Chocolate Stars............. - 10:11, Thursday, September 4, 2008 - By Heritage Hill Homestead

are a fond childhood memory!  Today hubby had a Dr. appointment so we were off to Topeka for most of the day.  I went to Goodwill while he was at the Dr. office, more on that in a minute, we then ate a very late lunch and went to the grocery store.  In passing the candy isle I noticed right on the end a bag of chocolate stars.  I mentioned to hubby when I caught up with him that I saw them and hadn't seen them for a long time and didn't even know if they still made them.  Ok, we stop at another little store on the way home to check out any specials they might have and you guessed it, I saw another bag of chocolate stars...............I really am not looking for chocolate stars, honestly.  I said, "there are chocolate stars again".  Next thing I know hubby has grabbed a bag and we are on our way to the check out.  (Not too fast, I ran into an old friend and we had a nice little chat.)  So on the way home we snack on......Chocolate Stars!!  Now, for the meaning behind this story.  When I was little and my folks and I would go to Emporia shopping Mom would buy chocolate stars and we would eat some on the way home.  My Daddy really enjoyed them.  So they brought back a very fond memory for me. 

Well, I had a great Goodwill shopping trip.  I found 6 pair of slacks in various colors that fit me!  I tried on a couple more that didn't fit perfectly so put them back.  Most times I would be happy enough with the way they fit and made do.  I couldn't believe what was available today.  Also got 2 knit tops and a pretty little soap dispenser for the bathroom for 68 cents. 

The phone rang this morning with the news that our chicks were at the post office.  We had plenty of time to get them settled in before having to leave.  They seemed pretty happy when we got home, had only lost one.

I was very thankful that they did not come yesterday as the weather was COLD!   It was 52 when I got up and never got above 57 all day!   Today started out pretty chilly, but this afternoon the sun came out and was really nice later.

That cool weather made for a nice day to work in the kitchen.  I made 6 batches of grape jam, it is yummy!  Got 6 peach pie fillings frozen.  And one ready to use tomorrow.  Also am working on 14 day sweet pickles this week.  I hope to get apples picked tomorrow.  However since we were running around today, I didn't get any baking done for Saturday's Market..........so tomorrow will be a busy day.  One good thing (I guess) is that we don't have produce to get ready now.  That really takes a lot of time to pick and wash.

Better get to bed as I need to get up and going fairly early in the morning.

Country Blessings,

Marilyn~at Heritage Hill Homestead

Summer's last days... - 07:28, Thursday, September 4, 2008 - By blessed mom

  The weather has been blustery and rainy here the past few days on the homestead. It hasn't been this cold since April!  We have had temps in the high 50's and low 60's...... so unusual for NW Missouri in early September.  I am ever so thankful for the moisture, as we needed it. The grass was beginning to become brown up and the last few days of rain has "greened up" everything again.

No doubt about it.... fall is on the way!  Did I mention that fall is my favorite season of the year? The colors are spectacular here in October ~~ our homestead has a good 25 acres or so of Oaks, Maples & Walnuts.... so the colors are something to behold. I am looking foward to that.

On the home front we are busy, busy renovating our "parlor"...... it's not too big of a room ~~ about 15 x 16 or so..... but it faces south and gets lots of sun, and overlooks the woods and fields. This is a favorite place to sit and read on a cold winter day. We have stained the new wood windows, and have painted the cieling and installed a new light/fan. We are almost done with the wallcoverings..... I chose a very "old fashioned pattern"..... it actually looks like the original pattern that we discovered under the sheetrock! It makes things look very "old" and I am excited about that!

I apologize that I have been remiss at posting photos of our recent renovations. Life is so full with schooling, renovating, and all the other "stuff" that this mama has to do each day. I am finding I am only able to blog a few times each week as life is simply filled to the brim. ( No complaints here)

In the kitchen we have been busy baking some fall treats...... the weather put me in the mood for pumpkin pies! So, this afternoon my eldest daughter and I were busy making some for desert. I am so happy to share that my 13 yr old daughter has truly mastered the knack of making homemade pie crusts and does a superb job! She is going to be such a blessing to her future husband and family! She loves to help me in my homemaking endeavors and she is a precious helper to have around!

