Happy New Year!!!! 2014

                 Hello ya'll! I hope everyone had a great and safe New Year! We had a blast with our neighbors. Staying at home, us girls did some online shopping while the guys went out and put the husbands tractor back together! So we accomplished a lot! It was great catching up with them. 

                 The husband got out there this morning and tested and ran the tractor! I cleaned up the cow stall. I checked the cows for bugs/mites, and good news everyone was CLEAN! I just love it when my animals are bug free! I have been thinking about a lot of things I would like to accomplish in 2014. 

So here goes my list of goals for 2014:

1- You know I LOVE books. But I think my husband will start throwing out books if they dont get read. I made a good dent in the books in 2013, but I still have many, many, many more to read. Sooooo..... I am not going to PURCHASE any books in 2014. (If its FREE that's not a purchase) I must read what I have already been blessed with. Read more! I want to read 30 books! 

NO PURCHASING BOOKS IN 2014. 

2- You know I love to be organized. So I have found an app "Meal Board" in the App Store. I LOVE this app. It has a pantry, shopping list, recipes, the works!!!! You can also go and get recipes from websites (there is about 15 websites connected to this app) I am going to be using this app a lot in 2014! I am very excited about it. 

MEAL PLAN BETTER

3- Ya'll know I have been moving towards better foods for my family. So in 2014 I am moving a little closer to CLEAN EATING. I have read some terrible things about the chemicals, hormones, pesticides, and all around junk in our food. So I have several goals in the category lined up. The first one is no more fast/fried foods. I also want to master a homemade hummus recipe this month! I have tried a few and can't seem to master any of them! 

MOVE TOWARDS CLEAN EATING. 

3- Adyson- Sometimes I feel that her needs are pushed to the bottom of the pile. For example, Adyson loves to go to Story Time at the library. Sometimes I just cant get going fast enough in the morning to take her. I feel bad that she misses out on that time, its only once a week!! Also I feel bad that I don't read to Adyson at night. By the time bedtime comes I am just ready for the house to be quiet and lights out! Adyson deserves my undivided attention for 15-20 minutes everyday.

4- Brittany- Her and I never have time to just hang out! There is always an excuse, - can't find a sitter for Adyson, there is work to do around the farm... She is a teenager and does want to go out with her friends but we don't get the chance to do much together. 

5- More Positive- I worked on this in 2013, I fell off the wagon a few times, it happens. 2014 is going to be the year! No more yelling. No more getting frustrated with things I can not control. I need to learn to ENJOY life. I will step in JOY! 

6- Blog on time- Life happens, lazy happens, but this year I will be more aware of blogging on time. My biggest issue is doing exactly what I'm doing now and thinking and typing at the same time. I need to take notes throughout the week so when its time to blog its easier! I plan on posting a lot more this year! 

7- Continue with natural cleaning-  I am going to continue with finding as many natural cleaners and making what I can! I can't wait to find recipes for window cleaner, tub scubs, floor cleaners, etc. 

8-Work out 3 days a week- I jumped on this band wagon for about 2 months in 2013. I lost interest when it got cold outside. Sorry I am not fond of the cold. Yes I know I can exercise inside, I guess I just needed the "cold" excuse. I am going to pick random work outs from my Pinterest. I'll work on getting a routine when I get into working out!

9- Music- My wonderful husband bought me a keyboard for Mothers Day 2012. I have learned a few songs, but dying to learn more. So this year I am going to try to teach myself to read music and play! I am hoping to be able to play 12 songs (1 song a month) by the end of the year. I would love to be able to play some Christmas songs next year! Anyone know of a good music app that will help me read sheet music?

10- Christmas stuff- I would love to make our own ornaments and decorations this year and have an "old fashioned" Christmas. I have found lots of ideas on Pinterest on my Christmas Board. 

11- Do more myself- I hate when I can't do something and I leave it for the husband to do. I am tired of always giving him a "to do" list. So 2014 is the year I will learn to be more "manly". I will learn to use a drill, level, and a whole bunch more! 

12- Schedule- I need to create a schedule and keep it! I have certain things that I do on certain days (I will start blogging about all this, this year). Since the holidays have kept me hopping and has blown my schedule out of the water. I need to plan a little better this year! 

In case you haven't noticed my "theme" of goals this year is to take a step back and enjoy life. Try not to be so rushed. I'm going to start small so its not so over whelming. 

