Keeper of the Home: A bit of this, a bit of that

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Home education at our house

Catechism- Big Truths for Little Kids
Language- First Thousand Words in Japanese
Counting activities and number games
Calendar time
Family devotions- Reading Matthew
Bible verse memorization
A strong start in language- Ruth Beechick
A strong start in reading- Ruth Beechick

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Mister Linky

A bit of this, a bit of that

January 5, 2009: Happy New Year (and it's great to be blogging again)!
Comments: 9 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Holidays

Well, it's about time but I'm finally back! Happy New Year to you all! I decided to extend my Christmas break into the New Year, since my husband wasn't going back to work until this Monday. It's been wonderful and relaxing, and we've had so much time together as a...

December 22, 2008: Merry Christmas (and a bit of housekeeping)
Comments: 15 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Holidays

We're gone, even as you read this post! (Isn't time-delayed post publishing a beautiful thing?) One entire week (8 or 9 days, actually) of vacation. Much needed, and much anticipated. While we are gone, I will be taking a hiatus from my beloved blog. Though I love, love, love to...

December 12, 2008: What topics do you want to see around here?
Comments: 34 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

You know, I'm just a bit stuck lately. It's not that I don't have any bloggy ideas at all, but I'm just a little bit worn out and uninspired. I think what I could really use is a good Christmas vacation (And hey, what do you know? There's one just...

December 10, 2008: Did ya miss it?
Comments: 1 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Since we're all in a flurry of activity this month, I just wanted to highlight a few posts that I wanted to make sure you didn't miss!Nutritional Foundations- Finding high quality sources for a whole foods diet This is the last post in the series, and it is absolutely crammed...

December 2, 2008: Small technical difficulty
Comments: 3 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Many of you may be noticing that when you try to visit my site (or perhaps other blogs as well), that a pop-up box for Blenza comes up, asking for a name and password. I'm not exactly sure what this is about, but it's related to sites that use Mr....

November 25, 2008: You know it might be time to turn on the heat when...
Comments: 12 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Frugality

...you find this at nap time!I remembered a comment from someone a little while back when I was looking for help in dealing with a cold house. They suggested wearing nightcaps to bed. I figured winter hats would work, so I tried it the other night and the kids didn't...

November 19, 2008: Words that speak to my soul
Comments: 6 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Faith

I've rediscovered a love of poetry and beautiful, winsome writing of late.No, not my own. I'll stick to what I do best- practical, pragmatic, informational. :) A few weeks ago I stumbled upon the blog Holy Experience, and have been so blessed by Ann's way with words and the eloquence...

November 11, 2008: Remembrance Day
Comments: 1 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Holidays

Sorry I haven't been around yet this week! I've been off the computer pretty much since Friday night, enjoying the weekend with my family. I don't know about in the States, but in Canada today is Remembrance Day. My husband worked from home on Saturday, but was able to have...

October 27, 2008: One chilly Monday morning
Comments: 32 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Frugality

I'm attempting to type this post with half-frozen fingers, and on a very few minutes of poor internet connection (brought to me by some mobile wireless device my husband has lent me for 10 minutes until he leaves for work). Our internet is down, once again, and so I don't...

October 24, 2008: Blogiversary Q&A- Round 5
Comments: 8 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Home Educating , Our family

I've been working frantically to get these questions answered before the end of the week, and I've finally succeeded! I hope you've enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about me, and maybe your curiosity has been somewhat satisfied... if not, you know where to find me! :) Alisa...

October 24, 2008: Blogiversary Q&A: Round 4
Comments: 6 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Faith , In the kitchen

Jo Ann asked: I do have a question...what would you recommend when it comes to cookware? I need some new pots and pans and would love to know your opinion on all that's out there.Oh, that's a whole post or two in itself! I am in the process of replacing...

October 23, 2008: Blogiversary Q&A- Round 3
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , In the kitchen , Living healthy

Donielle asked- If you didn't have to worry about the ingredients or the fact that it was super unhealthy, what is the one junk food you would eat every day?Coffee and ice cream, hands down! Oh wait, that's two. Can I add chocolate to the list as well? :) Willow...

October 22, 2008: Blogiversary Q&A- Round 2
Comments: 8 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

Here's a break from the short and simple Q&A, to answer a few questions that took a bit more time and thought:What do you like best and least about blogging, and what do you consider important to your blogs success?I think one of the things that I love best about...

October 20, 2008: Blogiversary Q&A- Round 1
Comments: 10 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

Let's get these questions going...Melissa asked: I don't know if you've answered this before but how old are you?:O) I'm 27, going on 28 this December. I'm in denial that the big 3-0 is looming on the horizon. Do you have any favorite t.v shows? I was so tempted to...

October 19, 2008: 1 year of blogging!
Comments: 67 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I can hardly believe it's been a year since I first started Keeper of the Home! Most of the time, it has completely flown by (though there have also been some days when I felt a bit blogged out). Overall, I've learned to love blogging, as a place to work...

