Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I am so glad you've joined us again and thank you for reading The Prepared Home Maker. Back after quite a while of being without internet and hope to have some exciting changes in store for you over the next little bit. I've had some good time to process and ruminate over different Items I'd like to share with you. From recipes to herbs, links to opinions, Im just brimming with goodies I want to post. Hope you keep in touch and tuned in.
      I also just want to say thanks for all the page views while I was away, not to mention almost 50 new followers. I hope I can make your valuable time worth it with my bits of info I share. We'll be working on some things to publish for this week, and many more on the way. Hope to see you soon! -Jamie

A Passion For Preparedness

Well good day, ladies and gents (you know you read too!). Processing a lot on my plate this summer, getting better acquainted with Hebrew Roots and what it means to do Bible things in Bible ways. Although this blog isn't a specific outlet for my "religious" meanderings, I don't know how (or why) one could or should leave that aspect out of their lives or out of such a serious topic such as prepping. Providing for your soul should be at the utmost top of our list. In the final moments of our lives we will not say "I knew I should have bought more toilet paper!"  The Bible tells us that if we gain the whole world but loose our soul, we've lost everything. Folks as interesting as frugality and prepping and herbs are, they are less than nothing in the great judgement. Make those preparations while you still can! 

I was blessed to have a wonderful friend introduce me to Hebraic Roots (some know it as Messianic or Torah Observant) this last year. At first I thought she was plumb out of her gourd. For pity's sake she was "turning Jewish" on me. Oh how little I knew! Although I'm not going to go into great Biblical dissertation take some time to look up these videos on YouTube. WARNING: they could become just as addictive as prepping! I'm happy to say that I consider Jim Staley's church my "online home church" or as we say 'Mishpocha' (that's "family" in Hebrew).  And BTW yes you can google Hebrew Roots and find all kinds of cultish reports about it. But until you actually hear the words and look them up in your own Bible in the context of which they are given (unh uh- no picking and choosing now!) will you really see what The Father (Abba) has in store for His children. 

Ok Sermon over. Now go check out these links! I dare you. No, I triple dog dare you!

Identity Crisis

Truth or Tradion 

What is True Faith? 

The Great Deception

The Great Church Audit


Not able to view YouTube? Try these podcasts:

Passion For Truth Podcasts

The Buzz Around Here

Well haven't blogged the last week or two, as you have noticed. We had my BIL come in for his furlough from the Navy and we wanted to spend some time with him. We had a two day mini camp trip with him, and have been fighting a nasty little bug for the last two weeks, (thanks public school neighbor kid!)  

Some of the things I have learned over this last two weeks. 

1. I'm glad I at least try to teach my children some hygiene manners. Nothing beats seeing the neighbors grandson wipe snot all down his arm and continue to pass the toys around. Granted, kids will be kids, but moms also need to be moms too.

2. One can always use more camping gear. Like umbrellas. Lots of umbrellas, or better yet a canopy. 

3. I can't stand the rain in this state. It ruins everything.

4. A wheel plow is not a good tool to tear up 2 year old grass with. Dirt is great, grass- no good. I've literally had to rip it up with my hands. And as of writing this I'm still not completely done. :-/

5. An allergy to a bee sting can come out of nowhere. Grace had to be taken to the ER because of a bad reaction to a sting. Makes me certain that I'll have to do a liver cleanse for her at least twice a year since her OD on the Tylenol PM a couple years ago. Thankfully it wasn't anaphylaxis, but there was a reaction there that I will ever have to be mindful of. So much for my idea of an apiary.  Nathan also got two stings this week, thinking he'd be a tough guy and not let me put anything on it. The swellings are finally starting to go away.

6. Never let an 8 year old tell you that "it doesn't hurt" and "I can handle it". :-/

7. Sick husbands whine. A lot. 

Other than that I've also gone out and picked up some material with the kids to make this years wipes up. I'm doubling them this time, and am using my White sewing machine on the treadle, as it has the built in zig zag cams. I still need to replace the zig zag attachment for my Singer. Got those finished up tonight. Had to give my shoulders a rest today. Have been trying to attack my garden spot grass the last two days, and needed to take a break. I'll be able to finish it up tomorrow and finally get the dirt broke up.

