Howdy gals! Oh my goodness thank y’all so much for sharing your wonderful summertime memories and ideas! I’ve had so much fun reading them! Each one took me on a delightful armchair-vacation as I read about your adventures down on the farm, at the beach and at your picnics! The recipes look yummy and your tips were great! I haven’t picked the winners yet…but very soon!
Spring has sprung outside but I have been plugging away in my office working on the last few pages of my Summertime book Watermelon & Fireflies! It has been so much fun putting this together! If you love old-fashioned ways….vintage images…yummy comfort food…charming quotes…simple pleasures…family joys…farmgirl style…then you’re gonna hoot ‘n’ holler when you see it! I still have a little ways to go before it’s ready. Like Goldilocks said, it needs to be “just right!”.
I have to say that I am so ready to get to my spring cleaning! But since my book is all about Summertime and the summer season is just around the corner I have to put my urges to feather my nest on the back burner for just a week or two until I finish it! Oooooo! that’s hard! Especially when the sun is shining, the weather is warm and I want to unclutter, lighten and brighten my rooms!
When my book is completed, I am going to start my spring cleaning by clearing out my cupboards and closets. Then I’ll move into each room to clear out the clutter! You know, in the wintertime I tend to hunker down and snuggle in because of the extreme cold. The fire is burning, soup is simmering, I do a little baking…all those things that bring warmth, comfort, and coziness to my home.
Well, things start to accumulate and then clutter happens….and clutter brings chaos. So come spring, I’m so motivated to fling open the windows and get busy making my home look, feel and smell sun-fresh and scrubbed clean! Springtime is so refreshing!
I want to paint things milk-white! I have a few pieces like this buffet that is begging to get that farm-fresh look. I do like the wood stain but I’m thinking it’s time for a change…what do you think?
I want to go to this cooking school! Last year Silver Dollar City (a very fun amusement park set in the 1800’s, in Branson MO., just 10 minutes from my home) built this darling farmhouse to hold cooking and craft classes. I went last summer to a class and loved it!
The cooking instructor is Debbie Dance Uhrig and she is such a fun happy lady!
If you get there early you can sit up close and watch her prepare yummy dishes! Afterward you get to sample them! 
They have several classes available such as Springtime Country Cookin’, Ozark Mountain Dinner, Chuck Wagon Dinner, Dinner In A Bag, and the Taste of Home award-winning birthday cake recipe and demonstration. This year Silver Dollar City is turning 50 years old, so in celebration Taste of Home conducted a contest for the yummiest cake Ev-ah! I like cake, so that’s one class I need to go to. During the Fall and Christmas time, the classes are geared toward holiday cooking. So fun!
Of course while I’m at Silver Dollar City I’ll want to embrace the down-home charm of it all by staying the whole day!
Ashley age 5
But the biggest reason why I want to finish my book Watermelon & Fireflies ASAP….is to have my hands free to hold the baby of my baby! Ashley is due May 25 and I am soooooooooooooo excited!!! There’s a little boy named Johnny that’s gonna need a lot of kissing and holding!
So until then, I will keep myself busy adding the final touches to my Summertime book!
Before I say tootles…I want to invite y’all to leave me a question for an upcoming Question and Answer post. Unfortunately, I’m not always able to answer your questions so here is your chance!
God Bless you Sugar Pie Sistas!
Aunt Ruthie
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A little boy named Johnny and a new book on the way ~ how exciting!! I know you have mentioned in the past that you have written other books. In fact I just happened to see one of them (Dusty’s Beary Tales) in a thrift shop. Although my kids are grown, I had to buy it and I’m so glad I did because it is absolutely adorable. Sweet and charming, just like your blog. That leads to a question I would like to ask. How did you happen to become an author? I am excited for your upcoming book. I know you mentioned that it will be available to download. I would love to have it in real book form. I think you said that it would be available as a regular book at some point, didn’t you?
Good luck to you, dear Aunt Ruthie. Your cheerful blog brings so much happiness to so many of us. Can’t wait to see little Johnny.
Hi Aunt Ruthie!
I can’t wait for your book to be finished. It will be such a treat for all of us to enjoy reading. You keep up the good work and it will be just right in no time. Happy writing! I can just imagine how excited you are for the little grandbaby to be born. That little one is so blessed already to have a grandmom like you. Keep us posted!
