homelifenov2000

Heartchange 30 October to 5 November 2000

Dear Sisters,

Have you ever found that when you are unable to keep up
regular chores (for whatever reason) that you begin to
realise just how fortunate you are to have even the modest
of appliances to help you? Because I had so much to catch up
on, boy! was I ever grateful for every wash my dishwasher
made. As well as my washing machine. What a backlog when
these appliances aren't run on a regular basis!

For some time now, I have used one of those squeegee mops,
with the sponges for cleaning the floors. For some time, we
have had to fix the pins and rods that have fallen off this
squeegee mop, through wear and tear. Mopping the floor was
something we would either put off, or have to talk ourselves
into. In fact, it was a chore I would put off because of
the hassle of squeezing the sponge manually. I was using an
old Kentucky-Fried Chicken meal bucket with this old
squeegee, because the bucket was rectangular and they fit
like hand in glove. Recently, however, I have splurged and
bought a real MOP! Wooden rod with stringy mop head. Now
it's a case of putting a round head in a square bucket. And
so - we were on a quest for an appropriate bucket!

Andre has an old galvanised mop bucket in his workshop. I
have been very tempted to steal this. And so - with this in
mind, it was such a wonderful surprise when he told me he
had a 'real mop bucket' for me. Yes, sisters, it is one of
those buckets where you just pull the mop head through the
wringer, one foot on the 'balancing' piece of metal, the
other on the pedal - and - say it with me - "squeeeeeeze".
How could something so utterly domestic be such a thrill?
Because - that's where my heart is now - in my home, looking
out for anything that can improve it, which includes
maintenance tools, that assist greatly in it's maintenance.
Handmaids, if you will. Synthetic, robotic, electric, - no
matter - they are a true blessing. And what's more - he
found the bucket, unmarked, no holes, in the good old
Miniskips bin!

More weeding this week. Digging, ripping and tearing grass
clods which stood over a foot high. It is always better to
wait for the rain, to soak and soften the ground before
weeding. Whenever it rains, we make the most of weeding,
even if it is not on our schedule. We swap the chores
around and work on whatever fits the situation.

We are building up an area right at the back fence of our
garden, for all grass clippings and weeds. It is rising
weekly. Eventually, we hope to plant a variety of pumpkins
there, as Sam would like to enter some in the local show,
early next year. We grew them last year with great success.
This year we intend growing them differently, as they tend
to 'take over' any allocated patch as well as the patch next
to them. A trick I've learned is to pin the tendrils down,
as they grow. Pin each tendril down, into the soil - say a
metre from the actual stem of the pumpkin plant. This way,
the pumpkins will grow in a circle, and not spread too far.
The fruit should be as prolific as normal.

We have been diligent in getting our chores done early,
training ourselves to beat the heat, in anticipation for
when the real heat eventually arrives. A new season brings
new responsibilities, and schedules change. A huge
responsibility is watering the many areas of the garden.
Also, feeding the animals early; washing their dishes,
tidying their kennel, grooming them in the cool of the day.
The garbage is taken out early, too. Like many of you, I do
my washing at night, so that it is ready to hang out first
thing in the morning. My mom taught me to fetch my washing
in early during the warmer months, as the longer it is out
there, the stiffer the items become, and the harder it is to
iron them. And so as you can see, we are working on getting
all outside jobs done during the early part of the morning.

The girls and I attended a baby shower this week. It was
truly a fun filled night and a great chance for blessed
fellowship. Some of us were going to read poems, but we
were so busy playing games, that there was no time to read
them. Here is the one I was going to read:

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

Since Thou has dared to trust me with
This life's supremest good,
Let me be found trustworthy in
The guard of Motherhood.

Keep me in touch with Thy great love
So patient, sure and wise,
That I, in seeing earthly deeds
May look with Heaven's eyes.

Redeem the faults of thought and deed,
Each poor example set;
Uphold me for the sake of little
Minds that don't forget.

Teach me to balance love between
Too little and too much--
Yet to maintain in all of life
The outward-going touch.

Be Thou my courage, strength of heart
My soul's up-reaching Way,
That little feet which follow mine
May not be let astray.

--Betty W. Stoffel

Beautiful, isn't it?

