Mom's Frugal

"Boiling Springs" in Jackson County!

2013-05-14T22:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a neat little place we found out here in our own county several weeks ago.

I hear the locals call it Boiling Springs since it is spring fed and really looks to be 'boiling' up from the middle of the pool of water. And boy is it cold!

This seems to be fed from the bubbling spring and several other places coming right from the mountain.

Like here! This seems to run out from the mountain.

It really looks like it's boiling!

There are mudding trails back through this area too. Some with very deep ruts! But it's so beautiful and densely green back in here you kinda wish it was all foot paths.

The water coming down from the spring is a beautiful green and feeds into the river that becomes Roaring River in Gainesboro.


This sandy, rocky area separates the spring feeding into the river from this creek/river which appears to come from the creek that we frequent, Blackburn, which runs off Cummins Mill Falls and all of this water feeds into Roaring River.

While we were there, several other people came and went. I imagine this is a very popular place in the heat of summer.

And on our way out, what should we see? A pack of wild turkeys and...

...a turkey vulture in a tree!

Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Old City Lake in Cookeville, TN

2013-04-19T15:15:00.001-05:00

The lake is not very deep in this area, only inches. You can often see fish, frogs, geese, ducks, and heron here on the pier that we are standing on.

I have no idea what this is, but it grows fairly close to the ground and smells wonderful!

I love this wooden platform. It houses some sort of water main that as you can see, is safely enclosed.

This is at the top of the trail and well-worth the fairly short walk up. In the heat of summer, this is usually the only water flowing, but in the spring there are multiple falls back in the distance around this area. The sound is delightful!

And the green moss grows all around all around, and the green moss grows all around!

Here's is another water fall that has quite a deep area at the end here. Very pretty!

And the tree fungus grows all around, all around...and the tree fungus grows all around!

Lots of varieties of flowers!

There are several places where you can get down to the creek. Go ahead- jump in!

Most of the trail is paved, but the upper part is gravel.

I love the red bud at the entrance. There are several picnic tables here, along with a boat dock where canoes and kayaks are often paddling around. Some say the fishing is good here.

Moving water- beautiful! It's spring fed too, which means it's nice and cold!

I hope to go back once summer is on and everything is greener. But, as you can see, it's lovely in early spring too!

Our Frugal Day In The Hills, Creeks, and Valleys:

2013-04-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes- you just can't stay inside, especially when these beautiful places are within 3 miles of your house!

I must say, they are not altogether easy to get to:

I mean, you have to walk on a teeny little footpath on the side of a mountain to get there:

And you have to climb over lots of rocks that have fallen from the mountain that you just climbed down:

And sometimes take a little rest:

But once you get back there:

You don't want to leave:

Ever!

But- we did. We came home, had lunch, then left to go to the creek to collect firewood so we could have hot dogs around the fire pit after dark!

They wanted to try to build a raft while we were back there with limbs and fishing line:

While they did that, I decided to try to capture the jumping fish:

And Kellan played guitar:

But, the sun started sinking:

..so it was time to go home.

Then we roasted our hot dogs, took our baths, and fell into our beds!

Psa 104:19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Highlights from April's Once-A-Month-Shopping Trip

2013-04-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

Highlights from this month's shopping and tips for locals!:

-boston rump roasts .99lb (bought 3 which will be 6 to 9 meals) (Food Lion)
-one shoulder ham 1.49lb
-7lbs ground beef at 1.99 lb (Leo's)
-Leo's has those end (pork) loins for .89 per pound!!!******
-1 large pack chicken thighs at .99lb
-2 chickens at .89lb
-1 large pack boneless,skinless chicken breasts 1.89lb (Sam's)
-4 packs of hot dogs for $5 (I am planning a night around the fire pit with these and to sing and play guitar.)
-2 packs bologna .99 each (Aldi)
-2 mangoes .69 each (Aldi)
-3lbs mandarins 1.49
-3lbs apples 2.99
-3lbs lemons
-grapes at .99lb X2
-4 pack cukes 1.25 (Leo's)
-3 bundles of bananas at .49lb
-25lbs self-rising flour
-25lbs pinto beans
-2lbs garbanzo beans
-2lbs red kidney beans
-2lbs black beans
-1lb polenta grits
-5lbs carrots at 49 lb (Sam's)
-3 bunches of celery $2 (Sam's)
-giant bag of romaine $3+ (Sam's)
-1 #10 can diced tomatoes $3?
-1 #10 can pizza sauce $3?
-canola oil under $9 for 1.25 gallons
-can of shortening, under $3
-4lbs butter
-45oz tub margarine 1.99 (Kroger) (I don't usually like this but butter had to be pinched!)
-milk 2.49 gallon (Cash-n-Carry will let you have 5 gallons at this price with purchase)
-half-n-half 1.49 (Aldi) (I will use this in place of cream for home made ice cream at upcoming bday. Cheaper!)
-Peter Pan pb at 1.49 jar (Kroger)
-asparagus 2 bundles at 1.28 each (Kroger)
-2 boxes graham crackers at $1+ each
-3 boxes of saltines at .99 each
-2 bags of tortilla chips at 1.19 each (for taco casserole and snacks with salsa)
-eggs 10 dozen at .99 each
-buns at .79 and .89 for one night of burgers and 2 nights of hot dogs from the fire pit and grill
-red wine vinegar
-1 #10 can on clearance of pureed sweet potatoes $3
-5lbs frozen peaches
-$12 in frozen veggies

