Well it isn't even 8am yet and I've been up-- had my Quiet time-- and I must share 3 verses I read today:

Psalm 90:17

 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
       establish the work of our hands for us—  yes, establish the work of our hands.

Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead to profit  as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Proverbs 21:17

He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

Very fitting, for me-- I thought!!

Here is how Day 1 Reads (quoted in RED)

Day One

The first thing you do is put beans on to soak. Soak them overnight and rinse in the morning adding fresh water. Put those on to cook either in a crockpot or in a pan on the stove. Add a couple of pieces of bacon. At the same time you put the beans to soak, take a cup of milk, a cup of flour, and a teaspoon of sugar, and blend together. Leave in a warm spot covered by a paper towel. [Ed. note - this is for the sourdough starter. There is some confusion regarding this recipe for starter and bread, so please read through the entire article before starting this. If it is unclear, try this recipe instead.] The next day, get up early and make eggs and bacon. In our house fried eggs stretch longer than scrambled. Partly because I usually make too many scrambled. So fry each person in the house an egg and make a little bacon. Also make some quick muffins.

Quick muffins

• 2 C. flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder (omit if using self rising flour)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 to1 C. milk with a dash of vinegar added, or omit if you don't have vinegar
• 1/4 C oil

Mix all together and pour into muffin tin filling cups by half, or pour into a loaf pan, and have bread. Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown.

You can find the "original plan" here...

Well I woke up started my coffee-- had my QT...and then got the bread started....

Then rinsed the beans that soaked overnight-- and put them in the crockpot.. I did "cheat' a bit- I put in a ham hock (which I had in the freezer) vs. bacon....seems like a cheaper alternative.

Then I started the "quick" muffins-- boy there were a lot of "whites" in there.... but it's not served every day so we'll go with it...

When Jason gets home we'll have the bacon and egg(s).  

So far so good....

Well it is 10:40am and breakfast is done, daddy and Stephen are in bed, bread is baking in the oven and I sat down to take a look at what's up next......

* The muffin recipe seemed a bit blahh-- but hubby actually said "what are these banana bread muffins?"  So they were actually a "hit".  Who knew??

After breakfast, make sure and put your beans on to cook. Then check the starter I had you set out last night. Does it smell sour? It should be beginning to smell sour. Set it aside until tomorrow. Now for lunch you can either choose tuna or egg salad sandwiches. Either way, make a batch of biscuits and stuff them with the mixture. Now take your tomato paste out, open all the cans. Drop large spoonfuls of tomato paste onto a cookie sheet and pop them in the freezer. Allow to freeze. When frozen take them out and put them into a ziplock bag. Now they can be used whenever you want a little tomato flavor.

Take two of these little tomato nuggets and drop them into your beans. Add a chopped onion and a little chili powder. Serve this for dinner along with cornbread. More than likely you have some left over beans, and they should be served the next day for lunch.

WOW.. i still need to make biscuits AND cornbread!!!  What a LOT of baking--- okay-- I better run- to go get some recipes and baking things ready-- 

I also PROMISED the boys we'd make some red/white/blue cupcakes today-- (I bought them LAST week) so there is another BAKING item for today!!

We are not really having a "holiday" weekend here-- hubby works ALL weekend and so it's just almost like a normal day around here...not even sure we'll go see fireworks because that would mean hubby has to take his truck to work and it takes TOO much GAS!!! 

 Okay-- now it is almost 2pm and the cornbread is done, the bread is done, the cupcakes are all done.... whewwww---  that was a LOT of baking!!

Luckily I had some GREAT helpers:

Zachary mixing the cupcakes (boxed version...but that's okay)

And the FINISHED products:

I must say I am doing the happy dance because for the FIRST TIME EVER-- my bread is SOFTER and LIGHTER and PERFECT for sandwiches----  and filling too-- ds (who is NEVER full) said after his tuna sandwich "Boy I'm stuffed!!"  YEAAAAAAAAA   3 Cheers for that!!!

So teh soup is still cooking in the crockpot-- the corn bread is done so dinner and the rest of the day should be VERY VERY easy-- but it was a BUSY morning!!!

So as the author of THIS plan states at the end of DAY 1

Now, everyone has had a full stomach for today. Tomorrow has enough trouble of it's own. Simply enjoy today's contentment, and give thanks to God for his provision.

Dinner was delcious-- and actually ALL GONE!!  (I was suposed to have some leftovers for lunch---so I threw in more beans for tomorrow)    The trick to beans at OUR house:  A dollop of sour cream and a pinch of shredded cheese-- it's gone in NO TIME!!!

Here is the prep work before starting the Menu for Hard Times $20-30

Well I went grocery shopping and spent............$55.33!!

