Canning & Jamming...

Candi making Apple Butter!

This past Saturday, I had a wonderful group of ladies over for a "Yes You CAN!" HouseParty, featuring Ball/Kerr Canning Jars and products.  I have to admit, I was nervous about making jam and showing how to can... when I had never done either of those things before!  I actually did a trial run a few nights before and made a few jars of blackberry jam.  I tried to make 1/3 of the recipe, and I ended up putting too much sugar, so it was quite sweet, but tasty anyway!  Whew, at least I had a good idea how it would work!

It was such a neat group of ladies that showed up to the party: My mom, Darlene, and her best friend since 6th grade, Melissa.  My mother-in-law, Jill. Two fellow homeschool moms and dear friends, Candi and Liz.  And two friends from highschool, Kenzi and Shanta!  I think it was a great mix of women (including two from out of state!) all thrown into the kitchen, getting our hands dirty and trying to figure out what the heck we were doing with all that fruit!

We canned a few jars of sliced peaches, and ended up making five different kinds of jam!  All that was going on at the same time, so you can imagine the kitchen chaos.  But, everyone had a great time, got along really well and I believe we all quite enjoyed the process and learning more about making our own jams!

"Grandma Jill" wranglin' Callen!

We used the Ball Canning Discovery Kit to can the sliced peaches in light syrup.

We used the Instant Pectin in all of our jams.  We made Quick Apple Butter, Blackberry Freezer Jam, Strawberry-Banana-Blueberry Jam, Raspberry Jam and then a neat hybrid of Strawberry-Raspberry-Peach with the extra fruit we had!

I'm Still Standing...

Been in my head since Sunday:

If not for Your Goodness, If not for Your Grace,

I don't know where I would be today.

If not for Your Kindness,

I never could say, I'm still standing.

If not for Your Mercy, If not for Your Love,

I most likely would have given up.

If not for Your Favor,

I never could say, I'm still standing.

But by the Grace of God! 

- Israel Houghton

Prestonism on Knowing his Coffee...

Image from Starbucks

I recently made some iced coffee concentrate (from here) to have on hand when I get a craving.  Iced coffee is so nice to have on a hot afternoon.  I made it de-caf so that I could have it and not be up all nite.  So, this afternoon, I was using up the last bit of it, and Preston was giving me the "Please, Mommy, may I have some?" face.  I figured since it was not very sweet or flavored he wouldn't like, and since it was de-caf, I let him have a taste.  I completely expected him to be disgusted, but no...

Preston: "Mmm, it tastes just like Starbucks Iced Coffee!"

Me: "Yeah, good, it's supposed to.  WAIT!  How do you know what Starbucks Iced Coffee tastes like?!?!"

Homeschool Mother's Journal, June 24th, 2011

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Summer Edition, a link-up with The Homeschool Chick.

In my life this week...
I had my parents' car for half the week, so the boys and I did some running around a little bit more.  Oh, the freedom is so nice!  I slacked on the 31 Days to Clean Challenges, but making up for it now since I have people coming over tomorrow!  I also had the opportunity to do some work and contribute to our income, yay!  Callen had his 15-month check-up and he's healthy as can be!  He didn't gain much weight, but it's probably because he's so active, he burns off all his calories!  I've only nursed him once since Sunday evening, so I think we may finally be done with breastfeeding!

In our homeschool this week...
My hubby installed a shelf in our little "homeschool corner" of the kitchen, that just happened to fit the new workboxes I had bought but hadn't put together yet. I ordered a Spanish workbook that I think will be a lot of fun for Preston and me (I need a refresher!). I bought a fun daily schedule pocket chart thingee from Staples on clearance, plus a discount (woo hoo!).

I'm cooking...
I'm gearing up to make some jam this weekend with friends and family.  I am hosting a HouseParty about canning!  Also, this past Sunday our oven heating element burned out, right as I was about to put some homemade mac'n'cheese in for our dinner.  Thanks to Amazon (and having credit on there, didn't cost us a dime!), we got a new element and got it installed on Thursday, so I can bake again!

