Summer Vacation is on.

Posted on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 07:08 by Schatzi - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Well, our summer is underway and I'm already tired.  It might just be the heat.  Today it's 33 degrees Celsius.  Thankful the pool is warm as I've been swimming a bit.  I'm not complaining that's for sure because we get enough rain and cold in the winter so this is awesome weather we are having right now.

My favourite fruit is in season right now and we are enjoying an abundance of "raspberries". Yum.  I have made raspberry cheesecake...raspberry viniagrette...raspberries and cream...just plain raspberries...raspberry shortcake...you get the picture.  Plus, I put 40 pounds in the freezer to make raspberry jelly later. I am not doing much this summer...I am still working on this "tennis elbow" thing and so any amount of work causes pain...and trying to use my left hand for everything is also difficult....so I am taking it easy this summer and just sitting around doing only what absolutely needs doing...and with five kids still home, that's busy enough.

We took the kids to the ocean and for ice-cream...and now Anika says she has touched her feet in the North Atlantic Ocan and now the Pacific Ocean..it was exciting, not to mention we all had our favourite ice-cream...mine is "tiger"...delicious!  The tide was out so we were able to walk quite a ways out.

Dh and I also made our first "beer can chicken"...or others call it, "beer up the butt" chicken.  It turned out amazing.  Next time though we will leave in on the barbeque 1/2 hour longer..but the flavour was unbelievable.  I went on the internet to look up recipes and there were hundreds of them, so dh and I just came up with our own rub and everyone loved it.

The boys got the go-kart out from the garage and pumped up the tires washed it and even got it started on their own.  Last year they couldn't really touch the peddles very easily but this year well.....my boys are growing up too quickly for "this mama"....but it was fun watching them tearing around the grapes and through the long grass.  They had a blast....so did dad!!!!

We are reading Daniel Boone right now...and because the weather was so great today we took our blankets and I read to the kids under the big tree in the back yard...I sat in our wonderful Muskoka chair and the kids laid on the blankets...it was fun.  I finally got a sore throat from reading so we all laid on the blankets while the kids  talked about all kinds of things...we all told story after story until I got a whopper of a headache...so Anika decided to massage my head so I wouldn't go inside...she loves listening to my stories...she even braided my hair.  It was a fun afternoon.  Of course every once in a while the wind would blow a certain way and it was "chicken poo smell" everywhere....then thankfully the wind would shift and it was beautiful trees and grass smell.  Oh the joys of living in the country.  God is so good!

Our cherry tree is producing lots of fruit this year...but unfortunately the birds are getting more than we are. Any ideas how to keep the crows away? 

Well, that about sums up our past week....looking forward to the weekend. 

Happy "4th of July to all my US blogging friends

and

Happy Birthday to my sister!

A Morning Walk

Posted on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 8:26 AM by Kitty - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

whew..............

Posted on 2009-Jul-1 at 07:54 by Dana - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

ANother mad running day here. We made it to one library to get my card barcoded (state thing). I did happen to ask the lady if she knew of a thrift store other than Goodwill (Sorry, just not a fan). Sure enuf, basically right across the street is one! AND I found Mat camo pants (he needed something to get trashed paintballing at church camp) and Wed happens to be spin the wheel and get % off so I walked out w/2 pair of pants (JOey wanted some camos and they had his size) for $2.40!!!! Then we go to the other branch cuz that's where the playaways are. WRONG! So BACK across town the 1st library (thanked the lady who told me) and check out and set off hte alarm. HUH? Go back and you aren't supposed to take the plastic cases. Really? Cuz the other library let me. So while they were bad-mouthing the other branch (I bit my tongue HARD since it was THEIR branch who told me that most of the playaways were at hte other branch to begin with!), I asked if I needed to bring in the one we already got.  Yes. SHeesh! All of that for some free stuff!LOL I supposedly can now d/l books on my MP3 tho so as long as that works, I'm going to get over this entire fiasco.

