Our Journey

Courageous

2012-01-30T16:32:00.000-05:00

What words come to your mind when you hear this word? Maybe

Strong
Never backs down
Never fearing
Jesus

What got me thinking about this word? The movie Courageous. What a powerful, thought provoking and inspiring movie. I highly recommended to anyone wo hasn't seen this before to go and rent it or borrow from friends or family. Especially if ou have children. The movie is based more for men( fathers/mentors), but as a wife . mother it impacted me as well.
Another thing that the movie really got me thinking about was how I take for granted the time I have with my children. Yes somedays I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open and others I would love to be on a deserted island with food, books and dvd player. (All by myself) And then there are the days I just need that padded room. hahah But I should really take every moment even during those time when Kyle comes running up to me and says, "Mommy come play trains with me ", (Even if this is the fiftieth time playing it that day) :) I should run in the room and play it with him because no one knows how much time you have with your children or with anyone else and I want to be able to say. I was the best mother I could have been and have no thoughts in my head of," I should have done blank more with them".
I just wanted to encourage you to see the movie and I hope it makes an impact on your lives like it did ours :)

On other news, It has been a very stressful week for us. Tom was working alot of hours at work this week ( such a blessing and love him so much for doing it for our family!). Then on top of all that our Clothing washer died. UGH! Again! UGH! So we had to go and look at washers , which we really didn't feel like doing. There are so many new models out there! The simple living family we are only wanted a regular washer without all the fancy do dats on it. That is like finding a needle in a haystack! hahah But finally after traveling the whole way to harrisburg we found it!!! And it was on clearance!!! And here she be....

So excited!

     Other news, tomorrow is suppose to be in the mid 50's yay!! Come on Spring!! So the boys and I will be outside. I am going to clean up the outside a little and then doing a diagram of the this years garden at our house and maybe do one of the big garden. I know it is only the end of January and spring is a good bit away , but maybe this year spring will come early! :) A girl can dream! haha

So how was your weekend? What did you do? Have you gotten cabin fever already like me?! :) I would also love to know from those who have seen the movie Courageous, what did you think of the movie? How has it impacted you? Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday!

~ Katie

Motivation

2012-01-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Today I was counting change from our "Farm jar". This is a jar we put our spare change or change we find. It is where the money for are farm is being saved. :) It is nice to see the coins from somebody's jeans pockets while doing wash ( the hubby's) and put it straight into the jar.

Doing this with the jar is so much fun for me! Watching the coins slowly build up in the jar, it makes me think of how to us getting a farm is going slow ( at least to me it does!), but we will soon be blessed to have one!

Kyle gets a quarter or other small change when he helps me out around the house or outside. He had 3 jars to put the money into. One is for Spending, one is for Savings, and the last is for Giving. He has told us the Spending jar money is for a Thomas train he wants and a donut ( hahah kid cracks me up, but hey it's his money) . The money in the savings jar, he has said that is for his chickens and the sheep he wants to buy when we get our farm or as he would put it, " When we get to build our barn!" haha.

I love when he asks me if we can sit and talk about what our farm is will be like and the animals we will have on it. If this isn't enough motivation for us , I don't know what is! And to see just the spark in his eye when we talk about it. God has blessed us with such beautiful children and with excited hearts about everything. It motivates me to be more excited about things, even the little stuff! :) My children and husband are such a motivation to me, to do things to make our lives better and more fun!

Now more then ever we want to give this kind of farm life to our boys , who are already passionate about our life on a farm/homestead!
God has a plan and we are on the journey where He wants us! We are all excited to see where it leads us all!

How are you motivated to have a simple life, homestead, etc.?
I would love to here what motivates you and what you are motivated to do.

Have a Wonderful Day!

~ Katie

update on basement! :)

2012-01-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday we had a bunch of my husband's friends come over and work on the basement. They did an amazing job! They got the wiring done some of the lights up and framed and insulated two walls! YAY! It is starting to look like a finished basement! Here are some pictures:

oh boy!

2012-01-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is a big day around here! My husband has off and has asked some of his friends to come over to work on the basement! Yay! We are hoping that they will get alot done and we can start hanging drywall soon! Yay! I will post pictures after they are done to keep you updated!

I went to Sharp Shopper with my dad and my boys. What a fun time! :) If you aren't from this area, Sharp Shopper is a discounted grocery store. I could spend all of our bank account stocking up on things( don't think the Hubby would approve! LOL)

Tyler our youngest has his 18month old appt. today at the pediatricians. Where has the time gone!? Our oldest starts kindergarten next year! Can't believe it! It does go to fast!

Today I am working on ways to bring in extra income to help the family out and to use to save for the boys college funds.

What ideas do you have for bringing in some extra cash? What do you do? I would love to know! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend if I don't blog before then! :)

God Bless!

~Katie

Organzing

2012-01-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

I am wanting to get more organized as one of my goals. So I am thinking of things to do to become that. I found some cute ideas and thought I would share. :)

Love this idea for the kitchen. Can't wait to go yard saling and hopefully find jars like this for cheap! :)

http://www.menus4moms.com/notesfromthekitchen/organization-ideas/pretty-storage-jars-with-chalkboard-paint/

For our stand up freezer downstairs! Love what Homestead Revival posted here http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2010/07/upright-freezer-organization.html

Does anyone have any other ideas for organization in the any room!? I would love to hear about them or see them! :)

Have a Wonderful day!

~Katie

2012

2012-01-06T19:26:00.000-05:00

Wow really! Is it already here! Craziness! I guess with kids the years go by faster like they say. Well I am pretty happy with last year. We became DEBT FREE!!! yay!! I skimped out on alot of my goals so this year I am determined to do my whole list! I have a personal/family and a homesteading/simple life list.

I will give you my homesteading/ simple life list.

Here we go.....

-Keep making laundry soap! ( i didn't do this one alot last year)
-start a new compost pile/ bin.
- get 2 or 3 blueberry bushes
-can and freeze as much as I can from the garden and trips to roots's . Didn't get much canned or frozen.
-Watch less tv. ( whole family, but also want to lower our electric bill)
-blog daily or at least once a week.
-buy 1/4 or 1/2 beef cow
-learn to make a rag rug/braided rugs
-start sewing and making things ( I have a sewing machine just screaming my name)
-Try raw cows milk and make things from it such as butter, etc.
- find more energy efficient ways to do things

I am sure will add more. I am keeping it simple since I have another list of goals.

Personal goals/ family

- Stay better organized and find an organizational system that works best for us.
- Finish at least 4 books this year
-devotionals daily ( struggled with this last year since I have early rising children around 6am and I am exhausted by 8pm but no excuses it will get done!)
- finish the basement , maybe even the kitchen ( we are working on finishing our basement into more living space)
-Remember when shopping is it a need or a want
- Go on a date night at least once every 3 months.
-Keep using coupons( love that word) haha
-Start saving for Kyle's schooling and for Tyler's
- Save 3-6 months living expenses
- be as frugal as possible.

So there you have it . My list of goals this year. I would love to hear any of your goals! :) Hope you all had a wonderful christmas and a great start to the new year!

~ Katie

A Morning prayer

2011-12-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

I love the kind of morning, where I can sit with a cup of coffee and admire God's creation. To see the sunrise with it's purples, reds, yellows and oranges shine down on the light snow that fell last night. The world seems so at peace at this time of day, oh how I wish it would stay like that all day. It's a time to prepare my spirit for the upcoming days challenges.

We received a card in the mail with a prayer you can pray in the morning and flip it over and has one for you to pray in the evening. I wanted to share this prayer with you. This is from Intouchministries.

