Doing my best for Him

Travel trailer as a BOV

2012-02-03T14:32:00.001-06:00

You have how many children?

2012-02-03T14:22:00.000-06:00

Bio sand water filter

2012-02-03T14:09:00.000-06:00

2nd Place ~ Good job

2012-02-02T17:18:00.003-06:00

Hannah entered her drawing in the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show and won 2nd place. Not bad for her first try.

Candy apple jelly

2012-02-02T16:47:00.002-06:00

Ingredients
4 cups apple juice
1/2 cup red-hot candies
1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
4 1/2 cups sugar

Directions
In a large kettle, combine apple juice, candies and pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; skim off any foam and undissolved candies. Pour hot liquid into hot jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Adjust caps. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling-water bath.
source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Candy-Apple-Jelly/

Pickled Beets

2012-02-02T16:25:00.003-06:00

My husband has started eating pickled beets at work and he really loves them. Today he asked how they make them and here is what the guys do.
1 gallon sliced beets
1 gallon clean empty jar
2 c. sugar
2 c. apple cider vinegar
Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar. Put the beets and vinegar mixture into the jar and let the flavors meld for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

I need to find a source for gallon glass jars.

Yogurt and ricotta cheese

2012-02-02T10:07:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I made yogurt loosely following Yolanda's recipe for the crock pot. I added strawberry jello at the same time I added the starter and its really good. I may add peach next time.

Today I would like to try making the ricotta cheese I posted about a few days ago. I never did get the mozzarella cheese made but there is always another day. I just wish there were a dairy I could buy milk direct from around here, one that doesn't use drugs and chemicals. Dream on. I bet there surely has to be one somewhere close. Our landlord has Pygmy goats but they don't milk them, they only have them for the amusement of their grandchildren. Seems like a waste to me. But alas it is not my land or goats.

This week I have made banana bread, rolls, bread sticks and yogurt. Not too bad.

I was looking at the grocery ad for this week and it seems like each week there is less and less that I think is even close to a good deal. The only thing I see that may be a good deal is picante sauce and Kleenex so I guess I will get some of that. I also want to buy some oranges and bananas. I won 6 months free bananas a while back and the coupons are good until June or so. I gave some to the preachers family and some to Kaleena and I still have plenty left but I need to use them and not waste them.

I made a nice meatloaf last night from free venison hamburger and .99 ground turkey. I really like it and there is enough for about 4 more servings so I have lunch for a couple of days depending on which of the girls is working and which is home.

It rained last night and they are calling for scattered showers and 75 degrees so I bravely am washing and hanging my clothes today. It looks to me like it will clear up and the clothes will dry fine, if not I guess they will tomorrow. It would be nice to have a carport over the wash area so I could hang clothes no matter whether there is rain or not.

I need to stop by the seed store and pick up some seed potatoes and maybe onions. They are suppose to be planted by presidents day.

Well you all have a great day. Leave a comment and say hi, especially the readers who never leave comments.

Oh and I was wondering why I havnt heard from Bush Bunny Brenda when it dawned on me that she is traveling to the US. Keep her in your prayers if you will.

Banana Cream Pie

2012-02-01T20:09:00.001-06:00

Ingredients
•1-1/2 cups cold fat-free milk
•1 package (1 ounce) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
•1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
•1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed, divided
•3 medium firm bananas, sliced
•1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (9 inches)
Directions
•In a bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Stir in sour cream until smooth. Fold in 1-1/2 cups whipped topping.
•Place half of the banana slices in the crust; top with half of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Spread with remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving (pie will be soft- set). Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Analysis:
One slice equals 260 calories, 7 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 284 mg sodium, 42 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fruit.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Banana-Cream-Pie-3

My kinda sorta bread recipe

2012-02-01T14:49:00.001-06:00

Several people on face book have asked me to share my bread recipe and since I don't measure anything but the water its kind of hard to share, but here is a guesstimate of what I do.

I can only sorta tell you. I put 2 cups of warm water in the bowl of my kitchen aid. Add some yeast and sugar, maybe 2 T. of each? This time I also added about 1/4 c. instant potatoes Let sit until its bubbling or working. Then add a glug o...f olive oil maybe 1/3 c. or 1/4 c. then add about 1/3 c. powdered milk, flour and some salt, I just mix it and add flour as needed. When it cleans the side of the bowl I let it mix for a bit then take it out and oil the bowl, turn the dough around the bowl to get oil all over it and cover the bow. I let this sit until doubled in bulk, 45 min to an hour. Then I punch it down and form into what ever I am making that day.

How is that for a precise and clear as mud recipe?

Bread baking day

2012-02-01T11:35:00.005-06:00

Every few days I make bread so I don't usually say anything about it or that would be very boring. But today I am making rolls and bread sticks with my dough. I thought I'd drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the bread sticks and then sprinkle garlic salt and a bit of Parmesan cheese. They look good. As you can see I gave them a twist and put them side by side. This will make them a softer bread stick. If you want your bread sticks to be harder then just leave space between them so the heat from the oven can circulate all around and brown them.

I make bread and don't use a recipe or measure anything except my water so its hard to share it with others.

Today I cut up 4 pretty nice pairs of my husbands jeans. I cut the legs off and then the back pockets. They were pretty good jeans yet but I decided that if I donate them then they will resell them maybe, but if I cut them up and reuse them I can get 8 aprons out of them and several quilt squares. I can sell each apron for about $10.00 unless I give them away making a profit of $80.00 that I would not otherwise have made. I think I can get an adult size apron out of each leg and not just a toddler apron. This makes it more profitable in my mind as adults tend to really use aprons more than children do. This may be all wrong but that's ok, its just a thought.

Today I also worked on making yarn out of our discarded t shirts. I am able to get quite a bit of yarn out of each t shirt as well as 4-6 good rags out of the top part. The part I throw away is very small. For some reason this gives me satisfaction knowing I am using most of the t shirt.

I am not sure where I got the bug to reuse and recycle things but it sure seems like I do this in most areas of my life.

I will list a small portion of things I reuse to give you some ideas:
~empty bottles with lids, these I either use to store leftovers, or new concoctions
~empty woven feed sacks, these I make tote bags, purses and occasionally an apron from
~t-shirts, these are used to make a nice cotton yarn which I then crochet into rugs.
~jeans, I make aprons, quilts and all kinds of stuff from. The fabric is quite sturdy.
~bath towels, these can be cut down to make wash cloths or as a lining in a pot holder among other things.
~hummm, cant think of anything else right now but I am quite sure there are other things I reuse.

Hot dog casserole

2012-01-31T12:14:00.001-06:00

When Bar S hot dogs are on sale for 1.00 or less I pick up a few packages so I can make quick easy meals like this one. Slice thawed hot dogs length ways and lay in the bottom of an oven safe pan. Make some mashed potatoes and cover hot dogs with the mashed potatoes. Top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the hot dogs are cooked. I usually boil the hot dogs before to make sure.

This is an easy dish that kids like and they can even help make.

Banana Bread Recipe

2012-01-31T09:49:00.000-06:00

Banana Bread Recipe
Print OptionsPrint (no photos)Print (with photos)
Prep time: 5 minutesCook time: 1 hourIngredients
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Method
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

Yield: Makes one loaf.

Homemade ricotta cheese~ yes please

2012-01-30T10:12:00.001-06:00

http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/homemade-ricotta-cheesein-30-minutes/

Ingredients
4 cups homogenized milk

1 cup cream (any cream … I used whipping cream)

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

For easy instructions go to the link provided. I want to make some this week.

Homemade yogurt

2012-01-29T22:22:00.001-06:00

This looks yummy but I dont have a yogurt machine so I will be on the lookout for a recipe using a crock pot.

update on the spinach lasagna

2012-01-29T18:42:00.001-06:00

I thought I would give an update on the spinach lasagna I posted a few days ago. I made it for supper tonight and it was awesome. I put the spinach, cheese and all the rest of the ingredients except the noodles together along with two eggs. It was so very good.

Its a beautiful Lords day today

2012-01-29T16:43:00.003-06:00

This morning is was cool in the 40's but it warmed up nicely. Before church I made a batch of kaiser rolls and a batch of cinnamon rolls.

Right in the middle of church our connection went out, bummer, it was a really good sermon. Christina said it was recorded so we can listen later, that's good. Hopefully tonight we will get to hear the whole sermon.

This afternoon I made the spinach lasagna I posted about a few days ago. It sure looks good.

The family wants to start eating more vegetarian meals to hopefully get our weight down so I will be researching recipes. Then as soon as we can get in the garden I want to get a bunch of greens planted so we can shop from the garden. I sorted my seeds and the only thing I am out of is cilantro so I will pick up a few packages of that. I have plenty of lettuces, spinach and herbs and radishes. I am going to try to grow romaine and head lettuce along with leaf lettuce. Some wilted lettuce sounds good right now.

Oh I noticed one of my hit counters I have had on here for a while hit over fifty thousand. Can you believe it? I think only forty thousand were me, no not really I have it set not to count me when I come here.

The Help

2012-01-26T22:47:00.001-06:00

How to plant a salad garden

2012-01-26T18:24:00.003-06:00

This is a 5 foot square garden plan. I think its a good idea.

Cloth vs disposables

2012-01-26T10:27:00.002-06:00

I think I used about 25 % cloth and 75 % disposables on my 5 daughters. I wish I had used all cloth though. Now days they have such nice cloth diapers. I think the really cool thing now is the diaper sprayer that you hook up to the toilet to rinse out the diapers which could be used as a bidet too. It sure would save dipping your hands in the toilet.

Barrel Garden

2012-01-26T10:26:00.001-06:00

This is a neat idea. I am wondering how they made the holes. Do you think they had to heat the plastic to push in the top of the slit and pull out the bottom?

Economics

2012-01-26T10:23:00.002-06:00

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... (substituting grades for dollars - something closer to home and more readily understood by all).

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little..

The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. It could not be any simpler than that.

Remember, there IS a test coming up. The 2012 elections.

These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.See more
by: Ed Will
.

Spinach Lasagna

2012-01-25T22:32:00.003-06:00

Easy Healthy Spinach Lasagna
Time 75 minutes

Serves 8

Ingredients
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 cups lowfat cottage cheese
2 egg whites or the equivalent of 1 egg substitute
2 cups shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese (freshly graded tastes best)
1 jar spaghetti sauce (32 ounces- I go for low fat and garlic/ mushrooms)
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach (if you love spinach you can do 2
9 or 10 uncooked lasagna noodles
3 cloves garlic chopped finely
3/4 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese- optional
How to make it
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a large bowl mix thawed and drained spinach, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzerella, egg, garlic, and seasonings
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray cooking spray on the bottom of a 13x9x2 baking dish
Layer 1/2 cup sauce, a noodle layer, and 1/2 cheese mixture
Repeat layer
Top with remaining noodles then sauce and sprinkle with remaining cup of mozzarella. You can also sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until lasagna is bubbly and brown on the edges
Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting and serving

source: http://www.grouprecipes.com/62168/easy-healthy-spinach-lasagna.html

Simple 4 ingredient mayo recipe

2012-01-25T09:52:00.003-06:00

3/4 c grapeseed oil
1/4 c olive oil
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 t. salt
optional 1 t. dijon mustard if you have it
Blend the eggs, salt and lemon juice and mustard if you are using it, slowly drizzle oils while blending. I use my stick blender in a mason jar, then when its done I just cap it and put it in the fridge or use it.
source: http://www.spain-in-iowa.com/2012/01/how-to-make-homemade-mayonnaise-with-4-simple-ingredients/

If you want to be able to keep the mayo for about two months add 1 T. whey then the oils.

I'm going deaf

2012-01-24T19:30:00.000-06:00

I was using my ear phones to listen to a video and I told my husband that I was going deaf in my left ear, he suggested that maybe my ear phone wasn't working. I switched ears and sure enough my right ear was deaf. LOL I couldn't stop laughing because I was going to get my ear checked and I guess I am not deaf after all. I just need new ear phones.

Grow your own pharmacy

2012-01-24T11:34:00.001-06:00

Upcycled toddler apron

2012-01-24T11:24:00.002-06:00

This is the toddler size apron I made from a jean pant leg. I used a back pocket for the pocket on the apron. I could not find D rings so I used a button and three button holes. I think it turned out cute. I made the non/bias tape from a cute fabric. Total cost, 20 cents for the button and thread.

