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Why Public Schools are Unconstitutional
This is my husband's answer, for those who asked: When opining about the unconstitutionality of public education, you can only speak of the federal constitution, as many state constitutions explicitly provide for public education. This observation should be enough to make a case against the federal role in public education under the 10th Amendment (any powers not explicitly given to the federal government by the constitution are reserved to the states or to the people (when not given to the states)). If the framers intended the federal government to have a role in educating youth, they would have granted Congress the authority to regulate it. However, they did not and, as such, the power remained with the state governments, or more specifically, with the people to give to the state governments. Interestingly, in light of the fact education is not provided for constitutionally (federal), Congress originally had to insert an education funding mechanism into a military appropriations bill in the 1950s (or thereabouts) to scoot around their impotence to directly fund/regulate education. It is through the continued use of funding mandates that Congress “regulates” education—unconstitutionally so, I might add.
Hurricane History and How You Can Help
Q&A: Where Do I Find the Energy?
Q. "Where do you find the energy to do all this stuff? Like you I have one child, but I don’t have a husband. I find myself physically and mentally drained constantly. A couple days ago I began crying because I was so tired, both mentally and physically. Granted I work about 40 hours a week on feet, but I’m not foolish enough to believe that my work is any harder than that of a stay-at-home mother. I just don’t have the physical or mental energy to do “projects” like you. Like sewing, reading, small business etc… My “hobby”, so to speak, is computer time. -Ash"A: Well, I'm not superwoman. :) I wish I had a lot more energy and hours in my day because there is a lot more I'd like to do! You don't have a husband, so you are shouldering a lot more of a load than I am. I honestly can't imagine what it would be like. I worked as a waitress for 5 years at a very busy, upscale restaurant and I know it can be extremely tiring. I think any job that requires you to be on your feet for hours on end just sucks the life out of you. I do alot, but there are also a lot of things I don't do. I am very careful about committing to things and I say "no" a lot for the sake of my family and my sanity. I rely upon the Lord for His grace and strength. I also seek to make the most of everyday. There are so many things I want to do, read, study, write, and so on, so I want to pack as much into everyday as possible! Practically speaking: Getting up early and starting my day out with time in prayer and reading God's Word is what gives me fuel for the day. Eat well. Drink a lot of water. Exercise. Have a schedule. Get rid of clutter. Learn to say "no." Plan ahead. Eliminate and concentrate. Most of all: Enjoy life, enjoy your child, and live each day as you would want to live your last day. Hmm... there's a lot more I could say... but I'm off to play with Kathrynne.
Demographic Survey
"Mrs. Paine, I hope you don't mind my commenting. I have read your Blog for quite some time (and anonymously, while you were posting on Live Journal) and figured it was about time I made myself known. :-) I have to tell you, that your posts, insight and even the little family tid bits are an inspiration to me, not only with your walk but as a feminine Godly woman. May I also say you are a beautiful woman inside and out. Your Husband and Daughter are truly blessed. Your middle name is Nicole? Crystal Nicole...What a beautiful name! You certainly live up to it! Thank you and continue to be you! -Jessica" Jessica, Thanks so much for commenting and thanks for your encouragement. Anything good you see in me is thanks to my Heavenly Father and my earthly parents. I am blessed and therefore, I want to be a blessing. I have a long way to go to be the feminine, Godly woman I desire to be, but God is gracious! Everyone: Time for Another Reader Demographic Survey!If you have yet to comment or email me and you read this blog, I'd just LOVE to hear from you. I love receiving comments, emails, and questions. Like I've said before, the more you write and comment, the more it inspires me to post. :) If you are a regular blog reader and have not introduced yourself, comment and tell me a little about yourself and where you're from. If you'd rather, you are welcome to email me this information. The last time I did this, it was so fun and encouraging and since my daily hits have doubled since then, I thought it was time to ask again. Also, I have a question for everyone to answer: Do I post too much? This is not a self-serving question, but something I really have been wondering about. This blog is the outlet for many of my thoughts and rants and since I seem to sometimes have an overactive brain (which is why I can't sleep some nights because I just have too many things I want to think about-- not always a pleasant problem to have!), I know that I often will post multiple posts throughout the day (as many as 10 or more sometimes, without even meaning to!). I was wondering whether this made it almost overwhelming. I want people to enjoy coming to this blog, not be so overwhelmed by new posts that they just leave! So, honest answers would be appreciated.