Menu Plan: April 6, 2013

2013-04-07T17:19:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

With warmer weather settling, these fellas will be begging for the creek- or the tree. (But probably not the garden! ;-)

Saturday:
-Chocolate Oatmeal w/ sliced almonds
-bologna sandwiches, Cinnamon Chip And Raisin Muffins
-Bologna-Egg Cups, applesauce, toast, homemade Cherry Jam
snacks: Chocolate Granola and milk
Sunday:
-Peanut Butter Oatmeal w/ sliced Bananas
-(leftover) Turkey and Turnip Soup (from the garden), Artisan Wheat Bread
-hamburger patties, romaine salad
snacks:leftover muffins with milk
Monday:
-Masa Porridge (.12 cents for 5 servings!)
-fried eggs and applesauce
-Homemade fish sandwiches, Simple Slaw
snacks: sliced apples, buttered popcorn
Tuesday:
-Johnny Cakes, link sausage
-Chipotle Tilapia, baked potato wedges, romaine salad
-Pinto Beans (cooked with leftover ham bone from freezer), cornbread
snacks: Kefir Vanilla Muffins w/ Choc Chips
Wednesday:
-Millet, Scrambled Eggs
-leftover Beans, cornbread, pepper jelly, pickled peppers, ketchup
-Chili from leftover Beans
snacks:Rugelach, Smoothies
Thursday:
-Rugelach, fried eggs
-peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baby carrots and dip, sliced apples w/ PB yogurt dip
-Taco Casserole, chili beans, romaine salad
snacks:Strawberry Cobbler, leftover frozen smoothie pops
Friday:
-Fluffy Spiced Wheat Germ Pancakes
-Mexi Chicken Dish, sliced cukes
-Homemade Pizza
snacks:celery sticks w/ dip, grapes

Homemade Wheat Flakes Cereal

2013-04-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

I've tried these several times now and I finally have them where I like them.

My first few batches, the flakes were so thick and hard, that it was like chomping on flint rocks.

(If yours happen to turn out like that, no worries, just whirl them in a blender and make them more like "Grape Nuts".)

But being a bit tenacious by nature, I kept thinning the batter down until I have a nice, thin flake!

Yaaah!

AND- if you can't or don't want to eat wheat, you can make your own corn flakes, rice flakes, etc.

You will just need to adjust your liquids to make sure your batter is really thin.

These have a wonderful flavor and they don't have all that ekaodfa'e'rakjhfsdpghaejasulose stuff in them that you can't say!

Yep, with these flakes, you'll be able to read all of the ingredients! A real bonus, huh?

Taste and pronunciation go hand in hand these days ;-)

Homemade Whole Wheat Flakes

2 cups freshly ground whole wheat flour

1/2 t salt

1/2 cup sugar (your choice)

2 1/2 cups water

Pour all ingredients into a blender and whirl until smooth. (Use a hand mixer or whisk if you need to. Just be sure to break up all the lumps.)

Pour on 3 buttered, lipped cookie sheets. Be sure to turn the pan so the batter spreads out evenly.

(Thick spots mean thick places and longer baking.)

(approx. 13x18 size)

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes.

Break off the crisp outer edges and place the remaining part back in the oven and continue to bake until all of it has crisped.

(This may take up to an additional 20 minutes if your battered pooled in the center.)

The outer edges are nice and crisp. Break them off and toss the center back in.

This makes about 1 quart of dried cereal.

It's a bit time consuming too.

But- if you want cereal, especially one without ejflsdkhuhfjsdklose- you got it!
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This post is linked to HomeMakerOnADime,KatheWithAnE,Our Delightful Home,

Easter- Keeping Holidays, Holy Days

2013-03-30T18:45:00.000-05:00

Here are a few frugal ways of remembering Christ and Passover at Easter.

I will be sharing some from the book:Let's Make a Memory

Unleavened bread doesn't have to be fancy. You can buy inexpensive matzoh or use something like this recipe for Chapatis.

