~Dear 2011~

Written by Sue, Dec. 31, 2011                                                                cold, sunny temps 50's 
As I take a peek

back into this past year, I want to "thank you" for a very interesting year, I would love to say  this year was a big bowl of cherries topped with whipped cream, but as life goes, it wasn't! You gave me so much to think and talk about! There were days when I just wanted to pull the covers back up and stay there, and then there were days when I almost got up before you, full of joy and anticipation as I ran the race set before me. I am very happy to say that I survived, I will always remember you for the lessons taught, learned, and now hopefully applied,   I  now say farewell, "old friend", again "thank you," as I wait with much anticipation for my New Friend, 2012!


Wishing all of my friends a most blessed and Happy new Year!

much love,

Sue

I Corinthians 9: 24~Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

~Enjoying the days~

Written by Sue, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011                           Beautiful sunny day, temps. 50's
We took Susan to the airport this morning, it usually takes a few days of adjustment for all of us. Mr P. decided to go to a basketball tournament in the city, Susan arrived back home safely, she and the girls are having a fun evening, I have spent the afternoon visiting friends here in blogland, and have more places to go, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading of how so many of you spent your Christmas with family and friends, making all those memories. This has been so good for me, great therapy!!

This Christmas will go into our memory bank as one of the best.....

We wrapped gift baskets for family,

Finished  scarfs

baked cookies,

made quiche,

Enjoyed Christmas Eve at my Mother's home

The Queen Mum opening her gifts

first cousins catching up,

Spent time with friends who wanted to see the new lambs,

Spa night  was a highlight, ....  hot waxed our hands, and feet!

waiting,

makes the hands feel so soft,

 got a pedicure yes, those are my tootsies. We waxed eye brows,  I got my hair highlighted and trimmed.

Helped Pa clean the barns, Mr P. cleans his pens everyday, and spreads the manure in the gardens, and yard sheep have some of the best organic fertilizer. He uses a broom to sweep it clean.~smile~

A job well done guys.

We rode the ATV

Sat on the porch, drank coffee, and talked, talked and talked some more.

 There is always a fire in the pit the last night of home visits,but first if you want a fire you must help gather the wood.

No marshmallows, just oranges

Special time with papa and Lucy!

This looks like we were real busy but all of this took place over ten days, we really were layback and relaxed. ~lol~ No really!! just so relaxed I promise!! 

may your days be filled with joy,

and many continued blessings,

Sue 

~Who's watching us?~

Written by Sue, Monday, Dec. 26, 2011                                              Sunny, temps. 50's


Some weeks ago I wrote of  having some weight loss this year, when that happened my clothes didn't fit as well as they should. I had put off buying new clothes and just kept wearing my old ones, even though Mr P. was encouraging me to buy new ones.....
I was kidnapped by these two last week, it seems they led me to believe we were going Christmas shopping, but they had other plans.~grin~

I was then lassoed into a dressing room, trying on one outfit after another. At first I reluctantly went along with them, but before I knew it I was right in there with them. Susan kept bringing all these clothes for me to try on, while dh sat right outside with his thumbs either up or down. ~smile~ She kept oohing and ahhing every time I came out with a new outfit. I don't know which of us was having the most fun.~wink~

I didn't realize the mother with two of her daughters in the dressing room next to us , was watching and listening to us giggling, acting like two school girls, and how Susan was so attentive and flattering my new outfits. I truly felt like a princess, both by her doting and Mr P.'s thumbs up.~smile~

I went to  put some clothes back, while Susan took our choices to the register, in a few minutes Susan came over to me and said, "Mother, I have just been given a wonderful Christmas present." It seems this mother followed her out of the dressing room and asked her how old she was, after Susan told her, she said, " I just want you to know what you did for your mother has really touched my heart, I have two daughters and I wish they would do something like this for me."

My heart went out to this mother, who has probably given so much to her daughters, but was longing to have some return, maybe just a "thank you", but at the same time I was so proud of our daughter who gives so much to everyone, doing this just comes natural with her. Susan is a recent single mom with two beautiful daughters, and is now going  back to college for her degree in the medical field. We are so proud of her and how she is allowing "God" to put her life back together. And God always does things right, He is in the restoring business.

We had no idea we were being observed so closely, the lesson learned by us ... We never know who is watching our lives,,, how we interact with others, our attitudes, how we speak to one another, etc.  I thought about this and realized that I too am a people watcher, and have seen some very interesting people and sites, but never thought we were, or at least me, interesting enough to be watched. LOL

Here is the before.. me "hiding" in my over sized clothes as my two loved ones so gently put it. lol

After my excursion with two of my favorite people. Susan later told me how much joy she received in helping me with these choices.

