Thursday, July 30, 2009

Back to St. Louis

The Shriner's are flying J'Tiah back to St. Louis. She does not have swine flu, but they don't know what is wrong with her.
Her blood count is really wacky. Please pray, she is only 20 months old.
My mom is driving Nicki and her to Wichita to meet the plane. Joy and Mollie are having a hard time with all that's going on there.

My step dad Don is still in the hospital. He has an abscess.

Jeff's last day of his job is today. He does not have another one lined up. I wonder how long before they foreclose on your home?

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

New bread maker

Yesterday Mr. Olson bought me a new bread maker from Goodwill. The lady said to leave the price tag on and be sure to check it out right away because if it doesn't work I can bring it back within 6 or 7 days. I am going to make a loaf today to test it.

Last evening I listened in on a webinar for the online college we want Joy to attend. I am happy to know that I have helped her prepare very well for college in the courses I have had her take and reading I have given her. I know too to have the other girls read, read, read as well.

I am going to Goodwill today to look for a few books they suggested that I want to use for the younger girls to study this year.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Roller coaster

Today has been a roller coaster. We got a phone call that J'Tiah had swine flu. That meant everyone who had been exposed to her had to be tested. That is our whole family. Apparently a couple of kids who stayed at the Harmony house at the same time as our family ended up with the flu.
J'Tiahs blood count is way out of whack. We prayed for her and the next thing we knew we got a call that she tested negative. Praise the Lord.
But what is wrong with her?
Please pray for her and my step dad, they are both in the hospital, across the hall from each other.

Doctor appt. results

The doctor still thinks I need a ct scan. Then possibly a biopsy. He doesn't know why my blood tests were goofy. I asked him if he was just covering his butt and he said partly, yes.
When Jeff gets a new job and we get moved I may go ahead with the tests. In the mean time I will do a flush or two.

Yesterday was a long drive

Yesterday I ended up driving to Minneola and mom met me there to pick up Joy and Hannah. As we were driving away I thought maybe Mollie should go help with J'Tiah so we called mom and she said yes so we turned around and mom took Mollie also.
Turns out my step dad Don doesn't have shingles, he has an abscess. He is in the hospital again. Bless his heart.
Nickitta is a little overwhelmed I fear with J'Tiahs dependency on her. That is why I thought Mollie would be of help.
So I drove 430 miles yesterday. I actually got to Tulsa at about 5:30pm. not too bad.
Today I go to the dr. We will see what he has to say that is so important.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Traveling

The girls and I are traveling this week. H. is going to her dad's. Joy is going to my mom's to help out there and Mollie and I are going to Tulsa. I have dr. appts. on Tuesday and Thursday. In between appts. we will be getting the 5th wheel ready to move. We are not sure yet where we will be moving it to. We are hoping to a new job site. Or maybe here, we don't have a clue.

Remember us in your prayers please, for a job for Mr. Olson and direction for our lives.

Kaleena's bridal shower and party are the 8th of Aug. There is also a wedding Joy would like to attend in Lavern early Aug.

In just over two weeks Joy will be starting Bible college. That means another trip.

Then In Sept. is Kaleena's wedding. I am working on the dresses. Joella is helping so much. I did find that once she had them fitted the sewing wasn't hard. The material is very nice.

The goats milk soap I made yesterday turned out very nice. The yogurt I made did not. Oh well.

Suicidal kittens

Aparently one of our wild cats had kittens in the greenhouse. When we saw them she moved them. They aparently are crazy and one jumped out of the tree and committed suicide. Mollie was the one who said it committed suicide. Another one was dead hanging by just a paw in the tree. That's wierd. Mollie said it was peer pressure from the other cats and that they were just mental.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Saturday

Its been a busy day already. Mr. Olson fixed the washer. Mollie had installed the part ok she just had a wire backwards and the part wasn't seated just right. He fixed that and we are back in business.
Mollie, Hannah and I went to the farmers market in Guymon. Business was slow today for some reason.
We are going to Tulsa this next week and I may bring my soap and try to sell some there.
Mr. Olson is working on the A/C right now. There is air flowing but I don't know exactly what the situation is on that front.