Another Home Management Binder
Laundry Tip
A blog reader sent the following laundry tip: I'm still single, but here's a laundry tip that helps reduce my laundry (plus it reduces what I spend at the laundromat):
Use one large towel per person per week. You're only drying off a clean body! ;-) I got this idea from The Complete Tightwad Gazette.
I grew up in a home with both parents and a slightly younger brother. We almost always had to do one load of towels a day. The washing of towels would have been greatly reduced if we had followed the one towel per person per week rule.
I use a hand towel to dry my hair (I have short hair) - one per week as well - and a new washcloth each day. I also have about 10 kitchen dish towels to enable me to get through a week. With a child, you might have more, due to messes.
Do You Sparkle?
A few years ago, I was on a plane travelling to visit a dear friend. I was seated next to a friendly, middle-aged woman and we enjoyed good conversation on a myriad of topics. She shared with me the struggles she had been going through with various family members and the heartache it had been to her. When she asked about my life and family, I told her a little bit about my parents, family, and soon-to-be husband and how the Lord was working in our lives and leading us. She perked up and starting asking many questions. This opened the door for me to share our courtship story and what I was doing instead of going to college and why. She seemed sincerely interested in all of these things and wanted to know why we were choosing this route. This provided an open door for me to be able to share Christ with this needy woman and intently listened. When the plane landed and we parted ways, she told how much she enjoyed meeting me and ended our conversation with, "You really sparkle!" I praise God that my life was able to be a testimony to her that day. If I sparkle, it is God sparkling through me! My parents named me "Crystal" because it means "brilliantly clear, pure, radiant Christian." My middle name means: "Victory of the people." My parents' vision for me since birth was that I would be a radiant, victorious Christian for the glory of God. I want God's love and God's grace to sparkle through my life! I want others to see a difference in me. If I'm not sparkling, something is wrong. Christians should be the most contented, joyous, radiant, beautiful people alive. We are children of the King of kings!
Attacking the Clutter Monster Part 1
"In a future post would you consider going over your clutter reducing techniques? I don’t know about you, but it is very inspiring to me to read about how other women keep their homes organized and clutter free. -Trixie"There's so much I could say on this subject, Trixie. I honestly don't know where to start. I grew up in a very well-ordered, clean home, so I this definitely has affected the way we live now. My mom never wanted to have more than we needed and it was a constant joke that she was always purging our home of excess to give away to our local DAV (it seemed we almost had a monthly pick up date where they would bring their truck and cart off all of our extra stuff to the thrift store!). I learned to love the look of a clean, clutter-free home, so that is what I am always working to have now that I have my own home to keep. I love pretty things and color, but most of all I love the color white--- white walls, white tile, and light colored carpet (not at all practical with a lot of young children, I know!). I just love the look of spacious, open, unpiled, clutter-free areas. I'm not saying my home is always that way, but it's my goal! I am constantly trying to improve in this area, but here are some things which have helped me: -A place for everything and everything in its place (or at least that's the goal). I know you've heard this so many times, but do you have a place for everything in your home? Where do your shoes go when you take them off? Where does your purse go when you get home? And so on. If there isn't a place for something, find a place for it, or get rid of it. This also saves you a lot of time you would otherwise spend looking for lost items. -When in doubt, throw it out. :) Don't hang on to something you think you might use in the future, just throw it out or find someone else who can use it. Bless other people with your stuff you are not using. If I don't have a use for something, I'd rather see it be put to use in someone else's home, than taking up space in my own home! -Eliminate and concentrate. Eliminate that which distracts you so that you can concentrate on what God has called you to. -Keep it Simple. Don't have more than you need. Examine your belongings: How many pairs of shoes do you need? (You can easily get by with three or less.) How many everyday clothes (You can easily get by with 5 outfits or less)? How many dressier clothes (You can easily get by with 2-3 outfits or less)? How many toys do your children need (Probably none, because most children prefer to play with "non-toy items" anyway!)? This is just a very small start on some basic principles I try to follow (not perfectly, mind you! I have a lot left to learn!). I hope to write a Part 2 (and maybe even Part 3 or more) with some practical ideas that have been helpful. I'd love to have everyone else chime in and share how they reduce clutter in their own home. Also, what books or websites have been helpful to you in this endeavor?