You say ~ God says

2012-01-23T14:46:00.000-06:00

Monthly Sales Chart

2012-01-23T12:12:00.002-06:00

January
National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February
National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month: Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines: Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March
Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April
Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May
Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June
National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July
National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August
Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant: Clorox, Purell
Clearance: Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato

September
Back to School Sales through Labor Day: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October
Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November
Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December
Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

source: http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-when-do-things-go-on-sale

Pickle juice vs flu shot

2012-01-22T09:15:00.003-06:00

I don't get flu shots because I don't think they do any good so this article about drinking fermented pickle juice instead was interesting to me.

Find out why this woman says drinking fermented pickle juice is as good as a flu shot.

Go to: http://simplybeingwell.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/dont-get-a-flu-shot-drink-the-pickle-juice/

Totally free plants

2012-01-21T22:49:00.004-06:00

http://www.freeplant.net/
Check out this site. You can order many plants and trees for free. I ordered a pear tree, a lemon tree, a blueberry bush, a blackberry bush and a basil plant. I am amazed that they are doing this. I cant say for sure that it is true so we will see. They did not ask for any credit card information.

I think you can order up to 5 plants or trees.

Homemade ketchup

2012-01-21T21:49:00.002-06:00

--Homemade Ketchup--
1~6oz can tomato paste
1 Tblsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
Combine all ingredients in pan over med heat, wisk until smooth, when comes to boil, reduce and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.Remove pan from heat and cover until cool.
I found this recipe on facebook and wonder what I could use instead of corn syrup? Any ideas.

Rice Pudding

2012-01-20T21:54:00.001-06:00

2/3 cup uncooked rice
1 1/3 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
ground cinnamon to taste

Combine rice and water in a covered saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 325. Remove rice from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Stir together egg, rice, sugar, raisins, milk, vanilla, and salt in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake uncovered 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pudding is done when a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Serve warm or cold; refrigerate any unused portion.

