Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ June 30, 2010

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Here's a slice of life at our home...


In my yard... a raised square-foot garden producing zucchini, tomatoes, yellow squash, cucumbers, green peppers, and hopefully, ice-box watermelon.  Morning glories climbing up my mailbox mixed with some snap dragons and one sunflower. A lawn that is drying out due to the heat and no rain.

On my grill… Nothing today since my hubby wasn't home.  In the past week, we've enjoyed grilled chicken on salad greens, hamburgers, and bbq chicken.

With my children… Michael is having a blast at Boy Scout camp; Melissa is looking forward to time with a good friend tomorrow, Matthew is continuing to work on his play.

On my mind… completing high school transcripts and portfolios; cleaning a computer of a nasty spyware virus application...6 hours of computer work in safe mode and rebooted in normal mode.  So far so good...

The book of the Bible I keep finding myself turning to lately… Acts, Galatians, 1 John... I working on a Bible study on the apostle John.

I am reading…  How to study, A practrical guide from a Christian perspective and 7 keys to Comprehension.  Doesn't this sound so exciting.  I'm trying to get a better handle on how to help one of  my students.

I am looking forward to… seeing my son and fiance when they get married later in July.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Saving money sure feels good!

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This was a good week!  Here's the breakdown...

CVS
     Spent $ 1.73     Saved $15.00 

Rite Aid
     Spent $ 7.49     Saved $ 26.54

Walgreens
     Spent $ 14.18   Saved $18.10

Publix
     Spent $ 62.65   Saved $ 83.02

Walmart
     Spent $ 3.98      Saved $ 0.50
     (All You magazines for coupons!)

Bi-Lo
     Spent $35.31     Saved $48.89

Overall-
     Spent $125.34   Saved $192.05

Percent Savings........ 60%

I love that we are saving this much money.  Yet, I feel like I am always shopping ; )

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 19 ..... My son is getting married!

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What’s happening in my home….


In my kitchen… Chicken with penne pasta, salad, and Italian bread.  Today, we may go to a local restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner and watch the US play in the World Cup.

With our marriage… We are taking more time to talk and spend time together (without the kids).  This is becoming a special time for us.

With the children… Michael is heading off to Boy Scout camp tomorrow.  He is so excited; he was completely packed last night!  Melissa enjoyed her time at church camp with Natasha and states she is closer with the Lord.  Matthew is continuing to work on his lines for the play which must be memorized by June 30!

Our biggest new is that my oldest son, Robert, is getting married on July 24th.  This will take our family to Kansas City, Missouri for the celebration.

Around the homestead… we are enjoying the vegies from the garden.  The zucchini is great!  Now, the tomatoes are starting to ripen.  Maybe, I'll be enjoying a beefsteak tomato later today!

In my “Inner Man"... My Inner Man needs nourishment and watering. I am attempting to do this by staying in step with my Bible study on the gospel and letters of John.

What is your Inner Man? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clue about what he means when he says “the inner man." In that scripture he says, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (4:16 NASB). So for Christians even though there is something about us that is getting old, decaying and deteriorating and dying..there is also something about us that is growing, becoming more alive, richer and stronger every day we live and follow Christ. That is what Paul calls our “inner man.”

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 18

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This is what's happening at my house...

Too much zucchini - too little motivation!

What’s going on in my kitchen this week ….. tuna casserole, grilled chicken, homemade fresh blueberry pancakes, and a lot of zucchini side dishes.

This week, I have simply not been able to get a handle on … getting done what needs to get done.  I am in serious need of motivation!!

Its so hot here ….. that the teens won't even go out and hang out.  The basketball hoop is forgotten during the hot summer months and they seem to forget that the lawn needs mowing...

If I could have a pantry built to order ….. I would need a new house!  Since I don't have any type of pantry now, I wouldn't be too picky.  Any storage would be a blessing!

The one place other than where I am that I might like to live is ….. near my grandson and son so that would put me in Texas in a couple of months.

