The Urban Homemaker Blog

Category: Family

  • Leadership Training Course

    My son Stephen left June 16, 2008 for LTC (Army lingo for Leadership Training Course) at Ft Knox, near Louisville, KY. His departure was exactly two months after his Dad (Duane) died. Needless to say, sending your son off to 4 weeks of intensive physical and mental challenges and training is a little hard on a mom with no family military heritage.

    Then I received the invitations from the Colonel to attend the Family Day and Graduation Ceremony scheduled for July 12 and 13 which pulled on my mama heart strings. Could I afford it? Should I afford it? Could I handle going by myself? What if I don’t go? All the typical mom worries. My sister’s husband Chuck, a retired army reserve Colonel advised that I skip this event and plan on attending his commissioning in a year or two.

    Meanwhile, I only received three very short phone calls while he was gone, one of which was Saturday during the Family time. Friday, I found the web site with all the many pictures of the activities covered including two good ones of Stephen, I can’t resist posting.

    These pictures were taken candidly by the army during the One Rope Bridge Steam Crossing Training Event.

    Stephen is the short haired boy in glasses. He told me he has had two hair cuts in the four weeks he has been at Ft Knox. When he called Saturday, he informed me that he was graduating “fully qualified” so he will now be able to contract with ROTC when he returns to school this Fall. I am proud Mama for his determination and fortitude inspite of the obstacles our family has been facing. God has been faithful to all of us.

  • Father’s Day Picnic – Erickson Springs, CO

    Erickson Springs is a camping/picnicing area about 45 minute drive from here.  With the gorgeous Anthricite River rushing through, we go there often.  We decided to roast hot dogs, make Somemore’s and play Rummicube, all outdoor/family camping traditions.  The weather was picture perfect. The Ragged Mountains and Antricite provided a heaven-made backdrop.   I am finding the outdoors very healing and soothing to my soul in ways I never imagined.

    Thanks for your prayers, my first Father’s Day without Daune is filled with good memories.

     

  • The Homemaker’s Mentor

    I just found out two of my favorite and most talented authors, Martha Green and Rebekah Wilson, authors of The Treasury of Homekeeping Skills and The Hope Chest and Grandmother’s Hope Chest books respectively, have a vision to train woman in many useful homemaking skills that you probably weren’t taught by your mother growing up.

    Their vision for The Homemaker’s Mentor is to provide you with helpful, illustrated lessons designed to inspire and expand your homemaking skills. As each lesson is learned your homemaking skills increase and are refined and your enjoyment as a home keeper expands. Despite the hustle and bustle of life surrounding you, your home will become a welcome haven for all who enter.

    Here is a sample lesson with over 50 uses for old and mismatched socks.

    Current lessons include:

    How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden,
    Beans, Beans, and MORE Beans,
    Sample Dreams! Homemade Pillowcases
    Detail Cleaning of the Master Bedroom

    I believe that learning new skills from older, like-minded women will bring you a deep and satisfying in enjoyment in your role as homemaker.  Check it out!

    Join the HomeMaker's Mentor
    If you are ready for an older woman to hold your hand and teach you skills you have always wanted to learn, The Homemaker’s Mentor is for you.

  • Compare Top Drinking Water Contaminants

    Last week I talked about the best way to address emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, in drinking water.

    Many people wrote to me asking me to clarify what the benefit of an R/O (Reverse Osmosis) Drinking Water System is, and how they can know which type of system is best for their family.

    Today, I want to clarify the pros and cons of Reverse Osmosis water purification technology.

    First of all, it is a HUGE misconception to think any R/O system will remove all known contaminants. R/O technology does not even remove chlorine nor most chemicals in water.

    R/O systems are best known for removing minerals and were developed for desalination of seawater aboard Naval vessels. R/O technology will also remove cysts and bacteria.

    Most R/O systems are combined with other technologies, that is, they include another filtering medium such as a solid carbon filter to remove the chemicals as well as chlorine, chlorine disinfection by-products, etc.

    A two-page brochure called, The Challenge compares all the major drinking water technologies and shows which contaminant groups each is able to remove. This flier also shows you where to get more information about addressing the water purification problems unique to your home.

