Gratitudes & Living Well

I am forever amazed at all of the reasons I have to be thankful for when I take a moment to consider them. This past year has been no different. We have been blessed beyond what we deserve, even in the midst of struggles. All too often I find myself guilty of not taking the time to be mindful of them, as they are happening. Getting caught up in the rush of life and the things we do will cause one to only be mindful of the details before us. NOT the multitude of reason to be thankful. It's a sad situation and a missed opportunity when we fail to notice and express gratitude. "Thank you" are two simple words that are not hard to pronounce, but sorely lacking in society today. I have seen shocked looks when a "Thank you" has been spoken for a kindness given. It is so seldom heard from individuals that the recipient doesn't seem to know how to respond. In a world of "me first", kindness towards another is in short supply. Demanding of one's rights over the rights of another is too often seen and can lead to a critical spirit of why bother. A return to the civilities of years pass will go a long ways toward peaceful living in the masses if implemented in our lives on a daily basis. The Bible speaks very clear of this in several verses, not as something to be considered but as a permanent part of our daily lives. I offer a challenge to all who will be willing to give this a try:

*Offer a smile to everyone you see.

*Look people in the eye when speaking to them.

*Let others go first, either in line or on the road( a major issue I know)

*Say Thank You for any measure of kindness or help from someone (especially family members).

*Speak in a soft voice.

*Forget your rights to _______ in light of someone else's need.

*Give words of encouragement.

*Be friendly.

*Offer a helping hand.

*Be ready to listen.

*Thank God for the ability to be used in some one's life.

Many more could be added, but each person has weaknesses and opportunities uniquely their own. In doing a search of our hearts, souls and minds, we will discover areas that need to be polished up in our lives. There is always room for improvement in any one of us, myself included. Let's make 2009 a year of considering one an other's interest more than our own. A happier and healthier world is available if we will only take one step toward being thankful for and to those around us.

Gratitude for everything, even the little things will add up to living well. Being thankful for ALL things and being mindful of reasons to be thankful will give us the opportunity to live well. I believe living well is a reflection of a grateful heart, being appreciative of the smallest of details that cross our paths. Acknowledging that God is watching over us and providing exactly what we need. What do you have to be thankful for in the past year? Are you willing to take the challenge I've issued to myself? I would love to hear your individual stories of success. I will try to post mine through out the next year, as a way of being accountable. To express gratitude in those moments in time as they occur.

Gratitude=Living Well!

Deborah

Year's End

The year's end is almost in sight and it is hard to imagine where the past 365 days have gone. I think it is a known fact that time passes way to fast for most of us. I have heard my parents state on more than one occasion, that as one ages time passes at an even faster rate. I don't think that it is an issue of time speeding up to some kind of a time warp. As much as we view the time we have before us as less, than the time that has already past. Making the years, months, days and hours before us even more precious. I am also beginning to see things in my life with a new relevance towards what is truly important. Choosing to spend my moments in time on worthwhile pursuits instead of the flighty things of youth. Reaching certain milestones in life will always prompt us to re-evaluate how we are living out our lives on a daily basis. Jump starting ideas towards goals, dreams and plans yet to have been realized. The last holiday of the year tends to prompt us in this same direction also. The next 24 - 72 hours will see many a soul making out new year resolutions for a varied number of weaknesses, disappointments, failures, hopes and unseen dreams from the year 2008. Only to be set aside or forgotten in the coming weeks of 2009.

For me the last day of the year started at an very early hour, not unlike several of the past couple of weeks. It appears at present that I am unable to sleep through a night without waking at a unhealthy hour. A situation that I am looking for a solution to in the new year. Today may be the longest day of the year for me and it won't be because I am out celebrating "New Year's Eve" either. As plenty of people are gearing up to party away the old year into the presence of the new one. I am planning to focus on some gratitude's of 2008 and drawing up some ideas for simpler living in 2009. I have made N.Y. resolutions in years past like so many others. And also like them most of mine have fallen by the wayside for lack of motivation. I believe this time around I have the needed "umph" to see a few of my thoughts through in the months to come. So many changes have already taken place around here that it is becoming the norm for me. Not to continue in making those needed to see our dreams become reality would be a step backwards. Once your foot steps out on a new path towards reaching a desired goal, it is hard not to see it to the end. Sure, there will be times when it seems like you will never reach your desired destiny, times when obstacles loom large before you, times that bring the fatigue from striving to be the only thing you can see, but to loose heart will be a sure step towards defeat.

