tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11348697865835861412024-03-19T05:04:01.169-07:00Gentle HomeSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-14399520399696605462016-04-30T06:27:00.001-07:002016-04-30T06:27:35.197-07:00To Do TodayHow about a little listy? I'll organize my thoughts, and I'd love to hear what you are up to today as well!<br />
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1. Finish precutting and sealing one end of 13 vacuum bags.<br />
2. Drink coffee!!<br />
3. Fill vacuum bags with processed rabbits and get those into the freezer.<br />
4. Grocery shop: Aldi and WalMart and a stop to look at a pressure washer.<br />
5. Stop by Michael's to get needed odds and ends for soap packaging.<br />
6. Cut up 2 batches of soap into bars and get onto racks for curing.<br />
7. Make and fill etsy orders from yesterday.<br />
8. Finalize prescriptions and breathing treatments for Lydia (sweet little girl had an hospital visit earlier this week).<br />
9. Clean out fridge for dinner....yay leftovers!<br />
10. Knit: gift knitting (shhhh) and selfish knitting (flamingos!).<br />
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That'll do, pig. That'll do. TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-11304159117072567892016-03-30T05:19:00.001-07:002016-04-07T01:44:54.544-07:00SnippetsHi! I thought it was rather HIGH TIME for an update. The past week or so half the family has been feeling weak, and fevers, and headaches, and all that. The other half of us have been hoping to stay well (except one 5 yr old who keeps putting herself to bed hoping to get some ginger ale).<br />
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Easter was a little different with said sickness, but most of us enjoyed our celebration of worship and fellowship with church family. This traditional Greek bread was made with childhood memories coming back while grinding the special Mastika spice with my mortar and pestle:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgcEabZTnvErt2JgjKmqsC8oBV18gxsIO1t5U1g4hfyfefVTC6mDEMhah8PkohVr2GWPm6fiDJPF2o7hJQJM98vtr_q6PQ1-CnRA8AuP1DAePN2R1zBu1wih1xQZ3FAYbOaRhb7QHW8U/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgcEabZTnvErt2JgjKmqsC8oBV18gxsIO1t5U1g4hfyfefVTC6mDEMhah8PkohVr2GWPm6fiDJPF2o7hJQJM98vtr_q6PQ1-CnRA8AuP1DAePN2R1zBu1wih1xQZ3FAYbOaRhb7QHW8U/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" /></a><br />
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Now, we are working our way through Easter candy! <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yYHVYxsrE/VvvDJlQG0pI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ObU3FeuAEvwz0ghBl-g5AQ7gKYT3cR1Pw/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0yYHVYxsrE/VvvDJlQG0pI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ObU3FeuAEvwz0ghBl-g5AQ7gKYT3cR1Pw/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" /></a><br />
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And finally....it's about time we jumped on the vegetable fermenting wagon, right? Here.....drumroll....my first jar o' sauerkraut! Give me a few weeks to let you know results.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ykXt48P6Q/VvvC911voxI/AAAAAAAAAxA/LArJMoJbkmQccmsEvmzoIx6VZ5j0mBKIg/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ykXt48P6Q/VvvC911voxI/AAAAAAAAAxA/LArJMoJbkmQccmsEvmzoIx6VZ5j0mBKIg/s320/IMG_0637.JPG" /></a><br />
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I am still trying to figure out getting pictures from my iPad to these blog posts. This post was more challenging than I know it should be.....anyone out there want to jump on the phone and walk me through some steps? Anyway, TTFN!<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-3028672100759026522016-02-24T06:06:00.000-08:002016-02-24T06:06:00.190-08:00Sometimes, it's RoughLest you think it's all sunshine and cute baby bunnies around here (although we do have plenty of these too!), I have one of my "keeping it real" posts for you. There is always a silver lining though - such is a life with hope in Jesus! These particular cases have caused us to learn more and hone our skills in animal husbandry.<br />
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Sometimes, a tiny rabbit will fall out of the nesting box. On cold days this can end in tragedy. One time it happened and the mama rabbit pulled fur from the nesting box and made a mini nest for the fallen kit. We were able to rescue that one in time. Sadly this week my children discovered 6 kits had fallen out of the nest of one of our rabbits. This particular mama rabbit did not figure out how to save them with some fur. We lost 4 of the 6 since it was cold through the night. Our best guess is that the doe had been startled while feeding her kits and had jumped out of the nesting box while several of them were still attached. There is not much we could have done to prevent this. Thankfully, the doe still has 5 kits remaining.<br />
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Another disappointing situation involves the honey bees. I did lose one of my hives - the smallest hive which had been a swarm I captured last spring. They had food stores, but it seems they were too small of a cluster to deal with the cold weather a few weeks back. Another "thankful" is that I still have 3 hives that seem to be managing ok. I try to feed them as needed.<br />
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These experiences drive us back to the drawing board, as it were, to learn more and adjust our care accordingly. Our kids are right there with us learning these tough lessons too, and I hope this makes them even more conscientious in their care of living things.<br />
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Thank you for reading, and I hope we can always find ways to encourage each other - even in sharing our struggles!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-12448070870103471382016-02-19T03:38:00.001-08:002016-02-19T18:05:56.719-08:00How it all StartedThis story has been told many times lately, by our family, and usually provides a chuckle or two. I'll share it with you!!<br />
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This past November on our township election day my husband came home from work. Since our polling places are open into the evening we decided to run over to the township building and vote. We had all 4 kids in the car, so we took turns entering the building and casting our ballots. Check. Civic duty completed for the time being.<br />
