Sally Clarkson Conference

I am signing up today for the Sally Clarkson's "The Mom Heart Conference" here in Denver on January 22-23, 2010. I have read the Mission of Motherhood and am now working through The Ministry of Motherhood. The Mission of Motherhood really helped change my outlook on my life as a mom. In discussing the idea that the only things eternal are our souls, really puts into perspective the importance of being a mother and refocused my thoughts and actions.

What I teach and how I love my children matters so much more than any other activity or task I think I need to do. And yet she maintains a healthy balance reminding us that as important as our work as mothers is, our first priority must be our own relationship with Jesus.

There are so many wonderful and challenging chapters in these books! I have learned so much. I met with a small group of moms over the summer going through the Mission of Motherhood and loved that interaction so much that I am planning on going to the extra conference time on the first morning to learn about starting what she calls a Mom Heart group in my home. I am hoping it will help me to start up a group here in my neighborhood. I want to reach out to the other ladies in my neighborhood in a real and tangible way, not just all waving to one another as we drive by.


Here are some details:

THE MOM HEART CONFERENCE
Denver, CO ~ January 22-23, 2010

2010 Conference Theme: You...Renewed!
Renewing Your Mom Heart for a New Start

Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows
10345 Park Meadows Drive, Littleton, CO 80124

A two-day hotel conference and getaway designed especially for Christian mothers, now in its 12th year of ministering to moms. When the cultural ground is shifting, there's no better time to renew your heart for a new start with God. Sally will strengthen and encourage your heart to rise to the task of raising wholehearted children for Christ at home. Julie Hiramine and Sarah Clarkson will share heart-renewing messages, and a special Panel Discussion will discuss the Mom Heart Ministry vision. The conference includes practical workshops, inspirational worship, a seated banquet luncheon, book tables, and more.

Conference Schedule (subject to change)

FRIDAY
1:00-3:00 ~ registration and book table
3:00-5:15 ~ workshops (3:00, Sarah; 4:15, Julie)
7:00-9:30 ~Session 1 (Message, Sally)

SATURDAY
8:30-11:30 ~ Session 2 (Message, Sally; Message, Julie)
12:15-1:30 ~ Seated banquet lunch
2:00-4:30 ~ Session 3 (Panel discussion; Message, Sally)
5:00 ~ Conference ends

Here is the link for more conference information and registration. Here is a link for Sally's blog. How fun it would be to just sit and visit with here over a nice hot cup of tea!!! Maybe someday. I'll probably post again on this over the coming weeks to get the word out and to register for the drawings she's doing for free registration. Anyone else want to join me?

Off on a Tangent

Ok, it is the day before Thanksgiving. I should be baking. And I guess technically, I baked something.

I decided I wanted to do a Jesse Tree with the boys this year, but did not have any of the ornaments. I've seen some done from paper and some from felt. this morning I decided to make the ornaments out of clay. I've got 10 done, 15 to go!!!!

Basically, there is a Scripture reading for each day of December leading to Christmas. Each ornament is a symbol of an Old Testament story. I found a link with a chart of readings and ornaments/symbols. (I'll post the link later as I am not in a regular internet browser right now.) I am excited about this.
***********ADDED: Here's the link: JESSE TREE INFO.

Now, I need to make the relish and do whatever is on my list for today. The sweet potatoes and pumpkin for pie are baking away at least. Hope you are all having a great day and remembering what really matters about Thanksgiving. I keep reminding myself. :)

Edited for 2009*** Wow. I am so glad I saw this page the other day. I just made my grocery list for today and would have totally forgotten stuff without this! I just erased the pencil marks I did as I checked stuff off last year and I am ready to roll!
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Original Post:

Three years ago, I really planned out everything in great detail for Thanksgiving and blogged at it here.

Last year I wrote out my lists in one of my Everything Books and posted about it all later.

