Christmas Eve/Day

WOW!! Pacifiers..the greatest invention ever!!

Ok, so I should share a little history.

My first dd never took one...my ds never took one but found his thumb at two months old and I was happy. It was great.

Now comes my little Sarah. She did not take a pacifier..at all. She would spit it out and acted like we had given her poison. So, because of the history with my other two I put the binkies in with her toys and forgot about them.

Many people have asked if she took one...I've told them "no". Some people assumed I was against them...i'm not. She never found her thumb but has been sucking on her fingers lately. I think it's cute but didn't think much of it. She was also starting to find her thumb once in a while..so she would alternate between her fingers..1, 2, or 3..what ever mood she was in or she would suck her thumb. It's a cute but disgusting sight that only a mother could love. There's my baby sucking a few fingers...sometimes gagging herself because she doesn't know when to stop...drool dripping down her fingers, hands and yes, drenching her clothing. I would watch this gurgling demonstration with love and awe in my eyes..and at times my gag reflex would chime in. But hey..this is mother-hood...it's worth a few gags right?

Today, there was my little genius sucking away on her fingers when I decided to try the binky...not really expecting anything to "take". Well, color me stupid!! She started sucking on that thing like it was the greatest thing!! To me it WAS the greatest thing. We all watched her like she was taking her first steps. (ok, we're all pathetic and these things make us happy).

Now that she was taking a pacifier we were all excited..would she take one all the time? Would it soothe her in the car? (she gets bored in the car and we all have to hear it, via wailing), will she take one at night?
We were all like a kid in a candy store! So off to the store we went. She got cranky...we gave her the pacifier...and it WORKED!! She went to town on that thing and fell asleep. This was a first for her. She usually cries herself to sleep and me to a frazzled mess.

She is a real mama's girl and i'm the only one who can get her to sleep at night. Tonight my husband put her to sleep w/ her binky and ....

quiet...nothing, nada...she went to sleep!

Now I have for the very first time in my home...a "binky box"..this is a box of assorted age appropriate binkies for my baby.

I just find it odd that she started taking this thing at 4 months old. what took her so long? I'll never know.

In Christ,

Laura

Christmas 2008

Home Binder 101

People have asked about how you make a House Binder. Some have asked me what a House Binder is. Here is the answer to that....

A house binder is a binder where I keep all my daily schedules, important documents, menus..basically what I use to run my home. It's a central brain for the home...so-to-speak.
Here is how to make one.

Here is how to get started:
First you need to purchase a 3-ring binder. I would purchase one that is at least 3". Even if you don't think you'll need one that big...I would still purchase it..you'll fill it up.

The binders I purchase are white with a clear pocket in the front. This is what you can slip your personalized/decorated paper into. Second, you need to personalize your binder. Make sure it's something that makes you smile. It can be what you want. Mine has our name on it "Paulsen Family", with one of my favorite scriptures from Proverbs. I also printed out something to decorate the side of my binder too. You can even have the little ones draw pics and slip them in there.

Now what I did was make a list of the sections that I wanted. I worked on this list for quite a few days so that I was sure that I had everything I could think of. Pray and see if the Lord shows you anything you can use.

Here are my sections with a brief explanation:

Daily Schedule:
This is a daily schedule that I'm doing with 1/2 hour increments. I am reading the book, "Managers of the Home" aka MOTH and I'm trying to implement this schedule. This schedule will really be completed in August once the new baby is here...my dd has her college/work schedule and my ds has his work schedule. I'm still schooling him. I have a schedule for three parts of the day...Morning, Afternoon and Evening. I also have a Chore schedule for each one. I place it behind each schedule...Morning chores behind Morning Schedule. This schedule should stay the same, unless your dealing with an infant...who's schedule changes. Also this is a help because you have a section for each person. So I can look in the book and see that my dd is in class today from 9-11 am and then going to work. They can also see that mom is doing some sewing today from 4-5.
If you're interested in the MOTH book: http://www.titus2.com/

Appointments:
This section is for those activities that need to be added to your schedule but only for one day or on a temp. Basis. Like Dr. Appointments, service appointment , parties etc. So if my dd wants to know if a friend can sleep over, I'll have her look at the appointment section and let me know if there is anything scheduled that day.