Love,
Donna
Congratulations on your future grandbaby! God bless you all.Thank you for your blog…I always look forward to your new posts! I have a question, what products do you use to keep your home so spic and spam? Also can you include more recipes. I made your chicken and Hillbilly pie recipes all winter!Do you have a cleaning routine and tips would would share? Thank you, Emelia
YAY!!! A new post!! I have a question – can you tell us how you came to the Lord? I would love to hear that story! Can’t wait to read the new book!
Hi again, sorry I meant to say spic and span! Thanks! Emelia
Hi Aunt Ruthie!
Can you show us more pictures (rooms) of your home that haven’t been featured yet?
Can you walk us through a typical day of yours? Nothing fancy – just a regular ho hum day. I LOVE ho hum days! Especially yours!
Also, do you know that you could make huge amounts of $$ marketing yourself???
You could be the next Paula Dean, Ina Garten, Giada de Laurentiis!
Thanks for your inspiration!
Jennifer
Painted furniture always has an old fashioned farm house feel to me. I would give your buffet a fresh coat of paint.
I would love to take cooking classes with Debbie!
Sounds like you’re busier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. A happy busy, to be sure.
Have a wonderful day, and enjoy this gorgeous season that we have been blessed with.
Hi Ruthie!!!
My day is always a little brighter when I see you have a new post!
I’m so excited to read your book! What a hard worker you are!!!
And so excited to meet that new grandbaby!!! Has Ashley and hubby moved back yet??? ( not my official question!!)
I guess I’d like to know how you came about your parenting and homemaking skills. Did you learn from your mom? grandma? friend/mentor? All by yourself? You truly have a gift of homemaking and you are such a dear to share yourself with the rest of us!
Have a blessed week!!
Holly
Congrats on the upcoming grandbaby and on the book. :)
Can you add labels to your posts? I was looking for on of the pictures of your home that has a lot of milk glass and couldn’t find it.
Dear Ruthie
Your old fashioned way of writing and the way you live is so refreshing! I love the way you put God first in your heart and life, which show’s on your website. The world need’s more “SugarPie Farmhouse” Love! Is this the last home you will build? I was wondering what your last house looked like? I can’t wait to see your new book. Lots of love, Kathy
Hi Aunt Ruthie,
I wanted to know your feelings on how to balance some of the technology out there with family life. My 12-yo son wants a cell phone so he can text his friends, and maybe download apps. We already have internet access & computer time limits, but they always want more! It’s great our kids are learning so much, and I do love the computer & reading blogs, but wanted your thoughts about balancing a happy home life & the pull of technology. And I’m concerned about things he may see “accidentally”. Would love to know your thoughts. And thank you for your site & blog. I love “landing” here & soaking up the country atmosphere. Can’t wait for the book!
You are such a great example to your children and all of us……you are amazing! You will be a GREAT Grandma to little Johnny……
LOVE that little water fountain…….so stinkin’ cute!!!!
Ruthie,
My question for you is….who has been the most influential person in your life thus far and what is the best piece of advice they have given you.
I think that the people we draw inspiration from can shape the course of our lives, I’d like to know one of the people who helped to steer your rudder!
Blessings Always…
I have a few questions: I would love to see some more of your home, the stuff we don’t see much of (I love it all though!). Also, I am interested in your typical day as well and what cleaning products you use. I’m making attempts to go greener with my homekeeping so I was hoping to see what you used.
Aunt Ruthie,
I loved your recent posts. Congrats on the book! I can’t wait to get a copy of it. My question is what is the light that you have in your pantry? Did you get that from the Somethin’ different website. I just love the ones they have in Cracker Barrel and they are almost identical to the ones you have in your pantry. Also, I’d love to know what kind of dishes you have that have the pretty white scroll work on the edges. I’ve seen them in many of your posts. I would love to get some new dishes and I love the idea of white but don’t want plain ones.
Thanks,
Carey
I loved that first picture..so cute! And I would love to take that cooking school too, Deb looks so nice. Congratulations about the baby coming…my baby is having a baby girl in July! These are the best moments of life! Come say hi :D
Aunt Ruthie, at the age of 56 your “Farmhouse blog” inspired me to purchase my 1st computer! I feel we are kindred spirits. The 3 hand squeeze (I Love You) was my suggestion for your book. Little Johnny and you will love this! My question-Will you be having a book signing, etc, in the Branson area? I live a few hours away and It would be a thrill to meet you. Also how is that fiddle lesson coming along? I am an artist and musician and I have been “learning the fiddle for several years on my own. Even my happy tunes will bring a tear to your eyes and your hands to your ears! :)
God Bless You, Becky
Hi Ruthie! I was just wondering if you had planned to put together an e-book for household planning? Maybe like a home management book that would maybe include some super cute printables, organizational pages…to help keep some of youngins organized? I can only imagine what you would put together would be absolutely adorable!
