Visit

We are sure enjoying visiting with the Derixsons. Sammy and the girls want us to stay here forever. It has been cloudy here everyday since we came. Its warm and raining now and again as well.
We still haven't made it to Galveston, I think we may wait and go Monday. Sammy is having a hard time understanding he doesn't have to wear a jacket. He sure is growing up.

Houston/Alvin

We made it to Alvin at about 2:30 this morning. It was a long, long drive. We are so glad to be here. Bill and Christina sure know how to roll out the red carpet. I think we need to work on our hospitality at home. We just say there's the bed see you in the morning. Here we had everything except a mint on the pillow. We will be enjoying our time here.

Hurry up and wait

Isn't life all about hurry up and wait? We are still at home and its 10:06am. We had planned to leave at 5am. The pickup is still getting worked on and we have yet to pick up the 5th wheel. I think we are mostly packed except what Jeff may need to add.

I ordered packaging for our hand cleaner this morning. I'm sure my mind will be busy while we are gone.

I am so pleased with our meeting yesterday. I was worried about packaging and being able to keep up with production, but I feel like it will work out.

I also got a phone call about a fairly large order for stone. When we get back next week hopefully we can get that order and get supplies ordered for it and get started on it as well. Then we have one more order that I know about.

Hand cleaner

It turns out I don't have to name my hand cleaner as I will be making it and selling it to distributors who will label it their own selves. That makes it easier. I can then have my own labels made to sell it for myself. This also makes it possible to sell to other distributors who can label it and sell it too. The opportunity is really exciting.

The reason my hand cleaner is desirable is because- it works for one thing, its all natural, no chemicals, it will not dry out your hands, it can be used with or without water and it wont cause cancer in 20 years from absorbing harmful chemicals into your system because there are no harmful chemicals in there to begin with. Apparently the other brands dry out your hands and can only be used without water. They are also petroleum based products and are hard on your body. They have grit or pumice in them to make them work, mine doesn't need that to work. Mine works because it just works.

My hand cleaner is kind to the earth and your hands. It doesn't harm plant life or marine life. Best of all it doesn't harm human life.

Meeting

We may be having a meeting today with the Pink n Purdy guy. We should be able to settle things and figure out when we start production. Pray for us.

Other news: The Obama's have decided not to have their daughters vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine. Hummmmm. Me either. It must be so very serious.

Pink n purdy

I am debating the name for my hand cleaner.

Do you like Pink and Pretty?

or

Pink n Purdy?

Maybe I will do a poll.

I am doing experiments now on reactions to freezing and thawing.

In other news:

We may take Bill and Christina's 5th wheel down to Houston for them. Jeff is hoping to find some job opportunities and places to interview and of course we will get to see all of them. We are hoping to make it a working trip and pleasure all in one.

When we mentioned it to Christina you can imagine how excited she was. Sometimes I think she gets more excited about things than kids do but that's ok, she sure makes ya feel loved.

Pink and Pretty

Our Pink and Pretty products are coming along. I think we are within a week or two of beginning production. Its exciting and scary.

Do not be afraid

Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about.
The daughter answered, 'Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt.'
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about.
He said 'Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.'

Another neat email I recieved

A Birth Certificate shows

that we were born.

A Death Certificate shows that we died.

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.


I Believe...

That just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many

birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Just for laughs

Furnace fixed we hope

Jeff called a furnace man to look at our furnace as we cannot afford to replace it right now. The fellow came yesterday and was able to fix it for only $150.00. Jeff is going to town today to get a new pulley to replace ours but I was thrilled with the cost. The last fellow that came charged us $175.00 and didn't fix a thing in fact Jeff had to redo a lot of the stuff he had messed with. The furnace still needs to be replaced but at least it will work. We are still looking into kerosene heaters for when the cost of electricity doubles in a few months.

We also need a fuel tank to hold kerosene.

Other things. The kids on tour are doing a great job. I may be just a little prejudice though. I will be going today to get groceries to fix food for them when they are here.