Then to Rally's for their .69 hotdogs/cheeseburgers/shakes. Then to the free math program. I managed to get a Wii charger for $16 (and I fixed the Wii this am!!!!!!!!!) so those are charging and I get my rechargable batteries back! I also wondered thru Target since I had time to kill. Found a cute top that will match those orange wedges I had to buy for the Father's Day speech (Hopefully DH doesn't catch on to this!LOL). Next week, I'm goign to TJ Maxx.

I picked the boys up adn off to the cultural center w/the free passes from the library. They had a cool animal exhibit and still had the canning one that I love. I totally forgot to get our probiotics, but oh well. We get home, unload, reload f0r baseball and soccer and headout. I drop Joey off and get about 1/2 way to tennis when the instructor called to cancel. I was a bit torqued cuz the weather is SO NICE and we'll reschedule is wretched heat. Plus I had to go to town anyway to return the cultural passes and get a book on reserve. So back to get JOey and DH had made the taco meat so we did get to eat.

Now I get to pick up stuff and get ready to mop and vacuum and do all the laundry, get my goat share, and pack to leave tomorrow night.

I'm tired just thinking of all of this........

Family, Friends and Food for the Fourth (nd an update too)

Posted on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 06:47 by Gabbie - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Well I just got notification that my side of the family is having a big BBQ at my brother's house on the evening of the Fourth.  I am thrilled since hubby's family is all busy and doing their own thing.  His mother and father will be at their church's 3 day meeting, his oldest sister is in Washington and unable to come home but will be home in a few weeks for Grandma's 90th bday, and his youngest sister and her hubby and daughter are in California at Disney!

Of course I asked what I could bring and my SIL told me maybe a salad or a dessert.  So I plan on taking both. LOL  Not sure what kind of salad to take, and I have a simple dessert recipe I will make (it is red white and blue).  Hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill sound so good right now.  And I know several of the other dishes will be potato salad and baked beans, etc.  One gal there doesn't cook, so she usually brings the pop, or ice and sometimes a large tub of icecream depending on what we are all having. 

We aren't shooting off any fireworks there though.  One of the twins is scared of fireworks, 2 of the other kids are with their dad for the weekend and won't be there either.  So it is the one if the twin who likes fireworks, and Noah, who is only 3 but loved them last year, so I unless he decides to change his mind, LOL, I think he will be ok with them again this year.  After the BBQ, several of us will drive back to town and watch the citywide fireworks display at the lake.  We won't buy much this year....maybe some snappers, some smoke bombs, and some other smaller items for Noah.   I just can't see spending alot of money on big bangs this year when we have so many things we could spend the money instead.

Matthew got called today for a small electrical job.  The guy wants an electrical hookup for a camper put in behid his barn by this weekend.  So Matthew is running a little late tonight getting that done.  He was hoping it was a 10 minute job, but knows things happen and it might take longer.  Oh well, we need the money to take care of part 2 of fixing my car's air conditioning.  (Part one was putting in a new fan, which he did last night.  Part 2 is???  LOL  I have no idea.  I know the fan works now but no cold air.  Maybe it needs freon?? Who knows.  That is hubby's job)

I have discussed having a yard/garage sale and then canceled it thinking I would just have an auction (a HS friend has an auction business and is going to hold a consignment auction), but now I am thinking I should just open up a Ebay shop, and possibly put some stuff on Etsy as well.I think in the long run I will end up getting more money for the items.  I will just advertise that I go to the post office once or twice a week, etc. so I don't have to go every single day.  That would be crazy. On days I have many packages, I will ask a girlfriend to watch Noah, or drop him off for an hour at grandma's shop.

Speaking of grandma's shop.....she has offered me one of her large display windows to put items in if wanted.  I told her I would speak to Matthew, pray about it and get back to her.  I know I won't make alot of money from it, because her shop is kind of out of the way, and not many people walk around there either.  However, the customers that come into her shop for Speech (She is a Speech Pathologist) might see something and buy it, or order one in a different color, tell their friends, etc.  I was thinking of putting some vintage items in the window, and making up some aprons and shaggy blankets to display and sell there.  I am getting excited about the opportunity to make some money to help with household items and Christmas, etc.  When I get the shops up and running, I will post the addresses here for all of you!!!