This bread reminds us that the Israelites did not have time to wait on yeasted bread. They had to go when God said it was time. For we Christians, this is a reminder for us to be ''ready to go'' when Jesus returns.
Yeast also sometimes represented evil in the world and God wants His people to be pure.

Coloring eggs can be done with 1/2 a cup of water, 1 T vinegar, and a few drops of food coloring. The children wrote various things with a white crayon before dying them like:

Jesus Died 4 U

God is Love

Easter

Jesus Loves You

Annus Deus (which should have been Agnus Dei :)

Jesus Saves

and even drew some pictures.

The funniest egg was one that I had dropped in the sink which had cracked. Kellan wrote on it: "The Ten Commandments after Moses." Funny, huh?

A roasted egg is a symbol of the free-will offering that was given with the lamb. This represents giving more to God than just what is required. It is a gift of love.

Jesus was God's most precious and ultimate Gift!

"God's law demanded only justice, but with the gift of Jesus, God gave us more than justice; He gave us mercy, love, and forgiveness."

We've read in some of our books about the holocaust how Jews incorporate Elijah into their Passover Seder.

This is "Elijah's Cup". Traditionally it is placed in the center of the table and it remains full; waiting for Elijah to announce the Messiah.

Christians believe that John the Baptist was our "Elijah". (Matthew 11:14)

For it was he who announced the coming of the Messiah!

For Christians, we share this cup with joy, passing it around the table, celebrating our hope in Him.

This cup and the above unleavened bread can be used as a ''communion'' for your family as well, as we drink and eat in remembrance of His blood that was shed for us and His body that was broken for us as well. (Matthew 26:26-28)

Don't have juice? Use Kool-Aid, colored water, etc. Anything that is unique will work.

This part is called "maror".

You want something bitter or strong tasting. I used onions here but had planned on dandelion greens but they aren't up yet.

These bitter 'herbs' remind us of the bitter suffering of the Israelites under Egyptian slavery.

As Christians, this reminds us of the bitter suffering that many have (and continue) to suffer so that we (and others) can know the good news of Jesus.

This is called Haroseth. It is a mixture of chopped apples, nuts, and cinnamon. Traditionally it would have wine but I used a sprinkling of lemon juice. (I used tart apples too, so I will likely drizzle a little honey over before serving...after all, the kiddies have been eating candy all day and this would be a shocker to their little taste buds!)

This represents the mortar with which the Israelites were forced to make bricks for Pharaoh's cities.

(Exodus 5)

God gave them their freedom and through Christ, we are free.

Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

We also take the time to read through the entire Resurrection story in the Gospels.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Homemade Noodles

2013-03-28T20:53:00.001-05:00

One of my dearest friend's mother used to make homemade noodles. I was so fascinated by this because I was sure they could only come from a box. :)

She rattled off the recipe one day and I've never forgotten it, thankfully.

It makes a fantastic (and super frugal) noodle!

(My best guess is that you can make this batch for less than a quarter. Yeah, for real!)

Now- to help you remember- here's the 'rattle' I told you about: 1, 1, 1, 1.

See?!?! Now you can remember it - in case I forget it!

Lelah's Homemade Noodles

1 cup plain flour

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon oil

Mix together in a bowl and knead for several minutes to incorporate all the flower.

(If necessary add a drop or two of water at a time.)

This will make a VERY stiff dough but it will be moist once you knead it.

Break the dough into 3 or 4 pieces and roll out very thin, like 1/16 of an inch or so.

(If your dough is super stiff, drip a little oil in your palm before kneading each section.)

Cut into strips (any size) with a pizza cutter and allow them to dry while you make ready your soup/broth.

Drop noodles into boiling water/soup/broth and cook approx. 10 minutes until no longer doughy.

You can drain them and serve with sauce or leave them in the soup pot.

Tips:

You can add salt to the dough if you like but it isn't necessary if you're cooking them in a broth or soup, or even salted water.

Some of you might like to use wheat flour too but you will likely have to up your water.

You can also dry them for a couple of hours and freeze them for later use.

This makes enough for an average pot of soup, those of you with bigger families like mine may want to double them, especially if serving with sauce.
p.s.
You can do this in just 10 minutes!

This post is linked to The Shabby Nest,HomemakerOnADime,KatheWithAnE, Our Delightful Home,

1 Tim 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Homemade Elderberry (Plus!) Syrup

2013-03-28T00:26:00.001-05:00

With winter almost over, I guess it's really a crazy time to post about this but you gals know I'm always running late, right? You'd think with all these people around here to help me, I would be more punctual... but no, that's not how it usually happens. It's more like: "We gotta leave in 5 minutes and you can't find your shoes? You don't know where your glasses are because you can't see without them?!?! And you think you left your coat where?"

