Abundant Harvest Homestead

Home Buying Experience ***The Purchase Offer***
Monday, August 25, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Today we found our potential home. It's taken awhile to find it, though not as long as I thought it would. It's in a nice area, cute little home and has quite the open floor plan. We decided we couldn't let it go without a fight.

We called our mortgage broker, got all our paperwork ready for our realtor, called our real estate attorney, and upon acceptance, IF our offer is accepted, we will hire our own inspectors.

It wasn't the homestead I'd always dreamed of having where I'd have chickens, goats and lambs. BUT, God has blessed us abundantly and if this is the home, we'll have plenty of space for a HUGE garden. The city won't allow us to have chickens or other livestock. It's ok though. The mere fact that the home would be OURS and that we could grow food next harvest season, well, My cup runneth over!

In the end, there are plenty of rooms in our Fathers house. My gift doesn't come from material possessions here, but will be alongside Him in His house.

I shall keep you posted when we find out more.

Rebekah

Sorry it's been awhile, BUT....................................
Sunday, August 17, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

pic by allposters.com

I may still be absent most days. We've been pre-approved for a home. Praise God! Now we start looking. It's our first home and while I am on edge, Gods solely in control.

we've been doing LOTS of homework and looking for homes. LOTS seem to be going quickly. We see something, then it's contingent with a buyer.

Please pray Doug and I find a suitable home within budget that God will speak BOLDLY.

It's another new exciting adventure down Gods direction for us. I'm excited and grateful He's giving us the opportunity to own our own home.

I'll be back on days when I can and can't wait to find a home of our own. Wheather it takes a month or a year, we plan to hold back and wait for the right one.

Rebekah

*** Lopez Lomong, The BIGGER STORY ***
Friday, August 8, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

He's competing in the Olympic Track section and has such a humbling story.

He's one of the lost boys of Sudan and was taken away from his parents as they were in a church service,by the Sudenese Liberation Army.

His story is compelling because as a young 6 year old boy, he RAN in fear away from the army into the arms of freedom. He was adopted by a family from the United States. A family who lives a town away from my husbands family in a small town called Tully. He is one of several children who were adopted by this couple.

He later found his biological family, who survived the deadly takeover and has kept in contact with them. He boasts that he has two sets of parents.

With that in mind, He has just gotten his greencard and has become an American Citizen and will be walking the American Flag in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics representing America.

Tully and the surrounding Syracuse public have been supporting his family, trying to get them all there to see him compete.

His life is one that screams out the love of God, of perseverance, and of triumph. One FAR ABOVE any gold medal he could win. His life teaches us that there is so much more important in the world.

Just wanted to share this awesome story of adoption with you. My cup runneth over!

*** An Olympic Dream, Triumph Over Struggles ***
Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

“The triumph can’t be had without the struggle. And I know what struggle is.” ~Wilma Rudolph

I saw this and absolutely HAD to post Wilma's Quote. In Leui of the Olympics, I wanted to post something meaningful. A Testimony worth sharing. Wilma Rudolphs story is compelling and has not only wisdom, but what HARD WORK can accomplish when we faithfully push through.

There are many circumstances in my life right now which have some kind of obsticle or struggle in the way. It's hard sometimes NOT to lose hope in the Lord and just fall prey to wallow and self-pity. But that thought process will NOT help any situation. Rather, will cause me to FAIL to unwillingness to ACT.

I am reminded of one paticular Scripture that correlates with Wilma's wise words:

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

We have Triumph through Jesus Christ, in that He suffered tremendousely for each of our sins. He didn't struggle for no reason. God had His own plan. Jesus was born in the likes of human flesh. Was tempted in the desert and understands temptations because he too was tempted. Only Jesus NEVER followed through with the temptation. Oh, it was HARD, it was Grueling.....even in the mount olive, He sweat blood crying out to God asking if there was another way.....but KNEW He would follow through with Gods plan to serve as a living sacrifice that would bridge the gap between sin and righteousness. His sacrifice on that cross was like taking whips, pounds, nails in my own hands and feet, and throwing vinegar on my wounds, each time I fall prey to sin.

ONLY, my triumph was paid by the PERFECT sacrifice Jesus became when He stood in my place on that cross.

My struggles? I have them. But they're nothing compared to the obsticles Jesus went through. I was reminded last night of the loneliness He must have felt when people close to Him, ignored, denied, blasphemed, and made fun of Him. How lonely it must have felt to be there in His final days, without people who understood just how great Gods plan was and feeling alone to the world, while knowing His Father in Heaven understood and supported Him unconditionally.

