Down on the homestead - Nov 30 - Dec. 6th

**homesteadmamma** · 11-30-2003, 11:16 AM

Good morning everyone. Usually I try to make Sundays a day of rest, but I'm completely out of bread, so I need to grind up some grain and bake bread today. I refuse to run into the next little town to purchase any. I'll also make some muffins while I'm at it.

This is the last week I have to get everything ready for my craft sale next Sunday, so I need to get busy doing the finishing stuff on my crafts and ornaments.

Later I plan on doing some hand quilting on my challenge quilt.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday.

btw - Heather (Calico), glad you arrived home safely!!

**Mom23boys** · 11-30-2003, 12:52 PM

Good Sunday morning or afternoon, depends on where you are located. I wanted to make Sunday a day of rest too.

I didn't get to sleep in like I wanted because the kids were up and DH was too. So I figured I would get up too.

Read the paper and DH and Dakota left to go eat breakfast and Christmas shop for me.

I must have been good this year because they bought me 7 presents!

I only wanted a new slow cooker....the one that automatically turns to warm when the food is done, so no overcooking and a new bread knife.

I have washed 2 loads of clothes and hung out to dry. Did the dishes and finished wrapping all the presents. I need to figure out what to get my mom and work on my gifts in a jar for everyone else.

I also need to sit down and make out my Christmas cards.

I ended up getting the boys 7 things a piece. I think that is plenty. Chris only has 4 things, so I guess I will find 3 more things for him. I know he wants a new basketball, so that will be one and 2 other things??? Don't know what they will be.

I need to buy DH's gift. I don't know what to get him cause he usually gets it if he wants it.

I am making chicken and dumplings for dinner tonight. Yummy!

I hope you have a great day on your homestead.

**Heather** · 11-30-2003, 02:42 PM

Thanks CJ!

Michelle, are the presents wrapped for you so you can't peek!!

Today the kids and I went to church up in the village and the rest of the day will be at home. I am putting together 2 block/tyed quilts for Christmas presents. Have had everything cut and ready to go for a few weeks, just need to put together.

Two loads of wash are done and supper is leftovers from supper at my brothers last night.

Last night the kids and I drove through a blizzard/snow storm and took almost double the time to get home from my brothers. I am so grateful that we are all home safe and sound. I detest driving in snow and this was the type where you couldn't see where you were going. I prayed so hard that we would be safe and the Lord blessed us greatly. I am still shaken up about it.

**guest2** · 11-30-2003, 05:52 PM

Ok, I know I don't have a homestead, but can I pretty please post here? I dream of having a homestead, so does that count??? Could my 5 cats and 1 dog pass as livestock?

How about the big hole the kids dug in the backyard that they said would be a root cellar but turned into a fort instead???

Ok, this is what I was gonna share with you all if it's ok with you.

Today we got up early and got ready for church. I took the can of baby formula that was sent to me up to give to the shelter for homeless women and their families in Spokane. Our church is going to be throwing a big Christmas party for all the women and their families that live there. I'm really excited to help work on the decorations for it that we will be making in early December!
After church we drove home, right past all the restaurants and got lunch here. I made Krab Salad with the ingredients that I had here on hand. I also got our turkey going in the oven (it finally thawed out enough to cook!

) and it is smelling divine with the aroma permeating the house!!! I'm going to cut up the leftovers and freeze some for use later in enchiladas, fajitas, salads, soups, etc..

DH and the boys are taking a break this afternoon and enjoying watching a ball game, playing video games, etc.. Yesterday they got the roof on the shed and all the outdoor Christmas lights up.

We are the first on our block to get the lights up this year! Woohoo!!!! It's looking pretty darn festive in our yard!

I still have some reading to do this afternoon and a bible study to work on. I thought about sneaking in a nap, but I don't think that will happen. I need my DH next to me to sleep well during the day and he's glued to the TV at the moment!

Oh well, he works hard and deserves the rest!!! Maybe I'll just grab a few kids and go hunt for nice pine cones to scent with cinnamon later!

**Heather** · 11-30-2003, 05:56 PM

You sure are welcome here and you do have a homestead, it's your homestead.....post away Debbie!!