I am really at the latest I would like to plant over here. Since we are still waiting for the opening for the place we are moving into (did you know that a tenant can file for three, yes THREE extensions for an eviction in WV?), a garden is going to have to be split up into long term plants and short term. The longer growing varieties like my tomatoes and squash and watermelon will be planted over at my in-laws house, while the fast producing will be in my little garden plot here at our house. Things like cucumbers, zucchini, and beans and some kitchen herbs as well. By the time we get into the house we are waiting for it will be the end of August. I am still praying that we will get it, because I would love to have a basement and two bathrooms, room for a large garden and fruit trees, which would be getting ripe right about that time. If wishes were horses!

Tonight I also put in an add over at the local radio station for their Trading Post feature that they have every morning. I'm advertising for a non working chest or upright freezer so I can store my grain in. All you have to do is cut the cord off and stuff the opening with Brillo pads and foam. Voila! You have a critter proof storage container! Even better if it has a lock on it, otherwise I'll put one on it myself. Also advertising for used canning jars of which I'll pay $.25 for every useable one. So If you hear my add, and have some handy, write my number down.

Until next time - which should be a lot sooner than last time!

Summer Projects

     A couple days after Lilly was born I woke up at night to feed and change her. Upon my waking I had an urgent sense of "must be ready for the cold". Again a couple hours later, it happened again. Now usually I don't have foreboding type "premonitions" but this really hung heavy on my mind. This wasn't the kind of fun fall-itchy-knitting-fingers ready, or the kind of enthusiasm for the 101 projects I want to start at the first hint of cool breezes. It definitely had a heavy ominous feeling that didn't make me giddy or thrilled inside.

     Since then I've been really concerned about being ready for the cold. As it is a little vague, I'm not sure what areas I need to be ready in. I feel like getting a general swath of readiness in the clothing, food, and bedding areas of our lives.

     To start off with I decided that my zig-zag afghan needs to be getting finished. I also started a two tone blue granny square afghan for Nathans bed out of some acrylic (yeah I know- I cringed too!) that was given to me. The next afghan will be for the girls bed. I have even had inklings of some cardigan-type sweaters trying to force their way into my thoughts.

     In the sewing department, I'd like to have a new quilt for each bed. I plan on doing plain jane square or puff quilts, one for each bed as well. I've finished up the curtains for the living room and kitchen this week and am also going to start working on some for the kids' room and mine as well. I would also like to do some window quilts if I can squeeze the time out for them. It also goes without saying that that the kidlets will need warm p.j.'s and nightgowns (I'm due for some new ones too) and some heavier type clothes.

     The food department is pretty self explanatory- generally: 1.Get food. 2.Dry or can food 3.Try to find some place to put food.

     I've also been thinking about how this is all from an attempt at being ready for "something", when long ago this was the norm for everyone. Everyone had to store up for the cold seasons in this way. Its such a shame that we, as a "civilization" have had to re-learn the art of "survival" which was just normal everyday life for thousands of years, regardless of where a person lived or how rich or poor they were.

     So Ive been setting up goals through these last few weeks to get small things done in order to see larger long term results. I pray that it gets done, and in the proper capacity in which it is needed.

     What about you? Have you had any feelings of this kind? If so (or not) what are the projects you are working on now, for your benefit this fall/winter? Share with us!

--Jamie

Herbs, Skills and Compassion

For some women its shoes. For others its hats or purses. A friend of mine goes nuts about fabric (which has been known to ring my bell) and stockpiles it like a squirrel on speed (yes Staci I'm talking about you!). But one of the two loves of my online, and offline foraging life is herbs. I admit a sad obsession for checking the UPS and USPS tracking services when expecting a delivery, multiple times in a short period (heaven forbid if I have to wait over a weekend!)

