Are you like me and tired of all the frenzy that goes on with shopping in this season? Stay at home and do your shopping in comfort and in your own time! Christian Book Distributors has just issued a free shipping pass on orders over $35 from now until December 9. Click on my affiliate link on the right hand of my blog or do a search for any product just under the link. To get your free shipping use promotion code 338509 when you checkout.
I had already filled my shopping cart last night and then had this email from CBD this morning. This will save me several dollars so I am so glad to share it with you as well. My list includes biographies of missionaries who served in Asia for part of our geography studies next semester, a puzzle map of Asia, * books to read to the little guys, a specially requested DVD and book for Aaron, some curriculum and some Vision Forum products. I would really appreciate you going through my link if you are going to make a purchase. Every little bit will help me buy more books and curriculum for my homeschooling family. There are also great gifts, games, toys, books, CDs, DVDs and so much more. You should also check out their Vision Forum prices!
Enjoy your shopping!
Family
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Happy Saturday Before Thanksgiving!
Today we gathered all the sage and thyme that remained in our garden. I have about 12 bundles of thyme and there will be several bundles of sage to add the four that have already dried.
Some of the colors of fall from our neck of the woods.
A dogwood from the side of our house. I had never realized that dogwoods had little berries in the fall.
Busy cleaning, organizing freezers in preparation for a quarter of beef we should be getting in the next couple of weeks, harvesting the last of the herbs, cooking for our Thanksgiving feast and enjoying time working together. Now, Jeff and I are off to enjoy an evening out...eating dinner and a little shopping.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bathroom Reveal
Our boys' bathroom has been almost finished! I can't call it finished as there is STILL some paint touch-ups that need to be done, a back splash installed and a print to hang. Building a bathroom from scratch was a learning experience for us all.
Jeff had our friendly plumber/builder build the shower for us from scratch. They also moved the plumbing for the toilet which involved tearing up the concrete with a jack hammer. Jackson loved that and he loved watching the "worker men" each day....for three weeks!!
Our "worker men" know now all of our children's names and they know a good bit about homeschooling as well. This is Kaelan's handprint in the base of the shower. They asked her to put it there. It is, of course, now covered with tile.
Jeff and the boys hung the sheetrock. Part of our house is walled in tongue and groove boards. It is raw and very primitive. For YEARS I have wanted to paint it. Jeff has wanted to sheetrock over it. Until now! This is the second bathroom remodel he has done that included sheetrock and he has decided the wood in the other parts of the house can now be painted! Yippee! Devin has decreed though, that the girls' bathroom must be sheetrocked (pretty please, Daddy dear!) and Jeff has agreed to one more sheetrock job, but then it's time to paint. I'm so excited about that. He only agreed after the trouble with the sheetrock and after seeing several issues of Southern Living with homes with painted tongue and groove wood.
They were so excited to have a picture taken, but really, I had to document for all time!
The shower is almost finished and the floor is tiled. All the walls are now sheetrocked.
The walls are now painted, cabinets are hung, and the toilet is going in!
Shower door installed!
And we're finished....almost!
I have a print to hang on this diagonal wall on the right.
I have decided to go with orange accents. We have deep orange candles on the cabinet above the toilet and a orange, red, brown glass candle holder on the vanity. A orange, red and brown bath mat and orange hand towels complete the bathroom.
One more bathroom to go and then we can tackle the painting of the dining room, hallway, boys' room, girls' room, laundry room, and kitchen. We are going to paint the cabinets in the kitchen as well. Can't wait till after the holidays to get started on some of these remodels.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Vision Forum 20% Off Sale plus $5 Shipping!
Have you heard? Vision Forum has a great sale on right now, just in time for your holiday shopping! All of the VF products are 20% off and shipping is only $5. Plus, if your order is over $150 you get a coupon for $10 off your next purchase. I am making my list of books, DVDs, curriculum and CDs that I would like for our family and some of the boys have been poring over the catalog. Trying to teach them that covetousness is a sin, but they do have a couple of things each that they would like to see under the tree. Thought I would share with you some of the items that we have enjoyed through the years and some that are on my personal wish list.
We have all enjoyed the Jonathan Park Creation Adventure series. This is the newest release and the ONLY one that we don't currently have.
I highly recommend this series of homemaking/homesteading DVDs produced by our friends at Franklin Springs. We have been so inspired with the entire set, but we have been encouraged to put more effort into our gardening and have even begun making our own homemade soaps.