Question: What is the difference in cooking between SALTED and UNSALTED Butter? Does it really make a difference which one you use?
Betty G.
Ruth Ann,
Can I just say there is no better clean house smell than Spic n Span !
Loved that pic !
I can’t find it up north here, so I pick up some when we are in Branson.
Do you have dates with Summer? How do you cultivate that mom-preteen daughter time? Do you devotionals with her each day?
also, what kind of wonderful things ( I just know they are wonderful) do you do for Summer and her girl friends? Does she have fun girly tea parties, or kids over to ride the go-kart – how do you make it fun for them?
Thanks so much!
Tootles
Lori
Aunt Ruthie~So excited about the new book! So many great questions from others already! I too would love to see a homemaking notebook, with pages to download, ect..You would have an adorable one, I’m sure! And seeing your day to day routines, schedule, cleaning chores/products….would be so inspiring!! Someone a while back asked about your music? I sure do miss it….loved to pull it up while I did my own work around the house! Will you be bringing it back? Looking forward to your spring-cleaning update…sure to inspire and encourage us!! :) Thanks for all you do to make us smile…and always with the light of Christ!
I cannot wait till y’all’s sweet grandson arrives!!! I’m sure he is going to be soooo precious…and there is no doubt that baby will be looooooved by many. ;o) I hope you’ll have a sip & see, so we can all lay eyes on him. Ain’t nothing sweeter than a baby! THe cooking school looks like a lot of fun…looks like my kind of place. Have fun!
A new baby and a new book…how exciting! We have several new babies being added to our family in the next couple of months…I’m going to be an aunt and a great aunt in the same year :)
Going to cooking classes sounds wonderful…Enjoy!
We have a new granddaughter named Emma due in two weeks. Although this is my daughter’s fifth child. :)
another wonderful post! i always look forward to these.
now i have been blogging long enough to recognize
many of your commentors, too!
looking forward to the book!
question: which of your ‘easy’ recipes gets the most
approbation?
Hi!
I used to be able to hear the music but then sadly it just went!
Not sure if this is anything to do with me being in the uk- I seem to be able to get music on some blogs but not others. I would love to know why.
LOVE your blog!
Sue
It is so good to hear from you ! I just love getting your email notice letting me know to come on over for a visit.
I am very excited to get a hold of your new book when it is ready. I somehow had missed the post before when you let us in on your the new project.
I love reading your post and your pictures are just wonderful. Where do you find the pictures that you use here on your blog?
Thanks again for everything. Have a wonderful day up there !
Pat
A new baby in the springtime~~how fun is that~ And I can’t wait to get my hands on that new book as well!
No, I still can’t get the music~I did at Christmas and LOVED it but since then it hasn’t come through (sad face!)
Have a Blessed week~and good luck on getting that book finished!
Nope, I don’t hear the music either anymore…Hmmm? I don’t know a way to make it come thru from this end, but I always loved hearing the sweet songs you had picked…. Blessings to you & your family, & looking forward to any minutes you have for more new things on this wonderful website!
Can’t wait to read the book and see the baby. Wish there were posts everyday from the Farmhouse ! My question is: Do you have any family pets? God Bless !
I am new to your blog, I just subscribed last week, I love it already.. Really you live 10 minutes from Silver Dollar city? my husband and I are moving that way in the next couple of month’s, I live in Kansas now and have a cabin at the lake near Forsthye, I have season tickets to SDC!! and go often I can’t wait to check out those cooking classes how fun…So what do you like best about living in Branson, are you off the beaten path, and whats it like in the winter time?
can’t wait to read more and am looking forward to your cookbook :-)
Auntie Ruthie, Hope that all is going well…I have had a wonderful time visiting SugarPieFarmhouse!
God Bless,
d
First of all, I can hear the music and secondly I CAN NOT WAIT until that book is ready!!! I’m so exicted for you and of course for all of us, your fans. Thank you so much for the time you are putting into your book and this blog.
Loved the blog and am excited about your book. No, I can’t hear the music, but I used to be able to hear it. As far as the buffet, I think it’s beautiful the way it is. Good luck on the spring cleaning — I’m trying to do the same. Have a great week… God bless you and your family.
