With Valentine’s day only 6 days away I thought I would share some helpful resources for your valentine family fun. Over the years our family has celebrated Valentine’s day not only as a romantic couples holiday but also as a family event. Creating fun heart shaped foods, such as pancakes and cookies and exchanging notes and cards to express our love for one another. I encourage everyone with small children to include them in this celebration. It is not just about romance, but about expressing your love, devotion and genuine care for one another.

Below are a few links to some web sites with family fun ideas that you can create with your family.

http://www.akidsheart.com/holidays/valntine/valgoods.htm

http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-recipes/

http://recipes.kaboose.com/valentines-day-recipes/

And, for those of you still not familiar with all the legends of Valentine’s day……

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

Read the rest of this story here…. http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/

Apron stories

Ok this little e-mail letter found it’s way into my in box and although it is probably circulating around the internet I just had to share it. I guess I should make the disclaimer, that I do not indorse the dietary advice given here, lol. If your going to eat meat, eat good organic meat. If your going to eat chicken, eat healthy chicken and if your going to drink wine, well, be merry. Whatever you like to cook,  just don’t forget to wear your apron.

 I love this Doctor!

Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true? A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it…don’t waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap. Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables? A: You must grasp logistical efficiency. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product. Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up! Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc. Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can’t think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain…good! Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you? A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!? Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around! Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me.. Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle? A: Hey! ‘Round’ a shape! Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways – Chardonnay in one hand – chocolate in the other – body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO-HOO, what a ride!!” AND….. For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us. 4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us. CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Farming is an on going adventure for sure! There is always something new and exciting. Although our last working was not to accomplish something we had never done before, the incredible sense of satisfaction was still there.

Four families came together last month to butcher four pigs that had been raised off the table scraps of the Stokes’ and Mathews’ family land. Though we could have each stressed, worried and worked extra hard to complete this task alone, a community effort was far more enjoyable. We ladies donned our aprons, and the men folk sharpened their knives, and we had ourselves a good ol’ fashioned pig butcherin’, like the Amish.

First I must advertise a wee bit for the gentlemen hog and lady sow. Thought, the sight that comes to mind for most, is not altogether comely and attractive. There is a general mis-conception about pigs. Many feel that they are nasty, stinky, beastly creatures that must be raised on giant feed lots. But, I am here to speak on behalf of this poorly painted breed and put pig raising back on your to-do list.

There are so many benefits to raising a pig or two. They are truly one of the most economical investments you could make living on a small homestead. They require no more space then an outdoor dog and no bonding time. They can survive mostly on the scraps from your table and garden, along with a little bit of corn.(to make good lard) If you have a garden and can your veggies, your pigs will be in hog heaven with all of the leftovers, apple peels and pea shells are just a couple.

Pigs do not stink IF you simply do not give them enough water to make a pig sty out of their pig pen. Some people like to free range their pigs, however I do not really recommend it because they burn up too many calories.

So if I haven’t redeemed this wonderful breakfast treat and sold you on raising a pink pig with floppy ears and a curly tail, go ahead and scroll down and look at all the fun we had. (after all, you can’t eat a poodle.)

All aprons worn for this day’s event were created by Amelia’s Aprons. Pictured are 2 basic kitchen aprons, but also worn were the ruffles and curves apron, and a regency style apron that we did not get pictures of. It is often handy to have extra aprons around for company to wear, especially if you engage in these types of community projects.

The little moments One morning, about this same time last spring, I took a peaceful walk thru my pasture, across my creek, past the chicken coop out to my serene little pond with the long island in the center. The wind was toying with my hair and I was watching five fluffy yellow Canadian goslings trailing behind the mother and father goose. Then after awhile they scurried up the bank and I followed them back down the path towards my house. I picked a few wildflowers along the way that looked very much like the ones on my apron. I climbed on the back of my horse and trotted the rest of the way home with the wind tickling my cheeks. I am a Victorian princess in the 21st century that adorns herself in purple silk, cotton aprons and water boots who hikes about a farm. I tried to think of the best way to introduce you to my life on a farm and this picturesque April day is what came to mind. Of course a homesteader’s life is not always such a romantic bliss as what was described just now. There are the sad moments. (A loved farm creature lost.) The humorously degrading moments. (These I’ll leave to your imagination.) The maddening moments. (The laying hens eating your entire tomato crop). But during those times you simply synch your apron strings a little tighter, take off your white gloves and remind yourself that it truly is the small things that mean the most. It’s the smell of fresh baked bread, warm milk still in the pail, a note in the mail box or a bushy plant with bright red tomatoes. It’s that tiny moment when the sun is shining brightly and just that “life is good” feeling. Then just for a little moment you have the privilege of looking at the world thru rose-colored glasses. That moment, that feeling, can be few and far between. It comes and goes and bestows itself on whom it wills. As for me, no matter the season, I will continue to put on my silk dress, tie my apron strings, get mud on my boots and smile. Smile just because,…. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”~ unknown Remember to take time out of your busy day and enjoy what is around you. Whether you are in the country or the city, whether winter or spring, take a moment to breath.

