Thursday, July 9, 2020
Monday, January 20, 2020
A New Start
A new start
For one I want to start blogging and maybe even start putting up YouTube videos. The thought of doing YouTube has been a thought for over a year. I am an avid addict to YouTube. I usually have something going while I am working around the house. I just could not come up with something that would be different, and that people would want to watch. This last week I am really starting to get a good grasp on what I want to do. Now there are a few more hurdles I need to over come, and then I will be able to get started.
The next thing I wanted to change as my Weight. Ok, yes everyone has that as a goal. And yes, it is something that is tough and repetitive for me too. I have been a roller coaster for years now with my weight. I lost about 60 pounds and kept it off for over 5 years. Well mostly off. I seemed to gain some slowly for the last couple years. Now it is all back. UGH. It is so frustrating. So this year I am getting back to what I know so I can feel better again. I have been suffering through heart burn and just feeling terrible for the last 6 months. It is now January 20th and I am feeling so much better. I started Trim Healthy Mama on January 1st and can really tell the difference.
The next big goal I have is to really focus on our family and marriage. We are trying to be so much more intentional about our dates and being connected. I love to listen to podcasts. This year I discovered the podcast One Extraordinary Marriage and it has been so eye opening. We also have realized that our youngest daughter is going to be leaving us before we know it, and we need to make the most of what time we have left. So we are trying to make more time for her. One way I have been doing that is taking her on mini dates. Most of them are just at McDonalds having a cup of coffee or ice tea and talking.
What I am also trying to do is be more intentional with our grocery budget. I am trying to save $100 out of my food/clothing budget a month. With this money we are trying to save up for a cruise to take as a family when Emma (our youngest) graduates from high school. This is two years out. So we are trying to look ahead and be prepared. This will be such an amazing trip to take together.
Now when it comes to spiritually I am trying to get through the entire Bible this year. I am following a reading program. At first I was trying to read it, but I would get bogged down by the names. So I started to listen to each days assignment, and that really made a difference. I actually feel like I am going to be able to get this done. I have never read the Bible from start to finish. Also this year I am hoping to memorize two verses a month. I have not started this goal yet. I really struggle with memorizing. So this is something I really will have to work at. I have downloaded the app rememberMe. It has worked well for me in the past. Hopefully this can help me.
The last major goal I have is to read 52 books. I did accomplish this last year, and really never thought I could. It amazed me that I stuck with it and was able to get it done. So this year I thought about increasing the number, and then quickly realized that I may be pushing it. So I just thought it would be good to keep the same goal. It is still amazing to get that many books read in one year. I did count some of the audio books that I listened to. I have been keeping track of my books on goodreads. It is a great app for recording books you have read and would like to read.
This is the year of some changes for me. Oh and I didn't mention that I am becoming a grandma this year. Now I don't plan to be called Grandma. Not that it is a bad name, but just to formal for me. I think Nana might be the name of choice. We will see. This week we will get to find out what the baby is. I just can't wait. June can't get here soon enough.
Until Next time
Jenni
Friday, December 9, 2016
Haven't wrote anything in a long time
Life has changed dramatically in the time since I last blogged. Well we moved twice now since my last entry. At the current time we are living in my parents basement. Let's just say that life is very interesting here. All four of us live in the basement. My parents and my two nieces live upstairs. We are making it work, but at times it can be difficult. We are trying to find a house and currently that has not happened. We are waiting for the Lord to open some doors.
On that note, I feel like the Lord is trying to teach us something through all of this. We are not sure what but are trying to figure that out. At times it does get discouraging. We would like to have our privacy again. There is something to be said for having your own place. You know if you want to have a lazy day you can. Here I feel like I really am disappointing a lot of people if I am not doing something all the time.
The up side of living here is that someone is always available to cook dinner. Also not a lot to take care of. Although that has felt very strange.
So the projects I have been working on is an afghan. I haven't crocheted much since I was a kid, but I have really enjoyed it. I am almost done. I only have two more rows to go. I am also sewing some projects for Christmas. I have two more pajama bottoms to do and then they I am pretty much done. We almost have all our Christmas shopping done. I love it when we are done with the hustle and bustle.
One of the things I want to work on this year is slowing down. I have really noticed that life is constantly about hurrying up to the next thing. I hate that. I really want to seriously stop and smell the roses. My husband and I go for a walk every night when he gets home from work. Yes in the cold and snow of Michigan. One thing that I have stopped to notice is the sky at night. There is a section of our walk where we walk passed two fields that are wide open spaces. If feels like you are in a planetarium. It is just amazing. I have made my husband stop and enjoy it. I know I need to do this more often. I also want to stop and smile at the things going on around me. My kids are hilarious if I just stop and listen.
I plan to start documenting our lives. Thank you for reading.
Jenni
On that note, I feel like the Lord is trying to teach us something through all of this. We are not sure what but are trying to figure that out. At times it does get discouraging. We would like to have our privacy again. There is something to be said for having your own place. You know if you want to have a lazy day you can. Here I feel like I really am disappointing a lot of people if I am not doing something all the time.
The up side of living here is that someone is always available to cook dinner. Also not a lot to take care of. Although that has felt very strange.
So the projects I have been working on is an afghan. I haven't crocheted much since I was a kid, but I have really enjoyed it. I am almost done. I only have two more rows to go. I am also sewing some projects for Christmas. I have two more pajama bottoms to do and then they I am pretty much done. We almost have all our Christmas shopping done. I love it when we are done with the hustle and bustle.
