Everything Home...with Carol

IMPORTANT * I've Moved * IMPORTANT

2011-07-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

What else do you title a post that you want to make sure is read?

Sadly, this is the last post you will receive from EverythingHomewithCarol.blogspot.

My new address is http://EverythingHomewithCarol.com.

I really do NOT know what I am doing. But somehow, over the course of the last six weeks, I've managed to purchase my domain name and host it through HostGator. I've downloaded WordPress, loaded a template, and customized that template to make it feel more like home.

This is what I haven't figured out, yet--how to move my followers. If someone knows how to do that, please, please, tell me. Otherwise, please, please, hop over to the new digs right now and subscribe so that you do not miss a thing. In fact, I noticed a few new Feedburner subscriptions in the last few days that I'm suspecting were meant for the new site (mainly because one of them was my own) and went to this one. So, if that describes you, bear with me as I work through this technicality. I'm also trying to get it changed in Networked Blogs through Facebook.

At the new place you will see a few different things. First, I have added some Amazon ads. I've done that to make a place to show you the books that I use on our homestead and in our homeschool. (Of course if you decide to purchase any through my site, that doesn't hurt me either. :-)) Secondly, you will notice that all my blog friend buttons are missing. I didn't move my buttons because #1, I only want to display buttons of those that follow Everything Home; and #2, a lot of you have changed your buttons and I'm showing old ones. So this is the deal...if you want me to put your button on Everything Home, send me an email and let me know.

One last thing. I'm still playing with the look of the new place. So if you have any suggestions...don't like the colors, columns too wide, whatever...please let me know. I'm open to suggestions. Also, don't be surprised if you log in one day to see things moved around. Like I said, it's a work in progress.

So, with no further rambling from me, please hop on over, subscribe by clicking on the little RSS button or by giving your email address, and then you won't miss a beat.

Next up...new e-booklets!

Blessings,

Do Your Children Have Weeds?

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

This morning while pulling weeds I was just busting with pride over the garden. I want so much for you all to come over and gloat with me at how beautiful everything looks. You have to remember that last year my garden suffered from neglect because I was working outside the home. We also suffered with drought.

However, this spring God has blessed us with an over-abundance of rain. The Shenandoah river has overflowed its banks three times. And, not only do I have beautiful green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, etc., I also have weeds that are flourishing.

This one is my worst nightmare. Spiny amaranth is its name. We never had any until we took some horse manure from a neighbor. My guess is that the seeds came in that manure. The first year it was everywhere. I had so much trouble eliminating it. Now, it's not as bad. Fortunately, this fine specimen was discovered in the compost bin. My seven year old dug it out and put it in the fire pit. Burning is the only way to deal with it. This weed is such a nightmare because it has thorns that are hard as nails and sharp as needles. They are camouflaged as well. There is no getting them out without a shovel.

Anyway, as I was dealing with the other less dangerous weeds in the potatoes this morning, I realized that as beautiful as my garden is, I do tend a more important garden. That is the garden of my children's hearts. As a mother, my children are a garden that I tend to daily, hourly, even by the minute. And if that garden is not beautiful, then I have failed as a mother.

So, while bending over those potatoes, that still, small voice whispered in my ear, "Do your children have weeds?"

"Do my children have weeds?" I asked back. "Let me think about that one."

Tattling, whining, sneaking, ignoring my voice, teasing..."Yes, Lord, my children have weeds."

So, as a conscientious mother, it is my job to pull those weeds. I use various tools for the job. Sometimes, it's just a talk. Sometimes, it's a story. Sometimes, the tool is a little less pleasant. But as any gardener will tell you, if the handles of your tools are not secure, the job is more difficult. That is why the "handle" holding all my child-weeding tools is the Word of God.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. --Hebrews 4:12

Something to ponder...do your children have weeds? How do you get them out?

Blessings to you,

What's Up for July

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

July is my blogoversary month. I can't believe it's been two years already. And in honor of this occasion, I have several surprises for you.

First, I'm moving this blog. I've been working on this process for several weeks now and it is not yet complete so don't ditch me yet! When I have the other site up and running, you will be the first to know.

Second, I will be compiling another set of FREE (don't you love that word?) ebooks:

Everything Home with Carol--Homeschooling, the SECOND Year
Everything Home with Carol--Homesteading, the SECOND Year
and
Everything Home with Carol--Homemaking, the SECOND Year

For those that missed posts, just joined us, or just want everything compiled in one place, these are a great idea. Then,

Third, I will be having a super giveaway that you will not want to miss.

So hang in there, because I will be scarce this month trying to get all these things together. But I promise, it will be worth it.

Thanks for understanding and blessings to you all,

I'm Guest Posting Again

2011-07-04T12:39:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Today you can find me at The Kerrie Show. Kerrie's blog is about...being a mom, being a homeschooling mom, attachment parenting, working around the kiddos, and just life with the family in general.

The post is about Seed Catalog Curriculum. So, if you haven't heard my schpeel on that...hop on over to Kerrie's and read all about it.

Great day to ya'

Connect With Your Teens without Spending Much Money

2011-06-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Oh my stars, I read so much that I can never remember where I read something. Likewise, I cannot remember how I stumbled upon The Homeschool Jungle. But Jana has a great site, there, and we agreed to swap posts since summer is always a hectic season. So, with no more rambling from me, I want to introduce Jana Miller.

Why is it that we spend so much time wishing them to grow up and then it happens and we are shocked?

Start a Hobby

I took up blogging 5 years ago when my son was 12. He was always entrepreneurial minded. I knew I needed to help that grow. I knew he would look at what I was doing and get interested in making some extra money. My goal starting out was for him to have some kind of business that would provide him passive income during college. I had to go and learn about blogging and how to make money online so that I could inspire him. Through the whole process, we found a hobby we both enjoyed. We always have ideas to bounce off each other. One woman I know became an expert in baseball and all the statistics involved in order to connect with her teenage son who loved baseball. That was my mom. She set a good example for me.

It’s Always about Food

This doesn’t have to mean junk food but it can. My son and I meet friends at the farmer’s market every Sunday morning. We shop and talk and pick up healthy food. The other day, Chase said, “I didn’t go out with my friends for fast food because I knew we had so much good food here at home.” Of course I love that he likes my food but I also get to sit and talk with him while he eats. This doesn’t mean having to spend extra money but simply having things that my kids prefer to eat, and choosing to stop what I’m doing.

Books

Ask them what they are reading. This won’t work if your kids never read. But it’s the rare homeschooler that doesn’t like some sort of reading. Then take time to read the books they like. My older son had read, Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. Then my younger son read it. So I picked it up and after reading it, I was able to have some lengthy conversation about God and formulas and what they think about Christianity for their generation. I lucked out…..I really don’t like fantasy fiction so it would have been a stretch to try and read some of the other books my son enjoys.

Teach Me

It’s a humbling experience. But I make it a habit to ask my kids to teach me things. Even if it’s something I pretty much know how to do. Most often this involves the computer, a printer or a cell phone. When they are able to teach me, we connect on a different level. They feel great about being the expert and they are able to see their strengths. You can start this when your children are young and they will become more teachable as adults.

How do you connect with your teens?

Jana Miller is a freelance writer and creator of The Homeschool Jungle, a website to encourage new home school families. Her first e-book came out earlier this year, The Homeschool Jungle: Get Started Homeschooling Today. She has been homeschooling her sons for the past 10 years. Her older son just finished his first year at Wheaton College outside Chicago and her younger son will graduate from high school in 2012. She admits to liking red meat and full-fat dairy products. She lives with her family in Orange County, California.

Garden Update

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

I know I've been updating you on the garden in the sidebar. But I couldn't help but show you what I've been doing. So here are a bunch of pictures for you to see.

Now, you know why I don't do pictures very often. I really think this is the unfriendliest part of Blogger. :-|

I can never get my pictures to go where I want them. So for this montage I will just keep typing away and let the pictures fall where they will!

So, from my standpoint, we have potatoes in the upper left. This is one of three rows in this garden, then we have a couple more rows in garden #2.

Next over is corn. I guess that is pretty obvious. They always say "knee high by the 4th of July" and I guess mine's made it.

Moving to the right is the beet row. It doesn't look that great. I think that a bunch of seeds got washed away in all the heavy rains. But that's okay. I get another chance in the fall.

Next, on the left, growing up the trellis is the cucumbers. We've already picked one and these plants are loaded. They are also climbing up the other side of the arch.

To the right of that, in the tires, is my 10 year old's tomato plants. I did not want to plow up any more earth so this is his way of being resourceful.

Next on the left is one row of cabbages. I took the row cover off them because it had cabbage moths underneath it! SIGH! Now I have to go out every day and look for little worms.

To the right of the cabbages is the Brussels sprouts. I had to take the row cover off them because they were getting too tall. That is why they look like someone sat on them. I have little sprouts about marble size in there. We are so excited. This is our first try at Brussels.

Then, this last picture is of my tomato row. That's it. I did NOT plant
75 tomato plants this year. Let's see how these do.

This garden measures 25x75 feet. It is the size of my house!
We have another patch in the back with potatoes, zucchini, and
more greens.

What did I not show you? Green beens, bird's egg beans, and peppers.
They just weren't very photogenic. Plus I bet you're tired of my garden by now.

