Well howdy-do Sugar Pies! I really wanted to get a blog post finished before now but as you will soon see I had more things on my plate than I had time for! It reminds me of Thanksgiving Dinner…the food looks so scrumptious and since a lot of it is only prepared during the Holidays we tend to pile up our plate with too much! I think that’s where the old saying “her eyes are bigger than her stomach” comes from! Well, one of the things I had my “big eyes” on was setting up a little retail space at a beautiful home decor store in Ozark Missouri called The Feathered Nest! This past year the owners Scottie and Randy opened up part of their store to booth rentals. So my sister-in-law Linda and I went in together and rented a little spot in this gorgeous store! It was something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but the timing was not right until now. Of course with any new venture comes a lot more work than expected…but it’s fun work!
Come take a look!
The Feathered Nest located at;
1603 South 3rd Street
Ozark, MO 65721
Phone(417) 581-5090
Lot’s of rustic elegance!
The owners of The Feathered Nest, Scottie and Randy, offer decorating and cooking workshops, antique/shopping tours to the surrounding towns and States (Arkansas, Kansas City, Nashville & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, etc.) Scottie and his wife also host an amazing Christmas Home Tour at their home. Scottie is Kin to Abraham Lincoln and has the most fascinating artifacts handed down to him that he even decorated room in his house and titled it the “Abraham Lincoln Room”).
This was Abraham Lincoln’s bed featured in Scottie’s home
(Back to the store…) Every season Randy and Scottie celebrate at the shop with a very festive and magical open house party. But every time you step into The Feathered Nest there is always joyful music playing, it smells good and the staff is always jolly.
Even the Powder Room door is darling!
And here is mine and Linda’s little booth! We have a lot of vintage goodies, as well as newer items. Linda is an amazing crafter, jewelry maker, knitter and makes gorgeous crochet scarves, including a skinny one for a mini tree with a Santa hat topper. A lot of what you see here has already been sold! The Christmas Open House was the first weekend in November and the shop was packed with happy shoppers!
Thankfully I am sharing this booth with Linda so not only is it more fun but we split the rent and the work!
The other thing I’ve been busy with is getting started on my Christmas decorating! But I was stopped in my tracks due to this cute coat stand…formally a front porch post from a darling old Victorian house somewhere…it weighs 80 pounds or more…I strained my back carrying it from my car through my house. It was very unwieldy, not to mention heavy, and as it fish-tailed about I must have twisted something because I had an achin’ back for almost a week! Of course I didn’t think to wait for someone to help me! No! I had ants in my pants and had to decorate with it immediately! I learned my lesson…owie!! Thankfully I’m feeling better every day!
This week I also had the fun of meeting Michelle Duggar of the 19 Kids and Counting TLC show! Michelle and her beautiful family were in Branson, Missouri, where I live and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time! Her husband Jim Bob took our picture! What a beautiful Mama she is! So very gracious, and tenderhearted! I loved chatting with her! She shared about how excited they are for baby #20! Jim Bob and Michelle’s children are just as adorable as they are on their show! I’m inspired by their God-given parenting example as all of their children are lovingly devoted to one another and by the way they reach out to serve people in other parts of the world. It’s so refreshing to see such a wholesome family devoted to God, adhering to high moral values and having a lot of fun in the process! God bless the Duggar Family!
So many exciting things have been happening but now it’s time to turn my heart toward Thanksgiving!
It’s time to begin preparing for that special day and to think about all that I am thankful to God for. I found a scripture a few days ago that seemed to pop off the page…
Psalm 94:19 “In the multitude of my anxious thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!”
Wow! I would venture to say that all of us have an anxious thought…something we’ve worried about…something that makes our heart hurt. But oh my darlin’s! God is here…and in the sweetest most endearing things His comforts cheer and delight our soul if we just look for them! Let’s open our eyes, smell with our nose, listen with our ears the blessings that God and placed all around us. Let us be quick to thank Him!
Have you ever thought of the aroma of a Thanksgiving turkey roasting in the oven, or the warmth of a crackling fire or the familiar ticking of the clock at grandma’s house as one of God’s comforts that “cheer and delight our soul”? Or the words spoken with excitement “Time to eat!”…hands held around the table and grace being said…that first bite of mom’s savory stuffing and then Auntie’s creamy pumpkin pie? Comfort. Cheer. Delight.
