I wrote a post about a trouble I was having with my stepson, which after reading the comments was deleted.  I was upset and needed to vent.  Instead of the prayers I thought would be given I was told that my husband was not doing his part in helping me raise the boys.  My husband is doing the best that he can.  He takes care of 6 people including Nick's Mom, whom has not had a job for years.  We are paying off our debts so in order for the kids to have a decent Christmas he has had to work to make extra commissions.  Plus, if his boss says that he has to go to Seattle or wherever to sell then he has to go.  No ones job is safe in this economy and everyone has to keep their noses to the grindstone. 

Bryan has never nor would ever say that he was being like his Mom when Nick was around.  It was said privately to me in our bedroom when the kids were asleep down the hall.  Nick knows that we get frustrated with him, but that line has never and will never be crossed in regards to his mother.  Honestly, we do not ever consider her as a part of anything we do.  She lives 2000 miles away, talks to Nick maybe once a week, and has no say in his life, by her decision.  We have given custody papers which she has refused to sign.  Nick will not visit her, he can decide at his age, until she signs the papers.  He says he doesn't want to visit her until he has the proof that she has to send him back.  He wants nothing to do with her, but we try to force him to have somewhat of a relationship with her because she is his mother.  Trust me, its hard because when he gets off the phone he yells at us for forcing him to pick up the phone-we did stop forcing him to return her calls.

I work by saving money for my husband, taking care of the kids because it is not anyone else's responsibility, and sell baked goods and books on Amazon.  About the baked goods, they were cooling and I could not put them away or it would have melted the plastic.  Of course I should have said something to Nick as soon as he walked in the door, but I was doing homework with my other son and it didn't occur to me at the time.  It was mentioned that if I worked my husband would be home to help me.  If I was to work outside of the home I would only work when the kids are in school or my husband is home.  I cannot, however, work outside of the home because I have a workers compensation injury and have not been released by my physician.  

I felt that my husband and I were being attacked.  Apparently I am not allowed to feel frustrated raising a teenager with emotional problems stemmed from his Mother's beatings and rantings on top of his hormonal changes.  This is the end of this conversation now and forever. 

I promise, I will NOT talk about my family life again.  Only our family knows what happens in our home from now on.

P.S. My other son is not perfect, as was mentioned in a comment.  The difference with him is that the formative years he was raised by me and no one, even his teachers, say he is a problem.  Bryson is a people pleaser.  Nick is not. 

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Our little boy would have been 4 years old today.  I have spoken in the past about our son Nathaniel Blake.  He was a 35 week stillborn precious angel.  I decided not to put his picture here because I don't want anyone to feel bad.  Someday maybe I will, but this is a picture of his grave.  It is a sweet plaque.  It has a teddy bear says playing in God's Garden, his birthdate, and says beloved son and brother.

There was a blood clot on Nathaniel's side of the placenta.  It turns out he had my blood clotting disorder.  All he needed was a baby asprin and he would have survived, which is the most difficult part.  Still to this day I kick myself for not forcing the doctors to take him out sooner, but there is nothing to be done now.  I just know that when my husband and I get to heaven our little boy will be there waiting for us.

I often wonder what he would be interested in right now.  When Bryson was 4 he was in the midst of Thomas the tank engine mania.  Would Nathan talk?  He looked most like me when he was born, would he still?  Would Nick pick on him as he does Bryson?  What would be his favorite foods?  I could go on and on.

Still, I'll never know, but God has his reasons.  When I first lost him I was told over and over that at least we know he is in heaven.  For so long that was the worst thing I could hear.  I didn't want Nathan in heaven.  I wanted him with me, so selfishly.  Now, I am so thankful he is in heaven and since I am a born again christian through God's forgiving grace we will be reunited at some time.

~Farrah 

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Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano

I have to conclude this book today because it is due back to the library today (a major "green" thing to do).  I will give her final 5 points that you can do today for each of the remaining chapters.  I highly encourage you to get Mrs. Uliano's book and/or check out her website at www.gorgeouslygreen.com. 

