Make your own Baby Food and NEW news!

Have I seemed absent lately?  I have a good reason,, well, actually,, a few reasons,,, but one I am most excited about,,,

I can give you a hint...

If you stop back her on Monday, you will see a "new me!"

I am more than excited about this... I cannot wait to share this on Monday... will you stop by then?

In the meantime,,, Life here in this household has been busy for sure.
It is Harvest time here in the Northeast,, and so, we have been canning, canning, and more canning..
and so today, I am going to give you a peek into another thing we do here...

Making Baby Food

There are many great reasons to make your own baby food...
Don't have time  - you say?

Honestly, if time was an issue , I wouldn't be doing this myslef.
1) It is economical - great SAVINGS!
2.) Better for your baby- you choose where you buy your food, what goes into your baby's food, and how it is preserved!
3.)Easily accessible- without a trip to the store!

So Join me,, and try this at home!
( Below are a few tips to remember)

1.) Choose the veggies/fruits you will want to feed your baby.
2.) Grab them at a local farmers market - preferably organic, but even a good source of produce from Supermarket works.
3.) Wash, skin, peel, and chop your produce.
4.) Steam until soft  - with no skins.
5.) Throw in blender, or food processor for a nice puree.
6.) Evenly scoop into Ice Cube trays and freeze over night.
7.) Remove into labeled bags- with a date of preparation.

Sweet Potatoes- You can bake these slowly until tender.  Tip for Sweet Potatoes -When mixing these,, they require a lot of water.  I used reversed osmosis water, but you can use distilled.  They will be thick otherwise.

Carrots just require water in pan, low heat, and soft tender touch.  I peeled mine and washed before.  Be careful not to burn while steaming.  These turn out amazing!

No the best or most attractive picture - but, it gives you the idea.  This is the fast part.

You might want to buy a quite a few extra ice cube trays at the store next time you are there.  I used quite a few, but they are super cheap, and super handy!

 WHALA!  The next morning - after spending the night in the freezer- Release from Trays, and put into labeled Ziploc Freezer Bags!

One Afternoon of healthy savings = Happy, Happy Baby!

Still wondering about the new news?  I will give you a hint on Friday!!

Happy Birthday to me ,,,from....

Yep...

It is my Birthday...

and right at midnight...

as the clock strikes my special day...

 I get this Birthday wish message from two very special people in my life...

Lynnette ( whom I call Et.)

and her daughter Abigail...

( and are graciously allowing me to share with all of you!)

You are going to LOVE this...

I did..

I mean,,

What friends do THIS for someone's Birthday?

They do!!

WATCH!

I am SURE they will probably become famous ( or somethin' ) from this!!

Thank you my funny, adventurous, and LOVING friends
for this Birthday Wish..
It is the BEST!

Don't you agree?
Tell them you love it...
Happy Birthday to Me..
on my blog.

That was fun.

Have you bought your tickets yet? Hurry!

Be sure to check out this new movie this weekend...

Dolphin Tale is just a sweet children’s story, but it also shows an under story of a child who is failing at school who comes alive when he has real life problems to solve, real causes to get behind. He comes alive because his heart is captivated by the idea that he can do something, even as a child, to help.






Quote from Sally Clarkson, ( at... I take Joy), whose son, Nathan Clarkson worked tirelessly to encourage Hollywood to listen to the Concerned American families:

"But, we can send a message to the powers that be that we want our children to be seeing great, moral, heroic, inspiring stories. We send a message by attending the movies and showing that we will support the efforts of those in Hollywood who are willing to listen to us!"

Go today - It is Opening Day!


And,,,, WHY NOT!...
Grab some Ice Cream after you catch the movie!

Better yet....
Go for the Sprinkles!
I would!

How to make Laundry Detergent ( Powder)

I knew this day would arrive... and I should have made the "leap" long before now,
but 6 loads of laundry a day, and the cost of living for a family of 12.. well... it was time.

Even if you are not from a large family, and you still would like to make small changes on savings, or know that the detergent you are using has chemicals you would prefer to avoid...