Birthing Centers
"I don't know if I would try a home birth for the first child! But the birthing center idea sounds very nice. I didn't realize they were so much less expensive! Do they offer all the same precautions and services in case of an emergency? -Erin"Not all birth centers are created equal.. there are many different kinds and varieties. So I can't speak for them all. I can tell you that if the birth center is accredited by the National Association of Childbearing Centers they have to abide by certain standards. You can click here to see if there is an NACC accredited birth center near you.The one we were blessed to use was only a block away from the hospital in case anything happened and the over-seeing doctor, nurses, and CNM's were very experienced and qualified. I hemorrhaged rather severely after Kathrynne was born and has to receive a number of shots to stop the bleeding. I was very grateful for their quick action knowledge to prevent further complications. We were very impressed with the excellent balance there was between modern medicine and natural childbirth.
Laundry Update
 I am just thrilled! Thanks to all of your encouragement and wonderful ideas, and especially to Nichola, I have gone a whole week without ANY laundry pile on our bed or in our room. I have only been doing one load at a time and completely finishing it and it works wonders. My husband is grateful as well. Now, does anyone have any great ideas on how to stay caught up on ironing? That is one other area I really seem to be struggling in right now. Suggestions would be appreciated. My husband likes to have all of his shirts starched and pressed (he works at a law firm so he goes through a lot of dress shirts per week!) and you think it would be simple for me to stay caught up on, but I just can't seem to do a very good job of it.
Making Baguettes
 I made Baguettes yesterday (recipe from French Women Don't Get Fat) and they turned out beautifully! My husband loved them (He even requested that I send them to work in his lunch today!) and I think the recipe is a keeper. It was so simple to make and only takes 5 ingredients and a total of maybe 15 minutes or so. We served it with the Vegetable Soup (also from the above book). I'm off to make croissants today. They take three days to make, so we'll see how it goes!
Bread Machines
 "Do you use the bread machine because a) it's healthier; b) it's fun; c) it's cheaper; d) you like the aroma in your house; e) other? -Anonymous"Can I pick more than one answer? I use the bread machine because we prefer homemade bread and I don't always have time to make it from scratch! We do buy store-bought bread for sandwiches, but my husband and I both prefer homemade bread for eating. I love the aroma, it's so fulfilling to made homemade bread, it is sometimes cheaper, and it is definitely healthier For Martha and anyone else interested, here is the quick and easy 7-Grain Bread recipe:3/4 cup and 2 T. water 2 T. butter 2 1/3 cups flour (whole-wheat and/or white) 1/4 cup 7-grain cereal 1 1/2 t. salt 2 1/2 t. yeast Bake on whole wheat setting. How easy is that?? That's why I love the bread machine. I can "make" bread in about 2 minutes or less.
Another Homemaking Binder
Well, it's been awhile since I've had any new homemaking binders to post. Thanks to Samara for putting hers online. She did a splendid job! Kathrynne and I are on a new schedule now since she is older and we are doing more learning activities, so once I get the schedule more figured out (I'm still tweaking it), I will try to post it.
Non-Traditional Birthing?
"Crystal, Since you believe that children should not be prevented due to finances...do you advocate a non-traditional way of giving birth? I've heard that typical hospital births cost about $10,000 when all's said and done, and that's if nothing goes wrong. Many health insurance plans don't offer maternity benefits. Just curious :o) -Erin"Hi, Erin! Contrary to popular opinion, it doesn't have to cost $10,000 to have a baby! In fact, for Kathrynne's entire birth, including prenatal and postnatal care, along with birthing classes and the whole kit and kaboodle costs us a grand total of about $700! God provides when you trust Him! There are many ways to have a baby which won't break your budget! Far Kathrynne's birth, we used a free-standing birthing center with an all-female staff (my husband and I are with you on that, Zan! Unless I'm dying, I only want a female doctor, nurse, or midwife!). Our insurance did pay for most of the costs (and we are on student insurance!), but going to a birthing center is also a lot more economical (about $3,000 for the total care package). We loved the birthing center. My husband and I wanted to be able to make our own decisions regarding care of mother and baby and this allowed us to do things in a much more natural way. Many of the traditional hospital procedures are not only unneccessary, they can also be harmful to both mother and baby (Don't shoot me, Zan, or any other RN or MD out there reading this!). Birth is a natural experience. It is not a sickness or a disease and it should not be treated that way. Yes, there are sometimes complications which arise, but for the most part, a healthy mother who has a healthy pregnancy and has prepared herself for the birth can have a wonderful, natural birth experience. My birthing experience was really one of the most incredible experiences of my life (if you want to read my birth story, feel free to email me and I'll be happy to send it to you). It really was a lot easier than I was expecting. Having a natural, unmedicated birth is a very thrilling experience. Having a homebirth is also another great option. My sister apprenticed as a midwife for two years and my mom has served as a doula at a number of births, so I'm quite familiar with homebirths. I've even been able to attend a few (I attended the birth of my youngest brother-- my sister delivered him with the oversight of 2 midwives!) There are many Christian midwives who will provide care free of charge or for whatever the family can pay. I know of many families who will barter with a midwife for her services. My husband and I are hoping to have a homebirth next time, Lord-willing. Another thing, my husband and I have been on a couple of insurance plans since we have been married and we always make sure that whatever insurance we have will cover maternity. It can be worth it to pay a little more to have that covered. So, if you have a choice of insurance policies, definitely maker sure your bases are covered on this one. Very few insurance companies cover homebirths, but they will usually cover birthing centers. Please note: I am not bashing hospital births, nor am I saying it is a sin to have a hospital birth! I am just providing some alternatives which are usually more affordable. :)
Swim Suit Fabric
"I've made several suits myself, not quite as modest as your sister's pattern, Crystal, but more modest than what they have in the stores. I've had the best luck with completely synthetic fabrics as they last longer, but it is hard finding sufficiently THICK synthetics. What fabric does your sister use? -Alice" She uses four-way stretch lycra and just gets the thicker kind so that it won't be see-through when wet and will be durable. We've found a number of really pretty swimsuit fabrics. This past week they were on sale at Joann's for $5/yard! I got the fabric and all accessories for my suit for under $15!
