Margins

Afternoon Blueberry tea with real blueberries and whipped cinnamon honey.

Hello Ladies,

With past experience of a very busy holiday season, I have learned fatigue and physical exhaustion set in quickly if I don't keep to boundaries.  I have realized these boundaries are for me, not for me to impose on family.

So far in the past 45 days I have foreseen the upcoming months and said no to many social "extras" I was doing.  Like a lovely women's Bible study I attend when I can, and also a few women from church trying to plan a retreat day each month...even in November and December.

In saying no, my boundaries are pushed by almost everyone.  But I know it's best for me to be able to go through the season with joy in my heart and praising God for Jesus.

A week and a half after Christmas is my birthday, and last year I was so exhausted I didn't want to be around anyone for my birthday. It saddened me, but the mental and physical exhaustion was to great. I only wanted a quiet sleigh ride.  My blessed husband granted me that one wish. And it was beautiful.

This topic brings me back to women of years past.  The ones who I have read about, and who I have heard through those who have lived in the early 1900's.

Women did things with family, and guarded her energy and family time.  It was lovely to travel to spend time with family, but never at the expense of her health or her children. She didn't have the amount of media in her life as we do today, yet she had very clear boundaries.

If we recall for a moment, the times before cell phones and media, the planning that was involved in creating a lovely atmosphere at home.  And the big plans for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

These are stressful enough, but adding in the media and texting that is expected now, and all the wonderful shows and gatherings,  it creates an added burden of stress.

As a women and mom, I find in my older years, I don't like to add too much to my schedule so I like to create Margins.  If you have never read the book, I highly recommend it.  It gave me insights and "permission" if you will to say No.  To hold to my reasons why, and to know God will bless me in my no.

In my journey with my health, years ago, I heard of a phrase which I still use today: Pigs at a trough.  Using this phrase helps me explain to others my no.  So if there are 3 pigs at a trough and a 4th comes up and pushes his way in, then one of the 3 gets pushed out.  That's just the way it is.

If I am managing meals and my home for my husband and I, managing my health with daily rests and watching the amount of activities I am involved in, I have a little time left for things for me.  If that time is filled with planning and grandchildren then I can't do many errands. If that time is filled with errands and a family gathering then I can't do additional family or social events.

Lets say I have space in my week for 1 major event.  Well, if my children and grandchildren get together, then I say no to lunch with a friend that week.

If there are only 24 hours in a day...we can't squeeze in 26 or 27 just by going faster or more meticulous planning.  We get 24 hours.

This holiday season from November and into December I am using Margins and the phrase "pigs at a trough" to help me navigate through so I can be joyful and grateful.  If I miss out on a few things then that is what I must do so I can remain happy and available for my husband, tend to our home and see my grandchildren.

Wishing you a peaceful November and planning season for Christmas.

Mrs. Peterson

Seasons in daily life

"Woman harvesting" graphic from Graphic Fairy

Hello Ladies~

For many years I have been interested in the seasons, as God gave to us.  Many Christian church's have changes through the seasons, and from hundred's of years ago this was because people were mostly an agricultural people.

Today, I see, for me, not only the changes in our seasonal church activities, but also as a woman. There are natural tendencies that happen in the fall.  Like "nesting". Or becoming more aware of the needs of the family to prepare for winter.

Reading things like homeschooling with Waldorf ways ( I didn't homeschool, but have found the rhythms of nature and celebrations according to the seasons appealing to me). Most any book you find from the 1800's on homemaking (free online with archive library.org) will show how women thought about the seasons, and how not only the food changes, but the crafting and clothing as well.

Also fascinating is how our daily life is this way.  We wake up, usually (unless you have a health project you manage) we wake with a bit of energy and it increases by noon, the high point of the day, only to feel that natural afternoon fatigue that asks us to stop for a bit and rest before we start winding down into evening meal preparations and the quiet of the evening.

I won't go into how screen time, smart phones, and blue lights affect this.  Please educate yourself though, it is proven to affect our brains.

So, back to seasons and rhythms of our day.  An article I read recently, I apologize I don't know the name of it, spoke of the daily activities being either more "masculine" which is the doing part, and more "feminine" which is the rest & nuture part.

