Ya know what Sugar Pies, I just have to say that Winter is NOT one of my favorite seasons. Being a Californy girl I’m used to warm sunshine most of the year round. Now that I call the Ozarks home, I’ve had to make some adjustments…mainly in the way that I view things. In the past few years I’ve become more aware of the importance of living with a positive attitude intentionally. I’ve made the choice to be thankful and to look for God’s blessings throughout each day. Not only do the medical experts say that this is a healthier way to live, it’s a happier way too. I also want my kids to take this happier and positive path in life. If we get complain-y and whine-y about the little things that bother us, our kids will too. What a wonderful blessing and gift to give our kids when we teach and model thanks-living. Oh yes, every once in a while I do slip up and lament about something (“Oh for the love of Pete! Another blizzard? It’s sooooooooo cold!!!! I don’t like it so cold! When is it gonna be warm again?”) Whine, whine, whine like a little hungry piggy one hour before suppertime! I’ll catch myself and try to turn it into a teachable moment. I’ll say something like “Oopsie-daisy! What I should say is, I’m thankful that we have warm coats to wear, and a toasty home to hunker down into when the freezing wind blows, and hot soup to warm our tummies… and just look at those snowflakes coming down, they’re soooooo beautiful!”. Our thoughts and words feed our attitude. If we want goodness in our life, then we have to look for the goodness, think on goodness and speak words of goodness…for goodness sake! LOL!
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Phillipians 4:8
Even in winter we can keep on the “Sunny Side of Life”!
So with all of that “goodness” in mind, come and take a peek at the beauty and downhome fun of wintertime in the Ozark hills of Branson, Missouri…
My vintage Dinner Bell at The Farmhouse
The Snow is Dancing –
Whirling, the snowflakes are dancing,
as through the air they go.
Flying and circling and frolicking comes the snow.
~old school song book ~ 1950
Winter Song
Sing a song of snow-flakes Flying in the air:
Sing a song of sleigh bells Tinkling everywhere
Sing of feathery snow banks earth in dazzling white:
Sing of gleaming ice fields Sparkling in the light.
~ 1955 School Songbook ~
What’s a gal to do with all that snow? Build a pretty little snow-gal, that’s what! May I introduce you to Mrs. Marshmallow? (Summer thought of that sweet-treat name) She’s got rosy cheeks, a sassy hairdo and a welcoming “Howdy-do” smile!
Building her with Summer was, well…SnOw FuN! (I had to say it! ;)
I decided to let Mrs. Marshmallow borrow my Strawberry and Chocolate striped scarf. She looks sweet enough to eat!
Making memories!
Summer in Winter!
Sweet snow kisses!
“My sister and I would just stare up at the sky, trying to see where the snowflakes were born. We could do it for hours. Well, minutes. “I just caught one!” I’d shout to my sister, who was also trying to eat snowflakes out of the air.” ~ A quote on a Starbucks bag
The sleds were beggin’ for a ride on the sugary snow!
Summer Rose and her friend Sadie Rose were happy to oblige!
Sledding and snowball fights…
and a chance to make Snow Ice Cream!
This is my mother-in-law Ruth’s recipe, it’s got to be over 40 years old! For several years she raised her 4 kids up in the mountains of Idyllwild, California. As an amazing cook and homemaker, she always had candles glowing, a yummy supper cooking on the old-fashioned cast-iron-style electric stove and a blazing fire to warm up to when friends and family came in from the cold. When my hubby and I were dating his mama would invite me to stay at the big old cabin for the weekend. If it snowed we could always count on a fresh batch of snow ice cream to enjoy by the crackling fire.
Gather 10 cups of fresh snow, pour 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk…
and 1 teaspoon of vanilla,
stir…
and serve! You can add sprinkles, chocolate chips or whatever you like but for me…it’s delicious just plain!
What else is a gal to do with all that snow? If you’ve got little ones, fill a metal bowl with fresh snow and put it in the kitchen sink. Gather a spoon, ice cream scoop, tiny tart pans or jar lids or anything you have on hand to play with. Pull up a chair and let them snow-play to their heart’s content.
Let’s make Snow Pies!
Hide treasures in the snow! An old sparkly earring, bracelet, a few shells, and cute erasers make fun treasures to dig up and find. Dig little holes in the snow, drop them in and smooth over the surface and let your little one delight in finding “lost treasure!”