Seriously though, spring often brings it's last round of germies when you least expect them so it's good to have this little treasure on hand.

There are tons of recipes online but this is my personally concocted, favorite.

(Oh and- no- I'm not going to be using garlic in it, that's just another cold remedy that I'll explain below too.)

In a small sauce pot combine:

-4 cups water

-1/2 cup dried elderberries

-1/4 cup dried olive leaves

-1 dried echinacea flower (or 1/4 cup dried)

Simmer this mixture for 1 hour, covered. (Be sure your heat is low enough that your liquid doesn't all evaporate.) Strain into a jar and add;

-1 cup of sugar (or honey)

Mix well.

Store in refrigerator. I dose about 2 tablespoons every hour until the symptoms have eased.

I usually find that we are better by day's end with this syrup. It is my new favorite remedy since watching it work wonders through this last winter season.

Frugal tips:

-Use half cup sweetener if your littles will go along with it. The berries are quite strong so many will not take it without the extra sweet.

-Buy your herbs in bulk.

-Also, I try to grow and dry my own echinacea flowers. (Notice the header? Those have long gone to their eternal resting (tea) pot.)

-Consider other anti -viral, -fungal, -bacterial, -septic, herbs that you could grow yourself.
-You can make this using only elderberries with excellent results!

About the garlic- I often give the children a teaspoon of minced garlic, covered in honey, to help them ward off germs. Don't chew! :)

You know you're gonna get a disclaimer right?

Mmm hmm- so here it is-

Use herbs at your own risk and discretion. I am not a doctor. I am merely sharing my experiences and recipes.

Whew! Now back to our regularly scheduled program!

Ezek 47:12 ..and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

This post is linked to The Shabby Nest,

Quick Dinner Muffins

2013-03-25T16:47:00.001-05:00

Do you ever find yourself in a time-pinch and need a quick bread and you don't have time to wait for yeast?

Me too!

This often happens to me at lunch.

I can get a pot of soup together pretty quickly but bread takes a little more planning and with school and other things, sometimes I forget the bread!

(See? And you all just thought I had everything organized, all day, every day!:)

One alternative is to bake bread a couple of times a week, cool and slice it, store it in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator, and take the needed slices out and pop them in the toaster. (That's my breakfast trick.)

But I think you'll find these muffins are a quick and easy fix in a pinch.

You can mix up your flour according to your preference as well.

They're slightly sweet, making them perfect for a spicy or salty soup.

They have an almost biscuit like texture.

My kids love one with their meal and one stuffed with homemade jelly for dessert ;-)

(Two birds, one stone! Well, two purposes, one bread!)

So fluffy too!

2 cups whole wheat flour*

1 cup plain, all-purpose flour

1 T baking powder

1/4 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1/4 cup sugar**

1 egg

1/3 cup oil

1 3/4 cup buttermilk***

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center for wet ingredients. Mix the center, then gradually stir in the dry mixture. This should make a thick batter that's thoroughly moist.

Scoop into greased muffin pan.

Bake at 400 for approx. 20 minutes.

Makes 12.

*I grind extra flour and store in the freezer for quick foods. You can also mix up your flours or even use all wheat or all white.

**You can also add more sugar and fruits etc., to make this a sweet muffin for treats or breakfast.

***You can use plain milk but they won't be as fluffy. Also, depending on the flours you use, you may need a little more or less liquid so adjust accordingly.

Menu Plan: March 23, 2013

2013-03-25T12:15:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

Krestan's Graduation Party

It's been a fun-filled week with lots of celebrations! I'm looking forward to a quieter week :)

Saturday:
-Fried Egg, slice of orange, half serving of Masa Porridge
-grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, sliced onions and tomatoes, cake and ice cream
-sandwiches, chips, leftover cake and ice cream
snacks:apples
Sunday:
-Chocolate Oatmeal
-Mexican Pasta and Kale Soup, Fried Masa Cakes
-Pork Loin w/ potatoes and carrots
snacks:apples w/ peanut butter
Monday:
-Almond Cranberry Granola and milk
-White Bean w/ Turkey Bacon Soup, Fried Cornbread
-Chicken Joes on Kaiser Rolls
snacks: Triple Berry Fruit Crisp, buttered popcorn
Tuesday:
-fried eggs, toasted Breakfast Bread, homemade Cherry Jam
-Beef and Cabbage Stew, Whole Wheat Artisan Bread
-Chipotle Tilapia, steamed broccoli, Spanish Rice
snacks:Iced Graham Bites and milk
Wednesday:
-Masa Porridge
-Corn Chowder w/ Turkey Ham, Whole Wheat Artisan Bread
-Easy Maple Dijon Chicken, rosemary potato wedges, turnip greens
snacks:Rugelach, celery sticks and dip
Thursday:
-Kefir Spelt Pancakes
-pinto beans, cornbread, homemade Hot Pepper Jelly
-Sloppy Joe Rolls, green salad, applesauce
snacks:Orange Zest Cookies
Friday:
-Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage Gravy
-Split Pea Soup, Twisted Garlic Bread Sticks
-Pizza
snacks:Applesauce Pudding, BerryCobbler

