Sunday, April 27, 2008

THE CLOTHES LINE -- Remember when.....


THE CLOTHES LINE - BASIC RULES Remember when???

1. You had to wash the clothes line before hanging my clothes.
Walk the length of each line with a damp cloth around the line to clean it off..

2. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order and always hang whites with whites and hang them first.

3. You never hung a shirt by the shoulders, always by the tail.
What would the neighbors think?

4. Wash day on a Monday........never hang clothes on the weekend or Sunday for heaven's sake!

5. Hang the sheets and towels on the outside lines so you could hide your 'unmentionables' in the middle.

6. It didn't matter if it was sub-zero weather.............clothes would 'freeze dry.'

7. Always gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes.
Pins left on the line were 'tacky'.

8. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with the next washed item.

9. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes basket and ready to be ironed.

10. IRONED?????????? Well, that's a whole other subject.


A POEM

A clothes line was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by
To spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the 'fancy sheets'
And towels upon the line;
You'd see the 'company table cloths'
With intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birth
To folks who lived inside
As brand new infant clothes were hung
So carefully with pride.

The ages of the children could
So readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed
You'd know how much they'd grown.

It also told when illness struck,
As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,
Haphazardly were strung.

It said, 'Gone on vacation now'
When lines hung limp and bare.
It told, 'We're back!' when full lines sagged
With not an inch to spare.

New folks in town were scorned upon
If wash was dingy gray,
As neighbors carefully raised their brows,
And looked the other way..

But clotheslines now are of the past
For dryers make work less.
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody's guess.

I really miss that way of life.
It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best
By what hung on the line!

Marcia Chumbley

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land. Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified. Marcia is the founder and publisher of " Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents" web site, Faithful Grannies.com "Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, www.workathomedivasonline.com and Work At Home Moms Choices www.wahmchoices.com Marcia Chumbley: Specializing in Cooking Recipes http://grannieskitchen.blogspot.com/ She is a well known published and
featured author through out the internet and public speaker on domestic violence and a breast cancer surivor. She was choosen as a WAHM and SAHM of the 1st quarter of 2009 by Stay At Home Moms Online. http://stayathomemomsonline.com/momofmonth.html

Christian Topic Of The Day,

Topic for Today: Assurance

Whom God legally saves, He experimentally saves; whom He justifies, them He also sanctifies. Where the righteousness of Christ is imputed to an individual, a principle of holiness is imparted to him; the former can only be ascertained by the latter. It is impossible to obtain a Scriptural knowledge that the merits of Christ's finished work are reckoned to my account, except by proving that the efficacy of the Holy Spirit's work is evident in my soul.
Pink, A. W.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Kid Times Garden


Kid Times Garden

Kid Times Garden

Give your child some space; literally! Kids loving having spaces that are all their own, whether it's their own desk area in the house, or the tent they've created with chairs and blankets in the family room. The same is true for gardening. Dedicate a small plot of the garden just for them. Put a fancy border around it, perhaps purchase one of the stepping stone making kits found at crafts stores in which they can mold their name and make their handprint.

Let them join you at the nursery. Let your kids know you value their opinion. Ask them which kinds of plants, flowers, and vegetables they like. Explain what will work well in your garden and what won't.
Give them (limited) choices. While you're at the nursery, ask them if they'd like pansies or petunias, marigolds or zinnias. This will give them the feeling of power without letting it get out of control.
Remind them money doesn't grow on trees. With older children discuss the budget. Let them help select seeds and blossoming plants at the nursery - and turn it into a math lesson. Let your child do the money calculations; they can tell you when the money runs out.

Let your child do what he will (especially if you have a preschooler). Let him dig, explore, play with bugs. You may be tempted to steer your child in another direction (like actually watering or weeding his garden), but this is a great way for your child to explore this exciting new universe.

Plan, plan, plan. If you have older children, say 8 or 9 or older, let them plot out their own garden on paper. Provide him or her with graph paper, pencils and seed catalogs. Give them a group of flowers and vegetables from which to choose, and then let them draw out their garden.

Get them their own gardening tools. Nothing will motivate your little gardener more than having her own little shovel, her own gardening gloves, and her own watering pail. And don't forget those bright colored rubber boots.
Marcia Chumbley is a work at home mom and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a Christian Work at home Moms and Grandparents web site at http://www.faithfulgrannies.com/. A place for Christian Work From Home Grandparents. We are the true pioneers bringing generations of Christian Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents and Families together while providing you with resources, inspiration and affordable advertising to make a positive difference while balancing the work at home experience. We are nurturing the youth who will change the world.



A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.
Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.
Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.
Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.