AFBC Choir tour

Yesterday we had the opportunity of watching the AFBC choir to preform twice. The first performance was in Guymon at the Panhandle Bible Church and the evening performance was in Liberal at the Trinity Faith Church. I was moved both times and enjoyed the singing and testimonies.
One of the pastors pointed out that twice as many pastors are leaving the profession as are coming in and we should be proud of these young people and continue to support them.
I found out that the teachers teach almost for free, their salary for some is only $100.00 per week. They have such a call to teach these young people that they are willing to sacrifice to do it.
Let us pray and support them with our money and prayers.

Shopping at United-Guymon

2 Viva big rolls 2.69 each
6- 24 ct. family size Lipton tea bags @ 1.49 each
2- Pilsbury buttermilk 17 ct. frozen biscuits @ 3.14 each
2- pkg oreo @ 2.99 each
8-pkgs Ronzoni pasta @ 1.25 each
2- Betty Crocker brownie mix @ 1.39 each
total before coupons and tax $118.56
I paid 86.60 of which 67.68 was for a years supply of butter
tax not included

Homemade cough syrup

I make a very effective and soothing cough syrup at home.

1 large onion (diced fine)

Place onion in a jar ( I use an old pickle jar with a lid)

Pour honey over onion until covered.

Shake jar. At first the mixture is very thick. In no time at all it thins out as the onion juice dilutes the honey. The recipe said to filter out the onion the next day but I never do. I even used this for Sammy last year when he had a cough. He didn't mind the onions at all. They don't taste like onion after while anyway.

What kind of church do you like?

What is your favorite type of church?
1. The ones that have sermonettes?
2. How about a feel good church?
3. Tickle your ear sermons?
4. Brylcream religion, a little dab'll do ya?

Keep learning

Listen to Dr. Scott A. Johnson. He is a well informed Bible teacher and watchman. Listen especially to what he has to say about the swine flu and vaccinations.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/

Find Scott A. Johnson and then listen to his teachings.
We cant bury our heads in the sand any more, we have to be vigilant and informed.
Here is a direct link to his teaching:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Scott%5EA%2E%5EJohnson

Trying to be prepared not to get sick

Hannah getting a sore throat made me realize that we all need to be upping our preparations to prevent sickness. Buy more hand sanitizer. Stay home as much as possible. Eat healthy, rest and get exercise. I keep hearing about more cases of swine flu. Lord protect us.

Cayenne pepper water

Hannah is gargling with cayenne pepper water. It really helps the sore throat.

Still sick

Hannah still has a sore throat. She has been gargling with salt water. Taking ibuprofen and drinking hot lemon tea with honey. I hope she is better tomorrow.

Shopping at United-Guymon

Yesterday when we went to Guymon I did some shopping at United. They have been having double coupons up to 1.00 on weekends.
6-6packs of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice @ 1.99 each
10-Campbells Cream of mushroom soup @ 1.00 each
8-boxes of Jell-o @ .65 each
4-boxes of Wheat Thins @ 3.35 each
4-pkgs. Trident Layers Gum @ 1.49 each
4-boxes Lipton tea 24ct. @ 1.99 each
2-bags Sunkist tuna @ 1.39 each
4-boxes Betty Crocker brownie mix @ 1.39 each
total before coupons $62.80
I spent $18.56
I also got a free holiday jello mold for buying 6 boxes of jell-o

Sweet Sunday

We did not go to church today because we had planned to visit sick relatives. Hannah ended up getting sick so we stayed home. I thought she was better so we went to Guymon for groceries and she said she felt like she was getting worse so we came home.

Jeff and Hannah are watching a movie. I don't care to sit in the dark and watch movies all the time so I made 4 batches of soap and 3 jars of body whip.

I am going to have to find more places to get used cooking oil because I am starting to make so much soap.

I think 4 batches a day is about right. That is 120 bars of soap. I am working on seasonal scents now. I have to get used to making things ahead of season because of the 3 week cure time.