I'm reading...
I finished and reviewed Growing Up Amish.  Then, last nite I turned on my Kindle and a new book was awaiting me from a Bzz Agent/Domino Project Campaign (they automatically send a book a month).  I read the whole thing in one sitting (less than an hour, actually). It was called Anything You Want, and was written by the guy who created CDBaby.com, Derek Sivers.  Even though I'm not interested in a business, it was a really refreshing read.  The guy said pretty much the exact opposite of what you normally hear regarding creating, maintaining, growing a business.  He didn't WANT to grow a business, but it did anyway.  He wasn't in it to make money, but he did anyway (and ended up giving it away!).  Very cool.

I'm praying for...
my husband.  Just continuing prayer regarding his health (multiple issues) and the job situation(s).  Praying for energy, strength, healing, a positive attitude and rest!

A photo to share...

This is what our "homeschool corner" currently looks like.  On the other side of the dinner table is the Morning/Calendar Chart I created. I need to find a place for the new daily schedule chart I just got, and some of the stuff on the hutch needs re-arranging and/or doesn't belong there.  But, aren't the shelf and workboxes just fun to look at?!?!

Reading back over this post, I just realized that there are an awful lot of exclamation points.  Apparently, I'm very excited... or I've simply had too much iced coffee this morning.  =)

Lessons from a Birdfeeder...

Last week, Preston and I picked out a bird feeder, painted it, filled it with seed and hung it in our tree.  It was an interesting exercise and one that taught me something.  I need to reel in my control!  We painted it a bright green (it was called "Spinach," actually).  Preston did pretty good with the roller and the brush, but gave up too easy... so I took over and finished it up.  Like I usually do.  Mostly because I want to make sure it looks good. 

Then, I asked him if he wanted to paint a design on it.  Of course he did!  I asked him what color he wanted and he chose bright pink.  Not exactly what I was thinking, but I reminded myself this was his project and I need to let him do it.  He painted the word "birds" and then a bunch of scribbles below it.

Again, I had to remind myself, it's ok that it's not "pretty" or "perfect." It's what wants to do!

We hung it in our tree so that it was in front of our kitchen window and we'd be able to look out and see the birds!

So, he spent the rest of that day checking on it to see if any birds found it!  And, well, it's been over a week, and we haven't seen a single bird visiting the feeder.  Also, after a couple of rainstorms, the pink paint has all washed off!

Anyway, I learned that I have to let Preston do it himself.  I can't always take over and "fix it."  It's important for him to do the project himself.  I'm usually pretty good at that, but occasionally I want to do it for him so that it comes out right.  He's not going to learn (or enjoy it as much!) if I don't let it be his accomplishment!

This post linked up with:

Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler

Ira Wagler was born into an Old Order Amish family, but he was not meant to walk the same path as his forefathers had for so many generations.  In his memoir, Growing Up Amish, Wagler recounts his life, his struggles, questions, adventures and his ultimate decision to leave the Amish lifestyle behind.  It was not an easy decision, as it would mean leaving his family and everything he knew, as well as losing his salvation (or so he thought).  Wagler spent about a decade testing boundaries, having one foot in and one foot out of the Amish community.  Each time he returned from the "heathen world," he was intent on making it work... and yet, he just wasn't able to conform to the laid-back, "ignorant" lifestyle his peers were so comfortable with.  Wagler learned a lot through his adventures (and misadventures), but the best thing he learned was to have a personal relationship with God.

I have always enjoyed reading Amish fiction, but it was truly intriguing to read this true-life story of someone who grew up in the community.  I had no idea that the preachers were chosen by vote, and had to serve whether they wanted to or not, also disregarding whether they were good at it or not!  The Amish lifestyle, from a far, looks peaceful, quaint and easy going.  But the rules are strict, and vary from community to community.  There is very little room for creativity or deep thinking, at least according to Wagler.  This book was pretty eye-opening!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Lesson in... Doughnut Making, yes, that's it!

