tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31453977507858289872024-03-08T15:36:30.524-05:00Thy Hand Hath ProvidedOur daily life: Including children & chicken stories, garden & kitchen news and our attempts to tread softly.You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.comBlogger1174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-30856266181045788392021-03-31T10:33:00.005-04:002021-03-31T10:33:39.038-04:00An Interview About Our Homeschooling Journey<p> A friend asked me a bunch of questions and I did my best to answer. You can find the interview<a href="https://jennifermurch.com/2021/03/how-we-homeschool-jane/" target="_blank"> here</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT-rxv2McTdcFRdG72CExYtFiY0EJyv5Me0QjrUfdFatTpiwlte8bE4_TV49QxbWwe7e9xDYBDot4gSSRwAK0D3ER2h_dKX8WN2ZAYuwkcWQhR14S5ykoAm8gmiPzRkbek8WNi2rlNYa9/s750/DSCN4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTT-rxv2McTdcFRdG72CExYtFiY0EJyv5Me0QjrUfdFatTpiwlte8bE4_TV49QxbWwe7e9xDYBDot4gSSRwAK0D3ER2h_dKX8WN2ZAYuwkcWQhR14S5ykoAm8gmiPzRkbek8WNi2rlNYa9/w640-h480/DSCN4729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-7200236746063737602020-12-22T13:23:00.001-05:002020-12-22T13:23:15.862-05:002020<p> What can be said about this year that hasn't already been said or thought? It hurts my head just to try to form coherent thoughts about this past year. But I'll try to share an update on life because I *do* still think of this wonderful community which was such a large part of my life for years. At a time of year when we send out letters and Christmas cards- updating friends and family- I want to update you as well. Here we go.</p><p>~ While MANY have suffered so many losses this year, we are thankful to have had consistent employment (for Jamey, I'm still home full time) and good health. Thanks to masking and distancing, we haven't had as much as a cold. This is a luxury (the ability to stay distanced and safe) and it is not lost on us.</p><p>~ My health has remained stable. I still get regular scans to check for issues (dissections, aneurysms, etc.) and so far nothing is pressing enough to take action. I'm still on medication, carry emergency meds with me and I rarely (never?) stray out of cell phone range or too far from a hospital. While this sounds tragic, I'm used to it and am not as fearful as I used to be. I'm just thankful for every day.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrwsDBJKw08S1BnzOcaZkpl2gfQSkpnvA5nHV4k0gZNWQleaB7qvhKxgOy6gj0K6RWzhgls51vZ2yAbarWBDtkcocj_-XHb6Su5Cxl9EFbVDfPK7_z328Q7nlmYI99kBd-CzDd64hyphenhyphenTwT/s1204/IMG_20200921_184930622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1204" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrwsDBJKw08S1BnzOcaZkpl2gfQSkpnvA5nHV4k0gZNWQleaB7qvhKxgOy6gj0K6RWzhgls51vZ2yAbarWBDtkcocj_-XHb6Su5Cxl9EFbVDfPK7_z328Q7nlmYI99kBd-CzDd64hyphenhyphenTwT/w640-h480/IMG_20200921_184930622.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>~ We still have chickens- 11 to be exact. In the spring, we welcomed our first goats- two LaMancha does- Dixie and Gypsy. We were going to breed them this fall but have decided to wait until next spring. The girls are excited to milk them and make cheese. They are beautiful, affectionate creatures.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQr2SkmRk7VbfP1gEeMzLcTZr2c7DIVYmKQW9yTJurbDUy-4zJfAT53IqRL0z4YE5xIrMfh-4kXIMQHRP6ECk56qiOw14oKnlnpEuyBLuSirvXd5jkmLxptLoGMvCCMr8ojwq6T1Ml1rjG/s903/IMG_20201208_095153006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="677" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQr2SkmRk7VbfP1gEeMzLcTZr2c7DIVYmKQW9yTJurbDUy-4zJfAT53IqRL0z4YE5xIrMfh-4kXIMQHRP6ECk56qiOw14oKnlnpEuyBLuSirvXd5jkmLxptLoGMvCCMr8ojwq6T1Ml1rjG/w480-h640/IMG_20201208_095153006.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p>~ We continue to garden. In fact, this fall Jamey enlarged it in anticipation of stepping up our garden game again after a few years of growing less and supporting friends who have a CSA. With my parents help (weeding and processing) and the potential for me to help more (as our youngest needs less constant supervision) we look forward to getting back into growing more ourselves.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OgLZjun23Qg-xTO8p8xCtveNe8_shyphenhyphentabtqbo_LHzHv1iQxU8kc4SbY-iIK4TeyxnF1VQ9H3SGuuXAH8tfgxhm3Ky3gWXZb1YsP71rZ-NVTD3P-j2VsCSmfrDjBo8KK0w_uOkUOGoxcE/s1204/IMG_20200920_111453725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1204" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OgLZjun23Qg-xTO8p8xCtveNe8_shyphenhyphentabtqbo_LHzHv1iQxU8kc4SbY-iIK4TeyxnF1VQ9H3SGuuXAH8tfgxhm3Ky3gWXZb1YsP71rZ-NVTD3P-j2VsCSmfrDjBo8KK0w_uOkUOGoxcE/w640-h480/IMG_20200920_111453725.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>~ What school looks like for our family continues to change. Sam is attending his second year at a private school and has college plans for next fall- yes, he will be graduating spring of 2021. <i>My baby.</i> Don't get me started. Sadie is still homeschooling (9th). Miriam started 6th at the private school this fall. Because of their small numbers and ability to distance, Sam and Miriam were able to attend in person for most of the fall. David will head off to the same school for kindergarten next year. He just turned five. How is that possible? </p><p>This will leave me with only *one* child at home next year. Tears are welling up as I type this. It is for the best- for them and for me- and I am SO grateful for all the years of teaching them at home...AND knowing that we can homeschool again if we ever need to. I am also so incredibly thankful for schooling options and for being able to listen to our kids and my health needs...again, not lost on us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_ZvKNCVKjjF_uP9_SH3jImVfL57j8MyigRqBU3ROW15Pf-mXLbzp-IY6Jk1VfkstfD7C1e2ATxrqvxLiflLumZt9SYUbu_zhUJ389EywQMnBE2BAhGU5VG-0KfR-SssWPFMYWO67Pa-M/s1204/IMG_20200916_181509198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1204" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_ZvKNCVKjjF_uP9_SH3jImVfL57j8MyigRqBU3ROW15Pf-mXLbzp-IY6Jk1VfkstfD7C1e2ATxrqvxLiflLumZt9SYUbu_zhUJ389EywQMnBE2BAhGU5VG-0KfR-SssWPFMYWO67Pa-M/w640-h480/IMG_20200916_181509198.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I have experienced a lot of guilt this year...guilt over so many others experiencing all manner of struggles and losses. I often feel this but 2020 has bumped it up notch after notch. Don't get me wrong, I thank God for every good thing. </span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHX58b1XrQr3mGiHFdo4fTT7lmwo2F2FOi9SKdqhB6vaV7fQPCzAvf1dT6z5vi8TW74Z4kQhqFcEyKsPMDhqodlXJRhcaKRcCBOEATg45ZNkMWoKBrW2q-BrH5wSc3w8tUZVArvnUWssf/s1800/DSCN0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHX58b1XrQr3mGiHFdo4fTT7lmwo2F2FOi9SKdqhB6vaV7fQPCzAvf1dT6z5vi8TW74Z4kQhqFcEyKsPMDhqodlXJRhcaKRcCBOEATg45ZNkMWoKBrW2q-BrH5wSc3w8tUZVArvnUWssf/w640-h480/DSCN0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>But I grieve with and for those who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, worry about mortgages, rent, electricity, physical safety...those whose relationships are strained because of the stress of it all, the differences of opinion over politics and COVID precautions and the unknown...those who have been sick, have had to quarantine, are still suffering from symptoms months later...those who are doing online school with their children (and it's not going well), those who are home with their kids (some who may be much more challenging than others) all. the. time...the list goes on and on. </p><p>One of the biggest lessons I learned after my heart attack was the importance of allowing myself to grieve. We often try so hard to hold it all together- especially for our families. We want them not to be scared or worried so we put on a brave face. But we forget to let it out and have a good cry in our closet or into our pillow at night. We just shove it all in and down and this is not healthy. We need to release it- cry it out, give it to God. Be thankful in one breath and shed tears with the next. You are not alone. </p><p>Thanks for re-connecting here in this little corner of the internet. I still think of you often and hope, for all our sakes, that this next year will bring a little more stability, less fear, more peace and more hope.</p><p>Merry Christmas, dear ones.</p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Jane<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0peN3wMTUbddjrqJ-O6zb5cM714bf1NrUqCG-8t8o9ja_8I571yhDD-I3NpB2_CcmM6J-7MKQPBfqu2XSJpgySwgHdccxNLCakkiVDAhp9IJLvj0tTDtqanY9sy9YbE20yLK2vKfQ-RkU/s1204/20201108_165851_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1204" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0peN3wMTUbddjrqJ-O6zb5cM714bf1NrUqCG-8t8o9ja_8I571yhDD-I3NpB2_CcmM6J-7MKQPBfqu2XSJpgySwgHdccxNLCakkiVDAhp9IJLvj0tTDtqanY9sy9YbE20yLK2vKfQ-RkU/w640-h480/20201108_165851_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-75353914326873242019-04-11T07:46:00.000-04:002019-04-11T07:47:24.292-04:00An Update: April 2019(As shared on my blog facebook page...)<br />
<br />
Hello, you dear ones who still follow this blogger who hasn't blogged in
ages.<br />
<br />
I think about writing so very often but I have no idea where to
start. A short update here feels like a much more manageable way to
share. I'm doing well. It was discovered this past year that my SCAD
heart attack was caused by a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia
(my arteries are wonky which has and may continue to cause problems).