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Happy New Year! What are your goals? What are your resolutions? How are you going to make 2014 count?

Wishing everyone Merry Christmas!

Week- 49 

             It's been a busy week! Running to the grocery store to prepare for the winter storm headed my way! I'm all prepared to bundle down for the weekend and watch the weather. This will be the last weekend to relax before all the holiday plans start. So I think instead of going for a story telling we will stay home. 

On the way to run errands Adyson & I found something...in the middle of the road!!! We couldn't believe this guy was wondering the roads the day before freezing weather was due to hit us! 

I've been doing lots of searching this week for recipes in preparation for one of my goals for 2014. I've been playing with an awesome app too! I'm very excited about it! I can't wait to tell you about it, next year! I hope you guys will like it! 

HOMEMADE- I've made a new batch of  a few things! I love my homemade stuff. My skin has never been softer in the winter! You remember I have made these before and loved all of them! FACIAL TONER

MAKEUP WIPES

2 cups DISTILLED water 

1 Tbl face soap

1 Tbl coconut oil

1 Tbl jojoba oil

2 drops tea tree oil

Mix all together and heat in microwave for about 1.5 minutes

Cut a roll if paper towels in 1/2.

Use a container big enough to hold & keep wipes air tight, such as a pitcher (this is what I use, & pull wipes through the pour spout;) )

Put wipes cut side down in container. Pour liquid over the top & let sit for 5 minutes. The. Pull the cardboard out of the middle & start your roll! 

I have missed these. It's been a few months since I have made any but I will never be without them again. 

 BODY SCRUB-

Equal part olive oil and sugar. If you notice its too runny add some sugar. Put it in a container ( I used an empty body wash bottle) and set in the shower. I use this every other day. BE CAREFUL THIS WILL MAKE YOUR SHOWER SLIPPERY!!!  I wash/soap up and rinse then use the body scrub and really scrub it into my skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and gently rinse off. No more winter dry skin!!! All natural and healthy for your skin! 

READING- I've caught up on all my magazines, I had a TON of them! I hadn't read any since September. So I caught up! I love my magazines! Quick little articles, wonderful pictures, recipes, apps to try, new & up to date information. I cut out all my recipes & exercise/workouts, & stapled them into my spiral notebooks. I have 4 magazines I subscribe to, SHAPE, Fitness, Women's Health, Women's Day. 

                                              

Follow me on Good Reads to catch me on the latest book

I finished Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase. Loved it if you like ghost stories, etc. Great, funny! Now I am reading The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox  and loving it so far! 


EATING HEALTHY- I've been loving having a small crock pot for breakfasts or smaller portions for just 2 people! I have made several breakfast casseroles and oatmeals since I got it. 

AWESOME BROWNIES

I am loving these for a treat/snack! They are awesome! 

REVIEW TIME-  
Last week we updated to the HOPPER with Sling. I am not that impressed. So the HOPPER is the main box( in the living room), and the girls and master bedroom have a Joey. (Yes 4 boxes in all) The feature of Sling is what sold me. Being that my husband travels I thought it would be nice for him to be able to watch his shows at his convenience (airports, hotel rooms, where ever he had wi-fi). This is not what its cracked up to be. 
Sling- When my husband watches Live TV on his device he takes up a "Joey/Tuner" from our home TV. So If Brittany is watching "A", Adyson is watching "B" and I am watching "C"  my husband has to watch what we are watching, and if he chooses to watch "D" then he will change our station!!! 
HOPPER- Same goes with the HOPPER, If Brittany is watching "A", Adyson is watching "B" and I am RECORDING "C" then we are stuck watching C. This " Record 6 shows at once" is for PRIME TIME TV only Monday - Saturday  6pm-11pm?? something like that. So it records the ABC, NBC,CBS, FOX, etc for those hours. 
It is nice that the girls can record what shows they want. However there are KNOWN system/software issues with the HOPPER with Sling according to the "advanced tech support" people I have talked to about these issues. Some of my shows do not record, although the HOPPER says its recorded. You can set up folders, so every one's recordings go into their own folders, but my folders don't work!
Everyone can press a button on their remotes and everyone can see what everyone else is watching. I can see from the living room or my bedroom what the kids are watching. The kids can press the button on their rooms and see what I am watching. That fact what not explained to me BEFORE I got the HOPPER. 

