I have a love/hate relationship with Mondays.
I hate them because it is hard to get back into a routine after the weekend, but I love them because there is a whole long week stretching in front of me just waiting to be filled with activity.
Having said that--here is a list of things that I would like to accomplish this week.....in addition to the normal housework/homeschooling/gardening etc.
1. Clean out perennial bed and fertilize and mulch it.
2. Organize my sewing room. ( It looks like a natural disaster happened in there )
3. Wash and store winter coats and boots.
4. Prune and possibly downsize the grape arbor. ( It's crawling up a tree........not good )
5. Do some filing and paperwork in the office. ( The top of the desk is buried under a 8 inch snowfall )
There! Five things, that shouldn't be too hard to accomplish should it? I'll let you know how it went on Friday.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
What Mothers Day Means To Me
For a long time Mothers Day was a holiday I wished did not exist.
I avoided it--like the plague.
My husband and I would go away and spend the day away from everyone, and pretend that it wasn't Mothers Day.
See, I wasn't a mother.
I wished that I was,
But I wasn't.
I would have moved heaven and earth to be a mother,
But I couldn't.
Then, a little over seven years ago all that changed.
For the first time in my life I was a Mother.
Suddenly, Mother's Day was something good, not just a painful reminder.
My life has never been the same.
But, there is a part of me that will never forget.
What Mothers Day feels like when you aren't a mother.
The pain is gone, but the memory is still there.
For those of you that are waiting.
That feel like it will never happen to you.
Please know that I understand.
Happy Mothers Day!
I avoided it--like the plague.
My husband and I would go away and spend the day away from everyone, and pretend that it wasn't Mothers Day.
See, I wasn't a mother.
I wished that I was,
But I wasn't.
I would have moved heaven and earth to be a mother,
But I couldn't.
Then, a little over seven years ago all that changed.
For the first time in my life I was a Mother.
Suddenly, Mother's Day was something good, not just a painful reminder.
My life has never been the same.
But, there is a part of me that will never forget.
What Mothers Day feels like when you aren't a mother.
The pain is gone, but the memory is still there.
For those of you that are waiting.
That feel like it will never happen to you.
Please know that I understand.
Happy Mothers Day!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friends
Friendship is something that I don't take lightly. I grew up eleven years after my closest sibling and so without friends I would have been very lonely.
I often ponder what attracts certain friends to each other. When I was younger I used to think that being the same age, and having very similar interests were the most important factors. However, the older I get the less I think that is true.
Don't get me wrong, most of the people that I would count as close friends are within ten years of my age, but as far as interests go the spectrum is pretty broad.
One of my best friends is a very creative person. Her flower beds are beyond comparison, and her decorating in her home is gorgeous. I, on the other hand, enjoy flowers, but don't have the patience to go much beyond a couple perennial beds. My house reflects my personality with quite a hodge podge of this and that. Having said that, I know that my friends creativity is part of what attracts me to her as a friend. When I need advice especially in the creativity department I know who to call.
Another close friend has an excellent eye for details, and authenticity. If I'm not quite sure if I trust someone she is the one I ask. I even asked for her opinion on my future husband. :)
I guess my point in all of this is that a big part of friendship for me is an admiration of qualities in other people that I myself do not possess.
One definition of the word friend is; A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
I especially like that last word because it's a good reminder of what makes me a friend to others. If I am not trustworthy I shouldn't be surprised if I don't have many close friends.
I should say that I think everyone goes thru seasons of their life when they feel more lonely, and like they don't have many friends. I think this is one way that God draws us close to himself. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 I also think that when we are feeling lonely is an excellent time to reach out to someone else who might be lonely. Send a card, make a phone call, or drop off supper for another busy mom.
I feel like I've been truly blessed with a number of wonderful friends. If you are one of them, and you are reading this--Thank you for being my friend!!
I often ponder what attracts certain friends to each other. When I was younger I used to think that being the same age, and having very similar interests were the most important factors. However, the older I get the less I think that is true.
Don't get me wrong, most of the people that I would count as close friends are within ten years of my age, but as far as interests go the spectrum is pretty broad.
