Welcome to my blog!

This is the first post of my blog.  I wish to dedicate this blog to the honor and glory of the Lord. I am a stay-at-home mom of three very active boys. My husband and I have been married for 14 years, this past July. My husband and I have been urged by the Lord to homeschool our children. This makes for quite an adventure! We live in rural Indiana and enjoy the oppurtunity to raise our children where the corn grows tall and the black top ends! The Lord has truly blessed us with healthy boys, a place to watch them grow and learn, and that I am able to stay at home with them.

The Lord has blessed me with the oppurtunity to release some creativity through making jewelry. I started making some necklaces about 2 years ago. I have since then progressed, and am now making earrings and some bracelets. I would love to be able to make watch “bands” some day. I enjoy making each one and each one is one of a kind. I don’t want to “mass produce” them, as this makes it less enjoyable for me. When making a necklace, I want it to stand out to me more than the last one I made. And I love hearing that someone really enjoys their necklace/jewelry.

On this blog, I will be sharing my everyday life, and the joys that come with raising this family and making jewelry.

Library, gardening, and good news

Had good news about a friend of hubby’s. He has been going through a whole lot of stuff at home and with extended family and ex-wife. Hubby listens when this guy needs an ear, yet he won’t let this other guy off if something happened due to an untimely word or action. Hubby has been inviting him to church on and off. This guy told hubby that he will be coming to church with us tomorrow. I am praying that the Lord will work in this man’s heart and that he will find many at church that he can talk to. To find more friends. Good apples, so to speak, instead of the bad apples he’s exposed to daily.

I have been doing lots of reading up on herbs to grow this summer. I’ve also been studying up on Stevia and how to grow/harvest it. I’ve also been trying to pick the kinds of tomatoes, beans, etc to grow in the garden this year. So many varieties to choose from. It’s hard not to pick too many. Or to become overwhelmed. I definitely have found that I need more garden space/beds.

I cleaned up the back yard from when the boys played in the snow a few weeks back. I also took a look around the yard looking at the raspberry canes (looks like we’ll have some raspberries this year!!!) and the blackberries. They aren’t doing as well or growing as fast as the raspberries, but they are healthy-looking. I would really like to plant another cherry tree and some dwarf apple trees. I’m still looking into dwarf as opposed to regular-sized apple trees. I am looking forward to the bush cherries doing well this summer.

Through reading a book about herbs, I have learned that chives and carrots are companions in the garden. If grown in close appoximity, the carrots grow larger. And they do overwinter inside in pots, so I’ll be growing some in pots and placed near the carrots in the raised beds.

I found an offer for a set of shelves with a greenhouse cover with $25 off. I would really like to get this (hubby is all for it) and set it up on the southern part of the patio. This way I could start tomato seeds early and anything else for the summer.

Went to the library with the kids last week and we came home with an armload of books. The twins picked out a movie and a book about steam locomotives. I picked out books about Indians, early American history, slow cooker cookbook, gardening books, early Indiana history, and oldest son picked out a book about space travel. We have all been enjoying the books and movies. Found some books to read to all the boys about George Washington, American Indians, and pioneer Indiana. The twins love anything about George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. I am planning on going to Mounds State Park in the spring as a school trip.

Been AWOL for awhile, but I’m back

It’s been busy. The harvest of the garden was better than I thought. Looking back at the notes I kept showed that the Lord blessed us mightily and we are so thankful. It was a bad year for tomatoes, but ours did well anyway. I can’t imagine what they would have done if it had been a great year. For the first time, I logged the canned veggies and fruits in the pantry:           

Canned tomatoes: Puree in quarts: 6       in pints: 15       Juice in quarts: 14    Stewed in quarts: 3

Canned apple sauce: in quarts: 5       in pints: 7

Canned green beans:  in quarts: 24

Canned bread and butter pickles: in pints: 17

Canned bread and butter veggies: in quarts: 1      in pints: 7

Homeschooling is doing well. The twins are progressing in reading and math. They love science and history. They really love anything about Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. And space. One of the twins still loves trains. It hasn’t turned out to be a passing fad, but he really is infatuated with them. #1 son is doing well, too, though I want to pull out my hair at times. He has learned things in grammar,  but forgets to apply them. But he really enjoys math, science (Botany this year), and history.

