Cleaning Carpets Safely

Tracy / October 7, 2011

Just thought I would share this little tidbit with you, my dear guests, this evening! This is our hall carpet: I know, scary, right?! I have sprayed virtually every cleaner sold in local stores on this carpet to get it cleaned. I can usually bring up some of the spots, but only after hours of scrubbing. Granted, it’s not that…

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Workin’ the Deals!

Courtney has been organizing and working our grocery/drug store deals while I’m recovering from having the baby. I’m impressed!! She’s doing a great job (why did I not turn this over to her before now??), and better, she’s learning to make the most of a home budget. Good job, sweet girl!!

Today’s “To-Do”

Tracy / February 21, 2011

We’ve been busy today. Call it “nesting” or whatever…I have been seeing one thing after another that needed to be done. Here’s the list of what we’re working today: Check Morning Chores Pack Valentine’s Decorations Pack Christmas Decorations (don’t ask…we’ve just had them stashed until I purchased Rubbermaid boxes) Clean Backyard Buy Chick Starter Mail 2 Letters School! Remove Thrift…

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February 17, 2011

Tracy / February 19, 2011

It’s happened again. Valentine’s morning found us up to the realization that the same two dogs that killed our last flock of birds, had visited once again and killed all but two of our existing adult flock of chickens. We have one hen and one guinea left. Our dear friends and neighbors also lost five of their chickens, including their…

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Jessica

Tracy / January 23, 2011

Jessa’s afternoon chores include cleaning off the front porch. I wonder if she’ll ever know how it warms my heart to see the little touches she adds to her work??

Brownies

Tracy / December 27, 2010

New Year’s Eve, there is always something fun happening in our home. Our tradition for the last fifteen or so years, has included brownie ala’ mode with all the toppings! Brownies 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup butter 4 eggs 1 (16 ounce) can chocolate syrup 1 cup all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons milk 1 1/4 cups white…

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Turkey Sausage Balls

Tracy / December 20, 2010

When Courtney found out I was posting some of our favorite recipes, she reminded me of this simple recipe! It is delicious and can be adapted for those who like sausage balls spicy or not so much. We make these for the freezer in big batches in the fall. Our first sausage balls are cooked just for Christmas morning. It’s…

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Wassail

Tracy / December 17, 2010

A friend shared this recipe with me years ago and it has become a holiday favorite in our home. The smell of the simmering wassail is enough to create a sweet holiday memory all by itself! Holiday Wassail 1 1/2c white sugar 8 whole cloves 3c water 3 cinnamon sticks 1 1/2c orange juice 1c lemon juice 1 gallon apple…

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Cake Mix Extender

Tracy / December 13, 2010

We love homemade cakes, but sometimes, time gets the better of us and we need something quick. I *love* this recipe from the MOMYS cookbook. It takes a standard cake mix and makes it “big family” size. Birthday Cake Extender 1 c all purpose flour 1/4c sugar 1t baking powder 1/2c vegetable oil 2/3c water 1 box cake mix, your…

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Spiced Pecans

Tracy / December 6, 2010

This is one of my holiday favorites! Spiced Pecans 1/4c butter 4c pecans 1 1/2c sugar 1T cinnamon 1T ground cloves 1T nutmeg Melt butter and add pecans. Cook and stir 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Mix remaining ingredients in plastic container. Add warm pecans and shake to coat. Spread on a baking sheet to cool completely. Store in…

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Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Tracy / November 29, 2010

I’ve been posting some of our favorite cookie recipes in preparation for holiday parties. These cookies always disappear when we take them to a gathering. They are a substantial, delicious cookie! Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (Adapted from Whole Foods for the Whole Family) 1/2c packed, brown sugar 1 egg 1/4c water 1t vanilla 1c wheat flour 1/2c dry milk powder 1/4t…

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Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Tracy / November 22, 2010

Like most families, our littles *love* to help momma in the kitchen. This recipe is a favorite for our littles in the kitchen and so easy, our beginning cooks can handle it with ease. Easy Peanut Butter Cookies 1 c Peanut Butter 1c Sugar 1 Egg 1t Vanilla Preheat oven to 350^. Mix all ingredients well. Spray baking sheet with…

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