Then..
THIS IS FOR YOU...
I have to honest though,...

I put this off for a long time... thinking I didn't have time,, thinking it would be horrible, etc.
But, here's the truth friends...

It took me FIVE minutes!
FIVE!
This Recipe is the Powder, which I now prefer for a more intense washing on little stains,,
but the liquid detergent is just as easy.
So here we go,,,



Homemade Laundry Detergent ( Powder)

Ingredients:

• 1 bar Fels-Naptha
• 1 cup Borax
• 1 bar Goat's Milk Soap if desired ( various Scents- all natural)- Grated
• 2 cups Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 

To make:

1. Cut into fourths, then grate Fels Naptha soap using cheese grater or food processor.
2. Once grated, change to blade in food processor.  Swirl this around in food processor til it is as fine as you can get it.  ( Grating first is a must!)
3. Add the Borax and pulse til mixed. And the grated Goat's Milk Soap.
4. Mix thoroughly.
5. Store in an airtight jar with lid.  (Be sure to label so that your kids don’t think it’s lemonade mix!)
6. Use one to two tablespoons per load (depending on grit and grime, of course!)  I threw in an old scoop from one of the boxes of powder I had.

All of the ingredients can be found at Wal-Mart or Target.

Be sure to label your jar  as Laundry Detergent..

You don't want your family to mistake this for something else.

Next week, I will post the Liquid version of this recipe.

My first vlog and possibly my last .. gah!

Okay.. Just to preface...

This is my first Vlog.. and possible my last...

I look like a dork, talk like a dork, and honestly...

feel like a dork for posting this...

But...

it was for a sweet friend of mine...

that I did this.

And so....yah..

What DO you talk about on a vlog?

And for the rather awkward ending...

well, I told you it was my first try at this..

and it was rather fun rocking and chatting...

but to record it? 

Hmmmm.

When your hands are on your hips....

It can only mean ONE thing....

If you are a parent,, (more presumably a mom),,, and you find your children asking you...

"Why do you always stand with your hands on your hips like that?"

Ummm...
Well...
What do you say?

1.)  It is more comfortable for me to stand this way...
2.) God gave me extra padding after you were born, and it is a good place to rest my hands...
3.) It is my new glamour pose.. you like it?

Or....

1.) I am upset with your actions, and this is my way of having an attitude
2.) I am hoping that I will regain some patience with my hands here while I stew over your mess
3.) This is my way of pouting, being angry, and showing the family that I am really frustrated right now

I don't know about you, but I have been caught in the "Act of... My Hands on my Hips," ... a lot.
And when it comes right down to it,,  there are probably a lot of other little mannerisms that I do, and you as a parent do also.
And our kids will mimic them.
Good or Bad.

 -Biting your lip?
 -Rolling your eyes?
 -Clenched fists?
 -Smoldering sighs?
 -Hands on your hips?
 -Quick to reply and not wait for explanation?
 -Pursed lips?
 -Biting the inside of your cheek?

What are some things you find yourself doing, and maybe your children are noticing?

We can change our responses by 1st recognizing our actions.
Change and grow.
Let daily tests grow you in grace.

Recipe for your Fall Sweet Tooth

Because all of us need a smile,,, and we all have a sweet-tooth..

This post is for YOU!

This will have to be an annual post that I share in the fall....

Fall just brings out the baking, decorating, creative side in me...

Our home has been flourishing with Pumpkin Bread, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Stews, Pies, and more!

But our favorite of ALL,... is this absolutely delicious recipe for:

CARAMEL CORN!!

I am not kidding... once you take on bite of this sweet tooth snack... it is SOOO hard to stop!

I hope you have the opportunity to whip some of this delish' up soon!
Fall is in the air!!