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Well, it was not over; I came to find out. A few weeks later I started receiving some mailings - three to be exact - from the Butler County Election's Office! Each of those mailings congratulated me on my winning and were accompanied by some paperwork. What did I win? Here is the list (in no particular order): Venango Township 2 Year Auditor, Venango Township Constable, and Venango Township 6 Year Auditor. At this point I was thoroughly confused. Husband comes home from work again, and I show him these papers that have come in the mail. He just starts laughing, and saying something along the lines of, "I didn't know THAT was going to happen!" WHAT was going to happen, husband???? <br />
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Seems that my beloved took the opportunity on the election ballot to write in my name on every available line! I guess maybe some of the residents of our sweet little township maybe forgot to also check off their civic duty because I was able to win 3 offices with just one (write-in) vote!! After some further research and phone calls to the election office and township supervisors I decided to pursue the 6 Year Auditor position. I had to fill out tax forms and get sworn in (had to get that notarized) and attend a township meeting. All the while my man is in the background just shaking his head and feeling pretty proud of himself for what he "created". He even had some of his friends from church come up to shake my hand and congratulate me on my new role. <br />
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In all honesty....I could have sent back all the paperwork and chosen the "decline the position" boxes. I did not have to do this, but we have decided that this will be a good learning experience and a nice way to further involve ourselves in our community. Working through a box of paperwork to complete this year's audit has definitely given me a greater appreciation for what goes into the oversight and maintenance of our township.<br />
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There you have it.....the beginning of my career in public office. What a beginning, eh? <br />
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TTFN! I hope your weekend is just lovely! <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-65888485168490296582015-12-07T05:50:00.001-08:002015-12-07T05:52:07.575-08:00Raised, Processed, and EnjoyedIt all started back when Jacob had an idea. He wanted a turkey - a "farm turkey" to be exact. Last spring we jumped in and bought 4 turkey poults. We bought four to be on the safe side because we had heard that turkeys were a little sensitive/tricky to raise. Also, you do not buy turkeys that have been sexed; so we wanted to try to have at least one tom. After residing in our house in a box for a while the four turkeys moved to the barn.<br />
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Once in the barn those turkeys grew and grew. We had 2 bronze turkeys and 2 white turkeys. Turns out we had a hen and a tom of each! Their names varied daily: Cougar, Panther, Squirrel, Coconut, etc. They ate a lot and were rather stinky (sorry, they were).<br />
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Processing day(s) came with Big Fish doing most of the work. Four turkeys landed in our freezer nicely dressed and wrapped ranging in weight from 22 pounds to our giant, white tom tipping the scales at 40 pounds!<br />
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We practiced with one of the "smaller" birds for our church Thanksgiving dinner. It did just fine and tasted great. Then, we had some out-of-town family combined with more local family all converge for a glorious Thanksgiving feast. We thawed (in the fridge - so thankful to be babysitting a freezer/fridge for my brother!) that whopper turkey for a week! Here is a picture with the kids reminding us of the 40 pounds weight:<br />
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The challenge was to fit it all in the oven, but Big Fish handled it beautifully!<br />
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End result was delicious! We fed 28 people that day and were able to send some leftovers home with people and keep some ourselves. Yum! This was definitely a learning experience, and we are open to raising turkeys again. I do believe Big Fish would like to build a smoker first....mmmmm....smoked turkey legs! <br />
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Honestly, the barn area that was the turkey pen is already transformed. We've started a rabbitry! Come on out and take a tour! TTFN!<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-33332872486305444922015-10-15T07:09:00.003-07:002015-10-15T07:09:51.361-07:00Throw Your Hat in the Ring!Gratitude. I'm feeling that right now, for my business page has reached more than 300 "likes"! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gentlehome" target="_blank">Why don't you head over and participate in the giveaway</a>.....winner to be drawn tomorrow (Friday) afternoon! I want to do something special as a thank you, and I hope to treat somebody to something fun!<br />
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I am feeling the crisp fall air and wanting to get some honey extracted today. Soap making is happening fast and furious around here too. It smells pretty good in this house!<br />
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Thank you, dear people. TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-43505223191970856632015-10-11T17:00:00.000-07:002015-10-11T17:00:02.935-07:00Sunday LunchHello, friends!<br />
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Last week we attended a produce auction; we have gone to the same place 3 times previously. In the past we've bought such things as: bushels of peaches, pecks of peppers (hi, Peter Piper!), several pie pumpkins, bunches of kale, tons of tomatoes, etc. This time we came home with 8 heads of broccoli, 3 small baskets of Concord grapes, and over a peck of peppers. My mother in law bought a 50 lb bag of potatoes, several red cabbages, and some lovely mums.<br />
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We were able to slice and freeze the peppers for soups and stews later on, and I made a huge pot of <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/01/best-broccoli-cheese-soup-better-panera-copycat.html" target="_blank">broccoli cheese soup</a> and some <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/broccoli-salad-recipe.html" target="_blank">broccoli salad</a>. Did the links work for those recipes? I also enjoy using Pomona Pectin and was able to make some <a href="http://www.pomonapectin.com/recipes/concord-grape-jam/" target="_blank">lower sugar grape jam</a> with my kids popping all the grapes!<br />