To "green" your palace:

1.  Buy at least two compact fluorescent lightbulbs and install them.  2.  Buy at least one new houseplant (maybe an English Ivy).  3.  Take action to reduce your junk mail.  4.  Call up 1-800-CLEANUP to see which number plastics your municipality accepts.  5.  Give a eco-friendly gift for your next party.

To "green" your pantry:

1.  Make a Gorgeously Green breakfast smoothie (recipe found at www.gorgeouslygreen.com Password: Yummy).  2.  Download the "Best" and "Worst" produce lists and stick them on your fridge.  3.  Download the :Best Choices" list for your fish and stick it on your fridge.  4.  Get online and find your nearest farmer's market or have your own garden.  5.  Try three new organic foods this week..

To "green" your out and about:

1.  Check the tire pressure on your car.  2.  Carpool at least once this week.  3.  Fill your gas tank at night.  4.  Make a short call before making a long trip.  5.  Send an e-card.

To go "supergreen":

1.  Participate in a carbon-offset program (if you are planning to fly).  2.  Log onto Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org) and sign a petition.  3.  Check out the NRDC website (www.nrdc.org/greensquad) and send a friend one of their postcards.  4.  Buy a tree and dedicate it to someone you love (www.treepeople.org).  5.  Take the checklists on page 278 into your office/school.  (check out her website)

G- Green date- Take yourself on a weekly green date.  Find a way to connect with nature.

O-  Organize your day so that you will take fewer trips.  Carpool, bicycle, or take public transport.

R- Recycle absolutely everything.

G-Grab your reusable shopping tote, coffee mug, and water bottle whenever you go out.

E- Encourage all your girlfriends to become Gorgeously Green.

O-Organic whenever possible.

U-Use nontoxic cleaning and beauty products.

S-Shop online, as it saves fossil fuel.

L-Lower your energy consumption by flicking off light switches and appliances.

Y-Yoga every day

G-Generate demand for earth friendly products by voting with your dollars.

R-Reuse as many items as possible.

E-Eliminate as much was as you can.

E-Enjoy your new sense of purpose in life.

N-Nurture yourself and your planet with nothing but the best.

***I want to say that I do not agree 100% with everything in this book.  I feel the same way about this book as I did about Al Gore's nobel peace prize for his An Inconvenient Truth propaganda.  In ANY way, that is moral, you can get the word out to help be good stewards of our Earth you should.  It is important for us to take care of what God has entrusted to us.  All of these are just tips, but you do what you can. 

Blessings,

~Farrah

Remember:  EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY!!!

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I apologize for my delay in posting this series.  First, I want to remind everyone why we are learning to live "green".  The MOST important reason to live "green" is that we are to be good stewards of God's earth.  Just as we are to be good stewards of God's money, we should also make sure we care for, protect, and use wisely our wonderful planet.  Next, we need to make sure that our childrens, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc, lives are not incredibly toxic.  I would feel horrible if my use of chemicals, water, and electricity were to harm them in any way.  Also, we should live "green" because of it's frugality.  If we drive a hybrid car we spend less on fuel (which we are running out of, its causing wars, and we are in debt up to our ears as a nation to use).  If we line dry our clothes we do not use electricity or fuel.  If we recycle, we do not have to pay so much for waste management.  And so on.

Now, for lesson number 3 let's talk about shopping!!!  It's fun, and to me a great stress reliever, but not good for our environment.  Do we really need all of this stuff?  My #1 advice about this is to not ever allow your child in front of the Disney channel or in Target/Walmart.  That's where the consumption begins.  The Dad just HAS to have his big tv/power tool/golf club.  The Mom just HAS to have a new pair of shoes to go with the new outfit or the latest electrical appliance.  Junior just HAS to have the latest video game (BIG issue in this household).  Patsy just HAS to have the newest Barbie.  Of course little baby has to have  new toys for stimulation and the latest port-a-crib.  CONSUME, CONSUME, CONSUME, why?  So what can you do.  First, put something on hold.  Think about it and if you're still in the area then go back and get it if it's absolutely necessary.  Another thing you can do is shop online.  You can order it, try it out, and then if it isn't going to change your life completely then send it back.

