Solomon Homestead

Moving to town

Saying so long to my little homestead. This past year has brought many changes for us. I began work in the summer, hubby graduated college and alot more activities with the children have all been keeping us in town everyday. We have decided to move to town.

This trailer we live in needs many many repairs that we just can't afford. We have found a home to rent right up the street from the church I work at and where most of our children's activities are. It will be saving us on gas and out to eat money!

I will miss the country life but am hoping this is just another season in my life and someday soon we will own our own homestead.

Homeschooling and working outside the home have kept me very busy! Right now we have over a foot of snow on the ground which is almost unheard of here in the Ozarks! So needless to say we are snowed in and I am loving it. Life is at such a slow pace now and I really needed this break! I so miss the days of teaching the children with lapbooks and unit studies and not having a place to go. Knowing that the entire day will be spent at home and not having a schedule....other than school.

Not sure how much time I will be spending on here. We are planning to move next week. I will be busy packing, schooling and working. But until then I will enjoy these snow days with the family.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve is upon us.  I am hoping all of you have a very Merry and blessed Christmas with your family and friends and a happy, safe and healthy New Year!

I can't believe another year has come and gone. Time sure flies when you are raising a family!!

We are hoping for a white Christmas and we might just get one. Going to my mom and dad's today for our annual Christmas Eve gathering. The meal is a turkey dinner. I think I have had enough sweets to last me a lifetime! I love being able to spend Christmas Eve with my parents. What a blessing it is to have family nearby.

Merry CHRISTmas all!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful meal here today. Hubby, kids and myself. I prepared the feast and they cleaned up. Then we all went to the park for some walking and basektball....had to get rid of all those calories ;) Finished up the evening with football, and board games. Kids went to bed early so we can rise early for shopping.

Hope everyone had a very blessed Thanksgiving. We have soooo much to be thankful for!! 

November 2009

Well fall is in full swing here. We had a beautiful one this year. The leaves were just gorgeous! The weather has been perfect in the lower 70's most of the month so far with sunshine. We have been taking advantage of this and walking every evening. Then playing with the kids at the park. Hubby plays football with the boys and I play frisbee and horseshoes with our daughter.

Can't believe Thanksgiving is upon us. I usually have all my cookie baking done and in the freezer by now and this year I don't even have them started!! This working outside the home is for the birds! Between the preschool and selling fudge I barely have time to check the kids schoolwork...whew! Can't wait for some rainy days where I can get some baking in and don't have to go anywhere!

Before you know it it will be Christmas shopping and birthday shopping for my daughter. Money is scarce this year so we will just have to make do. I hope to be able to purchase the kids 3 gifts a piece for Christmas and have a surprise birthday party for my daughter. My baby will be 6 on Dec. 16th!!

How is everyone's fall baking going?

Fudge, hand dipped candies, jellies and fruit butters

Been busy here on the homefront. Now that the weather is cooler it has me in the baking mood. Busy baking pumpkin, zucchini and banana bread. Soups and stew have been on the menu too ;)

I have been helping my mom start her dream business of selling her homemade fudge and jellies. We have been taking orders and going around to local farmer's markets. So far so good :) Here is our menu if anyone is interested just let me know ;)

  Fudge: $3.00 (3x31/2” square)

·         Choc. Cherry

·         Choc. Orange

·         Choc. Mint                                                                    

·         Choc. Raspberry

·         Choc. Coffee

·         Choc. Black Walnut

·         Peanut butter                                  

·         Cookies n cream

Truffles:   $3.00

·         Orange chocolate (3)

 Candy:  $2.00

·         Chocolate peanut butter balls (4)

·         Chocolate Coconut balls (4)

·         Turtles (3)

·         Pralines (3)

·         Cinnamon hard candy

·         Lemon hard candy

·         Butter rum hard candy

·         Root beer hard candy

·         *Divinity upon request (black walnut, cinnamon, vanilla).

v  Peach Honey, Pear Honey and Caramel Apple Butter $4.50 a pint.  

All handmade from Grannie’s Cookin in Bakersfield, Mo.

New School year

Outside my window:  Sunny sky and a slight breeze. Crepe Myrtle in full bloom.

I am thinking: My job I am starting tmrw.

From the kitchen: eating at my parent's after church today.

In the Garden: Tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins.

