Declutter update

I just decluttered:

2 cookbooks
3 mugs
1 pair shorts
3 books
1 container Pledge
20 kids books
3 Cd's
3 soda can toppers
5 VHS's
1 pack diaper pins
2 never used baby washcloths
1 dog book
7 pieces boys clothes
1 set shower curtain hooks
1 bathroom mat
1 soap dispenser

55 total
71 previous

126 items total removed from my house and hopefully being used by someone else
(some things are in a box in car to be dropped off at thrift shop.)

I also have thrown away at least 15 garbage bags full of junk (besides regular household garbage) since Jan. 1st. This was clothes that were stained, broken stuff, boxes, etc.

So I think my goal of 365 items decluttered is a reasonable goal for 2011.

-Becky

Self employment stress

Due to snow day I had to cancel 2 jobs on Thur. Losing me $120 in income for Jan. I will make these jobs up, but not until next week, which will be Feb. and have to go to Feb. income.

In addition I was supposed to work babysitting tomorrow night, but they cancelled me (losing another $60.) I hope to be able to make up one of the missed cleaning jobs tomorrow, but not sure if I can.

Being self employed has it's advantages, but when I don't work I don't get paid. So although we enjoyed 3 no drive, snow days this week I do miss not working when it comes to getting paid.

So for this month it seems I will about $300 short on all bills (would have only been $120 if I didn't lose those three jobs.) But $100 is my home insurance which is not due until Nov. 2011 (but I put $100 away each month.)

This is still pretty impressive as I am not at full capacity in my cleaning business.

Occasionally I get stressed and need to give that up to God, but I am still praising Him for all we have and for my self employment work.

How many of you are self employed?

-Becky

My new niece

Meet Anna

My sister, Lindsey and her husband, Justin have been waiting since 2009 to bring her home from Russia. She is finally home. She turned 3 in July. She is so cute!

Anna & her mom (my sister), Lindsey

Another snow day

our yard





Jason & Josh in their fort





Lady















Joshua









Jason

Snow day

Today was a snow day, and because of that also became a no drive day (our second one this week.)

No one actually played in the snow as it was very wet. But we did relax and spend time together.

It is hailing now and tomorrow may be another snow day.


Not sure if I can handle three days in a row of not leaving the house.

But maybe I will finally get the 7 loads of clean laundry folded and put away.

Was today a snow day for you? If yes, what did you do?

-Becky

Grinding Wheat

Who grinds there own wheat berries to make flour?

Where do you buy?

What do you grind with?

What wheat do you like best and for what (i.e. hard red for bread, etc)?

What cookbooks / websites do you use for recipes using freshly ground flour?




I have been grinding my own wheat for about a year now.

I buy organic wheat berries at Whole foods.

I grind the berries in my magic bullet with the grinder attachment.

Today we ground up about 5 cups red wheat berries.

We made 2 dozen oatmeal cookies, a small chocolate cake, and corn bread.

The cookies are a hit.

The cake is tasty, but crunchy.

The cornbread (to go with tomorrow's lunch) is still cooking.

I need more recipes and also a better grinder. I tried the Norpro hand grinder which had good reviews on Amazon, but it was a flop and I sent it back.

And tips would be greatly appreciated.

-Becky

Kaiden

My nephew, Kaiden is 8 months old today. He was over today after being away for 12 days in Arizona. We missed him so much and we are so glad to have him (and my sister) back.

-Becky