Little steps are being taken, as parts of the whole are being considered. Like the few items I was able to get established yesterday. I have been wanting to make some soap for our personal use and to possibly sell at some future date. After using the natural soaps purchased from our trip to Perry. We have become new converts and enjoy using them over anything store bought. Finding the raw resources to use had been a hindrance to starting, till I took the time to do an in depth search on the web. Less than 30 minutes of time and I have my first package of supplies coming in the mail. Several websites are bookmarked for future research and to purchase from too. Increasing the sales of the girls eggs has been a topic of discussion for quite a while now. That too was handled in a short amount of time with an ad being placed on line with the Farmer's Market Bulletin to advertise them. Another web search led to an Ebay purchase of egg cartons needed for those future sells at a very good price. They too are in route to our home. Another decision was reached to increase the size of our flock for next year. With "Big Mama" brooding over her nest of future hopefuls, it made economical sense to raise our own instead of buying baby chicks to raise next Spring. All of which requires a Rooster in the hen house, that we at present do not have. A few calls placed and we found a couple of Dominique roosters for sale just below where we live at a good price. The individual really needed to find them new homes as she already has 11 crowing roosters at her house. WHEW, that's a few too many! Each of these steps fell into place with some focused attention and helps to bring the homesteading lifestyle closer to our door. So much uncharted territory lies before us. Clean as the pages of the new calendar sitting on my desk. A lot can happen on a year full of new pages. I am looking forward to making notations on them as we go along.

So as I sit and ponder over my options towards my needs and wants for the new year. I am reminded of the certainty of passing hours, days and months that will add up to make the new year that lies before me. How do I wish to spend them? What do I want to show for them at years end next December? In whom, what or where do I desire to invest them? I will be trading them for something, will it be something of value? The choice is mine to make. . . . what will 2009 bring into our lives? If it is anything like the usual normalcy of life, what types of struggle, heartache or loss will we face? The questions line up across a page easily, the answers remain unknown, waiting to be written on the pages of our lives by the One who put them into motion thousands of years ago.

Looks like a "wait and see" type of situation to me,

Deborah

Christmas and Family

Christmas and family, a great combination that leaves you with memories for years to come. With varied work schedules each year, we are faced with the question of how to get everyone together. It is not always possible to get my entire family together, as I have a long-distance sister living in Washington state. She and my brother-in-law had their own type of celebration this year as they were snowed in under 12+ inches of snow. Ooooh, A white Christmas! That is what Christmas carols, cards and movies tempt us with each year. We saw instead temperatures near the mid 60's. I guess a tropical Christmas is what the folks in Florida are faced with every year. I personally prefer a chillier version myself. But gathering for a holiday meal will always take your mind off the weather outside. We were all sure to eat our share of it too! Thoughts of potential holiday pounds to be gained forgotten for the moment

Our own Christmas angel. . . . Leah

Nothing can compare with the sparkle and excitement of children at Christmas. Their joyous abandonment is just as contagious as the flu. This year our granddaughter was of the age to begin to grasp the wonder of Christmas. Presents under the tree meant a lot more to her than last year. For she understood that some of them were for her. Waiting to open them on Christmas eve after our meal, quickly left her with no hunger for food at all.

Mom and Dad came down a few days before Christmas to spend some extended time with us. Leah enjoyed having them here and wasted no time sharing her joy over the tree with her granddaddy. Each of us in turn were called to come sit with her and comment about the sparkling lights and fascinating ornaments.

See that one?

Talking it over with Granddaddy . . .

Clutter will always abound when packages are opened but for a few minutes in time it doesn't really matter. We each enjoyed seeing her enjoy herself this year. It was hard for her to decide which was best. . . . . seeing what was inside of the wrapped package or tearing off the wrapping of another box. Her choice in seating for the fun was in my lap which allowed Mommy to video her antics and for others to take pictures.

It was a "girly" pink kinda Christmas

Cuddle time with Meme was enjoyed as well while looking through a book of pictures. Reading books are one of Leah's favorite things to do, a call that goes out for someone to join her in every few minutes. We have read plenty this Christmas season not unlike every other day of the year. I was thrilled to find a great hardback book entitled "You are my Love" to start her own collection at home, as a gift this year. Adding to them each Christmas will be a great treasure hunt for me through out the year.


We were and are truly blessed by the Lord this year. For it is all to easy to see the difficulties of others around us, of their pain, heartache, loneliness and lost right now. To not be thankful would be a lack of gratitude to the giver of all gifts. Especially the best gift for all eternity. . . . the gift of Christ.

