Seven Minutes #5

CHRISTMAS CLUB

 

Seven minute of writing stream of conciousness begins now!

For all of my adult life, I have lived on a small budget—sometimes really small. During the early years, my husband and I made the mistake of using credit cards to our own detriment. We learned the very hard way about that. During and after the years of digging ourselves out of that pit, we paid cash for Christmas and other things as well.

When you live on a short shoestring budget like we have, you cannot wait until December to begin Christmas preparations. 

Gift making and collecting has started early for me for years. Sometimes even in January, I'll find something to add to my gift box. I thrift for gifts and for supplies to make gifts. Fortunately, my children have always been thankful for whatever gifts I could make or source for them. I always saved for at least one gift that I knew that they'd been wanting. Oh, I miss the days of little ones!

All this to say, it is immensely important for those with a slim budget to begin making, creating, planning, collecting, and saving early.

A couple of years ago, I began a Christmas club with a few friends. Once a month, they come to my house for an evening, and we each work on something that will bring us closer to our Christmas goals. Since I began working full-time in February, I've had to give that up. I've been exhausted when I get home. But. I am going to invite them to begin getting toether again this month for Christmas in July. They'll be getting a text from me soon!

And that's my seven minutes. Maybe you'd like to invite a few friends to join you in your making and prepping. I have 3 friends in my group with me. We've become even closer over the last couple of years. 

Be blessed ladies!

Laura

   

Are You Facing Hard Times? A Story of Desperation and Hope: A Christmas Miracle on the Frontier

 

Hard times don't take a Christmas vacation.
Loss of a loved one, family strife, natural disasters, a frightening diagnosis, loneliness, and financial stress can all contribute to our hard times.

I know several people who really stretch their money to make ends meet. There's only so much elastic in a dollar bill you know. I've been testing that stretch capacity full-time for nearly forty years now.

Most likely you know someone who's struggling. Maybe it is you. Our families will be affected differently by these situations, but it will be a challenging season for all of us who are experiencing hard times.

Sometimes, in our desperation, we give up to despair.
Sometimes, in our desperation, we give in to God and
He takes over. He comes in and saves us... maybe not
from the circumstances...but always from the despair.

Give in and find hope, peace, love, healing, and provision.
God's arm is not too short. Nothing is impossible with God.

Please enjoy this story that I share each year....

A Christmas Miracle on the Frontier

     I remember a day one winter that stands out like a boulder in my life. The weather was unusually cold; our salary had not been regularly paid and it did not meet our needs when it was. My husband was away much of the time, traveling from one district to another. Our boys were well, but my little Ruth was ailing and at best none of us were decently clothed. I patched and re-patched, with spirits sinking to the lowest ebb. The water gave out in the well and the wind blew through the cracks in the floor.

     The people in the parish were kind, and generous too, but the settlement was new and each family was struggling for itself. Little by little, at the time I needed it most, my faith began to waver. Early in life I was taught to take God at His word, and I thought my lesson was well learned. I had lived upon the promises in dark times until I knew, as David did, who was my Fortress and my Deliverer. Now a daily prayer for forgiveness was all that I could offer.

     My husband’s overcoat was hardly thick enough for October, and he was often obliged to ride miles to attend some meeting or funeral.  Christmas was coming; the children always expected their presents. I remember the ice was thick and smooth and the boys were each craving a pair of skates. Ruth, in some unaccountable way, had taken a fancy that the dolls I had made were no longer suitable; she wanted a nice large one, and insisted on praying for it.

     I knew it was impossible, but, oh! how I wanted to give each child his present. It seemed as if God had deserted us. But I did not tell my husband all this. He worked so earnestly and heartily, I supposed him to be as hopeful as ever. I kept the sitting room cheerful with an open fire, and I tried to serve our scanty meals as invitingly as I could.