Please continue to pray that Jeff gets a job soon. I am trusting but sometimes I do get afraid and worry. Jeff does too.

from the sacred sandwich

At the Christian History Museum, tour guide Al Clayton displays an ancient clothing artifact that Christian men once wore during church services long, long ago.

From the sacred sandwich

At the Baptist School for Deacons, students practice their signature move: the “Offering Plate Lean-in.”

OPEN OUR EYES LORD

We sing this song in church. Open our eyes Lord we want to see Jesus.
We need to open our eyes and see what is around us. To learn and have your eyes opened listen to Dr. Scott Johnson at http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=drscottjohnson
You may be surprised at what you now believe is true, is it?

Done with the potatoes

I am getting the last batch of potatoes out of the canner now. All told we ended up with 69 quarts. I used maybe a half a dozen big potatoes to fill up the batch in the canner so with only the 100 pound bag we got probably 66 or 67 quarts.
I am quite please with the results. Its so nice to know I wont have to buy potatoes all winter and I love canned veggies especially home canned food. It is so much better than store bought.
I also sliced several onions from the 50 pound bag I bought at the same time as the potatoes and put them in the dehydrator. I just want to be sure nothing is wasted.

I saw this on another blog

If a conservative doesn’t like guns, they don’t buy one. If a liberal doesn’t like guns, then no one should have one.
If a conservative is a vegetarian, they don’t eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, they want to ban all meat products for everyone.
If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.
If a conservative is homosexual, they quietly enjoy their life. If a liberal is homosexual, they loudly demand legislated respect.
If a black man or Hispanic is conservative, they see themselves as independently successful. Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.
If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.
If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal wants all churches to be silenced.
If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that his neighbors pay for his.

It all goes back to this;

Scratch a progressive leftist, and you will see that underneath the caring, compassionate exterior he or she presents to the world, is the con artist/tyrant whose primary desire is control over others.

I love making soap

I love making soap and learning more about the process. Experimenting is so fun in that I learn things about what works, what oils do what, etc. Sometimes its just reinforcing things I should already know.
When I make mistakes I like to figure out how to fix them or use the results in a totally different way than I had originally planned. My friends and family benefit the most from my experiments because I value their input when I give them a product to try.
Christmas this year will most likely be more products to try and things I want input on. I am working on some new formulations and I can hardly sleep at night thinking of new ideas to try.
At first it bothered me that I had so many fails and then I remembered how long it took to invent the light bulb and how many failures Thomas Edison had before he found the right thing.
I am learning to write down what I do so that if it works I will know and if it doesn't I hopefully wont do the same thing again.

Canning Potatoes

I dont know why there are two of this pix but I cant get it to go away so I'll just have to leave it.

It is so satisfying having these potatoes canned and waiting to go on the shelves. Knowing we have our winter supply of potatoes canned right here at home waiting for us to use them. I love to hear the pop when they seal. My family repeats what I always say. Music to a canners ears.

Yankee Candle coupon

Yankee Candle coupon.

Go here for a buy one get one free Yankee candle coupon good until 10-4-09

http://www.yankeecandle.com/yc/html/retail/Email_HTML/webCoupon_XF910A7.html

555th post

This is my 555th post. Its funny to post this many times and have so few readers. I think its great. I love writing on this blog and keeping track of what I am doing and my recipes and such. I just need to figure out how to organize the recipes. Then when the girls are looking for a specific recipe they could find it easier. I guess this is better than nothing though.

We are working on more potatoes and hope to do one more batch tonight. That will bring us up to 42 quarts with the 7 I canned yesterday. We will get quite a few quarts from this 100 pounds of potatoes. I learned after the first batch to cut them up or I would have ended up with 100 quarts. The first batch only has 5 or 6 potatoes per quart.

I'm pooped

I have made four batches of soap. And canned 21 quarts of potatoes today. I am getting tired. I may rest a bit and then can more potatoes. I have 100 pounds I bought to can. It isn't hard, just takes time and counter space. The girls asked how they were suppose to fix lunch as I was using all the counter space. I told Jeff this is why I need a bigger kitchen with lots more counters or tables or something. He agreed. I think with him being home he is realizing how much work I do in the kitchen. I love it, I just need more room.