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So, today's lunch was a delicious conglomeration of many of the above-mentioned items. With the gift of some of those potatoes from my MIL we had a baked potato (timed bake while we went to church) bar with broccoli cheese soup as one of the toppings. We also had some leftover broccoli salad as a side. And then the THIRD form of broccoli was steamed and sprinkled with cheese as another possible potato topping. My own potato had butter, sour cream, a little cheese, tons of chives (from my herb garden), S&P, and a few bacon crumbles. The meal was sweetly rounded out with some more produce auction goodness....<a href="http://therecipecritic.com/2013/09/pumpkin-cheesecake-snickerdoodles/" target="_blank">.pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies</a> using pumpkin puree I had put up last year using those pie pumpkins.<br />
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It was an absolutely crazy weird meal with broccoli in so many forms, but we all were quite satisfied and thankful for the auction goodies! I forgot to mention we also picked up some butternut squash, so I think some Panera-esque soup will be happening soon.<br />
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Here's hoping you a cozy fall week.....I love that I can use the word "cozy" a bunch now that some chilliness has set in around here. TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-20722491602216082962015-08-31T06:36:00.000-07:002015-08-31T06:36:54.264-07:00Just a Quick Hello!Hi, friends!<br />
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A little greeting on this Monday morning will help the day start right! I've had snippets of blog posts, but nothing has materialized yet! This week looks to be kind of a funny week because we are all thinking thoughts of Fall, yet the forecast is calling for some very hot days!<br />
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The kids (and I!) are easing into the school routine. We all love picking out new pencils and notebooks. Even littlest girl, who is not really in school, was thrilled to have her new green notebook. I was thrilled it was 17 cents! <br />
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We hope (since Labor Day gives us an extra day of Big Fish at home) to process our turkeys this weekend. The turkeys have been weighed, and Saturday has been designated. Our biggest tom weighs 50 pounds!!! Dressed in my freezer we are going to have quite a Thanksgiving dinner. I'll let you know his final weight.<br />
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I am knitting up a storm! My goal is to make one thing a day to add to my bath and body products, so I am working on washcloths and other little knitted goodies. I might have to expand to 2 tables and a shelf for display purposes!<br />
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Finally for today, our 2nd doe rabbit had her babies last week. We are excited to see them emerge from their fur nest; there are 6 of the little babies. <br />
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TTFN! Hope your week is a blessed one!<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-58443023073617925682015-08-07T04:59:00.000-07:002015-08-07T04:59:00.816-07:00A Fun Little HappeningWe have a lovely lady in our church named Garnet (I even love her name!). She sits in the pew next to us, but she also happens to live less than 5 minutes from our house. Here husband Bill passed away this summer; he was the last male charter member of our church actually! While he was still alive my husband would be part of a crew to help Bill up the stairs into our church sanctuary.<br />
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Garnet has been going on and on to me that she wants to give our family a cake! Her relative is a caterer, and Garnet wanted her to make us a cake for us. Isn't that so kind? Well, you should see this cake that is now in my refrigerator! The obtaining of it was a little story itself!<br />
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'Twas a dark night last night. Thursday evenings I regular drive (about 30 minutes) to Grove City to attend Knit Night at the downtown ice cream shop (Sweet Jeannie's). Last night after knitting I had to pick up a few groceries as well. I was more late than usual driving home.<br />
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My phone rang with a "restricted" number, so I did not answer. Just as I heard the beep for a new voicemail I also had a new text message come in from ANOTHER friend saying that Garnet was trying to get in touch. I hurriedly listened to the voicemail which was indeed Garnet saying she had driven to our house with a cake (!), but she went home because no one seemed to be home. Now, Garnet had never driven to our house before! I still am so impressed she tried to find our house around 9 p.m. to give us this cake! <br />
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I do believe she was in our driveway, but since I was at Knit Night and Big Fish had put the kids in bed and was watching a movie the house was pretty dark. Also, our house is far back off the road; I just can't even imagine Garnet's perseverance!! They were late in coming because on their (she and a cousin) way back from picking up the cake they came across a huge tree down in the road. They had to do all kinds of backtracking to get to our area.<br />
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Finally I talked to her on the phone and told her I was still driving home and would be coming RIGHT BY her house in about 10 minutes. Of course she was waiting for me on her front porch, and I picked up this cake. Just take a minute to look at this cake:<br />
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Her relative, whom we have never met, collected from Garnet the information that we have "kids, bees, and other critters running around"; so this is the decal she picked. I am just tickled pink with those bees all over the sides. Isn't this just the most lovely thing.....a cake this fancy made especially for us. What an adventure! I told Garnet I would show the kids the cake when they woke up in the morning and take a picture. We cannot wait to eat this! Thank you, Garnet and your cake-making relative!<br />
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TTFN! We're off to spend the day at Grandma and Grandad's!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-76926257474419308342015-08-04T06:04:00.001-07:002015-08-04T06:40:14.998-07:00Still Here! Busy Summering!Hello, little blog! I thought, since the laptop is now in working order (something happened with the hard drive and also something else - I don't know details), I'd check in. Boy has the time been passing super fast; I can't believe all the back-to-school posts and activities around.<br />
