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Over at my new blog! This one will become for friends/family here in a few weeks....

Hung fu Chicken.....Recipe Swap

Gayle is hosting a frugal recipe swap here on her blog each Friday and I thought it would be fun, and also great to hopefully breathe some new life into our family cuisine. I have been running a little too close to empty on ideas lately. Now the ingredients for this recipe are very simple, and for this post I am calling it Hung Fu Chicken! (and hoping I haven't said something bad in another language! LOL) Our usual name is er...."Honey/Soy Chicken".....but Hung Fu just sounds so much more authentic!

Hung Fu Chicken

3-4 lb of chicken thighs/drumsticks
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp ginger (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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Throw chicken in a large casserole dish, mix together rest of ingredients (slightly warm honey if needed), and pour over the chicken. Bake for about 45 - 60 mins at 375*F turning once (this is just for an even colour). Add a little cornstarch/water to the sauce to thicken, and serve over brown rice with a side of vegetables. (usually broccoli for us!)

And there you have it! Now head over to Gayle's and leave your frugal recipe so that I can steal it too! Help me! I need new recipes!

Homemade Bread!

I love homemade bread baking in my oven! That's what I did yesterday afternoon. Now that I have my Bosch I can make about 5 loaves in just a short while. I only knead it once in the Bosch so it saves a lot of time. It is so soft, and melts in your mouth! I have never cared for the tough and chewy wheat bread myself. Yesterday I made 4 loaves of wheat and then instead of making a 5th loaf, I rolled it out real thin (1/4"?), spread homemade apple pie filling on it and then braided it over the top, sprinkled raw sugar on top....and it was absolutely wonderful. The kids love "apple bread".......OK, OK, so do I. ;)

Wednesday

Today I thought that I would just get on here and say hi! I know it has been forever since I have been on here! We have been staying busy all summer, although doing what, I am not sure. We have been swimming, canning (just a little), baking, and just general stuff. You know how it goes. I thought I would tack on a few pictures while I was here as well. There is a story behind the first one! I told the kids that it was time to go inside....seeing as they had been riding bikes, they jumped off, and left their bikes lying on their sides. I turned around to see Jazz in deep thought....and as I watched this is what he did.....(talk about an example about being a good example!) Yep, he made sure that each trike/bike was lying just the way his big siblings had done it. LOLHere's Iddy Biddy getting baptised!Here's Jorge at the Lake
Here's Jekkie.....Here's Jazz early in the morning...And here they are with friends at the zoo...

Our Life in Pictures....

We have made lots and lots of jam......(blackberry, peach n' pecan, and peach)

We have picked fruit and veggies out of our garden....(those peaches are amazing!)

We have been to visit Mema....We have gone kayaking....

We've gone to Dallas...

We have growing children....

We have also made gingerbread people, but I didn't get pictures of those.
More coming......

Countdown to Summer....

We are hoping to finish the school year by this weekend!!! Hooray! I am soooo ready for a break from school....and I can only imagine that the kids are too. Okay, I do plan on doing some with Jekkie throughout the summer....but just the same... I used to think that the USA was pretty dumb in the way that their school year worked....starting in SEPTEMBER??? (Australia starts in Feb.) tiny little 'breaks' every so often (Australia - work for 10 weeks then 2 weeks off), US, taking off 3months for the summer? Too long... (Australia - approx 8 weeks over Christmas time).......Now, I am quite happy with the way it is here....We do most of our book/school work through the months that are cooler, and can have a blast while the weather is nice... (OK, stinkin' hot) I have also found that it is a big plus with having a big garden! During the summer is when we start drowning in veggies, and so I need to learn how to can it all..... If we were having to mess with school as well? So, in a way I feel like the "real-life" schooling starts now....all the book-work, you have to have legally, but I look forward to relaxing and getting to teach cooking, and preserving, and growing, and harvesting, and weeding, and doing craft stuff, and just having fun.....and I get to learn too!

So the kids are working like crazy to get their stuff done so that they can quit.

Belated HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!

Happy Mother's day Mum! (Ours was very eventful, which I won't go into, but hence it wasn't foremost on our mind.) But I love and am very thankful for my Mum and I just wanted her to know that!