Weekly Menu:
This is just what it is...a weekly menu..I have a document with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. This way in the morning I can look and see what needs to be taken out to be defrosted and it also helps for when I'm grocery shopping. I stick to the menu and it helps me to not do too much impulse shopping. Also, the dc know whats for dinner and I like not having to think about it. I actually do a 4 week menu and do a large grocery shopping once a month. I posted a blog about menu planning.

**I just wanted to say...it's great to have a schedule and menu's however, you should not be held in bondage to any of those. Use them as guides and learn to go with the flow when necessary. For instance, this week we've been very busy. So there were actually 3 meals that I ended up not making because we were out. So I'm just circling them and I can use them for next month. Also with the schedule...if you are on schedule and someone needs some help, then allowing some flexibility in your schedule will help to facilitate that.

Grocery List:
This is where I jot down those items that I need, so that I don't forget. I also have a pencil case in there. The kind that you would put in your binder. I put all coupons in there so that I don't forget to take them with me to the grocery store. I grab the list and the coupons. Also, this is great because all family members can just jot down when they've used the last of an item. Just so you know...Older children will jot down what they think you should buy...this is ok, because I just ignore it.

Lesson Plan:
This is a document that I can type or write in what my ds has to do. It has a box for every subject, I even have a box so that I can jot down his work hours and any time spent exercising. He is in 11th grade so I have to keep detailed records. Also, he can look at it and see what he has to do for the day. Sometimes I type in what he has to do for the week and if I'm busy, I just write in what he has done on a daily basis.

Grades:
This is where I keep track of my ds's grades and attendance. I'm not using SL this year. So he has quizzes and tests.

Phone Numbers:
This is where I keep a list of phone numbers. It's easy to get to and everyone knows where it is.

Bible & Prayer:
This is where I keep my bible reading plan and any prayer requests. Again, everything is in one place. I also keep inside my binder any books I'm reading too. Like right now I'm reading Kay Arthur's "Daniel".

The last thing I have is a plastic folder that I can keep my ds's tests in. The curriculum he is using has a test every month.

Also in the front of the inside cover of the binder should have a pocket. This is what I use to keep paperwork that would other wise end up on the front of the fridge. Very convenient and doesn't fall off.

I've made alot of different documents for my binder...Lesson plan, menu's, shopping lists, attendance sheets...etc. If you are interested just email me: Mother4Jesus@gmail.com

What I use to separate each section is sheet protectors...I insert a decorated page for that section...use a stick on Tab divider and there is my separator. You decorate each section as you see fit. I used the same design but with different scriptures for each section.
Here are some pics so you can see what i've done.

This is the front of our binder.

This is a side view

This is our divider for our weekly menu's. As you can see, i've used the same theme as the front.

This is my weekly menu!

I'm sure you're getting the idea. Make it fun! Make it YOUR WAY!!

God Bless,
Laura

4 Week Menu Planning....Made Easy???

A few women have asked me about menu planning and once a month grocery shopping. I decided to blog about it so that I have an on going diary for my daughters.

I have a 4 week menu...this is actually the first month that i'm trying it. It's a menu to go by...it's not set in stone. Like any schdule, it's a guide. It's not something that you want to be held in bondage to. I've done a weekly menu in the past, but a 4 week menu helps if you are doing once a month shopping.

Here are some tips:
Keep breakfast and Lunch the same every week. What I mean by this, is that every Mon. we eat pancakes, every Tues. we eat eggs, every Wed. we eat muffins, For breakfast. Luches are done in the same manner. This means that you only have to worry about changing your dinners.
Go through your recipes & your freezer and cubboards when planning your menu. This is a great way to use up what you have and to make sure you have what you need.

Getting Started:
First sit down with all your recipes. Start with breakfast...Remember, this will not change every week. I would think about your busiest mornings and make your easiest menu's on those days. So if you are really busy on Friday mornnings, that would be a good morning for cold cereal.