Joy stayed home this morning and worked in the greenhouse, did laundry and cleaned the bathroom. She did some other things too.

I am making yogurt. Erica Maddox told me how to make flavored yogurt.

BTW the man who was killed in the car accident turned out to be Erica's father. He was only 55. Erica was getting ready to leave for Europe to visit her sister who instead had to come to the states for a funeral. I felt so bad for the family.

My great niece J'Tiah is already home from the hospital and doing great.

My step dad is in the hospital in Tulsa, that's as far as he got when they were going to St. Louis to be with J'Tiah when he woke up in extreme pain and his neck was swollen and he couldn't talk or eat. Mom said this am that they think it may be shingles. She said he was in isolation and she had to gown and mask up to go see him.

Joy was suppose to go to my mom's for the week to help mom with the house and taking care of J'Tiah but Don may still be in the hospital so we will have to see on that.

The girls all went to the drive in last night with some sponsors and teen girls. They only stayed for the first movie because the second one was not a good one plus it was late. The first movie didn't start until 10:00pm

Friday, July 24, 2009

Another great email

Recently, in a large French city, a poster featuring a young,>
thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym.

It said:> > THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?>

> A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not> match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the> question posed by the gym.>

> To Whom It May Concern:>

> Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions,> curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and> have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins> stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing> wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of> Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs.

They> are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than> humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the> world.>

> Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up> outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity> crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men> who get close to them not to mention how could they have sex?

Therefore> they don't have kids either. Not to mention who wants to get close to a> girl who's skin is all scaly and smells like a fish store?>

> The choice is perfectly clear to me... I want to be a whale.>

> P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea> that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice> cream with my grandkids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver> and a latte with my friends. With time, we gain weight because we> accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there> is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we> aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning> today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, "Good gosh,> look how wise I am!"

Bummer

The washer still doesn't work. Its not Mollie's fault. MR. Olson will work on it when he comes home tonight.

Mollie is the bomb

My 14 year old daughter Mollie replaced the part on the washer that was broken. Mr. Olson took it apart and ordered it and when it came in Miss Mollie replaced it. She is the bomb. I am so glad we have always had the girls working right along side of us and doing things most girls don't do. They are all capable young ladies who can take care of themselves and others. Always willing to lend a hand. Or most of the time anyway.
Joy and Mollie can both drive the forklift and Joy can drive the tractor. Hannah can fetch things from around the place because she can drive the autos.
They are all great helpers around the house and the yard. Not always willing at home but as is normal always willing for others.
I am quite proud of my daughters. They are an asset to our family.

WD-40

I think I have posted this before but it never hurts to post it again. Plus it reminded me of a few uses.
Fr0m my email:

'Water Displacement #40'The product began from a search for a rust-preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the 40th formulation, thus WD-40.The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.
When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as on glass. Then try it on your stove top ... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars
.3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from t he kitchen floor!
Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off.
Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers
.22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
.28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicyclesfor easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Kaleena's Wedding


Joella helped me fit and cut out the patterns for Mollie and Hannah's dresses for Kaleena's wedding. The material is beautiful. It is lavender and the flouncy sleeves are a sheer lavender with a sparkle. The girls love it. I am so thankful to Joella. She is really good at fitting a pattern. I learned a lot from her. She cut and I sewed.
The style we are using is for the top, the second row of tops with the flounce sleeve and the skirt is the 8 panel style.
Joella said the material looks like silk but it feels like poly and sews great. I am going to work on them again tomorrow.

Dehydrating carrots




Today I am dehydrating 5# of baby carrots.

I am learning to dehydrate from the dehydrate2store.com site listed on my sidebar. Tammy is very experienced and will answer your questions directly when you email her.

