Yesterday my mom would have been 84 years old. I still miss her, even after all these years. The world looks very different when your parents are no longer in it. I was going on 42 years old when mom passed, and it affected me tremendously, even as an adult, even knowing in my heart that she was going to a much better place.

I can only imagine how disturbing it would be for a child to experience this loss. The terror and feeling of being lost and orphaned could be devastating. Maybe that's one reason that James tells us that "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their time of affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

I am so thankful for all the years that I had my parents with me on this earth, and for all the wonderful memories I carry with me in my heart. I'm also so thankful for the hope I have that I will be with them again eternally. Thank you Jesus!

2022 - A New Beginning

 I love new beginnings. Being the "yarny" person that I am, I love to cast on new projects. It's exciting! Sometimes in the middle of a project, it starts to get a little boring, so I look for a new exciting project to cast on (on the side). Like if I'm in the middle of a time-consuming big project, it's fun to start a hat, headband, mittens or something quick like that. The point being, I love new beginnings.

These are pretty fast projects. Plus, they were really fun and made for people that I love. 

Win, win!            

These past two years have been really weird, and I know not just for me. I have found myself completely consumed by news and the latest headlines. For this new year... I'm throwing that out the door! Wham, bye bye!!

I don't normally do New Year's resolutions, but I have committed myself to a few changes. I am going on a spending freeze, except for essentials, and I'm going to do a deep declutter. As I said before, I'm going to lay off the news and spend less screen time. I want more face time, by that I mean real face time, with the people that I love. The older I get, the more I realize how important people and time are. 

Stephanie and her family came to spend a few days with us. They got to do some hunting and see some family. Weston even went fishing for deer! We started this year out on New Year's Eve by going to Springfield to visit the World of Wonders Museum at Bass Pro. We had so much fun, though I got pushed around all day! I can't walk long hauls at this point in my life, so the family took turns pushing me around in a wheelchair. They were all so sweet. Then we ended the outing by eating at Lamberts. Watch out for flying rolls!

Then on New Year's Day we had a gathering at the house with family and friends. I need to kick myself, because I didn't take any pictures of that. We were too busy enjoying visiting with each other. To top the day off, we had a couple of lively games of Farkle, with Stephanie being the two-time winner. Congrats!

Today was the heading back home day for them, and I pray for a safe journey. 

I'm so thankful for what God is doing in my family's lives. 

I'll try really hard this year to keep my blog up to date. Another not New Year's Resolution. Ha!

Off To Texas They Go

I said I was NOT going to cry. Guess what? I cried... bucketloads it seemed like. What else are you supposed to do when your daughter and her family pull up stakes, and move out of state? Now we have to get used to “a new normal“ again.

It seems like we, all of us humans, are always having to find a new normal. When a parent dies, when you lose a job, when a global pandemic strikes, or one of your children moves away. So many different things happen in our lives, and we have to find a new normal.

Maybe God wants to shake us up a bit, and keep us from getting in a rut. Maybe.

Here are pictures of them getting ready to load up in their vehicles pulling various trailers.

And you know that I was at the end of the driveway waving until they were out of view.

The trailer Weston was pulling was piled up with his lumber that he has saved up for various woodworking projects.

Packing and Purging

As I sit here in my living room this morning, sipping on my first cup of coffee, there is a flood of memories going through my heart.
First of all, since the last time I wrote, a whirlwind of events have happened. My daughters family came back from just a visit to Texas, to let us know they were moving there, in two weeks! The moving part didn’t surprise me, since God had been preparing me for it, but the timing did. Two weeks?
They already have a home, and Stephanie and Brittney already have good jobs. So a whirlwind of packing and purging began. They have been to our house for supper almost every night, since their kitchen things have mostly been packed up, and I have savored every moment.
My memories go back this morning to my parents, and how they must have felt when we moved away, because now I know. They were so strong through it all, put on these brave faces while we said goodbye, and always had a big smile and hug of welcome when we came back to visit. How many times have I seen them walk to the end of the carport, smiling and waving as we drove away?
Today is my day for that part. The Arnold guys took the first load of things to their new home two nights ago, driving through the night. When they arrived at their new home they unloaded, caught a little bit of sleep, then drove back last night. I woke this morning to all three of my Arnold grandchildren asleep in my living room. They arrived this morning around six. Stephanie and
Brittney spent the last two nights with us, which I’m grateful for.

Sleeping grandchildren 

Today they will get the last load and head off to their new home. I hope I can be strong, smiling and waving at the end of the garage as they drive away on their “grand adventure” as I’ve been calling it.