It's Been a While....

....since I have been on here to post. Thanks to everyone who has left me comments, and sent email! Sorry for not answering! I just found a bunch that had been sent to my spam folder that I hadn't got. And others, I have just been really slack. But seeing as a few have missed my random rambling I thought I would jump on here and try to say G'day for a few minutes!

I was going to post last Monday, as we had taken Jordan to the Dentist to face his fears yet again. Now, we had already been 2 times....an evaluation, and 2 fillings, and were headed back for 2 more fillings! The first two had been full of fear and terror, psycho-mania, and lack of obedience due to the aforementioned. However, due to having both Dad and Mom there to help with some strong persuasion, we got through it. The first time, he did OK till he got on the chair and the dentist laid it back without any warning. (1st negative step) Then the dentist didn't take time to explain anything. He also didn't smile, make small talk, or anything, unless we first initiated it. The 2nd time, the assistant opened the door to the waiting room and barked "Jordan!!" (note...we were the only patient waiting) no smile, no "hi".....and he cracked...(you could tell they had labeled him as a "brat" from last time).

Now, I totally believe that I child should obey even when scared, and in both instances, after a talk with Daddy, we were able to get through it with a few tears.....but, there were a few times that I was not impressed with the lack of cooperation from my son! And yet, I could see just how terrified he was, and he finally pressed on and made it through, in spite of his fear. Oh, and you can just imagine him hitting the ceiling, when at the 2nd visit the Dentist says "you'll just have to take him somewhere else, and have them knock him out!" (we had already explained this to Jordan, but coming from the dentist...)

So, on our 3rd visit on Monday I could see Jordan attempting to be strong, but squirming in his seat on the way down....he was so scared. Then he started crying in the waiting room....but we encouraged him, and went on back....a bare hint of civilness was there at least this time. He climbed up again, and I started talking away about the birds in Australia (they had put up a picture with a Rosella, hence the topic), the ones that hit Aunt Kristy's window, going to visit Aunt Kristy, yada yada yada. Small talk definitely helps....and no, I did my best not to yak so much that I drove everyone batty!

And do you know what? He didn't cry once while he was back there! You could see by the way he holds daddy's hand how scared he was....but he was a little man! We were so proud of him. To see the way that he conquered his fears....they were still there, but he had the power over them.....so cool to watch in action.

And do you know what else???? He changed the policy of the dentist's office! Yep, they "politely" informed us...."Jordan did very well today, and there is no reason why he shouldn't in the future, but we have changed our policy about allowing parents to come back with the children, and from now on only children that can handle it without Mom and Dad etc....so if that's not possible, you may want to find another dentist" (to the which we both thought "Gladly!" *grin*) Now, the reason that they did this is because each time that they were going to 'wash their hands of this affair' (without much effort), Heath told them to wait while he talked to Jordan, and managed to help him get through it....so if Dad and Mom aren't there they can just say it's impossible, and get on with the next patient! At least that's my interpretation!

But Jordan was a champ the 3rd time round....And we were so proud.

It's A Boy!

My Brother and Sister-in-law have welcomed their new baby boy into the world! I am so excited, wish I was close enough to hold him, and help out Mel as she recovers! Congrats guys!!! (I did send you an email, let me know if you didn't get it)

Home again....

Although I ran out of time to post before I left, the Lord did allow me to go and be with my sister. I was there for a little over 2 weeks and just got back in yesterday evening....hence the lack of updates. For those of you who may stop by, I ask that you do not forget about her! Please continue to stop by her blog and leave her comments/prayers as they have been a major source of encouragement for her...

It was so nice to be able to go, although I really don't feel like I did much of anything! :) Mum has been a real rock for her though, and I especially ask for prayers as Mum heads home for a time and others step in. Although there are many others who will be staying with her so she's not alone....I know it's going to be really hard seeing Mum head out, as she has been there ever since the accident. Pray that she doesn't have panic attacks alone, and that she will get stronger each and every day.