This Frugal Library set is on my list for a future purchase. We can all learn to be more frugal and to learn to do things the old-fashioned way to save money and to just enjoy the fruit of your hands.
I am sure Aaron and his friend from down the road would love these books. Right now they get together often to work on the science experiments in the science textbook they both are using. This would be right up their alley!
< href="http://www.visionforum.com/668-36-1-122.html" target="_blank">
We have both the doll and book in this set. The doll is very good quality. I have to admit that I haven't finished reading the book. My friends, the Farewell's, often said, "So many books, so little time!" Yeah, just not enough time to read everything I would like.
The big boys actually had both of these items. After many years and lots of play I think they are somewhere out in the deep woods on our little homestead. I know a six year old, though, who would really enjoy them now.
I heard the young man down the road discussing this product the other day. He must have them on his wish list! I can just see him and his brother going at it and having lots of fun. Maybe they could pretend they are defending their lovely little sister.
Click on any of the pictures here to go directly to that product or click on my Vision Forum affiliate button in the right hand column of my blog. If you are going to purchase from VF I would really appreciate it if you go through my blog. I will receive a commission which means that I could get the items that I have been eyeing for my own family. Coveting, no, not me! Just love so much of what VF has to share. Hurry, though! The sale ends later this week!
We have all enjoyed the Jonathan Park Creation Adventure series. This is the newest release and the ONLY one that we don't currently have.
I highly recommend this series of homemaking/homesteading DVDs produced by our friends at Franklin Springs. We have been so inspired with the entire set, but we have been encouraged to put more effort into our gardening and have even begun making our own homemade soaps.
This Frugal Library set is on my list for a future purchase. We can all learn to be more frugal and to learn to do things the old-fashioned way to save money and to just enjoy the fruit of your hands.
I am sure Aaron and his friend from down the road would love these books. Right now they get together often to work on the science experiments in the science textbook they both are using. This would be right up their alley!
< href="http://www.visionforum.com/668-36-1-122.html" target="_blank">
We have both the doll and book in this set. The doll is very good quality. I have to admit that I haven't finished reading the book. My friends, the Farewell's, often said, "So many books, so little time!" Yeah, just not enough time to read everything I would like.
The big boys actually had both of these items. After many years and lots of play I think they are somewhere out in the deep woods on our little homestead. I know a six year old, though, who would really enjoy them now.
I heard the young man down the road discussing this product the other day. He must have them on his wish list! I can just see him and his brother going at it and having lots of fun. Maybe they could pretend they are defending their lovely little sister.
Click on any of the pictures here to go directly to that product or click on my Vision Forum affiliate button in the right hand column of my blog. If you are going to purchase from VF I would really appreciate it if you go through my blog. I will receive a commission which means that I could get the items that I have been eyeing for my own family. Coveting, no, not me! Just love so much of what VF has to share. Hurry, though! The sale ends later this week!
Thanksgiving Recipes
More Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
When we were poor college students and Jeff was minister of music and youth at our first church a dear friend made this pie several times and shared the recipe with me when we left for seminary in Texas. It has become a favorite and is much requested by my chocolate-loving children. (Thanks for sharing ALL those many years ago, Debby P.!) Jeff even won a men's baking contest with this pie at one of our churches.
Chocolate Chess Pie
4 whole eggs
3 cups sugar
one stick melted butter
4 T cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
12 oz can evaporated milk
Mix all in the blender and pour into 2 unbaked pie shells. Place a cookie sheet on the lower rack of your oven to catch any drips. Place the pies on the middle rack (or mid-oven) and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until set. Remove and let cool. These pies freeze well.
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My mother-in-law introduced me to this recipe many years ago and it has become a must for me at all turkey and dressing meals. I do omit the pecans as we have allergy issues with nuts! This exact recipe is also from a former church member. Church folks sure know how to cook!!
Cranberry Casserole
1 c. peeled raw apples, chopped
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 c. uncooked oatmeal
2 c. fresh or thawed from frozen cranberries
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Butter a loaf-shaped glass dish. Put a layer of apples, half of each sugar, half of oatmeal, and half of nuts. Repeat layers. (Oatmeal is next to top layer and nuts the very last top layer.) Pour melted butter over all and bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Serves 8-10 people.
I use a little less sugar and you can par-bake this and freeze so make your Thanksgiving morning a little less stressful!