The most comfortable shoes I have ever had ….. are my on-sale sandals from Payless Shoes.  I love them so much, I bought all they had the fall of 2008.  This way, when they were no longer wearable, I already had replacements.  Sad day... they no longer carry them and I need new ones!

My favorite things about summer ….. I love the longer days; the growing garden; less stress due to less  commitments; reading or in my case - catching up on reading!

I know I need to …… start and complete the high school portfolios and transcripts (x 4 students).  I also need to decide on history and literature curriculum for the upcoming school year.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

64 % Savings (including RR/ecb's/MIR

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This week I didn't do any major shopping, but I did buy more than just milk and vegies.  Here is the weekly breakdown:

Farmer's Market
     Spent  $10       Saved -0-
      But I did make homemade strawberry jam with it!  YUM!
Walgreen's
     Spent  $35       Saved $35
       (earned $16 RR and $10 mail-in rebate)
Bi-Lo
     Spent  $49       Saved  $27
Food Lion
     Spent  $6         Saved  $2
CVS
     Spent  $17       Saved  $37
      (rec'd $12 ebc to use next time!)

Overall:
  Spent $117  Saved  $101 
  Total Bill before savings  $216

Percent Saved.... 47 %

Percent Saved including RR/ecb/MIR.... 64 %

Saturday, June 19, 2010

As the garden grows

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Take 4

The broccoli never produced any flowers... how sad.  That is what I was really looking forward to!  I took out the broccoli and planted 2 ice-box watermelon plants.  All the other vegies are doing well.  We have enjoyed zucchini directly out of the garden.  I think I need to find healthier recipes for it; other than sauteeing it in garlic and butter!

Tomato plants -


Green Peppers -


Yellow Squash -

Zucchini -

Cucumbers -


Watermelon plants -

Carrots -

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 17

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What’s happening in my home...


In my kitchen… we enjoyed Asian chicken last night! YUM!  Grilled pork chops are on the menu, but I don't if we'll have them today or tomorrow.  Rod wants to take the kids to the Chattanooga Football (soccer) game tonight. 

With our marriage… spent a couple of hours one-on-one with Rod this week.  Nothing exciting, but we had numerous things to talk about and decisions to make.  Even though it wasn't a romantic walk, I enjoy all the time we get to spend together minus the kids.  Rod, Happy Father's Day!

With the children… Melissa is home from camp; Matthew was offered a part in "Dearly Departed" and is walking on air; Michael is looking forward to Boy Scout camp... countdown - 8 days!

Around the homestead… I enjoyed a really good thunder storm today.  I stood on the porch and watched the storm.  I love thunder storms!

In my “Inner Man”…. keeping up with my Bible study, praying all through the day. I find myself fighting off mild depression these days. I don’t want to give in.


What is your Inner Man? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clue about what he means when he says “the inner man." In that scripture he says, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (4:16 NASB). So for Christians even though there is something about us that is getting old, decaying and deteriorating and dying..there is also something about us that is growing, becoming more alive, richer and stronger every day we live and follow Christ. That is what Paul calls our “inner man.”

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 16

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What’s going on in my kitchen this week ….. home cooked dinners!

Every time I try to ….. work on my kids' high school paperwork, I get side-tracked (like right now)!  Procrastination is a bad thing, I know, and I'll soon run out of summer to complete these.

Thinking very heavily on this right now … serious school decisions and history/literature plans for the upcoming school year.

I wish my mother had told me….. (1) what periods were before I had my first one and thought I was dying, and (2) about sex, not the details (God forbid, how embarrassing!), but God's plan for sex and the consequences of having sex before marriage.

I wish a mature believer had told me... that walking with the Lord requires daily death to self.  For a person who likes to be in control, this is not any easy thing to do, but God is continually working on me in this area.

I am determined to ….. to see Jesus as the apostle John did.  I want to be awed and enamored with Jesus as if I, myself, am witnessing the miraculous healings, feedings, teachings, and resurrection.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 15

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What’s happening in my home..….

In my kitchen… homemade honey wheat bread, steaks on the grill with a salad and vegie.  Just finished making homemade fresh strawberry jam.  Yummy!  We have a full refrigerator/freezer.  Praise the Lord!

