary. Too much will not make it effective. Children will determine "why try I'm just going to get in trouble".


Parenting is not all about behavior control. It's about giving them training them and teaching them in a way that what they believe is deeply rooted in them so that their behavior reflects their values. If you teach your children core values they will respect them.

I want my children to be respectful and loving. We must model for them who we expect them to be. If we want 2-faced Christians in the church, then we live a double life. If we want to raise little gossips, we gossip so our children will learn how.

Activities In and Around Colorado Springs for Fun

CHURCH

Focus on the Family
CHURCH
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
CHURCH
Garden of the gods
CHURCH
Dinosaur Museum in Woodland Park
CHURCH
Country Drive in the Mountains to look for Deer, Elk, and other Wild Life
CHURCH
Tour a health food store to talk about eating healthy
CHURCH
Drive around the military bases and look at the Jets, Planes, and Tanks on display
CHURCH
Go to the park
CHURCH
Go to the gym
CHURCH
Go to the "play areas" at the mall
CHURCH

Hmmm.... I mention church alot! Why? Because in the church is where children NEED to be. We rarely miss church. My children have grown to love it so much. It helps them to see "their friends" (which is just about everyone in the church). Going to church consistantly gives your children a sense of belonging and a love for church. It will become a habit for them to go to church regularly.

If you don't have a church to call home and you live in the Colorado Springs area, please contact me about our wonderful church. They have been the ones who help me make it through the tough times. As soon as I walk in the door, my children run go see their friends and I know without a doubt my children are safe.

Two Companies every person should know about!!!

There are 2 companies that I believe every person should use:








~Melaleuca.... They promote health and wellness with EXCELLENT vitamins, nontoxic and biodegradable cleaning products and personal care products, and excellent weightloss helps! Sign up is usually $29 plus your monthly product committment. If you switch your stores, instead of buy at your local store order from Melaleuca and you will save money!!! Sign Ups are only $1 until 20 October 2010!!! You can build a business with this company. Which is one of the reasons I use them! They are endorsed by Dave Ramsey.
Email me at: spurlock060703@aol.com for more information.


~PrePaid Legal... Promoting excellent legal services that EVERYONE should have just in case. It's like having insurance for your legal needs. Words cannot describe the benefits and security that comes from having this for emergencies and peace of mind that no matter what happens you can request legal help. Endorsed by Robert Kiyosaki. A Fortune 500 company. Publicly traded on NYSE.
Visit my website www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/bridgettespurlock for more information or to sign up!

Homemaker's Planner (pdf file) Giveaway (has a homeschool section)

I have created this planner for myself and have posted it on my etsy shop. It is all "fill in the blank" so that you can use it when YOU need it!  I hate buying planners and wasting half of it because I bought it too late. So I got creative with my computer!

I want to give away a couple copies of it for free to other homemakers. It has everything I need in it that I need. However, I'm not everyone....at least that's what I was told growing up LOL.

So I would like feedback from a couple of people of what to add/take away, etc. This is a Christian based theme with Titus 2:5 on the front.

If you are interested in this there are a few "rules"
1) Don't share this file with anyone without written permission from me. It's copyright law.
2) You must give feedback of the format within 15 days of receiving the file or you agree to pay the price on Etsy ($20.00).
{I'm not a hardcase. I know life happens....just send me an email if you don't have the time because something came up. I have 3 kids all under 4 so I KNOW things happen...kids get sick, printer doesn't work, internet goes out, computer doesn't work right. We can extend it another 5 days.}
3) Feedback is in your own format, but I ask for as much detail as possible.
4) If you like it, keep it and refer a friend to my Etsy shop.
5) If you don't like it....just delete the file and let me know why.

To enter in the drawing:
1) Go to http://www.honeyscreative.etsy.com/ to view a preview of the file and read the description. (10 pages are available for viewing, but there are 27 total). If you like the item or my store, please click on "Favorite" or "Heart this shop"
2) Click Follow Me on my blog http://www.honeyscreativehomemaking.blogspot.com/  OR " Like" on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/honeyscreativehomemaking OR "follow" on Twitter http://twitter.com/HoneysCreative OR two or all three.
3) Email honeyscreative@comcast.net  with your the username you hearted with on Etsy (if you did that). These must be included... Your real Name. The username/email address you used on Blogspot or Facebook or Both if you did both..  Now for the hard part: Tell me why you want to win a copy of the Homemaker's Planner (It can be a simple sentence..."I am looking for planner that fits my needs" and YOU MUST STATE THIS PARAGRAPH:

I, ____your name here___, agree to the rules stated in the contest.  This represents my legal electronic signature.

Professional Mom Vs Stay at Home Mom

Why I'm NOT a Stay At Home Mom!

(Definitions will be taken from www.dictionary.com)

STAY:
As a verb with an object:
1) to stop or halt. 2) to hold back, detain, or restrain, as from going further. 3) to suspend or delay (actions, proceedings, etc.).

PROFESSIONAL:
As Noun:
1)a person who belongs to one of the professions, esp. one of the learned professions. 2) a person who is expert at his or her work

As an adjective:
1) of, pertaining to, or connected with a profession

By definintion the term stay shows a holding back or a laziness, which I believe the term was invented to imply.  A mom who is at home 24/7 is NOT someone who "stays", we are professionals.  Motherhood isn't just something that you do, you must LEARN your children, you must LEARN about nutrition, you must LEARN about baby care, schooling, etc. Some of the things that mothers learn come from experience at home with our own mothers.

No one knows our children like we do. Just by looking at our children we know how they feel. We are experts in the area of mothering. We know what is best for our children and we place their needs near the top of our priority list. (Just under God and Husband.)  Motherhood isn't easy, it's hard work!

So calling me a STAY AT HOME MOM is insulting...I'm a PROFESSIONAL MOM.



After talking with my grandmother and many ladies of  the "older generation" I have come to find out that being a "working mom" used to be looked down upon, expect for those in EXTREME circumstances (aka single moms or those facing financial struggles, but the woman was expected to see the kids off to school and be there when they got home).  In fact, it was PREACHED in the churches that a woman's place is in the home. (Thank you Pastor Turpin and Bishop Turpin for not bowing to feminist ideas.) However, with the feminist movement and sexual revolution, the American family dwindled to both parents working and the children being placed in daycare as the norm of society.

My grandmother (in her 60's) told me that when money got tight she worked at the local grocery store for discount on food and a little cash ONLY after her kids were at school, then she left before school let out to meet them at home. When they were little she put the youngest on her back and pulled my mother on a cotton sack behind her while she picked cotton.

Contrary to popular belief I DO NOT believe that a mom being at home was a tradition. I believe that it was God's intention for the mother to be at home, earning income from home is fine, but I believe that it is the man's job to make provision for the family.If the wife helps, that's great! But is she neglecting husband, children, home, or church to do so? (There is a difference between working women and working moms). Mom's need to be home with their children during the early years.

Ok for my atheist friends, ignore the God part all together:  Psychologically speaking children are better off with their mothers at home than with them working, ESPECIALLY during the early years. See http://www.drlaura.com/ and google the subject for more information. I could write a book on the benefits of mothers being at home.

Save $1000's on baby care!

Save $1000's on baby care! By switching to cloth diaper and making your own wipes!

There are more designs out there than the typical folded diaper with rubber pants. Most cloth diapers today look like regular diapers and are fitted.

Disposable Diapers for Malachi (6mths old) ($40.79) &  Halle(27mths old) ($39.81)

Based on ($80.60) from Sam's for 1 package diapers for each child 2 times a month
($80.60*2)= $161.20 per month
*12months= $1934.40 per year

For Malachi alone once I get Halle potty trained will be $978.96 per year * 2.5 years left in potty training = $2447.40
(the average child potty trains around age 3 which is what Matthias did and what Halle is on track for)

Investment for cloth diapers will range from ($100-$800). But you don't have to do it all at once. We are buying 4 diapers at a time for our investment until I have the correct amount I need. AND I will be able to use one type of diapers for both Halle and Malachi!

Savings so far by switch to "greener"-homemade/frugal Wipes:
Sam's Price $16.35 w/tax once a month = $196.20/year
If we have to buy wipes twice a month $392.40/year.
Switching to homemade initial investment: $14.84 in Nov/Dec of 2009.

Since that time I have used 1 roll of Bounty from a HUGE pack we bought at Sam's for the house. It cost was $17.00 for 12 (about $1.42 a roll).

Who will rule your children...Godly People or a Corrupt Government?