This year I started a new page in my book. I was glad though to have the old page to refer back to or else I'd have forgotten the cranberries completely! The list has been simplified over the years to just what's in the pictures above. I'm just waiting to hear who all is coming and to set the time for dinner accordingly. Once that is done, I'll be able to do a better timeline for the day itself.

If you've purchased a frozen turkey, you might want to check and see if you should start defrosting it today like I needed to. It takes several days for those big birds to thaw!

What are your holiday plans? I always love to learn what other people do!

Good Bye Anonymous

I've been getting spammed by Anonymous lately. Apparently he or she needs to get a life and I don't want to waste mine deleting the messages. So, until further notice Anonymous comments will not be allowed.

Recipes!

I had the Bunco ladies over Tuesday night. I thought I would just post all my recipes on here so they can have them.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 lb cream cheese
3/4 milk or half and half
1 Tbl minced onion
1 clove minced garlic, or some garlic salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped spinach (10 oz box/bag frozen or 1/2 lb fresh spinach, blanched)
1 13-15 oz can of artichoke hearts, rinsed and chopped
2/3 cup grated Monterey jack or mozzarella cheese

Mix it all together and cook in the Crockpot (low 2 hrs) or oven (350 degrees) until hot and cheeses are melted. Serve with sliced bread or crackers.

Why is it that only women like this dip? The ladies went nuts for it, and said they love to eat it, but don't make it because their husbands don't like it. Sweetheart and the boys won't eat it either. I doubled the recipe, but I wish I had just done the regular amount. I wonder if I can freeze the rest???

**

Carrot Ginger Soup

This is one of those recipes that isn't a recipe with real measurements. Sorry.

Pour about a tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot. Chop up 1/2-1 whole onion and saute it in the oil for a few minutes. Chop up about 8-10 cups of carrots. Add about two tablespoons of chopped fresh ginger. Saute them with the onions for a few minutes. Add broth to cover the carrots. Cook on medium heat until the carrots are soft.
Remove the carrots and purree them in a food processor or blender. Return the carrots to the pan. Stir in some white or red wine, just a few tablespoons, for added flavor. Add more broth or water to make the soup the consistency you desire. Add salt and pepper and spices to taste.
This is nice served with some sour cream on the top and some fresh cilantro or parsley. Such a lovely orange color, so perfect for Autumn!
I made this on Monday afternoon and then just warmed it in the Crockpot on Tuesday to serve for dinner. I think it tastes even better the second day.

**

Bread

Click HERE for the recipe. You can use white or wheat flour in this recipe.

**

We had salad, but there is not really a recipe to that. I will eventually get to writing a post on making sprouts. But not today. :) The salad dressing was made with 3 parts red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, 1 part olive oil, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, pinch of sugar, a few shakes of garlic salt, fresh ground pepper and dried herbs like thyme, savory, and rosemary. Mix together and enjoy.

**

Cream Cheese Chicken

Chop up enough chicken breasts for the people you are serving, about a half pound per person. Sprinkle with seasoning salts and dried herbs. (I just have a jar of dried herbs mixed with kosher salt I use on everything. The herbs are rosemary, thyme, chives, savory, cilantro, parsley, and oregano. It is mostly just stuff I grow in the garden and dry.)
Pile the chicken into the crockpot or baking dish. Top with cream cheese, the amount depends on how much chicken you are cooking. About an 8 oz box works for dinner for four. Cook in the crockpot until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occansionally to mix up the cream cheese after it is melted. If using the oven, bake at 350 for about 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is toasty.
The cream cheese adds a wonderful flavor and the chicken is so moist. Sweetheart and the boys love this for a quick dinner. I usually steam a pot of brown rice to go with it. We were given a rice cooker as a wedding present and use it all the time. Just add a little extra water for brown rice as it seems to need a bit more moisture when cooking.