Father, I thank You for awakening me to this new morning!Please help me begin this day with rejoicing and with praise to You on my lips for keeping me through another night. I also praise You for the promise of your Word Lamentations 3:22-23 that Your loving-kindnesses never cease. I rejoice that Your compassion never fail but are new every morning. I commit this day to You. Help me to keep You first in my thoughts, and help me magnify and glorify Your great name in all I do and say. I pray this in the powerful name in Jesus. Amen.

I hope this prayer brings you peace for the day to come like it does me. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

~ Katie

It's seed time!

2011-12-29T08:49:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year! The seed catalogs come pouring in and my mind goes in so many wonderful places! What should I plant! We still have a big garden we are doing while friends of ours are still away we get to use. So I want to get a decent haul this year since we won't have that garden next year. We don't have much room at our house for gardening, so we will be doing a lot of container gardening. I am also looking forward this year to add to our berry patch some blueberry bushes. Does anyone have a breed of blueberries they love and would recommend? I will be also buying some vegetables in plant form at our local hardware store closer to spring/summer. Since in our house we don't have alot of room to start seeds.
Have you gotten any seed catalogs yet?! What are you planning on growing this year? I would love to know! Have a wonderful Day!

23 day frugal Challenge

2011-12-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the 23 day frugal challenge. :) I am excited for this to challenge myself and my family to be more frugal. I have begun to stock up on meats, pancake mix, rice, noodles, cheese, etc.with the gift cards we got for Christmas, so I don't need to run to the store as much. We are really working on pinching pennies, so we can save up for things we would like to do to the house and to save for the farm. :)

Are any of you doing this challenge? What are you doing to prepare for the challenge? For those who don't know about the challenge and want to know more go here http://frugallysustainable.blogspot.com/2011/11/23-day-frugal-living-challenge-join-us.html. Come join the challenge! :)

Cheese Giveaway!!

2011-12-22T08:08:00.002-05:00

The Woodwife's Journal is giving away a cheese kit! head on over and see her blog and while you are there enter her cool giveaway! :)

Propane or no propane?

2011-12-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

That is the question going around in our minds here. As you know we are finishing our unfinished basement and are thinking of a heating source other then oil (which is ridiculously high!). So we first thought of a wood stove, but we would then need to put a chimney up through our house so that was cancelled out. So our next thought was propane. We could use the propane for a fireplace downstairs and then also get a propane stove (yes I must say I squealed a little at the thought of not only a new stove but one that wasn't electric! ) So we still have a lot to do downstairs before even putting one in, but you know me I am a planner. So I was wondering if any of you have propane? What are your pros and cons? Is it cheaper then oil? Any suggestions on what kind of tank? Anything would be greatly appreciated! :)

On another note.... Christmas is so close! I am finishing up my Christmas shopping this week. I know, I know. I am not usually one of those last minute people but this year it really snuck up on me. I don't know if it because I have a 4 yr. old and a toddler, or I really need to clear my schedule more. But slowly but surely the shopping will get done and the homemade gifts will get finished and ready for Sunday. Anyone else still need to do Christmas shopping or finishing the homemade gifts?

I found a lot of great things on Abbi's blog http://proverbs31living.blogspot.com/search/label/frugalityhttp://proverbs31living.blogspot.com/search/label/frugality
She is so creative and makes me not want to waste anything. There is a use for everything. So if you are looking for any last minute homemade ideas there are plenty here! Check them out! :)
If I don't blog before then, I want to Wish Each of you A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!!
And most importantly REMEBER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!

~Katie

Great craft/ christmas present idea!

2011-12-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I will post pictures of our progress on the basement soon I promise. This afternoon when I had a 4 yr. old on my leg saying "What can I do?", with that I am dying of boredom look on his face. haha You know the one I am talking about! :) I didn't want him to watch tv, we try to keep weekends tv free. :)
I was trying to think of things to do with the boys ( mainly Kyle) and found this!
Thought this was a great idea for a craft for you to do with the kids or even Christmas gifts for kids!. I found it at this link:
http://tammysrecipes.com/homemade_play_dough_winter_themed_scents_colors

I have followed Tammy's blog for over a year now and I love it! Such a wonderful Godly woman, a wonderful mom, wife and most of all she has some awesome recipes and great tips! Check her blog out!
So do you have any fun ideas or crafts to do with your kids? I would love any ideas so I can have a long list of things to do with them during the winter. :) Because we all know that if we don't have a list ready of things to keep them busy it will be a LONG winter! :) Hope everyone is doing great! Till next time!
Keep being frugal! :)

~Katie

It's that time of year agian!

2011-12-02T07:50:00.001-05:00

Christmas is upon us again! I love this time of year and not because of the presents or the Christmas dinner! haha I love Christmas because it is such a wonderful time to spend with my family again and to celebrate the birth of Christ together. That to me is the best gift in the world!
It also is a bitter sweet month for me and my family. We lost someone in December of '03 who was a huge part of this family and made a huge impact on me , even though I was on a wrong path at the time, this person was my grandfather. He was an amazing, solid Christian man. Every December I think about him and how much I miss him. I wish he was here to ask , what should I do?, What do you think about this?. He is the person I think my mom and I got our love for farm life from him. I know he is proud of me and the dream of having a farm is bringing a smile to his face. :)

On another note about Christmas. Presents: this is a part of Christmas I find myself getting caught up in. I find myself going oh I would love this or oooohhh I want this so bad. And really I don't need it. We have been working on asking for things that would could really use and not just feel like we need. We are also working on giving more homemade gifts this year. I think they mean so much more then something bought.

What are you guys doing for Christmas presents this year? Are you doing homemade?? What does Christmas time mean to you? I would love to hear and any great ideas for homemade gifts! :) Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

~Katie

Finishing our Basement!!!

2011-11-21T07:42:00.000-05:00

Yay!!! I have been waiting for this project to get done and the time is here. It is going to take us a while to get this done but are hoping to be completely done by The end of June in time for the Boys birthday party!

We are thinking of doing a barn theme! Love love love! I asked on my facebook for any fun decorating ideas that anyone may have , so I am asking you on here as well. :) We are going to making our own sliding barn doors, to use as our doors into Tom's workshop and another for the laundry room. http://remodelista.com/posts/architectural-elements-sliding-barn-doors Our doors will be a rougher look though.

We are also are also going to use an old wagon as a coffee table. Like this one http://www.nebraskahistory.org/images/sites/mnh/toystory/wagon.jpg.

We are also going to be using wooden crates as end tables.

For the laundry room we are putting in a utility sink and I had the idea of using one of those large metal gardening buckets, kind of like this but wider http://www.flickr.com/photos/7545231@N03/5352513017/
we will coat it with a water proof seal and my husband will drill a hole for the drain. What what do you think?

So we are on our way, we have one wall framed out so far but there is only so much you can do with two kids around :) Thanks for reading! :)

~ Katie

Chickens, Turkeys and quiet days

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

I got my Meyer Hatchery 2012 Catalog. (www.MeyerHatchery.com) . I have picked out the chickens we will get someday! I have picked out the Buff Orphingtons and some Barred Plymouth Rocks. Ahhh I can't wait . I also picked out the Bourbon Red Turkey . :) ( He will be for Thanksgiving.) Every time I look at this Magazine I am like a kid in a candy store! :) Where do you get your chickens if you have them? What kinds do you have or do you want to get? I would love to hear! And for those who are waiting for your homestead, it is never to early to plan :) and dream! I am going to look at burpees today to get my seed list ready and maybe order a few for the coming years garden.

Today is a quiet day around here. The boys are playing , I washing and hanging laundry out. Also, making cinnamon buns with cream cheese icing. YUM! Recipe from :
http://tammysrecipes.com/cinnamon_rolls_cream_cheese_frosting. Best I have ever had! You should stop by her website and check out other yummy recipes that she has made.

