tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45167816168728036112024-03-05T08:48:39.685-08:00Lavender Lane Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-19930470994070584822013-08-10T17:51:00.001-07:002013-08-10T17:51:29.660-07:00Spring QuiltingA new quilt top ready to quilt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBAC7lhFDz8-i7X4OXNrJkQJg0ndmNEn-RG5ffG9Z1ag_QEHH9hJAuUuzd6mGiw49mYwxJnVIvsfUc-rekXia-n_3Ht8kGMv7HasUavfmfj2AMp0tc_nl4ArsC44T5WrD0yklcs511UGB/s1600/DSC02739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBAC7lhFDz8-i7X4OXNrJkQJg0ndmNEn-RG5ffG9Z1ag_QEHH9hJAuUuzd6mGiw49mYwxJnVIvsfUc-rekXia-n_3Ht8kGMv7HasUavfmfj2AMp0tc_nl4ArsC44T5WrD0yklcs511UGB/s320/DSC02739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohio Star quilt</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_241621086"></span><span id="goog_241621087"></span><br />Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-19367254142996594602013-07-30T22:48:00.000-07:002013-07-30T22:48:25.220-07:00AfternoonsThe morning rush is over, the school books are put away and the lunch dishes cleared. I love this time of day. The next few hours stretch out in front of me to be filled with good things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SiTOmbOOxzf6ayapoeYT5O7mFvRLiu7qUzfA36euFGO4boGcXLAjcp_zJi7Yz3spnR7L-PM6PCklblmoJGIkG_KczDS8GT0UHdqkHJNu_Z8dq4XY4r-9MgZj1iJFsFJRS6O0YBkQ0aCX/s1600/DSC02682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SiTOmbOOxzf6ayapoeYT5O7mFvRLiu7qUzfA36euFGO4boGcXLAjcp_zJi7Yz3spnR7L-PM6PCklblmoJGIkG_KczDS8GT0UHdqkHJNu_Z8dq4XY4r-9MgZj1iJFsFJRS6O0YBkQ0aCX/s320/DSC02682.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dozens of Amish raisin filled cookies</td></tr>
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There is baking to do for morning teas, cakes to bake for the freezer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35HXhyphenhyphenim0ComgXhC0sz2lkyjHo272AQomy8RGgiY4pLYRQwmkVZ1NtQKOC3ckma-wlYNLNQyZMm3T-LtV_9-Z0uFgYPwQ5-pDzmt0QabkFRajftOzb_Y8Jxyh4xmkQX0w3bYVg2s5-1fd/s1600/DSC02683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35HXhyphenhyphenim0ComgXhC0sz2lkyjHo272AQomy8RGgiY4pLYRQwmkVZ1NtQKOC3ckma-wlYNLNQyZMm3T-LtV_9-Z0uFgYPwQ5-pDzmt0QabkFRajftOzb_Y8Jxyh4xmkQX0w3bYVg2s5-1fd/s320/DSC02683.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an old family recipe for date loaf</td></tr>
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And when that is all done, a little quilting.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcHX29JAAhyphenhyphencELWQD7kSr_J9c1Iv5wShyD9Sw3zY76TyL5-pmjE8O4D1SFLdkzTneI5lb6trc4zSqS-fRqZeBdoeCc6I2CGw5LJlZqKV0nRfgC5MhcBD9TUmf2fjuH4daUF05EgXVrMNL/s1600/DSC02680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcHX29JAAhyphenhyphencELWQD7kSr_J9c1Iv5wShyD9Sw3zY76TyL5-pmjE8O4D1SFLdkzTneI5lb6trc4zSqS-fRqZeBdoeCc6I2CGw5LJlZqKV0nRfgC5MhcBD9TUmf2fjuH4daUF05EgXVrMNL/s320/DSC02680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one patch flannel quilt.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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God Bless,<br />
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Jenny<br />
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Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-72597062962581550832013-07-07T18:39:00.000-07:002013-07-07T18:39:47.263-07:00StockpilingI began stockpiling food and household items when I got married. I think initially it was a reaction against a poor childhood and a fear of running out of food. Nowadays I am a little older and wiser and I have learnt to trust God more, but stockpiling still makes good sense.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXTi-VvPYWqUIUxQHT1giCkPFkS01VLR-hCwi1hbns2vpnlZbaArRXWkCCwoefe5Qc-z76isxrQZoQX4ZPNVbg0Gw-Wp3GDGHOXNUJY6dxBvCy3FNmWhpOkjbt6BgjpkeTxIgTiI3yWFS/s1600/17625452-old-cellar--pantry-with-food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXTi-VvPYWqUIUxQHT1giCkPFkS01VLR-hCwi1hbns2vpnlZbaArRXWkCCwoefe5Qc-z76isxrQZoQX4ZPNVbg0Gw-Wp3GDGHOXNUJY6dxBvCy3FNmWhpOkjbt6BgjpkeTxIgTiI3yWFS/s1600/17625452-old-cellar--pantry-with-food.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockpile in an old cellar</td></tr>
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To have a good amount of food stored away a good storage system is needed. This could be in the garage or, if you have a good sized pantry as I do, in the pantry. I have read of people who keep their stockpiled foodstuffs under their beds in storage boxes, or in the linen closet. Where ever it is kept it does need to be vermin proof! There is nothing worse than getting out rice or oats only to find that the mice have gotten to it and it is all ruined.<br />
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When I first started collecting extra food, I think Andrew thought it was a little weird. But during the course of our marriage so far, through many pregnancies, sicknesses, times of financial constraint, that extra food has come in so handy. For whatever reason I can't get out to the shops, I know I can always rustle up a pantry meal, and that can be so reassuring!<br />
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I began my stockpile very simply. On grocery shopping days I would buy a couple of extra tins. Maybe tinned tomatoes or tinned tuna, whatever we usually eat. These tins would go to the back of my pantry to be stored. These days my tinned goods stockpile is quite full, so I have started on frozen goods. These don't keep as long naturally but it is still reassuring to know that there is extra chicken or fish in the freezer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvH0vg-mG2cP9QEeF2-eOGJh4MqX_QbqMpk-oyG6gkaOEsBSLooQ0bRzmkOMhyphenhyphenCSBZvkn4Cd44SAo9sYU-bxpwBYoG9qGcfG-laBR7kTtx8caRdn0jfwvparRPFkIxo2iwj5gdN_CUVn-/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvH0vg-mG2cP9QEeF2-eOGJh4MqX_QbqMpk-oyG6gkaOEsBSLooQ0bRzmkOMhyphenhyphenCSBZvkn4Cd44SAo9sYU-bxpwBYoG9qGcfG-laBR7kTtx8caRdn0jfwvparRPFkIxo2iwj5gdN_CUVn-/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home canning</td></tr>
