yesterday was my birthday, and I awoke to my oldest son making pancakes, decorations my two daughters put up the night before... and the day only got better
my husband gave me a kiss goodbye for work, and when he returned, family came over to enjoy dinner at the farm... and lots of laughter...
my 9year old son crafted this wreath for me!! i love it!
and then came my 11 yr. old daughter's gift... a work of art...
all the details she put into it, all on her own, were so incredible... a treasure...
when my husband returned home from his long day, he blessed me with a strong hug and a tender kiss, and the most beautiful bouquet of white roses...
there was one pink one he said "for you are my one true love"
yup i lost it... i let the moment go and let me totally feel his love
where did my 9yr. old get this wreath idea? for Thanksgiving, I made a paper wreath for my sister-in-law as a hostess gift, and she hung it in her kitchen:
I hope she liked it! This post is part of White Wednesday, and for more white inspiration, go here. ~a very merry december to you all!~ xo+blessings,
photo courtesy of Un Coeur en Provence (click on to visit Laeriss's great blog) this above photograph stopped me in my tracks it is so completely opposite from what I decorate like, yet I really like it so free like... expressionistic... flea market treasures I have seen some amazing homes this Christmas here on the web... I'm so impressed with what you all do!! and that above picture is certainly not Christmas decor, however, it has given me some ideas I hope to implement tomorrow and share with you by the weekend (besides... this farmhouse needs a bit of rearranging and color I say) hope you are enjoying your moment in life,
Working within a small space, our master bedroom is just that: small (or cozy depending on how I feel that day) Here's my question (which I don't ask for very often): "Is it okay to put a sleigh bed in front of the window?" this is what my bedroom looks like now...
We enjoy our views of the barns and prairie through our master bedroom window on one side, and on the other side is a view of the ancient oak tree — another great view -
so we have tucked our bed in a sort of alcove... which is okay, but I'm up for some change, and moving furniture is #1 on my list to do, unless I think of some other way to decorate that "alcove" it is where I do a lot of reading and writing... so it needs to be soothing... serene... relaxing (input other relaxing words here)
I know I'm probably nuts to do this project now (with the holidays here and all) but the funny thing is, this is the time I go out shopping at retail stores the most!! I RARELY go shopping... so why not use some birthday money and do it right? right i thought so
My inspiration is coming from two LOVELY ladies that I adore here on the net, and am very happy to call them my friends as well... Lulu (from Dusty Lu) and Jo (from Secret Garden Cottage)
I'll be posting some Q&A with both Lulu and Jo in the upcoming week, so stay tuned for the progress!! xo+blessings,
what kind of conversations are you guys having with your spouses about this past Christmas? is it every any wonder why we keep trying to make this life more simple? more in tune with the natural progression of the year?
this time of year, the new year, we seem to want to make new resolutions/etc... and doing so during the Christmas season... as might be a good idea, it is quite possible that instead of making resolutions on this day, a deeper sense of the reality of who you are and where you are should be determined
meaning
what if instead of putting that pressure upon ourselves, just because others are doing so, we accepted who we are, how we look, and where we live with honor, respect, love and thanksgiving
don't get me wrong... I am the first one to set a goal, do it, and then go on to the next one (especially when it comes to cleaning... like my forgotten pantry which took over four hours the other day)
how about the peace of self
not only will this give you the confidence to go out into the world and be who you want to be, but the pressure is off
i tend to like pressure a bit... sometimes i need it to help me along
but there are times, when all i need to do is step back, and see the situation and just accept it... honor the people involved in it... respect myself... love whatever and whomever is involved... and give thanks for the joy it is bringing me
i don't know about you all, but i'm ready to work at this more and more each... to create an environment that is peaceful and joyful for those near and dear to me
but it will take work
maybe a few tools too... and a lot of patience, fortitude and faith
When you think of celebrating the birth of your own child, preperations are sometimes extensive... invitations sent out... fun and games planned... and of course, the cake SO I ASKED MYSELF THIS: "what if I was to prepare a birthday party for Jesus... God's only son" first off the pressure would be insurmountable... but knowing only He is perfect sure helps me... I had this whole photo shoot set out in my mind to have a white cake in the barn... with the animals around... and sort of "re-create" the manger idea but then I awoke this morning to this:
It was as if God Himself whispered His sweetness on the farm a dense fog surrounded our property, and beyond the woods you couldn't see... beyond the prairie was mystery beyond anything any one of us could ever do I quickly baked the cake, but had an idea to put it in the winter-storybook-like woods with silver... crystals... white... and the cake for Him How did I set about doing this? I thought for a moment... and came up with this: Jesus is filled with awe and wonder (like the woods that surrounded this)... He is masculine and bold(like the heavy metal table and strong branches) He is sweet (like the cake) and pure (as the snow that inspired this photo shoot)
Happy Birthday Sweet Jesus and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!!! xo+Christmas Blessings,
I'm sure you are familiar with Jennifer at the Painted Cottage... but she posted this today and I love! this picture!! how creative and fun (not to mention the rest of her house looks gorgeous)
She's got great style and always has unique DIY ideas... thanks for the inspiration Jennifer!!