Good News

My great niece J'Tiah had her surgery yesterday. They ended up not having to cut or break her femur's (Praise the Lord) so her surgery was shorter than anticipated. She will heal faster with out the bone having to heal too. When I talked to my sister she said that J'Tiah was being sewed up and they would then cast her. Please continue to keep her in your prayers along with her family.

I am so thankful they didn't have to mess with her femur, that is the largest bone in your body and I feel like anytime you can leave God's creation alone the better.

Thank God for the wisdom of the staff and surgeons at the St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Good buys today

Today at Walgreens I bought 8 2pks of G2 gel pens for 1.00 each and received 1.00 RR total zeroooooooooo
2 Raisin Bran at 2/5.00 -1.50 mq and 1.00 RR total 2.50
3 pks. mechanical pencils @ .19 each total .57

At wal mart I bought 20 boxes of Electrosol gel packs @ 3.98 each, I had 20 2.50 mq so they were about 1.50 each
I also bought 2 6pks. nestle water for 1.00 each and had two 1.00 ips so they were free.

Not too bad.
Gotta go to VBS bye for now.

No AC NO washer

The air conditioner is out and the wash machine is broke. The house is a mess. It really makes me wonder what would happen if we just didn't have those things. Would our house always look like a pig sty? It is causing me to think seriously about how much laundry we make. I think some conservation is in order. I know the girls think they get a new towel every time they shower. We will soon be out of clean towels. I don't know what they will do then because they don't hang them up and they will stink soon if they don't already.

Mr. Olson and I use our towels for a few days hanging them up after each shower. I know I will have one to use. With no AC I will be wanting my showers.
Joy and Hannah are cleaning the garage right now. Joy as usual is doing a great job. That girl can work. Hannah is a good worker too. So is Mollie, they are all good workers.

Mollie is showering the little ones in preparation of taking them home to their mom and dad.
I made two batches of goats milk soap plain and oatmeal, milk and honey.
I couldn't remember if I had made the goats milk soap with new oils or recycled, I used recycled today and it seems fine. I will unmold and cut it tomorrow. Then I will know for sure.
We all have to get showers soon so we can get on the road.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

1st Day of VBS


Tonight was the first night of VBS. Turnout was small I think due to the fact that the Gran Fiesta was being held in Guymon and most of our kids would probably attend that. Hannah said she had fun. Dana and Shelby got to go just the one time. The Baptist ladies did a great job decorating.

Tomorrow Dana and Shelby go home. They have been pretty good and we have had fun.


Tuesday Joella is coming over to help me cut out Mollie and Hannah's dresses for Kaleena's wedding. I asked for her help because I felt like that is an important part and I think I can do the rest if she helps me with the cutting out part.


Wednesday, J'Tiah has her first surgery on her hips, please pray for her and her family.


Our motor Mr. Olson put on the furnace two weeks ago isn't working so we have no air conditioning. He also took the wash machine apart and ordered a part. He showed me how to install it so when it comes in I will try to do that. I asked Bill if he would take the motor off so I can take it back to the store. I hope he can do it because it is hot out.


We also have got to get the bathroom finished so we can show the house again.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Gran Fiesta

Tomorrow is the Gran Fiesta in Guymon. I just found out what that is. Its a party at the Baptist church in Guymon. They have games, prizes and food, all for free. I planned on going but now I remember that VBS starts tomorrow. Now I have to decide weather to help at VBS or see if I can skip the first night to go to the Fiesta. I will have to see.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Productive day

Today has been pretty productive. I did get my room cleaned. Shelby vacuumed under my bed where I cant reach. The new curtains are up and the room looks nice.

It was still early so we tackled the upstairs bathroom. We scraped the decals off the tub and scrubbed it down. The bathroom is thoroughly cleaned now. That feels good.

The girls then cleaned Mollie and Hannah's bedroom. It looks pretty good. They never clean it like momma wants but they try.