Here I go again

I know I said I wasn't going to experiment for a while. That thought lasted a couple of days lol.
Yesterday Jeff was even helping me experiment. We both learned from that experiment. Today I taught myself how to swirl colors in soap and also how to layer different colors of soap. I think I am on to something there.
Good news. Jeff and I met with some people who are willing to help us expand our soap making business. Even as far as giving us a new product and a distributor to sell it. It is so exciting. I guess I was doing good to do experiments. I cant say much more because its a trade secret.
God is so good.

Bundt cake

Hannah made a bundt cake for christina's birthday. I found a recipe for easy chocolate icing. It is really good.

EASY CHOCOLATE ICING

1 c. sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 stick butter
1/4 c. milk

Sift sugar and cocoa. Add butter. Add milk. Bring to rolling boil. Boil only one minute!! Add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into small mixing bowl and beat until spreadable.

Liquid soap from my lye soap

I have figured out how to make the best liquid soap from my lye soap bars. For a while now I have been putting scraps and ends of pieces of bars into jars with hot water. I then put the lid on and shake. I shake every once in a while. Like once a day or so. Today I took my stick blender and used it in the jars and it made the soap so creamy.
I have been using this soap in the soap dispensers by the sinks and for dish soap. It cuts through grease like nothing. I love it. I even like the mottled brown color.
Also love the scent which is all the scents mixed together because I throw scraps in it.
Any way just a hint to save some money and have a good soap.

God and Dog

Dog and God listen to the words in this video.
http://www.andiesisle.com/GoD_and_DoG.html

Simple cabbage soup

This recipe is from Katie at kitchen stewardship. I think I have everything to try this at home.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/23/recipe-connection-katies-simple-cabbage-soup-with-secret-super-food/


Katie’s Simple Cabbage Soup with Secret Super Food
Serves: 8-10? HUGE batch of soup!

Olive oil and butter ($0.30)
1 large onion, coarsely chopped ($0.25)
3-5 stalks celery, sliced ($0.25)
3 carrots, sliced ($0.30)
4 cloves garlic, chopped ($0.10)
1-2 cans great northern beans (or 2-3 cups cooked if using dry) ($0.50-1.50)
½ head cabbage, thinly sliced ($0.50-1.50 – varies greatly by time of year)
6 cups chicken stock (free if homemade or $2-4.00)
1-2 cups pumpkin ($0.40-1.00)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1+ tsp cumin
optional: 8 oz. can tomato sauce ($0.50)


Melt ~1Tbs butter and 2Tbs olive oil. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and beans in order as you chop them. By the time you add the beans, the onions should be soft. Add salt, pepper, cumin and stir. Add cabbage and cover 5 minutes or so to wilt. Add broth, pumpkin (frozen is fine) and optional tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce to high simmer. Cover and cook 15-30 minutes until carrots and cabbage are tender.

Following are some recipes that look good from Tightwad Tess.

http://www.tightwadtess.com/8_08SundayDinner.htm

Baked Potato Soup

2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
7 cups milk (can use skim or powdered)
4 large baking potatoes, baked, peeled, & cubed
4 green onions, chopped
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sour cream
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter and stir in flour. Heat and stir until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted. Serves 6-8.

The Bread:
"Red Lobster" Biscuits

2 cups buttermilk baking mix
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine buttermilk baking mix, milk, and cheese with a wooden spoon until soft dough forms. Beat vigorously 30 seconds. Drop dought by heaping tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown. While biscuits are still warm brush tops with melted butter or margarine combined with garlic powder. Serve warm. Makes 10-12 biscuits.

