Hello Sugar Pies! My oh, my! I’ve been busier than a bunny in a carrot patch! I’ve been traveling a bit and when I’m home I’ve been kissin’ grandbabies and fluffin’ up my nest! The days have just flown by! But you know, as this warm and sunny season begins to wind down and thoughts of Autumn are swirling around my head like wind-blown leaves, I’ve been trying to savor every last drop of summer’s sweetness. It’s become a tradition now for me to make my most favorite plum jam.
There is something so delightful about putting up preserves. There’s this delicious anticipation I get as I imagine the scrumptious flavor of the end result and the soothing contentment of seeing my sealed jars sitting neatly in a row. I keep a few of jars of my jam stored in my pantry to enjoy throughout the fall and winter, but I give most of them away, which delights my heart even more! Making plum jam also brings back wonderful memories of my Aunt Jen, Uncle Al and my cousins Marlene, Jimmy, Fran, and Gracie. When I was growing up my family would often drive up the coast of California to Santa Cruz to be with them as part of our family’s summer vacation. After we’d been there a few days we’d all jump in our station wagons and go plum pickin’ together. Once we got back to the house Aunt Jen and my mom would get busy chopping the fruit, sterilizing jars and stirring the sugar-plum jam in big pots on the stove. The house was filled with a joyful clatter and the most luscious aroma ribboned its way through the rooms and into our hearts. Looking back, as I peek through the window of those memories, I can see the women-folk bustling happily in the kitchen, chatting, stirring and pouring while us youngin’s played nearby. I so cherish the warm sense of home, belonging and well-being that I felt through those experiences as a young girl. Loving, comforting, cheerful, cozy, homey…those are the words that describe what was poured into my heart and are also what I strive to instill every day in my own home.
Vintage homemaking is one way to make home loving, comforting, cheerful, cozy and homey. Doing things the way they were done “back in the day” when life was simpler. Not that life was easy back then, but it wasn’t as complex and full of as many distractions as we have now. Internet, cell phones, Ipads, T.V. Although I use and enjoy these electronic goodies in moderation, I am all for bringing back and preserving simple joys. Making jam for my family and friends is one of those simple pleasures. Come peek inside my Sugarplum-jam-makin’-kitchen…
It’s best to start any cooking task by putting on a cute apron and playing some endearing music. My choice of music for the end of summer and throughout the fall is the soundtrack of “Little Women“. Pure bliss my sisters! Pure bliss! Just listening to it makes me want to start my fall decorating! But alas, I shall wait until September.
The Soundtrack to Little Women is wonderful background music when fluffin’ up your vintage nest! I’m also looking forward to a crisp fall evening when we’ll put on a fire, pop some corn and watch the Little Women movie…the old one and the newer one! Now, back to my Sugar Plum Jam makin’…
Gather all of your ingredients…
Take some fresh plums…the ones with red goodness on the inside…
Some sparkling clean jars that will need to soak in boiling water to sterilize…
A big Ol’ Graniteware Canner and rack
Jar Rings and brand new lids…I found these cute ones at Walmart! I love gingham!
The Plum Jam recipe I use is provided in the Certo Pectin package:
what you need
Make It
PIT unpeeled plums. Finely chop or grind fruit. Place fruit in saucepan; add water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 min. Measure exactly 4-1/2 cups prepared fruit into 6- or 8-qt. saucepot.
STIR sugar into prepared fruit in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
LADLE immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 min. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middles of lids with finger. (If lids spring back, lids are not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)
I keep my opened pouch of Certo Pectin in a cup so it’s ready when I need to add it in a hurry.
Before you know it, it’s time to funnel the hot sugar-plum goodness into the jars!
I made two batches in two separate pots. The jam experts say you should not double the recipe, so I had two pots to stir at the same time.
Ahhhhhhhh! (singing in an opera voice!)
Sugar plum heaven!
We need homemade biscuits to go with that jam!
“I like my biscuit the way mama fixed it”
~from a cute T-shirt
You may have noticed the jam recipe calls for a lot of sugar. I mean a lot! According to the experts, the reason is the sugar acts as a preservative and it also increases the pectin’s ability to jell. Without the sugar, bacteria can set in and spoil the batch. It got me thinkin’…when we add sweetness ( love and grace) to our homelife it preserves our family, draws us closer and makes our home a nurturing and emotionally safe place. Without it joy and peace cannot thrive, instead, bitterness, loneliness, and anger are likely to well up, making home a harsh place to live. Sugar Pie Darlin’s that’s not what we want! What’s a gal to do to sprinkle sweetness at home? Here are some ideas…
Choose joy: As mama’s, we have the choice to be a nurturing, patient, loving presence in our home. A cozy glowing light in a dark world for our family. But how can we choose joy when life is sometimes so hard? Ask God to be your strength and to help you. He will, dear sister. Think about what you have been blessed with. You woke up this morning. You’re blessed Sugar. You can see to read this. You’re blessed Honey. There are people who love you. God loves you more than you can imagine! YOU ARE BLESSED DARLIN’! We need to lead the example for our family and talk about what we are thankful for instead of complaining. Choose to speak kind words in a loving tone. Be an encourager. Hug a lot. Plan ahead for things so you’re not running around like a headless chicken becoming stressed and agitated. It’s the mama that sets the tone for the home. Change your thoughts, change your life. Proverbs 3:27 says “As a man thinks in his heart so is he”. Make up your mind to be the kind of mama and wife that blesses your loved ones, lifting them up instead of tearing them down. Choose joy so that home will be sweet.
