Ahhhh Choooooo! That’s what I’ve been doing for a while now! Four Kleenex boxes later I am finally back in the saddle again! That cold was a real doozie!  Ya know, there’s nothing like having to stay in bed for a few days to give you time to think about things. My head was throbbing too much to be able to read so I did a little channel surfing on  T.V. only to conclude there’s not a lot of good ol wholesome programing available anymore, or at least that I could find ( other than the cooking and home improvement shows ).  I began to feel so sorry  for the generation of kids growing up on violent and  sarcastic cartoons, shows about wizards and teenage witches,  inappropriate reality shows, not to mention violent video games and the whole vampire craze. I’m afraid America’s kids are missing out on what is  good, pure, and wholesome! The Bible says that whatever a man thinks about, so is he….and…whatever we sow we shall reap…..what kind of harvest will result in planting these kinds of seeds in the minds of young people? Yikes!

I just think our country needs a big dose of good old fashioned goodness!

What is old fashioned Goodness? Faith in God, love, wholesomeness, respect, kindness, graciousness, honor, manners, values, morals, modesty, hospitality, appreciation, good clean fun, family traditions, Grandma’s old family recipes, courage, citizenship, patriotism, Grandpa’s wisdom, gratitude, contentment, honesty, friendship, gentleness, thoughtfulness,  being proper, nurturing, enthusiasm, fresh from the farm nourishment, excellence, positive outlook, hope, purity, beauty, balance, cleanliness, peacfulness, clean humor, gratitude, encouragement, joy,  and a whole lot more!

I love the USA, I love the virtues, morals and values that our country was founded upon. But if we are not careful to preserve goodness, it is likely to evaporate.

While I’m so very thankful for living in an age with such fabulous advanced technology  ( the  Internet…texting…media… the Ipod) if we are not careful they too will distract us and cause us to forget  the good old fashioned ways of living life …

Like when; folks would  say how-do-you-do in person…and when the door was held open as a courtesy with a nod  a smile and a “good mornin’! “….when neighbors  waved hello and actually knew your name….when milk , cookies and a listening ear were waiting for the kids when they came home from school….when the family would pile into the car to go for a drive in the country and stop to enjoy an ice-cream cone…when neighbors would gather to help another neighbor in need….when the first rose of springtime would appear bringing great delight in the sheer beauty of it while breathing in it’s exquisite sweetness , thanking God for such a gift….when mom  would sit on the front porch steps to watch the kids play catch with dad outdoors in the warm sunshine….when kids were taught manners, to be diligent  and to tell the truth….when parents tucked their kids in bed with a story, kisses and prayers…. when women realized the high calling of caring for her home, and nurturing her children with joy, giving them a sense of belonging and safety,  raising them to be honorable…..when families went to church together on Sundays and read the Good Book  together throughout the week….  when the call rang out “time for dinner!”  the family would gather with grateful hearts  for a hot meal ’round the old farm table ( uninterrupted by texts, tweets, DS games or the Ipod).

These are the things that will make our families thrive not just survive. It’s old fashioned goodness that will build strong families and then in turn, build a strong country….without such no nation is secure.

Gals, we’ve got to Circle the Wagons to preserve the goodness of the good old days before it fades away like a neglected heirloom family photograph! Yes-siree Bob, we’ve got to engage that  survival stagegy of the Old West, rally together to guard and protect Old Fashioned Goodness on the homefront, for the sake  of our families and our country! The America that we know and love needs to make a comeback! Come on Sugar Pies, if we round-up together I know we can make a difference!

Gals, I just know there are so many of you out there that feel the same way. That’s why I think we are so drawn to vintage things and the whole farmgirl-farmhouse way of life. It reminds us of a simpler time. It’s about learning to be resourceful. It causes us to reflect on God’s faithfullness. It’s comforting and it encourages us to comfort others. The farm-girl kind of life is filled with simple joys, a deep down contentment, thankfulness to the Lord and of course good old fashioned goodness.

“I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” Psalm 143:5

We need to be intentional about preserving this goodness. We are all so busy and our lives can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming…that’s all the more reason why we need to gather up this goodness and bring it on home. This is a new year. We have a fresh start. So no matter what the difficulties of the past year has been,  y’all need to pull yourself up by your own adorable cowgirl bootstraps!

Y’all need to get back up on that horse again! Atta girl…you can do it!

Don’t let the bumps in the road derail your dreams….dreams for a life filled to overflowing with sweet goodness! So come on y’all… with a nod to the past and an eye to the future I’m gonna share with you a few old fashioned ways to put a song in your heart and a spring in your step so you can bless your home, your family, your country! Grab your cute wicker basket and gather some goodness!

“Arise (from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life!) Shine (be radiant with the Glory of the Lord) for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” Isaiah 60:1

If we want to enjoy a harvest of Old Fashioned Goodness then we must plant it ! Start by planting this verse in your heart:

“Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly (proper), whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them) .” Philippians 4:8

You know, this scripture is not an option. It doesn’t say “if you feel like it…think on these things…”. It is meant to help guard our hearts from things that will cause us stress and unrest. To protect us from bitterness, anger and sadness taking root. The more we think about something the bigger it gets and these kinds of emotions have been proven to cause all kinds of sickness. Thinking about things that cause you to be upset is time badly spent.

Change the way you think and you’ll change the way you feel!

So honey’s start counting them blessin’s!

Say out loud in your most adorable southern accent (and mean it from your heart) ”  I do declare! ‘As for ME and MY HOUSE we shall serve the LORD!” . Amen sista! The goodness starts here.

Next to the Lord, make your family your top priority! Let them know you cherish them, be their cheerleader, bless them, nurture them, spend time with them, listen to them, pray for them.