“She who loves a garden loves the joys of simple living and peace on which no man can put a price.” ~ Mary Englebright

It’s that time again! The days we all look forward to with such anticipation. The days when the sun shines bright and we can feel it’s warmth on our face. We can wear a flouncy skirt and a floral apron and pick a daffodil which spring has so kindly welcomed into the world!

There is something soothing and surreal about the spring-time. It is comfort for the soul, withered by a long winter. It helps us come to the recollection that it is finally time to bloom again! I think that women every-where have always welcomes with open arms, Lady Spring.

It is pleasant to imagine Laura Ingalls Wilder walking the prairie in calico apron, feeling the same warm thoughts as I do. And it seems to me that the crocuses, daffodil’s, Iris’s and other early spring flowers that can withstand the hardships of the cold nights and last winter frost are the ones that bloom so very beautifully.

“The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

~My Apron String~

I tied my apron strings and waltzed into the kitchen

To do all the things, that cans’t be kept waiting!

And there by the sink waits a mountain of dishes,

And there all just for me,

I just smile and start to sing, cuz I know;

I’ve tied my apron strings!

There never done, there never thru,

There’s always some, just for you.

But tis a happy enterprise

One that makes you ever wise,

I don’t complain;

Nope, it’s against the rules.

You might think your work is awfully cool;

But the perks of my job

Make me feel like a queen,

Once I’ve tied –My Apron Strings.

~ Renee Stokes

 By Lorrie Mathews Mar 31, 2006 -

 Aprons have been a part of our culture for hundreds of years. If you take a look back in history, you will see that aprons were used for many practical purposes and were worn by both men and woman. They were worn by blacksmiths, farmers, shopkeepers, and millers and used in daily chores like gathering eggs, working in the garden, cooking and cleaning. The main function of the apron was to protect the clothing and keep trade tools handy. Whatever you were doing on the farm or in your profession, the apron extended the number of days that an outfit could be worn before washing and extended the life of the clothing underneath. Most aprons were long and made of durable fabrics; some were even made of wool to protect women from burning when cooking over an open hearth. As the years progressed, apron styles began to change to meet the needs of the wearer. With the end of World War II came a boom of home entertainment and dinner parties. It was the “Leave it to Beaver” era, and moms were in the kitchen. Homemade pies and breads awaited hungry children almost every afternoon, and mom enjoyed her daily task of home management. The apron then took on a new look. It was no longer worn for just practical purposes; it was now worn for style. Aprons were soon known as the symbol of the homemaker, and every mother and hostess had one, if not several. There were hundreds of styles and colors, and most moms had fancy, decorative aprons to match outfits for special occasions. Then, almost overnight, the apron was gone. Not quite without a trace, but gone as far as the fashion industry was concerned. I have heard the apron called an icon of the past, so where did it go? With the dawn of the women’s liberation movement, more and more jobs became available to women, and women slowly began to leave their homes. There was no longer a need for feminine fashion statements that had such close ties to the home and hearth. There was no time to bake or entertain–no time at home to do many of the things women once enjoyed doing. Many of the homemaking skills like cooking, baking, sewing, and even cleaning were looked upon as drudgery. We hired maids, cooks, and childcare professionals to do our jobs for us, and the skills of the home manager were all but lost. Our young maidens no longer had moms at home to teach them how to be homemakers, so they, in turn, went off to work, too. You could say, “We’ve come a long way baby”, but I think we have been traveling in the wrong direction. However, I do not despair, for I see a change in the tides. There is hope on the horizon, because the apron is back! I know the apron by itself cannot help women reclaim their home and once again embrace motherhood. But, statistics show that sales of aprons are on the increase. If more women are buying aprons, that means more women are once again embracing God’s design and returning to the home–returning to raise their children, cook the meals, clean the house, be helpers to their husbands and managers of their homes, therefore having a need for functional, feminine aprons.