I took a load of items we had collected over the past few months from various parts of the house, and dropped them off at Goodwill.  Good riddance, perfectly-good-stuff-but-stuff-we-don't-want-in-our-house-anymore!  After that, I didn't really wanna go straight home... and well, through no fault of my own, the boys and I ended up at... wait for it... Krispy Kreme.  How does that EVEN happen?!?  

Nomz!

Anyway, Preston got a doughnut with chocolate and red, white and blue sprinkles.  Callen and I shared some doughnut holes.  Um... Krispy Kreme Doughnut holes come in groups of threes.  As in, they are attached together and roughly the size of a regular doughnut, but you can easily pull them apart to be just individual doughnut holes.  I was intrigued by this.  And we all shared a bottle of chocolate milk.  As we were sitting at the table, we noticed that the assembly line had just started up and they were making a batch of doughnut holes (or threes, or whatever you would call those things).  So, we watched the entire process.  Preston thought it was pretty rad!  He got a little over excited as he watched the doughnut three-holed-things go through the icing, and the manager came over to talk to us.  He was all "Were the doughnut holes you got hot?"  Well, no, they weren't, sir.  "Here ya go!"  He swooped in, grabbed a few of the three-holed-wonders in one of those paper wrapper thingees and handed 'em over.  Hot, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth-total-sugar-rush-oh-my-gosh-these-are-amazing!  Needless to say, the boys had a great time at our little random stop.  And I have to chalk it up as a... uh... lesson... yes, in doughnut making!  Uh huh, that's it.

Callen didn't want anything to do with the hat... until we got in the car.  Then he loved it!

Then he went into a sugar coma!

Happy Father's Day!

The other day a stray leaf blew in through our front door.  It wasn't from our tree.  It was heart-shaped.  I showed it to Preston and asked what we should do with it.  His response: throw it away.  I had another idea!

Yep, we totally laminated it!  Turned it into a sweet card for Michael, from Preston (Clark).  Haha!

Happy Father's Day to a wonderful father, husband and friend.  We love you so much, and I can't imagine a life without you!  I love how both boys literally FREAK OUT the minute they hear the garage door going up... DADDY'S HOME!!!  They get so excited and can't wait to meet you as you come in the door, all worn out from working two jobs, 14 hours some days.  I appreciate that you give them their hugs and kisses and get down in the floor to play with them, even though I know you're tired.  I love when you send them pictures or videos on the phone so they can see you throughout the day.  Their faces light up and their smiles grow so big when they hear your voice or see your face.  I know that you hate that sometimes you go days without seeing them because of your schedule, but I pray that when they're older they will understand and appreciate your sacrifice as much as I do.  Thank you!  Happy Father's Day!

Homeschool Mother's Journal, June 17th, 2011

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Summer Edition, a link-up with The Homeschool Chick.

In my life this week…

My husband and I had a nice "date night" on Wednesday evening.  We got gussied up, dropped the kids off with my in-laws and went out to a nice restaurant that my mother-in-law gave us a Groupon for.  We talked, ate delicious food, then walked around Half Price Books (a real treat sans kids!).

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

My dad was on vacation this week, and since they were staying home to work on things in their backyard and didn't really plan on leaving the house, they let me borrow one of their cars!  It felt so liberating to be able to go run errands in the middle of the day!  We took advantage of it, and ran around pretty much every day. We hit up the library a couple of times, Borders and Barnes & Noble to turn in Preston's Summer Reading lists (he got two free books!).  I also took the boys to the Splash Factory here in Grand Prairie yesterday morning!

I’m reading…

A book called Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler.  I have always enjoyed reading Amish fiction (think: Beverly Lewis), so I am enjoying this true story!

I’m grateful for…

My parents allowing me to borrow the car for the week.  My husband who is working hard at his two jobs, and getting very little rest.  The incredibly encouraging homeschool mom community I've joined through 31 Days to Clean on facebook.  An amazing God who always provides!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…  

During dinner last nite, Callen must have decided his alligator friend was hungry.  He was trying to feed him pieces of hamburger, and at one point, managed to get a piece of corn in it's mouth.  He was pretty satisfied with himself!