Being a homemaker for almost 20 years, I can certainly see this in myself, but my body due to long time health limitations, requires the rest side.

I think for so many years I was/and sometimes still am, a "doer".  I can "do from sun up after prayer time, to the lights out at bed.

Now I need and long for the balance of the "feminine"  rest & nurture. I thrive when I do this.  And my moods and the transition through menopause is a bit easier.

When I was first a homemaker, after years of working, I read an amazing article that made sense. It was called "When Queens Ride by " Agnes Sligh Turnbull. The website this link is for is not the original place I saw it, but she did an amazing job putting it into a PDF to read.

It speaks of being more feminine.  We need this in our world.  Old red flannel pants - as a religious sister I know refers to the devil- does not want us, as women to be feminine, either by dress or by nature.

The drive to do, to be...takes us out of our natural desire to nurture.

I hope you will find enjoyment in the article, and look at balance your day and your seasons with what God has created. It's beautiful to see His hand in this when we abide.

Blessings to you,
Mrs. Peterson

Max 2013-2019


We miss you Max.

"When we human beings let go and embrace the new, when we flow with the seasons, and merge with the same basic rhythm that tells the geese when to go, we hear things beyond sound, and feel things beyond touch, and a kind of serenity settles over our spirits."

~Jean Hersey, The Shape of a Year

In the kitchen today: trail mix

Soaking seeds and nuts for trail mix.

Hello Ladies~

Today is the day I am usually doing my weekly cleaning and any prep work for kitchen related things.  Like soaking nuts.  Since I need to make some trail mix for my husband, getting the nuts and seeds soaked so they can dry tonight was priority.

I don't soak cashews and I'm not a stickler for "soaking and sprouting everything" I just don't have the energy for that these days. But I do enjoy nuts and seeds soaked and dried.

This morning I got the pecans, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds soaking with salt. They will sit all day, at least 7 hours then I have a dehydrator they will go in tonight when we go to bed.

I have found this rhythm to be best for me since I don't like to listen to it in the daytime, even though it sits in the laundry room when I use it.

Most of the time they will be dry by tomorrow morning about 10 am, so about 12 - 14 hours.

Since the dehydrator is such low voltage, it doesn't use much electricity and I only use it for nuts these days.  I used to do much more dehydrating, but we have found the "rehydrated" carrots etc aren't something we care for. So, nuts it is.

Everyone that has tasted on of these soaked and dried pecan or pumpkin seed has said "wow! That's really good. I never would have thought it would make a difference." It does, and my husband enjoys it in the trail mix I make.

The nuts are purchased in bulk, and they do last me a long time.  Well worth the cost. And the time for me to make this trail mix...minutes.  Even the dehydrating prep.  The longest part of the process is washing off the drying screens. Otherwise, easy peasy.

Trail mix:

After dehydrating pecans, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.

1C. Pecans
1C Cashews
1C. Sunflower seeds
1C Pumpkin seeds
1/2 C Raisins
1/3 C Chocolate chips (Mr. P likes them but says he doesn't want them to drown out the rest)

Mix in a large bowl and put into a container with a lid.  Portion out about 1/3c. is a serving.

As age has an affect on how much I eat these days, I don't eat but a few nuts every few days.  For me I gain weight with nuts and too many fruits.  Love them but we have an agreement: I will only eat a few and they won't affect my weight too much. ☺

Have a blessed day!

In times of marriage distress - Helen Andelin's words

All of us, no matter what our walk of life is, have bumps in our marriage.  My grown children thought we never argued, until recently one of them was sharing her marital struggles. When I told them "Dad and I argue, just had one yesterday" she was overcome with shock and just couldn't believe it. She was comparing hers to what she "thought" ours was. Perception.

Our marriage is wonderful, thanks to many principles I have learned through the years, but the occasional bump still happens.