I'm even going to post again today — a little later — our Christmas card we sent out... xo+Christmas Blessings,
that picture is from a very talented and creative and SUPER sweet friend of mine: Julia please pop over to see her wonderful ideas for wrapping and I am so going to do this (and she herself has a great blog) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! can you believe it's only a few days away??? how very exciting!!!!!!!!!! xo,
one of my biggest material treasures... a French postal bag... love the texture! I have it hanging on an old apple ladder — I thought the postal idea would fit right into the 'scene' of giving!
decorations via my ebook: simply Christmas!
I am really liking this new corner of my world...
(thank you so much Kalah and Dave... you truly have no idea how much the tree means to us) peace and blessings! more tomorrow:)
I am constantly impressed with the inspiration out there for this farm girl stuck on the frozen tundra (but lovin' it), and able to access so many people from all across the world for Christmas decorating ideas is just like a Christmas present to me!!!
All of you guys are awesome... these are just some of the women who impressed me with staying true to their style this holiday season... Enjoy! (most pictures here are labeled on the photographs by the blog they are from)
o
a fantastic idea with leftover fabrics for the perfect gift bag...
office type
manon21
paige at simple thoughts By the way... I opened up a new journal, called Farm Kitchen... for some recipes and farm goodness:) click on the image to visit...
the more and more time I spend on this farm, the more I realize how we become who we are by simply just working with what we have, and listening to our surroundings... opening our eyes
that is the great thing about life it is constantly changing... with new ideas... and right now, with advent season upon me and the farm, a new perspective on quite a few things have entered into my life here and yes, even in my farm kitchen...
this cabinet was in my craft room... it's a small nook off the living room which I use to sew and create in but when Fifi was here, she made a comment that this white hutch, was out of place... that it didn't fit into the rest of the house except for the kitchen (where we have white cabinets)
I didn't get upset... not in the slightest!... but it got me thinking on that ever since she brought it to my attention I just thought it looked good where it was... but who am I? certainly no decorator!! so this past week, I moved that hutch into the kitchen, where the chippy paint/jelly cupboard was...
make sure you stop and smell the roses wherever you are... these are still from my birthday! within the hutch, I tucked a few treasures...
a few ornaments here and there...
it brightened up this space even more... in all areas of the kitchen
sometimes friends and family make fun of me moving furniture around like this, but call me silly, but doing so, changes the physical and mental atmosphere here... decorating therapy so to speak possibly *************** i know my little "Christmas Cowboy" is in this photo... he had a birthday this past week... and he looooves being a cowboy (i love it too)
Holiday times brings out so much cheer!! Being that I am still up in the night with my little one does put a damper on the "cheer" factor some mornings, but today, I woke up, and all but the 14 yr. old (boy — still asleep) were outdoors playing in the fresh fallen snow... and this instantly cheered me up!
I love the seasons changing... and I have so many crafts/ideas going on inside our farmhouse that I can't wait to share with you!!!
Speaking of sharing: Jennifer Rizzo, designer/artist, contacted me to see if I wanted to share the inside of our farmhouse for Christmas decorating
gulp
a lot to do I must say... but I'm so excited to be in this line up...
