Things have slowed down in the spring cleaning arena. I have to have surgery on my right knee. An arthroscopic surgery, so it should not be too bad, but the ol' knee has slowed me up a bit. It hurts! and it doesn't like all the bending and turning I have to do when scrubbing out my lower cabinets. All I want is a nice clean, junk free home. I really don't think that is too much to ask, but the housecleaning fairies must be on strike because every morning I get up and my dirt and mess are still present and accounted for.... :(
Anyway, today I have been able to get a few more cabinets cleaned and they look lovely to me.
It is hard to believe that I could barely get these in this cabinet! There is a certain way the cookie sheets need to be stacked in order for everything to fit. When my son unloads the dishwasher he just wants to get the dishes put away as fast as he can-so order-I have learned-is taught not caught!
This is a lovely cabinet that held way too much! Now, when I get my shelving unit for the laundry room--most of this stuff will be put on it, so I will have so much more storage space!! :)
I basically switched some of the small drawer contents with some of the large drawer contents. I don't know if things will work like this, but I can always put things back if they don't. So, I have got some cleaning done! Sigh....this means a good day-to me.
I have some more one more drawer and three more sets of cabinets to do. Then the refrigerator...Oh help me....
My son has been feeling poorly for the last two days....I decided to call off schooling lessons today and let him get better. This is not only good for him but me as well. This is one the beauty of home education.
I cannot believe how tired I am because of this knee of mine. I just want to sit down and not move, but alas, a woman's work is never done. It's not that I mind the work...I just feel it is taking too long. My daughter laughed at me today because of this very thing. When she was younger and so was I--I thought I could completely clean, dejunk and paint an entire townhouse in three weeks. Needless to say--it took an entire three months!! The whole summer! It did look nice though...when I finally finished. She told me to stop trying to do to much--she knows me well. :)
Well...today God used the CHG's! Four of the five of us were at a coffeehouse chatting away when an old church member came in. She started talking with us and then she asked for prayer for her sons. Our ears and hearts perked up because praying for each other and whomever God puts in our path is a what we love to do. I know she and her husband (he came in a little later) were encouraged. I also think the husband was pleased that we were proactive and she now has a new support group. One of the hardest things for a mother (or a father for that matter) to endure is watching their precious child on the stubborn road of destruction.
I totally related to this woman because of my daughter, but even greater--God--relates!! He was the perfect Father and His children rebelled. Even Jesus understood this woman's pain...He wept over Jerusalem! “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Matthew 27:37 Does this not sound like Jesus understand rebellious children? He really does!! It is going to be a wonderful time watching God work in this couple's family, and God has allowed us to be a part of this great work. We were so excited that God used us today!!!
Yep! This has been a very good day!!
\o/
The cleaning continues slowly. I just don't feel like rushing, but at least it is getting done. So, the upper cabinets over the stove and the exhaust hood got a good cleaning today. They were really bad. Not now though!!! All clean and organized. I, once again, threw out many out dated spices and such. Another free shelf appeared...funny how that has been happening.
I cannot believe the extra space I have! I am so excited!
The next job was the hood over my stove. Everything cleaned up well, but the filters were nasty. I have cleaned them before and they needed it again. Now, everyone knows that I love Pinterest.com. I love repining cleaning helps....so I went there and sure enough I found a procedure to clean exhaust filters.
Here is what you do. Get your biggest stock pot or pan and boil water. When the water is boiling add 1 cup of baking soda (a tbsp. at a time...it will quickly foam and then disappear). Place the filter in the pot and then boil all the grease away.
Now, I did not have a pot wide enough, so I just did everything in the sink. I just poured the boiling baking soda water over the filters and watch the grease melt off! It totally worked!
You can see how dirty the filter was...I just scooped the hot water over it.
As you can see--the grease is now in the baking soda water!
The water was rather disgusting, but better there than on my filters!
This water was clear when I started.
All nice and clean! I could not believe how well this worked.
So, this evening I will be working on the bottom cabinets and some little drawers. My kitchen is far from being totally clean, but I have to remember it is the process I am suppose to enjoy.
I think I am going to order pizza tonight. Sigh...