Fill up on the Living Water, ( the Word of God), the only thing that will quench our thirsty soul. Drink it everyday, it’s delicious!

Bring beauty into your home! Whether it’s flowers from your garden or from the grocery store, brighten the corner where you are!

Smile more! “Your smile is the front porch of your heart.” It’s also a  mood lifter for everyone around including yourself!

Find an old family recipe and make it!  If possible try preparing it while the house is relatively quiet so you can focus and thoroughly enjoy the experience. Then share the yumminess with those you love.

Say Grace at dinnertime. This is a wonderful time to teach children to be thankful for God’s faithfulness.

Come Springtime, plant some tomatoes and basil. It never fails to thrill me to see the abundance of tomatoes grown from a tiny seedling! And eating a homegrown tomato warmed from the sun is pure sweet goodness.

Fill your heart and home with music ( instead of the noise from the T.V.).  I love the sounds of the 1940’s, bluegrass, southern gospel, and classical. Humming a happy little tune while you work will put a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye.

Learn, live and teach the Golden Rule. “Do for others what you would have them do for you!” Draw names out of a bowl and have your kids do a good deed each week for a member of the family. Planting good-deed-seeds will grow thoughtfulness in your home.

Have a meal around the table as often as you can. Did you know that the statistics show that the benefits of the family meal are that kids are less likely to use drugs, smoke cigarrettes, drink alchohol, and they are more likely to make better grades, eat healthier, and feel a sense of belonging.

Get the family involved in preparing the meal, and setting the table. Create a homey atmosphere, light a candle and put on soft music.

Make it a rule to keep the converstion pleasant and gracious. Dinnertime should be about nourishment, comfort and support.  My dear friend Cat from The Vintage Housewife told me about the High-Low game they play in her home….everyone shares their High’s and low’s of the day. That’s one great way of  staying in tune with your kids thoughts and feelings. Oh yes, and make sure all electronics are  NOT part of the family mealtime.

“One of the simplest and most effective ways for parents to be engaged in their teens’ lives is by having frequent family dinners,” says Joseph Califano Jr., chairman and president of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA).

I’m going to Church where the sweet bells call

to ask our Heavenly Father to bless us all.

Go to church as a family on Sundays and spend time in prayer and reading God’s Word. Do you know spending time with God  is like having  a beauty treatment? Just read this verse and see what I mean!

“God wraps you in goodness–beauty eternal. He renews your youth –you’re always young in His presence.” Psalm 103:5 The Message

The more you spend time with God and get to know Him, the more of  His goodness will rub off on you…and that’s a beautiful thing.

Read Psalm 139 to find out how God is always watching over you, He loves you so much He just can’t take His eyes off of you!

Have a family fun night or a family fun day… that’s how the warmest memories are made!  Popcorn and a movie….playing board games…baking cookies…going for a walk….just ask your kids what they would love to do, then make it a weekly time they can count on for family fun.

Teach your kids the Ten commandments ( Exodus 20) , The Lord’s Prayer ( Matthew 6:9-13)  and the 23rd Psalm.  Planting these seeds will give your children a lifetime of strength, wisdom and comfort. I can’t think of a better gift.

Fill up  with lots of old fashioned goodness by watching The Waltons family! If you can’t find them on TV you can purchase the series from Amazon..click here!

Have a slice of Mayberry pie everyday!! By watching the ever lovable Andy Griffith show with Aunt Bee, Opie and Barney! We watch an episode every night! This is one way to keep the good ol days alive! You can also get the series from Amazon click here!

Ahh yes!  The ever wonderful Little House On The Prairie! (Also available on Amazon…click here.)

Tuck your kids in bed each night with lots of sweet things to say about them…like “if I could pick from all the kids in all the world, I would pick you!!” Pray for them and let them have a turn to thank God for their blessings.

Find a fun apron to wear with your pearls….it’s makes homemaking that much more fun!

And to America’s rescue…. Franklin Springs Family Media has so many wonderful resources for the family!They have excellent films that will inspire and encourage your family to live a life of honor and goodness. If you go to their web site you can watch little samples of their wonderful films. 

“Franklin Springs is focused squarely on producing original films that provide a picture of the exciting reformation that’s happening in families across the country - fathers serving and loving their families, mothers embracing the high calling of raising children, and children enjoying the adventure of growing up in a family seeking God’s best for their home. ” ~Franklin Springs Mission Statement

The Homestead Blessings Series featuring the West Ladies is one of my personal favorites from Franklin Springs! They have a couple new DVD’s out that I can’t wait to get! The Art Of Cooking and The Art Of Dairy Delights. This sweet family lives on a farm in Tennessee and they share their farm-girl life from the kitchen to the garden. Talk about old fashioned goodness!

“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:5

Lastly, I would like to share the lyrics to an endearing new country song by Craig Morgan titled:

Sweet Old Fashion Goodness

Wind chimes in a weeping willow
Biscuits light as feather pillows
At Mama’s house
Sunday morning kids a squirming
Thank the preacher for the sermon
As your walking out
Sweet old fashion goodness

Old man comes out and pumps your gas
Tells a joke while he cleans your glass
And says thank you friend
Grab a cup of sugar from your neighbor
Honor roll made the morning paper
Cut it out again
Sweet old fashion goodness

Chorus:
We don’t need no bureaucrats
No scientists or diplomats
To help us figure out what this world needs
Just sweet old fashion goodness

He says have you met my young bride
We got married back in ‘49
She ain’t changed at all
There’s a nervous boy on the front porch waiting
While the daddy of the girl he’s been dating
Lays down the law

Sweet old fashion goodness

Thank you Sugar Pies for stopping by for some  down-home Goodness Pie!

Please share your thoughts and  ideas on how we can preserve the goodness of the good old days.