The pumpkin candle is burning........and the air does have a nip to it in the evenings now.

Supper is in the oven ready to serve....... a hot pan full of swedish meatballs.

It's that time of year...... when smells fill the home........

Well I am off to spend the evening serving my beloved family.

May God bless each and everyone of you!

~ gloria ~

Busy Summer Days - 10:41, Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - By Heritage Hill Homestead

These days have been busy ones.  Last week we had almost 200 broilers processed.  The end of the week brought many visitors to our little homestead.  We were blessed with folks wanting to buy critters!  While it is hard to see them go, I realize that with winter coming and feed prices rising it is necessary.  We were able to sell some extra Muscovy male ducks, all of a small breed of ducks, some laying hens, and 3 goats.  The goats were ones that had problems kidding in the past, so they needed a home where they were wanted just for eating weeds and being pets.  We are wanting to cut down on hens for the winter, feed costs are too high to have a lot of hens to feed when they stop laying.  We have 200 chicks coming tomorrow or Thursday to replace them.  They should be starting to lay about February.  We need to get on a schedule in the future so we will have some pullets starting to lay about now for eggs through the winter months.

So, first thing in the morning we have to get the place ready for the new chicks.  I have the feeders and waters out, but still have to wash them up.   Intended to get that done today, but it didn't happen.

Today was quite warm again, but it is cool tonight.  Tomorrow's high is to be in the upper 60's.............Sounds like fall doesn't it!

We picked some grapes last evening, got 2 bushels of peaches today and have apples to pick at the neighbors asap.  Sounds like I will be busy for a while.  Our tomatoes have really slowed down to almost nothing.  I sure hope they will produce some more as I would like to do some  more canning of them.  Another neighbor offered me some if not.

We plan to put a few does in with Bubba our little buck this week.  I don't think we should put them all in at once since he is young.  All of those girls flirting with him might scare him.  lol  Since the sale of the does over the weekend that leaves us with 20 does, which is a good number for us.  Some of them need a little more time to get into good shape before breeding anyway.  Some have had worm problems over the summer and need a little extra feed.

Hubby got my clothesline poles put up recently, one little problem, he put them up at his height instead of mine!  I suppose standing on tippy toes to hang things up is good exercise??  Anyway, I will enjoy using them............the smell of things hung outdoors is priceless!

The old wooden pole is shown in the picture, it now is a hanging flower pot holder...........

One more picture to share with you, a couple of weeks ago our kids were here and I happened to get this picture of hubby with the grandkids.

Country Blessings,

Marilyn~at Heritage Hill Homestead

Should Christian Women serve in Government Leadership Positions -- What does the Bible have to say? - 04:54, Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - By blessed mom

Dear Readers,

I am *not* a political person by nature. I realized a long time that God is in control of our nation, and the world at large.   I do read the news and try to stay up on what is going on in our nation and in the world around me. With that said, I am not one to write about my political views or share them publically. 

I truly believe God has His hand in governing the world at large.

I also believe it is our stewardship  to pray for our leaders.

I have been reading the past few days and hearing on the news about the appointment of Governor Sarah Palin ( Alaska Gov) to be Senator McCain's VP pick for this year's presidential election.  I have been reading and hearing "mixed" thoughts and views on whether a "woman" and in this case a professing Christian woman should be in a leadership position in our Government.

Let me start out by saying, for the most part I am hearing positive remarks in Christian circles of Mrs. Palin's appointment.  But there are some Christians who are concerned and some who are even critical and feel Mrs. Palin is not fulfilling her God given role as a wife & mother.

I have given this much thought myself and much prayer. 