Can’t wait for your book! Do you use Spic and Span to clean your house ? My daddy always used it when he helped Mom clean. That cooking class would be so much fun! Please post photos of the new baby when he gets here! Know you are excited. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us “Sistas” out here. Bye.
The music has been missing for me too, since December, I haven’t heard it. I miss it too, I used to clean my house to it :)
(well at least the rooms I could here my computer in) PLEASE tell me how to find it! Thanks for your Sugar Pie Personality and Hospitality. I love reading your faith :) *hugs*
Hi Aunt Ruthie! I was just awonderin’ what all kind of makeup y’all use??? You always look so perty and pert! Thanks, Girlie!
Hugs,
Florida Sugarpie
JeI can hear the music, love it. When I need some cheering up, I visit Aunt Ruthie and some of her music…hehe
Can’t wait for the book, too! I am always looking for some inspiration/ideas.
God bless you all on welcoming lil Johnny into the world, what an exciting time, and I agree he is blessed to have such a fun, loving and wise grandma!! May is a beautiful month to have a new baby, too, none of that bundling up business for awhile. :)
Ruthie, my heart beats a little faster when I see you have a new post! I am so happy and excited for you for the new book and the new GRANDBABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t think I will be blessed with any grandbabies so I love to see others so post some pics ASAP:):) My question would be to possible see more of your delightful house. Pictures of your stairs, baths, bedrooms??? Hate to be nosey:):) I also love the idea of organizational pages that we could download for ourselves. You are such a wonderful inspiration and I am way older than you!!!!! Keep up the wonderful work you do. I feel that God speaks through you to so amny of us!!!! XO, Pinky
Hi Aunt Ruthie!
I always look forward to reading your blog. Thanks for all the time and energy you put into making it a tool for all of us mamas and wives out there. Here’s my question…I have a little one at home and find it hard to clean the house and take care of her. How did you balance play time with your kids when they were young and getting chores done?
Thank you!!
Christie
Okay, I figured the music out. If I link from my email to your new post, it won’t play it. But if I click on BLOG up at the top- the playlist shows up and plays. It is the same if I click on a specific post. It won’t play. Just on your main blog- hope that helps!
I cant wait for your book to be ready,, I’m soooo excited. I never have any problem with your music playing by the way .and I just want to say as a girl from Tennessee, I’m lovin your country blog.. looking forward to your book, cant wait to get it, i’m lby it like I am when I’m waiting for a package to come in the mail… only more excited as i know that it will be OH SO AWESOME, love your blog,HUGS, from a farm girl in Tennessee, Venetta….
Forgot to mention the hutch on previous post, I think maybe a white with red knobs, or maybe a sea-foam green would be summery, [ just a thought] dont know if the green would go in your kitchen, but I love the light greens, would love to see more pictures of your lovely home, your such a master decorator, I just love your blog, thanks for all the inspiration.. from Tennessee with hugs, Venetta..
You asked about painting the wooden table…I would not. It looks so beautiful and to paint it white would take away from the knots and beauty of the wood. I see lots of white already in your home.
Just my opinion….absolutely love your blog.
Lynn
Ok, after reading others posts about the music, I played around a bit and found it!!!!!!!! It seems if I go to a specific blog post (from either Aunt Ruthie’s email notice or from someone else’s blog–which is how I usually go to the site, I guess) I do not get music. But if I go to the homepage or to the general blog from the homepage, it is there! Happy day! I do have happy music again! Hope others can find it as well. (sure I was about as clear as mud in my explaination!!!) Thanks again Aunt Ruthie for your wonderful, inspiring site!
Hi Ruthann,
I’m sooo looking forward to your book…it will be like having a special ‘mentor and inspiration’ right at my fingertips! I love the name Johnny. We have a John, and sometimes when I’m teasing him, I call him my little Johnny-Cake. LOL
I’m looking forward to the Q&A. I can’t think of anything specific to ask, but like others, I’d like to hear about a typical day at your house and see rooms you haven’t shared yet~
Oh, I did think of something. What’s your most favorite cleaning product?
Have a fantabulous day!
Blessings,
Amy O/picketfencemom
The music also does not work when you link to the site from Google Reader. I always click on the “Blog” link at the top of the page to hear the great music.
What I noticed when I first came here was that it was taking a long time upload.All your top buttons were not there and I was just able to read your blog without being able to have to click on the blog button. No music. Finally about 3 minutes later, the buttons on top showed up and when I clicked on the blog button, the music came on. This may be what is happening with others, especially if they have a slower computer, to upload completely is taking quite a bit.