What are you doing today on your homestead? Have a wonderful day!

~ Katie

Happenings

2011-11-12T19:49:00.001-05:00

Well I haven't posted for a few days . My family had come down with the stomach bug. Yuck! Thankfully we are now better and getting back into the swing of things. :)

Today I got raspberry bushes from a friend of mine that I knew in youth group, it was so great to see her again and she is on a simple life/ homesteading journey as well so that is awesome too! I get to have someone to chat with about that and share our experiences together! Can't wait to talk to her agian!

So back to what I was saying. She was so gracious enough to give me a bunch of their raspberry bushes. We both did some research and I am looking for anyone who has raspberries or has ever planted them. When is the best time to do so? We both found some articles that said fall is good and others that said wait till early spring to plant them . So any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

Sorry this is such a short post. I will be working on menu plan tomorrow and will try to post it then . Hope you are all doing wonderfully! Anything new on your homestead? I would love to hear!!! :)

~Katie

Giveaway!!!

2011-11-04T10:20:00.002-04:00

There is an awesome giveaway going on at NewLifeOnAHomestead! Giving away a fair trade goodie bag!Get on over there and enter! :)

Wow I know it has been a long time.

2011-11-03T16:34:00.000-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I have written here! Life has been very hectic lately with my oldest son starting school this year and I took on a job at my church.
We have finished preparing the small garden around the house and the strawberry patches for winter. Next we are going to work on the big garden and get that one ready for winter. Hopefully we can work on some of that tonight and this weekend.

I am already in the midst of making out my list of things I want to grow ,next year. I am not going to do certain things that didn't work out well last year. Such as the corn and the watermelon. We will just have to buy these at the veggie stand. :)

Thanksgiving is coming up! I love this time of year (also Christmas) , because I get to spend a whole day with my whole family! I love family time so much! I guess that is why I don't like to travel. hahah Or as my husband would call me a homebody. :) I don't mind I take that as a compliment.

Anyway, I am so thankful to God, my family and friends for so much they have done for me and my life! They keep me motivated knowing that someday God will provide us the live we always dream of having with our children. I can't wait for that day, but even where we are there is so much to be thankful for that we take for granted. I want to challenge you to sit down for a few minutes ( I know when does a mom have time to do that) okay then maybe while you are throwing in a load of laundry thank the Lord for something you are thankful for, maybe those clothes you are washing or those dishes you are washing, or the food that was on those dishes. Really take the time this month and every month to be thankful for what you do have and not complain about the things you don't have. :)

I am going to live my life by this Bible verse. This is by far one of my favorites.

Philippians 4:11-12

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I will try to keep this blogging up! haha Thank you for those who do follow me! Have a wonderful day!

~Katie

Great givaway from a great blog!

2011-08-20T20:47:00.001-04:00

http://lameinbothfeet.blogspot.com/2011/08/being-brave-for-maintenance-honey.html

Check out her blog it is so great and inspirational!

~Katie

Awesome giveaway!!!

2011-07-19T07:22:00.000-04:00

http://www.themorristribe.com/2011/07/debt-slaves-the-wild-and-free-pigs-of-okefenokee-swamp/

She is giving another copy of off the grid away!

Great Giveaway!!!

2011-07-17T22:11:00.002-04:00

This is such a cool giveaway! And an amazing blog to start following! :)

http://www.themorristribe.com/2011/07/surviving-off-off-grid-decolonizing-the-industrial-mind-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-4508

garden update 7-10-11

2011-07-11T06:52:00.000-04:00

Well things have been producing great up at the big garden for us! I have been freezing beans, snap peas and squash so far. I also went to a country store we have in our area and bough 10 lbs. of blueberries ( they are sooo big and sooo good) I froze those as well. We are hopefully going to try to keep those in the freezer for a while but we will see how long that lasts! haha We dug under one of our potatoe plants and found they are doing great and are almost ready to harvest ! yay!! Wanted to say thank you mom for all your help with the garden this year!

I have been praying a lot to know where God wants our family. I am feeling in that stuck mode where you aren't really sure where he wants you, or it is just me getting restless and wanting the homestead and God wanting us to be patient, because it isn't time for us yet. I am working on the patients thing! Well how is your garden doing?? Are you planning to plant any fall crops, I would love to know what you are planting. I am trying to think of ones I want to plant. :) Have a wonderful week.

~ Katie

small garden update

2011-06-27T08:22:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a while since I have posted anything about the gardens. I only had a chance this morning to post pics of the small garden I will hope to get some pics of the big garden up soon. :) Everything is growing great! I replanted some pea plants which are really taking off and another batch of carrots. Cutting flowers

Cucumber plants (pickle cucumbers)

Cucumber :)

Red peppers, just not red yet :)

Onion plants getting big

Second planting of pole beans

Bush beans

Heirloom tomatoes

trying one of the second plantings of peas in a pot

Peas- 1st planting

Second planting of peas coming up

Amish past tomato

second batch of carrots

Lettuce, going to plant more of this before it gets to hot

We are trying something new with our potatoes this year. :) A big metal tub which we put holes in the bottom for drainage and are building up the burlap as the plants grow and we keep adding compost. We will see how it worked at harvesting time. Fingers crossed.

Inside the burlap container

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful week!

giveaway check it out!

2011-06-21T11:45:00.002-04:00

http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/06/give-away-shelf-reliance-thrive.html#comment-form

Awesome giveaway!!!

2011-06-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

http://www.themorristribe.com/2011/06/the-farmers-wife-cookbook-giveaway/

Awesome giveaway!!!

2011-06-19T20:11:00.001-04:00

http://www.themorristribe.com/2011/06/the-farmers-wife-cookbook-giveaway/

Check out this giveaway!!! :)

2011-06-13T11:24:00.001-04:00

http://littlefarminthebigcity.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-very-first-give-away.html

garden update and thoughts

2011-06-13T07:48:00.000-04:00

Here are photos of the garden at our house not the big garden. Everything is looking great!

I also wanted to share a book that our fellowship is reading. It is called Radical by David Platt .
We are only on the second chapter but already Wow! This book really does make you really look at your life, faith and what you could be doing. I feel us in the United States take our faith a little for granted sometimes, while those in other countries thirst for the Word and want to learn as much as they can, while
they know they will be killed for this if found out. What amazing faith!!!
This book has already challenged me and my hubby to not take our faith for granted! I feel so blessed to be able to state my Christianity and not have to worry about being killed for it. This also made me think of other things we take for granted. Our house that has heat and A/C, money to buy food and seeds for the garden. Vehicles,electricity and so on.....
We are going to work harder on giving to those who need things more then we do. I hope this challenges you to really not take things or even your faith for granted because we all are truly blessed!!
Have a wonderful week!
~ Katie
PS. I will be writing soon about my "Battle for the Birds" , my story on trying to get chickens to be allowed in our borough. :)

garden update and menu plan

2011-06-06T11:09:00.000-04:00

Here are a few photos of the big garden finally. We really need to get up there to weed soon they are taking over again! UGH!
pictures of the corn, watermelon, tomatoes, pepper, zucchini, green beans, potatoes, peas and lettuce. The lima beans aren't doing great only three plants have come up and this is the second time my mom has replanted.

