Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

A Simply Lovely Life

Hello dear friends,
I have a few moments, before heading in to get snuggled on the couch with the little ones to read, and read some more, of their stack of lovely stories, and then make our way into a bit of math and some writing. I thought I'd see if I could get a note quickly typed out, this-early-morning, and then just before lunch, or after, pop in and add some photos to the note. That's the plan. So, I'll get a move on here, and then be back a bit later, Lord willing, to add the photographs and send off the post.

I have lots of sewing to do. Hopefully I'll make great progress, today, on some cool weather frocks and smocks for the little girls, and some longies--that are already cut out, from some (in the process of being) re-purposed wool sweaters, and waiting to be sewn.

There are a good number of preparations to be made for a bit of the weekend away--to a fall festival at a lovely camp on a lake, just a short distance from home. We'll take as many bushels of apples as we can gather, to be pressed into cider while we're there. We seem to have about 4 now, after 3 days of everyone gobbling, gobbling, gobbling up, what we've already picked, but we plan to stop back by and pick some more at an orchard along the way. We're planning/hoping, to get about 3 gallons or so per bushel. The apples themselves are just delicious. I'm so looking forward to enjoying their sweet nectar, straightaway, with some stored for later. The amish cleverly press theirs and then just store it all in one large container--outside, now that it's cool enough to do so. We're still scratching our heads and thinking on just what we could use for our large container, which would make it more convenient for storing. Any ideas?

Looking forward to the weekend's delights; dear friends, good food, and great fun. Lots of time in the beautiful outdoors. Cider pressing. Soap making.

We're sure enjoying our lovely new flock of chickens--for eggs. It's a small flock to begin--for our large family--but we hope to be adding to it, soon enough. I love the chickens. And though I'm glad that these aren't for eating (and we won't be saying a sad good-bye), we sure are enjoying, and have been so thankful for, the ones that were. Oh, how the children are doting on those chickens. The hens are laying and the little ones are scooping them up--still warm. Happy chickens, lots of nice, fresh, healthy eggs :o)





James and Joseph are off and away this morning, working with our dear amish friend, Rudy. They're putting a roof on a nearby house. What a beautiful time of year to be spending your entire day, outside in the fresh air and sunshine. They recently finished putting a nice new dormer on an old farmhouse. The work has been such a blessing for them, as the gardens have slowed down and died back, in rest.

They've leaned so much experientially over the years. In addition to the first-hand experience they've been blessed to obtain through countless opportunities that have come their way--past and present--I can't tell you how many books they've read and films they've watched on alternative house building, namely, strawbale and cob, that this mama has kept steadily funneling their way.

Then, there's all of the amazing stone building that the Nearings did, and they love to read about them. I do, too. I guess we all do.

I'm still patiently (and ever hopefully), waiting on my outdoor cob oven to be built (and have been waiting for about 8 years, now. Sigh ;o) and.... a cob wall around a small and cozy portion of the back yard and garden would be especially nice, too, wouldn't it. I guess I'd have to say that I'm probably glad that they never actually came to be built at our old house. I would have been immeasurably sorry to have had to leave them. But, I guess it could have been seen as experience. And, well, no, I take that back. I guess I'm not glad. Really, not glad at all. I hate to think of all-the-many crusty loaves of bread (and cheese and fireside meals) and countless pizzas that we never enjoyed because the guys let me down in the cob oven department. Heavy sigh, raised eyebrows, pursed lips and scrunched-up nose.....

In fact (wheels turning), soon as I'm done here, I'm going to go and get the books off the shelves, give them a good dusting and set them right out under everyone's noses....where they'll be sure to be picked up and re-read. Yeah, that's the plan. They can read up during the rest of fall and winter and set right to work in the early spring. Hmmm... maybe for our family movie night, tomorrow night, I'll slide in a well-worn cob building video. Yeah, that's what I'll do.

Well, anyways, I'm still highly hoping that they happen--sometime. I still have 4 wonderful sons, here (and Wesley's just down the road, isn't he? Five, well, that's a work crew, for sure!) and a couple of these good strong fellas are for certainly going to be around for *a long while*, yet. Hmmmm, who knows? I am feeling really inspired right now. And, what am I thinking??! What about the girls? I have 5 of them, too! Hmmm, it does seem like something's beginning to gel, here, doesn't it? Maybe, I'm just settled in enough here at the new homestead, that's it's time for a couple of my fondest, longstanding (and inexpensive, too--that's a bonus, right? We're just talking dirt and straw and barefooted children.) dreams to begin to be resurrected and come true. Maybe my vision of a little cob cottage somewhere on the property (that I can move into when I'm old(er ;o) will even come to fruition, too. Oh, just the thought of it all has made my day. I'll keep you posted. Let's see, there's my birthday, and mother's day, and........