Worshipping Together as a Family in Church
"The Heart of Her Husband Safely Trusts..."
Another quote from Home-Making which really convicted me: "One of the first essential elements in a wife is faithfulness-- faithfulness, too, in the largest sense. 'The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.' Perfect confidence is the basis of all true affection. A shadow of doubt destroys the peace of married life. A true wife by her character and by her conduct proves herself worthy of her husband's trust. He has confidence in her affection; he knows that her heart is unalterably true to him. He has confidence in her management; he confides to her that care of his household. He knows that she is true to all his interests--that she is prudent and wise, not wasteful nor extravagant. It is one of the essential things in a true wife that her husband shall be able to leave in her hands the management of all domestic affairs, and know that they are safe. Wifely thriftlessness and extravagance have destroyed the happiness of many a household and wrecked many a home. On the other hand, many a man owes his prosperity to his wife's prudence and her wise administration of household affairs."
Does an Unborn Child Feel Pain?
Where to Find Dresses and Skirts Part 3
Where to Find Dresses and Skirts Part 2
2. Make Your OwnEven if you can't sew at all (I almost fit into that category... but I'm trying really hard to break out of that mold.), anyone should be able to learn how to make a simple skirt with an elastic waist. Believe me, if I can do it, you can, too. Find a skirt pattern that works for you (pick a few up when the patterns are on sale for $0.99/each and try them out to find out which one works best) and then keep reusing it. You can often get clearance fabric for $2/yard or less and for most skirts 2 yards is all you would need for an average size. Add in the costs of elastic and thread (maybe $1.00?) and you have yourself a skirt for $5 or under. In addition, the accomplishment you will feel from making something for yourself is wonderful, too. :) Plus, a simple skirt will only take you a few hours or less to make. My sisters always make almost all of their own skirts (both of my sisters are very accomplished seamstresses, don't know why I never could acquire the skill??) and you could never tell. People are forever asking them where they got their cute skirts from. Or, ask someone you know who sews well to make some skirts for you. If possible, barter with them for their time, instead of paying them.
Where to Find Dresses and Skirts Part 1
"Where can you find cheap dresses and skirts online? -Anonymous" 1. Thrift Stores Well, I would encourage you to check out your local thrift store first. I buy about 50% of my clothes second-hand. If you know where to shop and how to shop at thrift stores, you can find some excellent buys. I am extremely particular when I shop at thrift stores. The item must be in like-new condition, it must be "my color" (I usually only wear clothes in my color palette-- Thanks to Lydia and Color Me Beautiful.), it must be something I really like, it must not be an out-dated style, and it must be a good brand (I make exceptions on this one if it is in brand-new condition and $0.99 or something!). Why so many rules for thrift store shopping? Well, because I don't ever want to look like I shop at thrift stores (and my husband's not real keen on that either!). My goal is to always look nice for my husband and wearing frumpy clothes that look like they are second-hand does not fit the bill! I buy most of my tops for $0.99-$1.99 at the thrift store and skirts I will pay up to $3.99 for. So, most of the outfits I wear (I primarily wear skirts and tops, as that is what my husband likes best and I delight to please him!) cost around $4-5 total or under. Find which thrift stores are in nicer areas of town and shop at those. Find when they have Dollar Days (most thrift stores do) and get there early on the first day of that sale!
