This is a friendly reminder to change those clocks. This is also a great time to think of what plants, vegetables, or fruit you would like to grow and start getting ready. As a beginner I am always educating myself with the best ways to grow food. This will be my first time doing this and Im excited to see what happens. I have talked to a few people, read, and watched videos. I feel confident that this will be a good experience and new adventure for me to say the least. Mind you I dont even have real house plants so this is a great undertaking for me and I will relish the experience.

Since I will be planting on my deck I will be using pots. Something similar to this photo above. As a renter I dont want to dig up their yard,lol. This looked reasonable and manageable to me. I look forward to sharing photos of my efforts. 

                                            Busy Bags & Folder Activities
                                             for Children 

I will admit I haven't made any busy bags or activity folders in a long time. However, having 4 year old twins that can get pretty much into everything through out the day means they need to be kept busy. Its that time where I need to focus on learning activities like busy bags and making folder activities once again.

For the next several weeks I will be visiting Pinterest and Youtube where you can find a gold mine of ideas, activities, and more for children. I will share what bags and/or learning folders I create as I go and do video's on youtube as well. Busy bags and folder activities can be made with things around the house with little to no investment besides your time and creativity.

Remember themed Holiday bags and folders activities are different and fun for the kiddos. So, lets be pro-active and kick it into high gear with learning fun!

                                         
                                          Remember God is there for you.......

Good morning my friends. This morning I sat quietly in my chair and spoke to God. It was 4:30 am the home was still although both my twins where partially awake in my bed. I needed this time to talk to God about my burdens, concerns, and unknowns. I had not done this for a few days. I often allow the outside world and its events to over take me lately. Big mistake. Like this light house God is a Beacon of love, hope, and forgiveness. Sometimes we weather storms and forget to look to God for his guidance and comfort. This is a gently reminder that your not alone. I wish you all a Blessed week and ask God to rain Blessing's on you and your loved ones.

                                     Getting Ready for Bumps on the Road
                        Augason Farm extended shelf life Foods

As a beginner prepper and homemaker. I see alot of disturbing events taking place in America. I've seen the catastrophic fires in California, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earth Quakes, and civil unrest. Currently our stock market has been down by numbers never seen before since 2008. Markets in other countries dropping low as well. Families still struggling making ends meet when the gas prices are creeping higher each week. Currently in our area $2.60 a gallon or more. Food prices that swelled in previous years because of events that effected the delivery or changes at ports that simply never came back down. Food packaging deceiving customers with larger boxes, bags, and only a quarter of product inside. Recipes changing for companies to save money and our old time favorites no longer taste the same. New and higher taxes for imports from other countries which in turn we pay for at the check out. Many countries pulling away from the U.S. Dollar and creating their own gold backed currency. This is not good for America. So many things happening that affect the average consumer. These times in our lives as a family of 6 at home I worry and fret. So, I have taken action to make sure that we will be freed from uncertainty. I am assuring that my family will have water, food, clothing, and medicine. As I have previously mentioned we are renters and at the mercy of homeowners/investor's. I hope that one day we will have our own home to cultivate new memories, grow our own food, and leave a legacy for our children. I honestly feel we are in time of judgement. It is important to live righteously, honestly, and simply. When a weather event, illness, job loss, or loss of life occurs your foresight in prepping will be a blessing. Your investment in your family will free you and allow your money to last a bit longer because of your foresight.  Many countries with collapsed economies, rough winter seasons, and certain religious groups are preppers. I urge you all to take the simple steps to buy a few more cans of food, water, and medicines when your able to. Also be diligent use coupons, ibotta, and other apps, coupons printables to save money whenever possible. I personally buy name brand medicines from the Dollar Tree when I find them. I buy much of our clothing in the thrift stores. I get hand me downs for my boys from my sister. In turn I donate to keep the wheels turning. I think of simple ways to make things better now. I am reading more on certain subjects to prepare myself spiritually and effective alternatives for  life's unpredictability. So, as you can see I could go on forever on this subject. I feel you get the point. So, I will end it here my friends with (gentle smiles). I pray this message reaches your heart and small changes begin.

                                              By Wisdom a House is Built       

Proverbs 24: 3-4

3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Reading this scripture provides me with comfort and joy. My home is a humble one we are not home owners rather renters. Most of our furniture is used and well loved by other's. I

 shop at Thrift Stores often making my home special on a limited budget. As I may have shared before we are small business owners a one income family of 6.  Reading material has always been considered by me to be a treasure. Books can teach you provide travel, fantasy, and adventure.  I have a few shelves with books that have been found at thrift stores, dollar tree's and given to me by my family. My sister just came by today with some of the clothes her sons have grown out of and books for my children to read that had been well read by her children. Blessings rain down in so many ways. While our treasures may not be grand nor exquisite they are wonderful. Keeping in mind that rare and wonderful treasures could be a child's photo or art work the Bible laid open to one of your favorite verses. A hand made quilt or crocheted blanket. Pillows fashioned out of left over material or quirky table mats. Even a well kept house that is warm and welcoming to all. In my season of life a well kept house is laughable. I have young children. My days consist of a array of toys to dodge as I walk. Never ending piles of dish's that compliment the piles of laundry. Crumbs on the floor that never end. The treasures get blurry in the mist of the flurry of family and life.