    The cost of maintaining an R/O system is higher because you have to replace sediment filters, solid carbon filters and the R/O membrane on a regular basis to make sure it is working properly.

    Most homeowners on city water do not need an R/O system because they usually
    do not have bacteria or harmful minerals in their water that only R/O
    will address. In general, the only time an R/O system is needed is
    when the water is high in harmful minerals such as sodium or nitrates.

    R/O systems, because they remove all the minerals from the water, create an acidic water which, as it goes through the body, tends to make the body more acidic. Some health researchers believe this acidic condition may be a precursor to degenerative disease.

    Also, as this water goes through the body, it has been demonstrated on laboratory animals to pull minerals from the body.

    We could sell hundreds of Multi-Pure R/O systems but we don’t believe in over – selling or selling a product that is more expensive than is necessary or that is not needed.

    A solid carbon filter is more than sufficient for most drinking water issues and shows the most hope of addressing emerging contaminants, according to The Water Quality Association.

    The Multi-Pure Solid Carbon Drinking Water System is a superior choice at a better price, in my opinion, because it has been certified to remove more contaminants of health concern than any other solid carbon system on the market according to third party, not-for-profit testing done by NSF, Intl. (nsf.org)

    There is NO ONE BEST system for all circumstances. As a general rule, solid carbon technology is the best choice if you are on city water, however.

    What Are the Questions Your Should Ask When Buying a Drinking Water System?

    Choose your FREE GIFT!

    With every Multi-Pure Drinking Water System Purchase, we are offering a choice of one of a choice of two free gifts.

    Option 1:
    New! – H20 On the Go Bottles – Receive two of these attractive new insulated 17 oz stainless steel bottles to transport hot or cold liquids. A $39.00 value

    OR

    Option 2:
    Multi-Pure Shower Filter
    The Multi-Pure shower filter is an indispensable part of reducing exposure to chlorine in showers.
    A $49.95 value.

    Promotion ends – May 31, 2008

    All Multi-Pure Products SHIP FREE! This special promotion is also good in conjunction with Filtermania. (Pre-pay for 10 filters and you will receive the stainless steel

    Sincerely,

    Marilyn and Duane Moll

  • Dr Denmark Said It – Common sense advise for home health

    Who in the world knows what’s best for my baby?’ You do!” says Dr. Leila Denmark. Dr. Denmark is a well-known pediatrician, who is considered the longest practicing pediatrician, who cared for thousands of children for 75 years! That is right she retired in her 90’s, and just celebrated for 110 birthday last month.

    In our fast changing culture, moms can become thoroughly confused and frustrated by conflicting child care advise from doctors and the media. Some doctors recommend over-the-counter decongestants, others say, “NO! they cause more harm than good.” Some doctors say, “Give aspirin.” Others say, “Don’t give aspirin.” How do we sort out conflicting advise?

    Madia Bowman, mother of eleven, wrote Dr Denmark Said It endorsed by Dr, Denmark to accurately reflect Dr Denmark’s realistic, down-to-earth philosophy and medical recommendations.

    Her book attempts to condense the Doctor’s advice into a practical, well-organized book filled with time-tested, common sense treatments for infants and young children.

    I am a firm believer, that armed with enough basic knowledge, a mother can save countless dollars on unnecessary trips to the doctor.

    Moms need to know when it is time to go to a doctor and how to treat a self-limiting illness.

    Please join us Thursday night and find out what a mom of eleven has learned medically over 28 years of raising children. Come prepared to take notes and have an enjoyable time of learning. You can email questions for Madia ahead of time to marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com.

    Here is the contact information:

    Date: Thursday, March 20, 2008

    Scheduled Start Time: 9:00 PM EST, 8:00 CST, 7:00 PM MST, 6:00 PST (Adjust for your time zone, please.)

    Dial-in Number: 1-605-475-4150

    Participant Access Code: 209932

    If you have never participated in a phone seminar before, here is how it works:

    1. You dial in the phone number below to the seminar. (You pay only for the phone call.)
    2. Key in the seminar access code.
    3. Introduce yourself, it you wish.
    4. Bring a notebook to take notes, a cup of tea, and have your questions ready.
    5. Don’t worry about background noise, we will mute that out.