I have been re-reading the books I have on motherhood, child
training, homeschooling. I love to go over different
chapters. Sometimes, when we read a book, we tend to
subconsciously skip areas that don't apply. Then, later,
our life circumstances change, and we find that the points
we skipped are now high on our priorities list. This is the
very reason why I consider books to be an asset, and will
surely be saving all the books I have for my own girls. I
hope to set them up with their own libraries when they leave
our home for a home of their own with their husbands.

Andre pulled a muscle in his back while trying to weld up
his crane for the new workshop. He could hardly move with
the pain. I rubbed some Goanna *tm creme into his muscles
the next morning, as his pain had worsened. When he came
home from work, he showered, dressed, then I massaged his
upper back. I have found that when one muscle is hurt, the
other muscles compensate for the ailing one, thereby
resulting in large areas of pain and strain. I used Sarah's
hand-held dolphin-shaped massager to relax the surrounding
muscles. Then I rubbed more of the Goanna creme into the
strained muscle. I was careful not to rub the cream in for
too long, as it is not a massage cream; it becomes very hot
after a while. After this, I placed a heated wheat bag on
his back.

Wheat bags are very easy to make. Some use wheat and
lavender. Use sturdy material to make the bag and double
sew it, as you will probably use the bag often, and it will
be handled a lot. Make the bag, put the mixture of wheat
and lavender into the bag, in whatever quantities you
desire, as long as the wheat is the larger quantity. The
reason for wheat is that it produces a moist heat when
heated in the microwave. Moist heat is good for aches and
pains. We leave it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but
that will depend on what make and model you have. Wheat
bags are nice as gifts, too.

The girls and I like to take part in swaps. Swaps are when
other girls and ladies, both here and over the seas exchange
names and addresses and we use themes to base gift-giving
upon. So far, we've had Christmas swaps, ornament swaps,
hometown swaps, pillowcase or apron swaps. Currently, we
have been working on items for homemade swaps. A while
back, a friend and I had the good fortune of stumbling on
piles and piles of furniture/curtaining sample materials at
an op-shop. We bought in bulk, hoping to make quilts. I
have used some of this quality material to cut out pumpkins
and a vine and appliqu�d it on to a piece of sacking
material. All I need now is to frame the piece. It is an
awesome feeling to be sending something to hopefully bless
somebody whom you've never met! I have always found that
when I get involved with a project (any project), it sparks
something off in the girls. They see me busy - they get
busy! There's a lot in setting an example for your
children, for they can and will copy you. They love you.
To them, you are their hero. And so - they'll do what you
do. It is amazing how we inspire each other.

It is not very often that I actually get to meet with
friends. We are usually either a) at home b) running
errands for Andre and/or the business c) visiting and
helping my mom and dad. This past week has been a record
week for fellowshipping with friends and we have so enjoyed
it! We had the pleasure of meeting a friend at a local
craft/arts/gift centre, set on historic Canberra land.
Federation Square. It is so beautiful and quaint and
peaceful. My friend and I enjoyed flavoured coffee, while
our daughters perused the local shops. This particular
friend has no idea how much I appreciate her friendship.
She is the blessed mother of four children; one biological
and three adopted. Together, we bounce ideas, thoughts,
fears, routines etc off each other. Every time I see her, I
come home with a new fervour to homeschool, be a better wife
and mother, try different routines. God's Word instructs us
to fellowship. I am understanding more and more why. Also,
to think on things that are lovely and pure and honest. I'm
sure you all know these verses, so I won't go quoting them.
I cannot express the joy, as well as importance to
fellowship with others who are likeminded. How refreshing
this is! To think that each sip we take, each word we
speak, as we strive to be the women God wants us to be, He
is there, listening, hearing our heart-talk.