I am reminded of these wonderful words of the late Helen Andelin who wrote Fascinating Womanhood.  If you have ever wondered how to go about your distresses, I urge you to check it out.  It truly does work.

from Graphics Fairy

"I wish I could let every woman know how wonderful marriage can be, more wonderful than you can even imagine. It is like having a bit of heaven here on earth. And the amazing thing is that although it does not guarantee a life free of problems, the teachings of Fascinating Womanhood, when applied, keep love kindled and burning throughout all of the ups and downs of life. The fire of love burns out the dross and refuse. And the more difficult life is, the more purified and intense love in marriage can become.
If you have been in deep distress over your marriage situation, you may need some training in how to deal with suffering before you can live Fascinating Womanhood successfully. No man wants a depressed, down hearted, miserable wife, so you may have to do the impossible and learn to be happy in your own soul before you can apply Fascinating Womanhood to its fullest. There is a way that never fails, so please give careful attention: The way is to turn to your Heavenly Father for strength. He will never let you down. You can be happy in spite of your difficult situation, as in the lines taken from a comforting hymn, a hymn in which the Father is talking to you:


How Firm a Foundation
Beginning with verse 3:

Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, bless thee and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.


When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.


When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.


The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake! These lines are sobering but remember, once you are connected to the Spirit of God so you are happy in your own soul, it will be fun to live Fascinating Womanhood. After awhile the depressed feelings will leave, you will be walking on the clouds and your husband will adore you. But remember, you have to live it. You can’t just read it. You can’t just believe it. You have to live it, all of it. But if other women can live it and attain these heavenly rewards you can as well."

Have  a Blessed Day!

Autumn Blessings to you

Hello~

The changing of the seasons has always been close to my heart.  God made the seasons, each for it's own reason. Our bodies naturally live with that..even though we may not be aware of it.

Through the years and learning more about the seasons, agriculture, the Church and the seasons and my own experience of "nesting" each Fall, I have come to love the change.  Except Spring.  Yes I love the flowers and I love the colors and Easter especially, but after a long, cold, icy winter when Spring arrives in late March I am ready for flowers and green.  This doesn't usually happen until May.

So, I struggle with Spring. I guess it is a sort of impatience. I often struggle with that. God's timing not Dee's is my frequent phrase.

So today I decorated just a bit, changed my pillow covers on the couch (which I learned from a very easy tutorial on You Tube. Each took about 30 min. No zippers, no buttons. Love it!) changed my rug by my front door and still need to change my wreath.  Ooops.

I don't do the whole house now.  With just Mr. P and I and we live in the country, it's just enough to lift my spirits and show a change of seasons within our home too.

Sometimes I add God's naturally decorations which I love the most!

Tonight for dinner we had a pot roast, roasted potatoes and carrots, green beans and a very yummy Apple Crisp that is gluten free, and no refined sugar ( I use maple syrup). We actually had the Apple Crisp for an afternoon snack while we waited for dinner to cook.

I wish you Fall Blessings and may God provide you with decorations in your area to enjoy.

Homemade Apple Crisp and tea to welcome Fall.

A Birthday outing

Last week was my husband's birthday and the one thing he wanted was to spend the night somewhere different. We went to The Springs in Pagosa. It was amazing.

The Mother Spring was 144 degrees and from what we read about the history of the Springs, the Ute Indians used to go there...many, many many years ago...and found that a disease that had spread in their community was not being healed by any means they had. They prayed and danced and did a traditional fire to their god.  The next morning this main spring was bubbling in the place where the fire was. They approached it and all that went into it was healed. When settlers found it, there were tracks leading away from the spring so they later learned the story.

We were able to go in several springs , I only went in with my feet in a pool that was 97 degrees.  My husband tried several, with 104 being the most he could do.  There is one called the Lobster Pot...if you go in you get a t-shirt. Ha!

The springs run naturally and there was a study done in 2011 and the American Geologic group went in to find out how deep it really is.  They stopped after 1,000 feet! WOW!

People are not allowed in the Mother Spring due to the temperature.  Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

This is the entrance.

Mr P by the natural spring at the entrance. I don't think you can see it, but the cool morning air with the hot spring caused steam to rise.

Mrs P.  by the Mother Spring. One part of the story was to my right.

This little guy was warming himself on a rock as we walked across the street to breakfast.

Here, the springs naturally drip down to join the river that goes by.  Years of minerals formed and the tree branches as well have minerals.

Just fascinating.  God can sure create some amazing things.