  • Hot Cross Buns

    Remember the children’s nursery rhyme that goes as follows?

    Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns!
    One a penny two a penny – Hot cross buns
    If you have no daughters, give them to your sons
    One a penny two a penny – Hot cross buns

    Hot cross buns were sold in the street to the cry of “Hot cross buns!” around the period in English history dating back to the seventeenth and eighteenth century.

    A hot cross bun is a type of sweet spiced bun made with currants and leavened with yeast. It has a cross on the top which might be made in a variety of ways. Using confectioner’s frosting, is the most common way.

    According to one source, hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, with the cross standing as a symbol of Christ and the resurrection. Have fun with the children and enjoy the process of being together in the kitchen. Here’s my recipe for the buns:

    Hot Cross Buns

    2/3 cup dried currants
    3-1/2 to 4 cups whole wheat flour (or half bread flour and half whole wheat
    2 TB yeast
    1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon
    3/4 cup milk
    1/2 cup cooking oil
    1/3 cup sugar or honey
    1 tsp salt
    3 eggs
    1 slightly beaten egg white
    Frosting (recipe follows)

    Cover currants with very hot water. Let stand about 10 minutes or up to one hour at room temperature. Drain well. In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups flour, yeast, and cinnamon. Heat milk, oil, sugar or honey, and salt until warm (115 to 120�). Add to the dry mixture. Allow to sponge for about 15 minutes if time allows. Add eggs, one at a time. By hand or mixer, stir in currants and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead until the gluten is developed by mixer or on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-10 minutes.

    Shape into ball. Place in greased bowl. Turn once to grease top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours. Punch down. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

    Divide into 18 pieces. Form smooth balls. Place on greased baking sheet 1-1/2 inches apart. Cover; let rise until double, 30 to 45 minutes. Cut shallow cross in each. Brush tops with egg white. Bake in preheated 375� oven 12 -15 minutes. Remove from baking sheet. Use confectioner’s Frosting to make a “cross” on the bun.

    Confectioner’s Frosting:

    2 TB milk
    1 cup sifted powdered sugar
    1/2 tsp. vanilla

    Combine these ingredients together and add milk or water as needed to get a good pouring consistency for the frosting. Place the frosting in a small zip-lock sandwich baggie, clip the corner and use the baggie to squeeze the frosting over the cooled buns in a cross shape. Small children will enjoy this process even if it gets a little messy!

    More Easter Themed Activities:

    1. To learn to dye Easter eggs with natural colors, CLICK HERE.

    2. Another fun Resurrection project is Resurrection Cookies.

    A Beginner’s Guide to Baking Bread ebook by Marilyn Moll offers step-by-step instructions for getting started with baking yeast breads.

    Click Here to purchase this instantly downloadable ebook for $9.95.

    Learn how to:

    * How to Select Ingredients
    * Selecting a Grain Mill
    * Selecting A Mixer
    * Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
    * How to Develop the Gluten
    * Tips for the Best Bread
    * Lots of Bread and Roll Recipes
    * Troubleshooting Guide
    * The Two-Stage Process
    Item #6059 $9.95

    Click Here to purchase this ebook for $9.95.


  • Response to AP article on water contaminated with Pharmaceuticals

    RESPONSE TO AP REPORT ON DRUGS IN WATER

    I received the following information from the leading manufacturer of solid carbon block drinking water filters to the story about Pharmaceuticals in water today.  I hope you will read it, and realize there is no need for alarm or fear.  Prudent homemakers will invest in the most effective drinking water system on the market, which fortunately is very reasonably priced.

    Multi-Pure International is responding to a report by the Associated Press (AP) regarding widespread contamination of public drinking water supplies by pharmaceutical drugs. Multi-Pure has been aware of the issue of these drugs making their way into public water supplies for
    several years.

    However, NSF International, the leading certifying body in the
    industry, does not have established test protocols for
    pharmaceuticals; and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    has not established allowable limits for any over-the-counter or
    prescription drugs found in drinking water supplies. Multi-Pure,
    and all other drinking water treatment manufacturers cannot make
    any NSF certified claims to remove pharmaceuticals from water.