Then I cleaned the yucky stuff out of the fridge. It needs a through cleaning, I'll save that for later.

Mr. Olson is on his way home. Yippie.

Hannah and Conchita are making spaghetti for lunch. Dana and Shelby are working for Gucci and selling stuff for outrageous prices. Dana just sold a CD player for $400.00. I don't think I will be going to their store. lol For some reason they all have a french accent. At least when they remember to have one.

Friday

Today Mr. Olson is coming home for the weekend. Yippee. Its been two weeks since I've seen him. I miss him so.
I am working on our bedroom today. I decided to work on one room at a time because the house is starting to look messy and a potential buyer might want to look.
This morning I made curtains for the closets in my bedroom. Before they had sheers and were looking kinda old. I had purchased some sheets at the second hand store for $1.00 each with the intention of making rugs out of them when I decided they were the perfect color for new curtains so I did that instead.
My bedroom is a place where I read at night and then tend to have books stacked up, even on the bed when Mr. Olson is gone. So it tends to get messy and doesn't look good for a potential buyer.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Thursday to do list

  1. laundry (still working on it)
  2. make soap (done, made two batches, hawaiian mist and sun dried linen)
  3. wrap soap (done, Shelby was a big help, Hannah and Dana cut the strings)
  4. cut veggies to dehydrate (done)
  5. put towels and blankets away when washed and dried (done)
  6. tidy house
  7. hang VBS banner at the Baptist church
  8. wash icing buckets (still working on this)
  9. label tote with camping items and stow away in basement
  10. etc.

Walgreens coupon Thursday and Friday only

Go to this link to print your coupon.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Camping fun

Well the girls had such a good time camping Monday night they wanted to stay another night. We came home cleaned up, took naps got more food and went back to the lake. This time with Bill and Christina. It rained on us and we still had a good time. It was fun going with friends who didn't moan and complain because of the rain. They just took it in stride and we lay in our tents and talked and talked.
Christina was excited to go to a lake that is only 30 min. from home. I am sure she will want to do it again.

We had a tent for the girls and a tent for the adults.
In the night Bill was looking out of the tent and come to find out there was a raccoon. It was sitting by the campfire eating a hot dog that someone had dropped. It had already been on the table. Bill said he heard it chomping. It was BIG too.

The night before I had slept in the back of the pick up on a mattress under the stars. I was happy to have a dry place to sleep not with all the girls. Plus I wonder if the raccoon had visited the night before. I don't think so because we had done a better job of cleaning up and putting things away because it wasn't raining.

We came home and then had to put everything away. We are working on the laundry which is a lot because you always have to wash everything when you get home.

I had purchased some totes so I am keeping the camping stuff together and labeling the totes with the contents to save time if we want to camp again sometime. When we got to the campsite the first night it was pretty late and then the camp stove wouldn't work. We ended up going to Spearman to Alco and buying a one burner propane stove. It is small and very easy to use. I will keep that packed with the camp stuff.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Dehydrating hamburger

It worked finally. I had written before that I couldn't get the hamburger dry enough. Yesterday I watched a video on you tube and instead of the oven they used the dehydrator. I tried that with the hamburger that I had already tried drying and had given up and put in the freezer. It works. I will now dry the rest of the hamburger and package it with my food saver thingy.
One thing I have learned about the food saver is that its not the vacuum machine that is necessarily bad but the bags. When I get a chance I will order bags that are 3ml. thick or more. The stuff you buy at Wal Mart is much thinner.

I really am loving the dehydrating thing. Now that I know you have to really get the food dry, at least 95% of the moisture out. I know it will last much longer in the dehydrated stage. It takes up significantly less storage space. I like that.

One great tip I learned from the dehydrate2store site (Tammy's dehydrating site on my sidebar) is to put a spray top on my lemon juice so I can spray the food that needs it instead of pouring it into a bowl. I think this saves lemon juice and you are able to cover the food thoroughly as needed.