Beading has been doing well. I haven’t had any more parties, but orders do come in steadily. Most of the older necklaces, the ones that I don’t wear all the time, I’ve taken apart for the beads to use in other things.

Hubby stays busy, though at times it looks as if it will be very slow, but then the Lord always provides a load.

No more piles or stacks!!!

Last week sometime, I was having a conversation with my husband via the cell phone. I was talking about how it seemed I was always trying to find a place for everything. Then my wonderful hubby (he really is, though at this time I didn’t think so) said that he didn’t think the house was too little, that we had too much junk and it was really a matter of lifestyle! I was offended, though I didn’t let on. How could he say that! We have 5 people living in a little house that is less than 1,000 square feet. And I homeschool the kids, so yes, we do have a lot of stuff, but a “lifestyle”. Then, I looked around. I started to see the piles and stacks of my papers and stuff. Yes, some of this stuff was mine and I was determined to get rid of it by the time my hubby came home for the weekend. Well, it took determination and will power, but I got it done, and amazingly, I didn’t need all those clippings, articles, etc, that I thought I needed. I did do some filing of things, but all piles are gone! It is rather freeing to see all my (and the kids’) stuff is put away. However, my hubby’s desk and dresser are a different story. But, hey, my stuff is put away or thrown away!

I have one part of the cabinets that is full of recipes, clippings, etc. that will be dealt with this coming winter, when it’s too cold to go outside and all the canning/freezing is done. I am also getting rid of all the cooking magazines that have been stockpiled in there as well. I have great intentions on some things, and that’s as far as it gets. I read somewhere that creative people have a really hard time getting organized, cleaning out their stuff, simplifying their lives. For example, they (I) don’t see just a sock that has no partner. They (I) see a would-be puppet, duster, etc.

On Sunday, I had a conversation with another mom who is feeling overwhelmed with the stuff in her house. I told her what I did and how great it is to see no piles/stacks. She was going to try to do the same with her house this week, while her husband is gone. I encouraged her to attack the small piles first, and keep the larger, out of sight ones for a later date. I hope she is doing well, poor girl!

canning/freezing veggies

The Lord has blessed us with a bountiful harvest this year and I am trying to put up every little bit that I can, except what we eat. Sometimes, though, fruit flies detect a bad tomato or cuke, sooner than I can do something with them. I am in the process of canning bread and butter pickles and a concoction of bread and butter brine, but used with a variety of veggies. Looks real pretty in the jar and mom-in-law says “tastes really good”. Of course, I won’t know until about 4 weeks from now. (That’s how long it takes for the contents of each jar get “good and tasty”.)

I’ve also been shredding (for baking), slicing and chopping (for stir-fry) zucchini and summer squash. THis I put into the freezer. I’ve also helped mom-in-law with sweet corn, which she then gave me all of last year’s frozen sweet corn for my freezer. She also taught me how to use a pressure cooker and we canned 24 quarts of green beans for our pantry. (We did much more for her pantry.) I also have been blanching and freezing any beans that have come out of our garden.

The peas are doing well and should be seeing the pods filling out soon. More green beans are on the way. The butternut squash and pumpkins are doing well. So are the spaghetti squash. I think the yellow squash are done. More cukes are ready to pick about every day. I am so thankful that it doesn’t come on all at once! Oh, yes, the tomatoes are doing well, even during the worst “blight” years seen for awhile. Tomatoes like it hot and dry, and it hasn’t been either of those this summer. (So much for global warming!)