Kristy has an amazing group of people that surround her. In that she is truly blessed...and I know that they will continue to care for her, and love her. Thanks to all of you by the way, if you ever stop by here.....the way you have stepped in for Steve has been so great....I am so thankful to know that Kristy has you guys taking care of her, and loving her.

I had a safe trip home....didn't sleep at all though, so that's on the agenda for today! So keep holding Kristy up in prayer....she's a special gal.

My Sister Needs Prayer.....

My dear sister has just lost her new husband of 10 weeks in a tragic boating accident....please pray for her. She has already traveled a hard road of heartaches and much waiting to become his wife....I wish I could be there for her, and hold her, and let her cry on my shoulder as we used to. I never got to meet Steve in person...only over the phone....but I already loved him as my brother. So please lift Kristy up in prayer...that the Lord will comfort her, and draw her closer to Him, and that she will keep trusting in Him, that although we don't understand all of this, He does. I can't begin to imagine the pain....Sister, I LOVE YOU, and I'm praying for you, and I'm aching to be able to help you....

Please also pray for his family, my family, his mates, and also my Mum who is with Kristy right now.

Please stop by here and let her know you are praying....there are also posts here and here by friends....

Steve

October 15, 1976 - March 23, 2008

And some pics of my boys....

My Biggest, and Littlest....

Little Jazz...bubba's...squirt...
And my tomahawk n' knife throwing BOY, Jordan


And here's one of lil' Squirt with one of his favourite people....Mikaela

Just a few pictures for y'all!

Here's Jekkie....my wild-haired woman of the West #2

Here's Lydia, my extra wild-haired woman of the West #1
Here she is again, a little more tame here....
Here's me and Mine....(Ok, so my hair is a little wild too...)

Work, work, work!

I really haven't fallen off the face of the planet....we've just had a busy time, that's all! We had a little stomach "bleck" hit Heath, myself, and Jordan last week, then Jordan came down with conjunctivitis/pink eye on Saturday....then Monday through Wednesday, Heath and I spent at the church building working on trying to get that project finished enough so that it can be completed on Saturday! Yahoo! We grouted, and caulked, repaired a hole in the wall (left by a neat young man who was trying to help, didn't 'get the message' about making sure that the scraper machine didn't run over the cord....which it did, and instead of the bottom spinning, it locked up and the top started spinning instead....sent him flying one way, and the machine the other way into the wall.... Wasn't a huge hole, and fortunately sheetrock work is right up Heath's alley....it just took us a while to get around to repairing it!). Hopefully on Saturday, we just have to seal the grout, and clean, and clean, and clean, and clean. Then we can set it back up for our fellowship meals and start eating back over there each Sunday! Oh, we do still have some electrical work to do, just waiting on the electrician for that...it has taken so much longer than we expected....but it's almost done now.....and I have totally enjoyed the chance to work side by side with Heath! He is the best husband ever... :)

Yesterday I had Alec and Hayden, and washed load after load, after load after load of clothes! Today I still have 4-6 loads to go....but we are getting there! Didn't touch housework while we were at the church, and so I am playing catch-up, but it was so worth it!

So, I really haven't been ignoring y'all....I love you all!

Spring clean?

OK, so my spring cleaning deal didn't quite go as planned....I've still got a looooonnnnnggg way to go. But, I do have a big trash bag, and a couple of boxes of stuff headed to Goodwill....so it's a start...and we did throw out a couple of extra bags of trash! But it's going to take a bit of a gradual approach now....my kids can't take off school forever! :) In fact speaking of school....I have so much of that junk to throw away too....I need like 2 weeks of concentrated cleaning to make a genuine dent....Hey! I forgot...Kristy is coming! She always was good at that! The one fact is that I don't have huge piles under my bed any more, at least not ones that I put under there....she ought to be proud of me.... But really my house is worse than before I started! Sigh! Oh, well, after I throw everything away, it should be easier to keep clean right?

By the Way....

Just thought I'd mention, although you may well already know....my sister and her new husband are coming over in May to see us! We are so excited! It will be so much fun! It'll be good to have some Aussie influence in our lives again....y'all know how much we've slipped with all these Texas accents...

Busy Week Notice!