I hope you enjoyed.  You can go to the website to learn more of the 24 pools around the property, there are also springs around Pagosa and all of these you don't have to pay to see. That's the best part!

Have a blessed day. 

Fun t-shirt

When it's one of those days:

Grandma's Banana Cream Pie with a twist

Hello Ladies,

Several years ago a very wise older homemaking mentor of mine, Marg, taught me that men naturally have a sweet tooth.  They seem to be born with it.  When SHE learned this from a woman, she did the same experiment I did, and found the same results. The experiment?  I, as Marg did, started watching my husband with eating treats.  If I didn't make anything, he would dig to find things to make something instant and sweet.  Ice cream with shaved chocolate topping, Buttered toast with jelly, anything.  If we went out he would order an amazing dessert that was huge.

Now just to caveat, I don't eat sugar. So 9 times out of 10 when he orders something, I get tea or a fruit cup, but usually I just enjoy how much he enjoys it.

So, back to my experiment.  I love to read old homemaking books and found one last winter that the author spoke of "you must make your husband some sort of sweet course to satisfy his sweet tooth. So daily make sure to pack a bit of something you made in his lunch." Wow!

So I made a plan and didn't tell him.  The first weekend of the month of May, I made a pie - (banana cream that month), the second week - some sort of cookie (his favorite chocolate chip), the third week - some sort of cake (like apple cake made gluten free with honey), and the fourth week- a fruit bake something, anything with fruit in it (I made a apple crisp with strawberries and chocolate chips in it).  I told him if he played his cards right, the dessert would last from Sunday at least until Wed or Thursday.

The result! It worked.  He stopped digging. He doesn't go out and get huge desserts with gosh knows what in it, and I get to try various recipes each month. :-)

I didn't make much in August with many events in our home so I got lazy, store bought cookies and pieces of dark chocolate. The result...he started getting "fru fru coffee" as I call it, and doughnuts at men's group at church.

So this month, I have just made a second attempt at a banana cream pie. The last one turned out good, but I used a regular homemade gluten free pie crust. As I said, it was ok.  I also didn't care for the cornstarch.

This time around I used a different recipe and sub'ed all sorts of ingredients.  The results....fabulous!!

Keep in mind I am no chef, just love to make treats without sugar.

So here is the recipe:

Grandma's Banana Cream Pie with a twist

1/2 c. Maple syrup
1/3 c. Gluten free all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 c. Rice milk
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 T butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 med. bananas

1 pie crust (see mine below for an option)
Whipped cream (we don't use this)

1. Make the crust first: 3T melted butter and 1 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers. use pastry blender or your hands. ( don't have a pastry blender).

    Line pie crust pan or 8x8 pan with parchment, then press in crust. Set aside.

2. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, flour, and salt.  Pour in milk and stir.

3. Cook over med stirring constantly until thick and comes to a boil for 2 min.

4. Remove from heat, stir a small amount of cream into the egg yolks, then return to saucepan.

5. Cook for 2 min, staring constantly. Remove from heat

6. Add butter and vanilla, mix well and allow to cool slightly.

7. While it's cooling a bit, slice the bananas and place on crust.

8. Pour cream over top of the bananas.

9. Cool or refrigerate about an hour. Top with whipped cream and banana decorations.

Refrigerate leftovers, making sure to cover completely with Cling Wrap so the air doesn't dry it out.

(Original recipe from Genius Kitchen titled: Granny's Banana Cream Pie by ratherbeswimmin)


**Update- Well, it was amazing, though it didn't set.  It was more pudding.  I will add either more flour or arrowroot starch next time. But oh my, was it tasty..**

Peace be with you,
Mrs. Peterson

Wordless Wednesday

I just love seeing happy faces in unusual places.

Max is hiding his happy face toy. He's waiting for dad to feed him.

A daily Siesta

I take a rest, daily.  After lunch I rest for 20 to 30 min.  I do it so I can be refreshed for dinner and the evening.

At first I struggled.  My health required it and I still pushed through.  Then Lydia at HomeLiving did a wonderful post on how women always took a daily rest. It was a way to keep spirits up and not be a grumpy person in the evening.  To be refreshed when our husbands come home, or in my case, gets off work.