I'm still deciding if this is what we want/need or if we need to add a HOPPER to the bedroom. UGHHH decisions, decisions, decisions. 



My Christmas decorations- I love my Charlie Brown Christmas tree! My husband and the kids got it for me this year!! It plays music too!

A Special shout out to My Cousin Abby- Adyson Loves her TMNT sleeping bag! 

 

 
Every year since we moved into the house, Brittany has been putting bows on all the knobs in the kitchen. She coordinates them every year. It cracks me up. I love her to death and wouldn't change a thing!

He is one of my favorites, given to me by my Aunt Julie.

                       Merry Christmas!!! 

Week 47 & 48

                I'm trying to get the last little bit of Christmas shopping done. I HATE shopping after thanksgiving. I go into a panic if I still have gifts to purchase. 24 days until Christmas! It's so exciting I'm totally feeling the spirit this year! 

The Girls decided they wanted a small tree in their room this year!!! 


Adyson is purple.                                                     Brittanys is Blue & Silver! 

             

I must admit I'm very proud of my self and all the goals I have accomplished this year! I had 13 of them. I have accomplished I think 10!  Which is more then I thought I would get done honestly, but when you write down everything you do and share it with the world it gives you that extra push you need! 

The family has been a little scattered this last week. We are helping Aunt  Nancy pack for her trips over the holidays!  Aunt Nancy had a few appointments to get through, Kids with dentist appointments, grocery shopping, etc! Hopefully now that Thanksgiving is over it will calm down. 

I know its still a few weeks off but has anyone started working on their 2014 goals? I have a few that might surprise you for next year! I'm getting excited for it! Gives me something to look forward to! 




FARM HAPPENINGS-  Very sad on the farm Tuesday morning. I went out to make sure everyone was OK because it was so cold Monday night. I found that my pigs had gone out in the middle of the field and made themselves a hay pile instead of going in their stall to stay warm. Many of you remember these cute little guys when we brought them over here in June. So Rest in Peace Hammy and Bacon. 

 HOMEMADE-   Well I have come to the conclusion after MANY DAYS of research and blog searches that my water is VERY HARD.  After a few weeks of using homemade dishwasher powder my dishes had a film that would not come off. I used vinegar as my rinse aid. I also can not make a dish soap for washing dishes in the sink that is tough enough because of my hard water. So I have gone back and researched some more natural dish soaps/detergents and found Ecos at SAMS Club  and this is my new dish soap, for a really good price! I bought some generic tabs to try until I find some natural/better ones. 




READING-   I know I promised to have Angels & Demons read but I'm about 40 pages in, and just can't stay interested. Sorry guys! Makes me mad that its looking like I won't make my goal of a book a week!! But I found a wonderful E-book box set titled Six Times a Charm and from the set I'm reading Haunted on Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase from Barnes and Noble. I have busted out my my long lost friend Nook Simple Touch from www.bn.com. My wonderful husband bought this for me while we were on vacation over the summer so I could read on the beach! I love this better than anything else. I can read in direct light/sunlight with no problems. Best of all Adyson doesn't want to play with it because its black and white. So its all MINE!!! 


EATING HEALTHY-  Well all the Halloween candy is just about gone.  I have been using my little crockpot (1.5 qt) like crazy for breakfast lately. Its just so nice to wake up and your house smells wonderful from breakfast that is already cooked! I am loving my Breakfast board on Pinterest. I have made a few different oatmeals and breakfast casseroles. They were all great!!!  I'm going to post more meals as I make them! 

I think I told you guys about Chickens in the Road she has a fabulous website about the "noodles and sauce" pouches you buy & how to turn them into homemade. So far everyone I have tried has been great! She gives me lots of inspiration! Thank you very much Suzanne! 

 FAMILY TIME-  It was great this passed week with Thanksgiving and going to the in-laws and spending time with extended family! We all had a great a time! Then Daddy and Adyson decided to play TMNT. Daddy was a Foot Soldier, Adyson was Donnatello

Can't wait to post pictures of the house decorated on my next post! Until next week see ya later!!! 

Week 38 & 39

                  I'm sorry its been 2 weeks! You know how life can get away from you. The seasons are changing. Its finally getting a little cooler here. Does everyone realize that there are only 88 days left until CHRISTMAS?!?!?!?! I have already started looking into what the kids want.