Little Things He Does...

So, last nite I had a bit of a meltdown.  Same 'ole song and dance, really.  Finances, frustration about certain things going nowhere, etc.  The pot just has to boil over every so often.  I hadn't cried in a while... I was due.

Then this morning I took the boys to the Splash Factory so they could have a good time and exert some energy.  Oh yeah, my sweet parents are letting me borrow their car while my dad is home on vacation this week.  The boys and I have enjoyed having the freedom to run to the library, go to the grocery store in the middle of the day... and precious stuff like that.  You don't realize how great those options are, until you lose them.  Anyway, we went to the Splash Factory, and when I got home the Fed Ex guy rung the doorbell.  I was expecting some things in the mail and from UPS (I ordered stuff from Amazon with credit I earned from surveys), not Fed Ex.  It ended up being a prize I won from Twizzlers (for simply writing this post).

 It's a beach bag, beach towel and some packages of Twizzlers, of course!  Just about an hour prior to opening that package, I was like... "uh, I thought I had a beach or mesh bag that we could put stuff in to take the water park, oh well."  Then, here I was "hello, beach/mesh bag!"  Lol.

Then, this afternoon I took the boys to the library, post office and bank (oh yes, enjoying the heck out of having a car at my disposal!) and when I got back, I checked my email.  I received an email from one of the Word-Of-Mouth Street Team things I do.  I won a prize for telling people about Grouptune (see this post)!

$50 credit to buy Christian music... I'm down with that!

Now, the meltdown I had last nite involved worrying about money... and the next day, I was handed two prizes.  Of course, neither of these prizes help pay the bills.  They aren't necessities that will help us stretch our dollars farther.  But, I am grateful, because, as silly as it sounds, these littles prizes (the beach bag, the candy, the credit for music, the stuff I'm getting for free from Amazon, the car I've been allowed to borrow for a week!) are TOTALLY from God.  His little way of saying, "Hey, look... I got you covered!"  Thanks, God.  I know You do.

Prestonism on Not Feeling Like Himself...

Me: Hey, Pres, you want a banana with your breakfast?

Preston: No, thank you.

Me: How come you never want to eat bananas anymore?  You used to always eat them like a monkey!  What happened to Mr Banana Man?

Preston: He's on vacation, I'm his replacement.

Me: Oh, I see.

The Case of the Missing Laminator...

Back in December, I bought myself a laminator for Christmas. Got it on Amazon, on sale for $16.99, and since I had Amazon credit... I paid a whopping 2cents for it!  I was thrilled.  Only, I didn't really use it but maybe three times, when in early April... I killed it.  I was laminating a project that Preston was doing for Easter, and the laminating pouch rolled up inside the machine.  I called 3M to see if they had any suggestions, and was told... nope, it's dead.  The project and the machine were done for.  I killed it good!  Since I had it longer than the manufacturer's warranty allowed for, I figured... well, I lost 2cents, I'll just have to buy another one.  But, the nice lady at 3M was all "Send your machine in so we can check it out.  If it can be fixed, we'll fix it and send it back... if not, THIS ONE TIME, we'll send you a replacement."  Yay!

Fast foward one month (to May 25th), and I still hadn't heard anything about my machine or received a replacement.  Preston's Kindergarten is complete, and I want to start working on stuff for First Grade.  Stuff that involves laminating!  I call up 3M to get a status update, and the lady is confused... "we shipped that out on May 6th... you still haven't received it?"  Me: "Uhhh, no."  So, she got the tracking number, and we both looked it up.  According to UPS it was delivered on May 11th, signed for by our neighbor.  Hmm, ok.  I walked next door to our sweet neighbors that sign for and bring over our packages quite often.  They have been remodeling their home, so I'm thinking it just got misplaced in the shuffle.  Nope, she didn't have any idea about a package that was delivered two weeks before... and they usually bring our stuff over right away, or leave it by their front door for us.  I believe them, obviously, they've been great neighbors for 8 years!  