How about the time spent with loved ones, good conversation shared over a hot cup of tea and fresh baked cookies on a crisp blustery day, where smiles and laughter warm and revive your heart? Or cozy slippers… a cuddly hug from a child… Christmas music… falling leaves waltzing in a gust of wind way up in the sky…. or your family gathered around the dinner table…the smell of the furnace turning on to warm the house on early frosty mornings…these are God’s “comforts to cheer and delight your soul”. These are the things to be thankful for. Thank you Lord!
Have you ever seen a sunrise that took your breath away? I captured this photo just over a week ago from my back porch…
it looked like fire on the mountain. In each sunrise God reminds us of His glory and power and His faithfulness…and that His mercies are new every morning! These are His comforts that “cheer and delight our soul”. God’s Word is a comfort that cheers and delights my soul! We have access to His comfort every day! The Psalms are overflowing with comfort!
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting–a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Thanksgiving and everyday for that matter, I want to be fully aware of the comforts God has given me to cheer and delight my heart! As in years past, this year I wanted to put together a Thanksgiving Tree as a reminder to me and my family of God’s love, grace, mercy and faithfulness. Here is how I did it:
I started with this pot of branches that I use over and over for different looks throughout the seasons. It’s just a bunch of twigs I collected after an ice storm and put them in a small inexpensive metal container filled with Plaster of Paris. Here I placed the container holding the branches into this bronze urn. I found some crystal string-y things at a floral supply store to add a little sparkle by hanging them on a few limbs. It gives the look of dripping frost. I decided that I wanted to cut out oval shapes from copies of a yellowed vintage cookbook and stamp the words of things that I’m thankful for on them. I didn’t have an oval template so I looked around my house to see what I could use to trace…
I found an oval! This adorable antique little girl in this oval frame is my hubby’s Grandmother. Her name… little Miss Naomi Agatha Madsen. What a dreamy picture of pure sweetness! I will tell you more about her and share one of her recipes in just a bit! Okay! So now I had my oval template!
Look how beautifully aged the pages are! There are so many wonderful things about this vintage cookbook…I have to share what I found before I continue my little tutorial…it’s facinating! Each recipe has a copy of the contributors autograph. These women were the “managers of World’s Fairs, Wives of Governors and other Ladies of Position and Influence”. Copyrighted in 1893
This cookbook is filled with snippets of newspaper and magazine clippings as well as handwritten recipes. This little scrap is actually two tiny pieces that were hand sewn together! There are several of these, and one that is sewn together with a sewing machine! Of course they didn’t have Scotch Tape back then so this gal put her thinking cap on. This one’s a recipe for Raspberry Foam. Interesting!
Here is a receipt written out to Mrs. Creekpaum November 25 1898. The Salesman’s last name is Judd. Mrs. Creekpaum purchased a hose for 15 cents and something else for 35 cents (perhaps this cookbook?)
Here’s a remedy that uses onions for pneumonia. This time she used a straight pin to hold two pieces together.
She also put an “x” next to certain recipes, perhaps ones she liked.
Mrs. Creekpaum also saved this magazine article about Thanksgiving from McCalls magazine 1906
Here’s her recipe for curing 100 pounds of meat!
A song Titled “Mother’s Lullabye” tucked inside
The little snippets inside this cookbook tell a fascinating story of the woman who owned it! There are so many more things tucked inside the pages that paint a picture of a strong caring devoted mother and homemaker! This was a treasure that I found on ebay years ago.
Okay! Back to my Thanksgiving Tree! Make copies of vintage pages from a book then trace your shape.
Cut out shapes…I used pinking shears
Stamp your words with Alphabet Stamps found at a craft store or online. You could also print the words on your computer.
I “aged” the edges with a brown sponge ink pad
Punch a hole and slip in a ribbon
Make copies of family photos…include some silly faces!
Keeping with the brown and cream look I changed the photos to Sepia using Picasa.
I also cut them into ovals.
Hang them on the branches!
When my family gathers for the Holidays I know they’ll enjoy looking at our Thanksgiving Tree!
I’m so thankful I live in the USA and for the troops who put their lives on the line for our freedom!
God bless our troops!
I still need to add photos of grandparents and other loved ones, but this gives you the idea! It’s a wonderful and easy way to give that much needed “sense of belonging” to our family.
Being intentionally thankful,
reminding ourselves of God’s blessings
and opening our eyes to His comforts that “cheer and delight our soul”
will make joy-bells ring in our heart.
A thankful heart is a happy heart.
A mama with a happy heart makes a happy home.