Ruthie, you are an inspiration! God has blessed you with the gift of words, and He knows what I need to hear when I check your blog. My Momma & Granny live in Virginia and I am up here in Indiana so it is so nice to be able to get a slice of “home” when I visit here (everyday). The Message says Psalm 19:13 in a down-home farmhouse way: “Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.” I can’t wait for your book and I am so blessed to know you! God bless!
1. do not paint your buffet! i love the wood color and the red knobs.
2. if you find your images elsewhere online and put sugarpie farmhouse on each one so no one else can use them….aren’t they public domain? why can’t others use your pictures that you find somewhere else and didn’t take yourself? i don’t understand how that works.
3. i am california born and bred-49 years. i often think of moving back east as you did but then i think, can i really leave ca. and fit in somewhere else? how did you handle the move emotionally?
4. can you show more pictures elsewhere of your house-master bed and bath, for example? what about your property and more of the outside of your house?
i luv your blog and wish you updated more often. :)
joanna
Aunt Ruthie,
My question is, what is the number one best piece of advice for getting through your chaotic days as a mama, besides putting God first, when you have small children?
:)
Sasha
Aunt Ruthie, I am looking forward to your new book and I love reading your blog. You are such a ” Blessing”. My question is..Do you and your husband still have date nights and what do you enjoy doing together?
Love your posts! And a grandson! How wonderful! You will have so much fun!
I didn’t realize that you have music on your blog, I never hear it. I’m not sure. but shouldn’t your playlist be displayed? I don’t see that either. I do see the playlist and hear music on some other blogs that I visit so maybe there is something on your end that isn’t working. I’m looking forward to being able to hear it. :)
I’m anxiously waiting for your new summertime book… I am most interested in getting it in hardback versus a download version. I know from reading your blog for the last two years that it will be a book that I’m going to love! Your energy, positive attitude and ideas are inspiring!
I agree with all the others… DON”T PAINT that buffet white! It’s beautiful as it is. I love those red knobs too. I think the other touches of white in your home are darling and plenty enough.
I would like to know what inspires your creativity? Where / who do you draw many of your ideas from? What do you consider to be your strongest character trait?
I love how you put the keeping of your home above what the “world” says is important! I love to look at pics of your house and how you decorate for the seasons. I would love to see more pics. Could you maybe even share your testimony? I’d love to hear how you came to know the Lord and how you keep Him the focus of your home. Love your site and can’t wait for the book!
Cant wait for the book to be available. I wanted to say that when I come to your site, the whole page has to load and I have to scroll down , then the music player loads. So maybe people having trouble with it not loading should scroll down till they see it pop up. Once it pops up, it plays the whole time. Hope that helps someone….dont know what I would do with out your playlist…..its gotten me through many a load of dirty dishes, LOL! Blessings, Erica
I always love to see you posts! Ruthie- I’d be at the SDC cooking class in a hot minute! It’s a cute little place and the teacher reminds me of Paula Deen a bit!
I really like your wood-colored table – I love pine but I like white, too. It’s just that it’s such a pretty pine color with the white knobs. Hmm it’d be a hard choice…
I miss your music, too. It’s one of the things that get me into the spirit while reading your blog. I can’t hear it or see the playlist box anymore either? You may have to get your smart son to ck it out.
Wow! I can’t believe your grandbaby is going to be arriving in MAY! That seemed to go fast! The Lord is good – He is blessing your family so much! Hugs, Angela
Correction – RED knobs and I always love to see YOUR posts! I really need to do a little editing before I hit the send button. Sorry
Hi Ruthie, congrats on the new grandchild coming. They are such a joy and make us feel young again. Also can’t wait for the book. Your blog is wonderful and if I click on your music sometime it comes on and other times zip. I had this problem with my playlist. They may be changing something with there format. Have a good weekend. Bless you Paulette
Aunt Ruthie, You have had such a positive imfluence on me and my home. I redid my small pantry because I liked yours so much, I now have a cupcake apron and all kinds of cupcake “ware” for baking when my grandaughters visit. Ive been looking everywhere for a milkglass vase like the one you have. Many of your recipes have graced my dining table and your spiritual posts have lifted my heart more times than you could count. I live in the western nc mountains so the farmhouse look has always been in my family. We farm and can our own vegetables and meat and sometimes I feel like you are just down the road from my house. I would love to see more of your farmhouse decor as I search every picture you post for ideas for my home. I just bought 2 lanterns for my home like the ones you have. Keep up the wonderful ministry you have here and congrats on the grandbaby. Sharon
Can’t wait till the book is ready! What fun!! Even more fun is that you are expecting your first grandbaby! Blessings galore to you!
