Happy Homemaker Monday

To see other Happy Homemaker Posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Weather in my neck of the woods: a nice coating of fluffy snow. This is the type of snow I'd love for Christmas morning.

One of my simple pleasures: scented candles-especially "CHRISTmas scents".

On my bedside table: Bible, books I'm reading to review here.

On my TV: CHRISTmas movies and shows. Little Women is one we have been watching lately.

On the menu for tonight: something with turkey.

On my To Do list: finish preparing for CHRISTmas. Bake cookies, cinnamon rolls, bread and rolls.

New Recipe I tried last week: I've been playing around with bread recipes and different types of flours.

In the craft basket: nothing recently

Looking forward to: CHRISTmas!! We are all done shopping. Now all we need to do is get the food for CHRISTmas supper. We are having crown roast, roasted potatoes, green beans, yorkshire pudding and a pie for dessert.

Homemaking tip:put things away as you use them, especially when baking.

Favorite Blog post: I found this wonderful blog...Dollar Store Crafts! There are some really great projects on here.

Favorite Photo: this was taken at our church during our CHRISTmas program.

Lesson learned the past few days: teach your children to keep Christ in CHRISTmas. I know its all part of the excitement but I was getting really tired of the "I WANT...." coming from my kids. Especially when there are so many children in our area that will not be getting gifts this year.

On my prayer list: unsaved family members, deployed services men and women, unemployed friends and family.

Devotionals, Scripture readings, key verses: Luke 2 the story of the birth of Christ. No matter how many times I read it I always learn something new from it!!

Slow Cooking Thursday

Hot Crab Dip

3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese softened

1/2 cup milk

2 (3.5 oz) canned crabmeat-drained and flaked or 2 packages of imitation crab meat

1/2 cup chopped green onion with tops

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in a greased slow cooker and place the top on and cook on high for about 30 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt. Stir occasionally very well. Cover and continue to cook on high until mixture is smooth and cheese is melted. Add more milk if needed for dipping. Turn to low for 3-4 hours. Just before serving remove cover. Serve hot.

For more Slow cooking recipes visit Diary of a SAHM.

Give a way at Remembrance Press

They are giving two “Blessed”participants $50.00 shopping sprees on Remembrance Press Products, plus they are giving away 4 more Comfort and Joy Christmas Issues.

The contest starts 12/17/2009 ends 12/20/2009.

Here are the rules:
Leave a comment here about a favorite Christmas experience you’ve had (past or more recent) and tell a friend about this giveaway.

I have wanted to get this magazine for my daughters and I to go through. I reminds me of such a simpler time that we can enjoy now. We just have never been able to afford it. Go on over there and see what she has to bless you with.

Another give a way is this cute apron pattern for girls.

But that is not all, here is the really fun part: you will also win this months edition of the GHC's downloadable Tea Cozy Club which features an audio talk she did with Jill (from remembrance press) called the "Gingerbread Cottage of Faith". This talk is about preparing the hearts of our daughters by helping them to build their faith. I pray that it will bless you!

Here is what you do, it is so easy: comment on the Musings of a Patched Heart blog about your favorite tradition or craft, then tell a friend and have them comment on my blog, just send them this link:http://www.thepatchworkheartcom.blogspot.com/ and finally, go to Jill's site, Remembrance Press, and leave a comment there, as well.

Virtual Cookie Exchange

Who doesn't love cookie exchanges?? I just wish we did them more often! The Hillybilly Housewife is hosting one on her blog. There are so many recipes it will keep you baking for months!

Go on over and visit!

Happy Homemaker Monday

For more Happy Homemaker posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

The weather in my neck of the woods: cold! Winter has arrived here in the north.

One of my simple pleasures: Sitting by the lit Christmas tree drinking flavored coffee.

On my bedside table: clock, Bible and cell phone.

On my TV: Christmas shows. Little House Christmas from season 1.

On the menu for tonight: beef stew with crackers and corn bread.

On my To Do List: Woman's Christmas party tonight at our Pastor's house hosted by his wife.

New Recipe I tried last week: many cookie recipes.

In the craft basket: cards and scrapbook

Looking forward to: more books to review. I'm really enjoying this.

Homemaking Tip for this week: Clean as you go! Also, don't just pick up after your kids because it is easier thank making them do it.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other): did not really read many.

Favorite photo from last week: our 2009 Christmas tree with my favorite decoration..nutcracker. I also have a nice collection of them.

Lesson learned the past few days: I can't think of anything right off the top of my head..LOL! Maybe that could be my lesson...write things down so you won't forget them.

On my Prayer List: my sister who is expecting, unsaved family members, service men and women

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: Luke 1:26-28
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Backyard Homestead

I saw this book advertised in a magazine a long while back. I got on the waiting list at my local library to read this book. I would not be first in line until Mid-January...geech!! I still do not like to buy books before I have a chance to look through them, which is why I usually get them out of the library first.

