It sounds like you have more suggestions than you can shake a stick at. The most important thing is to start the way you plan to continue. If you are a doormat and let everyone else have their way this season, this time, this occasion, it will happen again, and again. You and your husband need to make some "rules" that you agree not to deviate from, then go forward with whatever plans the two of you decide. I can tell you, after many years of trying to please too many people, it boils down to you two together when everyone else is too old, too busy, or too something else, to take their time to even go to your house. So develop YOUR deep family ties, then you can weather it all. ... View related article.
The only problem with buying many spices and herbs in bulk is that they deteriorate rapidly. If you don't use a lot of any one type of spice, it is so much better to buy the smaller amount. I do get the whole nutmeg, and you would be surprised at how much less it takes of the freshly grated to achieve the flavor that, say, 1/2 a teaspoon of the already grated takes. The nice thing about that is, you can find the whole nutmeg in almost any grocery stores' spice area. If you are looking for flavor, don't skimp by trying to go cheap, you will just start adding more when you do the same recipe the next time. ... View related article.
You may have things like we do here on the gulf coast, like the waterfront rescue mission, and of course there is salvation army, who help people, especially during the holidays, but actually all year. You could take them to senior care facilities to visit with, read to, take cards to, give small gifts to people who do not always have visitors, which can be very depressing on "special" days or seasons. We enjoy jigsaw puzzles, but usually only work them once, so pass them on to a senior care facility, (I refuse to call them "nursing homes). If the desire is there, you will find places to go, and ways to serve. How about working at a food distribution center for a day.
We also load up boxes of non perishable foods as we manage to get them together, and take to our church, who has emergency supplies for members, or strangers in need. Sometimes that takes a bit of time as we are on social security and have med. Bills, the whole nine yards, but this is just something we feel compelled to do. Your family would get an idea as to how fortunate they are, compared to so many others. You are doing a great thing to want your kids to develop this attitude. Bless you. ... View related article.
I'm not sure that anyone actually dealt with your particular problem. Is your kitten still of nursing age? Is the older cat a female, and giving milk, or just irritated? The "normal" reason for kittens to try to nurse from other cats, and nearly anything they can get their mouth around, is that they were taken away from the mother, or orphaned, before they were ready. It seems dogs can be weaned just fine at 6 weeks, for the most part, but kittens seem to take a bit longer. Usually, with patience, they will grow out of it, but the need seems to be there for comfort, as it is with all little creatures. Try giving it, after it eats, a play toy that it can be distracted with. Hope all works well. ... View related article.
I hope you have good results with your Amish bread in 1 day. I have always done the extended thing, but even if the flavor is a bit different, the result is bound to be good. Here is what i am responding to. I have replaced applesauce for all, or at the least, 3/4 of the oil called for in cake, muffin, and such recipes, with no loss of flavor, in fact our findings are that the flavor, moisture, and quality are improved. Try a chocolate cake that way, and you will never do one with the all oil, for sure. ... View related article.
You go girl! Would you believe, my 12 year old dishwasher has never gone through the dry cycle? What is the point? How many times when we wash a hand full of odds and ends of dishes did we ever grab a dish towel, (well I did way back in the day), and dry everything? Now, if we "take care of" a few pieces that wouldn't go in that last load of the day, they lay in the dish drainer, or on a towel, so why waste all that $? ... View related article.
I have read many good ideas, although some don't apply, but then not everyone is familiar with Samaritans purse either. We are in the process of thinking through the age group we will try to help this year. It is so easy to get little fun things for the younger kids, but I do think something like a small note book for a journal, or something, would be nice. So many of these young people will not be English speaking, so of course books and even a bible, (which i think is tucked in the "shoe box") in the language of the child it is going to would only be helpful if sent by those who finish up the box. I would send personal care items, toothbrush, even two or three, (they might want to share), a comb, or even a small hairbrush would be nice for a girl. We have sent note paper, pencils, and a pencil sharpener, small, but effective to keep the pencils useful.
I am sure they will enjoy candy, but it is eaten and gone, but colorful hair care items, or such, or a really nice flashlight with several spare batteries was a choice once for a couple children. Just imagine no street lights, maybe no lights in the home to speak of, and the ownership of a small flashlight is an amazing thing. Hope some of this was of help. We spent some money on the two boxes we did a couple years ago considering we are both on s.S. And have health problems, but nothing gave us more joy, i can tell you. I pictured the kids with their flashlights and all, and the plastic box we bought for them to keep "their" stuff in. ... View related article.
Have you checked to make sure she has not gotten an inflamed mammary system? After having the babies, and losing them, she may have just gotten engorged with milk, and sometimes that can cause some problems. See if she is running a fever, and if you can't check, take her to a vet to be sure that she doesn't have underlying problems. Our babies are too dear to take chances. ... View related article.
This will be short. If the children are doing well, and if you and your husband need to move, move!! You raised your children. You love them, for sure, and your grandchildren. As one or two of the previous guests said, write, call, e-mail if you get the chance, or they do. Send little cards to let them know you are thinking about them. By all means don't spend money on them like crazy to "make up for" not being there. Love them from where you are. Trust their mom. ... View related article.
My understanding is that a pit bull terrier and a Staffordshire are, basically, one and the same, with one exception. The pit bull can not, as i understand it, be American kennel club registered, and the staff. Can. Some say there are slight differences in the shape, line, etc., Of the two dogs, but i do think that is just to prevent the awesome pit from "contaminating" the akc with such a "terrible" killer dog being in their ranks. To be honest, we all know there are bad apples in all breeds, but they are usually taught that way, just as people are taught that bad acting works for them. Your dog is beautiful, and pit or not, teach her manners, good behavior, and who is in control. Enjoy a long life with her. ... View related article.