Make polka-dot confetti snow! Let your little one shake some colorful candy sprinkles in the snow to make their snow-play even more fun!
Let their imaginations ignite!
Ya know what else is fun to do when the hills are covered with powdered sugar?
Play with a new puppy in the snow!
This little buddy is my son Dusty’s new pup. His wife Kimmy named him Gus Gus after the chubby little mouse in Walt Disney’s Cinderella. (Dusty recently endured heartbreak with the passing of his beloved lab Jack. While nothing can replace dear and delightful Jack, there is always room in our hearts to love someone new.
Gus Gus is happy to find a good home and a family to love him! Oh Honey!
So there we have it Sugar Pies! Winter isn’t so bad after all! Sure, I’m looking forward to Spring and Summer, but in the mean time, I’m thanking the Good Lord for the blessings of winter!
Blessings like children giggling in the snow…
Blessings like a warm home…
and hot soup!
Happy Winter y’all!
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you real good!
Aunt Ruthie
P.S. Come visit me on Facebook!
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Oh goodness, Gus Gus is too cute for words :) :) He’s stolen my heart, that’s for sure :) :) I’m sorry about your other dog that passed away…but thank God for new life to remind us of His love…in four-legged furry form ): :) :)
I love looking at life on the positive side and being thankful for what I do have :) :) We are really blessed, when we take the time to reflect on everything God has given to us :) :)
The snow ice cream recipe is really neat. I’ve heard of other people do this, too. Can you believe I’ve never tried it? it was sn owing for a few minutes here in town, then it stopped..So I’ll have to wait awhile to try this out for myself ;) :)
Have a great week a nd weekend, Auntie Ruthie :) :) Thanks for this post. It was super cute ;) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
Aunt Ruthie,
I never tire of you posts. So uplifting and encouraging. Snow pictures were beautiful but then I love it when it is snowing. Down here in Arkansas I just don’t get enough.
I used to detest winter, until I met my husband. And you know that old saying, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em and that’s how I feel about winter! Now I can’t wait for snow, so I can strap on those cross country skis, go for a hike, skate on our pond and take lots of pictures. I LOVE winter!
And Gus Gus too! : )
And you know, my husband always says, ‘there’s no business, like snow business!’
That is so true. We need to watch our whining. I think by this time of the year, we are so ready for a change in season that Spring doesn’t come fast enough. But how could we truely enjoy Spring if we don’t have Winter? How can we enjoy a sunny day if we don’t have rain once in awhile? How can we enjoy chocolate if we don’t eat our veggies? Life isn’t going to be perfect all the time! But it is our choice to make the best of what has been given us!
Yep, when life gives you tons of Snow, Make Snow Ice cream! What’s better than that?
Thank you for the wonderful post and the sweet spirit. Our words and
attitudes can be so contagious. That is why I read your blog- it is a great motivator.
It is 72* here in eastern KY today. The windows are open on my farmhouse to let the sweet breezes blow fresh air through my home. Your blog blows fresh breezes through my heart.
I enjoyed your fun day in the snow…that is such a cute puppy and the snowgirl is cute too. We still have no snow this winter, just lots of wind and cold. Last night it blew so hard it knocked the power about for about 4 hours. I have been very grateful for a warm home too and that I don’t have to go anywhere unless I want to! Come say hi :D
We’ve had a relatively mild and sunny winter. But now, we are getting hit hard here in Northern Cali with high winds, soaking rain and piles of snow in the mountains. I am thankful for those warm, sunny days but also for the rain that we need!
Your pictures are so pretty. I’m a New England girl, so miss the snow in the winter.
Well, THIS Florida Sugarpie is just as envious as can be! I would *love* to experience some of that! I’m not even in mid-Florida and this is the furthest ‘north’ I’ve ever lived! Yep, born in Miami and now on the coast of the Gulf. Oh Aunt Ruthie – it must be glorious to have seasons! I don’t have any here in Florida. True, it is sunshine year round – but think for just a moment…………..it honestly gets monotonous and well, boring! I’d love to experience your beautiful snow! Enjoy it for me! Love you!
Hi Aunt Ruthie and Welcome home…I miss Branson alot and would love to move back down there someday….Beautiful pics…Gus Gus is so adorable just like the rest of your family….your post always are so heart warming and I love each and everyone of them….
Have a Blessed evening…God Bless you and your family….