Now, no doubt, as I age, I need a rest. Even a short one. But when I read through a book called "Take a Nap and Change your life" I was convinced.  It also convinced my husband and when he gets off work, he likes to lay down for a 20 min refresher.

You would be amazed.  Try a little self care and give yourself a 20 min Siesta.

Do you know, we are the only country that does not take an afternoon rest.

When we lived in Okinawa, they took a 2 hour lunch...daily. One hour to eat, leisurely. One hour to rest.

Inspiring.

So, all you women reading this. Try it and let me know how you do in the evening. If you notice a difference in your moods.

It fits with the natural rhythm of our day. God made the sun highest and hottest at noon.  Then as the day starts to close and we have the chance to reflect back on the day and praise Him for our abilities, we can pause and rest before our evening and the day closes out.

As a homemaker my day doesn't end. It starts at 5:30 am and goes until I am doing my "Sacred Hour" at 8pm.  So I relish a 30 min rest each day. Even without kids.

Have a Blessed day!
Dee

Simpler life with out Prime

Desk Day is on Tuesdays, and is much simpler now. (Unsure where picture is from, I've had it for many years.)

Hello Ladies~

Today I am writing this post at my husband's request.  You see, several weeks ago I asked my husband to take me off of Amazon "prime".  He didn't want to cancel completely, but agreed.

This choice was because it has become way to easy to order and I was constantly blowing our budget. For what?  More stuff to find a place in our home and to manage. Well, no more. I took a stand against the draw and here is what I found.

I found that when you place an order online and choose the free option for shipping or the 5-7 day for  a few dollars....you have to WAIT.

Waiting is not something that comes naturally for me.

After placing an order and feeling like it had been days, when really it was only 2 days, I got online to see where my "stuff" was.  I was impatient.  The feeling of wanting it now.  Of getting "stuff" instantly.  And then ordering again to fulfill that "click" desire that is never satified.

After 4 days, I was actually anxious. Where is my stuff?

Then after 7 days, when it came, I had come to a completely different place. Emotionally, and mentally.

I was remembering the days of placing orders via mail. When you send in a check.  I still do this, but not as my regular ordering process.

The patience had been restored and I actually longed for and was excited to get my package.

The whole experience has given me courage to stop using Prime and to enjoy the process of waiting. The peace. The ability to not purchase whatever I see and to stay in budget has been very rewarding.

Yes I pay shipping.  But I buy less and I buy with intention.  When the items get here, I know what I bought and where it is going to go.

Days past, I was buying so much that our budget meetings where more about ' what is $15.32 on 5/14?' and 'what is $74.67 on 5/17'.

I can say I've purchase 3 orders in the past month on Amazon and a few from direct companies like Vitacost and Vermont Country Store.

I hope sharing my experience helps someone else and maybe choose to just challenge yourself to find ways to help stay in budget.

Have a blessed weekend,
Dee

My Word this year

You will love the stories of this Pastor.  Humor is one of his gifts!
http://myoneword.org

A couple years ago I had heard of having a "word" for the year.  Being the curious type, I asked about it and the ladies group I was with explained: It's a word you choose, after prayer and discerning, that will be your guide this year.  The belief is that God will use your word to change you or teach you in the ways that will help you grow closer to Him.

The "word" I have had the past few years were: Balance, Trust and this year is Serenity.

Choosing Serenity, I had my plans of how I hoped God would build Serenity in my life.  Well, He has had other plans.

I have been keeping my eyes open for all the different ways God speaks to me about peace or serenity. It can happen while on the internet, while reading Scripture, the radio, even the local newspaper.

Here is how Serenity is showing up for me so far this year:

*Keeping serenity in my heart while doing my housework, rather than trying to race or beat the clock.
*Letting my grown adult kids make choices I don't agree with, trusting God will guide their life as He has done mine.
*Looking at my heart and my desires that I believe God guides me, and letting others opinions roll off my back.
*Leaving a few minutes earlier and arriving with time to spare.
*Looking around my home and my life at that things that weigh me down or cause guilt. Outa here!

I am a weak woman who gets distracted.  I always want what I want, NOW.  This year is about keeping my Serenity and asking God to handle that which is not mine.