We had unexpected visitors this week. They rang and told us
that they were passing through our hometown, and that they
would be popping in to Andre's workshop. To be honest with
you, I had so much on my mind and 'to do' list. I think you
know how it goes. The Lord showed me how selfish I was
being. Five minutes later, I was on the phone - to Andre -
asking him to invite them for dinner. They were delighted!
We had such a good time together. It was a pleasure to
serve them. Just goes to show how you can 'feel' the Lord's
blessings pouring out when you seek to do His will. After
all, I am always asking Him to show me ways to serve Him,
and here I was - grumbling (inwardly) about what I had to
get accomplished, when I KNEW that my heart should have been
set on hospitality!   The Lord was handing me an opportunity
to serve Him, and I didn't recognise the importance of
this - until later.   I also learned a lesson - a practical
lesson from this experience. To always have extras on hand,
as well as a ' meal suggestion' list for unexpected
visitors. And each time we go shopping, to ensure that we
have those 'extras' topped up. Oh, how I love to
learn.......

Sisters, I have saved the greatest blessing to our family
until last to tell you. Some of you know that I am awaiting
the approval of my brother's visa for temporary (then later
permanent) residence in Australia. My brother, his wife and
two daughters live in South Africa. For two and a half
years, together, we have been struggling with the 'red
tape', the bureaucracy of South Africa's political changes,
since the abolition of apartheid in 1994. What was a
straight forward application for residence here, turned into
a long, drawn out affair - testing our patience and
attitudes. This week, I received an email. I had to scroll
down, and down, and down. It was from the migration
consultant who has been helping us with this case. At the
bottom of the post, in large red letters it read: GARY'S
VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED!! I couldn't contain the sob I had
in my throat. My kiddos came running. "Dad, dad, come and
see, come and seeeeeeeeee...... " they shouted. Oh, what a
moment it was. Andre took me in his arms, eyes blazing with
his love for me, "...I'm so happy for you, Doll".

And so - I end this week's post with a heart full of
gratitude to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Without
Him, I am nothing, worth nothing. Nevertheless, He loves
me. I pray that I will continue with Him, under His wing,
forever by His side - not only in good times- when I'm up on
the mountains, like now. But also the bad times, when I'm
there in the valley too.

Have a blessed week.

Love,
Helen

Heartchange ~ 6 - 12 November 2000

Dear Sisters

Isn't it funny that through all the ages Monday is known
world wide as a big washing and cleaning day? Also known as
'blue Monday'. When I was younger, I would wonder why many
people referred to it as 'blue'. As I learned what the word
'blue' meant in our modern day language, I still couldn't
figure it out "Why would Monday be depressing?" I thought.
Over the years, as I began to learn more and more about
keeping a home, and the more I got used to routines and
became more organised, I realised that Mondays were always
the day that had the biggest workload scheduled. Try as I
might, and even doing laundry every day, as well as keeping
up regular vacuuming, sweeping and mopping, Mondays, to this
day are still the Number One 'blitz' day. Fancy that!
Mondays are so very busy, when what we wives and mothers
really could do with is a slow day - especially after a
hectic weekend. I compare this to the fact that whenever we
get the chance for a holiday and go away someplace, on
returning we feel as if we need a holiday from the holiday.
I mention this to you, as it is my goal to lessen the Monday
workload, spread the chores equally throughout the week, so
that we can make time for extended projects and craft work.
I no longer want to think of Monday as 'Blue Monday'. Each
day is a gift from God. How can we then go and claim it
'blue'?

This week our home has been in a turmoil. Although the
children do all the chores I ask them, when I am not there,
constantly keeping them moving, the chores don't get done
the way they are usually done, when I am on duty! You see,
this week, I had to arrange air tickets for my brother and
his family. Sounds simple enough, but when you are faced
with a peak travel period, fully booked planes and last
minute arrangements, it's a time-consuming task. I am
overjoyed to report to you that my family will be arriving
in Sydney this Wednesday! I still cannot get over this
sheer miracle the Lord has performed. Our migration
consultant is surprised that our family are going to be here
so soon, as the majority of his clients who have been issued
visas can only manage to secure a flight in February next
year! It is still hard to comprehend that they will be in
our home in a matter of hours. Our lives are going to
change. Each and every one of us.