Blessings,

Deborah

Hormonal Female

Hormones have been at an all time high here this past week. Demanding that they be recognized and dealt with quickly. You know how convincing the female persuasion can be at times. Lots of discussion has been shared on the pros and cons of how to deal with these raging hormones. NO, I am not talking about myself! If you will recall there are other females around here on Heartland Farm, besides the human variety.

Martha, one of our Barred Rocks. . .

My girls have been quite faithful to deliver their daily gifts of round orbs for our enjoyment and for sharing since they began laying months ago. Averaging 10-11 a day, every week all throughout Fall and so far this month as well. From all the chatter on the homesteading blogs, there are many it seems who are seeing a decrease in egg production. Even some friends at church have mention decrease laying in their flocks too. It makes one wonder just why we are being so blessed with an abundance of eggs. Not that I am complaining one bit. We are very thankful for the blessing of eggs and of their company around here also. Our customer base has slowly grown from 2 to 5, with room for more with the girls helping out so readily. Come Spring when the Farmer's Markets near by open back up for business I plan to make their free-range eggs available to shoppers.

The challenge of motherly hormones has been a situation we have never faced before, at least not of the feathery kind. Big Mama, our only Brahma pullet has felt the call of nature to reproduce her own kind. For over 6 days during Christmas she has faithful sat in a claimed nest trying her best to hatch an egg or two, along with a golf ball that resides there. Stubbornly refusing to leave the nest and growling at us when we reach to gather the eggs under her. Yes, chickens can GROWL, it is a sort of low rumble in their throats. Despite the fact that there is no Rooster on the premises to ensure fertile eggs, she has not wavered in the least. I don't believe she is the type of loose woman, to have been off visiting neighboring flocks either. Which left her in quite a predicament and with no way to satisfy her longings. We tried to discourage her from setting, by taking her out of the nesting box and placing her outdoors, only to discover that she quickly returns to her post. A broody mama has the perseverance to astonish even the faithful of heart. Dedicated despite the odds against her. I think we could all learn a valuable lesson from her that would serve us well when faced with what appears to be enormous odds against us.


"Big Mama"

We came to the conclusion that we either had to find a way to bar her from the nest or help her out in some way. Choosing the later we started our search for some fertilized eggs for this desperate mama. Success was found with members of our church, Kirk and Dede. Who own a small flock down the road and a very stately looking Roo. They were more than happy to give us some of their eggs for Big Mama to try to hatch out. Gathering 6 from their 3 different hens, a Rhode Island Red, a Black Star and a Dominique will give Big Mama an assortment of offspring, should they all hatch. Fred, as the man of their coop is referred to, hopefully will pass on his great qualities as father to the brood also. I didn't think to take my camera to capture pictures of the adoption process. But, if I had known how beautiful a specimen he was I would have. I am sure they won't mind me coming back over for a few snaps of him to add to a latter post. He is such a looker!

What dreams of Chicken mamas are made of . . .

Home again we took our fragile cargo up to the coop to slip the eggs into the nursery set up by Big Mama. Easy enough as she was off the nest, to our surprise as it was the first time we had seen her do this in days. I reasoned that hunger was playing a big part in her stroll outside. We all know how the hunger pangs of the maternal can be at times. Throwing down some "candy" or scratch grain as most people know it, kept her attention while I marked the fertile eggs and placed them in the nest. It only took her 5 minutes before heeding the call to be back on the nest. She seemed unconcerned that there was quite a few eggs where she had left an empty nest minutes before. Happily settling around them, moving them about to better fit between her feet and fluffing out her feathers into a canopy of warmth over them. From the look on her face I believe I even heard her sigh a little. A happy moment for a mother to be.

She is the beauty in the middle . . .

Future chicks in waiting . . .

Maternal instincts. . .

So the countdown to motherhood has begun and unlike us of the human race, she will hopefully hear the peep of her adopted offspring in about 21 days. Not a long wait for the feathered mother to be, but oh, a long one for us adoptive grandparents. Placing the birth announcement on the nest to assure that no disturbance or gathering of the anticipated babies has everything in place for now. We, Big Mama and ourselves need only to wait for the blessed event to transpire in the middle of January. Not the best time for hatching baby chicks naturally, but who can argue with a determine female, high on hormones. I feel sure if she can hatch them she will be more than capable of taking care of her adopted children. We are now hoping with fingers crossed that one of them will take after his father and become a handsome Roo for our flock next year.


Picture says it all . . . . Waiting on nature,

Deborah

Ready, Set, Go!

