Here’s what I’ve been thinking.
You know that we’re beginning to get busy with soccer season. You know that I’ve been gardening and freezing and canning fruits and veggies. You know that I have a new baby nephew. You know that we started school and that we’re off to a good start.
Now I want to know a bit more about what YOU’VE been doing lately. Leave a comment and tell me something like:
“Laura…I recently just bought a new pair of tennis shoes. They are blue and gray. We took a short trip to a nearby theme park last week and my son threw up in the back seat of our mini van on the way home. This Wednesday, I baked an upside down blueberry angel food cake and it’s super tasty. Tomorrow we’re headed to my in-law’s house for a birthday celebration. I think I’ll wear my new tennis shoes.”
See, because if you’ve been hanging out here for a while, I like knowing what’s been going on with you lately. And if you’re fairly new to this site, I like getting to know you better.
So, share! Share! Whatever interesting (or mundane) information about your life that you’d like. I’d love to hear about it! (In fact, we’d all like to hear about it, right?)
Marnie says:
Well Laura, I have been visiting your site almost every day. I have it saved in my favorites. I sure enjoy reading it and I feel like I know you so well, and yet you don’t even know me. I don’t have a blog but I do hope to get one soon.
I also homeschool using mostly Sonlight. I have 6 children who I have always homeschooled. My oldest just moved out this summer. This week we took our annual sailing trip to Lake Mead, AZ. Here is the account of what happened:
We had a fun trip. It was great sailing, very relaxing. I was even looking forward to going again next year. We woke up this morning and set sail before the sun was coming up. It was beautiful. The colors in the sky and on the mountains were amazing. Everything was going great.
UNTIL….we were getting close to the dock where we had parked, DD took down the sails. DH raised the keel, that is the big thing under the boat that weighs 1,000 lbs, it’s job is to counter balance out the sails and keep the boat from tipping over. Well, he cranked it a little too tight and the rope that holds it broke!!!
That’s when it swung forward and cracked a hole in the bottom of the boat and water started pouring in!!! DH got the motor going very quickly while DD and I plugged the hole the best that we could and started paling as fast as possible. Thank God we made it to the dock. DH had to dive under the boat to fix the rope to crank up the keel ( while DD and I continued to scoop out buckets of water). We were able to get the boat back on the trailer and pull it up the hill and park it at a good angle to drain the water.
The boat was so heavy that it cracked out the tires on the trailer. We had to stop in Kingman and buy two new tires. Needless to say, we are very thankful to be home and safe. I think this will be our last sailing trip in this boat…;o)
I am sorry this is so long, but I thought you might enjoy the story of our adventure. I would like to point out that I do NOT like the water, I only go because my husband likes it so much and he needs the break from work.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:17 am
Cassandra Stafford says:
Well, I have been grabbling with church issues (being a pastors wife, we hurt right along with the pastor) and dealing with a sick toddler who finally is feeling better.
I have gone through 1 jar of honey in a week and a half. (used to last months) I baked the apricot bars, breakfast cookies, mud balls (my personal fave), applesauce bread (OMGoodness its awesome) and then i ran out of honey.
I am behind on putting away laundry and have a baby shower to go to tonight.
I am on week 3 almost 4 of no sugar. GO mE! But weight loss is slow. Inches are slowly coming off too. Trying to be patient.
Enjoying this blog very much.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
Kate says:
Lately? Just getting ready for the baby as best we can, preparing to move, and supervising our house as it’s being built. Oh and trying to sleep, even though it seems impossible these days!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
Candy Cook says:
LOL, I just completed a post about my wild week. We removed public school from our lives, got some cool stuff from the thrift store, read a lot of books, ate up a watermelon from our garden, filmed another ‘minisode’ of Chef Sean making banana bread, reorganized our craft room, read a lot more books, read a lot of answers to our interview about home study families, saved green beans seeds for next year, welcomed my lil brother back from jail, babysat, and a bunch of other stuff.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 am
Sarah says:
HI! I have your site on my reader and I visit your site all the time. I have tried many of your recipes and they all turn out great.
