The Urban Homemaker Blog

Author: The Urban Homemaker

  • It was the Month Before Christmas and all through the land…

    One of my favorite Christmas stories is the poem written around 1840 called The Night Before Christmas and all through the House… Well here is an updated version with quite a bit of sad truth in it. Read on:

    Twas the month before Christmas
    When all through our land,
    Not a Christian was praying
    Nor taking a stand.
    Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
    The reason for Christmas – no one could say.
    The children were told by their schools not to sing,
    About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
    It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say
    December 25th is just a ‘ Holiday ‘.
    Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
    Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
    CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
    Something was changing, something quite odd!
    Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
    In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
    As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
    At Lowe’s the word Christmas – was no where to be found.
    At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
    You won’t hear the word Christmas;
    it won’t touch your ears.
    Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
    Are words that were used to intimidate me.
    Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
    On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
    At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
    To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
    And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
    Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
    The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
    The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
    So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your
    ‘Dream Tree’ Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
    Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
    Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !


  • Life is Fragile, Count your blessings…

    I was reminded about how fragile life can be again this morning. I received an email from a friend telling me about a homeschool mom of seven, a friend I had lost touch with, who suddenly had a heart attack and died two weeks after the birth of her 7th child. This dear momma has left a huge hole in the hearts of a family in Brighton, Colorado. I know her church family is there for her family, but my heart is broken, thinking about a newborn baby girl who will never know her momma.

    In our small church congregation this past Sunday, a young mom of three (4 year old twin boys and a 2 year old) tearfully announced that she had just gained guardianship of her two nephews. This dear mom and her sexually abused nephews lost her brother and their dad to drug abuse and a lengthy prison sentence. Her family has been permanently broken by a different type of tragedy as well.

    As she and her husband became parents of five boys overnight, they are desperately and humbly aware of their need for the wisdom of God and help from the body of Christ. I could not hold back the tears as I listened to her tragic story.

    These two tragedies not only underline just how fragile life can be, but highlight the many blessings we often take for granted. With the Christmas holiday about three weeks away, I hope you and your family will continue to focus on your many blessings apart from material gifts.

    I also hope and pray you will take time to look around you and see where you can serve your friends, neighbors, relatives and those in difficult circumstances. We serve an awesome and mighty God who is fully aware of how these events are tragedies to us.

    I won’t lie, getting a meal for seven ready to take to our church family tonight is a sacrifice for me, but how can I complain? I have taken many, many meals to those in need this past year from our very small church family, and often somewhat resentfully. God has shown me that one of my ministries and services to him, is the humble ministry of cooking for others.

    Perhaps you who are reading this message are in need of someone to care enough to encourage you in a tangible way. Or maybe you are wondering what act of service you and your family could even supply. I pray for the Lord Almighty to open all our hearts to recognize the many needs around us and enable us to do our small part to help those in need.

    If you can post a comment with a story about how you and your family have met the needs of someone in need in the last month or two, I would like to share a complimentary copy of The Power Of Motherhood by Nancy Campbell. (A $20.00 value) You must include your name and mailing address so I know where to send the gifts. I have three copies to share with winners.

  • Mama’s Apron

    I’ve completed a vintage fabric apron using the pattern found in The Apron Book. I was inspired by both the book and the poem Mama’s Apron reprinted below. This poem captures the essence of a home and family centered life.

    National TIE ONE ON DAY, the brainchild of EllynAnne Geisel, author of The Apron Book, makes its debut on Wednesday, November 21, 2007–the day before Thanksgiving, when “women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal.”

    EllynAnne, says tomark the new holiday by wrapping a loaf of bread in an apron, along with a written prayer or an encouraging note, and deliver the bundle to someone who needs spiritual or physical sustenance. “No matter which way you turn out your own front door, someone who is deserving of a hug is very close by, she says.

    A picture of my recently completed vintage apron followed by the poem Mama’s Apron:

    Mama’s Apron by Author Unknown

    An Apron played a big part in mama’s life. As common to wear as being a housewife. She used it to gather eggs at the end of the day, To gather vegetables to can and put away, To feed the family on a rainy day…

    She used it to pick up chips, To start a fire in the old wood stove. To cook the daily bread, For her main concern was to keep her family fed.

    She folded it around her hands, When at the Table the blessing was said, And wore it in the rain to cover her graying head, She wrapped it around the baby’s legs when it was cold. And Sometimes used it to wipe his lil’ nose.

    It was a faithful servant through sad and lonely years, She even used it to dry away her tears. When the children were tucked in and their prayers were said…She laid out a clean one at the foot of her bed.

    Their job is over now, they did their best. Mama and her apron have been laid to rest. If all is true about Heaven I’ve been told, Mama is now weaving an apron of spun gold…

    Have a great Thanksgiving! If you have time to wrap some bread in an apron to share with someone in need, will you please drop me a note about your experience?

  • Organic or Frozen, Which Turkey is Best?