I have prayed about Gov Palin's appt and also prayed about whether I should share my thoughts here on my blog.

I wanted to share what God has been showing me about this issue --- Women in Government Leadership--- and what has been shown to me in the Word of God, which I believe is the *final* authority in all things.

For those of you who may be struggling with this issue as well,  I pray this post may be a blessing to you!

           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christian Women in Government -- What does God have to say about the matter?

I am for the most part a believer that women have been ordained by God to be "keepers at home" .... chaste , discreet, ( Titus 2:5) and definately a Proverbs 31 woman.

I believe God has ordained us for a special ministry that only we can fulfill and that is of mother to the next generation of God's precious children. To train them up in the way they should go, and to teach them of the Lord. 

That is what I have dedicated my life to for the most part.

This is where my "heart" is at.

When I read of Gov Palin being chosen as McCain's VP pick I was amazed, and suprised! Not only is Sarah Palin a woman -- she is a professing Christian, active in her Church ( Junueau Christian Center, she is a practicing Pentecostal) , a wife of over 17yrs to her high school sweet heart, Todd & mother to 5 beautiful children , the youngest of which is a little baby boy. 

Honestly , when I heard of her appointment I immediately began to research and study about this woman.  The more I read about her the more I was amazed. God has blessed her with many talents & gifts. She is a strong woman, head of the Alaska National Guard, a hunter, and a "hockey mom".  She is an athlete but also a very feminine woman who is not afraid to embrace her femininity. 

I read about her in high school, leading her sport teams in prayer before games.

I read about her committment to life  -- and her living testimony of embracing and cherishing the life that God gave her at the age of 44 , with her special needs baby boy.  She chose life  and has been a staunch supporter in the pro life movement. She is committed to marriage -- traditional marriage defined by God.

The more I read the more I was impressed.

I was also concerned.

How could this young wife & mother fulfill her duties and obligations?

How does she balance it all?

I decided I would turn to the word of God and see what the "final authority" has to say on this.

Can God raise up women to be mothers , wives & also lead in Government affairs???

In proverbs 31 we read about the Godly woman whose husband does not only trust in her, but is also deeply concerned about her household. She rises early to make sure her family & household is clothed and fed well. She purchases fields and property. She is a strong woman -- a woman whose arms are strong ( verse 17) .  She cares for the poor and is involved in a ministry to care for them.  This woman is not afraid, for she is a prepared woman.  Her husband is known by all. She is wise and out of her mouth proceeds kind words.  She is not an idle woman.  Her children & husband call her blessed.

Wow -- what a woman!

The proverbs 31 woman is not just sitting at home, baking and keeping house!

The proverbs 31 woman is a hard working woman, who is strong, capable, kind and involved.

She not only cares for the needs of her family -- but she reaches out to the community.

Then I turned to the passage in Judges that speaks about Deborah, the Prophetess and great Judge of Isreal.  ( Judges chapters 4 &5)

After the death of Joshoua, God raised up Judgest to lead and rule over Israel.

The first Judges were Othneil, Ehud, and Shamgar.  And then came Deborah.

Wow -- what a woman was Deborah! She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman!

God had great trust in Deborah!

Deborah led the children of Israel.

Who said women can not lead armies or sit at heads of state and nations? Did deborah not do this same thing? Did God not appoint Deborah to do so?

Here is one of the many women God himself called & used. 

She was very respected by her people.

Her leadership qualities were unquestioned.

She was also a prophetess and  A MOTHER & A WIFE .  ( judges 4:4 & Judges 5:7)

Marriage was not designed to hinder the ministry of women, but to enhance it.

Deborah's duties & ministry was similar to all other judges of Israel & then some:

1. She was a leader of a nation

2. She helped settle disputes

3. She was a prophetess who have gave Isreal direction from God.

4. She was called of God

5. The land had peace for 40 yrs due to her ministry ( judges 4 & 5)

6. If deborah was living in our times she would have occupied the role of prophet & teacher

God called Deborah to this stewardship --- and God knew Deborah was married & was a mother in Israel!!  Her gender did not inhibit her from serving. Her duties at home did not inhibit her from serving!