Hey, Y'all....I am giving the kids the rest of this week off school for a Spring-cleaning Fest! My house is rapidly swallowing me alive.....help! I need to do a serious purging out of tonnes of 'stuff'. We just have too much junk laying around....soooooo, I want you to know that I haven't forgot you all, or that I am supposed to email everyone, still. Maybe I should post before and after pics for you all....and maybe not! LOL Oh, and I did get my camera, and my mixer, it has been so much fun!!! I'll blog about them both soon! And yes, I'll upload some pics too. Can't wait.

So if I'm a little scarce...you'll know why, but I want to get it out of the way so we can maybe take a family vacation, and really enjoy our summer vacation when it gets here....

Mistake....

I regret to report that I apparently made a mistake in my column regarding my sister and her fruit...apparently she would LOVE to have all the fruit if she hadn't....

1. just got married
2. just moved house
3. just moved town
4. just moved to a new church
5. a friend-circle to develop
6. changed 'cultures'
7. unpacking still needing to be done...all at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME!!!!!

Or at least that's the excuse she gave me...so in hindsight....

I regret the error.

I think.

When I checked the Mail...

...there was a big brown package, it was full of blackberry and raspberry plants that I had ordered last fall, only to find that they wouldn't ship till Spring! So they are finally here. Unlike my sister, I relish the though of having fruit coming out of my ears.... In fact I want my gardens to be at least 80% productive plants eventually. I guess one day I can learn how to get the rosehips from my roses and put rose petals in my fruit salads and on my cakes....but not quite there yet...so I don't consider them part of my edibles yet. I did replace a sage bush that had died though with a blueberry plant! Yes! I want produce! OK, back to my berries! So amongst my laundry, giving Jorge a much needed haircut, and general housework, I need to go out to the garden and turn over some dirt, mix in the manure that I picked up at Walmart yesterday (thankfully they sent me a shipping notice, and so I had a 'heads-up' that they were on their way) and plant them thangs!

Care to join me?

P.S. does anyone know anything about the health of fruit trees??? My peach tree's tips are messed up, either by bugs (grasshoppers?), or some fungus/disease... I have chopped some off and plan to go over the rest in hopes of protecting it...we had a wet summer last year...my apricot tree didn't make it...but the peaches were great...hoping for a good crop this year.

The weekend...

Thanks to all of you who prayed for Heath and his back! It held up through it all, and is gradually improving...Praise the Lord. Usually, if he didn't have a bad back, he would've after all the extra work....but not only was it already bad, all the extra work "should've" landed him in bed....but he's doing better! I like to threaten him each time I help him stretch it out (picture him flat on his back, me pushing on his feet to bend his knees to his chest....see why I have leverage with him??? How else would I have talked him into a new camera, mixer, and...???? LOL), for one little 'slip' could inflict great pain...."So Honey, how about a dehydrator as well??"

The guys were able to lay the 'body' of the tile, and then on Monday night they started on the cutting/laying of all the edge tile, and got 90% of that done. Now we need to finish that, grout them, and then tile the outside of the baptistery....the we have to finish sealing the kitchen cabinets....then we have to CLEAN... I think I'll be on vacation that week? Just kidding.

Other than that, I have been spending hours trying to sort through digital cameras, and I can't wait to buy one soon! Then there will be pictures folks! Yay!

Since then....

We have been working on the church building trying to get that done.... We are hoping to lay tile this weekend....Any volunteers??? Pray that Heath's back is strong by then! He hurt it last weekend....and has been limping to work all week...makes you really admire a man when you know he's in pain, but works on anyway...I love him. We are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel....it's been a long haul, and I can't wait till it's finished, and Heath can rest again....it has been a lot of work, and it'll be so good to be able to set up over there again, as we've been all eating here after church and it's a little crammed....which is great, as the Lord has been bringing along extras and we are running out of room at our place.

A thing or two...

Sorry I've just been so slack! I just really haven't been in the 'mood' I guess!

Friday before the retreat I went to wash a bunch of dirty laundry....only to find that my washer had decided to die....lovely! Fortunately I did have clothes to wear....and left that evening for the retreat, happy to forget about the dozen or so loads of laundry that would still be waiting when I got back.