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, Rules The World

We have our beliefs that the Bible tells us to TEACH to our children. But when we abandon our children to the whims of childcare outside of our beliefes we are giving our children over to the guidance of others. If the school system is ran by the government, then we are allowing the governement to train our children in their beliefs. In the public school system, they have changed history books to become politically correct. We are leaving sex education to the schools. Their education says it's ok to have sex as long as you use protection. They receive 40 hours a week of anti-religious instruction, but only 4-8 hours a week of Godly instruction while at church, maybe more at home but they receive minimal compared to the unGodly instruction they receive elsewhere.

Our daughters are taught that being a mother and homemaker is WORTHLESS, when it the ACTUAL call God placed upon the woman. Women that don't bring home a paycheck is a waste of life, is another lie that is fed to them. (I'm not against education and working, but when a woman becomes a wife her husband and her home, should be her priority. If the house is a mess and husband neglected while she is working, then she is NOT following the Godly priorities that God gave her.)

The girls are taught by "fashion" that looking like a whore with every curve showing and breast hanging out, that they have the "freedom" and "right" to show it off without any reprocusions. Boys are told "Don't touch, don't think about me, don't react." HELLO!!! Boys/men are visual creatures, they can't help but notice. Of course they NEVER have the right to touch, but IF IT'S NOT FOR SALE COVER IT UP!

Boys are taught that masculinity is WRONG and that they should be more LIKE GIRLS. They should allow the women to pursue their dreams and shouldn't expect them to raise the children, that's what daycare is for.  They are also taught that women are the same as men, just a few different parts.  That's like saying a Ferrari is like a Datsun, just a few different parts.

Our children are now being told that sexual orientation doesn't matter. You can be gay as long as you are happy. The doctrine of SELF is being taught everywhere. "It's all about me" is the way they are being taught. "The only sacrifice that is worth anyhting is the sacrifice that gets you things."

We are SACRIFICING our children to public ran schools because they are "free" and to daycares. The price we pay for free child care is our own children. Look at those who run the government and that will tell you what is happening. When you have socialist, marxist, and liberals in office-you are giving your children to them FREELY.

When The hand that rocks the cradle is too busy, someone else will rule your family.

Moanhood or Motherhood?

FULL CREDIT FOR "Moanhood Or Motherhood?' is given to Serene Allison. This article was found here at Above Rubies.  I have copied here because I know MANY will say things like "oh they don't believe what we believe, so all their teachings are false" or "these ladies are too old fashioned to listen to, they don't know anything about modern life." I beg to differ, but this article is 100% for all mothers I know, including me.

Moanhood Or Motherhood?

“Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

I am often drawn to this text as I pray for God to mold me into the woman He desires me to be, no matter how much against the stream of normalcy it seems.

My Interlinear Bible, which is translated directly from the Hebrew, inspires me when I read, “Who can find an able woman? For her value is far above jewels.” The word “able” hit me with a giant thud. I wasn’t as pricked by the word “virtuous” as virtues seem to abound in the feminine sex! I’m only being slightly sarcastic! But “able”! “Able”?

As mothers and wives we often spend wasted brain space mulling over just the opposite. Do these words sound familiar? “I can’t do it anymore!” “I don’t have the energy!” “I’m drained! I have nothing more to give.” “I’m too tired! I’m completely exhausted and wasted. I can’t do one more thing!” We talk ourselves out of any last vestige of energy, and by the power of our minds we feel even more tired than we really are!

“Honey, not tonight! Actually I’ve got a headache. No, it’s a migraine.” “Oh, I just need some time for myself.” “I feel so used. Nobody appreciates what I do around here.” “I’ve got to get out. I’ve got cabin fever.” “I didn’t get a good sleep last night. Come to think of it, I never get a good sleep. It’s all making me old before my time. I found a new wrinkle this morning.”

Ugh! This is putting me in the doldrums just writing about it!

How can our husband value us more than jewels when our lives are one big complaint?

It is true that we talk ourselves into more than half of our problems. How can we be “able” women and how can our husbands and children truly value us above jewels when our lives are one big complaint? I think the key to being “able” is more about being positive than it is about all the talent and intellect we can possess. There are many gifted people who never accomplish half of what the mere motivated and persevering achieve.

{mospagebreak}

How can we be positive mothers when we have made a career of being professional moaners?

Have we embraced moanhood instead of motherhood? Just as negativity is a habit, so is a positive and happy heart. The more we think on the good things, the more they become naturally part of our nature. The negative muscles become floppy, weak and slowly deteriorate when we don’t use them. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are pure and lovely. If we make a habit of thinking about the lovely things, in turn, our lives will be a lot lovelier.

We can become negative by worrying about the future. We may dwell today on all the work we have to do tomorrow or even in the months to come. Again, the wisdom of the Bible frees our minds and makes for a happy mother when it says, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)

God is very interested in our thought-life and in the confessions of our lips. Here are just a few quotes:

“A merry heart does good like medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)
“Gird up the loins of your mind.” (1 Peter 1:13)

A positive attitude breathes life into our soul and body and actually gives us energy.

{mospagebreak}

A positive attitude breathes life into our souls and bodies and actually gives us energy. Satan is all to eager to plant seeds of negativity into our minds because he knows they are seeds of death and make us unable. Negativity is based upon fear, which chokes the very life out of its victims and renders them practically immobile. Negativity holds us captive in a prison of gloom. Being positive frees us to succeed and thrive. Some people see their negative outlook as being realistic. This is another trap of the enemy; a smoke screen to blind us to the truth that will set us free to really live and enjoy life.

There are always two ways to look at things. I exercise everyday as part of my job description as a fit, healthy and happy wife and mother. Many times while on the treadmill in my kitchen I start thinking, “I feel awful. My legs are burning. I can hardly breath. I feel like pulling the plug.” With every second I grow more tired and soon feel completely drained. The fact is everything I’m feeling is truth. However, when I “gird up my mind” I remember how good I’ll feel afterwards and that 30 minutes isn’t that long. “I’ve only got 15 more minutes to go. I’m breathing really well now, and hey, this is easy. I feel great. I’ll race anyone. I’m going to pick up my pace. Wow, look at me go!” There is as much truth in this second thought process and I injected myself with a bunch of energy and ended up with a full tank.

You may get up in the morning, sigh and drag yourself to the coffee pot confessing, “I was up with the baby for four solid hours last night. I can’t make it through today.” This may be true, but the other side of the story is that you had four good hours of sleep. We can feel just as good as we can feel bad.

Thinking negatively involves the “me” word. It makes one too introspective. My mother always says, “If you are feeling depressed, go and do something for someone else. You’ll soon forget about your own problems.”

The negative “so called” facts are not truth at all. They are the enemy’s poisonous darts. To contemplate them digs their venom deeper into your mind. The truth is: we are new creatures in Christ. We are to crucify the “flesh man” and live by the Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit such as patience and longsuffering are now our new character traits. In Christ we can bear way more than the level the devil deceives us into thinking we can handle.

The second line of Proverbs 31:10 reads, “The heart of her husband trusts in her so that he has no lack of gain.” The New Living Translation reads, “She will greatly enrich his life.” How can we enrich our husbands when our own lives are anything but enriched? We can’t give from a drained pot. Often we feel empty and exhausted, not because of our tedious workload so much as the state of our mental reflections.

{mospagebreak}

How can a husband feel enriched if his wife is not contended and happy?

How can a husband have “no need of gain” if his wife isn’t happy and contented? If we greet him at the door with a tired expression, a list of complaints, and quickly pass off all the children to him, his welcome home will not be very enriching. It may make him want to retreat! Home should be a solace from the worry and stress with which the world assails him. It should be a place of enriching, a gas station to fill his tank before venturing back into his world of business and stress. Our homes should be an oasis where our husband can take a cool drink of the water of peace, love and laughter. We should meet him at the door with a bright smile, a warm welcome, and with a cheery atmosphere pervading the home.

If he asks how our day was, and we remember how Suzie cut off her little sister’s hair, how Johnny peed on the clean folded clothes, or how the baby spread the surprise in his diaper like peanut butter around the crib, we might feel compelled to say it was a “bad day”. But wait a second! Let’s get out of our negative tunnel vision and see the big picture. There were no major accidents. We are all still alive and breathing. Suzie did really well at her reading lesson and Johnny picked some weeds from the garden and said I was a “beaubibul laby.” It was a lovely day. Come to think of it, it was a great day!

When the atmosphere of our home is filled with optimism, our husband and children will feel they can do anything.