What an Awesome God we serve!

As we celebrate these days Internationally with the Olympic Hopefuls of ALL Countries, Let us focus on the Hard work and dedication of each athlete as they accomplished their dreams and persevered through struggle to be honored as the Worlds Best. Most importantly, lets remember to pray for mankind, and for lives to be saved by the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

***Please go to the very bottom of this blog, silence the music and check out the story of Wilma Rudolph.

Marinated Peppers for Canning
Monday, August 4, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

MARINATED PEPPERS
Bell, Hungarian, banana, or jalapeno

4 lbs. firm peppers*
1 cup bottled lemon juice
2 cups white vinegar (5%)
1 tbsp oregano leaves
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, quartered (optional)

* Note: It is possible to adjust the intensity of
pickled jalapeno peppers by using all hot jalapeno
peppers (hot style), or blending with sweet and mild
peppers (medium or mild style).

For hot style: Use 4 lbs jalapeno peppers.

For medium style: Use 2 lbs jalapeno peppers and 2 lb
sweet and mild peppers.

For mild style: Use 1 lb jalapeno peppers and 3 lbs
sweet and mild peppers.

YIELD: About 9 half-pints

PROCEDURE: Select your favorite pepper. CAUTION: IF
YOU SELECT HOT PEPPERS, WEAR RUBBER OR PLASTIC GLOVES
WHILE HANDLING THEM OR WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP
AND WATER BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR FACE. Peppers may be left
whole. Large peppers may be quartered. Wash, slash two
to four slits in each pepper, and blanch in boiling water
or blister in order to peel tough-skinned hot peppers.

Peppers may be blistered using one of the following
methods: Oven or broiler method: Place peppers in a hot
oven (400 degrees F) or broiler for 6-8 minutes or until
skins blister. Range-top method: Cover hot burner,
either gas or electric, with heavy white mesh. Place
peppers on burner for several minutes until skins
blister.

Allow peppers to cool. Place in pan and cover with a
damp cloth. This will make peeling the peppers easier.
After several minutes of cooling, peel each pepper.
Flatten whole peppers. Mix all remaining ingredients in
a saucepan and heat to boiling. Place 1/4 garlic clove
(optional) and 1/4 teaspoon salt in each half pint of 1/2
teaspoon per pint. Fill jars with peppers, add hot,
well-mixed oil/pickling solution over peppers, leaving
1/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process.

Recommended process time for MARINATED PEPPERS
in a boiling-water canner,using half pints or pints only, 20 minutes.

*** Raspberry or Blackberry pie filling ***
Sunday, August 3, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

Raspberry or Blackberry pie filling to can:

7 c cleaned fruit
2 c cool water
1 1/2 c splenda
2/3 c clear jel (I used Knox)
2 T lemon juice
4 pint jars

1. prepare boiling water and jars as usual
2. combine splenda and clear jel in a large pot. Whisk in water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low. quickley fold in berries and return to boil over med heat, stirring frequently until mixture boils. Remove from heat.
3. Ladle hot pie filling into hot jars. remove air bubbles and apply lids.
4. Process for 30 minutes.

Putting Food By for Newbies
Saturday, August 2, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

photo by: allposters.com

One of my recent past-times lately is envolving "putting up" for Winter Season. My mom gave me a water bath canner for Christmas one year and I started canning last harvest season. Nothing too much. I just made a series of jams and jellies. Started freezing fresh fruits and veggies and continuing the planning process for our small home garden here at our rental.

There's nothing more gratifying than canning your own Home Grown Fruits and Veggies to put by for the year. One Pro to this thought is that you KNOW whats going in your foods. Most people leave MSG out of their soups and stews, there's no dyes in your foods, no HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP and no concentrate.

What your getting is the benefit of NATURAL foods.

Yes, it takes time, yes, it can be a LONG process when you have a days worth of canning. But the satisfaction it gives from keeping YOU and YOUR FAMILY safe from harmful chemicals and preservatives really outweighs the tedious process it sometimes becomes.

Many women like myself actually LOVE the process. It's a way to kinda get away from the "norm" for a bit and just have fun with the process. You can even have a " Canning Party" like my friend Leslie from the Syracuse Sparks Team on Sparkpeople.

