We Are All Going Back To School

Our family has not been exempt from the current economic downturn, and so this fall, we have all returned to school.  Yes, I have joined my children in an educational journey.

Prior to being a mother, I was a nurse.  I thought my years of nursing were over when I had children.  Being a mother was everything I dreamed it would be and more.  I cherish time spent with my children.  The are growing up very rapidly and soon will be going away to college, yikes!  On top of the financial help, I think this journey will help me transition to an empty nester.  Shortly, I will have my license reinstated and return to work.

David began an external pre-engineering course at the local vocational school this fall.  He goes away to school every day  for two science and engineering courses.  He is continuing his home studies as well.  I miss him a lot but the independence and self teaching is very good for him.  He is learning a lot of time management skills, ie:  he has a lot on his plate!

I have had several well meaning people assume that the children be put in public school since I am going back to work.  Let me comment that public school or homeschool is a very personal decision for each family and ours has decided that public school is not an option for our family.  I know that sounds kind of strong however, we feel that sometimes the easiest decision is not the best one.  We are committed to seeing our children succeed in their education and life.  My dear husband has become more involved helping with Naomi and Joshua's school work.  It is good that he and I are working more as a team in many areas of our home.

Even though life seems so chaotic right now, I am thankful for many things: all the freedoms that we have in Christ and our country, the Word of God that guides each and every decision that we make and for family and friends that support us in our decisions, even though they may not agree with them.

May You Have a Thankful Day,

Suzie

 

Bountiful Baskets

Since our last post, we have discovered a fruit and vegetable co-op  called 'Bountiful Baskets' . It is a frugal way to purchase fruits and vegetables.

Every week at 12:00PM CDT we go online to www.Bountifulbaskets.org and purchase 2 baskets. (You can purchase up to 3 baskets. For our family of six, 2 baskets is plenty)  Each basket costs $15.00. When you send in your order, you will receive a receipt in your e-mail telling you when and where in your local area, you can pick up your basket. This co-op program came to our local community a few years ago. Check the website to see if there's a pick up location in your area.

The contents of our basket changes every week. We usually get our basic fruits and vegetables such as lettuce, apples, bananas, etc. Other then that, the items in your basket are mostly seasonal totaling $30-$40 when bought locally. We are always learning how to cook new delicious foods every week. 

You can also purchase add-ons which are large quantities of in season fruits and vegetables. The prices are very low. For example, 2 weeks ago we purchased 20 pounds of Roma tomatoes for $12.00. With these tomatoes we made fresh homemade salsa. See recipe as follows

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

8 cups tomatoes, peeled, chopped and drained

2 1/2 cups onions, chopped

1 1/2 cups green peppers chopped

1 cup jalapeno pepper, chopped

6 cloves of garlic

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp pepper

1/8 cup canning salt

1/3 cup vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp white sugar

1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce

1/2 cup tomato powder (dehydrated tomatoes blended into powder)

2 can (or equivalent cooked from dry) black beans

4 cups frozen corn

Mix all ingredients in large pot.  Lightly boil.  Pack hot salsa in sterile jars.  Process in water bath 10 minutes.  Makes 7-9 pints to 4-5 quarts

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering  kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, 

self-control. against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Blessings as you add more fruits to your life

-Naomi