Dorothy in Arizona
I would love to see your daily routine,what products you use,any tips and of course- recipes !
No music tonight…I am also having a really hard time with Playlist.com. Half the time, either the music isn’t playing or it fades in and out. Maybe we all need to send them a little email…??
Can’t wait to read your book.
My question: Will this little boy be your first grandchild ?
xo bj
Aunt Ruthie,
I love your blog. Your love of Our Heavenly Father is so uplifting. Thank you.
I have the same question as Pat in Tenn. “Where do you get all the pictures that you have on your blog?”
Yesssss~~~I finally got the musicf!!!!! I read another comment and went back and tried it ~~ I am SO happy now. Click on the website and then click on blog!
Oh and I forgot to tell you earlier little boys are the BEST~~I have 4 grandsons ages 5 mos. to 5 years and they are the funniest little guys ever~Grandma laughs All the time!!
I love the new blog. I’ve enjoyed every one and like many others wish you could post more often but I understand why you can’t with so many other things going on in your life not to mention the day-to-day busyness. I’m looking forward to the new book also. Congratulations on your soon-to-arrive grandson. We are enjoying our first granddaughter who is only four weeks old. It is such a lovely time in our lives. My question is also regarding the other rooms in your home: Would you share pictures of them with us also? Thanks for all the inspiration and for brightening another day! One day we can share some laughs in heaven!
Debbie
Aunt Ruthie,
Oh I’m so happy to hear about your grandson!!! I have been praying and praying that your daughter and her baby is healthy. Oh it’s so exciting with a baby on the way!! And he picked a good month to be born in, May 20 is my birthday and May babies are always the sweetest :) I have a few questions 1. What is your absolute favorite recipe? 2. What is your favorite season? 3. Who or what inspired you to have the vintage, country gal, good ‘ol home cooking style and taste?
God bless,
Sarah Miriam
I am so looking forward to your new book! Thank you once again for everything you share on your blog. It truly is a Ministry that the Lord has given you to encourage and inspire those of us who come here. I wanted to ask if you would be willing, to the extent that you’re comfortable with, to share some of the harder times you have experienced in life? Not necessarily the specifics, but just the daily process of waiting on the Lord to work everything out. Sometimes it seems like it’s taking Him so long to answer, even though we know that He knows what He’s doing. Seems like in those tough times of waiting, He always sends something or someone to keep me going. One of those many things has been your blog. Just wanted to let you know how the Lord has used you to bring a smile to my face on some pretty tough days. What an Awesome God! Hope it encourages you to know that you’re making a positive difference in a world that sometimes seems so negative.
Hugs!!
Char in Texas
Hello there! Your blog is sooo inspirational! Also, it’s very challenging – you make me want to try harder. Which is good. Like some of the other ladies have said, I wish you posted more often because I find reading a new post is a highlight in my day.
Oh, and in my opinion, I think you should paint the cabinet in your favourite shade of white. It would be a lovely cross between farm style and shabby chic.
Happy Spring to you too!! Love to hear updates from you. Isn’t amazing how a simple thing like a website allows us to get to “know” one another. Thanks for your inspiration and encouragement.
Jacque
Yes, I hear the wonderful music! Thanks! I am not, however, receiving e mail notification when you make updates. I used to receive e mails, but don’t anymore. I enjoy your site so very much.
Connie
Congratulation Ruthann on your book, I am looking forward to reading it. You are so gifted with writing and are such a blessing to us all. Your blog was one of the first that I found when I started blogging and have always enjoyed visiting with you. And like everyone else would love to see more posting.
Congratulations again on soon becoming a grandmother, You are going to have so much fun.
Sue
I can’t hear your music now either………. I really enjoyed listening to it and even purchased some of the instrumental ones. I don’t even see it on the right side of the page where it was. Help does anyone know why?