So, I called 3M back, and they said they'll do some further digging, get UPS to track it some more, etc.  Meanwhile, I do my own investigation.  I suddenly remembered that our homeschool curriculum box came around that time.  I looked up the tracking info on that, and yes... it was delivered the same day, the tracking info was exactly the same (delivered on this day, at this time, signed by our neighbor)!  And our neighbors brought that over as soon as we got home that evening... why wouldn't they have brought over the laminator at the same time?  See, wasn't their fault!  I'm thinking the UPS man delivered the curriculum and they signed for it, and the signature was posted for both items even though he only delivered one.  Meaning the laminator was obviously lost at some point.

Another call to 3M to see if UPS tracking found any additional info... and they didn't.  Just said our neighbor signed for it, so they must have it.  But, the lovely folks at 3M are sending me ANOTHER machine anyway.  I totally wasn't expecting that... figured they'd tell me to take it up with my neighbor (though I truly believe there is nothing going on there!) and that'd be the end of it.  But, no... again, they went above and beyond.  Thank you, 3M!!!  She even said she'd overnight it, to make sure it got here quickly.  Well, that didn't happen, 'cause I waited a week (most of it was because of the holiday weekend, but it definitely didn't get overnighted)... but that's ok.  Because it's here.  And I can laminate again!  Good thing too, 'cause I had all these things laying around ready for lamination!  What?!  I'm a homeschool mom!  Lol!

I have no idea where that missing laminator got to... I mean, you'd think the UPS Man would have found it left on his truck at the end of the day or whatever.  I'm not sure how all that works, but seems simple enough to just bring it to me the next day.  But... nope, it's gone.  Maybe someone got a free laminator (perhaps Mr. UPS Man is a big fan of doing laminating projects?!?), maybe it got trashed, maybe it'll show up someday randomly and I can add to this post.  Haha!

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron (A Review)

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... Of Sorts is a true story written by Ian Cron.  Or, at least as true as he can remember it.  This book chronicles his childhood, growing up with an alcoholic father who also turned out to periodically working for the CIA.  Cron recounts heartbreaking tales of the times his father didn't show up, or, what's worse, did show up to any number of his boyhood milestones.  Early on, the Cron family hobnobbed with celebrities, politicians, even presidents, but because of the abuse of alcohol, ended up trying to live a quietly as they could, so as not to disturb the peace.  Despite the rocky family situation, Ian was constantly pulled towards God.  He didn't always head in that direction, but ultimately, the young boy who's only wish was to be loved or, at least, merely seen by his father, was drawn to the ministry, and today serves as a priest!

Though, the subject of alcoholism and it's toll on a family, is incredibly sad and heartbreaking, Cron takes a very up-beat approach to the memoir.  It is laced with humorous anecdotes and interesting pop-culture references, which don't allow for the reader to spend too much time feeling sorry for young Ian.  In fact, for a book written on such a sad subject, I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times.  It is an interesting tale of a boy who can only see his father as a monster, and yet finds out he has served his country well as a member of the CIA.  It is difficult to put those two realities together.  Unfortunately, there is no happy ending with Ian and his father, but this is a memoir, not a fairy tale.  Ian tells it like it is.  There is a happy ending, though.  Despite his circumstances as a child of an alcoholic and despite the fact that he, himself, nearly followed very closely in his father's drunken footsteps, Ian has risen above, made his own way, and succeeded.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Homeschool Mother's Journal

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Summer Edition, a link-up with The Homeschool Chick.

In my life this week…
I started the new challenges for 31 Days to Clean, which are supposed to help me get into a more set routine when it comes to cleaning my house.  It felt good to clean things that weren't just revoltingly dirty (like the way it was before the firs round of 31 Days), so I'm thinking a routine would be a really good thing to have.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...
On Tuesday, my mom came and picked us up and took us to NRH20 to play.  We had so much fun!  The boys love the water!  We had a great time floating down the Endless River and getting thrashed about in the Wave Pool.  Preston had a good time on some of the little kid slides.  Callen was just in this daze of bliss... that boy just adores splashing!  I, unfortunately, did a terrible job of applying sunscreen to myself and came home with quite a burn.  Oops.  After that, Preston spent the nite with my mom and dad, so Callen and I spent a great evening together.  He was in such a good mood, we played and cuddled... it was nice to have him so happy (it seems like it's been a while!).  He also slept through the nite that nite!  I think he liked being an only child!