It's been a journey accepting my new reality but I am so<span class="text_exposed_show">
thankful for where I am today...I have a brand new perspective on life.
I am thankful for every day. Our family is well. We are LOVING
having my parents live with us in their own (attached) apartment. Their
support and presence has been such a gift. Because of my health
issues, we've stopped fostering. This was very difficult for me at
first but our family feels complete with four wonderful children who
span between learning to drive and learning to use the potty. We still
garden a little and enjoy small projects but we also take advantage of
our friends' CSA as slowing down a bit is good for me. We're still
homeschooling but next year will include our eldest going to private
school and our youngest spending a few days a week at a local preschool.
When I read back over blog posts I realize that that woman doesn't
exist anymore. This is both oddly unsettling and comforting. So much
has transpired and while it has included trials it has also been full of
so many joys and gifts. I can honestly say that while life is very
different now, I would not choose to go back. God is with me and I rest
secure in Him. Blessings to each of you as you navigate your own
challenges and celebrations. You will always be dear to me. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show">Until next
time and with love, </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">Jane</span>You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-84089024337523284592018-02-02T08:32:00.001-05:002018-02-06T12:48:32.427-05:00A Life-Changing YearHi, friends. I have no idea if any one is out there to read me anymore- I know I've been gone a long time. I've been wanting to share some things with you for quite some time now but before I could get settled in regarding one event, bang! another one would hit and so on. I think I have it pretty much together (let's just say that I do, anyway) at this point so I'm going to share before the next thing comes along and re-rattles me:-).<br />
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This past year has altered my life in several <i>major</i> ways and while I could possibly write a book on each of the major ways, I will instead try to summarize things for you. Here we go.<br />
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1) Remember that sweet little special needs foster baby we brought into our lives almost two years ago? He's now <i>ours</i>. The official adoption came through last month just in time for Christmas. There are so many emotions wrapped up in adoption- I never knew...and I never imagined I'd be experiencing them! God had other plans as did our hearts. We are now a family of six.<br />
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2) In less than four months, my parents are moving in with us! This plan has been in the works for years and we are finally in the process of having an addition put on our house that not only gives my parents a full living space but that gives our family some extra bedrooms as well. We are currently squished into two bedrooms as the two houses are being combined but before long, we will spread out again. And, boy, are we going to appreciate the extra space. My parents are still young so we are looking forward to many years of living beside them and caring for them (as I am sure they will continue to care for us).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ero7s5N1jbL8r4z6H-Gi2-UkcHpUv6pOmxYfFk1pUcnLNMdof0ccNhUFcxHCsSOsHC8N86YnmLc9DB9mKmMTooNpnk4buk7SrJlc4-3YKyBCNhyD8JKlkNerN6c4bET5CX6LWRartR6/s1600/DSCN7479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ero7s5N1jbL8r4z6H-Gi2-UkcHpUv6pOmxYfFk1pUcnLNMdof0ccNhUFcxHCsSOsHC8N86YnmLc9DB9mKmMTooNpnk4buk7SrJlc4-3YKyBCNhyD8JKlkNerN6c4bET5CX6LWRartR6/s640/DSCN7479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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3) And, finally (and with much trepidation for some reason), I want to share with you that back in October I had a heart attack. I can hardly believe it as I type it. I experienced a <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/AboutHeartAttacks/Coronary-Artery-Dissection-Not-Just-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_454434_Article.jsp#" target="_blank">Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection</a>. This is not your normal heart attack- in fact, it's quite rare. Arteries have layers and the inner layer of one of my arteries tore allowing blood to seep into the wall of the artery causing a bulge and a 70% blockage which lead to the heart attack. I thank God that it happened in the early hours of the morning (it woke me up) while Jamey was still home and did NOT happen in front of my children.<br />
<br />
I HIGHLY recommend that everyone carry chewable 81mg baby aspirin with them. Jamey fed me four of these as we ran red lights on the way to the ER and they greatly reduced the horrible chest pain/squeezing I was experiencing.<br />
<br />
My recovery is ongoing but positive. I'm now on medication and just finished cardiac rehab. There isn't a lot known about SCAD so I've enrolled in a clinical study to help with research. Why it happens isn't really known and there is a possibility of recurrence. I am still wrapping my head around my new normal and would appreciate any prayers you're able to raise on my (and my family's) behalf.<br />
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For all of these reasons (and many more that have come into focus through all of this), I thought it time to officially bow out of this site for the time being. I kind of already have but I wanted to share with you some of the why. I'm leaving it all here for my own record, for a resource and just in case I one day come back.<br />
<br />
Update: The paper copies of my cookbook have sold out. Thank you all for your orders! The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C0M8EJK/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C0M8EJK&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20" target="_blank">digital copy</a> is still available on Amazon.<br />
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Blessings to each of you this year. Love your people <i>and</i> people that aren't your people and make time to take care of yourself. Our bodies are AMAZING and deserve so much more care than we give them.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Jane<br />
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-25630767103671482872017-08-09T07:35:00.000-04:002017-08-09T07:35:20.477-04:00EncapsulatedI think this is the right word. If we were playing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D4NJSBW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D4NJSBW&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=a8ad7b6dd764dd6a456bdb428b996bfc" target="_blank">Taboo</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ALHAN80/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01ALHAN80&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=1b272a3d3e00d321f3b1870e617cadaa" target="_blank">Catch Phrase</a>, I'd say, <i>"It's that thing when you've thrown yourself so far into taking care of a baby or toddler that you kind of forget who you are and when you're apart for a spell you don't quite know how to think or act. You know, it's when you know you're in there- you're not really lost- you're just surrounded by the you that takes care of the them?"</i><br />
<br />
And you'd yell, <i>"Encapsulated!"</i> and we'd win the game because we're like sisters like that.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what age my youngest becomes when those encapsulating layers peel off, but since my kids are generally about three years apart, I know it happens close to or just about prior to age three. Or maybe that last layer or two wasn't quite free before the next one came along. Either way, the me starts to shine through the me-caring-for-them at some stage. I know it does. I've caught glimpses of her over the years. Yes, I have.<br />
<br />
It's just amazing how those layers pile back on. They form a nice, thick blanket of wondering if they're eating enough and if they might be teething and what was that thing they just put in their mouth and are they getting enough attention and are we spoiling them and...you know- the constant mom-mantra-thought-stream that runs through our heads. You know it, right?<br />
<br />
The thing is, I feel quite naked without those layers. I don't think it's because I'm uncomfortable with the me underneath (although when we get get reacquainted each time it takes a bit to fall back in sync). I think I'm just wired to nurture. And I recognize that not everyone might be. It's my experience that it's a gift...<i>and</i> it's a bit of a curse because it can be hard to take care of a person who is surrounded by cushion-y layers of baby-need-thought-sequences. So, maybe I don't take care of myself as well as I should (eating well, exercising, time for quiet and prayer). Maybe I don't write as often as I'd like. Or call up friends as much as they'd like.<br />
<br />
So, what do I do about all this? I need to find a way to burrow a little hole through the layers and into the soft, squishy center inside. A tiny laundry chute, let's say- where I can pass myself some raw carrots and a walk on the treadmill now and then. Where I can reach out through to my keyboard and type a quick (likely, oddly written) post about who knows what. <br />
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I don't want to become de-encapsulated quite yet. It's not time. But that girl in there could sure use some fresh air now and again. Snorkel, anyone?<br />
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-17403963445144153412017-08-07T08:21:00.002-04:002017-08-07T08:21:49.185-04:00Projects Galore<div style="text-align: center;">
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selling sunflowers (again)- this time to help raise funds toward a short-term medical missions trip</div>
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Sadie has taken over chicken duty (all 15 made the photo)</div>
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It worked! Two years after planting three vines, we're harvesting and eating red, seedless grapes (with no spray).</div>
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settling in- the smoke house now has a porch, post and stone foundation, stone step and slide. Because what smoke house is not complete without a slide?</div>
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this year's garden- mostly weeds and a few vegetables (with a new gate)</div>
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preparing for new siding: tearing down an old, unused chimney </div>
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slowly turning a multi-use barn into a buggy shed (for cars)</div>
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assembled hand-me-down trampoline </div>
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the last two weeks of summer- finally some time to start quilting it</div>
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constructing a "Children's Zoo"- very important work, indeed</div>
You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-83869499176502390472017-07-24T13:05:00.002-04:002017-07-24T13:05:21.016-04:00Outside Play<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>written this spring</i></div>
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A <a href="http://www.tosowaseed.net/" target="_blank">blogger</a> friend of mine recently shared <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/kids-should-play-outside-3-hours-every-day-this_us_5909fde6e4b03b105b44be2e" target="_blank">this article</a> from Huffington Post. The author, a pediatric occupational therapist, recommends kids play outside at least three hours a day- and this shouldn't include organized sports.<br />
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I couldn't agree more but it's taken me more than a few years to get here. When my older kids were pre-school and young school-age, I was kind-of a nervous mom (I can hear Jamey saying sarcastically, <i>"Kind of?"</i>). I didn't want them to eat too much dirt, fall on rusty nails, climb too high in the trees, etc. Plus, I wasn't content to just be outside, so I'd start a project like weeding and then get frustrated when they'd wander out of my line of vision and I had to stop what I was doing and follow them.<br />
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Fast forward ten years. My kids are older so they generally know how much dirt is okay to eat (wink) and they're the ones pounding in the rusty nails with hammers. As far as climbing trees goes...well, that's a story for another time.<br />
