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Find out why Victorian women had so many beautiful samplers  and still had time for tea!

Simpler Times...we all long for a slower pace and a world that is a little more simple and innocent. Although I love the old fashioned things of the Victorian era,  I would never have wanted to live back then!  I am thankful for indoor plumbing, washing machines, the drive-up coffee shop, electric heat and the telephone!  I love to decorate with antique things, but am thankful to live right now!

 I love a warm, cozy home, but since it doesn't happen magically, someone has to make it that  way---ME!  Did you know that making a home warm and inviting does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money!?  Living in New England means that I automatically have a little Yankee know-how and frugality in my genes! And with five children, I know the meaning of the words busy and limited budget!

 So this is a place to share my thoughts, humble though they be, and some fun ideas for handmade things! You can be sure that these ideas will be easy, inexpensive and probably a little on the old-fashioned side, because that is what I like!  Enjoy!

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Back From Break! January 2008!

As many of you know, I took the last half year off to spend time with my children, do some projects around our house, and to visit my sister Hannah who just had a baby. Please continue to pray for little baby Addison, who was born with campomelic dysplasia. She is home from the NICU now and we are so thankful to God for this blessing. Hannah is doing well, and is adjusting to life as a mother of two.

Some things to note!

• Our kits no longer come with gold foil. Many of you report that you don't care for it, and you all know that my preference is without it. Plus, we are having a hard time finding the right size acid free type.

• Stitching instructions for specific kits are now found online. This is a way to save on printing cost, and paper usage. You may print the instructions for your own personal use. Kits still include the general Stitching Guide that gives detailed stitching help.

• Please continue to pray for my niece Addison's health needs and for strength and wisdom for my sister, Hannah, and her husband Jon. I am so proud of them both!

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Make-Do Pictures

My grandmother always framed an old greeting card, calendar photo, or illustration from and old book, so I am sure that the inspiration for this project came from her. Find a greeting card that you like (usually a 5"X7") or any picture you come across that you enjoy, and frame it in an old 8"X10" frame. Mount the card on brown paper bag. Since I love sayings and Bible verses and love to have them out as reminders, I add Bible verses to my cards and pictures as well. You can also find inexpensive clip art packages for your computer and print out the pictures you like to frame. I also love the look of old vintage post cards, or advertisements as well. This is a great way to display seasonal pictures very inexpensively. The example below was from a clip art package, and I inserted the verse: Every wise woman buildeth her house...

This one says "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice..."

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Linen Spray: Add a sweet smell to your least favorite job!

I have to admit that I hate to iron! I have looked for ways to make this job more pleasant. Besides popping in my Anne of Green Gables video to pass the time while I  work, I have found linen sprays to be enjoyable. You can make a basic linen spray by filling a spray bottle with distilled water and a few drops of essential oil. Shake well. The water may look a bit cloudy, but the lovely atmosphere it creates is worth overlooking that small detail.

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The Lost Art of Sincere Thanks: Being Thankful and Saying So!

As Christian women, we are commanded to give thanks in all things. It is important for us to teach our children to be thankful, but it is also important to teach them to "say so." If my children forget to say thank you for even the littlest things, I give them the "expectant" Motherly look...as if to say, "I am waiting to hear those little words."  We had an incident like that this morning, where one of our children (whose name will be withheld to protect the guilty!:) had a plate of food given to them, and they just stared at it...no "thank you" verbalized.  It is vitally important to teach good manners at home when it is "just" the family. Some families fail to train their children when it is just family, and then expect them to "perform" their good manners when company comes calling. Home life is where you are laying the foundation for all good habits in children.

Another important thing to teach your children is the art of writing a thank you note in acknowledgment for even the smallest kindness or nicety received. It can be just a few lines in length, but the thought must be conveyed that they are thankful for and appreciate the act of kindness. My dear Grandmother writes a thank you note for everything she receives, from a bouquet of flowers from my 7 year old, to photographs sent to her in the mail of her grandchildren. It shows a cultured appreciation for the precious time and care given to her by others.

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Thought on "The Greatest Generation"~ Our Grandparents

My grandfather recently asked Peter and I to proof read a book he wrote. It was about the lives of the Finnish immigrants that came to this area in the 1800's looking for an opportunity to thrive. What struck me as I read his book is that these people did not want a hand out. They wanted a chance! A chance to work hard and make it.  These people had little but saved their money to better their families. Who could refuse these immigrants and good neighbors a chance?

As I read his book, I wondered if the immigrants of today have the same work ethic. If so, by all means, give them a chance!  But the skeptic in me tends to wonder if they want a chance or a hand out. My grandfather is part of the greatest generation. A generation that willingly worked hard, and was happy with little. Family, work, church, friends and a good name were the things worth working toward. A good name is better than great riches....sounds like a good idea for a motto. :)

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