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My goal today is to take my camera outside to snap pictures of the fairy garden the girls and I have been putting together. We had an unwelcome visitor, in the form of a black bear, come around while we were attending a picnic yesterday evening. We need to re-adjust our garden a bit, for that bear dug up some flowers (I think the bear was attracted to the compost/manure blended in the soil mix). I also want a picture of the baby bunnies!<br />
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Jacob and Abigail are mainly involved in our rabbitry endeavor. Through the generosity of a teenage friend from church they inherited some rabbit cages, feed, shavings, water bottles, and a rabbit named General. We acquired 2 doe rabbits from a local breeder. So, we have one litter that has arrived a couple of weeks ago; and we hope in a few more weeks to have some more babies! Thankfully the cute little babies become not-so-cute when we use them for our meals. We have been enjoying taming the 2 mama rabbits, and General was already pretty tame when we obtained him. What rabbit can resist a hand offering it clover and lettuce? Oh! I almost forgot the kids' names for the rabbits: Abigail has named her rabbit "Verbena" after a flower we have, and Jacob has named his "Red Eye" for practical purposes :)<br />
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Finally in this jumble of a post, I tried a new recipe. Through generosity of another family from church (maybe you should come to our church!) we had some wonderful green beans!!! For a couple of years now I've read canning articles and canning cookbooks with recipes for dilly beans.....thought I'd try a few jars. Those pints were put up yesterday, and they look so nice! The true taste test occurs in 2 weeks.<br />
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Well, TTFN! Off to fill the coffee mug! Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-59028947822665478102015-05-04T08:39:00.000-07:002015-05-04T08:39:15.384-07:00Two Funny SituationsWe are busy as my honeybees around here lately! We hurry to finish the school paperwork, so we can get outside to learn in the outdoor classroom. Spring means new critters and new plants, and boy do we have ever so much to learn! I thought I'd share two things that have made me giggle:<br />
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Thing the first......I bought 10 blueberry bushes. The ENTIRE experience was rather in exhausting actually because we didn't just buy most of the bushes at the local nursery. Oh no, we found a plant auction that was nearby. I went with 2 kids while Big Fish took 2 kids to church workday. Did I mention that 1 of my kids is in the midst of potty training, so there's that. Ended up I spent 6 hours at the auction because the blueberries didn't go on the block until the end. Oh well, I did come home with 7 bushes and scavenged 3 more at a nearby nursery. <br />
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A few days later we had the time to put the bushes in the ground. Wouldn't you know that after Big Fish dug 4-5 holes, and I planted 2 bushes that we decided that soil was not good in that area. So, we hauled the 10 bushes (heavy in their 2-4 gallon pots) to ANOTHER location; I had to dig up (!) the 2 already-planted ones. I was just thinking in my mind that if a stranger were peaking in on us they would most definitely think we were insane. We felt insane finishing up that job too, but at least the blueberry prospects are in the ground in a place we all feel is suitable!<br />
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Thing the second.....the great baby turkey transfer. We've had our 4 young turkeys (named Coconut, Squirrel, Soap, and Chester) in the house until a couple of days ago. They have enough feathers to be out of the living room...yay! We chicken-wired up a stall in our barn, and that is their new home. We are concerned that a racoon or weasel could still get to them though. Our solution (refer to the insane comment earlier) is to shut the turkeys INTO the racoon trap at night. The trap is very secure; and our theory is if the trap can keep a racoon in, well it should be able to keep a racoon (or weasel or fox or whatever) out! So, we are the people who trap our turkeys every night :) We'll do something different as the fowl get bigger. I'll keep you posted.<br />
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Hope you're having a great Monday wherever you are - TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-59157445738936271642015-03-05T07:15:00.002-08:002015-03-05T07:15:56.504-08:00Old RecipesI almost titled this post "Odd Recipes". My mom passed along a stack of newspaper clippings and other papers of mostly the cooking variety. I'm sifting through the pile and collecting several yummy sounding ideas that would mainly fall under the "Christmas Cookie" heading.<br />
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But there are a few gems. I tried to include the publications if possible in order to credit these whoppers:<br />
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1. For part of your holiday buffet, please include a Flaming Cabbage. "Clean a large cabbage. Curl outer leaves back from top. Cut out center; hollow it out about 6 in. deep. Place a canned heat lamp in the cavity. Place cabbage on serving plate. Surround with frilly parsley. Thrust wooden picks through cocktail sausages, and stick into the cabbage. Stick an olive onto end of each (to protect fingers from flame). Guests broil their own sausages. From Betty Crocker's Party Calendar (January idea).<br />
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2. The description of the Nonsweet Almond Hearts just makes me want to rush right out and make them: "A bland cookie that appeals to those not fond of very sweet things". From "The Cllector's Cook Book" #59.<br />
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3. Mock Chicken Legs from the February section of Betty Crocker's Party Calender. It involves canned spiced pork, Wheaties, canned pineapple, etc.<br />
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4. And my personal favorite: "SPAMwich with Cranberry". "Cover lightly-toasted bread with sliced SPAM and dab of mustard, then a slice of cheese. Broil 'til cheese softens. Top with slice of jellied cranberry; broil again briefly." From "A treasury of ideas for the Holidays" by General Mills. Yes! My life is incomplete. Someone please make me a spamwich with cranberry.<br />