What's Cooking at Your House?
Kathrynne and I just finished making 7-Grain Bread (she helped me pour each ingredient into the bread machine) and apple tart (she sat on the counter and watched and picked up the apples!). I'm getting ready to start fixing Golden Potato Soup for dinner as well. What's cooking at your house?
Modest Swimwear
In our day and age, finding modest swimwear is almost next to impossible. After years of trying in vain to find something which would work for us, my sister finally decided to design her own pattern and make swimming suits for us. After being asked repeatedly where she got the pattern from, I am so excited to tell you that she has produced the pattern to sell! Until August 31, 2005, she is offering the patterns at an over 30% discount! Check out this link: http://www.BiblicalWomanhoodOnline.com/swimwear.htm
Housework in Dresses Part 2
Challenge of the Week: Do Something Domestic!
The word, domestic, according to Dictionary.com means: Of or relating to the family or household: domestic chores.
Fond of home life and household affairs.My challenge for you this week is to "Do Something Domestic" and then write me or comment here and tell what you did! Or, better yet, post it on your blog (with pictures, if appropriate) and then send me the link. Let us inspire one another to be the best "keepers of our homes" we can be. Some of my "DSD" goals for this week: -Finish hemming a skirt I am sewing. -Go to the fabric store and buy a skirt pattern for myself and a jumper pattern for Kathrynne (anyone have any recommendations? Joann's is having all Simplicity patterns for $0.99 on Saturday.) -Make Baguettes and Croissants (recipes from French Women Don't Get Fat)
The Answer to My Laundry Dilemma!
Nichola posted the following comment and it revolutionized my laundry thinking! It's so simple, I'm embarrassed I'd never thought of it sooner. I have already put this into practice and our room is still laundry-free. Three days and counting!! Thanks to everyone who posted ideas and suggestions. "I want to say that I really understand this problem. My husband helped me out on this issue and I will pass on his excellent advice that is fool-proof. Once I quit being stubborn I really got some victory in this area! I had no problem getting the laundry washed when we married. Mountians and mountians of it. I piled it up into a mountian of clean laundry, and should have named it Neverest!!! Our bed was piled until I set up tables to fold on and then they were piled. I learned to never take it into the living room or it would be piled high wih clean mountains of laundry. "I need a shirt." "Oh, there's a clean one about half way down the mountian." Finally, I would get ambitious and decide to the top of my "Mount Neverest." I would work and sweat and fight and conquer Neverest. Aaahh. The thrill of acomplishment was great. I then got right to busy building me another mountian to conquer. I guess somewhere I had the idea that doing laundry all day was the biggest thrill I could have? Finally, I tried the suggestion my husband had. It sounds silly and too simplistic, but how can I argue with something that really works? The rule is you finish the job you started. That means you wash, dry, fold and put away/hang up before you do another load. The job of getting a load of laundry is then completed. It will seem slow, too slow. It's not. Which is slower: taking the job all the way to the end or digging through a mountian or two of laundry to go to church, ironing each piece as you get dressed? :-) You have to take time somewhere to do the laundry, why not right when it is ready and isn't all wrinkled and clogging up your living space? I argued with this for a long time. I thought that I just needed to do better, be more discipline or whatever. Or worse, my argument would be something along the lines of there is no solution, this is just the way it is. Wrong. I agreed to try it and wonder of wonders, sucess the first try! I tried it again. Same results. No growing mountian, only empty drawers filling up. I was amazed. How was this possible?! Since this amazing discovery I have learned that nearly all the women that I know that are sucessful with their laundry follow this system. Amazing! *grin* I also learned something else on this recently. Instead of folding and organizing little kids drawers, I now hang up all clothes that can be of my 3 yr old and 18 month old. Getting dressed is a snap, as is putting their clothes away. Socks, underwear, pants and shorts go in drawers, but both kid's folded clothes fit in one small chest of drawers. Also, downsizing is a good idea. I have done that some and it has made a difference. I am wanting to do it more. You don't have to be weird to have a simple wardrobe. On a simple laundry washing system, this is mine. I sort my laundry into coloreds, whites, jeans, towels and baby clothes. Anything that needs special washing I put seperately but I don't have many of those. When one of these catagories is full, into the washer it goes. And then into the drawers/closets. -Nichola"
The First Day of School
Jesse started school again today and thus, we are on an entirely new schedule (I'll have to post my updated schedule, once I get it figured out!). We are trying to go to bed by 9:30 p.m. in order to get up at 5:00 a.m. Both of us are night-owls usually, so an early bed-time is going to be a new adjustment. But, we've found that the early morning hours can be so productive. It always amazes me how much more I seem to get done early in the morning than late at night. We took a walk at 6:30 this morning and and watched the sun rise. How invigorating!
