HomeKeeper Mission Statement

I have read recently in other home keeping blogs it is good to have a mission statement. When I first read this I thought to myself it may be "overkill" for me. I am not a novice at being a wife and mother--why have a mission statement?

Then I thought about it again and realized it does help align my thoughts as to not only what my purpose is but to appreciate everything God has and is doing within my heart.

So here goes: My homekeeper mission statement:

To love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and to love all my neighbors as myself; seeking Him faithfully and consistently.

To be a committed encourager, lover, help-meet and inspiration to my husband Dan and fulfilling this role all the days of my life.

To exemplify Godliness and grace to my children, teaching God's character, His Truth, and the fruit of the Spirit in all situations inside and outside of the home; to listen and guide whenever needed.

To express hospitality, demonstrate charity and provide warmth to all who cross the threshold of our home.

To live life to the fullest, fulfilling all God has for me and utilizing all talents and wisdom He has imparted within me.

Family Update

Update on our family:

Dan is providing for our family at his full time job. When he isn't there he is working around the house and keeping "stuff" working. He took the girls to the Blue Angels show earlier this month and is cycling regularly-either on the road or on his father's day gift--trainer.

Kristen is working full time and preparing for a new semester this fall at the local college. She is on her own and enjoying herself very much. We are super proud of her accomplishments. She doesn't think she will be deported with the Army this year and we're happy about this.

Katelin enjoyed her USNSCC firefighting summer training at Camp Perry in Ohio. She has turned in an application at the local volunteer department; waiting to hear can be a bore. She and her friends have spent many hours tubing down Coldwater Creek this summer; she is working on her petty officer 1st class assignment (USNSCC) and should go up in rank next month. Kate will apply to Texas A&M this fall.

Emma is so excited about summer she doesn't want it to end. She spent two weeks at Ft. Benning doing public affairs training and wants to visit her grandparents soon. She loves to hike and spend time outdoors with the family.

As for me I am enjoying working in the garden, playing with the chickens and putting up veggies as well as hiking and picking blueberries. However, I am SOOO looking forward to fall!

Processing Peas

It has been a while since I blogged. In the midst of a hot summer I only go outside in the mornings and late afternoons. Mostly, I've had my hands either shelling peas or sitting beside the canner on my back porch processing them.

Our garden did not have the harvest I expected this year. The beans didn't produce as much but the peas did amazing! We had zero crop of onions, (probably my fault), but the okra! The okra! Everyday I have a mess and of course everyday I'd eat fried okra if it wouldn't contaminate my body with toxins and free radicals.

We've discovered the chickens love watermelons. This isn't a good thing since ours are just getting some size and they're having a hayday.

It's an education for me to process and store this much food. I have purchased a few bushels from our local farmers to fill the need we were unable to fill. Our family of five (I give some to our eldest daughter who lives on her own) consumes about 50-60 quarts of veggies throughout the winter. We didn't harvest enough green beans but we'll have plenty of peas (purple hull, zipper and cream). I'm also having fun processing peaches and look forward to some great pears.

Happy summer everyone!