And so - in an effort to prepare for an extra four people
for an indefinite period of time, we have been busy
arranging our home to make it 'useable and hospitable and a
welcome place for tired, emotionally worn travelling family
members. Here's what we have either done, or intend doing
before their arrival:

IN THE BEDROOMS

Unfortunately, we didn't get the bedroom intended for my
brother and his wife finished. It was an old garage, with
white-washed walls, grease-stained concrete floor with even
the shilling and penny signs visible on the dusty, cob-web
infested shelves. What we have done is take two small,
pokey windows out and replace them with one larger window on
the northern wall. Opposite, on the southern wall, we have
removed the old garage roll-a-door and replaced it with a
full glass sliding door. We fitted a false floor over the
concrete, put up gyprock walls and ceiling and insulated.
Just this evening Andre has installed a skylight. We still
have to do the architraving around the windows, skirting
board around the floor and fit the cornice. Then the whole
room needs to be painted.

In the meantime, my brother and sister in law will have to
sleep in the same (large) room as their daughters.
Hopefully, by early next week, their room should be finished
and they can move in.

IN THE KITCHEN

Bench One:

We have moved the kettle to one side of the bench, and the
sandwich grill/toaster to the other. Both are permanently
plugged in, for easy usage. Next to the kettle are pottery
jars for the storage of tea, coffee, milo, sugar. In the
cupboard above the kettle are cups, saucers, mugs and
glasses. On the other side of the bench is the sandwich
toaster and in the cupboard above the toaster are the
breadboards, cutting boards and salad bowls. In the drawers
below the bench top are cutlery and knives. Below the
drawers are two cupboards; one containing dinner plates,
side plates, cereal bowls, and soup bowls. The other
containing Tuppaware and other plastic containers.

The Fridge:

We have re-organised the fridge, too. All salad items are
in one tub. Cut-up sandwich salads are in another tub.
Cold meats are stored in separate, flatter containers, so
there is no cross-contamination. Grated cheese is in yet
another container. We have a variety of dips in their own
containers to be used as an alternative to margarine.
Apples, oranges, pears, mandarins and melons are stored in
the vegetable drawers at the bottom. In the freezer section
above the fridge are supplies of bread and milk only.

The Pantry:

Next to the fridge is the walk-in pantry. All legumes and
dried fruits are stored and labelled in plastic containers
on the top shelf. On the second shelf are all the
condiments, jars and tinned food one side, while a variety
of teas and coffees are on the other. On the third shelf,
are large jars of sugars, flours, cereals, pastas etc on one
side, and plastic buckets of gluten free food (pasta,
breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal) on the other. Underneath all
the shelves are my bulk oils (olive and sunflower oils), a
lidded basket with excess dried goods, (awaiting a
container), as well as vegetable racks for onions,
potatoes, pumpkin, bananas and avocado pears.

Bench Two:

This bench leads off the pantry and is our baking bench.
There are no cupboards underneath - only drawers. In these
drawers are aprons, serviettes, recipes, cookery books, and
a drawer for mixing, beating, blending accessories and
measuring equipment. There are no cupboards above the
bench - only a shelf running it's full length. On the
shelf, are jars containing a variety of flours and sugars,
for easy access. (We top these smaller jars up from the
larger jars stored in the pantry). Some of the contents in
the jars include: tapioca flour, soy flour, guar gum, potato
flour, arrowroot flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder,
ginger, mixed spice, coconut, brown sugar, castor sugar,
icing sugar etc.

Bench Three

This is a stainless steel bench, situated in an alcove, next
to the stove. The top is left free for dishing up, straight
from the stove or oven, as well as an ideal place for
cookies and cakes to cool down. The juicer is the only
electrical appliance on this bench, as right next to the
stove is a large wooden bin for carrots.   Underneath the
top bench is the microwave and larger stainless steel
saucepans.    On the stove top is a little oil can. All
spoons, ladles etc hang above the stove on butcher's hooks.

Bench Four

This bench is used to store dishes, pots and pans before
washing. It is right next to the kitchen sink. Under this
bench are large, deep drawers, in which we keep smaller
saucepans, frying pans, larger baking pans and
juicer/blender equipment. Under the sink are detergents,
rags, a little tub with all shoe-polishes, and other general
hardware. We are working on compiling a little toolbox to
store under here, for the low-key maintenance we can do
ourselves - without my husband's expertise!