Grandma’s Gingersnaps
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Oh your booth is so cute shugah pie !! I can imagine how much fun you & your sister in law are going to have decorating it and selling all of the treasures that ladies can’t wait to scoop up : )
That is sooooo neat that you got to be Michelle Duggar !! I am a huge fan of the Duggars and would love to meet them too ♥
I love your idea of the Thanksgiving tree too, I think I might make one like that for Christmas for a friend of mine !
Happy Holiday to you Ruthie, I sure do love your blog. Blessings to you & your family ♥
I loved the old cook book with all the little things tucked inside of it…women are the same over all the generations with family being so close to our hearts. Loved your sweet tree…just darling! Ginger snaps are my favorite, nothing as good as one of these with a cuppa hot chocolate before bed time! Have a happy Thanksgiving..all our 8 kids and spouses and grands are coming here..so excited! ;D
You inspire me! :)
Beautiful and inspiring as always! So wonderful to hear such sweet encouragement for Michelle Duggar. Their family is lovely!
LOVE the booth~
Hi Ruthann! I missed the open house at the Feathered Nest, but I’ll be down Saturday, hopefully. Your space is adorable!! can’t wait to see it. Great post, Girl. Love seeing all the photos! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. xoxo
Thanks for the gingersnap cookie recipe Aunt Ruthie! I think I’m going to add it to my Thanksgiving cookie platter.
Having no living parents or grandparents (I never knew my grandparents) – I’m so thankful for grandma’s recipe for gingersnaps. I will adopt her as my grandma and make them this year. Thanks so much, Aunt Ruthie! I love you to pieces!
Wow! ~ how fun that you got to meet the Duggar family in person. I have SUCH great admiration for that family and it’s clear how much their children truly HONOR their parents! They are a living example of what it means to train your children up in the way they should go!!
And your ‘thankful’ tree…. LOVE IT! I know it’s kind of late in the season ~ but we have a beautiful sunny afternoon here, so I think since it’s Minnesota and we could have snow any day now, I should take advantage and head out to our woods to collect some branches and make one for our family, too. You always inspire me!!
God bless you and feel better soon… no more heavy lifting, and if you do, wear a back/lifting brace ~ it will SAVE your back!!
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Decorating!! {can’t wait to see the big Christmas reveal …my favorite time of the year at Sugar Pie Farmhouse!!}
Blessings and Hugs,
~ Tanya
My mom and I were just talking the other day about how we were looking forward to a new post from you soon – they are always such a blessing! I will have to try that recipe, I love gingersnaps…and your thankful tree is lovely! And I must add, I needed to hear that verse from the Psalms today. Thanks so, so much for taking the time to share your heart and inspiration with us! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jennifer
Blessings that comfort, cheer, and delight: Pumpkin muffins, twinkle lights, my wonderful family, coming to Sugar Pie Farmhouse to look up last years Thanksgiving post and finding a brand new one! I always feel like I’ve just gone home for a visit when I read your blog! Love you!
I love the idea of adding photos to the thanksgiving tree!
As always the photos of your home and the wonderful words of encouragement make my day. Thank you for the effort you put into selecting music, quotes, photos and verses that will bless our hearts.
Congrats on your new boutique-business venture. The store looks darling and I love your booth. Can’t wait to see what it looks like for the next season!
~ Emily N. from “too Blessed to Stress”
Oh, Ruthie, another wonderful & inspiring post! I adore your tree branch all decorated with thankful thoughts.
I’m so excited to see you have a booth in a cute shop in Ozark. The next time I’m going to Branson I will stop by and do a little shopping.
I wish you and yours a great Thanksgiving Day!
Smiles,
Carol
What a great post. Can’t wait to try the gingersnap recipe…thanks so much for sharing. I’ve never had a gingersnap before :) I always appreciate the encouragement and inspiration I get from reading your posts. Hope you’re feeling better!!
How wonderful is that lovely old cook book and all the clippings inside. What a special treasure.
Ruthie, I love your blog and your great photos, but I gotta tell you- your friend cannot be a descendent of Abraham Lincoln, as there are none. I have studied this guy up and down since moving to Illinois and just visited the museum in Springfield that houses his history and artifacts. There are no direct descendents of Lincoln and that information is easy to obtain when you trace his family history, so this man is pulling your leg. Sorry! Everything else is charming!
Love your post. I always look forward to them. I love the old cookbook and Grandma’s cookie recipe. Thank you for taking the time to share your treasures and your beautiful home and words of wisdom with us. It is appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family.