Menu Plan for this week:

Monday:
B-Pancakes
L- sandwiches/ carrots/ apple slices
D-Spaghetti, salad, bread and butter

Tuesday:
B- Oatmeal
L- Leftovers
D- grilled chicken, mash pot., veggie (green beans)

Wed.-
B- Scrambled eggs, toast
L- sandwiches/ stove top mac and cheese
D- chicken zucchini casserole

Thurs.-
B- cold cereal/ bananas
L- leftovers/ pb&j sandwiches
D- Chicken Pot pie

Friday-
B- oatmeal
L- grilled cheese/ cold veggies/ grapes
D- pizza/ orange wedges

Sat. -
B- Cold cereal/ bananas
L- leftovers/ sandwiches
D- chicken salad sandwiches/ pot. wedges/ cold veggies

Sunday-
B-pancakes
L- sandwiches/ broccoli cheddar soup
D-Burgers, pot. fries, veggie

What;s on your menu this week? How is your garden going? Would love to know! Have a wonderful week!!
~Katie

turkey

2011-05-27T07:44:00.000-04:00

Do you remember I told you about the female turkey we had just roaming around our neighborhood? Well we haven't seen her for a while and I was beginning to think something bad happened to her. Well I saw her on tuesday!! yay! And even more exciting she had about 6-7 little fluffy balls peeping and following her!!!!! I am so excited to see how they are going to grow. Even if they are wild and not mine I am still excited about watching them until we do get the chance to have livestock of our own! :)

Anything new and exciting around your place? would love to hear!! :)

check out this great blog and giveaway!

2011-05-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

Here is a great blog I have started following and she is doing a giveaway! Check it out!

http://theblessedhearth.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-for-you.html

~Katie

garden

2011-05-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

Well I added more to the big garden :) I wanted to make sure this year I could actually make some tomato sauce from the tomatoes from our garden or at least ketchup. So I bought some Amish paste plants (18 of them to be exact!) :) Hopefully that should do it! hahah We also picked up some watermelon plants as well. Never had success with watermelon, but I am determined this year to at least get one! :) Today is suppose to be pretty hot and humid, hope my plants survive! :) Picks to come of the big garden! Everytime I go up there I forget my camera!

Plant anything new in your garden?? I would love to hear!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Katie

Prayer for those hit by the tornadoes

2011-05-25T11:57:00.000-04:00

Today I am thinking about all I have seen and heard on the news about those who were hit by the tornados. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost everything and maybe even a family member or friend. I will Be looking into how our family can help anyway we can. I encourage all of you to do the same, even a little something you think wouldn't be enough is more then these people have right now. We should all pray for these people, families, friends and stranger and now more then ever, not take anything we have for granted! We are so blessed!

~ Katie

Garden update for this week

2011-05-23T11:56:00.000-04:00

Here are some updated pictures of the garden this week. Strawberries are growing REALLY well. Up at the other garden I will get some pictures of what are growing up there soon. But what is at our house are all doing great! There is something eating my poor broccoli plants! Any ideas what I can put on the leaves to keep them away? Have a great week!
Strawberries

Carrots

cucumbers

Beans

Sorry it's blurry, pepper plant

First time doing heirloom tomatoes! :)

Peas

Spinach, something is going after these too! UGH!

One potato plant

Mixed cutting flowers

My poor broccoli plants :(

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK! WOULD LOVE TO HEAR HOW YOUR GARDEN IS DOING! :)

~ Katie

Unfair

2011-05-17T08:23:00.000-04:00

I read a devotional yesterday that really got me thinking. It is from the Our Daily Bread.
It was about how people that don't do the right thing come out on top and those who do the right thing don't seem to get what they deserve. " A businessman cheats yet wins the big contract , and the guy who parties all the time is robust and healthy- while you or your loved ones struggle with finances or medical issues."( Our Daily Bread) .

I know I feel this way alot , with us wanting our little farm and those who have farms and don't use them and let them rot away, when my husband and I have so much passion to farm and can't do it. We wish people would just give us their farms so we can actually use it. I have to stop and remember God is in control and He has a place for us! Just in His timing.

I know the feelings that I have are not really the same as what was in this devotional, but it made me think about my jealousy and how I think things are unfair, but to be reminded that God knows our wants and desires of our hearts. My mom and dad gave me a block magnet that I have by my desk that when I get fustrated or discouraged about having a farm I look and and read. It is Jeremiah 29:11:

" I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

This just gives me hope and reminds me that God does want us to have hope and know he has plans for our future, just sit back and enjoy the ride. :)

Hope you all have a great week!
~Katie

join the barn hop

2011-05-16T21:16:00.000-04:00

Link up and let us know what you are doing on your homestead and see what others are doing on theirs! :)

check out this giveaway

2011-05-16T08:32:00.000-04:00

There is a giveaway for any who want to learn about bee keeping! Go to The morristribe.com to enter! :)

http://www.themorristribe.com/2011/05/keeping-bees-book-giveaway/

~Katie

garden update

2011-05-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of the garden so far, the first picture is of the new shade garden( aka the old compost pile ) we put in last night! Need to add some more plants , but very happy with it. We have 3 kinds of peppers green, red and yellow. Alot of onions ( I am thrilled about, Tom not so much! LOL)
The carrots are doing awesome I am quite happy this is my first year doing them.The cucumbers are just starting to peak through the soil! yay! Our beets are coming up really well too.
The picture in of the big metal bucket is where the red potatoes are planted along with a small section in the side garden.
The broccoli are doing really well, the sun is getting to them sometimes, but they are still doing really well.
I just planted a basil plant and some onions up front so hopefully they will do well too.
Spinach is doing awesome as well!! Yay again that will be my lunches!
And last but not least our strawberries are doing great, they are flowering and we can see some green berries on them!! Can't wait!
How is your garden coming?

homesteading

2011-05-10T07:33:00.002-04:00

I took a part time job that I could work from home with, we thought this would be a great oppurtunity for me and us as a family. We found out it was just way to stressful with two children under the age of 5. So we discussed it and desided this just wasn't working, more importantly it was taking time away my children and I didn't like that at all! So I am back to being a stay at home mom! Yay! It really makes you grateful as a mom to have as much time with your children as you can! We said the extra money would be nice but not worth sacrificing family time with our boys.! We really prayed about this and felt God saying this isn't the route I want you to take.

So anyway, I am back to working on homesteading things around our house again.:) It has been to long. My latest experiment was yestereday using vinegar as a laundry softener. Now if you read other blogs about homemade laundry detergant and using vinegar as a softner you probally had the same reaction. " I don't want my clothes to smell vinegar!". Well I am not a big fan of the clothes feeling "rough" should we say when coming off the line. haha So yesterday I said okay why not lets try it! Of course I only did a load of rags to test , just in case it did stink them up.
So as I anxously waited for the rinse I finally put the 1/2 cup of vinegar in the load. After the laundry was done I took it out and took a sniff. WOW!!!!! It didn't smell at all! Just clean! So now I am a believer and a vinegar user on my laundry! I would recommend you try it! The clothes are softer for sure coming off the line. I am very happy and a bit suprised!

Have you tried anything new that you would like to share? I would love to hear!

~Katie

garden '11

2011-05-04T10:54:00.003-04:00

I haven't been here for a while and wanted to update on the garden. So far we have planted two rows of iceburg lettuce and 3 rows of spinach ( tom was less then thrilled LOL) . all are coming up great! Lots of salads this summer!

I have planted two rows of snap peas which are doing great as well! I am so excited I hope they keep up okay , last year they didn't produce very much. So hoping they produce alot more. I am going to plant a few more in amongst the ones that have come up. so hopefully that will help.

I have planted 4 broccoli plants ( yes once again Tom not thrilled haha) and they seem to be doing really well as well. I want to plant onions which I am behind on doing. I don't want to plant them while we are getting so much rain because the ones I did plant got drowned out or washed away :( so I will be trying to plant some this weekend if the weather is nice.

We have 4-5 rows of various carrots that are coming up through the ground and so are the 5 rows of beets that are coming up! yay!!! I planted a basil plant as well.
I just planted a row of red and green peppers the other day as well so hoping those come up.

I am going to go to hostetter's and getting a few tomato plants to plant.