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I'm going to stop at this point. Let me know if you need other holiday ideas! TTFNSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-87197803967508000262015-02-11T07:02:00.001-08:002015-02-11T07:02:40.288-08:00Knitting ProgressToday's yarn/knitting update is due to motivation! My husband's birthday is next week, and I really really wanted to get this sweater done for him. Let's not think about the fact that I also really really wanted to get it done for his Christmas present....'kay? <br />
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My second motivating influence is brand new yarn from Great Britain!! I cannot wait to use it and start a cardigan project (for me), but my self-imposed limitation was to finish Big Fish's sweater first! I'm down to about 10 centimeters on the crewneck collar and then seam up the underarms and weave in the ends. Woohoo!! Here's a little picture update:<br />
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This small person appeared when I had my camera out:<br />
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Joining in on the yarn along today.....also, no picture, but I'm reading a lovely book: "The Girl of the Limberlost".<br />
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<a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along" <br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-70897419536933039392015-02-09T05:33:00.000-08:002015-02-09T05:33:56.759-08:00SnippetSo many things to post that I just get overwhelmed and don't post at all. Well, maybe I can make a dent in putting my thoughts here by just doing some little snippets. <br />
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Looks like another blogger has been experimenting with sourdough like us....<a href="http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/2015/02/sourdough.html" target="_blank">go check it out</a>! <br />
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I did some internet research and started (ha!) my own sourdough starter! I went the easiest route and started with a flour and water mixture in a quart jar. The jar was covered with a coffee filter in order to allow wild yeast to enter. Well, I feel like I'm raising a little pet now that needs to be fed and kept warm. So far our kitchen has been warm enough, and I'm happy to report that it works!<br />
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In my research, I shared with the kids how some families have maintained a starter for decades. Well, Abigail has requested I maintain this starter for her family! No pressure or anything.... <br />
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We have made some waffles, pancakes, and two batches of bread. My favorite so far has been the <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/12/sourdough-recipes-galore-honey-whole-wheat-sourdough-bread/" target="_blank">honey wheat sourdough bread</a> - um, yum!! The waffles were a close second. The pancakes, well, not so much. I really think that tasty pancakes can be made with sourdough starter; I just happened to choose a recipe that was just completely sourdough starter with some eggs. It was too sour! I'd blend in some milk and flour with maybe a cup of the starter to balance the tanginess.<br />
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As I feed the starter, I'm only using rye and whole wheat flours; so I really feel the health benefits in our efforts to improve our eating habits. I'll leave you with a picture of the wonderful bread we made last week: <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-2964660112801721482015-01-07T07:13:00.000-08:002015-01-07T07:13:07.607-08:00A Wee Bit of an ObsessionSo, this is basically a knitting post. You have been warned.<br />
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The New Year combined with cold snow and temperatures combined with Christmas money means I'm basically thinking of knitting and yarn and patterns all the time!! I am so thankful God created sheep and silk worms.<br />
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So, I have discovered (I know, I know, where have I been) Alice Starmore. I've heard her name several times in knitting circles, but I did not know what all the fuss is about. Gracious sakes, part of me wishes I hadn't started to dig. Her patterns....wow.<br />
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Thanks to a trip to the library, I started with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Expanded-Edition-Alice-Starmore/dp/0486478424" target="_blank">"Aran Knitting".</a> Now my very own copy is on its way to my house along with a handful of her other books AND yarn from across the pond. <a href="https://www.virtualyarns.com/" target="_blank">Look at this site!</a> I used up my Christmas money to buy some delicious yarn from there - Alice Starmore's site. I cannot wait to share this journey with you. Bear along with me? I'm awaiting yarn for a sweater and a hat, so I'll start posting some pictures when there are actual things to show.<br />
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Other knitting adventures include starting the sleeves for my husband's sweater. Hang on, I'll find my camera and join the yarn along today.....one sec:<br />
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Picture of the start on the sleeve on a background of a knitted throw I started using thrift store yarn from my mom. This thrift store yarn is vintage wool - what a find!<br />
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I would certainly be remiss if I didn't give a <a href="http://mkatchris.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">shout out to my friend</a> who reminded of one of my <a href="http://www.abebooks.com/" target="_blank">long-neglected websites for buying books</a>. I bought my Starmore stash from it. Also? I love hearing the beep of my mailman's little pickup truck because that means we have a package. My mailman's name is Denny, and I might have scared him a bit when I ran out to give him a bar of my homemade peppermint soap - I told him maybe just give it to his wife :)<br />
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Talk soon, folks; the crockpot needs to be loaded with white wine and garlic chicken thighs for dinner. TTFNSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-37764505250652011662014-12-30T04:55:00.001-08:002014-12-30T04:55:31.822-08:00A Few ThingsMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! I hope you have had quiet time and exciting time these past weeks.<br />
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We have had some forced quiet time, as we all went through a round of upper respiratory issues. I think I'm the last one with a little sinus pain, but I'm on the mend. It's been a blessing, now that the kids are a tiny bit older, to have them (for the most part!) be able to blow their own noses :) Our little Lydia is now a 4 year old; so we have the children evenly spaced in ages for a few months: 8, 6, 4, and 2.<br />
