I am writing this in between giggles as I watch my two year old bounce around our home... naked. He won't wear clothes. That might actually be a good thing - he just tried to go potty like daddy and he forgot he has to aim.... Anyway. Naked made for an easy clean up. He was so proud of himself though - what a priceless moment.
My two year old wanted to help me do dishes this morning. So he ever so helpfully gathered dirty dishes from the kitchen and slipped them into the water to soak before I washed them. Then he'd hand them to me to wash one by one from the sink.
Once one load was washed and drying, my four year old wanted to help. So I dried and put away, and she helped me finish the last of them.
Then I started vacuuming and the kids wanted to take over. So I finished the floor and gave them the vacuum to play with. Soon enough my daughter found the broom I had swept with, and she started tickling her brother with the end of it as he vacuumed. I love the sound of shrieking laughter from two young'uns.
As I'm trying to do laundry, I hear my four year old calling me from the kitchen to see what she had done. I left her in there because she was scrubbing down the counter after dishes. I thought she still was. Nope. She found my crockpot bowl, put sink water in it, and poured THE REST OF MY HOME GROWN DRIED PARSLEY INTO IT! I had it sitting in a glass jar with a lid I didn't think she could get off. Darn! Now I'll have to buy parsley from the store to get us through 'till this years garden.
I just peeked in at them and they're both perched on a stool playing with the crockpot and parsely concoction and other measuring devices and spoons pretending to cook dinner. They'll probably make a mess but they're being so good right now and sharing, taking turns, playing and learning. No interruption here!
I am hanging laundry all over the home to dry - the moisture from the clothes as they dry enters the air, making it a little easier to breathe (it was pretty dry!). I made 4 mac and cheese meals yesterday to freeze (home made, of course) and have them freezing on our back porch. It's certainly cold enough to do that, and that way I don't make my freezer work harder by adding something that isn't already frozen!
When we did taxes, I incorperated Motherhood Naturally. I have more plans to grow my business and thought this would be a smart move. I'm also going to implement a new shopping cart (yes, our third in a year) because I think it'll work a little better for me for the Publications branch. I'll post when the cart is up - until then my current cart is still active. My goal is to be able to support our family with this business. My husband is applying for disability and is not currently employed. I am about to release a bunch of new products, and am back to teaching my childbirth and new parenting classes from home. Wish me luck!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Talking makes all the difference
Talk to your kids! Even when they're young, they listen and are capable of understanding more than I think most of us give them credit for. I have to keep reminding myself about this - if I sit my kids down and talk to them before running errands, they behave much better than if I just 'expect' them to behave and try to train and correct on the spot.
Before leaving the house, I sit my kids down and let them know we're going somewhere. I tell them where we're going and what we'll be doing (and my oldest daughter(she's 4) keeps me on track - when we're done with one store she'llre mind me about the rest of the places we're go to!). I'll remind them about how I want them to act and try to bring up a memory of good behavior so they can relate to it. Whenever they're behaving well, I try to praise them and let them know what they're doing is good and why it's good. Then when it comes time to remind them that I need that good behavior, they can pull up a recent memory of when they were displaying it. I remind them about why it's important to obey and show good behavior. While we're out I'll thank them for being good and let them know I'm happy with how they're behaving.
We got our taxes done (yay for us procrastinators! lol. We're the early birds this year!). Instead of waiting until we got there to correct and teach our children that they can't play with all of the papers, pull the cords and create chaos, I started as soon as we got them up. I let them know where we were going, what they'll find when they get there, how I need them to behave and why. When we're all on the same track, it's time to go. I remind them again when we get there, and they walked in like they knew exactly what to do, and they were proud to demonstrate their good behavior. They beamed when other people made remarks about how well behaved they were. They were having fun being good!
I've started implimenting the bible into our daily lives much more. A while back we bought a book called "For Instruction in Righteousness" by Pam Forster. It's essentially a biblical topical reference for all types of behavior and acts. It helps us find key bible verses and stories that correlate to a specific behavior, gives ideas for its use and punishment. I've been arming myself with this and my KJV Bible so when my children misbehave (either knowingly or not), I can then use the bible to show them why what they did was bad, and tell them what God has to say about it, and what sort of discipline will be implemented. I enjoy it because it not only helps us train our children, but it also helps spawn new conversation about God and what the bible has to say. We talk a lot about the fruits of the spirit and salvation because my daughter is always asking about it. One might weeks ago I was reading Galations to my husband, where the fruits of the spirit are explained, and had a long conversation trying to convert the 'fruits' into kid-friendly terms she might understand. It's been interesting. I'm thankful for the questions and the chance to talk to her about this. Her little heart wants so badly to please the Lord and it is such an amazing thing to see.
Before leaving the house, I sit my kids down and let them know we're going somewhere. I tell them where we're going and what we'll be doing (and my oldest daughter(she's 4) keeps me on track - when we're done with one store she'llre mind me about the rest of the places we're go to!). I'll remind them about how I want them to act and try to bring up a memory of good behavior so they can relate to it. Whenever they're behaving well, I try to praise them and let them know what they're doing is good and why it's good. Then when it comes time to remind them that I need that good behavior, they can pull up a recent memory of when they were displaying it. I remind them about why it's important to obey and show good behavior. While we're out I'll thank them for being good and let them know I'm happy with how they're behaving.
