Winter Days
The long winter days of sweaters and snow boots and winter coats have arrived. And along with it, the desire for making forts in the living room with all of the quilts and blankets that can be found throughout the house.
I was talking to a friend one day, and we both agreed that something about winter can make us dissatisfied with our homes. There’s something about everyone being stuck inside together all day long and the mess that can accumulate. For me, it’s the coats and snow boots. Especially when the mud appears, and it gets tracked into the house. The recent snow has melted, leaving the mud behind, and I find myself with a muddy kitchen despite the rug at the back door, and the numerous admonitions to “please take your boots off before you walk any further into the kitchen!”
I don’t think our house was designed with children in mind. It has a tiny little coat closet at the front door. Trouble is, everyone goes out the back door. So when they come in, a pile of coats and boots is left right by the table in our country kitchen. I long for an old-fashioned mud room, but that isn’t to be, so I decided to make do with what we have, and I begged my husband to hang some hooks! And even though it isn’t the look I was dreaming of, at least the coats are off of the floor. I also had to rearrange some furniture while I was at it, and the simple change made a huge difference. And all of it cost nothing, as we found the shelves in the garage. I’m very thankful!
How could you resist these pleading eyes, begging you to let him inside the warm house? Actually, I’m able to resist, but the children aren’t.
See my cute cheese ball snowman? I found the recipe on Pinterest, and I made him for our belated Christmas program at church (because the whole church came down with colds and/or flu right around Christmas time, we decided to postpone it until after Christmas).
I thought it was so cute, even though mine didn’t turn out exactly as I had envisioned. First, I couldn’t obtain some of the recommended ingredients, and then I was in a hurry when I put it together, so he was a little more “squashed” than I wanted…but still cute! It was a big hit with all the children, and it tasted good, too. The crown is from my rosemary bush!
I’ve been enjoying trying out more recipes from Trim Healthy Mama. This is the Cheesburger Pie, and my whole family liked it a lot. I’ll be making it again. We used grass-fed, hormone-free, locally-raised beefalo. Tasted like plain ol’ beef. 🙂
Lately I’ve been making a lot of chocolate in my freezer. This is the Chocolate Nut Slab from Trim Healthy Mama with slivered almonds.
Here is the same recipe without any nuts. Yum! It’s so easy to make, and I’m very popular when I make this. They all come running, saying, “Mommy’s making chocolate!!”
At nights after the children are in bed, I sometimes like to knit. I’ve started and ripped out my scarf/shawl about three times now. I finally asked my mom to help me, and I think she’s figured out what I was doing wrong, thankfully! So, I’ll begin again.
This yarn is so lovely. I love the gentle, subdued colors, and I can’t wait to see how it looks made into something.
Before I go, I wanted to ask if you would pray for for our pastor and his family. A few days ago, they were in a car accident due to icy roads. One of their seven children broke his arm and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The other children and the husband were very shaken and bruised up, but they were not seriously hurt, thankfully.
But the mother of this precious family (I’ll call her Mrs. N.) was hurt very badly. She broke 6 ribs, which punctured one of her lungs, and she had seat belt abrasions. But the worst of it all is that she broke her neck, which required a halo brace to be surgically placed this morning. We are thankful that her surgery appears to have been a success. Her doctors said that for the type of injury she received, most people die or are paralyzed. So we are praising God for the miracle of her life! But she has a long journey of healing ahead of her, and also little children who are missing her very much. Please just pray for this dear, sweet mother of many and sister in Christ, and also her whole family. Thank you!
I may not be around much for the next week or two, as I’ve got a lot going on right now, including a big anniversary coming up (fifteen years!). But I’ll soon be back. Have a lovely weekend!
I hope your pastor's family is doing better. I've prayed for them this morning.
Theresa, thank you so much for asking about our pastor and his family, and thank you so much for praying for them!
They are doing better, but it's still a huge adjustment. Mrs. N. is finally back at home with her children. I know she missed them so much. She will be in the halo brace for quite a while, and she is still dealing with plenty of pain. They have also had constant sickness going through the family, and that has made everything difficult, too. Thanks again so much for praying!
I'm going to pray right now.
Good to read what's going on at your place.
Do drop in sometime soon!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Thank you so much for your prayers, and thanks so much for stopping by and visiting, Laura!
Praying for your pastor and his wife and children…what a trial, and what opportunities for even the youngest children to learn so much about serving, ministering, compassion…and homekeeping!
Happy anniversary to you, and thank you for sharing! You hit the nail on the head about winter being a time when, as we are indoors so much, we "see" all the things in our homes that get overlooked in outdoor-days!
Blessings,
Lori
I so much appreciate your prayers, Lori! And thank you for the anniversary wishes!
I just had to comment! I know Mrs. N. appreciates you posting a request for prayer. Hope you have a wonderfully, blessed anniversary. Hope to see you Sunday.
Hi Grace Mae, and thank you for commenting!
Your winter days look lovely, Joy! Seeing the tents that your children made in the living room brings back memories of when my siblings and I used to do the same thing. 🙂 Such fun times!
All of your pictures are so inspiring as always! And they're making me hungry. 🙂 Everything looks so good! And your snowman turned out great! I'm sure that was a hit and especially with the children.