source: http://adventuresofathriftymama.blogspot.com/

Menu Ideas

2012-01-20T15:21:00.001-06:00

These meals can be made at lunch time and enjoyed at that time and then again at supper
~~~~
Meat loaf, baked potato and a vegetable
Chicken and noodles or dumplings
Venison roast with vegetables
Navy beans with Kielbasa and cornbread
Vegetable stir fry over rice
Spaghetti and meatballs in sauce
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Tacos with homemade tortillas
Salmon patties and fried potatoes
Pancakes and sausage
Biscuits and gravy (homemade biscuits)
Goulash and a vegetable
Mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy and a vegetable
Porcupine meatballs with mashed potatoes and a vegetable
Creamed dried beef on toast

Crochet hot pad ~ easy

2012-01-19T14:48:00.003-06:00

Materials

•1/2 skein yarn (1st color)
•1/2 skein yarn (2nd color)
•size "G" crochet hook
Instructions (for yellow and white hot pad)

Starting with yellow yarn, chain 4. Slip stitch to form a ring.

Chain 3 (counts as 1st dc), 13 dc in ring. Slip stitch in top of chain 3.

Chain 23. Skip next dc, slip stitch in next dc. (1st petal). *Chain 23. Skip one dc, slip stitch in next dc. Repeat from * 4 times. Chain 23, slip stitch at base of 1st petal. (start of 7 petals)

Row 1 - 1 sc in each of first 11 chains of 1st petal. 3 sc in next chain (top of 1st petal). 1 sc in each of last 11 chains in 1st petal. (25 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around.

Row 2 - Change to white yarn. 1 sc in each of the first 12 sc of 1st petal, 3 sc in next sc (top of petal), 1 sc in each of the remaining 12 sc in the 1st petal. (27 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around.

Row 3 - Change to yellow yarn. 1 sc in each of the first 13 sc of 1st petal, 3 sc in in next sc (top of petal), 1 sc in each of the remaining 13 sc in the 1st petal. (29 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around.

Row 4 - Change to white yarn. 1 sc in each of the first 14 sc of 1st petal, 3 sc in next sc (top of petal), 1 sc in each of the remaining 14 sc in the 1st petal. (31 sc) Repeat for each of the remaining petals all the way around. Fasten off.

Working from the right side, fold each petal over (gently twist each one to the left, spreading and flattening to create the shape).

Finishing

Using yellow yarn, crochet two petals together at tip of the fold.

Single crochet trim around the edge of one petal placing 3 sc at the very top of the petal.

Single crochet to next petal and single crochet trim over the top edge of it. Continue all the way around and fasten off.

For more pictures go here: http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/flower-hot-pad.html

Homemade yellow cake mix

2012-01-19T12:32:00.004-06:00

*Makes enough for two 9-inch layer cakes (bake according to recipe), or one 9X13-inch cake (bake for 30 to 35 minutes), or one 12-cup bunt pan (bake for 40 to 45 minutes), or 24 cupcakes (bake for 18 to 20 minutes)

*Note: the recipe calls for cake flour, which I never have on hand so I substituted 2 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons cornstarch for the three cups of flour called for in the recipe. It worked beautifully.

2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons butter (2 sticks), cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
Process sugar, flours (or flour and cornstarch if making the substitution for the cake flour), milk powder, baking powder, and salt in a food processor for 15 seconds to combine. Add butter and vanilla and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal (you want this much finer than, say, a pie crust). Freeze the dry mixture in a zipper-lock bag for up to 2 months or use immediately.

To make the cake, adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour your pan of choice (see the note above the recipe).

With an electric mixer, beat the prepared cake mix, 1 1/4 cups warm water and 2 large room-temperature eggs until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-27 minutes for two 9-inch layer cakes. See the note above the recipe for alternate cooking times with other baking pans. Cool the cake(s) in pan(s) for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Cool completely.

Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Cook’s Country April/May 2010
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/06/homemade-yellow-cake-mix.html

I needed a recipe for a dry cake mix because I want to make my easy peach cobbler for supper and I am trying to eat less stuff that comes in packages.

To make my easy Peach Cobbler all I do is this:
Take one or two cans of peaches and pour into a pan juice and all if using two cans use a 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix over top, either white or yellow cake mix. If I use this recipe I will not be adding the 16 T. of butter and then more butter. I will just dot it with the butter the recipe calls for next.
Dot with butter using about one stick.
Bake at 350 degrees until brown and bubbly. This is super easy recipe and tastes great.

Chicken spaghetti

2012-01-18T10:38:00.006-06:00

Ingredients
•4 cups cubed cooked chicken
•2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
•2-1/2 cups chicken broth
•1 medium green pepper, chopped
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 celery ribs, chopped
•2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/2 teaspoon pepper
•1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
•1 package (12 ounces) spaghetti, cooked and drained
•1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, optional
Directions
•In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add the spaghetti and olives if desired.
•Transfer to two greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dishes. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the second casserole at 325° for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.
•To use the frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Bake as directed. Yield: 2 casseroles (5 servings each).

Nutritional Facts
1 serving (1 each) equals 421 calories, 17 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 80 mg cholesterol, 1,163 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 31 g protein.

source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Chicken-Spaghetti-2

I am planning on making my own version of this for supper. Some changes I will make are this. I don't buy cream of soups because its so easy to make a white sauce or roux and flavor it with herb or canned mushrooms. I also will not be using Velveeta, instead I will use shredded cheddar. I also don't have any olives on hand so I will just leave those out.

Edited to add: To make this dish I made about 4 cups of white sauce to which I added about 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, 1/2 t. garlic salt, 1 small can mushrooms drained, salt and pepper and one jar of home canned chicken which I broke into small pieces and the juice from the canned chicken. I then added about one cup of cheese which was a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar.

In another pot I boiled water and cooked some spaghetti. I then drained the spaghetti and mixed the white sauce and spaghetti together. I then put the mixture in a baking pan and topped with cheese and warmed this in the oven. When the cheese was nicely browned I removed the casserole from the oven. This casserole was quite good and the approximate cost was less than $6.00 because the chicken I canned was either 77 or 88 cents a pound.

You are not the first

2012-01-18T09:16:00.002-06:00

Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

This is one of my favorite scriptures. It reminds me that what I am going through is not unique. Others have dealt with the same kinds of things and the best part is that God is faithful and will not let us be tempted more than we can handle and he makes a way to escape so that we can bear it.

I think this scripture has many applications in life from sexual sin to diet. It reminds me that I am not alone. I have heard others say things like you have no idea what I am going through or no one else has ever gone through this. I know they have because the bible says so. You can be sure that if you are reading the authorized King James Version of the bible that every word is true. If its written in there I believe it. Its the only book I could ever believe 100% and I do.

What about you. Do you believe that the bible is 100% correct? If not why and what parts are true and what parts are not?

Grape soda jellly

2012-01-17T21:22:00.002-06:00

1 20 oz bottle of Grape Soda

2 cups of Sugar

1 package liquid pectin

Combine sugar and soda in pan on stove. Mix on medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add pectin. Bring to a boil and stir for 30 seconds.

Ladel into clean, hot jars and process for 5 minutes in a hot water canner.

You can also use Dr. Pepper, Root Beer and Mountain Dew!!!

sourc: http://wildandstubborn.com/?p=41

I know this is not a healthy recipe but I am going to try it. As far as I am concerned Jelly isnt healthy any way you make it.

Feed sack apron

2012-01-17T14:31:00.004-06:00

Here is the apron I made from a feed sack. It is stiff and I would not like to wear it like I do my kitchen apron but it would be ideal if I were butchering. You can adjust the side ties. I am quite tall so I put them lower so they would be more on my waist area. This apron could be wiped down easily or hosed off or possible thrown in the washer.

Be content

2012-01-17T12:25:00.002-06:00

Last evening during family devotions I got a phone call. It was about some land for sale with a house close to where we now live. The price was WELL above anything we can afford so I told the lady it was out of our range.

After the phone call my teenagers said they didn't want to move and why couldn't we be content with what we have where we live? That set me to thinking about what scripture says about being content. The verse that cam to mind was Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

What could be better than that? Be content with what you have and that he will never leave you or forsake you. Also it says not to talk about things you want.

OK Lord, I get the point. I will stop looking and wishing for things I don't have and start enjoying the things you have already given to us. Thanks for the reminder.

This is winter?

2012-01-16T09:20:00.004-06:00

I am getting used to winter here in south Texas just as I was getting used to the incredibly hot summer. The weather here is very mild. Last week we had a night that it got down to 29 degrees but it was pretty warm by 10 am. I like that is does warm right back up most of the time.

My rule for doing laundry is that it has to be 50 degrees outside for me to go do a load because I wash outside and then hang my clothes on the clothes line. This morning after I took my shower I wondered how long it would be before it was 50 outside, I looked at the thermometer and it was already 64, ye haw. So I stripped the bed and we will be sleeping on clean sheets tonight. The forecast calls for 80 degrees today so they should dry in plenty of time.

I have been cleaning, sorting, discarding and rearranging our storage shed lately. I brought in a box of cookbooks to go through so that is on the agenda for today. When we sold our house and moved into the camper I went through and discarded as many as I could bear. So it will be interesting to see 15 months later how important I still think each cookbook is. I am hopeful that I can cull a few more. One good thing is that the box is not all that big to begin with so already I did a good job.

Edited at add: Nope, I cant get rid of any of the cookbooks. I have a huge notebook in there bulging that has many of our favorites. I will just have to find shelf space. A girls gotta cook. lol

Yesterday I made a double batch of mayonnaise and then made a huge batch of cole slaw so I could use up the extra Chinese napa cabbage I had in the fridge. There was also a Chinese radish so I grated that up and used it as well. Another thing on my to do list is to clean and sanitize the refrigerator today. I find it amazing how many condiments we use. I also wonder how many of them truly need refrigeration because if there were not so many sauces and condiments the fridge would have a lot more room in it.

Everyone is gone today and I don't even have a car. I wanted to see if anyone would come around here if it looked like there was no one about. I do have my door open so if a person would look they would see that there is indeed someone here. Also I am doing laundry so I will be in and out of the house all through the day. All of our neighbors work or are not around much. I think a few doors down the lady doesn't work but I think she stays at their stix and brix home in another town most of the time.

I said something to Jeff the other day about having a friend and he said, friends are overrated. I agree as long as you have family. I am happy that we have three of the five girls still at home with us, even though they are a few feet away in another camper. I hope they stay close to us for a long time. Of course they have to until they get out of school but I see no reason why they cant go to college close by and work close by as well. There is no reason for them to move far away and be all alone.

Kaleena and Justin got Internet last week and downloaded skype and bought a camera for their computer so now we can skype. They had never done that before and I think they think its pretty neat. I like being able to see Kastyn, it helps me stay closer to her and Kaleena and Justin as well. The very best thing about it is that as long as you have a computer, a camera, either built in or as an add on and Internet, its free. Its like a video conference that is free. You can pay a fee and do a three way or more call if you want to. Or if you just all want to talk and not see each other you can do that for free with more than two people. We skype church every Sunday and some Wednesdays. Then after we skype church we have our own prayer time.

Did I ever tell you that I like to tune in to either the audio bible or a bible lesson and listen to that while I do my work? It helps me learn more about the scripture or current events while I am doing other things.

I guess I better hop to it. Take care and have a great day.

missionary update

2012-01-15T18:07:00.000-06:00

PICKING UP VISITORS MEANS FLEXIBILITY IN RAINY SEASON
Went to Pemba on Wed. to fetch Linda Stanley, now returning for her 3rd year of service with us in Balama.
Two young ladies, Joy Blom and Monica Lombard, from South Africa also joined us that day for a 90 day stay to help Eric with his Christian Radio programs and Linda with the children’s programs.
We planned to leave Thursday morning to return, but Eric woke up to the heavy pounding of rain on his roof at 4a.m.
By 10 a.m. the sky had dumped 3+ inches (80 mm) of rain in Balama!
Needless to say, we would not travel to Balama that day, as the mud holes and multiple low water crossings on the last 30 miles (60Km) of that road would be a hazard waiting to happen.
At 9a.m. our plans suddenly changed, as the Administrator of Meluco County needed to see me on important matters before I left the country on the 17th.

A 3 hour drive into the bush, meant we ran to the grocery story, grabbing sandwich food and bottled water, and were on the road to Meluco in 15 minutes.
By Noon, my tiny tour group had seen many miles of African bush sprinkled with a few baboons and a lot of Elephant dung!
Elephants like to walk the roads at night, as it is their “sidewalk” and much easier than weaving through the tightly knit trees.

Our meeting went well and then we were off for the 3 hour drive to Montepuez, arriving at dark.
Due to all the mud holes, it is not safe to drive the Balama/Montepuez road at night, so we found a “sleep house” and bedded down as another hard rain hit the area.
An early start the next morning saw us safely in Balama by 6:30a.m.
ALL OF US were relieved to be home, and THE BEAR, Eric Dry, met us with hugs all around!

Joy and Monica learned first-hand that day that missions means FLEXIBILITY and ADAPTABILITY.
You do what it takes to get the job done.
To be prepared in the bush, means you not only need a plan B, but better have a plan C if you want to handle each day’s challenges.

Jesus was with us every step of the way, and we PRAISED THE LORD for 4 wheel drive as we splashed through many a mud hole in that last 30 miles.

BUSH BUNNY DEPARTS MOZAMBIQUE, JAN. 18th

I will leave Balama (and e-mail) behind on Jan. 17th to make sure I can get through to Pemba for my flight on Jan. 18th.
I’ll be in South Africa for a week, arriving in Houston on Jan. 26th.
Email will be difficult to obtain during that week in South Africa, so I doubt I’ll be able to answer anyone till the 27th.
If you have an urgent question, please contact our office at Linda@orphansunlimited.org

Below is my updated speaking schedule with the additions in red.

2012 SPEAKING TOUR SCHEDULE:

January 29, 9a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Garwood, TX
January 29, 11a.m. ROCK ISLAND FULL GOSPEL CHURCH, Rock Island, TX

Feb. 2, 8a.m THE MASTER’S SCHOOL, Student Chapel, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 2, 11a.m., San Antonio private meeting
Feb. 2, 2:30pm Concordia University Nursing Students, Austin, TX

Feb. 3, 7pm. PUBLIC MEETING, Masters School, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 5, a.m. service, NORTHPOINT CHURCH, New Braunfels, TX
Feb. 5. 7pm Seguin First Baptist Church, Seguin, TX

Feb. 7-9, Wichita Kansas—meetings to be announced
Feb. 12, a.m. service New Life Fellowship, Waco, TX
Feb. 13 to 19, TULSA, OK area

Feb. 14, LIVE BROADCAST, Noon to 1p.m. on Oasis Radio Network, Broken Arrow, OK

Feb. 17, APOSTOLIC FAITH BIBLE SCHOOL, Baxter Springs, Kansas
Feb. 19, a.m. service, TULSA CHRISTIAN CENTER, Owasso, OK

Feb. 20-24 Missouri, meetings to be announced
Feb. 26, HINESTON TABERNACLE, Hineston, LA
Feb. 29, 7pm, EVANS BAPTIST CHURCH, Evans, LA

March 4, FAITH COMMUNITY CHAPEL, Leesville, Ohio
March 7-11, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Butler, PA
March 17th, Reception, 7pm, Laporte, TX (contact our office for details)
March 22nd, Dallas, TX, private meeting
March 25, 11a.m. GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Flint, TX (near Tyler)

2012 will be a busy and exciting year, and I look forward to visiting all of you on the above schedule!

Blessings, and keep me in your prayers as I will travel over 10,000 miles just to get from Balama to Houston.

Bush Bunny Brenda

Free Bibles

2012-01-15T16:59:00.003-06:00

Would you like a free bible? My friend Jennifer at Double Nickel Farm loves to give away bibles. Just follow this link to her site and follow the instructions and the next thing you know a bible will be arriving in the mail just for you to read and learn about God.

http://doublenickelfarm.blogspot.com/2009/02/farm-giveaway.html

Pump n Seal

2012-01-14T22:48:00.003-06:00

I have been wanting one of these for a while now. I think I will ask Jeff if I can have one the next time he gets paid. It works very much like a vacuum seal machine does but it uses tab checks and no electricity. If I get to buy one I will also order an extra set of tab checks at the same time to save postage.

source: http://www.pump-n-seal.com./index.html

Have any of you used this product? I have the lid sealer things from my old vacuum sealer and I am thinking I can use them with this product. I could just attach the tubing to the pump n seal instead of the vacuum sealer.

Bean and bacon soup recipe

2012-01-14T09:00:00.001-06:00

This old fashioned recipe is so delicious. After you've tried it, you'll never go back to the canned (but classic) Bean and Bacon Soup.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Bean soaking time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours, 25 minutesYield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
•2-1/2 cups dried navy beans
•2 quarts water
•4 cups chicken broth or stock
•8 slices bacon
•2 onions, chopped
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•2 cups diced, peeled potatoes
•2 cups sliced carrots
•28 oz. can tomato juice
•2 tsp. salt
•1/2 tsp. pepper
•1 bay leaf
•2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•1 cup sour cream
•2 tablespoons cornstarch
•1/2 to 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
Preparation:
Combine beans, 2 quarts water, and 4 cups chicken broth in large pot. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crisp in large stock pot. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain and crumble. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to bacon drippings. Cook and stir until onions are tender. Add partially cooked beans and cooking liquid. Cover and cook over low heat for 1 hour.
Add remaining ingredients including reserved bacon pieces, except for sour cream, cornstarch, and Tabasco sauce. Cover and simmer for 50-55 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and soup is slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf. Combine sour cream and cornstarch in small bowl; mix well. Add 1 ladle of the soup and stir until combined. Stir this mixture into the soup and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with Tabasco sauce and serve. Crockpot Directions: Precook beans, bacon, onion, and garlic as directed above (this step is necessary because otherwise the beans would never get tender because of the acid in the tomatoes). Combine all ingredients in 6 quart crockpot. Cover and cook 10-12 hours on low. Remove bay leaf, add cornstarch mixture and cook for 15 minutes on high. Season with Tabasco sauce and serve.

source: http://busycooks.about.com/od/hotsouprecipes/r/Bean-And-Bacon-Soup.htm

I have been hungry for bean and bacon soup. I found this recipe and it sounds good so I thought I'd better save it until I get around to making some.

Can you guess who this is?

2012-01-13T19:43:00.002-06:00

Rain = no internet

2012-01-12T21:09:00.004-06:00

For some silly reason when it rains here our Internet goes out. We got about 4 inches of rain in the last few days so our Internet has been out. It finally came back late this afternoon. More rain is in the forecast so we will see if the Internet continues to stay working. I did find out that this time the tower got struck by lightning so this time it wasn't the damp. It did take a long time for them to be able to climb the tower because of the wind.

This week I have made about 7 feed sack tote bags and two feed sack purses. I gave the purses to the neighbor lady who is a teacher and will be my guinea pig. I made one purse lined and one unlined. I liked the unlined purse and she did too. She is going to give me feedback about the bags so I can make any improvements we come up with.

Tomorrow I am going to try a new idea with the feed sacks. I am going to make an apron with a feed sack. It will be easily washable and waterproof. I saw some on Etsy for $22.50. I think that's a little high but I will have to have some expense involved because it will have to have seam binding I think.