Krestan's Senior Pictures

2013-03-15T22:24:00.000-05:00

I couldn't think of a better backdrop! :)

A frugal note: The cap and gown were bought several years ago, before my oldest graduated. I paid all of about $5.99 at the Goodwill for it.

Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

There was a big cross in the sky behind the hill from airplanes.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Num 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

Home School Class Rings- on the frugal!

2013-03-15T15:47:00.000-05:00

I consider a class ring an excellent reward for over a dozen years of education, but they can be ridiculously expensive!

(Even WalMart prices start right at a hundred dollars.)

But, thanks be to God, there is the internet!

Thanks to Dunham, I was able to find them starting at $56!

(They also make them for military, law enforcement, college, and several more organizations.)

These were gifts for my oldest two boys for graduation presents and I just wanted to share them with you so when your time comes, you'll remember there are frugal alternatives if you dig :)

Krestan's with 2013

Be sure to size your child's finger before ordering.

Keenan's 2010 class ring. You can back order dates too. Notice our school name around the stone?

They initial the inside of the bands for you as well.

Menu Plan: March 9, 2013

2013-03-10T20:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

Saturday:
-Bug Oats
-turkey and cheese sandwiches w/ grapes and orange slices
-leftover Homemade Pizza
snacks:bananas w/ peanut butter, Homemade Brownies
Sunday:
-Chocolate Oatmeal w/ sliced almonds
-Black Beans, Chapatis, applesauce
-Pork Roast, roasted potatoes and carrots, sliced oranges
snacks:Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies, Applesauce Pudding
Monday:
-Omelet Wraps
-grilled cheese sandwiches, Cinnamon Applesauce Salad
-(Mock) Bisquick Taco Pizza, tossed green salad, pickled carrots, Fried Bananas
snacks:Apple-Walnut Flax Cookies, buttered popcorn
Tuesday:
-scrambled eggs, toasted Breakfast Bread, homemade Nasturtium Jelly
-Lima Burger Soup, Swirly Buns
-Home On The Ranch (one dish meal), Cornmeal Muffins
snacks:White Chip and Walnut Muffins, carrot sticks and dip
Wednesday:
-Apple Pie Pockets
-Potato Soup, Cottage Cheese Rolls
-Frugal Stir Fry, Fruit Crisp
snacks:Kefir Vanilla Muffins, Blueberry Smoothies
Thursday:
-Masa Porridge
-(Ground) Beef, Barley and Mushroom Soup, Buttermilk Biscuits, homemade Cherry Jam
-Pinto Beans, fried potatoes, cornbread
snacks:leftover muffins, Chocolate Granola and milk
Friday:
-fried eggs, toasted Breakfast Bread, homemade Watermelon Jelly
-Leek Soup (from the garden), Cheddar Scones
-homemade Pizza or Calzones, homemade Ice Cream

snacks:Natural Candy, carrot sticks and dip

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Learn and Teach Guitar for Free

2013-03-09T17:04:00.000-06:00

One of the first things you need to learn to do is tune the guitar.

I find this to be the hardest part but with practice (and youtube), you can learn this within no time.
(It doesn't have to be perfect in the beginning.)

Here's a good tuner to work with online.
When you hear it played correctly, over and over, you learn when it doesn't sound quite right.

Remember, always loosen the string and tighten gradually to tune.

You're less likely to pop your strings!

Tuners like these are nice too. Amazon has them for about $12, local they're about $20, and you might find them at the best price on ebay.

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Now- the next thing- chords!

This site has small videos and how-to charts that are really elementary.

He also has sound clips which I've found very helpful.

He plays the chord, you play the chord. If it doesn't sound right- you goofed or you're out of tune. :)

The second page on that link will show you your basic chords. You can play a lot of hymns and sing-songs with those basic chords.

You can also buy books or print out tons of charts.
We have some hanging on the walls and the kids all have them in their guitar notebooks.
(Been playing a while and need really odd chord demos? This site lets you type in exactly what you need.)