Chocolate Chess Pie
4 whole eggs
3 cups sugar
one stick melted butter
4 T cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
12 oz can evaporated milk
Mix all in the blender and pour into 2 unbaked pie shells. Place a cookie sheet on the lower rack of your oven to catch any drips. Place the pies on the middle rack (or mid-oven) and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until set. Remove and let cool. These pies freeze well.
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My mother-in-law introduced me to this recipe many years ago and it has become a must for me at all turkey and dressing meals. I do omit the pecans as we have allergy issues with nuts! This exact recipe is also from a former church member. Church folks sure know how to cook!!
Cranberry Casserole
1 c. peeled raw apples, chopped
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 c. uncooked oatmeal
2 c. fresh or thawed from frozen cranberries
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Butter a loaf-shaped glass dish. Put a layer of apples, half of each sugar, half of oatmeal, and half of nuts. Repeat layers. (Oatmeal is next to top layer and nuts the very last top layer.) Pour melted butter over all and bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Serves 8-10 people.
I use a little less sugar and you can par-bake this and freeze so make your Thanksgiving morning a little less stressful!
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I cannot remember a time that we have not had this pie at any holiday meal. My mom made this pie when I was growing up and I gladly carry on the tradition. It is simple and oh, so delicious.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Pies
2 baked pie shells
2 blocks of softened cream cheese
powdered sugar
1 can blueberry pie filling
chopped pecans
whipped topping
Mix some powdered sugar into the cream cheese until it is sweet enough to your taste. Yes, you get to taste it!! When satisfied, spread the cream cheese mixture into both pie shells and then lick the bowl clean! You may then put on a layer of chopped pecans, if desired. I do not unless my mom is coming! Pour the blueberry pie filling over the nuts, dividing evenly between both pies. Top all with whipped topping and refrigerate until ready to serve. Simple and so yummy!! It is even great for breakfast the next day if you can eat it without your children seeing you eat pie for breakfast. I can't wait!!
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Sweet and Sour Green Beans
This is another recipe that I grew up with and it is so good!! This recipe can be multiplied and you probably will need to if you are having a crowd or have a big family like me.
2 14.5 cans of cut green beans
8 bacon strips
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
Fry the bacon in a skillet (iron works better). Remove bacon, but leave grease. Let cool slightly and add sugar and vinegar. Stir until sugar melts. Add DRAINED beans. Cook until the beans are slightly shriveled. Crumble bacon on top (if there is any left at this point! My kids always sneak bites off it while my back is turned!!) This is not a recipe for every day, but it is so good. Perfect for a holiday meal!
Sweet and Sour Green Beans
This is another recipe that I grew up with and it is so good!! This recipe can be multiplied and you probably will need to if you are having a crowd or have a big family like me.
2 14.5 cans of cut green beans
8 bacon strips
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
Fry the bacon in a skillet (iron works better). Remove bacon, but leave grease. Let cool slightly and add sugar and vinegar. Stir until sugar melts. Add DRAINED beans. Cook until the beans are slightly shriveled. Crumble bacon on top (if there is any left at this point! My kids always sneak bites off it while my back is turned!!) This is not a recipe for every day, but it is so good. Perfect for a holiday meal!
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Last night we had a simple turkey casserole that I pulled from the freezer. Most of the children really liked it and Kaelan insisted that she MUST have the recipe for when she gets married. I will share it with you now so that you can use it for your turkey leftovers. As you can tell a lot of my recipes are not exact. This is one of those.
Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Casserole
You will need 2-4 cups of chopped turkey or chicken. Prepare 6 or so cups of macaroni. Drain. Mix turkey and noodles with 1-2 cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Add some chopped jalapeno peppers, salt and black pepper to taste. Pour into greased casserole dishes. Top with grated cheese and a layer of buttered Ritz crackers. Cover and freeze or bake at 350 until bubbly. Instead of adding cheese to the top you can mix it in with the noodles and meat mixture. Simple and easy!!
Now, I am off to get busy with the laundry and then to the kitchen where the girls and I will get some more of our cooking done and in the freezer. I am so very thankful for my helpers.
Are you hosting a Thanksgiving meal in your home? Do you go all out with table settings and decorations? If you are posting about your Thanksgiving traditions leave a comment to let us know what you are doing!
Last night we had a simple turkey casserole that I pulled from the freezer. Most of the children really liked it and Kaelan insisted that she MUST have the recipe for when she gets married. I will share it with you now so that you can use it for your turkey leftovers. As you can tell a lot of my recipes are not exact. This is one of those.
Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Casserole
You will need 2-4 cups of chopped turkey or chicken. Prepare 6 or so cups of macaroni. Drain. Mix turkey and noodles with 1-2 cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Add some chopped jalapeno peppers, salt and black pepper to taste. Pour into greased casserole dishes. Top with grated cheese and a layer of buttered Ritz crackers. Cover and freeze or bake at 350 until bubbly. Instead of adding cheese to the top you can mix it in with the noodles and meat mixture. Simple and easy!!
Now, I am off to get busy with the laundry and then to the kitchen where the girls and I will get some more of our cooking done and in the freezer. I am so very thankful for my helpers.
Are you hosting a Thanksgiving meal in your home? Do you go all out with table settings and decorations? If you are posting about your Thanksgiving traditions leave a comment to let us know what you are doing!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thanksgiving Menu
Devin and I have finalized our Thanksgiving Dinner menu and we are also coming up with ideas to save time and sanity on Thanksgiving morning. My mother-in-law will be bring a couple of dishes. We will be cooking and baking several dishes this week and freeze them. Others we will prepare the day before and reheat in slowcookers. That leaves us with only turkey, ham and gravy to cook on Thanksgiving morning. Hopefully that will also mean less mess to clean up!!
Turkey--I buy a large turkey! We eat leftovers for a day or two and then I boil the carcass to remove other meat to make casseroles or soups and save the broth for my Christmas dressing! This will be baked that morning.
Ham---Again, I buy large! Same principle as for the turkey and the extra ham and the hambone are great for seasoning peas, green beans and dried beans. This will be baked that morning.
Dressing-My mother-in-law is bringing it this year. I really love to make dressing so this is hard for me!!
Gravy--made with turkey giblets, onions, shredded carrots and flour for thickening. Not difficult to make at all and oh, so fabulous on the dressing and mashed potatoes. Did I really just open and heat a can of cream of chicken soup and call it gravy years ago? This will also be made on Thanksgiving morning.
Sweet potatoes--My mother-in-law is also bringing these.
Mashed potatoes-Made the day before and reheated in the slowcooker.
Sweet and sour green beans--A family must for holidays!! We will make these the day before and reheat in a slowcooker. Recipe will be posted later.
Squash casserole--Made this week and put in the freezer. Will thaw out the day before and be ready for the oven on Thursday.
Glazed carrots--Prepared the day before and heated in a slowcooker (yes, I have three of them!)
Green salad-prepared the day before
Cranberry/apple casserole--Delicous with dressing, it has replaced the canned cranberry sauce in our house. I will also post this recipe later this week. I will make two or three of these this week and freeze them.
Deviled eggs-Prepared by Kaelan the day before Thanksgiving.
Rolls and bread-Baked this week and frozen.
Honey butter-Prepared the day before Thanksgiving.
Buttermilk pie-Prepared and frozen this week.
Chocolate Chess pie--Prepared and frozen this week.
Blueberry pie--Made the day before Thanksgiving.
Apple pie--Made the day before Thanksgiving.
If there is any recipe that anyone would like to see, just leave me a comment. Otherwise we will be schooling, cleaning house and preparing our hearts for Thanksgiving.
Turkey--I buy a large turkey! We eat leftovers for a day or two and then I boil the carcass to remove other meat to make casseroles or soups and save the broth for my Christmas dressing! This will be baked that morning.
Ham---Again, I buy large! Same principle as for the turkey and the extra ham and the hambone are great for seasoning peas, green beans and dried beans. This will be baked that morning.
Dressing-My mother-in-law is bringing it this year. I really love to make dressing so this is hard for me!!
Gravy--made with turkey giblets, onions, shredded carrots and flour for thickening. Not difficult to make at all and oh, so fabulous on the dressing and mashed potatoes. Did I really just open and heat a can of cream of chicken soup and call it gravy years ago? This will also be made on Thanksgiving morning.
Sweet potatoes--My mother-in-law is also bringing these.
Mashed potatoes-Made the day before and reheated in the slowcooker.
Sweet and sour green beans--A family must for holidays!! We will make these the day before and reheat in a slowcooker. Recipe will be posted later.
Squash casserole--Made this week and put in the freezer. Will thaw out the day before and be ready for the oven on Thursday.
Glazed carrots--Prepared the day before and heated in a slowcooker (yes, I have three of them!)