Its suppose to get down to 29 degrees here so we will leave the kitchen sink dripping and the cabinet doors to the water open. Wednesday I washed up the laundry because I knew it was going to get cold and rainy again.

I need to think of more things I can make with feed sacks. Any ideas?

Happy Birthday Yolanda

2012-01-11T11:15:00.001-06:00

♫ ღ ♪ Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪
Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪ ♫ ღ ♪
Happy Birthday Dear Yolanda.!
♫ ღ ♪ ♫ ღ ♪ Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪

You can read Yolanda's blog here: http://simplyhomemaking60.blogspot.com/

No spend week

2012-01-11T09:45:00.002-06:00

This week I signed up for a no spend week. So far I have done pretty good. I did spend $10.00 on Monday and then felt remorse so I am not going to spend any more money this week unless there is a good sale on something we use at the grocery store.

This morning I made a batch of soft butter. Whip one pound of butter then slowly drizzle in one cup of olive oil and then one cup of water. This triples the volume of the butter and makes it more spreadable. If you keep it in the fridge it does get hard but softens quickly. I usually put it in two containers and keep one on the counter and one in the fridge. I feel like this at least doubles how long butter lasts for our family.

I also got an order for 4 feed sack tote bags and one feed sack purse. I have some ideas in my head on how to make a lining for the purse with pockets. I will let that stew around my head for a while, while I sew the four tote bags. The more I think about something the more ideas I come up with pertaining to that idea.

Today its going to be warm and dry so I have a load of wash in so it can dry before the rains start again. Here in south Texas winter weather is rain. I really do like the weather here. I just have to figure out the gardening cycles. I should have planted garlic and onions in December I guess. There should also be greens growing large and cabbage as big and beautiful as ever.

missionary update

2012-01-08T10:27:00.001-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: January 8, 2012 4:31:14 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 8, 2012

RAINY SEASON AT FULL STRENGTH

The last 4 days, the sun never peaked through the black clouds, as it rained from 12-16 hours each day.
I traded my bunny ears for webbed feet and now quack like a duck!

With only 10 days left before I leave Mozambique for South Africa, my work teams are busy planting our fields and “wrapping up” the construction. The rainy season will continue till the end of March.

It’s time for our team to stay near the house, and watch our fields grow, as our dirt roads (mostly clay based) have turned to a muddy mess that challenges even 4 wheel drive. The “new national highway”, that runs between Balama and civilization, is far from finished, but at least most of it has crushed rock on top of the dirt which greatly improves traction.
Travel to our remote churches is no longer possible by pick-up due to the mud.
Pastor Alberto, our Evangelist, and Nelson, my 14 year old Sunday School Teacher, travelled by bicycle to Naccaca today to help them with that fast growing church. Walking in or bicycle are the only “safe” modes of travel in this mud.

ESTIFON MEETS JESUS
Last week I told you how Estifon, a severely anemic and malnourished young man who was near death, used the last of his energy to walk to our Rovuma church to find out about Jesus. He responded very well to our nutritional program for the first 6 days, but then developed diarrhea Wednesday night, most likely from eating something with dirty fingers. His system couldn’t handle even a few hours of sickness, and Jesus welcomed him into his arms at 5a.m. the next morning.
We tell all our orphans and workers that there is NO GUARANTEE of tomorrow.
Keep your heart right with God, and no matter when this earthly body gives out, you know your destination will be heaven.

BUSH BUNNY LEAVES MOZAMBIQUE JAN. 17TH
I’ll travel on Jan. 17th to Pemba to make sure I can catch my flight on the 18th to Johannesburg.
A big rain the same day as the flight, would mean a muddy road, and possibly a missed flight!
I’ll relax and recharge a few days in South Africa, and then be on my way to the USA, Jan. 25th.
NOTE: I WILL NOT HAVE EMAIL FROM JAN. 17TH TO 26TH, so please contact LINDA at our TEXAS OFFICE if you have any questions that need urgent answers. linda@orphansunlimited.org

BALAMA RAINY SEASON TEAM
Eric Dry is back from holiday in South Africa and will manage the orphan programs till my return in early April.
Linda Stanley from North Carolina, and 2 young ladies from South Africa are flying in this Wednesday.
I’ll test my 4 wheel drive King Cab in the mud to go fetch them in Pemba.
They’ll handle the orphan and widows programs for the rainy season, and help Eric to record and edit his Christian Radio programs.

BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!
“Web Footed” Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama staff

Bush Bunny" Brenda Lange

LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.

Making yogurt in a crock pot

2012-01-07T22:21:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary Jeff

2012-01-07T10:58:00.002-06:00

Today is our wedding anniversary. I am so happy to be married to Jeff. I hope we have loads more years together.

One of my goals this year is to make as much of our bread as I can. I am interested to find out how much flour and yeast this will entail for a years worth of bread. I make pretty good bread but its not outstanding. Maybe if I made it all the time I would get really good at it. We will see.

This morning Jeff made oatmeal for breakfast and flushed the black and gray tanks. He has to flush the tanks about twice a week. I am so thankful that he does that for us.

He is also doing the laundry. Upon further discussion we are not absolutely sure we will be able to move the washer because of where water and electricity is located by our rv. We will have to wait and see if it works out. If it doesn't work out I will just have to start hauling hot water to the washer. Ick

Monday I want to make a batch of grape jelly. My family sure loves grape jelly and we go through it quite fast. I am sure its cheaper to make it than to buy it so I will have to start making that more often as well as bread.

Its a beautiful day once again and we have the door open to the fresh air. People told me I would like the winters here and now I know why they said that.

On a sad note: This week two saints have gone home to be with Jesus. I guess its only sad for us and a great joy to them. On Wednesday one of Joy's bible college professors finished his fight against cancer and went home and then on Thursday a dear friend from the Hardesty church went home after a long and fulfilling life. I will sure miss brother Buford. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. I know his family will be in deep pain and I pray that God will ease their hearts. Life rushes on doesn't it?

Joy and Mollie are sure liking their jobs. The only problem is, is that there are not enough trustworthy workers and so they end up working quite a lot. The boss is great but she can only work so much too. I guess I didn't realize how few people there are out there who know how to work and can be trusted. I praise God that he led us to raise our girls to be workers and to be honest. Now if Hannah could find a job that is very part time she could earn some money. With her being 15 its harder for her to find work. She doesn't turn 16 until August.

Oh it looks like my bread dough is ready to be punched down and formed into loaves so I better get to it. Have a great day.

Make a pot holder in minutes

2012-01-06T18:51:00.001-06:00

Pillowcase Tutorial

2012-01-06T18:30:00.001-06:00

Moving the washer

2012-01-06T18:08:00.002-06:00

After writing about washing in cold water and Yolanda's comment and Jeff and I talking, we decided to move the location of our washer. Right now its beside the girls camper and their camper dosent have an outdoor shower but ours does. We talked about it and decided to move the washer to the side of our camper so we can just use the hose from that to get hot water. We will have to walk about 10 more feet to get to the clothes line but it will be worth it.

Sometimes it just takes me a long time to figure out simple things.

It was a beautiful 74 degrees out today and even at 6pm I have the door and window open and the fan blowing in fresh air. I love living in this warmer climate, now if I can just get the planting thing figured out.

Today I was able to sew two feed sack tote bags and make a new apron for myself. I got the fabric on clearance so the apron cost me $1.22. I also made myself a pattern for my aprons so that each time I want to make a new one I can now use the paper pattern instead of using my old apron for a pattern. I am moving on up baby, newspaper pattern, hot water to wash clothes and all.

One of the girls said except for the clothes I am practically Amish. They are so silly.

Tomorrow is our anniversary. Jeff wants to go to Victoria to look for new shoes for him. He likes Roper shoes. They seem to fit him the best so once or twice a year we get him a pair and he hasn't had a new pair for almost a year so he is due for one.

We also got a gift card that we are going to spend on a meal at a restaurant. Maybe Olive Garden.

May your weekend be full and fun and may God bless you and your family.

Counterfit Christianity

2012-01-05T18:24:00.001-06:00

Decanting Vanilla

2012-01-05T12:27:00.002-06:00

Its been a good and busy morning for me.

I got a load of laundry washed and hung.

One feed sack tote bag made.

I was also able to decant the vanilla that I made about a year and a half ago. I have decanted some before but today I decanted all that was left. I got 4 large glass lemonade bottles from what was left. Today I will go buy some more vodka so I can use the vanilla beans one more time. If I don't think it is working as good as I want it to I do have more vanilla I can use. If these beans are not good enough to use to make vanilla again I will dry them and make vanilla sugar. That stuff is really good in tea and I am not a sweet tea drinker but I do like vanilla sugar in my tea.

Since I was all our clothes outside using only cold water the whites look pretty bad. They are gray and yellow, ick. Today I put a few white (or used to be white) items in a big pot and put it on to boil with vinegar and dawn dish soap. I am going to let this soak overnight and wash them tomorrow and see if it helped any.

Do you have any hints for getting whites back to at least them a little more white?

Start seeds with Jell=O

2012-01-04T21:48:00.000-06:00

Hello Jell-O Seed Starter

To get flower and vegetable seeds off to a disease-free start, try a sweet approach.

Sprinkle the seeds with Jell-O powder. You can also feed young plants with Jell-O

as they grow.

Peat pots

Potting soil

Seeds

1 package of Jell-O powder,

any flavor with sugar

Powdered skim milk, in amount

equal to Jell-O (optional)

Saltshaker or other sprinkling device

Newspaper

1. Fill the peat pots with potting soil, and

place two seeds in each pot.

2. Fill the saltshaker with the Jell-O powder

(and powdered skim milk, if desired, for extra calcium), and sprinkle

lightly on top. Gently press down the powder, and cover lightly with soil.

3. Moisten the soil, and cover it with damp newspaper.

4. After 4 days, remove the newspaper, and keep the seeds in a warm area with

temperatures of 55° to 65°F.

source: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-gardening&tid=9540&nl=1

I object

2012-01-04T15:31:00.002-06:00

Give me Jesus

2012-01-04T14:38:00.000-06:00

Concealed carry permits~Read This~

2012-01-04T12:45:00.003-06:00

Carry Permits! - ! IMPORTANT! . . . . .
I didn't have this happen, but then I wasn't at a VA doctor's office. I did run into a little of this when I had to visit a doctor other than my regular doctor when my doctor was on vacation. One of the questions on the form I had to fill out was:
... Do you have any guns in your house?? My answer was "None of your damn business!!" So it is out there! It is either an insurance issue or government intervention. Either way, it is out there and the second the government gets into your medical records (as they
want you under Obamacare) it will become a major issue and will ultimately result in lock and load!!

Please pass this on to all the other retired guys and gun owners...Thanks

I had a doctor's appointment at the local VA clinic yesterday and found out something very interesting that I would like to pass along.
While going through triage before seeing the doctor, I was asked at the end of the exam, three questions:

1. Did I feel stressed?

2. Did I feel threatened?

3. Did I feel like doing harm to someone?

The nurse then informed me, that if I had answered yes to any of the questions, I would have lost my concealed carry permit as it would have gone into my medical records and the VA would have reported it to Homeland Security.

It looks like they are going after the vets first. Other gun people like retired law enforcement will probably be next. Then when they go after the civilians, what argument will they have?

Be forewarned and be aware!!!!!

The Obama administration has gone on record as considering veterans and gun owner's potential terrorists.

Whether you are a gun owner veteran or not, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

If you know veterans and gun owners, please pass this on to them. Be very cautious about what you say and to whom.

Homemade Anitbacterial Cleaner

2012-01-03T21:29:00.002-06:00

In a lab test, 14 oils were evaluated against Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. For most essential oils examined, H. influenzae was most susceptible, followed by S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes, and then S. aureus. Penicillin-susceptible and -resistant S. pneumoniae were comparable in susceptibility. Escherichia coli, which was used as a control, showed least susceptibility. (source: http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/47/5/565.full)

Anti-bacterial:

Cinnamon
Lemongrass
Perilla
Wild Thyme
Red Thyme
Geraniol Thyme
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Spike Lavender
True Lavender
Rosemary
Eucalyptus
Citron
Anti-fungal:
Lavender
Tea hierarchy
Myrrh
Anti-microbial:
Lemongrass
Oregano
Thyme
Vetiver

Homemade AntiBac Cleaner

You will need:
a clean spray bottle
essential oils of choice (I use at least 2, usually lavender and eucalyptus or lemongrass)
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide 3%
10-20 drops essential oils
water to fill your bottle

source: http://homesteadinintheburbs.blogspot.com/2012/01/homemade-anitbacterial-cleaner.html

Friends

2012-01-03T16:37:00.000-06:00

Good Kimchi making video

2012-01-02T22:57:00.001-06:00

missionary update

2012-01-01T21:04:00.001-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: January 1, 2012 9:16:30 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Jan. 1, 2012

First, I want to say that ALL OF YOU are very precious to me, or staff, and to our children.
We pray for all of you to have a blessed and prosperous 2012.
Your love gifts this year allowed our pastors to lead over 252 people to Christ and to rescue over 175 malnourished orphans.

Testimony of what your Love Gifts did this week:
Last week a young man, Estifon, used the last of his strength to walk to our Rovuma Church.
He told Carlitos, the Youth Pastor, that he heard people talking about a man named “Jesus” who healed sick people.
He knew he was near death, and wanted to know if Jesus would heal him.
Carlitos explained who Jesus is, and prayed with him to receive Jesus as his Savior and then for healing.
Carlitos then called to say he was bringing a young man to me who had no blood.
Estifon was badly malnourished and so weak from anemia that Carlitos had to tie the young man to him on the motorbike to keep him from falling off!
I explained to Carlitos the danger this was to both of them, but his heart was in the right place and the angels kept them safe, as his only concern was for this man’s safety over his own.
We fixed him up with prayer, vitamins, a high protein diet of beans and canned fish, as well as treatment for intestinal worms.
Yesterday, this young man’s mother told Carlitos that after 5 days her son is like a “new man”.
There is no way our earthly food caused such a fast recovery. (normally takes 30 days for reverse anemia with diet)
This young man’s faith in Jesus sparked the release of Jesus’ healing power giving him NEW LIFE.
2000 years ago a woman with an issue of blood received her healing when she reached and touched Jesus’ robe.
This young man “reached out in faith” and found out Jesus still heals the same today as He did then.

God gave me the heart of a rescuer when I was born.
Then God gave me the desire of my heart, by allowing me to rescue and evangelize orphans in Mozambique.
It’s my favorite thing to do!
The Lord Jesus and I thank you for your faithfulness as many of you have walked with me through the entire Twenty one years I’ve been in Africa.

Billy Graham once said exactly what I’m feeling now:

“There is no better place to be, than in the “WILL OF GOD”, unless it is “IN HIS PRESENCE”.

Many of you know what God has called you to do, and you are doing it.
For those who are uncertain, you just need to ask, and then listen for His instructions.
He’ll show you His plan for your life, and if you chose to follow it, you’ll find true happiness.

Each of you is a “rescuer” when you bless our children with your prayers and love gifts.
THANK YOU to all of you who helped us save lives in 2011!
FYI: For those who gave specifically to our Wish List :
1. 5 goats and 12 ducks will join our family in 2012 and
2. $14,410 has been donated towards the $25,000 needed for the 5 children’s houses. (construction starts in April)

TOGETHER, WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 1000’S OF LIVES IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE.
THANK YOU for sharing your love with our children in 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
BBB AND THE BALAMA STAFF

LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.

Setting goals

2011-12-30T11:41:00.002-06:00

This morning I sat down and wrote out some of my goal for the next few months. I decided to go ahead and get started on them even though they are technically for the year 2012.

Yesterday I washed out two feed sacks that had been outside in the rain and getting icky. I didn't like either one of them so I decided to cut them up to make pockets for my feed sack tote bags. This morning I got started sewing the pockets. Out of one and one fourth feed bags I got ten pockets. Parts of the bags just wouldn't come clean and I don't want dirty looking pockets in my tote bags so I tossed them.

Next I sewed one feed sack tote bag and washed a sweet feed sack out in the tub. I have found that if I let the water get real hot and wash the sweet feed sacks with that it works a lot better than using a rag and rinsing loads of time. Comes cleaner too.

Then I went out to the shed and measured everything to make just two batches of soap. I have to cut them tomorrow and we want to go out of town so I decided to just make two batches instead of the four I had planned. I will make either two or four batches on Monday. I was a little worried that I might have forgotten how to make soap since its been several months but it worked out just as if I had never been away from it. I tried something different this time. Instead of lining my molds with plastic wrap I used damp cotton kitchen towels. I read somewhere that it was an option. If it works I will use that so that I don't always have to use plastic. It just seems more sensible to me.

I got the equipment all washed up that I use to make soap and now its lunch time. I may make another bag this afternoon if I feel like it. I also have some new craft ideas to begin working on this next year.

Homemade Oxyclean

2011-12-29T19:51:00.001-06:00

1 cup water

1/2 cup peroxide

1/2 cup baking soda

THATS IT!! I store it in that little jar. Put it right on the stains and let it sit for however long, then what ever is left is usually put in the washer with the load of laundry. Easy peasy :)

This recipe is from Missy Logan

Hey, hey, hey, its a beautiful day

2011-12-29T15:55:00.003-06:00

Its simply beautiful out today so I used this opportunity to go to the shed and prepare everything so I can make soap tomorrow. I have not made soap in several months so it is time. Before we sold our house I used to make 4 batches at a time a few times a week. Tomorrow I will be making 4 batches.
1. oatmeal, milk and honey
2. lemongrass and oat
3. white magnolia and oat
4. peach and oat
I have a couple of ideas to try for scents. Lavender and lime and then Tea tree and Eucalyptus. I will of course put oats in those as well.

I have my outdoor kitchen designed in my head I just need 2 16 foot 2x4's and 2 more cattle panels. I also need to order some shade cloth. I am going to use shade cloth instead of tarps hoping the wind wont tear them up like they do a tarp. Since we live in an RV park my structure will have to be of a temporary nature. I have the bricks to build a 16 brick rocket stove and I want to buy one of those turkey cookers to use to can on this year. Its just too hot to can in the RV. I am the cattle panel structure queen. I have build many temporary structures that can last as long as you want to keep them there but are easy to take down and are not something that will raise tax's. I will post pictures when we get around to doing that project.

I also have a design in my head for a bed for Joy with lots of storage that won't be seen. I will build a sort of box unit with a hinged lid. I will take photo's of that when I get it done as well.

Mollie and Joy are both now working at the same convience store. The boss said corporate doesn't like her to hire family members of employees but she told them that if there were more sisters old enough to work there she would hire them as well. She really thinks a lot of Joy. That gives Hannah hope that she too might get a job there, maybe this summer. Who knows?

We think we might go to the Derixsons for New Years Eve. Jeff and Joy were there for Christmas but I have not been there for a while and Jeff said Elijah is about to start walking.

I think Justin and Kaleena are doing well with baby Kastyn. I miss them. Its nice to visit but its nice to come home too. I do so enjoy the weather here.

I pray each of you have a great weekend and that you get to enjoy it with folks that you love.

Lemon fresh dish soap

2011-12-29T08:12:00.001-06:00

1 cup of borax

• 1 cup of baking soda

• ¼ cup of table salt

• 2 packets (half an ounce) of unsweetened lemon drink mix (i.e. Kool-Aid)

Apparently, at the bare minimum, you only need the borax and baking soda.You can also use lemon juice or lemon essential oil, instead of the dry drink mix. However, we like the idea of keeping everything dry for storage. You can mix it in your dishwater to get it wet when you use it.