Bless you darlin’s!

Aunt Ruthie!

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Howdy Sugar Pies! Happy New Year!I hope y’all had a wonderful Christmas! My Christmas was a happy one with all of my kids together…finally! My younger son J.J. lives in California while attending College and my daughter Ashley and her hubby Glen also live there….although not for long… they are moving back here to Branson in February!!! Woo Hooo!  My hubby and I are sooooo  excited that our new Grand-baby, and Ashley and Glen of course, will be near us! Ashley is due to deliver toward the end of May. I am so thankful!

Well, I just got back Friday night from a whirlwind trip to the West Coast spending time with my family for the Holidays. While we were there, we got to go with Ashley and Glen to see an ultrasound in 4D on a huge screen to find out the gender. It was amazing to say the least! What a miracle! I couldn’t wait to share the news……

Yay!!! All of a sudden I feel like I need to go buy some little trucks, building blocks…and oh yes, some baby cowboy boots! This Grand-mama’s farmhouse is going to have everything to make that little boy happy…most of all lots of love…and pie!

That baby boy already has his first Chargers Jersey! Go Chargers! ( A gift from Uncle Dusty and Aunt Kimmy)

We had so much fun with all of  the kids together…we enjoyed lunch at Cracker Barrel Restaurant and several meals around our family table…like old times! We played “Rock Band” and performed skits and sat by the fire sipping hot chocolate.  It’s so funny that when our kids are little life seems like it’s always going to stay that way….and somehow they grow up without us noticing…until one day they’re all grown up and we wonder where the time went.( For all of you young mama’s out there, cherish the moments you have with your little ones! ) I am thankful for memories and for photos that freeze those special moments in time. I am one thankful mama to have such wonderful kids.

Kimmy and Dusty (married four years) live here in Branson…just down the street from us. Dusty is the genius that designed my Web Site. Kimmy is the manager for the company she works for, she’s won several awards for being the top salesperson….she’s a real go-getter and perky ‘n’ cute to boot!

J.J. is in his third year of College studying Business and his adorable girlfriend Tiffany has just finished and is now going back to get her teaching credentials to become a math teacher.  We were so happy she was able to join J.J. in coming here to Branson for a few days. We couldn’t resist giving her an Ozark-y-hillbilly nick-name….T-Bone! My hubby Gary gave me one too….Ruby-dew! (oh brother! now don’t y’all start calling me that!)

Summer, Gary and I got home Friday night around midnight. It was a long day of traveling as we flew from Ontario to Phoenix to Tulsa, then drove 3 hours home.  Although tired on Saturday we decided to go get some groceries….we heard there was a winter storm on it’s way. So we stocked up enough food for several meals, plus the basics, milk, bread and eggs. It’s a good thing we didn’t wait until Sunday to shop because that evening the snow started falling and didn’t stop until we had several inches! Being snowed in is kinda fun (remember I’m a California girl!) It’s so beautiful too….it looks as if the angels sprinkled powdered sugar everywhere!

“Outside it was cold and snowy, but the little log cabin was snug and cozy. Pa, Ma Laura, Mary and baby Carrie were comfortable and happy in their little house in the Big Woods.”  Laura Ingalls Wilder

It’s so fun to know that  just one hour from where I live sits Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home in Mansfield Missouri. The place where she penned all of her heartwarming stories of life on the prairie. As I look out my window and see the wonder and beauty of the sugar-coated Ozark hills I think about Mrs. Wilder and how she must have also delighted in the cozyness of her glowing hearth with the same breathtaking snowy views.

Dad and Dusty loaded up the jeep from our stockpile of firewood to bring down to Dusty’s house…just down the street. It’s so hilarious that they wouldn’t want to be seen with those burly hats on in California….but here, with temps around 10 degrees, they are pretty much a necessity!

As suggested in the Farmhouse Christmas Cookbook from Gooseberry Patch that I did a video review on, I filled up a dishpan with fresh snow for Summer to enjoy. She’s getting over a cough and cold and was not able to go outside to play…so I brought a little of the outside in!

Here are a couple more pictures of  my Ozark Farmhouse in the snow….

While it’s a shivery cold wonderland outside, I’ll be busy as an “oh honey” bee putting away the ”Wonderland”  inside….

This week I have a lot to tend to! Because I was out of town during the holidays all of my Christmas decor is still up! I’m itching to take it all down but I wanted to get a post out to y’all, so as soon as I hit the “publish” button I have got to get my house in order! I actually enjoy taking down the decorations.  I just like how my house looks so fresh and clean….clearing away all of the jolly glitter to make way for the sweet things of spring,  which is just around the corner…ahhh, I can almost hear the birds chirping!

One of the verses that I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is Proverbs 31:27 it says “She looks well to the ways of her household.”  In the Amplified version it says “She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.”

As we look forward to a new year, lets look well to the ways of our household by being thankful, joyful and contented. And lets do our best to create a home our family feels loved in! It’s all starts with a sweet and nurturing attitude!

The best is yet to come!

Bless you Sweet Sugar Pie Sistas!

Thank you for all of your encouraging comments they make my heart sparkle!

Hugs y’all’

Aunt Ruthie

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Merry Christmas Sugar Pies! I hope that in the midst of all of your busy preparations…baking those yummy sugar cookies….shopping and wrapping those last minute gifts….doing laundry, cooking meals, and keeping the house tidy…that  you would take a few moments from all the flurry to sit and ponder (like Mary did) at the dazzling-wonder of God’s most wonderful gift to us…..the reason why we are celebrating! So go grab a yummy cup of hot cocoa or tea and come spend a few Christmas moments with me….

“O star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light.” ~Old Christmas Carol

“Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining, it is  the night of our dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world, in sin and error pining, and He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…..