Okay-- I mentioned before I have become a bit more "impulsive" than normal lately-- not sure why-- 

After doing bills today-- i do need to do another *update* on that-- our grocery budget it a bit tight due to some other impulsiveness (cherries, blueberries--etc...not planned for)... my grocery budget is a bit tighter than normal--

Well while I was getting my shower-- I thought-- Why not try some of those TRUE "HARD TIME" menu plans and follow it 100% (or close) and see how they work....

So for THIS week-- I am going to be following:  Menus for Moms- Meals for Hard Times- Menu for $20-30!!

Next week I will be following:  Hillbilly Housewife $70 menu

Then...  the ALDI FOOD MENU PLAN

and Lastly-- (unless I find some more) I will be following this one...Food Stamp Challenge - Eating Local Foods   I can't wait for this one--I won't be using Food Stamps-- but the dollar amount is my GOAL.

***** Please note I did check with Jason and let him read them over FIRST--- I wouldn't do something so "extreme" with out his okay....His reply-- "oh we can do it-- we can do it IF we want to-- we just have to be disciplined"  ********

I'm going to get a few items today-- and I will BE BACK to post how it goes--  
Not sure if I should post daily or at the end of 7 days???  Would I bore with you with daily updates???

One change I know I am making is I will not be doing the "sour dough" thing---I will instead each morning be following this recipe--Whole Wheat Bread-- in the bread machine each morning.

** Know of any other great menu plans already laid out for "TIGHT BUDGETS"?  I'd love to see em' and maybe try em'!!

Whewww what a day--I spent most of the day sitting in the OB office--  I knew it would be a long appointment as it was the sugar test...  Well when I got there and drank the drink (which seemed much smaller and more do-able than before) there was a note on my chart that the midwife wanted an ultra sound done-- I knew I was measuring big 2 weeks ago - I was 26 weeks measuring 31...but I thought they were going to give it another month or so-- guess not-- they REALLY wanna see how BIG this baby is--  They are always so concerned with my babies size-- but really I'm not--  Zachary was 10.8 and was delivered (after induction due to pre-eclamsia) vag. with some tearing-- Joshua was 9.11 and was delivered (after induction due to worry about size) FINE-- Stephen was 8.11 and was delivered (after induction due to worry about size) FINE--  They are all getting smaller-- and they are all really getting "easier"...I know that isn't the ALWAYS the case-- but they really do look at Zachary's stats and WORRY!!  So looks like in 2 weeks I'll get to confirm if this REALLY TRULY IS A GIRL!! 

Well after my measly post yesterday I decided to head out to the local pick-your own produce stand-- and pick some blueberries (after picking another bowl of raspberries)-- I was in HEAVEN-- the bushes were LOADED-- Jason and I each took a bucket and a kid and we each did a BUSH-- they were SOOOO FULL!!!  It was awesome (I thought) No prickers-- No stamping down weeds--just stand and pick--but they boys got REALLY bored REALLY quick-- I guess "TACKLING" the GREENS is half the battle for them!!   So we did pick 7+ lbs in less than an hour--

Then I made the mistake-- this pregnancy makes me very-- ummmm IMPULSIVE-- of heading to another FARM MARKET and buy some CHERRIES-- I won't even share what I PAID!!     And we also bought some plums and some nectarines---- uhhhh it was a BAD IMPLUSIVE MOVE!!

We'll start with the bad-- this section just didn't turn out-- however yesterday the boys and daddy re-planted some watermelon, and beans-- so we'll see...

Here is one of our MASSIVE tomato plants-- I can't even tell you how many tomatos we get a year-- hubby has this down to a SCIENCE!!

This is my lettuce row-- hubby planted another one yesterday right beside it with some spinach--

This is our first time trying Broccoli-- we eat a lot of it-- so I do hope it turns out

Outside the garden we of course have our raspberries and then we have our grape vine-- which needs some TLC from someone who KNOWS what they are doing---  here is 1/2 of it

It is FULL of grapes!!

Then we have 2 pear trees (which didn't load up)  and 3 apple trees:

 

While snapping tree pictures-- I found THIS in one of our apple trees-- HMMMMMM INTERESTING!! 

And now I must get back to my dishes-- I'll have some pictures of some of "Putting Up the Bounty" later...

Stop and put yourself in your husband's shoes: think of the stress he may be undergoing; think of the burdens he's bearing; think of the trials he's facing. When I do this, I usually overwhelmed with gratitude towards my husband for all he does!

Above quote from this really great entry from Biblical Womanhood....

Well it may be small-- and if you've looked over here and read THIS or THIS  OR if you visited HERE lately--  (I know I have MAJOR GARDEN ENVY) it looks even smaller than small--but it's only July 1st-- right?  (Kudos-- for all the hard work and AWESOME garden by both of the above gardners-- WOW!!)

