Proverbs 31 Homemaking

My Homemaking Challenge

2010-02-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

Good morning sisters! I pray everyone has had a lovely weekend.

1. Laundry (as always ;))

2. School

3. Order violins

4. Treadmill being delivered this afternoon.

5. Put away things in children's baskets upstairs.

6. Bake bread (2 loaves)

7. Dinner- Oven baked chicken, corn, PA Dutch green beans, rolls

8. Put up boys' chore charts for the week

I think this is all we'll be able to fit in for today, lol.

Love,

Cranberry Nut Bread

2010-01-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter (softened)
1 c. milk
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. orange extract
2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. whole cranberry sauce
1/ c. chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour loaf pan and set aside.
Cream sugar and butter in a large bowl. Add milk, egg, vanilla, and orange extract. Beat well.
Combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon in second bowl. Using a spatula, gently add dry mixture to milk mixture.
Fold in cranberry sauce and nuts.
Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 60 minutes, till toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then turn onto wire rack to finish cooling.

Banana Nut Bread

2010-01-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg
3 medium bananas (mashed)
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. oil
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Directions:
1. Grease a loaf pan, set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine egg, bananas, sugar, and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Fold in nuts.
3. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake @ 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or till toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from loaf pan, cool on wire rack.

Sweet-Sour Milk Doughnuts

2010-01-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 of 1/3 c. oil
Mix well in large bowl.

1 c. sour milk (1 tsp. vinegar added to milk)
1 tsp. baking soda
Mix together to add to mix above.

4 c. flour

Directions:
Stir in the flour to make a dough easy to handle, but not too stiff. Pat out to 1/2 inch thick and cut with doughnut cutter. Fry in hot oil, turning after one minute until nicely brown.

Can roll in cinnamon sugar afterwards.

Fried Apple French Toast

2010-01-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
4-5 eggs
2-4 tbsp. milk
a little cinnamon

Dip slices of wheat bread in above mixture. Fry in butter over medium heat until lightly brown on both sides. Keep warm in oven

4-5 peeled and sliced apples
2 tbsp. butter

Fry over medium heat until slightly soft, then add 2-3 tbsp brown sugar and fry a little longer.
You may want to add a little more cinnamon.

Serve over the french toast.

Mini Cinnamon Twists

2010-01-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 can of refrigerator crescent rolls
3 tbsp. melted butter
8 large marshmallows (halved)
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. milk

Directions:
Spray baking sheet with cooking spray
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Separate dough into triangles. Cut each in half lengthwise. Brush each triangle with butter.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Place each marshmallow at the end of a triangle.
Roll each triangle starting at wide end.
Pinch ends to seal.
Place, seam side down on baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake 10 minutes @ 375 degrees.

Blend powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over twists.

***Freeze in airtight container for up to 1 month. Defrost the night before for a breakfast treat***

Bagels

2010-01-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water (use cold water if left to rise overnight)
2 c. bread flour
1/2 c. white sugar
2 1/2 tsp. yeast

Water Mixture:
2 c. hot water
2 tbsp. baking soda

Directions:
Put ingredients into bread machine and set to dough cycle. Let rise in machine. Take out and flatten a bit. Cut lengthwise into strips.

Roll strips just a bit between your hands, and dip into water mixture while pinching ends together to shape bagel.

After dipping bagels, place on greased baking sheet. Now take an egg yolk mixed with 1 tsp. water and brush the tops of bagels.

Bake @ 450 degrees for 12 minutes.

Cream Scones

2010-01-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
Combine well.

1/3 c. butter
Cut into the above mixture.

1 c. whipping cream

Directions:
Add whipping cream to dough until moistened. Knead lightly five times.
Sprinkle dough with flour and roll into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.
Slice into eighths and spread the triangles apart on cookie sheet. (you could sprinkle lightly with sugar at this point)
Bake @ 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Coffee Cake with Apple Topping

2010-01-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
3 c. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
6 tbsp. butter
2/3 c. butter
2 eggs
1 1/3 c. milk

Directions:
1. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter. Add sugar, mix well.
2. Whisk together eggs and milk, and then stir into dry mixture. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan.
3. Mix the ingredients for topping in a clean bowl and pour over batter.
4. Bake @ 425 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cake tests done. Serve warm.