    My state newspaper, The Denver Post, published an article about Organic, natural birds versus the standard frozen turkeys found in our local grocery stores including the famed Butterball. Which turkey won the judges vote? Is it a no-brainer?

    “The big surprise”, writes food editor Kristen Browning-Blas, “is that the organic and natural birds fared so poorly against the rest of the frozen flock.” I guess enhanced frozen turkey with salt, stock and other flavorings also known as a pre-brined bird, impressed the panel of judges including a food editor and her family, food writers, Denver Post Dining critic, students, business writers and a few others.

    The turkeys tested included Butterball, Jennie-O Oven Ready, King Sopers Private Selection, Honeysuckle White, and Heidi’s Hens and Diestel. They had culinary students at Johnson and Wales University cook all the birds to 170 °F. The turkeys were rated for looks, flavor, texture, and moistness of meat by the esteemed panel of judges.

    Butterball won first place followed by Honeysuckle White, and third place went to King Soopers Private Selection. The judges said the natural and Organic turkeys were dry and stringy.

    So if you haven’t already bought a bird, you can save a bundle, by purchasing an $8.00 bird rather than a $50 -60 Organic/Natural bird. Or you can brine your own natural bird yourself to get moisture and flavor inside the meat. Note, Butterball has a 7 percent solution of salt and “natural flavors”. I believe natural flavors is another word for MSG. According to the article, Honeysuckle White has no MSG.

    I am cooking two huge birds this week end to get a head start on Thanksgiving. We have our all-church Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, and I’m bringing turkey and gravy. I’m cooking my other turkey ahead so all I have to do is reheat on Thursday.

    My turkeys are King Soopers Private Selection. I’ll let you know how these $8.00 birds fare next week.

  • Do the Next Thing

    I learned years ago from Elisabeth Elliot, that when you are tired, discouraged, exhausted, confused, whatever, to do the next thing.  This simple advise has carried me through many a trial and many difficulties.

    I just learned this phrase is based on a poem by an author unknown.  I found the poem reprinted in Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.   Here it is:

    DO THE NEXT THING

    At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
    There came in the twilight a message to me.
    Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
    That, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
    And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
    Like a low inspiration, do the next thing.

    Many a questioning, many a fear,
    Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
    Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
    Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
    Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
    Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

    Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
    Do it reliantly, casting all care.
    Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
    Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
    Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
    Leave all results, do the next thing.

    Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
    Working or suffering be thy demeanor;
    In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
    The light of His countenance, be thy psalm,
    Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
    Then, as He beckons, do the next thing.

    If you have not learned this wise counsel previously, I pray do the next thing is just what you need.  If you need encouragement or a vision of what God has for Christian Women, read Passionate Housewives Desperate for God.

  • Thanksgiving Day Count Down

    Here is a suggested Thanksgiving Timeline:

    By Saturday:  Have your menu selected.  Get your turkey purchased.  The experts suggest you allow four to five days for thawing in the refrigerator.  I think it takes longer depending on the size of the bird.  Plan and make the centerpiece.  Order fresh flowers ahead since florists are busy!

    On Sunday – prepare a shopping list to purchase last minute items and non-perishables on Monday or Tuesday.

    Monday and Tuesday – prepare pie crust, cranberry sauce, homemade stuffing can be started by setting out the bread to stale.  Start rolls to finish in the morning.

    Make sure all the dishes, flatware and serving pieces are ready.  Press tablecloths and napkins so everything is ready.

    Wednesday –  Complete baking rolls, pies and desserts, prepare vegetables, salads and side dishes to be baked today and reheated tomorrow, or to be baked tomorrow; stock for giblet gravy and set the table after dinner.

  • Cleaning without Chemicals – Update

    I just learned that fabric softener (which I don’t use) has many toxic chemicals in it. Here is a list of just some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:

    Benzyl acetate: linked to pancreatic cancer
    Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
    Ethanol: On the environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hazardous waste
    list and can cause central nervous system disorders
    Limonene: Known carcinogen
    A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems
    Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA’s hazardous waste list
    Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
    Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
    Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
    Pentane: a chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

    So how could products with pretty names like Soft Ocean Mist, Summer
    Orchard and April Fresh be so dangerous?

    The chemicals in fabric softeners are pungent and strong smelling–so
    strong that they require the use of these heavy fragrances (think 50
    times as much fragrance) just to cover up the smells!!!

    Fabric softeners are made to stay in your clothing for long periods of
    time. As such, chemicals are slowly released either into the air for
    you to inhale or onto your skin for you to absorb.

    Dryer sheets are particularly noxious because they are heated in the dryer and the
    chemicals are released through dryer vents and out into the
    environment. Health effects of fabric softener use include headaches,
    nausea, dizziness, irritation of skin, mucus membranes and respiratory
    tract.

    Here are some effective alternatives: Static Eliminator.
    We also recommend T-Wave Laundry Capsules .

    I have used all these products with great success.