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Eventually I hope to start canning more of my own goods and to stockpile these also. I also want to have some cleaning products and bathroom products in reserve. This will all take time and money, and I am a great believer in taking baby steps! But it is a good goal to have I think.<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-8599971341551972492013-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:002013-07-07T18:40:32.506-07:00overwhelmedWe moved to our current home about 5 years ago. It was a sudden move, our previous rental was being sold and we were told that we had 60 days to go. We chose Toowoomba because my dad was here and we could not think of anywhere else to go. So, pregnant with my 6th child and with 4 other children under 5 we packed up our house and moved our family 1000kms north. Looking back I can see Gods hand in all our plans, He has blessed us abundantly here with friends and family. At the time though, I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed! and it has only been recently that I feel my "mojo" or my zest for life coming back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1I3-uAbhPLiHNoRlXsO58iqjDhJLBCpIvy3F4d_0DG6ieNTVn5IK8JzPwlI5p5Rz2JKInstHOjStbO9zcBvC2lYhBpqh1lw68wCHltL-zmGLzxLirA4ydagC8L9FlgdP7jiBrT-vIyPM/s1600/DSCF3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1I3-uAbhPLiHNoRlXsO58iqjDhJLBCpIvy3F4d_0DG6ieNTVn5IK8JzPwlI5p5Rz2JKInstHOjStbO9zcBvC2lYhBpqh1lw68wCHltL-zmGLzxLirA4ydagC8L9FlgdP7jiBrT-vIyPM/s320/DSCF3445.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake as a baby</td></tr>
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It has been a hard few years, Jacob my 6th child was a very hungry baby, feeding every two hours for 8 months. When he was 2 years old, Benjamin joined us. I feel that the last few years have passed me by, that I have been just surviving. Family life has been so busy and so constant that there has been no time for extra's. But this is not enough anymore, I need something extra. I want to start living intentionally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldeyDESGXWn8MEokSJMNgdEkqrwDhZJtLYHVWE2qN2jrEZGigZ9j-6s8y55o-rk_D9kzO479y55OW3MaFW-lU7HiyFN3XihOyja0yc6rlSKMN5ktyAz2xMMH2m-pMSuvv0-QJO0YZm2q7/s1600/DSC00507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldeyDESGXWn8MEokSJMNgdEkqrwDhZJtLYHVWE2qN2jrEZGigZ9j-6s8y55o-rk_D9kzO479y55OW3MaFW-lU7HiyFN3XihOyja0yc6rlSKMN5ktyAz2xMMH2m-pMSuvv0-QJO0YZm2q7/s320/DSC00507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji as a baby</td></tr>
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As I have been reading different books and blogs ( I love reading) I have noticed that a new catch phrase seems to be making the rounds- intentional living. I love those words. To me it means not letting life just happen, but having ideas and dreams and making them happen. Of course there are seasons in life, and different levels of energy during those seasons. Little children need lots of work, and that is my season at the moment.<br />
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But that doesn't mean that I can't work toward dreams, I may just need to do things that are possible now. For me this is definitely losing weight, continuing the Family Herbalist course that I am trying to complete, gaining skills that help in living a more simple life, like cheese making, candle dipping, improving my soap and making different breads. I can also work on being more organized so that the garden gets planted when it should, and I sew clothes for the next season instead of trying to sew winter clothes in winter.... it just doesn't work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FpGXZuzXZMEFhJW-RAsMZqORf9XRXtY6rvm2XbeOiRb-9y4JPsqdoOz9Lx-LD5HCgyLtUdAiXeA-N3n6PoxOKiHnqJMig_A2TSsBNvbw1MTBTwZ9S1oN-X3DWCBCAogfcA17IIfztIyH/s1600/DSC02227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FpGXZuzXZMEFhJW-RAsMZqORf9XRXtY6rvm2XbeOiRb-9y4JPsqdoOz9Lx-LD5HCgyLtUdAiXeA-N3n6PoxOKiHnqJMig_A2TSsBNvbw1MTBTwZ9S1oN-X3DWCBCAogfcA17IIfztIyH/s320/DSC02227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish Raisin filled Bisuits</td></tr>
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So that is my goal. I want to live an intentional life. A life that firstly glorifies God, but a life that also enables me to dream and plan, and not feel so overwhelmed all the time.<br />
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Jenny<br />
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Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-40891663547841124012013-07-04T19:47:00.001-07:002013-07-07T18:41:42.497-07:00Budgeting To save enough money to be able to buy a few acres debt free will of course require a lot of determination, and self control - Self control not to spend on wants and determination to try and reduce our needs. A budget helps. We usually have a fortnightly budget because Andrew gets paid fortnightly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5_jwPRKTWf03oikZGXEoxntlJv2eOwuKCnZgxcGHhyphenhyphentBPtbroHo5bOm7vzFuoItl6PWC0hPlvCyjXOBQl_QILf4QjTDVayUPpumcK9k2K9GarcpPgXcwwwJ4Bmpgv8gpMEaSaFx-wUQB/s1123/DSC01518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5_jwPRKTWf03oikZGXEoxntlJv2eOwuKCnZgxcGHhyphenhyphentBPtbroHo5bOm7vzFuoItl6PWC0hPlvCyjXOBQl_QILf4QjTDVayUPpumcK9k2K9GarcpPgXcwwwJ4Bmpgv8gpMEaSaFx-wUQB/s320/DSC01518.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrews scrapbooking</td></tr>
