Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Showing posts with label Motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motherhood. Show all posts

Monday, February 12, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

A sunrise from last week.  We've been blessed with some beautiful sunrises lately.  We actually grilled out on Sunday.  It was slightly chilly, but the sun was out.

Do you remember my post on the Butterscotch Sugar cookies (from a Joanne Fluke book)?  I froze some of them, to see if they froze well, and they do!  Just sharing in case you like to have something in the freezer for unexpected guests, or need to quickly take a treat to someone.





Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather. . .

Highs in the 40's and lows in the 20's for the week.


Right now I am . . .

Making a pot of coffee.


Thinking and pondering . . .

Butter beans.  Do you use butter beans?  I do.  I have to order them online, as our stores here do not carry them.  Weird right?  I see that Meijer sells them (via looking online), but they add sugar to their canned beans for some reason.  Do you have access to butter beans (organic, non-gmo)?  I currently by Eden Butter beans (USA grown, only contains Kombu seaweed for better digestion).

Just when I am thinking of purging some writing books, a "freelancing" article comes up in my reading list today.  Hm.

So many blogs I follow/followed have ended or are coming to an end lately.  I go to where my reading page is and there is mostly blogs on crochet or writing anymore.


How I am feeling . . .

Coffee made, music on, and ready to tackle the day.


On the breakfast plate . . .

-Breakfast:  Egg/Sausage/Cheese breakfast sandwiches, coffee

On the lunch plate . . .

Maybe chicken salad/boiled egg, grapes.


On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken quesadillas possibly.


On the menu . . .


-Southern Beefy Skillet (Eating Well Recipe, formally from Diabetic Living), but the recipe does not list the tomato sauce in the ingredients, so read the entire recipe and instructions first.

-Pork loin, roasted green beans, and wild rice blend, made with organic stock and pre-blanched kale.  Home canned BBQ sauce to pour over the pork over rice blend.

-Mexican Lasagna, Crockpot Creamed Corn (using frozen off the cob corn)



Beverage:  a gallon of homemade iced green tea infused with dehydrated spearmint from the garden.  Did you know spearmint is good for helping memory?  I just learned this.

When the current Mediterranean Orzo salad is gone, I plan to make another salad.


On my reading pile . . .



Thanks to two 65°F days (and mostly sunny) that lured me to the porch to actually sit and read, I finished this book.  

Currently reading this:




I also borrowed some interesting books from our library. 



 The "swap" book has some very interesting ideas in it.  I'm still waiting on a Sally Fallon book, and it is taking forever to get a copy from the library.  I thought for sure I owned a copy, but I do not.  I'm hoping it comes in soon.


On the TV this week . . .

Movies:  The Ice Road


Looking around the house. . .

What I purged - 16 books, 1 pair of 1.50 readers, 1 cast iron griddle, and gave away the last of my nail polish Christmas tree ornaments to a friend who does nails for a living (she loved them).

The house is pretty tidy, as we had guests over the weekend.

I'm very slowly purging items from the office, which may end up not an office.  That is topic for "thinking and pondering" I guess.

I finished giving my quilt rack a fresh coat of paint, and it's back up on a wall.  I am looking for a new quilt now.  The current one does not match (it's a knock off, cheap version quilt)


The to-do list . . .

-put another paint chip in the home journal
-order propane
-place an order for items I cannot get in the grocery store
-laundry
-dishes, run dishwasher


For the week (moved from last week, as I did not get it done)

-clean kitchen window, window blinds, wash curtains

-the hallway project is still on-going


From the camera . . .


I finished this lap afghan. It is packaged up to donate to the senior center.   I started another.  I keep getting notified (by friends) that there is a need for shawls for a group in our state called Shawls of Support for organ/tissue/eye donors.  One specific wanted purple ones.  I have yet to check my yarn stash, but the senior center was thrilled to get what I have already donated, I really would like to finish a few more lap afghans for them, before winter is over.  Then again, they may be able to use them in the summer if they have the AC on too.  Anyway, there are two great ways to help others with my yarn stash.


Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses. . .

It's not a prayer or bible verse, but a strongly written statement.   It's possibly encouragement to someone today.