Remember the 3 R's of "green" living: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

In my household, when I buy clothes I am trying to buy organic clothes, which are more expensive, but worth the expense.  Why?  1) Most are American made and I know that I am not giving money to foreign soil 2)the chemicals do not harm our skin, 3) the chemicals are not used to make the clothing pollute the earth, and 4) No sweatshops are being used in making these garments.  

"For the latest eco-licious style tips and fashion trends, visit www.gorgeouslygreen.com.  Simply type the password Knockout into the search bar."  My personal favorite is www.hannaandersson.com. 

Of course the best way to shop for clothing and home items is through getting items in yard sales and thrift stores both economically and environmentally because nothing is having to be produced. 

For grocery shopping remember to shop around the perimeter of the store only, purchase large amounts and then decant in smaller containers when you get home, use bulk food bins, choose organic, ask friends if there's anything you can get for them (as long as they live nearby), always bring reusable totes and BPA-free plastic containers for deli items. 

Your 5 things to do today to help you live Gorgeously Green:

1.  Visit your local thrift store and buy at least 1 item to wear.

2.  Buy, or make, a reusable shopping tote.

3.  Buy a stainless steel water bottle and coffee cup.

4.  Buy an organic T-shirt (Whole Foods has 1 that I love on buying locally foods)

5.  Find a local eco-friendly dry/wet cleaner. 

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As a Christian wife and homemaker I think it is important to learn as much as possible on being the best we can be.  Sorry Nick (he wants to be a Marine, so, Semper Fi)!  Anyway, a few of my newest favorite sites are:  www.thepioneerwoman.com about a city gal who married her Marlboro Man.  She has beautiful photographs and yummy recipes.  I'm not sure if you know, but Mrs. Wilt has moved her blog (I used to have a link on my sidebar).  Her new blog is www.the-sparrows-nest.blogspot.com.  Over at the www.frugalgranola.com she has good Nourishing Traditions typed recipes and ideas.  Mrs. Sherman, aka Lady Lydia, from www.homeliving.blogspot.com has a new website featuring beautiful pictures that you can order or use on your blog www.lovelywhatevers.blogspot.com.  A cute blog is called www.warmpiehappyhome.blogspot.com.  I have not spent much time on that site though, but I adore the recipes, songs, and aprons. 

Some of my favorites that I have shared before are:  www.pleasantviewschoolhouse.blogspot.com, www.proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com, www.intheclotheslinealley.blogspot.com (she really needs your prayers-her husband was recently deployed for a year and she just found out she has MS), www.thebarefootmama.com, www.passionatehomemaking.com, and www.keeperofthehome.org.

I do not get to check these blogs all of the time, but they are all fun.  I hope to get my next installment of Gorgeously Green up in the next day or so because I have to return it to the library next week.

Have a blessed day.

~Farrah

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Yesterday I stopped by the local produce stand and got some beautiful corn, 3 bright red tomatoes, some peaches, and  2 pints of blackberries.  When I got home and was about to wash and put them into a different container my son noticed something, a 1" skinny worm in the blackberries!!!  I went on ahead and washed them, but neither of the kids would eat them thinking they would get ring worm, haha.  Then today Nick was eating a peach and he saw a little white worm down at the pit!  He said I know its healthy to have fresh fruits and veggies, but do they have to be this fresh?! 

Have a blessed day.

~Farrah

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...to be hoochie mama's?  Seriously?  Why is that now socially acceptable.  When I was growing up (graduated high school in 1995) the trend began in wearing more skin-baring clothes, but now there is absolutely NO imagination!  I took Nick to the YMCA for a local band concert and these girls had ultra miniskirts and bikini tops.  I was horrified for my sex that these girls think it's necessary to dress like hookers in order to "hook up" with boys!