Today wrapped up my preparations for Christmas and with 4 days to spare. Yahoo! I can't recall at present ever being ready this early before. Might have in past years, as I always sought to be done early in the month of December. My success this year is probably due to the scaling back and simplifying of our idea of what Christmas should be about. For the past several weeks I have felt freedom from the preconceived notions of past expectations and what is being pushed by the media. To hear other people talk about their shopping excursions, baking, decorating, etc. only fueled my resolve to kept it simple this year. A challenge for myself on several occasions, as I would think of a particular decor item not being displayed or activity engaged in. Then the old "I need to get that put up" feeling would creep into my thinking quicker than a heartbeat. I am glad to say that I resisted each temptation and told myself "enough is enough". Reminding myself that what goes up, has to come down later. I did not want to create more work for myself than the enjoyment of the idea would bring.

A room by room clean-a-thon freshened the house today. From end to end and side to side, every room received what it needed. Working for 15 minutes and then resting for 15 minutes helped me to accomplish the tasks at hand and allow me to stretch my energies so that playing through out the day could also be accomplished. After all this is suppose to be one of my off days. Something cold to drink and catching up on my emails was a large portion of play time for me. Reading a favorite blog was a special treat as well. The fact that I have had the house to myself for 48 hours since Friday morning was a plus in getting everything finalized. No one was under foot, not even Tigger, our cat. Lon and Jason both have been on duty, due to each of them working an extra shift on each other's scheduled day.

Christmas shopping was completed and all packages were wrapped last evening. The tree now sports a fluffy skirt of colorful packages. Grocery shopping for the house and our Christmas dinner was also completed yesterday as well. It helped to have leftovers in the fridge to eat for my dinners these two days, instead of having to cook. Another blessing towards getting done what I needed to. So here I sit with all in readiness to start the count down to Christmas next week. Tomorrow we will have our Christmas musical at church and all that will be left is to enjoy Mom & Dad's visit. They arrive tomorrow afternoon to spend the week with us and other than some cooking for our Christmas dinner, I have no other plans than to relax and chat.

In the midst of cleaning this afternoon there arose such a cladder that I had to spring to my feet to see what was the matter. No, it was not a jolly figure dancing on my roof. It was not even someone come to spread good cheer. But destruction instead! Instantly, I recognized the distress call from one or more of our girls. Quick movement down the front steps revealed the visitor was not at all welcomed and was intent on some Christmas dinner for itself.

A small Marsh Hawk had one of our chicken in a tissy and pinned behind the azalea bushes out front. As I called to her if flew to a nearby tree, intent on trying to recapture it's meal. That is until I made a ruckus myself, convincing it to move on to find other hunting grounds. Capturing the frighten hen was of little trouble, as she collapsed behind a bush and allowed me to pick her up. Missing and ruffled feathers off her back and wings spoke of a struggle to get free. Whether they were removed by the hawk or the tangle of limbs under the bushes, it remains to be seen. She did receive an injury to her right eye, that was bleeding. But for now it is hard to tell whether she has any internal injuries that I can't see. Placing all the girls back into their play yard for safe keeping for the rest of the day, hopefully will persuade the chicken thief to look else where for a free meal. Upon inspection tonight as I closed up their coop, she was sitting quietly with the injured eye closed, which for now is a good sign. Earlier she was only laying on the ground not moving, but now she was up on the roost for bedtime. Tomorrow morning her activity will let us know if she will recover or not.

All the warm, wet weather of the past week has been unseasonably for this time of year. A trend that does not lend itself to keeping the Christmas ideal of frosty window panes, carolling in the snow, heavy coats, scarves and mittens, Christmas sweaters, mugs of hot chocolate and stockings hung by the fire. All may change tomorrow if the weather forecasters are correct in calling for a big dip in our temperatures, with highs in the 40's and lows in the 20's. The change will require a flip not only of the outside thermostat, but the inside one as well. For we have been having temperatures in the 70's for several days now. A chance to cuddle up in front of the fireplace may be in our future after all.

I'm ready, all set and waiting to go.

Deborah

Christmas Sweets !

Future Homemaker ~ Leah

I've heard the saying that "A picture says a thousand words". So this post will need very few to be added. But you know me, I will have to add some from my point of view anyway. At this time of the year in many homes around us there are cookies being baked, shared and eaten in large quantities. Nothing beats warm cookies eaten right out of the oven with a tall glass of COLD milk to wash them down. On many occasions during my lifetime I have baked my share. All alone, with my boys, and along side my mother to name just a few. I felt today was the perfect time to introduce a new little baker to the joys of freshly baked, warm from the oven cookies. Being this close to Christmas it was only fitting that we should bake some that looked like all the decorated trees we see everywhere we go. After nap time today we pulled out the baking sheet, her step up stool and the package of cookies with trees on them. For a 2 1/2 year old, the waiting is the hardest part. While I wasn't looking one of the uncooked cookies showed a suspicious looking chunk missing from it's side. Upon closer inspection of a sheepish grin, on a cherub face, I discovered a tiny set of teeth marks on it. Yes, my apprentice baker in training, had decided to do her own taste test. All the explaining about waiting to eat the baked cookies fell on deaf ears, as she explain in return that it was "good". How could you disagree, when on more than one occasion I suspect we have all done our own taste tests on raw cookie dough, cake or brownie batter.