Apple Topping:
4 tbsp. melted butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
4 c. apples (peeled and finely chopped)

*For plain coffee cake- leave out the apples and only use 2 tbsp. butter.

Basic Sweet Dough Recipe

2010-01-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. yeast
1 c. milk
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 -2 c. flour

Directions:
1. In large mixing bowl, combine 2 c. flour and yeast.
2. Heat milk, sugar, shortening and salt till warm, stirring to melt shortening. Add to dry mixture.
3. Add eggs. Mix well by hand and then stir in 1 1/2 - 2 c. flour, making a moderately stiff dough.
4. Knead on lightly floured surface till smooth, adding more flour if needed. Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl, turning once. Let rise till doubled.
5. Punch down, divide in half. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Caramel Pecan Rolls

2010-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
Basic Sweet Roll Dough Recipe
3 tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Directions:
1. Divide sweet roll dough in half. Roll each half into a 12 x 18 rectangle.
2. Brush each half with softened butter. Combine cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle over dough.
3. Roll up each piece of dough, starting with long side and seal seems. Slice each roll into 12 pieces.
4. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, 1/4 c. butter, and corn syrup. Cook and stir just until butter melts and mixture is blended.
5. Distribute mixture evenly in two greased round baking pans. Top with pecans.
6. Place rolls, cut side down in baking pans on top of the pecans. Cover and let rise until doubled.
7. Bake @ 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Cool for about 30 seconds and then invert on a wire rack, remove pans.

Hugs,

Whole Wheat Breakfast Bars

2010-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
6 c. wheat flour
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. cinnamon
3/4 c. honey
1 1/2 c. oil
1 c. cold water

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients, make a well in the center of the bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine honey, oil, and water. Mix well and then add to dry ingredients and stir until mixture forms a thick, crumbly/stiff dough.
3. Grease 2 9x13 pans. Put half of dough in each pan and press flat.
4. Bake @ 400 degrees for 13-18 minutes. Allow to cool. Slice and remove from pans.

*Store in an airtight container*

Usually, I freeze one pan of the bars. To freeze I slice the bars and then wrap in freezer paper and put into ziplock bags.

Happy Baking!

Homemade Laundry and Dish Detergent

2010-01-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

Dish Detergent:
1 c. Borax
1 c. Baking Soda
Mix together.
Fill rinse aid with vinegar every week or so.

Laundry Detergent:
1 bar Ivory soap
1 1/2 c. baking soda
1/2 c. Borax
16 c. water

1. Boil 4 c. water. While waiting for the water to boil, grate the soap.
2. Once water is boiling, add grated soap and stir. Continue stirring until all of the soap is melted. Meanwhile, in a very large pot, boil the remaining water.
3. After soap is completely melted, pour soap and water mixture into a large container.
4. Add in remaining water and stir well.
5. Add in baking soda and mix well.
6. Add in Borax and mix well.

You may need to mix the soap before each use, so it would be handy to keep a large spoon near the container.

Use 1/4 c. for each load.

Happy Homemaking!

Homemade Cold Remedies

2010-01-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

With it being cold and flu season, I thought it might be a good idea to share a couple of home remedies.

Elderberry- Stock full of Vitamin C, Elderberry has traditionally been used to fight against the flu and common cold.

Garlic, Honey and Lemon Tea
8 cloves crushed garlic, simmered in 2 c. of water for 20 minutes
Strain
Add into the strain water:
the juice from one lemon
honey to taste

Sip throughout the day, or drink 1/2 c. every hour.

This tea is very soothing for a sore throat.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil in a wonderful immune booster! It also is known to boost your metabolism and has anti fungal properties.

Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the above tea to add an immune boost.

Hoping every one stays warm and snuggly this cold winter day!

Hugs,

Freezing Baked Goods

2010-01-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

I love having my freezer well stocked. It's especially nice to have it stocked with baked goods for those busy times when we still would like to have homemade goodies!