I am also researching blueberry bushes. I am looking into getting 2 or 3 bushes to plant for next year. :)

The strawberries are doing great this year!! We have alot of blossoms on them. Kyle is very excited!!! :)( I am too)! I bought 3 plants to put in the one garden of them and will be getting a few more to put into the other patch.

In the garden we are doing at a friend's house while they are gone is in the works.
We are getting a ton of asparagus!! we planted potatoes and peas so far. But no sign of those hoping they didn't get rained out!
We are going to go up and start planting this weekend. We are going to plant corn, tomatoes, beans, peppers, lettuce, and some other things my mom is wanting to plant.

So things are busy around here gardening. We are still praying and waiting patiently for God's timing to get that homestead of our dreams. We know he has it out there somewhere! :) And we are excited to see it!!!

What are you planting in your gardens? I would love to hear!

Hope you all have a wonderful day and week!

Katie

Shopping Trips 2/26/11

2011-02-27T10:57:00.004-05:00

Okay I first went to Rite Aid this morning to snag some deals. Here is what I got:

5 lay stacks= $1.00 each on sale, $5.00 get 5 UPR = free after UPR

4 Combos=$1.00 each on sale, $4.00 get 4 UPR= free after UPR

6 Special K protein bars on clearance for 0.80 each =$4.80

4 Nivea lip balm-on sale 2 used $2.00/2 coupon = free after coupon

2 Arm and Hammer laundry soap on sale for 3.99 used (2) $1.25 off one coupons = $5.48 or 2.74 each

1 Folgers cofee= on sale for 2.99

I also had a $2.00 upr I used on this transaction.

Total with coupons and $2 UPR= 19.49 got back $11.00 worth of UPR so payed $8.49 for $32.68 worthof groceries! :)

GIANT

Rice Krispies 4 boxes at $11.56- the $6.00 instantly- (2) $1.00/2 coupons = $3.56

For the Kraft instant savings I did:

4 International delights - used (2) $1.00/1 coupons and (1) $1.00/2 coupon = $8.52

Oscar Mayer Deli delights - on sale for 3.99 (1) $1.00 / 1 coupon= $2.99

total on Kraft items = $15.54 plus the $5.00 off instantly and coupons = $6.54 for $25.00 worth of items

Dad's Dog Food - $8.99 used $1.00/1 coupon= 7.99

chicken legs- 0.99 cents/ lb. = $4.03

Frozen peppers strips - $1.29

Pillsbury Sweet moments- 4 @5.70- (2) 1.10/1 coupons= $3.50 ** Treat for Tom for working so hard :)**

Heluva block of cheddar on sale for $2.00 used(1)0.50/1( remembers it doubles)= $1.00

Gallon of milk- $3.70 ( OUCH!)

Total with coupons and bonus Card savings =$35.85 (23.24 in savings)

Target

1 Finish tablets-on sale for $2.50-$1.00/1 coupon= 1.50

1 Wrangler jeans $15.99 used $3.00/1= $12.99

1cereal =$1.89

8 vegetables frozen- 0.97 each , used (2) $1.00/4 coupons = $5.68

Coffeemate = free with free coupon

total: 22.14 ( $9.15 on food items)

Going to weis will be back with deals and coupons from that later today. :)

high value coupons!

2011-02-05T13:04:00.002-05:00

go to www.readyseteat.com.

There are high value coupons for Marie Calliender's, Healthy Choice and La Choy. Great coupons to match up with sales!

stouffer coupon

2011-02-05T12:37:00.002-05:00

Go this site stouffers.com website and on the right lower corner and you will see a $1.00 off one Stouffers Corner Bistro stuffed melts and soups. Don't forget to hit the back button a couple times to print two off! :) This woud be a great coupon to have during a sale! Expires: 3/7/2011

Udi's GlutenFree

2011-02-05T07:55:00.004-05:00

udi's.com

Here is a $1.00 off any baked product when you sign up for their newsletter! You can print this twice! yay!! This does go on sale at Giant every once and a while. This coupon expires 5/6/2011

Shopping trip 1/30/11, plus menu plan

2011-01-31T14:15:00.003-05:00

Well I went to Giant and got 3 free wholly salsa and 3 free wholly queso. I got alot of cheese singles and cream cheese! I had a total of 73.35 before coupons or store savings. My total with coupons and store savings was 23.07!! I was thrilled. I had $50. 86 of savings! Sorry no pick this time but i had to get stuff away when I got home. :)

I did go to weis , not so good there. I did also run to CVS to get a deal on mouth wash. that is about it for shopping this week. Next week I will try to post pics.

Menu plan for this week:

Monday: Shake n bake chicken, veggie and either potatoes or rice
Tuesday: Hamburger Helper, veggie and bread with jelly
Wednesday: Grilled cheese and soup
Thursday: Meatloaf, noodles and salad
Friday: Mac and Cheese, salad
Saturday: Spaghetti and garlic bread, cut up veggies
Sunday: pancakes

What are you having for dinner???:)

january 16th shopping trip

2011-01-16T13:53:00.004-05:00

Okay so I just got back from Giant and the total was 89.31 with out coupons and the total after was 46.88!! plus I got a catilina for a free gallon of milk! Plus free salsa and queso! and Free cereal (all 4boxes) YUM!! $25.76 just in manufactured coupons! Use those coupons!!! Did you get any good deals on your shopping trips? I would love to know!!

Finacial Freedom!!!

2011-01-05T10:58:00.002-05:00

Tom and I are on a journey to financial freedom!!! Yay! We are adapting ourselves to a healthier way of spending. Not that we were out of control but we are more determined then ever to become debt free, not including the house right now , but trust me it is on the list. We are doing the Dave Ramsey snow ball attempt which I love. I have read his Total Money Makeover, and Highly recommend it, don't buy it get it from the library! :) I am in the midst of his other book financial Peace book, which is also another great read! And on top of that I listen to his show on the radio(daveramsey.com) live everyday from 2pm-5pm while getting the house clean and cooking dinner. People call in and ask him finacial questions, I have had alot of questions I have had answered just by listening.
He is a very inspirational, take no excuses kind of guy. He makes you get excited about becoming debt free, and tells you how it is. Such a motivator!

This is our only big thing we want to get done. We are going to use cash for most if not all our transactions. If it isn't budgeted in then we don't get it. We only buy things we need not want. Go on a "rice and beans" diet , as dave ramsey says. We have gotten rid of all our credit cards, we are working on getting our savings up , debt payed off and fully funded emergency fund for 6 months living expenses. (that one scares me LOL Big number!)

We are looking for anything we can do to get money to put toward our debt. Selling things on ebay, we are going to weed/ mow lawns for people in the summer, I am continuing cleaning houses, selling baked goods, selling vegetables, plant seedlings,etc. whatever we can think of we will do :)

Are any of you on this journey? How is it going? Are you doing Dave Ramsey or are you doing a different method? I would love to hear!
Have a wonderful day!

~Katie

Meal Plan : Jan. 3-9

2011-01-04T14:55:00.002-05:00

So I didn't get a chance to post this weeks meals. So here they are! Anyone have a recipes they have tried and just loved? I am always looking for new cheap recipes!:)

Monday: Cheesy Ham and Pasta bake ( from findingjoyinmykitchen.blogspot.com), I added broccoli instead of mushrooms :)
Tuesday: Baked Berry Oatmeal ( same as above)
Wednesday: Baked Ziti, homemade garlic bread
Thursday:Breaded Parmesan Chicken, rice and a veggie
Friday: Pancakes! YUM!!!
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Sandwiches and soup

Have a great week!