Her shirts says it all ~ SWEET!

When all were done and cooling on the counter, we toasted our glasses of milk to a job well done, and enjoyed the fruit of our labor ~ warm cookies right from the oven.

Oh, the joys of baking and eating the treats we've made!

Oh, the joys of Christmas and new experiences.

Blessings from Leah & Me,

Deborah

Christmas Glow

First let me start with some Christmas glow seen last night. The night sky held the most glorious full moon in the clear, cold, December sky here on Heartland Farm. I am sure it was just as spectacular at your home as well. Did you see it? We were out and about doing some shopping and noticed it just after dusk from an open parking lot we were in. Where it seemed to hover over us with an intensity larger than life. We commented on it's beauty then and again after getting home. As daddy had called to leave a message for me to go outside and check it out, for he knows how I love to see wonderful things in the night sky. I tried to take some pictures, but they do not give the moon the majesty due it. A creation worthy of being noticed, making me think of the glow of a Bethlehem star seen by some shepherds many years ago.

As seen this morning at pre-dawn through the trees ~ "The Cold Moon"

I also though you might like a glimpse of some Christmas glow seen here at home this morning also.

Blessings,

Deborah

Changes in the New Year

Seems I can't get off the subject of changes. So if you will indulge me for a little longer I would like to add to this subject. Daily I see changes in the lives of everyone around us and in our life here on Heartland Farm as well. I believe we would all be wise to consider them a natural fact of life. It would make life's ups and downs easier to handle if we did. Some of them bring joy, others heartache, but all bring new realities to our lives. For us the opportunity to live out a dream is a change on our horizon. One that is being considered and investigated as a possibility in the next year. Lon and I have mentioned on several occasions of our desire to live on a larger parcel of land. To have the ability to establish a place better suited to the name of Heartland Farm. The idea to "move west, young man, move west" has been on Lon's heart for many years. Thought of his retirement somewhere in the future, has been a tantalizing image dreamed about and spoken of on more than one occasion. I am sure this type of talk is a surprise to many who know us on the surface, but do not know the depth of our hearts. A shock will inevitably be had by all who hear of our plans no doubt.


For many years we have been adjusting our future image of retirement and how we hoped to live those years out. I believe God has been working in both of our lives towards a common goal that would have us in tandem with being who HE would like us to be. The goal to be debt free and at HIS disposal has been a strong one. One that the Bible states will be blessed by HIM in our obedience to it. The freedom from debt would enable us to live life to the fullest and able to be on mission for the Lord in a lot of ways. Like the one coming up next year in July for me.

Another change on the horizon for 2009 is a mission trip to Honduras with a group from Beulah Baptist Church. Something I've wanted to do for many years, but have never followed through on till now. A sure test of my commitment to following the Lord's will for me is coming. Unlike a vacation to a secluded beach somewhere, this trip will challenge me spiritually, emotionally and physically. As we hike many miles a day to reach remote villages with the good news of God's love for them. Working along side of the people to help them establish churches and better living conditions, meeting their physical needs through a medical clinic, living and eating as they do. Talk about a change from the American way of life! It will be a lot different from what I know as reality for me, but I feel the call to go. And go I will, as the Lord provides the monetary resources I will need.


The potential move to Alabama on the other hand, to a rural homestead of sorts is a daily conversation here at Heartland Farm. The changes this move would create are ever before us and we discuss them, even as we bend over them in prayer. To think on all that we would need to do, can overwhelm us at times. Letting go off 32 years of accumulative living, filling our closets and storage areas will be a lesson towards living the simple life on a homestead farm. One complete with varied livestock, barns, vegetable gardens, farm chores, a smaller home and the joys that come from living close to the earth with dependence on God for our well being. I know for many this is not something they would ever consider. As our lives take different roads based on God's will for us and our individual personalities and desires. But as I told Lon last week as we walked a piece of land we are considering to buy. For me, I believe it will be like coming home to the life I have always felt apart of me. He and I are in agreement on what we would like our future to look like. As soul mates, married for life, best friends this kind of move will work for us.