Here are a few tips to help you successfully freeze those yummy treats!

*Package food tightly in heavy duty foil, air tight plastic wrap, or water tight containers.
* Baked yeast bread and rolls maintain quality for up to six months.
* Use unbaked yeast bread dough within one month. If you plan to freeze the dough, add more yeast than the recipe calls for. Freezing damages some of the yeast cells, so if you do not add extra, the bread will not rise as well as it would have without freezing.
* Most baked quick breads freeze well but should be used within three months.
* Unfrosted Cakes freeze well.
- Sponge cakes last for 2 months
- Cheesecake lasts for 2 months
- Chocolate cake lasts for 4 months
- Yellow cake lasts for 6 months.
* Baked cookies in a plastic bag will keep for 8-12 months.
* Unbaked fruit pies will keep as long as 8-9 months, Baked fruit pies will freeze for 2 months.
*You can also freeze nuts to use in baking for 6-12 months. (salted nuts do not keep as long as unsalted.)

Happy Baking! (and freezing, lol)

Basic Household Cleaners

2010-01-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Floor Cleaner:
1/8 c. castile soap
1/2 c. white vinegar
1 gallon warm water
5-10 drops tea tree oil

Antiseptic Spray:
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 tsp. castile soap
1/2 c. white vinegar
5-10 drops tea tree oil

Soft Scrubber Formula:
1/2 c. baking soda
enough castile soap to make a paste
5-10 drops tea tree oil

Window or Glass Cleaner:
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. vinegar
1/4 c. rubbing alcohol

Furniture Polish:
1 c. olive oil
1/2 c. lemon juice
Store in sealed container.

Happy Cleaning!

Yummy Childrens Lunch Ideas

2010-01-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

If you are a busy mom like me, the last thing you want to do is be stuck scrambling to throw together lunch in the middle of a busy day. Here are a few yummy ideas to fix the lunch time blues...

1. Grilled cheese sandwiches. (extra yummy on homemade bread, of course)
2. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (again, especially on the homemade bread)
3. Peanut butter on celery
4. Peanut butter on apples
5. Fried egg sandwiches
6. Egg salad on crackers (or you could always do a sandwich)
7. Chicken salad on crackers or a sandwich
8. Cut up raw veggies and dip
9. Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich
10. Quesadillas
11. Peanut butter and honey sandwich
12. Deviled eggs
13. Ham or turkey roll ups
14. Graham crackers with peanut butter and banana slices
14. Leftovers!
15. Homemade pizzas (can make and freeze dough ahead of time)

Happy Homemaking!

My Homemaking Notebook

2010-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

I had to switch to using a larger notebook with my new system. Fortunately I just happened to have a larger pink notebook laying around, LOL. Now, I will just have to find a use for the pretty cover I had made for my old notebook.

The first divider in my notebook is "Information". (Please excuse the Flyboat in the picture...Joseph dropped it right as I took the picture, LOL) MY first page in this section is a basic information page, similar to that found in most planners. Then I have a page for birthdays and anniversaries, a page for important phone numbers, family medical information (just a quick reference sheet with our doctor's information and such). The last page in this section is a Babysitter's Information sheet. This I have in a sheet protector so that I can just pull the page out and post it if we have a baby sitter. This page has all the information she would need to reach us, our doctor, or a neighbor in an emergency. It also has basic instructions such as bedtime routine, what to do if a time-out is needed for the boys, etc...

The next divider is "Schedules and Routines". Here I keep a copy of our family's schedule, and have any basic routines written down for reference. I like the thought that anyone could pick up my notebook and have a good idea of how to run my home. Especially with having a child with Asperger's Syndrome, and even just having four boys, and homeschooling, things like routines and schedules are a neccisity in getting things done!

I like to also write little words of encouragement on the bottom of my written out routine. I like being able to look back and feel refreshed and inspired. :)

My next divider is "Checklists". In this section I have a Master Cleaning list for things that I like to accomplish. I have a daily list, a weekly list, and a copy of the boys' chore charts.

