Looking Back: Reflections on January

With all the goals I have for this year, and a focus verse to help guide me, I decided that pausing for reflection at the end of each month was important.

My focus verse is Proverbs 31:27:

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness

Here are the areas I wanted to focus on for this verse, and how I've been doing. 

 

Home Decorating

Haven't done much of anything here.  Still need to work on it.  Want to make hearts with kids for Valentine's Day. 

Some kind of needle work--knitting, crocheting, needle point...

 I watched some videos on crocheting, and had Jayme help me.  (She took a class on it once, and is pretty good now.)  I can do the basic stitches.  But I can't seem to get the hang of counting stitches.  I always insert my hook in the wrong spot and end up with more on the bottom than on top.  I definitely need more practice! 

Organizing Clothes and preparing better for season changes.

 

Okay.  I went through two of my drawers to organize them.  I threw out some really ratty things, and made a small pile to go to Goodwill.  Now just a bunch more to go! 

Not being idle & exercising more.

 

I've been exercising!  You can see my reflections on that below.  I'm excited! 

Not eating when bored or for other emotional reasons.  

 

Doing better on this one.  I've been eating way less, and really focusing on putting better foods into my body.  I even threw out some candy I had left from Christmas.  Do you know how hard that was at first?  But I did it!!!

 

Ensuring that I eat "spiritual" bread and spend time with the Lord daily

 

I didn't get my Bible studying done every day in January, but I did it more often than I didn't.  Weekends are hard.  We aren't on our normal schedule.  I need to make sure to do this early in the day on those days since we don't always take quiet time.  

Praying has become a bigger part of my day as well.  When I'm getting frustrated, I stop for a few moments to pray instead of reacting.  I am amazed at how much calmer I feel when I'm finished. 

 

Other Goals: 

Read at least one book a month

 Those of you who know me know that I used to read all the time.  I have a master's degree in reading even.  Well, teaching reading, but still.  I love reading. 

If I love reading so much, why do I have to make this goal for myself?  I got to the point where I loved reading so much that I was neglecting my responsibilities.  I'd be in the middle of a good book, and didn't want to put it down.  I'd read instead of play with the kids.  I'd read instead of clean.  I'd read instead of...well, just about anything.  I had to get control.  With the Lord's help, I did.  I can now pick up a book, read for a bit, and then put it down and move on.  I know the book will still be there the next time I get to it!

My book for January? 

I thought it was going to be Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal by Joel Salatin.  I checked it out from the library and everything.  I started reading it.  And then...

Bryan and I watched The Hunger Games. I heard about these books when I was teaching.  Some of my students loved them.  After reading the synopsis, I decided it wasn't the type of book I would read.

Until Bryan heard about the movie and watched it one evening.  He told me I had to watch it with him.  And I did.  I actually stayed awake for the whole thing (which means it was really good!)  I usually fall asleep. 

I requested the trilogy at the library, and have picked up the first two.  I read the first one.  Here are my thoughts.

Then, as I read it, I couldn't help but analyze how close we are to a culture to allowing things like this to happen.   Look at how obsessed the nation is with reality TV.  Look at how disconnected the government is from reality.  Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  If we all think that the government is really doing us a favor, who knows how far we'd allow it to go.  Baby steps is all it takes.  Look how big the government is now compared to twenty years ago. 

After reading the book, I started comparing it to The Giver and 1984.  Interesting themes in all three of them. 

I didn't think I'd say it, but I will be making sure Jayme reads this trilogy in high school.  I think it's important.  And it wasn't nearly as gory as I thought it would be. 

All in all, I really liked this book!  I've already started the second.  And am looking forward to finishing all of them. 

Complete the Couch 2 5 K Training.  

Just did Week 5 Day 3!!!  Well, I attempted the workout.  I was supposed to jog for 20 minutes.  I jogged for 5 up the huge hill.  Then I had to walk for 2 to catch my breath.  Then I jogged for the last 13 without stopping!  I ran for 13 minutes!!! That is amazing!  I couldn't do that at the beginning of the month.  No way! 
  Sew one item for the house and one item for someone (or me) to wear.  

Um...I got my sewing machine out once.  And mended a few items of the kids' that desperately needed them.  Otherwise no progress made. 





Blog at least three times a week.  

Yup.  I express myself so much better through writing than talking.  I'm a big open mouth insert foot person.  Writing allows me to get it all out and then edit.  Before I hit send or publish or anything.  I like that!  Very relaxing.  



Take a picture a day.  