…Fall on your knees,Oh hear the angel voices. O night divine, O, night when Christ was born, O night divine, O night divine!” ~ A. Adam

“Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them” Luke 2:19

The Word of God says that Jesus is the light of the world. Light brings life. We couldn’t survive without light on this earth. If the sun no longer shined every plant would  wither and die. No plants, no food, no life, no beauty, no joy.  Ahh, but when the sun shines the sky is blue, flowers bloom, fruit hangs sweet from the trees, sunbeams warm our skin, the birds sing and beauty fills the earth. It is the same with our souls. Our souls cannot survive without Jesus, it’s His light that  brings us life. It’s His light that fills our heart with hope and goodness, love and comfort, mercy and grace,  truth and wisdom,  beauty and joy and of course Salvation with the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Him.  His Word (the Bible) lights up the path of our life so we can see the right way to go.  Think about this…when we come home at night and everything is dark, the first thing we do is turn on the light. It makes us feel safe and it helps us to see where we are going. It also helps us to recognise and feel that comforting sense of belonging…we think to ourself….ahh, it’s good to be home! That is what Jesus does for us when we invite Him to make His home in our heart. He turns the light on…and wonder upon wonders… hope and beauty fills our soul! The wonderful news is, His light is eternal….it can never be snuffed out. We never have to live in darkness again.

“Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12

Let the glory of the Lord shine in your heart today! If you find yourself in a dark and lonely place this season, ask the Lord to turn the light on in your heart so you can feel the warmth of His love for you and see the glow of a brighter future.

“Look up! However dark your night, there’s a Star shining for YOU, it’s the Bright and Morning Star, Jesus Christ, your Lord, Light of the World.” ~Peggie Bohanon

If you need God’s help, Pray this Prayer…Dear Heavenly Father, you are Holy and so Loving, thank you for sending your Son to this earth to rescue me. I believe that He died for my sins and you raised Him from the dead and He is alive and hears my prayer. I need your grace and mercy, please forgive me of my sins and make me white as snow, come into my heart and fill me with your goodness and love, I make Jesus my Lord and Savior. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer you are no longer alone! Your Prince of Peace has rescued your soul and He has an amazing future designed just for you and you have the promise of Heaven. This doesn’t  mean there won’t be bumps in the road, but He will be right by your side, holding your hand every moment of every day. You must read His life giving Word to stay strong and to get to know Jesus personally (I recommend the New Living Translation). Read Psalm 139 to find out how the Lord had all of your days planned before you were born…and the thoughts He thinks about you are so many they out-number the grains of sand! He is always watching over you…He loves you so much He just can’t take His eyes off of you!! Then read the Gospel of John to learn about our wonderful Jesus. And read Psalm 91 to remind yourself that God is your protector. Welcome to the Family of God!

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory fo the Lord is risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

Please leave me a comment if you prayed the prayer of Salvation…I would love to know!

Jesus is the best gift Ev-ah! That is why I love to decorate my home for Christmas in celebration of His Love and sacrifice for me.  All the lights and sparkle are perhaps a little glimpse of heaven…..

…a reminder that He is preparing  a glorious take-your-breath-away heaven!

“Considering God decorated the heavens–His own dwelling place–it seems no less fitting for us to dress up our homes with strings of lights, carols that worship His name, and symbols and seasonal reminders to help us celebrate the birth of His Son. “  Karla Dornacher

These are a few vintage ornaments from my childhood Christmas tree. I love that my favorite ornament as a little girl had the title of my favorite Christmas song…Silent Night…the same song I sang my babies to sleep when I became a mama.

Here are a few more peeks into The Farmhouse….

Simple adornments….hurricane lamps filled with tinsel garland….pine branches…a string of  shimmering snowballs. I bought a package of tinsel strands for 99 cents, and it transformed the whole look of the mantel into a sparkly winter wonderland. I remember putting this same silvery tinsel on  my Christmas tree as a child….what was old is new again!

I found these vintage ice-skates at a fleamarket…when I saw them heartfelt memories of my own ice-skating days were brought to mind. I “frosted” them with clear glitter and  snowball pom-poms.

A frosted snowman from Homegoods and a handsome clock from Walmart! Embellishing your home doesn’t have to be expensive!

The Disney-girl in me just loves to create this snowy village each year….

I love this Victorian house with the bay window…inside a bountiful table is set with all of the fixin’s …turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, pies, homemade bread, asparagus and candlelight!  I was asked where I got my village houses…..this one is  Snow Village– Department 56—and the title is “Thanksgiving At Grandmother’s House”…..all of my other houses I got at Walmart several years ago.

“Oh, the snow, the beautiful snow, filling the sky and earth below; Over the housetops, over the street, Over the heads of the people you meet, dancing, twirling, swirling along.”~ James Watson

The framed artwork is Thomas Kinkade.

Oh dear…the deer is eating Frosty’s carrot nose!

A favorite family tradition…picking out the Christmas tree! The fragrance of a  pine tree is the most wonderful smell in the world!

“For years we put the Christmas tree in the parlor. It was the fanciest room in the old farmhouse–carpeted, wallpapered and curtained. It seemed fitting to celebrate the Master’s birthday in the best room.” ~ Jean Bell Mosley,  The Christms in Mama’s Kitchen

“Children’s happy voices sing ‘Glory to the newborn King!’ while the church bells joyfully ring… this is Christmas!