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One aspect of this outside play that I wasn't willing to relinquish back then that I see <i>so</i> much value in now is <i>our time apart</i>. As a homeschooling family, we're together a lot. When they enter their own world of play outside while I'm inside, we all get a nice break from each other. They're free to argue, discuss, make semi-unsafe plans (then rule them out on their own, hopefully) without a mother cringing (and maybe intervening) from the next room. And for me, I get time to think.<br />
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Another thing I've learned? Those weeds aren't the end of the world. When the toddler who's with us now starts saying, "peep peep peep" inside, it's his way of asking to go outside. He's giddy with excitement as I put on his socks and shoes and we head out the door. He makes a bee-line for the chicks and pokes his little finger through the chicken wire of their cage, petting them with his finger tips until they scurry away. <br />
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Then he makes his way into the shed that houses the mower and climbs onto the seat, wrestling the ear protection off the steering wheel and placing them on his little head, grabbing the wheel and rocking, willing the mower to start (he's had a ride and now he's obsessed). Following this little guy around outside is such a joy. I (usually) don't notice the weeds and instead I can actually see the world through his wide eyes. For a while yet, he'll need a grown up to help him navigate it but hopefully one day, he'll relish spending time outdoors- away from grown-ups, creating his own pretend world of play, too.<br />
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<i>"There’s so much value in kids creating play schemes on their own. Kids
who are always told how to play have trouble thinking outside the box,
and even answering freeform essay questions. Plus, true outdoor free
play is like cross training, with the climbing, spinning, going upside
down, and the like that adults don’t encourage but that are so valuable
for their development." - </i>from the author of the article, Angela Hanscon<br />
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So, nervous mamas out there, I feel you. Take a deep breath and take just one or two steps back. There's the reward of freedom in it for both you and your kids if you're able to let go just a bit. And there's joy in being given a tour of their newly fixed up hog-shed turned club house...complete with art on the walls, flowers, furniture they nailed together, a caterpillar habitat, a play-area for the toddler, and a floor that may or may not be swept cleaner than my kitchen floor inside.<br />
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Maybe <i>four</i> hours a day should be the new recommendation?You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-25931761079338420492017-07-12T08:24:00.001-04:002017-07-12T08:24:36.215-04:00Fits and Starts and Moving a BuildingIt's been months since I've written here. I still think of things I want to share all the time but not having the time and brainpower to make it happen trips me up and my intentions are abandoned almost immediately. But writing is good for me even if I can't share all that I hope to so I'm going to try to ease myself back into things. Bear with me, please. <br />
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We have a couple big projects going on around here all in anticipation of an even bigger project which at some point I hope to share a little bit about. One of our pre-project projects (got that?) required us to move our smoke house to another location on our property. This used to be a hog farm many, many years ago and the smoke house was used to smoke the pork as well as other meats, I imagine. When we moved here (about 13 years ago), we replaced the floor and turned it into our attic since there is not a good way to access our actual attic. Unfortunately, we've never used it as an smoke house.<br />
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In order to move it, Jamey used car jacks to raise the building and created a frame underneath it which the building was then attached to. This frame extended out the front and additional braces were put in place to allow the smoke house to be pulled when rollers were placed underneath.<br />
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We hoped the smoke house wouldn't come apart in the process. A friend and neighbor came over with his front end loader (I think that's what it's called) and with the help of another neighbor (who helped move rollers), the building was rolled halfway to its new home. At this point, it came off its rollers but was able to be turned and pushed (bucket against frame) into position.<br />
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We think it looks awfully sweet in its new spot. Since then, Jamey has jacked it up again, set it on proper posts and laid a dry stone skirt with some of the stones from its original foundation. He's also started on its front porch. For now, it's still our attic but one day we hope to move the stuff out and add a couple windows. Our girls have dreams of turning it into a one room school house.<br />
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<b>Summer Activity Idea for Kids</b>: Move an old building on your property and let your kids dig underneath. It provides hours of entertainment as they unearth broken pottery, a few coins, lots of broken glass (which, thankfully isn't very sharp any more), and old bottles. We even found a porcelain doll leg and a round glass (ACME Nursing) baby bottle. Summer boredom, be gone! Well, at least for a few days until there's no more to dig up.<br />
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-44349350097973179072017-06-13T08:22:00.006-04:002017-06-13T08:22:44.043-04:00Giving of Ourselves: NenaThere is SO much about this story that I love- women working side by side, women lifting each other up, recycling, repurposing, and their beautiful handiwork puts the icing on the cake!<br />
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Let me introduce you to an inspiring woman named Nena. Nena is a reader of this blog who lovingly shared her story with me and now I want her to share it with you. Here she is....<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I was born and raised in Greece, graduating from Katerini High School. I moved to Boston, Massachusetts where I graduated from Emmanuel College with B.A in French Literature. I also attended Boston College where I did graduate studies in French Literature and University of Massachusetts, Boston where I completed a masters degree in ESL. I was a Boston Public School teacher for twenty one years and traveled in the United States which I love so much. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUxYL8HQVjajLLqZwFZ8FVjZa7pg43NaCY10_-1dlziQ31Z0lKiPWAT1D556opBasWW1Q8_iOE3WzuLimOAiuEaEymNEuFw_FpQknJhL7KwK80q_MMwlcxRAJbsk9zi-snmdTMgABlzNZ/s1600/me%2528Nena%2529+with+my+husband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUxYL8HQVjajLLqZwFZ8FVjZa7pg43NaCY10_-1dlziQ31Z0lKiPWAT1D556opBasWW1Q8_iOE3WzuLimOAiuEaEymNEuFw_FpQknJhL7KwK80q_MMwlcxRAJbsk9zi-snmdTMgABlzNZ/s400/me%2528Nena%2529+with+my+husband.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Nena and her husband</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thirty years after living in Boston I moved back to Greece with my husband to help the area where we were born and raised. We got involved with economic and educational development projects. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDPVsc__lfCk9x1XPXvRIiHVEf8w9lysINpgrNR5Vqqb_v11lRPQtNaEOiUab2u2HJ3It4fC87g7cKU_Z1ZOYYcF_ITov_CoohwZGOLOdTgaW9fJRFetqyxhMmKjItCLom1F1qM4aksMa/s1600/ladies+at+work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDPVsc__lfCk9x1XPXvRIiHVEf8w9lysINpgrNR5Vqqb_v11lRPQtNaEOiUab2u2HJ3It4fC87g7cKU_Z1ZOYYcF_ITov_CoohwZGOLOdTgaW9fJRFetqyxhMmKjItCLom1F1qM4aksMa/s640/ladies+at+work.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Living here I noticed how high the unemployment rate is for women and I decided to help single moms and unemployed women to create products they love to make and market them so they can help their families financially.My goal is to empower these women to feel confident about themselves and their products.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r03fuVpuzeCgk0sf_zrQI-5pedI4-9lIYvDmnsenQpWNE0RpVlS6aCxZwJCPIxShLbdM_0EBU0EuOqxLr3wqIKGXYkZGlWk7KAQr9uzF7uSR0l404OTIOOKXQcDFwNEsgHiEn_LzBOIu/s1600/my+sister+Sofie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r03fuVpuzeCgk0sf_zrQI-5pedI4-9lIYvDmnsenQpWNE0RpVlS6aCxZwJCPIxShLbdM_0EBU0EuOqxLr3wqIKGXYkZGlWk7KAQr9uzF7uSR0l404OTIOOKXQcDFwNEsgHiEn_LzBOIu/s640/my+sister+Sofie.jpeg" width="478" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Nena's lovely sister</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>One of these women happens to be my unemployed sister. She had a very difficult time accepting her new condition and she was so stressed out that she became ill for some time. Through the company of some other women, getting together with them, she decided to use her creativity in a new way and began producing rugs and small bags out of discarded fabric and old clothes.The more her creativity increased the better she felt and her health improved tremendously. Her products became gifts for friends and their friends. When I saw the interest for her creations I developed a <a href="http://www.colorfulrugs.net/" target="_blank">website</a> where people can browse and enjoy her work as well as getting products for themselves. </b></span><b>Creative people who like to hand make their own rugs are welcomed to follow the video where they can reproduce step by step the whole process. </b><b style="font-family: inherit;">I also include a blog where I post the latest news from Katerini. Greece.</b><br />
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Okay, friends. Jane here again. I can't wait for you to see more of what these women create. AND, before the idea of purchasing items from Greece scares you off because of potential shipping costs, know that the prices on their website INCLUDE shipping to the U.S. and are <i>beyond</i> reasonable. <a href="http://www.colorfulrugs.net/" target="_blank">Click here to go visit.</a><br />
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Nena graciously sent me a few samples of their work as a gift. I was so thrilled with their products that I placed an order of items to give away as gifts and I was equally pleased with the quality of what I purchased. Below are some of these items and others are on their website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn57ePXAyFqzOjlKcBpj4i7zmLJzNGla5wUDYUaLHCOgdDDVuc-UG2Zo7Z9YMV5kJs878MMifnJU_nDtVUEZ4Csuys-naFUVZG_AQluIAOFyu2qli86noYFS_gkMRS5RUz1lHuBfvTJc8D/s1600/mosaic3611afb93b0705202275eb72f2163041c2a5421e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn57ePXAyFqzOjlKcBpj4i7zmLJzNGla5wUDYUaLHCOgdDDVuc-UG2Zo7Z9YMV5kJs878MMifnJU_nDtVUEZ4Csuys-naFUVZG_AQluIAOFyu2qli86noYFS_gkMRS5RUz1lHuBfvTJc8D/s640/mosaic3611afb93b0705202275eb72f2163041c2a5421e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being the amazing readers that you are, I welcome you to shop from these beautiful women and leave them words of blessing and encouragement in the comments below.<br />
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Thank you, Nena, for introducing us to yourself, your friends and your beautiful products!</div>
You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-20781121523839073992017-04-27T07:54:00.001-04:002017-04-27T07:54:17.589-04:00Free BeesDid I tell you that all five of our colonies died this winter? That seems to be our pattern- one year several overwinter and make it to spring and the next year, they're all wiped out. This year, we think we know what happened. Last spring, we were busy caring for a little baby so we didn't manage the hives as we should've. They grew too crowded so they raised more queens and swarm after swarm left our bee yard. We were able to catch a couple of those swarms but mostly this meant that their numbers were depleted so they didn't go into the fall and winter as strong as they should have. That's our guess anyway.<br />
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It wasn't for lack of honey. Out of those five hives we harvested over 8 gallons of honey in February (we sold most of it). <br />
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We were discouraged at the loss of bees and vowed to skip beekeeping for a year. But then Jamey got the itch and put our name on a waiting list for a new package this spring (they run $130 a piece in our area).<br />