Monday, January 29, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weekend weather was not too bad on Saturday, but boy it turned nasty on Sunday.  Wind, rain, and cold air moved in.  

I can't believe January 2024 is already coming to an end.  Where in the world did this month go?  I know I was/and still am consumed with painting, repairing drywall, and other winter work.

My husband insisted on getting out to put my books in the little free library for me.  It was pouring down rain and snow (sleet).

I spent one morning sorting garden seeds, making a plan, and sent out orders.  Shipping is free with Baker Creek in the USA, but High Mowing is a whopping $11.95 and Territorial is $8.95!  My plan is to save more seeds this season.


I spent one day running errands, and delivered 3 crocheted lap afghans and 3 jar openers to the senior center.  The folks that receive "meals on wheels" are offered a trivia contest, and one person/couple wins each month.  A basket of sorts is donated, and given to the winner(s).  Last year I donated one blanket, and this year I was able to get 3 finished.  It will provide for the trivia winners for 3 months.

I also took two bags of books to the thrift store.  

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom


The weather . . .

High of 37° and low of 31°F, very little possibility of rain (thankful for that after several days of rain).


Right now I am . . .

Writing up this post, brewing more coffee


Thinking and pondering . . .

What color to paint the hallway.


How I am feeling . . .

Tired.  More like just can't wait to get this hallway done.


On the breakfast plate . . .

Not sure yet.

On the lunch plate . . .

Smoked pulled pork, baked beans 

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken, side veggie 


On the menu . . .

-Healthy Casserole with Beef and Lentils

-Sheet pan pork loin, brussel sprouts and apples

-Leftovers

-Snack, no bake energy bites

-Breakfast: Einkorn Ricotta Pancakes, Sausage patties, Scrambled eggs


What I am wearing . . .

Still in jammies, running late this morning.


On the reading pile . . .



On the TV . . .

Youtube videos on how to repair/replace larger drywall areas. 

Movies on either Netflix or Amazon.


Looking around the house . . .

Everything is looking good.  Other than I need to wash and clean the kitchen blinds (adding it to the winter project list).


To-do list . . .

-laundry
-make a breakfast that will last a few days
-sweep and mop floors
-run dishwasher
-clean bathrooms, wash a rug in one

For the week:

-work on the upstairs flooring 
-continue priming/painting in the hallway (doors/windows)
-whittle away at blog drafts:  I apparently had grand intentions on some things that are not going to happen, ha ha!

From the camera . . .

Two ingredient waffle - 2 Tbsp. peanut butter and one egg.  Mix and pour into a mini waffle maker.  Pretty good, but not low in calories or fat.  I just made us one each to try.  These would be good for a camping trip with some hiking involved.

Devotional, prayers, Bible Verses . . . 


Happy Homemaker Monday © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Monday, January 22, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday


Sunday weather started out at 12°F (wind chill of 5°F).  It was snowing as well.



Stray cat chasing a bird?   I have not seen any cats around here lately.  Interesting.  


 

 


Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.



The Weather . . .

19°F  with a wind chill of 8°F


Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee and posting this blog post.


Thinking and pondering . . .

If you have chickens, are you team "fill the roosts with straw/bedding"  or nothing team?  We put straw in ours, and our eggs are clean.  I was given some eggs a few weeks ago (team nothing in the roosts), and the eggs were very dirty.  Also, since I have not been putting straw in the roosts, they are laying on the floor of the coop, so I'm going back to putting straw inside the roosts.


How I am feeling . . .

Pretty good.


On the breakfast plate . . .


(before they cooled completely)

Egg/sage sausage/cheese cups to go with an oatmeal bake.  When I bake the egg cups, I like to put the solid ingredients in each cup first, then mix up the 6 eggs, 1/4 cup heavy cream (I used Greek plain yogurt and a splash of  milk, salt/pepper and 1/2 tsp. baking powder, and evenly pour it over the other ingredients.  It's just so much easier to evenly distribute the ingredients.  I baked this for 18-20 minutes at 350°F.

By the way, this helps make one pound of sausage make more meals.  I used 1 cup cooked sausage and 1 cup or less of pepper jack cheese that I hand shredded.

Also, I know they are not cheap, but I use parchment cups, because no matter what I grease my pan with, they always stick.


On the lunch plate . . .

