Joyfilled

Wow!! That's amazing. I hope to share your story someday. It may be a while before I can on it, but I have baked cookies in it! 😊

I'm going to read this to him!

You can cook on it, too! I've done that before, just s simple soup, but hey, a warm meal! 😊👍🏻

One more picture because I think it's pretty. I baked the pies in my regular oven, not this one....I'm not that confident in my using it yet....

So....our stove is up and running!! It's been a mild winter, so we haven't had a ton of need of it, and that coupled with DH not wanting to buy wood....well. But....we LOVE it!! It brings warmth to the house even if it's not running, and I've been able to bake some cookies with it, which was fun! I haven't used the stove top except to heat apple cider and water. But I'm so excited! I love having it, I love using it, and can't wait to learn how to use it more. Here are pictures from Thanksgiving. Missing is my Mom (passed away on Oct 1), and new face is daughter's boyfriend.

Oh, I'm so sorry, Dogmom!! So hard.... God is so good and gives us comfort, but while on earth, pain is still a difficult process. Big hugs as you navigate during this time!

Thank you, everyone....my family and I appreciate your love and prayers. I'm still so very sad. My sister from Mexico is here, the other one (and hubby) and the rest of my family from Mexico arrive early next week. It's going to be a FULL house (7 of us and 9 of them). I pray this is a special time, where we can lean on each other, but especially on Christ. Thank you all again....

....unexpectedly went Home to be with her Savior. She had a heart attack early last week, and was able to get to a hospital. They ran a few tests, discovered 3 of her arteries were clogged, and needed open heart surgery. It was scheduled for last Friday. Dad and I were with her right before the surgery, prayed with her, kissed her goodbye and went to the waiting area. We were full of hope that she was going to be feeling so much better when she came out (other than the surgery itself). They said they got her on the table and her heart slowed down, then just stopped. They were able to bring her heart back, but not enough. Half an hour later, doctor recommended they stop, as she would be a vegetable from lack of oxygen. Dad agreed. This also happened to be my Dad's birthday. She was one of my best friends, she was my confidant, my partner in mischief and my prayer warrior. She helped me so much and encouraged me in my life. She was a powerful prayer warrior and was sold out for Christ. I'm thankful beyond words for the influence she had in my life and my family. And I miss her, so very much. <3

My Mom and Dad did it when I was young, too....but I was very young. But you're right. We've seemed to have lost the ways of the past. Hopefully not all of it!!

We haven't gotten any yet....but I can't wait!! We got them in May (mother's day!). We have warre hives, and hubby has given them a couple more boxes as the top ones are completely full of honey. One of our hives (we had 2) absconded. That was sad. We used to have bees a few years ago, but not for honey, for pollination. Anyway, they absconded, then came back a while later (or maybe a different swarm? I'm not sure). Anyway, we sure like having them. Sorry if I'm using all these terms wrong. I'm still learning!

Thank you, Darlene!! We are at a point that it's a yes.....as soon as we are able to get the space ready for one. I dream of all I can do with the milk. Everything I can learn. And how we can (hopefully) bless others with what I can make (yogurt, cheese, etc). I just hope we can do it in time. In time for what? I dunno....I just think that our time is running short. It's good to hear about your experience, too!! Nice to know others have gone before me and "paved" the way. I hope to be able to update soon. Right now we're getting plants into the greenhouse and are expecting (hopefully) some piglets here soon, too. But....like I said, we feel like we're running out of time, so here's hoping!!

We're thinking Jersey.....I'm not sure I would know what to do with a holstein....ach! We considered Dexters, but they are pretty small. Hubby is 6'4" so we are wanting to make it easier for him. We aren't ready for the cow just yet....we have the space for it, but need fencing, etc.... Hopefully soon!!

I've heard different things.....not sure how much of it applies to these particular states, but..... They take away beds, because they say that if they are more than half full, they get more federal money. Also....nurse and doctor shortage because they refuse to be vaccinated, so they can't work. I dunno. The whole thing is a mess. May God help us.

Thank you, everyone! We'll be looking up some videos hopefully tonight. What will we ever do without YouTube....??

I came BACK here (now that I have a little more time) because of the wealth of information. And because y'all know that if I'm crazy, it's for some other reason, not because I'm a prepper. The other day the site wouldn't load and I had a moment of panic until it did. Yes. This place is a WEALTH of information!! So glad I can be a part of it!! ETA: I would add that I think this place fits me to a tee. I am the Mrs in the survival of our home. Hubby does a whole lot, but for certain things, it's on me (like canning, etc). I really appreciate all the learning I can do here, and all the information you're willing to share.

I wondered about not canning it....so I'm glad I didn't trust it! I'm going to heat the whole thing up again, split it into smaller jars and can those. So nice to have shelf food available without taking space in the fridge or freezer! Thank you for all the good info, @Midnightmom!!

Thank you, ladies!! I haven't canned them yet, but did put them in the fridge. I'm thinking of making smaller amounts, as opening a quart of syrup is a lot, even for our family. Let me find the recipe.... http://www.prettypetunias.com/how-to-make-peach-syrup-from-just-the-pits-and-skins/

For what it's worth, all four quarts sealed without being canned.

Ohhhh....I'm interested in that bee candy. Any good links you'd suggest? Thank you!!

I saw this!! It's horrible. We homeschool, but our kids don't play in school sports (they are 10 and under, other than the 20 DD). But if they did, they would quickly not anymore. Crazy, crazy, crazy world we live in.

Thank you for your patience with me, ladies! So....I made peach syrup with the peach skins today. I have 4 quarts and 9 (10?) half pints (thinking of gifts). I canned the half pints. But the quarts, well....I just don't have it in me tonight. The thing is, the recipe said I didn't have to? That I could just put the hot syrup into a hot jar with hot lids and tighten them. It didn't sound right. Any thoughts???

I appreciate it a lot!! Hubby says the only way to learn is to try, so I'm trying. I actually really enjoy it!! I'm tired, but it's a good kind of tired.

Yes!! Friends have been giving me some, too. My pastor's daughter got married this summer, and they used jars for decoration. They have no need for them, so they're giving them to me!

I'm hoping to have a good amount of canned goods for the winter! We can't provide all our food, but hoping to do some! Today it was 14 pints of peach salsa. Can't wait to have some on a cold winter night!