The retreat was a lot of fun! Much different to what we expected though, as the speaker went into major doctrine stuff....although it was the "Heart of Motherhood" retreat. I didn't agree with a lot of what she said, but it was a very enjoyable time just the same! Saturday evening she did talk more about the 'theme', and then a lot more on Sunday (the one day that I didn't go...bummer!) :) The food was great and super healthy....my sister would have felt at home...LOL. They also gave out the recipes for everything that they cooked...that was cool! I'll try to post some on here soon! They pulled out their weapons (Vita-mix's) and we drank green stuff....OK, so it was good, and yes, I, the junk food addict, have slowly turned around and am getting closer to wanting to be a health nut too.... Actually, so far, I make our own bread, granola, cookies, and am hoping to do more as time goes on. (like quit using veg. oil, and switch to coconut/palm oil, cut sugar, etc....but I don't know that I could switch to fresh milk....ick!

But all in all it was fun, and probably just as much for the fact that I didn't have to prepare or clean up after the meals, change diapers, train children etc.....I just got to eat....hot food, mind you....and sit and do nothing....it was refreshing! But I am so glad to be home too....I love doing my calling of 'mother', but after everyone being sick the last few months....I was ready for a little break/rest!

Then, back to reality....12 loads of laundry.....AAAAAAHHHHHHHH! Ok, not really. 12 loads, maybe, but I didn't scream. :) The Lord provided a replacement through a friend who specialises in fixing such things, and he was kind enough to drop it off by Monday evening....and order, or at least, clean clothes, were restored. The Lord is a great provider.

Trying out a new look....

Like it? I am hoping to do more with it...(once I wrangle my sister's help...*grin*) I wanted a change from the old as I was finding that there were many others out there exactly the same LOL! (funnily enough, their titles included happy mommy/momma too...) I wanted something fresh, and with the feeling of Spring! I'd like to learn how to customize with pictures etc too....or just win some help through the Bloggy Giveaways at Rocks in My Dryer....yes I have entered for some...smile. (BTW Kristy...you can turn the above into links if you want! I still haven't figured it out....I'm a little slow!)

Chillin'....

This weekend a dear friend has paid for me to attend a retreat with her in Buffalo Gap....I am looking forward to it! I won't be doing the sleep-over thing, as I am only a short drive from the location...but will go Friday evening, and all day Saturday to spend time with other moms! Should be fun! We should be an interesting bunch...along with a few others we will be an Aussie, a Jew, a Mormon, and I have yet to find out interesting facts about the others...LOL

My midwife should be there too! It will be so good to see her again...she attended both Jekkie and Jared's home-births, and is such a sweet person. We'll have to have a show-off-baby fest! Funny thing is she has probably caught a huge number of these women's babies...so it'll be a blast. I look forward to meeting new people, making new friends, and learning a lot!

I sure hope that Heath can survive without me....or should I say the kids? :) Nah, he's a great dad, and my neice says that she'll help keep an eye on them.... I'll probably take Jazz on Saturday though, 'coz Daddy is still doing renovations on the church building.

What are y'all doing this weekend?

And Last but not Least....

We have a new favourite muffin recipe...Orange Cranberry Muffins....you need to head over to Tammy's recipes , and check them out! Be warned....fresh cranberries are TART, but once you get used to it, you're hooked! BTW, I make these without eggs....sure, I was supposed to make them with eggs, but when you go to bake, and find that you don't have any....well, you get creative! Or, at least you get on the web and do a frantic search for "egg substitutes", and then you find out that you can mix 3 tsp of milled flax seed with boiling water....which I just happen to keep on hand....phew! And we loved them so much (OK, so the kids insist on me leaving cranberries out of some), this way, that I have never put the eggs in! Oh, and I sprinkle the tops with raw sugar too! Soooo good, and Heath has declared them the best muffins he's ever eaten....so, they are worth their weight in gold!

*edited to contain the links!*

Belated pictures!