Deborah told Barak to lead Israel to attack Sisera, who was the commander of the enemy forces. Barak, would not go into battle without Deborah by his side!  He knew that Deborah's presense would ensure victory for God's people!  ( Judges 4: 8-16) Such was the respect he had for deborah!

I think it's important to note that Deborah was a judge in a time in world history when women were very much traditionally at "home" and definately not in the fore front of politics!

God was not inhibited by the fact that Deborah was a woman.

Are we?

Should we be?

Deborah was not proud, nor did she carry a "chip" on her shoulder against men.  This is an attitude that many women hold today against men.  The women's lib movement are doing more harm then good today because they sow seeds of discord. They cultivate this attitude of  "Women vs. Men" and this is not Godly.

Remember also, it was Jael -- a woman-- who killed Sisera,  not Barak, as Deborah had prophesied.

Again, God is not inhibited by women serving Him in government.

Are we?

I asked this to myself in regards to the issue with Gov Palin --- she is a wife, a mother and a Christian.

Could God be asking Sarah Palin to serve Him in this capacity?

Yes.

Do I have a problem with it -- if God doesn't?

Hmmm................

That is what God has shown me the past few days since the announcement has been made about Gov Palin being appointed McCain's running mate.

Honestly, I had some repenting to do.

I honestly judged this woman.

I can not place God in a box and say that God "ONLY" calls women to be mothers & wives and stay home and keep home.  I do not believe this because the bible tells me differently. Proverbs 31 tells me differently.  The beautiful story of Deborah tells me differently.

I admit ,I was tempted to put  God in a "box".

Let's not put God in a "box" ladies.

Remember HIS word is HIS final authority.

This is what God has shown me -- thru study of the Word of God and thru prayer.

I am compelled to believe that YES, God can appoint women to judge over nations.

I am compelled to believe that perhaps God has placed HIS hand over Gov Palin at this time in history.

I am compelled to pray for Gov Palin.

Want to know what my prayer is for her?

That she may be a "modern day"  Deborah!

That is what God is showing me.

May you be blessed!

~ gloria ~

10,000 calories... - 12:04, Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - By Jeanette

Today we are back from a short visit with Sunshine and dad for the Labor Day week-end. It was short but nice and we even squeezed in a short trip to War Eagle Mill.

Upon arriving home all the animals were happy to see us although Big Miss did a great job in taking care of them. My, the birds have grown.

Here are the turkeys now, no longer babies...

And here are the guinees, no longer babies too (although they still stick with mom -she is a real chicken)

I also want to wish Big Miss 

"HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY ! "

This was taken when her friend Jersey from London was staying with us a few days before leaving. Big Miss is planning a 10 day trip there in the Spring if she can get her finances in line.

"HI" to you Jersey!

Cutting the grocery bill down by half! 10 tips for saving BIG TIME! - 05:12, Monday, September 1, 2008 - By blessed mom

Large families, like mine really have felt the rising costs of food lately. We have 10 children ages 15 down to 4 yrs old and they all are blessed with a hearty apetite, including dad!

I thought I would share with you all some things we have done around here that has literally cut my grocery bill down by half.  These are simple things that have made a huge difference , and my husband and I are thrilled and we are also a bit frustrated that we had not done this before! It took a recession to hit our home before we had to take a hard look at how we spent the money on food.

For some of you , this may not be anything new to you. Kuddos to you for your frugality!

Our family has gone from spending approximately $1,400 to $800 for food items!!

Here are 10 easy "tips" for cutting back on the food bill without really sacrificing the quality of meals or your health and nutrition.

1. PLAN YOUR MENU!!!    I can not emphasize how this has helped!!!  I plan my menu for the week and print it down and then keep a copy in the kitchen.  This has been a help not only for saving so much on  $$ but it helps with being more organized with meal time prep. I don't feel as stressed around the dinner making hour anymore. My menu is planned and my ingredients are purchased and ready to go!