My next divider is "Cleaning". Here I keep detailed instructions for how I like things done. I also keep instructions for deep cleaning (such as seasonal cleanings...) I also keep things like my favorite homemade cleaning supply recipes.

Next comes "Meal Planning". This might be the most important section as far as my family is concerned, LOL. (you have seen my GIANT sized boys, right?) In this section I keep a copy of our menu.

I also like to keep a list of ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, and Dessert, which is helpful in future menu planning. I haven't finished putting this one together yet ;).

The next section is "Shopping Lists". In this section I have 12 blank shopping lists (one for each month). As I come across things I need to add to our list I write it here. Then, when it is time to go shopping, I take this list, and imput it the Shopping List Software, so that I can print out a list with a estimated total.

My next divider is "Pantry and Freezer" Inventory. In this section I keep a spreadsheet with the inventory of our pantry and deep freezer. We do quite a bit of bulk shopping, so it is helpful to keep track of what we have in stock.

"Hospitality" is the last divider before my daily planning section. In this section I keep notes on ideas for when we have guests in our home, and that sort of thing. I also have planning sheets for when we are having company, so that I can be prepared for meals, and making sure everyone has what they need to feel right at home.

And now, to the heart of my homemaking notebook...

I made a divider for each month and because I am incredibly cheesy (or just madly in love with my husband, who is in sales, and thinks on the "quarter" system) I used different papers for each quarter, lol.

On the back side of the divider page is a calendar for the month. Here I note important holidays, feast days, and birthdays. In each month's sections, I have a daily planning sheet for each day. Here I write to-do lists, I can jot down a note to myself, or make notes of things I need to add to our grocery list. This section is really the "heart" of my notebook since I use it everyday.

At the beginning of each week I have a sheet where I can write down the basic goals I would like to achieve that week, and also a few enjoyable things I might like to find time for (such as a craft project...)

So there you have it... the crux of how I keep our home in order. I like having it all neatly in one place, right at my fingertips.

You might have noticed that I used quite a bit of pretty papers, and took the time to cut out flowers to embellish the divider pages. I even used scrapbooking papers to make the divider tabs. This might seem a bit frivalous, but I wanted to make my notebook pretty. It is something that I use everyday, and I wanted it to be a "joy" and not "drudgery". So I picked a calligraphy like font, and pretty pink flowers and made the perfect notebook for my liking.

Hugs,

How To Make a Schedule

2010-01-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

With the start of the new year, so many of us are striving to become more organized! Many homemakers know that they would benefit from a schedule, but are not sure where to begin. I thought I would share a few tips to help get us started.

1. Figure out how your family works best. Would your family benefit from a regimented minute by minute schedule? Or do you need a more laid back approach with no specific times. Perhaps your family is somewhere in the middle. No matter what your family style is, you need to figure what works for you. You could make the most fabulous schedule in the world, but if it doesn't work for your family, it is completely useless.

2. The next step is to write down what all you need to accomplish in your day. You can't really make a schedule without knowing what needs to be done ;). So make a list!

3. Prioritize that list! What is MOST important that you accomplish, what is flexible?

4. Once you have figured out what needs to be accomplished, and have your priorities straight, it's time to think about how you work best. Are you a morning person? Do you tend to work best in the afternoon? Start thinking about which tasks would work better for you in the morning and afternoon.

5. At this point you have a good idea what needs to be on your schedule, and even which part of the day these things need to fit into. It's time to get all these things in order. I usually start by writing down the obvious points. I know breakfast has to happen in the morning, lunch mid-day, and dinner in the evening. Those make a good starting point. Start thinking through that list...For now, don't worry about "times", but the order is more important.

6. Once you have gotten your list into an order, then you can begin to think of times. I usually like to estimate how long I need for the items I have listed, and that helps me to begin to figure out how much time we need in our day.

I feel like this would be a good place to re-emphasize that a schedule does NOT have to be all about what time of day everything has to happen... A good schedule is not meant to be restrictive. It's purpose is to help you to order your days so that you may be more efficient.

I attended a Time Management Seminar some time ago and the man leading it said something that really stuck with me. "Time management is a tool to help you achieve your goals."