~Katie

videos

2011-01-02T19:14:00.002-05:00

Kyle has these farm video Called Summer on the Farm and winter on the farm. They are movies about life on a farm in Vermont. He loves watching these and can tell me all the terms for milking and all the farming equipment. He told me He would love to live on a farm and have some farm animals. It melts my heart that he already loves farm life even if we don't have one. He is already excited about planting the garden this year ( I have to admit I hope spring comes early, because I'm excited too :) )

This just gives me more of a push to get our dream farmette someday. So he can grow up in the country and with all the animals he loves. :)

I am taking every minute I can get to write on here and research as much as I can about homesteading, gardening (thanks to my in-laws for the greatest gardening book! The Vegetable Gardener's Bible!) , also about raising animals, getting our goat business plan written out and what other animals we would like to have on our farm ( beef cattle, chickens and maybe one dairy cow (who I will be naming Daisy :) )

We know God has a plan for us and from so much encouragment from my parents I am certian we will have a farmette it may not be this year but someday! And I can't wait! If anyone has any good farming, gardening books, animal books let me know! :) We are trying not to watch as much tv so we can research and dive into amazing books by amazing authors who are doing what we would love to do!

So if you have a dream it may not be this, but keep your spirits up and just know God has a plan and it will all work out, maybe not the way we want it to but it will .
Well I am off to read the Encyclopedia of Country Living. Have a wonderful evening and great start to the week!

~Katie

Loving what I have (being content)

2010-12-29T15:10:00.005-05:00

This Christmas was so wonderful! We got Kyle a few items and didn't go over $20. Tom and I agreed that becoming debt free would be a better gift to each other then getting something for each other. We are learning to be content with what we have. We are buying things we only need and nothing else, sometimes it hard but we just think about having no debt. So we are on our financial Journey and hopefully if we keep plugging away at everything like we plan we will be debt free before we know it!!

Even though we live in a 650 sq. ft. home with two bedrooms and one bath. We are content, because some day this house will be paid off and we will be debt free and own it! :) So if sacrificing square feet to keep us out of debt, I am all for it!

I have been listening to a man named Dave Ramsey. He has an awesome story and just tells the truth to peoples face, which I really like. I have also read his book and wow talk about motivated! I would highly recommend reading his book and listening to him on his website. DaveRamesy.com.

So I hope you check him out and get sooo motivated to get out of debt too! :) Also remember God will provide the things we NEED , so don't be scared to down size and live below your means to get out of debt. That is what I want to do, not only to get us out of debt, but also to make a bright future for our boys and for our retirement and life journey! :)

Hope you are inspired to do something about your debt and to just be content with what you have and knowing GOD IS IN CONTROL!!

Let me know how your journey is going!! I would love to hear and for us to keep each other motivated! We can do this!! :)

Winter fun

2010-12-08T16:31:00.004-05:00

Well I am at a loss. I am trying to think of things to do with the kids over the winter. Kyle likes doing crafts, but only for so long. I don't want them to veg out on the tv watching movies all day. Anyone have any creative games? Crafts? I would prefer free or very cheap. :)

I don't know why my brain isn't functioning enough to think of things, but sometimes you just need a little brain boost from someone. :)

Any ideas would be greatfully accepted!

Today I was kicking tooshy! I got all of the laundry and dishes done. So for tomorrow that leaves dusting, sweeping and cleaning the bathroom! Then done for a little. :)
I am ready a very cool book I got from the library, it is called Back to Basics. It teaches you everything about sustainable living and how people lived the basic kind of life. We could really learn alot! I am waiting to get another book from the library called, the encyclopedia of country living! I can't wait sounds so good! Have you read any great books lately? I would love to hear any recommendations!

Well off to get dinner finished up before Tom gets home. Have a wonderful evening everyone!

~Katie

Dec. '10

2010-12-06T13:55:00.002-05:00

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

Soybeans

2010-09-10T09:15:00.004-04:00

Sorry I haven't been on here lately. I have been really busy and not feeling to hot either. I am going to post how I shelled and froze soybeans, the other day. This is our first time doing this. A wonderful woman out our church and her husband grew alot of soybeans this year in there garden and asked if we wanted some. Well, who can say no to free food! :)

So while we were picking the soybeans I asked her how do you use soybeans in cooking? What do you put them in? She told me you can put them in a stew like any other vegetable. They put it in stir fry and with corn for a type of succotash, instead of lima beans. I am going to do some more research on how to cook with them. Any one else use soybeans before with their cooking? How did you use them?

So here is how you shell soybeans....
Once you pick them you will put them in boiling water and blanch them for about 5 mins. then strain them out and then you can easily push on the pods and the beans will come out. The beans have a clear skin on them, if you just squeeze gently the skin will come off. ( You will be very sticky by the end of this process) :) Then you will want to rinse them again in a strainer and put them into individual bags for meals. Tada! Here are some pictures:

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! :)

Katie

Canning so far and homemade laundy detergent

2010-09-03T10:42:00.005-04:00

I thought I would share the recipe I use for laundry detergent. It cost about 7cents per load! :)
Here is how I make my homemade laundry detergent.

1 bar natural soap (ivory is best) grated
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup borax

Mix together. Use 1/4 cup per load of laundry.

Kyle enjoys helping me make this!

I wanted to update on how my canning has been going this year. Still not doing huge amounts but getting there. I have done pickles( dill, bread and butter), stewed tomatoes, ketchup, peaches, applesauce only to small jars( hopeing to do more this fall). And hoping to get more applesauce and do some pie filling to finish up.

I just thank God everyday for all He has given us and for all this wonderful food he gives us to can and eat! What a loving and caring God! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Busy Busy

2010-09-01T20:21:00.002-04:00

Today was a busy day! I froze 6lbs. of potatoes and 3lbs. of green beans. Our freezer is really looking like it is getting ready for the winter. I am hoping to get enough frozen/ canned that we won't need to buy fruits/ veggies during the winter months. I am going to go to Roots market on Tuesday night next week and go to the produce auction. !!! I am so excited! I have never been there before but our one neighbor went and got a huge box of produce for $1.00 and 6 tubs of ice cream for $1!! Crazy! She said she would take me but even not maybe Tom and I will go! Yay!!

On a worse note, it was so hot today! It was 93 degrees and our corn I think had it's last day. Thankfully my zucchini is still hanging in there. I did see a couple of flowers blooming so hopefully I can get a few zucchini to freeze. I can't wait for fall to be here that is for sure. I am not a heat person. I love spring and summer because I can plant my garden but the heat is just crazy. Hopefully next year we will have a more mild summer.

Kyle starts our church's "school" next tuesday! He is really excited and so am I to have atleast 3 hours to run errands or just to have time to myself sort of. :) Hopefully Tyler will be sleeping during this time. I can't think of anything else for tonight! So I hope you all are doing great!

Happy Homesteading from the Wagner family! :)

2010-08-26T11:17:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of our corn so far! Still to small to pick but getting there!

And the pictures of the bug I found on the green beans today. Anyone have any ideas what this is?? It is a worm of some sort wasn't sure if anyone new what kind. (Sorry the pictures are so blurry, it was tiny and my camera couldn't focus to well on it.)

These are pictures i wanted to post of our rain water barrels. This has really come in handy when we don't get a lot of rain for a couple of days. :)

Does anyone else have a rain barrel system? I would love to know what yours looks like or how you collect your rain water!

Visit to a goat farm!

2010-08-26T11:12:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month we went to visit a running goat farm to see how they ran it and just to get an idea of a small operation they had. What a blast! We learned a lot and of course Kyle loved being able to be with the goats. It was hard to get him in the car! I think when we start our goats we are going to be purchasing from them for sure. It is also nice they are friends of the family as well :)

Laundry Line!!

2010-08-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

I thought I would post pictures of the Amish style laundry line Tom put up for me , for our anniversary! :) I love it!!

Our night at the fair!