Matthew (who is the king of putting things off, starting projects and then not finishing them, etc.) has turned a new leaf.  I am not sure what happened, but I am not about to ask and screw this up.  LOL  Projects like Noah's bedroom upstairs that have sat for over 3 years without being finished are now being worked on!  He comes home from work and instead of colasping in his chair with the laptop, he asks if there is anything I need him to do!  Mostly it is small stuff like, take out the trash, take this box upstairs, etc.  But recently he has fixed part of the air conditioning on the car, fixed the leaky roof, replaces a filter on the furnace/air conditioner, and my favorite, bought and hung a ceiling fan in Noah's new bedroom!!!  The later was all his idea and he was so pleased to be able to buy the fan with his extra money coming in from electrical jobs.  :)  Makes me smile to see this part of Matthew blossoming. 

Noah has been talking up a storm!!!  I can't believe in the last couple of months since his birthday screening in April, how much he has developed.  He is definately not the same little boy.  He is doing better every day.  Last night I told Matthew that he had been talking up a storm all day long and learning new words every day.  Later on Matthew said, how do you turn HIM off??  LOL  We both had a great laugh over that one.  The little boy that wouldn't talk earlier except for mom, dad, cookie, candy, etc. little words, is now talking 4 word sentences, answering questions with words instead of sign language, and asking for items instead of pointing and grunting.  God is so good to us.  I love this little guy.  And yes, there are times you want to turn him off still.  LOL  But most of the time, I love hearing him talk (now not only in English but a little Spanish and Chinese due to a few tv shows he watches)

Well, that's all for now.  I should go. 

Are we closer to a farm?

Posted on Wed-1-Jul-2009 at 08:06 by Ashley - 4 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I think so. LOL But we are still living in the basement. It's been over a month since we sold our house, and what a tangled path God has led us safely through!

The first house we thought we were going to buy was a house and 35 acres. We dreamed about 80 acres, but agreed on a price we thought was "too high", so we went back to 35 acres. We then found out they were negotating a contract on a lot more land than we had considered - and the house!

Looking back,  I'm glad we lost that one, as one upstairs bedroom Jonathan couldn't even stand up in, and the cellar had foundation issues going on. But at the time we loved it and were very excited.

We looked at several other houses. Then we found a house and five acres, with the offer of more. We decided on 20 acres, and started negotations. This house was at the top of our budget - but about 3,000 square feet! When the sellers didn't budge the last little bit on closing costs, we walked away. The worst thing about this house was that it didn't have a full stove, just a wall oven and an electric range top, and IT WAS GOING TO NECESSITATE A 90-DAY CLOSING. That last  part scared me the most.

The last house was 16 acres. I did like this house! It was small, but do-able for another 3-5 years, which is why we would have bought it. We had agreed on a price and put down our earnest money, and my dad found a lot of recent water damage. The house sort of sat down in a hollow and all the water drained toward it. You couldn't even see foundation - the ground was flush with the house. Not a great idea. This one was well within our budget ... so it was hard to let go ...

So here we are. Three potentail homes later. Still praying, still searching.

~Ashley~

HSB is moving?? I just got the email....

Posted on Wednesday, July 1 at 01:32 by Jennifer - 3 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Ok, this will probably be a good thing.. exciting for sure as long as things go smoothly, as planned.. but my biggest worry.. what if we lose everything in our blogs??  I have been on other sites that have made major changes.. and it wasn't pretty.  =(   Not at all to say that will/might happen here, but it is a scary thought.

I am excited though.. I wonder what all new changes they have planned for us.  FUN!!  They love us so much, don't they??

I wonder when all these changes are going to take place and if HSB will be down at all during the transition. 