I thought this would be hard.  But it's not really.  I've been doing pretty well.  I like posting them on Saturdays.  I also like learning more about using the iPhone camera. 

Ellie loves this rock, and asked me to take her picture while she was sitting on it.

How are your goals coming along?

The Talking Donkey

Monday begins T week in the Tanner house.  I'm really looking forward to this Bible story!  We'll be learning about the talking donkey from Numbers 22. 

I love this story.  It really shows God's complete control over everything in our lives.  He made the donkey talk.  As in actually speak words that Balaam understood.  That is amazing!

We have some neat donkey crafts planned.  And we'll be learning about God's grace.  He could have easily kept the donkey silent and had the angel kill Balaam.  But we serve a gracious God.  And I'm so thankful for that! The timing is perfect, since our January hymn was "Amazing Grace."  I love how it is all tying together! 

In addition to learning about the Talking Donkey, we'll be making a T Tractor. I know that activity will be Jeffrey approved.  We have a book or two about tractors that will make an appearance in our homeschooling days.   

Any other fun T activities you can think of? 

My First Girl Haircut

I've been cutting all of the male hair in this house for what seems like forever.  Just using clippers and keeping Bryan, Owen, and Jeffrey all trimmed up.  Simon will get his turn someday too.  As soon as he gets too much hair.

But girl hair.  Nope--that scares me to touch!  I was so scared of messing up.  Until today.  One of the blogs linked up to Raising Arrows this morning caught my eye.  And I clicked over.  And found...

A great tutorial on cutting girl hair.  My little Ellie has the length recommened on the tutorial, so I asked her if she wanted a haircut.  Split ends abound on her little head, and it was definitely time for a change.

Ellie said yes.  She was so excited.  I sat her on the chair in the bathroom and wrapped a towel around her. 

Spritzing provided the damp hair that was needed.  I brushed it out and put it into pigtails by the ears. 

Now for the hard part...cutting.  The tutorial instructed to cut straight across at the bottom of each pigtail.  Straight lines and I don't exactly see eye to eye.  I have a really hard time just guesstimating straightness.  But I gave it a try.  Snip, snip.

Both pigtails appeared even, so I let them loose.  Ellie approves of her haircut.  And I approve of saving about $12!

One of the reasons I love blog link parties--you never know what you'll find, but you usually find something useful! I'm so thankful for this.  What a blessing to have so many resources just a click away.

My little girly girl loved the spa like treatment.  And on a Wednesday--her day! How perfect. 

Jayme's Birthday!

Wow!  Twelve years ago today...I became a mom!  Just a few days past my eighteenth birthday, that was a definite life changing experience.  It's amazing how much the Lord has worked in our lives over the past twelve years.   I've changed so much as a mom.  I've grown into a better person.  And I'm so thankful for the lovely young lady who ignited my journey into motherhood.

I look forward to seeing her follow the Lord's leading in her life.  She's really starting to develop interests and we're seeing glimpses of different talents.  Some--like computer programming--are ones I had no idea were there! Others, like her artistic abilities, are ones that we've watched develop over several years.  It'll be great to see what new skills and abilities and interests develop this year.

Jayme has reached an age where she's so helpful.  And so enjoyable to be around.  She asks great questions about things we read.  She loves to dive into topics of interest and learn more.

 She is such a blessing! I love that she's not embarrassed to play with her siblings.  That she still gives me hugs and holds hands with me when we walk through a store. That she shares her thoughts and dreams with me.  She is nothing like I was when I was her age.  And I'm so thankful!

I'm so thankful for the time that we spend together.  Homeschooling has been one of the best decisions we've ever made! 

Here's to another year of learning more about my oldest.  To help guide her journey towards adulthood. To pray for her.  Another year together. 

And yet, I have to remember that our years together are fleeting. We are not raising kids in this house.  Nope, Our eyes are set on something better here at Grouse Creek.

 Bryan and I are raising adults.  Adults who will serve the Lord in their own homes and communities someday.  May the Lord grant us the wisdom we need to guide and direct all of our kids into adulthood. 

And today, I had to stop to ponder the fact that adulthood is not that far away for my sweet Jayme.  So many things left to teach her.  So many lessons to learn.  And yet...I need to remember even more to stop and snuggle.  To enjoy her company.  To smile more.  To really enjoy all of my kids. 

I love you Jayme!  Happy Birthday!!!

Trying out the bow and arrow Bryan made her for her birthday!