I hope you've enjoyed my show and tell. How is your garden doing?
My husband keeps saying, "This is your best garden yet!" I tell him the proof is in the pudding. Hopefully in a month or so I will be complaining about all the canning and freezing I have to do. Without my daughter--who got a job!

Blessings,

Freedom Ranger Chick Update and How To Weigh a Chicken

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Can You Believe It?

We're guessing these guys weight about three pounds. But since I want 6-7 pound birds, we're going to give it a few more weeks. I switched their feed to a higher protein mix to help them put on the desired weight.

How do I know how much they weigh? In the past we've used my son's fishing scale. It's a nifty little device that you hook the fish through the gills with and hang it to weigh. When I asked to borrow it again, he said he broke it but that I could get one at WalMart for $3-4. I'm going to look next time I'm up that way.

Anyway, we hang a 5-gallon bucket on the scale and take note of its weight. Then we put a chicken in the bucket. We subtract the weight of the bucket from the total. I once tried to use a plastic grocery bag so that I didn't have to mess around with subtracting the weights. But a chicken has sharp claws that go right through a plastic grocery bag. So don't try that. Your chicken will fall right through onto the ground.

I'm dreaming of fried chicken...chicken pot pie...chicken stew...

I'm at the Homeschool Jungle Today

2011-06-22T09:40:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder how to prepare your teen for filling out that first job application? What about choosing the right "first job" for him? Well today I'm guest posting at the Homeschool Jungle, and that is what we're talking about.

"Is Your Teen Prepared for His First Job" is a checklist for parents to consider before sending him out into the "real world."

So, hop on over to Jana's Homeschool Jungle and join in the conversation.

Blessings,

Bramble On -- In Hobby Farms Magazine

2011-06-21T14:05:00.003-04:00

I love it when I can tell you I have a new story out in a national magazine. But more importantly, I love it when that story can really help you out.

If you've ever thought of growing brambles--of any sort--this is the tell all article. In it, I interviewed friends and raspberry farmers Marlin and Christine Burkholder. The Burkholders have successfully sold their Heritage raspberries at our local farmers' market for years. They have gotten so proficient in the process that raspberries are now their number one cash crop.
I also interviewed several other experts in the berry field from Cornell University and Sakuma Brothers Farms in Washington.

If you do not currently subscribe to Hobby Farms, you can do so here. If you just want a copy of this issue, it is currently available on your local newsstand.

I must point out, too, that there are several other articles in this issue that inspire. If you ever thought of raising meat rabbits, here it is. You can also learn how to effectively deal with those weeds that have come with our abundance of rain.

So run on down to your local book or farm store and pick up a copy of Hobby Farms. I promise, you'll like what you see.

Blessings,

Are Your Kids Outside?

2011-06-16T08:46:00.008-04:00

A quote I recently stumbled upon:

Most children in the US spend only 30 minutes of time a week in unstructured time in the out-of-doors, whereas the average 10-16-year-old spends over 30 hours a week in front of some kind of electronic screen.

Not my children!

Thank the Lord!

Only by God’s grace are we different.

My brother-in-law has a saying, “But for the grace of God, there go I.”

But…those statistics are staggering, don’t you think?

My boys have been spending hours putting a room addition and closet on their tree fort.

My 10 year old spends hours helping me in the garden. Because my back was in a kink, he was responsible for planting almost all of our potatoes. He runs the roto-tiller, hoes, weeds, and plants. And he loves doing it.

Here's a picture of half of our potato crop.

My 7 year old spends hours a day looking for critters to feed his pet lizard, building things, and just otherwise getting dirty.

But that is not all. Because we fostered this love for the out-of-doors, my adult children spend many hours outside as well.

My 16 year old works for a landscaper. When he’s not working or playing his guitar, he’s riding his bike long distance over country roads.

In fact, most of my adult children’s leisure time is spent out of doors.

Even if you live in the city, there are ways to get your children occupied outside. There are parks, biking trails, even your own backyard to explore. If you have nothing more than an apartment balcony, then for their sake, buy some pots, potting soil, and seeds and start a container garden. Get a Styrofoam cooler and start an earthworm bed. If you grow enough to sell, you’ve not only taught your children to play in the dirt, but entrepreneurial-ism as well.

Turn off the TV, computer, cell phones, iphones, smart phones, ipads, Wii, and all the x, y, zcontraptions I failed to mention and go outside! And then report back here and let us know what you did.

Food for thought,

1995 Subaru Impreza Wagon--My Car

2011-06-09T10:24:00.004-04:00

This is my car.

Can you tell we live on a dirt road?

I really like my car. My son bought it about 4 years ago for $500.

It was all banged up like this when he bought it. The previous owner hit two deer.

It was his car until he moved to Haiti. My husband says that I think my car can do anything. Well, it has done a lot. Just last night we had a kayak in the back, a canoe on top, and three boys (one, almost 6 feet tall) squished in besides. It's all wheel drive. Just what we need in the winter time.

And before he went to Haiti, it was the hunting vehicle. Here is a picture that says, "The boy needs a pick-up." (Wonder what happened to them hubcaps.)

Well, I was at the farm store the other day buying straw and chicken feed. Of course, I couldn't resist a few six-packs of flowers, too. And when the young man was loading the straw into the back of the wagon he said, "It fits if I put them this way, right?"

"Yes," I responded, "That's right."

"I thought that's what I remembered from last time," he said.

"We're looking for a truck," I said. "Maybe next time, you won't have to fit them in like a puzzle."

"Oh, you don't want a truck," he said. "I have two trucks and they are just gas hogs."

"Oh," I ponder that for a moment. "I'll have to think on that." Actually, that has been a major factor in our vehicle choosing decision--that, and the cost.

So we pull out of there, my two little boys and I all squished into our little car with two bales of straw and 50 pounds of laying mash behind and beside; and cruise slowly through town. Then, when we hit the open road going 60 mph, windows down (the a/c doesn't work), wind blowing hair and straw in our eyes, singing along with Doyle Lawson at the top of our lungs, it hits me--I don't want a truck. I want my little car to last forever.

But there's this clunk in the rear end when you make a sharp turn. And the oil leak. And the constant ticking of a valve going up and down. And that hot smell when you get where you're going. And the fact that most of the time you have to stick a screw driver into this little hole next to the shifter and press really hard, while pressing on the brake pedal really hard, to get it out of park. And the 256,061 miles to reckon with. My husband is getting nervous about it getting me where I want to go.

But I like my little car. And I like its miles per gallon. Besides...it's green.

I know I could come up with several spiritual analogies with this one. Like how my little car is like my little body (neither will last forever) and what matters is the condition of my soul. Of course, my body's not nearly that bad; but I've felt like it with my back out the last 6 weeks. Or how we shouldn't store up treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupt (boy does my little car have the rust). But I'm not going there today. I just want to enjoy my little car while I've got it. And think that just maybe God will provide me with a new little car to replace it--in His time.

Blessings,

Are You Done with School?

2011-06-07T22:26:00.002-04:00

I hate that question.

We recently had our homeschool group's end-of-the-year picnic. You hear that question a lot at the picnic.

We've been out and about quite a bit lately. Everyone in our small town knows we homeschool. I guess since it's spring we've been hearing that question a lot.

"Are you done with school for the year, yet?"

I hate that question.

We are forever done with school. We are never done with learning.

That is my final answer.

Blessings to you all--still schooling or not,

Ten Ways to Save a Large Family Money

2011-05-31T12:05:00.005-04:00

My friend Jamerrill, over at Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling, did a post with the top ten ways she saves money for her family. I was so impressed with the list that I wanted to share it here, as well as add to it.

Jamerrill's list includes:
1) Reuse zipper shut bags
2) Make cloth napkins
3) Make own cleaning products
4) Shop monthly
5) Use cloth diapers
6) Buy the family pass
7) Buy homeschooling materials at yard sales, thrift stores, etc.
8) Replace ground beef with sausage
9) Use the woodstove
10) Do not keep a car payment

Every one of these things I do, or have done in the past, and they are all ways to save. But I think I can add ten more ways, and I think you can add yet another ten ways.

This is what I want to do to help each other out. Run your own post on your blog with Ten Ways to Save the Family Money. Link back to Jamerrill's post, and this post so that we can find you. Leave a comment here letting us know that you also have ten ways to save on your blog, and we will make sure to come by and read your list.

I'm excited to see how long of a list we can come up with. So for now, here's my Top Ten Ways to Save:

1) First and foremost, we save money by doing without. It is amazing how much stuff we think we need but don't. If you want to make a new purchase, say a new dishwasher for example, wait six months. Do whatever you have to do to get your dishes clean without that new dishwasher for those six months. Then, when the time's up, decide if you really need it.

2) Do all your errands on one day. This can be exhausting for us but since we live seven miles from the nearest grocery store, and 20 from the nearest large town with all the places we like to go, we save our gas by doing everything in one day...grocery, thrift store, library, etc.

3) Garden. I recently spent $54 at the farm store for the following items: broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and chard plants; two bags of cow manure, and two bales of straw. When my 7 year old heard the price, he whispered, "Mommy, do you have $54?" In the car I explained to him that just to buy the broccoli in the grocery store that I would get from the plants would cost more than all the stuff I bought. You could see the light bulb turn on inside his head.