Quotable Quote

Quotable Quote
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison

Christian Topic Of The Day

Topic for Today: Pride

The more godly a man is, and the more graces and blessings of God are upon him, the more need he hath to pray, because Satan is busiest against him, and because he is readiest to be puffed up with a conceited holiness.
Greenham, Richard

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Color Coding and Organization

Color Coding and Organization

As we enter the New Year, our thoughts often turn towards organization of home and office. The key to developing an organized home is to develop a series of systems that work within your home, making it easier to find the things you need. Color coding is one great way to streamline your home and make it easier to access items quickly.

There are many areas of your home that can be color coded. Adding a touch of color can help you organize papers, laundry, clothing, and so much more. Here are a few simple tips to get you started on the right track to organization.

Papers
Paper clutter is one of the worst offenders – it seems to breed when you look away. Mail, bills, letters, and papers to be filed pile up in the office, on the front table, and beside the reading chair. Corral the paper clutter once and for all by developing an organized, color coded filing system.

Pick a basket that will hold file folders, and place it near where you open your mail. Now, add colored folders for each type of mail you receive – To Read, To Pay, To Do, and To File. Keep a small trash can in this area, as well. As you open the mail, place each item in the appropriate folder, or throw it away if its junk. Your mail is organized, ready for the next time you file or pay bills – all you have to do is grab the appropriate folder!

Laundry

Whether you live in a home with children, or an empty nest, laundry is a major obstacle to overcome. Color coded bins can be a huge help, as even the smallest child (or the most housework impaired spouse) can recognize a bin by color.

Pick a color for each member of the family, and place it in the area where they change clothes. On laundry day, have them bring their bins to the laundry room. As clothes are washed, dried, and folded, place them in the bin of the owner, to be returned to their room and put away. This system allows you to sort clothing as you fold, eliminating an extra step in the laundry process.

Clothing

In homes with children or adults of similar sizes, color coding can help keep clothing sorted by owner. Use the same colors that you've put into place for the laundry system, and simply mark a colored dot on the tag of each item of clothing. Use the dots to determine whose pants are whose, saving time and energy tracking down each person individually.

Holiday Decorations

Tired of spending time before each holiday sorting through a sea of poorly labeled boxes? Color coding to the rescue, again! After each holiday this year, take time to purchase brightly colored plastic totes. These totes are often available in seasonal colors – red and green for Christmas, orange for Fall holidays. Store your decorations accordingly, and you'll never again have to sort through the Easter decorations looking for your Christmas angel.

Color coding is a quick and easy way to add organization to your daily life. By making small changes, you can be well on your way to a simpler, less stressful life. Take the time to add some color coded organizational tools to your home today – you'll be amazed at the difference that they make.


A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.
Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.
Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.
Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.

Christian Topic of The Day,

Topic for Today: Knowledge

Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe. But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God.
Tozer, A. W.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Earth Day Go Green Free Web Cast


Check out this Free Web Cast and receive a Free E Book on how to GO GREEN www.gogreenwebcast.com/choices

Christian Topic of The Day,

Topic for Today: Lord's Day,
TheWhat fitter day to ascend to heaven, than that on which He arose from earth, and fully triumphed over death and hell. Use your Sabbaths as steps to glory, till you have passed them all, and are there arrived.
Baxter, Richard

Friday, April 18, 2008

Christian Topic of The Day

Topic for Today: Discipline

God has no pleasure in afflicting us, but He will not keep back even the most painful chastisement if He can but thereby guide His beloved child to come home and abide in the beloved Son.
Murray, Andrew

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Christian Topic of The Day,

Topic for Today: Holiness

True holiness does not consist merely of believing and feeling, but of doing and bearing, and a practical exhibition of active and passive grace. Our tongues, our tempers, our natural passions and inclinations - our conduct as parents and children, masters and servants, husbands and wives, rulers , and subjects - our dress, our employment of time, our behavior in business, our demeanor in sickness and health, in riches and poverty - all, all these are matters which are fully treated by inspired writers.
Ryle, J. C.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Tip Of The Day

Sock Hats

Children's mismatched socks make perfect snow hats for your favorite snowman and winter craft projects. Simply cut at the ankle, place the sock cuff on the craft's head, tie the end with yarn or ribbon for a perfect winter hat.

Earth Day Crafts


Tin Can Herb Pots


What you'll need:

Empty aluminum can

Screwdriver and hammer

Liquitex Basics

GessoAcrylic craft paints in colors of your choice

Flower stickers (optional)

Acrylic sealer spray, matte finish

Craft or popsicle stick

Thin cardboard

Pinking shears

Black Sharpie marker

5-10 small rocks, stones or pebbles

1.5 cups Potting soil

4-inch potted herb plant

White craft glueWater


How to make it:
1.Completely wash and dry aluminum can. If necessary, sand off any rough edges from opening of can.