“Festive trees and child’s delight, carols ringing through the night, frosted panes aglow with light…this is Christmas!” ~ Beth Edwards

Here are  a few ideas for some last minute gift-giving…you can order from Amazon and in most cases have it delivered to your home in two days…

Farmhouse Christmas Cookbook: This is one of my favorite Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks…it’s filled with yummy recipes including the sweet and chewy and very farm-wife-y  Hot Milk Spongecake! There is also a section in the back for gifts you can make, heartwarming Christmas memories that you can adopt for your own family, and  fun things to do with your kids. Some of the chapter titles are Farmhouse Breakfasts, Fireside Soups and Breads, Cozy Kitchen Suppers and Homemade Desserts.

Check out my new video product review

about this book and watch me giggle!

(oh brother!) 

The Trip To Bountiful: Oh my, oh my!  This is one of my most fave movies EV-AH! It’s for anyone that gets giddy over old fashioned movies set in the 1940’s and 50’s.  The adorable Miss Geraldine Page won an Acadamy Award for her role. The clothing…the sets….the cars…the story….just wonderful! Click here to see it on Amazon.

It’s Your Time: By Joel Osteen: I am in the middle of reading this book and in Joel Osteen style, it is powerfully encouraging! Of the  23 chapters here are a few titles: Thriving, Not Just Surviving….Be A Bounce Back Person…Gaining Strength Through Adversity..Finding Your Place of Blessing.Joel is a gifted encourager. This book is a blessing and a great boost as we enter a new year with new dreams and goals. Click here to see it on Amazon.

Eat This And Live: By Dr. Don Colbert: This glossy, full color book is filled with information on  the kinds of foods we should and should not eat and why.  Each subject is on a two page spread with photos and graphics and very easy to read. A few chapter titles are: What to Avoid…Stayin’ Alive With Living Foods…Targeting Your Intake Of Specific Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals… What To Drink: The Miracle Cure…Tips For Healthy Kids…etc.  As we approach the New Year, one of my goals is to eat healthier! Oh , I’ll still have some pie every now and then, but on a limited basis…this book is a great start! Click here to see it on Amazon.

VillaWare Pizzelle Baker: Pizzelles are Italian Waffle cookies…light and crisp and especially delicious sprinkled with powdered sugar. Growing up in an Italian family,   there were always trays filled with a variety of delicious homemade Italian cookies at every holiday gathering….and there were always cookies at Grandma’s house….and my favorite were her Pizzelles! My daughter Summer and I have so much fun making them….Summer, age 11, is a pro! The baker comes with recipes! You can even roll them up in a cone or make an ice-cream sandwich! I use this year-round!  Click here to see it on Amazon!

Bless you Sugar Pies! Have a wonderful sparkly Merry CHRISTmas! I will be taking the next couple of weeks to spend with my kids and spending time in California to see the rest of my family…Yahoooo!

May the King born in Bethlehem find room in your heart today!

Happy Birthday Jesus….You are everything wonderful!

Sending lots of  Blessings and hugs!

Aunt Ruthie

P.S. To the sweet gals who asked…my wall color is Burnt Almond–Behr Paint–Home Depot and the Markings on my vintage Choir boy reads “Artistic Latex Form Co. New York City 1958″.

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The lights are up and twinkling like stars….the wind is whistling a winter song…snow is waiting to fall from the heavens like the sprinkling of sugar on grandma’s Christmas cookies.

Howdy Sugar Pies! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for Christmas! Well, my house is, I still have to finish up my shopping, wrapping and baking. But for me that’s the fun part! In the mean time I would like show y’all what I’ve been up to! The theme this year at The Farmhouse is “Merry and Bright and lots and lots of Snowy White!” Come on in!

I love the word Merry! To be Merry is to be jolly… cheerful… light-hearted…carefree…joyful… joyous… festive …happy… gleeful!  Proverbs 17:22 says  “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”   That’s one of the reasons I love to decorate for Christmas (and  all the seasons for that matter)…it creates a merry…joyful….and festive atmosphere….and that kind of atmosphere is good for us! Beauty inspires! Beauty lifts our spirit! It refreshes us.  It can give us a positive outlook on life. It’s a way of celebrating the glory and blessings of God. Our environment and the atmosphere around us can effect our emotions, and our emotions can affect our physical health. Dr. Don Colbert says ” How you feel in your heart can show up in your body, for your heart and body are more powerfully connected than you have ever realized.”  So even the tiniest bit of  candle glow or sparkle here and there can remind us that Jesus is the true light of the world, that He is the reason for the Season…and in Him we have hope and a future.

In this post I’m going to share with you some very simple, inexpensive and heartfelt Christmas decorating tips  using flea-market finds that I already had but found new ways to use them.

So my dear Sugar Pies….. let’s all have a very MeRrY Christmas!

“Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts.” ~ Joan Brown

A vintage canning jar filled with pure white ”snow” and topped with a candy-cane red and white ornament….sweet and simple yes, but the colors are oh-so-meaningful to my heart.  Y’all know I love me some farmhouse white! Milk-white…egg-shell white….whipped-cream white….sugar-white…white-washed-barn white…picket-fence white…lambs-wool white….but most of all snowy white!  It reminds me of these  wonderful life-giving scriptures….

“Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

” We may think our hearts are pure and white because of the good things we do or the nice things we say. But when we compare our “whiteness” to the purity of Jesus Christ, even the whitest heart cannot come close. Jesus is the only One who can truly make our hearts whiter than snow.” ~Roy Lessin

When you receive and unwrap God’s gift of Christmas , the one with your name on the tag, you’ll find the most wonderful, exquisite,  pure form of  love than you can ever imagine…His son Jesus….and in Him (and only Him) we can have an abundant life on this earth and the key to heaven! Wow!

“Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, filling the sky and the earth below!” ~ J. Watson

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
just like the ones I used to know
May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white! ~Irving Berlin 1942

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk by the fire…it is the time for home.” ~Dame Sitwell

My vintage milk bottles (filled with salt) once graced my fireplace mantle, by simply moving them to a new spot in my kitchen, and adding a few icy snowflakes and ornaments, a whole new Christmas-y look was created.