4) Buy used. We rarely buy anything new. We shop at thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales. I only carry designer label handbags, but I never pay more than $5 for one, either. If an appliance needs replaced, my husband will calculate the cost of buying new compared with a used one. Many times we've met folks discarding perfectly usable things just because they are redecorating. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

5) Shop around. When I bought my laptop and printer a couple years ago I first decided how much I wanted to spend. Then I started shopping. I read the circulars in the paper. I looked online for discounts. I went to several different stores. And I waited. I did not buy until I could get my price. And it paid off. I got a great laptop and printer brand new for under $400.

6) Re-purpose used items. Just as Jamerrill described how she made cloth napkins out of worn out dish towels, I've done the same kind of thing. My cloth napkins came from stained table cloths. I never give away a bag of clothes with stained up t-shirts. Anything made from absorbent material is cut up for rags (I do not buy paper towels). We use discarded drywall mud buckets to store our grains in. I turned a worn out bed quilt into window quilts to use when the cold winter winds blow through our drafty windows.

8) As a writer, I go through tons of paper. When I edit a story I like to do it on a printed copy. After marking it up, and making the changes on the computer though, I do not throw away the paper copy. I put it in a scrap paper pile. When my children want paper to use, they know they can have whatever they want from the scrap paper pile.

9) Buy in bulk. We buy our wheat, popcorn, and sugar by the 50 pound bag. If I see ketchup for $1 a bottle, I buy a case of it. Same with toilet paper. I rarely use coupons, because we rarely purchase the processed foods for which coupons are made. Although we grow most of our meat, in the summertime we will find our freezer getting low and ourselves wanting a burger. But, I buy the big family packs of burger. I also buy several of them when they are on sale and divide them up into meal-sized portions and freeze.

10) Wow. I could keep going, but this is my last tip for today. Drink water. You will never find soda pop, Kool-Aid, or fruit juices in my grocery cart. I do not buy milk because we own a dairy goat, but we also are not big milk drinkers. In the summer we will make a pitcher of iced tea to have with supper but otherwise my family drinks water. We often flavor it with a little lemon or a sprig of mint.

So, what about you? What ten things do you do to save money? Let's keep the list going. Post yours on your blog with a link back to these ideas so that your readers can get the full effect. And, let us know where to go to read your list.

Blessings to you,

You Can Move a Nest of Baby Birds--Successfully

2011-05-26T17:07:00.009-04:00

This little blue spruce tree in our yard is one of my favorites. I can't take credit for it. It was planted by the previous owner. I love the color and the shape of it. I never realized before how prized the blue spruce tree is until one day our friend the landscaper came by and commented on it. I shared with him how much I liked it and was distraught to find the goat munching on it. He said, "If I found my goat eating my blue spruce, I think I'd be eating the goat!"

Now, this spring has brought us more than our share of rain. So much so, I have had very little time outside. You can tell by looking at the weeds in the garden! So imagine my dismay when, one day, the little boys were showing me a robin's nest in the little blue spruce and I discovered that it was being devoured by caterpillars. Thousands of them. I was mortified.

Caterpillar Damage

If you've read this blog for long you know that I like to do things as natural as possible. My garden is definitely organic. But I have no plans for ingesting my little blue spruce so I was geared up to get the strongest poisons out there to defend it. But alas, the little baby birds would be poisoned as well.

Enter the landscaper friend again. Our 16 year old is now working for this friend and he just happened to bring him home from work the next day. When I showed him the tree he said, "Tent caterpillars." He also marveled that it was the worst infestation he'd seen because these caterpillars generally don't care for spruce. I knew my little blue was special. Just didn't want the caterpillars to think so.

This is what he told me to do: Sevin. Drench it thoroughly. Till it's dripping. If I didn't, Little Blue would die. He said I could try some natural stuff but that it probably wouldn't work with such a bad infestation.

"What about the baby birds," I asked.

"Cover the nest with plastic," he replied. "When the poison stops dripping, remove the cover so the mama could get back to her babies."

Something in me just didn't think that would work. I mean, those little birdies could suffocate. Or, the fumes from the poison could kill them. Or, the mama could try eating one of those horrid caterpillars and be poisoned. Or, or, or....

So, I consulted expert #2. A young man in our church with a biology major and a love for all things in the wild. Surely he would know if I could move the nest and expect the mama to find it. However, he said it was a toss up. And, that if I didn't move the nest, I would surely lose them, so I should at least take the chance.

The Re-located Tree Branch with Bird Nest

And, we did. We cut the branch out of the tree and stuck it in the bush right next to Little Blue. We prayed. We hoped for the best. And it happened. Mama AND Papa Robin found their babies and they are all doing well. But, best of all, we saved Little Blue from those horrid tent caterpillars.

Blessings,

Rooibos and Honeybush

2011-05-23T08:18:00.003-04:00

You all know how much I love tea. I read books about tea. I’ve taken classes in tea. And, I pour over all the tea catalogs that come in the mail as much, if not more than, the seed catalogs in the winter.

In one of these tea catalogs I first discovered Rooibos tea. “Hmmm,” I thought. “I wonder what this tastes like.” Let me tell you what it tastes like. Sweet. Fruity. Delicious. Our family has almost replaced our “Southern Brew” with iced Rooibos in the summertime. I also took a class to learn more about this tea and Honeybush from my friend, and professional tea consultant, Susan Teter. This is what I learned.

Only growing in the Cedarberg region of South Africa, Rooibos tea comes from the fine needle-like leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant. The word Rooibos means red bush in the Afrikaans language. Efforts to grow red bush in other parts of the world have failed.

When harvested, the fermentation process turns the green leaves to a deep red color. The needles, bark, and woody stems are used to make the tea. When infused, the resulting cup is a beautiful, sparkling red color.

Without caffeine, Rooibos touts many health benefits. The Africans call it “Baby’s Lullaby” because it soothes the symptoms of colic. According to the Metropolitan Tea Company, “Those that consume Rooibos have claimed that it has a soothing effect on headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns and digestive problems.” High in antioxidants and low in tannins, red bush also sports an impressive list of minerals. With the highest mineral content being potassium and sodium, Rooibos tea is ideal for that iced summertime drink. Also, its high antioxidant and vitamin C content makes Rooibos an excellent remedy for hay fever-type allergies.

Rooibos is also sold green. Manufacturing of green Rooibos is trickier as just the slightest touch begins to turn the leaves red. However, green Rooibos is higher in antioxidant; making the demand for it strong. The flavor of green Rooibos is not as sweet as the red, either.

Another tea indigenous to the Cedarburg area of South Africa is Honeybush. However, that is where the similarities between it and Rooibos end. Honeybush has a refreshing taste with the hint of honey flavor. The infusion is a bright orange color.

Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) is manufactured much like black tea with the four steps of harvesting, cutting, fermenting, and drying. Currently, these steps are all done mechanically. And the resulting tea is as healthful as it is delicious.

Scientific research on this magnificent herbal is relatively new; however, Dutch botanical records mention using the Honeybush as early as the mid 1600s. We do know that the caffeine free, Honeybush tea is high in antioxidants. Also, its isoflavones, xanthones, and flavones give it anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

To make the perfect cup of hot Rooibos or Honeybush tea, pour fresh, boiling water over a teaspoon of leaves. Let steep three to seven minutes. Add milk and sugar to taste. For a refreshing pitcher (one quart) of iced tea, pour 1 ¼ cups of boiling water over six teaspoons of leaves. Steep for five minutes. Put one cup of cold water into your pitcher. Strain the hot infusion and add to the cold. Add ice and top with more cold water. Sweeten to taste.

Even staunch Camelia sinensis (the real tea plant) connoisseurs will agree that Rooibos and Honeybush both are worth adding to your regular tea time. And now, you can purchase them both from most tea companies or bulk herb suppliers.

Have you tried Rooibos or Honeybush? I’d love to hear how you liked it.

This post previously appeared in NaturalHealthEzine.com.

I'm Guest Posting

2011-05-19T10:19:00.002-04:00

Today you can find me at The Kerrie Show.

Hop over there to learn ways I save money on office/school supplies and the design of my really cool office...Behind the Piano!

Blessings,

Freedom Ranger Chick Update

2011-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

These birds are no longer in my laundry room. This is a portable pen that we move along on the grass. At night we take them out of the pen and put them into the barn. No more lights at night either as it has been plenty warm.

I tried to get a shot showing that they not only have their wings, but their tails and breast feathers, too.

These birds are much more animated than the Cornish cross that we've had in previous years. It is a hoot to watch them challenge each other, and but chests, at such a young age.

Another amazing thing that I have found is that I have not lost one chick. Every year I lose at least one Cornish cross for no known reason. I do have one with a little limp. I don't think his leg is broken so I've let him alone. Probably handled too rough from a little boy.

At this point they are three weeks old.

Any questions? How are your chicks doing? Would love to hear from you.

Blessings,

And the winner is...

2011-05-16T09:07:00.003-04:00

Last week we had another opportunity to win a prize in the "Let's Introduce Ourselves" Giveaway. Well, today is the day to announce the winner.

First, I want to talk about the prize. Here is a picture of the goodies this chosen lady will receive.

And now, here is a little bit about her:

This person enjoys my tips on frugal living. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and planning menus. The three things she could not do without are her Lord and His Word, her husband and her six children. She lives on an organic farm in Maryland. And her name is...

