Down on the homestead - Dec. 14 - 20th

**homesteadmamma** · 12-14-2003, 11:40 AM

Good morning everyone, another dull Sunday here. It looks like snow again, not sure though. It did snow sometime in the night. We drove to the library yesterday and the fields are almost bare. We need snow desperately.

Today is rest day, so I'll be finishing the book I'm reading. I also need to do some sewing later in the day.

Dh is pretty sick so we may end up at emergency yet sometime today. He wants to wait until tomorrow. I think will take him into the walk-in clinic in Brandon.

Hope everyone has a good one!!

**Heather** · 12-14-2003, 02:00 PM

Oh CJ, I hope Bob is going to be OK, men are the same, they never want to go to the dr., that or put it off!

We are getting snow here today, lots of it, we need it so bad too! They are calling for a bit each day this week.

Dylan just finished painting the bathroom, it doesn't take too long, its so small!!

He'll do another coat later this afternoon. I have done two loads of laundry so far, made biscuits for supper tonight with the chili in the crockpot. Will make some cookies too. Kody is outside cleaning the inside of the van, boy did it need it! If we don't take "stuff" out of it everytime, it sure gets junky.

We are having Doug's family all here next Sunday so I am making my final list of things to do, menu and when I need to do what...just so I have a plan!! I have the turkey ordered and will pick it up on Saturday, am making the sour cream mashed potatoes sometime this week and will put them in the freezer and take them out Sunday morning and put in crockpot. I'll cut up carrots Saturday and put in cold water in pot and set on stove. Doug's Mom makes the best Christmas pudding (no fruit in it except raisins...mmm!!) so I'll make up the brown sugar sauce and have that ready to reheat as well. I have some cookies/squares in the freezer and I think that's it, everyone else is to bring the rest....rolls, juice, cabbage salad, another vegetable, wine for those who drink it, pudding.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

**dolphin** · 12-14-2003, 02:30 PM

Yesterday I sewed on my quilt some more and cut out a few more pieces. I just love making this quilt. However, I did let the house go yesterday a little so I'm going to do a little cleaning today and then do my sewing.

It's windy here and not too cold. I've been out to the store already and still yet forgot to buy trashbags, grrr. Found one out in the shop to use for today so I don't have to go to town again.

Gased up the car this morning and was happy to see that gas here went down 4 cents per gallon.

Been dreaming homestead stuff all week. Wondering where I'll be in 3 years and what I'll be doing and praying my health holds up. Guess I have the retirement bug and since dh hasn't found a job yet that kind of makes you take a long look at what you are doing and why.

Today is certainly a good day for pondering life. Enjoy your Sunday!

**guest2** · 12-14-2003, 07:45 PM

Praying for Bob CJ, I hope he gets to feeling better really soon!
Today we started our day with the great news of Saddam being captured!!! woohoo!!! We were clued to the tv set, so we went to the second service today and church and I'm so glad we did. Some of the greeters were not able to make it, so Jeff and I covered for them as others had covered for us last week.

The children of the church's school put on a wonderful Christmas play today! It was a musical with a great set, costuming and a powerful message while making you laugh at the same time.

We all enjoyed it! We did go out to eat afterwards and something didn't agree with me, so I have been sticking close to the bathroom.

This afternoon has been a quiet one while I try to get caught up on email and plan out our week. The boys are on Christmas Break and are going to work for a friend of ours at his Glass Shop tomorrow. It's going to be a queit one around here and I hope to get some baking done.
Tonight we are going to watch Survivor and be rooting for anyone but Jon!!!! He is soooooo eewwwww!!!!

**slowtypinwoman** · 12-14-2003, 07:56 PM

Hi all!
CJ, I hope your Dh is well soon. The flu is so bad here and it is nothing to be toyed with so be careful! I'll keep himin my prayers. I have not been feeling the best today. My stomach kind of hurts so I have taken it easy all week end.
I did go out today and do a bit more Christmas shopping. I am almost done but quite disgusted with myself as I have never been this far behind. I have a friend that I have been pondering over what to do for her. Well, when we were out shopping on Friday, we saw one of those new purses, the kind with the fringe at the top and beads at the bottom. She was admiring those and has been wanting a new purse. I bought the stuff and made one for myself out of an old skirt to see if I could do it. I was quite pleased with how it turned out and I monogramed it too. Alex and I had gotten some little studs for another project so I used them. I'm going to takle those when we get off on Friday.
Tomorrow we are having a carry in lunch at school and I am making Cuban Chicken salad. The chicken is cooking now.
I am eager to start the Christmas break. I have been so stressed out that I really need some time off.
Hope you all have a great week!
Marcia

**homesteadmamma** · 12-15-2003, 09:51 AM

Good morning everyone. The only thing about last night was that it snowed some more. I had kids throwing up, dh hacking and coughing, so I'm a tad bit tired this morning.

Today is laundry day, although I had to wash a load last night. I'll fold those clothes and get another load in as soon as I'm finished here. Sheets for sure need to be washed.

When I'm finished with the laundry, I'm going to sit and read this afternoon. I'm hoping we don't have to make another trip into Brandon, but I'm watching Michael closely.

Everything is so pretty outside though. It was snowing huge flakes at 4 a.m. They've already plowed the roads.

I need to get some things done still for Christmas as well. I'm so behind I can't believe it. I'm praying I don't get sick, or will be putting Christmas off until Jan.

Have a great day everyone, down on the homestead.

**Heather** · 12-15-2003, 10:01 AM

Big hugs to your crew CJ!!!!!!