I am reading: Just give me a little piece of quiet

I am hearing: the fan

Around the house: nothing: church

I am looking forward to: payday

Homeschool: started Monday. K5, 4th and 9th. Week went well.

One of my favorite things: silence

So we started school on Monday. It went well. My oldest is using SOS and he loves it! My middle child is jealous because older bro. is using SOS and he tends to drag along all day. My kindergartener couldnt be happier doing her work. I am using some K videos from BJ and she loves them.

I attended a wee workshop convention in LR last week with my new directors and co-workers. It went well. Learned some new things to add to my homeschool. Since my job is after care with one year olds I couldn't really apply much of that information.  I start my job tmrw :)

My garden didn't do too well this summer. It mstly was enough to feed our rabbits.....those of which we gave away yesterday...  We do have pumpkins growing nicely right now so at least we won't have to go to the pumpkin path this year!

Library classes finally ended a couple weeks ago. We were there pretty much 3x a week this summer and that kept us busy.

Summer coming to an end......

Boy has it been a busy summer for us!!! I can't remember a day when I didn't have to leave the house!!

It is another rainy morning here on the homestead. We have had alot of rain this July. Usually everything is burned up by now but not this year. The garden is plotting along but between the pests and me not being home I really don't have much of a crop this year. I think this is the last garden I will have on this property. I won't garden again until we move. This soil is just too poor here and I don't have the resources or the time anymore to maintain it.

I will be starting a job the 10th of August. Part time after hour care at our church preschool. I have training three days next week out of town. I will still be able to homeschool so I am trying to get all this year's curriculum together so we can start school on the 3rd.

My oldest son has been very busy this summer. He returned from Arlington Tx last Saturday with te youth group from church.  They stayed down there a week to minister to several apartment complexes. The did sports camps with the children in these apratments and arts and crafts and bible studies. 23 children were saved!!!  Our teens loved on those kid so much. Watching the slideshow at our church service Sunday brought me to tears. How awesome our God is!!!! 

He and the youth band have played at several bible camps this summer. We were fortunate enough to go along with them on this last trip. I now fully understand the life of a band on the road. All the setting up, putting on the show, tearing down, loading up and traveling is ALOT if hard work! But those boys love serving Christ and it shows. They touch the hearts of so many teenagers through their music....it is an amazing sight!

Well I am off to clean and take the kiddos into the library for the end of the reading program bash this afternoon.  I can't believe summer is over!!!!

Here is a picture of the band and my hubby( down in front) and my son is on the right in the black shirt.

Stayin busy

My oldest ds leaves Saturday am with the church youth group to the mission field of Dallas.  Been busy getting his things ready, taking him to his training meetings and band practice. His youth band will lead worship in the church down there :)

Me and the little ones have been busy with library classes on Tues-Thurs. My middle child is really having fun. Me and my youngest hang out in the children's room reading and doing puzzles. They have both almost reached their goal for the reading program which ends next week.

Dh is busy with his summer semester of online college. Passed his first semester and on to the next.

We had a nice fourth of July. Spent it at my parent's house. Mom made a great meal with many desserts as usual and we watched fireworks that evening down at the park.

Haven't had much rain here. Been watering garden by hand. Picking squash, green beans and tomatoes. Peas and potatoes are done for the season. Still waiting on cauliflower and cabbage....they are growing very slow....may get some by fall :p.

Our bunnies are getting big! Have not been able to sell them so guess we will butcher them. Will have to have a friend come over and show us how.  They are almost 9 weeks.

Will be starting a part time job in August. So trying to figure out next year's school schedule. After 9 yrs. I can finally get a job outside of the home. Hubby has all of his remaining classes online...no more campus trips for him :)

Summer is here!

Last week and this week have been sunny days with highs in the 90's. We were able to go out on the lake. Zac's boss was gracious enough to take us out on his boat for a few hours. What an enjoyable time it was! He even had a rc boat that Jordan loved driving around :)

Hubby and Zac didn't put enough sunblock on and got burned.  I thought for sure after that he would lather up with it before going outdoors but no. We went to mom and dad's yesterday for Father's Day. We went down to the creek to swim and play in the rapids and Zac didn't put sunblock on again....so I put it on him! He had work yesterday (weedeating several lawns) and his sunburn began to peel.