I believe these are just two of the changes the Lord will bring into our lives in the next year and the years to follow. He has brought us through so many already, that I know he will carry us through each one we will face. To be found faithful in them will be a blessing beyond words.

Seeking new directions. . . . in a new year,

Deborah

Changes Come in Different Ways

As I have already mention in a previous post, our variable plans often bring about changes we never considered at the onset. Mine from even a few days ago have been re-adjusted to accommodate life's quirks that have come our way as of lately. I do not believe at this point that I will be able to complete my plans on the house as I would have liked. Mom and Dad are coming for a short over night visit this weekend. So the underlying need to wrap up the decorating in order to have unlimited time to visit is foremost in my mind. I know how Mom loves the holiday decorations and she loves to come and be surrounded by mine. Especially when she has stated that they will not be putting out very many or putting up a tree this year. It is hard for me to think of a time to come, when I would choose not to put up a tree nor decorate this time of a year. But the reality is that it could happen, as we never know what circumstances we may find ourselves, in the future. I take comfort in the fact that over half of the house was deep cleaned before hand and the rest will easily wait till a future date. Cleaning is always a part of home maintenance, a fact that never changes, unless you chose to hire someone else to do it for you. For me I think it is a portion of what God intended for women, in the roles as Wives and Mothers. We are not called "keepers of the homes" for no reason. He knew that to provide stability in the homes, someone needed to be present at all times to exemplify His love and grace to those within it's walls, to create a haven for the souls under it's roof. I have always seen this as my calling in life and have been honored in trying to fulfill HIS plan for me.

I was able to wrap up the decorating in all the rooms by late Saturday. There are a few items that needed to be completed in order to be as close to perfect as I can pull off. But if they are left undone it will only be my eyes to see them. So why worry! Perfection is not the key to enjoying the celebration, it is the willingness to be content with what we have, that will bring a fullness to our lives.

Another type of change came into our home today that has nothing to do with the Christmas celebrating activities. A type of change that has been considered for many, many years. One that has been a constant companion of mine for the past year in trying to decide what to do about it. One that was a step of courage on my part. A change that required that I embrace the statement to the right of this page. Of being true to who I am, of embracing the real me, quirks and all. I chose this past Thursday to stop coloring my hair. For 50 years I have been a brunette naturally and by way of a bottle of hair color. Gray hairs started developing in my middle 20's, much to my dismay. They have steadily marched across my scalp and have joined hands for many years now. Developing headaches and migraines at each coloring session this past 6-9 months have been a signal to me that maybe now was the time to let go and go gray. After all I am 52 and by all societal charts fall into the senior years of life. Though I still believe that you are as young as you think you are, regardless of what the calendar says. I don't feel old and I certainly did not want to look it. I still have a lot of life to live and needed to convince those around me that I am still capable. Today was my coming out of the "coloring" closet, so to speak. Amazement was had by all at the results of uncovering my "crown of glory". It was a sure sign to me that I should have done this earlier than I have. Everyone so far has loved the new look, saying it has taken years off my face and the compliments are still flowing in from every direction. WOW! All of it has astounded me and the freedom it will bring to my life will be a blessing I am sure. I have only been a blond one other time in my life, at the age of 2 or so. But even then it was more white than blond, courtesy of Mom's youthful hair color genes and the bleaching affects of the sun, when we lived in Florida for a couple of years. I have come full circle now and am heading back to my roots. (Yes, pun intended). Thankfully God has blessed me with a gorgeous color of silver for my graying years. I plan to shine for HIS glory and as a testament to HIS faithfulness to me.

This change comes at a time in my life when He has brought me to a point of acceptance, for the life I have lived thus far. Tomorrow marks the 34th anniversary of my terrible wreck on December 5, 1974, one caused at the hands of another driver. I have always been and always will be thankful for the Lord's hand on me that day. It could have easily taken my life and I felt and still do, that I had been blessed by God to be alive, despite the amount of damage to my body. Several good things came out of that challenge, that have brought me blessings over these past 34 years. Plenty of writing subjects for future revelations. I don't know what kind of person I would be today if I had not gone through it all. So to count all the years given to me from that day forward and to acknowledge the life I have lived. It seems only fitting to celebrate the gray hairs of a long lived life.

Celebrate your life it only comes around once.

Deborah

Best Laid Plans

The best laid plans are often those you set aside for awhile. We can plan all we want to, have our to-do list made out, even start in on them. Only to find that they no longer fit the structure of our day. Ever had that to happen to you? How we respond to the new direction of our day will determine how peaceful the day is. Mine this week have needed to be altered due to some strange dots circling through the house. My plan to daily clean and decorate were set aside due to a needed medical test for myself that was only to take 10 minutes, Yeah, right! And a certain little angel that was broken out in dots. Chicken pox? Hives? What?