     That morning before Christmas, James was called to see a sick man. I put up a piece of bread for his lunch–it was the best I could do–wrapped my plaid shawl around his neck and then tried to whisper a promise as I often had, but the words died away upon my lips. I let him go without it.  That was a dark, hopeless day. I coaxed the children to bed early, for I could not bear their talk. When Ruth went, I listened for her prayer. She asked for the last time most explicitly for her doll and for skates for her brothers. Her bright face looked so lovely when she whispered to me, “You know I think they’ll be here early tomorrow morning, Mama” that I thought I could move Heaven and earth to save her from disappointment. I sat down alone and gave way to the most bitter tears.

     Before long James returned, chilled and exhausted. He drew off his boots. The thin stockings clipped off with them and his feet were red with cold. “I wouldn’t treat a dog that way; let alone a faithful servant,” I said. Then as I glanced up and saw the hard lines in his face and the look of despair, it flashed across me that James had let go too.

     I brought him a cup of tea, feeling sick and dizzy at the very thought. He took my hand and we sat for an hour without a word. I wanted to die and meet God and tell Him His promise wasn’t true–my soul was so full of rebellious despair.

     There came a sound of bells, a quick step and a loud knock at the door. James sprang to open it. There stood Deacon White. “A box came by express just before dark. I brought it around as soon as I could get away. Reckoned it might be for Christmas. ‘At any rate’ I said, ‘they shall have it tonight.’ Here is a turkey my wife asked me to fetch along and these other things I believe belong to you.” There were a basket of potatoes, and a bag of flour. Talking all the time, he hurried in the box and then with a hearty good night, he rode away.

     Still without speaking, James found a chisel and opened the box. He drew out first a thick red blanket and we saw that beneath it, the box was full of clothing. It seemed at that moment as if Christ fastened upon me a look of reproach. James sat down and covered his face with his hands. “I can’t touch them,” he explained. “I haven’t been true, just when God was trying me to see if I could hold out. Do you think I could not see how you were suffering? And I had no word of comfort to offer. I know now how to preach the awfulness of turning away from God.”

     “James,” I said, clinging to him, “don’t take it to heart like this. I am to blame. I ought to have helped you. We will ask Him together to forgive us.”  We poured out words of praise–Bible words, for nothing else could express our thanksgiving.  It was eleven o’ clock; the fire was low and there was the great box with nothing touched but the warm blanket we needed. We piled on some fresh logs, lighted two candles and began to examine our treasures.

     We drew out an overcoat. I made James try it on–just the right size–and I danced around him, for all my lightheartedness had returned. There was a cloak and he insisted on seeing me in it. My spirits always infected him and we both laughed like foolish children.

     There was a warm suit of clothes also and three pairs of woolen hose. There were a dress for me and yards of flannel, a pair of arctic overshoes for each of us and in mine a slip of paper. I have it now and mean to hand it down to my children. It was Jacob’s blessing to Asher: “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days so shall thy strength be.”

     In the gloves, evidently for James, the same dear hand had written: “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”  It was a wonderful box and packed with thoughtful care. There were a suit of clothes for each of the boys and a little red gown for Ruth. There were mittens, scarf, and hood, and down in the center–a box. We opened it and there was a great wax doll!! I burst into tears again and James wept with me for joy. It was too much! And then we both exclaimed again, for close behind it came two pairs of skates. There were books for us to read–some of them I had wished to see–stories for the children to read, aprons and underclothing, knots of ribbon, a gay little tidy, a lovely photograph, needles, buttons, and thread, a muff, and an envelope containing a ten dollar gold piece.

     At last we cried over everything we took up. It was past midnight and we were faint and exhausted even with happiness. I made a cup of tea, cut a fresh loaf of bread and James boiled some eggs. We drew up the table before the fire. How we enjoyed our supper! And then we sat talking over our life and how sure a help God always proved.

     You should have seen the children the next morning! The boys raised a shout at the sight of their skates–Ruth caught up her doll and hugged it tightly without a word; then she went into her room and knelt by her bed.  When she came back she whispered to me, “I knew it would be here Mama, but I wanted to thank God just the same, you know.”

     “Look here, Wife, see the difference!” We went to the window and there were the boys out of the house already and skating on the crust with all their might.  My husband and I both tried to return thanks to the church in the East that sent us the box–and have tried to return thanks unto God every day since. 