College for None, Some, or All?
Captivated with Careers or Ministry?
"One of the greatest deceptions of Satan is to seduce mothers to be captivated with their careers or ministry outside the home so they don't have time to create life. All their material 'things' will be left behind. Instead, they will be empty of that which they could have taken into Eternity-- the redeemed souls of their children." -From Be Fruitful and Multiply
Help! My Laundry Pile Overfloweth!
Does anyone have any great ideas for me? I can keep my house pretty clean and organized and clutter-free, but Mount Neverest (i.e. the laundry pile) always seems to be piled up high. I don't have any trouble running the laundry through, but folding it seems to be my point of contention. We always seem to have at least one mountain of laundry in our bedroom-- at least it's clean, but I can't seem to keep it folded and put away. I work on it everyday, but my system just doesn't seem good enough. And 12 children from now, we are going to have a major problem on our hands!! How do you stay on top of the laundry? Any tips or help would be much-appreciated!
To Lay Up Treasure in Heaven
"To bear children, is to lay up treasure in Heaven. God is not only interested in populating earth, but in populating eternity. We need to guard ourselves from the trends of our day that lure our attention to "things" that will not last and pull us away from the tasks that are lasting, such as raising children." -From Be Fruitful and Multiply
Leave a Legacy
"Every man should aim to be the founder of a dynasty for God." -Phil Lancaster "To raise Godly children is to leave a legacy for future generations. The legacy of homes, lands, and wealth is great, but these can be destroyed and vanish away. The legacy of children will last through the generations." Quotations from Be Fruitful and Multiply .
Be Fruitful and Multiply
 I just finished reading Be Fruitful and Multiply a few days ago and very much appreciated this book. How far our generation is from understanding what the Word of God has to say about children! I wrote down a number of quotes from the book which I will be sharing this week. I highly encourage all couples to read this book together. "There are many today who have changed the Word of the Lord in Psalm 127:3-4 to their own version, more suited to their lifestyle: 'Lo, children are a burden from the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is a curse. Depressed is the man who has children, and happy is the man who avoids them or has as few as possible.'"
Homes are the Springs...
I'm reading Homemaking by J.R. Miller right now (Look for a review soon, this has been an incredible read so far. I'm wondering why I never read it sooner?) and have so many quotes I want to share from this book. Here is one from the very first page: "Homes are the springs among the hills,
whose many streamlets, uniting,
form like great rivers
society, the community,
the nation, the church.
“If the Springs run low, the rivers waste.
If they pour our bounteous currents,
the rivers are full.
If the springs are pure,
the rivers are clean like crystal; if they are foul,
the rivers are defiled."
Last night's dinner
I like to go to AllRecipes and use their "ingredient search" when planning our menu (providing our cupboards aren't too bare). It is amazing what you can come up with to make, mostly with what you already have on hand. Here are the recipes I made for our dinner last night (from AllRecipes): Chicken Stuff1 (4 pound) whole chicken 1 (7 ounce) package corn muffin mix 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup salt and pepper to taste 1. In an 8x8 pan (NOT muffin tins), prepare muffin mix according to package directions. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, salt and pepper and mix well. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish and crumble baked muffin mix on top. 4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Chocolate Cheesecake 1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth. set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Finally, stir in the melted chocolate. Pour into the prepared crust. 3. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, until the center is set. Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
A True Family Team
I love to see families working together and making an impact on our culture-- as a family-- for the glory of God. My sister sent me the link to FamTeam's website yesterday. You won't want to miss reading about this amazing family of 14 boys and 1 girl. It is incredible all they accomplish as a team working together!
I'm blessed to be married to such a man...