I’m really looking forward to your book coming out :) :) :) I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for the information about the music. This is exactly the kind of music I like listening too. :) :) :) :) By the way I hear the music just fine :) :) So good in fact, that I don’t like leaving your site :) :) You pick great songs :)
I’m looking forward to the summer weather. I can leave my windows open at night to catch the cool summer breeze. Thanks for being such a joy and a blessing :) :) :)
Hi Aunt Ruthie, I have not been able to hear the music for about 6 months which I miss but I don’t know how to fix it. Can’t wait for your book. Have a great day Trish xox ;)
I hear the music! :) Lovely post, as always! I can hardly wait for your book! WooHoo!!!
*Don’t paint it~I LOVE the way you have a mix of finishes in your kitchen…but whatevah you think…you certainly don’t need any of us to tell you how to decorate! ;)
*I agree with some others…I can’t think of ANYTHING I’d rather know than how you came to be a Christian/your testimony!…but you could tell us…How did you become such a Southern Belle wannabe?, Do you excercise daily?…cause you don’t look like you eat pie!:), What does the rest of your family think of your Farmhouse Life? are they still California folks or have you converted them to Country Folks?
Thanks again for your blog…such inspiring,peaceful, homey words!!
Ruthie…I am so looking forward to your book and to pictures of that new grandbaby! What a wonderful time it is in our life – the days of grandchildren!
Re…your buffet with the red knobs…I like it just the way it is but I know it would look super painted white…you’re the expert girl…we’ll like it either or.
Question (s): I would love seeing more pics of your home and also outside your home! And… what was your upbringing like.. did you live in the country etc..?
Love your inspirations that you leave with us in your posts…wish more could live and love the art of “homemaking”.
I’m not entirely certain why, but as I stumbled onto your site, while looking for “cottage design blogs”, my heart constricted a bit and tears formed in my eyes. I have such a desire to “return to my roots” and turn back time, so to speak. I have had so many urges lately to learn canning, quilting, and more. I have wanted to make fresh, warm, crusty breads, and flaky-crusted, fruit squished pies from scratch. Maybe it’s the gardening we’re finally getting to do, since we moved from an apt. to a house. Maybe it’s because I grew up with a mom who taught me to appreciate these kinds of things. Who knows? But then, you had to mention Silver Dollar City! ACK! I grew up going there, and loving it, truly believing that I was really supposed to have been born in that era. I am hoping that next year, I will be able to introduce my California-born husband to the Ozarks, and all of the delicious wonderfulness that is Silver Dollar City. I am secretly hoping and praying that he will want to transfer within his job, to Missouri! I miss the Midwest (where I spent 11 years of my growing up life…as a military brat)! I long to be there, where life is simpler, the air seems to be sweeter, and the cost of living is MUCH, MUCH lower! So, I will most likely, lovingly, hungrily look at your blog nearly every day, whilst I dream longingly of the Ozarks.
Ruthan, thank you for another inspirational post. Your blog and the mbs are such a wonderful treat to daily life and I agree with others that it is a special ministry gift that you have. What a sweet spring this is for you with all the anticipation of a grandbaby and the book too. A purely nosey question I have is how do you manage to store your wonderful collection of seasonal decor? That is a tremendous challenge for me and I’m hoping you’ll share some good tips with the sistas. God bless!
Hi, your website makes for happy reading what with all the photographs, colors, and fun stories! Where do you find all these
great photographs?
I’ve loved your site since I found it last year….I was searching for a pie crust recipe! I made your Pat-in-the-Pan pie crust and now my husband won’t eat any of my pies unless I use your recipe! (Even for chicken pot pie, I leave out the sugar.) Your buttermilk pie turned out wonderful, we all loved it!
My question is: do you scan your vintage photos to put on the website? Do you buy a lot of old books and magazines to get these pictures? I can’t imagine how you find time to do everything and keep such a lovely home!
Have a blessed day, congrats on the book!
~Heidi
Babies are so wonderful! I hope you meet your goals so your hands and arms are free! =) I would love love to go to cooking school too… specifically baking school and cooking foods like Italian and Thai! =)
Summer just can not come soon enough!
Blessings~ jenn
Oh ~ and definitely paint it white!!
The buffet, I”m all about leaving furniture in the original finish, if possible. So I’d leave it alone, it looks great!
I just love all your pictures you use here on the blog. They are just so NEATO!!!!
A new book and a grand-baby!!! What a memorable year you will have! Congratulations!
I have to admit…the temptation for change is always in our womanly hearts! But I have to say on this furniture piece…I just love the look of wood against your lovely pieces of white display ware or everyday ware.
Baby coming soon, and their is so much to do!
God Bless you and your family..
Delia
Unfortunately I cannot listen your music anymore but I think it’s because I’m in England.