September's Caramel Corn Recipe ( given to me over 20 years ago from a dear friend)

 6-8 Quarts Popped Corn ( Pop ahead and set aside in a deep pot or bowl)

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup BUTTER

1/2 cup Light Karo Syrup

1 teaspoon salt

~~~~~

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

In a 2quart pan, BOIL for 5 minutes.. the first FOUR ingredients

Stir constantly..

After boiling for 5 minutes... turn heat off, and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

STIR WELL.

Quickly and Carefully pour over popped corn in Deep pot or bowl, and STIR to Coat Completely.

Spread covered corn onto 2 greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 200 degrees for 1 hour.

Set timer for every 15 minutes,,, to flip caramel corn on sheets.  This helps to bake evenly.

After 1 hour... set out onto waxed paper to cool... when cool. break up into bite sized pieces.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Enjoy this fall recipe..

even if you are fighting the welcome of the new fall weather... 

try this..

it will boost your spirits!

National Holidays-Funny Lists for you to read!

Just had to share... what a riot!

What are some of your favorites below?

 

I think that September 20th and September 28th are the funniest ever!

September 27th is the oddest ever!

WHO comes up with these?

SEPTEMBER

September 1 is … Emma M. Nutt Day 
September 2 is … National Beheading Day 
September 3 is … Skyscraper Day 
September 4 is … Newspaper Carrier Day 
September 5 is … Be Late For Something Day 
September 6 is … Fight Procrastination Day 
September 7 is … Neither Rain Nor Snow Day 
September 8 is … National Date Nut Bread Day and Pardon Day 
September 9 is … Teddy Bear Day 
September 10 is … Swap Ideas Day 
September 11 is … No News Is Good News Day 
September 12 is … National Pet Memorial Day and National Chocolate Milkshake Day ,    National Encouragement Day
September 13 is … Defy Superstition Day 
September 14 is … National Cream-filled Donut Day 
September 15 is … Felt Hat Day 
September 16 is … Stay Away From Seattle Day and Collect Rocks Day 
September 17 is … National Apple Dumpling Day 
September 18 is … National Play-doh Day 
September 19 is … National Butterscotch Pudding Day 
September 20 is … National Punch Day 
September 21 is … World Gratitude Day and International Banana Festival 
September 22 is … Hobbit Day and Dear Diary Day 
September 23 is … Checkers Day and Dogs In Politics Day 
September 24 is … Festival Of Latest Novelties 
September 25 is … National Comic Book Day 
September 26 is … National Good Neighbor Day and National Pancake Day 
September 27 is … Crush A Can Day 
September 28 is … Ask A Stupid Question Day More 
September 29 is … Poisoned Blackberries Day 
September 30 is … National Mud Pack Day

So, Grab your Chocolate Milkshake and Encourage a friend ..or two.. or three today!

Reflections of a Heart Change- Our Sons

Contrary to Popular Belief...

           the Battle for Our Son's Hearts for the Lord won't be won by reading and implementing the best              parenting techniques,  It won't be won though late night talks, lectures on right and wrong, or even committing to a Bible-preaching Church.

These things are all PART of the equation, but they don't trump the most important piece of the fight!
(21 Days of Prayer)

Prayer- This battle is best fought on your knees!

OBEDIENCE

A heart-change is important for God to do His work in all of our lives,

and OBEDIENCE is ac act of choice -

but remember..

Obedience is intimately linked to Loving Christ.

Today...

Let's PRAY that God will move in the HEARTS of our sons.

Today - Take advantage of the two wonderful posts written by Sally Clarkson...

on Obedience...

and then as we pray for our sons to have obedient hearts today,

 let's examine our own lives, and ask our Savior to live out His great love for us that our sons will see how truly valuable it is!!

(21 Days)

Click Here to read the Articles on Obedience:

First Time Obedience:

http://www.itakejoy.com/first-time-obedience-really/

Obedience - Pathway or Procedure?

http://www.itakejoy.com/obedience-is-a-pathway-not-a-procedure/

Do YOU have a plan for teaching Obedience to your sons?

Please share.

May Ben walk after the LORD His God, and obey with all his heart and all his soul all the commandments God has given. ( Deuteronomy 13:4)

May we be full of JOY at Ben's Obedience.

Romans 16:19

Bathe your Sons in Prayer Today

What a Blessing Today CAN be for all of us.  Will you choose to pray for your sons, grandsons, or boys in your life?