The Proverbs 31 woman “opens her mouth with wisdom and the law of kindness is on her tongue.” As hormonal creatures, we women can sometimes become so emotionally pent up that when our husbands come home we vomit our feelings all over them before they have a chance to take off their coats. We were made to be our husbands’ helpmeets. We were made to complete them and enrich their lives. God did not create man to be the woman’s emotional counselor or hormonal dartboard. The more we press into God and become positive-thinking women, the less we will be inclined to emotionally regurgitate. Spurting out a bunch of negative goo gah is not opening our mouths in wisdom. Nor is it kind. It is like serving our husbands a glass of gravel instead of giving them a refreshing drink of happiness.

Men are not emotional sorts and just don’t get the problem. My friend told me how she told her husband that she was feeling “out of sorts.” He replied, “Don’t feel out of sorts.” This reply was the right answer but not the one she wanted to hear. Men are wired differently so when our skies look gray we need to go to God first and then maybe call a close girlfriend who will lend a listening ear.

Proverbs 31 continues with its description of the able woman. “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms… she extends her hand to the poor. Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy…strength and dignity are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come… she watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

A hardworking woman doesn’t have time to waste in negative contemplation. She has more important things pressing on her mind. If we are truly busy we won’t have time to stop and moan. I can’t picture Mother Theresa complaining about how tired she was or turning away another child.

I love the way the curtains draw on the “able” woman. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” The Hebrew word for “praises” is “halal”. It means “to shine, to make a show, to boast, to rave, to glorify, to make renown. The root of this word has the idea of radiance.” Are we worthy of such acclamation?

Let us take on a spirit of rejoicing and do away with negative gloom. We will then be free to be ‘able’ women whose value is above jewels.

SERENE ALLISON
Primm Springs, Tennessee, USA

MOM Creed

~Parody of The Army NCO Creed! I know all my mom friends will LOVE this one, especially my fellow Army wives.~ Originally written February 13, 2010


MOM Creed-~By Bridgette Spurlock

May no one be more loving than I. I am a mother, a guidance to my children. As a mother, I realize that I am the member of the family, which is known as "The Heart of the Family". I am proud of to be a mother and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon God, my husband and my children regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use or neglect my family to attain personal pleasure.

Optimism and Endurance are my watchwords. My two main responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- health & well being of my family and the state of my home. I will strive to remain loving and patient. I am aware of my role as a mother. I will fulfill all my responsibilities inherented in this role. All children are entitled to understanding and guidance; I will provide these. I know my children and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my family and never leave them uninformed. I always will be fair and impartial when considering both rewards and punishment.

My husband will have maximum time to accomplish his duties; he will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn his respect and confidence as well as that of my children. I will be faithful to those within my family. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in my daily activities. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral obligations. I will not forget, nor will I allow my children to forget that I am their mother, momma, MOM!

~By Bridgette Spurlock

Just a thought... Can we cause our own depression?

• Depression affects twice as many women as men.
• 1/7 of women will suffer depression in their lifetime (www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/numbers.cfm)
• 73% of all psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, are prescribed to females (American Psychological Association)
• 43 million women take antidepressant medications (Zestra Web site)

I'm not saying depression isn't a valid medical condition due to hormone changes, like post-partum depression, or even seasonal depression and life changes like "cabin fever" or "empty nest." 

But could some depressions be brought about by people being covetous, self-pity, going into debt to buy what they can't afford, or being out of God's will?

How often do we desire things we can't afford and put it on credit just to be a slave to debt? I know most of us have done this, but we should learn from our mistakes.

How often do we see the things that others have and not realize how hard they had to work to get it? It used to be that newly weds had very little furniture. How many now start out in debt just to have the look?

How many women sit around and have pity parties about different things? Not have a fancy car? not having designer "stuff"? being an "oppressed slave to husband and children" stay at home mom (which they aren't)?

How many women are leading the family (single: divorced, never married does not apply)? What happens spiritually and mentally to the husband and wife when the woman is out of her God given role?  I know some women have to work to help provide food, clothing, shelter, but as long as the man is leading the family then she's not out of her God given role.  (I will say that if a woman is working to have all the "extras" internet, tv, fancy cars and putting her children in childcare then she is wrong. Dr. Laura Schesslinger refers to this as abandoning children.)

This is just a thought... if we do these things, can WE be the CAUSE of our own depression? (note: this does not include horomonal changes and seasonal/life changing events)

Focus On The Family Superbowl Ad

CBS turned down a gay dating site ad...BUT gave Focus on the Family a PRO-LIFE ad! YES!!!! Tell CBS THANK YOU...WE DON'T WANT TO SEE GAYS AND LESBIANS...GO PRO-FAMILY!

Everyone please contact CBS and promote the ad, thank them for it, give lots of positive feedback. Onemillionmoms and Onemilliondads have been able to SHUT DOWN offensive/anti-family ads. Now what if we reverse the act and promote the ads, lets get more family ads on the air by requesting them!!!

http://www.cbs.com/info/user_services/fb_global_form.php

Choose drop down menu of CBS Special.

Or Write:
CBS Headquarters
51 W. 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019-6188

Or Email:
CBS Audience Services at audsvcs@cbs.com
Tell CBS it was a great ad! Tell CBS to give more ads like this! CBS earns money by it's advertisers...tell them what you want and you will get it!

After you do it comment on here that you did! Let's see how many we can get.

Baby Food: Bananas

All of my children loved banana baby food when they were beginning solids. However, freezing pureed bananas can be a trick. Usually they turn brown or slimy, however, this doesn't mean it's gone bad.  You just need to add an acid and a little water.

Banana Baby Food:
Bananas
Lemon Juice or Orange Juice or "Fresh Fruit" by Ball used for canning
Water

Add bananas to food processer with 1-2 TSP citric juice or fresh fruit.  (I use both).  Turn on, add water until the desired consistancey is achieved. The younger the baby, the thinner you want your bananas. If you get it too thin, it's ok.  Just add baby cereal to it when preparing the baby's food.

To freeze, use either the ice tray method or jar method:

To Freeze:

 

Cube Method:

1. Place pureed bananas from processor into ice cube trays and freeze.
2. Once frozen place in freezer bag and place bag in freezer.
3. Defrost the needed amount of cubes as necessary.

 

Jar Method:

1. Place in pureed bananas in Freezer jars, using a wide mouth funnel helps prevent spills. (use jars especially made for the freezer such as Ball/Kerr Blue Label canning jars). 
2. Leave HEAD SPACE of about 1-1/2 inches.
3. Place in freezer. Defrost 1 jar as needed. (To defrost jars move from freezer to refrigerator overnight.)

 (1 jar usually last 1 week for my son because i mix his food with oatmeal or barley)

Motherhood is NOT "Identity Loss", It's Identity CHANGE AND GAIN!

To Misty on Mamapedia:

"........For weeks I’ve been milk maker, soother, diaper changer and occasionally ‘lady who showers and smells nice’… I stress “occasionally” here.


I was already a mother when this one came along. So prior to a few weeks ago, part of my consumer friendly label read: lunch maker, wound kisser, soother, protector, clothes washer, and occasionally ‘lady who brings cupcakes to my class’. But as my new role emerges, all other things become cloudy and less integrated and I begin to wonder which of them still constitute ‘shades of Me’.


The thing about this that sucks so much is that it is a very lonely place. This happens to you and only you, while the people around you go about their usual lives without question as to how and if anything has changed for them. While I’m concreted to the couch or the rocking chair for 45 minutes at a time to feed a new baby, everyone else in my world cruises by. Off to play or live or reconnect with old friends or simply enjoy the Independence that comes with not being affected by a life altering event.


So I try to remember who and what the ingredients are for a well made ‘Me’. I scan the pages of things I’ve done, stuff I’ve written and people I’ve loved. Somewhere, is the combination of things that light the center of me. Somewhere is a complete list of nutritional value, warnings and tips for best consumption."  Quoted from: Does Motherhood Equal Identity Loss?  http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/does-motherhood-equal-identity-loss

OK here I'm going to really make someone mad! Here are the 3 words that every woman needs to hear often: GET OVER IT or some say GET OVER YOURSELF!  In this I only hear the whining and complain that most women do 90% of the time. (I do it too)

Have I ever been there where I feel like I'm just a milk nurse, maid, and other not-so-glamorous things? YES I HAVE. We all have those moments BUT it is in those moments that our true identity, intergrity, esteem, and honor show forth.  It is our reactions that define us.