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Next- let's move on to strumming patterns.
When I was a teen and trying to learn the guitar, this is the area that I could have really benefited from IF ONLY we would have had the internet then! :)
If you want to learn to read strumming patterns, this gnarly guy here shows a nice little diagram on this video but these strumming patterns aren't necessarily the easiest or most common, especially for beginners.
Here is a video of very basic strumming patterns and this fellow goes slow enough for all beginners to easily follow along.
Here's another good site for some printable material and a video to show how you how to put the strumming patterns together with a few chords.

Here are basic ones my kids learned first:
-down, down-up, up, down-up (Like the song Sanctuary)
-down, down-up, down-up (Amazing Grace)
-down, up, down, up (I'll Fly Away, Nothing But the Blood)
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We buy bulk picks and keep them in a jar on the piano.

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Above was strumming, now, let's talk tab (tablature) or picking.

This site is one that my daughter finds to be very practical. (She's 12.)

Dd says to remember that the thin string is actually the 1st string and that the thickest string is actually the 6th.

Here's a video that shows another method.

His series of videos are good.

Here are some guitar scales that are very good picking practice.

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The above picture is a capo.

Capos are very important for some songs. They raise the pitch.

They are required to play many songs, especially modern music.

From ebay and Amazon, they are usually less than $5. Local, about $20.

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Find free songs and music.

Our favorite site to use to find music is Ultimate Guitar.

You can find everything from Amazing Grace to Shout to the Lord there.

You can also find pop, country, bluegrass, folk, etc.

One thing about the site is, once you type in your song title, you can choose from several variations, tab and chords, and some more complicated. My favorite thing about the site is that once the song is pulled up, where it shows the chords (by letter) above the lyrics, you can highlight there and it will show you how to play the chord but not only that, if you put your mouse over the chord box, it will actually play the chord.

It should also be noted that you can type in 'how to play' any song on youtube and find very detailed videos from beginner to pro.

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I also highly recommend this VERY frugal book. They are forty cents on Amazon, plus shipping
-and worth much more.

This teaches all the basics, various styles of guitar, parts of the guitar, history, and more.

It would certainly be enough to be used for a credit for school.

You could have younger students just skip to the basics of the book to get them playing sooner, but everything discussed above and more is in it.

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Finding guitars-

My youngest learned to play on a cheap $30 guitar from ebay (including shipping!). It was new, hard to stay in tune, but it played.

We have several other cheap guitars that we had to make adjustments on the necks to make them playable for the children. They had been around here for years. Nothing fancy, but they work.

Locals, I highly recommend working with Crossroads in aiding with finding used guitars.

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Lastly, you don't have to know how to play the guitar to learn and have your children learn.

It can be a fun experience for your whole family.

You may have to enforce practice at first, but once one or two songs are learned, kids often take flight!
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Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Isa 38:20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
Hab 3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

A Piece of Paper That's Worth Years:

2013-03-04T16:51:00.001-06:00

We received Krestan's diploma and transcripts in the mail today and although we still have several more loose ends to tie up, we hold these precious papers in our hands with pride and joy in our hearts.

In approximately 2 weeks, we will celebrate the completion of years of work.

It wasn't always easy and it wasn't without struggles, and even all-out battles (as some of you know),

but -WE DID IT!

Today my husband showered me with praises and a very generous gift and I was thankful for his recognition.

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

When Krestan has completed the last few details, he will receive a class ring with our school's name on it and a special party.

I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for him!

I'm so proud of him!

Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

God is good.

Menu Plan: March 1, 2013

2013-03-04T15:57:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

Saturday:
-Peanut Butter Oatmeal
-Tuna Salad Sandwiches, mandarin oranges
-Chicken Joes on Kaiser Rolls
snacks:Maple Nut Granola and milk
Sunday:
-fried eggs and masa porridge
-Home-canned Tomato-Okra-Corn Soup, yogurt with Cranberry-Almond Granola
-Cheeseburger Pizza Pie
snacks:Homemade Brownies
Monday:
-Chocolate Oatmeal
-Potato Soup, Crusty White Bread
-Homemade Cheeseburger Helper, fried cabbage, Thirds Bread
snacks:Granola and milk, Wheat Graham Crackers
Tuesday:
-Fluffy Spiced Wheat Germ Pancakes
-PB&J sandwiches, veggie sticks
-Cheesy Meat and Potatoes Casserole, steamed broccoli, mandarin oranges
snacks:toasted leftover bread w/ homemade jelly
Wednesday:
-Vanilla Polenta
-Corn Chowder, Cornmeal Muffins
-Pork Loin with Parsley Butter Sauce, baked potatoes and roasted carrots
snacks:sliced oranges, Quick Pretzels w/ mustard
Thursday:
-Buttermilk Biscuits, homemade jelly, fried eggs
-Pork Stew from leftovers, fried cornbread
-15 Bean Soup, Whole Wheat Artisan Bread, Watermelon Jelly
snacks:peanut butter and bananas, buttered popcorn
Friday:
-Cinnamon Chip and Raisin Muffins
-Pureed Vegetable Soup, Naan
-Sausage Pilau, green salad, Fried Bananas
snacks:nuts, boiled eggs and mustard

Listening- An Important Part of Home Schooling

2013-02-27T17:13:00.001-06:00

Bear is a funny picture to post when dealing with listening and home schooling, huh?