CATHY HORST!!

Congratulations, Cathy. My seven year old picked your name out of the hat of all the entries and we are so thrilled.

It was great fun getting to know everyone. Thank you all that entered. Now I feel a little better connected.

Blessings,

How to Make Yogurt in A Cooler

2011-05-12T06:00:00.002-04:00

This post was sent last Thursday, May 12th. I know it posted because I remember moderating comments. I double checked my poor memory with my Twitter account and sure enough, it sent a link to Twitter. However, when I clicked on it, I received a "Page Not Found" message. I also remember that people were complaining last week of Blogger being down, so I'm assuming they messed some things up...including my blog. So, here it is again for those that may have missed it.

Those of us with dairy animals are used to an abundance of milk once our animals freshen in the spring. A wonderful thing to do with all that extra is to make yogurt.

Yogurt is a dairy product created by fermenting milk with a Lactobacillus culture. Making your own yogurt is fun and easy. And, it is a healthful snack that children love.

To make your own yogurt, start with fresh milk. Powdered or skim milk work but produce a thin yogurt. For a thicker outcome, choose whole milk. Some even add a little powdered milk or gelatin to their start for an even thicker product. If you are accustomed to store bought yogurt, and are concerned your family won’t want to eat it because it’s not what they’re used to eating, these additives are harmless and will help them transition into the homemade taste and texture. We prefer to use our raw goat’s milk.

Next you will need your culture. You can purchase a yogurt start from the health food store or a dairy supplier. Or, you can use yogurt from another batch or from the grocery store. Use only plain, unflavored yogurt for your culture.

Other supplies you will need include:

Sterile quart jars with lids, warmed
Small cooler (lunch-box size works great)
Candy thermometer

Steps to making your yogurt:

Heat your milk to 150 degrees in a thick-bottomed, stainless steel pot. This pasteurization process kills any unwanted bacteria present in the milk that would compete with the culture. It also changes the structure of the proteins so that they will “set” rather than form curds.
Remove the milk from the heat and allow to cool to 110 degrees.
Add the culture and stir well to mix. If you are using a powdered culture, follow the label directions. If you are using another yogurt, use ¼ cup per quart of milk. Pour the mixture just to the shoulder of the jars. If you want to add any sweetener or flavorings, now is the time to do it.
Apply lids to the jars and set them in the cooler. Place the cooler in a warm place where it can remain undisturbed overnight. Fill the cooler with hot tap water up to the shoulder of the jars. Close the lid and wait.
Once set, place jars in the refrigerator and cool at least 12 hours before serving.

I generally start my yogurt in the afternoon and it is ready first thing next morning. All recipes vary. I’ve read anything from 4 hours to 3 days. If I start it in the afternoon, I will check it before I go to bed (that would be 5-6 hours later). To check, simply turn the jar to its side and see if the mixture is thick. Remember, the longer it incubates, the more sour the flavor.

To flavor my yogurt, I add ½ teaspoon vanilla and about 1 tablespoon of evaporated cane juice to each quart. If you want to add fruit, wait until you serve it.

Raw Yogurt:

If you prefer, you can make yogurt without pasteurizing your raw milk. Simply heat the milk to the 110 degrees needed to grow the culture and proceed as above. After making raw yogurt for her family the first time, Lara DeHaven from the Texas Homesteader Blog says, “I have honestly never had such wonderful yogurt. It is so delicious that I am amazed. It seems creamier and less sour-tasting than before.” Lara also sweetens her yogurt with stevia. For those that want an alternative to sugar or honey, this works quite well.

Ideas for using yogurt:

Eat it plain.
Add plain yogurt to your pancake, waffle, or muffin batter.
Use it for the base of a fruit smoothie.
Use yogurt in place of sour cream on baked potatoes, tacos, or burritos.
Serve fruit on a buffet with a yogurt dip.
Freeze in small paper cups with Popsicle stick inserted for a delicious treat.

How does your family use yogurt? Do you make your own? Tell us all about it.

Giveaway Reminder

2011-05-11T16:57:00.003-04:00

Don't forget...we're in the middle of a giveaway and the deadline is Friday night.

Let's introduce ourselves is a time to meet and greet one another, the opportunity to discover new friends, and the opportunity to win a prize.

Don't forget. Right now click on the above link and introduce yourself.

Do it now...before you forget...click here.

Blessings,

Build a Cold Frame

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

My oldest son is a pack rat. When he lived at home he was constantly bringing stuff home from work. Working as a carpenter, that included plenty of construction waste. At one time he had a part-time job working for a tear-down contractor. That job resulted in many piles of old barn wood and windows on the place.

We always tried to put his salvages to good use. Our chicken house/barn is built entirely out of construction waste. His forge building was built mostly from recycled materials. However, when he got married and started his own homestead, I looked forward to cleaning up our place. I once even took his then-fiance for a tour of the place and pointed out all the piles she would inherit. I'm not sure she was thrilled.

Since we almost eliminated the last of the stuff, imagine my surprise the afternoon he called and said, "Hey mom. Guess what I've got for you!" Driving down the highway, he could barely contain his excitement. He was stopping at our place on his way home to bring me "almost brand new" shower doors.

"But Son," I replied, "I don't like the shower doors we have. In fact, I want to tear them out and have a shower curtain."

"But mom," he tried to persuade, "You will love them. They look so much nicer than the ones you have. I'll be there in 30 minutes."

Sigh. These shower doors were not "almost brand new." In fact, they weren't even the same size. But my husband had said, "Don't hurt his feelings." So I graciously stashed them on the back patio.

Then, a week later, as the sun glared off those doors, blinding me as I was trying to listen to my husband speak to me, making me angry that they were even there in the first place, I had the idea--the garden. Why could I not construct cold frames using these doors?

After consulting some diagrams I showed them out of a couple books on my shelf, my husband and 16 year old got to work. Using only recycled wood and those shower doors from my pack rat eldest, I now have one huge cold frame with three more to come.

Because the glass on a shower door is so much thicker than window glass, I am not afraid of a baseball breaking them, either. What do you think?

I'm not just going to use them to start seeds. A farmer friend told me I could grow greens in them all year long in our zone. Now I'm dreaming of salads in January and fresh broccoli, too.

Blessings,

Let's Introduce Ourselves

2011-05-05T06:00:00.002-04:00

I recently had a comment from someone that I didn't realize was following this blog. Not that I screen who is allowed to comment; but I was a bit surprised to hear from this gal. It prompted me to go to my followers' page and that's when I realized that I really don't know very many of you at all.

Now I have an idea. Let's introduce ourselves. Following are a couple of questions. In the comments section, answer the questions. Anyone answering all the questions and leaving an email address will be entered into a drawing for a nice prize. This event is for followers, so if you are not already a follower, become one before you answer the questions.

What's the prize? I'm not sure, yet. Maybe tea. Maybe garden seeds. Something to celebrate or relax with, how's that?

Okay, here you go:

1) Name--this can be your screen name or just first name if you wish.
2) Location--this also can be vague.
3) What type of posts you enjoy most at Everything Home.
4) What you enjoy most to do in your spare time.
5) Three things you could not live without.

If you do not leave an email address, I cannot contact you if you win. Therefore, comments without an email address will not be entered in the drawing. Oh, the deadline. Let's say next Friday, May 13th at midnight.

Looking forward to reading all about you.

Blessings,

The Chicks have Arrived!

2011-05-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Our broiler chicks have arrived. This year we ordered 20 Freedom Rangers instead of Cornish Rock crosses. Why did we switch? Purely economical. To get the few birds we wanted, the Cornish Rocks would have cost us $2 per bird plus shipping. We had friends, however, that were ordering the Freedom Rangers and had already topped 100 birds on their order so they were getting quite a discount.

According to my friend, they are a heritage breed that are better rangers than the Cornish Rock. That means they do better on the grass running around. If you've never seen a Cornish Rock cockerel at 4-6 weeks, they are quite ghastly. They are top heavy because they were bred to have extra large breasts and they easily break their legs from walking around. Because the Freedom Rangers grow a little slower, this isn't supposed to happen. Now, all this information was from my friend, so I ordered them.

After I ordered them, however, Hank Will, editor of Grit Magazine, sent me this article from the Mother Earth News website. According to the author, Troy Griepentrog, this was not his experience. He shared that the Freedom Rangers were not a true heritage breed but a four-way hybrid like the Cornish Cross. He also felt they grew too fast, as well. His final analysis was that the next time around he would purchase a true heritage breed.

No matter the controversy, I have 20 Freedom Rangers in a Rubbermaid bin in my laundry room. They arrived Friday and their wing feathers are already coming in. That is fast. Today we took them outside and put them in the grass under over-turned laundry baskets for a few hours. I intend to do that as long as the weather is nice. Hopefully, I can acclimate them to being outdoors and can get them out of the laundry room sooner than we have in the past.

What do you think? Cute, ain't they?

And the Winner Is!

2011-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is getting fun! I think I should do giveaways more often. Especially when they involve giving away the books of my friends.

Okay...without any further blabbering from me, the winner, drawn out of the hat by my 7 year old,of The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need To Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! is...

Robyn Campbell!

Congratulations, Robyn. I will be emailing you for your address to mail your book.