2010-08-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday night we went to our local fair and had a great night as a family. Of course the first place we had to stop was to see the livestock! :) Goats, sheep, beef and heifers! Then on to the petting zoo and baby chicks hatchery (which both were Kyle's favorite!) Then we had some cheesburgers for dinner and milk shakes for dessert. ( I know not the healthiest meal but hey it was the fair! ) After eating dinner we went and played on the tractors from Tom's work. Then one last visit to the animals. Kyle just loves animals, I can't wait to have some of our own for him to grow up with! then we headed home, Kyle was so worn out he fell asleep in about 5 mins. of being put to bed. It was a great night!

Fall is on it's way!!

2010-08-26T08:44:00.000-04:00

I did some more researching about homesteading last night, like I seem to be doing every night when the boys are asleep! :)

Last night I learned you can use tomato jars that you get from the store to use for your canning. ( like the vegetables from your garden!) How awesome is that! ) the blog: newlifeonahomestead.com said the good ones are the classico ones. but if you go to the store take a lid with you and see if the canning lid fits and tada you have a canning jar! Awesome!!

Here is another tip I found out, http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2009/08/how-to-tell-if-an-egg-is-bad/. I never new you could tell I always went off by the expiration date on the carton!

The other day I told you I made homemade ketchup so I thought I would share the recipe I used.

Homemade ketchup

4 qts. tomatoes (about 24) ripe, peeled, cored and chopped.
1 Large yellow onion, chopped
1 Large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 1/2tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. wholeallspice
1 stick cinnamon
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 TBSP. salt
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
1 TBSP. paprika

1. In a large, non reactive saucepan or Dutch oven over moderate heat, combine the tomatoes, onion, and red bell pepper, and cook until the vegetables are soft. Using a food mill or sieve, press the vegetables through to make a puree. Return the vegetable puree to the saucepan.
2. Over high heat, cook the vegetables puree rapidly until it is thick and the volume is reduced by about half, about 1 hr.
3. Cut a 4- inch square of cheesecloth. Place the celery seed, mustard seed, allspice, and cinnamon stick in the center, gather up the corners to form a bag and secure with kitchen string. Add the spice bag, brown sugar and salt to the tomato mixture. Over low heat, cook the mixture gently for 25 mins., stirring frequently.
4. Stir in the cider vinegar and paprika. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick.
5. Spoon the ketchup into 3 hot, sterilized pint jars, leaving a 1/8th space between the top of the ketchup and the rim of the jar. Wipe the rims, cover,and process for ten mins. in water bath. Cool and test for airtight seal. Label and date and store in a cool dark place for up to one year; the ketchup will be ready to eat in 1 week. Once a jar is open , store the ketchup in the refridgerator.

**Makes 3 pints.***

My thoughts: It was a long process for 3 pints. It is good we tasted it when I was putting some in a jar, it is very tangy I think would be the right word. I am still waiting for a whole week and to see if the taste settles a little. But we both said it would be great with steak fries! YUM!
So even though it was a long process at least I learned , who knows we could have a ketchup shortage in the US hahah.

Thinking alot today.

2010-08-22T22:22:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day at church and in our fellowship group. I came out wanting to try harder to better myself and the way I do/ say things.

Today after church my husband and I packed up the kids and headed to Lowes to pick up materials to put up an Amish laundry line! That is my anniversary gift from Tom and I love it!!

I have been thinking alot of how much we would love to move to an acre or more and have our homestead, but right now that is not an option. We may live in a 650sq. foot home, but we are living within our means and using as much of our yard to do the garden of foods we want to do and it is teaching us how to do things so we will know how to do them even better when we do go to our future home.

I was reading a blog today about what would you do if the United States went through the Great Depression again? How would you survive and how would you feed your family? It is sure something to think about. It is so amazing to hear stories and read recipes that people who went through the great Depression ate and did during the Depression. Alot of the meals seem really tasty and they are so simply. Now a days people would probally turn there noses up at something like that, but hey I'm going to try it! :)

I planted a small garden of fall crops for freezing and I'm going to try and can some salsa from the tomatoes from our garden(the tiny tomatoes). Hopefully next year we will get some big ones to be able to make some tomatoe sauce from. I put in the garden some spinach, snap peas, we will see how they do, and some brussel sprouts (my first attempt at growing these so I'm excited to see how these turn out :) )

Tom's dad took Kyle to the Amtrack station in town and he got to see a train, well the rest of the night all we heard was about the train! hahaha I wouldn't trade that for anything though! I love seeing how he is growing and learning and really so excited about life! I love that and it is just so contageous!

Well it is getting late and have a lot of laundry to do tomorrow!!Yay, I get to use my new line!
Another day done with the Wagner clan :)

Wow it has been a long time!

2010-08-21T19:26:00.000-04:00

I haven't realized how long it has been since I wrote on here, but I have made a goal to try atleast right on here once a day or at least once a week. Alot, has happened since I have been on here last. Kyle has turned 3 this passed July! Crazy! and we have a new addition to our family, Tyler was born on June 23, 2010 and we love him so much! It has been an interesting journey so far being a mom of two but i am loving every minute of it! I love this adventure!
Tom lost his job back in May from Groffs and is now working at Messicks Farm Equipment which he loves! I am so glad he found a job that he loves and something he knows! :) Thanking the Lord for providing that for us!

Okay well on to the garden we planted this year. We made two new gardens around our house , we dug up a huge garden in our backyard (or as much backyard as we have hahah) and a spot on our side yard, to try and get more product in to can and freeze. I will have to post pics. We had a pretty decent crop. We planted green beans which did great, and I am on my second planting of them to freeze. We also had a mixed lettuce which was very abundant, but was not a favorite of Tom's so we are going to try to grow iceberg next year. I planted cucumber plants but they didn't do well at all. So maybe next year , thankfully our associate pastor gave us an abundant amount from their garden for me to make bread and butter pickles along with some dill! Yum!! We planted some corn late but are very excited to say it tassled and now has heads growing on it!! That is going to be frozen to depending on how well it grows. We were genorously given 23 or so strawberry plants from a friend of mine to start our first strawberry patch and I transplanted the 4 plants we had started last year. I am very excited to see what next year brings for them! We are trying to grow potatoes this year, i pulled a small plant up and sure enough little potatoes are growing! Yay!!! Our first time and we see something! We had an abundant amount of Roma tomatoes this year and I can officially say I am tired of tomatoes right now! :) My oregano plant took off, I need to get out there and dry some. Our mint plant did awesome but that is no suprise! We also planted some squash which is starting produce, ( I planted a little late). And last we had green peppers which produced but the peppers were very small. I think that is about it for the garden, so all in all not a bad year, but going to try some new seeds and see how everything turns out next year. God has really blessed us with a good garden this year.

I did alot more canning this year then I have done. I have canned about 8 qts. of peaches, 6qts of dill pickles and 14 pints of bread and butter pickles. I also canned 3 quarts of applesauce, but when fall get here I plan on canning more applesauce, pie filling and maybe just some sliced apples. I can't wait! YUMMY! Today I am in the process of making homemade Ketchup and it is quite the process. I am needing to finish it tomorrow but I will get 3 pints of that for us to can. I am learning that it takes alot of time but it is a great experience and giving the experience to get better at my canning, so I am thankful!

This year we wanted to get some chickens and I emailed our borough, who wrote back and said we were not aloud to even if they were caged 24/7, because they are "dangerous animals". So, so much for getting fresh eggs in the morning. :( Another reason I can't wait to get our little farmette!