Though the granddaughters are not with us this season, ( and oh! how we have missed them!!) Susan, her dad and I have spent so much quality time together. God has ordained "such a time as this"!

Christmas is a time when families gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, but it is also a time when we gather together to renew relationships,and make new memories that will endure for ever.

Tonight is "spa night", I wish all you ladies could join us we would have so much fun, as I dearly love you all.

Looking forward to hearing about your special Christmas memories

Blessings and hugs,

Sue

I Corinthians 13-13~ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

~Special gifts from Special friends~

Written by Sue, Thursday, Dec.22, 2011                               sunny, and beautiful, temps. 70's
Mr P. asked one evening if I was expecting a package in the mail. I said no, he informed me that the mail carrier had tried to deliver one that day but couldn't since the gate to our farm was locked. When that happens it is up to us to get to the post office and retrieve our packages, we didn't get there until two days later. We live out in the country and don't get to town that often. We picked it up Saturday, and what a beautiful surprise for me.

My friends Janette, from janettessage and her dear son Benjamin had prepared this very precious gift package for me. I wrote in an earlier post of how Benjamin and I have become friends, because he loves our farm and all the animals that live here. We have adopted each other. If you haven't visited Janette please do, you will be so blessed, I always leave encouraged, motivated and challenged!

Just look at all my goodies, Just couldn't wait to find a place for my pillow, salt and pepper shakers, and to drink  peppermint tea from my mug, while curling up with my special book, ~Jesus Calling~

I placed the pillow on the bed.

In this chair..

It now sits on the sofa in the living room where I see it more often. Look at the details, isn't it beautiful, Janette does beautiful work, thank you so much, Janette.

 Benjamin knew I wanted some pigs so until I get my real pigs, he sent me these beautiful salt and pepper shakers. Now how thoughtful was he? Thank you Benjamin for all my gifts!

Yesterday while we were at the barn, the UPS truck brought an unexpected box, and  here is what was in it. Look at all those goodies. This is a Christmas gift from our son, daughter-in-love, and family. A special gift by Harry & David, so delicious. We have really been enjoying them, thanks so much guys!

Blogging has afforded me so many opportunities to meet and get to know some of the sweetest people. Never in my mind did I think I would become so connected to so many people that I have never physically met. I find myself thinking about my friends here in blogland through out the day, even when I am off line for days, I think, and pray for you dear friends, and when I receive tangible gifts, why  it is just the icing on the cake. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I count it a privilege to know you.

I received a beautiful E-mail card from my friend Michele, what a blessing to listen to the music as I read those beautiful words about our Savior's birth. Michele's blog straight from the heart, inspires me with her thoughts and words of encouragement, her last post "When love was born" was beautiful.

Philippians 1: 3-4~ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy

~Update on the sheep~

We had two more ewes to have lambs last night, and more problems, it seems a ewe had hurt her leg and can't stand on her feet for long, she had twins and we are having to help feed them for her, but hoping she will be able to stand today to feed.

Our little Noel, is doing fine she slept through the night last night. Susan is having so much fun being a mother to Noel, I found her talking baby talk to her last night. ~smile~ She still wants to give her a bath.

The hot water bottle keeps her warm., so sweet!

Thinking of you during this most blessed season,
love,

Sue

All roads lead home, especially at Christmas

Written by Sue, Tuesday,Dec. 20, 2011           an absolutely beautiful day, temps. 70's, where is winter?~smiling happily~

It's back to business as usual! except we now have someone special back home. Susan is home for Christmas. We are so happy to have her here. Marjorie Holmes said "All roads lead Home, especially at Christmas, I so agree.

Farming is like riding a bike, you never forget how!~smile~

Father and daughter delivering hay to the animals, I always love to see them together, she is truly "Daddy's little girl".

We have been busy with the lambing,

 but have been having a few problems with a few ewes not taking their lambs, so far we have lost a set of twins and one single. Susan and I went to check on the  sheep today and found another lamb abandoned by its mother,she called her dad, and together they were trying to get the lamb to take a bottle, he didn't want to, but they kept working.

Oh! so sweet, he fell asleep!  

Isaiah 40: 11~ He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

They tried one more time to coral the ewe hoping she would let the lamb nurse..

but to no avail, soooo

A decision had to be made, and guess where

baby lamb ended up, yep that's right

He is beginning to get the hang of things.