Well once again I've gotten to experience the giddy-ness of meeting my UPS lady and her delivery my way.  There was no chance of me even trying to wipe the stupid grin off my face, as I had the last components of my Vital Herbs formula, calcium formula (which we have been without for some time), and Peoples Paste formula from the Be Your Own Doctor book which I recently reviewed, as well as some Lavender oil which I had been waiting for them to restock since before the baby was born.  SQUEEEEEAAAALLLL! :-D

      I firmly believe that information is our all around best defense in any kind of situation that would require preparedness. When the economy finally does collapse (there is no IF about it) and we are in dire straights, a person better be able to have some form of tangible, or trade-able commodity (since the average joe doesn't keep a chest full of silver coins under the bed) to use for barter and securing a place in the new and emerging social structure of the day. Having valuable information and skills will add to your community and your personal security.

      For instance, my herbal knowledge could be the deciding factor between my acquiring some essential necessity that my family needs that I have no access to. In fact an herbal healing knowledge puts the ball in my court as for placing the trade value on items. How much would it be worth to the person who has no money to afford tylenol (were it available) for a child's fever, to have my skills and and know-how as what needs to be done? What about the man who can't afford to be off work because of a potentially threatening injury or infection? What would you pay to stave off a case of MRSA in the event of no locally available (yet ineffective) antibiotics that a doctor would prescribe to you? Pneumonia? Flu? Diabetes? Heart problems? What is your health and the health of your loved ones really worth to you?

      Back in the day doctors were well off, not necessarily for the money they made, but because of the security. No cash? Well how 'bout a couple of chickens, milk for a month, repair of an item like a wheel? So although my husband tolerates my OCD habit of collecting herbs, it very well may save our family and help us to live with a better quality of life than those around us. It also puts us at an advantage for physical security to some degree. In a community that has fallen apart, they won't kill the person that has the life saving medical knowledge first! Or possibly divert a less than pleasant outcome because I helped a person when they were sick.

      Mostly though these types of scenarios that play through my mind, prove to me again and again the value of skills and knowledge. Book knowledge is good- but hands on is better. Sure it may be awesome to be able to know that I can order these herbs and fix a multitude of problems with the right know how, but what if there were no postal services? What could I use that grew locally?  This is exactly why it is imperative that you as a conscientious person need to develop skills that are valuable to your community. You not only ensure a stable and valued position in that community, but also have something that could be marketable in a bartering system as well.

      This also leads me to say that preparedness should also involve thought for 'the other guy'. My friend Staci relayed a thought to me a while ago, that I thought really defined the reason for the Christians motivation to be prepared. How can a Christian do as Christ commanded, and give to those who are less fortunate and show compassion, mercy, and generosity, when we ourselves are wondering and scrambling to have our own needs met? How could we be a blessing to others when we ourselves are so needy because of our unpreparedness?

      This concept brings me to the place of picking up an extra bottle of peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. It could mean buying another package of toilet paper, or even a few extra bags of beans for a charity box. What about coffee or band aids or diapers, things we ourselves don't even use? The compassion factor would find a nice home in your security plans as well as putting things of bartering value on your shelf that you yourself wouldn't have to depend on for your own survival. It won't do you any good to trade off that last box of powdered milk if your family depends on it for survival- a back up plan would be necessary.

      So I guess there are a few thoughts to stimulate your own thinking about value, skills and the aspect of our Christian duty to bless others. So go find your giddy spot and make it work for you and your families benefit. And if you need to, re prioritize your life and your thinking as to what that might be for you. Yarn may not bring me added security (sanity yes, but not so much security) herbs are a better option for upping our community value, increasing a needed skill, and opportunity for practicing Christ-like compassion towards my neighbor. If you don't have a skill that covers these areas- find one. Become proficient at it. Share it. Then find another. It could save your life some day. And that some day could be sooner than you think.