I am working on making homemade bread in a 2 step process by soaking but so far haven’t had much luck. But I am workin on it. I am also on a search for non-homogenizeed milk near where I live.
Thanks for all of your great posts I enjoy them very much.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 am
Karen says:
Let’s see…This week I had a follow-up appointment with an oral surgeon after getting my wisdom teeth removed. I can finally open my mouth all of the way again. Yippee! I had Bible study at my house Tuesday night, church on Wednesday night and homeschool everyday. We also started classes to become certified to become foster parents/adoptive parents in Louisiana. It seems a little funny to be taking classes when we have already adopted two boys, but, oh well!! This weekend, we’ll just hang out at home, trying to beat the heat.
By the way, thanks for all of the great recipes. The pretzels were yummy.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 am
Lenetta says:
Hi from Colorado Springs, where we are this weekend for my sister-in-law’s wedding. Then we’re going to bum around the mountains for a few days and head back home middle of next week. Laura, you wouldn’t believe how much this city has changed! (Or would you - when was the last time you were here?) The traffic makes my head spin, and reminds me why I like living in the middle of nowhere.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Org Junkie says:
Well I’m entirely 100% officially going crazy trying to pull my presentation together for the talk I’m doing at the National Professional Organizers Conference in November. They want it written by Sept 5th. Yikes!!
Pray for me.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 am
Faith says:
Hi Laura, let’s see first off… I love your blog and have tried many of your recipes and loved all of them. I made your cinnamon rolls last night and my family loved them. I froze some for future eating. My family and I went to the farmers market today and bought a ton of vegetables. (No garden here yet.) I blanched squash and zucchini and froze it in bags in the freezer. I made salsa, fermented sauerkraut and little cucumbers. Now, I’m trying to find out what to do with this patty pan squash I bought along with the butternut squash. Both of which we have never had before so have no idea how to even fix it. lol
Hope you have a blessed weekend. I’m off to Google those vegetables of the unknown.
Faith
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Pam says:
Hi. I really enjoy your blog and recipes! We recently adopted a little boy and we’re all adjusting to having another little one around. He’s sleeping well, but I’m staying up trying to get things done. Ergo, the bags under my eyes. Thanks for asking!
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Chelf says:
I have been watching this blog on this site for a while now. I am still trying new recipes every once in a while. You amaze me, Laura, with how much you do successfully.
This week, I got new glasses (and prescription sunglasses). I love being able to see better!
Yesterday, DH took a vacation day from work, and we did all sorts of “together required” errands. We paid the TT&L on our new car, and got the license plate for it. I applied for a special plate, and DH renewed his driver’s license at the same time. Ooh, that took a chunk of change!
We then went on other errands. We got DH new tennis shoes (they are even gray!) and got our car payments worked out to correctly pay 1/2 payments every two weeks.
We came home for dinner and were planning to go out again, but noticed the moving truck at our friends’ house across the street. So, we helped them move their furniture into their new house a few miles away. Got to see their new house, and can’t wait to see them finish the improvements they plan for it.
Today, we are hoping to buy a new TV stand (in preparation for the new HD TV we will hopefully get sometime before the February deadline), and a camera that I have wanted for a while. The price just came down by $25, so I am the sale-minded value shopper.
Next weekend, I have two birthday parties; one for niece, one for nephew. The Parents-in-law are staying with us, because SIL will have HER parents-in-law at their house. I am stressing more than I should over having company. Isn’t it our nature to stress that our abode isn’t clean enough to view? Even if it is, or if it doesn’t matter?
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Emily says:
I’ve followed your blog for a bit now (probably about a month or so) and really like it! I think I found you through biblical womanhood, I’m not sure.
Lets see, my life lately has been pretty hectic. I just turned in my two weeks notice at work in anticipation of moving back up to school! My apartment will be ready about a week after that.
I’ve been talking to one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met, who very well may one day be my dh. He just got back from a month long teaching and mission trip in china. He is truly an amazing person, who loves the world.