The Lord truly is gracious and merciful to His children, who are so weak and helpless without Him.

lean, mean, corn-shucking machine

This past weekend, we received sweet corn from my hubby’s parents. #3 son was so excited to help shuck it. He’s helped me in the past and loves to help, anyway. But his favorite is shucking corn. As he told his other brother, “It’s like opening a present!”. Too cute! This time, however, after every ear was shucked, he would dance around in a circle, singing his own song about how good of a helper he is! Makes my heart glad to see one of the boys loving to help and work.

On Sunday morning, #3 son was holding the door open for a lady. She looked at him and told him thankyou and called him by his name. He looked up at her and said, “Thank you for calling me by my name”. I know that they do get tired of being called by each other’s names, and by other generalized names.

This has been (and hasn’t been) #3 son’s weekend. Sunday afternoon, while I was telling hubby goodbye for the week (he had to leave early), I guess there was catastophre erupting in the house. Lady (our not-so-lady-like dog) had jumped up to the table and grabbed the pan of brownies and was devouring up what she could. #3 son went down to save the brownies (his words) when Lady growled and got mean (his words again). She nipped him on the face. When I came in and heard the story, I grabbed a paddle and whacked Lady on the rear end, then sent her out on the chain in the front yard. Then the kids were concerned that I was going to kill Lady, at which time I told them that she was being punished and, no, I was NOT going to kill Lady. Later, that evening, #3 son and Lady was running and playing with each other. I believe that #3 son will not try to “save” any other food from Lady, no matter what it is, from now on! Poor guy. By the way, his face is fine, though if Lady had got his eye or nose or mouth or ear, we would have to start looking for another dog, for Lady would be “pushing up daisies” in the back yard! There is definitely seldom a dull moment in this family. But I wouldn’t trade my family for any other family!

3rd jewelry party/garden update

Mom hosted a jewelry party for some of her friends the last part of June. It was a great turnout. Many ordered and some were able to take home some of the things they bought, meaning they didn’t want any changes made. I also have 2 people, outside of the party, who are wanted some things made. One wants a pink necklace made, but I need to order a pendant for it. Another wants earrings made to match a couple of her necklaces. I also need to order some beads to make these earrings.

One lady at the party wanted earrings, but not dangly ones. This will be a challenge for me. But, I’m up for it.

I heard many at the party, and elsewhere, that they were looking for only earrings. To me, earrings are very easy to make (except non-dangly ones) and therefore, I don’t make a bunch. I guess I want the ladies to tell me what part of the necklace they want their earrings to look like. Mom suggested I just make a few to go with each necklace and then the ladies can pick what they want. I also heard another woman say that she’s not into earrings or necklaces, but she loves bracelets. So, I’ll be making more of these, also.

The garden has been keeping me busy, with weed-pulling and Japanese-beetle picking. With these little boogers, I drop them into a big cup half-full of hot soapy water, in which they drown. These beetles get on everything, except the yarrow, zinnias, autumn clematis, passion flower, daisies, tomatoes, lima beans, and annuals. They tend to munch on the pole beans, lemon balm, Rose of Sharon, roses, purple clover, crabapples, and burning bushes.

The tomatoes are prolific this year. I’ve even started picking off ripe cherry tomatoes! I’ve also had a couple of yellow squash already. THe turnips did well. These seem to attract all the bugs that would pester the potatoes, so I have left a few for this purpose. The onions, carrots, spaghetti squash, lima beans, pole beans, runner beans, and pumpkins are doing well. So is the acorn squash. I’ve really enjoyed the bee balm this year. I plan on planting/moving this plant all over the yard next year. THe bees and hummingbirds have enjoyed this plant also.

I’m trying to decide what to do with the boys next year for school. There are so many things I want to do, so many I want to try, that trying to decide is turning this girl’s brain into mush! I have to remind myself, from time to time, what I want to accomplish and that I want it to be easier on me. I usually “wing it”, but with three boys needing education, I will be needing a more structured curriculum. It will still be hands on, but I will be using the instructor’s manual in most areas. I’m still debating about what approach I want to do with spelling.