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I make a list of all our weekly, fortnightly and monthly expenses, and break it down into fortnightly payments. I always pay bills first and put money away for quarterly and annual bills. What is left over after putting savings away is our 'slush fund' so to speak. Money we can use for luxuries, in our case usually craft supplies. By having a few dollars left over, and it doesn't have to be a lot, it helps with the saving process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudZvuZiDFmtNOjDfphk2xJ5KlNty4xJMwL7i_pobNJC7_aPsYjXddd1wQsbkOG1Z34jeABz1bF5rD3dckxGQ-6fEsutRo62Q1Sa3C2WYUi8HabalPCmtDxpyGHthNYgCJwgjrQrTomME8/s1326/DSC02169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudZvuZiDFmtNOjDfphk2xJ5KlNty4xJMwL7i_pobNJC7_aPsYjXddd1wQsbkOG1Z34jeABz1bF5rD3dckxGQ-6fEsutRo62Q1Sa3C2WYUi8HabalPCmtDxpyGHthNYgCJwgjrQrTomME8/s320/DSC02169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Emily</td></tr>
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Instead of feeling like every single spare dollar needs to get put away, we know that we can still do our hobbies, still create beautiful things which is very important to us. We have always been a creative family, and to lose that over a block of land would not be right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfhhPSo6a2-KObAx9HEwAadGp82cbFDAXwq8Vx1dyezqZkHO-eobu1XVyivg4Taozoz1g_y1GX89bdM6SD2EjqAX9cYZk3Hn5nMhqJ_W6uWie70nGq1cvExb68N4N_tI13I9yn-5r0vmg/s1161/DSC01992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfhhPSo6a2-KObAx9HEwAadGp82cbFDAXwq8Vx1dyezqZkHO-eobu1XVyivg4Taozoz1g_y1GX89bdM6SD2EjqAX9cYZk3Hn5nMhqJ_W6uWie70nGq1cvExb68N4N_tI13I9yn-5r0vmg/s320/DSC01992.JPG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji</td></tr>
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We live fairly simply already, so our expenditures are not too huge, but having a large family means that bills like water and electricity are high and seem to be getting higher! and of course feeding a large family also takes a lot of money. <br />
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As hard as I try, I don't seem to be able to reduce our water or electricity consumption. We don't have tank water, nor do we have solar power, so we are totally reliant on town supplies of both. But groceries I can manipulate. By shopping differently, cooking more simple meals, buying in bulk and directly from farmers I can save money and often the quality of our food is better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy0Ugt6AYyNudasG2L_4XOEGy99T7GR2H3Amj6MPq_ElPXeORkyBJ-vVPvN38chTG_m4GZTsKLnsczEcE-5hy7wzulVzIb-s9TuMO5KKH-yjdC5uIMZ1bDoI6iCVgVG7fLPhGOMR6xemA/s1259/DSC02166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy0Ugt6AYyNudasG2L_4XOEGy99T7GR2H3Amj6MPq_ElPXeORkyBJ-vVPvN38chTG_m4GZTsKLnsczEcE-5hy7wzulVzIb-s9TuMO5KKH-yjdC5uIMZ1bDoI6iCVgVG7fLPhGOMR6xemA/s320/DSC02166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake and Nick</td></tr>
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But all this takes more time on my part, and that is something I have noticed over the last little while, trying to live a more simple lifestyle, trying to save money all requires a lot more work. It is so easy to buy what we need, making it is more time consuming and difficult.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb-y9veL8d_VhYTMZzGea5PwL7F8GPiHjLOjesRVOvaWF8kPgJc3032f_mCD0HXwqRV-UhCFMECtZ1ILwaIiZH7exJLAf-egQaxaxxxrmj6Nm2AYXH2qWF58j_CuSUrni4IaYSAsox9cH/s1178/DSC02170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb-y9veL8d_VhYTMZzGea5PwL7F8GPiHjLOjesRVOvaWF8kPgJc3032f_mCD0HXwqRV-UhCFMECtZ1ILwaIiZH7exJLAf-egQaxaxxxrmj6Nm2AYXH2qWF58j_CuSUrni4IaYSAsox9cH/s320/DSC02170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth and Jess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But isn't that part of the adventure of life, working hard and making life beautiful.<br />
<br />
Jenny<br />
Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-8761217709637280172013-07-03T18:58:00.000-07:002013-07-03T19:01:05.528-07:00Saving while renting?Is it possible to save for a place of our own while still paying rent?<br />
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We have been renting for about 8 years now and although I am grateful that we have a roof over our heads ( and 2 bathrooms), it would be lovely to have our own place! A place where we don't have to ask permission to do anything, where I can hang pictures, or paint if I want to. Where I can have our dog inside and a cow outside. And more room for the children to run around in.<br />
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So Andrew and I have decided that for the next 18 months we are going to try and save enough for some land.<br />
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We are a one income family. When we had our children we decided that I would stop working and become a permanent homemaker. While this works for the family and the children and Andrew like having me at home, financially it can be difficult especially with debt.<br />
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Debt can be the killer of savings. With debt there is often no option for saving because all our money is already earmarked.<br />
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When we married we had a mortgage, credit card debts and a personal loan. Financially we were drowning, so we made some tough choices. We sold the house, payed off all our loans and cut up our credit cards. We now have a "cash on the barrel" philosophy as Pa Ingalls would say. As hard as it has been it has also been wonderful. We don't owe anyone, but if we want to buy something, especially big ticket items, we have to wait or go without.<br />