My garden has been going crazy! I have more cherry and grape tomatoes than I know what to do with. I think I’m going to basket a bunch of the extras today and take them to some people who could use them.
Fay moved, so my brother’s house is no longer being crazy assaulted. His entire complex was over two feet deep with water! Luckily, all the parking lots are set lower, so everything was fine (except his neighbor’s car, who had a tree fall on it).
My nephew is still in the ICU after a quad crash more than three weeks ago. The bacteria moved to his brain. Please pray for him, we don’t know who will be left when they take him off all the pain meds.
And now I have to go and do a huge amount of dishes! I got really busy yesterday and didn’t get them done (I know, I have no excuse at all! Compared to all of you, I don’t have a worry in the world!)
-Emily
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Marie says:
Today the girls and I went to a baby shower. There is an ice cream social tonight that we’re supposed to got to but I don’t feel like keeping track of two children by myself, the hubby is working. I am also stressing about some serious family stuff, which I’ll not bother everyone with here.I could really use some prayers.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Vanessa Leonard says:
Laura, I’m always encouraged by reading your blog.
Let’s see…I went Christmas shopping today! I know…it’s only Aug but we are trying to be debt free in DC. We live off one income…it’s tough when our rent is 6 times what my mortgage was in York! I find if I plan ahead, I spend less!
So, what did I get? I got some beads and string to put together “make your own necklace” for my nieces and frames for them to decorate as well. I got ideas for making our daughters doll house. I thought that would be sweet to do for her second Christmas. I had a hard time figuring out what to do for my 3 yr old son. I’m thinking about making a bed tent out of pvc pipe and material. We’ll see how that goes. I have a 9 month old and I plan to go through toys we put away from the older to and give to him…..he will never know.
It would be helpful to hear how you all do gifts for Christmas.
I’m excited about taking a nap today!Vanessa
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Michelle says:
Laura,
I love to visit your blog-I don’t remember exactly how I found it, but I’ve learned a lot of nutritional info from you and have enjoyed quite a few laughs too!
In comparison to your life, mine is mundane at best-but in the last 2 weeks, I’ve had visitors (mom and sister)from out of state-found a great source for raw milk/cheeses and organic veggies at a great price-received all the school materials for my 6 year-old who will be starting kindergarten this year-moved our chickens outside to their own little chicken house (a recycled playhouse that my girls no longer played in) and have been thoroughly enjoying the Olympics on tv. That pretty well sums it up~thanks for asking.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Amanda T. says:
I recently found your site because I wanted to know more about freezing corn (which I did today, two dozen ears). I blog at www.xanga.com/TrentTribe. I’m married to my best friend (12 years) and we have four little ones (10 yrs to 1 yr). Thanks for sharing your insight. I’m loving all the food tips/info/recipes. I’ll stop by often.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Michelle says:
If you go directly to today’s entry on my blog, this is exactly what I have posted!
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Laura V. says:
Hi! I currently live in Colorado Springs and I second Lenetta’s comment about the traffic here. I’ve lived in a larger city with traffic that was nothing compared to here…
Let’s see what else - we’re getting ready for baby #3 in 3 weeks! Homeschooling the 4.5 and 2 yr. olds has been non-existent these last few weeks due to my brain being mush from pregnancy!
We spent most of today in Denver at the Museum of Nature & Science (the kids LOVE going there!) and then went to one of the malls to piddle around for a while.
Oh, and my son requests your chocolate chip cookies at least once a week!!! They’re so yummy!
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Gretchen says:
Laura,
I have finally joined a food coop. I have been freezing corn and canning green beans. I have been keeping my nephew for two days, and right now I am too tired to think of what else I have done. Oh, I have picked wild blueberries and froze them. Thank you for your blog. I so enjoying reading it and I am gleaning much information from it!
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
cdnkids says:
Laura,
I love your blog! It is such an encouragement to me! We just finished our first week of “school.” We start out slow with just math and English, but you would have thought I dumped 6 subjects on them. I spent today cleaning our carpets… 2 girls + 3 dogs (including a puppy) + sandy backyard with not so much grass = very, very dirty carpets. Now my back hurts but my carpets are pretty, and I feel better with all that dirt gone. I am getting ready to make out my menu for next week and am planning on trying some of your recipes. Thank you for sharing with us all!