Leftovers.


On the dinner plate . . .

Meatballs over wild rice, asparagus or green beans


On the menu . . .

-Cabbage Lasagna
-crock pot meatballs over wild rice or quinoa, roasted green beans
-Chicken sheet pan dinner
-leftovers
-Breakfast:  Egg/ham/cheese low carb quesadillas, Egg/sausage cups, pumpkin pancakes

On the reading pile . . .

Still reading this book.  I'm just lacking reading mojo lately.

On my TV . . .

Netflix - This is Us.


Looking around the house . . . 

One more day of painting, and I will have finished another door.  I have also managed to get more door trim painted.

I'm in full swing on the hallway project as well.  It was the "drop station" for all things that had to be moved for carpet removal.

I have started another donation box, gotten rid of a few things, and now I am focused  on chipping away at our winter project list.


To-do list . . .

Deep Clean - Clean Washing Machine (it has a "clean washer" cycle), clean microwave.  If you do not have a "Clean" cycle on your washing machine, you can buy tablets to toss in your washer and run on a hot cycle to clean your washing machine.

-dust
-laundry
-dishes
-bake a breakfast
-paint one side of a door, prime some door trim

From the camera . . .

(see yesterday's post on my handiwork update)



Devotional, Quote, Prayers . . .




Monday, January 8, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

 On the home winter project list, we have decided to completely remove the hallway paneling.   When the carpet was removed a large wooden storage box was moved to the hallway (to get it out of the way of work).  I am now going through it, and hopefully passing it on to other family members.  The box itself will be donated if no one can find a use for it.  I have contacted our historical society in the past, and they were not taking any donations.   There are some old family items in this storage box, and I can no longer store them.  

After cleaning my Dad's place and Mom's after they passed, I have a different look on what I keep and do not keep.


Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I will link up when she posts.  I'm running behind today.


The weather . . . 

High 30's, low 40's, some weather moving in around towards the weekend, with rain/snow.


Right now I am . . .

Brewing a late pot of coffee, and posting this.


Thinking and pondering . . .

Looking through my seeds and working on a seed order if necessary.


How I am feeling . . .

I'm not liking the lack of sunshine right now.  I do believe it plays a part in how a person feels.  Did I mention the tea recipe I will be trying?  I posted a link for it.  It is said to help with seasonal stress.


On the breakfast plate . . .

Egg/sausage scramble, Coffee.


On the lunch plate . . .

Have no idea yet.


On the dinner plate . . .

Perch, and a vegetable


On the menu. . .

No idea yet.  However, I do look in the freezer/fridge and pantry before writing it up.  I will work on that later.


On my reading pile . . .

I have not had any time to read over the last week.  I'm okay with that, as I am making progress on the winter project list.


On the TV this week . . .

Fool me Once (series on netflix)


Looking around the house . . .

If you haven't read my recent post on our winter project list, I am working on painting interior doors and door trim.


The to-do list . . .

-muck coop
-catch up on any laundry
-dust
-make some calls, the truck just got new rotors, but now it needs new tires
-water plants
-sweep/mop floors
-purge a storage box we no longer have room for


From the camera . . .

We were lucky to have a few beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but with the rain and snow moving in, the skies have been cloudy the last few days.


Devotional, quote, prayers . . .




Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Rain and Heat ~ More Squash! ~ Motherhood Moments

 

(this was a few days ago)

Me to my husband:  Sure looks like it's about to come down out there.

Husband to me:  Oh great!  Another 1000 green beans (ha ha ha!)

We have been getting rain off and on.  We are also getting heat.  We canceled our first camping trip as fast as we booked it due to the heat.  What's the fun in camping, if you can't enjoy a campfire meal?  Not only will the heat be here this weekend, so will thunderstorms.  



I decided to only freeze shredded zucchini, and not diced this year.  I prefer to be able to squeeze the water out prior to freezing.  


I sent a large bag of squash with my husband to work.  I also picked more, and reduced the numbers by about 10 of them with some baking and cooking (and freezing).




The muffins are delicious, but a bit sweet.  I may make them again and swap the honey for maple syrup, and only use half amount.

Although we recently got a small bit of rain, it was not enough for the garden.  I will be watering this morning, so I must get this posted and get busy.  We are getting into the 90's this week, and it heats up pretty fast out there.