Here are the pictures from the concert....sorry they are lousy, but they were all taken with my phone! Here's Lydia's hair-do....
Here's Momma and Lydia - see why I hadn't posted yet? LOL
And here's a random shot of Jekkie and me - we were bored waiting in the car for Dad and Co.
And till my new camera is bought....(hopefully as soon as Tax refund comes in...)this may be all you'll see....sorry!

Hey and G'day!

Sorry I have been so terribly absent! (It has been terrible for you, right?) I am so glad to be back, and yet I soooo enjoyed the break too! With the kids havning the stomach bug, then Jekkie and Jazz got a cold....It has been one busy month! Not as much sleep as is neccessary for me!....but they are all doing great...Jazz is still trying to get over his cold/bronchial whatever, and we still have to use the nebuliser a couple of times a day...but he's fine.

I have really enjoy, no LOVE, being a Mom....even this last month, with everyone sick....I just enjoy my kids so much. I am far from being the best of Mom's, but I know that I have grown since I got married! For the first 4-5 years, anytime one of the kids got the 'bug' or Heath, Heath had to clean it up...I had the weakest stomach. (It's also one of my phobias - puking) So he would lovingly and patiently help out...LOL....till one day it happened while he was at work, and I was faced with the decision...."either I can save this for Heath to come home to after he has slaved all day providing for our family....or I can buckle down and just do it" And so that was a big turning point for me...now it's just a part of being a mom, although one I gladly hope to miss as often as possible! LOL

But it really is a blast! Yeah, you have some hard times, and times where you could really give the flesh a chance to display itself...but my kids are so much fun, and I LOVE THEM! They have the best Daddy in the world, and I reckon it shows! So now that my sister is married, I need her to have some of her own soon....she's got a lot of catching up to do... Right now we do have some attitudes to work on....and I know that mine is one of them...funny how knowing that your kids copy you, just makes your own faults that much more obvious....groan...

But, anyway, just wanted you to know we are all still alive and kicking! I'll try to do a couple more posts too!

Soon....

I'll try to post the pictures of the concert soon....I tried to take some of the old theatre, but my phone just wasn't up to it. But I do have a couple of me and Lydia. Sorry for the lack of pics, but as soon as I get a new camera, I'll try to catch up!

Guns...

Last weekend we went to visit Heath's grandparents. We went out to his grandfather's ranch while we could (he is selling it....), and I finally shot a real gun. Not only did I shoot a shotgun (OK, so it was a small one), I also shot a pistol! Yes! I preferred the pistol. I would have to get a LOT of practice, before I could be 'comfortable' handling them. Just knowing that what you hold in your hand could kill somebody is kind of freaky.

My dear, sweet, darling husband told me with a grin that he wasn't worried in the slightest about me damaging the target....only stuff within a 3o' radius!!!! Wasn't that so encouraging....but, may I say, that I blew that baby out on my first shot! It was such a sweet, satisfying feeling to see his amazement plastered all over his face.....LOL OK, I just had to post that for his sake....now to confess that it was the only time I managed to hit it with the pistol...but hey! Oh, and I really was lousy with shooting clay pigeons....but I maintain that I should've learned to shoot at a stationary target first! OK, so I didn't do much better on the still targets either....but, the wind was blowing! LOL

So, after 8.5 years of being married to my dear, darling husband (yes, he is.....Kristy....!) I have finally used guns....

G'day!

Sorry it's been a while.....as you all know, we've had a stomach bug go through the house! Lydia, then Jordan, then Jared, then Heath on the way home from Lubbock in 30* weather, then Jekkie.....I have just almost finished cleaning, washing, etc.....'cause that means they have all had it (and thankfully the Lord has kept me from tending to catch those things)....so I breathed a sigh of relief that it was over!!!!.....till Lydia started again this evening.... BUMMER!

I haven't had a bug like that hit the same person twice before, has anyone else? Poor girl...I am just hoping and praying that it doesn't hit everyone else again! Sigh....

Other than all that nasty stuff, we are doing great! :) (and believe it or not, there have been many ways the Lord's blessings have abounded in little ways....such as when Heath started, we had just left the older 3 with their grandparents for the night....I can only imagine how miserable a 3 hr trip would have been then!)