2. MAKE A MASTER GROCERY LIST FOR THE WEEK. Some of you may do a master list for the week or 2 weeks or even month or more. I place all my needed ingredients on the list and take that with me to the grocery store.

3. CUT BACK ON MEAT AND MAKE MEATLESS MAIN DISHES!!  Not only is this good for your body's health but great on your pocket book too!! There are so many meatless dishes out there that are delicious and healthy too! One of my families favorite is black bean burritos,  or baked potatoes. Healthy & yummy! Now with cooler weather coming around the corner, legumes, soups & chilis will also be on the menu.

4. GO TO THE GROCERY ONCE AND DO NOT RETURN!!  Even if I forget an item I do not return to the grocery store -- reason being is I will usually end up purchasing more than the "one item" I went for!! Going to the grocery just once a week has also helped cut back on the gas bill for my big van.

5. GIVE UP EATING OUT !!  Nothing destroys the budget faster than eating out!! That includes fast foods and drive thrus.  Send your husband a packed lunch from home -- or prepare him a plate of leftovers from dinner to send with him.  It will be better for his health overall and save you so much $$!! If you do eat out -- PLAN IT - into your budget. We purposely choose to eat out on nights where kids can eat free out our favorite restraunt or we don't take the kids, and really we don't eat out hardly at all. It is a SPLURGE to eat out - so we really do it sparignly.

6. Consider GIVING  UP shopping at Sam's Club or Costco -- I for years shopped costco and Sam's club. I would average spending about $300-400 a month there and then I would need to go to the local grocery store as well!  I have successfully given up shopping at Sam's club! I didn't think I could do it -- but we are doing it and saving hundreds of $$ each month!  It is hard to shop Sam's and not spend a bundle. It is tempting to purchase things that are not needed.

7. GO NO NAME BRAND on cleaning products and canned goods:   I Purchase all my cleaning products and paper products from the dollar store and save $$ each month.  I do not calculate cleaning products into the monthly grocery/food bill. It is seperate.   When I purchase canned goods like peanut butter,  honey or canned veggies I look for no name brands or what is on sale.

8. CHECK YOUR PAPER AND SEE WHAT YOUR GROCERY HAS ON SALE AND BUILD YOUR MENU AROUND SALE ITEMS : You will save so much $$ by doing this!! If hamburger is on sale -- purchase hamburger or if chicken is on sale go for that! Sticking to sale items and building your weekly menu around that will save you $$!!

9. USE WHOLE GRAINS VS. REFINED GRAINS:  Reason being if your family consumes whole grains, like brown rice, or whole wheat breads vs. white they will be satisfied and not go hungry away from the table!   Consider making your own breads and baked goods , if you are not doing so already.

10. AVOID PACKAGED FOODS LIKE COLD CEREALS, FROZEN FOODS, ETC. :  Not only are they not healthy for you or your family, they do not fill your kid's tummy up like a pot of hot oats or creamy wheat cereal! Consider making your own granola and save  $$$ .  We eat oats and wheat cereals. It is rare to see cold cereals around here. Frozen foods are not only hazerdous for your health, they are $$ and usually do not include large portions or servings.

I hope this is helpful to some of you struggling with getting a grip on your grocery bill!

We got to the point in our family where we were "forced" to take a good hard look at what we were doing and make some major changes and adjustments.  We are so pleased with the results, we only wish we would have done this sooner!

Like I shared earlier, many of you may already be doing this , but it's new to me because we have not had to do this before, financially speaking.

We are down to feeding a family of 12 for $800 a month and I am thrilled!

I hope this helps someone else who is struggling with keeping a lid on the food budget!