You just made my day once again sweet Aunt Ruthie! The fall sunrise out your back door was just glorious! Oh, how I wish I lived near by to shop from your cute little booth. I can only imagine how much fun you and Linda are having working together. Loved your idea of the Thanksgiving Tree. It touched my heart so much to see that you placed a troops sign to be hanging right along side of your sweet family photos. I am a Marine mom and our son won’t be home with us for Thanksgiving, but knowing others are thankful for these men and women means the world to me. Thanks for blessing all of us by sharing your heart and home for us to see! I am so glad you are on the mend. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lots of love~Donna
Many blessings to you and yours in this season of Thanksgiving!
What a special treat! I came home from therapy today and saw your update. I can tell you that your posts are truly a blessing to me, and I look forward to each and every one. I want to share with you that I also think the Duggar family are incredible parents.I read so much negative press about them and their choices, but God has truly given them a gift. I think they are incredible examples of Godly parents. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time spent with your special family!
What a lovely post, Aunt Ruthie! I loved all of it, including the fabulous idea for a thanksgiving tree. you are so creative!
Best of blessings on your new retail venture- I would love to buy every single thing in that lovely booth, so I am sure you’ll have lots of patrons!
God bless you and yours at Thanksgiving and praying your back is all better soon!
thanks as always!
Your blog has been a blessing in my life. As it makes me want to make my home “homier” :) Thank you so much for sharing your Grandma’s Gingersnap receipe. My husband has been wanting Gingersnaps from the store but I keep telling him “Ill make you some”. But just couldn’t find the right receipe!! I’m so excited to try it!! It’s a cold, rainy day here in Michigan. So what better day to bake cookies:) I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
P.S.- Love your music in the background while I’m reading your wonderful blog.
Thank you once again for a post that radiates God’s goodness. I know why – it’s because the person who wrote it looks to Him – as it says in Psalm 34 v 5 ‘Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are not ashamed.’ Oh how I wish we had a ‘Thanksgiving’ to formally celebrate in this country but I know that we are meant to be thankful every day to God as His Word says ‘I will extol the Lord at all times’ and the verses about giving thanks are always followed by a reminder that His love endures forever and his faithfulness continues through all generations!
I’d love to hang ice skates in my home as my children all skate (at an indoor rink) but not quite right for when you celebrate Christmas in summer! A couple of years ago I made an elaborate family wreath for Christmas. I hot glued among the flowers and leaves tiny ornamental tree frames that held a black and white copy of a childhood picture for each family member and near to their picture glued little personal remembrances of them such as shells for the daughter who loves the beach, a tiny ceramic teddy for the baby. It was a lot of fun to make and I love having something which is so personal to decorate my home with.
Thank you for that verse from Psalm 94 – it is an answer to prayer. I have been asking God for the right verse to share with a friend who is going through a tough time. I will be sure to write it in the card I am sending to her and believe it will minister to her soul.
And I am thankful for pinterest – I can pin Grandma’s gingersnaps recipe straight to my ‘slice of heaven’ board for sweet recipes without searching for a scrap of paper and pen. Will make them today. I’m sure they taste good whatever the season!
You are such a wonderful encouragement to so many ladies! I tell every mom that I meet that needs some encouragement about your website. A few days later-I get a msg about how much they enjoyed reading your blog and the encouragement they received. my mom and I try to see who can read your newest blog first-then whoever reads it calls the other up to say “Aunt Ruthie has a new blog and I already read it:)” Thank you for all you do……Sugar pie-.Jesus’ love just shines thru you.
I love it all! Thank you for your wonderful encouragement!!! I am a new mom, just starting to create our own family holiday traditions. I look forward to every blog post and I wish you very best Thanksgiving. Blessings!!!
OK, it’s official…I want to be you:)
What an inspiring post! How is it that your posts usually choke me up at one point or another? haha. The tree filled with pictures and words of those people and things we are thankful for brought tears to my eyes. God is so good!!
I’m thankful for this land of opportunity we call America, our first Thanksgiving and Christmas in our new home, two beautiful and healthy children, a loving, hard-working husband; family and friends close by, a church with vision and passion for the Gospel. I’m grateful that our family always has our needs met. We may not be rich, but God has always taken care of us!! I’m grateful for God’s whose mercies that are new EVERY morning. Great is His faithfulness!!!
Ruthie….once again I must say how much I enjoy your blog! Been waitin’ on the Thanksgiving one! :) I wish the Feathered Nest and your booth had an online store! Congrats to you and Linda.