What is your purpose for creating a schedule? Most likely it is because you are wanting to accomplish something that you are currently not able to find the time for...or you know there is a way to more effectively use your time so that there is time to do the things you want to do.

Remember this schedule is supposed to HELP you achieve your goals, it is not supposed to cause you to feel hindered.

7. Another option for figuring out times: Once you have an order for ll of your items on your schedule, try running through it a few days, and just seeing how it flows. See how much time you really need for each thing. After "test driving" it for several days, you will have a better feel for how it works, and are perhaps better equipped to figure out times.

I hope this helps to get you started in the right direction for creating your schedule. If you have questions or need further help please feel free to emai l or leave a comment...I am always happy to help!

Happy Homemaking!

Our Current Schedule

2010-01-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is our current schedule.

6am- Wake up, Get dressed

6:30- Make Breakfast

6:55- Wake children

7:00- Family Breakfast and Devotion

7:30- Daddy leaves for work, Boys get dressed

7:45- Morning Chores

8:15- Prep for day, Boys Play

9:00- School

10:00- Kitchen Work, Boys Play

10:30- Housekeeping Task (usually the boys help or play near by)

11:30- Prepare lunch

11:45- Story Time

12:00- Lunch

12:30- Afternoon chores

1:00- Preschoolers Nap/ Jacob quiet time/ Mommy work out (usually Pilates)

1:30- Work on computer or read or some other quiet activity

2:00- School

3:00- Melly's Playtime ,LOL (crafting, or working on projects...)

4:00- Snack/ Kitchen work

4:15- Play with children, work on dinner

5:30- Quick tidy up of the house

5:45- Set dinner table

6:00- Dinner

6:30- Clean up/ Evening Chores

6:45- Children get dressed for bed

7:00- Family Time

7:30- Rosary

8:00- Childrens Bedtime

10- Bedtime

Happy Homemaking,

Why Follow a Schedule

2010-01-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

Since the topic of scheduling has come up, I thought I would send this article that I wrote some time ago. I will share a few examples of schedules that we have used over the years some time today.

Those who know me well know that I love to organize. I love schedules and lists and charts and calendars. Not everyone shares my passion for organization, so you may be asking yourself, "Do I really need a schedule?"

Do you find that you no longer have time for hobbies that you once enjoyed? Did you set aside knitting or card-making when the responsibilities of keeping the home increased? Did you stop baking bread or cooking from scratch as your family size grew? Or perhaps you always wanted to do these things but thought that you just didn't have the time?

When we were expecting our second son everyone told me, "Well now you won't have time to do all that baking", or "You will have to learn to accept a messy house", "It's too bad you won't have time to make those pretty cards anymore".

Well I knew that we had hopes of a large family and that we were praying for God to bless us with children. But I also knew that I loved homemaking and making things and that my husband found these qualities endearing. I knew that the smell of freshly baked bread added to the comforting atmosphere of our home. And I knew that seeing the things that I made for our home made my husband happy and that he appreciated the love and time that went into making them. There had to be a way to hold on to these as our family grew!

I needed a plan. A good, working schedule that included time for all that we wanted to accomplish. A schedule that would include time for prayer, time for our children, time for our home, and time for the things that I enjoy.

At first following a schedule can feel daunting. It may feel restrictive or rigid. Many many times I have been tempted to just throw the schedule out of the window. But whenever I stray from the schedule I find myself feeling like I am drowning in a sea of laundry, rushing to get the basics done, throwing dinner together at the end of the day and frustrated that I have had no time for the activities that I enjoy.

But what a sense of accomplishment I feel when my husband comes home to a neat and tidy home with a lovingly prepared dinner waiting on the table. And the children excitedly tell him about what we did during school, and I show him the needlework that I am working on.

Following the schedule gives our home a sense of order. We have found that our children are better behaved and that the chaos that disorganization creates seems to fade away. I feel better prepared in my duties as wife and mother, my husband is pleased to know that his home is well ordered and the children feel secure in the routine.

II Thessalonians 3:11-12
"For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."