starts Monday!! but I'm stop 9 (thank goodness)
do you need to feel more cheer right now?? then take a look at Jeanne's new look book at her blog — oh my goodness it is so amazing... completely so well put together and creative — her photography is so dang good I'm off to school the kids + have some coffee + and create!! (all three together;) peace + blessings,
living within the seasons doesn't require anyone to celebrate a made up holiday surely you aren't surprised that we don't "celebrate" Halloween yes... the pressure is there from family... friends... loved ones to include the children in activities that are in essence... fun however
we'd rather gather together to celebrate all the people who gave their life for Someone... Something... more important than a bag full of candy... the day after is much more spiritually enhancing
it seems today's "holiday" has overshadowed the essence of this time of harvest + saints + souls even though racing around a neighborhood and getting all six of your children in and out of the car to run up to beg for candy from strangers while inundating them with sights and sounds of the demonic may sound like fun to some... it doesn't to us... however dressing up and enjoying the seasons does... as does raising our children to always think of what He wants from us... what we can do for Him... to be strong... to be faithful
raising four boys, we do so in the spirit of this idea, being open to their ideas and activities they want to do on the farm with their friends it is not uncommon to see at any given day an "army man" ducking down into his man-made foxhole (seriously... the oldest two boys dug a 3' deep x 12' foxhole in the back prairie) recently the two oldest boys had a few friends over (as did our oldest daughter last year at this time) to play be free be boys
a surprise meal of "mush" and a slice of bread for the soldiers (the mush was browned sausage with a homemade white sauce) the meal was served from a cast iron pot and an old ladle that was used to plop it onto the tin plates
it was hilarious... when I came out of the house and rang the bell... they all came running as I yelled "chow time!!" an order of "line up!" was issued as a plate and metal spoon was thrust into their chests the dish was plopped on and one kid just stood there... so I said "move along soldier!!" he looked at our son and said "what is this? " I responded "slop!... now move along... " the grin on my face told him I was not feeding him something rotten:) that boy's brother then said... "I don't care what it is... I'm starving" our kids... our boys are starving for their imaginations to be fed... they need the necessary food to help them grow in strength upon temptations... there is no denying that the world can influence your thinking and try to coerce you to do things you don't really want to do ("but everyone else is doing it") grow together as a family... starts by praying together as a family... and listening to their hopes and dreams whether you choose to celebrate this day or not: stay safe in both spirit and self peace + blessings,
preserving the last of the herbs... photo taken by daughteri would like to say
i have a lot
there is so much
both spiritually and materially that i am changing... doing... being
my days have been consumed with this life/vocation/existence but still i change
my mind starts to wander and think... of me...
never... ever... is this a good idea
it's like i put this self made cross (which is quite heavy) upon myself and absolutely refuse to have help in carrying it
that's not a cross from Him, but of my own design...
my father has been in the hospital now for 21 days... his cross is real... and he is letting others help him carry it... he doesn't have the strength to carry it himself...
this all has happened not only for my father, but for all involved in his life...
isn't it always the case... where you are more than willing to help others carry their cross, but when you start to feel the weight, you bear it yourself, because you think you can do it
i don't know about others, but, i can't do it alone
so so much i am working on... trying to listen and be obedient... giving in to the circumstances of life
so much on my mind that i can't even journal it all... my journal has been neglected bedside for weeks
the trivial things of worry and concern are nothing compared to what my mother has been going through seeing her husband... my dad... go through such a trying time...
this all has happened not only for my father, but for all involved in his life...
those socks still need mending, the meals done, the last of the herbs harvested, math lessons completed, prayers of thanks to be earnestly said
the worry and the mind wander and the thoughts can 'hang out' for awhile in my mind, but ultimately it is not necessary or needed...
the best way to put my thoughts coherently is by none other than C.S. Lewis... “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
(I will be discussing this all through this week...)
i don't know the day or life you have had we are seperated by many miles and a few years
while i was wearing leg warmers you were swaddled in your mother's arms
would it matter if i knew your name + background + the shoe size you wear?
i didn't know you you might be a passerby... your on your way while i am on mine
the nest you have woven amongst the golden hues and gray skies will never be forgotten
i stitched it for them, and they hung it in their window... so sweet... if you were here this past weekend, you would have noticed a turquoise truck + camper on the old barn foundation
on Thursday of last week, my oldest son and I were headed to our neighbor's farm to get some straw to lay down in the prairie lounge... we passed this turquoise truck... hood open... one with his head in the engine, the other behind the wheel... I stopped to see if help was needed... no was the answer I received...
again, we passed them, now with our truck filled with the straw
I thought to myself how they looked familiar without knowing them... how I needed to get home and get to work... how if they really needed my help they would have said so right??
Jason left for work when I came home... but called me 45 minutes later telling me he was towing a couple to the farm who were stranded... not surprised, I put on my shoes to greet them onto the farm
She recognized me
We started talking... and talking... and talking... not knowing how our paths are so very similar in life... deep within our souls, our experiences...
If you saw a naturally beautiful soul behind the bakery counter at the sale this past weekend, it was her... moving to their new home
passing by the farm but never leaving my heart
we are close enough in this world to see with our hearts and not our minds, or pre-conceived ideas
it's quite simple to realize that in this world help is always there for me... I am the one who needs to accept it
acceptance is love
no matter what — trust — love -
no matter what the age difference or demographics are no matter if we both love baking and biking no matter if we love the nature that surrounds us no matter if both of the men in our lives are carpenters
there is much more in common with each and every person if you just stop to notice it...
age, tattoos, color of skin... it really doesn't matter when it comes to the human experience does it...