In June/July 2009, I was in the middle of my own personal pity-party. I had two children at home 23 months part (ages 3 and 17 months) and I was pregnant AGAIN (about 7-8 months along). I had been bitter about this pregnancy but knowing Abortion is a SIN (just because the gov't and women's lib says it's a "right" doesn't make it right), I wouldn't abort. I had pure hell with all three pregnancies...hospitalizations for dehydration, extreme hyper-emesis that shocked doctors, more IV's than you can imagine, to prevent my vains from blowing they put a "Pic-Line" in my harm and had me on IV fluid at home with a home health nurse coming to assist once a week. While in the hospital, I would blow vains and have to have new IV's inserted in my arms or hands every few hours.  This happened with all 3 children, except the pic-line was only with the last child.

I took my bitterness out on my family, then "put on face" in front of everyone else. It was in June or July, that while I was trying to get MY well deserved sleep, that my oldest kept coming to me wanting me to hold him at 0200 and saying his belly hurt. I kept putting him back into bed. Finally, I gave up and made a pallete in the floor near me, just so he could be near me and I could get MY sleep. As I watched him doze off, I closed my eyes and I heard him start to cry in his sleep. "Dear God WHAT NOW?" I prayed allowed. Then I looked at my son, his legs were curling up to his belly and he was grabbing his stomach. "Oh God! Help!" I cried quietly as I tried to assess him. Being the daughter of an RN, I knew enough medical info to be 'Dr. Mom'. As I checked him over, he showed all signs of appendicitis.

My need for sleep suddenly vanished! I quickly told my husband that I needed to take our son to the ER. He decided to stay home with our daughter who was sleeping and I would take our son. During the course of hours at the ER and ultrasounds, visit it was decided it was appendicitis. The military hospital we were at did not have a pediatric surgeon so we had to go by ambulance to the nearest hospital that could do the surgery. I tried to call my husband, his phone was on silent I tried for almost an hour to reach him. Finally I had to call a friend to go over and knock on the door to wake him and drive him down, since I had our only vehicle. When my husband arrived I was in tears and we started praying for a miracle.  I went in the ambulance with our son to the hospital while my husband and daughter followed in my van.

We got to the hospital and they decided to do a reassesment and CT-SCAN before the surgery. We were all praying and asking for a miracle. I remember one of my prayers in the ambulance "Ok God if you were trying to get my attention and humble me it has worked. Please don't let my baby go into a surgery that could harm him more." (My son has a lot of allergies, I was afraid of what could happen in the surgery room.)

During the time at the other hospital, God healed him. He started talking more, smiling, fever left, and the pain subsided. (Call it what you want but I give God the credit). The CT-SCAN showed no signs of anything wrong. My son was safe to come home.

That day I realized I HAD BEEN THE ONE WHO WAS CHILDISH. I kept focusing on me-me-me. I was pregnant and didn't want to be at time. (I'm so glad I had my baby now). It was all about how I felt and my needs, not my families needs. My husband had been faithly quiet and attentive to me like feminist say he should be...he performed like they wanted him to. Sometimes I wished he would have recorded one of my rants to give me a reality check!

Now I still have my "It's all about me moments" I think that is human nature.  But I realize that when it's all about me, it could take a life or damage someone else worse. What if I had just baby gated my son and ignored him? He appendix could have burst or he could have been worse or he could have died.

As for my feelings of just milk nurse, diaper changer, cook, maid: well IT'S ALL IMPORTANT. Every nose I wipe, every diaper I change, every boo-boo I kiss, every meal I cook, it ALL matters!

Each action is like the images below: 

 Each one seems like nothing, but they are each a cropped segment of the pictures below. Without each piece the following images would be incomplete:

Lilly Pond-Money, Sistine Chapel 3 images, and The Stroll-Monet.  All of these are beautiful images worth fortunes, but if you take part of the painting away it's worthless. Just a damaged piece of nothing.

It is the same with our children...each piece, each brush stroke-so to speak...is an investment in them.  The Bible tells us to die to ourself. In other words, don't focus on yourself all the time. Yes you must take care of yourself, but life shouldn't be all about you. If you are showering/bathing at mid-night, so what! Instead of thinking "oh poor me" think "oh yes, time in the still of the night". CHANGE YOUR THINKING. When you change your thinking habits you will be happier.

Sure it gets lonely at times, but when you are lonely. Encourage yourself some how. Call up a friend, husband or you mom and say "I've feeling down. I could use some encouragement. Do I really matter? Does all these diapers, dishes, snotty noses mean anytihng?" Get someone who will tell you the truth, not a friend who tells you what you want to hear. Keep books around your house that ENCOURAGES mothering...NOT FEMINISM. Get the magazines out of your house that tell you "You can have it all" because while you are getting it all, your husband and children are getting leftovers.

You call it Identity Loss... I call motherhood "A HUMBLING OF SELF AND A CHANGE IN IDENTITY"  Until you have a child (by birth or adoption) YOU ARE NOT A MOTHER! You cannot be IDENTIFIED as a mother until you ARE one. Sure it is a difficult change at times, but it's a change you have to make, unless you want to hurt your child's emotional well being or put it up for adoption.

(Yes you can hurt your child emotionally if you are always putting them off to the side like they are baggage. I will even go as far as to say that a child is better off in a poor family with love and attention than with a rich family that shoves them off to a nanny or fills their days with activities and things to substitute for parenting. These are the "real housewives" or the "desperate housewives" that the media falsifies to make the 'lowly housewife' feel worse... I say lowly housewife with ALL sarcasim. I don't have the things they have but I promise you this I'm happier and have more joy than all of them combined.)

If you are finding yourself in the middle of the struggle of motherhood vs self. GET ALL MEDIA OUT of your house...tv, magazines, website etc that promote having it all. Then listen to your maternal instincts...not your mind. Ask your husband what he thinks...listen to him without being offended.

(I'm not bashing those who must use daycare or a sitter to work. I understand 100% that circumstances can prevent women from being at home with their children. I am specifically talking about women who CHOOSE to have a career when they could scale down on spending and living, live in a smaller home, etc. I'm talking about those who CHOOSE me first. If a mother is working because withour the income, the family would starve or lose the house/car, then that is NEEDED. These are the women who can also work towards coming home. It can take years to be able to do but it can be done, with a lot of finacially planning and work.)

Laundry: Washing & Drying

1. Before washing close all zippers and AGAIN check pockets as you add items one at a time to the washer.
2. Next treat any stains with stain remover or laundry detergent. I prefer the stain remover. Follow instructions on the label of your stain remover/detergent.
• For baby stains (poo, spit up, peas, etc) I do use stain remover and soak it for the maximum time allowed on the stain remover label. Then I wash the baby clothes TWICE! Because the baby's skin is so delicate and sensitive, the chemicals can cause irritation.
3. Start washer to the right settings (reg., perm. press, delicate, etc) and the correct temperature. Add detergent according to size, as soon as you turn on your washer. Your water temperature will vary for the loads you wash. I rarely use hot water, I mainly use it on undergarments, towels, and whites that need bleaching. I use cold water for everything else because it saves on the gas bill and it prevents colors from bleeding and shrinkage.

What detergent to use?  Because we have a baby in the home and my husband is ACTIVE DUTY ARMY we use ONLY one type of detergent in our home: ALL FREE & CLEAR.  It is especially formulated for the new military uniforms because it contains NO Optical Brightners and since it is free of dyes or perfumes it is safe for baby's skin.

1. Add your liquid fabric softener if needed. Use either the 'Ball' like the one made by Downy or use the fabric softener dispenser in most washing machines it will usually be in the center of the washer's "turny thingy". (I'm bad with technical terms...LOL)/
2. Add bleach IF NEEDED-read your clothing labels! The bleach dispenser is usually located in the corner under the lid. Use the correct amount according to the bleach label. Allow it to drain into the water and mix...just a minute or two.
3. Add your clothes to the washer. CLOSE THE LID!
4. It will take 30-45 minutes to wash, depending upon your load size and if you have a second rinse setting turned on.

DRYING-Read care labels first!:

1. After your clothes are washed, dry according to your clothing care labels. Some items need to lay flat to dry; some need high heat like towels; some need low-no heat; some need to be hung to dry.

DRYING IN THE DRYER:

1. Put the clothes in dryer. Add a dryer sheet to prevent static. Some people use tennis balls or a special dryer ball. I don't do this because I don't like the noise it makes and I LOVE the scents in my laundry. However, on the baby's clothes I use either NO dryer sheets or ones made for the baby (or one that have NO PERFUMES OR DYES). I cut the dryer sheets in half for the baby because his loads are not large and it makes them last longer.
2. Remove any lint from the lint trap.
3. Choose correct drying temperature. Some dryers more dry/less dry settings along with timed drying. Read you users manual for the best choice. I personally use the more dry setting according to the heat needed for my laundry.
4. Drying can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Depending upon load, size, and temperature used..
5. Once clothes are done remove from dryer fold, hang or iron (if needed).