Adorable Homemade Hanging Jar Lanterns ~Borrowed from the blog of thecfarm~

Posted on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:37 by Jennifer - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Hanging Jar Lanterns are a fun and easy way to add a little light to your garden.

http://www.pallensmith.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=98

Materials:

• assorted sizes and styles of glass jars with a lip
• fine gage metal wire
• wire cutters
• needle nose pliers
• votive candles

Directions:

• Collect small jam jar sized glass jars with a lip just below the top.
• Next, take a long piece of wire (about 24 inches is good) and bend it around the jar just under the lip so that a ring is formed. With the needle nose pliers twist the wire together close to the jar to secure the ring. When tightening the wire be sure to leave a little give so that you can attach the handle.
• Once the ring is created you will have 2 approximately 8 inch long wires originating from the point where the circle is twisted closed.
• Bend the excess wires over the top of the jar and attach them to the wire ring to create a handle.
• Place a votive candle inside the jar.
• Hang it in a tree with sturdy branches, far enough from the end of the branch, so the jar won't slip off in the wind. Light the candles to create a magical effect.
• Caution should be used with any open flame; do not leave candles burning unsupervised.

Homemade Sherbet Flavored with Kool Aid ~ Borrowed from the blog of Happykeeperathome ~

Posted on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:12 by Jennifer - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Koolaid Sherbet

1 c. sugar

1 envelope unsweetened Kool-Aid (your choice of flavor)

3 c. milk

In a bowl, stir sugar, koolaid mix and milk until sugar is dissolved.  Pour into a shallow freezer container; cover and freeze for 1 hour or until slightly thickened.  Transfer to a mixing bowl; beat until smooth.  Return to freezer container; cover & freeze until firm.  Remove from the freezer 20 mins. before serving. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Beating the heat with a different kind of popsicle

Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 3:36 PM by Kitty - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I got this from my Living on a Dime (linked) newsletter today and thought I'd share it. Any way of beating the heat is a good thing.

For non-traditional popsicles:

• Freeze applesauce in popsicle molds.
  
  
• Mix fruit or jam into yogurt. Freeze in small, snack sized Ziploc bags for frozen yogurt on the go. Cut a hole in the end of the bag for easy access/eating.
  
  
• Mix gelatin and freeze. Add gummie fish or worms before freezing for added fun.
  
  
• Freeze syrup from canned fruit.
  
  
• Add food coloring or sprinkles to yogurt or softened ice cream for added pizzazz. Then freeze in popsicle molds.
  
  
• When you have leftover jam or jelly, put 1/4 cup of hot water in the jar and shake well. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.
  
  
• If jelly or jam doesn't set up well, use for popsicles or add more water, boil and make syrup.
  
  
• Make a batch of pudding. Add coconut, nuts, marshmallows, crushed cookies or sprinkles if desired. Pour into molds. Freeze several hours until firm.
  
  
• Stick a toothpick in the center of blackberries, strawberries, raspberries or sliced bananas.
  Dip in chocolate if desired. Freeze on a tray. Once frozen, store in freezer bags.
  
  
• For easy snow cones, freeze orange juice (or any other flavored juice) in ice cube trays. Store frozen juice cubes in a plastic bag. Blend 5 cubes in the blender until they have a shaved ice consistency. The shaved ice will keep its consistency if kept frozen in a container.
  
  
• For watermelon popsicles, blend one cup each watermelon chunks (seeds removed), orange juice and water. Blend well. Then pour and freeze into molds.
  
  
• For strawberry popsicles, blend 2 cups strawberries, 1 cup vanilla ice cream or yogurt, 4 cups orange juice and 2 tablespoons sugar. Blend smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.
  
  
• For banana popsicles, dissolve one 3 oz. package strawberry gelatin with one cup boiling water. In a blender, mix gelatin, 1 banana and 1 cup yogurt or ice cream. Blend well and pour into molds.

Fill in the blanks

Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:48 AM by Kitty - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link