All in good fun,

Canning and Preserving Book Giveaway

2011-04-30T21:11:00.003-04:00

I just found a blog I'd like to recommend. The Morris Tribe...One big family's homesteading journey in search of simplicity and self-reliance.

Mom, Kelly Morris, is the author of an ebook entitled Just Get 'Em Fed--Simple Whole Food Meals for Your Family which you can download for FREE.

Plus, this week, Kelly is giving away a copy of Canning and Preserving by Ashley English.

Go check them out. If you like it here, you'll like it there.

Blessings for a Christ-filled Sunday,

Giveaway Deadline

2011-04-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder that the deadline for the giveaway of The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need To Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! is tonight at midnight. Go here to enter.

Are You Sick, Or Are You Tired, Part 2

2011-04-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

We covered a lot of information regarding sleep deprivation in the last post. So, how do you know if this applies to you? The easiest way to measure your sleep debt is to measure your daytime sleepiness according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. You can take that short test here. If your score indicates a moderate sleep debt or worse, the following steps to better sleep hygiene may be for you.

1. Use the bed only for sleeping and intimate relationships. No watching television, doing paperwork, eating or other activities.

2. Keep a regular bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends. Staying up late and sleeping in on the weekends only sets you up for a tired workweek.

3. Get the right amount of sleep for you. Most adults need about eight hours, although some feel rested after six and some require nine. After figuring out your ideal, keep it consistent. If after going to bed you cannot fall asleep, leave the bedroom and do something boring until you are tired enough to go back to bed.

4. Avoid naps. Unless you work shift work and need to grab sleep whenever you can, try to get your eight hours consecutively. Napping only disrupts the sleep cycle and hinders a good night’s sleep.

5. Avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine at least four hours before bed. Although the most common drug used of Americans to induce sleep, alcohol only disrupts the cycles of sleep during the night.

6. Take your exercise in the late afternoon. The body temperature falls about five to six hours after exercise thereby inducing sleep. Exercise also leads to better stages three and four deep sleep. Avoid exercise, however, within four hours of bedtime, as it will disrupt your sleep.

7. Establish a relaxing bedtime ritual. A warm bath, peaceful music, deep breathing exercises, prayer, or reading are good choices of pre-bedtime activities. Watching television is not.

8. Keep the bedroom as quiet and dark as possible. Use a “white” noise device if needed.

9. Eat meals on a regular schedule. Light suppers five hours before bed are best. Do not go to bed hungry but avoid heavy bedtime snacks. Digestion increases body temperature and interrupts the body cooling required for sleep induction.

10. Avoid habitual use of sleep medication. Sleep medications, whether prescribed or over the counter, are for temporary use. It is better to retrain your body using the methods described. If a sleep aid is required, try a natural or herbal preparation.

I hope you’ve benefited from my story. Let me know if this information was helpful. I’d love to hear your story.

Blessings,

Carnival of Homeschooling is Up!

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Over at Corn and Oil, the latest Carnival of Homeschooling is up.

As always, it's the best of the best.

Go check it out.

Garden Updates and Miscellaneous Stuff

2011-04-26T08:51:00.004-04:00

Good Morning!

This is an unscheduled post to alert you to a new box in the left sidebar. "Today in The Garden" is a place where I will list everything I've done in the garden for that day. Of course, I'm not doing this to brag, or anything, because most days it is too rainy or windy to work in the garden; and you can see that by the little bit that I've listed. I just thought it would be fun to keep track and could encourage some of you by seeing what other people are doing. I want this box to be a conversation starter. So if you see something in there that you wonder about like, "How do you grow Brussels sprouts?" or something like that, please ask and we can dialogue on it. Just comment on this post with any questions or comments you might have. I think this will be fun.

And yes, that is a picture of my garden. I know it's unsightly. I just can't get my tunnels to stand up straight. But they are to protect my brassica plants (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage) from cabbage moths. Since I started doing that, I don't have to spend the entire morning picking cabbage worms off my plants. And the lattice teepee? That is to shade the lettuce I put in yesterday.

Also, don't forget, you may not be thinking about next school year yet; but if July comes and you decide you want to start or join a homeschooling co-op and you didn't try to win Karen's booklet, you will be sorry. So go ahead and enter the drawing for a free copy of The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need To Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! The deadline is Friday.

Gotta run. Have a beautiful day,

Co-op Booklet Review and Giveaway

2011-04-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need To Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! by Karen Lange is just that...the only booklet you'll ever need with all the instruction and advice you'll ever need on starting your own co-op.

A homeschooling mom for 16 years, Karen Lange spent many years as the founder and member of several co-ops. She and her husband homeschooled their three children from kindergarten through graduation.

The booklet begins by defining a homeschool learning co-op as "a group of families getting together for cooperative learning." Karen discusses the sizes of co-ops, having a statement of purpose, teaching and organizing, scheduling, finances, and more. With all this, she helps you to evaluate what would be best for your family.

In addition, she includes several sample projects and games, and a complete section of resources--online and otherwise.

Why would a family want to join a co-op? "The co-ops gave me the opportunity to brainstorm with other moms," Karen shares, "and offered support in subjects that I was reluctant to tackle at home." I concur. When we hosted a co-op in our home, I taught language arts, another mom taught science, and the other Virginia history. We each chose what we felt comfortable with.

One of my favorite quotes in this booklet is, "If you are feeling a little intimidated, relax. There are no set rules when it comes to starting a co-op. It doesn't have to be complicated, scheduled regularly, and strictly organized....The choice is yours; be as flexible as you like."

The same holds true with all of our homeschooling endeavors. And it just blesses my socks off to think that we can homeschool as God leads us; according to the needs, personalities, and interests of our children.

Now for the giveaway...If you would like to win a free copy of The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need To Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! (This is a printed booklet, Moms, not an ebook.) just comment on this post. Make sure that you include your email address. Comments without email addresses will not go into the drawing.

For an extra chance, become or remind me that you are already a follower.

For another chance, Tweet this giveaway or post it on Facebook--one chance for each.

And, if you want TWO extra chances, post about this giveaway on your blog with a link back here.

You have until midnight on Friday, April 29 to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 2.

And if you don't win the giveaway, but still really want The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need To Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! go to Karen's website to order your copy.
It sells for $8. (Remember, this is a printed booklet and that price includes shipping and handling.)

On your marks, get set, ready, GO.

Are You Sick, Or Are You Tired?

2011-04-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have a testimony I’ve wanted to share with other moms for some time. I’ve written articles about it for homeschooling magazines but they haven’t seemed to think the issue worth discussion. (At least they haven’t bought my stories.) I still think it’s important. Let me know what you think.

Several years ago, I aspirated crumbs. It was a significant event—meaning I know that is what happened. I had food in my mouth, was talking, inhaled and down it went—the wrong way. I could feel it.

After waiting too long, with multiple and varied symptoms, I saw a doctor who suspected pneumonia and sent me for a chest x-ray. The x-ray, however, was clear. After some extensive dialogue and examination the doctor diagnosed me as “sleep deprived.” I was dumbfounded. How dare he say, “Go to bed and call me in the morning?” The scientific explanation of what happened to those crumbs isn’t pertinent to what I want to share with you here. What is pertinent is the diagnosis and prescription.

Roughly, 70 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation. They also likely suffer in their health, relationships and job performance and have no idea why. Sleep deficiency suppresses the immune system, decreases productivity and can lead to a host of health issues. If you suffer from chronic fatigue, depression, hypertension or memory loss, perhaps you also have some form of sleep disorder.

“Insomnia is our nation’s silent health crisis,” say James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. in their book Prescription for Natural Cures. Stress and anxiety are the most common causes. However, other physiological problems can play a role. Sleep apnea, gastric reflux, restless leg syndrome, any pain and hormonal imbalances such as women experience at menopause, can all rob a person of a good night’s sleep. When this happens night after night, a sleep deficit results.

Poor lifestyle choices also can contribute to sleep deprivation. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol disrupt healthy sleep cycles. Shift work, irregular sleep times or studying all night can do the same. According to Dr. Nancy Fodvary-Schaefer, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Sleep Medicine Program, “Sleep deprivation has evolved into an epidemic….”

Thankfully, I didn’t have any of these excuses. I just didn’t have the time to go to bed! I’m a very busy person—aren’t we all? Working part-time as a freelance writer, homeschooling the children, and overseeing all the homestead chores consumes all my time. Now you can understand my indignation when the doctor ordered that I increase my four to five hours of sleep by three to four more. Could you do without three or four hours in your day? If anything, I was trying to devise ways to add hours to my day, not subtract them. But I was physically ill. And my husband said to try it for two weeks.

After one night, I felt better. After three days, many of my acute symptoms disappeared. After two weeks, I was a new woman.

Why am I writing this for you? Because, as mothers, we often fail to follow our Lord’s example to rest. We also tend to lean toward a Martha lifestyle of doing, doing; rather than a Mary example of sitting at the feet of Jesus. This often results in neglecting ourselves to the point that our family suffers.

Sleep deprivation initially comes wrapped in a baby blanket. Then as each subsequent baby arrives, our sleep deficit increases. But babies do eventually sleep through the night and when they do, we need to, too. As homeschooling moms, we cannot stay up until midnight and get up at 5:30 a.m. day after exhausting day and expect to function—no matter what we want to do.

Do you suspect I’m talking to you personally? Next post I will share a way that you can test your own sleep deficit and ways to improve your sleep experience.