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But lo and behold, he got a call from a friend who had a swarm in one of his trees. Jamey happened to be off work so he ran over and knocked the ball of bees into a small hive box (a nuc) and brought them home. He then transferred them to one of our hives and we crossed our fingers hoping they'd like their new home and stay.</div>
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unloading bees from the car (only a few escaped on the way home)</div>
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The bees had already started clinging to the bars of empty comb in the box so it was a matter of transferring them into the full size hive.</div>
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Instead of using smoke, he used a sugar syrup sprayed on the bees- this occupies them as they clean it off themselves and discourages flying off (as does plugging up the entrance with grass).</div>
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Dumping in the remaining bees- if the queen is in the hive, they want to stay with her.</div>
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Not only did they stay but a couple days later when Jamey was checking on them, he noticed that <i>another</i> swarm (from who knows where) discovered one of our <i>other</i> empty hives and moved in!<br />
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Suffice to say, we didn't buy that package. And now we're headed into the summer with two healthy colonies already filling their hives with nectar and brood. What a gift.<br />
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-83951055859192476972017-04-25T13:45:00.000-04:002017-04-25T13:45:13.541-04:00Oh, How Far We've ComeI felt so much gratitude this morning in what might seem to be such a normal, routine event. Our little foster boy was sitting, reclined on my lap drinking his first sippy cup of formula of the day. We recently switched to a new spout and he was intrigued. He'd take a few gulps, stop and breath due to a stuffy nose, look at the new spout and grin at it, then latch on for another few gulps. Smiling at his milk is HUGE for this little guy and in that moment I was overwhelmed with how far we've come.<br />
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Almost 16 months ago, at about two in the afternoon, I received a call from social services. There was a preemie baby boy in the hospital, ready for discharge who needed a home. He was not eating well on his own so he had a gastronomy tube placed in his little tummy a few days before. "We need you to get him well," is what the social worker said.<br />
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In the days and weeks and months that followed, we spent countless hours trying to encourage this little guy to eat. He did not like his bottle at all- sometimes even putting himself to sleep (a defense mechanism) to avoid it- waking himself up minutes later after the bottle was put away. So most of his formula went in via the feeding tube. It took an hour. Every three hours. Even through the night.<br />
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It took months and months for me to release control of his eating. I wanted to make him well. Right then. It was not in his timing, however, so we had to learn patience and to let him lead. Slowly (<i>painfully</i> slowly) he began to eat more and more- often in increments of milliliters. Later than normal (due to his issues), we introduced solids and that went slowly as well (he easily gagged and choked). It seemed as if we'd never "get him well".<br />
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Fast forward to today. Not only is he smiling at his sippy cup, he rarely gags on his solids anymore. In six days, we've been given permission by his specialist to stop the night-time tube feeds (we were able to drop the day-time feeds months ago). If he does well and maintains (and gains) weight, we could be looking at removing the g-tube for good. Tears come at the thought.<br />
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So my thankfulness overflows. Not just from the fact that he's made such strides but in remembering all the people who've helped us- making it possible for us to take care of him. I think of all the meals our church and close friends brought to us. I think of neighbors who came and held him daily so I could take a shower or do some laundry. I think of other friends who drove us to the children's hospital weekly for months because I was worried that I was too sleep-deprived to stay awake behind the wheel. I think of those who watched and cared for our three kids while I went to SO many doctors appointments and family visits. I think of his home health nurse who came every week to check on him and encourage us. I think of our two doctor friends who made house calls or let us run him over to their home when we had more urgent questions and concerns. And all the prayers- so many people prayed for us.<br />
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Not everyone is called to foster but those of us who are can't do it alone. Today I thank God for His protection, guidance and healing. And I thank Him for prompting the hearts and minds of our friends and family who reached out to lend a hand, an ear and loving arms.<br />
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To God be the glory.<br />
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-34268767693470682002017-02-24T08:25:00.000-05:002017-02-24T08:25:53.227-05:00Projects & Buried TreasureWarm days have lured us outside. What a gift! The girls have been very busy re-establishing their outdoor world of houses (in trees and on the ground), a bakery, play fire pit, hideout as well as new and improved baby transportation.<br />
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We've been working inside for some better mudroom organization. Jamey built and I painted. Using plywood for much of it kept costs down and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BV3N6I2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01BV3N6I2&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=aef9681927e77912f7cbade105e19de7" target="_blank">cheap storage bins</a> hide the hats, gloves and bike helmets.</div>
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For Christmas, we gave Sam a metal detector. He can't go a couple feet on our property without finding metal but most of his finds have been nails, stakes, a few wheat pennies and plenty of canslaw (detector-speak for shredded cans and metal). BUT a couple weeks ago, not a few yards from our back porch, he unearthed this:</div>
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Makes sense since it is thought that our house was built in the 1890's. I've hinted that my birthday is coming up and I could really use an antique ruby necklace or some Confederate gold. He said he'd see what he can do.</div>
You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-49357418133829988642017-02-14T13:45:00.001-05:002017-02-14T13:45:08.903-05:00A Day in February 2017<br />
I force myself up soon after 8am when I hear the toddler stirring in the next room. I want <i>so badly</i> to be a morning person but I am not.<br />
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Get dressed, start drinking my cup of coffee and check email. Ready toddler's milk. Ready toddler's family visit diaper bag- making sure it has diapers, wipes, snack, milk with a cold pack, a few toys and a change of clothes.<br />
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Retrieve now fully awake toddler from crib and give him a bath since his hair smells like he spit up during the night. Get splashed by the happy little boy in the tub.<br />
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Get toddler dressed and let him play with Miriam (who is now up, too) while I call to make two necessary medical appointments for toddler. <br />
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Feed toddler breakfast while I eat my yogurt and granola and drink some more of my (now cool) coffee.<br />
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Wake up big kids and give instructions for the morning. Run upstairs and change into town clothes.<br />
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About 9:45 am, run toddler into town for his family visit with birth dad. Make conversation with birth dad in waiting room until social worker comes out. Pass toddler to his dad and try not to breakdown as he cries and lunges for me as I walk out of the building.<br />
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Drive home and check on progress of kids' school work. Do school with Miriam. Reheat same cup of coffee and drink some more.<br />
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At 10:45 am, take Miriam and go pick up toddler who is very happy to see us. Miriam thinks it's neat that a police officer held the door for us while we were leaving the office and later tells her sister he was handsome. Pile back into van- hand sanitizer all around.<br />
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Drive directly to toddler's doctor's office for appointment. Miriam and I chase toddler all around waiting room and exam room trying to keep him out of trash cans and from putting things in his mouth. Leave doctor's office- hand sanitizer all around. Phone home and ask Sam to start lunch.<br />
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Once home, call social worker to give updates on doctor's appointment and other appointment scheduled. Give extra cuddles to toddler who is often very clingy the day or two after his visit.<br />
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Almost 1:00 pm, eat lunch together. Put toddler down for nap. Pray he sleeps longer than an hour. He does! Get dishes into the kitchen. Finish school with Miriam. Start school with Sadie. Finish cold coffee. Work on school until mail comes and Sadie's first American Girl doll arrives (which she saved up for herself). All bets on finishing school with Sadie are off.<br />
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Fold the last load of laundry (with toddler "helping") that didn't get folded from the laundry spree the night before. Eat some cookie dough from the freezer and then throw the rest away to keep from eating more.<br />
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Finish washing up dishes (while toddler keeps a handful of my skirt in his little fist). Start to think about dinner and decide I need to document one of these days so one day I can remember what life is like right now. Start to type this post on the way to the pantry to get tomato sauce.<br />
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Assemble supper (baked pasta with meatballs). Jamey gets home from work. Say brief hello and give instructions for baking the dinner. <br />
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Drop Sam and Sadie off at choir and drive to the grocery store. Park the van in the parking lot, recline seat and BREATHE for 5 minutes. Fill up my grocery cart, wince, pay, and head home.<br />
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Unpack groceries while cooking peas (baked pasta almost ready). Eat dinner with Jamey, Miriam and toddler. Fill Jamey in on our day. Pack up some supper for Sadie. Kiss toddler good night.<br />
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Take Miriam to her music class and pick up Sadie. Sit with Sadie while she eats. Sit in on Sam's choir rehearsal until Miriam is done her class. Drive the girls home and watch a new episode of <i>The Incredible Dr. Pol</i> together.<br />
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Hug girls goodnight, discuss next day's plan (Jamey has off!), watch a TV show, greet Sam when his ride drops him off at home. Send him into the kitchen to find dinner and snacks.<br />
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Check email, read a few articles, check out what friends are up to on facebook, watch some PBS Masterpiece and head to bed.<br />
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Things I did not include:<br />
- times I let the dog in and out of the house<br />
- times I loaded and tended the wood stove<br />
- diapers changed<br />
- times I scolded myself for not drinking enough water (I had my first kidney stone this summer which was ALMOST LIKE LABOR)<br />
- times I asked the kids to be quiet because <i>the baby is sleeping</i><br />
- photos because I didn't even think to take any<br />
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These days I experience many moments when I'm fully present in the now. But there are also moments when I'm on the verge of panic over what the future will bring for the little boy who has started calling me "ma". And, what our life will feel like without him.<br />