This morning I've made my cranberry sauce and brown sugar sauce for next weekend. I want to get little things done so I won't be running around at the last minute.

We got the bathroom painted and I put a new border up, I really like it! (see below) This afternoon Dylan and I are wallpapering. I learned the hard way, I put up paper over paper and a week or so ago it started peeling off!!!!

I have stripped it all and starting fresh. I really need to get this done.

Today is leftovers from the weekend, chili, biscuits, salmon loaf and potatoes. I can't seem to keep cookies in the cookie jar!!

Will be making another small batch this morning.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-15-2003, 11:16 AM

Heather, very pretty. Its just so you!!!

Carolyn, hope your back improves quickly.

**guest2** · 12-15-2003, 11:40 AM

CJ, praying for your family! Carolyn, praying for your back! Please get well soon!!!

Heather, I love your border!

It's a beautiful, sunny and cold here today!

Jeff took the boys with him this morning and dropped them off with to work with a friend of ours in his glass shop, so I have the house all to myself!!!!

The cats and I have been very lazy so far and I'm loving it!!!

On the agenda for today is getting some packages and cards ready to mail and out and doing some baking. I need to get the regular bread done and some holiday breads also. I just lo9ve baking with holiday music on in the background.

**mylittle4** · 12-15-2003, 12:34 PM

Well I think I will starting posting with you gals also. I had resisted because it wont feel like a homestead when we move into town but I guess I will just have to make it my homestead. I have finally made the decision to give homeschooling a try. I have been thinking about it for awhile now and I have decided to give it a go to find out if it is for us. The kids are currently detoxing and have been out for a week and I think I see their stress level really going down. As for everything else I am off work today which is rare. We have been so busy due to Christmas but my hours will drop a lot afterwards and I am looking forward to it. I have to get some laundry done today and some gifts that I am sewing. It has snowed a lot for us the past few days and we are expecting more tomorrow. It is so pretty I just love it. I am getting my list of soap supplies together because after we get through Christmas I am determined to learn! I hope everyone has a great day on their homesteads!

**guest2** · 12-15-2003, 12:38 PM

Angelee!
I'm here to help with any questions you may have with the homeschooling.

I know that it was one of the best moves we ever made for our family.

**Heather** · 12-16-2003, 09:35 AM

Good Tuesday morning!

My parents are coming to visit for a bit today. They are driving over with my nephew and dropping off their Christmas presents for the kids. Can't wait to see them!

This morning before they come I'll be making a pan of brownies and doing some tidying. This afternoon DD has skating and then tonight is her Christmas concert at school.

Have a wonderful day on your homesteads!!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-16-2003, 11:37 AM

Good morning everyone, it is so pretty outside this morning. We have what is called hoar frost on the trees, large and small and on any weeds that are still standing. I remember the first time I seen this type of frost, we were living in Saskatoon, Sask. I took hundreds of pictures, it was just that awesome.

Angelee, glad your joining this thread. Your home, even in town can be called a homestead. We lived in the city for years and we called in our little homestead. In fact, it there I learnt so many of the homesteading things. Also, you'll see a real difference in your kids. Just remember, relax and enjoy your homeschooling. If you have any questions, please ask.

This morning, I'm still taking care of sick kids. Each is different. Ds#1 is coughing and sore tummy. Because of his autism, he is right out of it when he gets sick. Ds#2 has diareha (sp) and sore tummy I'm sure although he can't tell me. Dd has finished throwing up and is now coughing. Dh went to work this morning. I hope though it wasn't too early.

So were not doing much around here. I need to wash a load of sheets and then I'm just going to play on the computer and take care of the kids. Hopefully they'll be feeling better soon.

Have a good one. Heather (Calico) enjoy your visit with your parents.

**guest2** · 12-16-2003, 11:59 AM

CJ, I'm so sorry that the "crud" is still hanging on at your house, no fun being sick! Chicken soup for everyone!!!

Last night we went to deliver our gifts to people here in town and had a wonderful time. The family that we voted had the best Christmas light display was very surprised when we showed up with a card for them and a loaf of cranberry orange bread telling them that they had "won" our little contest.

I think that they were very touched when we told them how much we appreciated all the work they have done on their home (it used to be an eyesore before they bought it and worked on it) and how they decorate for every season. We also delivered gifts to our good friends Ken and Cheri and their kids. Cheri surprised me with a set of 2 towels with Jeff and my names on them and a hand towel and washcloth. The towels all had a really cute pig embroidered on them and the washcloth had "oink" on it!!! You have to realize that I am a pig freak and collect pig pictures, figurines, etc.. I was so touched and thrilled!!!

Today I have to get 4 regular loaves of bread baked, mail off some more cards I finished last night, make a huge mexican casserole for dinner ahead of time, clean out the van, do my devotions and then go to Bible Study. After Bible Study, I'll swing back by the house and pick up the boys so we can go sort, package up and start distributing food to the shut ins and also get things ready to go for the walk ins later on in the week. I do have a freind coming down to help who is a cook at the school, so she will be able to help me identify even more families that may need a bit of extra help.

I think that pretty much takes care of my day today!!!! Be blessed all and remember the reason for the season!!!

**mylittle4** · 12-16-2003, 06:12 PM

Well Tuesdays around here are laid back and lazy I got off work early and brought home Subway ($2.99 Tuesday) I think I will throw in a load of work clothes and then play some Clue with the kids. I also need to do some cleaning in my sewing room because we are clearancing everything out at work and I need lots of room to bring home that yummy fabric!