Nick at age 14 has become really popular with the ladies.  Girls write notes on Facebook, download his "bands" song from Myspace, give him hugs, tell him they love him, and call our home.  How is this acceptable?  Now that girls have access to all of these electronics they are able to talk freely without parental authority about anything they want so the parents don't know they are contacting these boys.  Not that most parents would care because they are so self-absorbed in making and spending money, but that's another subject.

Honestly and truly I feel this is a media issue, heart issue, and self-esteem issue.  With girls like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), and Lindsay Lohan as the girls role models rather than Laura Ingall's it stands to reason there is a chance.  Many girls feel so much pressure to be popular and pretty because they feel that's what will get them the boys and ahead of the game.  It's so sad that it has come to this.  If your daughter is looking for cool modest clothes try www.christataylor.com.   

I only have a stepdaughter and have very little influence over her since we only see her 1 month per year.  However, I am the Mother of 2 boys that are pre-teen and teen.  I only know how these girls are affecting them.  When these girls dress like this don't they realize that they are causing these boys to lust?  Or, when they hug them with their little boobies the boys may possibly get "turned on"?  Or, when the girls tell them they love them so much and yet they are telling their best friend the same thing it may hurt them?  Girls, please think about what you are doing to these boys when you are trying to get them to like you as your little game.  Mother's please speak to your girls about their actions, dress, and needing attention are causing boys to sin.  Why is their self-esteem so low? 

I had been thinking about all of this last night.  Today while reading some blogs I came across Mrs. Humphries post on the same thing, www.thepleasanttimes.blogspot.com and her Mother, Lady Lydia, www.homeliving.blogspot.com touching on the same subject.  Must be something in the water, or something in our hearts from God.

Blessings,

~Farrah 

PS. The next time a girl calls our house will be told that girls calling boys makes them seem desperate and loose and Nick will not marry a girl like that so leave him alone!

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Last time we talked about the ingredients in your cosmetics that were harmful.  I gave you a link for a cheat sheet on which products you should use.  I forgot to give you the final 5 things that you can do for your beauty routine:

1. Order one new personal care product from the links she gives you.

2.  Throw away all bottles containing ingredients from the "Red Alert" list.

3.  Check the ingredients in your hair dye.

4.  Buy a bottle of nontoxic nail polish. (My fave is Loreal)

5.  Buy some organic tampons, diva cup, or make your own pads.

This time we are going to talk about your Green temple-your body.  As you know your body is your temple.  You only have one so you've got to treat it with love.  It isn't necessary to be healthy to run yourself ragged at the gym.  There are only 3 things needed to get into great shape:  1) Flexibility (yoga), 2) Aerobics (swimming or walking), 3) Weight-bearing exercise to combat osteoporosis.  In the book Gorgeoulsy Green Mrs. Uliano shows poses for yoga, lunges, crunches, and kitchen exercises.  She recommends walking/swimming 3 times per week.  You can also be green and bicycle for your errands instead of using a car if you live in the city.

Another thing Mrs. Uliano stresses is hydration.  She recommends tap, but I recommend reverse osmosis through the tap.  Make sure to use a reusable water bottle instead of all the plastic.  I love my new stainless steel water bottle from www.laptoplunches.com.  It keeps the water really cool and in this heat that's a necessity.

She recommends meditation.  I recommend praying.  Spend time each morning with your Creator and that will make you feel connected.  Also, start a journal, to share your thoughts.  Sometimes writing helps you relieve whatever stress you are feeling.  Stress kills ya know.

The 5 things to remember/do for taking care of your temple are: 

1) Learn the yoga practice

2) Take a thirty-minute fast-paced walk three times this week

3)  Park farther away from the entrance to the store, or bicycle

4)  Practice the abdominal exercises at least twice

5) Meditate/pray for five minutes.

I hope to have part 3 tomorrow on SHOPPING!!!

Have a blessed day.

~Farrah

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I mentioned yesterday that I am reading Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano.  I am half-way through this book and find it so fascinating.  Most people believe that to go "green" you have to wear birkenstocks, grow your underarm hair, and eat twigs.  Mrs. Uliano proves this theory wrong.  She has 8 steps to living an Earth-Friendly (hate that word) life.  I'm going to go through a few steps.  The first is just becoming aware that everything you do impacts our environment in some way.  Boring.  The 2nd step is to use healthy, environmental/organic beauty products. Fun.