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Lots of Christmas cookies were baked this year, and a fabulous cookie exchange was held. One of the attendees asked about doing some kind of exchange in the summer months; there are lots of ideas around for handmade swaps. Maybe we'll try something new in 2015! One of the new recipes tried was <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/32197-pretzel-shortbread-cookies" target="_blank">pretzel shortbread cookies</a>. Oh boy! With only 3 ingredients, I think you should give them a try (well, 4 ingredients if you sprinkle some chocolate chips on top).<br />
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One of my favorite days from last week was Dec. 23. We took the kids for a jaunt to Pittsburgh. We toured <a href="http://phipps.conservatory.org/" target="_blank">Phipps Conservatory</a>, walked around downtown seeing the ice skaters and the gingerbread houses displayed at PPG Place, and had dinner at the Oyster House (I believe the 2nd oldest Oyster House in the country). The weather was mild, and we enjoyed the time together.<br />
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Christmas presents have yet to be put away.....favorites include a jar of army men, a nerf and a marshmallow gun, a crystal growing science kit, and dress up gowns for 2 princesses! I knitted a toy for each of my kids: a stuffed snake, a reversible dolly that changes to a different dolly, a reversible bluebird in a nest that changes to an egg, and a market bag to carry ballet slippers. <br />
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Now the challenge is to get the house back in order! Our dog is shedding right now too (why would she do that now?), so the vacuum is getting a workout. Maybe we'll wait a few more days to feel "normal", as we have New Year's Eve and Day to play. Jon and I were discussing if we (well me actually) are even able to stay awake until midnight!! Party animals - not sure is that is an apt description for us. My kids, on the other hand, claim they stay awake all night every night! Wink!<br />
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A blessed 2015 to you.....a few days early, but obviously my posts are "generously" spaced. TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-17526856635258354452014-11-10T06:37:00.003-08:002014-11-10T06:37:39.002-08:00Monday MixEasing into a Monday morning here after a blessed day of rest yesterday. My Sunday school students are just adorable, and we learned yesterday of Joseph's being sold, his prison experience and God's care of him while he was in prison and later rose to power in Egypt. My little Susanna told her brother later that the Sunday school lesson was about Jonah coming out of the hole. So, some of the lesson stuck :)<br />
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This week is to be a big kitchen week: roasting pumpkins (and their seeds!) for putting puree into the freezer, extracting some honey, doing something with a box of pears, and similar things. This will be the first time using my honey extractor we bought at an auction. It's a lovely piece - we think the extractor is from 1913 made by the Root company! I've been taking it apart to clean it thoroughly. Here are two recipes that are super yummy:<br />
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1. Grits. We eat these almost once a week! <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Creamy-Stone-Ground-Grits-241178" target="_blank">http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Creamy-Stone-Ground-Grits-241178</a><br />
2. Butternut Squash Soup. Oh boy. I love this! <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/butternut-squash-and-tomato-soup#" target="_blank">http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/butternut-squash-and-tomato-soup#</a><br />
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I have very much been enjoying a "tea education" through <a href="http://mkatchris.blogspot.com/2014/10/guilty-with-capital-g.html" target="_blank">my friend's blog</a>. She stumbled across this amazing tea company called <a href="http://goldentipstea.com/" target="_blank">Golden Tips</a>. Really, you should go read her handful of blog posts about how this discovery was made. I never realized, even though I have had some nice loose-leaf teas, how ignorant I am in all-things tea! I am eager to further explore this interesting company too.<br />
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Before I go to stir my grits I'll leave you with two more links. <a href="http://www.taprootmag.com/" target="_blank">This magazine</a> looks super-duper; maybe it would be a nice gift for someone on your list? I have been trying to find a way to make my nail polish last longer; my nails on my right hand chip so badly a few days in. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CND-VINYLUX-Creative-Manicure-Lacquer/dp/B00EA5B2VW/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1415623569&sr=1-1&keywords=cnd+-+vinylux" target="_blank">This product</a> seems to be helping; I'm still in the testing phase!<br />
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TTFN, dear friends and readers!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-68807726457010543062014-10-09T04:51:00.001-07:002014-10-09T04:51:24.228-07:00Snippets From the DayYesterday was apple day! We had a few baskets of picked apples from the 3 trees around our house, and those apples needed to be dealt with before rottenness set in. It was a day! Let me tell you!<br />
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~Why did I make the decision to go with recipes that called for peeled and cored apples? I definitely started to question that decision around 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon when the crockpot was already filled; and it seemed the mountain of apples was not subsiding!<br />
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~There were some tears shed when, about 45 minutes after pulling 12 quarts from the canners, the jars of apple pie filling STILL HAD NOT SEALED!<br />
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~School was fit in the nooks and crannies of the day yesterday. Last night right before bed I was quizzing Abigail and Jacob on their Science material. I was asking which of the 5 senses would the "optical nerve" be related to, and my son replied with, "the sense of humor"!! Oh, folks, where do they get these things? Rapidly to follow was this question from him: "What does 'humor' mean?".<br />