Memorize these scriptures and keep them in your heart:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Be A Blessing: In the morning while you’re getting dressed, as yourself the question: How can I be a blessing to my family and friends? Little things mean a lot. It doesn’t take much to show someone you care. A word. A note. A kind deed. A smile. A phone call. A text. It might be just the thing that will hug a heart hungry for a little lovin’.
Give your family that “Welcome Home” feeling! Greet them with a kiss, a hug, and a smile. Let them know you are glad they’re home. Write “I love my family” on a chalkboard for them to see. Have the table set for supper early…it sends a sweet message to your dear ones that they are cared for…it tells them “Mama’s fixin’ to cook up a tummy-warmin”-lip-smackin’-mouth-watering-hearty dinner soon! Let your honey’s know that everything’s gonna be alright now that their home. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…make your house a place your family wants to come home to.
“The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.” ~Calvin Trillin
Say the words… ” I love you”…”I’m so proud of you”…”I’m sorry”…”Please” and “thank you!” …”I forgive you”. These are vital to a happy sweet home.
Eat together and make Suppertime enjoyable!
Bake a pie! Or a sweet treat every once in a while!
Take time out. Turn everything off (computers, TV, –any noise) Listen to the quiet. Listen to the birds, hear the breeze rustle the leaves in the trees or the low rumble of a distant storm. Gather your thoughts. Listen to your heart. Take a deep breath. Get refreshed. Have a little talk with Jesus.
Bring beauty into your home! A vase of fresh cut flowers. A bowl of fruit. A lit candle. Keep your home tidy and smelling sweet. Make it a rule in your home to pick up around the house and make sure the kitchen is clean before you go to bed at night. I love the Fly Lady’s advise to end the day with a clean kitchen sink. I scrub my sink every night with Comet. I do love natural cleaners, but for my sink and toilet, I use Comet. It feels good to know that all germs and bacteria have been eliminated. I also empty the kitchen garbage after dinner so my kitchen doesn’t smell like garbage the next day. Gals, don’t we want our kitchen to greet us with a spic and span smile each mornin’…all shiny and bright and smellin’ sweet? Yes, we do!
Go on a date! Keep your romance alive. Or go have coffee or tea with a friend. It’s good to get out and be with people you love!
Keep a song in your heart! Find a song that makes you feel happy and sing it! I have many songs that I sing… old hymns, new praise songs, golden oldies and Christmas carols! Singing Jingle Bells just makes me plum happy! I even hum it to myself when I’m grocery shopping! LOL! What can I say? I’m just a silly heart!
This is what I read today in the book Splashes of Joy. by Barbara Johnson..so cute! Hope it makes you smile!! :
“After leading twelve thousand women at a Women of Faith conference in a rousing chorus of “I’ll Fly Away” this anonymous note was left at my book table:
—Just wanted to tell you how big of a smile was on my face as we sang “I’ll Fly Away.”…My mom…told us the story of my grandmother singing “I’ll Fly Away” at the top of her lungs. When she got to the chorus, she had forgotten the words, but that didn’t stop her. She just improvised and kept right on singing. When she got to “When I die…” she sang, “When I DO, hallelujah, DOO-DEE-DOO, I’ll fly away.” My sisters and I will sing it that way ’til the day we “DO” (I mean “die”).
—-“I’ll never hear that song again without thinking of that spunky grandmother belting out her homemade lyrics with great joy and gusto!” ~ Barbara Johnson
The book Daily Splashes Of Joy by Barbara Johnson is filled with 365 daily devotions. One short little reading a day will go a long way to make your heart sparkle with sweetness and glimmer with joy.
I love that story of the “spunky grandmother”!! Singing is a good thing! My hubby and I have always made up songs with our kids’ names inserted (kids love to hear their name in songs and stories!).
Well Sugar Pies, the key to a sweet home starts inside your heart. The way to keep it sweet is to allow God to fill your heart with His lavish love for you. The book “Beautiful In God’s Eyes” by Elizabeth George will bless your heart as she explores the beauty, joy, and contentment of the Proverbs 31 woman. It’s an easy read and rich with wisdom and guidance for today’s homemaker.
Beautiful In God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George…one of my favorite writers! She’s a blessing to homemakers everywhere! Good books like this are a blessing! They have helped me become a better mama than I would have been! Thank the Lord for godly women clearing the path for us!