Love your Thanksgiving tree idea! I love old cookbooks as well and will be trying the gingersnaps. The thing I got most excited about was the picture of you and Michelle Duggar – I am a HUGE fan of their show; what a wonderful family – we could all learn a lesson on life from that family – reminds me of the old days and families then; how very lucky you are to have met them!! The picture of the sunrise out your back door – breathtaking!! but then all your pictures are so wonderful. Love your blog, can’t get enough!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Cheryl from Canada
Thank you! Your blog warms my heart! Such wonderful inspiration!
Love your blog. Very inspiring and uplifting.
So many good things here that I’m going to brew a cup of tea and return to read it all over again.
Ruthie, take care of that back. It’s incredible to me that I no longer have the strength to do what I did as a twenty-year-old, but there you have it. We can’t afford to be obstinate!
Thank you for telling us about your husband’s sweet grandmother and for sharing her recipe. Oh and I love that cookbook and the things tucked inside that you found on Ebay. I was hoping that it belonged in the family, but now I see that it does.
Thanks for another inspiring and fun post! Just love reading these again and again!
Well Aunt Ruthie you’ve done it again! What a wonderful Thanksgiving post filled with lots of goodness and truths. Thank you. I too am blessed and thankful for vintage cookbooks where I can see women, from years ago, that like me are keeping home and cooking for their families. It blesses my heart to read through cookbooks from the past, especially marked up ones with little treasures tucked inside. Of course I’m most grateful for family this season. So blessed to have a husband that works hard and three young adult children that still enjoy being home and hanging out with us.
2 ladies I admire in one post! Love it! Michelle is someone I inspire to be like, even as a single woman. I hope and dream to spend time with her one day…and that just may be up in heaven. :)
Thank you for sharing the Thanksgiving Tree! Wonderful idea!
God bless you always! Happy Thanksgiving!
I loved the Scripture… <3 The things that He gives to delight my soul?… My grandmother’s old O’Keefe and Merritt Stove that sits in my kitchen… The way the sun creeps up over the hill behind my country home each morning… The softness of the baby kitten I rescued last summer as he purrs in my lap… the joy of reading special blogs like yours, that inspire and encourage me to be my best for my family. Happy Thanksgiving Ruthie! Love, Kate~
Oh what a wonderful morning, oh what a beautiful day, the ‘Son~shine’ is coming your way….
Thanx for sharing your museings with us…. much needed this cold drap morning…. Brrrrr!
I LOVE the “Thankful for” Tree idea…. now I am off to walk our property in search of some cast off branches and then to my craft room. : >)
Hugz & Blessing from our home to yours.
<
L.O.V.E. everything you post on this adorable site! xoxo
I’ve been feeling lonely suffering from empty nest and thinking life sure is painful sometimes. Comforts, cheer and delight my soul. Just what I needed. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday.
Your latest blog is lovely as always! you’re booth looks gorgeous! You inspire in many ways and I truly enjoy what you have to share about your beliefs on faith and raising a family. God bless you and your family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Cute as always! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Thank you for
always inspiring the rest of us with your all homespun ways. Your joy in the Lord always comes shining thru and is contagious!
Blessings, Elizabeth Tijerina
My family and I were in Branson the 3rd through the 6th. The scenery was breath taking. Our condo was on the second floor and I was blessed to see those amazing sunrises and sunsets while we were there. I love your area and all the beauty that is there. I am blessed to look out both my front door and kitchen window and see the beauty that God has put there for my enjoyment. Even after the high winds and rain that we have experienced, we have some beautiful leaves still on the trees. I so love your blog and the sharing of your home with us. I am inspired by you and your faith that you so beautifully show through your posts. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to sharing it with my family on Wednesday and then Thanksgiving day working alongside of my church family to serve others.
Ruth…I am heading to Branson for a family reunion over Thanksgiving weekend and was hoping that you might suggest a couple of antique stores for me to check out while I am there…I plan to take a bit of time one morning to sneak away….I love white ironstone and old fabulous quilts….in particular, but haven’t met an antique or gift store that I haven’t liked……..any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks! Andrea
wow!
your store looks wonderful. I love..!! stores like these, and could shop in them all day.
I hope your back continues to feel better!
Can’t believe I was in Ozark this past week and missed your booth. I will be sure to find it next time. Everything looks great. Love the Thanksgiving tree. We should all have one of those! Maybe leave it out the entire year to remind us everyday of what wonderful things we have to be thankful for!!