Pic Round Up Week 4

Ah the joys of having the Internet in rural America.  We utilize Satellite internet, and have a limited amount of data each month.  Since we bought two new computers during this Internet cycle, after all the updates they needed, our data was running low.  Yesterday it was at zero. 

Thankfully this company doesn't charge extra for going over.  You just get limited to slower than dial up speed.  Which means uploading seven pictures just wasn't going to happen. 

Today is the 26th.  Our Internet reset at midnight. Yeah! Now I can get these pictures up!

Sunday, January 19

Owen got a hold of Jayme's glasses.  Owen won.  New glasses ordered and should arrive next week!  Thankful for backup pair.

Monday, January 20

Trying to get better at taking pictures of food.  Strawberry-banana oatmeal. Yummy way to start the day!

Tuesday, January 21

Jeffrey was so excited after reading a few words!  His skills are really improving.

 Wednesday, January 22

Sydney's hair is finally long enough for piggy tails!!! 

Thursday, January 23

Trekked out to the junk pile to photograph old tires.  There were plenty to choose from!  I like the snow on this pair.

Friday, January 24

We made a hay fort out in the barn.  Sydney, Jeffrey and Ellie really enjoyed playing in it.

Saturday, January 25

Sydney decided to try Cinder's kennel out for size. 

Uses for Old Tires

One interesting thing about living at Grouse Creek is its junk pile.  My Grandpa never liked to throw anything away.  He had the, "I might need it someday" attitude that many people who survived the Great Depression shared.

And so our property has a nice area of...junk!  Old fridges, old cars, an old bathtub, oodles and oodles of miscellaneous screws, nuts and bolts, and more are nestled in a wooded area or stored in an old storage building. Though I'm very thankful it's not visible from the house, this junk pile has come in handy on more than one occasion.  We were able to grab some chicken feeders that just needed some hammering to straighten up;  and some random odds and ends that were the perfect fit for various low cost building projects.

When the kids and I were bored one day and in need of adventure a few years back, we decided to venture to the junk pile and count the tires.  We reached 100 in just a couple minutes and kept going.  The final number has since been forgotten, but it was in the range of 150.  That's a lot of tires!

I've been pondering on those tires lately, and really wanting to put them to use.  The rubber is in decent condition, and I knew there had to be a way to reuse them.  After turning to Google, I was rewarded with some great possibilities.  As soon as the ground thaws enough for me to pull them out, I have a couple of projects in mind.

I'm hoping the kids and I can work together on some of these ideas.  It'll be a great way to teach some new skills!

Planters:

I don't want to grow any edible food in tires, just because of the chemical leach concern.  I've read both sides of the argument, and decided that since I have plenty of other ground to grow in, I don't need to use the tires.  But...they look really cute as planters.  So I think I'll give flowers a try for the first time ever.

I plan to follow this tutorial, and paint them in vibrant colors.  We need some beauty in our yard!  Any recommendations for easy flowers to grow?  I don't exactly have a green thumb, but I'd love to give it a try! I think annuals will be the way to go...

Play Equipment

Memories of jumping over tires that'd been half planted in the ground fill my thoughts of elementary school recess.  I also remember some tire swings.  I know that tires can be very useful in play.  Here are some of my favorite ideas.  I'm hoping to give one or two a try.

This article has some great details about building all kinds of play equipment.  I really like the sound of the tire log.  You basically attach a bunch of tires, and someone can climb inside and get rolled around.  I'm thinking this might be a great way to meet some of Owen's sensory needs! 

On this site, you can see pictures of an entire playground filled with tires.  I love the jungle gym type structure, and really think our backyard needs one.  Well, once we relocate our chicken flock...

Finally, I will attempt to make a couple of these rockers.  We have most of the materials on hand, so I'm excited! I'm hoping to make three of them, though since I'll have to cut two tires, I might just make four.  I'll have to check the scrap lumber pile and see how much wood there is!

 Other Ideas

A bike rack...

An ottoman...thinking of using some of the new spools of natural colored bailing twine we have...

I really want to try making some seating for around the fire pit Bryan installed last year.  I've seen some great pictures online, but no tutorials.  Any ideas?

What would you do with a bunch of tires?

Linked up to: Raising Arrows

Getting It All Done: Cooking Real Food Basics

Many people seem to think that cooking real food takes too long.  That they'd be slaves to the kitchen if they tried to feed their family unprocessed food.  I'm here to tell you that it isn't true.  I love preparing real food for my family.  And I don't have enough time to spend it all in the kitchen.

Here's my take on real food.  How we get it all done...in the kitchen.