Today I'm making Sugar Free Black Raspberry Jam with the berries I recently picked. After I cook the jam, because I'm using SPLENDA or an alternative sugar (I.E. sweeteners, honey, stevia, Cane Juice Crystals, Sucanat, etc.) I will be adding a pectin with a calcium pouch in order to help the jam take its consistency with alternatives to sugar. In my case, I use Pamona's Pectin, which can be found at the following link:
www.pomonapectin.com/

To Learn more about the basics of Canning and "How To's", The first suggestion is to buy the latest Ball Canning Book. It has recipes and teaches how to can and the methods of canning. You can also find them online below:
freshpreserving.com

Next is another cool website that will teach everything via your computer:
Farmgal teaches canning methods, freezing, drying, and even soapmaking skills.

First thing to know as a newbie is you won't be learning to can EVERYTHING. Unless of course you have both a water bath canner AND a pressure canner.

The difference between them is that all acidic items can be canned in water baths because they have ACID which kills bacteria.

Meats, stews, soups and non-acidic fruits and veggies MUST be canned with a pressure canner in order to ensure proper sealing so you don't have bacteria residing in your food such as Botcholism which can have potentially fatal outcomes.

Now don't be afraid! If you do things correctly, you won't have that problem. Remember Acidic fruits and veggies, anything with lemon in it or tomatoes, vinegar, etc, is acid, THEY can be canned in a water bath. While all other NON-ACIDICS go right into a pressure canner.

You want to be sure that you buy a pressure canner that has a good sound seal. A pressure canner that will LAST for MANY years. They're pretty pricey, but you won't be sorry. One that I'm saving for and that MANY other canning friends have purchased is the All-American Pressure Canner which can be found at the link below:

homesteadharvest.com

Don't faint! As I've said, they're pretty steep, but VERY GOOD for pressure canning and you'll have it for your life-time and can pass it to your own kids if you like later on.

Regular Water Bath Canners can be found for cheap at your local Walmart stores as well as True Value or Ace hardware stores. Lehmans also has all canning supplies as well.

So there's a bit of information on Canning for those that are newbies. I must go for now. I have GOT to get my jam finished.

Much love to you all.

*** Two Sets Of Jonses by Big Tent Revival ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

****Be Sure to go to the very bottom of this page to mute the music so you can hear this wonderful song that puts life into perspective.

*** Steven Curtis Chapman Media Appearances ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Source: Steven Curtis Chapman E-Newsletter

Sparrow Records/EMICMG and StevenCurtisChapman.com announce today that the next radio single from Steven's THIS MOMENT album, available to radio for airplay on August 1st, will be "Yours." Additional breaking news! A new version of the song will be released. "Yours" (new verse) includes a new 4th verse that Steven has written since the loss of his daughter Maria in a tragic accident on May 21, 2008.

Steven felt it was important to acknowledge what the family has been going through over these past 8 weeks, and "Yours" has taken on new meaning in recent weeks to many who work alongside Steven. Already a very special song, Steven's reflections since Maria's loss in the 4th verse only make the song even more challenging, compelling, and passionate. Concertgoers this past weekend had a chance to take in the new lyric, and on each of the 3 occasions rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Steven sang the closing line in the new verse.

The song will be hitting radio airwaves shortly (we hope) for official adds on August 8th. And I'm told it looks like it may be on iTunes and other DSPs as soon as August 5th.

All of the royalties generated by sales of "Yours" (new verse) will go to Shaohannah's Hope!!

Here's the new verse lyric...

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

The Chapman family will be appearing on...
Good Morning America on August 5th
Larry King Live on August 7th
People Magazine issue of August 15th

Opportunities with outlets of this sort of reach would normally be reason for wild celebration... on this occasion though, I think you'd understand why we would rather not even have the coverage. The Chapmans didn't seek these appearances, and these were cautiously and prayerfully considered with input from the family, pastors, counselors, and Steven's team. When these many opportunities came, the discussion quickly centered around the opportunity to use them to remember and celebrate Maria, to thank the tens of thousands of you who have sent condolences as well as the the hundreds of thousands or more that have prayed for this family, to highlight adoption and orphans...

and most importantly that the Hope of the Gospel be proclaimed.

It's our hope that this is what will be accomplished, that as many as possible will be reached, especially those that would not hear of it any other way... and we seek your prayers as the family endeavors to do so in these interviews. Follow live blog updates from Steven's manager, Jim Houser on August 7th at StevenCurtisChapman.com.

*** Meet Bently Fluff ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

He's a bit of a shy bloke, but he landed on our porch and refused to move. EVEN when we came out. He wanted to sit and talk. It was apparent that we had left the camera in the car, so my husband ran to grab it. When he came back Good ol' Bently Fluff was perching on the feeder.

