My young new rooster, Big Daddy.
Our sweet border collie, Flare, helping get the chickens in.
One of my 24 new egg laying ladies, roaming around eating some creepy crawlies.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Pics
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Make a Difference
Well its hot & humid here in Michigan yes indeed. Our family loves to cool off in the water. The girls and I pretty much we live in the pool through the summer. Two days ago my darling 10 year old decided to overflow our pool with well water and it turned black... yes black. Today in an effort to have a little fun & cool down we hit the beach. We spent 3 hours in beautiful Harbor Beach a cute little town on Lake Huron only 40 minutes from our farm. I was saddened to see many quaint stores we used to visit were closed. The economy has taken its toll in alot of areas in this state. I just cant help but stop in a and purchase a drink, pack of gum, anything...feeling like maybe I will make a difference. What a great feeling "making a difference" Im sure many of us wish we had the extra money to make big contributions, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, but doing little things make me feel just as wonderful. I have for years been trying to do more in the community, at schools, wherever I can see the need. Im not solving the worlds problems, but I feel fantastic and there is nothing else like it. It seems like everyday we are presented with situations to make that difference. Im telling you grab hold, do what you can and reap that great feeling that comes, it'll make your day.
Hope you all had a great day wherever your life took you.
Hope you all had a great day wherever your life took you.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Scrappin
While cleaning my crafting area I always end up with tools, stickers, papers, etc.. that just didnt work the way I wanted, are outdated, or just extras. I pass along all these useable materials to friends, school, church, whomever can utilize them. Then I have a good sized box where tools end up, older die cut systems, cutters, punches, etc.. After cleaning & packing away a few more items today I looked over and smiled at my one true, favorite scrap tool... my Scotch Adhesive Transfer Gun (ATG).
I've been teased at many crops and classes about my favorite tool, its a little larger than most adhesive devices. I can proudly say I probably have sold a dozen just by letting someone try it. For many years I have sold pre-made layouts and kits on Ebay, Etsy, and crops. I struggled at first finding a strong affordable scrap safe adhesive, then on a discussion board someone wrote about this wonderful tool. I did a search and ordered it immediately. This is my one tool I have no regrets about and I take everywhere. As you may tell I am very attatched to Big Red. This specific model, 714 applies only the 1/4" size adhesive, the acid free rolls are called ATG Gold. I know you may look at this monster and think you couldnt handle it, but it is simple. As with all adhesive devices it takes a little use to figure out the right pressure and angle, but you will not be dissappointed.
So, dont be sad when stacking up those extra outdated supplies. Look over at that ole favorite item that makes crafting fun... give a little smile... and remember all the good times. ( its ok, no one is really gonna know)
I've been teased at many crops and classes about my favorite tool, its a little larger than most adhesive devices. I can proudly say I probably have sold a dozen just by letting someone try it. For many years I have sold pre-made layouts and kits on Ebay, Etsy, and crops. I struggled at first finding a strong affordable scrap safe adhesive, then on a discussion board someone wrote about this wonderful tool. I did a search and ordered it immediately. This is my one tool I have no regrets about and I take everywhere. As you may tell I am very attatched to Big Red. This specific model, 714 applies only the 1/4" size adhesive, the acid free rolls are called ATG Gold. I know you may look at this monster and think you couldnt handle it, but it is simple. As with all adhesive devices it takes a little use to figure out the right pressure and angle, but you will not be dissappointed.
So, dont be sad when stacking up those extra outdated supplies. Look over at that ole favorite item that makes crafting fun... give a little smile... and remember all the good times. ( its ok, no one is really gonna know)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Precious Time
I believe Time is the most precious gift we can give. My life is crazy busy, which I will explain in another blog, but I have vowed to give of my time as much as possible. Im lucky to have the opportunity to stay at home so I figure in a way I am paying it forward.
Five years ago I moved an hour away from my parents. This was not easy for me since I was the one who would take them to doctor appointments and basically be there to do whatever they needed. I didnt mind then and still dont, even though the drive is much longer. My family moved here to Michigan from Iowa in the 70's so we have no other family around. The sad part is most my parents friends were from Iowa as well, but after retiring they moved back so my parents are pretty much alone.
Over the last year my parents health has declined horribly. Dad has an inoperable aneuresym and kidneys that arent working the best. Mom has blood pressure, heart, etc.... Yesterday mom called me to let me know her sister is in the hospital with a bowel obstruction in alot of pain. I know it pains her to be so far away and not in any condition to travel there for a visit. A few years ago her older sister never came out of the hospital and mom just made it to her funeral. We all have to live with decisions we make and should realize we always dont make the right ones.
I think God had a hand the other day in guiding me to cancel our plans so I can spend some time with my parents. Im making up a nice meal to take over tomorrow for lunch while the girls & I visit. I thought I would share with you the recipes for the meal I will be sharing with my parents tomorrow, even though it is pretty basic.
Hope you can share some time with someone no matter if it is five minute phone call or a nice lunch.
Slow Cooked Pork Loin
Whole pork loin
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Olive Oil
100% Grape Juice
1 large onion
1 large apple
Slice apple & onion into large pieces place in slow cooker turned on high. Wash and dry pork loin. Season loin with salt, pepper, and garlic. Heat olive oil in large skillet and brown loin on all sides. Place browned loin in slow cooker. Heat grape juice in skillet and scrap all the brown yummy bits off. Pour grape juice over loin and cook on high 4-5 hours or low for 8. Loin is ready when it falls apart to the touch. This is great by itself or with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Zuchini Casserole
1 large onion sliced
4 zuchini / summer squash sliced
1 can cream of mushroon soup
1 6 oz pkg stuffing mix
1/2 stick of butter melted
Place onion & zuchini in salted water and bring to boil for 5 minutes. Place stuffing mix in bottom of
2 qt casserole dish and mix with butter. Drain zuchini & onions, pour over the stuffing mix. Pour can of cream of mushroom over and mix gently. Bake 375 deg til bubbly. I like to add a little shredded cheese and the kids have no problem eating their veggies.