Just a moment... I need to say Happy Anniversary to my Husband. 5 years ago this week we married. I have been blessed ever since. I never thought I would find a man a good as my husband. I'm glad I snatched him up. He is my everything. He doesn't have a clue the effect he has on me. The smile on his face lights up the room. I just can't picture my life without him. Happy Anniversary!!!

I must admit  I have been in a BLAH mood for a few weeks. I have not wanted to work out. Anyone else feeling the same way? Is it the seasons change? But I am going to say I have not been sleeping well at night either. I have got to get back on the wagon. So of course what better day to start then a Monday!

UPDATE- My husbands grandmother Mimi Sam has FINALLY come home!!!! She's been home about a week now! She is doing great and glad to be home. Thank you for all your prayers! Love you Mimi!!

Adyson enjoying her Mimi's back scratcher! 

IOS7 Update- Anyone else having problems with Photo stream not loading to your computer? I'm trying to write this blog and figure out what is going with my phone. I had to sign out of iCloud on the computer and on the phone, and sign back in!Ok never mind that didn't work either!
If anyone has a anything to suggest PLEASE DO!!! Very upset that my photos are no longer saving to my computer!!! 

HOMEMADE- So yesterday I was CRAVING brownies. so I dug through Pinterest where I found a perfect recipe for brownies. They came out gooey, and thick and fudge like. Oh I had 2 when they came out of the oven. The best part is I know everything thats in them!!!! Best part is you can make up the dry stuff ahead of time and put in a ziplock bag and add wet stuff when you are ready to bake.

My dessert board on Pinterest. Keep in mind this is homemade. So the batter is much thicker then store bought.

My Version of Homemade Brownies-

2/3 cup cocoa
2 cup sugar
1 & 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick melted butter + enough vegtable oil to make 1 cup
1/4 water
1/4 vegetable oil (yes 2 different amount of oil)

Mix together. Grease 9x13 pan. bake 360 for 22-27 min depending on how gooey you want them.

Oh did I mention they were AWESOME!!!

So Adyson has been into Cat in the Hat lately. She read Green Eggs and Ham SEVERAL times over the last 2 weeks. So she decided she wanted to try to eat green eggs and ham. So I made some for her.

                             

So because my eggs and ham didn't look EXACTLY like the book she wouldn't eat them. But at least I tried. 



READING- I've read the Fifty Shades of Grey series- I LOVED IT! (Besides the obvious sexual content which is not a big deal to me) I loved how the story had a real purpose. 2 people who have issues and learn to work through them. I just had to see what all the hype was about. I really liked the actual story throughout the series! Which leads me to my next question of HOW are they going to turn this into a movie? Cause 75% of the first book Fifty Shades of Grey is sexual content. So it will be interesting. Oh & after reading the books I can NOT picture the cast they have hired for the roles in the movie.

Next on my reading list is Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson. The movie came on last weekend so I DVR'd it. So I think from now til the end of the year I'm going to read books turned movies. I'll read the books & watch the movies. I've always wanted to do this! Please post in the comments below for suggestions!

You can look me up on Goodreads
You can also be a Nook friend, trying to figure out how to throw a link out there but can't find one.

Anyone have any suggestions?

MOVIES- 

Life of Pi- I've tried to watch it 2 times & fall asleep within 15 minutes. I just don't understand what all the hype is about with this movie. 

Sorry this post is so short. I really need to keep better track of things and use the app on my phone. I know I have more to say, but nothing comes to my mind. Well until next time!!!! 

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Week 34

               I can't believe its already been a week. Where does the time go? Well lots of retailers in my area have already put their back to school stuff on CLEARANCE!!! Go and stock up for next year!!! I have enough spiral notebooks and packets of paper to get Brittany through high school. When you buy them 75% off you just can't help yourself. I hate running into town because the kids need some "little" school supply, pens, pencils etc. So I always have a stock pile :) 

CRAFTS-
I use this time of year to replace/upgrade Adyson's stash of coloring stuff, and my craft bin :) I can always use glue sticks ($0.23 for a 4 pack of glue), stickers (Not to mention if you have little ones packets of paper for coloring, crayons, markers , etc) AND save money doing it cause you are getting everything on clearance!!!

So I bought Adyson a few little things that we will use when we play school. She loves playing school. So I also bought her a few dry erase boards. 