     Hard times have come again and again, but we have trusted in Him–dreading nothing so much as a doubt of His protecting care. “They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”

~~~~~

Reprinted by permission from Lizzie at A Dusty Frame.   She typed it up from a very old book, The Sword Book of Treasures by Dr. John R. Rice, published in 1946.

Happy Christmas,
Laura
Trusting in His care

Sending You a Little Christmas

    Hello everyone! So, how's it coming along?

    Today, the 6th, was my deadline for Christmas decorating. As often is the case, the best laid plans of mice and moms often go awry. ~smile~ I did a ton of laundry today. Blankets and towels along with the regular laundry. I once heard it called Mount Neverest. I thought that would end when my kids left home. Nope, there's still plenty. ~smile~ 

    Anyhow, I've got just a little more decorating to do. I want to put up my porch tree and maybe a tree or two inside. Yes, if I had it my way, I'd have a tree in every room. I just love the twinkly lights. Whatever I don't finish tomorrow will have to wait until next year. 

    This is one of my favorite contemporary Christmas songs. Enjoy!

Happy Christmastime!

Laura

Just What is Kringling?

 

Are you a Kringler?

I am.

I've been hiding and Kringling for years.

What is Kringling?

Kringling is what I call the time when I go into my bedroom, lock the door, and sew, create and wrap gifts. 

When my children were young, and living at home, I made it clear that if they came in and saw what I was doing, it would be given to someone else instead. Consequently, no one tried to peek. ~smile~ It was never a problem, and I never had to follow through on my warning. 

I can remember spending hours at my sewing machine, and crafting, and collecting to make Christmas for my children. Many years, there simply wasn't a budget for gifts. I scrimped and saved pennies and nickles and rocks (wink) for months to be able to get small gifts at thrift stores, sales, and yard sales. I made sure they all had something they wished for when I could. It was hard work, but the joy of seeing their little faces on Christmas morning was worth it.

Years later, I'm an empty nester. I still make Christmas for my family the best I can. I still call it Kringling. It still includes sewing, but I also knit gifts now. I'm blessed to have an extra room that I can work in, so I don't have to hide in the bedroom anymore. I also don't have to worry about being caught. ~wink~

So, though life has changed, I still love to Kringle—making, purchasing, wrapping and giving to family and friends. I hope this month to share a few ideas that I've implemented through the years; and, I hope to share memories, too.

Come along!

Let's make Christmas together!

BUT!

Keep in mind, our focus is on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. All the rest of this is just for fun. I'll write more on that later this month. 

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura

A Slim Christmas Budget

 

   Don't let yourself feel bad over a slim budget. We all have years like that. I've never had a big or even average budget. We've always had good Christmases, though. I have a friend whose family had a Thrifted Christmas last year. No new gifts were allowed unless they were made by the giver. I think that was an absolutely fabulous idea. 

    I've always used thrifted things. It's the way my kids were raised; and fortunately, my step-mom saw great sales and thrifted items as victories! She passed that on to me; and, I passed it on to my kids. They were happy with the gifts that I made or bought for them new or not. 

    Be blessed, dear reader, and have yourself a happy, joyful, Jesus centered Christmas filled with all the peace and rest you can grasp!

    May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. II Peter 3:8

Go forth and be creative and thrifty!

Laura

Suggested reading:

Are you Facing Hard Times? A Christmas Story of Desperation and Hope

Filling Tummies in Hard Times ~ A Simple Potato Soup

Laura

Homemade, Handmade, Heartmade Gift Ideas

Do you love a homemade Christmas? I do! Everything just seems like it means a bit more when you've put your time, effort, and care into it. Homemade, handmade, heartmade, thrifty, money saving gifts can be a blessing to the giver and the receiver. It doesn't happen overnight though. Okay, I admit it. I've been the crazy mom sewing on Christmas Eve and trying to finish wrapping. I don't want to do that anymore!

Now is the perfect time to start brainstorming what you want your Christmas to be like this year. If that is to include homemade gifts, it's never too early to start. Here are some ideas to get you going. It's easy to find tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest. I've added a few links to get you started. 