Tonja
I just posted about happiness being a choice on my little blog too! spring fever and spring cleaning will whip us right out of the winter funk & help us to remember to savor the moments we’re in! thank you for your wonderful attitude – ALWAYS!
would love for you to hop on over for a visit!
http://northerncottage.blogspot.com/2011/02/happiness-is-choice.html
Aunt Ruthie I don’t know how you do it! The last three times you’ve written a new post have fallen on rough days for me. I have a 4yr old, 3 yr old and 4mo old. You post really cheered me up tonight (and the fact that the kids are in bed and i just ate 5 oreos)haha! No, really I cant tell you how much I need those words of encouragement you give. Love ya, stay warm!
Ahhh, Ruthann, I LOVE this post! You made my heart sing reading it! Thanks for always posting positive and uplifting words of wisdom! You are a shinning example to all. LOVE all your sweet pictures. Summer is growing up to fast…what a darl’in! Now, you all keep warm. Want me to send ya a warm & juicy In ‘N Out burger with fries, a strawberry shake and fry sauce?
Love ya my dear!
Maryjane
xox
I tried leaving a comment earlier but the thingy just kept spinning!!! I agree that out attitude is EVERYTHING!!!! I used to lament winter, the cold etc. but have learned it is so much easier to count our bl;essings and be GRATEFUL for warm homes, warm soup, warm showers and the beauty os snow!!!! Gus Gus is adorable and Summer is as always a delight!!!!! Thanks so much for your wonderful, uplifting words. XO, Pinky
Snow ice cream?! Who knew? Looks yummy. :)
Rruthie,
You and your family are such an inspiration! Thank you for your lovely blog! I find such joy and comfort in every single one of your post. You really focus on the small joys that life has to offer. Each time I read a post I turn inward and reflect on the things that mean the most to me and find comfort in them instead of constantly worrying about the struggles that life has to offer. I love the way your live your life and strive to live life more fully just as you do.Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many of us!
-Brooke
Dear Aunt Ruthie, I grew up in the Ranch San Diego area, where is warm and sunny year around, I now live in Nevada and we do get snow, but the oh the peace that snow brings falling from the sky, like little snow fairies dancing, enjoy because spring is right around the corner as frog and toad would say, Have fun and thanks for posting its like going to Disneyland for me but better :) God Bless Ranching Momma
I love the music you play. Sometimes when I am on the computer I open up your blog just to let the music play while I work. You should create a playlist on iTunes. How sweet to be able to play the music all over my house?!?
Simply joyous. Quite frankly, I thought I was all done with winter, but after reading this, perhaps I can get some enthusiasm back. This may prove especially important since we’re expecting a snowstorm in just a few days. Gus Gus is adorable! Summer in winter is adorable, too. ;>
While I’m happy to see our own snow here in Wisconsin melt this week, your post is a good reminder to enjoy every season. I like the snow in the sink idea. Might try that for my 4 and 1 year olds if we get more snow around here.
Your soup looks delicious!
I don’t blog, but I follow Madame Samm, and found your blog button there! Lovely post…we, too, try to be positive and not whine through the long winter.
But it is much easier when you put it in perspective, as you have. We have been so tremendously blessed! God is so good to us!
Thanks for sharing a wonderful post!
What a great reminder of positive thinking. Much needed. Oh, and the idea of bringing some snow inside to your kitchen sink…will definitely have to do that! And the sprinkles in the snow….LOVED IT!!
YEA! Aunt Ruthie is back! I’ve missed you! I squealed last night like a little pig when I saw you had blogged! I just love your posts…..they do wonders for my soul. You are such a postive and inspirational person and we need that!
Your winter looked like you made it “fun!” I think that’s the key. I always say the SNOW is beautiful but it’s the cold I can’t take! HA! Just plain hurts…. I love to look at the snow and the calmness and peace and the stillness it provides is so magical. But then I get spring fever and am ready for green grass and sunshine.
We’re planning our summer trip to Branson…can’t wait!
Hurry back when you can to blog land!
Blessings and hugs,
Tanya
Love hearing all your words of encouragement and spirit! Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Growing up in Corpus Christi, TX the joy of snow ice cream never was an option. This year in E Texas we have had more opportunities than ever and I knew nothing of it until the last big snow. I am very happy and excited to say that I have all the fixings in my pantry and am hoping and wishing for more snow so we can miss school, make a big country breakfast, bundle up and play then make snow ice cream!!!