Catching up with friends and family

This past weekend was a nice long one since hubby came home on Thursday evening, instead of Friday evening. He had to leave early on Sunday evening, though, to drive to NJ. He sure goes places with this job (pun intended). Friday, the boys and I went up to church to mow. I enjoy mowing, but this is for the church, so appearance is important. This is a little nerve-wracking, but I’m okay. #1 son mows the back and enjoys it. Then we ate a quick bite with the food I brought, and then off to my in-laws. #1 son got to mow there too and he was loving it. I helped weed her strawberry patch and gave her 24 new little plants. I sure hope they do something for her next year. Then we went home and did laundry, etc. Hubby had gone to a friend’s house to help get their truck and tractor going.

Saturday was the Fairland Fish Fry. #1 son was in the parade on the 4-H float. It was neat to see all the people out and in the parade. The local church was giving out free bottles of water and, when the parade was going through, we loaded up with candy. Afterwards, the boys got to ride rides and see a helicopter land. We all enjoyed a hot dog or a fish sandwich. (Prices were outragious though!) It was a nice day, though we were all tired and very hot by early evening. Later that evening, an old friend of hubby’s stopped by with his wife and kids. We hadn’t seen him for awhile and it was nice “catching up”.

Sunday, after a good sermon, we headed home and then went to hubby’s parents’ house for Father’s Day. Nice to see the family and all the cousins played in the water. We had a great time laughing and teasing each other. Missed my dad though and spending time with my side of the family.

Had a friend from childhood days over on Monday, along with her two children. She was picking up some jewelry I made for her and her mom. Had a nice time catching up with her.

I have been trying to get my children’s homeschool curriculum, etc., for cheap prices. It’s so easy to be swayed into getting more than one really needs. I’m thinking “simpler” this year than last.

4-H and fish fry

These next few weeks are going to be busy. This weekend is the Fairland Fish Fry and our 4-H club has a booth, a float in the parade and help feed the firemen the eve before this big event. THis all means that the moms of the kids in 4-H are busy cooking. And baking for the 4-H candy booth that helps raise money for our club for the year. The kids are also busy in the parade and, later, wiping down tables in the fish fry tent. All part of their community service to achieve their pins. This fish fry is naturally a big event around here. This is the time when you see people you may not see the rest of the year, or probably not since the last big event, such as voting. Or you may see some neighbors whom you always wave to, but rarely speak to during the year due to busy-ness or whatever. It’s not that you’re not on speaking terms, just don’t get the chance to talk to each other. Also, a time to see each other’s kids and comment on how big they’ve grown, etc. You meet new people, finally put a face to a name you’ve heard others speak of, or introduce someone to your family (I really like to do this, since this is a rare event for me.) It’s a time when everyone puts aside their differences and has a good time together. We all look forward to the fellowship and the good food.

Besides the fish fry this weekend, next weekend is the time when the kids are to turn in all their projects. #1 son had 3 this year. A lego creation, a recycling project (make a new use out of a plastic or glass bottle) and a rock collection for geology. The first two are done, but the third project is taking more time. The rocks are collected and classified, but the board and poster board is not done. Still looking for little plastic boxes to use on the board to hold the rocks.

After that is the Shelby County Fair. The projects done and turned in, hot dogs ate, ribbons and pins given, and rides to be ridden (correct english?). I look forward to this weekend. Of course, it’s also 4th of July that weekend. I love this holiday. All the patrioticness (such a word?)!

I am thinking of entering some jewelry into the open show at the fair. I’ll have to wait and see.