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~In the midst of the hurry and scurry yesterday....did I mention my husband came home from work to set about on his project of insulating the garage......something was forgotten. I woke up with the dreaded feeling, you know, the feeling of having missed putting the garbage bin out to the curb. Hahahaha....waaaaa. <br />
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In conclusion, I will leave you with hope. The jars did seal, and I will probably tackle more recipes with peeled and cored apples (next year, though). Apples are a wonderful thing, and we will enjoy the fruits of our labors this winter (haha, get it? fruit). As my husband said this morning when I shared the garbage bin revelation, "we will survive". As I read in 1 Corinthians this morning: "....as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing...." we will do more than survive! TTFN, my dears.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-28849053081446943622014-09-03T06:35:00.003-07:002014-09-03T06:35:45.170-07:00Ups and Downs of RecentAh, life! I've been reflecting on the slowness that some days seem to crawl by on as well as the speed that life passes by. It is encouraging to think that I do not have to become bogged down in the every day chores and desires of more to accomplish (so, so easy for me), but I'm finding that I need VERY regular reminders that my tasks should be prioritized more along the lines of big picture view! Thankfully, God is good; and provides people and readings to remind me!<br />
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Watching one of my honey bee colonies swarm this week (after I had just checked that the bees had enough room last week) is frustrating but encouraging me to learn more about the bees. I think possibly they are a little too hot in their current location. This is the same hive that swarmed last year too, so it might just be a characteristic of this particular colony.<br />
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My kids have started school! Yay! Yay for learning and expanding the mind - we are already having talks about using our school (and attitudes when the lessons get hard) to serve the Lord. I'll let you in on a little secret....I can get some extra knitting time while I sit next to my pupils working on their lessons :)<br />
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My blog swap package arrived, and I have been enjoying the goodies sent by one of my <a href="http://www.mybitofearth.net/">newest blogging friends</a>: <br />
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Can I just say.......blueberry ginger jam!!!!!<br />
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My parents' anniversary today represents 38 years! We had a nice dinner last night (provided by them, no less) around our table. My little gift to them was matching handknit washcloths.<br />
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Speaking of knitting; have you been by my etsy shop lately? I added <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201534649/cup-cozy-to-keep-your-cup-hot-or-cold?">something great</a> for the chilly-er (!) weather! I think it is just wonderful that my blog swap partner had knitted something similar for me to use.....I tuck my cozy in my purse in preparation for any coffee purchase :)<br />
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Well, I could go on; but another post will have to follow. TTFN!!<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-54223691066703504562014-08-16T05:15:00.001-07:002014-08-16T05:16:16.688-07:00GoofballsMy kids make me laugh. Here is just a typical summer picture along with a few eggs collected. Can you see the difference between a tiny pullet egg and a regular egg from the older chickens? Such fun!<br />
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Tiny girl has a very strict rule remembered in her mind.....one must always wear shoes outside. She is prepared, people, to check that garden and collect those eggs. I guess she forgot the memo about also wearing pants or a skirt or SOMETHING. Too much!!<br />
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Summer is rolling along. Thoughts of school are dancing in our heads too. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone...TTFN!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-45019863476385363962014-08-04T10:15:00.000-07:002014-08-04T10:15:03.366-07:00Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!Winner for my giveaway last week.....using the completely random method of writing everyone's name on scraps of paper, folding them into tiny bits, shaking them around, and having my daughter pick one.........is harknessangels!! Congratulations! Now, you'll have to decide on something from my shop; and I will send it to you :) Yay!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-5891736563698112502014-07-29T04:11:00.003-07:002014-07-29T04:13:19.074-07:00Treat for You (Giveaway)Life is full these days - full of summer happenings! We are thankful for our fresh eggs coming in and the produce from our small garden. Since we just moved in this year we decided against having a full on garden for canning. We have more of a garden for snacking and enjoying: tomatoes, squash, fresh flowers, and some snips of the young herbs.<br />
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2 blueberry pies were baked yesterday as the result of a 2nd blueberry picking venture. It is exciting to be able to pick a gallon of berries without a baby strapped to my back; maybe next year we will pick enough to put some in the freezer. Next year my girl probably will not have a repeat broken leg, so she will be added to the picking ranks (currently myself and Jacob).<br />
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Homeschool ideas are swirling. This is our first year to be "official" for the state, so we have forms to fill. Textbook order is in the works.<br />
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With so much going on, I am thankful for small moments to enjoy my handmade items. I love to start a fresh bar of soap in the shower - my favorites usually include at least a bit of lavender. I love to light one of my beeswax candles while having a few quiet knitting moments. My kids have been having fun picking the colors for their new washcloths.<br />
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I want to share something with you! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/gentlehome">Please check out my shop to let me know something you would love to try!</a><br />