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
MaryBeth @ FourSillySisters says:
What a neat idea Laura. I love reading your blog and find that tons of the babysteps we’re taking toward becoming a “healthy” eating family originate with ideas I’ve gotten here! Thanks.
As for me, I am getting ready to take a spur of the moment vacation with my 3yo DD to Hawaii to visit my DH who is going to be doing some last minute training there with his reserve unit. He’ll be deploying to Iraq for a year mid september and we haven’t seen him in over a month already. Because the ARMY hotel is full in Honolulu, they have put him up at the Sheraton on the beach. He’s a pilot for his real job and we have travel benefits with Delta. Free place to stay, free babysitting for the others (my mom volunteered), and free airline travel equals vacation in my book!! I realize that most folks wouldn’t consider traveling 9.5 hours by plane with a 3 year old a vacation, but I’m leaving behind my 3 other DDs who will be turning 2 years old while mommy and big sis (and daddy too) are away. Also working on the b-day celebration that will take place 2 days after we return home. Whew, we’ve got lots going on around here! Hope you aren’t sorry you asked!?!
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Sharon says:
OK So it is 11:41 at night. My mom and dad are here with thier motorhome visiting. My brother is here with his twin 4yo boy and girl visiting. Everyone else in in bed. I am grinding wheat for wheat pancakes in the morning. They all think I’m a bit off in that I grind my own wheat! LOL
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Michelle says:
Well, first I would like to say how much I enjoy your blog. You constantly amaze me with all that you do and how organize you are.
As for my life, two of my children have gone back to school. The youngest one is a senior in high school and the middle one went to his first day of college. They laughed at me for wanting pictures of both of these events. Middle child said something about picture taking being for kindergarten!
I have a nephew whose wife just had their first child in July and a niece who is going to have a baby on September 3 so I have been really busy making baby blankets, hats, booties, and burp cloths. I also have 3 great-nieces who have had birthdays this summer so I have been making dresses for them. Having 3 boys of my own, I enjoy finally getting to sew things for little girls.
I go back to work on the Tuesday after Labor Day so my days of trying to re-organize the house and having time to do crafts will be very limited after that.
I have started working on yo-yos to make a yo-yo quilt but I will be very old before I get enough made to make a quilt at this rate.
Finally, my oldest child will turn 21 in a few days. I can’t believe how fast those 21 years have gone by. Enjoy your children, use the time given to you wisely, and make the most of everyday with them because they will grow up before you can blink your eyes. This whole aging thing is getting to me. I am finding it hard to believe that I am now in the older phase of the Titus 2 woman.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Eveline says:
Hello Laura,
I am reading your blog just 2 weeks and I love it! I have two childeren Noah and Quinn.two boys. I live in the netherlands. And my boys are 4 and 2 years old. to day a went for a walk in the nature whit them. we loved go outside for a walk and play.
And I love to go to the beach with them on my bike. hope you understand my english writting. Lots off happiness.
Eveline!
August 24th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Joyce says:
Yesterday, Dh and I went to visit a small town about an hour from our house. We were checking it out because we want to move out of the city. Unfortunately, I don’t think this is the one for either of us. The search continues.
Tomorrow, I am taking our DD to a gastrointestinal specialist. We have been waiting a year for this appointment, so we are all happy it’s finally happening.
Tuesday, we’re having our house measured for an estimate on hardwood flooring. I really want our dusty rose carpets to retire.:)
Thanks everyone for sharing your lives. It’s interesting to see what you’re all up to.:)
August 24th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Heidi Jarrels says:
I have totally fallen in love with your blog. I have been cooking with real butter, milk, cream etc. for a long time a getting a lot of guff for it. Thank you for reminding me that God did take the time to make food yummy. I also really love your recipies. They are so simple.