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” ~ Harlan Miller

For a clean simple look for my baking center I  added….

Just a bottle ‘o’ milk (salt), a gingerbread boy, a vintage cookie cutter and an oversized icy snowflake.

On my chalkboard….(which used to be an old headboard) I’ve written the simple, yet delightful, word “joy” ! Of course I used my favorite Chalk-board Markers found here on Amazon. I also wanted to share my secret for erasing these markers…sometimes they can be a little stubborn….click here to find out how I clean the chalk-ink off!

Opposite my kitchen is our family room…it’s actually just one great-room.

“The holly’s up, the house is bright,

the tree is ready, the candles alight. “~German Carol

There’s something about old enamel dishpans that I can’t resist. Maybe it’s because of the farm-wife stories it could tell, like  the hundreds of times it was used to wash dishes after a hearty meal, or when it was filled with green beans to snap or corn cobs to husk  while sitting on the front porch in the cool of the day. Or the sweet little babies that were bathed in warm soapy water until they were squeaky clean and ready for a nap, or perhaps it was filled with a layer of  soft hay to protect  the fresh eggs gathered from the hen house. Well, during this festive season it has a new purpose sitting on my coffee table  filled  to the brim with pinecones, Rudolph’s nose-red ornaments,  ”snowy-flocked” branches and “snowballs” for a Christmas-on-the-farm look.

I took this sweet baby Jesus home from an Emilie Barnes Christmas Seminar about 20 years ago…it’s one of my favorite Christmas decorations…notice the Cross above His dear little head.

“Open your heart’s door, open it wide, for the Infant so meek and mild

Let Him come in this Christmastide, make room for the dear Christ Child.” ~ Maye V. Crow

The fireplace mantle….one of my creamy white pitchers now holds sparkly candy cane ornaments. The  “It’s a wonderful life” sign was one of my purchases a couple years ago at an Ozark craft fair. Love the movie!

An oversized ornament (last year from Lowes) takes a spot on top of my white candleholder.

Last year I stuck twigs into the top of the tree…this year, candy canes. When I took this photo we had not decorated the tree with our family ornaments yet.  I placed the big snowflakes on the tree and later we hung the smaller ornaments in and around them. My Buffalo Plaid curtains are actually fleece blankets I purchased for $20 each from a mail order catalog ( I think it was Collections Inc.). I just attached clip-rings and hung them on a rod …easy peasy!

Three little carolers all in a row…. on top of my player piano.  These craft fair cuties have been part of our holiday decorations for about 23 years…so I guess I can safely  and happily say they are vintage!

Sing hey! Sing hey! for Christmas Day…twine the mistletow and holly,

for friendship glows in winter snows, and so let’s all be jolly. ~Old English Carol

Adorned in  vintage tinsel and lookin’ quite sassy is my barnyard piggy.  I  named her Honey…. she’s so cute that whenever I look at her I just have to say “Oh! HoNeY!

On my next post I’ll share more of my “Merry and Bright” Christmas decorating.  In the mean time I need to finish up my Christmas shopping! Speaking of Christmas shopping…here are a few gift ideas that I recommend…

Mr. Coffee’s  Cocomotion  Hot Chocolate Maker (Click here)

Can I just tell ya how much I love this Hot Chocolate maker!!  You just pour in four cups of milk and 8 tablespoons of cocoa powder (or syrup), press the “On” button and walk away! It will begin to whip the chocolate-milk goodness, heat it up and in 10 minutes you will have the creamiest hot chocolate at just the right temperature (hot, but not burn your tongue hot!).  Drop some marshmallows in a mug and pour….yum! It turns itself off too! No more standing and stirring for 15 minutes!

Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Mix

It’s best to start with quality hot chocolate mix….Ghiradelli is one of the best I’ve tasted.  Sometimes I’ll also add a little heavy whipping cream to the milk to make it even richer! When I lived in California we would go to San Fransisco each year and would always go to the old factory at Ghirardelli Square to have hot chocolate or a hot fudge sundae. YuMmY!

Philosophy Yummy Bath and Body Cleansers

OH! hoNeY! These are  fabulous! The scents are so lucious and dreamy and the packaging is adorable! Red Velvet Cake…Cinnamon Buns….Spicy Pear Cobbler…Pumpkin Spice Muffin…Gingerbread and Double Rich Hot Cocoa! I look forward to taking my showers with these delicious fragrances. I drizzle the ultra-rich  shower gels on one of those netted scrubbies and I can’t believe the bubbles and lather it makes. They can also be used as shampoo too. Any gal would love these!

Mrs. Rowe’s Little Book Of Southern Pies (Click here)

This book is a little treasure! It is filled with wonderful tips on making fabulous pies from a dear southern lady who ran her own restuarant in Virgina. She was famous for her pies and was affectionately known as The Pie Lady. The photos are beautiful and the little stories are heartwarming. “This little book offers a true slice of Southern Hospitality”.  There are more than 65 All-American recipes for pie…what more could a farm-girl want?

Be Blessed Sugar Pies! Next time I’ll bring you more peeks into The Farmhouse!

I love hearing from you! Stop in and say hello! And let me know where you are from too!

Hugs y’all!

Aunt Ruthie

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My goodness Sugar Pies! Can you believe Thanksgiving is just days away? I’ve been bustling about in my apron all week finishing up my Christmas decorating. Yes gals…Christmas decorating! Rome wasn’t built in a day nor can I create Christmas-land at The Farmhouse in a day! (LOL) It’s taken me since the first week of November until now to finish up.  Oh I know, some of  y’all don’t like to start your Christmas decorating until the day after Thanksgiving…and that’s okay…I did that for years….but I’ve discovered that I like to get an early start, not only to get it done, but to be able to enjoy all of the glistening goodness a little longer….and I  just have to say that it feels great to have my home sparkling with Christmas! Now  my family and  I can sit back, relax and experience the sights, smells and sounds of this wonderful time of year!

