Monday, June 28, 2010

Monday Meandering

One of these days I'm going to have time to breathe. Between the garden, remodeling, and being out of town nearly every weekend for the past month, this last weekend we actually got to stay home and play catch up. Between the two of us, we got a lot done. First things first, on June 17th, I received this beautiful bouquet of roses from my hubby for our 15th wedding anniversary. We didn't have any money to do anything special, due to the remodeling, but we did get to go out to a steak dinner.We are enjoying getting to eat some of our fresh veggies out of the garden. Don't have much on right now, just turnips, lettuce and a few strawberries, but the weather finally decided to warm up this weekend and things are really taking off. I'm chopping the turnips along with their green tops and freezing them to use in gumbo throughout the year. Click here for Jackie's Gumbo Recipe.Here is a picture of the garden. We've got a lot of weeds growing up through the straw because we didn't have enough newspaper down. We sure have learned a lot. I keep planting more and more. Somebody stop me! I've got a lot of wasted space in my garden that I will remedy next year. Finally got my herbs planted.I've really been working with Josiah and being intentional about training him to do more chores. We've been working on "instant obedience" and having a "yes, mom attitude". Things are getting better, slowly but surely. Here he is helping me clean out the chest freezer and it was his idea to use his snow shovel that he bought at a yard sale. It worked perfectly! He was so proud of himself.Here is Hailey Baby in the dress she wore to church this Sunday. She was so cute, I just had to take a picture. She always has such nice clothes to wear, thanks to her Aunt Abby.This was Michael's big project this weekend. You are looking at a finished dining room/office and hallway hardwood floor! I love the color. We still have to put trim around the edge. We'll wait a few days to move furniture on to it.We're hoping to get the living room floor done this coming weekend. Our goal is to have everything done by the end of July.  This was Michael's Sunday project. He put lathing and the first coat of mortar around the door to prep it for the stacked rock we're going to put on tonight. I'm so happy with the green pediment, crown head and pillisters around the door. I think it adds just a touch of class. Now picture it with stacked stone all around it and along the foundation. I can't wait to see the results!The other thing I managed to do this weekend was make a bunch of fresh, raw strawberry jam. Click here for my recipe. This stuff is so good and so good for you. I use raw honey to sweeten. I'm surprised I got as much as I did, since the kids ate their share. My freezer was almost empty and it feels good to be getting it stocked up a little bit at a time. God is good!

Haven't had time to ride or do anything really fun. Michael has informed me that he won't be doing anymore remodeling projects during the summer because we are missing out on too much fun. We haven't even had time to yard sale, something we love to do and it really helps the budget, especially in the clothes department. We need to find some cheap quart jars in preparation for pickling season. We could use some 1/2 pints, too. We also need a bike for Josiah since he has outgrown his old one. Can't believe how tall that kid is getting! Hopefully we'll get to go yard saling one of these days.

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July! Don't forget to teach your kids why we celebrate this great holiday. Blessings to you all!

Jackie

13 comments:

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

I loved this post! Thank you for all the pictures. Your garden looks like it is taking off. Look at the size of those turnips!

Hailey looks precious in that dress. Too bad it's white! It may not last until Lily!

Tell Josiah, he is doing a great job helping with the chores.

The floor looks amazing! I can't wait to walk on it and not wake up the kids with the squeaking! I'm so happy for you, Jack.

I love the outside crown molding. You guys sure know how to fix up a place. I'm really proud of you. It does look very classy. I'm looking forward to seeing the rock finish.

Love you bunches!

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

Beautiful post!! From the gorgeous flowers to the floor, the door and your beautiful happy kidlets!

You guys are awesome!!!

And how lucky that your husband said 'we are going to have fun'!!!!!!

It's 89 degrees over here - summer came all at once! In one day!!!

Good to see you Saturday:)

Anonymous said...

Hi I enjoyed this post.I love a good yard sale.I hit a couple good ones last weekend.:)That is great fun to me.I love finding clothes and furniture at yard sales.
Your garden is doing great.That is so nice.Hope you have a good summer.~Nikki

Catherine said...

Whew! I'm worn out just from reading your blog of all the activities accomplished in a short weekend. I MAY have some narrow-mouth quart jars for you; I'll have to look.

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Catherine,
If you have extras, I'll take them. Can't wait to see you next month. You're garden should be all in its glory!

Regina @VestPocketFamilyFarm said...

I am so looking forward to September when I get my yearly trip east, I'll get a good look at the 'new' house.

Gardeners never stop learning, ask your Grandad. :))

Sarah said...

Jackie..thank you for sharing lots of your lovely photographs! Its great to see (and read) what has been going on in your home!

We too are harvesting some produce at the moment and nothing sure beats the feeling; or taste of eating homegrown freshly picked produce!

I just love your new floor, you guys must be thrilled! It is beautiful!

God Bless

Unknown said...

WOW! You have been busy! Your turnips look great. I've been getting a few too.

The remodeling looks GREAT!

Camille said...

What a great post Jackie! How gorgeous your hardwood floor is! You are going to enjoy your new addition VERY much!! AND all this will be a distant memory. hang in there!

Those were SOME turnips!!!!

Oh yes, chores are real character building things...don't you think?

Your header picture of the two kids is adorable...did I tell you that before? Well...if not, I have now! :)

Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Camille

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Camille,
Thank you! Yes, chores are very character building. I'm requiring more now that he is almost 7. It is great to really have some help and see that all the hard work of training him is paying off finally!

Connie said...

Things are looking great! Loved the roses - those are a pretty big celebration in my books.

All your hard work is really paying off.

He & Me + 3 said...

Wow girly you are more busy than me. Love the flowers. Beautiful and happy anniversary. 15 years that is awesome.
Those veggies are huge from your garden. Woo hoo. Hoping we get some from ours too. Slowly they are coming.
The wood floor looks amazing too. Wow everything is coming together nicely.
Love the yes mom attitude.

Tammy @ The Sabourin Family said...

Drooling over all that jam! Happy to have found your blog. :)

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