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So when it comes to saving for land, while it is a possibility it is also going to take much sacrifice from all of us. We are going to have to set a strict budget and stick to it. I am going to try and save money on the groceries by cooking more from scratch and making more cleaning products. Christmas may be a little simpler and we won't have as much discretionary income for our craft supplies. But the end result will be wonderful. We will have our own piece of land and will be able to start homesteading in earnest.<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-59619598144563687722013-04-02T22:52:00.000-07:002013-04-02T22:52:22.813-07:00Autumn canning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4ycPFgrY8IFbba8VqNcF8pwU9M_IJWRs-DKiqK6bS19QOHQerahNmox6BsIddvtSqjFt7j0QdSou1gm9ES89nmGpIiara9GBqs61HQgMWB5WmxCBugdjDai0TUMukZRoQ1OSrqTBz7ol/s1600/0Pumpkin_Pumpkins_2503690750087063373gbedZE_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4ycPFgrY8IFbba8VqNcF8pwU9M_IJWRs-DKiqK6bS19QOHQerahNmox6BsIddvtSqjFt7j0QdSou1gm9ES89nmGpIiara9GBqs61HQgMWB5WmxCBugdjDai0TUMukZRoQ1OSrqTBz7ol/s320/0Pumpkin_Pumpkins_2503690750087063373gbedZE_fs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Autumn is the busiest of seasons in the kitchen. Canning and preserving are in full swing with apples to dry for my homemade muesli and to can for apple pies and crumbles <br />
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come winter. Tomatoes are made into Passata, tomato sauce and BBQ sauce. Capsicums and chilli's become Capsicum relish. This spicy relish comes from a friend of mine who has been making it for years. It has become a firm family favourite. <br />
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<b>Capsicum Relish.</b><br />
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<b> </b>Cut up: 1 lb capsicum<br />
2 cooking apples<br />
3 or 4 hot chillies<br />
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Add: 2 cups sugar<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 cup apple cider vinegar ( any vinegar could be used)<br />
1/2 cup water.<br />
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Boil till tender and bottle.<br />
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I love going to my pantry and seeing all my hard work put up in jars, and knowing that I am a little closer to living a more self-sufficient life. The dream is to one day grow most of our food, and supply most of our needs for ourselves. This will probably be a long time coming, so for now I am taking baby steps. Preserving what I can, from produce either grown by me or locally.<br />
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<b>Tomato Sauce</b><br />
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<b>BBQ Sauce</b><br />
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<b>Flowers from Andrew</b><br />
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Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-4666472188769163132013-03-29T07:00:00.000-07:002013-03-29T20:07:15.697-07:00Parenting with GraceMonday night is Girls Brigade night, and for the 2hrs that my girls are busy, I meet with a few other mums to listen to christian speakers.<br />
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My Brigaders </div>
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Last year we listened to James Dobson from <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/">Focus on the Family</a>, interview different people on various topics, from parenting to motherhood to being a wife.</div>
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This year it is Essentials of Parenting (Raising kids with a faith that lasts). One of the topics is Grace Filled Parenting. I grew up up a fairly legalistic family, many rules to live by, many do's and dont's, but not much compassion, forgiveness or grace. So when I hear the term "grace filled parenting', I immediately think permissive parenting. </div>
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Listening to Dr Tim Kimmell speak made me realise that parenting with grace is not letting our kids get away with everything, rather it is modelling Gods attributes for our children. Living out His love, mercy, forgiveness in front of our children so they can see how He wants us to live in this world. Our society needs to see Gods love, His mercy, graciousness, forgiveness - all His attributes at work in us, and the home is a fabulous practice ground for this. </div>
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My default position is to go back to the way that I was raised. It is so hard to get out of that mindset, but I don't want children to think that my love is conditional, that my motherhood is just a list of rules. I want my children to have a heart for God and to see God through me. It is a good thing we have a big God who can work through the lowliest of people. </div>
Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-70575784832619223122013-03-27T21:46:00.000-07:002013-03-27T21:46:36.946-07:00Every day lifeGod has placed me in very green pastures and life is very good. One of my favourite verses in the bible comes from Isaiah.<br />
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He tends his flock like a<br />
shepherd<br />
He gathers the lambs in His<br />
arms<br />
and carries them close to his<br />
heart<br />
He gently leads those that have young.<br />
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Isaiah 40:11<br />
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With as many little ones as I have, life can get very chaotic at times and I love knowing that God watches over me, I have a place in His heart. No matter what happens God is completely trustworthy, and whether it is needing a place to live, my husband needing a job, or all the children coming down with Gastro within days of each other, He is in control. That is not to say that I wont be exhausted or sad at times, or that tough stuff wont happen. But when it does God is there.<br />