One of the things I want to work on this year is slowing down. I have really noticed that life is constantly about hurrying up to the next thing. I hate that. I really want to seriously stop and smell the roses. My husband and I go for a walk every night when he gets home from work. Yes in the cold and snow of Michigan. One thing that I have stopped to notice is the sky at night. There is a section of our walk where we walk passed two fields that are wide open spaces. If feels like you are in a planetarium. It is just amazing. I have made my husband stop and enjoy it. I know I need to do this more often. I also want to stop and smile at the things going on around me. My kids are hilarious if I just stop and listen.
I plan to start documenting our lives. Thank you for reading.
Jenni
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The second book is better
I just finished reading Bending Towards the Sun. It is the 2nd book in the Quilted Heart series by Mona Hodgson. It is a very quick read, but I really did enjoy the story. I read the first book in the story, and I did not find it as enjoyable as the second.
The story continues on some of the characters from the first book, but they are not the main character. I always appreciate that, then you know what happened to those characters. This book mostly focuses on Emilee and Quaid. They have known each other since they were kids. Quaid was off fighting the war and has returned back. He works for his father who is an Irish freight deliverer. Emilee is German who is going to school and works at her dad's store.
Quaid and Emilee meet up again where Quaid is coming to pick up apples from a farm that Emilee is helping to bring in the harvest. They both hit it off and are very comfortable with each other. The problem is that Emilee's dad is not very happy to see her have an interest in Quaid because he is Irish and he doesn't really have the career that he would like his daughter to be married too.
The story really keeps you wanting to find out if they will end up together. Will they go behind her dad's back?
I definitely give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I was given this book as a free copy from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing. I have not been compensated for my opinion.
The story continues on some of the characters from the first book, but they are not the main character. I always appreciate that, then you know what happened to those characters. This book mostly focuses on Emilee and Quaid. They have known each other since they were kids. Quaid was off fighting the war and has returned back. He works for his father who is an Irish freight deliverer. Emilee is German who is going to school and works at her dad's store.
Quaid and Emilee meet up again where Quaid is coming to pick up apples from a farm that Emilee is helping to bring in the harvest. They both hit it off and are very comfortable with each other. The problem is that Emilee's dad is not very happy to see her have an interest in Quaid because he is Irish and he doesn't really have the career that he would like his daughter to be married too.
The story really keeps you wanting to find out if they will end up together. Will they go behind her dad's back?
I definitely give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I was given this book as a free copy from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing. I have not been compensated for my opinion.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Decent, quick read - Dandelions on the wind
I just recently finished reading Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson. It was a really easy read. I found the book to be somewhat interesting but not a lot of depth to it. This is the second book I have read by this author and so far neither have been my absolutely favorite.
The book is about a girl that was brought to America as a mail order bride. When she gets to America her sight starts to fail and the man she is suppose to marry leaves. He doesn't want to deal with a bride that is going to be blind. So, she is taken in by a women who is widowed taking care of her granddaughter. To find out her granddaughter's dad left when his wife died in childbirth. He returns in the book.
I love the fact that their is a love story and that she looks like she is going to find happiness. It just seemed like the story need more to it. It was very basic. I was halfway through the book and still felt like I was getting to know the characters. I plan to try and read the second book only because I am curious to see what happens.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I was given a digital copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not paid for this review.
The book is about a girl that was brought to America as a mail order bride. When she gets to America her sight starts to fail and the man she is suppose to marry leaves. He doesn't want to deal with a bride that is going to be blind. So, she is taken in by a women who is widowed taking care of her granddaughter. To find out her granddaughter's dad left when his wife died in childbirth. He returns in the book.
I love the fact that their is a love story and that she looks like she is going to find happiness. It just seemed like the story need more to it. It was very basic. I was halfway through the book and still felt like I was getting to know the characters. I plan to try and read the second book only because I am curious to see what happens.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I was given a digital copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not paid for this review.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Though my heart is torn
This is a great book. I absolutely loved it. I have to start by saying that I did not realize that it was #2 in the series, but I still loved it. There were some parts that I was a little confused but all in all it was great.
The story is about a man named Gideon and his wife Lonnie. They are living this perfect little life with their son. They receive a letter from Lonnie's dad that her mom is sick. So they take the long trip home hoping they will make it before she passes. When they get there they find out it really is a trap. Her husband was married before, and she didn't know. Her husband thought that he was divorced...... There are some twists to this story that make you want to yell at the pages.
You would not expect to have this type of outcome in a story rewritten in our current time period. The church decides who Gideon should be married to. It isn't who you would think. He also goes along with it, which really surprised me. You are biting your nails until the end and the author still leaves you hanging then. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I was given a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for free. I was not paid for my opinion.
The story is about a man named Gideon and his wife Lonnie. They are living this perfect little life with their son. They receive a letter from Lonnie's dad that her mom is sick. So they take the long trip home hoping they will make it before she passes. When they get there they find out it really is a trap. Her husband was married before, and she didn't know. Her husband thought that he was divorced...... There are some twists to this story that make you want to yell at the pages.
You would not expect to have this type of outcome in a story rewritten in our current time period. The church decides who Gideon should be married to. It isn't who you would think. He also goes along with it, which really surprised me. You are biting your nails until the end and the author still leaves you hanging then. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I was given a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for free. I was not paid for my opinion.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Last day of vacation
You look so forward to vacation to get here and then all of a sudden it is over. That day has come. We just got done trying to get everything packed up as much as possible before we head out in the morning. It really is a sad moment. We tried to convince Tony to extend the vacation by another week. He said if we could convince the owners to let us stay here for free that we could stay. Too bad that will never happen.
Today we really did take it easy. I think we were all so exhausted that we just need some down time before the big drive home. We stayed at the condo until after lunch. The girls went swimming. Tony joined them, but I stayed out and watched. I was able to do some reading.