The Vegetable:
Smokehouse Cabbage

4 slices bacon, diced
1/4 chopped onion
1 lb cabbage, cut into 1 inch squares
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1 tsp poppy seeds

Place bacon in a 2 quart glass measure or round casserole. Cover and microwave on high 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or until bacon is browned. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; set aside. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings; add onion. Cover with vented plastic wrap or lid and microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes. Add cabbage to onion; re-cover. Stirring midway through cooking, microwave on high 8 minutes or until cabbage is crisp-tender. Blen in sour cream and poppy seeds. Garnish top with reserved bacon. Microwave on high 1-2 minutes or until hot. Makes 5 servings.

The Dessert:
Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake

1 box of butter cake mix
1 stick margarine or butter, melted
4 eggs, divided
1 (16 oz) bag of powdered sugar (reserve 3/4 cup for top)
1 (8 oz) packaged cream cheese, softened

With a mixer, beat together 2 eggs with cake mix and margarine. Spread mixture into a greased and flour 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Mix together sugar (except for 3/4 cup), 2 remaining eggs and cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Spread mixture on top of dough. Sprinkle remaining sugar on top. Bake cake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Mashed Potato Omelet

Mashed Potato Omelet:
Mash 1 pound of potatoes with salt, pepper and butter. Beat 5-6 eggs, add sauted onions or mushrooms if desired and mix with potatoes. Pour into a well-buttered round baking pan and bake in a preheated 325-degree oven until the eggs are set, approximately 40 minutes.

Treva's Potato Soup

Peel, wash and dice potatoes. However many you want.
Boil with chopped onion until done.
Drain. Replace water with milk or do as I do and just add powdered milk to the water, add some butter, salt and pepper. You can add cheese if desired.
This makes a creamy delicious potato soup your family will love.

Potato bread or rolls

I just purchased 20 lbs of potatoes and am going to get 50 lbs more so I have been looking for potato recipes. I love potato rolls so we will make these.

Potato Bread
INGREDIENTS
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups water
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons shortening
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

..DIRECTIONS
1.In a medium saucepan cook potato cubes in water for about 12 minutes, or until tender. Do not drain. Cool mixture to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Set aside 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Mash potato and remaining liquid; if necessary add warm water to make 2 cups potato mixture.

2.In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast on reserved 1/2 cup potato water. Add mashed potato mixture, 2 cups of the flour, sugar, shortening, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1/2 minute, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in by hand.

3.Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover. Let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

4.Punch down, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Shape each half into a loaf. Place in greased 8 x 4 x 2 inch loaf pans. Cover. Let rise until nearly double, about 35 minutes. Before baking, brush tops with a little water and dust with additional flour.

5.Bake at 375 degree F (190 degrees C) for 40 to 45 minutes. Cover with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack.

Junk2Jewels

We spent Friday evening and most of Saturday at the 4-H commercial building. It is a time called Junk2Jewels. There were rummage sale folks, an Avon lady, flea market types and my soap. Friday was suppose to be the big day but not too many folks showed up. Saturday wasn't too busy but we still managed to do a fair amount. I was getting worried but it turned out fine.
Next week we go to Spearman so we are hoping we do good there.

I enjoyed the junk2jewels thing and if we are still here I will do it again in the spring. I met a lot of really nice people.

Another good deal at Walgreens

Last evening my friend Lorie and I went to Dodge to pick up some meat and we stopped off at Walgreens. I made some great deals. I purchased $208.00 worth of items for only $23.00.
I bought 9 bottles of Thera Flu @ 4.00 ea.
2 chapsticks @ 2.99 ea.
6 Vasoline lotion @ 6.99 ea
6 Robitussin @2.49 ea
6 Emergance C @ 3.49 ea
2 Dentek Dental flossers @ 2.00 ea
6 Halls refresh cough drops @ 1.00 ea
4 spearmint leaves gumdrops discounted to .50 ea
There may have been other items I forgot about.
I am quite happy with my deals.
My friend Lorie purchased $165.00 worth of items for less than $15.00

I still have $28.00 of RR to spend on my next trip.

Charlie would have been 56 today

My late husband Charlie would have been 56 today. I still miss him even after 14 years. I know he would have been proud of his daughters if he were here. I know I sure am. Love you Charlie.