God Bless your Darlin’s Hearts Sugar Pies! Thank you so very much for your comments! I wish I could get back to every one of you, but please know that I read them, and pray for you! They encourage me to keep this blog going…I love to know that you are out there reading this and if it is helping you.
Be sure to come chat with me on FACEBOOK!
Browse my Farmhouse Country Store Here!
For more posts that honor home and family you might like:
Family Traditions Keep Our Family Strong
Old Fashioned Goodness Mayberry Style
5 Simple Things You Can Do To Make Home Sweeter
Hugs to Y’all!
Aunt Ruthie
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Hi Ruthie,
You make a great point about comparing sugar in jam to spreading joy in the home but just wanted to add that – if someone is diabetic like myself – there is sugar-free pectin to make jam :)
Your Plum jam looks wonderful, this was my mom’s favorite kind of jam. I agree with all your words here..home should be a little bit of Heaven and we can bring it! I am off to do some mothering and grand mothering as one of my daughters will shortly be giving birth to our 21 rst grand child..Heaven indeed! :D
Another great encouraging post. Now I’m off to hug to grandboys!! Have a wonderful day, and I’m looking forward to seeing your fall decor ~ I’m burning my first pumpkin spice candle on this 100+ degree day!!
Great post Ruthann, so encouraging!! I am itching for fall and the holidays myself! ;)
Aunt Ruthie,
I always get a little burst of joy in my heart whenever I see a post of yours in my Google feed reader. Every post fills me with so much encouragement and inspiration. Thank you so much for what you do. You always remind me that my family and I deserve to be happy and that with God’s love and grace I can truly make that happen. Thanks again for being such a blessing!
I just adore you,and your word’s of wisdom. Thank you~!
Blessing’s
Ann
Thank you for this sweet post! Your posts always come just when I need them. The sweet words and encouragement are just perfect for me today. Thank you! Sincerely, Patti H. Livonia, Michigan
You definately know how to create the joyful atmosphere of a home with your beautiful words. I loved the part where you said…the most luscious aroma ribboned it’s way through the rooms and into our hearts. Such a beautiful picture. Thanks for all of the encouragement!
Your blog touches my heart in so many wonderful ways. Thank you for this encouragement. :) It means so much to so many of us.
Boy Howdy, Did I need to hear this today!
Thank you for the encouragement, wisdom and advice. You are my favorite bloggity friend!
Your posts always bring a tear to my eye and today’s was no exception.
I always come away from your blog feeling like “I can do it!”.
I always feel so encouraged and so much better. I don’t even realize that I’m feeling down and discouraged sometimes. Then I read your words and feel the truth-ness in them.
You always make me want to do better.
Thank you so much. And just know that, as you pray for me as you read this comment, I pray for you and your family as well.
((Hugs))
Laura
P.S. The jam looks amazing!
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
Thank you for the words of encouragement! And also bringing back memories of my own growing up when the women folk would make jam! My own favorite is frozen strawberry jam on a hot muffin! YUM! Blessings to you and yours as we enter into my favorite season!
Hugs, Victoria Lynn
Isn’t that just the most gorgeous colored jam you’ll ever make? It’s beautiful!
I love your encouraging words – I am so blessed to stay at home and raise my 3 children, sometimes I forget that. Your posts always make my heart feel so happy and “YES! I can do that!”
I am still trying to figure out how to turn your kitchen into mine. It’s darling, what a joy to have a room that looks like that to cook and bake in!
I think all I can add to the other comments is “me too.” You are an encouragement and make me want to do better. I just wish I had your blog while I was raising my family. BUT…I can still do this in my home for my husband. Also, my kids come home a lot and I want it to be a place where they can’t wait to get to. thanks.
Teresa (just three hours south of you.)
I can almost taste one of your hot biscuits and your homemade plum jam thanks to your great pictures. You are so right that it makes you feel so good inside when you can share something your hands have prepared with those you love. Thanks so much for encouraging us to keep spreading love to our family and others. Please know how much we appreciate the fact that you continue to make time to share and uplift all your sugar pie girlfriends when you have so much going on back in Branson. After reading this great post I can’t quit singing I’ll Fly Away”.Who doesn’t love that old hymn? Have a good week sweet Ruthann! Lots of love coming your way from Texas!
Thank you for your wonderful post. i love simple ideas that we can do around our house to make it cozy and wonderful! Although I’ve got a different take on religion that you do I just insert my own spiritual “take”and it all makes sense! I love that!
Thanks again!
Jen
Once again, Aunt Ruthie, thank you for the lovely, lovely post. Your blog is such a blessing to me. Hope you nev-ah, ev-ah stop posting your encouraging words about making our house into a home :)
Once again…your posts are always a blessing. Thank YOU!
Thank you so much for your post! You always encourage my heart and your posts are filled with great tips. I love your blog and you have helped me more than you know.