We got our taxes done (yay for us procrastinators! lol. We're the early birds this year!). Instead of waiting until we got there to correct and teach our children that they can't play with all of the papers, pull the cords and create chaos, I started as soon as we got them up. I let them know where we were going, what they'll find when they get there, how I need them to behave and why. When we're all on the same track, it's time to go. I remind them again when we get there, and they walked in like they knew exactly what to do, and they were proud to demonstrate their good behavior. They beamed when other people made remarks about how well behaved they were. They were having fun being good!
I've started implimenting the bible into our daily lives much more. A while back we bought a book called "For Instruction in Righteousness" by Pam Forster. It's essentially a biblical topical reference for all types of behavior and acts. It helps us find key bible verses and stories that correlate to a specific behavior, gives ideas for its use and punishment. I've been arming myself with this and my KJV Bible so when my children misbehave (either knowingly or not), I can then use the bible to show them why what they did was bad, and tell them what God has to say about it, and what sort of discipline will be implemented. I enjoy it because it not only helps us train our children, but it also helps spawn new conversation about God and what the bible has to say. We talk a lot about the fruits of the spirit and salvation because my daughter is always asking about it. One might weeks ago I was reading Galations to my husband, where the fruits of the spirit are explained, and had a long conversation trying to convert the 'fruits' into kid-friendly terms she might understand. It's been interesting. I'm thankful for the questions and the chance to talk to her about this. Her little heart wants so badly to please the Lord and it is such an amazing thing to see.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Homesteading Site FINALLY up!
I feel like I'm giving birth again!
My 'homesteading' site is finally up. Full of info on homeschooling, homesteading and babies!
www.motherhoodnaturally.com/homestead/home.htm
Gotta go tend to the home, but wanted to share! I hope this will be a blessing for all who read it!
My 'homesteading' site is finally up. Full of info on homeschooling, homesteading and babies!
www.motherhoodnaturally.com/homestead/home.htm
Gotta go tend to the home, but wanted to share! I hope this will be a blessing for all who read it!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Several successes in the home!
#1: I finally mastered homemade yogurt!
#2: I made a baby wrap and learned how to make soap
#3: I cooked more meals for the freezer
#4: I finished canning and freezing my stocks
I've been getting busy around the home over the past week. Actually, we've been out of the home for much of this past week with helping my grandma set up her new computer, visiting a friend and learning how to make soap and wrap babies on, grocery shopping and other misc. errands.
I think the more I am out of the home, the more I'm able to complete. I'm not burnt out or overwhelmed by all there is to do all day.
So homemade yogurt... I've tried making yogurt several times and each batch failed. Not liking to add anything that isn't necessary, healthy, or something I know about, I didn't want to add pectin. I don't know what it is or if it's healthy (and if I make something from scratch, I want it to be as healthy as possible!). Finally I found a new recipe here about making yogurt in the crockpot. In the directions it mentions not using ultra-pasturized milk. I had been! I was buying a organic whole milk from the store that turned out to be ultra-pasturized. I used a non ultra pasturized whole milk with an organic whole milk yogurt starer and voila! I had yogurt! I am so thrilled! Just milk and yogurt.
Then earlier this week I learned how to make soap. This looks like it'll be a new hobby for me. I have nearly everything I need to get started - just gotta get the oils. My husband LOVES the soap my friend makes and she shared her recipe with me, so maybe (maybe?) we'll switch from storebought soaps to all homemade soaps. Now I just gotta learn what herbs to grow so I can use them in the soaps and learn how to make my own essential oils from them!
And the baby wrap. Essentially, a wrap is a peice of fabric 5 yards long and about 30 inches wide. You tie your baby to your body through a variety of twists, loops and ties (it's really easy). I was a ring sling lover but now i'm a baby wrap lover. Kaitlyn is so comfortable snug against me, and she doesn't move when I do. I used a lightweight, stretchy material so she's snug as a bug, but comfortable. I am going to start selling them - possibly on the go - and offer free babywearing classes with them. You wouldn't believe how man ypeople asked where they could get a sling when I wore my ring sling (which I am now going to start making also). My friend said the baby wraps get a lot of attention also so I thought what the heck, I'll make a few and keep them in my diaper bag. If someone asks where they can get one, I'll offer it to them and let them know it comes with a free class so they can have some one on one learning time. These are sooo great for keeping your baby on you and still being able to get stuff done around the house. Right now as I write this, Kaitlyn was super tired but didn't want to be rocked. I tied her to me and she is sound asleep. I can sit and type, or i've been up to fold laundry and do dishes. This thing rocks!
I'm preparing our family cookbook as an ebook sometime within the next few months. Including all of my recipes for home made meals, including home-made ingredients that you might normally just buy from the store. Most of these ingredients freeze or can well, so you'll never have to buy canned goods, soups, bases or anything else again :-) You'll be able to take a realistic look into my master cookbook and also see helpful charts, tips, diagrams, lists and all of the helpful stuff I keep in mine!