We are learning alot of stuff living where we are though to prepare us for the day when we do get our farm. We are learning alot about gardening, animals( through blogs, youtube,etc.), composting, etc. We are also learning to be content with our 650 sq. ft. home. We are living within our means and that is what we are wanting to do. By doing this we will hopefully be able to save for our farmette and be able to have our own little Homestead. :)

We are starting the no tv again and maybe even taking it off the wall to make sure we don't watch it and have more family time together! That is the best kind! I have also made a goal to read more books and made a list of books I would like to read by the end of winter, here is my list:

Better Off: Flipping the switch on technology by: Eric Brende

Self-sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour

Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need in just a quarter acre! Editor: Carleen Madigan

I am sure I will add more as the months go, but it is a great start!

I am also wanting to atleast read a book of the bible a month. I feel like I need to get a deeper connection with God and what better way to get that then to read His word!

So until next time! God Bless!

Christmas

2009-12-18T18:25:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas. Something about this time of year that makes everything okay. It doesn't have to deal with the presents or all the media about what everyone thinks Christmas is about, I think it is about knowing that Jesus was born this time of year that makes me go , yeah we are okay , because Jesus was born and took all those problems and put them on himself for us. So we can not worry about things, He has everything under control. I love that feeling!

This year Kyle helped me set up the tree, which was so much fun! He loved putting the ornaments on and clapping everytime one was put on the tree. It was the best time seeing how happy he is with just decorating a tree and not caring what is underneath it. The world could learn alot from a child, about what is important and what isn't.

This Christmas we will be spending the morning with Tom's parents and the afternoon and evening with my family. It will be so much fun! I love hanging out with family!

Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
This is a little late but wanted to let everyone know we are pregnant with #2!! Which we are so thrilled about and can't wait for another addition to our family. God has truly blessed us!

Love,
Tom , Katie , Kyle and the little one to come :)

This is a little late but wanted to let everyone know we are pregnant with #2!! Which we are so thrilled about and can't wait for another addition to our family. God has truly blessed us!

Marriage

2009-08-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

Tom and I just celebrated our 3 yr. Anniversary yesterday. I can't believe it has been three years! A lot of times it feels like we have been together for much longer. :) I can't imagine my life without Tom! He is such a loving and Godly example of the man God has blessed my life with. The things he does to encourage me, or just sit there and listen to me babble on about my day. How he fixes things that I can't, wants to do the best he can for his family, how he works hard at his job to bring a paycheck home so I can stay home with Kyle. Seeing what amazing father he is to Kyle makes my heart light up. He would do anything for us! It brings tear to my eyes just thinking about how much he is willing to sacrifice for us and for others.

He has such a servant heart by working with the youth and for being a volunteer firefighter for our community. How he is willing to risk his life to help others. I love him so much for that and his passion for it! You are an amazing man of God Tom and I am so blessed to spend the rest of my life by your side!

Words can't describe how blessed I am to have him! I thank God for bringing Tom into my life.

Thank you Tom for 3 wonderful years and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!

Dollar Tree

2009-07-10T20:05:00.000-04:00

I am so in love with the Dollar Tree! I can get so much stuff for so little! We got Kyle a coloring book, crayons , and a noah book with a cd of the story, febreeze, wet mops for my swiffer, baskets(2pack), bucket for cleaning and mouse traps for drum roll! 9.48!! I am thrilled that cuts my shopping list down to a good bit and for cheap! :)

I am will post one of the meals I love to prepare on a small budget to help anyone who may like a new meal idea.

coupon blogging

2009-07-10T14:00:00.000-04:00

I am new at coupon blogging but it is alot of fun and you learn so much. This lady just amazes me. Check her out:

Praise Be To God!!

2009-06-26T21:59:00.000-04:00

We are getting very excited about our search for a house. We just look at one that is way in our price range and gorgeous! We are still praying and asking you all to still keep us in your prayers as we hope this will be the last time we will have to put a bid in on a house. We are hoping we start getting more bids in on our house as well. But To God Be The Glory and His Will be done in this situation. Thank you all for your support, it is greatly appreciated and needed! Thank you again! :)

Tom Katie and Kyle

God's Will

2009-06-12T14:34:00.000-04:00

I have been really thinking about God's Will today. I know He is really teaching me patience with this whole house thing. And I can't help but feel that I have nothing to worry about, He has it in control. I am willing to move where ever God wants us to move too. And I know Tom feels the same way.

God has blessed us so much with a great job for Tom, the ability for me to stay home with Kyle( which so many moms can't) , we have awesome friends and family, a roof over our heads, food on the table, good health for all of us. We are truly blessed! I thank God everyday for what he has given us!

I think of all the families that I hear about on the radio or even the tv, who have lost their jobs and don't have any money to feed their kids. And we could easily be one of those families if it is God's Will. I am thankful that something like this did happen to our economy, so people can see they can live on less and be just as happy as if they had all the money in the world. I want God's love and my family more than any money in the world. I really hope everyone going through this recession realizes that life is not about money, it is about God, the family you have and the oppurtunities you take to help others that are far more worse then you.

God is an amazing God! I can't wait to be with Him! I just really wanted to talk about how God is showing me that He is in control and He will give us what we need. :)

On another note, the few weeks/ months coming up are going to be exciting! We are going to the Outer Banks with my side of the family for a week. I will be sure to post pics! :) Then July 9 th will be Kyle's 2nd Birthday! Where did the time go!!!! And then August 19th will be Tom and I's 3 yr. Anniversary. I love you hunny! I can't believe it has been three years already! I have loved every minute of it! So I am sure we all will be keeping busy! Hope you all are doing well as you read this.

Our house

2009-06-04T12:21:00.000-04:00

Our house is officially on the market!! It is a scary thing, but also very exciting. We are still looking for a house for us, which is seeming to be a lot harder then anticipated. We have put bids on houses but no one wants to lower the price at all. So that is very frustrating. We are just praying and knowing God is in control of all of this and he has the perfect home for us! In his perfect timing we will get one. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers! And if you know of anyone who is looking for a great starter home or just a cute little house, let them know about ours. Here is the MLS code
150293. Just put that in on Johnsmithteam.com and it should come up for all to see. :) Thank you also for taking the time to read our blog!

Tom , Katie and Kyle

Our journey into buying a house

2009-05-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

We are on the journey of buying another house. This is a cute 2 story bi-level with a half acre of land and lots of room for our family to grow! :) We put a bid on the house last Friday and they bid back at full price, so today we are making our last and final bid on the house. If they don't take this bid then we are off to look for another.

This is the second time we are doing this with a house. We are praying and know others are praying for us and we would like to send out our deepest thanks for your thoughts and prayers during this stressful time. We know that God is in control and His Will , will be done in all of this. So please we ask that you keep up the prayers for our guidance and the outcome God wants this to be for us.

I will be sure to post pictures if we get it for you all to know.

Other updates:

Our Vacation with the family is coming up in a quick 21 days!! We can't wait we will be going to the Outer Banks with my parents, my sister and her family, my dad's cousin and his family. We are renting a house down by the beach! We can't wait it can't come soon enough. Tom and I haven't been on a vacation like this since we have gotten married which is soon to be 3 yrs. in August. So we are REALLY looking forward and needing this! LOL I will post pics as soon as we get back!

I think that is all for now. I hope everyone who is reading this has a great day! Off to clean the house again! :)

Tom's new Job

2009-05-03T19:27:00.000-04:00

Tom has started a new job at Charles R. Groff Red Ball Moving Company (http://cegmovers.com/intl.htm.) Which he loves and so do I. This job is such a praise! God really blessed us with this one!

Tom's old job was a Milton Hershey School, where he worked with the dairy and agricultural center. His hours were never the same, he would have to work holidays and he would work weekends!

Tom only needs to work 4 hrs every other saturday and has a normal shift all week. He will also have holidays and Sundays off! This was something that was heavy on our hearts and God answered our prayers! Praise God!