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Thankfully, the present-moments out number the panic-filled ones. And thankfully, this particular day is (usually) the busiest of our week.You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-67264823496281561352016-12-12T12:18:00.000-05:002016-12-12T12:18:35.145-05:00A Christmas Letter to YouDear Friends,<br />
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It's been two months since I've written here and that feels like an eternity. A few of you have even sweetly reached out to check in on us-to see if everything is okay- and I am very thankful to say that it is. We are fine.<br />
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One lone pig resides out in the pig yard. The honeybees are (mostly) hunkered down in their hives. Our chickens are no more (thanks to culling the elder ones and a predator). We have plans for starting the flock over in the spring with many fluffy chicks. The garden is where we left it and our CSA has been over for months. We're (miraculously) keeping up with school and choir, sign language lessons, and church activities. We're healthy overall and thankful for a good job, a warm house, full cabinets of food, kind neighbors, loving family...the list goes on and on and on.<br />
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I could say that I haven't been writing because we've been busy and that's true. But ever since starting this blog (8 years ago?), I've <i>always</i> been <i>busy</i>. So I guess it's more accurate to say that my head and heart are busy as I pour myself into caring for our family- husband, three kids and one (newly-turned-one) sweet-as-can-be foster child.<br />
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Our little guy is still with us but over the next couple months, major decisions will be made about his future. This takes up much of my head space as I strive to stay in the moment and, at the same time, try to prepare our family (and myself) for his departure from us. Prayers are welcome.<br />
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<i>In light of all this, the season of remembering that God willingly sent His Son to us and then gave Him up is SO not lost on me. </i><br />
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The tree, the lights, the gifts, activities, and cookies are all very nice but let's not let them become Christmas idols- distracting us from the reality of the season. <i>What a sacrifice. What a love.</i> It seems to defy all reason, all natural ability and <i>that's because it does</i>. It's supernatural and cannot be thought of, celebrated, or lived through without acknowledging that it occurred only because GOD was in it and through it.<br />
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May we see Him in everything this season and trust that He is always in everything- the good, the bad and the seemingly impossible.<br />
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<i><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5" id="en-MSG-11168">"Everything was created through him;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">nothing—not one thing!—</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">came into being without him.</span></span><br /><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">What came into existence was Life,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">and the Life was Light to live by.</span></span><br /><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">the darkness couldn’t put it out."</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">John 1:3-5, The Message</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">So I want to wish you a very happy and Merry Life-Light-mas.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">Love,</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text John-1-3-John-1-5">Jane</span></span></div>
You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-88392323630302118842016-10-11T08:52:00.001-04:002016-10-11T08:52:24.089-04:00A Simple Math HelpMy days are full of baby care and supervision (he has finally caught up, developmentally, and, at almost ten months, is <i>everywhere</i>) as well as kid care and homeschooling. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN626s1ODCY-oriJAakRgZtwof0mQU4s_Z6Z2Um8pSiy_tku9d1mRASTXqXhI_1B68SdTYg9X0VC-K1o_UAv4v4DtWu64rYHAHSVWj_26fhU4yxmsHOwC1AIe4o6Z-rxPpx8PRNtIh9XTF/s1600/DSCN4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN626s1ODCY-oriJAakRgZtwof0mQU4s_Z6Z2Um8pSiy_tku9d1mRASTXqXhI_1B68SdTYg9X0VC-K1o_UAv4v4DtWu64rYHAHSVWj_26fhU4yxmsHOwC1AIe4o6Z-rxPpx8PRNtIh9XTF/s640/DSCN4649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's all day, everyday- back and forth between the two, sometimes attempting both at once. I know some of you are in the midst of this now, too. Bless your tired hearts.<br />
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Reading (outside especially) can be fun but Math is a bit more challenging for some of us. I've written about some <a href="http://www.thyhandhathprovided.com/2016/01/multiplication-and-division-helps.html" target="_blank">multiplication and division tools we use here</a>. But it goes beyond drilling facts. It seems that around 4th and 5th grade, the new concepts are endless- hitting us like snowball after snowball with no chance to shake off and prepare for the next hit. In an effort to simplify things and create a tool for review <i>and</i> to be used as a resource when memories fail, I started a Math concept card ring for Sadie, now a 5th grader.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVa5qo2WGe4nBXvckDbMDJqzthigXQyWi7ClMYiBfMyo2RILH7ADY7ryVAqyxO3MKHCbzz62y3vtbYnCytvI3uQUGa-u1J12N2QqLf8XmGXp5m-718Hf99Sb6Wsa_Jm2JVpEXn2bAcdqu/s1600/DSCN4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVa5qo2WGe4nBXvckDbMDJqzthigXQyWi7ClMYiBfMyo2RILH7ADY7ryVAqyxO3MKHCbzz62y3vtbYnCytvI3uQUGa-u1J12N2QqLf8XmGXp5m-718Hf99Sb6Wsa_Jm2JVpEXn2bAcdqu/s640/DSCN4656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We use Saxon Math and really appreciate their format for each lesson- new concept, new concept practice, then review, review, review. For each new concept this year, I make a 3 x 5 card that summarizes the skill. I then punch a hole in the corner and thread it onto a ring (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00545MM1G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00545MM1G&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=04aab3696a1efead913a3e3e73d3998e" target="_blank">like these</a>). This is not rocket science. I'm sure others do this. It is working really well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf_FzSE_mNV1Mi1yMcBWoFfIbM9MqGSEXJWw8TEmQZ8WZCyqgG17cn8cVpIESqXIi9M0Pd5dD_5QvW7bKbj4dlQJQ8qUiK1uGO0L42guAes_AoslDq9vE2tNnC1etimy-cNX_OqaAmnHf/s1600/DSCN4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf_FzSE_mNV1Mi1yMcBWoFfIbM9MqGSEXJWw8TEmQZ8WZCyqgG17cn8cVpIESqXIi9M0Pd5dD_5QvW7bKbj4dlQJQ8qUiK1uGO0L42guAes_AoslDq9vE2tNnC1etimy-cNX_OqaAmnHf/s640/DSCN4657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq1_4_Japq0_ya_cDGeyVo2kwuLwtSNZnPuE_gr_E9SSNoQnyLpsXGZIcxJUC6Os98SFWixJOrFs6xbo-hb6EWczzjmrDAv61YbpL6Ko6hjmmDroOR_uoznJmQgB-tJFj27vmNzb2exBR/s1600/DSCN4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq1_4_Japq0_ya_cDGeyVo2kwuLwtSNZnPuE_gr_E9SSNoQnyLpsXGZIcxJUC6Os98SFWixJOrFs6xbo-hb6EWczzjmrDAv61YbpL6Ko6hjmmDroOR_uoznJmQgB-tJFj27vmNzb2exBR/s640/DSCN4659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sadie uses the cards for reference as she does the new concept practice problems as well as when completing the review problems that she needs a little help with. Some days, I have her read through the cards before we start math. The goal, of course, is for the cards to become obsolete. In the meantime, they're at her disposal. I'm also hoping they're prove to be a nice review now and again throughout the summer.<br />
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Maybe they will help one of your kids, too. What do you find is helpful for your math scholars?You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-36583496134453639372016-10-05T08:13:00.001-04:002016-10-05T08:13:10.984-04:00Simple Ways to Use Your CSA ProduceOur very first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscription just ended last week. We LOVED it. As most of you know, we usually plant a large garden ourselves and therefore have no use for additional vegetables each week but this spring/summer proved different. In January, we began caring for a special needs foster newborn and thus our garden meeting a month or so later consisted of us going online and signing up for a CSA instead of placing seed orders. Our focus needed to be on our kids that the baby- not on our garden. Thank you to all the CSA farmers out there who make this option possible!<br />
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I believe that because we have a lot of experience using garden produce (of our own) we found using up our CSA produce easy and fun. Here are some tips to getting the most out of your CSA box should you ever choose to subscribe to one:<br />
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1) <b>Anticipate the box's arrival</b> and set aside some time to "process" it right away. Put it on your calendar even. Our box arrived Wednesday afternoon/early evening. It was always on my radar when it was coming so I mentally carved out some time that evening to go through it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYdZLhrV42q2DW-kUHHsfvJvzVGsgRHFpZnlCqUTlfNLnyyDLgKQ_a2q2KzT8oLN3FTEXqa5UF3g2WL6bSQCVgIRWIUDsqDuUS9oaz19NCzItEQQKIbbuvWTAHHzXHmwtGW3zevgk1R_h/s1600/DSCN4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYdZLhrV42q2DW-kUHHsfvJvzVGsgRHFpZnlCqUTlfNLnyyDLgKQ_a2q2KzT8oLN3FTEXqa5UF3g2WL6bSQCVgIRWIUDsqDuUS9oaz19NCzItEQQKIbbuvWTAHHzXHmwtGW3zevgk1R_h/s640/DSCN4450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2) <b>Deal with your produce ASAP</b>. Don't let the box languish on your counter for days on end- this will lead to spoilage and you'll end up with expensive compost. Set tomatoes on a plate on the counter to finish ripening. Tear, wash, and spin lettuce and toss it in an open plastic bag in the fridge. Place any veggies that should go in the fridge...in the fridge (reserving one of your fridge drawers at the bottom works well). I kept a canning quart jar (without a lid) to toss garlic heads into for easy access. Storage produce like potatoes and winter squash should be transferred to their new home (cool, dark places indoors- the bottom of your pantry/closet works well). Then, shake out the box and put it in your car or by the back door so it's ready to be returned or picked up the next week.<br />
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3) <b>Make Salads</b>. There were only a few weeks mid-summer when we didn't get lettuces in our box. With the other produce on hand, it was always easy to make a side salad or add some meat to a larger salad (taco salad, Caesar salad, etc.) to serve for lunch or dinner. If you're not a salad person, shred it and heap it on to top of burritos and tacos. <br />
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4) <b>Make salsa or bruchetta or both. Often</b>. When the tomatoes start rolling in, likely the onions, garlic and peppers will, too. Chop them all up for <a href="http://www.thyhandhathprovided.com/2010/08/symptoms-and-remedy.html" target="_blank">fresh salsa</a> (picture below, scroll to bottom of link for recipe) or my friend's amazing <a href="http://www.jennifermurch.com/2014/08/bruschetta.html" target="_blank">bruchetta</a> (although I fancy spreading goat cheese on the toasted bread before topping each piece with the tomato mixture).<br />
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4) <b>Roast everything</b>. I had heard from some friends that they often googled new recipes for CSA produce they weren't used to using in their cooking. I didn't really have time for that, so we roasted, roasted, roasted almost everything. You can roast asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, peppers, corn, onions, garlic, beets, radishes, butternut squash...you name it. And it's delicious. Roasting brings out the sweetness in vegetables and is a nice change from boiling or steaming them.<br />
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I often chopped up a huge bowl of roastable veggies (all mixed together and in similar sized pieces), coated everything with oil and then sprinkled salt and pepper over it all. Sometimes, I used a dried herb seasoning mix as well. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar over top makes it divine. I placed the veggies on greased cookie sheets and roasted them for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees, tossing them and checking them for doneness once or twice. Leftover roasted veggies can be stirred into soups, sprinkled on salads or added to casseroles. Our kids like to dip them in ketchup. So be it.<br />