I love the color of yarn you are knitting with! I hope it will go smoothly for you now after your mom was able to help you figure it out . . . I look forward to seeing the finished product!
I was so sorry to hear about Mrs. N! I will be praying for her.
May your day be a blessed one, Joy, filled with the Lord's abundant peace and joy! hugs and love to you and your family!
Thank you so much for this sweet comment, and your prayers for Mrs. N., Sarah!
It's so nice to see all the wonderful things you are doing with and for your family! I shall also pray for this dear family and for the coming days of recovery!
Thanks, Jennifer! Your prayers mean so much–thank you!
Soooooo much going on in your neck of the woods. I will be praying for your dear pastor and family. What a huge load they face but thank the Lord they have the Lord to go through this with. And PTL that she is alive! She is a testimony indeed to our Lord. Eyes will be watching her as she is a witness for Him. May the Lord bless her and give her what she needs in this journey.
Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
Thank you so much for praying, Mary! Mrs. N is truly a witness for Him as she brings joy to others even in the midst of her pain.
Blessings to you!
You're pictures are so nice Joy, I love them! 🙂 And the snowman is SO cute! I've been wanting to make one since I saw a picture of one online. Those recipes look so yummy! I have added that book to my wish list. 🙂 We've been praying for your pastors family and will continue to.
Happy Anniversary!
Tabitha 🙂 <3
Thank you so much, Tabitha! I loved making the snowman, and Ezra helped me. 🙂 I hope to make one again sometime.
Thank you for your prayers and anniversary wishes!
Praying for your pastor and his family… That is terrible… My heart is aching for her. Just this morning I was feeling like I had cabin fever. With no money to really go out and do anything I've decided to make the best of it and and invite my daughter in law over for a pizza night. Hopefully we can watch a movie and snuggle together….. Winter is hard…
Thank you for praying, Adrienne! She has a long road of recovery ahead, and she's still in pain, but we're thankful she's here!
Pizza night sounds fun! 🙂
Blanket houses are so fun! 🙂
I have a knitting project going and I really need to spend a few minutes every evening to work on it. I was thinking I'd have it done this winter, but at the rate I'm going it won't be done. It's a blanket for our youngest boys room. 🙂
I'll keep your pastor and his family, especially Mrs. N in my prayers.
Blessings to you and happy anniversary!! (early I'm sure, but you said you would be away.)
Yes, our children love them! They've been building more this week already! Makes for happy memories. 🙂
Your blanket sounds so fun–I need to try a blanket someday!
Thank you so much for your prayers for our pastor and family. Mrs. N is still in a lot of pain, but she's been moved to a regular room and out of ICU.
Thanks for the happy anniversary wishes, Tanya! ♥
Good morning, Joy! I always seem to enjoy my home more during the winter months. I like making it cozy and I like cuddling up indoors with craft projects, books, and hot coffee or tea. Our house is pretty small but I do have a nice entryway with a closet so that is helpful with all of the winter gear. I really like that NORO yarn. Where did you find that? Online? I've been hearing more and more about NORO yarn. Also, I will keep your pastor and his family in my prayers. Praise God that his wife is not paralyzed, but I'm sure that she will face many frustrating discouraging days ahead so I will keep her in my prayers. Have a most blessed day!
Hello Amber! I agree with you about being indoors with craft projects and a hot drink in the winter! 🙂
I got the yarn from Yarn Country (Christmas gift from my parents!). My mom was able to figure out my knitting mistake, and now I'm really enjoying knitting with this yarn.
Thank you so much for praying for our pastor and his family. I'll share an update on how things are going when I get a chance.
Blessings to you!
What a very cute snowman!I think it turned out great! Ill have to try some of thoes recipes,I think my family will like them. That is awful news about your pastor and family,but praise God they are ok,and she is alive,and is better than most. I know you'll be helping them out!;) Prayers being lifted up on their behalf. Stay warm his weekend!
Christina::;~~~~
Thank you, Christina! I so much appreciate your prayers!
Ravelry is great source of help for knitting. I wish I had a mud room too, but then again I wish I had a big yard instead of postage stamp size one. I will miss reading your blog while you are gone.
I love Ravelry, too. I've learned so much there, and found so many free patterns!
Yum! All those foods look amazing! Would love for you to link up with what i am eating here http://www.townsend-house.com/2013/01/what-i-am-eating-12.html
Thanks, Heather! I just linked up!
Yes, there is something about winter that brings out the blues. I noticed last year wasn't as bad for me. Maybe due to the mildness and the children being able to get outside more. There is nothing better than feeling the warmth of the sun on your face!
I recently was able to join pinterest with my email and am really enjoying all of the clever ideas and recipes. I will have to check out some of the ones you tried…especially that chocolate. yum!
So sorry to hear about your ministers family. We will definitely be praying for all of them.
Happy anniversary! We also will be celebrating 15 years this coming September.
Have a blessed weekend Joy,
Jennie
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Jennie! And thank you for your prayers!
A lovely post!
I will pray for your pastor and his family! I pray his wife heals well and quickly! Praise God for her life!!
Warmly,
Katy
Thank you, Katy, and I so much appreciate your prayers!