( If you would still like to join us,  just read the former post,  grab your e-book, and leave a comment today... we have a handful already praying together!)

This Battle is fought on our knees - Prayer.

Prayer Warriors-

Today we are praying about a HEART CHANGE for our sons.

{{{{Read through the Study Questions on Page 11, and ask yourselves each question with complete humility:
(Just to help you start thinking,, here are two of the questions)}}}}

1.)Do you believe that God holds us responsible for the way that we that we train our children?


2.)Pray and ask the Lord to show you any ways that you have failed to raise your sons to know and love Him and how you can change this to bring glory to Him.

Today COMMIT to Praying the Ten Prayers in the Heart Change Chapter.. 

I LOVE this Format -

 Filling in your sons name in every space!

Let's begin together:

Fill in your blank:

"May ______ Honor God with his heart, and not just his lips." (Isaiah 29:13

"Create in ______ a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within him." (Psalm 51:10)

Friends... Don't see your commitment to this Study as a Burden,,,You will be blessed by praying for your sons, and the Lord will enlighten our hearts and minds together.

BE STEADFAST!

Here are a few ways you can find the time to pray today:

1.) Pray the Prayers ONE at a time throughout the day - if this is easier for you.

2.) Make the Prayers part of your family devotion time.

3.)Spend time in concentrated prayer time- at night.

Every Friday you can link up here to a post on your blog about what God is showing you through this time in Prayer.  Be sure to check back every day.


For every day discussion,,, kindly leave your thoughts and prayers / requests here as a comment.

It is time to pray for our sons..Join in...

This E-Book Prayer Study will begin on Tuesday, September 6th..

(Click here to find where you can grab your own book- it is an EASY download!)

So many of you moms, right this very moment, are kneeling down or lying flat on your face before God,
asking Him to help you. You’re lost, overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed, heartbroken, and seconds away
from waving the white flag in defeat. I know where you are. I’ve been there. I’m still there. I have no
idea how to make this dream of mine come true. I have no idea how to raise men who will be different:
respecters of women, lovers of God. I have no idea how to teach little men to work with their hands, take
commitments seriously, and protect the least of these. And I certainly have no idea how to raise warriors,
protectors, worshippers, peacemakers, and friends by myself.


But I do know how to get down on my knees and cry out to God on their behalf. I do know that God’s
Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit,
of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart“ (Hebrews 4:12).
So I pray the Word over my boys daily. Asking the One who has the power to change hearts of stone into
hearts of flesh to find my boys and make them His.
In spite of me.

(excerpt from the E-book Study)

JOIN us?

We begin on Tuesday..

With this Simple Format:

1.) Read Chapters and Pray for our Sons Daily.

2.)21 Days of Sharing and Reading and Praying

Checking in here -you can leave comments, write a post on your blog ( if you have one), or even encourage others on FB or personally to JOIN US in Praying.

Read Here and See if you are prepared to Go to Battle for your Sons?

Study Questions
1. Describe your current relationship with your son(s). Are they young? Teenagers? All grown up? Is
your relationship with them what you want it to be?


2. Think back to when you first realized you were having a boy (or boys!). What was your response?
Were you happy? Excited? Sad? Overwhelmed? Do you think your initial response to the idea of
having boys has affected your parenting of them over the years?


3. Are your boys typical rough and tumble? Or are they a bit different than the stereotypical definition
of boys? How has this affected your parenting over the years?

4. Do your boys have good role models (father, uncles, other godly men)? If not, try to think of one
man you could ask to be a stronger part of their lives. Write that man's name here and commit to
praying that the Lord would put this need on his heart.

5. How have you prayed for your son(s) in the past? Is the idea of praying the Word of God for
them new to you? If so, how do you think it will change the way you pray for your son(s)?

Spread the word,,,, NEXT Tuesday,, check back here for our first discussion!

Grab your e-book here if you want to Join us!  Just click the image!

Would you kindly leave a comment if you want to join us?
I can answer any questions you might have.