Along with trusting Him, He has a much better outcome than I can even imagine. I see Him building on my "word" from last year.  Trusting Him.  It's hard. I want things done, I have a plan. He has His.

Lord, keeping me centered and filled with Serenity.

Sounds like my "word" next year might be Humility.

Peace be with you and may you have a lovely day,
Mrs. Peterson

Homemaking standards

Good afternoon Ladies~

This past week I've been working on "files". Cleaning out files. Creating files. Filing cabinet, computer files. My inbox still needs attention but Progress Not Perfection, right?

I found this audio clip in my saved files that is from YEARS ago. I think 2013 or 2011.  I am coming to see in the internet world, that IS years ago.

It is Daryl Hoole and speaking of Making Our Home Sanctuaries of Peace and Joy. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.mindperk.com/media4/LittleThings/LittleThingsBigDifference.mp3

May God bless you in your journey today.

Peace be with you,
Mrs. Peterson

Created

Hello Ladies~

I have just finished the book Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl.  While her writing is harsh, but there are some highlights that are wise.  Here are a few lessons I have learned or have been reminded of.

First, my husband is Mr. Steady. In the four types of men she has defined, my husband is Mr Steady.  This was an amazing insight for me in my relationship.  Mr. Steady is a man who is created steady to bring peace and safety to a woman's soul.

I used to tend to push or react to wanting him to decide sooner than he is taking the time, and I react to what I want done.  It always ends up that I try to "fix" the consequences of my behavior.  Debi states - we need to learn how to sit still and listen and to let God move my husband in His good time. Pray for your husband to have wisdom.  Let him be the one God made him to be: Still, Quiet, Thoughtful...for you!

So to keep my eyes off him and how long it takes him to decide - she states a Steady man likes a woman to walk beside him, yet grow in her own right before God.

Grow in my own right! For me, that's develop skills, have an opinion about events and such, give my opinion - WHEN ASKED- about situations regarding him. (Not nagging.)

Mr. Steady is usually liked by everyone and "belongs to the people".  I see this as how he gets "filled".  Such as, my husband is in training and discernment to become a Deacon in our church.  My job is to support him and walk with him, not pull him away to be mine only.  When the time comes for us to get away, Debi states to ask him to leave the cell phone behind so it's just us.

Second, "A Proverbs 31 woman is not mousy or a voiceless prude".  I have had to learn to speak up.  My natural voice is very quiet (except when I get mad).  He can't read my mind, nor should I expect him to.  I must find that balance between being aggressively opinionated and speaking with respect my wants/needs and my opinion (again when he asks for my opinion) regarding the situation at hand.

Third, Admire him, Respect him. And TELL him so.
Watch my words! for it is so easy to tear him down and for him to misinterpret what I said.  Some examples she gives are:
    *Do you feel comfortable spending that much money on that? (This causes him to begin to doubt his ability to make wise decisions.)
     *Honey, I need to ask you something very important that really tears me up inside.  Doesn't this activity you are engaging in grieve your spirit? (The Spirit of God had been prompting him concerning this, but he was trying not to hear; he almost brought up the subject himself last evening but now she is disappointed in him. He suspects he is not spiritual, but somehow the whole thing makes him angry.  He feels pushed. Now he resists her just to maintain control.

Always ask: "so what did you hear me say?" and ask him to repeat it.  When he is done you can clarify, but again, do so with respect. Not jumping in to correct him or tell him he is wrong.   You will be surprised as to what he actually hear.

In an argument and in anger~ your first concern is to discern your part of the problem.
     ~How did I contribute
     ~What were my motives
     ~if they were ill, then I owe amends. If they were pure, did I speak disrespectfully.

Men are more sensitive than we think.  Speaking with respect is from Ephesians.

Remember to learn to think  speak well of all people. Guard your mind and heart and get your hands busy! It keeps the devil and his lies at bay.   Memorize Phil 4:8.

I hope some of the things I have learned may help you.  I have been married over 27 years, and I am still learning.  It's a journey, and I am just a pilgrim.  Learning to stay close to God and willing to admit my weaknesses and faults. Men are so different.  Mrs. Pearl has given some lovely tidbits to discern for me.

May God's peace be with you,
Dee
   

Spring is here!

