NJH Homestead

Today's happenings

Hello.  What a busy few weeks around here!!  The little puppy isn't so little anymore but he's still just as cute!   

The first part of this week we spent in Tulsa with my sister Vicki. That was a really great time. While at my sister's house, I started cutting out another quilt (number 4 I think). Hey Vicki,  haven't  worked on it since I was there! Not enough time or inspiration YET!

 The younger two kids (Jacob age 12 and Hannah age 9) asked me to home schooling them.  I had home schooled the oldest for several years ( 1st thru 7th grades) and stopped when I had to change my work and family schedule.  She is now a Jr. in high school and NOT interested in being homeschooled again, however is very supportive of her siblings being homeschooled.  This has lifted a heavy weight off my shoulders. My mother is even supportive (HUGE SURPRISE)  Of course, Vicki has also been homeschooling her three for several years.  While I feel the kids have learned a lot in public school,  they have learned A LOT (if you know what I mean).  Hannah wants to start immediately (while still in public school) and Jacob wants to start after the summer is over.  Still haven't quite figured out how the whole scheduling thing is going to work with me working 7-3 5 days a week at the hospital (no special schedules).  If anyone has any ideas please let me know!!

We will be using Rod and Staff (what I started out with and still like the best) for our curriculum.  There is a WONDERFUL used curriculum store in Tulsa run by a woman named Sue.   Sue helped me when I was homeschooling before and was happy to help again years later, and we got almost all we need for the first year!!

We are still trying to decide where to put the garden and what to put in it.  Yes, I know I need to get it going soon, but I'm having a hard time with the placement.  I'm sure I'll plant potatoes, okra, green beans and corn.  I guess that's a start.  I also have been planning on doing some landscaping around the house (My in'laws tell me I have too much planned to do it all in one year) but hey a girl can dream can't she?! 

Started working on making knitted dish cloths. I'm making them on # 3 bamboo needles.  I was using # 2, but it was too tight.  It is a really simple pattern just knit every row.  For fun, I'm using verigated yarn-in pastel colors.

For a couple of years now, I have been making a crochet afghan for my son.  It is made using the camo verigated yarn.  I need to change it AGAIN as a friend of ours just gave him a king-sized bed and he would like it to fit.  Maybe, I'll just crochet 2 twin sized ones and sew them together - I'll have to think on that one!!

I hope everyone has a God-filled and God-blessed week!  I know I have (especially being able to take a week off during Spring Break to spend with the kids).  What a mighty God I serve!!!

------ Staci

liNew Critter

Last week God and I FINALLY decided on the newest critter to add to our lives.  My oldest daughter works at a vet in the area and yes, I got an animal from the vet's clinic. Someone had abandoned a 5 week old Blue Heeler puppy.  He is SO cute!!! I named him Lucas (a good 'cowboy' name for a working dog).  The first night he was at the house, he was trying to round up our four cats! A bold yet unsatisfying task. He didn't get them rounded up try as he may, the nerve of them to not cooperate!!!  Anyway, he descovered "mom" is easier to 'round up' then the headstrong cats.  They have been more willing to interact with him this week, so all may not be lost after all.

Today we closed a loan to refinance our home and land.  I'm still not sure if we did the right thing.  I'll just keep praying!! 

The flowers (bulb) are starting to poke their green shoots out of the ground, and in a little while we should have some pretty flowers decorating our yard once again.  Still trying to decide what would be best to plant in the garden this year. I don't want to plant so many things that I get overwhelmed, yet I want more than a couple plants growing.

I have a co-worker who found out his division in the National Guard was being called up and they will be leaving for Iraq sometime mid to late summer.  Please pray for him and his family.  A few years ago he was in Afganastan for 12 - 18 months. His name is Pete (both of his brothers will be going as well).I am so thankful there are people like him and his brothers who are willing to serve not only our coutry, but us at home as well!!!  Please keep all of our service men and women in ypur prayers whether or not you agree with the war!

For all of you who have been posting your menus, thank you.  I haven't created only that plans for more than one meal a day, however we have planned out supper for the next 4 weeks.  I asked each of the kids to write down (in detail) 6 of their favorite meals on a paper divided i 6 parts ( I also filled one out).  I then cut each paper apart and folded the slips of paper.  All lists were placed into a basket to be drawn out. As one was drawn out, it was put on the calendar and another one was drawn.  This has been such a great idea and keeps me from dreading the question "What's for dinner?" Now I just remeind them to look at the calendar and marker board ( marker board has one week at a time listed). Hope this idea helps someone.

Well, its getting late so I'll end this posting and write more a wonderful day!!

Have a wonderful ay!!!

God Bless

computer woes and other things

I finally got my OLD computer back on-line this evening!  It is VERY slow and I am getting really frustrated with it.  I think its time to upgrade!! For those of you who have older computers, you understand.

It is funny how the little things are the things that either bring us such joy, or really get under our skin. Why do you suppose that is? It might be because we "think" we are in some control of the details of our lives (wrongly) and when things don't turn out as we expect them to, it serves as a reminder that we are unable to control anything and we come face to face with our humanity. Only God can control anything and last time I looked, I wasn't Him!! What  freedom we find we have when we "let go and let God".  He is the one who created us and He "knows the plans He has for us".  I don't know about you, but that brings a fresh breath of relief to me.

As my sister ALWAYS tells me, take your problems into our open hands (palms up) then drop it.  It does help as does 'don't pick them back up'. Jesus tells us to take His yoke and learn of Him.  He gives us His light burden and takes up the heavy cares we toil under.

I have come up with a new way to remember my dear sister's advice. Stop, Drop, and Run into the arms of our loving Father! 

Thank you Vicki, for being such an inspiration and role model!!!

Good night!

Daily Grind

Today it is back to the daily grind!  I spent the weekend at my sister's house de-stressing as my outside job is very stressful. I do enjoy my work, but it is just that work. Not nearly as rewarding as being at home with the kids and doing the tasks around the home that need to be done, or the other things I long to do!  I've been trying to plan a garden, however I have NO idea where the best place to put it is.

My dad always seemed to have a knack for placing, planting, growing and harvesting a wonderful garden. Unfortunatly, he is no longer around so I will look toward his example and maybe even call my Grandfather for help (you too K.).

Any ideas on easy planning tips and/or books to inspire?!

Thank you to those who have welcomed me and in advance to those who answer my call!!!

Have a God-filled day!!!

Welcome to NJH Homestead

Hi.  This is my first blog.  Thank you to my sister "Keeblur" for helping me get this thing going and for introducing me to homestead blogger!  I look forward to learning more about homesteading.  I live on 10 acres and hope to start utilizing some of them this year to start our homestead.  I would be interested in any advice on how to transition from full time job to homesteading.

Also, if you have any advice on critters that would be good to begin with.  We have a barn, corral, a dried-up pond, and lots of trees.  My husband isn't home often, so most of the work will be up to the kids and me. 

There will be NO word of the day on my site!   

Hope to hear from you soon!