Quicky Update

Just wanted to let you all know I'm still here. Last week found a powerful cleaning urge and I really did myself in the first three days. Wednesday was my birthday and also my home-visit for the midwife. For two days after that I sat and did hardly anything but sew, I figured I earned the time off. My husband has also been recovering from an accident in our van- swerving to miss an old couple walking on the road and he ended up hitting  a tree. Fortunately he wasn't severely hurt as the air bag deployed. However he has suffered from some kind of a hairline fracture and severe soreness to his right hip which required crutches and 5 days off from work. A week later the bruises on his legs are just coming out. Also have been getting some of the orders in - my herbs, the Berkey Light (WAHOO!) and the Watersorb crystals to make some cooling neck scarves for the heat this summer. So all in all its been a busy two weeks. That and keeping up with the news and the kids and trying to keep my sanity with expecting the baby in the next couple weeks ( never have made it to my due dates yet!) its been busy. Hope you all have been thinking about what you are doing about food storage and preparedness these last two weeks. So many things have been catching my eye at Drudge that I am amazed I am still sane and not going nuts with the preparing that I want to do.  OH HEY that reminds me I got to can up some chicken and some clarified butter from the videos that I posted for you. I'll put an update of those when I'm able too. Such an empowering experience for me and a pleasant sigh of relief for another bit of security for my family. Now I will be praying for some really good sales so I can stock up on meats to can. YAY!
Hope you have a good day and hopefully I'll get to post here soon!

Heirloom Seeds-OTG (Off The Grid) Reprint

   I got this in the email this morning and thought I would share it with you. This is so much the sentiments that I feel and experience. Even in my closer relationships I feel tentative about sharing my plans and general awareness because I'm nervous about the looks and responses I'll get from these people. This email relays those feelings exactly. This was sent to me for the purpose of promoting their Heirloom Seed Bank. They have a good product, but as with anything it pays to compare and shop around. None the less, here is the "article".

   A recent condescending article out of the New York Times made me understand why there is a "them" and "us" mentality in this world. I'm sure you know the reaction when any type of preparedness topic comes up in polite conversation. I've seen it, and I'm sure you have too.

    It's the little smirk, the raised eyebrow, the quiet chuckle that lets you know in no uncertain terms that you're a lunatic because you choose to be prepared for the hard times coming. We're not talking hard-core survivalists here--we're speaking in terms of "preppers," people who can read the signs of the times and know it's about to get tough, and you better figure out a way to feed your family when it does.

It's like being prepared and not living life on the edge is idiotic for some reason. It's like using your common sense and seeing the way things are, refusing to put on the blinders, is comical to these people and cause for derision and snide insults.

I'm beginning to realize how Noah must have felt!

The Times article starts off with a condescending smirk. The subject is heirloom seeds, and the opening lines start with a suggestion that the reader consider buying a 1936 Oldsmobile coupe. No matter that modern safety features and technology haven't been incorporated into the 1936 car. If you're in the market for a car, why not start with a 75-year-old model? And then the writer comes in with his clever rejoinder and says that's exactly what heirloom seed purchasers are doing.

    We're dinosaurs. We're stupid. We're ignoramuses that just don't understand, refusing to advance into the modern era of genetically modified seed that has been chemically treated and manipulated. After all, according to one seed seller, "modern seeds, which are generally hybrid crosses, produce a 'more vigorous plant, with better resistance to diseases.'"

    We're called "right-thinking" gardeners, spouting an orthodoxy the Times author calls "heirloomism." And the chief executive officer of the Burpee Seed Company states that our desire for heirlooms comes from an "anti-science credo" that has hardened into a "Luddite fundamentalism."

    And this is where the author of the piece really doesn't get it. He goes on about taste, about the size of the plant and supporting structure, about the time it takes for vegetables to grow and harvesting. He never gets into the main reason that we want heirloom seeds.

Independence.

    You see, I'm willing to allow a little more time for my tomato plants to mature if it means I can get the seed from them to grow another crop next year. I'm willing to forego all the wonders of modern science and genetic manipulation (and the resulting crop failure like has happened for those poor farmers in India) for those heirloom seeds that have hardiness etched into their genetic makeup, those varieties that have withstood the test of time and continue to grow and reproduce without needing a life support system to sustain them.

I'm willing to do all that for the sake of not having to depend on a smirking, condescending agri-giant to supply me with my seed stock. I'm willing to do that for the sake of being able to feed my family without having to depend on government subsidies or a faltering economy to do so.

And I'm sure that's the main reason you continue learning, striving, and doing as well.

Independence.

We used to know what that word meant, but many people don't anymore. Those of us who do are ridiculed for our grit and determination. The neighbors look at you askance as you plant another fruit tree, till another garden plot, or try your hand at canning and food storage. Self-sufficiency has become the joke of the modern world that would rather trust its future to dubious associations and connections than experience true freedom.