One of my best friends is a very creative person. Her flower beds are beyond comparison, and her decorating in her home is gorgeous. I, on the other hand, enjoy flowers, but don't have the patience to go much beyond a couple perennial beds. My house reflects my personality with quite a hodge podge of this and that. Having said that, I know that my friends creativity is part of what attracts me to her as a friend. When I need advice especially in the creativity department I know who to call.
Another close friend has an excellent eye for details, and authenticity. If I'm not quite sure if I trust someone she is the one I ask. I even asked for her opinion on my future husband. :)
I guess my point in all of this is that a big part of friendship for me is an admiration of qualities in other people that I myself do not possess.
One definition of the word friend is; A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
I especially like that last word because it's a good reminder of what makes me a friend to others. If I am not trustworthy I shouldn't be surprised if I don't have many close friends.
I should say that I think everyone goes thru seasons of their life when they feel more lonely, and like they don't have many friends. I think this is one way that God draws us close to himself. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 I also think that when we are feeling lonely is an excellent time to reach out to someone else who might be lonely. Send a card, make a phone call, or drop off supper for another busy mom.
I feel like I've been truly blessed with a number of wonderful friends. If you are one of them, and you are reading this--Thank you for being my friend!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sweet and Sour Chicken
This is one of my families favorite dishes. We all enjoy Chinese food, but don't enjoy some of the side affects of MSG-a common seasoning in Chinese dishes. This recipe doesn't call for it and it's excellent and simple to make.
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Green Pepper
1 Medium Onion
12 or 15 Baby Carrots
1/2 Cup of Ketchup
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2/3 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Cut the chicken breasts into bite size chunks. Fry in large frying pan in a little butter or olive oil until tender. (approximately 20 minutes) Meanwhile chop the veggies in bite size chunks and make the sweet and sour sauce. To make sauce mix ketchup, vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cornstarch to the 3/4 cup of water and add to boiling ketchup mixture. Bring back to a boil and cook till thick. When the chicken is tender add the chopped veggies to the pan and cover. Steam until veggies are crisp tender--about 5 minutes. Serve chicken veggie mixture over steamed rice and drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Delicious!!
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Green Pepper
1 Medium Onion
12 or 15 Baby Carrots
1/2 Cup of Ketchup
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2/3 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Cut the chicken breasts into bite size chunks. Fry in large frying pan in a little butter or olive oil until tender. (approximately 20 minutes) Meanwhile chop the veggies in bite size chunks and make the sweet and sour sauce. To make sauce mix ketchup, vinegar, and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cornstarch to the 3/4 cup of water and add to boiling ketchup mixture. Bring back to a boil and cook till thick. When the chicken is tender add the chopped veggies to the pan and cover. Steam until veggies are crisp tender--about 5 minutes. Serve chicken veggie mixture over steamed rice and drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Delicious!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Why "Chicken Scratchings"
There is a story behind my blog title. No, I don't plan to post mostly about chickens--although they are a common theme around here.
My mom moved out of her home state several years after she married, and at that time snail mail was the cheapest method of communication. Now, my mom is a proficient letter writer, but she had a single brother who was not. He cared for his out-of-state sister however, and he did his very best. His grammar and punctuation left something to be desired, and was a source of amusement to my mom.
For one reason or another my mother has saved some of my uncle's letters, and occasionally I dig them out and read them.
One of the letters began with these words "I hope you can read my chicken scratchings." And thus the name of my blog was born.
My uncle passed away several years ago, but I have some very fond memories of his love of the land. He was a veteran homesteader who survived without many of the conveniences that I consider necessities.
He never had very much in the way of worldly possession's, but was rich in contentment. He had a profound limp that made his work slow and clumsy, and yet to my knowledge never complained.
His life was, and is an inspiration to me of perseverance and contentment.
Do you have someone in your past or present who inspires you?
My mom moved out of her home state several years after she married, and at that time snail mail was the cheapest method of communication. Now, my mom is a proficient letter writer, but she had a single brother who was not. He cared for his out-of-state sister however, and he did his very best. His grammar and punctuation left something to be desired, and was a source of amusement to my mom.
For one reason or another my mother has saved some of my uncle's letters, and occasionally I dig them out and read them.
One of the letters began with these words "I hope you can read my chicken scratchings." And thus the name of my blog was born.