**slowtypinwoman** · 11-30-2003, 07:06 PM

Hi all. Debbie, one thing I love about this site is that all are welcome at all discussions, at all times!
Today I did a bunch of laundry and Michael and I just got finished folding it. I am working hard on a rug and other Christmas gifts at the moment trying to get them all done.
We made a scrumptous dinner, Cuban salad, turkey pot pie and garlic bread. Michael is doing dishes now. I love him.
I finally got over the disapointment of not going to go home for T-day. We did however get alot done. We cut wood, (I love our new stove!) did laundry, cleaned the house, Made dog cookies, and took lots of long walks.
Tonight I want to work on some crafts and do some more rugging.
Hope you all have a wonderful evening!
Marcia

**Mom23boys** · 11-30-2003, 08:19 PM

Yes Debbie, you are welcomed to post here. Of course you have a homestead. You just call it what you want.

Heather, they are all wrapped, so I can't peek.

I hope I can wait until Christmas.

Glad you made it home safely last night Heather. I would hate to drive in a blizzard.

**guest2** · 12-01-2003, 12:02 AM

Thanks all!!!!

BTW, DH got out and finished the shed!!! We now have to save up and get some siding for it to match the house. We can finally get some of the stuff out of the garage and moved into the shed. Woohoo!

**Heather** · 12-01-2003, 11:37 AM

Good Monday Morning!!

We are getting high winds again with lots of snow, expected before tomorrow is 30-40 cm of SNOW!!! AH!! The boys love it so they can ride the snowmobile out in the fields.

This morning on the way back from taking Delaney to school, the front end of the van make a BIG noise and "fell" and next thing you know the tire popped, I pulled into a driveway and had the local mechanic come pick it up. He will have it fixed in a couple of days, he said it was probably a coil/shock that broke and spliced the tired when it dropped.

Not expecting this extra expense before Christmas BUT I am thankful this did not happen the other night driving home from my brothers in the storm.

Today I am cleaning up from the weekend, dishes, laundry, dusting and vacuming.

I have a lasagna ready to pop in the oven for supper and bread is baking in the bread machine. I think I'm going to make homemade chocolate pudding for dessert.

Have a wonderful day on your homesteads!!

**guest2** · 12-01-2003, 11:57 AM

Heather. I'm so glad that no one was hurt when your van "fell".

It's a cold and gray Monday here in the Washington Palouse. Poor hubby has to work outside in this stuff.

We are going to try to get back into our regular school schedule again. Right now the boys are working on thier school work after getting their morning chores done. We've got laundry going (washing the bedding from our room today) and hope to catch up on it all today. We're getting low on bread, so I'll make 4 loaves and some biscuits.

I'm also hoping to find my address book so I can start working on Christmas cards.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-01-2003, 12:27 PM

Good morning everyone. btw - anyone can post to this thread. We all have homesteads, its what we call our homes.
Nice to see you posting here Debbie.

Well I got 2 loads of wash done and now I don't have enough space to dry them on. I only have 2 clothesracks. That is going to be next on my list to purchase. I'm determined to make Monday washing day and then forget about it for the rest of the week. Had I had another clothesrack, I could have done that. I only have one more load to wash.

I baked bread yesterday but didn't get the muffins made, so will make those this afternoon.

I just finished spraying a number of clocks and will redo those this afternoon. I have a few ornaments to paint, will do those tomorrow.

I'm picking up a few things in our bedroom and putting them into storage. Were not using them right now and if I don't use them in 6 months, they out the door!!

I've cleaned the kitty litter boxes, fed them and now they are raising havoc with everything. Oh boy, those kittens!!! Dh and the kids were at a friends yesterday and between outside and inside, they have 50 cats.

Good thing they live on a farm. Man the food for 50 cats must be something else.

Heather, hopefully its not too costly for your van. Our car did that in the city and it was a ball joint. Dh and the neighbour were able to fix it. I always say, angels are watching over us. Thankfully it didn't happen to you while you were on the highway!!

Have a good one!!

**Mom23boys** · 12-01-2003, 09:51 PM

Heather, I am glad noone was hurt when the van fell. I hope it doesn't end up costing too much before Christmas.