Camping

Today I am picking up my grand daughters and taking them camping. Hannah and a friend and the preachers two little girls are coming too. It will only be for one night because it is so hot and I figured that would be about all I can take of that many little girls.
Its hard to go camping with out taking everything but the kitchen sink. I thought about not cooking while we camp, but what fun is that? So I made a menu and am bringing the necessary things and I will let the girls do some of the cooking. It will be a good experience for them. I am certain they will be filthy when we get home, so I figured lets just have some fun.
Tonight we will have hot dogs, chips and buns, easy huh?
Later we will have smores.
For breakfast tomorrow we will have bacon and eggs. I have a nice griddle we will use.
Then for lunch we will be making a soup from dehydrated ingredients.
I figured if I can last until noon before the heat gets to me I will be doing good. So we will pack up and come home after lunch.
Pray for us.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Veggie Pizza

The girls and I are making veggie pizza for supper. We are using zucchini, onion, yellow squash and mushrooms along with a pepperoni pizza. I am anxious to see how squash tastes on pizza.
I love homemade pizza dough. It feels so good. Here is my recipe.

In my kitchen aid mixer with a dough hook I put:
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 T. yeast
2 T. sugar
I let this sit for 5-10 min. When it begins to bubble I then add:
2-3T oil
1t. salt
add flour until the dough clings to hook and cleans side of bowl. Once its at this point I let it knead in the mixer for about 5 min. Then I take the dough hook out and let the dough rest for 5-10 min. When its done resting I roll it out for two pizza's and top as desired.
Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts, crust is brown and its done.


Edited to add: the pizza was yummy, next time I might saute the squash first although it was really good this time. Maybe I will do it the same.

A Good Husband

I recieved this as an email and thought you'd like it too.


Burned Biscuits
When I was a wee ''tike'', my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then.

And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Baby, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned.

He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"

You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people.

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults- and choosing to celebrate each other's differences- is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket! Keep it in your own."

Friday, July 10, 2009

Farmers Market

Saturday is Farmers Market. Last week I went and sold my soaps. This week I am going to go again. The produce around here isn't in full swing yet so there wasn't much in that area. I did buy 3 jars of honey. I'm glad I did because they may be sold out I've heard. There is suppose to be another honey producer there so we will see.
This week I will have chocolate and chocolate oatmeal soap to add to my wares. I did pretty good last week and hope to do even better this week.
Yesterday I dehydrated a head of cabbage. I shredded and blanched it and then dried it. It would fit into a small zip lock bag. I am loving this dehydrating thing.
I want to order some oxygen absorbers to use when I package the food to help keep it fresh.

I haven't made soap for two days because the cafe was closed and she isn't changing oil until this weekend. So next week I will get to it again. I am getting to where I can whip it out pretty fast. I have a system down now so it makes it easier. My problem is I get too many projects going and my kitchen looks like I never clean it. Kefir on the counter, dehydrator going, soap curing, cooking, vanilla working. It starts getting cluttered and I have to put things away and then in a day or two I start again.

I need a play kitchen to make my concoctions and play around in that I don't have to move stuff out of the way to cook. It needs to have lots of counters and outlets.

another good tip


Mosquito Spray...Worth a try

I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared.

The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila!

That worked as well. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby.

During the summer, I don't leave home without it.....

.Pass it on. OUR FRIEND'S COMMENTS: I tried this on my deck and around all of my doors. It works - in fact, it killed them instantly.

I bought my bottle from Target and it cost me $1.89. It really doesn't take much, and it is a big bottle, too; so it is not as expensive to use as the can of Bug-spray you buy that doesn't last 30 minutes.

So, try this, please. It will last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog house.



Now thats a Good Mosquito!!!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Poem

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

'When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success...
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say.... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say.... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name..