Homemade Gift Ideas

Paper Craft

~ decorated recipe cards (could add recipes and ingredients)

~ homemade greeting cards

~ scrapbook

~ family recipe book (This was a big project and a big hit with my adult kids last year.)

From the Needles

~ tribbles I love these little cotton dish scrubbies.

~ dishcloths 

~ aprons 

~ hotpads

~ mittens

~ doll clothes

~ skirt

~ tablet stand

~ camera bean bag

~ key chain

~ Christmas stockings

~ hair baubles

~ casserole hot pad

~ drawstring bags

~ kitchen curtains

~ tote bag

~ pillow cases

~ ornaments

~ crocheted chains for hair ribbons

~ tea towels

~ doilies

~ pacifier clip

~ feminine necessity bag

~ earbud pouch

~ baby bib

~ tea wallet

~ pin cushion

~ shawl

~ slippers

~ socks

~ cape

~ camera strap

~ Bible cover

~ mug rug

~ tissue holder

Crafted

~ ornaments

~ magnets

~ candles

~ soap

~ coasters

From the Kitchen

~ cookies

~ homemade vanilla

~ recipe scrapbook with photos or on large cards

~ bread

~ quick breads

~ candy

~ homemade mixes

Acts of Service

~ all clothes ironed

~ clean out car

~ babysitting

Be creative! Your imagination and ingenuity can make a thrifty budget stretch far! 

Happy Making, 

and

Happy Christmasing!

Laura

Gift Ideas for the Men in Your Life It's Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage!

 

Three out of four of my adult children have birthdays in August and September. We are right in the middle of birthday season here at Harvest Lane Cottage! In fact, my new grandbaby was also born in August! 

I shared some ideas here for the ladies on your gift list for birthdays, Christmas, or I Love You Days. Here are some ideas to help you with your gift giving for the men in your life. Frankly, I took many of these ideas directly from my sons' and my husband's wish lists. 

• Whirly Pop Hand Crank Popcorn Popper ~ I bought this for my husband a few years ago. He's loved it.

• Digital Photo Frame

• Rubber grip dumb bell

• Orbital Sander 

• Leather Minimalist Wallet

• Coin Collection Album

• Rechargeable Flashlight set

• Tactical Hands-Free LED Pocket Light 

• Bath and Body Works Freshwater Cologne 

• Credit Card Holder / Pocket Money Clip 

• Portable Batery Jump Starter with Battery Pack and Jumper Cables 

• Trading Card Storage Case 

• Bread machine

I hope this gives you an idea or two. The guys are always the hardest for me! 

Happy gift giving!

Laura

I'm an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase something from them after clicking one of my links within 24 hours, I'll receive a small amount at no cost to you. It's just one way you can support my blog and my creative endeavors. Thank you!

Something to Think About... The Date

 

Hello dear reader,

    I know that everyone has moved on from Christmas and is into new year's resolutions, decluttering, etc. But, this came to me in my email from Hillsdale College. I took their online A Christmas Carol course last month. This month, I'm taking their Paradise Lost course. Their online courses are free. You can check them out at https://online.hillsdale.edu/ . 

    Anyhow, they sent this video to me this week. It's about the date of Jesus' birth. Long ago, I remember reading about how the date had been set by early Christians during Saturnalia, so that they wouldn't be persecuted for celebrating. It seems that there isn't evidence of that after all. Watch this short video to get another viewpoint and to get a taste of the Hillsdale College online experience.

If the video does not show up for you, here's the link on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/2CwnOuiOSjY?si=bsHQLX9RUwoJ_laZ

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Laura

Tired

 

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

I don't know about y'all, 

but I'm tired. 

I'm going to take a break from blogging for a few days.

Back by the first of January, maybe earlier. 

Happy Week In Between!

Laura

Ready for a Long Winter's Nap!

IT'S NOT OVER!

 

Photo by Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

Matthew 2:1-2

♥♥♥

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,

behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying,

where is he that is born King of the Jews?

For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

♥♥♥

Christmas doesn't end on December 25th!

♥♥♥

I think most of us know that December 25th is a date upon which we celebrate Jesus' birth, not the date of his birth.

♥♥♥