With our marriage… going strong … we are in need of some quality time though, without kids, just to be "two" again!

With the children… daughter heading to church camp with a friend tomorrow, the rest of the family will enjoy a Third Day concert at Riverbend in Chattanooga on Tuesday, and I'm planning on working on high school transcripts/portfolios this week.  * Note - so far, new cleaning schedule is working!

Around the homestead… watching the garden wilt in the 96+ F heat wave.  Guess I need to water twice a day.  The broccoli isn't giving me flowers now, so I'll replant in the fall and pray for a bumper crop.  We have a chance of picking up a second frig/freezer which will give me more freezer room.  This is a stepping stone to finding a stand-up freezer.

In my “Inner Man”…. learning how to worship the awesome God I serve in spirit and in truth!  Corporate worship is wonderful, heart lifting, spirit refreshing.... Private worship is lacking big time.


What is your Inner Man? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clue about what he means when he says “the inner man." In that scripture he says, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (4:16 NASB). So for Christians even though there is something about us that is getting old, decaying and deteriorating and dying..there is also something about us that is growing, becoming more alive, richer and stronger every day we live and follow Christ. That is what Paul calls our “inner man.”

Saturday, June 12, 2010

53.5 % savings! I did it!

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I feel like I've been shopping all week. YUK!  Here are my savings...

Staples      Spent  $ 43.68      Saved: $ 10
   I will be receiving $24 in rebates also!

Publix         Spent  $ 38.94      Saved:  $ 40.39

Shoe Dept   Spent  $ 30.00      Saved:  $ 15.00

Bi-lo           Spent  $ 143.16    Saved:  $ 109.70

Food Lion   Spent  $ 25.25      Saved:  $ 12.54

Walgreens   Spent  $ 11.78      Saved:  $ 14.20

CVS            Spent  $ 23.32      Saved:  $ 16.59

My total bill would have been $ 497.77.  I saved $ 266.42 ($242.42 + $24.00 rebates) and only spent $ 231.35. 

** I also received $10 register rebates from Walgreens and $9 ecb's from CVS to use on my next shopping trip!

The only shopping I'm doing this coming week will be for milk and, maybe, fresh vegetables!

How are your saving money for your family?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 14

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What’s happening in my home?….

In my kitchen… Tacos for dinner.  I'm trying to eat better and healthier, so I'm having more soup/salads for lunch.  I am also looking forward to being able to eat vegetables directly out of my garden!  The radishes are good, but I'm salivating for the tomatoes!

With our marriage… things are good right now, but as with all marriages, they haven’t always been. There have been some really hard times in the past 17+ years. But we’ve hung on, sometimes it seems like we hung on to tatters, and God has been faithful to us. It was hard to imagine that when things were as tough as they got that we’d make it. But we did.  Our marriage is so much better now because of the peaks and valleys God walked us through.  God is so good!

With the children… we are working on heart attitudes and "needs versus wants."  Even the parents need God's work in these areas.

Around the homestead… We are beginning a new house cleaning schedule.  I hope it goes well; in theory, it looks really good!

In my “Inner Man”…. working on children's disrespectful attitudes.  I know I'm not responding/reacting well and hence, not being a good, Biblical role model.  My prayer is that God will show me the true heart issues/problems with them, not just their outward actions and words.

What is your Inner Man? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clue about what he means when he says “the inner man." In that scripture he says, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (4:16 NASB). So for Christians even though there is something about us that is getting old, decaying and deteriorating and dying..there is also something about us that is growing, becoming more alive, richer and stronger every day we live and follow Christ. That is what Paul calls our “inner man.”

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 13

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Proverbs 31 woman... me?  Not!

This is my definition of “Homekeeping” ……… manages the home and children; oversees the shopping and food preparation; chauffeuring when needed (when is it not needed!); stays available for her husband and his needs; imparts Christian faith to the kids by teaching, encouraging, role modeling.  See Proverbs 31.

My favorite place to practice the profession of homekeeping is ….. #1: the kitchen - showing love throught the food I make; #2: our schoolroom - showing love to our kids by home educating them; #.3: couponing to save money.