Great job! Susan, she wanted to give it a bath,.....but  Ma overruled her. ~LOL~

She has said she will get up for the nighttime feedings, ~smile~

We have so many things planned to do while she is here, .... shopping, baking,
spa night, and more shopping, visiting friends, campfires, movie night,.....



Thank you so much for visiting us on the Christmas tour, and for taking the time to leave us sweet notes of love.

Much love,

Sue

Welcome to Christmas at the farmhouse.

Written by Sue, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011,                             Absolutely beautiful, sunny, cool day, temps. 60's

We have been waiting for you, so while the tea is brewing, let me show you around,... we are so happy to see you.

The foyer~ 

has our nativity tree..

The "reason for the season"

Tree topper

Coming down the stairs,

View from dining room.

Dining room~

I guess you can tell I like birds~smile~

I like to look in the little houses and imagine what life was like in days gone by, when life was so much simpler, harder but simpler.

 Little Chick  needed some dressing  up..

 living room~

We have had these ornaments for years, tinsel on a tree brings back so many memories of my childhood. My Dad always had a certain way of putting it on the tree. We children just wanted to throw it up, but "no no" Dad would say, "you are to hang them on each branch."

 He went to bed early

 Isn't he a cutie pie, I always look for him..

 Lots and lots of wooden ornaments!

 This is how I feel about you!! both family and friends

 Mr and Mrs Gingerbread standing watch, just in case someone wants to open presents before Christmas day.~smile~

The mantel I wanted to be very simple, a garland and a few toys.

Sitting room~

Mr P. asked me what I wanted for Christmas,. I don't know of anything I really need,.... now wants that is a different story. After a little thought, I asked for a live tree, we had not had one in years, mainly because the last one was not a good one... We found one that I truly love, Oh does it smells so good....

I really  wanted a homespun Old fashion Christmas this year, All ornaments on this tree are hand made, some are almost as old as I am, because they were made by our children, while I was a very young, young, mother. ~grin~  And by grandchildren. I cherish each and everyone, and as the memories flowed so did the tears of joy from time well spent with loved ones.

Hand painted by one of our sons,

This one was painted by Mr P. he does great work, doesn't he?

The fabric ornaments my sister Mary, daughter Susan and I worked on, many many years ago.  I won't say how long because it will give my age away. ~lol~

Granddaughter Abigale's art work.

Granddaughter katie painted these cuties, we call her our "sunshine", thus the smiling faces.

Moi's handy work. ~grin~

I was so blessed many years ago to  sit with our children to make ornaments for our tree, and then later to have the extra blessing of spending quality time with the grandchildren to make other ornaments. To have these ornaments combined on this special tree, is one of the best presents ever.

If you can find the time,... no please make the time, and create memories with your little ones, both your children and grandchildren, these memories will last a lifetime.

This ornament was made by daughter Susan when she lived in Michigan, she made a set of eight, oh! how I do  cherish them.

I put bubbling lights on the tree,they remind me of visiting my grandmother's house at Christmas she always had them on her tree. As a child I loved sitting and watching the lights bubble, and still do. ~smile~

Another one of my most cherished ornaments, it was made by our third son, when he was very young. I thought it deserved to be placed at the top of the tree.

Give me an ornament made with love any day.

Kitchen and breakfast rooms~

Mama Mouse is ready for Christmas eve, for  all the goodies to appear.

Frosty says "let it snow, let it snow."

This is where the sweet shop bakes all those goodies.

These Carolers were made by my mother many year ago, while my Dad was stationed in Alaska, I just adore it.

Wishing you much joy and peace this Christmas!

Please, help yourself to an apron, I could always use the help!

Master bedroom and bath,

our victorian trees~

This angel  is new this year, a special gift from my sister, Mary.

Every Victorian tree needs dolls...

 a few french horns, with a pearl garland.

Tree topper

Mantel 

Master Bath~ 
Crochet ornaments and pearls make this a favorite one of mine.

Son # 2 called yesterday and asked how I was doing with my decorating, it seems he had been waiting to see the farmhouse on my blog, ( I am late, as we have been so busy with the lambs).  Our kids know that when this most blessed season comes that I always dress our home for Christmas, (after all it's a special "birthday" celebration.  Though they won't all be here this year, they still like to connect with "home". "Dear Children" here is the old farmhouse dressed for Christmas, especially for you  You are loved and are missed.

To all who stop by "thank you" for visiting us,...

Mr P and I wish you a very Merry Christmas",

Sue

I  am linking with the nester  for 2011 tour of homes, Much thanks to nester for hosting, and with Kelly at show-us-your-life-christmas-tour-