Once again, you have encouraged me to do BETTER! Being a mom IS my favorite and most important job. Thank you for the reminder! And thank you for sharing a little bit of your life on this blog. I’ve already made peach jam this summer, and will be making apple butter a little bit later. I too am a FALL girl. I LOVE all thinks fall and pumpkin and apple spiced and oohhh, ooohhhhh, I CAN HARDLY WAIT!
Blessings to you my dear sister in the Lord. And prayers going out to our Lord on your behalf. Have a wonderful evening!
Yay, another Aunt Ruthie post! I’m glad I’m not the only one that goes around singing and humming, all the day long. It drives my siblings nuts, but oh well. Love this post, your words always make me smile…. If you ever do another question and answer post would you mind telling me what type of camera that you have. You told us before but I cannot find the post where you said it (or point me to that post). Thanks. :)
I loved this post, and really needed it today. I have been so over whelmed, to read this was a reminder of the role God chose just for me.
Thank you and many blessings
Hi Ruthie,
I was just thinking about you last night and hoping you had a new post that would brighten my day! So happy when I got home and there was a brand new, uplifting post to make me smile! I have read your blog for several years now and always look forward to the new post on fall and winter! It gives me such a homey feel and makes me want to get out the fall decorations and get bustling around the house! Have a great week and congratulations on that new baby!!!
Beautiful post, beautiful jam, and beautiful words of wisdom, I agree with all that you shared. Elizabeth George has been a mentor of mine for a long while. You continue to be such a joy and blessing, I always look forward to a post from you.
Blessings,
Sue
The plum jam looks delicious! Also, the bowl full of plums brought back memories of my childhood and picking plums from the tree in our yard. Thanks for sending me on a trip down memory lane.
Aw. . . just what I needed to hear! I love a good peptalk for us moms! I feel so happy just reading this post. Okay I sound like a nerd but thanks!
Aahhh, your words are like a breath of fresh air. You are the BeSt encourager. Thank you for this post and for your influence. Since reading your blog every August is plum jam making time in my home too. Blessings to you and your adorable family
Oh you give such good directions that I feel as if I could put up a batch of jam this morning. I won’t, but I could. :D
Sweet words of positive inspiration. I love Barbara Johnson though she’s gone on to glory, her books remain such treasures. I laugh myself silly every time I visit her web site.
Many blessings to you, Aunt Ruthie, until next time. Hugs those babies now…
Hey there Aunt Ruthie! Loved this post! I have been busy teaching myself to can this year. I didnt grow up in an old fashioned home where stuff like home cooking and canning was really going on. My mom is a wonderful woman but circumstances were such that she always had to work full time and so stuff like canning and other good old fashioned skills just didnt come to me growing up.
but I have been determined to learn them! It was an intimidating thing to me to learn how to make preserves and can, but once I got started and had a few successful batches, it felt so GREAT to know i had preserved some of the seasonal harvest for my family for the winter. It did feel me with that sense of old-fashioned mamma-hood! (yes I did make that word up!) :)
And thank you about the encouragement and reminder to stay sweet. I confess this is something I sometimes struggle with when I do get so busy I feel like that chicken with her head removed. I am working hard riht now to try to devise a weekly housekeeping schedule so I can cut down on this feeling, as it is NOT the wife and mamma I want to me! Thanks for your blog and the encouragement all of us “professional homemakers” need to keep going, especially those of us to whom this stuff doesnt come “naturally”, but whom, by God’s grace, is determined to learn!
Blessings, Aunt Ruthie!
Thank you so much for this lovely post. Your plum jam and biscuits look so delicious. Thank you for the tips about being good momma and homemaker. Sometimes it’s hard but reading your post makes it a bit less difficult ; )
Have a wonderful day and thank you again. I will have a look at those book.
LOVE all the encouragement your posts give me :)
Blesssings!
Gail
Faithfulness Farm Blog
You’re a blessing. I just wanted you to know.
Hey Aunt Ruthie,
Thanks for this post. I have been having myself a bout of “stinkin’ thinkin'” for the past few days. I was all set to go back to work outside of our home and my husband does not want me to. So, in obedience to him, I withdrew the application that I had on file.
I have been harboring resentment and certainly have not been making our home lovely these last few days.
Thanks for the post. And the encouragement that God cares about me, even when it seems no one else does.
Have a great week and I hope you are as blessed as I am.
Your posts inspire me to be the best mama the world has ever known! I thank God for the blessing you are in my life. A great heavenly reward awaits you, friend. You touch more lives than you can possibly know.
I have wanted to can something for awhile now…even got books from the library, searched it on the internet etc…. I have yet to actually give it a try, I’ve always been scared of doing it wrong and poisoning the family!! :) Maybe I should give your plum jam a whirl!
Hello! I love your blog it’s always a bright spot in my day when I see you have a new post up!! Seems to always talk directly to me, when I need it most! Off to buy Daily Splashes of JOY book!!