~ gloria ~

Newsletter - 11:49, Sunday, August 31, 2008 - By Heritage Hill Homestead

Peaches 'n' Cream Dessert Pizza - 09:03, Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - By Jeanette

I made this yummy dessert last week and Frontier Man especially liked it. This is how you put it together...

First you seperate the crescent dough into eight triangles. Press onto a greased 12-in. pizza pan; seal seams. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. (I have a stand alone pizza cooker and so I used that for 8 minutes)

Cool slightly on a wire rack. In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and extract until smooth. Spread over crust. Top with pie filling.

In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over peaches. Top with almonds. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. (again I used the pizza cooker at 12 minutes) Cool.

Cut into wedges. ENJOY!

( Refrigerate leftovers -if you have any!)

Peaches 'n' Cream Dessert Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 can (21 ounces) peach pie filling
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

Separate crescent dough into eight triangles. Press onto a greased 12-in. pizza pan; seal seams. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
    In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and extract until smooth. Spread over crust. Top with pie filling. In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over peaches. Top with almonds. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into wedges. Refrigerate leftovers.

Apple-Maple Jam recipe and pictures - 02:24, Monday, August 25, 2008 - By Jeanette

 

I was asked to share the recipe of the Apple-Maple jam and so here it is, along with a few pictures on jam day!

 

Notice the apples stay nice if you add Fruit Fresh to your bowl of water

 

 

A manual chopper works well and gets the pieces just the right size...

 

The mixture boiling up to jel point (I like mine pretty thick so I let it cook longer) and the dark in the apples is from the maple, cin., nutmeg, etc.

 

Ready to eat!

 

 

 

Recipe Ingredients

• 7 cups Apples (Peeled & Cored)
• 6 cups Sugar
• 1 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Allspice
• 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp Cloves

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pot.
Bring slowly to a boil.
Cook rapidly to jellying point.
As mixture thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Pour hot into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
Adjust caps.
Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath.
Yield: about 8 half pints

Singing the Word of God - 01:08, Monday, August 25, 2008 - By blessed mom

For the past few weeks the Lord has laid it on my heart to have the word of God on my children's heart and lips more often . The passage that came to my mind was from Deuteronomy:

" And thou shalt teach  them dilegently unto thy children and shalt talk to them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up." Deut 6:7

Now we do have a morning devotional  time when we read a chapter from the Bible and the kids have a verse they memorize each week and for their copy work, but I still felt that the Lord wanted us  to have the WORD of God on our  hearts and lips all thru the day.

I took my desire to the Lord and asked for help..... His answer : put music to passages from the Bible. Ok, I thought..... "how am I to do that , Lord?" I mean I am NOT a musical person -- I love music,  but I don't sing wonderfully and I don't read music! The Lord's response to me was  "Don't worry, I'll give you the music".  Isn't God good?

These past weeks we have been putting the psalms to music or shall I say the Lord has been and it has been so fun!

It has blessed my heart to see my kids going thru their day singing the psalms and other passages!

So far we have been able to sing Psalm 121, Ps. 150, Ps. 13,  & John 11:25

Now the music is very simple -- or shally I say the melody is very simple - easy for children to learn and memorize.  The words come directly from the Bible - we have not changed them at all and we use the more formal KJV.  It has been easy for the kids to learn these verses because the music helps them with the memorization.

It's so precious to see my kids sing the word of God as they gor thru their day - doing their chores, or playing. I have been singing them as they lay down for bed at night as well, so it's the last words they hear before bed.

How precious~ we have been so blessed by what the good Lord has been doing here!

Our God is truly a creative God - He is the master artist and music is definately not a problem with Him!

It's always amazing to me how God answers our prayers..... He always helps us accomplish what He asks of us to do.  I hope you all will realize how anxious the Lord is for your children to know His word and to speak His word....... thru the day and at night when they go to sleep. What a blessing it is for them to know God's word and it truly blesses His heart to hear!

Let us never take for granted how important it is for us as mothers to dillegently teach our children the word of God.

Praise His name!

~ gloria ~