I Blew It

2011-04-19T09:17:00.003-04:00

Okay, I blew it. Maybe this is an indication that I'm trying to do TOO MUCH. I promised a book review and give away for this week and I totally forgot. Can I promise to do it next Monday?

What about you? Do you ever blow it? Do you ever totally forget, or try desperately to catch those words as they come flying out of your mouth, or turn back the hands of time to get another chance to make the right decision the first time? Guess what? We all do.

This week is a good time to reflect on these types of things. Reflecting on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ reminds us that we not only have forgiveness, we not only have a balm to put on the wounds, we have a new life...or we CAN have a new life if we choose to live for HIM.

I'm reminded of Mary and Martha. I so much want to be a Mary and, yet, I so often fall into the Martha way of doing things. And that's the point...do, do, do instead of sit, sit, sit. Sit at the feet of Jesus, girls. Sit and soak. Sit and worship. Sit and hear His heart by reading His word.

I have a picture of my son's pet turtle climbing up on top of the rock and basking in the warmth of the light overhead. He rests on his shell belly and stretches out each leg and neck and strives with all he has to soak up that warmth. We should have such posture with Jesus. Soaking up all that He has to offer.

But if we are striving to do all that we think we must be doing, then we will think that we do not have time to bask. But Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things..." The house, the kids, the homeschooling, the part-time business, the health issues, blah, blah, blah. "BUT," He continued, "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

The only thing that we really need is to bask. That is the good part and no one can take that away from us. And by basking in the warmth, the light, the Word of Jesus, the other things will fall into place. We might still forget, we might still mess up, but the "one thing that is needful" will be done.

Go forth, sisters, and bask.

All in Him,

P.S. I have a guest post over at Karen Lange's blog Write Now. "The Sweet Reward". Go check it out.

Cabbage is Good for You

2011-04-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

If you've already read this post, my apologies. I've accidentally posted it three times and immediately snatched it back. This time, I really do mean for it to be published.

My mother could bake a mean ham. She would cover it with pineapple, cloves, and brown sugar. It never failed to please the most discriminate of houseguests. Growing up, it was what followed the ham dinner that I loathed—boiled cabbage.

This pot began with the ham bone. After cooking it down, and picking the scraps of meat off, mom would add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. She would cook this, literally, for hours. That health promoting sulfur would stink up the house for days—or so it seemed. And after all that boiling, the cabbage was reduced to such a slimy mess, it was all I could do to choke it down.

As an adult, however, I’ve learned the health benefits of cabbage and how to cook it properly so as to take advantage of those benefits. And, the best thing is that I now think it quite a tasty dish. As a discerning homemaker, I have found that cabbage returns the greatest nutritional benefit for my dollar than any other vegetable in the market. And since I know that many of you are planning, or even beginning to plant, your gardens, I want to urge you to consider planting cabbage.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) comes in several varieties—green, red, and Savoy. Because different types provide different health promoting compounds, it pays to eat all kinds. For example, Bok Choy has a higher beta carotene and vitamin A content than other varieties. Also, the red coloring in red cabbage is from a high concentration of anthocyanin flavonoids. These compounds are known for their anti-oxidant properties. Red cabbage has almost 3,000 times more anthocyanins as green cabbage. Historical use as well as more recent studies have shown cabbage to be a virtual “miracle food” for promoting good health. Following are the most popular benefits of eating this power-packed vegetable (or one of its cruciferous cousins) at least two to three times per week.

Certain nutrients in cabbage bind with bile acids in the intestine and pass out in the stool, rather than being absorbed into the blood. This causes the liver to draw upon your cholesterol stores to restore lost bile, thus lowering your cholesterol levels.
One of the glucosinolates in this power-packed vegetable, Sinigrin, gives it its well-known cancer preventative properties.
Very rich in fiber and having the distinct ability to retain water causes cabbage to bulk up the stool and thus relieve constipation.
Historically, cabbage juice has been taken to heal stomach ulcers. More recent studies have shown it to not only heal ulcers, but promote the health of the entire digestive tract.
The high sulfur content of cabbage makes it the vegetable of choice, along with onions and garlic of course, when your body is fighting infection.
Overall, cabbage contains 92% of a person’s daily value of vitamin K, six to eight more times vitamin C than an orange, various B vitamins (including folic acid), and even a hefty helping of Omega 3 fatty acids for a vegetable.

In order to take advantage of these and most of the health benefits of cabbage, the vegetable must be short cooked or raw. Steaming or sautéing is the preferred method to enhance cabbage’s cholesterol-lowering abilities. In fact, steaming cabbage for as long as seven minutes is better than microwaving for two minutes.

My favorite way to serve cabbage? Slice into strands and sauté in some olive oil. Sprinkle with soy sauce and sesame seeds. I serve this frequently when the cabbage is fresh out of the garden. If you want to add it to soups, remove the soup from the stove, add the cut up cabbage and serve immediately. I never, ever boil it. Sorry, Mom.

Book Giveaway at Parent at the Helm

2011-04-13T19:36:00.003-04:00

Since I ended up not doing a book giveaway this week, I thought I'd tell you about another one I recommend.

Linda Dobson, author of The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas, is giving away a copy of this book on her site Parent at the Helm.

So, hop on over there and enter Linda's giveaway. And while you're there, take a look around. I'm sure you'll like what you see.

Blessings to ya,

Another Math Card Game

2011-04-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

We discovered a new card game this week that we all enjoy playing. It can easily be adapted for all levels of math skill.

What you need:

· Deck of cards

· Several 3x5 cards cut in half

· Paper and pencil to keep score

With the 3x5 cards, draw on them math signs like this:

I will explain how to play on the very basic level first. Make three math equations with blank spots for the cards.

Deal out 12-16 cards face up for the person to see. The player is to use the cards to fill in the blanks in the equation. Aces represent 1, 2-10 represent their face values, and face cards represent 10. The equations may be filled in quite simply, like this:

Or, you may get more complicated, using more cards, like this:

If you fill in all the equations using all your cards, you get a bonus of 25 points. If you do not use all your cards, the ones that you did not use score against you.

Scoring is as follows: Ace through 9 score 5 points. Ten through King score ten points. So, if you do not use all your cards, add up the ones you did use and then subtract what was left over.

Keep the equations the same for all the players until one round is played; but deal each player his own set of cards. For the next round, change the equations. For example, for round one, you may have all addition problems. Then, for round two, you may have two addition and one subtraction. After five rounds, the person with the highest score wins.

For higher math levels, you may set up equations that are quite complicated, like this:

(_____ + _____) – (______ x ______) = ________

Or even more complicated, like this:

{[(____ x ____) – (- ____)] + _____} x _____ = ______

For these more complicated equations, you may want to have fewer equations to work in a turn and deal out more cards to play with. If you deal out more cards you may have to re-shuffle the deck before each player gets to go as you will deal out different cards for each player.

Even with just doing addition and subtraction, we found that a timer would be a good idea. My boys, of course, wanted that 25 point bonus and took forever trying to use all the cards. I would set the timer for five minutes. That way little guys do not feel so rushed that they freeze and get frustrated. The older, more confident math student should have no problem with the timer.

Give this game a try and let me know how you like it. In the meantime, we’re going to keep going.

Blessings,

And the Winner is...

2011-04-11T09:14:00.002-04:00

Ever wonder what happens to a day? Or a week? You wake up with all the best laid plans on your calendar and one thing or another happens to waylay you. That is why we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in our lives...whether it's homeschooling the children, planting the potatoes, or just doing the wash. Let Him lead.

Well, this doesn't just happen to my domestic world, it happens to my writing world as well. But that is okay. The most monumental thing I have learned in the last 25 years is to be flexible. My husband purposed to teach me this from the first week of our marriage because I was so rigid; and the children have inadvertently taught me this just by being children. So, this week I'm applying this flexibility to this blog.

Today, I had scheduled to announce the winner of Raising Real Men...which I will do here in a moment. But I had also planned to review another book on preparing to be a grandparent. However, I've tried several times and several ways to contact the author of this book to confirm the review and giveaway and she has not responded. So, I have been praying for her and her family.

In light of this delay, I will fill this week with the kinds of posts you are accustomed to reading here and next week, as scheduled, will review and give away a copy of The Only Homeschool Co-op Booklet You Need to Start Your Very Own Best Co-op Ever! I will review the grandparenting book once I reach the author for confirmation.

So...
without further ado...
the winner of a brand new copy of Raising Real Men
(by my 10 year old drawing out of the little cup) is
KAREN LANGE.

Karen, I will be contacting you for your USPS address so that I can mail you your copy of this great book.

The rest of you, thanks for entering and have a great day,

Where is Everyone?

2011-04-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Where is everyone? Are my comment buttons broken? Is Blogger having a problem?

Last week I thought it was me, "Okay, face the facts, CJ, no one wants your measly little books."

But this isn't me! This is a real book. This is one I will mail to you by the US Postal Service. And it's a really great book about raising boys.

And the deadline is tomorrow at midnight. So now is your chance to enter to win Raising Real Men by Hal and Melanie Young.

Go here, leave a comment, and your chances are pretty good.

See ya,

Carnival of Homeschooling is UP

2011-04-05T17:14:00.003-04:00

What a great carnival!