~~~~~~~Another recipe for dish soap~~~~~~

1 cup liquid Castile soap
3 tablespoons water
a few drops essential oil (if using unscented Castile soap)
Combine in a vessel of your choice (I use an old vinegar bottle with a metal spout), mix well, and use.

Homemade fabric softner

2011-12-29T08:09:00.000-06:00

1 cup baking soda 6 cups distilled white vinegar 8 cups water 10 -15 drops orangeessential oils (optional) or 10 -15 dropslemonessential oils (optional) or 10 -15 drops essential oils , of choice (optional) Directions:
1
You will need a one gallon container.
2
First add the baking soda to the plastic container.
... 3
Next add 1 cup of water to start with.
4
Slowly add the vinegar to the bottle as the vinegar and baking soda will start to fizz.
5
Then add the rest of the water swirling around & cover venting the top a few times.
6
Last add the essential oil.
7
Add 1 cup in your final rinse cycle for each load but give the bottle a good shake to stir up the essential oil if using.

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-fabric-softener-179890#ixzz1hvOf6SnI

Tamale Pie Recipe

2011-12-28T18:45:00.001-06:00

Tamale Pie

1 lb. hamburger
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can tomatoes

2 Jiffy corn bread mixes (sweet cornbread mix)
Cheese

Brown hamburger, drain, add taco seasoning. Add veggies and beans. Place in casserole dish and cover with cheese. Mix cornbread batter according to directions and pour over casserole. Bake as directed for corn bread.

This dish was brought to my daughters by one of the church ladies. It was really good so I asked for the recipe.

missionary update

2011-12-28T10:52:00.000-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 25, 2011 6:20:11 AM CST
Subject: Blog, December 25, 2011

MANGO TREE CHURCH REPAIRED IN 6 DAYS!!!!!
Folks, nothing but God could make something so difficult happen so fast as replacing this 105 foot long roof in remote Africa!
At 4a.m. Monday morning, Balama time, (9pm EST Sunday night), the missions director of First United Methodist Church, Butler, PA was notified of the need for a new roof on the church.
She immediately contacted other missions members, as Butler is the original sponsor who built this church for the orphans and widows of the Mavala village area.
Thanks to Butler FUMC, the materials to replace this roof were available by Tuesday morning, Balama time, just 48 hours after the tornado had hit it.

Bush Bunnies are known for their tremendous HOPPING ability, and my work crews know how to “Hop to it”!
We hit that place with a 20 man clean-up crew on Monday morning.
The carpenters had the pieces of the old roof torn down, trusses repaired, and all ready for a new roof by late Monday afternoon.
Monday night, we got the word that the funds for the materials and repairs were on their way.
On TUESDAY, 10 carpenters and a truck load of 4X4 beams were headed to Mavala on our tractor.
Those men had one wild hammer party on Tuesday, as they started sawing and nailing rafters into place.
By Thursday, all rafters were up and the 165 tin sheets were bought and hauled the 9 miles to this bush church site on our 6 ton truck.
SATURDAY, DEC. 24th, AT NOON, ALL WAS FINSIHED.

Church members were waiting for the last nails to be driven in so they could clean up the church for their Christmas Eve prayer meeting that night.
It is amazing what can be done when God “makes a way”.

BUSH BUNNY SHARES HER HEART

On Dec. 13th, I received an e-mail from the woman who discipled me through Bible School in Tulsa.
As soon as I saw the subject line (before I even opened the message), I heard the Lord clearly say one word to me.
“ TRANSLATE!”
I immediately thought OK, this must be important. When I opened it, no further explanation was needed.
What I received is this article about Angelica Zambrano’s experience.

Prepare to Meet your God, Angelica Zambrano (23 Horas Muerta)

This testimony is extremely detailed and powerful.
SIX DAYS LATER our Executive Staff had it translated into Portuguese and copies were given to all our Pastors and the BBC team (Bush Bikers for Christ-Village Evangelism Team).
This powerful testimony opened their eyes, and fired them up for what is ahead in these End Times.
Some of them are making more copies to distribute to churches in other counties.
Eric and our Bible School teacher, Pastor Alberto, plan to use it in teaching sessions on Eric’s Christian Radio Programs.

God has mandated ALL OF US to GET READY FOR THE COMING OF HIS SON!

The time of Jesus’ coming is VERY near, yet there are many living in remote areas who have not heard of Him yet.
Our goal is to bring JESUS to as many as will listen.
We want NO ONE to be LEFT BEHIND simple because they were never told about JESUS and his wonderful gift of salvation to mankind.

Happy New Year to all of you!

Bush Bunny Brenda and her Balama Staff

She's a beaut

2011-12-28T09:25:00.004-06:00

Mollie, me, Hannah, Kaleena holding Kastyn and Justin.

Daddy's little girl.

My aunt Mollie sure takes good care of me.

And I like to talk to my grandma.

I dont want any more clothes mom and dad. I have enough.

I like to watch them open their gifts.

Going to church on Christmas day.

Dad reading the bible.

My daddy loves me.