Poor Alexis and Andrew got sick last night - Lexi had a upset tummy most of the evening and ended up throwing up around 2am. Andrew threw up also, for the first time in his life. Just once though. Thankfully, because he was sleeping on our bed. Lexi has since thrown up a couple of times but was really perked up this evening. I hope that's all done and I'm praying the rest of us don't get sick!
#2: I made a baby wrap and learned how to make soap
#3: I cooked more meals for the freezer
#4: I finished canning and freezing my stocks
I've been getting busy around the home over the past week. Actually, we've been out of the home for much of this past week with helping my grandma set up her new computer, visiting a friend and learning how to make soap and wrap babies on, grocery shopping and other misc. errands.
I think the more I am out of the home, the more I'm able to complete. I'm not burnt out or overwhelmed by all there is to do all day.
So homemade yogurt... I've tried making yogurt several times and each batch failed. Not liking to add anything that isn't necessary, healthy, or something I know about, I didn't want to add pectin. I don't know what it is or if it's healthy (and if I make something from scratch, I want it to be as healthy as possible!). Finally I found a new recipe here about making yogurt in the crockpot. In the directions it mentions not using ultra-pasturized milk. I had been! I was buying a organic whole milk from the store that turned out to be ultra-pasturized. I used a non ultra pasturized whole milk with an organic whole milk yogurt starer and voila! I had yogurt! I am so thrilled! Just milk and yogurt.
Then earlier this week I learned how to make soap. This looks like it'll be a new hobby for me. I have nearly everything I need to get started - just gotta get the oils. My husband LOVES the soap my friend makes and she shared her recipe with me, so maybe (maybe?) we'll switch from storebought soaps to all homemade soaps. Now I just gotta learn what herbs to grow so I can use them in the soaps and learn how to make my own essential oils from them!
And the baby wrap. Essentially, a wrap is a peice of fabric 5 yards long and about 30 inches wide. You tie your baby to your body through a variety of twists, loops and ties (it's really easy). I was a ring sling lover but now i'm a baby wrap lover. Kaitlyn is so comfortable snug against me, and she doesn't move when I do. I used a lightweight, stretchy material so she's snug as a bug, but comfortable. I am going to start selling them - possibly on the go - and offer free babywearing classes with them. You wouldn't believe how man ypeople asked where they could get a sling when I wore my ring sling (which I am now going to start making also). My friend said the baby wraps get a lot of attention also so I thought what the heck, I'll make a few and keep them in my diaper bag. If someone asks where they can get one, I'll offer it to them and let them know it comes with a free class so they can have some one on one learning time. These are sooo great for keeping your baby on you and still being able to get stuff done around the house. Right now as I write this, Kaitlyn was super tired but didn't want to be rocked. I tied her to me and she is sound asleep. I can sit and type, or i've been up to fold laundry and do dishes. This thing rocks!
I'm preparing our family cookbook as an ebook sometime within the next few months. Including all of my recipes for home made meals, including home-made ingredients that you might normally just buy from the store. Most of these ingredients freeze or can well, so you'll never have to buy canned goods, soups, bases or anything else again :-) You'll be able to take a realistic look into my master cookbook and also see helpful charts, tips, diagrams, lists and all of the helpful stuff I keep in mine!
Poor Alexis and Andrew got sick last night - Lexi had a upset tummy most of the evening and ended up throwing up around 2am. Andrew threw up also, for the first time in his life. Just once though. Thankfully, because he was sleeping on our bed. Lexi has since thrown up a couple of times but was really perked up this evening. I hope that's all done and I'm praying the rest of us don't get sick!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Life back to normal
The holidays are over. I feel blessed that we made it without any accidents or drama. A few nights ago I was listening to my husbands scanner and heard one accident after another being dispatched. His fire department had a lot of accidents to deal with. Then a few days later unfortunatly our township had its' first fatality at a killer intersection down the road from us. Anyone familiar with the area knows the Sterns x S. Dixie Hwy intersection is almost always deadly. I don't know why. It's very creepy and I usually find myself going out of my way so I don't need to go through it! When my husband worked for a local towing company, they had around four fatal accidents within a week, and two within a day.
I had a runny nose and Andrew did too, so I made us all home made chicken soup for dinner. I'm already feeling better! I also made a huge stockpot of beef stock because I'm running low. It's actually still simmering - I'll let it continue until I go to bed. I'm not sure if I'll can this batch or freeze it. We're nearly out of all of my home grown home canned goods from our pantry so I have plenty of mason jars right now to can with. I guess I'll decide tomorrow after it's had a night to chill.
Kaitlyn is very animated these days. She will 'talk' your ear off if you give her half a second of your time. She's going on 5 months and will coo, squeal, laugh and shriek your ears off. It's adorable.
I am getting ready to upload a new website I've been working on: an informational site on the homesteading things our family does. I'm hoping it can help others who want to get started on self sufficiency and don't really know where to start. I'll let you know when it's live!
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