Oh how I enjoy so many people writing about the joys of Spring finally here. Especially after a winter with a LOT of snow!  I will share pictures of here in Colorado.

Max and I made a goofy snowman on our morning walk.

Snow in front of our little country cottage.

Max is grateful to run on the paths made by my husband with the snowblower.

Red Mountain Pass was closed for a couple weeks due to all the snow, but thanks to such hard working fella's  the pass is finally open and Ouray and Silverton can get their much needed supplies. Ever so slowly!

A female Junco!  She was so soft looking and lovely.

Here, I am enjoying the birds. In the winter we had many Junco's that come with the snow and leave with the snow. Funny little guys & gals.

I know Spring is finally here too when the sun suddenly shifts from low in the sky to high.  It goes from the far South to directly East. My heart gets excited each time the sun rises and I suddenly see the shift.

Now with the melt off, the Red Winged black birds are back.  I have such mixed feelings about them, they are noisy and aggressive.  But our little Flicka has no fear.  The black birds do when I run out of the house swinging a towel hooting and hollering! Yes it is quite the sight.

Funny though, the sparrows and finches stay put. It's like they know I'm trying to chase off the obnoxious ones.

My husband finished up the outside prep work last weekend. Spreading seed, taking down them manger that was buried in snow, taking down the white picket fences we had up to keep the deer from eating the bird food.  Oh what a journey that was before the snow got deep.

Today, the Meadow Larks are out singing. That is a sure sign of Spring, along with our Aspens blooming.  So exciting!

I look forward to seeing the grass finally come up and the temperature just a bit more.  We are still in the 30's in the morning, still cold enough I need my long winter coat to take Max for a walk.



Happy Spring!

D

Birthday gift

It was so exciting! I have always wanted to go for a sleigh ride.  This year for my birthday that was my one wish.

It was beautiful.  The driver was more chatty than I expected, but I took that as the Lord giving me an opportunity to enjoy conversation too.  

IT WAS SOO COLD! I had a blanket under the wool one pictured and snow boots on.  C went back to the car to get my pink knit hat from my emergency car kit, that made a huge difference.

The best part, the clydesdales had jingle bells on them!

We drove all around the lake and then some. The lake was frozen solid, almost like me.

But quite, and amazing.  

We had cloudy days leading up to the day choose.  I prayed all night and morning, please God, let the sun come out when we are there.

Guess what!? The sun was out, just over the ranch area we were at.  Thank you God!

It was a lovely birthday gift.

Spreading Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

It is such fun to create for Valentine's Day.  

Last week I found those cute little Valentine cards you get,at Walmart, for kids to exchange at school.  I found some with inspirations like "God loves you" and "God thinks you are special".  After adding a few fun stickers to each, I mailed them to our grandkids. 

I had such fun to create them, though I thought it was a bit corny, but they are young.  And truth be told, I would love to get a corny Valentines in the mail.  Just because it brings a smile. So I do what I would like.

I then prepared to send a few other hand written notes and decorated the envelopes with stickers, I love stickers! 

Later, decorating!  It's not elaborate. But it brightens our home and shows a bit of change for this season.  Since it is just my husband and I, and he loves what ever I do to decorate, I find it fun to pull together random things and create.  Each year is different, for the most part.

Lovely pillows add a bit of color for the season.

The seasonal table I use is actually my great-grandparents desk. I have a picture of them in front of it. I think it was their anniversary present.

A seasonal table is something you can decorate with each season, or birthdays, or just have a basket for prayer requests and prayer books.  I originally got the idea from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions book.  The book I have is older than this version, but I imagine this one has the same lovely traditions.  

This is also the day I usually make a valentine for Mr. P.  He sometimes participates in making a card.  He is so patient when I get these ideas to do something fun and different.  Sometimes, I get an eye-roll, but he usually enjoys what ever the plan was. 

Anything that I think would bring a smile to me, that's what I love to do for others.  A way to share the love in my heart. The love that is given to me from my Father in heaven.

"The Greatest Love story ever told."

We will be having roasted chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli tonight for dinner.  I am planning on using a small table in my foyer for our dinner table and setting up in front of the fire.  Cozy and lovely. 