I would also like to tell you how very much I enjoy your photos. As an avid mom photographer, I would love to know what camara you use and if you use auto settings or manual. Your settings and subjects are great as well!
That is the CUTEST little snow gal I’ve ever seen! LOVE the hair! And love the snow pictures. We actually got snow this year down here in Texas, too.
Love your blog, too, by the way.
bc
Beautiful!!! Wish we had snow here in south texas…boohoo…oops, guess I need to look for the blessings…
Hi–thanks for the lovely photos and words. I live in Alberta, Canada where winter comes and stays for a long time–LOTS of snow and very cold. I am thankful the Lord has placed me where there are four distinct seasons–adds variety to life and teaches me contentment.
Such beautiful pics and words of inspiration! The girls looked like they were having so much fun and oh, that sweet pup. Could just hug his little neck!!! Not any snow here in SE Texas but some freezing temps. recently. Springtime and all its glory just around the corner!!!
What a cutie that Gus Gus is!! The snow ice cream sounds really yummy! Our snow has melted, but I hear we are to get some more next week, will have to give your recipe a try. Loved all of your pic’s, looks like so much fun!! Mrs Marshmellow is too cute, love her hair. Good advice about being thankful and not whinning. :-) I always love reading your blog.
Oh my goodness! Idyllwild, CA! My parents were living in Idyllwild when I was born (grew up in Hemet) but my grandmother and Aunt were lifelong fixtures there! In fact my grandmother’s name was Ruth and we called her grandma Ruthie!! If your mother in law and my grandmother and aunt knew each other wouldn’t that be something??
Oh how I wish we had a little of that snow!! What was supposed to be a snowy winter here in the Pac. NW has turned out to be a very rainy one. Sure, the grass is green, the pussy willows are in bloom and the mountains are beautiful, but I miss having a snow day!!! It’s so beautiful here today it looks like BB-Q weather!!!
So thanks for sharing a little bit of you winter with me today!!
Have a wonderful week!!
What a cute puppy! Thanks for the winter photos, it’s beautiful there!
I know your white “curtains” are sheets, but which way are they hung? With the big seam at the top or bottom? I’ll try to see if you wrote that anywhere.
Have a great weekend! I “liked” you on Facebook, Of Course! ;)
Beautiful Snow photos. Love Mrs. Marshmallow and the darling puppy…..so sweet. Thank you for sharing these delightful photos and happy thoughts.
I have to laugh, I to am a ‘transplanted So. Cal Gal, up to Washington State…as for Snow…not liking it much, but I manage to find all kinds of mischief to get into when I am snowed in and hubby is at work. But my favorite thing to do,,,is make soups, served up with crunchy crusty French Bread! oh Yum!
Least favorite thing to do, be up at 5am with the hubby to put on the coffee as he gets bundled up to pull the tractor out of the “ManCave” (barn) so he can plow our 200ft driveway so he can get out to work by 8am…
But we all know how to adjust, and thank goodness we are able to!
Hugz & enjoy what’s left of your snow….. Come on Spring! lol!
Wonderful pictures. How beautiful we had NO snow this year I am almost a bit jealous. That is way fun…as long as you can get in and get warm and have soup and hot coffee or cocoa and go out and do it again. It is peaceful to see the beauty of the white everywhere.
thank you for sharing it. Oh and that puppy I could just hug him.
Thank you Aunt Ruthie for those uplifting words and encouragement to be positive in the throes of winter. So true that a positive attitude helps us get through the not so pleasant times. Phil 4:8 is a good verse to always remember. Loved your version of it . What translation is that? Great pictures and ideas. Thanks for brightening my day.
I remember playing with a pot of snow in the sink when I was little! My Mom also made snow ice cream. Such sweet memories, Aunt Ruthie! Thanks!
love coming by for my visit and I love seeing all the beautiful photos out your way..and Oh honey is right..that little puppy is just too sweet.;)
JUST BREATH TAKIN’ !
What a wonderful happy post…sorry I missed you! Hmmmm let me say it right…i so sorry…I MISS YOU! huggs from me…Cat
I lurk around here often, but generally don’t comment because it’s difficult from my phone…
but oh my, this post could not have been more perfect today!! A year and a half ago, my husband and I moved to Alaska, and these long, dark, COLD winters are rough! They’ve really had us down lately, and this was exactly what I needed to remember that I should stop complaining, build a fire, and enjoy the coziness!!