Blessings,Becky Ransom
A post for Thanksgiving, yay! Love your “family tree”, how creative. Wish I could go shopping at your booth, the whole store looks tres charming, someday I will get to Missouri. Loved looking at the old book and some of those recipes from a long time ago…will definitely be making your cookies, yum, and thanks a bunch. Have a wonderful Turkey Day.
I am thankful for so much this season! I am thankful for leaves changing colors, cooler days and winter coming. I am thankful we get to celebrate such a great holiday as Thanksgiving where we can openly show our gratitude to God and each other.
I’m also grateful for the Duggars, a great show filled with fun and laughter, sometimes saddness and tears but always with the Lord! My girls and I watch every chance we get and I know they are seeing wholesome goodness unlike anything else on television these days! We got to meet you in Escondido, CA last year and seeing you with Michelle felt like we got to somehow meet her too! Crazy I know! But my oldest and I both said, “oh, it’s Michelle with Aunt Ruthie”! We are grateful for you both! Blessings, Mindi
Hey, what a wonderful post. I love, love, love your little booth. It’s so pretty. The pictures from your porch make me drool. What beauty there is if we only look. Thanks for the idea for a tree and how to decorate it.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
I am SO encouraged every single time I get to visit with you here!!! You have such a gift of uplifting all of us that read your posts!! THANK YOU!!!
You always talk about Branson and the Ozarks. Sounds like such a wonderful place! Do you happen to have a list anywhere of “must visit” places for those of us that have never been there?
His,
Shari
My husband and I just returned last night from a week in Branson! What beautiful country….we are from the West and it was our first time to visit ever. And I remembered what you said in your prior post….that a drive to Big Cedar Lodge was a must if a person ever visited Branson! We thoroughly enjoyed being in your “neck of the woods” for an entire week. We witnessed God’s beauty both in the scenery and in the many wonderful people of your area. I thought of you often while we were there and only wished that I knew how to contact and meet you in person! You are such an inspiration and reading your posts brings me instant happiness and desire to be a better wife, mother and grandmother!
Wow, Aunt Ruthie, your message sure is powerful, just so beautiful everything, the photos, the messages, the psalm, the recipes, your shop.. everything you do is inspirational. Love you so much! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! You have inspired me so many times..
Wow, Aunt Ruthie, your message sure is powerful, just so beautiful everything, the photos, the messages, the psalm, the recipes, your shop.. everything you do is inspirational. Love you so much! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! You have inspired me so many times..
I enjoyed this post and especially appreciated your expressing gratefulness for our troops. They really do need to hear that too. The cookbook pages used for your tree are so sweet. I have some old ones too. The Ginger Snap cookies sound wonderful. This whole post puts me in a Christmasy mood.
Hi ya Aunt Ruthie,
Love this post! Funny thing, my family went to a wedding in Nixa last month. I had wanted to e-mail you and ask about your favorite flea markets, but time got away from me. We stayed in Branson while we were there and believe you me I kept my eyes peeled for you and the Duggar’s. Of course, I don’t think I would have had the nerve to approach either of ya’ll. LOL
Thank you for the scripture’s you added. We have friends going through a terrible crisis, so mid way thru my reading of your blog, I popped over to the facebook to share.
You are an inspiration, a true Titus 2 lady. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
I made Grandma’s Gingersnaps last night and they are delicious. I never really like Gingersnaps but these were really good. I had some girlfriends over tonight and the cookies were a hit! Nice flavor – just the right amount of ginger. Thank you for posting the recipe and you were right – the house smelled sooooo good!
Congrats on your new booth, it is beautiful! Wish I lived closer so I could come check it out. And when I saw that you had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Duggar I gasped– we love her show and her family’s morals and values.
Your Thanksgiving tree is also wonderful. Was thinking of doing something similar for our family and friends coming to visit this holiday too.
Thank you as always for your great posts filled with wisdom and fun!
What a great post ! I too adore the old cookbooks and often think about the women who used them. May we all remember to thank God this Thanksgiving and every day for all of His provisions!
Love your post~ Would love to see how you decorate your laundry room. My Mom lives close to Ozark. I will tell her its a must to check out your booth. One of the highlights when we go to visit is going to the tea room their food, especially desserts, are to die for. We always try to figure out how to recreate them at home.
I love the Duggar family. They are so inspiring. It’s Awesome that you got to meet them.
I love the family tree that is really a neat idea. Thanks for sharing.
The stores were so beautiful…How about you meeting Michelle Duggar…I have watched that show since it began…I love them,what a wonderful family…Also I especially love the bed and the way it is decorated for Christmas..I love your post…Have a Happy Thanksgiving..