The reason-

It's his book that stirs me to remember how important it is to listen.

You see, one of the boys recently picked it up at the library and it's been REALLY easy for all of us to LISTEN to 'updates' every few paragraphs since we're big fans of Man VS. Wild.

We also have military interests so it was pretty cool to hear that Bear was in the SAS.

(Some say this is the hardest military training in the world.)

But- even if I'm not particularly interested in the subjects that they're reading, it's still VERY important to listen.

Listening to them retell what they've read helps ME to be sure that they're comprehending what they're reading.

I've read that it's also good to involve as many of the senses as possible and reading is fantastic, but when a child is telling what they've absorbed from words on a page, they are hearing , thinking, processing, and often seeing in their mind's eye an entire story unfolding.

That process helps them remember and builds vocabulary as they learn to place new words into their own sentences.

This 'listening' came easy with some of my children, because they are natural-born chatter boxes.

Others were more quiet and I've had to coax it out of them. It became very important for me to pay attention and really listen to the 'quiet' children when they did start to talk about something they had read. I've actually cut everything on low or off, on the stove, just so I could walk away and listen. (However, I'm not perfect. Sometimes, regrettably, I do miss opportunities, but that is my reminder to be on guard next time.)

Book reports are good too. We've done our fair share of those and will do more in the future.

But I really love looking into my children's faces when they've been truly stirred by a book, a story, a character, or a new word- and I'm able to share in that experience with them.

It's just good!

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear..

Peanut Butter Oatmeal

2013-02-24T14:57:00.002-06:00

This is another crazy creation of mine to keep oatmeal entertaining for the kiddies.

I usually make oatmeal with 4 cups of water to 2 cups of oats.

To this I add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of peanut butter and stir until it melts.

Then sweeten to taste with honey, sugar, brown sugar, etc.

So easy- and you have a brand new breakfast! :)

Peanut butter and bananas are a favorite around here so bananas are a nice topping!

And who could refuse a little jelly with their peanut butter oatmeal?!

Menu Plan Feb. 16, 2013

2013-02-17T20:58:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

Saturday:
-Maple flavored oatmeal with pecans
-leftover pita bread stuffed with leftover spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese
-leftover Turkey, sweet potatoes, dressing, salad
snacks:peanut butter and bananas, leftover pancakes from the freezer
Sunday:
-Maple flavored oatmeal with chia seeds
-brown rice w/ leftover turkey and gravy, romaine salad, fried green beans
-Cheeseburger Pizza Pie
snacks: Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies,homemade crispbread w/ cream cheese
Monday:
-fried eggs and toast with homemade jelly
-Potato Soup, Cheddar Cheese Scones
-Chick Pea Italian Stir, Brown Rice Cakes from leftovers, fried apples
snacks:Cream Cheese Strawberry Bread, buttered popcorn
Tuesday:
-Kefir Spelt Pancakes
-(Ground) Beef, Barley, and Lentil Stew, Italian Bread, homemade jelly
-speckled butter beans, cornbread, chopped onions, greens from the freezer
snacks:Banana Sherbet Cups, crackers and cheese
Wednesday:
-Buttermilk Biscuits, scrambled eggs
-tuna salad in pita bread, carrot sticks, graham crackers
-Easy Beef and Rosemary (mock) Bisquick Bake, steamed vegetables from the freezer, slaw
snacks:buttered popcorn, crackers and cheese
Thursday:
-Chocolate Granola with homemade yogurt
-egg salad with pita bread, carrot sticks, bananas
-Pork Loin, baked potatoes, leftover slaw
snacks:Impossible Pumpkin Pie, peanut butter and apples
Friday:
-Chocolate Chip Pancakes
-White Bean w/ Turkey Bacon Soup, Cornmeal Muffins
-leftover pork tacos, refried beans and cheese
snacks: Eggnog Pudding, Grandpa's Oatmeal Muffins

For Your Entertainment...

2013-02-16T13:35:00.000-06:00

... bad lighted videos of some of my kiddies playing guitar:

Score!- 100lbs of Meat!

2013-02-11T19:01:00.002-06:00

When meat runs at .99lb (or less!) it's time try to stock up!