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does... But beautiful is just plain beautiful!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

funny but true


I found this on the cake wrecks blog.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Michael Jackson-Jesus

Today I saw a newscast of a lady who said she could see the face of Michael Jackson in a tree stump. She said he was the same as Jesus, they are both Icons. It made me shiver. Comparing the Lord of all creation to a singer? God is not mocked.

People lets get it together.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Monday

Today was a hard day because I was so tired. The last two days we went to bed past midnight. We did a lot of traveling. I think I have been exhausted.
I mowed until the wheel fell off of the lawn mower again.
Later Joy and I went to town and bought some E clips. This time I bought 6 so I don't have to keep running to town. When it cools down later I will mow some more.

I made two batches of soap. Plain and oatmeal tea tree oil.

My girls had a great time last night with their cousins, Kolby and Brice. They always have so much fun swimming together. When the boys first swam with the girls they thought they (the girls) might be prissy. Boy were they surprised when the girls attacked them and had a war in the water. Now the boys think the girls are cool. They said wow they just play and have fun and don't act like girls. lol

We will be going to Amarillo sometime this week to pick Joy's dress up for Kaleena's wedding.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

PALIN FOR PRESIDENT




Sara Palin for president 2012

Friday, July 3, 2009

Dehydrating hamburger

It didn't work. At least I didn't want to spend any more time trying to make it work. After several hours, (it was suppose to take 1-2) in the oven, there was still moisture in my hamburger. I had prepped and cooked 14 lbs. of hamburger. I didn't want to waste it so I put it in clean pint jars, sealed with my food saver and put them in the freezer.
Living and learning.
At least I have 14 lbs. of cooked hamburger for spaghetti, tacos, etc.

I bought a spray bottle and filled it with vinegar. When I see any ants I wash the area and spray with the vinegar. In a day or two they will get the hint. Vinegar works just as good as caustic chemicals.

Tomorrow I am going to take my soaps to the farmers market to sell. Joy wrapped them and labeled them. They look very nice. I have 6 batches curing and 2 batches in the molds. They take 3 weeks to cure so if I keep making and selling and curing etc. I will keep the supply up.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July. We are invited to eat lunch with Bill and Christina. I will finally get to meet Christine. I am sure I will be saying Christina when I mean Christine, so they better be patient with me. lol

Later we are going to Liberal to watch the fireworks. I will also do my walgreens shopping then.
I also am meeting a customer to discuss stone color for his house.
Take care and God bless.
Mrs. Olson

Friday

Joy is doing a fantastic job of cleaning my pantry. I don't know why we cant keep it clean but I say the same thing about the Tupperware cabinet.
I made the frozen lemonade I listed a few entries ago and its great.
The girls and I are canning hamburger right now, actually we are drying it. I will can it for long term storage. That way I don't have to worry if the freezers or electricity go out. Like I said the other day, put your eggs in more than one basket.

We found a few ants in the kitchen this morning so out came the vinegar. Everytime we find some we are washing with vinegar water. It helps so much. It takes a time or two but it really does work.

I also made up a bunch of fly catchers this week and hope to get them hung in the trees soon.

Friday

Mr. Olson has been busy taking the toilet out of the bathroom. Of course there is always more things to do. He is going to end up having to replace the metal thing that goes under the toilet ring. Thankfully the floor is not rotted which happens in so many cases.

He also bought two new tires for the riding lawn mower and put them on.
I made two batches of soap today, coffee and star anise.

Joy made some vanilla sugar. When the ladies came I had not made any for myself. So Joy took care of that.

Mollie has been helping Mr. Olson and I as we need things. She also helped the little girls pick up rocks and put them into the wheel barrel and haul them over to the trash can where there is a hole that needed filled. The trash truck always makes holes when it rains. So we fill it with rocks.

We have two pot luck meals on Sunday. For lunch we have a dinner at church. I think I am going to make sloppy joes and bring buns.
For supper we are going out of town and I am bringing ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions. I am also bringing homemade potato salad.

The little girls are going on a field trip today. They get to play put putt and watch a Bee Jay's ball game. I think they are having a picnic too.