I also wanted to add a side note here: Another alternative to a "schedule" with specific times is just to establish a routine, or a schedule with no times listed. Our family has used this technique especially during times when a regimented schedule just would not be prudent (during rough points of pregnancy, with a new baby, during times of transition like moving or just any other time we felt it was best). We have a schedule at this point, but we also know that things like children, illness, stress, and all sort of "life" things can sometimes get in the way of time. So we put more emphasis on following the routine of our schedule and the times are more of a guideline to strive for.

Love,

My Homemaking Challenge

2010-01-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

What a morning. I was about to cuddle up with baby James in the rocking chair, looking forward to a quiet chance to kiss and hug on him while feeding him when I suddenly hear a voice call out from across the hall..."Mommy, Joshie's sick!"

I hurried in to find Joshua sitting in a puddle of ickiness on his bed. Apparently sickness has hit our house in full force. Joshua is throwing up, I'm running a fever, and I can tell by the look in Jacob's eyes that he is also beginning to feel sick. I don't know about the two little ones yet, and Rick is not feeling bad, so I'm hoping they are fine.

So forget my to-do list for today, my main objective is tending to sick children. I may try to do little things throughout my day but not making any plans, lol.

Love,

Homemade Brownies

2009-12-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Grease an 8x8 pan, set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs, sugar and vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, beat lightly until combined. Stir in flour and nuts.

2. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack and cut into bars.

Happy Baking!

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

Shew, I have been neglecting my blog here, LOL. Ok, not really, it has just been a busy time with Christmas and family. I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas!

1. Breakfast- "Fuffins and Sauce" (aka pancakes with vanilla sauce)

2. Clean up kitchen and Children's morning chores

3. School

4. Laundry

5. Tidy up master bedroom (it's a disaster at the moment!)

6. Lunch- leftover Sticky Chicken, mashed potatoes and rolls

7. School

8. Work on homemaking notebook (eventually I WILL get my new one finished, lol)

9. Dinner- Train Wreck Porkchops, scalloped potatoes and a veggie. (meat is defrosting)

10. Make brownies.

I'm jumping with joy this morning because Jamie actually slept all night last night!!!! It was wonderful, especially after having been up all night the day before. I cannot figure out why he is so inconsistent when the routine stays exactly the same...he is just so different from my other boys, lol.

I am taking a minute to enjoy my cup of coffee before starting school with the boys. Hope everyone has a lovely day!

Love,

Sugar Cookies...Yummy!

2009-12-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
* 2 cups white sugar
* 4 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 5 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

Powdered Sugar Icing
Ingredients:
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon milk

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir in additional milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

You can also add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to make chocolate icing.

I love simple sugar cookies. There is just something so delicious about them!

Love,

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

1. Bake banana nut bread
2. Bake cranberry nut bread
3. Finishing touches on gift bags
4. Make bows for presents
5. Fold, sort and put away clean laundry
6. Take stack from kitchen desk to craft room
7. Move Christmas dishes and clear table cloth out of dining room
8. Move our coats from coat closet and put empty hangers in there
9. Touch up iron tablecloth
10. Change air filters
11. Steam clean
12. Decide on an outfit for the Christmas party...I think I am just as stressed about that as I am about the ACTUAL party, lol.

Hugs,

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

Is it really only Tuesday????

1. Bake snickerdoodles

2. Bake chocolate chip cookies

3. Drink lots of coffee

4. Finish making gift bags for cookie swap

5. Drink lots of coffee

6. Bake peanut butter cookies

7. Sort, fold and put clean laundry away

8. Laundry

9. Drink lots of coffee

10. Dust living room

11. Dust dining room

12. Dust master bedroom

13. Finish gift bags for the cookie swap

14. Drink lots of coffee

15. Wrap gifts.

16. All of the usual "daily" things...supervise children's chores, dishes, make beds, take care of babies....We decided to just not work on school this week.

17. Drink lots of coffee.

18. Take a deep breath...dinner is easy. I went against my usual way of doing things and bought frozen boxed things to make for the next couple of days.