I did not get any answers regarding the cucumbers, so the chickens are getting the treats for now.  I will try and do more research today, but I have very little free time right now.


I was talking to a friend, who travels to upper MI to pick blueberries.  I told her I have never purchased a box with so many un-ripe berries, stems and leaves.  She said they may have switched to machine picking them due to lack of help.  My husband and I are not happy with them this year.  We are unable to grow them on our property due to lime stone sadly.

On the motherhood front, we are worried about Daughter K.  She has a doctor appt this morning due to high blood pressure.  If you get a moment, please send prayers for her.  It is not normal for her to be experiencing this, and the doctors so far have not (even with an ER visit) treated her with any medication.  

Monday, May 8, 2023

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

We had wonderful weather over the weekend, other than thunderstorms Sunday morning.  I've started to do the plant "shuffle" so they are acclimated to the outdoors prior to planting in the garden.  We are still working on garden fencing, and fixing the truck.

I picked a handful of asparagus, and we should be enjoying it in a few more days for dinner.  



Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

Cloudy, 60's and more rain.  They are predicting rain all weekend, so if I want peas planted, I need to do it between this rain and the weekend rain (or not at all).  It's getting late for peas here.


As I look outside my window . . .

It's cloudy, and looks like rain.


Right now I am . . .

Making a second pot of coffee.


Thinking and pondering . . .

Just a lot going on between weather and garden.


How I am feeling . . . 

Tired, but so glad I did a super tidy/clean up before we left for the weekend.


On the breakfast plate . . .

Not sure yet.  I have to make it ha ha!


What I am wearing . . .

Jammies.  Just starting out my morning right now.


On my reading pile . . .

I'm still reading Atomic Habits.  By the way, it's not a good book to take on a car ride, ha ha!  I going to have to start another book and rotate them.  This book is good, but it's as interesting as a good fiction book.


On my TV . . .

A Man Called Otto


On the menu . . .

I completely forgot about planning a menu this week!

-Tacos
-Crock pot pork chops, rice or quinoa, and roasted brussel sprouts or asparagus from the garden
-walleye or perch, homemade fries 
-leftovers


Looking around the house . . .

It's getting there.  I should have the upstairs larger room flooring painted by the end of the week.  Downstairs is looking much better.  I still have a few boxes to sort, and the truck is still full of donations to deliver.  I need to start on the front porch again soon.  We purchased flowers for the hanging baskets, and they need put up yet.


On the to-do list . . .

-laundry
-unload dishwasher
-bake a breakfast for a few days
-make egg salad
-get plant hangers from storage and put flowers in them
-get dog kennel from storage for chicks/start acclimating them with the adult hens
-set plants out today
-put last of the smaller fencing around asparagus and toss in straw

For the week:
-start weeding herb garden and larger rose bed
-completely clean out one kitchen cupboard/purge and sanitize and add shelf liner


What I am creating . . .

Finally put this pair together.


Newest road trip/porch project - square doilies for living room lamps.  I almost have the first one done.


Still working on this blanket.  It's in a project basket for now.  In case you missed the post, you can find the pattern links for this:  HERE.


Simple pleasure. . .

Painting my toenails with nail polish.  I actually bought a pair of flip-flop slippers for this summer too.  I don't do this often, so when I do, it is a treat (using chemical free polish).


From the camera . . .

(we did some easy hiking over the weekend)

Devotional, Prayers . . .
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear. But when you are tested, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10.12-13, NIV)



Monday, April 17, 2023

Happy Homemaker Monday

 The closet "extreme clean" is still going on.  I'm impressed if I pull at least a few items a day around here.  



My green onion is in full harvest due to the recent weather.  I could not let it be ignored with the twist of weather today.  I made a batch of fresh green onion/parsley pesto.  I plan to use some in our breakfast this morning.

Compost has now been added to the gardens.  I have yet to pull the bean fence, but we have a few days before tilling is done.   I think this year has been the earliest to get these jobs done, and I am thankful for that.  In May, it's typically hit or miss weather for getting planting done.  





Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I will link up when she posts.

The weather . . .

43/34°F and possible snow.


As I look outside my window . . .