I do find joy in keeping my home and I think the reason is …..  because I want the best for my family.

At this point in my life, this is what I believe my children, husband and/or other family members think about our home…. that it looks fine and doesn't need to be cleaned every week.  I am far from weekly cleaning, but the kids and I are working toward that end.  My husband never complains about the housekeeping, bless him!  I think others see the love in our home not the mess.

The things I wish someone had told me about homekeeping when I was young.… that it doesn't just happen all by itself.  It does take work and planning, especially if you home educate. 

The messages that I received about homemaking and being a wife/mother when growing up were ….. that it is a blessing to be able to stay home with your kids and manage your home well.  Thanks, Mom!

6 blessings that God has given me this week are …. my faith in Christ, a loving husband (even though he is sick), caring friends, wonderful kids, the ability to stay-at-home with my kids, home schooling.....

Monday, June 7, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 12

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What’s happening in my home….

My teens have enjoyed 3 weeks off from school which ended today.  Needless to say, I am not the most popular person at our home!  We continue with math through the summer.  Each of the students are in the middle of their math courses.  We usually do math + one other subject.  I haven't pushed the "plus 1" ---- YET!

In my kitchen… BBQ Pork for sandwiches with cole slaw and homemade fries.

With our marriage… trying to find the time to spend together that does not include kids or chores!

With the children… stir crazy already.  I believe they think I'm here to entertain/chauffeur them, etc.  NOT!

Around the homestead… garden growing well except the broccoli.  Not sure if they will produce the florets or not; husband mowing yard 'cause kids aren't. : (  Trying to find a starting place for all the paperwork, grades, transcripts, etc that I need to catch up on and get ahead on.

In my “Inner Man”…. I am working through a Bible study on John which includes his gospel, 1 and 2 John, and Revelation.


What is your Inner Man? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clue about what he means when he says “the inner man."  In that scripture he says, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day."  (4:16 NASB). So for Christians even though there is something about us that is getting old, decaying and deteriorating and dying..there is also something about us that is growing, becoming more alive, richer and stronger every day we live and follow Christ. That is what Paul calls our “inner man.”

Friday, June 4, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 11

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What’s happening in my home….


We are volunteering at J-Fest, a Christian Music Festival in Chattanooga, this weekend.  A time to give back as a family and enjoy some great Christian artists.

In my kitchen… I am looking forward to being home more next week so I can cook normal dinners again.

With our marriage… we are working through this financial valley together.  Closings are scheduled for next week.  Pray all goes well.

With the children… one is impatiently waiting to see if he got a part in Dearly Departed; daughter is going to a church summer camp with a friend soon; one looking forward to Boy Scout camp.

Around the homestead… rain, rain, rain.  At least I don't need to use my water to water the garden!  Anything to decrease the bill.

Home repairs...

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Success!  I have finally finished fixing the toilet in the kids' bathroom.  It had been out-of-order for over 3 weeks.  This was the first time I had to replace all the tank insides, tank bolts, and rubber gasket.  Rod and the boys had to unscrew the old tank bolts.  I couldn't even get them to budge!  The picture below is me checking one last time for leaks.... so far so good!

This same evening I caulked our bathroom window and closed the opening the ants were using to come into our air-conditioned house.  They enjoyed the A/C long enough to die in the jacuzzi bathtub.

I spent yesterday fixing a leaky kitchen faucet which we have been "jimmy-ing" to stop the drip.  Needless to say, it wasn't working anymore.  I had the fun of replacing springs and everything.  Now.. no more drip!  Praise the Lord!

Now, the side-by-side refridgerator needs work.  The freezer is leaking water onto the floor.  It is running down the back/inside of the freezer and freezing in a puddle on the inside bottom.  If this is full, it overflows onto the floor.  Any ideas?

As the garden grows...

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Take 3

The pace at which this garden is growing amazes me!  I have placed potted marigolds in the garden.  When room gets tight, I'll put them around the garden.  I've been told they help keep the pests/bugs at bay.  Do you think they will help my broccoli?!?!