What Real Food Is To Me

Real food has many definitions.  Instead of hashing them all out, I'll simply share mine.  Food that will nourish my family and does not contain unpronounceable ingredients.  If I can't make it in my kitchen--it's probably science and not food. That means it belongs in a lab and not my house or stomach.

And while many people will argue about all the ins and outs of each ingredient, I don't sweat it too much at this time.  I use unbleached white flour and white whole wheat in almost all of my baked goods--a 50/50 combination.  Yes.  Whole wheat would probably be better for us.  But...if my family doesn't like the texture/taste of what I make--it doesn't matter how healthy it is. 

I use unrefined sugar.  I would love to use only honey or maple syrup, but they cost a whole lot more.  I simply don't have it in the budget. 

I DO NOT make it a habit to buy organic.  Organic is pretty expensive.  In looking at the licensing process for trying to get Grouse Creek chickens licensed as organic, we realized it was completely pathetic.  Organic doesn't mean what most people assume it means.  Organic chickens can be raised in a factory setting and never see the light of day--they just need to eat organic food.  You are paying for all the stupid paperwork that companies have to do to be classified organic.  Not necessarily for a superior product...( a different post for a different day...)

I figure even if I'm still using unbleached flour and unrefined sugar, anything I make from scratch is still WAY better than anything you can buy in the store.  Someday, as our tastes develop more away from the Standard American Diet, and we have more finances to devout to food, I'll probably add more changes.  For now...this works!

Homemade When Possible--And Double Up!

If it comes in a can, I generally try not to buy it.  Except for tomatoes.  And tomato products (diced, sauce, paste, etc.)  I used to rely on Cream of Something soups for the majority of my meals.  But as I started learning more about the benefits of real food, I started looking for a way to replace those cans.

I now rely on this recipe.  I have it memorized.  It's super simple!  On Saturday, I made a quadruple batch (which with the size of our family would be doubling for most people...)  I threw what I needed on top of leftover chicken, peas and some other veggies from the fridge.  A loaf of bread, mushrooms, carrots, celery and butter became the basis of a homemade stuffing.  Stuffing went on top of the casserole.  Then dinner was ready to bake when it was time.  And I put the rest of the soup mix into a container in the fridge.  It's ready for a quick meal early next week.

When I'm making one batch of something, I almost always try to make two.  I like to cook with the future in mind.  Peeling carrots?  Peel a few extra and stick in the fridge.  I'll use them! I try to always do extra celery, carrots and onions, as it seems I use that base a lot. 

Bread--though I still haven't found a loaf bread recipe that is easy to make, slices well and holds up for sandwiches, I haven't bought a loaf of bread in three years.  I've experimented with different recipes, and mainly use a French bread recipe from this website.  We slice it, toast it, slather it with butter, and use it in the place of sandwich bread.

Sometimes I'll make oatmeal bread.  We really like that, though I haven't figured out why it crumbles so bad when sliced.  If anyone has any solutions for that, I'd appreciate it!

Bagels, English muffins, biscuits, soft pretzels--they are all favorites in this house.  I try to make a large enough batch that I can put enough away in the freezer for the next time. That helps me to save time.  It doesn't take a whole lot longer to do two batches when I'm already working on one.  But, it allows me to not get all the ingredients out and have to wash dishes the next time around.

When I'm making bread, I always make at least two loaves.  We don't go through it very quickly, so I'll freeze one.  Then on Saturday night when I'm making a French Toast casserole for Sunday breakfast, I can just grab a loaf out and slice.  Having food in the freezer helps so much!

If I'm not sure how to make something, I turn to Google.  I almost always come up with a recipe.  That's how I discovered our Homemade Nesquick. Sometimes it takes some trial and error.  Mac and Cheese was a hard one for us.  We all loved the store bought.  I kept trying different recipes until I came up with a winner.  Don't be afraid to fail!

I started slowly.  We used the most cream soups, so I found that recipe first.  After a while, it became second nature, and I started seeing what else I could make.  I love buying real ingredients at the store instead of prepared food.  It feeds us better, and is cheaper per pound/ounce that way.  I'd encourage you to pick one item to try your hand at making.  If you can't find a recipe for it--perhaps you shouldn't be eating it.  Remember the rules of the high school science lab--don't eat the chemicals!

However, it isn't always possible to always make everything from scratch.  That's why I am sure to check the labels at the store.  I could make my own pasta, but I don't have the equipment needed.  I buy 100% whole grain variety.  

Give yourself grace as you make changes.  Some days, you might need to buy tortillas.  Other weeks, you can make them. 