I seemed to have done something to my knee yesterday, but I can't figure out what! When we got home from the grocery store I noticed it was hurting and when I went inside and took a look at it, there was a huge swollen bruise on the side of my knee. It's crazy. I think I would have noticed if I had bumped it (especially hard enough to leave a huge bruise!) I have too much to do this week to be slowed down by something silly like this. *Sigh*

Love,

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy week ahead! I have a Mommy and Me Cookie Swap on Thursday and our Christmas Party on Friday, so there will be lots to do this week!

Here's my To-do List for today:

1. Bake 8 dozen Cowboy Cookies. (6 for the Swap, and 2 for the Party)
2. Clean master bathroom
3. Clean powder room
4. Fold and put away laundry
5. Laundry
6. Hang hooks in master bathroom for hand towels
7. Wrap children's gifts and Dirty Santa gifts for party.
8. Make grocery list.
9. Grocery shopping
10. Make labels for cookies for Swap.
11. Make to-do list for this week.

Hugs,

Grocery List Software

2009-12-09T10:08:00.001-08:00

This week I have been working on getting my Grocery List set up in this nifty Grocery List software I came across a few years ago. The software is a really helpful tool for creating shopping lists and keeping track of your grocery budget.

With it being free, there are of course, a few flaws in it. But, in my opinion they are minor flaws considering what you are getting for the price ;).

Every now and then it will freeze up and you have to close back out of it and reopen it again. Sometimes an item will take a few tries before it will delete from your list. You have to add an item in the wrong category in order to create a new category. But all in all, it is a nice piece of software that does a really helpful job.

Happy Homemaking!

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

1. Laundry...of course!
2. Bake pumpkin butterscotch muffins
3. Put away baskets of clothes.
4. Change out a few family pictures in frames and hang in upstairs hallway.
5. School
6. Wrap a few Christmas presents...I didn't get to that one yesterday.
7. Work on front porch display.

Happy Homemaking,

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

1. Sort, fold and put away laundry. I ran out of time to finish this one yesterday and now I am really behind!
2. Help boys to straighten books on kitchen bookshelf
3. School
4. Sweep kitchen
5. Laundry
6. Clean mouse (guinea pig) cage
7. Vacuum big boys' room
8. Put child locks on school cabinet (having trouble with little hands getting into things...)
9. Dinner- I'm going to make chicken and broccoli casserole only substituting leftover turkey instead of chicken.

10. Wrap a couple of Christmas gifts.

***Update***
I decided to add making bread to my list. I am going to try using my Kitchenaid to knead the dough...Can you believe I have never done this? I always do it by hand, but then a friend was telling me how much time she saves and how much less of a mess it is to do it this way. So I am going to give this a try today!

Pax Christi,

Little Time Savers

2009-12-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

I just love when you finally figure out a system for things that WORKS! Since Jamie was born, I have been looking for ways to simplify parts of my day. After we set up a changing table downstairs, we figured out that is was easier getting the boys dressed there than upstairs. We also started having the boys put their clothes directly into the washing machine, rather than into a basket and wow, this has saved me so much time!

During the Christmas season we like to eat off of our Christmas dishes, and I also like having the formal dining room table set all of the time. So, I figured out that I can have us use the dishes at dinner, load them in the dishwasher and then put them straight back to the table at breakfast the next morning. Then our table is set nicely for dinner, and it looks pretty all day.

Happy Homemaking,

Green Bean Casserole

2009-12-01T14:49:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 c. milk
dash of black pepper
4 c. cooked French cut green beans
1 1/3 c. French Fried onions

Directions:
Mix together the soup, milk, green beans, pepper, and 2/3 c. of the onions.
Bake @ 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until mixture is hot and bubbling.
Top with the remaining onions and bake for 5-10 minutes more.

Happy Homemaking,

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-12-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

I woke feeling very tired this morning! I am going to need a LOT of coffee today...