**

Dessert & Munchies:

**
Ginger Bear Cookies, Candied Almonds and Smoked Almonds (Click on these for the recipes.)

**

Poppycock

8 cups of lightly salted popcorn (Be sure to pick out all unpopped kernels!)
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 cups nuts like pecans & almonds

Spread out the popcorn & nuts on a greased cookie sheet. Combine everything else and cook over medium heat until caramel brown. Immediately pour this over the popcorn & nuts stirring gently. Spread out & break up any big clumps. Let cool. Try not to eat it all.
(from With Heart & Soul from Among Friends)
I think tins of the Poppycock and the almonds would make a great gift. I am not sure how long the popcorn would stay fresh though. I usually make a half batch unless there is company and it is always eaten too soon to find out.

**

Chocolate Cloud Cake

I'll eventually get this one posted, but I am out of computer time today!

Wonderfully Embarassing

I just sent off an email in hopes of connecting with a new friend, Joanne's Mom, and I realized that other than babysitting on Tuesday mornings, my schedule during the days is empty through the end of the year. There are a few evening events, but we have no appointments or plans. It is wonderful and yet kind of embarrassing because it seems like I do nothing all day. Hah!

I know that things will come up and the little boxes will fill with special times and activities, but there is something so freeing about an empty calendar. Though I have been busily making things for gifts, having these free days helps a lot with all the gifts I still need to make. Some sewing, some baking, some mixing and blending and all sorts of things are starting to appear!

This weekend has been filled with snow and boys and making scrubs, lotions and deodorants. Last week was balms with new jars of healing balms, lip balms and the homemade vapor rubs. BTW-I did go back and at least double the essential oils in the vapor rub recipe a few posts ago. I'd say, just add to your liking.

I've also been experimenting with some new scents and some solid perfumes. Mostly they have been cinnamon and clove oils for the perfume, scrubs and body butter. What do you think? I have been asking for feedback. My sister (Hi Carey!) mentioned that she would use cinnamon-clove for candles, but wouldn't wear it. A few others thought it sounded good, but some said to stick with florals. What say you?

I am hosting my Bunco group this week again and so I need to put away my stuff and start cooking for Tuesday night. I am planning on Carrot Ginger Soup, salad, and bread, but I need to figure out the main dish. Cream Cheese Chicken? Shepherd's Pie? Another soup? Should I stick with scones for dessert? Or should I make something decadently chocolate?

Lots of thoughts are swirling around in my head. Nothing earth-shattering, which is nice, but just lots of little things to do. I want to make things, whether it is dinner or lotion that others will enjoy, but I often feel like I am uncertain as to what others would like best.

What I do know is that I had better get off the computer and get to work! There is always something to clean around here.

Hi Grandma

Your cowboys miss you!

Hope you are having fun in Italy!
Give Aunt Linda hugs & kisses, too!

Laundry Love

Laundry. It is never done, is it? And that is okay now. I've shifted my thinking from chores being done to being done for now. Reoccurring household tasks are managed instead of finished. The weight of never having anything finished is lessened for me. For I am certain we will continue to wear clothes & eat off of dishes. The kitchen that is all cleaned up from one meal will be quickly undone with the next.

I find that typically doing laundry twice a week works well for me. Once a week laundry was too much to complete easily and had us scrambling for matching tops and bottoms by the seventh morning. A load a day didn't work because I usually forgot it either in the washer or dryer and there wasn't always enough for a light or dark load.

To add to the fun our laundry room is the far end of the guest powder room and the only bathroom downstairs. Nice. Because doesn't everyone want visitors to see all the laundry all the time? I am thinking this layout was designed by a man. It is a narrow, long space with hardly room to turn around, especially with a laundry basket in hand.

I divided the bathroom side from the laundry side with a lace curtain hung on a tension rod. Of course, I know people peek around the curtain, but at least it is better than nothing. I decided a few years ago to try and make the space more pleasant to look at and so I hung all sorts of little things that make me smile including Scripture I need to be reminded of throughout my days. Might as well look at something nice.

A few weekends ago Sweetheart added some shelving for me which has really helped out a lot! Since the room also holds my flour mill and buckets of grain, I need to be able to use every inch of space. He widened the existing shelf and added two more for now. What a difference.