Richele at Under the Golden Apple Tree did a great job of putting it all together.

Check it out here.

Raising Real Men Book Review and Giveaway

2011-04-04T07:43:00.004-04:00

The people that predict trends in society to aid marketers say that in 2011, the EN-GEN Revolution begins.

What is EN-GEN you ask? According to Faith Popcorn's BrainReserve, EN-GEN (or End of Gender) “is neither female nor male. Just Human.”

This website goes on to explain, “We are predicting for 2011, and for the decades to come, that we will enter an unprecedented period marked by the end of our traditional gender divide.”

Personally, I find this idea—whether it is actually happening or not—blasphemous.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. –Genesis 1:27

It appears Hal and Melanie Young wrote their book Raising Real Men just in the nick of time. Although they confirm Popcorn’s predictions in the first chapter, they spend the remaining 200 pages giving us tools to assure these predictions do not come true—at least not in our own families.

Look at magazines in the grocery store line. Heroism and confidence are passé; it’s men who are sensitive, soft, self-doubting, damaged in some way, that get the media attention. Women are being encouraged to seduce men, while at the same time their maternal instincts toward them are being aroused. Talk about making objects of people.

It’s as if feminism, in its effort to win respect for women, decided to trade gender roles instead.
Women are praised to the extent they act like men, and men are praised for how womanly they become. (page 26)

Further on, the Young’s ask the reader several questions:

Are we willing to do what it takes, to be what it takes, to let our boys be boys, and help them grow to be men? Real men? Or will we sit back and take the long, sloping pathway to a gender-neutral, unisex future for our sons? (page 26)

Hal and Melanie continue to discuss a boy’s need for heroes and what those heroes should look like. They discuss boldness and courage. They look at the roles of leadership, responsibility, competition, and other areas of boy training that are neglected in our current society.

Coming from a Christian perspective, the Young’s pull no punches in their beliefs. Although I do not agree with all of their theology, I think the spirit behind what they share is right on. And the advice, as you can see, is quite timely.

Hal and Melanie have six sons and two daughters. They speak on parenting, family, and education issues and have had their writings published in several magazines including Homeschooling Today and the Homeschool Digest. If you would like to read Raising Real Men, you can get your own FREE copy here. The Young’s have provided a copy to give away to Everything Home readers. Here’s how to enter:

Get one chance by commenting on this post. You must include your email address so that I know how to contact you if your name is drawn.

Get another chance by being or becoming a follower. Just let me know in your comment.

Get other chances, one each for the following: post about this giveaway on your blog, share it on Facebook, or share it on Twitter. If you do this, just give me another comment letting me know.

Deadline for this drawing is midnight, Friday, April 8, 2011.

Does this shake you up? Have an opinion on EN-GEN? Want a copy of Raising Real Men? I’d love to hear from you.

Blessings,

New Resource to Share

2011-04-02T08:48:00.002-04:00

I know I don't normally post on Saturday, but I couldn't help myself. Today I stumbled upon a resource that I am sure you will all appreciate.

The Homeschool Village has the following to say about itself:

The Homeschool Village desires to bridge homeschool families! We are grounded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Ecourage one another and build each other up”. Our site offers articles written by homeschoolers of preschool, high school and special needs children, a panel of seven seasoned homeschoolers giviing advice and suggestions, weekly link ups, reviews, giveaways and encouragement for the homeschool journey! We offer a place for homeschool families to connect and form lasting friendships.

I've put their button on the left sidebar so you can find it readily. It is right there with The Homeschool Lounge.

Check them out today. I'm sure you will be pleased.

Blessings for a wonderful weekend,

Deadline is Tomorrow

2011-03-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the deadline for the E-book giveaway.

E-book Giveaway

2011-03-28T06:30:00.000-04:00

Just a friendly reminder of the e-book giveaway this week. Don't forget to go here and leave a comment to enter the drawing.

This is your opportunity to win your own FREE copy of Seed Catalog Curriculum or Planning a Homeschool Graduation.

Deadline is Friday, April 1.

Writing Club Update

2011-03-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

I haven’t shared about my writing club lately because I haven’t been there. For the January and February meetings, my boys were sick. Finally, we were able to make the March meeting.

At the meeting we talked about style—writing style that is. We discussed how our personality should shine through in our writing and that we should not strive to write like the last novelist we read. I read to them a section from The Christian Short Story by Ruth Hobbs. If you have a child interested in writing, this book is highly recommended.

We discussed how we often “talk” different from how we write because when we write we are trying to impress; and that that habit does not allow our personality to shine through. To demonstrate what I was talking about, we did this exercise. I gave them a topic. I told them to write a paragraph about cell phones being an interruption. After they wrote their paragraphs, I had them discuss the topic with a partner and I recorded what was said. Then we compared our word choice, sentence structure, and general attitude that we used in our writing with what we actually spoke.

The girls walked away not only thinking about their writing, but also their speech.

We only have one more club meeting this year as our last support group meeting is a picnic. I asked the girls if any of them would be interested in working through the One Year Adventure Novel next year. Have any of you used it? I’d love to hear how it went.

Blessings,

Book Reviews and Giveaways

2011-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have promised to review several books in the last few months. So, the month of April is book review month. The line-up includes raising boys, becoming a grandparent, and hosting homeschool co-ops. With each book you will also have a chance to win a copy of the book.

First, however, I want to have a give-away of my two e-booklets.

Seed Catalog Curriculum is 50+ lesson ideas for math, language, science, art, etc. using your seed catalogs. This booklet has been well received and commented on.

P. Rosenburg of Seminole, FL had this to say about Seed Catalog Curriculum:

I love how you can you use it as a base for information yet each level has their own work to do. I think I like the math section the most. Sometimes math can be so monotonous, but this will teach kids to think using everyday (at least for us gardeners) situations...so much more fun than a text book! I think it would be an exciting curriculum to look forward to in the Spring when everything is warming up and we (especially homeschoolers) are ready to change it up a bit.

For more reviews or information about purchasing your own copy, click here.

Planning a Homeschool Graduation is a workbook with everything you need to remember to do when planning a graduation ceremony. It is written for parents planning the graduation of their own child, or for coordinators in charge of an event for a homeschooling support group. With checklists and worksheets you can print out and use, this booklet is invaluable to keep you organized and on track for that special day.

Linda Dobson, author of The Art of Education and other books on homeschooling, regular columnist for Home Education Magazine and creator of ParentattheHelm.com said this about Planning a Homeschool Graduation:

With this well-organized and teeming-with-resources guide, the graduation you plan will be successful and memorable for your graduate, family, and friends.

For more reviews or information about purchasing your own copy of this workbook, click here.

But first, enter the contest to win your own. The rules are as follows:

Comment on this post for one entry. You must put your email address in the comment so that I can contact you.

Tweet this post for an additional entry. Comment back so that I know that you Tweeted it.

Share about this giveaway on Facebook for a third entry. Again, comment back so that I know to give you credit for it.

And, if you have a blog, share on your blog about these two new resources, this giveaway, and a link to Everything Home with Carol, for yet another chance to win.

Oh, not to forget, deadline is Friday, April 1. That gives you one full week to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday, April 4.

Blessings,

Child Entrepreneurs

2011-03-23T06:22:00.000-04:00

My ten year old has the entrepreneurial bug. He keeps asking me for ways to make money. He already scraps metal—which I posted about here. But that is not enough for him.

Well, one day a few weeks ago, he took over the table in the laundry room. The table was put in the laundry room as a place to fold laundry. Then we bolted our grain mill to it. Then it started getting piled with stuff. Then we took the grain mill off but the stuff stayed. Well, he took it upon himself to clean off all the stuff and claim it for his workshop.

And this is what he’s doing:

But building and painting bird feeders is not all. He’s also painting pieces of slate and flower pots. I put one of each item in our flea market booth to see if they would sell. So, he’s waiting.

This morning he woke up talking about buying a calf or two. I quickly suggested chicks or ducklings. An older brother made quite a bit one year raising up Pekin ducks. They don’t eat as much nor need as much room as calves. We will keep you posted.

What does he learn with all these business ideas? Planning, investments, math skills, organization skills, profits and losses, art, discipline, and that is just the beginning. Keep your eyes peeled. I just might put an ad on the sidebar for his crafts.

Blessings,

Homemaking Tips

2011-03-18T15:36:00.000-04:00

I've been having a blast posting my Twitter Tips every day. If you're not following me on Twitter, you are missing out on the fun. So, for those of you that might be curious, I thought I'd re-post some of them here. So, today, for your homemaking enjoyment, I give you two weeks of Homemaking Tips of the Day:

Plan your weekly menus the day before you shop. Write them down and post them on the refrigerator.
Keep a magnetic memo pad on the fridge. When you run out of something write it down. This is your grocery list.
Use memo feature on cell phone to write grocery list. When you go to the store, you will not forget your list.
Make a commitment of what you will not eat. (Like msg) Then at the store, read the labels.
For healthier diet, shop the perimeter of the grocery store: produce, dairy, meat.
Don’t start a load of wash you cannot see thru to completion.
When hanging wash on the line outside, keep basket on ground so that you have to stretch and bend.
Use wool dryer balls in the dryer to speed drying time and to soften clothes.
Wipe your bathroom sink and swish the brush in the commode every morning whether it needs it or not.
Use the broom on the ceiling. Get rid of those wintertime cobwebs.