PS:  This is a new blog from a long time bloger (that I have read and enjoyed) but it is ALL about Preserving the HARVEST-- if you have a garden or want more information about preserving the harvest--check this blog out!!   The Simple Woman's Cannery

Our first lettuce harvest-- it was DELICIOUS!!!  Even Zachary my anti-vegetable son--ate it all up-- amazing what kids will eat that they WORK for!!  Hmmmmmmm

This is our second raspberry harvest-- the first one didn't last long when the vanilla icecream arrived!!

And there you have it--

Our big producers will be Tomatos-- we'll have them coming out our ears with 12 plants and Zucchini-- 

Hubby (Mr. STEADY) admitted he likes to plant what he knows will produce (hence the massive Tomato and Zucchini harvest) -- so its a good thing little ol' Visionary ME comes on board every once in a while to plant those pea, bean and watermelon plants!! 

I don't know how I didn't know about this site..... Craig's List

When we had a HUGE tree fall this winter (due to ice) our landlord listed the FREE FIRE WOOD- you cut, you haul-- it was gone within 24 hours!! 

Then when we had the soft coal that didn't work in our furnace-- we listed FREE COAL-  you haul-- it too was gone within 24 hours!!

My hubby watches the "farm" section daily-- lots of neat things there-- (including baby goats)....and I thought-- hmmm wonder if I could sell my 4 "NEW" cloth diapers on there?  What could it hurt to list it right?  SO I did and with in 4 hours I had a call from a lady interested!!

So she calls yesterday to come and pick em' up-- (love that too-- no shipping) GUESS WHAT-- she lives on my road-- she lives less than 1/4 mile from me!!  What are the chances?  So she came and got them last evening and of course she was here for about 1 1/2- 2 hours and we laughed and talked-- here they JUST moved in and they have 1 new pigmy goats and some bantom chickens-- we have a LOT in common-  she is the mom of 2 little girls-- and I really do see us  getting together MUCH more often--  WHat are the chances??

I really think it is a "God" thing-- because it was a whim that I even listed it on craig's list and then for HER to call-- what are the chances? 

Just thought I'd share that neat little happening!!

*********

Oh I forgot to mention how embarassed I was last evening-- we walked the perimiter of our property (her request) and she found like 30 WILD raspberry plants FULL of berries-- and she asked "You don't pick these?"  The truth was I had no idea most of them were there-- and a few of them were set back behind some weeds and such...so I said "hmm maybe Jason would weed eat us a path back there"....as she climbs back and picks em'-- I felt so silly-- I guess I'm not the "country-farmer" girl I thought I was!! 

Hmmm what is that I smell?  Oh yeah----  A QUICK breakfast (made yesterday--baking today) before we head off to our PRODUCE AUCTION-- can't wait to share the results with you--

Picture taken from Heavnly Homeakers site-- where I found the recipe!!  YUMMMY

Just a reminder to be sure to see what is going around you for FREE this summer.

Our LITTLE (and I mean LITTLE) library has a really awesome summer reading program...

Last week was the first "show" and it was great..  It was a BUG program....(A 4-H gentleman, who is part of the 4-H Entomolgy Club came to speak and share) it was GREAT...

On the wall below each child who signs up to read gets their name on the caterpillar-- there are over 300 names-- i didn't think that many kids knew about this LITTLE library!!  WOW

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Our local newspaper and librarys also have another reading program with LOTS of neat activies for kids during the summer and if you complete 10 of the activites from June 10-July 10the you can receive FREE passes to Hershey Park

Some sample activities:

#4- Read Diary of a Spider or Diary of a Fly by Doreen Coronin- Create a diary of your favorite Crerpy crawler.

#2- Listen to the sounds insects make at night-- write a music review for your newspaper

#8- Write buggy Acrostic poems...

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Don't forget your State Park-

Lots of NEAT summer activies out there--- I need to stop by and pick up a listing for our local park...

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And LASTLY-- for those REALLY HOT days--  our local movie theaters have FREE MOVIES 3 days a week at 10am!!  WOW!!    

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Who could possibly be bored this summer? 

Don't forget the gardening too!! 

Last night after going to bed.. I let my Snapfish account download some of my pictures-- wanna see?

PS::  Who knows how to delete pics from my snapfish account? I can't figure it out!!

We were blessed to have this wooden swingset here when we moved in-- but as Zachary pointed out-- where is BABY GIRL going to swing?? 

I wish you could see Stphen's face-- he is so in awe of his big brothers!!

Even the goats were enjoying the beautiful weather:

Our BIG project of the day yesterday was investing in some BIG BALES OF HAY!!  (700-800lbs)  We bought 5 and they should last us all year vs. buying the small bales-- we'll see how this works??

Lastly a quick peak into the garden-- today is "WEEDING" day-- so I'm sure I'll have more pictures after that is done!!

