Bits and Pieces from the Homestead

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Life has been busy with our school schedule starting back up. I have found myself overwhelmed with trying to keep all my plates spinning lately. Think of the circus act with the guy who has the long poles and he gets a plate spinning on the pole, then takes another pole and does it again, all while keeping the first plate spinning. So I think of myself with lots of poles and lots of plates spinning (and I know lots of moms just like me! LOL). Since my girls got back from Maryland we have been working together to keep things moving ahead (keeping those plates spinning ). My daughters are the BIGGEST help I could have ever dreamed of. I am so thankful for their cheerful attitudes and their helpful hearts and hands. With the three of us handling so many details we decided a homemaking notebook would help us to all know what is going on and what needs to be done. So this last weekend we finally got started on it. 

 

Homemaking Notebook

 

After a lot of thought we now have the beginnings of our new homemaking notebook. I have it divided into 3 sections. 1) Household Management: .. daily, weekly and monthly chores and goals. 2) Menu planning: pantry lists, grocery lists, monthly menu planning calendar and 3) Homeschooling: which is broken up into several sections with calendars for each child and schedules, assignments due, etc..

 

Now it needs some more refining. I can’t say it looks real pretty! LOL.. My main focus is something that I can use not something that just sits and looks pretty.. I will work on making it look nicer as soon as I have it all organized. I did buy a blue notebook last night while I was in town. I liked that better than the old black one I had found on my book shelf. 

 

I will share more details and pictures as I get all the quirks worked out of this one.  

 

Menu Planning is always important to me. This is why I devote one whole section to meal planning, pantry lists, grocery lists and more.   I like to know what is being served and what groceries to buy to make it all happen. Here is a look at what we will be eating this week:

 

 

Menu for the Week

 

Monday: Leftovers

Tuesday: Hot dogs and sauerkraut

Wednesday: Crockpot Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad

Thursday: Crockpot hamburger veggie soup, bread, salad

Friday: Chinese rice, post stickers, salad

Saturday: Crockpot Chili, tortilla chips, salsa, salad

Sunday: Crockpot beef roast, potatoes, salad

Monday: Leftovers

 

Notice the use of my crockpot a lot over the next several days?? Yes, well with life as busy as it is I just LOVE using my crockpot! I am an early riser and find I am just tired by evening and I really appreciate a quick to put together meal or better yet, one that has been simmering all day in crockpot and is ready and waiting for us!  

 

 

Comments

  1. gabbie427September 23, 2008 at 5:54 AM

    Thanks for sharing the yummy recipes. Some of them are on my menu planner for later this month.


    God's Blessings,

    Amy Jo


    PS I used the tshirt dress tutoria on your site for a dress that I made my neice this summer and she LOVED IT. And her mom was so impressed. LMSO

    ReplyDelete
  2. homesteadinthemakingSeptember 23, 2008 at 6:39 AM

    I have been wanting to work on one of these too. I can't wait to see pictures of yours.

    Blessings,

    Trixi

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2008 at 6:56 AM

    Hi Crystal: I don't know how else to contact you....I wanted to try making your recipe for crockpot teriyaki chicken, but the recipe doesn't call for any teriyaki sauce. Is that a typo? I don't want to try it "as is" 'cuz it sounds a little too dry. I realize I sound like an idiot, but I really want to make this for dinner. Please email me at aunthoney(at)frontiernet(dot)net. Thanks much. Helen in CA

    ReplyDelete
  4. hmfarrisSeptember 23, 2008 at 7:24 AM

    If you need any tips on making a home notebook check out Candy's blog at www.keepingthehome.com. That is where I learned how to put mine together in an organized fashion. I love mine!

    ReplyDelete
  5. justmestracySeptember 23, 2008 at 7:55 AM

    The photo of your homemade bread looks sooooooo yummmy!!!! Could you please share your secrets....

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2008 at 10:55 AM

    Crystal, I just wanted to thank you for the recipes you add to your site. I plan on making the crockpot hamberger veggie soup on Thursday.

    I also ordered some lotion and soap, Pineapple, a few weeks back...I love them! I will be ordering more in the near future.

    Thank you again..and hopefully I can get as organized as you...you have really good ideas!

    God Bless...

    Michele

    www.leraansonline.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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