Zucchini

Cucumber bush next to flowers

Carrots peaking through...

Radishes, which I am harvesting and eating, in front of the pot.

Broccoli with one of the green pepper plants

Tomato plants... Oh, how I love fresh tomatoes!

Cucumber plant

Replacement yellow squash.  I picked it up free by attending a gardening workshop at Home Depot in Ft. Oglethorpe.

The kitty who adopted us!

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This is Pusscat.  When he moved in with his family next door, he adopted our front, and later, back porch.  Since I am allergic to him, we now go through a lot of hand soap.  I'm so glad our neighbors are able to supply my kids with a "pet!"

Over the years, he has slowed down.  He no longer chases the birds and shares them with us.  Now, he is taunted by the birds while he "rests" on the picnic table.  Gee, I wonder how old he really is??

As the Garden Grows ~ June 4, 2010

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Take 3

The pace at which this garden is growing amazes me!  I have placed potted marigolds in the garden.  When room gets tight, I'll put them around the garden.  I've been told they help keep the pests/bugs at bay.  Do you think they will help my broccoli?!?!



Zucchini

Cucumber bush next to flowers

Carrots peaking through...

Radishes, which I am harvesting and eating, in front of the pot.

Broccoli with one of the green pepper plants

Tomato plants... Oh, how I love fresh tomatoes!

Cucumber plant

Replacement yellow squash.  I picked it up free by attending a gardening workshop at Home Depot in Ft. Oglethorpe.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Words of Wisdom

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"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.  We must always take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.  Silence encourages the tormenter, never the tormented." ~ Elie Wiesel who was liberated from Buchenwold Concentration Camp 65 years ago by American forces.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 10

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What’s happening in my home?


We have been having a lot of pop-up storms.  The rain alone has almost filled my bucket which I use to water the small garden.

In my kitchen…homemade, warm honey wheat bread.

With our marriage… we are looking forward to more time together when my hubby's schedule becomes less hectice.  This is good and bad... he is a realtor and busyness hopefully equals closings!

With the children… one is auditioning for a new play tomorrow night; another is rereading a book for the millionth (only slight exaggeration!) time; another just wants to know what we are eating for each meal.


Around the homestead… a well deserved break from schooling.  Kids are enjoying sleeping in and having a more relaxed day. 

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Homekeeper's Journal ~ 9 (The Cure for Anxiety)

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In my kitchen ….. homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread, or should I say, what is left of it after we attacked it as it came out of the oven yesterday!

My marriage….. growing stronger over the last 18 years.  Why is it that it takes the rough times for us to truly bond as one?  Why do we always get complacent during the easy times? 

With my children …… two 16 year olds looking for jobs and one 14 year old looking forward to Boy Scout camp.  My 26 year old is looking forward to quality time with his son, Xander, who just turned 5!

I feel so relieved when ….. ?  I'm drawing a blank.  In our school, I will feel relieved when I get the transcripts and high school portfolios caught up.  But then, I know I will have another perceived deadline, etc. to make.

My spiritual life is on a plateau.... it's neither flourishing or declining.  I love the Lord and want to be in His will always, but don't have the desire for daily quiet time/Bible reading, etc.  My desire is there, yet I lack motivation.  Keep me in your prayers.

If I am honest, the thing that keeps me from praying as much as I should is ….. busy-ness.  I feel I have too many thing to accomplish and don't put God first in my priorities.  Yes, I'm good with sending up emergency prayers, but daily time with God.... lacking.

I see God moving in my life and how I react to situations.  I have a habit of blowing things out of proportion and God is continually reteaching me what is important versus what is not.  I focus on the thing of this world and get bent out of shape.  God is calling me to focus on the eternal things.  This includes the education the my kids, my time with God, my relationships, everything.

This is in the deepest, darkest recesses of my mind, but should be moved into the light …. trust in God to supply all our needs during the real estate recession.  We have already seen His people in action; yet, I still worry which just wastes time. 

The Cure for Anxiety

Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB)

25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

27 And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,

29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

31 Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'

32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
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