  • Project Laundry List advocates the humble clothes line

    Apparently, 88 million dryers in the USA account for 6 percent of electricity consumed in US households, in fact they are the second biggest household consumer of power after, you guessed it, refrigerators.

    That is, according to a story in the October 28, 2007 issue of the Denver Post. Writer, Nancy Lofholm, filed a story entitled “Hanging Tough – Humble clotheslines’ simplicity blows past technology in energy-conscious era.” I was surprised by how little energy in dollars that represents. The article claims the average household spends $80.00 on dryer energy annually.

    So what are the benefits of hanging the clothes outside besides the delightful smell and the miracle of sunshine to deoderize and disinfect? I’ll admit, I love those few moments of outside time in the sunshine. Where I live, the surrouding scenery is spectacular, but even in a suburban setting I would hang clothes outside.

    I’ll also admit that I’m a fair-weather outside clothesline advocate. When its freezing cold and the sun doesn’t hit my clothesline until noon, I opt for the dryer. Ditto if it is snowing or some other inclement weather excuse.

    In the 50’s and 60’s when I grew up, everyone in my neighborhood had a clothesline that was accessed from the back porch year around. During the era before dryers became common household appliances, the clotheslines ran on a pully system to a big tree far back in the yard to hold several loads of wash at once in my neighborhood.

    Where I live, I don’t have back porch convenience, but as an advocate of “old fashioned skills for contemporary people”, I hope you will consider using your humble clothesline, enjoy the outdoor time, as well as the energy savings.

    Interestingly, back to Project laundry List, the organization’s motto is taken from good old Benjamin Franklin.

    “We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately.”

    Of course I don’t think Ben was referring to laundry when he wrote this motto. This emerging trend is part of the recycle, reduce energy consumption crowd and has come head to head with many homeowner associations with covenants prohibiting or discouraging outdoor clotheslines.

    Yes, in our modern litigous society, both homeowners and home owner’s associations and even municipalities have run lawsuits against each other over the lowly clothesline. Apparently a few forward thinking states have banned anti-clothesline rules.

    The biggest problem with my clothesline is keeping track of the pins! I just discovered a great pattern to make a clothespin holder in The Treasury of Vintage Homekeeping Skills. If you love vintage, you love the old-fashioned art of homekeeping and need some gift ideas, consider investing in this Treasure of a book. This $29.95 book is free with an order of $200.00 or more, $15.00 with an order of $100 or more at www.urbanhomemaker.com. It makes a terrific gift for a young lady, a wedding gift, new mom, anyone who cares about the art of keeping a home.

  • A Job or a Ministry? That is the question.

    Recently I attended a luncheon for a Christian organization where the speaker asked us if we were performing a ministry or a job?  She said that Charles Spurgeon, famous 19th Century pastor wrote:
    “A job is a choice; a ministry is at Christ’s call.”

    As I pondered her thoughts, I quickly realized her questions apply to our role as wife and mother.  When I became a wife, I did not realize I was signing up for the ministry of being a wife and mother.  Ponder these thoughts today and consider all the routine and tedious work of a homemaker as a ministry unto the Lord.

    Our ministry in the home depends on God’s strength working through us.  Are we depending and trusting him today?

    A JOB OR A MINISTRY?

    In a job, you expect to receive; in a ministry, you expect to give.

    In a job, you give something to get something; in a ministry, you return something that has already been given to you.

    A job depends on your abilities; a ministry depends on your availability to God.

    A job done well brings you praise; a ministry done well brings honor to Christ.”

    Are you so focused on planning details that you have lost sight of why you do it?

    Are you enthusiastic about what you do?

    Remember, God has chosen you.  Although you may not understand why, believing it to be so is powerfully motivating.

    Will you take a few moments now to come before Him in silent submission?  Ask Him to fill you with a deep desire to answer His calling-whatever it may be-and to give you His joy in performing it.  Will you pray, “Lord, I believe You have chosen me to serve You, and I commit myself to your will.  I want to do everything for your honor and glory.”

  • Pumpkin Pie Cake Dessert

    Our church has an annual Thanksgiving Dinner Potluck the Sunday before Thanksgiving. One year we catered a more elegant dinner for the whole church instead. This elegant, memorable Pumpkin Cake Dessert was served and I never forgot it. I finally obtained the recipe this year and discovered it is very easy. I hope you will try it!

    PUMPKIN PIE CAKE DESSERT
    This is a very easy and delicious dessert for a crowd

    1 – 2 9 oz can pumpkin
    1 cup sugar
    1 tsp salt
    3 tsp cinnamon
    3 large eggs
    1 large can Evaporated milk (Not sweetened condensed)
    1 Yellow Cake Mix
    1 cup pecans, chopped
    1 cup butter, melted

    Combine the above ingredients and place in a 9 X 13 – inch baking dish. Sprinkle one box dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the pumpkin mixture and dribble the melted butter over the top.

    Bake for 50-60 minutes. Serve with real whipped cream.

    Click Here For lots more Pumpkin Recipes!