Help for Morning Sickness
Zan asked: "What did you do for your morning sickness. I've tried everything but maybe you have some pointers?" Just to give a little background to anyone else reading this, as I know Zan already knows this: I had morning-noon-and-night sickness almost incessantly with my pregnancy with Kathrynne. Everyone said it would get better after the 12-week-point. Mine didn't. In fact, it got worse. It was a very difficult time, but thanks to all of my husband's help and help from family members and friends, we made it through. I started feeling better when I was about 20 weeks along and now that Kathrynne is born, I don't even hardly remember that time! She was worth every bit of it, even though at the time it seemed like I would NEVER be able to eat or drink again. Zan, I was so desperate for help I tried just about everything I heard from anyone who offered any suggestions. I researched on the internet (something I could still do while lying in bed!) everything I could find on this subject. Honestly, nothing really seemed to work, although a few things did seem to help. I'm sure you've tried most everything, but since you asked, here's what helped a little for me: -Eat a little bit of something every hour or so. At first, I just really didn't eat hardly anything and I soon was so weak I couldn't even stand up long enough to take a shower. Being faint made me more sick to my stomach. I found that eating a little bit of anything very often helped me to feel better in the long run. - If I was ever hungry for anything (which was usually a pretty rare occurance!), I would eat whatever that was as soon as I could. Yes, Jesse made many trips to Subway and Panera (my two favorite restaurants!), and even more trips to the grocery store to appease my latest flyby craving. -Eat protein, if possible and stay away from fruits and sugars. -Drink peppermint tea. - Saltines and 7up really did work for me sometimes. Many days, they were the only thing I existed on. - If you are not opposed to using drugs, I've heard that there are some out there which are pretty effective in curbing the nausea. You could ask your doctor. That's my short little list of a few things that helped me a little bit. Could other women share what worked for them or any suggestions you've heard? We want to help Zan out!Hang in there, Zan, and just try and focus on what the end result will be!
A Mother's Prayer
I was washing Kathrynne's little hands this morning and later someone emailed me this poem. It sums up my heart. We named our daughter Kathrynne because it means "pure." Our constant prayer for her is that she would be a pure vessel. I look into her little face and my heart yearns to protect her from all of the evil and wickedness of this sin-darkened culture. A Mother's PrayerI wash the dirt from little feet, and as I wash I pray, "Lord, keep them ever pure and true to walk the narrow way." I wash the dirt from little hands, and earnestly I ask, "Lord, may they ever yielded be to do the humblest task." I wash the dirt from little knees, and pray, "Lord, may they be The place where victories are won, and orders sought fromThee." I scrub the clothes that soil so soon, and pray, "Lord, may her dress Throughout eternal ages be Thy robe of righteousness." E'er many hours shall pass, I know, I'll wash these hands again; And there'll be dirt upon her dress before the day shall end. But as she journeys on through life and learns of want and pain, Lord, keep her precious little heart cleansed from all sin and stain; For soap and water cannot reach where Thou alone can'st see. Her hands and fee, these I can wash--I trust her heart to Thee. -B. Ryberg
Always Avoid Alliteration
Biblical Advice for Bloggers
Thanks to Mrs. Happy Housewife for this excellent link on Godly Blogging. Here are the verses from the article. Make sure to read it in its entirety: 1. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your blog, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. (Eph 4:29)"2. Blog about others as you would have them blog about you (Lk 6:31)3. But in your blogs set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience... (1Pet 3:15,16)4. Each one should use whatever blog he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms (1Pet 4:10)5. Let us therefore make every effort to blog what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Ro 14:19) And Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the blog of peace (Eph 4:2)6. Accept him whose blog is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters...Let us stop blogging judgment on one another... whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. (Ro 14:1-22)7. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - blog about such things. (Phil 4:8)This is my desire for my blog.
Recent Happenings
I was encouraged by some of my blog readers to post more day-to-day-happenings entries. I often shy away from posting these kinds of things just because I don't know that our day-to-day happenings could be all that interesting to people, but, to appease those special blog readers who requested it, here's a sampling of what has been going on in our household:
Jesse has been busy being a great husband and father, protector, and provider. He recently got his temporary legal license (he is able to get this in his last year of law school) so he can now represent clients in court. Cool, huh? He has been quite busy with his job, but I'm grateful that he can do some of his work from home. We love having him home as much as is possible!