Laundry: Sorting

Sorting can be a difficult task for some and an easy task for others...depending upon your family size!  There are some homemakers who suggest washing it all based on lights/darks or other simple ways. However, to keep you clothes looking nice and lasting long there are certain "rules/guidelines" that must be followed.

Basic Beginnings:

1. Read the care instructions on the tags. Place all dryclean only items, handwash items, and other special care items into to piles of their own. 
2. DRYCLEAN Clothing: I don't take things to the cleaners unless they need a REAL hard pressing because the crease has worn away OR it is my husband's Military Dress Uniform. I use DRYEL for the regular dry cleaning.
3. REACH INTO EVERY POCKET! Don't settle for a simple pat down, you CAN miss something.
4. INSPECT: A) for repairs needed: ripped seems, loose or missing buttons, etc & B) STAINS
5. TURN items inside out that need it. Unless the instructions say to turn the item inside out it will wash just fine without turning inside out. BUT many housewives agree that turning items inside out prevents fading, wear from friction, snagging and piling.

Sorting:
You can either sort by color, clothing type, or family members

COLOR SORTING:        Sorting by color assure that colors won't fade on to lighter colors. Typical sorting of colors includes the following catergories-assuming the clothes have colorfastness! These may seem like alot of loads, but we don't wear something from every catagory everyday so it can take a while to build up a load of laundry.

• SOLID WHITES: These are all white items that are typically underwear, undershirts, socks, etc. These are the items that you can use pure bleach on.
• LIGHT WHITES: Light colored socks, underwear, undershirts. These may have other colors or prints on them.
• REDS: Reds are notrious for bleeding and turning other clothing pink. Reds can be mixed with BRIGHT oranges and pinks.
• PASTELS: These are typically the spring time colors or baby colors. As long as the item has colorfastness and they have the same washing care these colors can be mixed together.
• TOWELS: Because towels have so much lint, they always need to be washed seperately from the other types of clothing.
• SHEETS: Because of the size of sheets I recommend washing sheet sets as one small/medium load.
• BABY: Baby blankets, sheets, burp blothes, bibs and clothes can be washed together. I put baby items as one catagory because sometime these clothing needs special detergents, unless they are dark colors or reds
• BLACKS: Wash black together inside out to prevent fading and piling.
• MED-DARK BLUES: These include denims and dark purples.
• BRIGHT BLUES: These include bright purples too. (Light purples should be washed with pastels)
• DARKS: Some will combine ALL dark colors into one pile and this works well too.
• DIAPERS: For those who use cloth diapers and cloth wipes, these should always be washed seperately from other clothes.

CLOTHING TYPE SORTING:

• Towels & Lint Givers
• Sheets
• Jeans/Denim
• Khaki
• T-Shirts
• Dress Shirts/ Dressy Clothing
• Undergarmets
• Baby Clothing
• Heavy Weight Fabrics
• Light Weight Fabrics
• Uniforms

FAMILY MEMBER SORTING:
      Sorting according to each family member. Some prefer this method because it make putting away easier. It will work if all fabric is able to be washed and dried at the same temperature. I don't personally like this method.

The Way I Do It:
I use a mix of color sorting and fabric type. This way the fabrics won't wear each other out and the colors won't fade.

Laundry: Laundry Care Symbols

What are those symbols on the tags?

The symbols on the Tags are care instruction. Each symbol represents a special care instruction with variations of each one. These were created to help consumers in the North American Free Trade Agreement the ability to understand care instruction without having to write the instructions in written words.

More detailed list:

This is a more detailed list from TEXTILE INDUSTRY AFFAIRS. If you are new to the homemaking business print this out and place it in plastic page protectors and put in your laundry room. I prefer this chart.
GUIDE TO COMMON HOME LAUNDERING AND DRYCLEANING SYMBOLS (pdf)

Understanding these symbols and following their guidelines will ensure the quality and life-spam of your clothes.

Advice to Ladies about Valentines day & Other Gifts

So often I hear women complain "he didn't get me what I WANTED for Valentine's Day!" or "I gave him hints but he didn't get it"  And I hear from men "DON'T GIVE ME HINTS"...

MEN DON'T GET HINTS! THEY ARE NOT IGNORING YOU, THEY JUST DON'T COMPREHEND IT! Give them a break; if you want something tell them!

Ladies,


Don't drop hints to your husbands, boyfriends, fiances about Valentines day. Tell them what you would like. If you want it to be a surprise...give him a list of things that you would be happy to have. I tell my husband all the time "don't buy me flowers, they die, I want something that is useful and lasts".

I'm not against flowers, but I don't want him to spend alot of money on them. I would much rather have a $10 bouquet from Wal-Mart for a "just because" than to have him spend $50-$150 to get me roses on Valentines day.

Don't make it hard on the men, then be disappointed when you didn't get what you wanted! He's my list of general items that I would like to have for special occasions:

-Housework Coupon Book
-Gift Certificate for a message
-A personal message by hubby
-New houseplant
-New attachments for KitchenAid
-Dark Chocolate
-Coupon for a free morning to sleep in past 0500
-Coupon for a free afternoon
-Homemade by him Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

These may not be expensive things but are things that I like and would rather have than flowers that die.

Frugal (but appreciated) Valentines Day Gifts

Everyone lately is looking for ways to cut corners and save money where they can. Valentines Day is coming up soon and this is one area that you can save lots of $$$!

Flowers die with in days or a week if your lucky. Chocolate goes to the hips...or other places.  SO how can you stretch that dollar and still make your mother or wife feel loved?

1st STEP: LISTEN TO WHAT SHE IS SAYING... women usually give hints early! They will mention something they like or usually show you something. (This isn't fair to men, because men usually can't read the hints.) 

If you have to ask, then do it... It would better much better than her being disappointed. (hopefully, she won't get mad at you for reading her mind.) Or offer her this advice from another blog of mine:
Ladies,
Don't drop hints to your husbands, boyfriends, fiances about Valentines day. Tell them what you would like. If you want it to be a surprise...give him a list of things that you would be happy to have. I tell my husband all the time "don't buy me flowers, they die, I want something that is useful and lasts".

I'm not against flowers, but I don't want him to spend alot of money on them. I would much rather have a $10 bouquet from Wal-Mart for a "just because" than to have him spend $50-$150 to get me roses on Valentines day.

Don't make it hard on the men, then be disappointed when you didn't get what you wanted! He's my list of general items that I would like to have for special occasions:
-Housework Coupon Book
-Gift Certificate for a message
-A personal message by hubby
-New houseplant
-New attachments for KitchenAid
-Dark Chocolate
-Coupon for a free morning to sleep in past 0500
-Coupon for a free afternoon
-Homemade by him Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

These may not be expensive things but are things that I like and would rather have than flowers that die.

Here is a list of items that can be given to anyone. (the wording is towards women, but you can switch things around for men or children)

• Homemade coupons books: housework, favors, nights out
• Make Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries (or her preferred chocolate type)
• Make a homemade dinner WITHOUT her help!
• Personally written poem
• Handmade card
• Calendar with pictures through out the time married
• A day-off from housework and kids while everyone else does the work
• Homemade gift basket (see Gift Basket Blog)
• A Bubble Bath surrounded with candles
• Candles
• Her favorite drink and a new book
• If you have vacation time saved up, take the day off before or after Valentine's Day and spend extra time together.
• Make a cd or playlist on your MP3 player with just her favorite songs, spend the night dancing and serenading herr at home.
• Put together a shadow box of all the things that remind you of her or your special times together with a picture of you or both of you in the center.
• Make heart shaped cookies.
• Make your own candry wrappers with messages of love on them...use her favorite candy
• Give her gifts that pertain to her favorite hobby: scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, reading etc
• Lists! List why you love her, what you love about her, why you are glad you married
• Photo gifts...walmart and walgreens have inexpensive photo gifts that you can have made: posters, coffee mugs, throws, and more

Baby Food: Carrots & Carrot Juice for Baby

 Baby Food: Pureed Carrots
Ingredients:
Carrots (any amount-I use 3-4lbs because I make bulk quantities.)
Water

1. If you use regular carrots wash with veggie brush to remove ALL dirt or peel the carrots. Slice into sticks or if you have a food processor with a slicer slice the carrots
2. Put enough water over the carrots to barely cover the top.
3. Boil until tender-not mushy. They should still hold their shape but be soft.
4. Turn off heat and let cool 5 minutes.
5. Place into food processor or blender. Puree until you reach the consistancy that you desire.
6. Let cool.