First of all, pull out your make-up, shampoos, conditioners, body lotion, baby supplies, anything that you smooth on your body.  Look on the packages for these ingredients that The Environmental Working Group says is dangerous:

1. Coal tar: Used in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams, coal tar is a known carcinogen.  Coal tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, which are used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green3, which is used in mouthwash, should be avoided.

2.  Fragrance:  This ubiquitous term is used to mask hundreds of ingredients, including phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system and could cause reporductive and developmental harm.

3. Hydroquinone:  Commonly found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, it is a neurotoxin and is allergenic.

4.  Aluminum:  Often used in eye shadow as a color additive and also used in deodorants, it is listed as a carcinognic, toxic, and mutagenic.

5.  Triclosan:  This chimical is used in almost all antibacterial products, including soap, toothpaste, and cosmetics.  Triclosan is often contaminated with dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic and can also weaken your immune system, decrease fertility, and cause birth defects.

6.  P-Phenylenediamine:  This is the chemical that has given a bad name to regular hair dye.  It can damage your nervous system, cause lung irritation, and cause severe allergic reactions.  It's also listed as ,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.

7.  Lead and Mercury:  Lead could appear in toothpaste as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica.  It is a neurotoxin that also appears as lead acetate in men's hair dye.  Mercury is found in a cosmetic (and vaccine) called thimerosol.

Some other chemicals that are bad, but not extremely dangerous are:

Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Polyethylene Glycol, Formaldehyde Producing Preservatives, Talc, Acrylates and Methacrylates, Alcohol, Isopropyl, Tocopherol Acetate, Phenonip, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Cationic Surfectants, Benzyl Alcohol, Silicone Derived Emollients, Carbomber 934, 940, 941, 960, 961C

To find out if a certain cosmetic is safe go onto www.safecosmetics.org.  For a list of Gorgeously Green approved products go onto www.gorgeouslygreen.com/cheatsheet.  I will have more information in the days to come on living a gorgeous lifestyle "green".

Blessings,

~Farrah

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Quinoa and Black Beans

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS

This was a huge hit with my husband this past week.  My kids thought it was a bit too spicy, but I think it may had more to do with the texture and different taste. 

I am needing some more recipes for beans and grains.  What do y'all recommend?

Have a great weekend all!

Blessings,

~Farrah

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GOS'SIP, v.i. To prate; to chat; to talk much.

1. To be a pot-companion.

2. To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.

My stepdaughter loves anything about being famous, which I hear is typical of the pre-teen set.  On the plane she brough all of these teen magazines such as Tiger Beat (that's a blast from the past, huh?) and also Life & Style and InTouch which are tabloid typed magazines.  Surprisingly, my husband hasn't made her throw them away.  He thinks its just sad and she'll go back to her Mother who also worships celebrities.  At night she always wants to watch ET Entertainment Tonight and/or TMZ.  These shows are all about celebrity happenings and gossip.  Last night my husband and I attempted to watch them with her.  ET wasn't too bad, but TMZ was horrible.  There was vulgar language and actions by these stars who are being stalked by the papparazzi.  The final straw for me was guessing if Jessica Simpson was dissing her latest boyfriends ex girlfriend by wearing a shirt saying Real Girls Eat Meat because the ex (Carrie Underwood) is a vegetarian.  I mean, are you serious?  People actually care about this?  I turned it off and told my husband that I can not handle the celebrity idolism and gossip that is going on in our home.  He wholheartedly agreed.  Of course Michaela was pretty bumbed.  

So, I looked up in the Webster 1828 Dictionary and got the above definition.  Then, I looked to the most important source, The Bible to see what God says about gossip.  (The easiest way to do this is my favorite source, www.biblegateway.com)  

Proverbs 18:8 (New International Version)

 8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
       they go down to a man's inmost parts.

So, what does God mean by saying "man's inmost parts"?  His heart.  One's heart can be destroyed by gossip of any kind. 