Peach Cream Pie
1 pkg 3oz Vanilla Pudding
1/3 c brown sugar
1 c milk
1 c sour cream
1 baked pie crust
6 peaches
Beat all ingredients on low for 2 minutes. Add layers of pudding with peach slices.
Refrigerate 2 hours.
Five years ago I moved an hour away from my parents. This was not easy for me since I was the one who would take them to doctor appointments and basically be there to do whatever they needed. I didnt mind then and still dont, even though the drive is much longer. My family moved here to Michigan from Iowa in the 70's so we have no other family around. The sad part is most my parents friends were from Iowa as well, but after retiring they moved back so my parents are pretty much alone.
Over the last year my parents health has declined horribly. Dad has an inoperable aneuresym and kidneys that arent working the best. Mom has blood pressure, heart, etc.... Yesterday mom called me to let me know her sister is in the hospital with a bowel obstruction in alot of pain. I know it pains her to be so far away and not in any condition to travel there for a visit. A few years ago her older sister never came out of the hospital and mom just made it to her funeral. We all have to live with decisions we make and should realize we always dont make the right ones.
I think God had a hand the other day in guiding me to cancel our plans so I can spend some time with my parents. Im making up a nice meal to take over tomorrow for lunch while the girls & I visit. I thought I would share with you the recipes for the meal I will be sharing with my parents tomorrow, even though it is pretty basic.
Hope you can share some time with someone no matter if it is five minute phone call or a nice lunch.
Slow Cooked Pork Loin
Whole pork loin
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Olive Oil
100% Grape Juice
1 large onion
1 large apple
Slice apple & onion into large pieces place in slow cooker turned on high. Wash and dry pork loin. Season loin with salt, pepper, and garlic. Heat olive oil in large skillet and brown loin on all sides. Place browned loin in slow cooker. Heat grape juice in skillet and scrap all the brown yummy bits off. Pour grape juice over loin and cook on high 4-5 hours or low for 8. Loin is ready when it falls apart to the touch. This is great by itself or with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Zuchini Casserole
1 large onion sliced
4 zuchini / summer squash sliced
1 can cream of mushroon soup
1 6 oz pkg stuffing mix
1/2 stick of butter melted
Place onion & zuchini in salted water and bring to boil for 5 minutes. Place stuffing mix in bottom of
2 qt casserole dish and mix with butter. Drain zuchini & onions, pour over the stuffing mix. Pour can of cream of mushroom over and mix gently. Bake 375 deg til bubbly. I like to add a little shredded cheese and the kids have no problem eating their veggies.
Peach Cream Pie
1 pkg 3oz Vanilla Pudding
1/3 c brown sugar
1 c milk
1 c sour cream
1 baked pie crust
6 peaches
Beat all ingredients on low for 2 minutes. Add layers of pudding with peach slices.
Refrigerate 2 hours.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
VBS Safari Crafts
Our lives have been so crazy busy lately my mind is trying to stop spinning. We decided last night to reschedule our camping trip for next week so we can just be home for a week and re-coop a wee bit. Im excited to have time to expand my blogging a little and get our house back in order.
Today I am neck deep in preparing the crafts for Vacation Bible School. In the last few days I have completed our life size zebra sign, a 4ft tall paper mache giraffe head, and painting 200 toilet paper tubes for binoculars.
My dilemna this year has been coming up with a more difficult craft for the older children. Since our schools have little to no art instruction got me thinking back to my elementary days. I had fabulous art teachers that I will never forget. I remembered having so much fun making some basic marionettes, so I searched the internet and developed my plan, a giraffe marionette. I had my doubts I could whip it together with basic materials but I did it. My kids tested it out and say it is the coolest thing ever, so I know its just perfect. I will post a pic of the finished one in a few days, but here is a pic of my dining table covered in cardboard giraffe heads.
The children are seperated into animal groups so I am trying to create African looking masks for each group. Here are some samples Ive come up with so far zebras, leopards, and lions.
Today I am neck deep in preparing the crafts for Vacation Bible School. In the last few days I have completed our life size zebra sign, a 4ft tall paper mache giraffe head, and painting 200 toilet paper tubes for binoculars.
My dilemna this year has been coming up with a more difficult craft for the older children. Since our schools have little to no art instruction got me thinking back to my elementary days. I had fabulous art teachers that I will never forget. I remembered having so much fun making some basic marionettes, so I searched the internet and developed my plan, a giraffe marionette. I had my doubts I could whip it together with basic materials but I did it. My kids tested it out and say it is the coolest thing ever, so I know its just perfect. I will post a pic of the finished one in a few days, but here is a pic of my dining table covered in cardboard giraffe heads.
The children are seperated into animal groups so I am trying to create African looking masks for each group. Here are some samples Ive come up with so far zebras, leopards, and lions.
I have been stressed lately, struggling this year creating projects. I had to step back relax and just let inspiration come to me when it could, and I think it did a pretty good job.
Hope you feel inspired and have time to let the creativity flow.
See you soon.
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