Right now I have two sliced grapefruits and 10 sliced limes in the dehydrator. It seems to really intensify the flavor of citrus fruits. I like a slice in my water.

Mr. Olson is grilling hamburgers so when they get done we will have them for lunch.

let freedom ring.




Happy 4th of July weekend. Lets remeber to keep our freedoms. Our freedom to worship is right now being challenged in the senate.
Dear Friends,

In the coming two weeks, we could see a major turning point in American society--the first time in history that biblically orthodox Christian beliefs could officially be placed on the wrong side of the law.

I'm talking about the pending vote on the anti-faith "hate crimes" bill that is expected in the Senate within the next few weeks. This bill could impact your pastor's freedom of speech to preach the biblical view of homosexuality. Even though the bill does not specifically target pastors, combining it with the existing "inducement" statute could result in a pastor being charged if an individual commits a violent crime against a homosexual after hearing a sermon about God's view of sexuality.
But that's not the only congressional threat to people of faith. We've recently learned that some in Congress want to use the Department of Defense Authorization bill in such a way that it could discriminate against pro-life servicemen and women or military recruits!
Danger to Faith and FamilyThe "hate crimes" bill is just one of many issues our staff is closely monitoring right now. The Obama White House and the Democrat-controlled Congress have created a flood of bills and initiatives that dramatically impact our faith and families--more than we could have planned or budgeted for. This has required our team to expand our efforts into new policy areas to defend faith and family while exposing how the rapid overreach of government power is undermining our values.

For faith and family, Tom Minnery
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy


Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Frozen Lemonaid


This looks yummy. I will be making this soon.

This is a refreshing and easy dessert or cooler that you can whip up at a moment's notice.

No need for special equipment or long freezing times.

As long as you have a sturdy blender, you can enjoy this frozen lemonade anytime

1/4 cup lemon juice (I think lime juice would be good too)

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup crushed ice

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Laminate flooring

Jeff brought home laminate tile for the bathroom. We are hoping to get the bathroom done while Jeff is home this week. The girls have the walls painted and the cabinets done. Joy is working on the hardware. We decided we need to strip the door and door jamb and repaint that. The stuff that needs done while Jeff is here is the floor and the trim around the top. The other stuff can be done by me and the girls. The hardest part is going to be putting the tile under the claw foot tub. I think we can jack the tub up and slip the laminate tile under since its not grouted and such.

Jeff already installed new lights in the bathroom. Oh yeah, I need him to take the stool out so we can paint behind there. I already bought a new wax seal to reinstall the toilet.

Simple Lentil Salad





If you can have dairy a soft and salty cheese, like feta does wonders in a dish like this. We tossed some leftover roasted chicken into the leftovers, for a more full meal deal the next day, which was also very nice.I tried to cut the vegetables quite small so that they would match the lentils small size.
2 cups of dry lentils (green french lentils)


2 large bell peppers or 6 small mini ones, wash, seeded and cut into small cubes


1/2-1 large cucumber, washed and cut into small cubes


Handful of fresh Basil


A few leaves of borage, optional (an herb with a cucumber taste)
Dressing


1/4 cup of raw apple cider vinegar (or vinegar of your choice)


1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil


1/2 teaspoon dry mustard


2 garlic cloves, peeled and put through a garlic press
lots of salt and freshly ground pepper
Extra salt, pepper, vinegar and olive oil, if needed.

1-Soak lentils overnight, drain and rinse. Put into a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until just soft. About 20-35 minutes.
2-Drain and rinse with cold water.
3-Add the vegetables and herbs to the lentils and gently stir in. Make up the dressing and toss with the lentil/vegetable mixture. Taste and adjust to taste. I added a few more splashes of vinegar and more salt and pepper. Enjoy right away, or chill and serve later. You may need to readjust the flavors again right before serving.

source of recipe and photos:http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2009/05/simple-lentil-salad.html#more-1504