Here you can either freeze "as is" or strain the juice.

To Freeze:
Cube Method:

1. Place pureed carrots from processor into ice cube trays and freeze.
2. Once frozen place in freezer bag and place bag in freezer.
3. Defrost the needed amount of cubes as necessary.

Jar Method:

1. Place in Freezer jars (use jars especially made for the freezer such as Ball/Kerr Blue Label canning jars). Using a wide mouth funnel helps prevent spills.
2. Leave HEAD SPACE of about 1-1/2 inches.
3. Place in freezer. Defrost 1 jar as needed. (To defrost jars move from freezer to refrigerator overnight.)

To get the CARROT JUICE:

1. BEFORE placing in jar use a mess strainer over a bowl and place 8 oz carrot in the strainer.
2. Press the carrots until the juice no longer comes out.
3. Move the carrots from the strainer to jars. Use a wide mouth strainer to prevent spilling the carrots.
4. Repeat this process until all carrots have been strained.
5. Take the strained juice and place in freezer jars using a wide mouth funnel.
6. Freeze

I use the carrot juice (and other juice from fruits & veggies) to make cereal instead of water or milk. All of my children loved homemade baby food and homemade juices.

Homemade Baby Wipes

Having more than one baby in diapers cost A LOT!!!!! I have been looking into ways to save money. Well I have given cloth diapers considerable thought, but I REALLY hate to do laundry so that just won't work for me. I have decided to save money by making my own baby wipes that contains soaps with lavender and tea tree oil.

Lavender has antispetic and antiinflammatory properties. Tea tree oil has antispetic and antifungal properties.

Please before using any essentials oils or soaps with essential oils in them, read for any precautions or warning labels. Some oils are completely safe on the skin but can be dangerous if swallowed.

To make 2 containers of wipes:
2 Plastic containers with lids (I use old huggies containers)
1 Roll Viva Paper Towels (Select-a-size type) (See Update)
2 TBS Avalon Lavendar Shower Gel (organic)
2 TBS Nature's Gate Tea Tree Liquid Soap (organic)
2 TBS Baby Oil
4 Cups Boiling Water (Allow to cool before using the wipes)

Prepare your paper towels by either cutting the roll in half and removing the cardboard from the center or tear each paper towel off.  {I cut the roll in half and then zig-zag fold it into the container.}

Boil your water get it to a good rolling boil. In a mixing bowl combine your soaps, oil, then add your water slowly 1 cup at a time. This will cause the ingredients to combine without making too many bubbles.

Next put 1/4 of your towel in the bottom of each containers. Add in 1 Cup of your liquid mixture. Give the towels a minute to soak it all up. Then place the remaining towel in the containers splitting them evenly. Add 1 cup of the liquid on the top of the towel.

Allow the towels to soak up the liquid. Now you have 230 wipes for the total cost of $2.72.

My initial investment was 4 rolls of Viva paper towels (I had a $1 off coupon when I buy 4) {$4.96/$1.25 each roll}; Avalon Organic Lavender Soap-12oz {$5.59/ $0.47 per oz}; Nature's Gate Tea Tree Liquid Soap-16oz {$4.29/ $0.27 per oz}; and the baby oil and wipes containers I had in my home. My initial investment is $14.84. However, I will be able to make 920 wipe out of these four rolls of paper towels. After using all the paper towels I will still have alot of soap left over to make more.

(Please note these prices are from DeCA-the military commissary. You may find coupons for these online to help cut cost. Also, health food stores may carry other organic brands at cheaper prices-but not always.)

I do recommend using only certified organic soaps in these so that you know for certain that only the highest quality products will be used on your precious baby.

***Please note that some people have reactions to lavendar oil and tea tree oil. Use precaution. All 3 kids and I have very sensitive skin and have never had a problem using essential oils.***

UPDATE: I HAVE FOUND BOUNTY WORKS BETTER (select a size). I bought my paper towels at Sam's this time. The price is a little less per roll. However, I knew I needed a large amount for Spring Cleaning.

Baby Food: Pear Juice & Pearsauce

Making baby food is cheaper than buying premade.

Price below are found using Google & Google Shopping:
Gerber Pear Juice 4oz @ Walgreens $1.19
Gerber Pear Juice 4-4oz Pack @ Walgreens $4.59
Gerber Pear Juice 32oz @ Fort Myers Grocery Delivery Service $3.29

Gerber Pears 2nd Foods 2-3.5 oz pack @ Walgreens $1.79
Gerber Pears 1st Foods 1-2.5 oz pack @ Walgreens $1.59

I bought 3 pears of each Barlett, D'Anjou, and Red pears for about $3.50 total. From this I made 40oz pearsauce and 41oz Pear Juice. There's no sugar added and I only added "Fresh Fruit" to keep the food from turning color while exposed to air.

How I make my Pear Baby Foods:

Pear Juice & Pear Sauce at the same time: (FREEZER METHOD of storing)

1. Peel, Seed, & Core all pears.
2. Slice into approx. 1/2 - 1 inch cubes. {*Tip* If the 'meat' of the fruit is soft it doesn't need to be cut into smaller pieces. If the 'meat' if firm it needs smaller pieces}
3. Place in to sauce pan/stock pot fill to just above the pear's level.
4. Add in "Fresh Fruit" or other natural perservative to keep fruit fresh tasting and from discoloring. Lemon juice works well or Citric Acid aka Vitamin C.
5. Bring to a boil SLOWLY!
6. Boil on the lowest possible setting, until the all the 'meat' is tender.
7. Use a cone stainer over a large bowl to strain the meat from the juice. As the strainer fills up, place the meat into a food processor or blender.
8. Continue to seperate the juice and meat until all has been seperated.
9. To get clearer juice with less pulp filter a second time with a coffee filter in the strainer
10. Let juice cool.
11. Now that the juice is cooling and all the 'meat' is in the blend/food processor. Simply hit puree or turn on your machine. I let mine run for about 30-60 seconds because my baby is at the 1st foods stage.
12. Once it is to the consistancy that you like turn off the machine and let it cool.
13. Prepare for freezer...
• Use either clean ice cube trays and freeze into small cubes to store in freezer bags or freezer jars.
• OR place into freezer jars (Like Kerr & Ball Blue Label) and freeze in large quanities for defrosting for a weeks' use.
14. To freeze the juice:
• Once cooled. Place in quart size freezer bags to about 1 -2 inches from the top. Place on a cookie sheet then place in freezer to set firm.
• OR OR place into freezer jars (Like Kerr & Ball Blue Label) 8 or 12 oz and freeze.

I use 12 oz freezer jars for juice and 8 oz freezer jars for baby food. I also keep the minor pulp in the juice instead of straining it with a coffee filter. Malachi is on a sippy cup already so it doesn't clog up as easy as a bottle. I use the Gerber Nuk stage 1 sippy/transition cups.  He has not been on a bottle since he was less than a month old. He has been strictly nursed until recently.

Bubble Paint

1/2 Cup Ivory Flakes
1/2 Cup Water
Food Coloring

1. Beat the ivory flakes and water until thick.
2. Pour small amounts into baby food jars and add a few drops of food coloring to each jar.
3. This can be used as finger paints.

Cinnamon/ Applesauce Ornaments

3/4 Cup Applesauce
1 Cup Ground Cinnamon or 4 oz Jar
1 TBS Ground Cloves
1 TBS Ground Nutmeg
2 TBS Glue

1. Mix all ingredients in a plastic bag.
2. Roll out and use cookie cutters to form shapes and put hole in top of ornament for hanging ornaments (use straw or coffee stirrers to make holes).
3. Let air dry.

Cornstarch Clay

1 Cup Cornstarch
2 Cups Baking Soda (1lb box)
1 1/4 Cups Water
Food Coloring

1. Mix ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Cook & stir over medium heat.
3. When thickened like dough, knead for 1-2 minutes.
4. Use cookie cutters to shape & let dry overnight.
5. You can also paint the shapes.

Crunchy Dough

1 Shredded Wheat Biscuit
2 TBS Glue
Food Coloring (optional)

1. Crumble the shredded wheat into a bowl.
2. Add the glue and food coloring and mix together until cereal is coated.
3. Shape into your design. Objects will air dry in 12 hours.