Aunt Ruthie,
Your writing was such a blessing to me today. I always love to read them, but today my heart was in “remembering” mode…when my girls (now 21 and 23) were both at home and my greatest joy came when everyone was at home and I spent so much of my time enjoying making our house our “Home”. I still do, for my husband and I and for the girls when they come home but things are just a little different. I have come to Love those ~turn off everything and just listen to the quiet~ moments though now. Also, I’m a firm believer in singing and humming year round whatever is in your heart… it just makes you smile from the inside out. Thanks again for sharing your heart and home with us!
Ruthie, I look so forward to your posts.I still go back and re-read older post, plus I love to look at the pics of your decorations for the Holidays… Love it!!! I would be so sad if you quit blogging, This is my favorite blog ever!!! I feel so encouraged when I read all the wisdom you share. It just means so much. Thank you and God Bless :)) Lisa
I could have summed what I feel in one word. “Yup.” Cause when I got done reading everything I realized that you were hitting a lot of nails on the head. Nails that I have been avoiding today. I’ve been kind of a grump for the last two days, not really being able to pin point the problem but I have no reason to be grumpy, not really. So I’m off to go hug everyone and tell them that I’m sorry for being such a grump lately.(completely not my character to be grumpy)
Thank you for your words of encouragement. You truly are a blessing! Oh and I made Wild Grape Jelly the other day with Fox Grapes that grow wild on our property. It turned out great!
Have a fabulous day.
Kim
Your blog is such a blessing. Know that I appreciated time and effort of your posting. You do inspire me. Prayers for you and your family. Thank you.
Lovely as always. I ordered the “Little Women” soundtrack on Amazon today. Can’t wait to listen to it when those first cool fronts start coming in. :)
Thanks for another inspiring blog! I will check in to those books you recommend. Thanks for caring about us and sharing this info. Also, loved the Sugar Plum canning info. My daughter has been canning tomatores, peaches, etc. Hubby and I are official “cut ups and choppers!” LOL
Now…. “I’ll Fly Away” to do my housework. Thanks for a great start to my day.
Oh, wanted to share this…I homeschool and years back, when my 16 yr old was in grade school, we decided to declare “Apple Day” in late September. On one day each September, we would make apple jelly and apple pie and whatever else “apple” we felt like. It was a day off schoolwork and a fun time celebrating the coming of fall. We haven’t done it for a few years but I think we will again this year.
“LaNaye” (above) reminded of me of something so sweet. When I was a child I spent alot of my summers visiting my Grandparents in Michigan. Grandpa was in his 70’s then and didn’t even drive a car. He walked to the grocery store but it wasn’t very far (probably seemed so at his age, though). He knew I loved red plums so he would walk down to the store and buy a bag just for me. Those plums tasted like heaven and I was so blessed by his loving kindness. Grandpa has been gone for over 20 years now, but when summer comes around, I remember those wonderful times spent just enjoying simple pleasures…Grandma’s amazing meals, sitting on the porch at dusk just swinging on the glider with my head in Grandma’s lap and listening to her stories. I miss it so much. My hope is that someday heaven will be much like that. Good food, loving fellowship, and enjoying all the blessings God has bestowed….for ETERNITY! :)
I had a big smile on my face as I read this! Brought back so many memories of growing up with a “Proverbs 31” mother! She was always loving, strict–me and my other two sisters sometimes needed that!–but we ALWAYS knew we were loved and well-cared for…..Thank you for giving me something special to think about today! Love your blog!! I found it while on Facebook, a friend suggested I check it out and I’ve been grateful ever since!!
Aunt Ruthie, I LOVE YOU! I seriously do. This entire post was just the reminder I needed as we begin the school season in 12 days. I’ve been spinning my wheels trying to figure out life and what needs doing, and I loved every word about making a house a home they want to come home to. Soaking it in prayer… good stuff. You always encourage me.
Blessings,
Sasha
I appreciate your encouraging words regarding the importance of keeping our homes happy. I have Philippians 4:8 on the bulletin board in our breakfast room. Praying together and sharing scriptures as a family after dinner helps us stay focused.
Jane
frugalfineliving.com
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Your post today is exactly what I needed to hear. What an encoucougement! Thank you.
You always say what my heart needs to hear. I have been a stay at home mom who struggles daily with the fact that I need to spread more love and encouragement to my family. There are just one too many nights where I lie in bed wondering if I said I love you enough, if I encouraged enough or made them feel special enough. With a teenager in the house who seems determined to keep us on our toes ;0) I feel at times that out youngest two suffer. Finding a balance is difficult most days. I definitely need to pray more and trust in god more as well. Anyhow, I thank you for your kind encouraging words that this struggling stay at home mom needs to hear.
oh my goodness! i’m from santa cruz and i know your relatives!! what a small world! my husband grew up in church with them. wow, lol.
love your blog, been reading several years now. i feel like we are kinda related now, lol. have a great day, “aunt ruthie”! (even though we are close in age, hee…hee…)
:)
oh my goodness! i’m from santa cruz and i know your relatives!! what a small world! my husband grew up in church with them. wow, lol.
love your blog, been reading several years now. i feel like we are kinda related now, lol. have a great day, “aunt ruthie”! (even though we are close in age, hee…hee…)
:)
Aunt Ruthie:
I have an aunt who took my brother and I in, from time to time, when my (single) mother was having a rough patch. Auntie Penny had a “normal” family (in my childhood eyes). They ate meals made from scratch and all together at the table (at home we had soup from a can or frozen pot pies most time, whatever we could cook for ourselves). Auntie had a huge garden and she canned all sorts of things. I was mesmerized by the canning process and filled with such peace as she would sing hymns while buzzing around her kitchen. She led me to the Lord in that old farmhouse. I remember, fondly, those times of being “mothered”.