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5) <b>Make soup</b>. A few of our favorite soups are <a href="http://thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com/2009/01/peanut-butter-vegetable-soup.html">Peanut Butter-Vegetable Soup</a>, <a href="http://www.thyhandhathprovided.com/2010/01/to-warm-your-bones-vegetable-chowder.html">Vegetable Chowder</a>, <a href="http://thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com/2011/02/sweet-potato-sausage-soup.html">Sweet Potato & Sausage Soup </a>, <a href="http://www.thyhandhathprovided.com/2011/10/black-bean-butternut-squash-chili.html">Black Bean & Butternut Squash Chili</a> (photo above over cornbread). All of these call for veggies you'll often find in your CSA box. Make a large batch of any of these and freeze the leftovers to eat when it's cold outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iha1KZ93YxXoePrqY-rtXsTk2UKDhrgh6deo9rJbF_1gt6rSD9Isq4GfgBUSoQEOYaDAMAoXxaDVzJxWb17b27OurqwIDps3LWtldQ9b-auKdlNmhtzYkTq5o8fvl6XepPhUsUuQ7SNZ/s1600/DSCN4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iha1KZ93YxXoePrqY-rtXsTk2UKDhrgh6deo9rJbF_1gt6rSD9Isq4GfgBUSoQEOYaDAMAoXxaDVzJxWb17b27OurqwIDps3LWtldQ9b-auKdlNmhtzYkTq5o8fvl6XepPhUsUuQ7SNZ/s640/DSCN4595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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6) <b>Do a little preserving</b>. Don't have time to use it all up before your next box arrives? Lettuce isn't as forgiving but veggies like tomatoes, zucchini and peppers can be washed and chopped and frozen in storage bags for use in soups and casseroles during winter when those precious boxes full of veggies are no longer arriving. <br />
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What will we do next year? Good question. It was certainly strange not growing a big garden for once. And yet having all those beautiful vegetables washed and arranged so gloriously each week? Well, that was just what we needed.You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-19267941371209930402016-09-16T22:11:00.001-04:002016-09-16T22:11:41.537-04:00Made by Pade WinnerA big thank you to all who visited my friend Patty's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyPade?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MadebyPade/?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook page</a>. Doesn't she make cute things?! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrabsgFj_HQmHJX7wOKMoaqs6v6hMgQZt47DC0p2JwmK9Beqetn03pYF6FUopzGXYDFdco8TX4EChCdqCNdpOEzVIuGPmNFG0nW7_38jXQCb7oyh6LlHQvhgTDfR6YpbJ_ec0dq91MHc_V/s1600/mosaic31e6232a511fd6c56c704a6ca9d24bc45d33607e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrabsgFj_HQmHJX7wOKMoaqs6v6hMgQZt47DC0p2JwmK9Beqetn03pYF6FUopzGXYDFdco8TX4EChCdqCNdpOEzVIuGPmNFG0nW7_38jXQCb7oyh6LlHQvhgTDfR6YpbJ_ec0dq91MHc_V/s640/mosaic31e6232a511fd6c56c704a6ca9d24bc45d33607e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The randomly chosen winner who wins their choice of crossbody bag is...</i></b><br />
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<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_6M" kind="m" style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/14027039395902818180" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;">Purl2562</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://www.thyhandhathprovided.com/2016/09/made-by-pade-giveaway.html?showComment=1473702694917#c3844499820084616038" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;">September 12, 2016 at 1:51 PM</a></span></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_6MC" style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: justify;">
I also FB liked</div>
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Congratulations, Purl2562!! Please email me (thyhand123@gmail.com) with your mailing address and which crossbody bag you'd like and I'll get your information to Patty.<br />
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Thanks for entering and have a great weekend!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Jane<br />
<br />You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-67221310820768983032016-09-12T08:06:00.000-04:002016-09-16T22:09:31.092-04:00Made by Pade Giveaway!<i>Hello, friends! It's been quite a while since I've hosted a giveaway. I am so excited to host this one for a dear friend who I worked with many years ago. I'll let her introduce herself and tell you a little bit about her craft. See below for details on how to enter to win one of her awesome crossbody bags!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Hi! My name is Patty Reali, and I have an Etsy shop named "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyPade" target="_blank">Made by Pade</a>." The name comes from a nickname I accrued in college - one of my roommates had a younger sister who was in first grade and wrote her a really cute letter. It read, "Howdy dude Torri (My roommate)! Hows life at the aprtmt (apartment) and how is it with Vike (Vicki - other roommate) and Pade (me!)?" To my college friends, I have been "Pade" ever since. So, when I started my Etsy site, this seemed the perfect name!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxpO0TRTLS_diuat4p7X4IHRXxj6B4Y0Zz5ZtNLf7qoyAO7Efr0IvZhuyW84xLSAvpehlZTk3fzt2AVh3ZruSoZG0wN-F0bb8XlJL1Jmzn1FaP7SXZMOpOFK25vtALB39DSlje8uuwx0A/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxpO0TRTLS_diuat4p7X4IHRXxj6B4Y0Zz5ZtNLf7qoyAO7Efr0IvZhuyW84xLSAvpehlZTk3fzt2AVh3ZruSoZG0wN-F0bb8XlJL1Jmzn1FaP7SXZMOpOFK25vtALB39DSlje8uuwx0A/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I have loved creating things for as long as I can remember. My parents taught me to sew when I was very young, and I spent some time making counted cross-stitch and other hand-stitched items. My crafting went dormant for a while in high school, but in college I took up knitting and also hand-sewed my first quilt! (Still have it - it's a bit of a mess, but has lots of sentimental value.)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VSc_DA4x_7Zwm-ffSDJ3PZei-0fki9LhTBHdWoZx2GNsvnm48fWJhYIowhhVne2udJ9_Hpei2TUZiymJVddKMvsk5TFq1vtOu4868OacKlmZQ_r4xOddbq4KIjREWbjHs3XDd45nRNem/s1600/il_570xN.891395537_9ok6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VSc_DA4x_7Zwm-ffSDJ3PZei-0fki9LhTBHdWoZx2GNsvnm48fWJhYIowhhVne2udJ9_Hpei2TUZiymJVddKMvsk5TFq1vtOu4868OacKlmZQ_r4xOddbq4KIjREWbjHs3XDd45nRNem/s640/il_570xN.891395537_9ok6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In more recent years, I have made clothes for my children, sewn baby carriers (a life-saver! Any of you with young children who have never used a carrier of any kind should look into it), and made purses for myself and as gifts for friends and family. I have also recently taught myself to crochet, which is great fun, since I can do it any time and any place!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6twCq7URnNxi9Ti31ZTOz5YckaTtK7yfY-M91DP54Y9bIN3ymf1v_QUzQTmPIu8BG3Mr0AA61p8vekPuaDzCWVfTi6Otc6sio17euGXZ6khOF1hcBSaEmfDFO0apTiuAV_5fmvuLd1PGi/s1600/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6twCq7URnNxi9Ti31ZTOz5YckaTtK7yfY-M91DP54Y9bIN3ymf1v_QUzQTmPIu8BG3Mr0AA61p8vekPuaDzCWVfTi6Otc6sio17euGXZ6khOF1hcBSaEmfDFO0apTiuAV_5fmvuLd1PGi/s640/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">On my site, you will find a collection of purses, zipper pouches, hand crocheted shawls and scarves as well as several other hand-crafted items. I hope you enjoy checking them out, and <b>one lucky winner will get to choose his or her favorite crossbody bag!</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>How to Enter:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jane here. Usually when I host giveaways you are only allowed to enter once. <i><b>This time, you can enter twice...</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>one entry if you you check out her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadebyPade" target="_blank">Etsy store here</a> and come back to tell us in the comments which is your favorite item...</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>and</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>one entry if you like her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MadebyPade/?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook page here</a> (and tell us in the comments that you did)</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>or</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>you can just choose one of these for one entry:-).</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">I (Jane) will randomly choose one winner sometime this coming Friday and announce it here. <b>Make sure to leave your first name or initials so I can identify you as winner.</b> If you win, you will need to email me so I can pass your contact information and crossbody bag choice to Patty. Happy entering!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Best of luck to all!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Jane</i></span></span>You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-31135430934930723602016-08-29T08:36:00.000-04:002016-08-29T08:36:58.463-04:00And All Was Right with the World<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-68ccd75c-991a-4f8f-cf65-27fe4c524aaf" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">t was 10am on a weekday. Jamey had the day off and was with Sam at the library checking out books and looking up articles for the upcoming start of <a href="https://www.classicalconversations.com/classical/programs/challenge/challenge-b" target="_blank">Challenge B</a>. Sadie and Miriam had been begging for harder chores that I'd pay them a little something for since big brother Sam has recently been doing some odd jobs for a neighbor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sadie was down below me in the front flower beds- pulling up the remaining roots of bushes that Jamey and Sam had extracted this summer. Her task was to rid these beds of weeds and roots and level them out so grass could take over. I am SO not into flower beds these days.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Miriam was inside reorganizing our DVD and game cabinet that had been ravaged over the summer- no small task for a seven-year-old as game pieces and DVDs needed help finding their homes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where was I? The baby and I were snuggled into my new porch hammock/chair*, swinging gently. The air was still cool, the porch still in the morning shade. Sunflowers and hydrangeas swayed and bent in the breeze as a flock (no kidding- I've never seen so many) of barn swallows swooped and darted in the yard and field in front of me. The baby, usually climbing all over me- attempting to eat my face and finger my earrings- was calm and tender as he played with my arm and was mesmerized by the swallows, too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Out of the blue, a feeling of peace and genuine thankfulness overtook me and brought me to tears.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't been experiencing many of these moments lately and I didn't realize how starved I had become for them. Fostering this time around has put me in intimate touch with another world- a world of mental health issues, poverty, chaos, and violence. It's hard to shake off and fully live in my own safe and quiet life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A month or so ago I was trying to describe this feeling to a new friend (who also fosters infants). I told her it felt as if I was sitting on the seat of a dunk tank. Sitting up on top, I live in my world. It's a quiet life. I think of myself as a fairly sheltered Mennonite girl- I garden, can, attend church and homeschool my kids. I have supportive and loving family, friends and neighbors. My husband is my best friend and we enjoy our (fairly) quiet life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;">But then---Bam! A ball hits the target (I take the baby to a family visit, get a call from his social worker or check his birth parents' facebook pages- I highly recommend you </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;">not</span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"> do this) and I'm plunged into this other world. And it's scary there. ( I try to imagine living there- what if my reality was a birth parent’s reality? Not knowing when and if I’d bring my child home with me. Not knowing if I’d make rent or have enough gas to get to work or whether my partner will stick around or if I’ll end up in jail again.