I am not great at picture taking, but you can get the idea of what I've done this year.  The shelf below Jesus and the string with tiny close pins is there all year long.  At Christmas our manger scene is on my seasonal table and our cards we get in the mail are filled all along the string with clips.  I like to use real leaves in the fall to help decorate as well, and in the summer...it's what ever has come up. Lent everything is bare.  Then Easter I have little things the kids have made through the years that I clip up.  

My placemats on the table are made from last year.  I have 4 Christmas placemats, but only use 2, so the extra 2 got a fun heart stuck to them and they became Valentine placemats.  They need new hearts though.

The centerpiece is a serving tray from the thrift shop, and a little red  glass votive holder. We light a candle each night for dinner to remind us the Christ is the Light of our life.

Lydia over at HomeLiving has wonderful ways to arrange flowers, Though my flowers never turn out like hers,  I still enjoy going to the store and finding something that can be created to a centerpiece.

Happy Valentine's day!  

A New Year a new calendar

A warm welcome this morning to you.  I have been finishing setting up my new calendar for the year.  Each year I try to find a calendar with larger squares because I like to write in my supper meal plan on it.  This helps me to plan for the week, and to prepare things earlier if Mr P will be gone that evening.

The past few years my favorite calendar is Heart to Home from Current Catalog.  While shipping is a bit much for a calendar, it is worth it for the spaces I need each day. Makes planning for family and household activities much easier. Though this year there was a bit of mix up with them, but they expressed mailed the correct calendar, hence the reason I am just finishing setting it up.  God's timing not mine.

So here is my new calendar that stays on the front of my refrigerator.

I do the same for my planner.  While I call it a planner, it's more of a glorified calendar and to do list for each day.  I have a Home Management Binder that has seasonal to-do's and Church related traditions we celebrate.

Here is a close up of the squares. I write in the meals for 2 weeks and rotate them so I only pick 14 meals for each season.  These periodically change to a new recipe or depending on what we tried and I hear "hmmmm"  after a new recipe, I mark a note on the calendar and don't make that again :-) 

So my calendar set up has been this way since my early years of marriage, back when the girls were very little and had activities.  Anything more than my appts after I got married, and I needed a new system. So this is mine.

I always get out colored markers, because we all have a little kid in us that LOVES markers, and I start with January. I draw a line down the left and right side, separating Sunday and Saturday from the week. The colors usually have something to do with the monthly season or theme:

January = blue for cold and snow

February= red for Valentine's

March = green for St Patrick's day

April = a different blue then Jan, for April showers bring....

May= pink! for May flowers  :-)  I know goofy, but fun.

please tell me you have heard of "April showers, bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring....Pilgrims!" I learned it when I was very young.

June= green for grass and harvest growth

July= one side usually is red and the other blue, or I do dots down both sides of red & blue

August= a dark yellow (so you can see it) for a sunny hot month

September= red for an apple for the teacher ( I was a substitute teacher for elementary school for many years while we were stationed in Okinawa)

October = orange for PUMPKINS!!!

November= brown for the amazing fall leaves that we see

December = red and green for Christmas!

Then I do the same for the little calendar I take with me.  There is one other quirky tradition I have, I learned it from my Grandma. She had one of those little 5 year diaries and she would write in a few events of the day in it, but she ALWAYS wrote in the morning temperature. (I have recently learned she did this because her and grandpa were farmers and needed to know the daily temp.)

So way back in high school I started writing in the daily temperature in the left corner of my calendar. I do it to track the weather and see how we are slowly going into winter, then see how we are slowly warming up to Spring.  This is also a neat way for me to see 'what was it like last year', yep I keep a few years worth of calendars tucked away just for that and a sort of diary of when appts were last year.

No one in my family has ever noticed the temperature thing, they just know I always look to see what it is when I get up.  If I get up late, I still write what it was but I ask Mr P since he is always up long before the sun.

That's it!  That is my  fun way to start my year.  Then there are the colors for the dates: like blue for church related feasts and celebrations, pink for me for any appts etc, Mr P is green and any family events are pencil. They change too much.  Anniversaries & Bdays are in red - so I don't forget :-)

May God bless you this year.  Do you have any traditions for January you do that you would like to share?

~Dee