Centre Bench

This bench is situated in the middle of the kitchen. At the
sink end of this bench is the front of the dishwasher, (the
bulk of the dishwasher sits underneath the bench). It has a
huge, stainless steel lid, which lifts up so that we can
gain access to the chest freezer underneath. This bench is
used when baking, too. In the freezer we store all excess
flours, as we buy them in bulk.

We have re-arranged all the cupboards so that each function
is in one place. It has taken me ages to come to this state
of organisation. With the prospect of company, it is
amazing how one can make the home 'user-friendly'. We are
blessed with a fitted kitchen, but this wasn't always so
either. We would, at one time, cart dustbin loads of water
out of our kitchen each time it rained! Furthermore, we
only had one bench to use for all kitchen duties. Oh, how
grateful I am now! What I'm saying is - it takes time.
Sometimes, we look at others and wish that we had what they
have, or their situation. It probably didn't fall into
their lap overnight.    I am grateful that, at this stage,
we have the facilities to arrange these little 'centres' in
our kitchen. I am comforted with the knowledge that if we
are not around, our family can make drinks and sandwiches.
If they want to use the stove, everything is in its place,
and they wont have to waste time looking around. Even if
they feel like baking, they can do so!

IN THE BATHROOM

We have only one tiny bathroom! It has been left as basic
as possible. A little wooden cupboard for shaving
equipment. A little wooden cupboard for toilet rolls (as
well as sanitary napkins). Shampoo, conditioner and soaps.
That's it.

IN THE LAUNDRY

We have a bench top under the laundry window with four
cupboards underneath the bench top. In these cupboards are
four laundry baskets. The cupboard doors are marked
"whites/pastels", "undies/pj's", "coloureds", "overalls".
We will also supply each of our family with their own
laundry basket, as some people prefer this. A large tub
with washing powder, as well as a large bottle with fabric
softener will be left out on the bench. Any other laundry
requirements are stored in one of the two taller cupboards
in the laundry. In the other tall cupboard are hooks for
coats, shoes and boots.

We also have a shower in our laundry. Next to the shower
are hooks for towels. We have a basket for excess soaps,
shampoos and conditioners. The linen cupboard is in the
kitchen, close to the laundry, so that towels are at hand.

IN THE SCHOOLROOM

This hasn't changed much. I hope to file our business
papers this evening, so they will be out of the way. We
have prepared two vacant deep drawers, so that if my nieces
would like to store paperwork, schoolwork, artwork etc, they
can. Reading books are on the shelves around the school
bench. Teaching books and other curriculum are kept on the
shelves at either side of the computers.

In the schoolroom cupboard we have bins for different
crafts. Needlework, stamping, material, art, a gift box, a
gift-wrapping box, computer books and cd's, stationery etc.
They are all labelled, for easy finding!

IN THE CORRIDOR

Our corridor is in two parts - it runs straight until the
first bedroom, then there is a turn to the right, and then
the corridor runs straight again. At the first turn, we
keep a little washstand cupboard. In this cupboard are more
soaps, bath beads, powders, creams, lotions, and other
'boudoir'. At the bottom of the corridor we have placed a
little chest of drawers, with a mirror above. In these
drawers are hair goods; clips, hair ties, brushes, curling
tongs, hairdryer, curlers, combs etc. This is so that the
girls can go down to the bottom of the corridor and do their
hair, without holding others up, waiting for the bathroom!
In the other drawers are tapes, so that the children can
listen to them at night, while they lie in their beds.

IN THE LOUNGE/DINING ROOM

We have arranged the seating in a 'U' shape, for easy
conversation (and lots of it! Fourteen years is a long
time). The chairs have quilts and rugs for our chilly
spring evenings! There is an old writing desk, supplied with
pens, pencils, writing paper, stamps, stickers etc. In the
cupboard underneath the desk are a variety of magazines.

Next to our dining table, we have an old-fashioned cupboard.
Here, we have arranged excess cutlery, bowls, dishes,
serviettes, glasses and jugs. There is also a drawer for
candles and matches. Our kitchen table wont be able to
accommodate five adults and four children, so there are
supplies at both tables.

