Dec. '10

It has been a while since I have written, busy with the everyday life. :) Today it is 32 degrees out and very windy. You can tell winter is on it's way, which for Kyle is very exciting he wants to go sledding again!
We put the Christmas Tree up last weekend. I love putting up the ornaments and seeing how our life has changed through the years. From when Tom and I had our first Christmas together, when we were dating, to when we had Kyle , and now Tyler. I love this time of year! I hear all these things about what my kids want and how much people are spending on gifts and it is sad to me. Christmas to me is spending time with my family and being able to share a time to be happy and so thankful for the miracle that happened and for the Real reason for Christmas.
Don't get me wrong everybody likes getting gifts, but I dont want our boys growing up thinking that Christmas is all about presents, for them also to know it is better to give then to recieve gifts.
Tom and I have decided not to get each other major gifts this year. We would rather put the money toward repairs or things we want to do to this house or to put into savings for that homestead out there for us someday.

I have started sketching out the garden for this coming year, I know , I know, but I love gardening! :)So I am excited about hopefully getting more yeild out of the garden this year since we experimented with a few things last year. I will post a run down of what we will be growing in a few weeks.

Anyway, I was out of the making my own stuff there for a while, but I am getting back into it. :) I made two loaves of bread lastnight which will be for sandwiches and for french toast which we will be having later in the week. I made a batch of laundry detergant and some maple syrup. (and no I did not go out and tap a sugar maple! :) hahaha) I found a easy recipe that taste just like the store, but it only has 3 ingredients.

Maple Syrup:
1 cup Water
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Maple extract

Bring water and sugar to a slow boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat before it comes to a rolling boil. Stir in maple extract as it is cooling.

There you go and it costs around 20 cents to make. That is some savings!

I have also tried my hand at homemade marshmellows. Which I am excited to say they came out great! Great in Hot Cocoa.

I thought I would give an insight to the menu plan for this week.

Monday: 16 bean soup and homemade rolls
Tuesday: Homemade Hamburger Helper and corn
Wed : French Toast
Thurs.: Meatloaf, wild rice and carrots
Friday: Spaghetti with garlic toast
Saturday: Oatmeal with toppings
Sunday: Leftovers
Can you tell we like breakfast foods! hahaha

Well, hopefully it won't be this long till the next time I write. But if it is I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas! Don't forget what this season is really about!

God Bless,
Katie