Crayon Chunks

Broken Crayons

1. Line each cup of a muffin tin with 3 paper cupcake liners (the aluminum ones work best).
2. Peel the wrapping off of the crayons and fill each of the cups halfway with the pieces. (You can sort them by color or mix several colors together for a rainbos effect.)
3. Place the muffin tin in a 250 degree oven for about 20 minutes until the crayons pieces have melted.
4. When cool, peel the liners from each crayon and you've got big new crayons.

Decorative Dye

You can color rice or pasta with this easy dye.

1 Container with Lid
1 TBS Rubbing Alcohol
Food Coloring

1. In a small tightly lidded container, put rubbing alcohol and 6 drops of food coloring.
2. Place items to be dyed in the mixture and secure lid.
3. Shake the container gently for 1 minute.
4. Spread the items on paper towels to dry.

"Gak" Like Stuff

1 Cup Glue
3/4 Cup Water
1/2 Tsp Borax
1/4 Cup Water
Food Coloring

1. Mix glue and 3/4 water until no longer sticky.
2. Separately dissolve borax in 1/4 cup water.
3. Add borax solution to glue solution.
4. You will get a thick clump of slime
5. Knead the mixture about 5-10 minutes.

Potpourri Molds

1 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Salt
1 Cup Potpourri
1/3 to 1/2 Cup Water

1. Mix everything and refrigerate for about 5 minutes.
2. Then place in cookie cutters or molds to set and let dry.

Post Office Ink

1 Tsp Food Coloring
3 TBS Liquid Starch
1 TBS Water

1. Mix together.
2. Use in shallow tray with stamps or rollers

Starch Paint

Liquid Starch
Powered Tempera Paint
Water for Consistency

Mix together and start painting.

I don't have any measurements for this. I'm one of those cook/make without measurements.

Salt Paint

2 TBS Salt
1 TBS Liquid Starch
1 TBS Water
Few drops of liquid tempera

1. Mix in a small bowl.
2. This will be roughly textured.

Sand Sculptures

1 Cup Sand
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
3/4 Cup Liquid Starch
a few drops of food coloring

1. Cook over low heat about 1 minutes.
2. Use cookie cutters for molds and let set for a few hours.

Tattoo Paint

Shoe Paint
1 TBS Cold Cream
2 TBS Corn Starch
1 TBS Water
a few drops of food coloring

Mix everything and start painting.

Tree Ornaments

4 Cups Flour
1 Cup Salt
1 1/2 Cup Water
Acrylic Paint
Shellac

1. Mix all ingredients and mix for five minutes.
2. Roll out very thin and cut out shapes.
3. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-60 minutes.
4. Ornaments are ready when they puff up and turn brown.
5. When cool, paint with acrylic and then shellac.

Crock Pot Pizza

One bag of wide egg noodles
1 or 2 lb ground beef-depending upon how much meat you like
2 cans pizza sauce or 1- 32oz canof spaghetti sauce   {halved}
3-4 cups mozzarella cheese or 2 bags Kraft Italian/Pizza Cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup, not watered down {halved}
Pizza ingredients (olives, Mushrooms, pepperoni whatever you like)

Crock Pot version: 3-4 hours
To make clean up easier spray crock pot with cooking oil before starting

1. Cook the egg noodles following bag directions.
2. Brown the hamburger.
3. Then layer the ingredients in the crock pot, mix the noodles with a half of sauce and cream of mushroom soup, next add in you ground beef top with the remainder of the sauce and soup, next add in your pizza toppings, and top with a little cheese.
4. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Oven version: 15-30 minutes

1. Cook the egg noodles following bag directions.
2. Brown the hamburger.
3. Then layer the ingredients in the crock pot, mix the noodles with a half of sauce and cream of mushroom soup, next add in you ground beef top with the remainder of the sauce and soup, next add in your pizza toppings, and top with a little cheese.
4. Cook on 350 until cheese is melted and slightly beginning to turn gold. Usually 15-30 minutes.

You can't be a Christian woman and a feminist too

Makes me wonder how "Christian" Women can be so liberal

THE FEMINIST AGENDA -- In their leaders’ own words:


1. "The simple fact is that every woman must be willing to be identified as a lesbian to be fully feminist." (National NOW Times, Jan.1988).

2. "Since marriage constitutes slavery for women, it is clear that the women's movement must concentrate on attacking this institution. Freedom for women cannot be won without the abolition of marriage." (radial
feminist leader Sheila Cronan).

3. "Being a housewife is an illegitimate profession... The choice to serve and be protected and plan towards being a family-maker is a choice that shouldn't be. The heart of radical feminism is to change that."
(Vivian Gornick, feminist author, University of Illinois, "The Daily Illini," April 25, 1981.

4. The most merciful thing a large family can do to one of its infant members is to kill it." (Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, in "Women and the New Rage," p.67.

5. "In order to raise children with equality, we must take them away from families and communally raise them." (Dr. Mary Jo Bane, feminist and assistant professor of education at Wellesley College and associate
director of the school's Center for Research on Woman).

6. "Marriage has existed for the benefit of men; and has been a legally sanctioned method of control over women... We must work to destroy it. The end of the institution of marriage is a necessary condition for the
liberation of women. Therefore it is important for us to encourage women to leave their husbands and not to live individually with men... All of history must be re-written in terms of oppression of women. We must go
back to ancient female religions like witchcraft." (from "The Declaration of Feminism," November 1971).

7. "Overthrowing capitalism is too small for us. We must overthrow the whole... patriarch!" (Gloria Steinhem, radical feminist leader, editor of 'MS' magazine).

8. In response to a question concerning China's policy of compulsory abortion after the first child, Molly Yard responded, "I consider the Chinese government's policy among the most intelligent in the world."
(Gary Bauer, "Abetting Coercion in China," The Washington Times", October 10, 1989).

9. "Let's forget about the mythical Jesus and look for encouragement, solace and inspiration from real women... Two thousand years of patriarchal rule under the shadow of the cross ought to be enough to turn
women toward the feminist 'salvation' of this world." (Annie Laurie Gaylor, "Feminist Salvation," "The Humanist", July/August 1988, p.37.

10. "By the year 2000 we will, I hope, raise our children to believe in human potential, not God." (Gloria Steinhem, editor of 'MS' magazine.)

Source: Center for Children's Justice in Denver, CO (Robert Muchnick - http://www.childrensjustice.org/ )

This is posted here since the feminist agenda has empowered women to be abusive to men. The Violence Against WOMEN Act does not have a dime in it to help men and we ALL need write to congress and tell them we want a DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT that is indeed gender neutral.

I would not want a violence against MEN act to take the place of this since women ARE being battered and if we do not address BOTH SIDES we will not help any.

God's Message To Women

God's Message to Women


taken from "Desired By the King" by Ruth Rieder (Harvey)

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.But you , woman, I fashioned. After I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are to delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone I fashioned you, and I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you were meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you, I modeled you.

I created you perfectly and beautifully.Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side to stand beside him and be held close to his side as you stand beside him.

I have caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I have held your heart close to Mine. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me but could only feel me. My presence. So I fashioned in you everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me: My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection and support.

You are special because you are the extension of me. Man represents my image - Woman, my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man, treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

Did you know that woman was so special in God's eyes?

~Author Unknown~

Homemaking Is Profession

"The thing that is so important for us to keep before us is that if we choose not to do this very special job, it wll simply not get done. The mothering, the nurturing, the comforting and the caring that fills the committed homemaker's day will simply be lost, and society will be impoverish... ... See MoreWomen can give up their jobs as clerks, engineers, salespeople, doctors-other people will step in and the world will go on as smoothly as before... The groceries will still be sold, trucks loaded with merchandise will still roll across our highways, and Wall Street will carry on. Not with homemaking. We are special people into whose hands the homes of the country and the world have been entrusted. When we leave THIS job the world does not go on as before. It falters and begins to lose its way. We are homemakers are indispensible. HOMEMAKING IS MUCH MORE THAN A JOB....IT'S A PROFESSION: a profession which is venerable, honorable, and of the highest benefit to mankind. We must not forget this." ~Mary LaGrand Bouma-The Creative Homemaker

Bra Color....

Recently, women were posting single words post of colors...the colors of their bras to be exact. I was guilty of passing along the email privately to a few friends as I do with all forwards, however, I did not post my bra color. Why? BECAUSE THAT IS PRIVATE INFORMATION THAT SHOULD NOT BE TOLD WHERE EVERYONE AND ANYONE CAN SEE IT.