Psalm 97:7 (New International Version)

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Country Fried Steak

1/3C all-purpose (unbleached and unenriched) flour

1/4tsp each salt & pepper

1 1/2lbs cubed steak

1/4C canola oil/vegetable

2 small onions, sliced

1C water

1.  Combine first 3 ingredients; cut steak into serving-size pieces.  Dredge in flour mixture.

2.  Brown steak in hot oil in batches in a 10" cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  Remove steak from skillet; set aside.  Add onion to drippings in skillet, cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Return steak to skillet; add water, and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until tender. Remove steak, reserving drippings in skillet.

Sauce

1/4C all-purpose flour

3/4C milk

1/4C brewed coffee

2tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

1. Add 1/4C flour to drippings in skillet, stirring until smooth.  Gradually add milk and coffee; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until gravy is thickened.  Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

2.  Spoon sauce over steak and serve while warm.

Recipe courtesy of The Southern Living Ultimate Cookbook (www.southernliving.com)

~Farrah

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Yesterday I consumed quite a few ounces of Mt Dew.  Consequently, I couldn't sleep until 3am.  So, I stayed up and finished the last 2 movies from PBS's Jane Austen series from the early spring.  I never quite seem to have the 4-6 hours to finish them all.  Last night I finally did, fortunately, yet unfortunately, because I am tired.

Persuasion was the first movie in the series, and since I had not read that particular book I did not have a reference in which to refer to.  However, for entertainment value alone I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  The fella that portrayed Capt. Wentworth was quite handsome.

Northanger Abbey was completely ridiculous!  Once again I had no idea that such dark thoughts were ever in Ms. Austen's head!  I hated the part of the crazy secret wife in the dungeon.  I think though that I had ought to read the book before I decide not to like the story completely.

I did, however, enjoy Mansfield Park. The actress was lovely and played her character so demurely and modestly.  It was a sweet film.  It has been awhile since watching this so I do not want to give more detail.

Oh, but, Pride and Prejudice is by far my favorite of all the series.  The characters of Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy were so well cast and played.  I finished this last night and I have to say that I could and probably will watch this over and over.  Now that I've seen this the one with Kiera Knightly is downright wrong!

To conclude the series I watched in its entirety last night Sense & Sensibility.  Since I have read this book and seen the Emma Thompson movie I had high hopes for this version.  I have decided that I do not like either one.  The PBS version seemed more realistic (Emma Thompson is just too old for Hugh Grant, I believe).  I felt so sorry for both Marianne and Elinor, and their actors really did a wonderful job allowing us to feel their emotions.  However, it was gloomy the entire movie and the beginning was totally unnecessary.  Yes, Willoughby is scum, but is there need to be so graphic?  I'm glad my stepson wasn't watching this with me!

We are so blessed to be able to go to our local library to get such wonderful literature from Ms. Austen. Now to live in a time where we can possibly see what Ms. Austen had in mind is so much more!  If you haven't had a chance to see any of the series I would first read the book and then see the movie.  I wish I had.

If you would like an excellent description visit Mrs. Aiden Humphries at www.thepleasanttimes.blogspot.com and go under her Reviews section.

Come back soon and I will let you know my thoughts on Cranford.

~Farrah

PS  I do not remember Miss Austen Regrets, except for feeling disappointed, so I could not comment.  Mrs. Humphries has reviewed it though.  

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Beef & Cheddar Quiche

3 eggs, beaten

1C whipping cream

1C shredded Cheddar cheese

1C ground beef, browned

9" pie crust

Mix eggs, cream, cheese and beef together; spread into pie crust.  Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes; lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for 15 minutes.  Makes 8 servings.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch's 5 Ingredients or Less!

*I double this recipe for our family of 4 and freeze it.

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Today I've been busy.  So far I have set out croissants to rise, separating yogurt for whey to make hubby's favorite sauerkraut, made loaf of bread, peanut butter cookies, and raw milk yogurt is in the yogurt maker.  My chicken is thawing, but in the next hour or so I will put that in the crockpot with chicken stock & garlic salt to cook for a couple hours.  I'm making chicken salad for dinner with cold couscous salad. 