Saw baby chicks/new plants

Yesterday evening, the kids and I loaded up in the truck and headed over to my “little” brother’s place to his baby chicks. He had called and said that the chicks would soon gain all their feathers, thus growing out of their cute stage. One hen has 9 chicks, another has one that is only a few days old. Very cute! #2 son kept trying to either stick his fingers through the wire (which is NOT a good idea, because momma hen is very protective! My brother had the scars to show for that.) or trying to catch the rooster or the other hen. He loves chickens and are not afraid of them. He reminds me so much of my brother (who was always a chicken…I mean, chicken-man). Anyway, the kids enjoyed seeing them, though #3 son was scared of them and was content just to look from about 3 feet away. Isn’t it something to see the difference in your kids?!? They are all so different. Amazing!

We also saw all his home improvements. When he sets out to do something, he sure does it right or makes sure it’s done right. His place looks so nice.

Met his neighbors, though I have met the man before, but this time I also met his wife and their son, who went to school with my hubby. Nice people! They ended up giving me some plants, which they were digging out of their yard. Passion Flower (which is a vine), Moon Flower, Monkey Flower, and something else that I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll find out. That was so sweet of them!

Cleaning out/new curriculum

One of the “joys” of a small house, with no room dedicated to just educating the children and house the computer desk, copier, fax machine, etc, is the lack of space one has to hold all the things this mom loves to bring home. Books! I love these things! I know, some say, “Why keep these things after you have read them?” My answer is to enwrap the boys with well-loved books that someday they or their wives, or even their children, will read and, hopefully, enjoy as much as I do. But I also have brought home lots of other books, workbooks, educational games, flashcards, etc, that I thought (at the time) that we couldn’t live without. But, in a recent conversation with another homeschooling mom and kindred spirit, I was made to realize that I really, really didn’t need all these books, etc. Many I could get rid of and just go to the library when we needed to study up that subject/person. This has been quite a revelation to me. So, I’ve been “cleaning” out the shelves and shelves of books and workbooks and the many containers holding extra flashcards, games, etc. Now, I’m looking for a used curriculum sale to set up a table. I am afraid, though, that I have waited too long for that this summer. I am hoping that toward the fall, there will be a few around town. It would be nice to take something that has been stuffing my house and make some extra money with it.

As far as new curriculum, I am very excited about a math curriculum that I have found to do with the twins. One of the twins is a visual and audio learner, the other is kinesthetic. Plus, I needed something that was easy for me and one that I didn’t have to re-learn math in order to teach it. Found it!!! It’s called Right Start Mathematics. It’s based on the use of an abacus. Most of the teaching tools, advice, etc. can be downloaded right off the computer and you first work with the children on using their left hand (first) and then their right hand to count (we read left to right!). When this is second nature to them, then you introduce them to the abacus. Oh, it is so neat and easy! I’m very excited! Even our oldest will be able to “see” how math works too. Multiplication and division is also figured on the abacus.

Heard a startling discovery that scientists have found: women who stay at home are more likely to develop cancer than those who work away from home. Why?!? Because of the household cleaners we use every day (or at least once a week). The chemicals found in these things can linger in the air and cause asthma and cancer and other diseases. Also, fabric softener sheets. They make our bodies produce a type of poison. Those who make/sell these know about it, but they smooth it over by saying that it’s such a small, insignificant amount that it won’t harm us. But if we allow a tad here, a bit there, it all adds up and packs quite a punch to our systems/bodies. The worst cleaners are window cleaners, furniture polish, everyday cleaners. There are recipes that  uses baking soda, vinegar, water, and olive oil that take care of all of the cleaning that needs to be done. Plus, you can add essential oils to make it “smell clean”. The recipes are on cbn.com

Planted more carrots, some acorn squash, 26 strawberry plants, and lima beans the past few days. And today, the Lord has been watering the seeds and plants for me. He does a much better job than I ever could!

I recently bought some paper off the clearance rack at Michael’s and some beaded stickers. I have plans to make new business cards that one will be able to put up on their fridges, due to the magnetic strip that will be placed on the back. Mom’s home party is coming up soon. I would like to have them done for that and the ice-cream sundae earrings, too.