Another idea: Pick your best morning and make in bulk those breakfast items you need. Every Monday I mill and soak my wheat to make pancakes on Tuesday morning. I make enough pancakes for a few breakfasts. Sometimes i'll make flavored pancakes for my pickier eaters. When I have plenty of pancakes frozen or my freezer is full, I'll make "blender batter" pancakes. These are delicious, healthy and easy to make. I'll also use Tues. to make muffins when we need.
Try to keep your breakfasts so that you are not eating the same meal twice a week. If that is not possible, try to vary the meals. Example: on Mondays we eat pancakes, on Fridays we eat pancakes. There is quite a few days in between, so that and the flavored pancakes , no one gets sick of them. On Saturdays, this is a day when you get a choice. So for breakfast, you can eat pancakes, muffins or cold cereal. This is a great way to eat all your left overs. I usually do the same for Lunch.

Lunch is done in the same manner. Another great idea with lunch is to eat your dinner left overs from the night before. I try to see what we will be eating the night before to judge if there will be left overs. For the most part , I plan a lunch for every day. If there are left overs from the night before, I'll offer that or a choice. This is also another way to be flexible and not waste our bounty.
Now for the big one....DINNER:

Start by knowing what meals you have prepared in your freezer, if you have any. I like to cook in bulk and freeze. This is a great way to keep from eating out all the time.
Here are some Items I cook and freeze in bulk:
Meat Sauce
Baked Ziti
Chilli
Chicken Soup
Beef Stew
Bread
Pancakes
Muffins
I'm not going to get into once a month cooking. That is for another blog. This is just a few ideas to help with your menu planning. Now, back to our regularly scheduled blog.

Sit down with your recipes, what you have already frozen and your menu. Start with also knowing your plans for the weeks. If you have a crazy schedule , try to pick the easier meals on your busier days. So if you are really busy on Friday's, then you can plan to eat pasta w/ meat sauce. Something that is really easy. Add a salad and some fresh bread, it's a meal fit for a king...or atleast the king of your home.

Also, think about the seasons. My menu's in the summer looks much different then it does in the winter. During the summer's I have alot of BBQ items on our menus. I also make more salads. In the winter , there is more chilli and soup dinners.
Once you have your first week of dinners done...just keep on going. You can actually alternate your dinners every other week. So if we eat pasta w/ meat sauce on a Sunday, the following Sunday i'll make something else, but on the third week, I'll make pasta & meat sauce.
Another great idea: Ask your hubby what his favorite meals are. I asked my hubby and he said that he really liked eating a quick dinner on Sundays, because we have a youth group that meets in our home every Sunday. His favorite meal is very simple...pasta w/ meat sauce and a salad. (He's easy to please).

Another Idea: Go by what is on sale. With the summer coming , i'm finding alot of London Broil on sale. So i've planned two meals this month of London Broil. This is a great meal to BBQ.
Another idea: When you find meats on sale, buy extra. I only needed 1 London Broil this month, but they were on sale, so I picked up two extra's. I have the room in my freezer. I can use them next month, or if we have unexpected company for dinner I can feed our company and not worry about running out.

Always remember that our homes are our ministries. Being prepared for company or having meals made for someone in need at all times is a wise idea.
Once your menu is done, you can now make a list of items you need to purchase. So whether you are doing a weekly shopping or a montly shopping you'll be able to see what you'll need.
Don't worry if your first month needs some fine-tuning. I'm sure after this month, I'll be changing some things around, but this is already easier then trying to figure out , last minute what's for dinner.
If you would like to use my menu as a template, please email me : Mother4Jesus@gmail.com My file is a word doc. and can be modified to your needs.

"She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants."
Proverbs 31:14-15

God Bless,

Laura

Cooking in Bulk

Some refer to this as "Once a Month Cooking". I don't refer to it like that. The reason I don't...I call it "bulk" cooking because the meals I make usually last much longer then one month.
Cooking in bulk is a great idea to help save money, ease your time in the kitchen and to help with meals when some one is in need. Remember, our homes are our ministry and helping others is part of that.

Some things to consider:
How much room do you have?
What meals do you want to make?
How can I save money?