Gus Gus is adorable. Last week our baby girl, a 15 month old chocolate lab, was killed. It’s been really hard on both of us (and our remaining dog, Noah!), and so I’m sending love and prayers Dusty’s way because it’s one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever experienced. Labs really are such WONDERFUL dogs, so loving and loyal, and we’re on the lookout for another lab girl already! While no one can EVER replace our sweet Aly Belle, the house just isn’t the same with her laid back attitude, her love and her hugs and her kisses.
Snow livin’ looks tough to this So. Calif. girl! But you make the best of it. But as you said, such a valuable gift to give to our children — to be thanking God from the moment our feet touch the ground everyday.
Stay warm!
Ruthie
ruthiesgift.blogspot.com
wonderful post as usual. such wise advice too. that soup looks yummy and that puppy is too cute. your snow ice cream made me want to go out my door and scoop up some snow, looks so delish.
thanks so much. enjoy!
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
Thank you for the wonderful snow-play-in-the-sink idea. I grew up in cooooollllddd Maine, so we always had so much snow that, well, although as kids we always had fun in it, it just wasn’t that special b/c winter is the dominant season there. My husband and I live in the desert now, but we might now always. So I’ll be keeping this idea in mind for the next place we live where it snows.
I wanted to pass along an idea for you – your wonderful Mason jars and old glass milk bottles full of salt (oh! I mean snow!)? This is brilliant, truly, however, I realized this winter that Epsom salts stored in glass jars look even more convincing as faux snow!! As soon as I discovered this I told myself “I’ll have to let Aunt Ruthie know about this,” isn’t blog-land friendly and wonderful? I think of you as “Aunt” even though we’ve never met, I assume you don’t mind. Since, after all, that’s the nickname you’ve given yourself. :o)
Thank you for your website and for creating the Sisterhood! In my mind it is for Christian homemakers what MaryJane’s Farmgirl Sisterhood is to Farmgirls! (I’m Farmgirl sister #1304, by the way).
Sincerely, Heather
Oh how I needed to hear your message about attitude and and being a good example to my kids. We just relocated from a small town in the mountains to another state in a city and I HATE IT! I am lonely and home sick but thanks to you I will put on my happy face and am reminded to be thankful that my husband has a great job (why we moved) and GOD has provided for us. So thank you for that pick me up I needed it! Have a blessed weekend!
LOVE IT! Such a delightful post! I especially enjoyed the beautiful snow pictures. Thanks Aunt Ruthie.
I live in Alaska and know all about snow. In fact, it’s snowing today. People up here do alot of snowmobiling in the wintertime, play ice hocky on the lakes, sledding, and skiing. Almost forgot the snow ice cream. We made that alot in Oregon.
It is important to have a good attitude when you live in a state with lots of wintertime.
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
Here in MI we have had a lot of snow in Feb with dark days and difficult driving in the deep snow. I LOVE THE SNOW!! When people complain to me about it I answer back ” It is so beautiful and it reminds me that my sins are now as white as snow” It makes them stop and think. I really enjoy your blogs. Thanks and God Bless You.
Char
After reading your wonderful happy post, I am wishing for chance of more snow here in Texas before winter is over. I can’t wait to try the snow ice cream recipe you shared. Thanks so much for taking time to share your life and family with all of us. You have such a special way of spreading love! Thanking the Lord for you right this very minute!
Beautiful pictures – looked that around here in Mountain Home, Arkansas too. I was just in Branson today shopping and boy did I love all the sales and bargains! Branson is our favorite place to visit and we come there four or five times a year! Beautiful place.
Hi Aunt Ruthie,
So glad you posted. I always look forward to seeing you via blogland. Now, I live in Southern California and love my warm winter, but I have to say you almost have me wanting to be in the snow. You make it all look like so much fun. Love your ideas. I would love to make (and eat) some snowcream. I love your ideas on intentionally being happy with where you’re at in life and stop complaining. I know I need to be reminded of that sometimes. I wish you had an email because I would love to tell you how much you inspire me and my blog, so because you don’t I’m telling you here. Thanks so much for all you do for all of us old fashioned homemakers.
Valerie
Once again, I love your post. We live in the mountains of Colorado. Last year we had 14 feet, yes FEET of snow from October to May. We are no where close to that this year and I am happy to report that. We have to look for the good that comes with cold weather and snow or we would be very unhappy people. Thank you for reminding us of that.
What a wonderful post. Little Gus Gus is lucky to be adopted into such a great family!!
Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Hey there! I just adore your attitude! I love that you are purpose in your attitude. We all need to work on that sometimes. Thank you sweetheart for the reminder!
Summer Rose looks so adorable with her rosy cheeks playing in the snow!
Gus Gus is so cute! Tell Kimmy that she did a good job with the name.
Aunt Ruthie, I’m always so excited to see a new post from you!
Here in Canada we usually don’t have to complain about lack of snow and winter and this year we’re getting our fair share. It is so pretty to sit and look out when its snowing and the after affects when everything is covered….There is something special about every season!! we’re closing in on the end of February already!! Soon we’ll be turning our thoughts to spring things.
Love your winter pictures and the new little puppy; I feel for the loss of the other dog; Love the sassy hairdo on Mrs. Marshmellow.
“Summer in Winter” – how perfect!! :)
Love your blog since I first stumbled in here…hope it continues here.
God Bless.
Attitude makes the difference. Be happy and thankful for all.
You have the right attitude. :) We recently relocated to Tennessee and have had more snow than I can ever remember in my multi-decade age. We enjoyed watching the snowflakes and all the birds that came to our birdfeeders. Make the best of it! Bloom where you are planted! :) – Betty in Tennessee
Howdy Ruthie!
God bless you and may you have a sweet life.
I luvvvvvv your snowman with the twiggy branches and dried leaves on it for HAIR. So cute.
Enjoying life, but oh so ready for pleasant outside weather and SPRINGY SPRING.
Hugs,
d from homehaven
Frosty Weekend Hello’s Ruthie:
You are always a pure delight of words Ruthie ~ your photos could melt the snow off my rooftop…..just a sweet bundle of family lovin’ shared with we readers from Mrs. Marshmellow & her ‘makers’ to little puppy dog tails…….you’re posting is a cozy blessing on a Canadian winter’s eve for certain Ruthie; merci’!!
God Bless you and your Little Nestlings Ruthie.
Barbra.
You are the cutest!!
Does Miss Summer Rose by chance have Mr. Dolloff for a principal? His family and our family are great friends. I’ve been meaning to ask you!
Tanya
Love your blog …. and I really enjoyed your snow photos. I grew up with snow in Kansas, Missouri & Tennessee and I miss that. We get a teensy bit down here in TX (Houston area) every couple of years but never much to last or play in ! We did have about 4-5 inches here 4 yrs ago on CHRISTMAS EVE and that was truly a Christmas miracle !! My kids are teenagers now but they will never forget that very special Snowy Christmas !!
I had to laugh when I read about Gus Gus because my nephew Jack has a lab named Gus. Great names go together!
Did you notice the size of Gus Gus paws??? He is going to be one big boy.
I really enjoy your site, it makes me feel happy when reading it.
Like a true Caly Girl, always positive, making the best out of every situation, even when the sun isn’t shinning! :)
Wow! The snow is beautiful! But…knowing how hilly Branson is..how do you drive on those hills with the snow and ice? I would be so scared to drive around Branson. Love, love, love your darling blog!
Awww… We were just talking about snow ice cream a few weeks ago. What a wonderful childhood memory!
The pictures are beautiful and Gus Gus is so cuddly. I just want to scoop him up and hug him!
Once again, Aunt Ruthie, you have outdone yourself with this post :) I love Mrs. Marshmallow — and the snow ice cream, and all the other fun snow ideas. Makes me wish I had me some snow! And Dusty’s new pup is adorable. It looks like you are very successfully fighting off the winter doldrums. I love that saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” Even if it’s smack dab in a state full of snow.
What a cute puppy! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful winter photos. They help to remind us winter has wondrous qualities all its own. I so agree with you that “our thoughts and words feed our attitude,” and I love the term you coined: “Thanks-living”!!! Bess
Oh my! This was my first visit to your blog! I was led here by Cat over at the Vintage Housewife! I love, love, love your blog! And, best of all! You had the recipe for Snow Ice Cream! I have always remembered making this at a childhood friend’s house one winter. But, nobody else had heard of it and in the end I’d forgotten it! 2 of my children are grown and moved out, but, I’ll surprise my 17 year old with a batch of this tomorrow! Perfect as we are expecting yet another 3″ – 6″ of cold, white stuff! Looking forward to learning more about you!
I just love all the pictures! That snowman is delightful and the puppy is so dear! :-) I also love your dishes with the soup, beautiful! :-)
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Blessings,
Jill
Hi Aunt Ruthie!