\o/
This morning I awoke about 1 a.m. with a tremendous neck ache. I get these often especially if I dream. My dreams are usually intense, so I tense up at night and wake up with jaw and neck pain. Anyway, ibuprofen and a wheater heater took care of the pain, but I had to stay on the couch. This is bad for my knee...at 4 a.m. I was pain free and went back to bed. Though I was thankful for the sleep...I overslept. I find this irksome. I am a morning person and I get a great deal done in the early morning hours. sigh...
I took a shower. A hot short shower. Sequestration is creeping into everything I do; it is forever on my mind. Anywho, I had a date with my CHG's at Panera, so off I went. We all had a great time talking and fellowshiping with each other. At 10 a.m. we all departed. Refreshed and refilled.
When I got home my son was up and tried to do some of his schooling lessons, but was having trouble. We did some of his lessons and then the day totally got away from me. This always happens when I take a break to be with my friends. It isn't that I had pressing appointments. I just could not get my head in working order. That is okay though....my husband will be glad that I am home waiting for him no matter what the house looks like. He doesn't care if I don't get all "my" agenda done; he just wants me here when he walks through the door.
I decided to relax a bit and concentrate on the process of spring cleaning....not the time schedule. There ISN'T a time schedule...that is the funny part. There really isn't a time schedule at all. I have no one coming for a visit. I have no special event to host. There will be an appliance repair man coming to fix my oven, but that will be when I say so... Why do I feel that I need to accomplish so much stuff during the day?
I did get the little cabinet next to the exhaust vent and the corner counter space cleaned. I really did enjoy the process! Throwing out expired things and ridding the area of dust and grime. It was quite nice to see this little cabinet all organized and shiny clean.
While I clean-I ponder, pray, think and God speaks to me. Not during my cleaning, but afterwards. Empty, wash, rinse, dry, refill. That is all I am doing...or is it?
"Empty, wash, rinse, dry and refill. Isn't that what I do with all my children, Sharon? I empty them of their sin. I wash them clean with the blood of Jesus, my son. I rinse them with my Holy Spirit. I dry them with my breath of life and refill...ohhhh. This is where their free will comes in, isn't it? Are they going to refill their clean spirits and souls with My Word or the world's ways."
"Now, to personalize this for you, Sharon. Refilling the shelves of your heart, soul and mind is largely dependent on your obedience, isn't it, my daughter? Renewing your mind, abiding in Me, walking by faith....refilling...the final step in your cabinet cleaning; it is an important step in your relationship with Me, too. I have given you everything you need to live a godly and abundant life. Lean on me...learn of me...lend your heart, hands, feet and mouth to me and your life will be filled with all things true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and excellent. Phil. 4:8"
"Empty, wash, rinse, dry and refill...yes, it is a process. Even spring cleaning Your kitchen cabinets can be used to teach you divine truths and bring Me Glory..."
\o/
Spring cleaning is in its third day and I was excited for the production of the day--but it has not been as I had wished. All though, any deep cleaning done is a positive step forward and I did get two cabinets cleaned and rearranged!
I changed my cabinets around so the space can be utilized better. You would not believe that these two cabinets were jammed packed. I threw away one whole trash bag of expired canned goods and old spices.... As you can see, I have an empty shelf! I refused to take before pictures, so you are just going to have to take my word concerning how bad these cabinets were. They look nice and clean now! :)
We had a long day with our schooling lessons. My son was in a very playful mood, but we managed to get everything done and he did fairly well. I was pleased with everything but his reading, of course...this is on an on going issue.
So, what actually took up all my time this afternoon? The computer...actually, I was looking on line to buy some more handwriting workbooks for my son which lead me to look for the curriculum I want to use next year. I found most of what I was looking for....but I really want to spend time in prayer about it.
I have been wanting to do an intensive Bible centered curriculum with a Messianic Jewish bent to it. I am leaning towards Ancient History: Adam to Messiah , by Robin Sampson. This is a unit study which includes "Bible, history, geography, literature, government, composition, agriculture, religion, science, economics, and more." It is a multigrade curriculum. I am also thinking about using A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays , by Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce. You can find both of these on The Heart of Wisdom website. Like I said, I have been wanting to do this for several years...with the way the world is going...I think I had better equip my son with a deep-saturated in God's Word-type of education. Sigh....