I homeschool my two little ones, ages 2 and 4. My son is doing pre-K this year. Both kids ask to do school every day. I hope that they feel like this for a very, very long time.
Today I am painting suitcases. My Grandmother gave two old hardsided suitcases. I primed and painted them. They are drying now. Then I am going to stamp flowers on them and paint DRESS UP on them. One is for my daughters birthday and the onther one I am going to sell at a craft fair in November.
Thanks for the inspiration.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Melanie says:
Hmm. I’ve been doing some firsts in the kitchen lately–homemade applesauce, crabapple jelly, apricot jam. I am home-preschooling our 3 & 4 year old son & daughter. And I’ve been TRYING to carve out time to work on my scrapbooks! (for some reason, the computer is taking over some of the ‘extra’ time that used to go to scrapping.)
And I’m tired–just over halfway through pregnancy #4.
I had some relatively peaceful time this afternoon with the 2 older kids playing outside–I found them using the hose to make mud and mess in the sandbox. No wonder it was so peaceful.
August 24th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
chinamama4 says:
Hi, Laura! I’ve been reading your blog regularly for a couple of months now, and really appreciate how encouraging it is to me!
My two older daughters (ages 9 and 6) just started back to school this week, which was hard for me, because I will miss them so much. But my youngest (age 4) announced that she didn’t want to go back to preschool and wanted me to homeschool her, and I’m thrilled! We start tomorrow. I am praying that her older sisters (and maybe even their dad) will see how great this is and will follow suit…
I am knitting, canning, and baking a lot more these days, and am slowly trying to shift to a more “real food” diet for our family. It makes so much sense! Hoping to put up a bunch of green beans from our garden this week!
Our three daughters are from China, and we are waiting for a referral for another daughter from there sometime in the next couple of years. We just can’t get enough of the Olympics these last two weeks, especially all the “inside looks” at China and its culture. I’m going to experience withdrawal symptoms after the closing ceremonies!
Drop on by for a visit any time - http://allmysisters.blogspot.com
Becky
August 24th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Marnie B. says:
I am also in love with your blog!
You have inspired me to follow the Nourishing Traditions book (my current favorite book
for about 3 months now. Lots of fun experiments have been done in my kitchen this week–buttermilk, sourdough starter, bean soaking etc.
This has been a busy week! My military husband has been working longer hours due to an upcoming exercise…poor guy! Thank heavens it will be over in just a few days!
My children (son, 4, and daughter, 20 months) have been sleeping through the night without waking me up/crying out! I haven’t had this much sleep in a LONG TIME! I am extremely grateful for this:)(Last week was a ROUGH week, sleepwise)
Also, i discovered a lovely yarn store near my house that offers free knitting and crocheting lessons!
Right now, i am trying to plan our meals for the week~that will probably be tweaked tomorrow when i get to the farmers’ market…
Thank you~and the other lovely commenters~for all of the inspiration!!!
MarnieB.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Joelle says:
Let’s see, over the weekend my husband and I went to a camp in the mountains for a church leadership retreat. It was a great break from the summer’s heat. While we were up there we went for a two hour hike and hiked on a trail that nobody supposedly had been on for 2 years. It was quite a trek and we were lucky not to meet any rattlesnakes, as they tend to live in off-the-trail areas in the mountain desert.
We are getting ready for a big youth conference next weekend. My husband is in charge of that so I am supporting him. Oh yeah, and he’s studying for boards that he’s taking in November.
And today it’s back to work. At least I only work 4 days a week.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Teresa says:
We have been busy….BUSY! This past weekend we traveled to my parents house so my husband could help my dad lay hardwood floors. This same weekend, we celebrated my daughters fourth birthday, attended my highschool reunion, and threw a baby shower for my cousin! I am exhausted!
August 25th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Catherine says:
I just read your last few posts.
It’s great when it’s such a good friend that you know they will not see ‘mess’ but see that life has been happening in your house.
Looking forward to trying some of your recipes - especially the graham crackers seeing as I have no idea what they are! (We don’t have them here. I’ve been told they are like a type of digestive biscuit.)