Even after all these years, when I read your posts, I cry, because
from far away and through the internet, I feel someone “mothering” me. You are a gem.
Thank You…from the bottom of my heart . I have been struggling and as I do the whole family suffers. I am very greatful for this post and especially your prayers. Thank You !!!
Beautiful posting, as always.
Thank you so much.
I have to tell you, the very 1st Barbara Johnson book I read was “Stick a Geranium in Your hat and Get Over It!”…. I haven’t had a chance to read her “Daily Splashes of Joy’. But it is on my “To Read” list.
Blessings
Another GREAT post! Love visiting with you sitting on the back porch swing with a biscuit covered in plum preserves and a Barbara Johnson book in our hands! Just love it!!
As always, your post is a refreshing moment in my day. I love these posts, be sure to keep ’em coming!
That CD is in my Amazon shopping buggy now! Great tunes and beautiful post!
~Angela
About the soundtrack…It can also be found on youtube. That is where I like to listen to many songs for free, and when Aunt Ruthie mentioned this, I went and now am listening to it. It really does cheer a person up.
Thanks! This is just what I needed to read today. I have a six month old and working full time and have found myself getting a little snappy with my husband (which I don’t like myself being that way). This just reminded me to ask God for help and to choose to have a loving, patient attitude. I love your blog so much!
I love you blog. It makes me happy.
StormyDawn
God Bless You!!! You are the best medicine for my sometimes heavy heart and less than joyous attitude. I relate to all you say and love to try and keep a “vintage” life in our home of sweetness, kindness,joy, faith and love. When I slip, your posts can always get me back on track! Thank you for your wonderful words. They go straight to my heart.
Dear Ruthie, your postings are always worth the wait; I love every inch of your writings this day!
God bless our Families and God bless we Momma’s – the heart of the home. xx
and God Bless you Ruthie; I love how you elevate the importance of Family and show that in the simple ‘one step at a time’ our wee Nests can become true Havens of Rest for one another. Such a lovely and caring post Ruthie; thank you.
Barbra.
~ I too have the devotional by Barbara Johnson Ruthie – she was a beautifully gifted Christian writer that had the knack of making you laugh in one sentence and shed a tear in the next……..I loved how she loved Our Lord………..
Hello Aunt Ruthie !
What a wonderful post ! you are the more inspirational woman that I Know !
In France, “little women” is called “les 4 filles du docteur march” : il’s a great movie ! I’ve always loved it !
I want to tell you that I’ve made your Peach Pie (from your e-book) : it’s really very good ! the crust is so good that I want to marry it !!
I would like to know why american women think that it’s difficult to make a crust ? I don’t understand ? can you explain to me ?
I hope too, that the colour of the french couturier’s lipstick is good for your ? I was not sure when I bought it….. It’s a good “red” for you ?
Have an adorable week-end
oh ! I forgot to question you about “fall candles” : do you know an adress of american shop who sell “fall candles”to France (I trust you that you give me your favorite brands) ?
Think you so much for your answer….
Bye !
I am so encouraged every month by you! Thanks so much :) Thanks for the reminder to ‘unplug’ and be still and to ask how we can be a blessing to our families each day. I hope that if we visit the ‘Ozark area’ this fall that I’ll run into you out among the pumpkins and fall leaves!! God bless
Lovely post, as always. But the pictures, of the jam especially, were terrific – they just wow you with their simple subjects. Wish I was your neighbor so we could bake together!
Aunt Ruthie,
Thank you so much for that post! Not just the recipe, but the sweet encouragement afterwards! I needed that!
Oh how I missed your posts and knew you must be just enjoying the sweet grandbabies. I do so enjoy your posts they are so uplifting and make me want to be a better person all round as a wife,mother, grandmother and friend. Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and suggestions. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
“It got me thinkin’…when we add sweetness ( love and grace) to our homelife it preserves our family, draws us closer and makes our home a nurturing and emotionally safe place. Without it joy and peace cannot thrive, instead, bitterness, loneliness and anger are likely to well up, making home a harsh place to live.”
Hands down, this is the best metaphor you have ever used on this website :) LOVE it. My Mom just came down to visit and brought some of her strawberry jam for our pantry. I think I shed a small tear every time I eat it because it reminds me of my sweet and happy home growing up :)
Hi Sweet Aunt Ruthie, You know I feel like I know you don’t you? Thanks so much for your amazing blog that blesses my heart every time I stop by. I absolutely, positively love the way you make us homemakers believe we are doing the best thing for our families. You are such an inspiration to my personal life and to me as a blogger. Thanks for all you do here. Lots of love, Valerie
Hello Aunt Ruthie!