Things I'm working on...
I spent a few days this week working on stuff for next year.  I know, I can't seem to quit.  I found some adorable bookmarks I wanted to give to Preston. And since I busted out the laminator, I had to find MORE things to laminate.  Dear Little Laminator Machine, why are you so fun?  Which reminds me, I planned on blogging about the crazy MIA laminator experience.  I'll get to that soon!

I'm reading...
A book called Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me: A memior... of sorts by Ian Morgan Cron.  Michael and I had a hilarious conversation about how I like reading real-life, non-fiction books and he prefers fiction, fantasy books.  We both explained that we like what we like for the very reason the other doesn't like what they don't like.  Or... something like that.

I'm praying for...
This week has been a heavy-hearted one, with lots of prayer.  I have had several friends who have found themselves in the hospital or E.R. this week.  One friend went to sleep and woke up in ICU, having no idea what happened.  She had a couple of seizures in her sleep, and turns out... she had a nearly 3-inch brain tumor that had to be removed!  They are still doing tests to see what the next steps are.  Praying hard for her and her family, they have two small children.

A cute anecdote to share...
Last nite I was preparing dinner as Callen was playing down at my feet.  I asked him "Do you want some toast with your dinner?"  He grabbed hold of my big toe.  It took me a few beats to realize he thought I was saying "toes!"  Then later, as we were sitting at the table, I told him to eat his toast.  He lifted his leg and wiggled his toes.  "No, silly, not toes... toast!"  He continued to do that throughout the meal.  Too stinkin' cute!


Speaking of Callen, he is 15 months as of today!

Summer To-Do Jar

I saw this fun (and much-needed!) idea from The Happy Housewife come across my facebook feed yesterday and jumped on it!  Since we're taking a break from school, and don't have much planned or structured for our days, I don't want Preston to just sit and veg in front of the tv or computer the entire day.  Though, that certainly is what I want to do!  I figured this activity would keep us BOTH from being bumps on a log since I'll most likely have to do whatever the activity is with him.

I had just cleaned and dried an empty mayonnaise jar and was gonna stash it away for future use, but realized it would be perfect for the activity jar.  I printed out the activity cards (free, yay!), weeded out the 'girly' ones or ones that didn't pertain to us, and cut 'em out.  Then I went through them with Preston, reading each one so he'd have any idea of what activities were available.  I highlighted the back of them with orange for outside activities (ride bike, water balloons, baseball, etc) and yellow for inside (build a fort, read, puzzle, etc).  The reason I did that wasn't for rainy days as Toni suggests, but rather because I don't want him choosing "play soccer" in the middle of a 105-degree day.  No way, not gonna happen.  So, sometimes the orange ones won't be an option.  Preston and I folded them and placed them in the jar, and I labeled the jar "Preston's To-Do Jar."  

He's pretty excited about being bored now!

Ok, we already had to do one... lol.  We made the phone with cups and string.  The boys love it!

Photo Prompt Challenge, #18: Got Skillz?

A Skill You'd Like To Learn

Ok, this is difficult because there are so many!  I could definitely use more 'skillz' to fall back on.  You know, like nun-chuck skills...  Ok, not really.  And they're all things I could easily learn if I just had the discipline, patience, time, will to learn!  

Image taken from here

One of the biggest is to learn to sew, either by hand or machine.  I have tried both, and well... I ain't quite got it down.  I'd love to be able to fix things, embellish things or just straight up create things.  I spend way too much time at Etsy.com being jealous of and drooling over everyone's level of creative awesomeness.  Why am I lacking in creative awesomeness?  Hmph.  Not fair!

[It's been a while since I did one of these Photo Prompt Challenges, here are some of my previous entries.]