I have started a Halloween board on Pinterest I can't wait to try some things with Adyson this year. She is really getting into the crafts this year. I think I'm going to do the Floating Ghost with her first. You use cheese cloth and spray it with starch and it dries hard. You can see it on my Pinterest board. 

GARDENING-  
Well the hubby is home this weekend and he was nice enough to weed whack the strawberry patch. I have June bearing strawberries so my plants are already done producing. So we whack them down to about 2 inches tall. I thin them out, I pull the small/weak plants out, add some good dirt and mulch to the top of them for the fall/winter season. 

My vegetable garden id done producing. So next time hubby comes home we are going to till it up and turn it into the compost patch for the fall/winter. 

FAMILY TIME-

So this last week it was decided that Brittany shoudl start cooking dinner 2 times per week. So she understands and reads recipes, can measure properly, the costs of foods, but mainly spending time with her in the kitchen. She is learning to read labels on the packages, (your different cuts of meats, chicken etc)It was fun watching her learn. I'm very proud of her! I can't wait until next week! This week she made chicken wings and salad! It was also YUMMY!!!!!  I'm going to try REALLY hard not to burn things, in my house its a running joke that when the smoke alarms go off dinner is ready!

Brittany has also decided she wanted to play Powder Puff Football!!!! We are so excited for her. I miss going to games (she was a cheerleader in 6th and 8th grade). 

My daughter is the one wearing JEANS, when its 90+ degrees outside. She was told she wasn't suppose to play, BUT she did. Proud of her for being a trooper! You can watch her practices on my YouTube channel. The links are below! 

Brittany practice
Brittanys practice 2
Brittany Practice 3

EATING HEALTHY-  
 In prepping for the fall and winter season I was looking around the internet and books for my favorite recipes for the SLOW COOKER!!! I don't know what it is about the slower cooker in the fall and winter, but I love it. I have subscribed to The Test Kitchen of Melissa Fallis blog. I LOVE how she makes everything simple, and gives a grocery list and all for her freezer meals. Thanks so much Melissa! I can't wait to try the recipes!

I was also watching Dr. Oz(it was a rerun from last season) BUT  he talked about the flu season coming and the vitamins we should be on the look out for! We all know vitamin C helps boost our system but there are a few others. Vitamin D, B6, B12. So I am looking for foods that have these little goodies in them! Good food sources of vitamin B6 include brewer's yeast, bananas, cereal grains, legumes, vegetables (especially carrots, spinach and peas), potatoes, milk, cheese, eggs, fish and sunflower seeds. For B12, fish(salmon, tuna, cod) crab lobster beef  cheese eggs. Some foods with vitamin D salmon, eggs, milk, tuna yogurt. You can read more WebMD

We are doing great with eating healthy. Almost all the "cravings" for junk is gone. I have replaced the junk with healthy versions. I'm eating more hummus and salsa now instead of your typical sour cream dips (french onion, ranch). I'm adding stuff to meals like flaxseed to my smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt. The least you can do is TRY something, that's what I tell my kids!

EXERCISING- 
Loving the apps I have found in the App Store. Ab workouts, Leg workouts, Arm workouts. I finally got my SHAPE and Fitness magazines. So I've been busy  cutting out new workouts and adding them to my spiral notebook. I have also found 2 workout shows on TV, Classical Stretch and Body Electric. They come on pretty early but I DVR them and watch them when I want :) 

READING- I loved The Lightning Thief!!!!! TO me is was similar to Harry Potter. But this is one of my favorite genres!!!! Trying to decide what to read next....
You can also follow me on Goodreads.com


PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYTHING IN MY BLOG IS MY OWN OPINION. NO ONE HAS PAID ME TO ENDORSE ANYTHING. 

                                                      See everyone next week!!!! 

HALF WAY THROUGH THE YEAR!

Sorry I'm a few weeks behind, I'm traveling again! Weeks 26-29 have gone by too fast. 
Does anyone realize we are half way through this year already? Or in shopping terms 159 days til Christmas ?!?! I'm just as shocked as you are, where does the time go? I'm going to review my goals that I posted back in January. Make it Count is where my goals are listed. It's been the biggest challenge just keeping up with day to day life, but worth every moment.

QUIT SMOKING- was my most important goal to accomplish this year. It took me a few tries and attempts. This last time I really had to put my mind to it. I did buy the BLU e-cig to help me. No smell, no smoke, tastes OK. So I'm proud to say I have been cigarette free for almost a WEEK! I'm also proud to say my husband has quit smoking too (he quit first)!