The garden isn't doing as well as I'd hoped. My yellow squash keep getting blossom rot, the peas are beginning to dry up...they produced alot, the cabbage and cauliflower keep getting eat up by cabbage worms but I think after putting woodash on them that fixed that. My potato crop was very small. Luckily mom has a huge garden and sent two bags of potatoes home with us :)

Off to library classes this week. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Summer survey

Outside my window:  Hot and sunny 93 degrees, leaves swaying in the breeze, dog taking a nap ;)

I am thinking: About all the summer library classes coming up next week.

From the kitchen: fish, mac & cheese and spinach for supper. Lemonade to drink and not sure about dessert yet ;)

In the Garden: Tomatoes, sweet peas, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, potatoes, squash and green beans.

I am reading: Breaking Dawn...the final book in the Twilight series and various cookbooks.

I am hearing: kids watching tv

Around the house: laundry day 

I am looking forward to: A day when I don't have to leave home for anything. We have been busier now than during the school year.  I am looking forward to Wednesday with the youth to James River Assembly church.

One of my favorite things: being out on the lake in a boat.....what a great time we had yesterday!!!

Garden & Bunnies

The garden is coming along nicely. Have been picking lots of peas and digging new potatoes. I thought I would post pictures of the garden, my herbs and wildflowers, and our baby bunnies that are quickly growing! They are so cute and sweet =)

Growing....

Outside my window: gray and a misty rain

I am thinking: About hubby starting school back next week. The month of May was a nice vacation for us..out and about fishing, park time and our anniversary celebration.

From the kitchen: Subs, chips and cookies :)

Homeschool:  TRYING to finish up in the next week or so....I really want to be done for the summer!!!!

I am reading: Eclipse...the third book in the Twilight series.

I am hearing: hubby is watching tv

Around the house: laundry day 

I am looking forward to: Being done with these schoolbooks and extra money for a summer vacation.

One of my favorite things: iced coffee with lots of creamer

Our baby bunnies are really growing. Hopping around all over the hutch and eating pellets, hay and water.

Been picking peas everyday. Picked about 3 quarts so far. Strawberries too. Squash are blooming. Tomatoes, potatoes, corn, green beans, cabbage and cauliflower are coming along...a bit slow but we have had so much rain it is putting a damper on things.

15 years of marriage

Hubby and I have been married 15 yrs. today! We celebrated by staying in a cozy, comfy cabin on the river over the weekend. It was soo peaceful and relaxing. A hot tub on the screened in back porch, a creek running below. Hearing whip or wills in the evening and watching the fireflies off the front porch. Hearing the train go by in the day. Most of all being ALONE with my husband. We have never been away from all three children at the same time!!! It ws so nice to be able to sit and read every magazing in the cabin from front to back with NO interruptions!! LOL 

Our baby bunnies are 10 days old now. Their eyes and ears are open now and they are hopping out of the nest box. They are sooo cute!! We have some very pretty rabbits. Notice in my slideshow.

Trying to finish up school...got about 10 or 12 days to go.

We are looking into buying some dwarf milk goats and some chickens. We have never raised goats so any info. would be greatly appreciated. We are looking for Nigerian dwarfs.

My garden is coming along nicely. Picked a handful of sugar snap peas today along with more lettuce. We have been eating fresh strawberries everyday too :)

We were able to get out and do some fishing this week. My oldest and I caught some catfish. We fried them up and they were delicious. 

The weather has been absolutely beautiful all week! I have the sunburn to prove it!! LOL 

New life on the homestead

Our rabbit had her first litter today. I counted six. Very healthy looking babies.  Here they are!!

Three little bluebirds have hatched in the birdhouse in my herb garden.

My peas are finally blooming...yaay...I was a bit worried about them. I have been picking spinach, lettuce, radishes and strawberries. The mulberries are bout ready. I have seen the catbirds and mockingbirds thick in them all day today...am hoping there will be some berries left for us. They are our favorites.

Blackberries and honeysuckle are blooming :) Yes new life has sprung here.

My blessings from the Lord

My oldest ds 14 has been blessed with the gift of playing guitar. He joyfully does so in church on Wednesday nights leading the youth worship service. This past Sunday was Youth Sunday and he lead worship with the 8th grade band for both services.

Here are all three of my beautiful blessings.

Little mommy in the making

My dd5 asked me to take a picture of her and her babydoll :) She is my precious girl. Growing up too quickly.

April

We have been having warm temps. then cold temps. It seems the weather can't make up it's mind. One day I have a sunburn the next day I have on a sweater!