Mom and dad opening a gift. Kastyn isnt too interested.

~~~~~~♥~~~~~~

We got home last evening at about 8:20 after a 14 hour drive. We were so very glad to be back in our humble home. I already miss Kastyn, Kaleena and Justin though.

I have a to do list that is quite long of course, on the list is getting caught up on here, but I will just plug along and it will happen.

More later.

missionary update

2011-12-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 19, 2011 4:47:35 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 19, 2011

TORNADO HITS MANGO TREE CHURCH AND FOOD WAREHOUSE

Last night, an intense thunderstorm carrying a tornado hit the village of Mavala where our Mango Tree church and food distribution warehouse now sit.
The roofs were taken from both buildings, and each roof was rolled up like a long piece of twisted bread.
Tins sheets from the 105 foot long church roof were thrown over 100 yards into the village area.
NO ONE was killed, but a few were injured as their mud huts fell on them when the tornado passed over.

Almost every tree in the area is down as are many mud huts and bamboo fences.
Our work crew had to cut up a huge Cashew nut tree just to get to the church as it had fallen across the road.
It took most of the day just to clean up the damaged roof parts.

ANGELS GUARD OUR PASTOR’S HOMES AND SAVE OUR GUARD’S LIFE
If you doubt there are angels, you wouldn’t have after seeing that the ONLY THING LEFT STANDING, TOTALLY UNTOUCHED, in the midst of this disaster area was our 2 Pastor’s homes.
One sits between the church and the warehouse, and the other just a stone’s throw on the other side of the church.
Both were in the direct path of the tornado (which bounced after hitting the church and took off the tin roof on the concrete brick school house).
ALL TREES around the houses were blown over or had their trunks broken.

OUR GUARD was sitting on his bed IN THE CHURCH, listening to the intense rain pelt the roof when the roof started ripping off.
He jumped up just seconds before 3 huge pieces of the brick wall fell onto his bed, totally crushing it.
If he hadn’t move when he did, he would have been hit and most likely killed.

The damage will cost about $4,600 to repair both buildings.

Needless to say, this puts a new twist in our Christmas week activities.
We are just grateful that everyone survived.

Needless to say, church will be back under the MANGO TREE till the roof is fixed.
Church hours will remain very flexible in the case of rain.

PRAY FOR THE TRIPLETS
The two of the triplets are suffering from anemia.
I have them on intense high protein diets and vitamins, but they need your prayer covering too.
One of them is on malaria treatment now.
They are so cute and keep us all busy chasing in 3 directions!
The two of the triplets are suffering from anemia.
I have them on intense high protein diets and vitamins, but they need your prayer covering too.
One of them is on malaria treatment now.
They are so cute and keep us all busy chasing in 3 directions!

Merry Christmas,
Bush Bunny Brenda and her disaster relief team.

5 minute fudge

2011-12-18T10:43:00.001-06:00

5 minute Fudge

1 stick of butter

1 box of powdered sugar

1 large bag of chocolate chips

Melt 1 stick of butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add entire bag of Chocolate chips, stirring as they melt.

Increase heat to medium and add entire box of powdered sugar, stir mixture until creamy.

Pour mixture into a small flat baking pan, and let cool to room temperature.

To speed up the cooling process you can place the mixture in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes.

Peanut butter and Butterscotch fudge can also be made with this recipe,

just substituting a jar of peanut butter, or a back of butterscotch morsels instead of chocolate chips.

source: http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/26863.aspx

Where's Waldo aka Debbie?

2011-12-18T10:19:00.002-06:00

I have been MIA here on my blog for the last several days and for good reason. We traveled to Branson Mo to meet our new granddaughter. I should say I did. Jeff and Joy had to stay home and work. Mollie, Hannah and I are fortunate to be able to make the trip and stay for about two weeks. We will return home around the last of the month.

My daughter and son in law do not have Internet at their home so I am unable to update as often as I normally do. Right now Hannah and I are at McDonald's and poor girl is bored sitting here waiting on mom to do her thing.

I will try to post now and then and add new pictures when I can.

Now about the baby. Her name is Kastyn and she is beautiful. Her skin is lovely as well. She is a good sleeper and has slept 4 to 5 hours at a time in the night since she came home from the hospital. My daughter and son in law don't know how good they have it.

The pictures of Kastyn made her look like she was quite hefty but in reality she is very small. She just weighs 7 lbs. She is eating well and had gained a few ounces at her check up from the time she was released from the hospital.

This will be a strange Christmas being away from Jeff. I sure miss him.

missionary update

2011-12-18T09:38:00.001-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 14, 2011 8:32:54 PM CST
Subject: Bush Bunny speaking schedule

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of you!
Many have asked me to release my schedule as soon as possible.
I greatly appreciate your love and am looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can during this tour.
It’s a short one, due to the need for me to be back in Moz. to start construction in April.

Below are the invitations I have received so far.
God’s Blessings to all of you as we celebrate our Lord’s birth!
Bush Bunny Brenda

2012 SPEAKING TOUR SCHEDULE:

January 29, 9a.m. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Garwood, TX
January 29, 11a.m. ROCK ISLAND FULL GOSPEL CHURCH, Rock Island, TX

Feb. 2, 8a.m THE MASTER’S SCHOOL, Student Chapel, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 2, Noon, San Antonio private meeting

Feb. 3, 7pm. PUBLIC MEETING, Masters School, San Marcos, TX
Feb. 5, a.m. service, NORTHCOAST CHURCH, New Braunfels, TX

Feb. 7-9, Wichita Kansas—meetings to be announced
Feb. 12, a.m. service New Life Fellowship, Waco, TX
Feb. 13 to 19, TULSA, OK area

Feb. 14, LIVE BROADCAST, Noon to 1p.m. on Oasis Radio Network, Broken Arrow, OK

Feb. 17, APOSTOLIC FAITH BIBLE SCHOOL, Baxter Springs, Kansas
Feb. 19, a.m. service, TULSA CHRISTIAN CENTER, Owasso, OK

Feb. 20-24 Missouri, meetings to be announced
Feb. 26, HINESTON TABERNACLE, Hineston, LA
Feb. 29, 7pm, EVANS BAPTIST CHURCH, Evans, LA

March 4, FAITH COMMUNITY CHAPEL, Leesville, Ohio
March 7-11, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Butler, PA
March 25, GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Flint, TX (near Tyler)

missionary update

2011-12-18T09:33:00.001-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 17, 2011 6:34:25 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 17, 2011

HOW WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT OUR MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE
First, you must think HOT for Christmas. In South Africa and Mozambique, those that can, go to the beach to celebrate the holidays.
It’s 100 F (39C) and humid, as the rainy season has arrived.
We get afternoon and evening rains 3-4 days a week now.

Most Mozambican children do not know what Christmas is, because they don’t know about Jesus.
In Balama county alone, there are an estimated 80,000 children under 15 years of age (16 is an adult and most are married by then).
So the 1,200 in our Balama county orphan support program are a small percentage.
But our church numbers have grown to include 12 remote villages.
Two more “shade tree” churches have just been planted this month in the Impire area by Pastor Gito. (he’s a real fire ball of an evangelist).
We still have lots of work ahead to reach all these children with the news of Jesus’ birth.
The Pastors at these remote churches are the ones who will make it happen.
ALL 1,700 orphans in our Balama and Meluco programs know of Jesus, and many have accepted him as Lord and Savior.

Our remote village churches celebrate Christmas with a special church service on Christmas Day, followed by a small feast if they so desire.
Each church decides what program they will do.
In Balama town, the 115 orphans living in our houses will celebrate with a party this Wed., Dec. 21st.
They will receive a goat and rice feast, with plenty of balloons, candy, cookies, and a giant sucker for dessert!
We’ll have games and sing songs to Jesus too.
Usually our mornings are free of rain, but we will ask the Lord to hold back the clouds just in case, as sometimes the clouds let loose at noon.

BABY DIXON GAINING WEIGHT AND GETTING STRONGER
Dixon came to our baby care program on Thursday, and after 10 days of not seeing him, I marvelled at his improvement.
No longer can you see every bone in his little body.
He’s way behind his growth curve being only 3.5Kg (7.7 lbs) at 5 months of age.
But he’s a fighter with a joyful spirit.
His Mom is taking excellent care of him too.
(I took photos, so I’ll post them on our website in January.)

LINDA STANLEY WILL RETURN TO AFRICA ON JANUARY 11TH!!!!!
YIPPEE! Our workers as well as our orphans were literally jumping for JOY when they heard that Mama Linda is returning.
Her smiling face and grandma hugs has been greatly missed by all!

ERIC IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Yeap, Bush Bunny is holding down the fort for the next 3 weeks.
Gets a bit lonely around here with no one to talk to in English.
So please feel free to send me an e-mail. It helps break up the “after work hour” loneliness.
Tried to teach my guard dogs to play scrabble, but their spelling is really bad, and the oldest dog, Bandito, kept wanting to chew up the letters. J
Don’t worry, I always get a bit “bush batty” at this time of year.

Dorm Construction continues at full force, as we try to complete the 2 dorm rooms before I leave Moz. on Jan. 18th.
I’ll spend a few days taking a break in South Africa before starting the speaking tour in the USA.
Really looking forward to seeing everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Bush Bunny Brenda

missionary update

2011-12-18T09:32:00.001-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 18, 2011 5:17:59 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 18, 2011

VILLAGE CHURCHES EXPLODING AT THE SEAMS!

My Orphan Evangelical Team and I set off at 7:30a.m. in overcast skies that turned to a light downpour as we got near the Pequaria church.
That road has some areas that are pure clay, so needless to say it was like driving on a slip and slide trying to keep from falling into the ditch.
The pick-up had to be left on the road with someone to watch it as it was pouring rain, and the ground was too soft to drive on.
When the children saw me drive up they ran out into the rain jumping and shouting that I was here.
My first though was how did that many kids pack themselves into the church? I didn’t know you could stuff that many people in that small building!
But we managed to repack everyone in for an hour of praise, worship, and the story of Jesus’ birth.

More than 100 children and a hand full of adults attended our Sunday school this morning in the pouring rain, as many had to stand in the doors and windows to be able to see the story book.
An estimated 50 of these kids have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many kids and a few adults came out of curiosity, and they left with lots to think about.
No doubt about it, we are going to have to enlarge that church next year.
Jesus is really moving among the children there.

At 9a.m., we drove off in the drizzle to see if we could get to the Naccaca church. I am now teaching at both churches each Sunday.
When we got near the small grass roofed veranda with open sides, it had the normal 20 adults and a hand full of kids in attendance that I’d seen the week before.
Two weeks ago, we bought a mud hut for Pastor Luis, who left the BBC to Pastor this church. ($300 mud hut investment)
He has been evangelizing the villagers ever since, and today we saw the fruit from his endless visits to their mud huts.

Again, I had to leave the truck about 100 yards away due to soft ground, and one of the orphan boys stayed there to protect it.
After we started singing at the church, a crowd of children and a few adults began to gather at the truck. I’d told, Egito, the orphan guard, that if people came to the truck, to tell them about Jesus.
Instead, he persuaded them to join us!
Adding 70 kids and 10 adults to our crowd made our little hut standing room only!
After telling them WHY God had to send Jesus, I told them HOW God sent Jesus.
Many things followed as they asked questions and the Holy Spirit sent the answers.
We talked about everything from heaven to hell and how to have faith for healing.
They were HUNGRY for JESUS and after an hour of teaching, one of the older men stood up and thanked me for clarifying why God sent Jesus.
He said it all made sense now and they asked me to please come back next week and teach them more.

FYI: Those 70 kids didn’t utter one peep during that hour of teaching and storytelling. They sat on the dirt floor with eyes as big as saucers, glued to our picture books. Most of these kids have never seen a book of any kind, much less one with poster size color pictures. (We use the picture books from Children’s Evangelical Fellowship.) They are great teaching tools.

Opening the mind of a child (or an adult) is one of the most fun things I get to do here.
The expressions on their faces are priceless!
The only thing better is seeing them respond to God’s love and having them receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

At the altar call, 3 men who had come in late, received Jesus as their Savior today.
So it looks like Pequaria was my training ground, as Naccaca village has over 5,000 people compared to Pequarias 1,000.
I told Pastor Luis and the church leaders to cut some more poles and enlarge their grass hut before next Sunday.
It’s obvious to all that a BIG CHURCH must be built next year as Naccaca is waking up to God’s message of salvation.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all of you.
TOGETHER, WE ARE GATHERING IN GOD’S END TIME HARVEST!

BUSH BUNNY AND THE BALAMA STAFF

Kastyn Kayde Porter

2011-12-11T17:08:00.001-06:00

She is sucking her finger. Better get a pacifier.

She's here

2011-12-11T14:08:00.004-06:00

This morning my daughter text ed me and said her water might have broken. It was more like a tear, just a little bit. She went on to church and then to the hospital so they could check her. Next thing I know she is saying that the baby is breech and she has to have a C-section. I prayed with her right away and continued praying. She was quite scared.

Well God answered our prayers and she is fine and so is Kastyn Kade. Weighing in at 7lbs. 19.5 inches long. Edited to add: she was born at 1:36pm.

Kaleena was breech but she came the regular way. Its strange that she had a breech baby too. Also my water just tore with her and didn't break. I told her like mother like daughter. At least they were neither one born in the elevator at the hospital like I was.

Thank you Jesus for watching over my family and keeping them safe.

A little levity

2011-12-11T10:55:00.002-06:00

missionary update

2011-12-11T09:15:00.001-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 11, 2011 5:22:50 AM CST
Subject: Blog Dec. 11, 2011

SUNDAY UPDATE ON PEQUARIA AND NACCACA CHURCHES