Leah started on Tuesday morning breaking out with spots and continued to developed more, with some other symptoms yesterday. A trip to the doctor revealed she was having a allergic reaction to an antibiotic started over a week ago for an ear infection. Whew! No need to quarantine this bundle of energy. A few days of benedryl and she should be spot free. Hurray!

I don't know about you, but anytime I think I have got my plans all laid out in a neat row. The Lord reminds me that HE already has them planned out as well. His plans should always takes priority over mine. Sometimes I jump right into them and other times I try to do my plans along with His as well. Only to find that they often fail and leave me frazzled by trying to do more than I am suppose to. His plans are simple, direct and successful compared to the crazy ones I try to pull off. So what is a girl to do?

Change directions, do the essentials like eating, dressing, providing diversion from discomfort, playing, watching Disney videos, snuggling together and lots of kisses. Tell me what else could I invest my time in that would have the same value of comforting a sick child? Nothing that I can think of.

Plans for Decorating Home

Monday: Master Bedroom and bath ~ done

Tuesday: Guest Room and bath, office (bath done)

Wednesday: Kitchen, Dinning Room, Laundry

Thursday: Den and ____________ (who put this extra time into my schedule?)

Friday: Living Room, (Christmas tree) and Porches

So that leaves me with a multitude of options for today. Do I continue on with where I left off in my plans or do I speed up and condense the schedule? Hmmmm? At present I am thinking that if I take it slowly (vs. sped up) and do one thing at the time I will be able to finish just the same. Maybe not on the appointed date, but close enough to win the race. The bonus will be sustainable energy for the job and the joy of the process. A house deep cleaned and decorate to be enjoyed in the weeks to come. Music inspires my soul, so putting on some Christmas music should get my feet to moving.

Dancing anyone?

Deborah

Day 2 of Christmas Prep

Today was day 2 of my schedule for cleaning and decorating for Christmas. I did not get started till after lunch, as this was the last day of the bible study I have been apart of for the last 3 months. The Patriarchs by Beth Moore was a wonderful study of Genesis, that I would recommend to anyone. Our group of ladies hated to see it end, but we only need to wait till January when the next study begins. I am confident that our lives will be quite busy between now and then, at least mine will.

Room of choice for today was our guest bath. I had hope to get to the guest bedroom as well, but ran out of time. Also a certain little homemaker needed some Nana time as well. I make sure to take the time to rock or hold her when ever she is needing some extra loving. Regardless of what my schedule looks like for the day. They only stay small for a short time and the realization comes quickly, that one day they no longer fit on our laps, nor do they wish to.

Windows and blinds were cleaned, baseboards washed, floor rugs washed and dried, were among the extras done beside the usual cleaning chores. Decorations were set out with fresh candles and little touches to remind us of the celebration to come. Leah loves to go from this room to our bedroom to "see the lights" on each of the small trees. It is so soothing to walk into these rooms and see the glow of the lights across the room. Your soul can't help but to pause and breathe in a slow gentle breath of peace.

How did you do on your plans today? Check in tomorrow for the newest update of the next room conquered for Christmas. Progress is made one step at a time. . . . . so go ahead and take the first one.

Blessings,

Deborah

December has Arrived!

Today marks the beginning of a new month and a countdown to the day we celebrate each December. Christmas is only 24 days away and I haven't given it a second thought yet. Well, maybe one or two in passing days. But no plans have been made or gifts purchased. This year feels different to me in a way that I haven't been able to wrap words around. Maybe it is due to the change in lifestyle we have embraced here. A simplified look at life will strip away those things that are unnecessary for true happiness.

So today I quickly formed a plan for the first week of December, keeping an eye on the calendar towards our Christmas celebration on the 24th. As both Lon and Jason will be working Christmas day this year...bummer! Our family will gather around the tree on the eve of Christmas to eat our holiday meal (unplanned as of yet), open a gift or two and share the love we have for each other.

Order of the day was to take one room in the house and deep clean it before putting out decorations. Today our Master bedroom and bath was selected. I am proud and exhausted to say mission accomplished. Blinds and windows cleaned, room dusted, vacuumed, winter linens put on the bed, ceiling fan cleaned and a fresh throw rug for the bath were just some of the things finished today. Decorations were put out and for now this room sports a holiday feel.

One of my favorite reading chairs

A special tree and Angel I created for our bedroom. . .