We have been taking advantage of the warm sunny days. Schooling outside and spending lots of time in the garden.  I have my yellow squash, tomatoes and pepper plants in the ground now. Waiting for the temps. to stay in the 80's (hopefully next week) to plant my green beans. 

We have been hiking a couple of times. Met with some other homeschool families and tried the new walking trail at the state park. It was a nice trail.

Easter was a nice time. The children and I helped the Saturday before at church. We had and Eggstravaganza Easter egg hunt for the community. It was perfect weather. We had a big turn out!  Easter Sunday was a cold, rainy day. We spent it at my parent's home. Our church was packed out for Easter Sunday. We have never seen a crowd that big!

Last Sunday was Youth Sunday. My oldest son and his 8th grade band lead worship in both services. They did an awesome job! We are so proud of him. Very thankful he has found his calling. The Lord has truly blessed him.

Menus on the homestead have included alot of grilling. I love being able to fire up the grill. Last night we had smores for dessert. Lesson learned....wear your hair in a ponytail while roasting marshmallows. It was a bit windy and dd and I ended up wearing some of our marshmallows! :o) 

Spring is here, Spring is here!

We have been having temps. in the 70's. Flowers are popping up everywhere along with the buds on the trees.  Bradford pear and Redbuds are in full bloom.  Ahhh, I love the greening up of everything after a long, cold winter.

We are attempting to raise rabbits. Ds 9 recieved a male and female rabbit for his birthday... a gift from Grannie. We got a hutch from a nice man and he even delivered it. We have some researching to do. I want to put the young ones in the freezer, as I imagine they will be having babies and lots of them. I have never butchered anything so this may be a bit of a challenge for me!

Garden is growing well. My sweet peas, lettuce, raddishes and spinach are up. I will be using the rabbit manure for the garden....can't wait as my compost bin is taking waaay too long.

It is springbreak for dh and so I am hoping we will be out and about this week. Hopefully get a few hikes in. We went out of town last week as dh had school business, so we took the kids to Chuckie Chees and the mall. It was so nice to get out and away. We have been cooped up since the kids came down with the whooping cough, they are much better now....not 100 % yet but pretty close! Thank you Jesus!!!  

How is everyone elses gardens coming along? Any plans for springbreak?

Gardening

The temps. have been in the upper 70's here. I have my garden turned over...Yea!!

So far I have planted sweet peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach and potatoes. My oninons and garlic are coming up from last year. My herbs and strawberries are greening up with new growth also.

Daffodils and Forsythia are in bloom along with the Bradford Pear trees. Tulips and Dogwood will be next.  

We are supposed to have a cold front come in tonight. I am hoping it doesn't last long. I am sooo ready for the warm weather to stay!

Welcome to my Kitchen

Welcome to my kitchen

1. Do you have magnets on your fridge? Yes

2. Do you have a calendar in your kitchen, if so, what's the theme of it? Yes, it's got pictures of various beaches

3. What is your favorite kitchen gadget or tool? crockpot and rice maker

4. Are you lucky enough to have a pantry of some kind?  Yes in my hallway

5.What is your favorite appliance? Stove.

6. Do you have an eat in kitchen (table in it)? Yes

7.Do you have a bread box? Yes

8. Do you have a picture of your kids on the fridge? Yes

9. Do you ever cook breakfast in your PJs? Yes, almost every morning

10. Do you have a favorite cookbook that you use? anymore it is my favorite blog or allrecipes.com

11. Are you lucky enough to have recipes that were passed down from your mom or grandma?  Yes!

12. Whats your favorite food? steak

13. Whats your favorite thing to cook?  everything

14. Is your coffee pot electric or stove top? Electric. 

15. Do you ever make your own bread?  Yes.

16. Name one thing that you have hanging on your wall in your kitchen.  Pictures 

17. Is there a clock in your kitchen?  Yes

18. Do you have a bowl of fruit sitting on your table or counter? Yes

19. What type of canisters do you have? Glass

20. Does your kitchen have a theme? Amish/covered bridges

21. What's for supper tonight? steak...lol

22. Do you have enough cabinet space? no my kitchen is VERY small

23. Does your family use paper plates?   yes we do...no dishwasher

24. Do you have a good set of china picked up? nope

25. Do you wear an apron to work in your kitchen? No.

26. Name one thing, if anything, that you would like to change about your kitchen. Size and all new appliances, especially a dishwasher.

 How about your kitchen?