Loved everything you posted – pictures, your store, old memories, family fun, your crafts, etc. Keep up the good work!
Love everything!!!
Betty G. in TN
You wow me every time you post Aunt Ruthie. Love the store and especially the stories and pics of Grandma Namoi. You have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Bless you. Paulette
Wonderful Thanksgiving post! I loved so many things about it: Your booth at the shop was fun to browse in. The magnificent photos of the sunrise and the fall leaves!!! Wow! Breathtaking! Loved the quote from Emerson about beauty being God’s handwriting! :) And I wanna grow up to be that praying Grandma (actually I wanna be a praying mama now and only get to be more of a pray-er as I age until my waking moments are constant prayers of thanksgiving and of praying scriptures over my loved ones.) Thanks for sharing her story. Oh, and I love the Psalm you shared in the beginning–I speak that one over myself alot! I came here expecting to find a wonderful Thanksgiving post and was not disappointed. Thank you!
Oh my gosh!! Happiest Thanksgiving, first off :)
I love this post. I am not really a crafty person besides crochet and making food…but I LOVE this Thanksgiving Tree idea! Really…I love it. Thanks for the detailed tutorial for those of us who definitely need it! haha :) xoxo
I feel warm and cozy just reading your blog! What a blessing you are! Glad you are feeling better and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Just love you. I am blessed every time I read your posts…every time…..even if I already read them I get blessed AGAIN!!! Thank you for your inspiration. Have a wonderful, Blessed Thanksgiving Celebration with your whole precious family. Enjoy!!
Love your blog as usual!!Looking forward to spending time cooking and decorating!so thankful for my husband,family and grandchildren and the GOOD LORD!!You and I would make great buddies!We love he same things and have the same country feeling!!We are building our farmhouse dream next spring on our 26 acres!!I am bursting at the seams with our plans!The old fashion farmhouse,barn pastures,country garden and of couse,an apple orchard! YEE HA!!!a few horses,chickens and goats will complete the family!`Hope our dogs will get along with the farm animals!!I hope it is OK to use your kitchen baking center and the built in area above your stove is just the thing I have imagined!! Well I hope the good Lord will bless us with our dreams!!Hope all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving!Bye for now! Cindy Lou Hoo!I just LOVE THE GRINCH! HA!
Thank you so much for the gingersnap cookie recipe.
I love everything about the season. Decorating, baking, spending time with friends and family, just like you but on a smaller scale.
I’m thankful for the overflowing abundance the Lord has blessed me with. Including my husband, son, daughter, son and son, our home, our work, our cozy beds, food, clothing, shelter, cars with heaters and windshield wipers. I could go on and on.
So excited to hear about your store! You & Linda will have a ball – as we have great memories of all those “Mom’s” booth rental stores…remember? Nono’s recipe of those delicious Gingersnap cookies brought tears to my eyes. She always said they were Gary’s favorites. I think I’ll make a batch for this season….yummy girls! I pray you have a very Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving with all your “youngins”. I miss you so much. Love & Hugs to all.
Happy happy Thanksgiving!!!
Aunt Ruthie just wanted to thank you for sharing your ideas with us. I did a variation of your ‘So Thankful’ tree and my family just loved it and thought it was so cool. Thank YOU for the inspiration you give to me so I that I in turn inspire my family, friends and priests who all sat around my thanksgiving table and smiled every time they looked up to see their own photo on my tree in the corner of my dining room. Great idea! Can’t wait for your Christmas magic to begin. hee hee!
Dear Aunt Ruthie~Meant to comment sooner….love your Thanksgiving post, as usual!!! Such fun ideas to try….but may have to be next year now! :) I had a question, and wondered if you could email me a quick answer, if possible? I’m getting ready to look for a new digital camera in the next week or two, and I’m wondering what kind you use for your blog photos? I love them and know that the right camera means a lot in getting the type of photos you want. So thanks in advance for your help! Hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving…..and can;t wait to see your Christmas decorating!!!! : Blessings!!!
LOVE your blog…a breath of fresh air! A quick question. A friend collects ‘black birds’ or crows. She would love the one pictured on your blog, in the window, perched on the piece of pie next to the bottle of ‘Safe Milk.’ Is it avaiable to purchase?
This evening was my first time on your blog and I ended up spending much of the evening basking in all that it had to offer for body, mind and soul. I’ll be back….often!