Split chicken breasts were on sale for .99lb and so was loin end pork roast.

I normally don't buy a lot of pork but at .99lb, I couldn't pass it up.

Ground beef was at 1.99lb; a little more than I prefer to pay but better than other stores have it priced right now, and I was getting quite low in my freezers. Ground beef can stretch far, fix up really quick, thaw pretty fast, and so it's really a blessing to have on hand.

So- how much did I buy?

40 lbs chicken @.99lb= $40

30lbs pork end loin @ .99lb= $30

30lbs of ground beef @ 1.99lb= $60

100lbs of meat for $130!

Not bad!

one big box of pork loin


one big box of ground beef and one big box of chicken

When I got it home, I browned over 1/2 of the ground beef and boiled up almost all of the chicken,shredded it, and made broth.

I divided up some of the beef for meatloaves, meat balls, etc, then divided up the cooked meat, bagged, and dated.

It was a lot of work when I got home (cooking, dividing, repackaging), but no more grocery shopping for a month -except for milk and eggs (in about 2 weeks)!

Praise the Lord!

Prov 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Menu Plan: Feb. 9, 2013

2013-02-11T18:35:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

Saturday:
-Masa Porridge
-leftover Spaghetti and Meatballs, Seeded Tri-Flour Rolls
-Cheeseburger Pizza Pie
snacks:popcorn w/ milk and sugar, apples and peanut butter
Sunday:
-Fried Eggs and Grits
-Cheeseburger-Potato Soup
-Pork Loin, boiled cabbage, green peas, fried apples
snacks:buttered popcorn
Monday:
-scrambled eggs and applesauce
-Corn Chowder w/ Turkey Ham, 10 Grain Muffins
-Quesidilla Beef Bake, Black Bean and Corn Salsa
snacks:sliced oranges, fried bananas
Tuesday:
-Oatmeal Pancakes, turkey sausage links
-Potato Soup, Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls
-Chicken Joes on Kaiser Rolls,green salad with shredded carrots
snacks:peanut butter and bananas, sliced oranges
Wednesday:
-Kamut English Muffins, fried eggs, Pomegranate Jelly
-Beef-n-Cabbage Stew, Cheddar Scones
-Pork Tacos, slaw
snacks:sliced oranges, nuts, Chocolate Granola w/ milk
Thursday:
-Banana Nut Pancakes
-Lima-Burger Soup, Italian Bread
-Chinese Lemon Chicken, rice, green salad
snacks: fried apples, popcorn, nuts
Friday:
-Fluffy Spiced Wheat Germ Pancakes
-saucy beans w/ brown rice, green salad, Fried Masa Cakes
-Homemade Pizza
snacks: Chocolate Granola w/ homemade yogurt, sliced oranges

Menu Plan: Feb. 2, 2013

2013-02-05T01:36:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday!

Saturday:
-Coconut Cream Oatmeal
-15 Bean Soup, Cornbread
-Oven Fried Chicken Legs, Mustard Potatoes, green peas
snacks: homemade German Chocolate Cake
Sunday:
-Lemon-Poppy Seed Oatmeal
-Minestrone Soup, White Cuban Bread
-Cheeseburger Pizza Pie
snacks:smoothies w/ mango and bananas from the freezer
Monday:
-Millet
-Bologna Cups, Cole Slaw, green beans
-Simple Hash, green peas, sweet potatoes
snacks: apples and peanut butter
Tuesday:
-Masa Porridge
-Potato Soup, 1 Hour Loaves
-Black Bean Venison Chili, White Rolls
snacks:buttered popcorn, smoothies with frozen berries from the freezer
Wednesday:
-Pumpkin Oatmeal
-Chicken Stew, toasted leftover bread
-Ham, Potatoes, steamed frozen broccoli
snacks: Chocolate Cheesecake Balls, fried apples
Thursday:
-Bug Oats
-Corn Chowder,White Bread
-Pinto Beans, fried potatoes, corn bread
snacks:boiled eggs w/ mustard, popcorn
Friday:
-Kamut Flapjacks w/ homemade syrup
-Chili from leftover beans, crackers
-Potatoes and Polish Sausage, steamed mixed vegetables
snacks: Cinnamon Chips and Raisin Muffins

Totally Random Pictures from our House:

2013-01-30T14:53:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday. A day when the picture really says it all and words aren't altogether necessary.:)

When kids use your camera, strange shots show up.

2 of the boys learned to a play a song in one day, on this, from instructions on a free internet site.

I see dust.

Can you guess?

Homemade clay toothpaste. My favorite recipe of the month!

Should I be concerned about this?

Definitely concerned about this. Wait til the Navy gets ahold of him! He loves to shock-n-awe!