Take heart for every season there are changes. My seasons are gently changing and things will change  and so will yours.  My beautiful rare treasures are my children's laughter and smiles my husbands love and our good health. I couldn't ask for more. Although, a well kept house would be great,lol I hope you enjoyed my friends. 

                                          Thrift Store Treasure Hunting

Hello my friends I wanted to share with you some of the Treasures I found at the Thrift Store. While I was there I also donated 2 30 gallon trash bags one consisted of toys and the other 8 winter coats ,clothing, 4 snow pants, shoes, and scarves.  It felt great to de-clutter a bit and share some of our good fortune with others. As a homemaker living on a budget that sometimes may feels almost non-existent. I look for Treasure in the Thrift stores to make my home feel warm and inviting.  I hope you enjoy the short video that shows the wonderful pieces I found.                                                                                                                                        

                                         A peek into my working Pantry

This is a small peak into my working pantry where I store canned goods, sauces, spices, etc.
This particular shelf stands in my kitchen open space. I shared just a few shelves to give you an idea of items I buy for my family of 6.  These foods are used and replenished of course. Every family will be different with their needs, wants, and likes. I have additional shelves to share and pantry closet. These I will share bit by bit. My personal  goal is to have a few months worth of provisions for my family. Its a slow but steady process. I also am going to try my hand in canning.  As a one income family my fears of job injury, health, job loss, and or death seem to loom over me. Im not even touching upon our fiat currency the U.S. is running off on and/or civil strife/war or other political issues that could cripple the U.S. markets, foods, and goods.  I feel more confident in knowing I will be able to provide nourishment to my family if such an ill fate arrives. I hope you enjoy my share and inspire you to work on your pantry.

Marriage Woes 

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. 

  

  The struggles are real in any relationship. When you no longer tune in to each other and rather tune out. When we allow our world to revolve around our children, career, or other ambitions. Forgetting to nurture and grow our relationship's with our husband's (significant other).  When kind words are no longer a part of the day. When you don't look forward to seeing each other.  When your unable to remember the last time you held each other kissed, touched, or made love. It may have been days, months, or years. 

Our relationships are what we put into them. Do you feel all you do is to try and try with no acknowledgement of your efforts or return?  Please know God see's your effort's. However, it maybe time to find new solutions to old problems. One of the main issue's in relationship's are communication and listening. My marriage has it's up and downs. Especially, recently where communication has become a issue. I will admit I am guilty of being stubborn. However, when I do put forth effort to acknowledge and listen to what my husband say's it makes a world of difference.  Especially, if I address his concerns and make changes in my home or routine. This lets him know I am listening and I care. I know what makes my husband smile and what doesn't. I am human and in my immature moments I won't do what makes him happy like a hot meal waiting for him after a long day. I know I can push myself to complete the task but I simply won't just because I'm unhappy with something he may have said, done, or not done.  Spitefulness (anger/pettiness), is not good in any relationship it just creates more strife and hardships. This I am learning and changing. We often chose our own happiness and its route. I am making positive strides towards building my relationship with God and in turn my husband. I am not perfect nor is he we are human and make mistakes. My challenge to you is to go out of your comfort zone to improve your relationship. Listen and acknowledge what your partner is saying. Makes changes to show that your are listening and you care. Everyday reach out and physically touch it can be a hug, passing of the hands, a touch on the arm, back, face, or standing side by side.  Embrace each other before leaving for the day and hug when they return. Bring back the romance that brought you together. Pray in the evening and pray at meal time while touching hands. When the relationship of a husband and wife are strong the roots run deep and are almost indestructible. I hope you enjoyed my fruit of the day.  If any of you can relate let me know down below.

Finding Treasure for my Home

The treasures I found today are wonderful. As I look for items for my home and savings for my family I shop at thrift stores. My guest bathroom has the toiletries lying on the floor. Terrible I know. Today I found the perfect container with a beach theme that is charming and functional for $5.99 which I gladly paid for. I then traveled down the road to my second shop. You see my sister and I had been looking for cloth table napkins and found them to be extremely expensive in the stores. To my delight I found some. The first set with the gold white and red are for my sister $1.98 per set. They will be a gift. The black and burnt Orange sets are mine $1.98 per set. Along my search I found a a beautiful table topper that is quilted with an Apple in the middle for 99 cents. Then next to that was hanging a set of blue jean place mats perfect for my children for $2.98. Lastly, a bag of high quality cloth ribbon for 1.98.  After discounts and coupon I had for the store I paid 7.00 for my bounty at the second store. Always remember to check for membership cards discount and specials.