FAMILY TIME-Over the last 6 months we have enjoyed more family time.We don't have to  "concentrate" Wow 6 months, time flies when you are having fun! We did our annual party for 4th of July. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I made my famous Cajun Chicken Lasagna and my husband lights the fireworks. We had about 40 people come and enjoy the show. 

GETTING ORGANIZED- I'm proud to say every room has been organized. I started with the Kitchen in January. In March/April I did my daughter's room. The living room and dining room, well there's nothing to organize. I'm thankful I had the time to do all the little projects this year. 

EAT HEALTHY- Meal planning hasn't worked yet (especially) through the summer. I am finding TONS of healthier choices about food. I love the one with Greek yogurt. instead of buying sour cream, I have been substituting Greek yogurt for everything. Let me tell you the Greek in the BIG containers, is not as thick as the Greek in the small/individual fruit containers. 
I still haven't replaced my breadmaker. Oh how I miss my breadmaker. But since the end of the breadmaker era, we have turned to wraps! and those sandwich thins. YUMMY!!!
I have discovered smoothies! I have made all types in the last month!
Need to work on meal planning!!! 

GET IN SHAPE- I have exercised around the farm, shoveling, raking, gardening, but no actual workouts. Going to Florida in June and July and swimming, playing in the ocean, walking everywhere helps. I'm reading my fitness magazines that I subscribe to, SHAPE, Women's Health, Fitness.  I bought a spiral notebook for the workouts I find in the magazines. I cut out the ones I like and glue them into the notebook! So I don't have to keep all the magazines. 

READ MORE- According to my count I have read 22 books this year. And since I have been piling my magazines up in the floor for 4 months, if I counted 3 mags per month x 4 months = 12 mags I have read in the last week. But I have discovered iTunes U, and Podcasts on my iPhone. I have been reading about nutrition and exercise while on the go!

So I'm a little behind but still better then I thought I would be! I'm reading a new book by Carly Phillips "Perfect Fling" its funny, romantic and I love it! 

BRAIN GAMES- I fell off this wagon. I play these at least once a week (the goal was 10 minutes per day). The "good" brain game apps require a monthly/annual subscription. 

THINK, BE, ACT POSITIVE- I want to create a more positive life. Start thinking, being, acting more positive. This has worked great, trying to see the good in ALL situations. Sometimes its very tough to stay calm and positive. I think I have managed pretty well this year.

CRAFTS- We have found a few things off Pinterest, especially when it comes to the organizing projects. We have made soaps, arts and crafts and when we come back from vacation we will be working on our Halloween decorations and costumes!

MUSIC- I have practiced a little but not nearly enough. I LOVE my keyboard, I just need to plan better, or schedule time for me to play.

NO CHEMICALS- I have been doing a GREAT job of tackling this goal. I am slowly working our way to a chemical free house. We have made our own soap, laundry soap, kitchen cleaner, fabric softener, baby wipes, face wipes, facial toner. We are using up the last of the "store bought" cleaners, hopefully by the end of the year the cleaners will be gone.

GARDENING- I did have my own garden this year! I learned a lot from this. In my garden the "sister" gardening (planting corn, squash and pole beans together) did NOT work.  The idea is the beans grow up the corn stalks, (so you don't have to put up poles) and the squash plant grows at the base to keep out the rabbits and critters. Well the beans took over the corn, and bent the stalks, so we have corn stalks but no corn! My tomato & pepper plants took FOREVER to take off (remember I started them inside, and transplanted them week 2) once they were outside. My toms were about 6 inches tall when I planted them in May, they are just now producing some green toms!!!!

I have learned that creating a blog for all to see has made a huge impact in my life. Going through these goals with you guys makes the challenge all the greater. Being honest about what goals I have accomplished and failed makes me realize what I need to work on. I'm going strong, I am going to finish the year strong!

How are you doing with your goals? Have a great weekend!

Adyson Brittany and Jackie, painting Chicken's coop light purple.

Week 23, 24, 25

I can't believe we are almost half way through the year!!! Time flies when you are having fun.  Its been a busy couple weeks. We had friends come stay with us for a couple days, so we had a house full! 

 My friend Amy and her boys came to visit us for a couple days. The boys got schooled by my girls! It was fun! 

Brittany wrestling with Josh

Adyson schooling Zach! 