2. Turn can upside down. Parent should use screwdriver or other pointed object to poke holes in the bottom of the can. Use a hammer to tap the end of the screwdriver to make the holes.
3. Paint outside of can with one coat of Gesso. Let dry completely.
Paint can desired color, repeat coats if needed.
4. Decorate however you like. Use a thin paint brush for long lines, dip the end of the paint brush into paint for polka dots.
5. Decorate with stickers if desired.
6. Spray the outside of the completed can with acrylic sealer spray. Let dry.
7. Place enough rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the can to form a single layer.
8. Add enough potting soil to fill the can two-thirds full.
8. Remove potted herb from its container and transplant into the can.
9. Fill edges with remaining potting soil, gently pat down so that plant is firmly in the can but not compacted so much that it’s too tight.
10. Place can on a plate (to catch any water drainage) and add some water to the newly planted herbs.
11. Paint craft stick whatever color you like. Allow to dry.
12. Cut a piece of thin cardboard into a small rectangle (about 1.5 x 3 inches) using pinking shears.
12. Paint both side of the cardboard with Gesso, let dry.
13. Glue the rectangle to the top of the craft stick.
14. Use a black Sharpie marker to write the herb name onto the rectangle.
15. Insert your plant marker into the soil, being careful not to crush any roots along the way.
17. Place your new garden in a sunny window and remember to water them!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Tip Of The Day

No Clog Spray Cans


To keep your spray can adhesives and paints from clogging, when finished using them turn upside down and spray until it won't spray any lo

Monday, April 7, 2008

April Recipies





Spring Recipes



Spring means more fresh fruits and vegetables are available in the market, especially strawberries and asparagus, two foods particularly associated with spring.


Fresh Strawberry FoolSource: Better Homes and Gardens


Ingredients:1/2 cup whipping cream1/3 cup powdered sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla1 - 8-ounce carton lemon yogurt3 cups sliced fresh strawberries or 2 cups fresh blueberries1/2 cup coarsely crumbled shortbread cookies (5 cookies)
Directions:1. Beat whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer or rotary beater until soft peaks form. By hand, fold in yogurt and half of the berries. 2. Spoon some of the whipped mixture into the bottom of 10-ounce individual glasses. 3. Top each with some of the remaining berries, the rest of the whipped cream mixture, and then the rest of the berries. If you wish, cover and chill up to 2 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with the crumbled cookies. Makes 4 servings.



Sunday, April 6, 2008

Earth Day Crafts


Rainstick


Supplies needed:

A paper towel tube or other long cardboard tube

Aluminum foil

Small dried beans (like lentils), unpopped popcorn, dry rice, or tiny pasta.

Brown paper (from a grocery bag) or construction paper

Glue

Scissors

Crayons or markers
How to make It:

*Trace around the end of your tube onto a piece of brown paper (or construction paper).Draw a bigger circle around that circle and then draw a lot of spokes between the two circles.
*Cut along the spokes.
Put glue on the spokes and glue the cap onto one end of your tube.
Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is about one and half times the length of your tube and about 6 inches wide.
Crunch the aluminum foil into two long, thin, snake-like shapes.
Then twist each one into a spring shape.
*Put the aluminum foil springs into your tube.
Pour some dry beans, dry rice, or unpopped popcorn into your tube. The tube should only be about 1/10 full. You can experiment to see how different amounts and different types of seeds and beans change the sound.

*Make another cap from brown paper (the same as the first three steps) and cap your tube.
Optional: Decorate the tube by covering it with brown paper or construction paper, and then making designs with crayons or markers (or cut-out paper or stickers).Rainforest designs are nice, especially brightly-colored butterflies, frogs, and flowers. Tiny construction paper butterflies (like the one on the right) are nice glued onto the rainstick.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

April Recipies

Chicken-Fruit Salad

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients:4 ounces dried rotini or radiatore1 medium apple, chopped1-1/2 cups shredded roasted chicken1 cup seedless red grapes, halved1 stalk celery, sliced (1/2 cup)1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt1/4 cup light mayonnaise dressing or salad dressing3 tablespoons fat-free milk4 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard1 tablespoon snipped fresh marjoram or 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Combine pasta, chopped apple, chicken, grapes, and celery in a large mixing bowl. For dressing, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, milk, mustard, and marjoram in a small bowl. Drizzle dressing over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours. Makes 4 servings.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

April Fools Day




April Fool's Day is quite an appropriate way to begin National Humor Month. Here is some background information plus a few activities for you to enjoy.


Did you know that April Fool's Day began in France in 1564? Before then, the new year was celebrated on April 1! As some Europeans continued celebrating the new year on that day, they were called April fools and their friends would play silly tricks on them.The harmless pranks of April Fool's Day take place in the US, Germany, France, Great Britain, and other countries. In France, an April fool is a poisson d'Avril, an April fish, and chocolate fish are a special treat. In Scotland, people call you an April cuckoo.


Be sure not to play a joke after 12 noon or you will be the fool!