We could literally pick him up by our hands, but not knowing how old he was and weather or not anything was wrong with him, we both chose NOT to. (I have saved several birds in my lifetime by being eaten or hurt. I have special bird gloves I use now whenever a baby falls from it's perch or one gets caught in someones basement, or just in case one needs to go back near his friends.

All in all, I'd say he's beautiful and just a glimpse of good sweet heaven. I can't wait to take up residence in my Fathers House one day.

For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. Psalm 50:10-11

My Cup Runneth Over!

*** Emergency Preparedness ***
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

Over the past several months, I've been hearing more and more about being prepared for emergencies. Power Outages, Freezing Cold Temps, those who are in Tornado areas, Hurricanes, and other disasters, not to mention being prepared for war times in an unknown world like today.

It used to be heard by those who were Mormons who offered their advice on how to be prepared for a year in case of disasters, or those like my great-uncle who were from war era's who built shelters with TONS of food and other emergency supplies.

While I know where I'm going if I do pass, I also would like to be prepared while I am here. So over a year ago I've started replenishing certain supplies, trying not to go overboard. I started out simply with toilet paper whenever it was on sale and moved to batteries, flashlights, candles, boxes of matches, cans of tuna, chicken, anchoves, then on to learning to can where I started making jam, jelly, and new this year, salsa, spaghetti sauce, pickles and the likes.

Being prepared to me, means my immediate family will be taken care of in case a disaster strikes. On the other hand, no disaster happens without people other than ourselves. My thought is that I'd like to have enough around to be able to slightly care for others who also need the help. Doug is a nurse and I am a nurses aid by trade, so caring for people other than ourselves is something that drives us to reach out with the love of Christ to others.

I'm not in a state of panic. I know when I mention my preparedness to family members, they think I'm absolutely nuts. Dad rolls his eyes thinking I worry to much as do many others. Honestly though. I'm not worrying about what could or would happen. As many wives and/or homemakers probably know, we want to prepare and care for our families. My instinct is to make sure we are cared for. In any given emergency from small to large, I'd like to be prepared with supplies NOW instead of panicing when the emergency takes place and having the inability to focus on my loved ones.

It's important to me that no matter what day it is, through joyful times and times of little, that I am able to focus on the needs of others, NOT on something we lack.

With that said, Glenn Beck mentioned a couple of months ago in his newsletter information about Emergency Preparedness. It brought a smile to my face, but also helped me focus even more on learning basic needs for emergency preparedness. Just today, I was visiting another blogger "Working My Way Home", and she mentioned a site that I got all excited about.

Shelf Reliance is an emergency preparedness food and emergency supply store that allows you to purchase grains, freeze dried fruits and veggies as well as special shelving storage units that can be place in a basement. I've been looking for sites like this and haven't found one until today when I was lurking a blog.

Check it out...

While your waiting, maybe you can do some research yourself on Emergency Preparedness so the next time the lights go out and it's below zero, you have food, blankets, batteries, and maybe a backup unit to help keep you sustained until the emergency is over. Don't wait until there's an emergency, be prepared. I think you'll appreciate your hard work if ever the occassion were to arise.

Blessings

Rebekah

*** Recycling Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs ***
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a great way to help save energy. But if you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you know that there’s been some worry about getting rid of them since they have small amounts of mercury in them.

Home Depot announced recently that they want your bulbs so they can trash them responsibly (dubbed their National CFL Bulb Recycling Initiative). That means you can turn them in to any Home Depot spot and they’ll take them off your hands for FREE.

For more information check out Home Depots Latest Press Release Here

*** Sugar Free Black Raspberry Jam***
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

Sugar-Free Black Raspberry Jam

8 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup water
1 1.75oz package unsweetened pectin, with calcium
3/4 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, granulated

- warm your jars in a water bath canner and bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer OR put your jars in the dishwasher and allow them to clean and dry using the HEAT option. Place lids in water to cover in a small saucepan; bring water to a simmer. Simmer until ready to use. Remove and drain jars and lids, one at a time, as needed for filling.

- Crush raspberries using potato masher or food processor. Place exactly 4 cups of crushed berries in a large Dutch oven; stir in water. Gradually add pectin, stirring until blended. Let stand for 10 minutes.

- Bring mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) over medium-high heat. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener, stirring until SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener dissolves. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.

- Ladle hot preserves immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on rack in canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to a gentle boil.

- Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing center of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.) Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, store refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.