If you find that your focus was not quite right during this season, I urge you to talk to our LORD about it. Ask Him to help you to focus on Him not only during December but all the days of your life. 

♥♥♥

God bless you as you continue to keep your focus on Jesus Christ.

Laura

On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

    On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...Jesus Christ on the Cross!

    From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

    It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

• The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

• Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

• Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

• The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

• The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

• The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

• Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit—prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy.

• The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

• Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

• The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

• The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

The Twelve Days of Christmas begin December 25th and go through January 5th. 
Happy Christmas Season everyone!

Laura
Blessed to be a Blessing

Christmas Quotes... Ebenezer Scrooge

Before:

"Bah, humbug!"

1

2

3

After:

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

May we too honor Christmas in our hearts and keep it all the year as Charles Dickens suggested.

Merry Christmas All....

Laura

A Christmas Quote... Martin Luther

Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash

Good news from heaven the angels bring,

Glad tidings to the earth they sing:

To us this day a child is given,

To crown us with the joy of heaven.

~Martin Luther

Christmas Blessings to You!

Laura
Happy at Home
for the Holidays

Not Every Christmas is Perfect

    Once upon a time, the year my children were 10, 4, 2, and newborn, we sold our house in early November. We moved everything into storage, because we had to live in a nice hotel for two weeks while waiting to move into our new home just in time for Thanksgiving. Except. The sellers didn't move out! So, we moved to a cheaper motel.

    We lived in a motel for seven weeks from early November until the day AFTER Christmas! We spent the entire Christmas season with all four little ones and a little dog, in two adjoining motel rooms, watching Christmas decorating and food shows and Christmas specials. What's a mother to do?

    I borrowed a pre-decorated 2 foot tree and headed to Hobby Lobby. I came "home" with snowman decorations, candles, and later, a beautiful Advent book. We enjoyed our Christmas celebration with all the kids piled on one of the beds. It was a Christmas to remember. It was also the Christmas that changed my focus from the stuff of Christmas to the person of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

    Not every Christmas is perfect, but...
THE ORIGINATOR OF CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS PERFECT.

    If your Christmas isn't turning out picture perfect, focus on the one who is. He LOVES you so much, he gave his life so that you can have eternal life and direct access to Father God—the Creator of the Universe.

Reach out to the Reason for the season—Jesus.

Happy Christmas,
Laura

Harvest Lane Cottage German Apple Stuffing

    My momma always made sage dressing.  When I got married, wanting to begin a tradition of my own, I decided to do something different.  Somewhere I found a recipe for German Apple Stuffing. It became my husband’s favorite stuffing.  I am embarrassed to say that my children prefer Stove Top stuffing. Gasp! I finally decided to make a box or two for them since it's what they like, and it is a holiday! I just make a smaller batch of stuffing for Lowell and me. I always think I’m going to go back and make the Mom's sage dressing sometime, but I always make this! I hope you enjoy this stuffing like I do. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas!

Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage

German Apple Stuffing

1 lb loaf white bread, toasted and torn in pieces
1/3 cup butter
1 medium chopped onion
1/2 c chopped celery
1/4 c chopped celery leaves
2 T chopped parsley (optional)
1/4 t salt
1/8 t pepper
2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten slightly
2 medium Red Delicious or Gala Apples, pared and chopped
1/4-1/2 cup raisins

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 6 cup baking dish. Place bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until dry and toasted, about 5 minutes. I sometimes just have the kids toast the bread in the toaster and tear it up small for me instead. 