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Giveaway winner will be picked, randomly and on Friday, from the comments on this post.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-61662915834259594842014-07-22T04:20:00.000-07:002014-07-22T04:26:40.687-07:00Follow up on a Few Things1. Yesterday afternoon was spent holding new baby nephew and visiting with my brother and sister-in-law. Baby spent a few extra days at Children's Hospital due to a bit of a fever which caused concern since his mommy and daddy are so recently from Uganda. Praise God that the cultures and tests have been coming back normal and little man only had the elevated temp the one time.<br />
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2. Blueberry picking did happen last week for a bit! Jacob was a major picker! We came home with just under a gallon and have been enjoying cobbler and homemade ice cream as well as blueberry muffins for Sunday breakfast. We had the joy of providing "first time" experience to a friend who had never had homemade ice cream (gasp....shocking I know!). All in good fun.<br />
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3. Honeybees provided a bit of a challenge to us. The wooden bench on which 2 active hives now resides is starting to come apart. Hives should not really be moved much during the active season. If you have to move hives (like we did when we moved) it's best to move them a few miles. We also did that in the dead of winter when the hive was much lighter, and the bees were not out and about. But our current situation involves heavy hives and active bees! So, I suited up in my bee jacket/veil because I was a bit nervous and we went traipsing out after dark last night with concrete blocks and pieces of wood to provide a temporary fix until winter! The bees sounded angry, and there were some bees clustered around the entrance even after dark (it has been pretty hot). We discovered that they would fly towards us if we had the flashlight on, so we worked in the dark. We seemed to have provided enough support to catch the bench if it falls...whew!<br />
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3a. My husband laughed a bit in the discovery that the honeybee would fly towards the flashlight while lighted, but as soon as the light was switched off the bee would dive into the grass confused by the darkness. He may have done that a time or two :)<br />
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4. This afternoon, with my parents providing childcare, we are off to collect more firewood. It will be some good exercise!<br />
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5. I have been thankful for soap and body butter orders recently! You know, soap makes an excellent <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151714214/3-ounce-shampoobody-bar-choice-of-scent?">hostess gift</a> for your summer travels paired maybe with a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158254479/hand-knit-100-cotton-washcloth-approx-6?">handknit washcloth</a>?<br />
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6. I'm working on projects for <a href="http://sweetpotatoclaire.blogspot.com/2014/07/its-go.html">my blog swap partner</a>. Oh, it is so fun to think of someone enjoying the things I send off. Not gonna lie, it is super fun to receive a package in the mail, too! I'll post a picture when that happens :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-6066263384335586312014-07-18T03:46:00.000-07:002014-07-18T03:46:37.474-07:00Friday Five1. The kids and I visited our newest family member yesterday. Their cousin (my nephew) is the first child for my brother and sister-in-law. While here in the States for a few months to have the baby they will travel back to Uganda in September to continue their work in medical missions. Baby is so sweet and has such an amazing amount of hair. I am so thankful for a smooth and fairly quick delivery and that everyone is doing wonderfully!<br />
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2. My girl Abigail now has a cast on her leg, a palate separator in her mouth, and new braces (as of yesterday). Girlfriend has a lot going on this summer :) A lot of this week was taken up with appointments and discovering that a local dentist way overcharges for laughing gas! Folks, it's worth it to ask a few questions and do a bit of research in medical/dental related matters.<br />
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3. Today we are hoping to start to attempt (!) a blueberry picking expedition. It may be short-lived.<br />
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4. Realities of life: one of my baby chickens flew into the pen with my big chickens and was killed. Sad. I've taken some stop-gap measures, but something more secure will have to be constructed to prevent further loss. My 2 beehives are resting on a wooden bench that seems to be deteriorating. How in the world to fix this with 2 active hives? We've thought maybe to go in the night and try to shore up the bench with some concrete block....makes me nervous!<br />
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5. Tomorrow (Saturday) we have absolutely nothing planned. Bliss! Maybe we'll go out for breakfast!<br />
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Happy weekend to you! TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1134869786583586141.post-43082983492036757552014-07-16T03:59:00.002-07:002014-07-16T03:59:29.741-07:00Pictures That Make Me SmileSome fun/good things that have happened recently:<br />
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Abigail had a dance recital in June (I'll have to update with a picture of her leg currently in a cast!).<br />
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Mama and eldest baby shot :)<br />
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Garden work in the spring....notice Jacob's choice of footwear and the two monkeyshines in the back. Those two little girls can be the best buddies ever or really be pushing each other buttons, amIright?<br />
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This person (my brother's beautiful wife) is about to have a baby.....practically any minute!! We are on baby watch. Today they are supposed to watch my kids, but any plans being made end with, "unless you are having the baby".<br />
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We hired a tree guy to take this sucker out. It was a leaning (right over my chicken coop), creaking mess. My husband cut up the firewood (3 smaller trees as well) and said we had enough wood for a week or two this winter. Sigh. Firewood is a big job!<br />
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Well, Wednesday calls, folks! TTFN!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151316366862075643noreply@blogger.com1