What's even more shocking some who were doing it? Girls, there's only 1 word to say that would be describe what you should have done... HUSH! Shame on we apostolics who did this and those who passed it on. Husbands, fathers, & ministers (male & female) ...There should have been some "talkin' to" going on. My husband would have died if I posted my bra color for everyone to see. My dad would have died of shame for me be such an exhibitionist. (exhibitionist - someone who deliberately behaves in such a way as to attract attention).

Let' REALLY think about this... Since everyone now knows the color of your undergarments... some even posted size and material (ie lace)... Men who you don't know very well can imagine you in your bra. Now ladies, men are VERY visual, you have given them the power to imagine you in your bra. How many people actually know who is on the sex offender list in their area? (I do and I look in my hometown too)

Now don't give me this "It was for breast cancer awareness"... This is the blame game...passing the blame off to something else. There is more that can be done for breast cancer awareness than exposing the color of your undergarments. Why not go ask 10 people for $10 for you to walk 2 miles while wearing all pink? That's $100 that can support breast cancer research. Ladies, if you have to wear a bra then more than likely you know about breast cancer and the health precautions we must take. Your doctor SHOULD be telling you that once a year at your annual exams.

The Bible tells us to be Holy, Separate, Discreet, Chaste, Modest, Pure, (Matt or Sister Cochran...what am I leaving out?) {quick side note: Sister Cochran Publicly condemned this - Good Job & Matt expressed his though on it at home in which it was very negative}

Here are the definitions of these words:

Holy:
1. Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
2. Regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.
3. Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly
4. Specified or set apart for a religious purpose
5. Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct
6. Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence

Seperate
1. Divided from another or others; disjoined; disconnected; separated
2. Unconnected; not united or associated; distinct
3. Disunited from the body; disembodied

Discreet:
1 : having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech
2 : unpretentious, modest
3 : unobtrusive, unnoticeable

Chaste:
1. not having experienced sexual intercourse; virginal
2. abstaining from unlawful or immoral sexual intercourse
3. (of conduct, speech, etc.) pure; decent; modest
4. (of style or taste) free from embellishment; simple; restrained

Modest:
1. Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own talents, abilities, and value.
2. Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to oneself; retiring or diffident.
3. Observing conventional proprieties in speech, behavior, or dress.
4. Free from showiness or ostentation; unpretentious.
5. Moderate or limited in size, quantity, or range; not extreme

Pure:
1. Having a homogeneous or uniform composition; not mixed
2. Free from adulterants or impurities
3. Free of dirt, defilement, or pollution
4. Free of foreign elements.
5. Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous
6. Complete; utter
7. Having no faults; sinless
8. Chaste; virgin.
9. Of unmixed blood or ancestry.

By exposing our bra colors we have violated the Word of God and the example that we set as a Holy People.

One could even go as far as to say that those who have posted their bra color could have caused a man or young man to faulter in thought and make the man lust after them...thus creating a mindset for adultery (see Matthew 5:27-30). This is probably a rare case, but there are men out there who are obsessed with certain women and these are the fanatics who go into stalking, OCD, and even murder (the "If I can't have her, no one can"). Yes this is extreme, but shouldn't we take precautions to prevent the extreme.

Susan B Komen Foundation, even said this was a great way to raise breast cancer awareness. NOT EVEN. Ladies it would be better for us to pick a day and wear all pink that day than to have a tell all about our underwear. Shame on Susan B Komen Foundation. I would even say wearing a t-shirt with "Save the Tataas" is better than telling your bra color.

Well, I'm sure someone will get offended or say I'm too old fashioned. Or my favorite one - "Well Bridgette you used to be a feminist and ------- and you did this stuff too". Well people grow, mature, and realize that just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean it's right. Remember people can change in one prayer meeting with the help of God Almighty. (Last side note: In a private group of ladies talking about our bras and such is decent...to a point, we must watch ourselves. Lingerie parties are ok, in my opinion, as long as the attendants are married and such is kept appropriate and decent.)

Chili with Chocolate

I always double my recipes because I like to cook and freez half for my "I don't wanna do anything" days. For a single meal cut measurements in half. Read recipe through before beginning.

2.5 lbs grounds beef
2 cups chopped onion
4-6 cloves garlic, minced, divided

Step 2
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained (original recipe)
Or
1 can diced tomatoes and 1 can tomato sauce (my way)

2 cans chili beans in mild or spicy sauce (originial recipe)
or
2 cans beans (kindey, pinto, black, or mixed) and 1 package chili seasoning or add your own spices (I add my own)
{quick side note: I like to cook from my pantry so I learn to substitute and make good with what I have on hand}

4 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons grated semisweet baking chocolate (I use 54% cacao or higher I prefer 75% cacao)

Add last hour
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon talk
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I use jalapeno sauce)

1) Brown & scramble beef, onion and 2 cloves garlic in large skillet. Drain fat.
2) Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. DO NOT use spices listed under "Add last hour" here. Add tomatoes, beans, chili powder, chocolate and remaining garlic. (Add tomato sauce and other spices if you used a substitute in Step 2 ingredients.) Mix well.
3) Cook on Low 5-6 hours. (Or in a hurry on high for 2 hours and low for 1 hour)
4) During last hour add cumin, salt, pepper and hot sauce.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese 3 Hr Recipe and a 30 minute Recipe

Copied from my facebook page

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese 3hr recipe & 30 min Recipe
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 8:02pm

Original from Paula Deen on Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/creamy-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/index.html) Cooking time 3 hours. Full credit is given to Food Network and Paula Deen for this Recipe and the inspiration for the recipes below.

Paula Deen's Creamy Macaroni and Cheese- 3 Hour Time

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (an 8-ounce box isn't quite 2 cups)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stuck) butter, cut into pieces
2 1/2 cups (about 10 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. In a slow cooker, combine cheese/butter mixture and add the eggs, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well. Then add drained macaroni and stir again. Set the slow cooker on low setting and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.


My Modified Version: Matt went nuts for this on Christmas Day!

Creamy Dreamy Cheesey Macaroni and Cheese: 30 Min Baking Time

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (an 8-ounce box isn't quite 2 cups)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stuck) butter, cut into pieces
3 cups (about 10 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar, Coldy, & Jack cheeses - 1/2 cup seperated (topping)
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

~Heat oven to 350F.

~Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain. Place in oven safe casserole, set aside.

~In a mixer, beat the eggs,then add sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and mix well. Pour over macaroni, stir.

~In a medium saucepan, melt butter then add 2 1/2 cups of cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.

~Add cheese and butter mixture to macaroni mixture, combine well. Top with 1/2 cup cheese.

~Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling.


My Over-The-Top-Cheese-Addiction version:

Made this tonight for Matt... Still waiting for his official comments but I will say half the pan is gone with just him and Matthias eating

~Use 11 different kinds of cheese from the pre-shredded Kraft bags: Five Cheese Italian, Swiss, Colby Jack, Cheddar, and Mexican Cheese (without the taco seasoning).

~Increase to 4 cups of cheese, and 5 tablespoons butter. Reserve 1 cup cheese for topping.

~To prevent burning in the bottom of the sauce pan since all these cheeses have different melting tempuratures add a splash of milk to the mixture.

~If the cheese absorbs all the milk before all cheeses have melted add a little more milk...just a splash.

Combine as above and bake until bubbling... 30-40 minutes.

The cooking times in my variations are for high altitude.

Household Planner-In Progress

I have begun my own household planner. I am working on it intensely, however, I do have to work around the needs of my family. But it is coming along nicely. I have many pages already complete from monthly through daily planners and chores list. I'm working on Homeschool Pages right now!

FlyLady Didn't Work for Me

I'm a stay-at-home-work-from-home-army-wife-homeschooler-mother-of-3 (all 4 and under). When it was just 3 people in our family it was easy to do the flylady system. But NOW with 5 of us. I just can't keep up with it all and the routines. So I am going to start my own blog and create a system that will suit me. I also tried the S.H.E method, which worked for a while, but I just couldn't get it going.

I'm a list-sticky note-cell phone reminder-date book-planner- person also known as absent minded. So I am thinking about what would work for me. I need my phone (Blackberry Curve). A notebook. Post it notes. Date Book/Planner. Hmmm.... The big calendar didn't work for me because I just didnt' like the format. I like having things in a time block format for each day. This is too many things to have out.

Let's put the post it notes by where we sit the most or buy our phone chargers. (BTW: I don't have a home phone, just my cell.) Cell phone, notebook and date planner.... that is what I will work with for right now. I'll see what I can come up with from here!

See you in a few!!!!