Big Seats and Flat Feet

I was the kid always looking for adventure... ok... always looking to get into something, usually trouble.  As a child, if opportunity did not present itself, I always created my own.  Sometimes this meant sneaking into my granny's room and plundering each and every drawer.  On occasion, I would wonder off to find myself sitting under a tree or bush somewhere eating the very apples my granny threatened me with a switch, if I had picked them.  I'd wander to the creek and get marred up to the knees in mud and muck and get my shoes nasty, when I was dressed in my Sunday's best.  My hair wouldn't stay in pigtails because I didn't like the confines and tightness of the bands that held my wavy blonde tresses in place.  I'd cut lose... take off my shoes and throw caution to the wind. Me with the long blonde hair! =) As a mother, I see my children doing some of the very same things I had once done.  My youngest daughter, constantly tempting fate, much like I use to

Homeschooling finally has come to an end for the 2012-2013 school year!  My children and I anxiously awaited the arrival of four extra summer children.  My mind got busy planning all sorts of activities and fun things to do as I prepared for them to come. Memorial Day for me was a day of rest and remembrance.  I knew it'd be my only day of rest before the children came, so I took full advantage!  Actually, the plan was to clean the house spic and span, but I sat on my behind and goofed off all day with my own three children.  It's not very often we get an entire day to spend by ourselves doing whatever whenever we want.  During the week, I'm normally up by the crack of dawn preparing my husband's lunch, my day and activities for the children I keep.  BUT, not on Memorial Day morning.  I slowly dragged my bottom out of bed and actually sat down while drinking my first cup of coffee.  The kids slept as I enjoyed a few precious moments of silence, meditation and prayer.

WHEW!  Been so busy doing things I probably shouldn't be doing, I haven't taken the time to post to my blog in a while.  Although, I have had ideas for posts, taking the time to make the entry has been all but painstaking!  I definitely need some time management lessons... or maybe a good ol' dose of prioritization! The past few weeks have been eventful, and busy... to say the least!  We've done our NRA/DNR Youth Hunter Education Challenge.  I was privileged to make an entry to the NRAblog !  What a wonderful opportunity to look into what the NRA is doing for our communities and young people!  It was a blast getting to know everyone, especially Brad Ward who works with the NRA.  He was such a huge help! In a few days, I hope to enlighten everyone on the YHEC, and the efforts put forth by the Friends of the NRA group to make the YHEC (Youth Hunter Education Challenge) possible.  For now, I'd like to make a contribution about our past weekend and homeschooling edu

Early settlers and Native Americans preserved their meats by hanging it over a smoky fire until dry.  This allowed them to carry the meat for long distances without spoiling.  THIS is NOT my recipe, it's one I found in Venison Cookery Cookbook . Some of you may already have it... but if you don't... here it is! CAJUN JERKY Marinade: 4 cups cold water 2-3 tablespoons cajun seasoning ( Papa Scotts Cajun Products ) 2 tablespoons Morton's Tenderquick Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 to 2 teaspoons paprika 2 lbs. boneless venison round steak or roast, cut into 4 x 1 x 1/4-inch strips 1-1/2 to 3 cups hickory wood chips Directions: Meat is easier to slice if slightly frozen.  Use a special jerky slicing board, and a VERY sharp knife to ensure even thickness of strips. Combine marinade in a nonmetallic bowl and stir to dissolve salt cure.  Add meat strips, cover w/ plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours, occasionally stirring.  In a large bowl, cover wood chips w