Have any more to add? I'd love to hear them.

Blessings,

How to Make Iced Green Tea

2011-03-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

For the tea lovers in our group, I want to share a very simple way that I discovered to make the perfect iced, green tea.

Fill a quart jar with fresh, cold water. Add three green tea bags and stir. Sit the jar on the top of the woodstove. When the water turns green, remove from the heat, take out the tea bags, add 5 teaspoons of sugar and stir.

Fill your glass with ice cubes, pour the tea over, and enjoy. The flavor will be perfect. In fact, one day I put some on the stove and forgot it. I realized it an hour later and the tea was a nice auburn color. I was sure it would be too bitter to drink. It was not. The flavor was still perfect.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.

All the best,

Planning a Homeschool Graduation

2011-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Perhaps you remember last year when I shared about my daughter’s graduation ceremony. Now, perhaps, it’s your turn. Perhaps your child has diligently studied the last four years and you now approach the end of his high school career. I know you want to recognize him for his efforts. But, where do you begin? In our family, three of our six children have completed their homeschooling and we've recognized each one of them differently. Here are some ideas to help you plan a memorable commencement for your child.

As quickly as possible, choose a date and stick with it. If your child has friends in different schools, your calendar may fill up with graduation events before you even make up your mind. Once you have your day and time, you can get on with the rest of your plans.

Decide how much money you want to spend. Discuss this with your child from the start to avoid hard feelings when he realizes he can't book the local stadium for 1,000 of his closest friends. If you do not have a lot of money to spend, relax. You don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time.

Choose a location. We have attended homeschool graduations in homes and civic buildings, at parks, or at the graduate's place of worship. Our one son celebrated this special day with a friend from church at the local community center. We had a picnic in a pavilion and a volleyball game following.

Order your supplies. Diplomas can be purchased from several places. HomeschoolDiploma.com, HSLDA, and Diplomastore.com are a few to check out. Some sources will provide only the piece of paper that you must fill in and frame. Others will provide a nice binder. And then others will print the name on, as well.

Plan the day. Most ceremonies include some type of music, speeches, and the presentation of the diplomas. Having your child speak, expressing thanks to his parents, or other key adults in his life, and sharing his goals for the future, would be appropriate. It is also touching for a parent to share hopes for the graduate or special, fond memories of his growing up years.

Finally, a gathering of friends and family is never complete without food. Whether you serve light refreshments or a full meal is not important. Just keep things simple, so that you can spend time with your family and friends. And, if finances are stretched, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you expect a large crowd of people, a covered dish is always a good idea.

This is just a sketch of all I could share with you regarding planning a graduation ceremony. Plus, if you belong to a support group that hosts a ceremony for their graduates, perhaps you’ve been asked to coordinate this event; and you have no idea where to begin. Well, I have written the book on homeschool graduations. Planning a Homeschool Graduation is now available as a PDF download. With 33 pages of tips, information, and worksheets that you can print out and use, this booklet is chock full of everything you need to know whether you plan to graduate one or twenty.

This week only I am offering this booklet for an introductory price of $9.99. If you might be interested, or think you know of someone who will, take advantage of this opportunity to save. Next week the price will go up.

You can see more information about Planning a Homeschool Graduation here. Or, to order now, you can simply click here. After doing this several times, I knew that others would appreciate this valuable resource and wanted to offer it to you here.

If you've already graduated a child or two, I would love to hear what you've done to celebrate.

Blessings,

Seed Catalog Curriculum--Update

2011-03-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still really excited about my Seed Catalog Curriculum. With the weather warming up, the lilacs blooming, and the robins bouncing around the back yard, our family is in the mood for Spring.

What does Spring bring? Gardening. And what better activity to do with your children and still get in those educational moments? That is what Seed Catalog Curriculum is for.

Just so you know, people are loving it. Here is what one mom had to say about it:

I took a good look at the curriculum and think you did a great job, Carol. I love how you can use it as a base for information, yet each level has their own work to do. I think I like the math section the most. Sometimes math can be so monotonous, but this will teach kids to think using everyday (at least for us gardeners) situations...so much more fun than a text book! I think it would be an exciting curriculum to look forward to in the Spring when everything is warming up and we(especially homeschoolers) are ready to change it up a bit.

P. Rosenberg

Seminole, Florida

Want to take another look? Click here. And, as always, let me know how you're working your Spring projects into your homeschooling day.

Blessings,

Scrapping Metal

2011-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ever since my oldest son was about 10 years old, we have been in the scrapping business. Wanting a way to make extra money, my husband taught him the value of scrap metal—aluminum cans, copper wire, old aluminum pots, etc.

He did this faithfully to earn money until he got his first “real” job at 15 and turned the scrapping business over to the next boy in line. Then, when the second son got a job, the third took over the scrapping, and now, the fourth son and current 10 year old, is in the scrapping business.

What does he scrap? Old appliances. You have to be careful because some appliance motors have something called a capacitor that holds a charge and will give a shock if mishandled. My husband is always nearby when a boy dismantles an appliance. But the motors have copper wiring that is worth money. Some appliances will also contain aluminum parts. My boys know how to use a magnet to test metals. Power cords or wire. The wire inside is copper; you just have to strip off the plastic coating. This is a tedious job and a lot of kids will baulk at the work. But, when they turn in their first load of copper at the junk yard and get their first pay, they will be glad. Old windows. Place the window down inside a trash can. Wearing safety goggles and thick leather gloves break the glass out of the frame. Remove all rivets or non-aluminum pieces. The frame is aluminum worth money. For a younger child, it is a good idea to have dad break out the glass before the child dismantles the frame. The same can be done with old storm doors. Old pots. Once the handles are removed from an aluminum pot or pan, the junk yard will pay top money for the bowl section. Soda/beer cans. Since we don’t drink either one, my boys have people save these for them. It takes a long time and a lot of cans to make it worthwhile, but they persevere.

Our boys have gotten so enthused with their scrapping business, you will often see them spying out yard sales for good scrappable material. Knowing the current price for metals is important when considering the cost of someone’s old junk. But, my husband has been known to buy spools of wire for a song, and strip it out for scrap.

What do you think the boys are learning from all this work? I’d like to hear your thoughts.

Blessings,

Book Giveaway

2011-03-03T16:31:00.003-05:00

Linda Dobson over at Parent At The Helm is giving away another book! This month the book is Carschooling by Diane Flynn Keith.

If you would like a chance to win this book chock full of wonderful ideas for using while on the go, click here and comment on Linda's post.

Happy Spring,

Long Distance Grandparenting

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Let me introduce you to a wonderful regional parenting publication--Albemarle Family. This magazine covers the Charlottesville region of Virginia, but its articles are appropriate no matter where you live.

One such article is "Long Distance Grandparenting." This story shares tips on keeping the relationship strong between your children and their grandparents, aunts, and uncles who live far away. Of course, I'm sharing it with you because it is one of mine. But if you click here, and read the entire issue, you will find a lot of other helpful parenting articles.

Let me know what you think. Also, any other ways you keep your family in touch? Please share them with us.

Blessings,

Carnival of Homeschooling is up!

2011-03-01T14:36:00.003-05:00

Finally, I've participated in another Carnival of Homeschooling. This is such a great way to get to know other bloggers and to learn from each other I encourage you to try it out.

This edition is hosted by Andrea at Notes from a Homeschool Mom. Click here to go to the carnival and remember to let the other bloggers know you have stopped by.

Blessings,

Everything Home...with Carol

IMPORTANT *** I've Moved *** IMPORTANT

Do Your Children Have Weeds?

What's Up for July

I'm Guest Posting Again

Connect With Your Teens without Spending Much Money

Garden Update

Freedom Ranger Chick Update and How To Weigh a Chicken

I'm at the Homeschool Jungle Today

Bramble On -- In Hobby Farms Magazine

Are Your Kids Outside?

1995 Subaru Impreza Wagon--My Car

Are You Done with School?

Ten Ways to Save a Large Family Money

You Can Move a Nest of Baby Birds--Successfully

Rooibos and Honeybush

I'm Guest Posting

Freedom Ranger Chick Update

And the winner is...

How to Make Yogurt in A Cooler

Giveaway Reminder

Build a Cold Frame

Let's Introduce Ourselves

The Chicks have Arrived!

And the Winner Is!

Canning and Preserving Book Giveaway

Giveaway Deadline

Are You Sick, Or Are You Tired, Part 2

Carnival of Homeschooling is Up!

Garden Updates and Miscellaneous Stuff

Co-op Booklet Review and Giveaway

Are You Sick, Or Are You Tired?

I Blew It

Cabbage is Good for You

Book Giveaway at Parent at the Helm

Another Math Card Game

And the Winner is...

Where is Everyone?

Carnival of Homeschooling is UP

Raising Real Men Book Review and Giveaway

New Resource to Share

Deadline is Tomorrow

E-book Giveaway

Writing Club Update

Book Reviews and Giveaways

Child Entrepreneurs

Homemaking Tips

How to Make Iced Green Tea

Planning a Homeschool Graduation

Seed Catalog Curriculum--Update

Scrapping Metal

Book Giveaway

Long Distance Grandparenting

Carnival of Homeschooling is up!

IMPORTANT * I've Moved * IMPORTANT