I found a new favorite blog--  Heavenly Homeakers.  I found it while looking at a cinnamon roll recipie on another blog.

What I found interesting is in my short time reading thru some blogs--there was a common theme- JARS...

Heavenly Homemakers has an entry HERE.  And Tammy has an entry HERE.   Doesn't that make you want to go and clean out your cupboards and put EVERYTHING in Jars?

Well I must also share another link from Heavenly Homeakers--  She is doing a SERIES on Getting Real With Food.  I really enjoyed seeing picture of her kitchen and how she organizes it-- NEVER considered a chest like she has-- and her pantry-- OH MY!!  I think I was turning GREEN with envy!!

Just thought I'd share--

Oh and another entry on Tammy's site led me to a blog that is doing a series on beans-- I really need to work at getting more beans in our diet-- we were doing great-- but now that it is summer we really don't eat very many-    What is YOUR favorite WARM WEATHER (cold dish) BEAN recipe?  PLEASE SHARE...

Saturday my honey took me to an auction!  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE AUCTIONS (even more than yard sales) it was less than 1/2 mile from our house so we went--- and my honey bought me some new CHINA... (our new word).

I am just thrilled-- it came with service for 8, including cups, saucers, serving bowls, creamer, sugar, lots of GOODIES... I am just thrilled-- I'll show you a picture--but don't tell me it looks like "ol' lady" stuff--because I have been waiting to get something "new" (to me) and put way the corny blue hearts from 12-13 years ago!!  So wanna see??

Oh yes and he also purchased the GLASSES for me--  what a delight-- I only had 3 glasses-- the rest were plastic-- so we have been dinning "in style". 

He also purchased me some "dessert cups" (not the ones above) and we are using them as juice glasses--- it has been so fun to have some "NICE" dinning table arrangements!!

All that and a roaster-- I didn't have one... for $20!!

I think Zachary learned a lot about his daddy and mommy thru this-- because he saw first hand how happy some new dishes made his mommy-- and how much it has put a "spring" in my step--and daddy has explained that when possible it is nice to do this for your "wife"--  and he has asked many questions...  (someone is going to a be a very lucky girl in 20 years!! )

Well its PAST bedtime-- this is why I don't blog as much-- my photos take FOREVER to upload--

Quick question--

What would you do with 2 of these???  THEY ARE HUGE!!!    (freezer meals would be a ++++) 

I need to find some plans for these two items:

Plus hubby is taking me to a produce auction on Thursday where I can buy BULK produce (STRAWBERRIES) for CHEAP--- so I'm going to be very busy with that--  Any great strawberry ideas?  Long term use would be a +++  Of course jam, and some whole frozen will be on the agenda-- any other ideas??

I can't believe how little I've been blogging and reading blogs lately-- I guess the good weather is to blame?

I have had a few things I wanted to blog about-- and I should've written them down--but as they POP back into my head I'll add em' in.

First I know I wanted to share a GREAT idea about weekly planning and being PURPOSEFUL...  I found it here at Passionate Homemaking.  I know so many times I want to do something special for my husband or someone at church or friend...and the week gets ROLLING and often it doesn't happen...  so this morning even though I woke a little late, I headed out to the front porch (I LOVE this time of year) and had my coffee (in my new cups--more to come) and had my QT with the Lord and made some plans for THIS week.   Wanna peek?  (I'd love to see yours)

 I still follow my Making My Home a Haven as the backbone of our days--- but I am playing around with a few changes including this PURPOSEFUL planning.   This week my "GOALS" are:

1-  Relationshipwith the Lord-  To get back on track with my QT-- the last 2 weeks I've been so tired and over-sleeping WAY to much....

2-  Loving My Family-  For Jason-  I am re-reading CTBHHM (much needed) and I found my list of things I've tried to do to make him "happy" "smile" and those things have included making the bed-- sounds simple--but he LOVES to get in a "FRESH MADE BED" and since he works nights I have purposefully straightened the bedroom and made the bed EVERY morning so when he gets home he can climb in.....  the other thing I have really PURPOSED to do is to have his laundry ALWAYS clean and PUT AWAY...and I am so glad these things have become TRUE habits-- so my "NEW" habit in trainning is to keep the VAN clean--  he drives the van to work and has been mentioning what a MESS it is (and he is so right-- it is down right SCARY sometimes) so that is my new daily TO DO item to bring a smile and contentedness to my husband.  

For the boys-  I am reading 2 books I want to really put into practice-  One is Taming Your Family Zoo (which is more of trainning) and then another about creating Special Moments (its upstairs...I'll have to get the title later) but to really apply things from BOTH of these books.   Along with some FREE movies-- this week we are not going to be able to go--but next week we will..and they LOVE this!!

3-  Simplifiing and Managing My Household-  We are starting a new schedule for school--  They have some checklists with Math and Explode the Code sheets and Handwriting papers they are to do each morning...and then in the afternoon when I work with them we are going to try a schedule like this:

Monday-  Sing Spell Read and Write, Read Alouds, Wisdom Words and Math (flash cards, computer games)

Tuesday-  SS/Sci/ Geography

Wednesday-  Sing Spell Read and Write, Read Alouds, Wisdom Words and Math (flash cards/ computer games)

Thursday- SS/ Sci/ Geo

Friday-  ERRAND DAY -

               Art (Draw Right Now) and Life Skills/ Contenders of the Faith Badge Work 

So we'll see how that works

4-  Ministry to Others-  I want to take 2 frozen meals to a family at church that mom is undergoing radiation.  I also need to send out a Thank you note to my nephew.

Here is a link to an entry from Biblical Womanhood--

She says it pefectly--- and even has a Voddie quote-- (so you KNOW it has to be good)

Fight The Good Fight

And...well-- it was a TRIP! 

Friday we headed out before 9am and went for a nice BIG breakfast OUT (hopeing it would hold us all over till dinner when the camp was set up).... then we headed out--- we took the scenic route (on purpose) and enjoyed our drive.....even though the van was PACKED TO THE ROOF!!!  I have no idea how we will do this when the new arrival comes and we have less space to PACK in items!! 

We arrived around 1pm and began to set up the tent and all that business.   This was the boys first camping trip--well not really Zachary went camping when he was about 9 months old..but this will be the first remembered camping trip.   So they enjoyed helping and learning how to set up camp.  

We were all set up and then realized that bil wouldn't be here till MUCH later (around 7ish) so we just began to start a fire-- I love the smell of a camp fire...but we had a small rain shower and had to wait a bit-- but then it cleared and hubby did a great job gettting the fires going!

The boys and I headed out to the play ground to burn off some energy--(hubby enjoyed sitting by the fire).  

Then bil and his family (wife and 2 boys ages 8 and 11) arrived (they have a camper so it only took them 1/2 the time to set up...and then it was time to start some DINNER!!  Yummmy.

Everyone did very well the first night-- except baby Stephen-- we are so not used to sleeping with him-- and he moved and grooved ALL night-- keeping Jason and I awake and forcing Jason off the air mattress most of the night!!     **Mental note-- have a pack n play for tomorrow night**

Breakfast-- well when I climbed out of the tent-- there were already 5 boys -- ah hem-- make that 3 boys and 2 boys at heart already toasting marshmellows and hotdogs!!   Not to worry-- a healthier breakfast was on its way....   Oh and boy was I thrilled that bil had a NICE coffee maker already going when I woke up-- YUMMMYYYYYYY  That was DELIGHTFUL!!!

Well the bad news was nephew (11) ended up being VERY sick that night---and ended up going home with his mom (they only lived 5 miles away) so that was a downer---   

Fortunately the grandparents (both sides) were able to come out and visit in the morning / early afternoon hours...so that was nice....

Then the other downer----around 1-2pm it began to RAIN---and I mean RAIN-- and it rained until 7pm!!!!  That was stinky...because even though my previous post made it sound we were PACKED and ready for camping-- we had NOT bought a screen tent or whatever to have COVER!!!  So we all piled under bils'-- but it was tight and there were 3 boys who were not real thrilled to be so contained!!  So around  4pm we headed out to visit the GREAT grandparents on my family's side and also to visit some OLD friends who were camping at a state park near by-- so that was a nice break from the camp and the RAIN!!!  We got back RIGHT as the rain ended!!

That night was a bit rough on Stephen-- he had a LOT of "strange" people (family-- but not family which are seen on a regular basis) hold him "tease" him---etc...and he had a few missed naps--so that was a bit of a stretch for him-- but mommy cuddled him him to sleep and then tucked him into a pack n play my mom brought for us.

The next morning (Sunday) I awoke to marshmellows and hotdogs already being consumed-- I would hate to venture a guess at how many marshmellows were consumed---I think most of them were only consumed because it was such a thrill to COOK em!

We had a nice leasure morning and began to pack up camp around 1pm--- we had to be out by 3--so we packed up and then went to go visit one more set of GREAT grandparents (jason's side) then HOMEWARD BOUND!!! 

We were all greateful to be home-- but we all agreed it was a nice FAMILY (in the large sense of the word) weekend-----  and we enjoyed ourselves--but we are very much looking forward to going camping on a smaller quieter scale with just US (5 or 6).

We didn't get to go swimming (which was okay with me-- it was a dirty lake-- ) but I was hoping to get the boys and daddy on a boat-- and take a few HIKES (I love hikes) but with the family visiting and the rain on Saturday-- a lot of time was not available....