I feel so very blessed beyond measure that I met them... and that God had our paths cross... they have been for more than one reason... they were there for me and I hope I have been there for her... for them both...
Being completely able to load, hold, aim and shoot accurately at anything in life takes discipline
and the willingness to not be afraid of trying new things but always being on guard, from not only evil, but allowing yourself to stop caring... of even the little things...
what I'm guarding... = my individuality (making sure I'm not becoming too familiar with myself) = my children = the last of the tomatoes from the chickens (who btw, are still not laying eggs) = baby Daniel from getting any bigger (at six months of age, there is seriously nothing cuter than his chubby thighs and little giggles) = my sanity (due to the impounding ideas surging through my brain for the upcoming event... I have to keep calm!! — emphasizing even more of the need to relax due to the double exclamation marks) = my oldest son's desires = my oldest daughter's modesty = my sewing needles (my oldest son is sewing patches onto his clothing — and in which, has sewn his arm closed twice, and knotted the thread so tightly we could zip line from it) = my sugar (the bees need to fed some of my coveted raw sugar... they have been bred with another queen... it's a long story... but let's say, there was a mighty battle and the queen is dead!
don't become too familiar with yourself... but be on guard it's for His glory, not your own
thinking of waiting to share with you until tomorrow...
well
i couldn't
Jason and I got back at 3am last night from a nearly 2 1/2 week tent camping journey with all of the children
i know what some of you might be thinking... all 6 kids? in tents? were there bears? wild animals?
yes
and yes some more
to share with you all my thoughts in a few lines here is impossible
i am experiencing severe head rushes of euphoria while my hands are under warm running water... heck, with running water... i am finding myself any excuse to do something under that running water
as we pulled up to our little farm house here in Illinois after journeying across country... destination: the mountains of Idaho... i stood looking up at the house and remarked to all of us "it's a palace"
our tent home consisted of a 12' x 8' space (the boys had there own)
i think the only thing i can share at this moment, truly, is that i am having the most unbelievable sensation that doors seem not natural
i don't know how to describe it... but i haven't closed any doors to leave things behind or go forward except when we had to jump in the car to get to our next "mountain location"
that, and i had no idea how much stuff i don't need until now
here i thought i had stripped myself of most of it before the trip, but the mountains have gotten into my soul... the valleys are running deep
it will take some time to record all my thoughts... recipes... personal journey
The event this year is coming together so nicely... meant to be on so many levels...
totally random photo... he's just too cute not to post today...
There is so much more I wanted to include in the flyer, but there simply wasn't enough room!!
the entry fee on Friday night is waived when you bring your ticket (handed to you Friday night) back Saturday (if you plan on attending the event both days)
part of the proceeds both days benefit a local charity — Hope Haven -
there are more and more homeless individuals... but not enough room at their building... but we can help them (to make a more substantial donation, visit their website here)
Making a difference in other people's lives is so important on so many levels... and community needs to stick together
that's the primary reason why Jason and I host this event on our farm
to help support many different local artists, antique dealers, musicians, etc.
My focus for the sale is baking from scratch and selling those yummies in my little 'farm bakery' in the barn...
ART on the Farm classes have begun registration and you can see more about those classes here (or on my sidebar)... seats are limited, so please register soon
If coming from out of town, I am so thrilled that the Holiday Inn Express has created a room block and ALL rooms are the same price for you!! even the King Executive Suites!! to see more go here
This is a lot of information I know, but so much needs to be said when it comes to this event... there is much more to it than just stuff on tables or haystacks... it's all our creative efforts joined together to both inspire you and to give you the opportunity to purchase all HANDMADE and USA made items crafted by our hands — all of us involved...
Here's an idea: Gather a few of your friends that you haven't seen in awhile, or that you see all the time and love being around... create a closer connection to them by planning a trip to the farm... here's even a little something for you to send them in your e-mail...