Green salad-prepared the day before
Cranberry/apple casserole--Delicous with dressing, it has replaced the canned cranberry sauce in our house. I will also post this recipe later this week. I will make two or three of these this week and freeze them.
Deviled eggs-Prepared by Kaelan the day before Thanksgiving.
Rolls and bread-Baked this week and frozen.
Honey butter-Prepared the day before Thanksgiving.
Buttermilk pie-Prepared and frozen this week.
Chocolate Chess pie--Prepared and frozen this week.
Blueberry pie--Made the day before Thanksgiving.
Apple pie--Made the day before Thanksgiving.
If there is any recipe that anyone would like to see, just leave me a comment. Otherwise we will be schooling, cleaning house and preparing our hearts for Thanksgiving.
Big B Little B
Don't forget to go to the following link to vote for Busy Hands Busy Minds for best homeschool blog!
What begins with "B"?
Biggest big brother and littlest brother, too!
Romping in the leaves
Add another little brother
And lots of blessed bouncing fun!
Jordan's birthday was a couple of weeks ago. He is now 18 years old!!
And, like any good book lover, he got more books for his birthday. This time Jeff Shaara's early American history books covering the War for Independence and the Mexican American War. He also got a couple of his beloved flannel shirts. And he got to go to Jackson for a photography workshop that was right up his alley.
Caedmon tried on a new hat!
After dinner at a local Mexican restaurant we came home for a cookie cake and ice cream. A yummy night for all! (And please, just ignore the laundry that some neglectful child didn't put away!)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Vote for Me, Please!!
Wish I had known that I was nominated before now! Check out some great homeschool mom blogs, but come back here! I plan on posting holiday traditions, resources and recipes this week. Would love it if you would vote for Busy Hands Busy Minds for your favorite homeschool mom blog!!
http://hsbapost.com/best-homeschool-mom-blog-2010/
http://hsbapost.com/best-homeschool-mom-blog-2010/
What's Cooking in the Kitchen This Week?
Hoping to start preparing for our Thanksgiving feast this week by freezing dressing, cranberry casserole, squash casserole, dinner rolls and various desserts, but in the meantime we must eat every day this week as well. Here's what will be on the dinner table at the Chamblee home this week.
Monday-lasagne (from the freezer), salad and herbed dinner rolls
Tuesday-chicken pot pie (made by Devin) and salad
Wednesday-Greek meatballs, veggie pilaf, hummus, tzatziki, flatbread and olives
Thursday-chili with beans, cornbread and raw veggies with dip
Friday-homemade pizzas and salad
Saturday-hamburger steaks with onions and gravy, rice, squash casserole, butter beans and salad
Sunday-dinner with small group from church
Monday-lasagne (from the freezer), salad and herbed dinner rolls
Tuesday-chicken pot pie (made by Devin) and salad
Wednesday-Greek meatballs, veggie pilaf, hummus, tzatziki, flatbread and olives
Thursday-chili with beans, cornbread and raw veggies with dip
Friday-homemade pizzas and salad
Saturday-hamburger steaks with onions and gravy, rice, squash casserole, butter beans and salad
Sunday-dinner with small group from church
Sunday, November 14, 2010
O My Soul
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| Picture taken from our cabin on Ski Mountain in Gatlinburg last fall Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103: 1-5 |
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| On the deck of our cabin |
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| From the tram on Ski Mountain in Gatlinburg last year |
This portion of the Psalms has been floating around in my brain for the last few weeks. It is very fitting for the Thanksgiving season. If you know me in REAL LIFE, you know that I love fall and we pull out all the fall decorations for our home in mid-September. This year we've been enjoying some candlelit evenings with the smells of autumn in the air. We have had times of sweet fellowship around the firepit with new and old friends. We've celebrated another birthday this month (Jordan is 18 now and if I can get blogspot to cooperate I will post some sweet pictures soon) and we are looking ahead to a wonderful holiday season. Devin has been poring through the cookbooks for some new recipes to try, I have been making a variety of goat milk soaps and learning how to make yogurt and applesauce in my fancy new slowcooker. We have had another couple of weeks of sickness, but I think we are getting better now. We were all able to attend church today! This week will be busy with academics, house cleaning, music lessons, travel for Jeff and preparing for Thanksgiving.
May you all have a blessed time of thanksgiving and rejoicing with your families. Are you busy preparing? Are you looking through cookbooks for that special recipe? Do you have some family favorites? I'll be posting some of our family traditions and recipes in the next few days along with some other thoughts that have been in my mind lately.
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