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm hauled out, dripping wet, and try to re-engage in my life. But I'm shivering and shaken up and it takes hours and sometimes days to recover before I'm dunked back under. This. This is why these moments of peace and bliss aren't bubbling up for me as often. I'm pulled down and hauled up. Dunked under one second and then scrambling to dry off the next. Attempting to engage both worlds for the sake of this baby. Trying to get my footing in my world and brace myself for the next entry into the other.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was starting to worry that fostering was callousing me to the point that I wouldn't be able to see God's handiwork as readily before me as in the past, that I wouldn't as often feel His calming touch and caring presence that reassures me that He loves me and is for me. I've been too busy trying to suppress a panic attack- which creates stellar knots in your neck and shoulders, by to the way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That instance of peace- when all was right with my world- was all the sweeter because it was isolated. It was as if God knew I needed it but wanted it to be special...treasured. I know there will be more and I look forward to each one with longing. For an instant, it was just me and God and the dunk tank was nowhere to be seen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;">*Side note: I highly recommend considering purchasing one of these </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010GA2X1M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B010GA2X1M&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=f698e649bb641c68cd09ad5412dfe6e5" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">hammock chairs</span></a><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"> (or something similar). Not only do babies love to gently swing but a chair like this has forced me to sit, enjoy the outdoors and SLOW DOWN. Our front porch has become the new place to be because of it- mom is relaxed and not distracted. I can be more present for everyone. Plus, it's sturdy enough that the girls like to take turns sitting with me in it, too. Who would have thought a silly chair could do all that?</span></span></div>
<br />You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-88767857745027576732016-08-15T08:50:00.001-04:002016-10-04T15:18:08.059-04:00Season Shift<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I've been meaning to write this post for weeks. Instead, I've be continuously thinking of and reeling from a tragedy that some dear friends are living through. Their sweet 4-month old baby boy passed away. Please remember them in your prayers as they and their little girl grieve this enormous loss. Thank you.</i></div>
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I'm still here (more or less).<br />
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The past couple months have flown by in a blur of baby and kid care, cooking from CSA boxes, trying to stay cool, birth family visits, a week of vacation, lesson planning, and day to day summer life.<br />
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In one week, we will start school as best as we can. I recently read an article encouraging homeschool moms to think of their plans as "guesses". I needed that. Life is unpredictable and I am forever learning that I can't hold so tightly to my neatly structured plans. Naps, appointments and feeding schedules are sure to change. Lord, help me flex with them.<br />
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A summer without a huge garden of produce was, to be honest, <i>so very nice</i>. Tomatoes came pouring in from our garden last week and I managed a large batch of canned, chopped tomatoes and a batch of tomato soup with one more go at soup planned for this week. Thankfully, I have enough tomato sauce from last year to carry us over.<br />
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Since this was our first experience with a CSA (a full share) I wasn't sure what to expect. Several people told us they found themselves trying new recipes to use up produce they usually don't buy. I don't think I tried one new recipe. Instead we roasted or ate fresh almost every single item. It was a breeze...and so delicious. If you don't have the space or time to garden, I highly recommend you look into a CSA.<br />
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The little boy with us is 8 months old already. He is happy and healthy- a real joy. It appears he will be with us for awhile yet. Where he goes from here is still uncertain. We welcome prayers for his sweet life and those who will care for him next.<br />
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I've missed writing here. I've started a million blog posts in my mind these past few months- many about foster care. The feelings and ideas are so hard to put into words- too complex and fragile all at the same time. Maybe one day I can put these stories down. For now, we live them out and do the very best we can with God's grace and strength holding us up.</div>
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September, ready or not, here we come! Blessings to each of you as you make the transition, too.<br />
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Love,<br />
Jane</div>
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-41033963822562844762016-05-31T08:10:00.001-04:002016-05-31T08:10:41.936-04:00The End of MayI cannot believe it is almost June. The spring melted quickly away in all the rain. We were sequestered inside because of it. While it made me feel a bit batty at the times, what else was I going to do with three kids and an infant anyway? I am not brave and outgoing when I have a baby. I hunker down.<br />
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This past week Jamey had a day off so he took baby duty so I could give our kids their achievement tests. While I sat with them during test time I was able to order their books for next year and get my paperwork together to submit to the local school superintendent. Except for a little bit of work I'd like each of the kids to do this summer, we are calling school done for the year.<br />
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We've had enough hot, muggy days to make it feel as if summer is here. The sun shines and the lack of rain is glorious. The baby is taking real, two- and three-hour naps in the afternoon which is freeing me up to work on weeding the garden and flower beds. It feels so good to be doing normal things like weeding. And weeding adds a whole new purpose when you get to feed them to your pigs.<br />
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Last year, the girls and I picked blueberries at a local, organic blueberry farm. We had gone early and were the only ones there for awhile. I was able to pick side by side with the owner and she graciously answered some of my pressing blueberry-growing questions. In the past, we have netted our bushes to keep the birds away but at their farm, they had wire strung over the rows with sections of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LH28WK0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LH28WK0&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=LOHZHSY3QN37EHDQ" target="_blank">reflective tape</a> tied to the wires which moved in the wind and made a lovely rustling sound. I decided to order some and try it this year. I also put some of it on stakes in our strawberry patch. So far, it seems to be working with the strawberries but the blueberries aren't ripe enough yet to know. When I went out to snap a picture for you I found this...<br />
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Is she turning her head away because she's blinded by the tape or is she calling her friends to tell them that there's no net this year? In the picture the tape looks white, but it is a very shiny, prism-y, silver.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Our first CSA box comes this week! While we're not planting much this year for preserving, we are planting a few things to eat fresh. And then there's all that garden space that you can't just leave bare otherwise the weeds will take over and drop seeds for next year's garden. We are using landscaping plastic to help keep weeds down in the sections we aren't using. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We're actually amazed our garden looks as good as it does. It's strange how when you're overwhelmed it seems impossible to imagine having time again for anything. But it comes. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Just like the sun.</span><br />
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-63003493231578120682016-05-23T07:19:00.000-04:002016-05-23T07:19:19.382-04:00Bacon, Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last year, a friend of ours turned the side meat from Princess into bacon for us. This year, after finding a good deal on a grill/smoker, we were able to make our own.<br />
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First, about the grill/smoker. We've never actually owned a grill before. We've always just used our fire pit with a grill grate on top. Now that we seem to be routinely having pigs butchered, Jamey started looking into purchasing one that could also smoke meat. The <a href="http://biggreenegg.com/" target="_blank">Big Green Egg</a> is a popular brand but they are also quite expensive. We were lucky to find a similar style ceramic grill (by Vision Grills, similar to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GJEPP92/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GJEPP92&linkCode=as2&tag=thyh-20&linkId=LRKVNWU64XQU437E" target="_blank">this one</a>) at a discount store in our area. It has several small nicks in the ceramic that makes it imperfect but does not effect how it functions. </div>
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Our friend generously shared his bacon rub recipe with us.</div>
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The sides were thawed and the dry rub applied to the meat. It is very important that the rub to meat ratio is correct in order for the bacon to turn out well.</div>
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Next, Jamey placed the bacon on wooden slats in a fridge (we have a small, spare fridge we were given by friends that we plug in when needed) for two weeks.</div>
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It was then smoked on our grill/smoker at a dome temperature of 250 degrees until the internal temperature of the meat was 150 degrees. This took about 3-4 hours for our sides. We used hickory as our smoking wood.</div>
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Are you drooling yet?</div>
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Once cooled, Jamey sliced the bacon and packaged it for the freezer.</div>
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We hope to try other pork cuts in our new grill/smoker. Any recommendations?</div>
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-66529565272435826512016-05-17T07:16:00.003-04:002016-05-17T07:16:44.372-04:00Bacon, Part 1Possibly their last group picture (this is the most sentimental I'm going to get).<br />
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It was February and it was time. Two pigs needed butchering- the large male (Spock) and a female who we were raising for a neighbor. It had been so easy to lure <a href="http://www.thyhandhathprovided.com/2015/01/princess-pig-part-3.html" target="_blank">Princess</a> onto the trailer at butchering time last year. We were hoping for similar luck this time.<br />
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Jamey had asked a friend to come assist. And, bless his heart, he came. Sam was in charge of picture-taking and videoing since I was inside with the baby. At one point, Sam came in and I asked, "They have them loaded already?" to which Sam replied, "Um, no. Can't you hear them squealing?" I opened a window and yes, indeed, I could hear squealing and quite a ruckus going on in the barn.<br />
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Tactic #1 was to drive the trailer into the pig yard and lure them onto it with kitchen scraps and feed. This did not work.<br />
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Tactic #2 was to get them into the barn and funnel them down this hallway and toward the open door you see below. The trailer had been backed up flush to the open door, so when the pigs stepped out the door, they'd step onto the trailer. Seems like it should work, right?<br />