How much room do you have?
This is an important one. If you don't have much room, then you can't cook in bulk the way I do. You can still cook and freeze,but not the volume you'd like. What I would do if you are only dealing with a regular freezer, I would make some extra pancakes for the following week...make a double batch of what you are making that week. So that the next week you won't have to cook as much. You'll actually have a heavier cook week and a lighter cook week. This is what I did when we were first married.
If you have alot of room...an extra freezer..then you are in good shape. Just remember to use what you have frozen. ALways rotate your meats.

What meals do you want to make?
This is where it'll be different for every family.
Here is a list of what i've cooked and frozen in the past. I don't keep these all at the same time. keep in mind that I do cook and freeze with alot of seasonal items as well as everyday meals.
Bread (Fresh milled, hard white)
Pancakes(Fresh milled Ezekiel)
Muffins(Fresh milled Ezekiel, assorted flavors)
Chicken Soup
Beef Stew
Chilli
Pasta Sauce w/ meat
Pasta sauce w/o meat
Butternut squash soup
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cheedar & Broccoli soup
Pumpkin soup
Mashed Pumkin (Great way to not use the canned pumpkin)
Home made butter
Chicken & Beef Broth (Home made)
Baked Ziti
Egg Plant Parmesan

This seems like alot , but remember that I don't have all of these made at the same time.
What's great about having these made is that I can focus on the extra items with dinner. For ex. : when I make the chilli, I'll add some cheese to it and salad, but I can also make some cheddar cheese biscuits with it. I don't have to focus on the main dish. I'm also able to control the ingredients. I use all natural beef and organic beans. This is better then using canned chilli. I also use my chili to make a nacho dip with sour cream and cheese.
The same holds true for the soups. When I make the home made soups there is alot of work that goes into it, but once it's done and I freeze the meals, then I can concentrate on the sides that go with it. For chicken soup i'll make rice and some home make biscuits for the stew i'll make noodles and garlic biscuits.
Having the pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes made and mashed is a great way to keep from using the canned versions and are great to make soups, breads and biscuits with.

How can I save money?
This of couse is the idea behind bulk cooking.
First, by having the meals made and simple to defrost and use, it keeps you from doing any last minute take out. This is what really saves us money. If i'm having a busy day..I don't have time to cook and I was the queen for take-out. I have to confess...I will still order out the day that I do our monthly grocery shopping. I'm too tired to even defrost on those days. So eating take-out once a month is much better then once a week.
Buying whats on sale and using it...that is what I did when I found Polly-o ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese on sale. I couldn't believe what a great price...It was limit 4. I purchased ALL 4! I made 4 large trays of baked ziti and froze it. It came in handy when our church needed some meals for our youth missionaries. What a blessing it was that I could just pull it out of my freezer and warm up for them.
I also am able to buy what's in season. I love fresh pumpkin. I love pumkin soup and squash soups. I also love make bread with them. Getting them on sale during season and then mashing them. I have the puree ready for when I need. It's a nice treat during the winter..pumpkin soup with pumpkin biscuits..yummy.
Having the chili made has saved me on more then one occasion. I have a son who is 16...he also has friends...who all eat!! alot!! Many times they've come home after football...hungry. I whip out the chilli, add some cheese and they are all happy and eating. (I make them clean up)
The ways to save money are endless. The way it helps to keep the stress of meals down is wonderful...being able to be a blessing to anyone who needs a meal..............Priceless!

"She considers a field and buys it ; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good and her lamp does not go out by night."
Proverbs 31:16-18

God Bless,

Laura

Organizing Recipes 101 (with Pictures)

Women have asked me how I organize my recipes. This is something that is important to me. What good is it if I have tons of recipe books, but never look at the recipes? I do have lots of books...I don't always have time to go through them to pull out recipes.

These are only a few of my recipe books. These happen to be my favorites.
So how do you keep track of all your favorite recipes amidst a ton of books?