                  “She looketh well to the ways of her household.”                                              Proverbs 31: 27

  This woman could easily be me or you. Surrounded by her children playing, talking, and being inquisitive. As you try to complete your daily task's and projects. Constant interruptions and noise through out your home of voices, toys, running feet, and laughter.  Of course in between a tug of war for a toy or an argument of what is theirs. You may not even feel well but continue to on to your daily chores. You may even have a child with special needs that takes up the majority of your day. However,  everyday day as a homemaker we have opportunities to be happy, gentle, loving, or frustrated, upset, and angry.  These are real everyday choices for us as women to make. When frustration sets in I know that God is in the room with me watching. Each word every action we will have to defend. Was there wisdom, kindness, gentleness, patience, and love? 

Proverbs 31:26She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue

  I am no Martha Stewart or Pioneer Woman.  Although, I long to achieve some of their skills. I am human.  I have my moments when I lose my temper just as anyone else and say things I ought not. We often forget to take that moment to breath and think before reacting to our children, family, and friends. Choose patience and gentleness. It's such a simple way to live. A fruitful and delightful way to feel. Building those up around us instead of tearing them down. Knowing that God is pleased with us and our choices. We as woman leave an impression for a lifetime on our children of what is right and wrong. What is acceptable and what is not.  We cast long shadow's in their lives after we are gone. I hope you enjoyed my fruit for thought.

The year is coming to a close soon. Its a special time for reflection and growth. The month of January will consist of many personal changes for myself. As a wife, mother, and homemaker.  The way I run my home and how I care for it will be will be in the fore front. I will changing a few things and making my home less cluttered. I will be doing more with learning with my younger children. I will also be tending to my spiritual growth and placing much needed Bible study in my every day. Creating more home cooked meals with scents that will welcome my husband home after a long day at work. Learning to be gentle even when in strife and thinking before I speak. Recognize and be thankful for all my blessings everyday. Lastly remembering to acknowledging one's unique ways and embracing them.  That is what makes one special. 

December is here and a crafty share

To welcome in December 2017 I decided to have a craft challenge for myself. I want to share a crafty project once a week.

This week I want to use what I have. I chose a ring from Shopmiss.com that I purchased about a year ago. The owl ring is large and beautiful in details. Unfortunately, the stretch part was to tight.  I simply cut off the stretch portion. Next, I used my Baiyon alcohol ink markers the colors I chose are black and brown. For the background I used Tim Holtz wood pieces I picked up from Joann's online a few years back. I tacky glued 2 wood pieces together for the base/frame. I colored the ring and hot glued the owl ring to the wood. I set it aside to rest and adhere. I then tacky glued the open space on the bottom wood frame and gently poured Recollections gold micro beads. Lastly, I used black marker on the raw edge of the wood to finish the look. I hope this inspired you to use some untraditional items for crafty goodness. Enjoy my friends

Dollhouse Miniature Christmas Scene

    Dollhouse Miniature Christmas Scene 

              If you didn't know my favorite hobby is Dollhouse Miniature's 1:12 scale. This has been a life long endeavor. I remember when it all began I was 16 and I saw a Dollhouse at Franklin's Nursery.  It was a Farm House with no embellishment's nor furniture. It was made of beautiful light colored wood with bare walls and flooring. The front door had faux glass window 2 pairs of stairs and 2 faux fireplaces to my delight. It's was not electrified and still is not. It spoke to me I had to have it. I stared at it. It was on sale. Many people were walking past looking at it as well as me. They had a few models already built and being discontinued. I hurriedly looked for a worker to help. Although, it was alot of money for a 16 year old back in those days. As I am 46 now. I believe it was a little over $140.00. I opened my wallet I had several weeks worth of work money that could cover the cost. I took the leap.

  I was so excited I had a worker help me to place it on top of the cart. This was a huge 8 room Dollhouse. I checked out and slowly went to my car. I had a 2 door sedan.  It didn't fit!! As I stood in disbelief.. I cried. I can laugh about it now. But then not so much. I took it back in and asked for them to hold it for me till I found a friend with a larger vehicle to pick it up. They said fine I had till closing. I found a friend that came to my rescue and brought his SUV. I was so relieved and happy at the same time. The Farm House made it to my home and my life long passion began. Everything I see I question if it can be used in miniature,lol. I never knew this would be a hobby for life. It's wonderful, expressive, and creative. I will be sharing more on my hobby with all of you. If you like to visit my YouTube page you can go to my play list and you will see my Farm House and some projects that I put together. I am currently working on a Halloween Haunted house it is slow but steady. See my video's below on it's progress.