A while back you might remember me posting about the craft day my Mom and I went to at the living history museum. While browsing through the books in the gift shop I noticed one copy at the bottom of the shelf. PERFECT just my chance to see if I would like or better yet use this book. I must say it is a must read for people who want to be more self sufficient in producing their own food. It shows you the ins and outs of gardening, beekeeping (something we are going to try), raising your own animals, fruit trees and nut trees are just some of the topics. There is a section in the book on food preservation, making jams and jellies. Everything I need for our family to be self sufficient. I mentioned to my Mom that I've been waiting for this book and was very excited to see it there. I put it down and went on browsing the shop. We got in the car and guess what Mom got me??? YEP the book. I was So excited!!

I read through this book in one day...something I hardly ever do. Even if you do not have a lot of land this book shows you how you can make the most of what you have. If you live in the city, apartment or on a farm there are plans for each. You can even learn how to make cheese, sausage, ice cream and much much more. I am on my second time through the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone whether you are a seasoned gardener or a by trade farmer. There is a wealth of information in it.

The Sacred Meal-Book Review

Let me start by saying I received this book from Thomas Nelson for review. I do not recommend this book! Below you will see why.

When I picked this book I thought it would be full of theology about communion. I am bothered by her interpretation of communion. I was expecting a book that would teach me about the history of communion--The Lords Supper. She completely forgot to mention that communion is our way to remember what Christ did for us. She has more of the feel good notion regarding communion. She also talks about the closeness people feel to each other after taking communion. That is NOT what communion is meant for. We are to come to God in remembrance of Christ dying on the cross for our sins. Not to be close with the person who is next to us. She does not mention any scripture references in the book for the most part. I get the feeling that she believes we can save ourselves by living good lives.

In her chapter regarding the history of communion she completely leaves out biblical reference to it. It is sad that she has this practice, in my opinion, all wrong. It is about the sacrifice Christ made for us, His broken body and shed blood. I am going to ask my husband to read this book and give me his opinion on this as well.

Much like this book this post is all over the place, I am sorry for that. If you do decide to purchase the book to read, please just read on the side of caution. Go to Scripture for your answers.

Hearts at home

I found this site a while back and have now become a Hearts at Home blogger. Each month or so I will be posting things about their site. Go on over to check them out. Sorry this post is a bit late getting up.

Everyone loves a good sale, Right? We'll let me tell you about a great one:

It’s a Hearts at Home Black Friday after Black Friday Sale Dec. 7-11
Did you sleep in on Black Friday? Did you drag yourself out of bed, but still miss out on some awesome deals because you were standing in line too long at one store? Do you still have shopping to do, but dread the crowds, traffic, and cost? Let Hearts at Home help!
Their Black Friday sale has been extended to the week of December 7-11. Shop in the convenience of your own home and receive an unprecedented 25% off all of Hearts books and merchandise. They have great gifts for everyone in your family.

Find gifts for friends, teachers, bible study leaders, bus drivers, and everyone else on your list. You may even find something for yourself. This is a great time to stock up on all those Hearts at Home books you’ve been wanting to read.

Let your family know how much you would love a Hearts at Home gift certificate so you can use it for your Hearts at Home conference registration and/or Mom’s Night Out tickets.

Go to Heartshoppe.com, choose your gifts, and enter code “HEARTGIFT” upon checkout. You will receive 25% off your total purchase (before tax and shipping).

I also want to fill you in on a couple of other great opportunities!
Be sure to check out Jill Savage's blog this month (she is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home). She is doing one giveaway A DAY through Christmas.

And, if you stop by the Hearts at Home blog December 8 - 11, you will have an opportunity to win a Heart's at Home prayer journal. The prayer journal is a brand new resource from Hearts at Home.

Merry Christmas from Hearts at Home!

Slow Cooking Thursday

I have been off the Internet more lately. I guess it is the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. Monday we had a cookie making day at our Church. It was a lot of fun.

I got thinking the other day about when I was a kid and things my Mom made. I found this recipe and it reminds me of the 7 layer casserole Mom makes. This recipe serves 4 so I doubled it so we would have leftovers.

Eight Layer Casserole

1/2 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons bacon bits
1 onion chopped
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (i leave this out)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup long grain rice
1 can corn drained
1/2 cup green pepper chopped

Crumble beef in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with bacon bits and then the onion. In a bowl combine tomato sauce, water, chili powder, salt and pepper. Pour half over the beef and onion. Add rice then corn and pour the rest of the sauce over the top. Add green pepper to the top. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the rice is tender.

To see more slow cooking posts visit Diary of a SAHM.