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The pigs did not like this tactic either. Jamey and our friend tried using boards to herd them out the door (by making the space smaller) but they simply pushed pass the boards. They tried the bucket method. A pig who has a bucket placed over their head will back up to get their head out. The idea is that you can back them up in the direction you want them to go. This eventually worked but it took a long time. They'd get one on the trailer and as they tried to back the other one into it, the one on the trailer would push past and into the barn once again. We used up all our kitchen scraps and feed. They were not having it. Finally, they decided to transport one at a time.<br />
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At one point, 420-pound Spock shot under Jamey's legs heaving him up into the air. It was sort-of a miracle that neither of them got hurt. Oh, except for a sore foot. Spock stepped on Jamey's foot. "Take that", he thought.<br />
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During all of this, Turk was a mess. He had to be put on a leash. He didn't like that these pigs were wrestling with and squealing at his owner. Eventually, he had to be brought inside with me but he just cried and barked at the door. He spent some time in his crate that evening until he could finally calm down and relished cuddling with Jamey on the couch after it was all over.<br />
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It wasn't in the initial plans but we ended up buying a grill/smoker so we could learn to process some of the meat ourselves. Stay tuned for Bacon, Part 2, and be glad you don't have to heard pigs on a trailer today. Unless you do. In that case...good luck.You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-55402144901849591012016-05-12T09:39:00.004-04:002016-05-12T09:39:48.316-04:00Loneliness in Foster Parenting <div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I wrote this a couple weeks ago during a particularly difficult spell. I've hesitated to post it since these feelings are not as intense currently (although they wax and wane). I offer it up anyway.</i></div>
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I have a little time to write.<br />
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I should write about the swarms of bees Jamey caught and the two pigs that did NOT want to go the butcher but did and then about the bacon Jamey smoked himself on his new (and first ever) grill/smoker. I likely will write those posts sometime soon but instead I find myself needing to write about the loneliness that can come from being a foster parent.<br />
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We have GREAT friends and family and an AMAZING support system that includes a WONDERFUL church family and supportive neighbors. I don't want any of them who might read this to feel the least bit like they're not doing an amazing job of being there for us. YOU are and I can't imagine how much harder this would be without them.<br />
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That said, it's hard to explain how these last few months have really been. When folks ask how he's doing, we can talk about how he's sleeping. We can talk about what a good baby he is, how he's laughing, loves his doorway jumper, and is starting to roll over. We can talk about how much he's taking by bottle and the goals for getting him off the tube...but there's so much left unsaid- right under the surface. And if I opened those gates of thoughts and feelings I wouldn't be able to stop them and I'd likely end up in a pool of tears on the floor.<br />
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Okay, that might be <i>a bit</i> dramatic. I don't feel like that all the time. <br />
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But there are times that I do.<br />
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There are times that I know I'm the only one out of all our friends who is still changing diapers. Somehow, this sets us apart and seems to undo some of the other things we have in common. I wonder if many people know what to do with us. What else to ask us about. Whether they can invite us over. Whether they can come over to our house. I feel like we're weird in an accepted but awkward sort-of-way. Just to be clear- we <i>are</i> actually weird (who isn't?) but this has added a new dimension to our weirdness.<br />
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Sometimes I feel like I've gone backwards in the child-rearing progression. Many others are plowing ahead- beginning to look at what their lives might be like one day when kids move on and out. And I'm looking at bottles that need washing and birth parents who have so far to go before they're ready to take this precious boy home with them.<br />
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This large part of my current world is, in many ways, off limits to others. It needs to be to preserve confidentiality and the respect due birth parents going through a very difficult time. This world is full of family visits, home visits, home-health visits, speech therapist visits, pediatrician appointments, specialist appointments and follow-ups...all of which I can't discuss or process in detail- except with the professionals and Jamey. Oh, how I thank God for Jamey.<br />
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<i>{This precious boy just nodded off to sleep by bouncing himself gently in his jumper. I cannot convey the sweetness that is his little face.}</i><br />
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I hear others plan island vacations, talk about the sports and other activities their kids are involved in, lament about possible presidential candidates, or about redecorating their home (ALL fun and worthy topics of conversation!) and yet they leave me feeling alien because I have no room in my head or heart to really dwell on such things. But I want to hear about them! Because I do care about my friends and family and what is going on in their lives. I seem to be wearing some sort of tinted lenses on my heart- everything is slightly colored by how this foster placement impacts us.<br />
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And all this leaves me feeling lonely even at home with my great kids, even surrounded by my congregation, even at the park with other homeschool families, or even sitting in our living room with good friends. Don't get me wrong- foster parents don't have dibs on loneliness. If you're struggling with depression, health issues, marriage issues, children struggling with emotional issues, or just the demands of the everyday...you KNOW, likely even better than I, of this loneliness. <br />
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I just didn't expect to experience it in foster parenting.<br />
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I'm not complaining. We chose this and we'll likely choose it again. I just wondered if folks knew about this other challenge that foster parents sometimes face. And while encouragement is always welcome, if we're praised over-zealously that, too, can make me feel set apart. And we shouldn't be. We're right here with everyone else just trying to do the best we can.<br />
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There are a few things that help. One, in the midst of loneliness, I know that in reality <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2oel0_Xa54" target="_blank">I am not alone</a> (turn your volume up). Two, I know that my loneliness ensures that the little baby in our home will <b><i>not</i></b> experience loneliness for the however many days he's with us. Three, occasionally I talk with someone who discloses in whispers that they are considering foster care...and, oh, <i>how my heart soars</i> when I hear this. Because despite all the challenges, it's worth it all. And if they choose this path, I look forward to walking beside them- knowing what it feels like and ready to accept their pools of tears and mess when or if they open up.<br />
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Time and time again, God answers our loneliness through song, His Word, notes of encouragement, etc...all timed perfectly- lifting us, strengthening us and sustaining us. If you feel so moved, take time today to write a note or place a phone call to someone you think might be feeling alone. <br />
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And if you're a fellow foster parent, I'm right here with you. We are not alone.You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145397750785828987.post-78516423093971125702016-05-09T08:39:00.001-04:002016-05-09T08:40:06.422-04:00Catching Spring Swarms (With Lots of Pictures)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>I'll say it again- we are in no way experts at this. Read to be entertained and to learn about bees, NOT to learn how to be the best beekeeper :-).</i></span></div>
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Last week, while Jamey was outside, he spotted it hovering in the air over our yard not far away- a swarm of honeybees. It didn't matter if they came from one of our hives or not. We wanted those bees so he leaped (quite literally) into action. <br />
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He grabbed a top bar nuc (short for nucleus, a small hive) and tried to set it up in a nearby tree but couldn't get it situated securely. He wanted to lure the recently departed colony into it so we could keep our runaway bees. The nuc's colony had died this past winter, but it was still full of comb left behind (the honey left behind had been licked clean by our other bees). Wanting to quickly find a safe spot for the nuc, he set it on top of the end of our chicken coop. Within seconds, there were scout bees checking it out- no doubt attracted to the comb inside. Soon, the swarm which was drifting the opposite direction, started drifting toward the nuc perched on the chicken coop roof.<br />
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Within thirty minutes or so, almost the entire swarm had tucked themselves into their new home. Had Jamey not been outside at the time, all those bees would have been lost (to us). The next evening, he moved the nuc into our bee yard along side our other hives.</div>
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<i>Just a reminder- if you see a swarm of honeybees, don't panic. Just stand by and marvel at it. They will not bother you unless you actively provoke them. They are too concerned with finding a new home.</i></div>
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But then! The very next day, Sadie spotted another swarm- hanging on a branch of one of our peach trees. Jamey was at work so that swarm got away. I do not catch swarms. I take pictures of them.<br />
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A couple weeks later, <i>yet another</i> swarm was spotted in a peach tree and Jamey knocked this one into a bucket and placed it in one of our empty hives with some bars of brood and food. No sooner did he have that one tucked away and he spotted <i>another swarm</i> (this one was large) up in a tree at the edge of the woods and couldn't let it get away. I'll tell you what happened in pictures...<br />
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I didn't get a shot of him pushing the bucket up and knocking it against the branch hard, causing the swarm to fall into the bucket but that's what happened next.</div>
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<b>Bee Math: </b></div>
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<b>6 colonies going into the winter of 2015 - 2 died over the winter + 3 swarms caught in the spring = </b><b>7 colonies going into the summer of 2016 (for now)</b><br />
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Below you can see trimmings from overdue hive inspections. This bowl was placed on our front porch. Once the bees went home that evening, we took the comb inside to strain giving us a mini-harvest of almost a gallon of honey.<br />
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sticky bees that fell from the bowl, cleaning themselves</div>
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If hives are properly managed, this many swarms shouldn't occur. We've had a busy spring and hadn't divided the colonies as we saw there was need to, so the colonies raised new queens and divided themselves. This is obviously not ideal because you lose the bees that leave. Sometimes, though, you're able to get a few back.</div>
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You Can Call Me Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com6