During our vacation I started a reading program to go through the Bible in a year. So while they were swimming that is what I was catching up. Since I have only been doing it for 5 days I was already behind by one day. I can see how well this will go. I do a daily devotional but listened to a sermon while we were on vacation that really challenged me to go through the whole Bible.
This afternoon we headed out to go and play in the river. There are pull offs all over the place here and the girls love to go in the water. It was so cold but they did not care. Kaliegh said she couldn't even tell the water was cold since she couldn't feel her legs anymore. Did this stop them? Oh no. They still played in the water.
The we headed back and they did some more swimming in the heated pool. They seemed to be waterlogged today. Now they are crashed watching a movie. It is 6:30 and I am in my pjs. This definitely is vacation. It all ends tomorrow. We hit the road by 8:00. Hopefully everything goes well and we are home by 8:00. Michigan is suppose to be warm so that will be nice.
Today we really did take it easy. I think we were all so exhausted that we just need some down time before the big drive home. We stayed at the condo until after lunch. The girls went swimming. Tony joined them, but I stayed out and watched. I was able to do some reading.
During our vacation I started a reading program to go through the Bible in a year. So while they were swimming that is what I was catching up. Since I have only been doing it for 5 days I was already behind by one day. I can see how well this will go. I do a daily devotional but listened to a sermon while we were on vacation that really challenged me to go through the whole Bible.
This afternoon we headed out to go and play in the river. There are pull offs all over the place here and the girls love to go in the water. It was so cold but they did not care. Kaliegh said she couldn't even tell the water was cold since she couldn't feel her legs anymore. Did this stop them? Oh no. They still played in the water.
The we headed back and they did some more swimming in the heated pool. They seemed to be waterlogged today. Now they are crashed watching a movie. It is 6:30 and I am in my pjs. This definitely is vacation. It all ends tomorrow. We hit the road by 8:00. Hopefully everything goes well and we are home by 8:00. Michigan is suppose to be warm so that will be nice.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Gatlinburg Day 4 and 5
We decided to take things a little easier on the fourth day of our vacation. We hung out at the condo until after lunch. The girls went swimming in the morning, and we sat and watched them. It was great to have some time to read. After lunch we headed to the aquarium in Gatlinburg. It is one of our favorite places to visit in the strip. Really we come to Gatlinburg and can spend very little money. This is worth the money. Since we homeschool they do give us a very good price.
At the aquarium we were able to see the divers feed the sting rays and dive into a tank with a bunch of saltwater fish and feed them. It is great to see all the fish interact with the divers. We also were able to watch them feed the penguins. I could watch this kind of stuff all day. Kaliegh also loves to go to the aquarium. I was shocked how much she knew without even looking at the signs. She kept saying, I read it in a book. She is not a big reader so it was neat to hear that she has read something. It also wasn't anything I made her read. Need to keep that in mind when I am thinking of reading assignments.
My favorite thing at the Aquarium was trying to touch the sting rays. Kaliegh was very good at it. I wasn't very good until the diver came over and enticed the sting ray to come close to the wall. One time the sting ray was sliding across the wall and decided to splash the kids that were trying to pet it. That was really funny.
After that we headed to the mirror maze. The kids think that is so fun. We did have a great time. I think they made it easier this time then last time. It seemed to take us a long time to find the exit. This time we found it right way. It was fun to have races as teams to see who could get all the way through the fastest.
Now this is where our day gets interesting. Some how we got rooked into sitting through a time share to get some tickets to see a show. After all of it the man made a ton of promises all lies but we did get tickets and it only cost us $20 for a $170 show. They only kept us in the presentation for 90 minutes so not to bad of a deal.
Today it started with us going to the presentation for the time share. Then we headed to have lunch at a park. After the lunch we headed to another waterfall. This was the Baskins Falls. It was located in the Roaring Fork Nature Drive. The hike was probably this toughest we have done all week. It wasn't very long but it was uphill the entire way back. Not only a slight uphill but very steep. It was downhill all the way there which seemed so easy, but we paid for it on the way back. Once we got to the falls it was really cool.
We climbed on some of the rocks. Nobody was there so we had the view to ourselves. It wasn't one of the more heavily hiked trails. It was really nice.
After the falls we headed to go see the Lumberjack show. That was a really nice show. There is no way I would pay full price for it, but we definitely got a deal. The girls really enjoyed it. I thought it was very family friendly.
At the end of it all we headed back and of course hit the pool. It was a great couple days. Hard to believe tomorrow is our last day. We are hoping to take it a little easy but still venture out. Try to wear the kids out so they will be tired for the ride home.
At the aquarium we were able to see the divers feed the sting rays and dive into a tank with a bunch of saltwater fish and feed them. It is great to see all the fish interact with the divers. We also were able to watch them feed the penguins. I could watch this kind of stuff all day. Kaliegh also loves to go to the aquarium. I was shocked how much she knew without even looking at the signs. She kept saying, I read it in a book. She is not a big reader so it was neat to hear that she has read something. It also wasn't anything I made her read. Need to keep that in mind when I am thinking of reading assignments.
My favorite thing at the Aquarium was trying to touch the sting rays. Kaliegh was very good at it. I wasn't very good until the diver came over and enticed the sting ray to come close to the wall. One time the sting ray was sliding across the wall and decided to splash the kids that were trying to pet it. That was really funny.
After that we headed to the mirror maze. The kids think that is so fun. We did have a great time. I think they made it easier this time then last time. It seemed to take us a long time to find the exit. This time we found it right way. It was fun to have races as teams to see who could get all the way through the fastest.
Now this is where our day gets interesting. Some how we got rooked into sitting through a time share to get some tickets to see a show. After all of it the man made a ton of promises all lies but we did get tickets and it only cost us $20 for a $170 show. They only kept us in the presentation for 90 minutes so not to bad of a deal.