Thank you for your wise and encouraging words. I REALLY needed them this evening. Now I’m heading back into my life refreshed because of your blog post.
Thanks for being a homemaker’s cheerleader, I needed it!
Love, Heather
Aunt Ruthie,
Thank you again for your posts!
They are beautiful bouquets of thoughts and words that reach the hearts of ALL us gals…. I get so encouraged by them and always feel inspired to be sweeter,make my home better and serve my family with love and cheer. Your gentle reminders that “home” really starts with “me” help me when I get all crossed up in my attitude and my thoughts are muddled with the cares of life. Blessings to you!
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
~ Proverbs 11:25
This is the verse I think of when I read your blog! Thank you for your encouraging and cheerful words that always point back to our sweet Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thank you for your edifying love and encouragement!
I’ll be so filled with joy when the Lord returns to right all wrongs and ALL people will show true love and care for one another… Just as you do!
May God richly and abundantly bless you and yours!
Ruthie….always a delight to discover you have a new post! I always love your pictures….love the first one – view of the trees/hills , the sun and shade on them; soon they will be a mass of color; our summer has passed quickly; we are now putting away some things from the garden – green beans, tomatoes, pickles… Thank you for taking the time for this blog; as another reader said she wished she’d have had your blog when she was raising her children; I feel the same; but we will use the inspiration/ideas now… we all need to be reminded from time to time to be grateful and happy in life. Thank you for doing this for us. Prayers and Blessings to you and your family. Looking forward to your fall post. :)
Oh my goodness…Ruthie I found you just a few hours ago after I stumbled across your blog button on another blog I was reading. I’m so glad I found you!!!! I’ve lost count already as to how many of your posts I’ve read but more and more I realize that so much of what you say is a reflection of my own heart desires as a wife and a Christian! Your joy is so overwhelming and infectious and I needed that tonight. I’m so thankful for you and your blog and website! I’ve already added your button to my own blog (which also needed a jump start and I am going to make an effort to get back to that this week) and I will be back to read your entries often! God bless!
Fran
I’m brand new here, and I absolutely LOVE your blog!! I needed to hear that about spreading joy, and all of the other loving, kind, and sweet things you wrote about. THANKS A MILLION for posting that.You can bet I’ll be back to visit more.
Your posts are always so encouraging and uplifting. This one especially helped me realize I need to remember daily to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit to those around me. I truly cannot show real love and joy without Him.
I just heard of a study where the researchers found out, “it is the little, every day things that keep a marriage going”. Why honey we discovered that by trial and error in 27 years of marriage. I enjoy your posts.
I love you and I love your blog! I have been an avid reader for almost 3 years now and I can’t get enough of your sweet advice. I am proud to be an aspiring Homemaker and this blog is like heaven. Thank you a million times over!
Oh Ruth, thank you for always encouraging us to look up then out. I love your blog for keeping my priorities straight. I hope you continue and please be encouraged yourself. You are doing a beautiful work. God bless you richly.
I am just dying over your blog…I came across it and I am hooked…love everything you do, what a talent and your words of encouragement are so great. Amen sista! Will be looking forward to more wonderful posts and sweet as sugar treats…
Much love~a new raving fan!!!
I’m so glad I found your site! I love it!!
Dear Miss Ruthie,
I found your site a while ago and fell head over heels the moment I saw it. It’s beautiful! I try to visit your site when I receive a link in my email but rarely have the time. God lead me to your website tonight and I have been so blessed and encouraged by your words I am nearly in tears. I am a stay at home to 3 girls and I go to bed almost daily feeling like I have failed them(husband included). When I read this post it was almost like God was reminding me(He has more faith in me than I have in myself) that I can do this. I am capable of providing a warm, loving home and I can be that soft (and strong) woman that my family needs me to be. Thank you so much for providing a light in this dark world. May God richly bless you and yours.
P.S. Congrats on your new additions. Little ones are such a blessing!
I love this blog of yours! Just when life is at my most stressful your words and encouragements are just the thing I need! I thank god I found your blog four years ago cause it truely keeps me thinking healthly ways to raising my sweet little family. You are inspiring to my heart. Thank you!
Hey there Aunt Ruthie!
I thought of you yesterday as I listened to Christmas music. Thank you so very much for your blog! We homemakers need this encouragement! At least I know I do, and that’s alright. You have a heart for the Lord and it shows. I hope someday I can tell you this in person!
Hi Aunt Ruthie! I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog, and how inspirational your writing is to me! I don’t think I’ve commented before, and just wanted to let you know what a blessing you are!! You provide much-needed encouragement to today’s homemakers.
What a perfect blog entry for me to find on your site today. The Lord knew that I really needed to hear that. Thanks for your inspiring words. God Bless you!!!!!!