Grandma Christine came from Colorado to see them 

After a hard day of work, Weston unwound by playing  the piano. 

The packing and purging

Saying Goodbye

I'm sorry, but for me, saying goodbye even for a few weeks is hard, especially when it's your baby girl. Stephanie and her family have always been close by, and there aren't many days that go by without us seeing each other.
This Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many businesses, and Western Sizzlin, has gone under because of it. Jason, Stephanie's husband, has managed this store for many years, and it has done well with him at the helm. But there is just no recovering from what this pandemic has done to it. Yesterday was the last day for their doors to be open, and of course, we had to be there for it. We were there when they opened their doors, and there when they closed them for good.
Yesterday was also Father's Day, and we got together at the Arnold's for a big meal. We had a great meal, and a great time visiting. They have been packing up for an extended stay in Texas to visit with all the Homestead Heritage folks. I know they aren't moving there, not yet anyway, but we also don't know how long they will be gone. They are packing like they will be gone for a long time. Sad face here.
Now, I have to say, that God has been preparing me for this. He brought it to my attention in prayer about a month ago, so I have been expecting it. Still, they won't be just down the road for a while, and that's hard.
Randy and I have been talking about it a lot though, and we feel very blessed that we have had all three of our children and all eight grandchildren fairly close for many years. We know people who have had to watch grandchildren grow up via Face-time, or just seeing them a couple of times a year.
Here are some pictures from yesterday.

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Time

Make the Most of Your Time

Ephesians 5: 1-17

Time is a precious commodity. You can’t earn more of it or reuse it. Once it’s spent, it’s gone forever. That’s why no amount of money, possessions, or success can equal its value. What’s more, we have no control over the length of time we’ll be given in this life. God alone is over the number of our days (Psalm 139:16).

If you want to know what your true values are, simply look at how you spend your time. For the follower of Jesus, activities and pursuits will show a life lived for Him. So, what is required to live wisely?

As God’s child, imitate Him. Do this by walking in love, turning from sin, and trying to learn what is pleasing to Him. Of course, to imitate, you have know the Lord, His ways, and His desires, and you learn that by reading His Word. 

Make the most of your time. We shouldn’t just thoughtlessly move through life. That results in  hours spent on things that, in an eternal sense, are fruitless. The apostle Paul warns us to be wise in making the most of opportunities. 

Remember, life is not about how long you live, but about whether you’re living for Christ. It’s never too late to change direction. Place your trust in God, ask Him for guidance for each day, and let Him direct how you spend your time.

Just Peachy

Spring is finally in the air, though March has really come in like a lion, meaning it’s very windy.

Aiden and his Papaw went out to our friend Mr. Brown’s farm today and dug up some peach trees, then transplanted them into our little orchard. Of course Aiden wants to know how soon we will have peaches! Oh, and what we will do with them besides just eating them. We will make preserves and cobblers and pies... oh my! But we have to be patient first. Growing peach trees take a little while. 

Yesterday they planted kale and broccoli, and started some seedlings. Aiden is getting more than just traditional schooling, he is learning all kinds of life skills.

A New Year-A New Beginning

Happy New Year to everyone! I pray this year sees us all growing in love toward each other and to God.

I don't really make resolutions anymore, but I do like to try to improve my life, and I'm sure you do as well. This year I would like to continue decluttering my house and life. I really do want my life to be more simple, so I can enjoy relationships with family and friends, and have more time to spend in God's Word. Relationships with people and God are so rewarding, whereas relationships with "things" are so one-sided! ;-)

The very first day of this year I went on a road trip with my hubby. He has been concerned about the hay situation for a few weeks now. He put up all he could get his hands on, and didn't sell any, but it just isn't going to be enough. He really doesn't like to see his cows get skinny in the winter months, especially since many of them are pregnant with this springs calves.

We prayed about it, and he found some good Bermuda hay, but it was three and a half hours away, one way! But we did it for the cows. We had a good time on the trip, just talking and singing and being with each other.

Aiden is doing very well in school this year, and I am enjoying homeschooling him. He tries very hard, and he is learning to cook as well. He usually makes breakfast on the mornings he is here, and now that he has the hang of it, he doesn't really want my help! I finished this hat for him a couple of days ago.

I am working on a new wrap called the "Shh! Wrap". I'm using some yarn that I spun about a year ago from Shetland wool. I kettle dyed it a color that I call Ranch Red. It is a little itchy, so I didn't want to use it for something that would be right on the skin. I have never made a wrap like this one, so I thought the challenge would be fun. Here is a picture of the wrap, and the yarn. I'll keep you posted on my progress.