Today, I taught at both these churches, which makes for a very busy morning.

At Pequaria:
JACINTO is doing marvellously (both physically and spiritually).
His EYES were so ALIVE and sparkled with JOY!
He was laughing and singing along with the rest of us.
A big change from the solemn, mute young man I met 5 weeks ago.
I asked Pastor Tomas what is making the difference?
I was told that JACINTO is at Pastor’s mud hut daily to listen to the Church’s AUDIO BIBLE in Makua.
For those who can’t read, HEARING God’s Word is a precious gift.
Jacinto is doing what all new Christians should do—FEED on God’s Word. The results are written in his sparkling eyes.

Jacinto’s feet are no longer swollen, and his eye lid color is now light red instead of pale white.
Thanks to the gifts we received to provide him with a high protein diet, he is making a fast recovery.

THE AUDIO BIBLE IN MAKUA, our local tribal language, is an item I’d like to add to our WISH LIST.
$40 provides this invaluable gift to a bush church.
Since illiteracy is 85-90% in remote villages, this is the ONLY WAY a new Christian is able to know what the Bible says.

AMEDO—the 3 year old who received a transfusion 10 days ago, is looking much stronger.
His name means “no fear” or courageous.
He is truly that, as he is one tough little boy to have survived all he’s been through.
He, too, is receiving a high protein diet to hasten his recovery, and his father received corn and bean seeds today.
The rainy season has begun, and our clay based roads are getting muddy.

ERMALINDA, the 9 year old who was delivered from demons 2 weeks ago, has changed drastically!
Today, she actually made eye contact and talked to us.
Her father was out of town when his wife brought Ermalinda for prayer.
He told us the dramatic difference in her caused him to believe immediately in Jesus!
On his knees before the church this morning, with his daughter and wife at this side, he repeated the sinner’s prayer to receive Jesus.
God is changing many lives in this little village that was steeped in witch craft before Jesus sent us there.

PEQUARIA’S VILLAGERS are “waking up” to the fact that Jesus is the truth, the way, and the light. He answers prayer, and heals the sick.
There is never a dull moment in this village, and there is always an adventure waiting for us on Sundays.

NACCACA CHURCH is now 3 weeks old, and the 32 adults and children sat attentively today on their bamboo benches as we explained through dramas and picture stories how to walk with Jesus. They proudly showed me a small bamboo “veranda” they built this week which needs a grass roof.
The members built it to serve as their temporary church for the rainy season.
The members say that they would like to build a permanent church in May when the rains stop.

Their biggest need is for a water well.
They are truly suffering from lack of water, and with your help, we would like to provide them with a well in 2012.
This village has 5,000 people and only one hand pump water well.
To receive 20 liters (5 gallons) of water, a person must stand in line for 8 hours and pay 4 cents U.S.
With temperatures at 100 F (38C heat) in the sun, that is not an easy thing to do.
That adds up to a lot of money/family each day, and these people don’t have it.
The Normal water price from a village well is 15 CENTS U.S. per MONTH.
To survive, these families must live on 5 gallons of water/day and spend $1.20/month.
Those who don’t have the money, must walk to PEQUARIA, 6 miles away to get water from traditional wells.

TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP THIS WATER ROBBERY.

A WATER WELL IS A GIFT OF LIFE that keeps a village healthy.
$10,000 for a well is only $2/person for a LIFE TIME of clean water in this village.
The church has been given a large piece of land by the village chief, and there is plenty of room for a water well to benefit their neighbourhood.
I know there is underground water as there is a traditional well about 8 meters deep at the mud hut we purchased this week for Pastor Luis who now heads up that church.
It is dry at this time, but it lets us know that most of the year the water table is not very deep.
The water is there, we just need to give them access to it.

WISH LIST ADD ONS:
Some of you have asked about shoes and clothing costs for our children:

A shirt with shorts or skirt costs $7/child.
We have 1,700 children in the program who need our clothing help.

Of the 115 orphans living with us in Balama, 54 are in school, and must have school uniforms (we make them ourselves) and shoes in order to attend school.
The village children do not required to have uniforms, only those attending the school in Balama town.

54 UNIFORMS and sets of SHOES needed:
Uniforms cost $15/child (our sewing department provides them with a white short sleeve shirt/blouse, and dark blue pants or skirts.)
School Shoes are $20/child.

THE BUSH BUNNY’S USA TOUR SCHEDULE will be released by late December.

I am looking to seeing many of you as I tour 7 states to share what God is doing in Mozambique.

Blessings,
Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama staff

LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the

2011-12-11T08:59:00.001-06:00

missionary update

2011-12-10T08:07:00.002-06:00

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: December 10, 2011 3:29:13 AM CST
Subject: Blog, Dec. 10, 2011

O.U. TO RECEIVE NEW 7 TON TRUCK FOR FOOD HAULING

Thanks to a very generous family foundation out of Dallas, TX, I was able to order the NISSAN UD 70 truck from the South African factory last Thursday.
If all goes as planned, Eric should be able to pick it up in Maputo in Mid-April, just in time for food buying in May.
GOD IS REALLY BLESSINGS US!

This means:
1. With government permission, we now have the capability to expand in 2012 to help the orphans of Namuno county just 20 miles south of us. This is the area where a tornado levelled 5 villages in October.
The governor declared it a disaster area, and your love gifts provided them with 6 tons of food to help 100+ families get a restart in life.
We wanted to open an orphan program there this year, but were hindered because the government would not allow us to expand until our program is re-licensed (our documents are at the national capital now for approval), AND our one truck was already stretched to its limits serving the 1,600 orphans in the program plus the 115 orphans we added at the Elephant Village.

2. FOR 6 YEARS our food distribution program was at great risk with only 1 truck and 1 tractor to do all the work for food buying, distributing, and construction.
Each Year, our 6 ton Nissan hauled over 100 TONS of corn, beans (500 tons bought and 500 tons distributed), as well as most of the construction supplies needed for new churches, and orphan homes. IF IT HAD BROKEN DOWN then many children would have suffered hunger until it was fixed.
Repairs are not easily done since spare parts have to come from over 1000 miles away.
God was faithful and helped Eric Dry, our Associate Manager and master diesel mechanic, to keep it in great shape.
We had NO breakdowns in 6 years, other than flat tires due to hitting tree stumps in the bush.
This truck will continue working side by side with the new truck to benefit this program.

3. The 2nd truck will save time and money, as several of our distribution sites needed 7 tons of food.
Our current truck had to make 2 loads to get it all out there, but this truck can do it in one load.

4. We’ll also be able to organize TWO PROGRAMS in different counties on the same day, meaning we can serve many more children at the same time.

This bunny is so happy that words can’t describe my JOY!
The Bush Bunny is HOPPING HIGH!

God is making a way for us to RESCUE UNLIMITED NUMBERS OF ORPHANS.
When I received God’s vision for the Moz. orphans, He showed me a SEA OF CHILDREN’S FACES.
God’s “sea of faces” is starting to roll in.

PRAYER NEEDS for 2012:
We are asking the Lord for a 2nd truck driver, food warehouse #4 and 50 tons of food to fill that warehouse, so we can bless at least 300 orphans in Namuno county in 2012.
We also need to pray in the right Pastor/Administrator to run the Namuno project.
TWO MORE MISSIONARIES will be needed to handle this expansion, as Eric and I already handle a heavy leadership work load with those we serve in 2 counties.
A small FOOD WAREHOUSE and church will be needed in Namuno, as none exists.

GOD HAS BLESSED US SO THAT WE CAN BLESS OTHERS.
Together, we can walk “hand in hand” with the least of these that Jesus has asked us to rescue.

BABY DIXON GETS A RIDE TO HIS HOME VILLAGE
Dixon is not out of danger yet, but after 30 days in the hospital, he’s putting on weight and looking very happy.
The Balama Dr. told me that EVERYONE who visits the hospital hears about Dixon’s fighting spirit and the fact that he always greets you with a smile.
The JOY he radiates is infectious and has blessed us all.
His first “weigh in” at our Balama Baby Care Center revealed his continued weight gain, and a stronger hand grip.
He is approaching 5 months, and will be started on rice cereal next week.
Within 2 weeks we hope to have him eating the high protein HYPO cereal with immune system boosters.
Once he can eat this, he will gain weight and build his natural immunities very quickly.
All our malnourished babies do very well on Hypo.

BABY AMEDO is the severely malnourished and anemic 3 year old we rescued 2 weeks ago when his parents brought him for prayer at the Pequaria church.
He was given a ride home last Saturday when the hospital released him after a successful transfusion. Our biggest challenge was finding someone willing to donate blood.
The locals here are very superstitious about this and most only donate to a family member.
His father and mother were too anemic and malnourished themselves to be donors. Once we found out Dixon’s blood type (there is no cross matching possible in our area), we began the search for a man with O+ blood. I’m O+ but they refuse to take a foreigner’s blood. It must be a Mozambican to reduce the risk of a reaction.
Pastor Jose, our new youth pastor/evangelist, gladly gave to save this little boy’s life.
We dropped them in Pequaria with a bag of food and Hypo Cereal for Amedo.
The whole family which includes a 5 year old sister and a baby brother, will enter our nutritional program to help them all regain their health.
Corn and Bean seeds will be taken to them when I go teach tomorrow at the church. They were starving, so ate their seed corn to stay alive.
Your Love Gift of seed will help this family become self-sufficient once again.

FYI: Pastor Jose will take my place in ministering at the Pequaria church while I’m in the USA in Feb. and March.
The Naccaca church is now open with a fast growing congregation after 2 meetings with over 60 adults and 30 children.
Kwe Kwe church reports that it is “bulging at its seems” on Sundays as many flock to hear about this “Jesus” who heals diseases.
GOD IS MOVING IN BALAMA COUNTY like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

P.S. Due to limited e-mail service here, I do not receive Facebook, Linked In, or any other services of that type.
Thanks for asking me, but joining up on these programs is not possible.

Due to “iffy” internet this week, I am sending this blog a bit early.
If anything exciting happens Sunday, by assured, you will hear about it!

Blessings, Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama staff

(HERE IS THE WISH LIST FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED FOR IT )

WISH LIST FOR ORPHANS IN BALAMA

Below are the items we most need for 2012.
Thank you for showing your love for Jesus by giving a gift to our orphans.

LIVE ANIMAL GIFTS:
Goat: $60 each (a 2 for one gift, as this price is for a pregnant female)
Your gift will help an orphan start his own herd and thus give him an income.
Goat meat is in high demand in Mozambique, making this a profitable
venture for the teenage orphans.

Duck: $8 each (a duck project is being started for eggs and meat for the
children)
Chickens in Moz. are poor quality and offer few eggs and little meat.

HOUSEHOLD GIFTS FOR THE 115 ORPHANS LIVING WITH US IN BALAMA

DISH SET: 6 metal plates, cups and spoons, $18. (23 sets needed)
BED SHEETS: (we buy the material and make our own) $12/set of 2 sheets
(115 sets needed)
BLANKETS: $12 each (115 needed)
SOCCER BALLS: $20 each (as many as we can get)

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT NEEDED for 2 different playgrounds
6 rope swings with wooden seats: ($12 each)
2 slides: $100 each
One Playhouse: $500

BUILD THE WALLS PROJECT, 2012.

5 BRICK ORPHAN HOUSES MUST BE BUILT BY DEC. 2012 or 22 of our orphans who
have no family will be sent back to their home villages.
This is due to new orphan housing regulations initiated in Sept. 2011.

The 30,000 bricks to “BUILD THE WALLS” have been made, but help is needed
to cover the building cost (estimated $5,000/house at current prices).
There is a “piece of a house” in every price range below.

10 SOLID WOOD DOORS: $75 each or $750 for 5 houses
20 Wooden Shuttered windows with mosquito screen $40 each. ($800 for all
20 windows)
Rock for house foundation: $200 ($1,000 for all 5 houses)
Cement for house foundation: $210 each ($1,050 for 5 houses)
Tin Roof: $750 each house ($3,750 for 5 houses)
Concrete floor: $400 each house ($2,000 for 5 houses)
Rebar for ring beam at top of house: $150 each house ($750 for 5 houses)

ONE WALL: $745 (cement and labor to put the bricks together).
4 WALLS : $2, 980.

COMPLETE HOUSE: $5,000

COMPLETE WATER WELL FOR A MOZAMBICAN VILLAGE $10,000
(supplies water for over 700 families (2,800 people) and is a gift that
lasts a lifetime)

WATER WELL PUMP $2000
DRILL THE WELL $8,000

Blessings,

Brenda and the Balama Staff

LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.

Too funny not to share

2011-12-09T17:07:00.002-06:00

Fried Noodles

2011-12-08T00:21:00.001-06:00

More Etsy listings

2011-12-07T17:37:00.001-06:00

I added several items to my Etsy shop today. Go check them out and tell me what you think.

I better get things finished up

2011-12-06T10:10:00.002-06:00

Kastyn, my newest granddaughter will be arriving soon so I'd better get loose ends tied up and things prepared to go if I want to be there when she arrives. She is due Dec 18th but doesn't seem to want to wait that long. Hannah doesn't get out of school until the 16th so I am praying she holds off at least till then.

I need to get thing finished up and in the mail and make sure I have everything I have planned to take to Kaleena's ready. I am sure hoping that Mollie will be able to make the trip with us so there will be an extra driver besides another aunt to see Kastyn. We already know that Joy wont be able to come along because of her job. She is hoping to take a few days off after the first of the year and make a trip up there to see her new niece. Maybe I could go with her to help her drive and see the baby again.

I finished the cutest puppy hat yesterday and need to get pictures of all my latest hats taken and put in my Etsy shop. I have a cammo sock monkey hat that is adorable as well as two bright pink and purple sock monkey hats. Then I also have several ear warmers to get photo's of as well. Today I am working on a frog hat. Then I have some other hats in my mind that I want to try. Next year I should be well stocked up on hats for sales and craft shows. This year I only did one craft show and hopefully next year I will have more crafts made up so I can do more of them. They have several around this area especially around the holidays.