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This morning, the kids and I walked to the park to get rid of some of the energy that seems to abound in young children.<br />
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They had fun.<br />
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We then did some school work</div>
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and they are still having fun!<br />
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And after so much work and play, of course it is time for lunch. I make a very simple bread for our daily loaf. I have tried Sour dough but I am having trouble finding a recipe that we all like. I think it is an acquired taste. </div>
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This bread is super easy! All I do is place some water and milk in my mixer, add yeast, a little honey and a little salt. Then comes some bread flour, enough to make a sticky dough. I let the mixer knead it for me for about 5 minutes and then leave the dough to rise. After about 2 hours I split the dough in half, pop it into tins and let it rise for another 45 minutes. Then into the oven to cook and we have lovely fresh bread for lunch. </div>
Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-14637926739116545192012-09-03T23:08:00.001-07:002012-09-03T23:11:13.060-07:00RUGS One of my latest crafts is rug making. When I was younger I tried hooked rug making but found it too slow and tedious.<br />
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Recently I discovered a type of knotted rug that goes by the name of toothbrush rugs, or pencil rugs. It is basically a crochet type knot that doesn't need a hook, just a pencil. It is so easy to do, and comes together really quickly, which suits my personality beautifully.<br />
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They look good, don't they?<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-69231358563635935962012-09-03T22:57:00.000-07:002012-09-03T23:11:51.305-07:00SPRING<br />
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Well spring has finally sprung down here in the Southern Hemisphere. The days are getting longer and warmer, although our nights are still very cold. The chickens are starting to lay more beautiful free- range eggs, and I have been busy cleaning! Isn't it funny how the end of winter stirs the need to refresh the house, to wash down walls, and make the windows sparkle? Even the fridge got a spring clean.<br />
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In recent years I have tried to use more natural cleaners in our home. The effect that so many chemicals in our everyday cleaners, can have on my children is worrying. Their skin absorbs these chemicals a lot more readily than adults, and only now does science seem to be discovering the damage they can do to our bodies. But I always thought that natural, more old-fashioned cleaners were not as effective. So I began with good old common vinegar. I have used it to clean my windows and mirrors, and it does a good job. I have found that wiping with old terry nappies works well, and doesn't leave any streaks, which is aways nice :)<br />
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I then tried Bicarb of Soda (baking soda) on my oven. I made a paste, and slathered it all over the inside of the oven, left it for a few minutes, and then took a gentle scourer and scrubbed gently. Now my oven has not been cleaned for a good long time ( to long to mention really) and I do cook the occasional roast in winter, so it was fairly dirty. It took some work, but the bicarb removed a lot of the more cooked on food, and left the oven reasonably clean. Possibly not as quick and easy as Mr Muscle would work, but with none of the fumes or chemicals either.<br />
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I wipe down my walls and kitchen cupboards with sugar soap. I haven't discovered a replacement yet, but I am looking.<br />
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I am thrilled that some natural cleaners do work. It seems silly now to buy chemically laden products, and I wonder why I did so for so many years, but it is hard to change what you know sometimes, isn't it?<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-46648556814627765792012-04-25T00:53:00.000-07:002012-04-25T00:53:48.174-07:00winning over depressionFor the past 20 years I have had depressive episodes. I don't say that I have depression (although a doctor would undoubedlty diagnose such a disease if I told him my symptoms). I don't want that to define who I am. I have a few family members with depression and they tell me that people see them differently when they find out. I don't want that for my life.<br />
I think I lean towards depressive episodes rather than a full blown depression. Many years ago I had post natal depression, and since then these episodes rear their ugly heads every so now and then. Today was one of those days!<br />
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Out of no-where, thoughts enter my head...thoughts that life is meaningless, that anything I do is meaningless, so what is the point of doing anything. I realise that these thoughts come straight from the devil, but they are so hard to fight! I pray, and read my bible. Then Andrew comes home from work and gives me a hug. He lets me cry and tell him how down I feel, and how much I hate feeling this way. He tells me he loves me, and gradually the fog starts to lift. For me, my husband is my strength at such times. I thank God for giving him to me.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-24068911759698191822012-04-20T23:09:00.001-07:002012-04-21T23:05:50.112-07:00Good Things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYijPMTnm3Agv7-uJkYw-CQQBFeRtGVpk-54beEBC0ptR1_3Aatx_dyjIR6riwZDdChUtPQL7877kG8p-GAUuq6iBlfhQ7SjIijKva6PWly1vGKq_E9SDdSqIYNmHKum0bYzMUGgp0LCf/s1600/mothervision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYijPMTnm3Agv7-uJkYw-CQQBFeRtGVpk-54beEBC0ptR1_3Aatx_dyjIR6riwZDdChUtPQL7877kG8p-GAUuq6iBlfhQ7SjIijKva6PWly1vGKq_E9SDdSqIYNmHKum0bYzMUGgp0LCf/s320/mothervision.jpg" width="226" /></a>Well the biscuit tin is full, and so is the cake tin. The house has been cleaned, and the washing is inside. Dinner is organised and the children are quiet. How I love a day where my to-do list gets accomplished :)Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-28656357998377387242012-04-20T23:02:00.000-07:002012-04-21T23:06:29.952-07:00Apple RingsMy dehydrator is getting a work out at the moment. I have been drying orange rounds purely for decoration, and apple rings for eating.<br />