Yes! Lights are twinkling, tinsel is sparkling and the sounds of  Bing Crosby are playing softly in the background…

The songs of  Good ol’ Bing always gets me in the mood to decorate along with a crystal goblet filled with Land O’ Lakes Eggnog  (I bought this goblet at Pic-in-Save…which is now Big Lots…. about 30 years ago for 49 cents! What a hoot! By the way I took this photo with my fabulous Canon Rebel xsi Camera with a 50 mm lens…I LOVE this camera). Anyhoo, I mentioned this to my dear friend and old next door neighbor Cat at The Vintage Housewife the other day…during our two hour gab-fest on the phone! I told her that I only drink eggnog  in fancy stemware (49 cent  ones at that!) it just tastes better that way…a regular old glass just wouldn’t do…she was so  tickled at that! Well, it’s true…just like hot tea tastes much more scrumptious  sipped from a china tea cup that clinks when you set it back down on the saucer! Ahhh….life’s simple pleasures! Well now, getting back to decking my halls for Christmas….here is a sneak peak at what I’ve been up to….

Icy milk-white blended with a snap of  candy-cane red sets the theme for my Christmas farmhouse kitchen…. a merry gingerbread-boy plays peek-a-boo in the pure glow of candlelight…

A wintry wonderland of dripping tinsel icicles and glittered churches adorn the living room mantle ….frosted pine branches set aglow with white lights that twinkle a cheerful “Welcome Home…..home for Christmas”.

“God Bless your home and the people there, May the skies that touch your roof be fair–Your hearth burn bright, and your candle shine, And the snowflake sparkle on your pine.” ~ Esther Wood

Yes, Christmas is in the air….and I have more to share,  but for now we need to get ready for a wonderful Old Fashioned Happy Thanksgiving!

There are pies to bake and a turkey to roast and baste golden brown, potatoes to peel, onions to chop, stuffing to mix,  cranberries to stir,  tables to  set and candles to light……doorbells will ring, loved ones will be hugged…cousins will run and play…..tummies will growl as the aromas of savory-sage  mixed with sweet ‘n’ spicy confections ribbon it’s way through homes all across America. The drum-beat sounds of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will play in the background as  aproned women-folk  chatter as they scurry around the kitchen whipping up treasured recipes passed down through generations…Mom’s sausage stuffing….Grandma’s Cranberry Jello Salad….Sue’s Praline Sweet Potatoes….Aunt Jen’s Date Nut Bars. Papa, crunching on a celery stick, will come in and lift lids curiously and peek with hungry eyes until mama shoo’s him away with her dish cloth.

Every ear will perk up when mama shouts “time to eat!”.  A quiet hush will blanket the room, hands will be joined, heads will bow,  grace will be spoken and hearts will be warmed with a wonderful sense of belonging and blessing.  Happy voices and laughter will be as bountiful as the food laden table. Memories as sweet as Auntie’s Toffee Candy will be made.

Later in the day after the roar of the football game  and things  begin to  quiet down, you’ll be able to hear the soothing sounds like the ticking of the clock  and the crackle and snap from the fire. Rosey-cheeked little ones, breathless from playing chase outside, will warm their icy hands by the glowing hearth ….grown-ups will gather again around the table, the coffee will be poured, the pie will be cut and topped with dollops of whipped cream, and conversations will continue…

May I encourage you Sugar Pies, in the midst of the flurry of your Thanksgiving celebration that you take a minute to step back and intentionally  savor the moment….by that I mean, take a minute  to stop and look around you…take note of your loved ones… their faces….their smiles….the sounds….the aromas….the blessings…breathe in the beauty and the wonder of the moment. Take in the view.  Right then, thank the Lord for His goodness, grace and mercy….for family and friends….for the freedom to worship….for God’s provision….for HIS SALVATION through His son JESUS…for HEAVEN ….for the ability to see, hear, taste, smell, touch….and for His amazing love and bountiful blessings.

I remember 31 years ago on my wedding day a dear friend told me to do this same thing…to take a minute or two to “breathe in the beauty and the wonder of the moment” to remember and cherish that moment in my heart. So as the guests were being seated I gathered up the billowing train of my gown and briskly climbed the stairs to  the balcony  where I was able to peer over the railing for a birds-eye view to watch the lighting of the candles, and my grandparents and other loved ones being seated….I could clearly see the platform filled with baskets of flowers,  a white picket fence and garden benches. It was such an exquisite feeling  as I stood there in awe  realizing  the significance  of this life changing day. I kept thinking …oh my goodness Lord, this is my wedding! I’m getting married in just a few minutes! It was a stunning me and God moment.

You know, we need to do this on an everyday basis not just special events. Every day is precious and life itself is a gift. We need to stop and smell the pumpkin pie….stop and listen to little girl giggles….stop and hug grandpa a little longer…stop and breathe in the sweetness of a newborn baby….stop and thank the Lord for His blessings…. so  we will remember…so that these moments of our life  won’t be just a blurr when we look back, but will stay as glimmering treasures  in our hearts.

Tender words, gentle touch, and a good cup of coffee,
And someone that loves me and wants me to stay;
Hold them near while they’re here, and don’t wait for tomorrow,
To look back and wish for today.