***If your using a pectin product with separate pectin and calcium packets, follow the package directions to mix calcium water. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons pectin powder and 2 teaspoons calcium water. Follow package directions for preparing recipe

***Expedition REBEKAH Style***
Monday, July 28, 2008

Posted in Serenity Garden

THIS, is Mr. Thinker. He looks REAL enthused doesn't he? It's another excursion I got him into and yet, it wasn't good enough. I had to get my mother involoved in my schemes as well. I'm known for coming up with fun and exciting adventures and won't tell a soul about them until we get there. THIS TIME though, I warned the both of them that we'd be going to a delightful outing to pick berries. They had warning, LOTS of warning!

Hunny, the berries won't hurt you dear, we need to pick up speed so we can get to the blueberries before it storms. Eww, Ouchie, that one must have hurt alittle. Sorry dear!

The above picture is Mr. Thinker enjoying the wide open spaces of Black Raspberry picking while smelling a deep, STRONG scent of Cow Manure. One CANNOT grow a good harvest of berries without fertile soil ya know!Oh! Look what I found!!! Look, Hurry everyone!! As doug rushes over thinking I've hurt myself and mom gathers her quart of berries being VERY careful not to drop the big ones she's been picking.

I found a Robins nest I said, Isn't it beautiful?! Yes, but could you have been a bit more calm about it Mr. Thinker says as my mother giggles knowing the littlest things excite me.

Here they are, Black Raspberries. Your probably wondering why I'm showing just the raspberry bushes with no picture of mom and I insight. Well, As I was trying to take a picture undetected, of my moms natural berry-picking state, she caught me and dropped ALL the HUGE berries it took her over an hour to find. At that moment, I dropped the camera to help. This is the way my mother gets out of picture taking time.

Our blueberry excursion got us two quarts and then lightening came in our picking field. We ran for the car and left. No pictures, but I'll never forget it. Neither will my husband and mother.

Another day excursion with Rebekah! Expect the unexpected. If you thought you were going one direction, I'll take you on a whole new expedition in another direction. It's just the way I am, and I love EVERY minute of it!

***NY State Fair Entry***
Sunday, July 27, 2008

Posted in Thrifty Crafts

I've been making a quilt with three other women from my Sparkpeople local team. The quilt is a small one and the entry will go to our local hospital where it will go directly to a pediatric patient. We are SO excited with how it turned out. I have to share that not only was it a great experience to create this small quilt with like-minded women who are compassionate, caring women, but also how good it is knowing that this quilt was made with LOTS of LOVE for a child who is sick and needs comforts of home. My cup runneth over.

There is talk of us continuing to create small quilts for charity in the future. Most likely after the hustle and bustle of summer and first weeks of school. What comfort and joy that would bring me to give these quilts to those who need them.

The stars in the pic are actually the "Sparkpeople Logo". It's what brought us women together to walk and exercise not just for our health, but for such things like walking for "Make A Wish Foundation" and this quilt that will go to an exhibit at the NY State Fair and then in the comfort of a sick childs arms at a local Hospital. Not only are the colors happy and fun, but the backing is sweet and comforting. I pray this child will be blessed abundantely and that God would heal all wounds and work within him or her to shed light to those around them of Gods great Love. To HIM be the glory!

There I am on your Left in Red. Kris is also holding the quilt. She is a good friend, a great teacher and VERY PATIENT. I'm blessed by the abundance of love she has for others and how wonderful she is with children.

It's ME again, the one in the middle. You didn't think I'd go without showing the final product did ya? We're Finished YAY! That's Mary on the Left, you know who in the middle and Kris on the right. We're missing two more special ladies......Lois who kindly provided transportation and a whole lotta friendship and assistance with the quilt. She was sick today, bless her dear sweet heart. THEN there's Leslie who couldn't be around because she was maintaining a HUGE task of putting together an "Arts Festival" in the city I'm from. Both women were missed and each added so much to our group.

All in all, I look forward to many more get-togethers with these wonderful women. I'm encouraged by their love and compassion for others and also feel blessed with their friendship. Thanks Ladies for allowing me to join the group. I feel such a part of this community and enjoy the closeness of all our fun talks and gatherings.

***Our Small Garden***
Friday, July 25, 2008

Posted in Serenity Garden

What your seeing is a Lasagne Garden made with Newspapers over grass, then petemoss, directly topped with manuere and soil, THEN repeated again with petemoss, manure and soil until I got the desired height.