It's never to early to think of Christmas for next year. Saving money year round goes hand and hand with financial goals that lead to financial Freedom.  Keeping a budget may be new to you or even something familiar.  Depending on your families yearly income things will vary. Lets do a simple numbers. Lets say you have a family 4 consisting of  husband, wife, and 2 children.

Example:

Husband $100.00

Wife        $100.00

Child 1    $120.00

Child 2    $120.00

Total        $480.00 to set aside for Christmas

That is $10.00 a week to save till the end of December

ramp up the amount so you will have it sooner for early shopping.

Lets not forget friends, family, and Teachers. Here are a few idea's.  Baked goods in a Dollar Tree Festive container or sweet bags that they have out now. Get beautiful boxed Christmas cards from the Dollar Tree while you are there. Remember their are lots of great ideas online, Pinterest, magazines, or books.  Now, if you don't bake or have a crafty bone in your body. You can find really nice gift idea's at the Dollar Tree through out the year so pick things up here and there. Tuck them away in a container or gift closet however your system works. Lastly if your on an extreme tight budget there is nothing better in the world than a receiving a hand written card or letter. Letting the person know the kind of difference they have made in your and your families life.   

Now Family that's a whole other story. We do something simple now every year. Adults do not gift to each other. A month or two before December. The children draw a name of another child. A cap of $20.00 is the norm. This helps each family.  We always get together on Christmas Day everyone brings a dish and desert. Let the good times roll!!! Have your camera to capture memories and create new ones. 

Crafting

                The hand's God gave us working diligently to bring beauty and memories.
I am blessed to share some of the wonderful work's of my friends here on youtube that joined my Crafty challenge. Enjoy the video!

It often amaze's me how one's imagination can translate to a piece of art. Just as the thought of someone sending a gift give's a smile. The time, effort, and travel to a Post Office. As if completing a journey of sorts. The art of writing a letter that has lessened with each generation. The expectations of a loved one or friend's writing sharing their life, moments, articles, and recipes. It's such a precious offering of memories. One can sit on a chair with coffee or hot chocolate wrapped up in a warm blanket.  A light nearby shedding a soft glow while a gentle smiles comes with the reading of cards, letters, articles, ephemera (photo's), and recipes. We often can tell who the writer is by the handwriting. Little nuance's of time's gone by... I remember as a child my father sending Birthday and Holiday cards to me. I knew just by the handwriting it was from him I was 5. As the years passed my cards and letters became a bit less when he was sick. My father is no longer with us. But I still have memories in my heart and hands that I can read over and over again. Let's take a step back into time and begin writing our family members, friends, and others. Plant the seed of writing in a child's path and watch it bloom. The art of writing needs to be embraced once again.

Good Morning,

I woke up at 5:00 am it's 38 degree's outside in Maryland. As I bundled with my house shoes and ruana wrap I trek downstairs quietly. The house is at brisk 65 degree's we still have not turned on the heat. It's not bad. Times are a bit tight for us right now. So saving a little here and there adds up quickly. I started a load of dish's. Turned on 2 Salted Caramel Dollar Tree candles. Filled up the coffee pot with the last bit of Walmart brand Creme Brulee coffee the kitchen is smelling divine. It's nice to come down early and start my day without the hustle and bustle of children.I feel it's important to have some quite time. As I sit here and write I'm thinking of my day. I have a long list in my head of what I would like to accomplish. Although, it will be only a quarter that will be done,lol. There is nothing wrong with gentle day. I pushed rather hard yesterday and I'm a bit tired.

I should have brought down my Bible and journal. No matter I will go online and do some study. I just noticed I have a My Daily Bread Book here on the table will read that and think on my day. Please know God has gifts and blessings for us every day and we must have our hearts, thoughts, and arms open to receive them. I hope you all have a Blessed day and remember to do a little something for yourselves. It's time for coffee now. I will talk to you later.

Freebies

                                                                          Freebies  


I enjoy Freebies and there are alot of great places to find them. Here are 2 sites that I visit. I will share more in the coming day's. Enjoy my friends!!

 McGruff the crime dog has a free child safety kit. The kit includes the following items: Fun, family-friendly quizzes and games, Tear-out fingerprint card with child-safe fingerprint ink, McGruff the Crime Dog tear-out emergency numbers card and more. Those interested can order this kit right on their site. You can expect this sample to arrive within 4-8 weeks, if not longer. The sample will last as long as the supplies do.

http://www.mcgruffsafekit.com/mcgruff-kit-

Here are great site's to visit for Freebies!

http://getfreesampleswithoutsurveys.com/

http://www.freebieshark.com/