Kathrynne is such a joy and source of amazement to us. Not a day goes by that we don't look at her in wonderment. She turned 6 months last week and started scooting last week and is very close to crawling. She loves to go outside, read books, do her "school", and play with Mommy. She's also getting close to talking (she can say "Uh-oh" and "Da-da" though she doesn't usually act like she knows what it means!) and we're hoping to start potty-training soon as she seems like she is getting close to being ready. As for me, my life is full and wonderful. I've been doing some PR and marketing work for The Old Schoolhouse magazine in my free time and attempting to get some sense of organization in our home (I think that's an on-going process, especially when you have a little one who's schedule changes as soon as you get it figured out!). I'm also finishing up our book, HomeGrown Business --which has been a long time in coming. I've learned after having a baby that setting deadlines for such projects is not wise and so I just work on it as I am able to. This past weekend, we took a trip down to our hometown to visit our family, attend a wedding of a longtime friend, and say "goodbye" to my sister and her husband as they left for Taiwan (they are serving together in a mission school there). It is always nice to go "home" and be in our homechurch and get to spend time with dear friends and family. I have been quite sick twice in the last two weeks which always makes things difficult (but it also means that I usually blog more because I can do it from bed-- we're so spoiled with laptops and wireless internet these days!). I've learned to appreciate my mother more because she always took care of us so well, even when she didn't feel well herself. It is a real dying to self to get up and make dinner, change a diaper, and do the laundry, when you have a pounding headache and a high fever. I'm not the best example of this... it is a constant struggle for me to die to self and especially when I am sick. I would much rather just curl up in bed with a cold drink, a hot water bottle, and a good book, but that's not always possible. Okay, I admit it, I even feel sorry for myself when I have to get up and serve. I can even feel like a martyr. And yet, how little I know about suffering. Oh, how I wish I would be willing to "spend and be spent." I have such a long way to go and so much to learn.
The Myth of the Modern Teenager Part 1
Yesterday, we were privileged to get to hear CS Hayden preach at our home church while we were visiting our family. His sermon was: Plants Grown Up in Their Youth: An Examination of Historical, Cultural, and Scriptural Views of Maturity and Development and he shared the Biblical pattern for young people and how we have digressed. It was very timely for us as my husband and I have been discussing this topic ever since we listened to The Role of Children in the Meeting of the Church (highly recommended!). There is this prevalent myth that between the ages of 10-20 or thereabouts all children will become selfish, self-serving, irresponsible, independent, and disrespectful creatures. I have heard Christian parents say with this sort of awful forboding look, "I have teenagers." Like, I am supposed to feel very sorry and sympathetic with them because of it. What is wrong with our society today? Every time I hear something like this, it breaks my heart. But, when I look at the "modern teenager" I have a clue why parents feel this way. Most "teenagers" are selfish, self-serving smoochers. All they live for is themselves. All they care about is themselves. Does it have to be this way? NO! In Biblical times, children were considered adults when they turned 13. There was never this "in-between" age. When they were old enough to contribute, they were required to contribute. As CS Hayden said, "Adolescence is a cultural product." Steven J. Hayhow says: "We need to understand whence the idea of adolescence originated. Essentially, our largely humanistic culture and society leads us to expect it, and to look for it as a trait of normality. So much so that children that fail to produce the characteristics are classified as abnormal. Teenagers are almost programmed to expect that in their teenage years they will become moody, difficult, and that their parents won't understand them. They are told (especially through the youth culture, the media, teenage magazines, and the state school system) that this will happen and that it is perfectly normal. Moreover, they are told, "There is nothing you can do about it. It is really just part of your development. You are just expressing your desire for independence from parental authority."
How to Make One Chicken Last for Three Meals
Blog Reader, Danielle, emailed me the following: "Rubber Chicken"- How to Make One Chicken Last for Three Meals First Day- Roast the chicken in water (2-3 inches) with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Serve some of the meat with mashed potatoes or something else very filling. Save leftover chicken and water from roasting (that's your soup base) and chicken carcass. Second Day- Take leftover chicken, cut up into bitesize pieces, and saute 1 onion and 2 stalks of celery (tops and all- the leaves add more flavor). Take all of this and put it in a crockpot. Add uncooked rice (However many cups you think you'll need- we use 2 c. uncooked- you want plenty so that you have leftovers.) and add as much water that the rice package calls for. Add salt, pepper, garlic- and any other seasoning that you like. Cook on High for 4 hrs- this works well for Sunday lunch or dinner. Save all the leftovers. Third Day- Skim the cold hard fat off the stock. Heat up the stock in a large pot. Add the chicken carcass and more of water- enough to make stock for your soup. Boil for a couple of hours. Cool a bit and strain the stock and replace the stock into your pot. Add any meat left on the carcass and the leftover chicken and rice to the stock. You may want to add more sauteed onions, celery, carrots, etc. You could also add more veggies or boullion for flavor. Be creative- it takes a time or two to get the feel of it. Serve this with a loaf of french bread or some homemade rolls- and you have a really good meal. Also, you could take the leftover chicken and rice and add other things: To go Cajun, add some sausage and beans and more cooked rice and spices. To go Mexican, add beans, corn and spices. Or try something Asian, add veggies, water chestnuts, soy sauce.
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