2.  Transfer bread into large bowl. Lower oven temperature to 350°. 

3.  Melt butter in saucepan  Stir in onion, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook 3 minutes. 

4.  Pour over bread and stir. Add milk and eggs. Stir to moisten. Gently stir in the raisins and apples. Spoon into sprayed or greased baking dish. Cover with foil.

5.  Bake one hour. Remove foil half way through baking.

    I encourage you to make a point of making or keeping little traditions with your family, friends, or even just for yourself. Sometimes we don't even know we've made a tradition until we try to stop it. ~smile~

Happy Christmassing! Keep Jesus in the front of your mind!

Laura

Um... Did You Know?

Christmas is just one week away!

    Although I realize Christmas is coming, and I'll be doing a bit of Kringling after I finish writing to you... maybe after a cookie or two— it is December— I'm always surprised how close Christmas is!

    This photo is of my tree a couple of years ago. I still have some wrapping and some making to do. I love giving gifts, because I'm so happy for the gift of eternal life that Jesus gave me.

On to Kringling now!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas time!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

 

Oopsy Daisy! We interrupt this Christmas Programming to Announce...

    I left the sugar out of my pecan pie recipe! Thanks so much Friend Deb for noticing and telling me. It's fixed now. I do hope you'll try it. It's my favorite. Find it here.

    It could be worse. I once made pecan pies at church. The sugar simply wouldn't dissolve even though I cooked it a long time. Finally, I just put it in the oven. Sugar dissolves. Salt doesn't! The salt bucket wasn't marked. It looked like sugar to me! Oh, the sour look the young man had who took the first bite! He wanted the pie so much, he tried to take a second bite. Even worse, Lowell had been bragging about my pecan pies! I've never lived that one down. 

    We all make mistakes. I'm glad I have a friend who cares enough to tell me. Thanks Deb!

Mrs. Kringle

I mean Laura.

We Love Pecan Pie at Harvest Lane Cottage

 I remember as a child that I wanted to try making pecan pie. My mom always said that they were too hard to make. Perhaps they were in the olden days. Using this recipe, I think it's as easy as pie.

NOTE: This fills one standard size pie plate. For a deep dish pie, double the ingredients.

PECAN PIE

1/2 c butter, melted

1 c sugar

1 c light corn syrup

4 large eggs, beaten

1 t vanilla extract

1/4 t salt

pastry for 9" pie

1 1/3 c pecan halves or 1 1/4 c coarsely chopped pecans

Directions:  

* Combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. (If you substitute salt for the sugar, it won't dissolve.) Cool slightly.

*Add eggs, vanilla, and salt by tempering method. Put a little of the syrup into eggs as you beat them with a fork to warm the eggs. Then add the egg mixture to the syrup stirring quickly to combine well.

*Pour filling into unbaked pastry shell. Top with pecans.

*Bake at 325 for 55 minutes or until set.

Number of Servings: 6-8

I like to use chopped pecans; my husband prefers halves. I've also used walnuts which are also delicious. I imagine you could use any kind of nuts you prefer.

My husband, Lowell's, pie crust video:

Let me know if you try it! 

Tag me on Instagram #harvestlanecottage or @harvestlanecottage.

God bless us every one.

Happy Christmas time.

Laura

NOTE: If you cannot view the pie crust video above, here's the YouTube link.

Shared at: Inspire Me Tuesday

A Fairy Tale Christmas Complete with Castle

   I'll never forget our first Christmas in Carthage. It was like a fairy tale. We moved from a city to this little town that we thought was like Mayberry. It only had 11,000 people at the time. With our little toddler, we made 11,003. ~smile~ 

   It seemed like everyone decorated for Christmas back then. There were horse carriage rides on the square, lots of unique shops, lots of friendly people, and a courthouse that looked like a castle. 

  That first Christmas, Grandma Judy, my husband's mother, rode a Greyhound bus down to Carthage to spend Christmas with us. When Grandma Judy was with us, it was a holiday! 

  The kids are all grown now. We built a lot of traditions over the years. Now we're in the process of sorting which ones will continue and which will become memories. Hopefully, the kids will look back and remember their childhood as the good old days. 

  What makes it feel like a holiday to you? 

Find the joy, let the stress slip away. 

Love God. Love others. 

Blessings from Carthage,

Laura