    However, Multi-Pure can assure its customers that they use the
    industry’s most widely certified filter system on the market,
    which outperforms all other NSF Certified drinking water systems
    in terms of contaminant reduction    . Multi-Pure has led the
    industry in introducing new technologies to address emerging
    contaminants found in our nation’s water supplies.

    The AP report also cites bottled water as not being a safe
    alternative, as it is often processed and repackaged tap water.

    The AP report names reverse osmosis as being effective at
    removing “virtually all pharmaceutical contaminants,” but does
    not cite any test data to substantiate this claim.

    Since 1970 Multi-Pure International has been an industry leader
    in high performance drinking water filters for home or office.
    Multi-Pure was the leading developer of carbon block water
    filters and was the first manufacturer to gain NSF Std. 53
    certification for the reduction of many contaminants such as
    Lead, PCBs, Arsenic V, and Toxaphene.

  • Snowmen

    I mentioned that we had Mentoring Moms on Monday. It was my turn to teach so I talked about freezer meals and different ways to get your freezer stocked without spending from morning till night and getting exhausted.

    As a group we made a giant batch of Chicken Pot Pie. Everyone got a small casserole dish to take home for that night’s dinner or for their freezer. We actually ended up with extra meals for new mommies and for my freezer!

    We always decorate the tables with a seasonal centerpiece using what’s on hand. My friend Sandy, is an expert at coming up with attractive and creative centerpieces.

    I’m sorry I didn’t think to take pictures of our tables, our cooking time. Sandy has a collection of snowmen, one of each she has made over the years for her craft shows. So snowmen decorated our tables for centerpieces. No expenses. I arranged the snowmen at my house on my table to give you the ideas.

     

    I would love to see what you all are doing to create attractive, seasonal centerpieces from what you have around your home?

  • Winter Wonderland in Paonia, Colorado

    Last week I talked about how we had been having 1-3 inches of snow every few days for about 3 weeks. Now I know you think heavy snow is normal for Colorado, but that is really only true in the mountain areas. Most of the state is semi-arid plains so we get very little precipitation including snow in the plains areas, normally.

    The very next day, we had about 10 more inches of snow! Our property along the road is bordered by large blue spruces that captured much of the fallen snow because it was so cold. To me the trees are at their most beautiful when snow frosted.

    My daughters Laura and Mary realized they needed to “plow” the heavy snow off the trampoline before it gave way to the weight. Sadie, the dog, mostly wanted to help by playing joyfully in the deep snow, but paused long enough to pose for this picture with Laura.

    Laura, my photographer daughter walked around the neighborhood and got some more pictures the next day. This is a picture of Mt Lamborn, near our home. It dominates the local area.

    Around the corner from us is a beautiful log home with a split rail fence in front. Laura capatured the snow depth before it could melt off. It has been so cold, I am not sure if it is melted off yet or not.

    Around another corner of a long country road in the other direction are some huge hay bails to feed the livestock. We live on one acre so we don’t have any hay or outdoor animals, yet.

    What has winter been like around your town lately?  Could you use some Chili Chasing Chili Recipes to get warmed up.  I have gathered all my Chili Recipes together in one place.

  • How do you use your Bosch Universal?

    Here are some ways I use my Bosch Universal other than kneading bread. (This does not include the use of optional attachments.)

    Read all the comments below for countless other way to make use of your Bosch Universal Plus in your kitchen including making playdough!

    You can use a Bosch to:

    • Make your own healthy salad dressings
    • Puree tomatoes
    • Make cookies ( use batter whips, cookie paddles, or dough hook)
    • Mash potatoes
    • Puree cooked beans, lentils and split peas for soups, sauces, and dips.
    • Make bread crumbs
    • Crack Grain
    • Chop up nuts
    • Mix meat loaves (use batter whips or cookie paddles)
    • Prepare pesto
    • Prepare hummus
    • Prepare salsa
    • Mix cakes and quick breads
    • Whip cream fast and easy
    • Beat egg whites to the stiff peaks stage for meringues, etc. (Quick and easy)