Multi-Tasking

When I'm in the kitchen, I try to make the most of my time.  I might have a batch of bone broth going in the crockpot while I have yogurt incubating.  Then I'll mix up a batch of bread and set it to rise--taking some of the residual heat from the yogurt process.  Since the oven has to be on for the bread, I'll have the kids help mix up some cookie dough.  We'll bake some of those while the bread rises, and freeze the rest as balls in a container.

Most of the time, the food I make is slow food.  That means that once I start it, I can walk away.  It doesn't take that much active time to turn raw milk into buttermilk for instance. Or to get yogurt started.  Bone broth is super simple--add bones to the crock pot.  Add water.  Add any veggie scraps and salt.  Start crock pot.  Walk away.    

If I'm turning the oven on to cook dinner, I try to think of another way to use it.  Perhaps I'll throw some potatoes in to bake to have on hand for hash browns.   Or I'll batch cook a couple pounds of hamburger to keep in the freezer.

My Meal Plan

Shh...don't tell anyone, but I really don't meal plan anymore.  I used to work so hard on elaborate meal plans.  I had our meals and snacks planned out.  And I spent a whole lot more money.  Because I'd want to try all of these amazing new recipes that needed special ingredients.  And those ingredien added up.  And then life would get busy and I wouldn't make my super cool new meal after buying those ingredients....ugh--it was frustrating!

So now I keep it simple.  We (almost always) eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch each day of the week.  Thus I have seven breakfasts and seven lunches.  We have the same snacks each day (two small snacks a day).  I have a theme for each night's dinner.

While I still have to make some decisions--what kind of pasta should I cook on Monday?  What kind of fruit should go in the oatmeal this morning?  But, I don't have nearly as much work to do on a daily basis.  It keeps shopping simple to.  I can tell you exactly how many pounds of pasta we'll need for the month.  I buy a variety so I can whip up some different meals.  But I know what to buy.  (Then I try to buy an extra to stock the pantry with.)

If shrimp is on sale, I can do a great seafood feast on Thursday.  If it's not, I don't stress and I do something with canned tuna instead.  My meals are flexible, and I'm able to change directions while shopping to take advantage of sales.  Since we try to only shop once a month, this is important.  I don't have the luxury of hitting all of the sales, so I have to make do.  

For more information on my current meal plan, see this post.  We plan on redoing the menu in August.

I'd encourage you to try this.  If the same breakfast every Monday would be too much, try a two-week rotating plan.  

Utilize Your Workforce

I love having the kids in the kitchen with me!  It sure beats having them off making a mess by themselves somewhere, or watching yet another movie.  If you have kids, put them to work.

My three year old can cut vegetables that have been peeled.  She can accurately measure dry ingredients for me.  My two year old is a great stirrer and gopher (go getter...).  My five year old can peel vegetables, cook pancakes on the griddle, and use sharp knives appropriately.  My oldest can cook complete meals from scratch from start to finish.  Even my seven year old with special needs is put to work--he loves trying to wash dishes! 

Start the lessons when they are young and interested.  You might just be amazed at what they can do!  Yes, you will have to provide active supervision. You will have to instruct.  But it'll pay off really quickly!

Do What You Can

I have cows.  And raw milk access.  It makes sense that much of my real food experience has revolved around milk.  I make cottage cheese.  I make cream cheese.  I make yogurt.  Etc. etc.  I probably wouldn't have done that much experimenting if I didn't have extra milk.

I don't grow a garden (yet).  So I have to buy my veggies.  Fresh ones add up quickly, so I don't buy as many of those as I probably should.  I rely heavily on frozen ones.  Someday, I hope this changes.  I'd love to produce more of what we eat.  We definitely have the land for it. 

If you garden, focus on adding a variety of fresh veggies to your diet.  Grind your own wheat?  Create awesome pancake mixes or homemade bisquick to keep on hand.  Everyone can do something to make more real food!

Where I'm Going From Here

My real food journey is not completed.  I still need to learn to produce more food.  I want to grow a garden and try my hand at canning tomatoes.  I want to use more of the wheat we grew in my baking. And that means I'll have to plant more wheat...

 There is always something to do and learn.  I'm going to take it one step at a time, and keep it from getting overwhelming.  I don't dwell on what I don't do.  I stay focused on what I'm doing.  And that's how we do real food around here. 

I know we still have a ways to go.  But I'm so happy to be on this journey!  How about you?  How does real food look in your kitchen? Any good recipes for me to try?