At the CMA Fest in Nashville I got to stand next to the beautiful Clydesdale!!! 

 GARDENING-  It was time to put poles up for the beans. So I put the kids to work! They all did a great job. I tried the "Sisters planting" this year and it didn't work out very well. I planted corn, squash and beans together. I got the idea from Pinterest. The idea is that the bean will grow up the corn, the squash will protect the corn and beans (and you also shouldn't have to put poles up for your beans) but some corn didn't come up so I had beans running a muck in my garden. 

 

The cardboard worked extremely well in the garden except next year I need to remember to weight them down. Until the cardboard got good and wet/pounded down in the ground it kept blowing all over the yard. The cardboard was an EXCELLENT weed barrier for the garden! So we had to put some plastic down to prevent weeds in the bigger spots of the garden. I have already had a little harvest of squash and zucchini this year!

FAMILY TIME- it was great having good old fashioned fun. We actually bought water guns and the kids and Daddy had a ball!!!  The fun lasted almost 2 hours! 

 

Then we went on vacation to Florida and had a blast! We did go to the Ponce Lighthouse, the Marine Science Center and LOTS OF BEACH TIME!!! 

 

 

READING- Thanks to my WONDERFUL husband who bought me the NOOK Simple touch I was able to read to my hearts content on the beach! I was in the "murder/mystery" mood so I read....
 Malice by Lisa Jackson, AWESOME

Suspicions by Christine Kersey- this was OK, written for ALL reading levels (in my opinion) little too simple for me. 

Swim by Jennifer Weiner VERY SHORT e-book, not worth the time, only 40 pages

EATING HEALTHY- Well when I went to Florida that went out the window, especially after I found Salt Water Taffy..... My favorite! When we came home from vacation I couldn't find my paddle to the bread maker! So I have ordered another, hopefully it will come soon, my dying for homemade bread again. 

FARM HAPPENINGS- We have found out that Rella, the spotted cow LOVES to play in the sprinkler! it was so funny to watch her. I had turned the sprinkler on the garden and she walked the fence following the sprinkler! 

Then my husband built a fence for the Pigs!!!! We have 2, a male and female! So lets Welcome Hammy (the little girl) and Bacon to the Appleby Farm!!! 

NO CHEMICALS- I am glad to be home from the beach, I actually missed having a full schedule during the day, gardening, dealing with the animals, etc. What I missed most was my homemade face wipes!!! I forgot them when we left, and after using all that sunscreen on my face and the poor diet down there my face is punishing me for it! So I made my toner and wipes as soon as I got home! 
Link for face wipes
Link for toner

I'm feeling very blessed the last couple weeks. I can't wait to see what else comes up! Until next time! 

Week 7

The weather still doesn't know what it wants to do. I'm hoping spring is coming soon. Getting very impatient for spring to get here. 

Adyson & Snowflake

Rella

FARM HAPPENINGS-

Tessa

We had exciting times on the farm this last week, it was time for everyone to get their wormer and bug treatments. It was fun mixing up solutions for the bug treatments, that was easy. Now getting the treatment sprayed/poured on animals, now thats a different story. The big girls (cows) did well. The goats, no way. Had to trap them in the stall and pray for the best. In the end I won, so I consider this a success! I only spilled 1 dose!!!!  This week I have been researching heavily on ORGANIC/NATURAL ways to treat my animals instead of using antibiotics and chemicals. Not having much luck. I know there HAS to be a way because I was reading the guidelines for USDA Organic and it said you can not give antibiotics, chemical treatments, etc to any animal. So how do farmers treat their animals for sickness, bugs (lice, fleas, ticks) etc? I don't know either.... Working on this. So if you have any information, send it my way PLEASE!


FAMILY TIME- This week Brittany helped me get the animals treated. We laughed, slipped in mud, got a dose of bug stuff on us. We have been relaxing together in the living room a lot this week. I made dinner 2 times this week and we have been eating left overs for the rest! that was kind of nice. 

HEALTHY EATING- I know these 2 recipes have "seasoning packets" in them. I'm looking for recipes to make my own taco, ranch and cream of soup mixes. I will be putting some of them to the test in the next couple weeks. 

Ranch Pork Chops

4 pork chops, ranch seasoning packet, cream of chicken soup, 1 can water) ~ 

Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.  You can easily double the recipe if needed. I made rice one night and noodles the next night to go with the gravy/sauce. 