And freedom is what it's all about.

  Freedom from worry...

    Freedom from stress...

      Freedom from empty stomachs and your children going to bed hungry...

   My Sentiments exactly.

   I hope I don't step on anyone's toes by reprinting this. I've given credit, and hope if I'm in the wrong for reprinting, that someone will make me aware of it. 

--Jamie

Busyness

    This morning in my devotional I read this about business and thought (of course) of preparedness.

Never mistake activity for achievement

   There is a principle of economics that goes something like this: If you lose money on every sale, you can't make up for it in quantity. In other words, if your product is bad, it is not going to get better just because you make more of it.

   Some people need to apply this principal to the activities of their lives. They mistakenly think that increasing their commitments is admirable because "more is better." But sometimes more is worse, and this is particularly true of activities in our daily schedule.

   Before you get busier than you already are evaluate what you are doing. Maybe you should delete some commitments from your schedule so that you can do a better job with fewer activities.

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might... Ecclesiastes 9:10

   Today starts week 27 in this pregnancy-I'm starting the last trimester. There is still a very profound need for us to move, and it seems like all the works are gummed up. From my end of the deal there isn't much I can do. Jon knows the area in which he will need to be closer to work so I can't just go out looking on my own. I will have to rely on prayer and fasting to bring us the right place. But to fast during the last time of pregnancy?-certainly not! At least not in a food way. There are many fasts which one can choose to separate themselves from something "needed" and common to show earnestness God-ward that the prayers are in earnest and with sincerity.
   Thus I have decided to fast my computer for the next two weeks in order to see more clearly the working of Gods hand. I shall plan to actively rejoin all you wonderful people then. I do however, have some posts I plan on putting up on the auto post for the next weeks and hope you will enjoy them in my absence.

--Jamie

Hobbies vs. Skills- A Pet Peeve of Mine

  Sometimes it really burns me when filling out questionnaires, and getting-to-know-you type forms when I get to the "hobbies and interests" blank.

  Why you ask? Being the 'old soul' that I am I find it ludicrous and demeaning to the women who learned the arts and skills they used to keep their families fed, clothed, warmed, and cared for reduced to "hobbies" and "handy-crafts"- (pardon me while I gag on that word).

 I think a few definitions are in order:

• 2 craft: to make by or as if by hand
• 1 crafty: skillful, clever
• 2 skilled: having acquired master of or skill in something
• 2 hobby: a pursuit outside ones regular occupation engaged in esp. for relaxation.

  So first of all, I doubt the old frontier women had time to go "outside their regular occupation" for much of anything. These women were busy propping up a budding nation. Hobbies in those days were for those rich enough to afford servants and had time to play lawn games, and pursue painting.

  Even though craft and crafty related to skill when this word originated (1816) in our modern times it has taken on a more...ornamental and trivial connotation.

  Like anything that requires skill, these crafts are usually embellished during their development furthering the artistic ability and product of the crafter thus pushing them into the realm of "artisan". This aura of ability furthers competition among the "artisans" and the ornamental product becomes less and less practical and function-able.

  After industrialization made materials easier to come by, the finished products weren't far behind. Mass production and availability reduced the need of these once strictly hand made items. 

  Knowledge of these skills began to fade away until the artisan realm, and celebrity stardom made them fashionable and "chick" to do in the spare time, seeing that it no longer held the position as a necessity, since cheaper and more ornate products were widely available.

  Even with the revival of these hobby/crafts (to which they were demoted), over availability has permanently and ever after cast  a shadow on these valuable skills.

  Countless are the times that I've felt guilt and heard "confessions" of guilt laced projects from  a busy mother and homemaker who actually stole time away from her more important and pressing duties to work on.

  Wherein lies the guilt? In the cultural projection and mentality of materialism and greed that pushes manufacturers to make an " easy buck", flooding markets and minds with the in-necessity of practicing these once important and necessary skills ourselves.