October 15, 2008: Ask me anything, anything at all!
Comments: 11 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Did you know that my blog is about to turn 1?Next Monday, Oct.20, is my official 1st "blogiversary". In honor of that, I've decided to make my life an open book and do a week full of Q&A.If you've ever had any nagging or random questions about me, now's your...

September 26, 2008: Living Simply Saturdays: We're back!
Comments: 2 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Living Simply

Mildly travel weary, surrounded by laundry, yet so happy to be home and full of wonderful memories made together, we're back from vacation! I promise I'll tell you all about it and share some pictures from our trip next week!For now, Lindsay of Passionate Homemaking has so generously agreed to...

September 12, 2008: And we're off...
Comments: 4 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I'm so excited to finally be leaving for our two week family vacation!We'll start with 4 1/2 days in Seattle, visiting with my husband's family, reading, going to the zoo, and just relaxing. Then next Wednesday morning, we'll be catching a plane bright and early to fly down to Phoenix,...

September 7, 2008: So much to do!
Comments: 7 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

A few quick comments first off... thank you so much again for the respectful comments on my latest post on birth control. I have really appreciate the kindly worded comments on this potentially volatile topic. It's always a blessing to share with you ladies! Secondly, what a great response to...

September 4, 2008: Living Simply carnival is coming up!
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Living Simply

I'm excited to remind you that the first Living Simply Saturdays carnival is coming up in two days! I will aim to have the Mr. Linky up by Friday night, allowing you to post on Friday and then walk away from your computer to spend the weekend enjoying your family.To...

September 2, 2008: More guest bloggers needed!
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I just loved the guest posts I've been able to post this past month, so much so that I'm putting out a request for more!We will be on vacation for two weeks this month, and since I haven't really taken much time off of blogging for nearly a year, I...

July 29, 2008: The internet, she's a down
Comments: 3 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

And then up again, and then down. Mostly, she's down. So I apologize for what may be a week of rather sporadic, random posting. Unfortunately, the cable company can't get a technician out to see us until Friday afternoon, so it will likely be a bit touch and go until...

July 25, 2008: Calling all bloggers!
Comments: 1 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I'm looking for several guest bloggers to fill in for a few posts over the next three weeks! Anybody interested? Since I found myself very busy and mildly overwhelmed during our last homestay stint, I thought it would serve both my readers and my family (not to mention myself) to...

July 10, 2008: I feel so grown up!
Comments: 6 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I am so happy with my new business card, blog banner and blog button designs that I just had to show them to you! These are my very first ever business cards (not just for this blog, but in my whole life), and it feels strangely grown up. I suppose...

June 30, 2008: Hot, hot heat (or why I didn't post my menu this morning)
Comments: 10 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

Who knew the weather forecasters were right when they said that our cold, rainy and gray June would turn into a scorching hot and dry summer as we neared July? With temperatures that suddenly hit the 30's starting on Friday, it is definitely summer now! I'm actually relieved, as I've...

June 13, 2008: A glimpse of sun
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Just a few minutes ago, a glorious ray of sunshine came streaming in the window to where I am typing at the computer... bliss. I am just physically aching for sun after nearly two weeks of nearly constant gray and rain. So I can't even tell you how amazing it...

June 5, 2008: I'm doing the happy dance right now...
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

...because my feed is finally fixed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I didn't have to get ya'll to switch to a new feed or anything! And I only had to send in about 17 help tickets! And play around with my Edit Feed Details about 47 times. And consult the forums and knowledge base...

June 5, 2008: Rain, rain, go away
Comments: 1 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I would post a picture, but I'm not sure the the sight of a dreary, gray day would do any more for you than it is doing for me!Nana is here visiting from up North, and I sadly had to inform my daughter that we will not be going to...

June 4, 2008: I stand corrected
Comments: 6 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Ahh... there's nothing like making a big oversight in what you thought was a well-researched and informationally correct post to keep a blogger humble. :) I goofed in my Baby Steps post on beans. In fact, I've been goofing in my bean cooking these past couple of years and I...

June 2, 2008: My feed is still being ornery
Comments: 8 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Thank you all for your incredible, undeserved patience as I have switched my blog over, yet again, and am having feed issues, yet again! I am working very hard this time to keep you from having to subscribe to a new feed, though at the moment I am thinking that...

May 28, 2008: No, you're not going crazy
Comments: 10 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

And yes, my site has changed, yet again. Many of you may remember the big move over to Wordpress a couple months ago, which I was just so excited about and had been pouring hours (and hours and hours and then more hours) into getting everything ready. Though I'm still...

May 20, 2008: Lack-of-menu-planning Tuesday
Comments: 6 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

Well, I've finally pulled myself out of the warm covers, started some laundry and breakfast prep and turned my computer back on. Ryan, Abbie and I were enjoying a bit of a snuggle as we listened to the intensely loud thunderstorm outside (seriously, the thunder sounded like it right in...