1. Laundry. This is an ever present item on my to-do list. It seems like if I even miss a day we fall behind.
2. Sort, fold and put away laundry. This seems to be my biggest homemaking weakness.
3. School
4. Unload dishwasher
5. Organize my closet. Yikes, this is a big task. Yesterday I pulled out all of my winter sweaters and got them folded. I need to go through my closet and pull out things that I don't need anymore (such as maternity things) and get them packed away. This is a big project that will probably keep me busy this afternoon.
6. Get basket to put underneath kitchen desk. I am needing a "catchall" place for notebooks and things that seem to collect on top of my desk.
7. Pray the Rosary with the boys. They have been begging all morning, and who can say "no" to children WANTING to pray???
8. Clean off kitchen desk.
9. Pull first block out of our Advent calendar and read the verses with the boys.
10. Post Thanksgiving pictures.

With Love,

My Homemaking Challenge

2009-11-30T12:02:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been having trouble with a lack of focus. With moving, and then a new baby, and all of the numerous challenges that come with raising a house full of boys, I've been struggling a little to keep track of what I'm doing. Some days I am just not sure whether I'm coming or going, lol.

So, I thought I would go back to do something that used to work really well for me: posting my to-do lists as a challenge to myself.

The house is feeling a little chaotic with the transition from Fall decorations to Christmas! So, I have quite a bit I would like to get accomplished today:

1. Bring winter sweaters up from basement
2. Laundry
3. Wash master bedroom sheets
4. Iron Christmas table linens
5. Finish blog re-design of Melly Elizabeth's Musings
6. Unload dishwasher and re-load with serving dishes
7. Take empty Christmas bins down to the basement
8. Wash Thanksgiving table linens

It's been a busy first half of the day, but now that the youngest three boys are napping I am going to try to get a few things done around the house.

Happy Homemaking,

New Recipes Added!

2009-11-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

This is a busy time of year for most people! So, with that in mind, I have added a few quick dinner recipes to the site.

Rick's Favorite Pasta
Beef Stroganoff
Chicken Pasta
Chili
Rice Medley
Sloppy Joes

Happy Homemaking!,

Jesse Tree Advent Calendar

2009-11-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

We just added a new section to Proverbs 31 Homemaking...Holiday Traditions!

Today I added the first page in this section which has instructions for making a Jesse Tree Advent Calendar.

Blessings,

Pumpkin Recipes

2009-11-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

During the harvest season, pumpkins are abundant! I thought I would share a few pumpkin recipes that really put me in the mood for Autumn baking.

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins

Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Log

Happy Baking,

How To Cook Pumpkin

2009-11-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time of year! Pumpkins and pumpkin recipes abound, and many people are wondering how exactly to cook fresh pumpkin.

Take the pumpkin and cut it in quarters and remove the seeds and pulp.

Place both sections face down on a cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes (or more for larger pumpkins) at about 350 degrees.

A fork should easily pierce the skin and flesh.

After cooling, spoon out the now soft flesh and use as you would canned pumpkin (you may wish to puree it at this point, or add some water to adjust the consistency).

It's as easy as pie! (mmmm, yummy pumpkin pie!)

Harvest Blessings,

Frugal Friday

2009-10-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

This one may not apply to everyone, but for those of us with little ones still using diapers, pull-ups or wipes-

I tend to buy these things in the largest packs they have, LOL, which means they come in boxes. I use to throw these boxes away, and then when we were in the process of packing to move I started saving them to use for smaller items. After we moved I realized we had a TON of these boxes, and ever since then I cannot bring myself to throw them away. As I have been trying to get our new house organized I keep running into the problem of not having enough storage...

It suddenly dawned on me that I had a solution just sitting in the basement! So, I started pulling out these diaper boxes. I cut the flaps that close up the top off, now I had what was basically a cardboard "drawer". Functional but not very pretty. The other day an answer to that problem occurred to me- just make 'em pretty, LOL. So I am going to get some decorative contact paper and cover these boxes.

Love,

A New Look for Proverbs 31 Homemaking!

2009-08-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already done so, stop by and check out the new design of Proverbs 31 Homemaking! The entire site has been redesigned from top to bottom. The same great content is there, but with a fresh new look!

We will be adding new recipes in the coming weeks.

Happy Homemaking!