Holiday Happenings

TopDad in the hospital for possible heart problem; turned out to be stress, dehydration and upset stomach.

As I was eating lunch I heard a peculiar crunching noise and looked out the window to see a tree topple.

The top branches caught on other trees before it finally swooped slowly to the ground.

So how was your holiday?

Wednesday's Wisdom

Determine never to be idle . . . It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.     - Thomas Jefferson

Wednesday's Wisdom

When you buy a house with an established garden, photograph the emerging plants so you'll remember where things are and you can plan to add or subtract accordingly.

Just read that . . . somewhere . . . maybe a blog post recently. Anyway. It's good advice and I went out this morning and took a few photos.

Ferns (and junk trees) on the south side of the house.

More junk that needs to be replaced

Tulips by the lamp post (which does not work) and shrubs infiltrated by junk trees that are all coming out!

These are such a bright color it doesn't photograph well with my little camera.

Volunteer junk tree at the foundation at back of the house.

You can see that Spring has sprung here in Minnesota. I was hoping for more flowers, but the tulips are all we got. Now I know what I need to plant in the fall. Along with the long term plans for the house, I have a ten year plan for the yard. I want to fill it with new shade trees, flowering shrubs, flower beds, and fruit trees. But before I can put in anything new, all the old has to be taken out and felling trees comes first.

Monday's Motivation

Excerpt from one of my all-time favorite General Conference addresses:

Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence; therefore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a “house of order,” and women should pattern their homes after the Lord’s house (see Doctrine and Covenants 109). Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women.

Julie B. Beck, (at the time) Relief Society General President, October 2007

Saturday Sillies

From my childhood:

My sister, seven years older, was talking to our mom. I thought I heard my sister say, "I'm going to Crazy." My ears perked up, and, thinking it sounded fun, like a movie or theme park, asked, "Can I go too?" After a moment's hesitation someone answered, "Sure." Then I replied, "Well what should I wear?" That's when the laughter really began.

I'm still trying to figure out what to wear when I go crazy!

Friday's Frugal Roundup

First, my Thrifty Thimble and Thread as promised last week:

Neckline

Hem

Pocket

My new nighty!

This sweet nighty was made from a $5 sheet purchased at a thrift store and a small square of purple paisley quilt cotton from my stash. The sheet is pure cotton with that lovely lavender trim. Just right for summer romance. No one can convince me that making my own clothes is more expensive. Look at these pretties, and their prices!

Other items of frugality include using up leftovers for lunches and second meals to avoid waste. I've had to work harder at this as there are no longer any hollow legs (aka sons) living with us.

I combined errands and used lists to complete all my shopping in one afternoon.

I took my lunch and water with me on above trip.

I turned off the heater this week as the temps have warmed enough to not need it. Of course, then we had two overcast days in a row so I turned it back on for one evening to take the chill off the house, and then it was back off. Today has been sunny!

What have you done to be frugal, thrifty or provident this week?

Tuesday's Treasures & Wednesday's Wisdom

I combined all my errands and shopping yesterday and came home too tired to photograph and post my treasures, so here they are on Wednesday.

I've been attempting to fill my home with flowers. The long, dark winter was difficult to bear and Spring hasn't come soon enough so I'm buying flowers and brightening up my rooms. I wanted a blue arrangement for my soon to be blue and white dining room. I found this pretty vase at a new to me thrift store for $2.00. When I got to the check out counter the woman said "That'll be a dollar." Turns out it was half-price Tuesday! Score!!

My skill at flower arranging needs educating, but I did the best I could. It sure brightens up the room.

This Pfaltzgraff platter was another score at $4.50. I love the pale blue.

And this half-pint Mason jar was just $.50

Salt and pepper shakers in blue and white for $1 each.

Four pale blue with colorful flowers cocktail napkins, $.50 each, and a gold linen dish towel for $.25.

Royal blue travel toiletry bag from Lands' End for $1.00.

What's the wisdom in all this? Patience and perseverance are keys to finding thrift store treasures. Know what you want and don't settle. Do without and make do until you find the perfect thing.