Today--- I was able to get ALL the laundry caught up-- all the dishes (and BOTTLES) washed--- and the house looking OKAY-- (I haven't done very much ZONE cleaning---just the straightening up each day)....so hopefully tomorrow will be a bit more "normal".

Oh yeah--before we left we had to deal with this fella RIGHT OUTSIDE our window (literally) headed after another birds nest---  he is climbing RIGHT up our stone farm house---- straight up--that window is my bedroom window!!  YIKES---  (he's right in the corner-- see him?)

That is the book that has been making me laugh out loud through out the day---

I know I've been VERY slow in blogging--but nothing has been happening around here-- worth taking your time with...until today!!

Well for the last 2-3 weeks Jason and I knew we would be going "home" to visit the grandparents and Great Grandparents this coming weekend--  however the BIG questions is always Where WILL WE STAY?    In order to not say some negative things and boring you with family dynamics--- I'll just say-- it is a BIG decision-- and it keeps us FROM visiting many times--  Well then this morning hubby mentioned that his brother was going CAMPING this weekend--- hmmm camping in the same town as all our grandparents/great grandparents live--- hmmmm  I love smores---so hubby did tell bil that we would stop by to visit--   

Well if you know my hubby you know he is a Mr. Steady thru and thru and I have a GOOD BIT of VISIONARY in me.... (enough that I am very thankful I did not marry another Visionary--it would be scary).

So by 11am--I said--mmmmm why don't we make it a camping weekend??  So doing a bit of looking on line-- we decided--sure...now there was the decision of HOW CLOSE to CAMP to bil...and hubby won--we will be camping RIGHT BESIDE THEM (shhhhh they don't know-- we'll be there before they set up).  

Well then we called and made our reservations-- 2 nights 3 days-- $48 (not bad-- it is an electric site--we don't need electric--but to be next to BIL this is our cost....  After we paid-- what were hubbys words?  "Wheww $48 that is not bad--for a nice weekend of camping--and NOT staying with either set of parents".  Then-- I said--  "so what about a tent?" 

So off to the local store we went-- and bought ourselves a nice tent on sale-- and well if you give a family a tent-- they are gonna want an air mattress (or 2)--- if you give them an airmattress-- they are gonna want some neat sleeping bags (or 2)-- if you give them some neat sleeping bags-- they are gonna want some nice Mountain Pie makers (or 2)--- and if you give them some Mountain Pie Makers they are gonna need some groceries to make those Mt. Pies-- and if you give them some Mountain Pies-- they are gonna want some SMORES-- and well I could go on and on-- and you see where this $48 weekend went, right????  

Thankfully the BIG purchases will be covered by some $$ we have in savings for some things like this-- (THANK YOU NEW BUDGET PLAN)---- and they will also be re-used for many more camping trips to come....

We are eating on the CHEAP-  Cereal for breakfast-- Hotdogs for lunch- Mt. Pies for dinner- and Smors for AFTER DARK!!!

We haven't been camping on over 6 years---and it is brining back memories because Zachary was JUST about this age (of Stephen) and it is so cute-- I really think we will have a grand time!!

Friday morning we will go visit the Great Grandparents--as we cannot set up camp until 3pm.

Well I haven't been very busy here lately because sitting in one spot has not been possible due to time, energy, pain and fatigue.

This 2nd trimester has been much worse than any 2nd trimester I've ever had--  I have felt worse this triemester than I did in the first--and I pray it gets better soon!    Between some 'colds' some muscle problems and now with some major fatigue--it is really scary!!  I have squeezed in a few extra naps here and there but it really hasn't helped much.   Whewww-- enough of that complaining!

I don't think I ever posted here what hubby and I decided we would try with our new cloth diaper experience (needing to buy a few more) we decided to go with some $$ ones-- I ordered 2 Bum Genus ALL in One's.... (butternut) and I have heard rave reviews--- as for me and my house-- NO THANK YOU-- it has leaked EVERY SINGLE TIME!!  Can't wait to sell that one-- it just isn't working--and I'm so surprized after all the great reviews I've heard.    I bought 2 Mother Ease diapers on another board I post on and then I went and orered the 2 snap in liners and 2 covers and WOW-- The diapers are okay-- I like em'...but the COVERS are AWESOME-- they stay so dry inside and out-- they are very "air-ey"....LOVE EM"!!  (guess that is the difference of $12.50 each vs. my ol' Gerber 6 for $4)    So--- that being said:

 anyone interested in some Bum Genus (only worn 3x) LET ME KNOW--- and

anyone wanting to UNLOAD some MOTHER EASE-- let me know!! 

I have so much I'd love to post about with our schooling-- we just finished a Biography of Alexander Graham Bell and LOVED IT!! 

Unfortunately I really am a bit tired-- so I need to get to bed!!

Hope to be back here more regularly soon!!