I have a question.  Do y'all know how to make heavy cream with raw milk?  I'm so thankful that we have the opporunity to get raw milk from a local farmer (www.carltonfarms.com). 

We'll probably head back to the pool in a bit.  Hubby's taking  a nap.  I need to cook my other side, ha!

Blessings,

~Farrah 

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Dear Mom,

First of all I love you oh so much.  But finally, after being a Mother myself for 10 years I now appreciate you.  You and I do not have the same lives (though Jennifer is definitely following after you and I am following after Nana) I appreciate all you taught, ways you loved, ways your provided, and lived your life.  It's sad that it takes growing up and having our own children to have a proper understanding of what it takes to be a Mother and raise her children.  Any woman can give birth, but it takes someone special to be a Mother.  I am so thankful to God that you are mine. 

Your loving Daughter,

~Farrah

PS I was going to put a picture up of us, but I know it bothered you the last time.

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Beans and Rice Casserole

3C cooked brown rice

1-10oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1C sour cream

1C softened cream cheese

2C shredded sharp cheese, divided

3/4C salsa (I use Peach Mango-yum)

Preheat oven to 350.  Butter/spray 8x8 or 13x9 casserole dish.  Combine sour cream, cream cheese, 1C shredded cheese, and salsa.  Add brown rice.  Slowly and carefully add black beans.  Cook for 20 minutes.  Add rest of shredded cheese and then bake for another 5 minutes.

This is good on its own or with blue corn tortilla chips.

~Farrah   

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Graphic courtesy of www.allposters.com

It's official.  I've ordered the business cards and printed out my ingredient list with Suzy's Natural Southern Goodies.  My reasoning is this:  My middle name is Suzanne and that's how I got Suzy's.  Natural is because all of my products are natural and most are organic.  Southern is because I live in the South and my items are southern such as banana bread and biscuits.  Goodies is because it allows me to do more than just bread.  What do y'all think?

My names are all things you'd think of doing outside such as: picnic sandiwch bread, seaside cinnamon rolls, and Georgia peanut butter cookies.

My last loaf is cooling and after I slice it I will go drop them off.  Oh how I pray this works.  I pray that Lord's will is what we're doing and that we are possibly successful.

~Farrah

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Good Morning Friends,

Yesterday was our first day without tv.  It was more difficult.  When Bryson came home from school and found out that he could not watch TV, play video games, or watch youtube he cried uncontrollably.  He could not deal.  I had to call my husband to calm him down.  My darlin' and I both agreed that this is a real problem.  Nick handled it a little better because he thought this was another one of my "hairbrained tree hugger ideas" as he so sweetly put it, but thought he would have my husband on his side because "you know Dad can't give up the news".  Well, I called my darlin' and had him say that this is an idea he 100% agrees with and Nick is gonna have to get over it.  So, Bryson and I went out to play football while Nick skated.  Unfortunately, Bryson spent the whole time crying because of his paralyzing fear of bees and I sent him inside after 15 minutes.  Does anyone have any ideas how to get him less afraid of them?  He almost ran out in front of a car to get away from bees.  So, we'll see what this afternoon brings.  I, however, am enjoying hearing all of the birds outside rather than Spongebob Square pants.

I have been thinking about Earth Day.  Ya know we are so blessed to have all that we do.  Why does it take the polar bears losing their homes, or football fields full of garbage, or chemicals in our water to wake us up?  EVERYTHING WE HAVE IS BECAUSE THE LORD ABOVE GAVE IT TO US!!!  It is our responsibility to take care of it.  Your grandchildren will possibly have such unclean air that they will die from carcinogens giving them lung cancer (that is if the rapture doesn't happen first).  Their rivers and lakes will be so polluted that they cannot even swim in nor play near them.  Please, continue reading this week and follow simple tips to help our future generations as well as our own.

Have a blessed day!

~Farrah

PS We are tv free, but if you are not HGTV is having an all day Earth 2008 special.

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