Crockpot  Mexican Chicken

couple chicken breast, can of black beans, can of rotel, can of corn (or mexi--corn), 1 packet of taco seasoning, (YOU CAN add 1 hr before serving 1 -8oz cream cheese)
Cook on low 6-8 hrs. You can serve this over rice, tortilla chips, for tacos, burritos.

EXERCISE- gotten plenty of that this week. Mucking stalls, hay, chasing animals for treatments. Oh did I mention that I helped CHASE my neighbors cow through 2 pastures. This past week has been all about the animals finding holes in the fence. My neighbors dog got out. 
My goats got out once (crawled UNDER the fence in the creek bed, BUT all I did was shake a feed bucket and they came running back :) So fast walking, running has 

ORGANIZING- I found a trick in a book to organize all my cards. (I can't remember what book.) yes I know cards seem "old fashion" but I still send cards to many people throughout the year. I find them on sale after a holiday( valentines day, Easter, Christmas, etc) and save them until the next holiday. I used to put them all in a shoe box and dig for them when I needed them until now! I repurposed an accordion file. I labeled the tabs -address labels, envelope stickers, Birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, missing you, holiday,etc. So now they are all organized by category and protected from being bent/thrown in a box. I was also able to paper clip a set if stamps & clip 2 pens to the first tab so everything to write a card is in one place.

READING- lots of internet time. researching how to treat my animals naturally. Looking for ORGANIC ways to prevent/deter fleas, ticks, lice, etc. Since summer is coming. I have found Tee Tree oil is a GREAT oil to dilute in your shampoos and conditioners, lotions, soaps etc for skin problems and insect deterrent/repellent. Also Lavender oil. 
Also found great uses for olive oil. Olive oil is WONDERFUL for cooking and using as part of your beauty routine. 

CRAFTS- Adyson and I chose to make our Valentine cards this year. We took construction paper and folded it in 1/2. I cut out the heart shape. Then I took about 10 sheets of different colored tissue paper and folded them in 1/2 and cut a heart shape. I let Adyson glue the tissue hearts to the construction paper heart. She had a blast.

NO CHEMICALS- I found a "recipe" for homemade furniture polish. I was impressed with the POLISHING aspect BUT it doesn't CLEAN. So if you have any dried on spots from drink spills or food you will have to clean them up first BEFORE using polish. I HAVE NOT USED THIS ON RAW WOOD only furniture that has a clear coat/protected.  Best of all I love how my hands feel after using this polish, since its ALL NATURAL there was no need to wash my hands after using it. You can only make small batches of this because it will go bad (I haven't tried to refrigerate it, I made a small batch & used what I made), since I dust my house once a week I can take 30 seconds to make the polish as I need it. Best of all this is SAFE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO BE AROUND.

Furniture Polish

2 tbl olive oil - (GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN TOO!)

1 tbl lemon juice (GOES BAD IF NOT REFRIGERATED)

small spray bottle- labeled (small 3 oz SPRAY bottle, found in the "travel" isle of the store)

Pour ingredients together in spray bottle. Put lid on and shake! For me a little went along way. Spray a little on a small space and TEST just to make sure it is safe for your furniture! Polish/buff with a clean dry cloth!

All of my furniture (coffee table, entertainment center, bookshelf, end tables passed) they all have a clear coat! I have NOT used this on my raw wood YET!

GARDENING- I have found that the Lavender plant has TONS of good things to provide us, insect repellent, wonderful smell/perfume to add to soaps, room deodorizers, etc. So I have decided to plant some from seed. Most say its a little difficult to grow from seed, so wish me luck! 
Going to make a "fertilizer tea" organic farmers use it instead of commercial stuff. Supposed to be really good for tomatoes, peppers and any other plants that need a little kick. When you do your own research about this process you will find MANY versions. This to ME is the simplest way to start getting into the "teas". 

Fertilizer Tea
a scoop/shovel of livestock poop (cow,horse (chicken poop use 1/2 scoop) & outside garbage can filled with water. Stir it up a little and let it steep for 3-5 days. Use to water your plants. 


My African Violets still have sent any shoots out yet. Its been 3 weeks.
My tomato, cucumber plants are about 6-8 inches tall!!! 
Green peppers are about 4 inches tall
kohlrabi is stumped. It hasn't done a lot in a couple weeks.