Oh my--- the battle rages---

I have been thinking about posting here about it-- but honestly haven't had time--don't really have time now-- but will link to a GREAT post from Dell--  It is not BASHING or calling for a boy-cott of Subway in anway-- it is acting like an adult and saying-- Okay--- no homeschoolers -- whatever--that's THIER CHOICE!

Here is her entry--  PrairieFrogs Endorse... Subway?

I have been really taken back by all the whining and complaining on other blogs-- VERY surprised---   I won't like to all those--as hopefully they will delete those pouting/pitty me entries very soon! 

I did send an e-mail to 2 friends the day I first heard rumblings and complaings about this "outrage" and here is a bit of my first thoughts:

Ever since this year's CHAP convention I have seen a WHOLE NEW LIGHT on what we as HS want-- we want all the benefits of PUBLIC school-- yet we don't want to be governed by them-  We want they cyber schools- we want the extra currucular etc--- it goes on and on (and I used to think that was our "rights" too) until I watched a breif bit on the movie "The Trojan Horse"--- wow-- did that RADICALLY change my thoughts on how homeschoolers cry and complain until they get all the "rights" others have-- we don't REALLY want to be set apart--

When we DEMAND our ways and the "govt" lets us in to all their neat programs-- there WILL BE RAMIFICATIONS!

Do you agree?

Did you see the movie?

https://secure.chaponline.com/trojanhorse.html

After this e-mail and a few others I've had I think today I am going to purcahse the video-- (after all
Voddie is in it!   )

Here was our wonderful afternoon in pictures:

Normally we spend this holiday at my parents and attend a VERY SMALL (75 people ish) parade in which my grandfather and father walk in as previous service men........ however it didn't work out this weekend--- but I felt the boys were ready to understand what this HOLIDAY was really about--- so we headed out to Gettysburg to attend their parade!!

We took our spots infront of our FAVORITE Gettysburg site--if you EVER are near Gettysburg-- I recommend this place 1000%-- you will leave in awe-- and so enlightened!!  PLEASE check it out!

Quote from THEIR site:

The United States Christian Commission brings to life the greatest untold stories of the American civil war. Stories of courage, duty and selfless devotion to a cause greater than the blue or the gray. These heroes served on the battlefields without rifle or bayonet, but with bibles, bandages and the love of Christ.

Some of the sights:

and....

AND

Wouldn't be complete with out this man of honor:

And of course something to make my blood boil a bit-- this was TOTALLY unnecessary--- JUNK-- JUNK-- and totally tasteless!!

This is in response to Candy's post on a visit to her church and what is a visit to YOUR church like... here is my entry--   PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN and COMMENT SO I CAN COME 'visit"!!

Well I must say that Candy's church and "our" church sound VERY VERY familiar-- maybe because they are both Independent Fundamental Baptist Church.

Our church meets in a little building right out side of a "quaint" little town.  The building used to be a garage-- but I could've never guessed that-- but I've seen pictures, so it is true!

We pull in the parking lot a bit early (hubby really enjoys being early) and we wait and talk a bit in the van and then we all head in--since Stephen has been born we have been sticking to the 2nd row from the back.  (previous to that hubby like moving around)  So we all file in kids and all...  .   Zachary and Joshua do like to walk over and say Hi to two of their dear friends.   They know when to come back...   I usually stay seated with Stephen...while hubby too likes to meander a bit and chat with a few men.   Our pastor's wife plays the piano (or their daughter now that she is home from college) and that is always nice to sit and listen to the hymns being played....it always makes me want to come home and start playing---(again)----and then I get home and well it NEVER happens.... 

Durring the above time our Pastor does a very nice job of shaking hands-- I can't believe how well he makes it through out the pews greeting people--- I couldn't do it--I'd get "stuck" talking to 3-4 people and I'd run out of time....

Then we open with a hymn (only old hymns in our church too)....and Pastor then chooses a man from the congergation to open in prayer-    Followed by 1 more hymn and then a "Special"-- the pastor's daughters do a lot of the "specials' and we also have a very nice chior that also sings.  

Then our pastor does the "weekly questions"...this is where he hands out a 2x4inch piece of paper with 3-4 questions on a specific chapter of the Bible out-- each week he wants us to read THAT chapter and then we answer the questions and get our NEW chapter's questions (right now we are in Revelation).