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My children love eating apple rings by themselves or on cereal in the mornings for breakfast. I love them in my muesli. With the season of Gala apples so short, it is also a great way to preserve them for the rest of the year ( if they last that long!) . My next job is to get my Granny Smiths into jars as apple sauce, and maybe as a chutney or relish.<br />
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I am trying to replace our store bought sauces, like tomato, BBQ, and Steak, with homemade relishes and preserves, so I need to find recipes while it is apple season, because apples seem to be a staple ingredient in many homemade sauces. When I was growing up we didn't use many condiments at all, so making them is all very new to me. So my challenge for this autumn is to try out new recipes. <br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-25937465164658325942012-04-14T17:42:00.000-07:002012-04-14T17:42:49.077-07:00I am a career homemaker. I originally studied Nursing, and worked as a nurse for some years at a little country hospital. When I married Andrew, my career changed, and I became a stay at home wife and mum. <br />
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I love homemaking, I love the potential that it holds. Potential to develop so many different skills. I sew and knit, make quilts for all our beds, I make candles and soap, but the majority of my time is spent in the kitchen. I want to give my family the best meals that I can, so I cook from scratch using the best ingredients that I can find. Sometimes I go to the local markets and buy locally produced fruit and vegetables. I try to buy organic where I can. I am fortunate that I have access to reasonably priced apples and pears, and seasonal stone fruit, that I buy in bulk and are organic, but on the whole, organic food is expensive food!<br />
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In Australia it seems that our grocery prices are climbing higher and higher, and in a large family like my own, my grocery money is often our largest 'bill' in our fortnight. So I am trying to reduce it.<br />
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I could easily buy processed foods. They seem to be cheaper than whole foods, but I don't want to give my family all those additives. The next best thing would be to make our vegetable garden more productive.<br />
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In summer we have bumper crops of corn and beans, which is wonderful. But as the colder weather approaches, my enthusiasm for gardening decreases. It shouldn't. Our winters are quite mild, and we can grow many things, but the lure of quilting gets me every time. There is nothing like snuggling under a quilt that you're in the process of quilting!<br />
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So my goal for this Autumn/winter is to keep our vegie garden going, and to produce as much of our own food as possible. Red and green cabbages, Savoy cabbages ( I always think that those crinkly leaves look so lovely on a plate), beetroot, and maybe parsnips. Peas to eat and sweet peas for flowers because they smell so nice! Probably some winter lettuce, and definitely broccoli and cauliflower. If I can grow all that, I will be pleased.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-75047566776142653292012-04-10T21:44:00.001-07:002012-04-10T21:46:21.906-07:00WeekendWhat a weekend we have had in our busy household. Easter celebrations and a birthday!<br />
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I love easter, seeing the excited faces of my little ones as they come out first thing on easter morning and see their chocolate bunny sitting on the table. I love seeing their little bodies wiggle in anticipation of the easter egg hunt. But most of all I love reading the easter story. On Good Friday, reading how Jesus died on the cross for us so that we could go to heaven to live with him, and on Easter Sunday, reading how He came back to life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LAIWdLqo1YV3ZRShCe8RwbpJg6-8qSs-SEb7j5pckWIvghPSSi-9OqfZLYFMGxWvUX6aV7y43QBsESj9TBtFEUaQKSXjwvYHBIG8ke3Jece4jdKsabCz-ic84zUrd6-SFXkX-GMYzUOI/s1600/DSC01713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LAIWdLqo1YV3ZRShCe8RwbpJg6-8qSs-SEb7j5pckWIvghPSSi-9OqfZLYFMGxWvUX6aV7y43QBsESj9TBtFEUaQKSXjwvYHBIG8ke3Jece4jdKsabCz-ic84zUrd6-SFXkX-GMYzUOI/s320/DSC01713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This year, as an added extra to our celebrations, the children made easter hats. (Actually, I made the hats, they just decorated them!)<br />
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We also had a birthday this weekend. In the middle of all the easter hoohaa Nicholas turned six!<br />
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Blowing out the candles!<br />