Now, I have a place to store not just my laundry things, but also my oils and some of my stuff for making lotions and balms. I love it. Having everything together was helpful the other day when I needed to make more laundry detergent.

I wrote before about making detergent. It is so easy and takes so little effort. One can hardly call it "making" detergent as it is just assembling ingredients at this point. I stopped making it in gel for a couple of reasons. One, it seemed to dry out in the bucket I used because I had no lid. Second, I was in a hurry one day and didn't want to wait for it to gel up. Poor planning on my part, but oh well.

Now, I just grate and stir. I added lavender essential oil to this huge batch and it adds a subtle, but lovely fragrance to the whole room when I wash. I made a quadruple batch that I believe will last for months.

I grated eight bars of Ivory soap to 4 cups of borax and 4 cups of washing soda. I added some lavender oil though it is not necessary. That is it. Use about a teaspoon per load and you are done. I figure this batch will last for months. (I wrote a note with the amounts and dates on it so I can keep track of how long it lasts for future reference.)

Why am I doing this? It is cheap, works great, and only has a light fragrance to it. It also doesn't contain all sorts of things that I can't even pronounce. Some one else figured out that it costs about three cents a load to use. Can't beat that! Once we get our own soaps made, I will use that in place of the Ivory.

There is a soap called Fels Naptha some people swear by, but I can't seem to find it. That said, do be aware that washing soda and baking soda are not identical. Sweetheart found this link that tells you how to make washing soda from baking soda, but I haven't tried it out myself. I wanted to pass it on though as washing soda is not always easy to find.

Now, if only the dishes just had to be done twice a week...

Autumn Images

We are enjoying an amazing Indian Summer here in Colorado.
After 18 inches of snow last week, we've been embracing these gifts of golden days.
I've been surprised to discover there is still life in the garden, from flowers to herbs.
While the boys were napping, I went out back and just laid in the grass for awhile reading and relaxing.
Bliss.
While I relaxed, tomatoes were roasting away in the oven filling our home with the delightful scent of tomatoes, olive oil and herbs.
When the three trays are done in a few more hours, I will be down to the last four pounds of tomatoes from the garden.
That's 76 pounds of tomatoes eaten or preserved since this time last month.
The remaining four pounds are still ripening.
Blessed.

Another Autumn Luncheon

It is such an absolutely gorgeous day here today so the boys and I enjoyed our lunch on the front porch.
It was a lovely meal though a bit more informal than my last luncheon.
They sure do love fresh peas. ("Green balls, Mama!")
***
I actually started making gifts in January and continued until April when we really devoted all our extra time to the yard and gardens. Summer was spent still working in the garden and fall on preserving the harvest. Now it is November and I need to get back in the swing of creating!
Though I find I am low on ideas.
Most of my family has already been given my homemade body products. And I wonder if jars of preserves are really considered a gift? I love handmade gifts the best, but have a hard time not just sharing those things year round. We are also planning to do most of the giving to charity this year, I believe. Still, decisions, decisions! I'd better get to work.
PLEASE feel free to leave suggestions!!!!
What are you planning for holiday gifts?

Secret ;) Sources

My husband is the Internet Shopping Guru. He happily spends hours searching for The Best Deal. Of course, this occasionally means that we have an...abundance...of materials. These are the sites he has found that have the best prices for the things we use.

Some offer specials at different times, and/or have the best total prices with shipping. You may be able to find better prices on specific items just by looking around. If you do, please share them with us! Also, feel free to add any other sites in the comments that you think we should know about.

The Chemistry Store has everything from Shea Butter to Lip Balm Tubes to Beeswax. US Plastics is a great company and has all sorts of things including the buckets we store our grain in to keep it fresh. Rebecca's Apothecary is in Boulder and where I go if I need something quickly, or just in smaller quantities. Her prices are higher, but sometimes it is more convenient.

Well, hope that helps you out! I've been so busy with canning that most other products have taken a back seat. I think I will be doing an Etsy store in the next few weeks so you can also just purchase some of the finished products.