Then our pastor does announcements-- missionary announcements, happenings, testimony etc

THEN--- he dismisses the children---   (this part doesn't THRILL me)--- We have kept our kids with us (do to some intense  TS...but it really felt like punishment to them--as they were raised in SS---I really wish and DO NOT like sending my kids to SS-- I really think it is safe to say I HATE IT!!  HATE IT!! but I don't want to hold them in the pew and make them feel like it is a "punishement" to stay in the church.   **Note:  My pastor has mentioned MANY times that as young children his children were NOT sent to SS or any other children's program----     I have actually, respectfully, asked him if this is how he feels --it is best for the family to be TOGETHER--why does he have this OPTION??  Why not stick to your "convictions?"  He had an answer-- not the best one-- but he did say "go ahead keep your kids--it will be GOOD FOR THEM....   But  WE haven't held to our guns --   *STAY TUNED TO THE SERMON TOPIC*

Anyway--  the above sending the kids upstairs-- really takes my mind a WHILE to settle back in-- because I am always asking myself "WHY ARE WE DOING THIS AGAIN?" over and over again!!

So then the sermon starts-- and this is why we are here--- We have attended a few churches in the 10 years of our marriage (mostly due to re-locating) but 1-2 due to "issues" and our last church was definitly a "Rick Warren / John Maxwell" type of church--  and I must say I do like seeing what their FEET are doing-- they are active for Jesus in the community-- but the sermons were WATERED down beyond recognitiion!!  WHEWWWW  It was bad---   Very feel good--no Bibles needed--- do good- do good do good--

Then one week we came to this current church and I remember him using the word "Repent".   REPENT-- WHAT?  I hadn't heard that word in YEARS and YEARS and YEARS-- REPENT-- that was all it took---

I absolutly LOVE my pastor's preaching-- he is plain and simple and preaches it like it reads (in the KJ Bible ONLY)-  (I am not KJ only-- I carry my NIV--- Pastor knows-- one Wednesday he had us all read aloud and it was funny (imho) that about 3-4 of us had some "outlaw Bibles"!!!!    ;)

He does get off on some "personal stories--" but that just helps it all settle in for me--  He and his wife are living the life I would love to live-- they have a "large" family 7 children--  2 out of college, 2 in-- and all seem to really have a LOVE for the Lord and seem to be walking closely with Him.  They now have their own "business" of fruit/vegetable farming etc....  they homeschool-- they are just simple folk...

His sermon this week had a lot to deal with being at a cross roads in our lives and how we make the decisions-- do we go with what the church says is best?  what our family says is best?  do we stay where it is comfortable?  Or DO WE search the scriptures-- seek the Lord and make the TOUGH TOUGH decisions???     (**Note there was MUCH more to his sermon---but this is what Jason and I are still chewing on).   We have made many decisions going against family, world, friends-- but that afternoon Jason and I really discussed a few cross roads we have been SITTING at-- and we MUST make a decision-- continue on tracking along in the "gorge" where many are traveling or TURN and take the road MUCH less traveled?  Sounds simple huh?  It should be-- and I pray the Lord continues to speak to Jason and I through out this week so we can make the TURNS that need to be made.  (IE:  Sunday school, included).  

A few other things I really like about our church is it is the ONLY church I've ever ever heard of that goes "soul winning" or "door to door" to share the GOOD NEWS..EVERY Saturday.   I have NEVER heard of this being done-- now it is not done in great numbers but Jason has done it (its been awhile--but hope he gets back into it-- it was a great encouragement to him)---  I think if/when Jason gets back into it Zachary will go too-- as last year before VBS we went as a family and handed out invitations and fliers--- Zachary LOVED inviting people to his church-- and praying for them --- it was TOUCHING!

Our church also has VBS-- and the funny thing is-- Even pastor says he really doesn't like VBS-- it takes a lot of work for a small return--  So why do they continue?  I have NO IDEA--  I've submitted to VBS in past years but I do know Jason and I have made this TURN-- We won't be participating----  This could be a WHOLE other post--- but it is not what we want for our family---      I'd love to talk to Pastor or his wife about 5 day clubs-- seem much more condusive for the "outreach" group they are targeting--- vs this whole VBS "monster".

Something else I really enjoy about our church-- is their committment to their missionaries-- I'm not sure how many they have 20+---and they are prayed for -- remembered--and supported regularlly--- on a first name basis-- it is true LOVE of our church-- to have the support these missionaries!!

Our church is pretty small-- I don't know  maybe 150 (I'm really bad with #'s) but it is crowded on Sunday mornings and thins out by evening service)....  Our church is also very close-- many families---    They are a great praying church--- Sunday and Wednesday evening we are able to share aloud prayer requests---and then we break up in to groups of 2 to pray together---that is really neat too--I've never seen this before either--but I LOVE it!

So that is the long/short of our 2-3 years at this church-- it is a great fit for our family--- 

I wish is were more of a church along these lines: These Uniting Church and Family  churches--- (it would take some pressure off me--)  no really-- I've heard great things about how these churches work and meet.......   At this point we need to pull up our boot straps and be thankful we have a preacher who PREACHES the WORD-- un filtered-- un watered down--- THE TRUTH.

** I know a few people from my church read this-- and I hope I have depected our church accurately-- if not PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT and let me know!!!