I broke down and turned the heater on this morning. I am just trying to raise the temperature to at least 68 and then I will shut it back off. We have one of those oil filled heater which does a great job but this morning it just needed a little help. I see its 67 in here now so I will shut the heater off soon. Of course I dress warmly and now blow dry my hair after a shower. I bought a blow dryer at a garage sale last weekend and that is a real blessing.

Did I tell you that we won a $100.00 gift card to Walmart/Sams at Jeff's Christmas party? We had a great meal and then won the gift card. Aside from the fact that the party was held in a bar and the cigarette smoke was nasty the party turned out great. We took the card and went to Sam's Sunday afternoon and stocked up on several things and we even splurged and bought a cooked, sliced brisket. Yummm. It was really nice not having to be so tight with the pocket book just once. I probably should not have bought the brisket but it sure is good.

I hope the weather warms up in the next day or so because I will be needing to wash clothes. It sure is a blessing to live in a warmer climate where we can almost always do our wash here at home even if it is outside. The other day I was talking to my mom on the phone and she asked what I was doing and I told her I was washing clothes. She said it must be warmer where I was because it was 20 degrees where she was. Yep, it was in the 50's here.

I hope you are all warm and snug and have a place to sleep and are safe. I know sometimes I think I have it hard but at least I have a snug home and food. I pray blessing on all of you my readers that you too have a place to sleep and food to eat. God bless you.

2011-12-05T08:46:00.001-06:00

Super soft natural fiber earflap hat

2011-12-04T21:33:00.003-06:00

This ear flap hat is my latest listing in my Etsy shop. Its made from natural fibers called bamboo spun yarn. Its variegated green with dark rust trim. This hat is listed at $25.00 and can be custom made in any color this yarn is available in. If you are interested please let me know what colors you want and I will see if it is available. I hope to get a few more items listed in my shop this week that I have completed.

Remember to shop hand made whenever possible.

Good to remember

2011-12-04T17:31:00.000-06:00

missionary update

2011-12-04T12:25:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,
The e mail system in Mozambique continues to be unreliable. Brenda was able to
send one short message today before loosing contact.

The Bush Bunny asked me to share with you the good news that the three year old from Paquaria who was brought to the church by his distraught parents is out
of the hospital. For lack of 22 cents this baby was denied care and was near death
from extreme Anemia when Brenda first saw him.

After a week in hospital and a transfusion the baby is home. Brenda will follow up
with worm meds and a nutrition program. This very sick child should make a full,
if not quick, recovery.

Jacinto, the young mute boy who was healed has been talking up a storm. He has become a real chatterbox, to the delight of all.

Brenda was able to jot down her Christmas Wish List before the e mail system failed.

Please read below:

From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org
Date: December 3, 2011 8:34:14 PM CST
Subject: WISH LIST Dec. 2011

WISH LIST FOR ORPHANS IN BALAMA

Below are the items we most need for 2012.
Thank you for showing your love for Jesus by giving a gift to our orphans.

LIVE ANIMAL GIFTS:
Goat: $60 each (a 2 for one gift, as this price is for a pregnant female)
Your gift will help an orphan start his own herd and thus give him an income.
Goat meat is in high demand in Mozambique, making this a profitable
venture for the teenage orphans.

Duck: $8 each (a duck project is being started for eggs and meat for the
children)
Chickens in Moz. are poor quality and offer few eggs and little meat.

HOUSEHOLD GIFTS FOR THE 115 ORPHANS LIVING WITH US IN BALAMA

DISH SET: 6 metal plates, cups and spoons, $18. (23 sets needed)
BED SHEETS: (we buy the material and make our own) $12/set of 2 sheets
(115 sets needed)
BLANKETS: $12 each (115 needed)
SOCCER BALLS: $20 each (as many as we can get)

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT NEEDED for 2 different playgrounds
6 rope swings with wooden seats: ($12 each)
2 slides: $100 each
One Playhouse: $500

BUILD THE WALLS PROJECT, 2012.

5 BRICK ORPHAN HOUSES MUST BE BUILT BY DEC. 2012 or 22 of our orphans who
have no family will be sent back to their home villages.
This is due to new orphan housing regulations initiated in Sept. 2011.

The 30,000 bricks to “BUILD THE WALLS” have been made, but help is needed
to cover the building cost (estimated $5,000/house at current prices).
There is a “piece of a house” in every price range below.

10 SOLID WOOD DOORS: $75 each or $750 for 5 houses
20 Wooden Shuttered windows with mosquito screen $40 each. ($800 for all
20 windows)
Rock for house foundation: $200 ($1,000 for all 5 houses)
Cement for house foundation: $210 each ($1,050 for 5 houses)
Tin Roof: $750 each house ($3,750 for 5 houses)
Concrete floor: $400 each house ($2,000 for 5 houses)
Rebar for ring beam at top of house: $150 each house ($750 for 5 houses)

ONE WALL: $745 (cement and labor to put the bricks together).
4 WALLS : $2, 980.

COMPLETE HOUSE: $5,000

COMPLETE WATER WELL FOR A MOZAMBICAN VILLAGE $10,000
(supplies water for over 700 families (2,800 people) and is a gift that
lasts a lifetime)

WATER WELL PUMP $2000
DRILL THE WELL $8,000

Blessings,

Brenda and the Balama Staff

Now what?

2011-12-04T09:33:00.001-06:00

missionary update

2011-12-02T08:53:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,

Because e mail service is down in Balama, Mozambique at this time, I am writing this Blog memo for Bush Bunny Brenda. She is hoping to be back on line before the weekend, but as you know, nothing is sure as far as tech challenges in Africa. It wasn’t long ago that Brenda had to walk a mile to climb a tall ant hill to get a cell phone signal.

BBB wants you all to know she was able to drive an hour to the little town of Mampula and get her email. She was told the tower in Balama had been repaired and she planned to answer email on her return to the mission station. Surprise! No service….. So know she will reply as soon as possible.

Christmas is coming and we have asked Brenda to prepare her “wish list”

for those who want to give a gift for Christmas. We have a Grandmother and Grandfather who plan on giving a goat to the ministry in the name of each of their Grandchildren. What a great idea!

Pray the email service is restored by Saturday, so Brenda can get the Wish List published so you can have a copy to take to Sunday School if you want to.

Thanks for your faithfull prayer support.

Blessings,

Linda Ferguson

Orphans Unlimited
LOVE GIFTS TO:
ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.
11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391
HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA
Standard Bank-Hatfield
(branch code) 011-54515
Name: Orphans Unlimited
Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA
brenda@orphansunlimited.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
LINDA FERGUSON
linda@orphansunlimited.org
phone: 979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.

Tammy's enchalada sauce

2011-12-01T21:36:00.002-06:00

Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Thu, 2011-12-01 13:25 by Tammy Tags:MiscellaneousRecipe Name:
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Description:
A smooth, red enchilada sauce that's easy to make and so delicious!

Yield:
5 cups

Ingredients:
3 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even just water
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes*
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Optional: Cayenne pepper added (to taste) at the end, if you like hot enchilada sauce

Instructions:
1. Place all ingredients into blender** and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a 3- or 4-quart sauce pan. Or, place ingredients into a 4-quart sauce pan (no heat) and blend with an immersion blender (stick blender) until smooth.

2. Heat mixture in sauce pan over medium heat, whisking frequently, until mixture thickens and boils. Let boil for 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Cool. Taste, and whisk in some cayenne pepper if you want a hotter sauce.

Use in any recipe calling for enchilada sauce.

Beef Enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce

Additional Notes:
*You can use 8 ounces of tomato sauce + 1 cup water instead of the can of diced tomatoes. In that case, skip Step 1, put all ingredients into a 3- or 4-quart pan, and whisk briskly (no heat) until smooth. Then, proceed with Step 2.

**If you have a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, this recipe can be made start-to-finish in the blender. Just put ingredients in the blender and blend on high until very hot and thick (7-8 minutes).

Preparation Time:
5 minutes

Cooking Time:
15 minutes

Tammy's Review:
This recipe makes a delicious, mild enchilada sauce. (Just add cayenne if you want it hot!) So easy and so much better than canned enchilada sauce from the store.

source: http://tammysrecipes.com/homemade_enchilada_sauce

Do you have a smart phone?

2011-12-01T18:14:00.002-06:00

I saw this on Jennifers blog. Its quite scarey. She made a super frugal cell phone bag so she could find her phone in her purse and ended up with a bag that protects her info from stores as well. I am thinking this would work for credit and debit card protection as well.
Visit Jennifers blog here: http://doublenickelfarm.blogspot.com/

Raggedy Ann

2011-12-01T14:57:00.002-06:00

He was born John Barton Gruelle in Arcola, Illinois. His father Richard Gruelle was an artist affiliated with Hoosier Group of Indiana artists. His first well known cartooning work was Mr. Twee Deedle which Gruelle created after he beat out 1,500 entrants to win a cartooning contest sponsored in 1911 by The New York Herald. Mr. Twee Deedle was in print from 1911 to 1914.

Gruelle gave his daughter Marcella a dusty, faceless rag doll which she found in the attic. He drew a face on the doll and named her Raggedy Ann. Marcella played with the doll so much, Gruelle figured other children would like the doll too. Gruelle's Raggedy Ann doll U.S. Patent D47,789 was dated September 7, 1915. In 1918, the PF Volland Company published Raggedy Ann Stories. Gruelle then created a series of popular Raggedy Ann books and dolls. These became Volland's major source of revenue.

Marcella Gruelle, after being vaccinated at her school for smallpox, was given an unidentified second shot without parental consent. She soon contracted diphtheria and died at the age of 13. After this blow, family friends described Gruelle as "possessed, with a heavy countenance, and ... with the only thing he would bear to have near him as a reminder of Marcella a rag doll."

Gruelle lived in the Silvermine section of New Canaan, Connecticut, where the dolls were first mass produced, and later moved his home and company to neighboring Wilton, Connecticut. Gruelle spent a year in Ashland, Oregon from 1923-1924.[2] He had a long-standing heart condition, and died in Miami Beach, Florida on January 8, 1938, of a heart attack.[3]

source: Wickipedia

Go here for a more in debt account of the life of this young girl.

http://books.google.com/books?id=RiqMYuNYlSgC&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87&dq=marcella+gruelle&source=bl&ots=19H-HiT_Gi&sig=kbq6v3et14hJxzGpMNwVjMa1ljg&hl=en&ei=pJbXTrGhEfG50AG0gvHtDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12&sqi=2&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=marcella%20gruelle&f=false

This looks like an interesting new blog to read.

2011-12-01T12:13:00.000-06:00

http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/how-to-be-humble/#more-854

This n that and a rant or vent

2011-12-01T09:23:00.003-06:00

~Today is a nice day so I am washing the bedding including the pillows.
~Got the steam canner, jars, lids and such out, and will try to get started getting the sauerkraut canned.
~Between this I am trying to finish up an afghan I am making for my new grand baby. I am almost done and so is she. (A joke meaning she is almost term)
~I am enjoying having the door and windows open with a slight breeze outside.
~I am listening to The Christmas Carol on audio books. If it doesn't bore me to death I will hear the whole book today.

~Mollie went to pick up her check at the place she worked for only a week. Of course they cheated her out of one full day and now say they can do nothing about it. Long story, makes me mad how people use others.

~Joy is working 9-4 today.

~Hannah is at school.

~Jeff is working as usual. Yesterday he didn't even get home before he got called back. One thing good is that if he gets out of the gate before they call him back its automatic over time.

~The donkey across the way is talking up a storm. He/she goes at it at all hours of the day/night. I always wonder if a stray animal is around and he is protecting his flock/herd.

~The landlord had a new septic tank installed last week and gave notice that our lot rent will go up $40.00 per slot, that makes it $80.00 more a month for us. I got a bit upset because we have lived here 7 months and the sewer never worked right. It belched out stuff when we drained our tank so that we had to drain a tiny bit at a time. And stunk like crazy. If you have or ever have had an RV you will know that that is the worst thing you can do for your holding tanks. Now he gets it fixed and we have to pay for it. Grrrrr. That doesn't seem fair but Jeff says that's the way life is.

~Friday is the company Christmas party and we have RSVP'd. They supposedly give away nice gifts. If we win something it would be neat if it was something we could use. Like a brand new washing machine. lol I am a dreamer aren't I?

~When my husband died people gave money to be saved for the girls education. I invested the money and it did pretty well for a few years, then 9-11 happened and it bottomed out. Kaleena got her money when she was in college and I held on as long as I could for the other girls and finally got the money out and divided it between the girls. That was two years ago. The amount ended up being something like $2,600.00 each. Yesterday I got a letter from my late husbands sister accusing me of stealing the money and not doing right by the girls. She came to this conclusion because Joy told her she had a job and was trying to save money for school. I gave them the money over two years ago and that small amount isn't going to send them all the way through college. It wouldn't even cover most trade schools. It made my heart hurt for her to think I stole from my own kids. But like Joy said, she knows the truth and the other girls know the truth and I know the truth. The old saying sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me is about as untrue and they get. I just have to remember that this sister in law has never liked me and seems to blame me for her brothers death. She has done many things through the years but seems to be escalating her hate towards me the last few months. Kaleenas baby is due in a couple of weeks so we are going there for Christmas and so the sister in law is furious that we aren't all even Kaleena going to her place. I think she has lost touch with reality.
~OK, sorry for the rant. Sometimes it just hurts so bad when people are so mean. I need to put on my big girl pants and get over it.