Sugar preserved love !! I like it bottle me some up LOL !!!
Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement – they brought tears to my eyes. Please know how much you help other moms and remind them of their purpose in being a mom. Reading this post helped me so much today. Peace and Love!
Wwow! I came across your website and was blown away at all your wise words of wisdom!I was sooo glad to see your great encouragement and including God! lets give him praise! Thanks so very much for reminding all of us whats truley important in life!! I will read your comments many times in the future to keep reminding me of how lucky we are!! Keep up the great comments! Thanks,Cindy
So far, since I read this latest blog, I have canned Peach Butter, Strawberry Jam, Apple and Grape jelly, Blueberry-Peach Jam, Pumpkin butter, Raspberry Jam, and a big batch of stewed tomatoes. They call me Ma Kettle. ;)
Such a lovely blog post..I enjoyed it truly…brought joy to my heart and I shared parts with friends thank you so much..have a blessed day. O is there a recipe for the biscuits???
Thank you for inspiring me AND for the confidence in making my first plum jam..I was afraid of using over ripped plums..but it came out just fine and my husband gonna love it! Thanks Ruthie..God Bless ya!
thanks, as always, for such inspiring words. it means so much to us mommies and homemakers. :) xo
Love your web site so far. You have a beautiful home too. Love all the simple ways you’ve decorated.
Thank You!
I am encouraged, blessed, and refreshed by your words. You truly are a reflection of Titus 2!
Have a wonderful Fall!
Hi there, how sweet you are to open up you home to all of us. The visit was wonderful. Have to say the jam was so yummy. My daughter and I made up a batch of it. We have always wanted to start canning, so thanks for the recipe. Have a blessed night.~~~Cherrie~~~
I love your web site and Malinda my friend says we are neighbors. I will keep up with you and hope to meet you some time. I live 2 ridges over at the back of the Old Rantz orchard..Springview Place. Our house is not finished yet and I love your ideas. Hope to use some. Later
Thank you so much for this post. Bless your big ‘ol heart for being such a sweetheart and cheering us all up! xxxxxxx
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
Dear Aunt Sugar Pie,
I am SO glad I found this site!!! It is one of the happiest things in my life! :)
With Love,
Dakota
Awww!! Thank you Dakota!! So happy you love it here!! Sending you Sugar and hugs!!
took me back to yesterday to wonderful memories; stored away.
Reading your posts made me smile! You give off a very positive energy. Thank-you.
I love reading ur blog..it makes me smile and brings back many memories. The jm looks wonderful and yummy!! Loretta
A really wonderful site. Thanks.
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
what a blessing it is to find you on Pinterest.
You are such a joy. You take me back to simpler days, which I try to keep in my home and life.
One thing that shine the brightest is ur joy in the Lord.
Blessing my dear new friend on Pinterest.
Thank you so much for saying it like it needs to be. If every mom out there would follow your advice, we would not have all the messed up kids/adults we have today! Keep it coming!
I love your postings, recipes, and JOY! It is so wonderful to read of someone that is joyful in this upside down world. I pray, I am so thankful for all my Lord and Savior has given me and I am so committed to my family. Happy to know there are others out there in the world who feel the same. May God bless you in your endeavors. Mamas be loving, caring, and kind Mamas.
I love this site. We all need to recognize the importance of an attitude of gratitude in our lives. Thank you so much.
Your blog is such a lovely find! It isn’t often I stumble upon a page that includes great biblical advise, charming, encouraging writing done well and recipes to boot! I can’t wait to read more!!! God bless you sister – please keep posting!
Beautiful pics!
Thank You & keep up the good work!
W
onderful wisdom
I found you on Pinterest. Yes, I’m one of THOSE ladies, hopelessly hooked on Pinterest. But when I find people like you it makes my day! Thank you for sharing your joy with us all.
Reading Your site has brought a blessing to my heart and a smile to my face. Your thoughts and thinkings have unearthed wonderful memories that makes me smile and feel very blessed.
The past 8 years of my life has been a non-stop roller coaster ride; stroke, pancreatic disease, Stage IV cancer, divorce, auto accident that should have ended it all….. BUT yet, God is still guiding and healing me every day. Your words are encouragement to that fact.
Thank you so much for your words of inspiration and praise and the knowing knowledge that all is NEVER lost.
Keeping the faith!!
U are such s blessing!! A vitamin for our spirits!!! Keep spreading your own special sparkle!!
This was a blessing to find! Thank you for your posts! It made my spirit glad ❤️
I just want to thank you and encourage you to keep up this post and healthy lifestyle Aunt Ruthie! This is such an encouragement to a young farm wife doing it (well, attempting, haha) the way my grandmothers did it (and made a very full, eventful life while doing so!!)
Sisterly Greetings!
So happy to find this website! This is my first post to read & My mama’s name was Ruth, and she loved Little Women! Thank you for sharing! Brought back some special memories of good times with her!