I do believe that I am called to train up my son---not prepare him for college and a 6 figure career. I need to prepare my son for the end times...which are upon us as I type. We are not void of God's Word in our home, by no means, but my son's homeschooling lessons have great room for improvement. So, prayerfully, we are going to go on an adventure, as soon as, I walk in obedience and purchase the curriculum. I think my son can handle all the information now, even with his learning disabilities. A welcomed relief--I can assure you!!! :)
Tonight, since my son will be going to Royal Rangers...we are having a simple supper. BLT's for my husband and juice for me... I am so thankful that my husband doesn't mind little meals. He is a good man. :)
Well, that has been my day 3 of spring cleaning and Beale Bungalow news...
\o/
Day 2 of spring cleaning was right on schedule. I got up and started right in on my housekeeping chores and spring cleaning. While I was cleaning out one of my kitchen cabinet and listening to the washer running...I realized that it really didn't matter how long my cleaning takes...it is actually enjoying the process while knowing the results will come. Then it occurred to me that this is a truth that can and should be applied to everything I do. Cleaning, cleansing, homeschooling, marriage, parenting, painting, gardening, crafting, working, driving...you name it. For me...this was a profound realization. God is with me everyday, in every way, for my benefit, but more so for His Glory. If I would just sit back and enjoy the process instead of getting overwhelmed with the to-do list...the jobs will get done; the results will be His and He will be glorified! FREEDOM!!
Anyway, my spring cleaning is continuing. I did two more cabinets...
My baking cabinet is now free from sticky honey and baking sugar residues... I could not believe how many items in this cabinet were way out of date. Some by three years!!! I have good intentions to do all this baking and when I don't get around to it I forget what it was that I was going to bake and hence, outdated products.
Under my sink is going to change...I am going to buy a heavy duty shelf rack to go into my laundry room, so many of the items here will be moved there. With sequestration, I am planning to make all my cleaners...so the look of things will change. I am also planning to buy a smaller trash can and put it under here. This will make more room in my kitchen.
So, one third of my kitchen is done! Yippee!!
I was able to do a couple loads of laundry, vacuum the front of the house, homeschool my son and make a delicious soup for supper.
This is Sausage and Potato Soup. It is relatively easy to make and my husband gave it an 8! When I try something new I have him rate it on a scale from 1-10. If it is a 7 or above I put the recipe in my notebook for remake. If it is 1-6..I usually don't make it again. No sense in wasting my time for a meal that no one really likes. Anyway, here is the recipe.
Ingredients:
-3 large russet potatoes-diced to 1 inch
-2 cloves of garlic-diced smaller that 1 inch (I used 4)
-1 onion-diced
-1 cup of half and half or heavy whipping cream or milk
-3-4 slices of bacon fried crispy, cooled and crumbled
-1 pound of sausage (any sausage will do)
-2 cups of chicken broth or bouillon cubes
-kale-chopped about 3-4 ounces worth
Directions:
-wash and dice veggies
-put veggies, broth and 4 cups of water on stove, simmer for about 20 minutes (or until potatoes are done)
-while all that is simmering, in a heavy skillet fry bacon until it is very crispy, cool and crumble....set aside.
-after the bacon is done-fry up the sausage until done.
-back to the simmering potato pot: when your potatoes are done, grab your potato masher and mash about 1/2 to 3/4 of the potatoes. Leave some chunks-this will make a chunky soup base.
-add the bacon, sausage and whipping cream
-simmer until everything is nice and hot
-serve
Like I said this was delicious. I am not a pepper fan, but adding just a little pepper to my bowl of soup was perfection! Let me know if you try this recipe and if you tweaked it in anyway!
So, now on to the juicing...I failed! I know that after two days--detox had already started. When I detox I get extremely tired. I mean so sluggish that walking is hard. This was beginning--I NEED to spring clean my house. This is not only for my family's well being, but also for my mental, emotional and spiritual health. To quote Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility... “Give me an occupation, Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad.” I definitely know how this feels! I have to do this, therefore, I am putting off my heavy juicing until later. I am planning on juicing one meal a day though. I will gradually increase this when my spring cleaning decreases. So---there it is.
Yesterday was so productive! I cannot wait to what is done today!
\o/
I have been diligently working since my son and I finished our schooling lessons for the day. It actually feels good to have started the most dreaded job of spring cleaning. I could not have put this off any longer...so I am grateful to be off and cleaning....