I am supremely happy for the little Johnny who is about to make his debut into your life’s scene! I have a little Johnny myself who was born last October, along with his little sidekick, Ray. (They were named after their grandfathers). Get your lips ready for puckering like you’ve never puckered in your life (as I’m typing this, I hesitate, as somehow it doesn’t sound quite right)….in otherwords, his little face will be irressistably kissable!
The only question I have for you at this time is a very important one that demands serious consideration: As the summer season encroaches upon us, we are reminded (as we recall our body-lathered-in-baby-oil-days) to always wear plenty of SPF to “preserve*” our skin. (*such a flexible little word that can neatly refer to both pickles in a jar and our skin). If you have attempted self-tanning cremes, which do you find to be the most natural without leaving one smelling like week-old grass clippings?
(I warned you this was serious!).
PS. I see that lovely little table wearing a distressed coat of vintage green (almost minty, but a little deeper). Crystal knobs. A startling backdrop for both red and white.
Hi Aunt Ruthie!
You already know how much I love your site. I do have a question for you~where do you find the beautiful cake/pie stands you show in so many of your photos? There is something special about seeing a homemade pie sitting on one of those stands. You would be so proud to know that because of your tips and recipes, I have been making my own pie crusts. Have a great week!
Hi Aunt Ruthie,
Best wishes for the upcoming birth of your grandchild. And, I am so excited about your new book. I hope it is just like your blog posts, I always get excited when I get an email saying you have posted.
In terms of a question: We have just had our first child (now 1 month old) and I would like to know what your advice is for raising a very young child in a godly way?
When I count my blessings, I count you too. You have truly blessed my life in so many ways. Thank You. Cannot wait to own your book!
I’m so excited for you with your new wee one approaching, your baby’s baby it’s so amazing!
It seems like you have a lot of questions already! But I’ll add a couple on just in case you need some more:
– We’re moving into our first house with a garden too later this month and I wondered what you would prioritise in terms of nesting touches, if you had a house with the basics and you had a small budget for some extras what few things do you think really make the place feel like home?
– Do you have any gardening tips for a new gardener with a completly blank canvas – a big grass rectangle! I’d like to make my garden an extension of my home and use it for entertaining and to sit and have my morning coffee -I’m not sure where to start though!
Have a lovely day,
Jade
I love your music choices. I just don’t like istening to it while trying to read your blog! I hit “pause.” I want quiet when I read. I find the music way too distracting! I could definitely do without it!
I do enjoy reading your blog, though, don’t get me wrong! Love the Ozarks. Silver Dollar City is a fav of mine!
My oldest daughter just had her first baby on April 1st, so I join you in your excitement of your new little grandbaby!
Congrat’s to All!
Hi Aunt Ruthie
I am so happy I found your christain devotion, decorating family site! Your are such a good role model for us all. I was wondering how and when you became a christian and what is your favorite thing to do with girlfriends? You always brighten my day! Happy Spring..! Kathy
Ruthie,
I just wanted to take a moment and tell you THANK YOU for your wonderfully encouraging blog. I just LOVE it. There are many times I’ve come back to re-read an entry. (some days I just need a bit more encouraging than others!) BTW, I just became a grandma for the first time last month. What an amazing gift from God!
Much love to you and yours, Becky
Hi! I wanted to let you know that I posted something about you blog in a recent post on my blog, Below the Plateau. Here’s the link so you can check it out! :)
http://belowtheplateau.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!
Love and blessings,
Shannon
i really enjoyed this blog, and your house is so pretty, keep up the good work, and this blog coming.k
Just wanted to say thank you for all your wonderful words of inspiration. I always look forward to your up-dates. You are a breath of fresh air and after reading you blogs, it always gives me just enough of a push to finish the dishes, another load of laundry, or tidy up another corner. After putting in 8-9 hours a day at work, never really feel like doing much more. But after homework, dinner and getting my hubby off to work midnights, I turn to you and find a little bit more energy before I turn in. I grew up in Missouri, so I especially appreciate the pics and updates of Silver Dollar City and the Ozarks. I love, love, love Southern Missouri and keep telling my husband that is where we are going to retire. Thank you again.
Thank you for the lovely coverage in your website. You’re only 10 minutes from SDC? We should get together for pie sometime. Thanks for visiting the culinary school.Debbie Dance Uhrig, Master Craftsman of Culinary, Silver Dollar City, ‘The Covered Dish’, Food Columnist…..