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What a blessed weekend.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-83671022613352409932012-03-20T18:52:00.000-07:002012-03-20T18:52:19.984-07:00Our DaysToday. Our lives are full of Todays. Days that are full of ordinary happenings... getting up, making up beds (or washing sheets because your 5 year old wet the bed!), getting meals for hungry tummies, both old and young, sweeping the floor for the 3rd time because you served rice and we all know how that spills all over the floor :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qnyy5sQuXlfQ_FGlqRTst5QFi_fOm_-eEMpVnbK-gcSM4BYVBjJcuRzGOPURF8M_raWH2-5y4rJ8Eykt0R099Sd9mmaAV0n7WCuy14nm6oaR8YLp9sszCVkPlAMZY5MbPTyzSEy-Stn7/s1600/DSC01494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qnyy5sQuXlfQ_FGlqRTst5QFi_fOm_-eEMpVnbK-gcSM4BYVBjJcuRzGOPURF8M_raWH2-5y4rJ8Eykt0R099Sd9mmaAV0n7WCuy14nm6oaR8YLp9sszCVkPlAMZY5MbPTyzSEy-Stn7/s320/DSC01494.JPG" width="269" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>But Today is also full of cuddles and kisses from both young and old, questions and wonderings, and bunches of flowers from fat little hands.<br />
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I have been reading the book of Ecclesiastes of late, and it has reminded me that our lives are a gift from God, and we are to enjoy our days, especially the ordinary ones, because gifts are meant to be enjoyed.<br />
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Have a lovely day,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-83058298494800253992012-01-06T21:27:00.000-08:002012-01-06T21:27:36.828-08:00Summer...Summer is such a beautiful season, and bountiful too. This morning, the children and I helped Andrew in the garden. First we shucked corn, we had 40 cobs from about 30 plants. These are now in the freezer ready to be boiled and buttered for future dinners.<br />
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We then pulled the french beans out of the ground, and Emily and Nicholas went over them to get the last of the beans off. Just enough for dinner! The calendulas have finished flowering, so we picked the last flower heads for soap making. I made some calendula cream last week, but it smelt so bad, that nobody will want to use it. I really need to find a better recipe!<br />
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God bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-10308117875406706482011-12-18T22:23:00.000-08:002011-12-18T22:23:44.977-08:00Christmas I love this time of year! The christmas tree is up and the house is decorated. The little ones had so much fun putting baubles on the tree - non breakable ones of course. Jess does the glass ones whilst the kids have their rest after lunch. Although this year, she was at uni so it was left to me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmeVrHyAh_Xa9q1e_eiVSL-oc-hQNet2B5V4wj1q8eevIK42G-UNvrYidomQmS1ZO_1tHXyBwiygekgtgk_0XjM0pMDKjCjgM4VR3Qqb1jD-1cTWk8PtTvhK0Gufe3e_wQRgLUCoaWSZn/s1600/DSC00070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmeVrHyAh_Xa9q1e_eiVSL-oc-hQNet2B5V4wj1q8eevIK42G-UNvrYidomQmS1ZO_1tHXyBwiygekgtgk_0XjM0pMDKjCjgM4VR3Qqb1jD-1cTWk8PtTvhK0Gufe3e_wQRgLUCoaWSZn/s320/DSC00070.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> I haven't looked properly at our decorations for the last few christmas'. They bring back memories of where we got each one...the christmas shop in Mittagong, or the little shop we found in Launceston. It seems where ever we go we find these little shops, chock full of christmas wonders, and now with the internet the world is my oyster........<br />
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With the big day only a few days away, I have last minute sewing to do for stocking stuffers. We are giving the school aged children pencils and textas in their stocking this year, so I thought that I would make pencil cases toy go with them. Just simple rectangular bags, quilted with button closures. The boys also want "super capes" to play super heros in the backyard, so I will be doing them tonight.<br />
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My christmas cooking is almost finished, I think I have made a least 10 doz. fruit mince tarts! Andrew does love them. The pudding is ready to be steamed tomorrow, and the turkey and ham should be delivered on thursday.<br />
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Christmas can seem like a lot of work, but when I think about the childrens faces as they watch Andrew and I do a nativity play with puppets on christmas eve, or see their eyes sparkle as they watch the christmas lights display at our local park, it is all worth it.<br />
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Merry Christmas from my family to yours,<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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Jenny<br />
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Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-43613897899676772942011-12-07T16:41:00.000-08:002011-12-07T16:41:59.830-08:00God made the little boys for fun, for rough and tumble times of play;<br />
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He made their little legs to run and race and scamper through the day.<br />
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He made them strong for climbing trees, He suited them for horns and drums,<br />
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And filled them full of revelries so they could be their father's chums.<br />
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Edgar GuestJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-78468496831602467482011-11-22T19:22:00.001-08:002011-11-22T19:22:17.065-08:00I love.....I love being a mother. I love being pregnant, giving birth, breastfeeding, cuddling babies, toddlers and even 18 year olds! I even love changing babies nappies, and giving them baths.<br />