Since, my knee is still giving some trouble and this causes my back to tire easily, my wonderful son helped with the bottom shelves and the very top shelf where I started cleaning. That was a tremendous help to me. I did manage to take a short reading break and rest my knee for a bit. Soon I was back up and cleaning coffee pots, cookie jars and tossing out anything and everything that I do not need nor want. I am filling up the recycling bin with plastics that I am not going to use anymore. Most, if not all, are being replaced as I get the money...
There has also been three loads of laundry done today. I will finish the rest tomorrow. I am gettin' kinda tuckered out...
Supper is an easy one tonight. Chili Mac, sliced pineapples and buttered bread. That is what my guys are having. I will be juicing up carrots, oranges, kale and a tomato. Yum! I would like to be able to do this Juicing for Jesus for the full 60 days, but I am relying on the LORD to direct me. I cannot say that I have not tasted a piece of macaroni, because I did... :(
Well, here are the results of my efforts today in my kitchen.
Everything is clean and in it's place. The kitchen is going to take me awhile to complete. Mainly because of time taken to school my son, but there are two other reasons. #1-my leg and #2-everything is really dirty! So, I want to do it right. After everything is cleaned I am going to paint it! That will really help brighten things up!
Well, supper is on the stove and I want to feed my family, finish the last load of laundry for today and then rest for the remainder of the evening.
Sure wish it was warmer outside...I would sit out in the bright sunshine and soak up some Vitamin D! Soon...I hope.
Today is Day 1! Day 1 of what you may ask...well, I will tell you.
I am truly starting my spring cleaning. The kitchen is going to be the first room. I need to get my oven fixed and I cannot allow anyone to see how I have let things go! Well, anyone that is going to come in and work on my dirty stove, on my dirty floor and in my dirty kitchen. I don't mind posting a picture here...because you are not going to get up close and personal and I am not going to post up close and personal pictures of my sludge... But, you will get the idea of what I am up against.
You can get an idea from this picture that I have not been cleaning as I should. I have always said it is easier to clean a clean house than to clean a dirty one. It amazes me how OCD I used to be about my home and then menopause hit, as well as, problems with my daughter and out went the nice, organized, neat and clean home that was the normal for me and my family. I just have to get things cleaned and dejunked! This is not glorifying my LORD nor is it good for my family. So, today is Day 1 of spring cleaning! (I even gave up coffee time with a dear friend this morning...but I am going to persevere!)
The next item on the Day 1 list is....Juicing for Jesus!!! Yes, ladies, I am beginning a juice fast. I have had this on my heart for about a year now. I have felt the need to draw nearer to my God and King. There are several scenerios playing out in my life and I cannot handle them on my own. I need JESUS!!!
One of the scenerios is of course my weight. It must come off for my health's sake. I have injured my knee and I cannot Zumba for the time being, so this juicing fast is going to help with this...I pray. I got the idea from "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead". A film by Joe Cross that I watched on Hulu.com. I am a follower of Jesus so I am fasting for His answers, but this fast has extreme health benefits, too.
Another reason I am fasting is for God's grace and protection during the furloughs my husband has to take due to Sequestration. My husband is a federal employee, so 20% of his income has to be cut by federal order. Our belts are already tight, but God will provide and I need Him to see, through this fast, that I am going to rely on Him and His grace and mercy throughout this trial.
My son and his education and future is another reason for my being led to fast. He is really not learning in our homeschool...The way I think he should. So, I am fasting for God to show me how to train up my son for His Glory and Seth's best interests. I need to know how to teach him, what to teach him, how to encourage him and how to prepare him for a life without mom and dad. Seth is a slow learner with learning disablities. I want the very best for him and at the throne room of grace is where I will find the answers for my son. I have so many people telling me what to do that my head is clouded. So, this fast will clear my head, heart and ears..."Speak Lord, your servant listens."
Yet another scenerio that needs much prayer concerns my daughter...I don't think I need to go into much detail here, but my prayer is that she (and her husband) will truly live for God and God alone. This would take so much of the stress and strain of life off them and both could have a productive life for His Glory!!!
My grandson is next! PROTECTION, PROTECTION, PROTECTION!!!! I feel as though I am the only family member that honestly prays for this little boy. I love him so much and I just have to storm the gates of Heaven for his sake, too.
There are other areas that I will be praying about as well, Israel, prophecy fulfillment and other requests as they come up.
So this is a big Day 1.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