IN THE CAR

We hope to buy new maps to keep in the car, as well as paper
and pens. Also, a pack of straws! Ha! How often have we
been out and thirsty! Instead of buying individual drinks,
we now buy the larger drinks to share. With the straws, we
don't have to take cups in the car.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure as I make final
arrangements and changes, add little bits here and there, I
will have more to tell you.

Finally, we hope to do some baking before they come. A few
cakes, some biscuits. We didn't do any bulk cooking, as I
have no idea what type of foods they like and eat. But....
one things for sure - I will soon!

Have a wonderful week,

Love
Helen

Heartchange ~ 13 - 26 November 2000

Dear Sisters

I always find it interesting to learn how other women keep
their homes, do their domestic chores, carry out their
responsibilities. This week, I thought I would share a few
ways my own sister in law, Tersia does hers.

We have been doing a LOT of laundry. Our washing had built
up due to days and days of rainy weather. Add that to an
extra family's worth of laundry and you've got quite a pile.
My sister in law is very methodical with her laundry. It's
her *thing*. She has been teaching me (as well as
physically helping me) with our joint mounds! We have
decided to just put everybody's washing together in the
baskets in the laundry, instead of laundry baskets all over
the house. That way, everybody knows where it goes, instead
of having to ask "where?" to put their laundry.

We have decided that we will buy 'Omo' as our preferred
washing powder. It seems that this is a universal product.
I know that my own momma used it in England when we were
children. To get out stains, my sister uses one of those
white scour pastes - (here in Australia known as 'Jiff').
She takes a toothbrush, squeezes on some paste (just like
toothpaste) and rubs this into the stain. The whole garment
then goes into the washing machine. Da-daaah! No more
stain. It is important to work on the stain BEFORE the
garment is ironed, otherwise, the stain will be 'ironed in'
to the garment.

My sister, Tersia, is also methodical about her ironing
(which is one of my weaknesses). She hangs the washing on
hangers on the washing line. Hourly, she will check her
washing, and as soon as it is dry, she brings it in and
irons it. All day, she plods to the washing line and back,
making sure that each item doesn't get too stiff, from the
sun's rays. She irons, places the item back on the hanger,
then takes it to whoever's wardrobe and hangs it straight
away. No putting items on hangers and taking them all
together at the same time to the relevant rooms. No ironing
then folding items and putting them on a pile to take later.
No ma'am. They are packed away as soon as they are done.
"That way, Helen, I know I can put my ironing board away and
not have to then worry about what has to be packed. When
that ironing board goes down, that's me - finished!" she
says in her broad Afrikaans accent. "I walk miles each day,
but I really don't mind!"

And talking of hangers, our wardrobes have a total new look.
But not with clothes; - with new coat-hangers! We have
taken all those old, bent and weary metal frames and traded
them in for colourful, sturdy plastic coat-hangers. What a
difference it makes to our wardrobes! We can even
colour-code our clothes. Somehow, there seems to be more
room, too. I have found that when I do any type of
makeover, in any area of housekeeping, it inspires me to
have a new fervour for that particular area. This has been
the case with our wardrobes. The coat-hangers were cheap,
and each week we intend buying a few more, slowly building
up our supply.

As for cooking, here are a few things Tersia does:

She has a little jar of salt, permanently sitting either on
the stove, or next to the stove, for ease of use to the
addition of meals.    I remember that Andre's Ouma (also
Afrikaans) did this.

When cooking vegetables (other than carrots and potatoes),
she adds very little water, sometimes a dob of butter and
always puts the lid on the saucepan. She turns the stove on
high, and the vegetables are cooked (still holding their
colour) within 5 minutes or so. They are just past
'el-dente'. Yum.

To extend margarine, Tersia uses a 500g block of margarine
and puts it in the mixer with 1 C boiled water and 1 C oil.
She mixes this until smooth, then puts it in the deep freeze
for half an hour, then transfers this to the fridge. This
stays soft and spreadable and the amount is doubled - making
1 kg margarine.

I will post more tips that I learn as I learn them. Oh, and
I'd love to send you her recipe for 'Boere Kerrie' (Farmer's
Curry) next time.

Well, it is storming outside and there is lightning, so I'd
better turn the computer off. Before I do, I'd like to get
this out to you, instead of leaving it for another day.

Have a great week.

Love
Helen