Very cloudy and dark, and it's snowing.


Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee.


Thinking and pondering . . .

Thinking about taking some donations to drop off, to get them out of the house.


On my bedside table . . .

Water, a crochet hook, phone charger


On my TV . . .

Netflix movies.


Listening to . . .

Country.


On the menu . . .

-fried eggs with homemade pesto, bacon and tomato slices

-Charro Beans to use up tomatoes in the freezer, and a side to go with leftover

-sheet pan chicken sausage/carrots and potatoes 

-Mexican Lasagna (no pasta), and  corn we froze off the cob last summer

On my reading pile . . .

Once a week I get this out to read up on things.  Last week I read about the Nettles.  I am learning new things from this book, and it's been on my shelf for years.


I am about 1/4 of the way through Atomic Habits.  I am very much enjoying this book.


On the to-do list . . .

-pay bills
-laundry
-work on upstairs flooring
-make a breakfast
-run errands

Extreme Clean list:
-clean all of the blinds

Plans for the week . . .
To get the closet floor done, trim done and everything put back in it's place.


What I am creating . . . 



Hard to see, as the weather was rainy and dark and the lighting was bad, but I am using beads from my Grandma's stash and making a few sets of these earrings (using up supplies I have on hand for jewelry making).  It's a smaller crafting project for when it's hot out.  Most likely they will be gifted or sold down the road.  I'm thinking it would make a thoughtful Christmas present for our girls, considering the beads are from my Grandmother.

By the way, my readers were not much help with the tiny parts of the earrings.  If you use a crafter's magnifying lamp, I would love to hear your suggestions on purchasing one.



I'm still working on this blanket (old photo)

My simple pleasure . . .
On a dreary day like today, I will sometimes put something in my coffee like Bailey's or Rum Chata Peppermint Bark.  Most days it is just coffee.  I do miss the recent porch time I was getting.


Looking around the house . . .
It's still a hot mess.  I will be until the upstairs flooring is treated completely, and the bedroom closet is done. 


From the camera . . .
The ornamental apple trees are loaded with blossoms.  I took a photos just in case the snow damages things today.  


Bible Verse, Prayers. . .
Last Monday I mentioned Tina's husband.  He had cardiac arrest, followed by more complications, and unfortunately has passed away.  He name is Dane, if you wish to pray for the family.


Monday, February 27, 2023

Happy Homemaker Monday




We sort of had shopping plans, and ended up at another Wal-mart first.  I finally found a lot of white ribbon, and a few other colors, but still need pink and peach.  Only $.47 a roll, but only 20 feet per roll.  Anyway, I was very happy to locate some.  Now this means the next crochet project ha ha - baby booties.

The weekend went by way too fast.  A lot work that we planned to do on the house did not happen.


Today I will be joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I will link up when she posts.


The weather . . .

Thunderstorms today, and a possibility of snow this coming weekend.


As I look outside my window . . .

The sun is starting to come up.


Right now I am . . .

Brewing another pot of coffee.


Thinking and pondering . . .

We are considering removing the bedroom carpet next.  Not sure when, but next on the list, as I get back to painting.  I have a door to paint in the utility room (for a cubbie) as well.


On my bedside table . . .

Water, two framed photos, and a few lozenges.


On my TV Today . . .

We just finished watching 1923, so not sure what will be next.


Listening to . . .

80's while I do housework.


On the lunch plate . . .

I have no idea yet.


On the dinner plate . . .

Burgers


On the menu . . .

-burgers, veggie

-chicken fajitas

-leftovers


On my reading pile . . .




On the to-do list . . .

-make homemade turkey sage sausage
-make a breakfast
-sweep/mop
-laundry
-dishes
-run dishwasher
-water seedlings
-take yarn, craft supplies upstairs
-start cleaning up bedroom to prep for carpet removal (probably will take a few weeks or more, as the carpet is in the walk-in closet too.


Plans for this week . . .

No plans, other than to get back to home repairs/renovations


What I am creating . . .


I'm still working on a blanket for us.  Trying to finish a scarf.


My simple pleasure . . .

Journaling.


Looking around the house . . .

I need to take some yarn upstairs that I have collected from around the house.


From the camera . . .



Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayers . . .