Crock pot meal and make ahead freezer meal

*Sorry no pictures.....
Wednesday this week
I cooked up 12 Drumsticks in the crockpot on High for 4 hours with a little cooking liquid.
I baked 6 Chicken breasts (good sized) they also had cooking liquid with freshly ground Italian spices, Sea Salt, and freshly ground peppercorn medley (green , red, white). I baked on 425 for about an hour plus.
Mean time I used my rice cooker to make up 8 servings of rice. Using the measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker measures only 3/4 c or 145 g of rice. I put water in to the 8 cup line in the pan, than added 3 rice measuring cups. I set it going with an hour delay and let it cook away.  This was Batsmati rice, not the standard Long Grain white rice. There is a carrier used to add nutrients back that I have had issues with so I only use Batsmati, brown, Arborio, or mixes without the stuff added.  I rinse and soak all of my rice.
While this was all cooking. I took out the broccoli and cut it to size I needed.

When the rice and chicken breasts were done. I allowed to breast to cool on the counter. I scooped rice out into two pans about 1/2 to 1 inch. Then I put the broccoli on. I pulled out two boxes cream of something (chicken and mushroom) soup I have diluted them as directed poured half of the mix over over pan and the rest over the other.  (I used Pacific Organic Brand- no Gluten, no Corn or Potato. I may have to pull out my Gluten-Free Gourmet book and find the Cream soup base and make without the boullion.) I then sliced the chicken breasts and added them on top. Pulled out my shredder and just over a pound Medium cheddar. I put half of what I Shredded on each meal. then I took foil and put non-Shiny side down. They are now in the freezer waiting their date with destiny-Dinner.

Now the drum stick were going to do something similar, But I had to feed the kids and husband. 2 drumsticks each with a hardy helping of rice (I ran a second batch.) and some BBQ sauce for them was a meal.

Shoes, shoes, shoes

Here are the shoes left in my closet. 

Left to Right , top to bottom

Brown leather slip-ons from AAFES over 7 years ago

Black soft Leather boots from Park City Outlet Mall over 5 years ago

Brown Leather strap sandals from before I got married, yes over 24 years ago

Dark Gray Suede Boots from Park city Outlet Mall over 5 Years ago

Gray Altra Zero-Drop Shoe From Al's Sport Store purchased 1 month ago. 

-My everyday shoe that ends up in church somtimes and at events that requires a lot of walking.

Blue Asics Running Shoe from Al's Sport Store purchased 1 month ago

Leather strap Flip-flop from Payless over 7 years ago.

Red Sandal from Payless over 7 years ago.

Plus the toe sof my fuzzy blue slippers for around the house in summer.

Not pictured 

-Olive muck boots for yard and irrigation work over 4 years old.

-Insulated Hunting boots over 8 years old

-My rubber sole blue suede fuzzy lined house shoes for winter purchased last winter.

-Bright Blue Water shoes

-Black Patent Leather shoes for Class A military uniform for Funerals

-Shower shoes- on pair in van and one pair for around the house when it is really hot

-BLack Leather combats boots 

Funny thing is that I have gotten rid of all of the heels over 1 inch, because they cause shin splints. My husband and I discussed this last night. I was frustrated at not being able to wear them because of the pain they cause. His response was "Good, you don't need them anyway." He explained that one of the podiatrist he saw says that he loves ladies who wear high heels becuase they are his best patients and keep in business. I guess for all my podiatrist friends, i wion't be a good customer.  

I am so grateful for a man who does care for flashy things, wel except guns and garden tools.

I do need to look for a good quality pair of Leather strap sandals to replace the 20 year old ones. Plus I am looking at a pattern that alloows me to make the sole and upper of a shoe through crochet. WE shall see where that goes. 

Closet de cluttered thus far

As you can see, I have 4 pair of slacks. I have 5-8 skirts some are in the laundry. My blouses there are two more in the wash so 7 all total for wear. The sweaters are stacked according to color, use and type.

There are 2 jumpers, 2 dresses, 5-7 skirts, a light to heavy shirt that can worn over others, my one jacket from Lands End, Scout uniforming items, and Hunters Education uniform. I do need to add a couple more uniform items for business and volunteer activities.

If I to,d you some of these clothes are 24+ years old you may not believe me, but they are. Interesting for some, I'm sure. Now for the work and relaxing clothing. I may be doing some sewing to add to these.

Cloth menstrual pads for home storage

These are cloth menstrual pads that I would make. I will be finishing to renew Dorothy's supply for when she returns. I will share the pattern if asked.

I strive for and dream of a house of order

I want my house to look like a beautiful house of my friend who seems to keep things up well. I want to improve every room. I hope it will turn out to be orderly, well working and presentable to company always. I desperately yearn and strongly desire to make these changes for my family, my husband, my guests, and most importantly myself. 

I want to expand my potential for becoming a leader that has fruit on the tree.

Self mastery begins with me.

Progress report, we got 8 loads of laundry done, 5 loads put away sorted, 3 loads still need to be, and two more to be washed. This takes care of most of the boys room and the laundry room itself. 

Then of course IT hit me, I have been in bed for two plus daysunable to get up except to go to the bathroom. The coughing has finally eased some, but still there. I need to be careful about activity for a little bit to make sure no rebound happens. I am getting ready as soon as possible to go to my closet.

I had already set all my business clothing in a specific area. I need to go through and see what need to be replaced. I have focused on a lot of classic clothing, because of the timeless nature. The rule is buy better quality and less of it.