It looks like you had such a wonderful day. The snow is beautiful on all of those gorgeous Ozark Mountains! Great job on Mrs. Marshmallow (great name!). I think Gus Gus is the cutest pup ever! Congrats to you and your family on Grandbaby #2!
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!
Love,
Laura
Dear Sweet Aunt Ruthie, sister in Christ, thank you for the spiritual encouragement you joyfully share with us. I was looking back at some of the archives here on your blog and received some much needed words of encouragment. I am a stay-at-home, home-schooling mom. I am about to turn 50 and have a 15 year old with special needs and a 9 year old (oops, blessing). Sometimes I get so tired and I lose my joy and start to worry about how I can’t do everything right. I am trying to do what is best for my family and provide a loving environment but I don’t want it to become a constant self-evalutaion and condemnation process! I want my joy back in serving the Lord by being a mom and a wife. Your blog helps me find that. Lord bless you for it.
Mia Cugina Dolce….. Love the Pictures! So excited to see Kim and Sandy, it’s been forever since I saw them! AND a BIG Congratulations to JJ – So happy for upcoming Graduation and the Family’s newest addition- beautiful Tiffany. Your family is growin big… Ya soon to be Grandma! Ok, stay warm….. it’s a little snowy here too…. but I’ll be back to California next week to warm up my tootsies! Ciao
Thanks for the thoughtful reminder to look for the good!
Hi Ruth Ann … Oh my look at all that snow ..you and summer look like you were having oodles of fun. You always capture the essence of true happiness and fun !
Your Sis’s shop looks wonderful I’m so happy she’s doing so well and that her love is taking her wonderful places.
And it’s so true about looking for the Good. I tell many people that in some of my darkest moments during a hard time in life I endured, That I wouldn’t change any of it for the world because of all the good that came from it. Bad things and hard times aren’t always to be looked down on ..because God can teach us and mold us into more beautiful people through it. Sometimes it takes the Potter time to mold the clay into a beautiful piece of artwork..
Sending you Big Old Ozark Hugs …
Sara
thank you so much for leaving up all the past years photos and stories, I just recently found you and am enjoying going thru all the seasons –you are just what I need in my life! so uplifting and happy and inspiring, could go on and on!!! :)
oh and meant to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new book! the ebook, I encourage others to get it too—spent hours last night and again this morning!!!
Hi there! I’ve had a blast reading your posts. Keep up the great attitude. It is truely what the Lord wants from us. You woulldnt believe how much you cheered me up with your outlook and the Lords scriptures rewrote. LOve It.
Question: what on earth is your dinnerware? I love it.
Thanks for your time and; god bless you too!
Oh I just love this post….mising the snow a lot!!
I Just found your wonderful site!! Love it!!! I wish we had snow where I live in Sunny Gilbert, AZ and sadly we get no snow here!!
I live in Southern CA ! I have a snowcone machine and I’m going to try to make the ice cream with it! :) Thank you!! Love your website! :)
My Grandparents have a cabin in Idyllwild. I love it there. I’ll have to try the snow ice cream next time it snows. :)
I’m trying to look you up in cardsApp and can’t find you. What’s your CBN?
My weblog :: girlfriend activation (http://www.trezviykharkov.org.ua/)
Just found your blog through facebook. Love your pages!!! Beautiful !
Loved it all…the stories, pictures, recipes, helpful hints. ..all over it. It was all heart warming. Takes for sharing!
Hello! We love the Snow Ice Cream recipe photo and would like to feature it on our site. Please get in touch for more details –
editorial.homemade@gravityroad.com.
Thanks, Maria
Absolutely love your posts and pics. Your post about returning to Mayberry is so very true. So sad is the condition of our society.
Wow!! Living in Mossel Bay in South Africa, we have never seen so much snow before! Thats amazing :)
Awesome ideas – love the snow ice-cream!! Who would have thought?!
God Bless x
Aunt Ruthie, I found you on Facebook.
Awesome articles.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
The Article might have been about winter, but It really warmed my heart. You have a beautiful family stay blessed…
Thankyou For This Great Article
Made my day
Winter is here, you will need flannel sheets :)
Winter is here again, need to make more ice breakers.
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Yay having fun in the snow is worth it!!! you can enjoy your family time
Thanks for posting. Awesome article.|
Thanks for sharing these!