Sweet 100's are producing 100's of little tomatoes now while our peppers are coming along nicely. Cuces are growing up the vine like mad ...but the ONE issue we're having. See the bald spot in the center of the garden?...that's SUPPOSED to be all my different kinds of lettuce. WELL, Edward, the cute but pesky woodchuck (groundhog) has eaten them to stubs. I have NO LETTUCE.

SO, I'm trying to figure out how to deal with this critter. He's SMART. We put a plastic bag over them one night and Edward (the woodchuck) pulled it off. I can't believe I've named him, I'm not close to him now that he's wripped my dream of making a FULL SALAD directly from my garden. Now I have to depend on the local farmers market, which isn't so bad because we're supporting them, but I wanted the good feeling of having grown my own lettuce.

So I'm trying to figure out what to do for next years gardening season. Nip this situation in the bud.

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*** Berry Salad ***
Monday, July 21, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

2 Quarts of Strawberries (hulled) and cut into quarters

2 quarts of Blueberries

1 quart of Raspberries

Mix together a small amount of lemon juice to keep the berries fresh and add sugar to taste (we only add 1tbls but I've seen others add up to a whole cup (You may also add sugar substitutes or natural substitutes).

Refrigerate.

****Please be sure to clean your berries with a mix of water, distilled vinegar and baking soda to insure cleaner produce.

*** Our New Kitchen Table & Chairs ***
Monday, July 21, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

I wanted to share a picture of the pieces we purchased and kept on layaway for several months. When we moved here my agenda was to be careful with the money God gives us. If you've known me for awhile, you've probably read about our financial mis-steps based on my EXTREME spending habits and inability to learn to budget, balance a checkbook or save.

During that time in our lives, my husband was going to nursing school at the University of Akron, working full time and interning full time while the first 2 years I worked as a state tested Nurses Aid. I believe things started REALLY going downhill just after the third year, when doug and I decided it was time for me to come home as "Homemaker" because he was gone so much, things in the home like meals, laundry, basic financial errands weren't able to be taken care of because I was doing doubles and he was working around the clock.

To make a long story short, I learned that year that I was frivoulous with money and only cared about my own gratification and keeping up with the Jones' at Church even though we were living WAY beyond our means. It took two years later before we ended up in a Financial Peace University Class where both Mr. Thinker and myself learned how to deal with each others spending habits, took on a REAL BUDGET, started getting rid of debt and pay for things in cash, not to mention seeking out good deals.

Majority of my home is payed for in cash with such furniture beautiful furniture pieces that were found on Craigslist. My sofa, loveseat, chair and tv Armoir alone only cost us 400.00 total. I will take pictures of each room in the future to show the deals and the looks I got at a fraction of the price.

One piece of furniture I DIDN'T skimp on however, was our kitchen table. Now don't mistake that for us purchasing the most expensive dining table imaginable. Think more along the lines of moderately priced and on layaway for over 6 months. Yup! We wanted it, we budgeted it, we saved for it for a LONG time. Not to mention that stores don't often have layaways anymore. One AWESOME thing about it was that we chose to purchase our table at a local mom and pop shop called Marty's Barn Cellar. So our money was really utilized to keep our local economy going and we still stayed within budget each month until we FINALLY got our table. We chose only 4 chairs at the time and decided we'd order two more chairs and just the buffet table not the full hutch which will again, be put on layways until Thanksgiving.

The reason we decided on a new table was one, the sets on craigslist were either pretty pricey OR they looked pretty odd for our home. We have been without a table in our home for about 6 years. Either there was no time to eat together OR we'd eat in front of the tv on our tv stands.

Growing up in my grandmas care while we (my mom, dad, and I ) lived in the upstairs apartment from her...well, It became tradition for the WHOLE extended family to come each sunday and join in for sunday brunch, holiday gatherings, and card games.

The family table brought so much love and comfort to us all. My gram and her siblings handed down so much more than memories, they handed down the key to long-lasting family relationships. Sitting at the table, enjoying meals together, good conversations, a cry or two, LOTS of card games or domino's and music flowing through the house while she was dancing to the sound of Slim Whitman or Pavarotti in the kitchen as she was doing the dishes with that ol' dishrag hanging from her shoulder. That too, has carried on in me.

So our table, No, that was a piece that will carry on to our own children. While I do not honor a piece of wood before my Lord and Savior, I appreciate the meaning behind it and that the Lord afforded us the opportunity to carry on a long-lasting Legacy, hopefully filled with many delightful conversations. I give God all the glory from bringing us out of Financial Dispair to Good Stewardship. I pray we may carry that teaching on to our children and grandchildren from times to come.

Much love to you all

Rebekah