The plan is to take one room each day this week and repeat the cleaning and decorating appropriate for it. By the end of the week the house should be deep cleaned and decorated for Christmas, with our tree gracing our living room on the final day. I will try to post a quick note and pictures about my project for the day. Feel free to jump in and join me in getting ready for Christmas. Leave a comment below and let me know how you are doing on your to do list. Maybe we can keep each other accountable to do what needs to be done in order to have several weeks to leisurely enjoy the holiday.

Mirrored view of the decor for Christmas

Join me as I work my way through our home this week, marching onward towards Christmas. Remember the true reason for the season is not a decorative item in our homes, nor a present under the tree. But the gift that resides in our hearts, given many years ago in a manger in Bethlehem.

Blessings this Christmas,

Deborah

Thanksgiving

We had a different kind of Thanksgiving this year, as we traveled to the deer woods where Lon hunts. (See the post for Deer Camp & Wonders ) He and Jason left earlier last week for some Father~Son time. Leah and I left the day before Thanksgiving to meet them and Meme & Granddaddy there. Brian and Crystal drove down later that day to round out our group for the celebration.

Daddy & Lon

Last time we did this was a couple of years ago and Leah was just an infant. Sleeping arrangements had to be re-think this year, as she no longer sleeps in a crib. She enjoyed the options of sleeping with mommy or with daddy or between Papa and me. It was so much fun to see her enjoying the pleasures of the outdoors, camping and of course the daily campfire. One of the neighbors had brought down their 2 dogs which gave her plenty of opportunities for some "doggie kisses". The highlight of her days centered around 4-wheeling with a family member. I think everyone gave her a ride at one point or the other that weekend. She provided a good excuse to ride ourselves.

United in love and Camo ~ Brian & Crystal

Fun was had by all and we enjoyed being together even if stacked on top of each other. Our "I hate bugs!" girl got in on the fun. Donning the appropriate attire for her time around camp. Check out those smiles.

Brian, Crystal and our little hunter, Leah

The Family that hunts together, shares memories

Cooking was a challenge with the small stove in our camper, but with a little effort we were able to pull off a traditional meal with the help of Mom's oven too. Everyone enjoyed eating out under the trees on a makeshift picnic table. The weather was perfect for our al-fresco dinning. Mom took pictures of our group and as soon as I can get copies I will post them.

Leah & Uncle J

Uncle J made sure the smallest of the family clan was decked out in camo as well. As you can see Leah was ready for the woods from head to toe, check our the pink camo hat and boots just like uncle J J has. She looked so cute and walked with the guys around camp, saying hi to everyone she met.

The weather turned cooler and rain entered the picture by the time we left on Saturday. But Lon and I got the opportunity to do what we have come to enjoy while there once more. Riding the back trails around camp and through the woods on 4-wheelers has brought us much pleasure as we share the adventure with only each other. It is hard to describe the feeling of setting off with no planned agenda other than having fun and seeing what we can see.

The chickens back home, were left on their own for the duration of our Thanksgiving trip. Thankful we were, that no one decided to take advantage of their unsupervised time. By putting them on a platter for their Thanksgiving meal. Arriving home on Saturday we discovered that in the 3 days that I was gone, they still gave us 2 1/2 dozen eggs. With the very cold temps at Heartland Farm that week, they were refrigerated naturally in the nests where they were laid. Jason did the collecting and stated that there were a LOT of eggs to pick up. Before leaving for our trip, Lon found some new customers just down the road, who would love to help decrease our supply of eggs.

The garden has taken a beating with the freezing temperatures and I feel sure that only a small amount will be gathered from it now. The last of the fresh greens may be on the horizon for our table. Before we turn around it will be time to start planning our early spring garden. After Christmas you will find us huddled around the fireplace with seed catalogues in hand, marking our favorites and a few new varieties to try in 2009. When the last of the produce is collected we will put the garden to bed with the chicken manure we saved for a winter blanket to feed the soil. Rich in the fertilizer it will provide for next year's crops.

I had been busy finishing up a project for our church's "Covered in Prayer" ministry, delivering it before we left. It was the 6th project that I have been privilege to make. This is a great ministry for using the talents God has given me. It has also enriched my prayer life, as I pray for the person I am making the token of love for, every time I pick up my needles. To date our little group of crafters have delivered 80 projects to those with a health need, death, or other life difficulty. I was also able to complete the turkey for Leah, even though the one for our home is still in pieces on my sewing table. She loved taking out the feathers, counting them and then stuffing them back in that fat-bottom fowl. Sorry no pictures to post at this time.

Leah with Nana

Hope you had a wonderfully blessed time with your family as well. Leave a comment if you like and share how you spent your Thanksgiving.

Deborah