I use a recipe box...yup..it's that simple. A 4 x 6 recipe box. This is mine:I created this box because I didn't have room in my kitchen to store all my recipe books and running up and down the stairs to the basement everytime I wanted a recipe was not convenient...good for exercise, but not convenient.
Here is what I did...
1. Purchased a really cute box
2. Purchased 4 x 6 index card
3. Purchased stick on tabs to make my own dividers
4. purchased some peel and stick laminate sheets
5. downloaded a free template for recipes for my "Word" program.
6. Made a list of divders i'd want to make for my recipe box..Breads, breakfast meal etc.

I created my own dividers for my recipe box. the reason I did this is because I mill my own wheat. So I have tons of different types of bread recipes that are only for fresh milled wheat. Also I have tons of muffin recipes, so I wanted to keep them seperate. I was able to personalize my box by doing this. I decorated each divider with a scripture that I liked...I then laminted it and stuck on the index tab. It was that easy.

The reason I chose to laminate the cards? Because when i'm cooking , I make messes. It's easier to wipe off the card then to have to worry about re-typing it because I can't read what's on it.
I then went through each book, starting with my favorite books. I typed up all the recipes that I liked or wanted to try. I wasn't worried about typing up recipes that I might not get around to trying...I have plenty of room in the box. I then laminated each recipe card...for the same reason as above.
Once I went through all the books it is really simple to stay on top of it. Everytime I get a new recipe book. I go through it right away and pull out the recipes that I want to try. This is great because I can give the book away to someone else or let someone borrow it if it's a book that I know I'll want.
With the new baby coming...I'm going through my books again and adding any recipes that I may want to try or ones that I was too lazy to type up in the past.
When I'm doing my monthly menu, using the recipe box is so convenient. I just go to my breakfast section...pull out the recipes I want to use or try that month...add them to my menu and then add any ingredients that I need to my shopping list.
You don't have to be as meticulous as I am. Keep in mind that when I started this project, I had two older young adults..so I had time to do this.
You may want to write your recipes...you don't have to decorate your index tabs and you don't have to laminate them. These are just the things I did.
Here is a list of the sections in my box to help:
Baby Food
Breads
Breakfast
Desserts
Holiday - These are holiday recipes like cranberyy chutney, etc.
Lunches
Main Dishes
Muffins
Raw - These are great recipes that are raw/vegan, raw fudge balls etc.
Smoothies
Snacks
Soups
Misc.

Happy Eating!!

In Christ,

Laura

A Few New Events.....

Sarah is now 4 months old. Here is what i've noticed.
She is grasping items much better and can actually switch hands.
She smiles and laughs constantly. All I have to do is look at her and she smiles.
Funny enough..she doesn't smile for the camera.
When she wakes up from her naps....or in the morning...she talks and coo's to herself. It's really adorable. I love listening to her.
When I go in to get her, she is lying on her belly and all I have to say is , "Where is my Sarah?" and she smiles.
She likes people and faces. Watching people in a crowded room, like at church will entertain her for hours.
Because of the aforementioned entertainment, it isn't necessary to keep her on her schedule. We can stay out late with her and she doesn't get cranky. She will sleep late if we put her to bed late. (this is great)
When I lay her down for her nap or to sleep at night...I notice when I go to get her that she is in a totally different spot and even in a different direction. So, she isn't crawling but definately "gets around".
She only likes to play with toys that she can stuff in her mouth. She doesn't have to stuff the whole toy in, but a part of it. If she has a toy and can't put it in her mouth..she gets very frustrated and will let out a yell.
She babbles...and babbles. I think, she thinks, she's talking...but she is a woman and a Paulsen so i'm sure she's gonna be a "talker".
Ok, I typed all this out because I often forget at what age my babies do things..so now I have it here and I shouldn't lose it.

In Christ,

Laura

Why I Blog...

People blog for many different reasons. I simply blog so that I'll have a journal for my children. A journal of my trials, my blessings, my wisdom and many other home making ideas.

I also want to keep a journal of the new things that Sarah does. I'm terrible about writing them in a baby book.

I've had other blogs and I was amazed at the interest in my homemaking ideas, like, recipes boxes and a house binder.

I want one blog site for all of it. For my home making advice , my parenting wisdom...and for when the Lord talks to my heart. Here is where I'll keep it for my children.

In Christ,

Laura