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

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.

Monday, January 31, 2011

House full of sick people ~ Storm on the way

We have all been sick these last few days.  We have been soothing sore throats with hot teas.


Before I became worse, or had a house full of sick ones, I was able to crochet a new dishcloth pattern.  I used scrap Christmas colors for next Christmas.


And, crocheted a simple (sc, ch1, sk 1 st, sc) scarf for one of the kids, with yarn I had on hand.  I also cranked out a rough draft article.


My husband, even though it was not in the spending budget, allowed my 11 year-old to pick out yarn for her crocheted, hope chest blanket.  


What is so amazing, is that she picked 2 yarn colors I have leftover from another blanket (she had no idea), and only one additional color to buy.  I decided, since I am not feeling so good, to use the same pattern as the scraf, and I created this rotation of colors on my own.  I will edge it in orchid when it is completed.

Thankfully, my son ran errands, and is helping around the house, because I am still sick.  Two more kids are home, and a storm is on the way.  He's been very helpful in stocking up water (freezing pipes), supplies for sickness and more.  He's even hanging the sheets out on the line.  The wind is strong, and I felt our sheets, which carry germs, needed to be washed.  

 (19°F / Feels like 4°F)
I'm getting yelled at to get my "germs" off the computer now....they are predicting 12-15 inches of snow.  Who knows how much we will actually get.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Cleaning House ~ What's your muse?

What inspires you to start and finish cleaning your home?  When I write, I have a few muses that pump my thoughts with ideas.  When I clean, I typically have music on.   My kids are motivated to clean if they are allowed to have a friend over (house rule: you invite, you clean).  Prayer and inspirational quotes are also motivating. 

Today, I was motivated by a note my daughter left me.  We often "noter" each other and it inspires up to get through the day with a positive attitude.  I'll add a photo later for you to see the note she left on my bed this morning.

Yesterday, believe it or not, I was so tired and stressed, I actually stopped everything and perched myself on the couch.  Only a few minutes later, I was snuggled up with one dog and sleeping.  I am not one to nap, but I woke up revived and ready to start dinner.  Amazing how a little break can help you feel.

When you are under stress and you feel you are at your limit, read something fun and take a break. You never know, you may fall asleep and get the rest your body needs anyway.

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I am currently working on improving the above article.  On that particular site, writers have one offer (and only one) to rewrite each article to improve it.