Today it started with us going to the presentation for the time share. Then we headed to have lunch at a park. After the lunch we headed to another waterfall. This was the Baskins Falls. It was located in the Roaring Fork Nature Drive. The hike was probably this toughest we have done all week. It wasn't very long but it was uphill the entire way back. Not only a slight uphill but very steep. It was downhill all the way there which seemed so easy, but we paid for it on the way back. Once we got to the falls it was really cool.
We climbed on some of the rocks. Nobody was there so we had the view to ourselves. It wasn't one of the more heavily hiked trails. It was really nice.
After the falls we headed to go see the Lumberjack show. That was a really nice show. There is no way I would pay full price for it, but we definitely got a deal. The girls really enjoyed it. I thought it was very family friendly.
At the end of it all we headed back and of course hit the pool. It was a great couple days. Hard to believe tomorrow is our last day. We are hoping to take it a little easy but still venture out. Try to wear the kids out so they will be tired for the ride home.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
1st day in Gatlinburg
We are on vacation and it has been wonderful. We arrived on Saturday around 12:30 thinking we would reach our place in about an hour. We didn't know that downtown Pigeon Forge was crammed with cars. It took us 2 hours to get to the cabin. It was a little frustrating. Once we got here it was great just to go to the pool and relax the rest of the evening.
On Sunday we headed out to do some hiking. We headed to a falls called Abrams Falls. It is located in Cade's Cove. I loved it. I was so proud of the girls. It is a 5 mile hike and they both made it without any problems. I will add pictures later, do not have my cord to upload picture with us.
On Monday we headed to another waterfalls. This time we went to Grotto Falls. It was really neat, because we got to actually walk behind the falls. I never thought we would be able to do that. Emma was my little dare devil. She wanted to climb every rock and reach every area that she was able to go.
We almost saw a bear. If we would have been a few minutes faster we would have seen a bear. Not that I wanted to see one up close and personal it would be neat to see one while we are out an about.
After hiking we headed to the craft section of Gatlinburg. One of the first shops we went into was a rock shop. Emma's eyes lighted up. She was in her own personal heaven. She found two rocks and quickly bought them. The lady was really nice and told us some info on the rocks. After all of this I was exhausted. We headed back and went swimming. We played Marco Polo with the kids which was really fun. Seems like a basic thing to play but it was great to just be funny.
Today is Tuesday and it was a crazy day. We got up early because we knew we were trying to cram a lot into one day. We left the condo by 8:00. We headed up to Clingman's Dome. Wow, what a view. It was amazing. We could see at least 50 miles from where we were. I think maybe even 70 miles.
After that we headed towards Cherokee North Carolina. We stopped at the visitors center. We walked through a reenactment village. There was a guy there that answered some questions about cooing in a dutch oven. It is my goal to cook in a dutch oven over a fire this year. I am going to do it. He was making cookies and it really did not look that hard.
Then we headed to Mingo Falls. It was a really quick walk but it was so gorgeous. The falls is 120 feet tall and magnificent. It was really located in a weird location. We pretty much drove through a trailer park and found the parking lot for the falls. We weren't sure if we were in the right place. We climbed the stairs and then there it was, gorgeous.
After there we headed to Bryson City, NC. There was a loop that included three different falls. Juney Whank falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. They were all a short distance but beautiful. The girls played in the water some and we got to just watch, which was great.
After all of that we headed to the Indian Museum in Cherokee. We had about an hour before it closed. Emma really wanted to go so we decided to go in. It was pretty neat, but we were all so exhausted that I think if we stood in one place too long we would have fallen asleep.
I can say that so far our vacation has been amazing. Tomorrow we are going to take it a little easy. We are going to hang out at our condo until after lunch and then hit the aquarium. It is suppose to rain, praying it holds off or doesn't rain at all.
On Sunday we headed out to do some hiking. We headed to a falls called Abrams Falls. It is located in Cade's Cove. I loved it. I was so proud of the girls. It is a 5 mile hike and they both made it without any problems. I will add pictures later, do not have my cord to upload picture with us.
On Monday we headed to another waterfalls. This time we went to Grotto Falls. It was really neat, because we got to actually walk behind the falls. I never thought we would be able to do that. Emma was my little dare devil. She wanted to climb every rock and reach every area that she was able to go.
We almost saw a bear. If we would have been a few minutes faster we would have seen a bear. Not that I wanted to see one up close and personal it would be neat to see one while we are out an about.
After hiking we headed to the craft section of Gatlinburg. One of the first shops we went into was a rock shop. Emma's eyes lighted up. She was in her own personal heaven. She found two rocks and quickly bought them. The lady was really nice and told us some info on the rocks. After all of this I was exhausted. We headed back and went swimming. We played Marco Polo with the kids which was really fun. Seems like a basic thing to play but it was great to just be funny.
Today is Tuesday and it was a crazy day. We got up early because we knew we were trying to cram a lot into one day. We left the condo by 8:00. We headed up to Clingman's Dome. Wow, what a view. It was amazing. We could see at least 50 miles from where we were. I think maybe even 70 miles.
After that we headed towards Cherokee North Carolina. We stopped at the visitors center. We walked through a reenactment village. There was a guy there that answered some questions about cooing in a dutch oven. It is my goal to cook in a dutch oven over a fire this year. I am going to do it. He was making cookies and it really did not look that hard.
Then we headed to Mingo Falls. It was a really quick walk but it was so gorgeous. The falls is 120 feet tall and magnificent. It was really located in a weird location. We pretty much drove through a trailer park and found the parking lot for the falls. We weren't sure if we were in the right place. We climbed the stairs and then there it was, gorgeous.
After there we headed to Bryson City, NC. There was a loop that included three different falls. Juney Whank falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. They were all a short distance but beautiful. The girls played in the water some and we got to just watch, which was great.
After all of that we headed to the Indian Museum in Cherokee. We had about an hour before it closed. Emma really wanted to go so we decided to go in. It was pretty neat, but we were all so exhausted that I think if we stood in one place too long we would have fallen asleep.
I can say that so far our vacation has been amazing. Tomorrow we are going to take it a little easy. We are going to hang out at our condo until after lunch and then hit the aquarium. It is suppose to rain, praying it holds off or doesn't rain at all.
Wow, all I can say is Wow
This is an amazing book. I loved it.
The storyline is amazing and fun to keep reading. You don't want to
put it down. The only complaint I could possibly have for this book
is that it leaves you hanging. I don't know if I can wait till the
fall to find out what will happen to this double love story. What
will happen, ugh?
The story is of a girl named Rhoda.
She has a gift that allows her to feel when something is going to
happen. Her family has now moved to Maine to start an apple
orchard/canning business with the King family. Things were looking
good but it is funny how a persons past can catch up to them.
Rhoda is in love with Jacob who has a
secret that he has not dealt with. Samuel is in love with Rhoda but
she hasn't told him. Leah is thinking of leaving the Amish and
Landon is not sure if he loves Rhoda but is having fun getting to
know her. Sounds like a fun book, oh it is.
This book will not leave you wanting
for more. Ok, maybe it will. It will leave you wanting to know what
happens and if there will be a happy ending.
Here is a great video to check out that gives you and idea about what the book is about.
You can also read the first chapter of the book here.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I
was given a copy from Waterbrook Multnomath to review for free. I
was not paid for my opinion.
I absolutely love to read Amish
fiction. There is something about jumping into a book that takes you
back in time. I love the closeness of their families. I love the
old ways. I love how they are back to the basics of life. I usually
choose an Amish fiction book because I know I will not be
disappointed.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Food Inc-Have to watch
I have been blessed to be able to watch the movie Food Inc twice. It is one of those movies that you need to have your entire family watch. It will change how you feel about the food you eat. It might even make you mad, which is what it has done for me. I get so irritated at the thought of what our government is doing when it comes to how we are fed. It is like they don't even care how sick we are. It really lets you see that money does talk.
The number of things that really made me think after watching this movie I cannot number. I will just list a few things.
*They are truly making a beef filler to get rid of the E-coli in our meat made from ammonia. Can you believe it we are eating ammonia and are okay with this, YUCK!!!!!
*That a company can buy the government so that it owns every seed that a farmer wants to plant and takes down the small farmer if they don't follow their business plan. Wasn't America founded on the premise that you can be who you want to be, this doesn't sound like it.
*That the animals in our country are being fed antibiotics because who know which one might be sick, so lets just treat them all.
*How our meat is being processed is totally disgusting.
*Oh the one that really got me was Sorry honey the pear is too much so we will go to McDonalds and buy you a burger there instead, are you kidding me. No way!!!!
Okay as you can see I get very upset about this. This is a must see movie. It is very eye opening.
The things that I am working on currently, most I was doing before I watched the movie.
*Trying to grow a lot of my own produce.
*Buying my meat from a local farmer. (Accomplished this year)
*Trying to be more self sufficient.
*Avoid any fast food. (Is a challenge but now totally see why it is important to plan ahead)
*Want to educate my kids about what they are eating not only whether it is a good food but where it came from.
This is my list and I would love to hear what others are doing to change what they are eating and what steps they are taking to keep the family informed and well nourished.
If you are reading this and choose to watch Food Inc. Please post to your blog and then head over to She Looketh Well
and leave a comment that you watched the movie and posted it to your blog. She is giving $75.00 of meat away this week. So I urge you to watch the movie and head over to her site and enter you name, please mention my blog if you do leave a comment.
The number of things that really made me think after watching this movie I cannot number. I will just list a few things.
*They are truly making a beef filler to get rid of the E-coli in our meat made from ammonia. Can you believe it we are eating ammonia and are okay with this, YUCK!!!!!
*That a company can buy the government so that it owns every seed that a farmer wants to plant and takes down the small farmer if they don't follow their business plan. Wasn't America founded on the premise that you can be who you want to be, this doesn't sound like it.
*That the animals in our country are being fed antibiotics because who know which one might be sick, so lets just treat them all.
*How our meat is being processed is totally disgusting.
*Oh the one that really got me was Sorry honey the pear is too much so we will go to McDonalds and buy you a burger there instead, are you kidding me. No way!!!!
Okay as you can see I get very upset about this. This is a must see movie. It is very eye opening.
The things that I am working on currently, most I was doing before I watched the movie.
*Trying to grow a lot of my own produce.
*Buying my meat from a local farmer. (Accomplished this year)
*Trying to be more self sufficient.
*Avoid any fast food. (Is a challenge but now totally see why it is important to plan ahead)
*Want to educate my kids about what they are eating not only whether it is a good food but where it came from.
This is my list and I would love to hear what others are doing to change what they are eating and what steps they are taking to keep the family informed and well nourished.
If you are reading this and choose to watch Food Inc. Please post to your blog and then head over to She Looketh Well
and leave a comment that you watched the movie and posted it to your blog. She is giving $75.00 of meat away this week. So I urge you to watch the movie and head over to her site and enter you name, please mention my blog if you do leave a comment.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday's events
Yesterday was a pretty good day. I actually felt pretty prepared as far the kitchen and food preparation goes. For breakfast we had Oatmeal bake which I used from the Breakfast Challenge at She Looketh Well
Then we had Egg salad for lunch. Both of those took some thought ahead of time. That seems to be the challenge with eating the Nourishing Traditions way. I don't mind it just have to change how I think. Today we are having Egg Casserole from the cookbook that Candy at Keeping the Home
Today is our relaxing day, well it is suppose to be but this about kills my dh. We are going to my mom's for lunch after church. We will probably go for a walk while we are there. After that we head home and I usually don't do a whole lot but my husband usually stays pretty busy.
I hope everyone has a blessed day in the Lord.
Jenni
Then we had Egg salad for lunch. Both of those took some thought ahead of time. That seems to be the challenge with eating the Nourishing Traditions way. I don't mind it just have to change how I think. Today we are having Egg Casserole from the cookbook that Candy at Keeping the Home
Today is our relaxing day, well it is suppose to be but this about kills my dh. We are going to my mom's for lunch after church. We will probably go for a walk while we are there. After that we head home and I usually don't do a whole lot but my husband usually stays pretty busy.
I hope everyone has a blessed day in the Lord.
Jenni
Friday, March 19, 2010
Need to blog here more often
Well lately I have been blogging at my other blog. It is at www.homesteadblogger.com/traditionalcooking. I plan to start using this blog though.
Lets just start fresh with today. Today seemed like a never ending day. I got a lot done but it just never seems like enough and it also doesn't seem like I spend enough time doing the things I want to do with my girls. I haven't figured out how to work it all in.
I have been trying to cook more recipes from Nourishing Traditions. I really am learning a lot. Thursday I went to a mini Nourishing Traditions conference at Angie's house with Living off the Grid. She did a great job and today I was newly inspired. I made some chicken broth, soaked some oatmeal, and made Irish oatmeal for the kids for breakfast. We all liked it but my youngest but she is picky (not always it just depends on her mood).
Let's see what else did I get done. Moved my youngest daughter into her room. It was under construction and my dh finished it up this week. I picked up around the house. Of course homeschooled and made food.
My favorite part of the day was going for a walk with my dh. I was exhausted but it was great to have time to talk to him and discuss our days.
If you stop by please leave a note to let me know.
God Bless
Jenni
Lets just start fresh with today. Today seemed like a never ending day. I got a lot done but it just never seems like enough and it also doesn't seem like I spend enough time doing the things I want to do with my girls. I haven't figured out how to work it all in.
I have been trying to cook more recipes from Nourishing Traditions. I really am learning a lot. Thursday I went to a mini Nourishing Traditions conference at Angie's house with Living off the Grid. She did a great job and today I was newly inspired. I made some chicken broth, soaked some oatmeal, and made Irish oatmeal for the kids for breakfast. We all liked it but my youngest but she is picky (not always it just depends on her mood).
Let's see what else did I get done. Moved my youngest daughter into her room. It was under construction and my dh finished it up this week. I picked up around the house. Of course homeschooled and made food.
My favorite part of the day was going for a walk with my dh. I was exhausted but it was great to have time to talk to him and discuss our days.
If you stop by please leave a note to let me know.
God Bless
Jenni
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What I accomplished
Well yesterday wasn't a total flop. It was a crazy day though. I did get the dishes done and the luandry is looking a lot better. I need to put that away today but that doesn't take long. I still will do a couple more loads today. I never made it to the dance studio in time to clean it. I don't know what I was thinking but at noon I decided to play with the girls and then the phone rang and I came to get it and looked at the clock and it was 1:45. We had to leave in 15 minutes and we hadn't even ate lunch yet. Then once I got off the phone and started getting ready the phone rang again and I was glad I was here to take the call. So we never left the house until 3:00 and that meant I was just going to make it to my dance class. My oldest daughter did make to to Brownies. I am always so proud of her there. She shows me that we are doing the right thing homeschooling. She is always well mannered and doesn't act up when they are given a little bit of free time. (Way to go little one) Now my youngest on the other hand would not go to dance. I don't know what her deal is lately but she has been fighting me when it comes to dance. We only have about 6 weeks left and she is going to have to finish out the year. I understand if she doesn't want to do it next year but this year she has to finish what she started. I know part of the problem is she doesn't like tap and that is the dance they are doing for recital. She loves ballet. I don't know if next year she will be able to move up to a ballet class but if not she is not going to do dance. She came home with me today instead of going to dance. I just didn't know if I should forcer her to go.
Well when she came home with me that means I didn't get my hour to myself. This is the 2nd time that I was suppose to have some alone time and it didn't happen. It is pretty sad when all I look forward to is one hour every other week and then it doesn't happen. Oh well hopefully in 2 weeks I will get to have some down time. Althought I think I might be gone then. See I am not meant to be alone.
Have a blessed day
Well when she came home with me that means I didn't get my hour to myself. This is the 2nd time that I was suppose to have some alone time and it didn't happen. It is pretty sad when all I look forward to is one hour every other week and then it doesn't happen. Oh well hopefully in 2 weeks I will get to have some down time. Althought I think I might be gone then. See I am not meant to be alone.
Have a blessed day
Monday, March 23, 2009
Todays To Do List
Well today is going to be very busy, that is if I can get my butt off of the couch and this computer and get moving. This is the list of things I need to get done today.
Dishes (Which always pile up on Sunday, the rest of the week I can stay on top of them but I am very lazy after church on Sunday)
Laundry ( I already hear that one load is done need to get it in the dryer)
Schoolwork (This is an everyday thing)
Need to head to town and clean the dance studio
Go to Dance at 3:00
Take Oldest daughter to Girl Scouts at 4:30 with cookie slips and music project with her
Drop off Youngest daughter to her dance class at 5:30
Then the best part of the day I get to come home and have an hour to myself with no interruptions. What can I do with this time is beyond me. I will be cooking dinner but I love it when the house is quiet for just a little while. I don't like a long time of quiet then I go a little nuts. I think I can find something to do. Okay, I know I can find something to do.
Lately I have been doing some spring cleaning my kitchen was the first thing I needed to tackle. I have crossed a lot of things off of my list so far. I could work on that. I could just take a bath and read a book that would be good also. Who knows the possibilites are limitless. I thought about going for a walk that would be peaceful. All day today I will be contemplating what I will do with my hour. Okay it is sad that I am this excited to have some alone time. I love my girls but one hour of peace and not having to worry about where the girls are is very nice.
Have a blessed day
Dishes (Which always pile up on Sunday, the rest of the week I can stay on top of them but I am very lazy after church on Sunday)
Laundry ( I already hear that one load is done need to get it in the dryer)
Schoolwork (This is an everyday thing)
Need to head to town and clean the dance studio
Go to Dance at 3:00
Take Oldest daughter to Girl Scouts at 4:30 with cookie slips and music project with her
Drop off Youngest daughter to her dance class at 5:30
Then the best part of the day I get to come home and have an hour to myself with no interruptions. What can I do with this time is beyond me. I will be cooking dinner but I love it when the house is quiet for just a little while. I don't like a long time of quiet then I go a little nuts. I think I can find something to do. Okay, I know I can find something to do.
Lately I have been doing some spring cleaning my kitchen was the first thing I needed to tackle. I have crossed a lot of things off of my list so far. I could work on that. I could just take a bath and read a book that would be good also. Who knows the possibilites are limitless. I thought about going for a walk that would be peaceful. All day today I will be contemplating what I will do with my hour. Okay it is sad that I am this excited to have some alone time. I love my girls but one hour of peace and not having to worry about where the girls are is very nice.
Have a blessed day
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Spring is Coming
I think my computer hates me. I have tried to type this a couple times and it keeps deleting it. Here is the last attempt
Today we worked outside in the yard for a just a little while. I am known for being very lazy on Sundays. But it was so beautiful out that I decided to head out and start cleaning out the flower beds. I am itching to get my garden tilled but that is going to have to wait until we borrow my dad's tractor. My garden has a lot of straw in it right now and I don't think our rototiller will get through it. My raspberries are on their way and I am want to get those planted as soon as possible.
Today we worked outside in the yard for a just a little while. I am known for being very lazy on Sundays. But it was so beautiful out that I decided to head out and start cleaning out the flower beds. I am itching to get my garden tilled but that is going to have to wait until we borrow my dad's tractor. My garden has a lot of straw in it right now and I don't think our rototiller will get through it. My raspberries are on their way and I am want to get those planted as soon as possible.
Monday, February 9, 2009
BFS #119 - Be All That You Can Be (US Army)
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:16 (NIV)
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Intro: Sometime “being all you can be” is a challenge. We are trying to balance being a godly wife, mother, teacher, keeper of the home, and much more. None of us are perfect and we all struggle in our own ways with being able to achieve what we feel needs to get done.
Assignment: This week I thought we could share what great ways we have found to help with all we have to do. Besides the obvious getting face down in front of God, what have you found that works? Have you done a great bible study that deals with this area? Do you have a certain “thing” that really helps you like a planner or gadget? Do you have a certain bible verse that just speaks to you and you have it posted so you see it all the time? Is there a website that is really valuable to you in this area? What do you do that if someone else found out about it, they could benefit from it?
This is an area I am constantly working on. Lately I have been doing the 90 Jumpstart to a new you bible study with Donna Partow. She has a online group with facebook and then you also follow along with the book. Everyday you build on something new. It has really helped me focus on my bible time and also on how to improve my life as a Proverbs 31 woman.
Lately I also sumbled across a blog www.michelleshomestead.blogspot.com and I hav enjoyed watching her video blogs. She has touched on the flylady system and that has reinspired me to use some of her techniques.
One of my greatest things that has helped me get it all done is my planner. Donna partow recommends having one and carrying with you everywhere you go. So I have implemented that and that is really helping. Also on Sundays I try to pull it out then I look at my week and figure out what days I will be able to accomplish things and what days I will not have any time. That has been the biggest change in my life to help me get it all done.
Jenni
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Intro: Sometime “being all you can be” is a challenge. We are trying to balance being a godly wife, mother, teacher, keeper of the home, and much more. None of us are perfect and we all struggle in our own ways with being able to achieve what we feel needs to get done.
Assignment: This week I thought we could share what great ways we have found to help with all we have to do. Besides the obvious getting face down in front of God, what have you found that works? Have you done a great bible study that deals with this area? Do you have a certain “thing” that really helps you like a planner or gadget? Do you have a certain bible verse that just speaks to you and you have it posted so you see it all the time? Is there a website that is really valuable to you in this area? What do you do that if someone else found out about it, they could benefit from it?
This is an area I am constantly working on. Lately I have been doing the 90 Jumpstart to a new you bible study with Donna Partow. She has a online group with facebook and then you also follow along with the book. Everyday you build on something new. It has really helped me focus on my bible time and also on how to improve my life as a Proverbs 31 woman.
Lately I also sumbled across a blog www.michelleshomestead.blogspot.com and I hav enjoyed watching her video blogs. She has touched on the flylady system and that has reinspired me to use some of her techniques.
One of my greatest things that has helped me get it all done is my planner. Donna partow recommends having one and carrying with you everywhere you go. So I have implemented that and that is really helping. Also on Sundays I try to pull it out then I look at my week and figure out what days I will be able to accomplish things and what days I will not have any time. That has been the biggest change in my life to help me get it all done.
Jenni
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Assignment #118 - All You Add Is Love (Purina Dog Chow)
Memory Verse: Psalms 127:3 (New Living Translation)
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Intro: This week we continue with shaking things up a bit. Children are often so pure in what they say. There is no sugar coating it, they just say it as they see it. Their thoughts can make us laugh, touch our hearts and open our eyes.
Assignment: This week are going to do an “Interview With Mom” and post it to your blog. There are a list of questions below to interview your children with. Feel free to add your own questions or remove any question you don’t want to use. You will then ask your children the questions and post the answers that they give you.
WHAT DOES MOM ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
DD9 - Time to do school.
DD4- Go clean up my room.
WHAT MAKES MOM HAPPY?
DD9 - When we are all as a family playing games.
DD4 - To go have fun and play games with our family.
WHAT MAKES MOM SAD?
DD9 - When mommy and daddy fight.
DD4 - To not listen. (I think she meant when she didn't listen.)
HOW DOES MOM MAKE YOU LAUGH?
DD9 - When you tickle me.
DD4 - Let me think, By playing games
HOW OLD IS MOM?
DD9 - In your 20's.
DD4 - I don't know.
HOW TALL IS MOM?
DD9 - 4 to 5 feet
DD4 - I don't know
WHAT DOES MOM LIKE TO DO?
DD9 - Like to milk your goats
DD4 - Play with us.
WHAT IS MOM’S JOB?
DD9 - Staying home and taking care of me and my sister and making sure daddy has food when he gets home.
DD4 - To clean up the house.
WHAT IS MOM’S FAVORITE FOOD?
DD9 - That stuff you make with lettuce cheese and turkey in it.
DD4 - Eggs
HOW DO YOU KNOW MOM LOVES YOU?
DD9 - Cause she stays home with us.
DD4 - Cause we play games together.
This was so much fun. They didn't answer how I thought they would. I really don't play games with them that much so maybe I need to start playing more games so they feel loved and see that I am happy.
Thanks for this assignment.
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Intro: This week we continue with shaking things up a bit. Children are often so pure in what they say. There is no sugar coating it, they just say it as they see it. Their thoughts can make us laugh, touch our hearts and open our eyes.
Assignment: This week are going to do an “Interview With Mom” and post it to your blog. There are a list of questions below to interview your children with. Feel free to add your own questions or remove any question you don’t want to use. You will then ask your children the questions and post the answers that they give you.
WHAT DOES MOM ALWAYS SAY TO YOU?
DD9 - Time to do school.
DD4- Go clean up my room.
WHAT MAKES MOM HAPPY?
DD9 - When we are all as a family playing games.
DD4 - To go have fun and play games with our family.
WHAT MAKES MOM SAD?
DD9 - When mommy and daddy fight.
DD4 - To not listen. (I think she meant when she didn't listen.)
HOW DOES MOM MAKE YOU LAUGH?
DD9 - When you tickle me.
DD4 - Let me think, By playing games
HOW OLD IS MOM?
DD9 - In your 20's.
DD4 - I don't know.
HOW TALL IS MOM?
DD9 - 4 to 5 feet
DD4 - I don't know
WHAT DOES MOM LIKE TO DO?
DD9 - Like to milk your goats
DD4 - Play with us.
WHAT IS MOM’S JOB?
DD9 - Staying home and taking care of me and my sister and making sure daddy has food when he gets home.
DD4 - To clean up the house.
WHAT IS MOM’S FAVORITE FOOD?
DD9 - That stuff you make with lettuce cheese and turkey in it.
DD4 - Eggs
HOW DO YOU KNOW MOM LOVES YOU?
DD9 - Cause she stays home with us.
DD4 - Cause we play games together.
This was so much fun. They didn't answer how I thought they would. I really don't play games with them that much so maybe I need to start playing more games so they feel loved and see that I am happy.
Thanks for this assignment.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My little girl is now 9
I can not believe it. How can this have happened. It seems like yesterday I was that worried mom who brought her home from the hospital and couldn't let her ride in the backseat by herself. She also had about 20 blankets on her to make sure she was warm. I just can't believe the time has gone by so fast. She has turned into a magnificient young lady. She has a heart of gold. She definitely has a heart for the Lord and is constantly asking questions. Some I am not able to answer like "What does God look like?" I know though that she is thinking and trying to discover things. She also loves to do special things for other people. She has friends at our church that are all older people of the church but she is not afraid to go up to them and give them and hug and just spend time talking to them. I can't imagine my life without her. She is a much more serious child than our youngest little girl. She could never really take a joke when she was younger and even now she has a hard time with it. She isn't really a rowdy kid. She is a little more reserved. She likes to still be a mamma's girl and a daddy's girl. She still likes to get kisses from mommy and daddy, she doesn't care who is around. I thank God everyday for her. She is joy to my heart and soul. We don't always have joyful days but when we do, they are just some of the best days of my life. I love just seeing her smile and talking about things that are on her mind. I know God is going to bless her and give her a fufilling life. I know that she is going to be an outstanding follower of Jesus. I am so blessed to call her my daughter.
She has had a tough year. December 18th she had surgery at the University of Michigan. She was under anesthesia from 10:30am to about 8:00pm. We did not get to see her until 8:45pm. Then we spent 4 days at UofM, but everything is good now. Since October we have been dealing with this impending surgery. Now it is over and we are recovering wonderfully.
Here is a look at our beautiful, now 9 year old daughter.
To my loving little girl. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I know I have had a wonderful 9 years with you and I look forward to see what happens in this next year. I hope you had fun celebrating your birthday, I know I had a blast.
I love you, MOM
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