And what have we been up to? Well we are trying to discover a way to help our two eldest understand that continually teasing their little sister is not acceptable, and to explain to her that annoying her older brother and sister is equally unacceptable. Any hints?
August 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Erika says:
It has been a busy yet wonderful summer… I feel like I missed last summer as I was pregnant and then our son passed away in delivery so this past year has really been about healing….
This summer has been a time of relaxing, playing and enjoying our 2 year old who is so curious and energetic she fills our days!!!
More recently we spent time with my in-laws, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday and the entire family was able to be there for it… There are 6 children, spouses, and over 20 grandchildren so with just family it was a party…
Around home I have been trying to gear up for Fall and a new routine!!! I am trying to be more mindful about the time that I spend with my daughter during the day, I catch myself saying “Mommy does not have time right now…” all to often, but I am a SAHM why do I not have time for her? I am planning to start some real informal preschool stuff with her.. some of her peers are already starting preschool this fall and since we are home schooling I thought we might as well start with a short but constant routine that we can add to as time goes by…. (I am hoping that by easing into a school schedule I will figure out what works best for us… what we can stick to…
Lastly I just built a desk in a spare closet in our home and created a craft space for myself!!! I am very excited it turned out perfect….
Thank you for your blog… I am really enjoying your getting real with food series…
August 25th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Heather - Doodle Acres says:
I know I’m a bit behind on responding but here I go:
I’m currently vacationing with my children at my parents in Vermont on a beautiful lake. It’s so peaceful here.
My feet hurt because I’ve been doing a lot of walking and I need new sneakers that don’t give me blisters…
I miss my husband who is home working on projects around the house that are more easily acomplished when we (our four children and I) aren’t at home.
I am enjoying doing a lot of reading that I sometimes don’t get to at home. I am currently reading “From Clutter to Clarity” by Nancy Twigg.
I love all your posts especially the posts about food and recipes.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Barbara says:
I love your blog! I especially enjoy your nutritional insights and your positive outlook on everything. Thank you for sharing.
We returned late last night from camping on Lake Michigan. Today I am doing loads and loads of laundry, unpacking and cleaning everything that went with us, except for the dog - he’s too tired to even eat!
Last week we went blueberry picking and I froze about 12 cups of berries for smoothies, muffins, etc. for the winter - not nearly enough, so we will go back for more this week. I also made jam and will probably make preserves this week.
We picked apples last week and I will be making applesauce and pie filling this week.
I cut up 40 cups of zucchini last week and I have at least that much to do this week.
I really hope to put the finishing touches on our church directory this week.
I homeschool our twins, but we wait until the week after Labor Day to start school. We spend the week of Labor Day going places like the zoo and the park - where the school children are not!
Sorry this is long - I needed a break from all the work I have going on today. After all I am still tired from camping for 4 days.
BTW - I made your Applesauce Bread last week and it was a big hit and a new entry in ‘Our Favorite Recipes’ book.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
The Happy Housewife says:
Hmmm, I’ve been busy with soccer, homeschool planning, lots and lots of company, keeping up with the blogs and just trying to make the most of the last week of summer! School starts for us tomorrow so I am going to bed really early tonight!
Hope you are having a great week!
Toni
August 26th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Angela Childress says:
I know I’m a little late posting to these comments… but here it goes.
Hi Laura, I’ve been following your blog for some time off and on. I try to catch up on your posts once a week or so.
Right now I’m listening to the dishwasher wasing our dinner dishes. We’ve been out of detergent for some time and have recruited the manual labor of our girls to help keep up with the dishes :)… but I’m really thankful to have my servant back in service.
I’m also listening to my almost 6month old baby sitting in her Jumperoo… she loves it! I got it off of Craigslist for $20.00. She gets so much enjoyment from it, sometimes going absolutely nuts jumping up and down.
Today I worked on reorganizing my neglected home binder. Hopefully I can be more consistent in using it this time around.
Thanks for all the wonderful stuff you post. Have a blessed day.
August 31st, 2008 at 8:20 pm