Today began another work week for me. We have to work 3 weeks and then we are off 2 weeks for Christmas break.

I can't wait for those 3 weeks to go by. I really want a long break. I think I could just sit down and relax and think about wether staying home or working would be a better answer for us. I am almost to the conclusion that if I just worked part time we would be fine.

Today I had to leave work and go over to the high school to open the concession stand for the jr. high basketball game tonight. Chris had to play, but they lost.

I have to open the concession stand for all the home games. Another case of "I can't say no syndrome!" I was asked and you know me, "Well, I guess I can." So here I am doing something else that I can be stressed over. At least it is only once a week. It is for Dec., Jan., and Feb.

I didn't get to do much on the homestead today except a load of laundry.

I had to pick Richard up early from school because he was sick. I brought him home and went back to work. I am glad he is old enough to take care of himself, plus I work less than a mile from the house and my inlaws live next door and my FIL is always home since he is retired. So if he needs anything he can call me on my cell and I will run home or he can go over to his grandpa's. He said he just laid down and went to sleep.

I hope you all have a great week on your homestead. I hope to get more things done tomorrow.

**Heather** · 12-02-2003, 10:10 AM

Michelle, hope Richard is feeling better today. And prayers to you for your decision to stay at home or not!

We didn't get the amount of snow they were calling for today but the ground is definitely covered. Still coming down.

My neighbour graciously let me borrow his van so I can take Delaney to and from school. My van should be ready tomorrow.

Today I am baking and washing the slip covers off the couch and love seat and the blankets that get used in the livingroom. The area inside the door where I have linoleum needs a good washing so I'll be scrubbing that as well.

Delaney has skating after school and she is excited about that, she missed both skating days last week as she was sick. The boys can't wait to get on the snowmobile after school.

We are having chicken, potatoes, carrots and salad tonight for supper. I printed of Carolyn's Dreamsicle Cookie mix and want to make them. The kids (and me too!!) love the flavour!

Have a wonderful and safe day on your homesteads!!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-02-2003, 10:21 AM

Good morning everyone. Michelle, hoping you can come up with a decision your happy with. Heather (Calico) hope your van is fixed today.

Today I need to finished my last load of washing and fold the clothes I washed yesterday. The kids fold their own clothes, so once school is done, they can do that.

I need to spray another couple of clocks and then get a couple ready to put in the mail in a few days.

I also need to get a package done up for our son in Kitimat for their Christmas. And look at what I'm going to make the kids here for Christmas. Don't have a clue!!!

The muffins still aren't made

hopefully will get done today!!

Have a good one everyone.

**guest2** · 12-02-2003, 01:36 PM

Goodmorning all!

Prayers being said for Richard (get better soon!

) and for Heather's van and Michelle's decision.

This being Tuesday (and yes, I did check to make sure I have the right day

) I have my Ladie's Bible Study. I'm really debating though about if I should go or not. I have this nagging feeling that I need to be here at home today with the boys and get some things done with them. We are behind on school since we took a week off when we were ill. I think I'll call and bow out this week. My first priority after God is my family and I know that God will honor my decision to be here for my boys.

The kids all switched their monthly jobs today (we forgot to do it yesterday) and Chris is bemoaning the fact that this is a big baking month for me and he will have lots of hand washing since he is "kitchen dude" for this month. Oh well, he loves all the finished products, so he will just have to deal with it!

Last night hubby and I sat down and went over our schedule for the month and prioritized things. We eliminated a few activites and pledged to make this as stress free a holiday season as possible. There are a few things that we really want to do, so those take priority over some others. I need to call today and see when a church is doing their Christmas play. We went last year and it was wonderful! It was a musical and very professionally done. The kids have been begging us to take them there again this year. Our church also puts on a huge production and I'm sure we will be going to that also. We are still undecided about Christmas day itself and if we will be spending it here or with our extended family. We are torn because we really want this to be a quiet Christmas just for us, but we know that there will be reprocussions if we forgo the big family gathering. Last year was such a huge fiasco and all of us here do not want a repeat. Please keep us in your prayers!

I'm off to get some schooling done with the kids. I may come back to post more later. :smile:

Be blessed and have a great day!!!!