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I love to look at my childrens faces and marvel at their similarities and differences. I love their zest in the morning when I can barely wake up.<br />
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I love to watch their first tentative steps turn into bold cartwheels in a few short years. I love to watch them love each other. I love it when they want another baby as much as I do.<br />
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Children are wonderful!<br />
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God bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-21206659407079568932011-11-18T19:15:00.000-08:002011-11-18T19:15:28.291-08:00Growing UpIt seems like just yesterday I was looking into the eyes of my newborn baby daughter with her shock of fuzzy brown hair. Now, as she prepares to try her wings out, flying from home into the wide world, I find that my own outlook on life has changed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7dvNprk92wXUio7HU2lIn0MbpaniXwmYbuCY3qkcWoFnjLsDkjOQzuSaEFh_sVG8KcLoafInVQfhk0GZAKX8p7-9dGZkumk3_uwedlfcQZRVhy8Z3sTgFMwKx83BE3n3GtSWiB_xSXn0/s1600/DSC00719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7dvNprk92wXUio7HU2lIn0MbpaniXwmYbuCY3qkcWoFnjLsDkjOQzuSaEFh_sVG8KcLoafInVQfhk0GZAKX8p7-9dGZkumk3_uwedlfcQZRVhy8Z3sTgFMwKx83BE3n3GtSWiB_xSXn0/s320/DSC00719.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> I remember being that teenager, looking forward to university days and what lay beyond. Now (many years later!), I am the mum, looking at life from an older point of view. Still excited about what adventures lay ahead, but also realising how quickly the last years have gone by, and how precious the time is!<br />
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I realise that I need to make the most of every moment with my other little ones, because soon they too will be trying out their wings and flying from the nest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWf001uhv59uq96SI_DQ7RoYb8DRiYM0K2LV4oNpHwligXn0afNON2PpGUtQzlClcN-FSfTLOq1_cTeU7KGpBYVPJGs5MBPAbVYwcVESGLZ9qLTKZkbuBepYgdSNHexMx1v0DnLw8vAVq/s1600/DSC00479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWf001uhv59uq96SI_DQ7RoYb8DRiYM0K2LV4oNpHwligXn0afNON2PpGUtQzlClcN-FSfTLOq1_cTeU7KGpBYVPJGs5MBPAbVYwcVESGLZ9qLTKZkbuBepYgdSNHexMx1v0DnLw8vAVq/s320/DSC00479.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>So I am going to enjoy the potty training, learning to walk, the getting into mischief part of life. I am going to enjoy teaching my little ones to read and write, teach them their mathematics and all about God, because I know that these days will all too soon be gone and one day be just precious memories.<br />
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Enjoy your children at whatever stage they are at.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-59967172767737627652011-09-13T17:49:00.000-07:002011-09-13T17:49:51.775-07:00A Simple woman's Daybook<b>Outside my window.... </b> the sun is shining and I can hear the children playing in the yard.<br />
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<b>I am thinking...</b> that I wish I were a morning person. I love early morning sounds!<br />
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<b>From the learning rooms... </b>Nicholas' reading is coming along so well. He is learning ee sounds.<br />
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<b>In the kitchen... </b>Bread is cooking for lunch. Yum<br />
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<b>I am wearing... </b>my usual denim skirt with a long sleeved shirt. My ankle is still bound up from when I sprained it, so I have joggers on to support it.<br />
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<b> I am creating...</b> soap!<br />
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<b>I am wondering...</b> how to make our lives more full filling without just making us busy.<br />
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<b>I am reading...</b> " The Mom You're Meant to Be" By Cheri Fuller<br />
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<b>I am hoping...</b> that the chicken pox has finally left our family.<br />
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<b>I am looking forward to...</b> Andrews holidays..7 whole weeks!<br />
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<b>Around the house....</b> Emily and Nicholas are playing Trio and Jacob is playing with Duplo. Katie and Beth are playing an imaginative game outside, and Benjamin is joining in any way he can.<br />
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From the creative mind of The Simple Womans Daybook.<br />
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</b>Jenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-37378178744204910112011-09-13T15:23:00.000-07:002011-09-13T15:23:32.482-07:00Spring.... "All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirit soars."<br />
-Helen HayesJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516781616872803611.post-88637464567602154312011-08-26T17:54:00.000-07:002011-08-26T17:54:15.930-07:00SeasonsAll seasons in life present their own challenges. As I sit here typing I am looking out the window, rain is falling and the mist is closing in. It is really quiet beautiful. Inside on the other hand, I have house full of house bound toddlers, and an 18 year old with the chicken pox! The prospect of six more cases of chicken pox all under the age of 8 is entirely underwhelming, and I am tempted to just go back to bed! But of course I can not do that ( mores the pity), so I will bake a batch of choc chip cookies in an attempt to appease the masses, ( it usually works) and then as Elizabeth Elliot says, I will do the next thing.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
JennyJenny Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17591262620881736897noreply@blogger.com0