  Will these skills ever be treated as such and given their value and rightful place again? My bet is that until manufacturing, importation and mass marketing ceases or is significantly crippled will we ever see the restoration of and abolition of guilt associated with producing the necessary items once again to feed, clothe warm and care for our loved ones. 
  Until then please pardon the chip on my shoulder when I hear someone refer to my skills as mere hobbies or handy-crafts. I'll do my best not to discredit your activities and interests as shallow busy work with no real value and necessity as well. Pardon me, do you have a tissue, my sarcasm is running.

All I Need To Know About Raising My Children I Learned From My Knitting

 by Jamie Clegg  2010

  As of late I've been overwhelmed with the awesomeness of the task and responsibility of raising my children.  For certain there are so many things that I need to do differently, experiment with what works best, or totally drop. As an only child there are no references from my childhood dealing with sibling issues, and particular character issues (as I was always on the receiving end and not the teaching). So my only references must come from resources around me, particularly books on Christian parenting. And in that area I feel as I am one who learns but never comes to knowledge. I feel like I am standing at a great chasm with a book that tells me that I can fill it up, if I use the right tools. But the book doesn't list what tools those are.  
  But today as I was putting my girls down for a nap with my busywork knitting in front of me, it was like God sent me a note on my needles.  
  Busywork knitting is something to occupy my time, while I can still be productive without putting much thought into it.  Its great for letting the wheels in my head spin around the issues I'm dealing with. For the last while its been a pattern for leprosy bandages. Essentially home made ace bandages with thin crochet cotton on tiny needles. Only twenty six stitches wide and knit every row. At aprox. 18 rows per inch, Ive managed almost 2 1/2 feet.  
  While knitting away and thinking about the task of child raising "How do I teach them what they need to know? How can I be that example?" , the verse "line upon line precept upon precept" popped up on my needles.  
  At first thought that verse is a pretty common "well duh" kind of verse that I've seen in Child rearing books often. But when put in context of my knitting it pretty much punched me in the face. ( I told God to be clear about the answer now didn't I?)  
  I am the knitter- Gods chief means of building the character of this child. The needles are the tools God uses to shape us, the thread is His precepts and guidelines. Each stitch is each day. God is the pattern I'm following.  
  At first when the piece is begun it seems tedious, as there is not much to show, and so far to go before there is even a recognizable resemblance to the pattern. The stitches are small and each one dependent on the one behind and underneath it. And yet if there is any hope for reaching the conclusion there must be a start made. After that consistency is key. If I lay my work aside and forget about it nothing happens, it never grows into the pattern as planned. If I leave it on the needles too long, after continuing again, there will be evidence that the work had been stagnant and create a blemish on the fabric. If I am haphazard about what circumstances I leave my knitting sitting around, the influences around it may very well unravel my work (ever have children pull the needles out?), This can cause serious damage indeed, and happen frequently if you are not vigilant. If I am not careful to give an account of my work on a regular basis, attention to details slip and I am now knitting with one less stitch than I had been previously. Closer inspection reveals a dropped stitch, that depending on the strength of the surrounding circumstances, can cause a run, ripping through the foundations I have so carefully put on before.  
  What to do? Do I stop and give up? Do I get mad and throw the whole stupid business in the frog pond? Do I carefully frog back and begin with a new set of rows? Or do I employ and plead the tool of the crochet hook (God's Holy Spirit) to fix each marred stitch? Ask a lace knitter with a run in a circle shawl 5 rows back which is easier!  
  And when I am finally done with the piece and I have built upon the foundations, and I am satisfied that it matches what the pattern intended, what then do I see? This bandage seems fit for the purpose which the pattern intended, but I notice that over the long time I've been knitting and building that the thread, which, when once on the ball was a beautiful and resilient  white, is now less than glorious. Many outside influences have left their mark on this piece that must be addressed before it can be used to heal the wounds which the world makes. It must be washed and bleached and tried in order to be of any use. This process can make a knitter quite nervous. Will there be shrinkage? Will it unravel. Will the process reveal any hidden flaws from inattention? Will it be deemed worthy of using? One would see the importance of the duty and responsibility a parent takes on. May God help us as parents!  
  So much of this lesson sprang into my mind at a moments notice. So now I know. God has been faithful to show me. May I be faithful to follow The Pattern, and keep moving along, one stitch, one row, one inch at a time, till in the end God's likeness is embedded in my child. 

--Jamie