Thank you for a wonderful evening…a welcome relief from mind-numbing television….with the exception of the Duggars of course. :)
Great post-as always!! Can’t wait to shop in that adorable store someday-we have family up there! You and your blog are a wonderful blessing!!!
I just wanted to tell you that i bought the apple peeler that you mentioned a while back. I love it! I now need to find a convenient place for it because it will be in use this winter. I love grilled Muenster Cheese on apple slices and that was my test run. Now I’m looking for my mother-in-law’s recipe for Scalloped Potatoes, something I haven’t made for years because it was so time consuming.
Thank you so much!
Hi aunt Ruthie,
What a wonderful post ! thank you so much for your cookies’s recipe ! I made it and all the family loved it !! (I used less cloves because cloves in french’s sugar recipes are not usual !)
Can’t wait for your next post ! I hope it will be long, long !!! with many, many pics !!
Don’t forget ! if you would like something special for Christmas (great french chocolat like “Valrhona” or others things you love from France…I can make you an order… You have just to mail me and I will tell you about shipping)
have a wonderful week-end !
Flo
ps : let us some news about your new shop !
Oh Aunt Ruthie…u done it again! : ) You just started my day reminding me of God’s goodness!!! I cant wait to see ur new booth! I love u and miss u somethin fierce! Let me know when ur heading my way & we will grab a spot of tea! I love u precious friend! ; )
Marla Jean
These were the BEST Molasses cookies EVAH!! I am sooo happy to find a Gingersnap recipe with butter and not shortening!! mmm mmm good…I use course multi colored sugar and put a Cinnamon redhot candy in the center…I roll them, press them a bit and they make the perfect thin crispy chewy cookie!! in your own words OH HONEY!! MMMM
YEAH!!!! Everyday I look here to see if you have posted something new and I have been SO LOOKING FORWARD to a new Christmas post!! I have not even read it yet… but wanted to say thanks!!! I found your blog in September and it has glorified my days, my home, and my spirit. You are my daily tea break!!!!
God Bless You and Yours!!!
Dear Ruth Ann,
Thank you for the fabulous Christmas decor inspirations!
Oh, and completely off the subject:)…love those black, fur topped boots you’re wearing:)
Would it be too bold to inquire where you purchased them? And what the brand is so I can resource a pair for me:)?
Christmas Blessings to you,
Dolley aka, given name, Ruth Ann too:)
Can I ask a quick question? what is that room just left of the stairs as you come in the front door? the one with the window overlooking the stairs?
thanks!!
LOVE your thankful tree, very inspiring for me to make my own!
I have known Scottie for many, many years. I was born and raised in the Ozark area so that’s how I know him, plus we worked together back in the day at Hobby Lobby in Springfield. Geez… many, many years ago, lol! Now that I live in OK, I only get back to MO when I visit family. I have been meaning to stop by The Feathered Nest and check it out but always so busy doing other things when I’m out that way. Well, over Thanksgiving weekend, I told my mom that we must stop there. What a delight it was!! I spotted your booth clear across the room, hehe. I lost my sister somewhere in the store and I was telling her later about your booth and she said that was her favorite in the whole store, where she spent most of her time… that doesn’t surprise me. =] Anyway, Scottie was off getting a hair cut so I didn’t get to chat with him about your blog post bringing me to his store. Oh well… maybe next time. So thank you for this wonderful post. The store is filled to the rafters with many, many lovely things I wanted to bring home. Glad I finally made it in there and I will have to make this a regular stop on all my visits back home!
I have several of my grandmother’s cookbooks. One from when she was a little girl and inside it has a long number with a note that it is Daddy’s shoe size.
I also have one with columns of movies with old movies from the 40s on it and now defunct movie theaters.
And my prize is in one page where she spilled cocoa. I just leave it there. I love it.
I meant to say the column of movies was cutout from the paper.
Oh, my…… Love it, Love, it, Love it! Love that you have Christmas in your Heart all year long, but have the most amazing way of expressing it during the Christmas season with your talented decorations around the your home . Your Family is so blessed and I’m blessed to have you (mia cugina) in my life too!
… see you in Sunny California soon!
Just discovered your site- WOW! what a tremendous blessing. Such an outpouring of warmth, thankffulness and God’s Presence. Thank you for sharing your iinspirational photos and music. Your kitchen is a DREAM kitchen. May blessings overflow in your life !
Just had to comment on the pneumonia remedy. Onions are full of Vit C they were used quite a bit in home remedies for colds and the like. George Washington said if you feel a cold coming on to roast and onion and eat it.