 

These are the shirts: uniform items- scouting and other volunteers organization uniforms, blazers, flannel/ denim work shirts, other business appropriate shirts that can be dressed up or down if needed. They all have collars so it makes one feel professional and ready for business. I will fill this out once my laundry is done. The slacks are on the end and skirts and dresses hang in a another area of my closet. I have totes with those clothes from earlier. These will gone through for relevance and need. I will rotate and make clusters using principles I have gleaned from Judith Rasbands book How to Clothe your Family and website conselle.com. I receive her newsletter and gleaned through all of the archives to understand the concepts she talks about. I have had prior training plus a lot of self study in fashion and dress. 

 There are people who will read and face palm but in all truth, I do know how to dress but there are days I decide to let it all go because I am so stessed out. 

I am making an effort to do better to dress even when I am home. It make me feel better, but I hate to ruin good clothes doing house hold chores. Luckily, clusters includes the out in public wear, not so much the doing painting. And caring for animals chores, garden, etc. That does not mean I get to stay in sweats all day otherwise. OK PJs while sick and in bed yes. Fitness clothing for fitness.

Capsules are closed systems and really are limited. Clusters are open and can be expanded to meet the needs of the individual. 

I will show you what I put together in the future.

Confessions of a Messy Homemaker

Yes, that is me.  You read that right.  

I am a messy homemaker.  

I greet you at the door and close it behind me quick. The kids still have dinner on their t-shirts. Their room is not better homes and garden quality, maybe Junkyard quality.

I have struggled with this for years. I have always done my best to be dressed as I should be for events. 

I have come to the conclusion that self-mastery is s must success.

For me that is mastering my schedule and my home. Here is the inspiration I am taking this from.

• 
  
  Doctrine and Covenants 109:8
  
  8 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, ahouse of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a houseof God;
  
  Doctrine and Covenants 88:119
  
  119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a houseof God;
  
  Doctrine and Covenants 132:8
  
  8 Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.
  
  
  From some other reading I was looking at. First I am going through clothing for myself and my kids. Then Books, Papers, Miscellaneous things, and finally, Sentimental items.  Earlier in the month I had went through my closet and pulled things out. I am going through again and doing the same thing in my closet. I am finding what I love and getting rid of what I do not. I am finding what fits well and then getting rid of what does not. I am looking at doing clusters of clothing as inspired by Judith Rasband. I have training as a former Beauty for All Seasons consultant. My big take away there was learning to flatter my body as it was with line and design.  I plan on taking Judith training as soon as I can, it is not in my business budget currently. But I know it would benefit not only my business, but those whom I serve in the military and in my entrepreneurial ventures to learn more. The Lord will grant me the time and means to do so. 

• Now for the rest of the house, We have pulled out all of the excess dishes and have a set color for each person. Now we know who is leaving dishes out. I am getting ready to get the Spoon, fork, and knife all-in-one combo to match. I have also pulled all duplicates of other utensils. It seems silly. but we will pack most of this away and pull out only what is needed and after a while we may give it away to our children or save it for big get togethers. We will see....
• Join me in the challenge of simplifying your life.
• Update: I am feeling a bit better than I was the last few days had a bit of a cough and sore throat. Thank you oil pulling with Protective blend, oregano and peppermint essential oil. It did not hit hard so I am much happier. I am up and cleaning anyway. I can see my laundry room and where I am starting seeds.
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• 
  

Spring Flu with an Icing of Snow

It has been an interesting Spring to say the least. Tuesday and Wednesday we had snow and high winds. Those High winds about took away our chicken kennel. Though we did lose one of our chickens because it got crushed underneath it when it blew over on her. We have to find a new cover for the kennel and a other way to provide shade and wind break for the chickens. Though I think the standard Haybale will work at this point.

The week or so prior we had lost three hens, then Our Roster was AWOL for three days. We found him a little bit worse for the wear and very hungry hiding in a wood pile. More than likely a Racoon has been picking our coop.

Anyway we started over last year (2014) with 11 barred Rocks and 5 Jersey Giant hens plus a roster. We kept a couple of the old barred rocks a couple of our Americunas, plus a another black hen.
Now the count is
One Barred Rock Rooster
5 barred Rock Hens
4 black Jersey Giants Hens
1 Americuna

Plus our new additions
 6 White Leghorns 'the chicklets' or 'the chicken nuggets'

We will be getting more the end of next month.

We will be building new housing for at least 50, but will probably maintain about 40 max.

Well I guess I should get one with the fun part. It is that time of the year for everyone in the US. Everyones favorite stress day of the year. Well last year was our first year not doing our own taxes and it has been a relief. We just really good communication with our tax man. Though we did not get everything, I know we missed a few things, it is ok.

Then enter My dear husband who has been a bit under the weather for few days. He missed church on Sunday because he was laid up in bed from the CRUDE. I did get to church, but was not feeling up to par because of digestive issues, not the CRUDE. I take Protective Blend religiously to keep my immune system supported and it really helps. He did end up seeing the doctor. Nasty little bacterial/viral thing between the nose/eyes/lungs. But he is seeing and singing pretty good  now.

For the really fun stuff-Edward Turned of age to get his learners permit. As is family tradition we get it on their birthday. He did dine for his first bout out. Just if my neighbors seeing me sticking to the window of the car, he is driving.

Oh, Our Missionary is doing well in Washington Spokane Mission, She keeps telling me it is like a big old slumber party. We love and miss her greatly, only 12 more months...

So now to plant some in the Garden-a blog for another time....

There will be more good news that I cannot release until my husband has made it known.