May 9, 2008: Visit me over at The Nourishing Gourmet!
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Happy Friday morning, all! This morning, I am honored to have my very first guest post up over at The Nourishing Gourmet, one of my absolute favorite cooking blogs! I've posted as part of a series called "My Favorite Dinner", telling you about and giving the recipes to make (you...

April 28, 2008: Spring is beckoning to me
Comments: 4 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Getting organized

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed with the things that they need to do right now? Since spring hit, it feels that life has been just one blur of busyness, trying to fit in all of the things that I need or want to do. I'm not sure that the reason...

April 24, 2008: An apology
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

For those who visited the site yesterday, you may have noticed that it looked very different from normal and had a few quirky things going on. I was having some work done, which ended up taking much longer than anticipated. Had I known how long it would last, I would...

April 12, 2008: Feeds, images, and all that good stuff
Comments: 3 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

I'm so sorry to have to do this to you all, but I have had to create a new feed for my site. I've been trying in vain to transfer my old feed so that you didn't have to subscribe to a new one, but for whatever reason, it is...

April 9, 2008: A very happy ending
Comments: 11 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Our family

All of that hard work and restricting what I ate these past couple of months was worth it! This morning I went to see my Naturopath for a food sensitivity re-test, as well as to get the results of my general health screen (blood tests), and discuss where to go...

April 8, 2008: All you ever wanted to know about oatmeal!
Comments: 16 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , In the kitchen , Natural living

Today's kitchen tip is a quick lesson in soaking and cooking oatmeal. Recently, I've been asked multiple times what kind of oats we use, and to explain the details of how I make our breakfast cereal, so here goes... For the longest time, we have been buying organic rolled oats...

April 4, 2008: A short break, but it will be worth the wait!
Comments: 1 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Just wanted to let you all know that due to the busyness of finishing my new site and completing the transfer, I won't be blogging at all from now until Monday morning. Things are going overall fairly well (I say that rather hesitantly) with a few major hiccups mixed in....

April 3, 2008: Inviting you to the grand opening...
Comments: 2 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

...of my new blog design! The official kick-off will be next Monday morning, and I'm so excited! I've been working hard on it with a wonderful designer who created my new header, and I have been learning far more about html and css code than I ever possibly cared to...

March 11, 2008: A winner, and a new name (sort of...)
Comments: 5 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Ahhh, ladies, I have a serious confession to make. Are you ready for this? (Please, take a seat and a deep breath)... I am not going to change my blog name after all. (please, hold the rotten eggs and tomatoes until I can duck and run for cover) After all...

March 4, 2008: What a tough decision to make!
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

When I started this contest, I had no idea how many suggestions I would receive. I haven't counted them, but there are definitely over 100 suggestions, possibly more like 200! Wow! Due to the nature of the contest (ie. choosing a blog name that I have to love and live...

March 3, 2008: 2 more days to win...
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Just a reminder that there is still a day and a half to enter your fantastic name suggestions for the contest (and wow, thanks for giving me so many to choose from already!)... And for those who were wondering about shipping to countries other than the US, here's a brief...

February 28, 2008: When you're submitting a name for the contest...
Comments: 5 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

...please don't forget to let me know which soaps and lip balm you're interested in! I've noticed several people have left comments without this info, but it's definitely part of the contest! If you didn't let me know your preference before, you can just comment again and let me know...

February 27, 2008: Name my blog!
Comments: 43 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

As I mentioned the other day, I am about 98% certain that my blog is due for a name change (although the content and topics will stay the same!). So, here is what I am proposing- A contest to come up with a new name for my site! Let the...

February 25, 2008: A question for all of you...
Comments: 9 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

I've mentioned a few times that I am working on a site design, and that my blog will also be moving over to Wordpress.org. All of this is going well and will happen fairly soon, but there is still another issue that keeps coming back to me. Here's the issue....

February 16, 2008: My diet, a recipe, and how the flu wiped out my plan of completing my schedule
Comments: 5 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Recipes

Well, I'm nearing the end of week 2 of the diet (although the first week was a bit gradual- this week I tried not to cheat at all). So far, so good. I've had a few moments where I just looked at the fridge and sighed. But overall, I've been...

February 7, 2008: Sometimes it pays to pay someone else
Comments: 11 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , Frugality

I feel like I'm going just a little bit crazy. These last couple of weeks I have been working on my blog redesign, and I have been learning (through trial and much, much error) about html and installing wordpress.org and ftp connections and config.sample.php files and mySQLdatabases and customizing headers...

February 1, 2008: We have a winner...
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

The winner of the Bloggy Giveaway is Tanya! Congratulations! I'm so excited to send Tanya her new book, The Green Kitchen Handbook: Practical Advice, References, & Sources for Transforming the Center of Your Home into a Healthy, Livable Place, because here's what she said in her comment:The Green Kitchen Handbook...

February 1, 2008: Bloggy giveaway ending soon...
Comments: 1 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that

Just wanted to remind you all that today is the last day to enter to win the Bloggy Giveaway! Click here to see the original post and leave your comment. And 4 pm (PST), I will be closing comments, so if you haven't yet, make sure you're entered!