My uncle passed away several years ago, but I have some very fond memories of his love of the land. He was a veteran homesteader who survived without many of the conveniences that I consider necessities.
He never had very much in the way of worldly possession's, but was rich in contentment. He had a profound limp that made his work slow and clumsy, and yet to my knowledge never complained.
His life was, and is an inspiration to me of perseverance and contentment.
Do you have someone in your past or present who inspires you?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Goliath
This is Goliath. He is the top bird on our little homestead. After several experiences with bad-tempered roosters a friend gave us this regal bird. He rules the hens with a firm, but kind hand (or I guess I should say claw). He makes sure they don't wander into potentially dangerous places to scratch for bugs, and he loves them unconditionally as only a rooster can.
My favorite thing about him though is that he doesn't chase my children or me. I have a huge aversion to looking over my shoulder all the time for fear a naughty rooster might pounce on me. It makes me feel like I'm a criminal and there is a resident policeman in my own back yard. One with feathers and spurs. Anyway...Goliath is a perfect gentleman. He does occasionally give me the evil eye when I have to shoo his ladies away from somewhere, but he never acts on it. Probably he mutters about me in chicken language behind my back, but I can live with that.
He almost looks like he is posing for the picture with one claw lifted delicately.
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Favorite Time of Day
My favorite hours of the day are those before eight am. Now don't get huffy if you're not a morning person. I can't help it that between six (when my alarm goes off and the coffee maker goes on) and eight (when my children get up) is when my mind is most clear and I can make sense of life. If I want to accomplish something worthwhile it is best started before eight.
I think this is hereditary because I come from a long line of relatives who define sleeping in as getting up after seven. Most of my friends including my husband are not early birds and so all the joy that could be shared in those early morning hours has to be kept to myself.
When I was younger I thought I might outgrow this strange attraction to the early sunrise, but alas it has gotten worse. If anything I wake up earlier than ever--sometimes a full forty-five minutes before my alarm. Most of the time when this happens I lay there with my eyes pinched shut and pretend that I'm still sleeping.
I've found that as a mother being a "morning person" has many advantages:
If I haven't tidied the house before I went to bed it can be done in the morning with a cup of coffee in one hand.
Morning is an excellent time for me to read my Bible and pray--there is no one to interrupt me.
I often start a load or two of laundry and by the time the sun comes up I can hang them on the line.
There are a few disadvantages:
When we are traveling and my husband (NOT a morning person) wishes to drive thru the night I am not very adept at keeping him awake. (he insists that snoring from the passenger seat doesn't work)
If we have company and they stay past ten, I become incoherent and the brunt of many jokes over stupid things I mutter in my half-awake state.
I've concluded that being a morning person is something about myself that I cannot change so I try to use it to my greatest advantage. Also, it helps to laugh with people (night hawks) who enjoy cracking jokes at my expense.
What's your favorite time of day?
I think this is hereditary because I come from a long line of relatives who define sleeping in as getting up after seven. Most of my friends including my husband are not early birds and so all the joy that could be shared in those early morning hours has to be kept to myself.
When I was younger I thought I might outgrow this strange attraction to the early sunrise, but alas it has gotten worse. If anything I wake up earlier than ever--sometimes a full forty-five minutes before my alarm. Most of the time when this happens I lay there with my eyes pinched shut and pretend that I'm still sleeping.
I've found that as a mother being a "morning person" has many advantages:
If I haven't tidied the house before I went to bed it can be done in the morning with a cup of coffee in one hand.
Morning is an excellent time for me to read my Bible and pray--there is no one to interrupt me.
I often start a load or two of laundry and by the time the sun comes up I can hang them on the line.
There are a few disadvantages:
When we are traveling and my husband (NOT a morning person) wishes to drive thru the night I am not very adept at keeping him awake. (he insists that snoring from the passenger seat doesn't work)
If we have company and they stay past ten, I become incoherent and the brunt of many jokes over stupid things I mutter in my half-awake state.
I've concluded that being a morning person is something about myself that I cannot change so I try to use it to my greatest advantage. Also, it helps to laugh with people (night hawks) who enjoy cracking jokes at my expense.
What's your favorite time of day?
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