phases of the moon

Last night Drew asked where the moon was so today we learned about the phases of the moon. We learned that the moon is always half lit by the sun. When we don't see the moon it is because it is between the earth and the sun and the back side of the moon is fully lit but the side we see is totally dark (or a tiny sliver). When we see a half moon, the side of the moon is fully lit, but we only see half of the lit part or 1/4 of the moon. When the moon is full, the earth is between the sun and the moon, we see the whole 1/2 that is lit. Then the moon slowly disappears again. This cycle happens about once a month as the moon orbits the earth. It sure is fun to learn about some of the amazing things Heavenly Father has created!
Below is my teaching diagram and then Drew's copy of that diagram.

vegetable beef soup

This is my best estimate of what I do to can the soup I mentioned in my previous post.

Cook (crock pot) a beef roast and shred it. After shredding cut the longer pieces into smaller pieces so they fit in the jars better.

Make broth:
10 cups water
10 tsp beef bullion
2 tsp parsley
1 tsp salt
1 can tomato sauce (small)
Stir together then add the shredded beef. Let simmer while you cut vegetables.

Each jar will need:
1 cup potatoes (7 cups)
½ cup carrots (3 ½ cups)
¼ cup celery (2 cups)
¼ cup onion (2 cups)
4 tsp pearl barley
¼ cup frozen peas (2cups)
¼ cup frozen corn (2 cups)

Place designated amount of raw chopped vegetables in each jar. I usually pack them in the order above. Ladle hot broth over vegetables (with meat in it) into jars leaving 1-inch head space. Process quarts 1 hour and 15 minutes, at 10 pounds pressure in a steam-pressure canner.

If you have further questions about canning or this is your first attempt you will want to get a resource like the “Blue Book” from Ball. It will inform you of the tools you'll need and more specific instructions about canning.

Kirsten I use the All American pressure canner model #921 and I love it.

provident living

Elder Hales just gave a great talk entitled A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in Action. I particularly enjoyed his message about provident living. He defined provident living as "joyfully living within our means." He also said that provident living means "not coveting the things of this world; using the resources of the earth wisely and not being wasteful, even in times of plenty; and avoiding excessive debt and being content with what we have."
One of the ways I live joyfully within my means is to make good food that I can store. Lately, I have been enjoying canning vegetable beef soup. Stop by unexpectedly for lunch or dinner and you just might be served some.

big mouth

Have you ever wanted to see the inside of Neil's mouth? Just hold a camera and he'll chase you with his arms out and his mouth open saying, "ahhhh . . .". However, I think this first shot is a particularly exaggerated example of what you'll get.

March

We have had some beautiful spring like days here. It was so great to come home from Hawaii and continue enjoying being in a tee shirt. However, it is March and we do live in Rexburg so here are some pictures from yesterday. We had some huge corn snow fall (the corn snow pics were taken during a 2 minute period- quite the storm) then it turned to large flakes. Put away the swim suits and put on the snow boots- at least for a few more days.

Editor's Retraction

I have a post entitled "surfing". Above the video it reads "Keith learning to surf . . . ". This post was supposed to be a joke. It was not in any way intended to lie to, deceive, or mislead anyone. However, I think Keith would like to thank all of you who believed it was him. He was very flattered.

delighted

I love that Neil is delighted with life.

for anyone who missed it

Drew turned 3 today and Keith found the perfect gift. If you happened to miss the celebration you can get a small recap below. Happy birthday Drew!

Hanauma Bay

We had a great day of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. We swam with lots of fish and turtles. This is still one of my all time favorite things to do on Oahu.

dole plantation

big surf

While on Oahu there was a storm off shore somewhere that caused huge surf. It was aweswome. By our last day there was 16-25 foot swell. Here are some pics and a video but I'm afraid they hardly do it justice.

surfing

Keith learning to surf. . .

trees

We found some interesting trees on Oahu. Here are a few. . .

mulberry tree

I think this was the picture of the trip. What do you think Mom and Dad?

Victory Gardens

I love this poster because what it says to me is that the more self reliant I become the more free I am. So no matter where you live plant yourself a Victory Garden, Liberty Garden, a Food Garden for Defense. (Aren't these great names!) I couldn't help but think of D&C 115:6 but in relation to a garden . . . "may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth." With so much uncertainty in our world it is fun, rewarding, and brings great peace to me to plant my garden and store whatever I can for whatever lies ahead. Hopefully just for lots of days with yummy things to eat!

Victory Gardens, also known as liberty gardens, food gardens for defense, or war gardens, arose during World War I and World War II in order to lessen the pressure of the public food supply created by the war effort. These gardens were planted in backyards, on apartment-building rooftops, and in vacant lots that were commandeered for the war effort. Even public places such as Hyde Park in London, the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and the lawns around Riverside in New York City, had sections plowed up to grow various fruits, veggies, and herbs.