We have this moment to hold in our hands,
And to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday’s gone, and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today. ~ Bill Gaither

Okay Sugar Pies, now in order for us to savor our Thanksgiving  moments, we need to prepare as much as we can in advance so that we are not feeling stressed and anxious. If you are hosting this holiday at your home, here are just a few tips to get y’all going in that joyful direction:

1. Pray and give thanks: ask the Lord to help you, to give you wisdom, and patience, and a joyful attitude. Thank Him for His blessings and the opportunity to open your home to share with others.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!” Psalm 100: 4 ( Amplified Version)

But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory (making us conquerors) through our Lord Jesus Christ”.     1Corinthians 15:57

2. Plan your menu. Make a list of everything you will be preparing. Gather your recipes in one place and make a grocery list.

3. Plan your meal potluck style: In our family we have everyone bring a dish and a dessert, so it makes it easier on everyone. Decide the menu then divide it among all those who are coming.

4. The day before Thanksgiving take out all of your  platters and bowls for each item you are going to prepare. Print out the name of those dishes and place them in the  serving pieces so if guests arrive early to help they will know what goes where.

5. Gather the serving spoons and forks that you will need for each dish, that way you won’t be rummaging through your drawers in a panic at the last minute….”where in the world is that carving knife?!”

7.  Get your table cloth ready ( cleaned and ironed) and decide on your centerpiece and candles, and set the table and or tables, the day before. You can turn the plates upside down to keep them dust free until the next day. If you want name cards have them made up in advance–a great project for the kids!

8. Put on your grocery list some parsley, fresh cranberries, and an orange to slice for garnish around the turkey if you carve it at the table.

9. Don’t forget the whipping cream!

10. Make sure your baking powder is fresh  or your biscuits, rolls, cakes or muffins may not rise.

11.  Make your gravy ahead of time! Here is a link to a video of Tyler Florence making Turkey gravy…you may need to turn off my music–lower right side–before you head over there.

12. Have plenty of foil, plastic wrap and plastic containers available for leftovers.

13. Have your camera charged and ready to go.

14. At some point during the meal or after during dessert, go around the table and take turns sharing one thing that you are most thankful for.

15. If something doesn’t turn out the way you wanted don’t let it steal your joy….just carry on. Things don’t have to be perfect…the fact that you are with your loved ones is all that matters. Stay thankful on Thanksgiving…now that’s a novel idea! LOL!

16. For a barrel of laughs get the game Apples to Apples! It’s fun and easy to play! I can almost guarantee it will be one of the highlights of the day…next to the  pumpkin pie of course!!

17. Share the blessings…if you know someone who may not have a place to go for Thanksgiving dinner or a family who needs a little tender-loving-care why not invite them over.  Or maybe your church has a food pantry that you can contribute to. Today, I’m taking Summer to fill a shoebox with goodies for the Operation Christmas Child organized by Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s purse is a wonderful organization started by Franklin Graham, the son of the Rev. Billy Graham, they reach out all over the world to those in need. Here is the link to their web site if you feel you would like to help.

Almost everyone I know has felt the crunch of our economy here in the USA, some more than others. Let’s reach out and share the Love of God to those in need.

18. Please say a special prayer for our troops and their families…God bless them! Pray for their protection, that they would feel God’s love and His presence. Pray that they would be comforted and to be able to come home soon! God Bless the USA!

19. Make your pumpkin pie the day before. Refrigerate until you serve it. It’s well…easy as pie, let me show you!

Martha Stewart loves the recipe on the back of Libby’s Canned Pumpkin…it’s so easy…Here is the link!

you just mix a few ingredients together …..

and pour it in an unbaked pie shell….bake, cool and eat!

Here  is my pie crust recipe and  a few of my tips….

2 sticks cold salted  butter cut into cubes (1 cup)

2 cups unbleached flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup ice water ( and maybe an extra tablespoon if too dry)

Mix butter, flour, sugar in KitchenAid mixer (or by hand with a pastry cutter) until it looks like coarse meal with little chunks of butter. Slowly drizzle water while mixing. Stop as soon as the dough clumps together. Cut dough in half and form into two disks. Wrap one disk in plastic wrap and put in refrigerator to use for another pie or use as the top of a fruit pie. Roll out dough. Put in pie pan and then in refridgerator to keep cool until your filling is ready.

Make sure to use icy cold butter (cut in cubes) and ice water…you want to keep the dough as cold as possible…roll out on a lightly floured surface, turning to dough a little with each roll…use a spatula to loosen dough underneath so it won’t stick….

Roll the dough about  2 inches larger than your pie plate…

Fold under the excess…

And crimp the edge…I use my knuckle to push in and with my other hand I use two fingers to hold that shape ( I couldn’t show my other hand because I was taking the picture!LOL)

If you are going through the steps to make a fresh pie, go one step further and whip your own cream. It’s as easy as pouring heavy whipping cream into your mixing bowl, adding a couple tablespoons of powdered sugar (to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla if you want and whip it for a few minutes until fluffy.

Yum! If I can do it you can do it!

My dear Sugar Pie Sista  Dee made this sign for me! I love it so much I want to MaRRy iT! Thank you Dee! It fits perfectly in my pie cupboard of course!

Check out her darling blog Farmhouse Country Style! And go see the cute-as-pie signs she sells at her Farmhouse Mercantile!

I hope y’all have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! Don’t forget to breathe in the beauty and the wonder of the moment!

I’m thankful for all of you my Sugar Pie Sistas! I thank you for the encouragement and kindness you share  through your comments. I truly wish I could respond to each and every one, but please know that I read them, treasure them and pray for you by name. God knows you, adores you, loves you, and sings songs over you! He knows your struggles and heartbreaks. Trust Him to carry you through any storm. Keep a thankful heart….His mercy is new every morning.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His Love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (See! God sings over you!!) What a wonderful God we serve! I am thankful.

God Bless you my Oh HOneY’s!

Aunt Ruthie

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