If you gathered the "three of you"... split the hotel room ($97.50) three ways... it's only: $32.50 per person! This is an event I don't want you to miss! Take Jill's jewelry class Friday night, go shopping afterwards, go back to your plush hotel room, have a few cocktails, laugh and giggle, tell stories and eat some snacks while watching a movie... the next morning, grab a cup of coffee (and their famous cinnamon rolls at the hotel) and head back to the farm just after the sun rises to walk the prairie (rain or shine) to Jen's class to learn how to create a unique art under glass creation with the inspiration you will find on our farm and in the back 3 acre prairie... shop some more and enjoy a class by the famous artists Jeanne Oliver from Colorado... she is teaching two classes that are both unique and beautiful to create under the skylights in the horse barn... don't forget to grab a few cupcakes and sit under the trees and enjoy the farm!! (that sounds like a great weekend if you ask me) bringing your blankets to picnic or relax out in the prairie is highly encouraged:) xo+blessings,
when your eyes are open to a new idea... a new way of looking at things that are out of your control, you start to see the world differently... in a new way
in a wondrous way
there is mystery and intrigue into this new world
when you get yourself caught in the 'rut' of life and nothing is new and you are doing the same thing day in and day out... that is exactly the time when instead of closing yourself off, you should listen to another
listen with your whole self
your whole being
completely with your whole soul
we are intricately connected with this blessed Earth... it can show us so much... we can feel so much from it...
quite honestly, it's an organic way of thinking... natural life... natural world... supernatural soul
connecting the two — the supernatural with the natural is hard to do when stuck in the 'rut'
we cannot figure things out on our own... it takes a lot of listening...
'project positive' urged me out of a rut... but when you take the same road, it's easy to fall back into that rut... the same potholes caught up in me everytime...
that's when I knew I had to let Him take over watching the world pass me by was calming at first... a relief of sorts... but then after He listened to me whine and complain talk of my concerns in life, I started just listening and gaining more trust in Him... I liked the world He was showing me... I like what I saw...
I liked it so much I started thinking maybe it was time to take the wheel again... so I asked Him... and He said He was going to always be there with me, but for now, He's letting someone I love dearly show me too... but He's confident that this person will sometimes give me the wheel and I'll teach him...
love is a lot of listening
whomever you love in your life, listen more than give your opinion... you might be missing out on helping them
it's quite possible that they are the ones who are trying to show you more joy and happiness...
love is a lot of listening and trust, but hope for a better you
getting through... changing our minds as quickly as the squash blossoms fall... wanting to do more... see more... hear more... feel more
all of us can raise our hands to the thoughts of wanting more — whether spiritual or material it is our 'human nature' to want to do more
this has gotten twisted to where wanting more is for ourselves
but think about it... how so very unique you are... we are... that we were granted this right to our life... by whom? certainly not ourselves willed it into existence... it was given to us
each of us carry a special place within this life... because of this uniqueness we have... and certain people come into your life, my life, our lives for a reason... and it isn't to become more cynical, more vindictive person, to be more agitated, more stressed, more upset, more judgemental... even though most often times people react this way when confronted with someone "new"...
these wonderful encounters of unique individual souls, regardless of what their bodies are like, create thoughts and feelings within us... giving us inspiration, ideas, new thoughts...
and though we may change our minds often, it is all because we are trying to find more ways to glorify, to lift our spirits, to enhance those bits and pieces that have been given to us since we have been nursed in our mother's arms... always wanting to do more because when we are children we are so willing to do so... to please
dividing our experiences as children to our adult lives can be suppressed just so long... all of us are different from when we were children... and letting go of the mistakes we've made has to be done — sometimes daily, sometimes just once... but those mistakes that we've made, and mistakes are made every day... can help you grow... help you see... help you hear... help you feel
the thing about feelings is that they come and go... so though you may make a mistake, asking for forgiveness will humble yourself like a child, and give you that feeling... but always keep in mind that everyone — every single one of us — has made mistakes, hurt others, whether they want to humble themselves in order to have compassion on you is their choice... but I understand, and I think you do too...
for reasons unknown, i like my breakfast warm and rather late... if it was up to me, we would eat breakfast around 10 am
like starting a pot of oatmeal... and letting that simmer and bubble until creamy and so delicious
i do not like to rush things
when i do have to rush with the family in the morning, it is though we are all constantly turning in circles and elbowing each other
being though i have now chopped all my hair off once again, the vanity in front of the mirror happens no longer (what a relief to be done with having it curled or 'done'...) even though my daughter is brilliant when it comes to hair styles with braids and fishtails and pins and curls, it was just not me
all this expands my idea to eat breakfast at 10am... i don't particularly think that my younger children will appreciate this new idea, so i might just have to make a personal choice
for a time there, i was getting up early every single day (except the rest day of Sunday) and running down the road... i hate running... never have liked it... never have liked running around
so on the table one day, ham and cheese scones were at the ready instead of my conditioned muscles, as were sliced fresh cantaloupe that was the sweetest