But, back to the boys (James and Joseph), they sure do enjoy Rudy. He's a wonderfully kind, caring and thoughtful man, just like his father, Eli. And, he has a great sense of humor, just like his dad--who everyone in my family happens to be missing a great deal,now that he's recently moved with his beloved and children--about an hour and a half away. Though the boys have been able to drive to each place that they've worked in 10 minutes, it takes Rudy about an hour to get there in his horse and buggy. Truth be told, I kind of envy Rudy's (and all the other amish's) leisurely drive/s through the spring, summer, and autumn countryside. I think the boys do, too. I'm sure it gets hard as the days grow shorter and colder, though. And, harder still in the winter. My heart starts aching for them, then.

The farmhouse they just finished up working on, is the farm far-and-away-off-down-to-the-left on this long-winding-ribbon of country road....



In our new home we were able to get our sewing room and all of the craft supplies and books happily situated on the bright and sunny back porch. It's been great having everything right at hand and plenty of natural light to work by. Just plain nice to be able to walk over anytime and work on our latest projects or do a quick bit of mending. I am so grateful. Makes my heart sing to have one or another of the children almost continually busy working on something in there.

Well, I had hoped to share the recipe for this simple and delicious, colorful autumnal  salad--below, today, but I still need to get some basic measurements figured out as it's one of those recipes that's easily thrown together with the bit of this and that you have on hand. Which is nice, but I guess a bit of a recipe is most times a good and necessary starting point....and then  the sky's the limit. So, since time has gotten away from me this morning and the little ones are waiting, I'll save sharing the recipe for another time, hopefully soon. Hopefully, before winter sets in. :o)



Love all the autumn harvest meals. Potatoes--from Eli's--with mushroom gravy, and squash. And the rainbow colors of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, apples,and onion salad. And, freshly-brewed Kombucha (which I'll be re-visiting, soon :o)



I hope that each of you have a special day with those you love. I hope you're able to enjoy today, and not worry about tomorrow. Do remember, that you're free to do so. My heart does go out to those of you that are carrying especially heavy burdens, and I pray that God would not only carry them, but lovingly carry you. And, as only He is able, put your hearts and minds at rest. I pray that He holds you especially near to his tender heart....and loves you, loves you, loves you, deep inside.

I hope that each one of you will be entirely free to be yourselves. Just as you are, Right where you are. Without apology or feeling like you have to live up to anyone else's expectations--group or individual--and know that that's your special, priceless, gift to those around you. A gift that no one else can give.

The sun is so bright and warm, here, today. The leaves are continuting to turn every lovely shade imaginable of yellow, red, brown, green and gold.....and falling, falling, to the ground. I was so taken aback by the beauty, yesterday, as with each strong wind that blew through the branches of the apple trees, the leaves trembled, all in one accord and looked to be hundreds of birds, fluffing their feathers and fluttering their wings in preparation for one great ascent.......

And then, a scattering cloud of them would gracefully rise and then drifting but a short ways, fall, wafting their way back down, down, down, to the piece of earth beneath the very tree upon which they were born, lived out their lives and will come to rest, beneath, over and in time, entering in to once again, and becoming a part of, as the circle and cycle, continues on. It was so pretty, I just sat there for the longest time drinking the magical wonder of it all.

I do love the autumn.

I love God's creation.

I love God.

He's so good,

So caring,

So sensitive,

So kind,

Always.

Life can be hard,

So hard for each of us, at times.

And no one understands that more than He does.

And He loves us.

Loves us... 

especially tenderly and compassionately,

in the midst of the darkness,

uncertainties,

tears,

confusions,                                                                                                                               

struggles, 

and great and tragic losses                                                                                              

that don't make sense,                                                                                                                  

and we can't just make stop or go away                                                                                          

by wishing, or hoping, or trying.

And, their accompanying sorrows

that we must endure.

He is there.

light of day,

dark of night.

Always.

Never busy or preoccupied.

Desiring to lead us through the labyrinth                                                                                  

however intricate and complex 

it may be,                                                                                                         

or dark                                                                                                                                       

and endless it may seem.

To gently hold us close,                                                                                                                    

and carry us,

if need be.

He loves us. He loves us. He loves us.

Do embrace, and thank Him for, every single drop of the beauty, the peace, the joy, that He lovingly sends your way throughout the many moments of each day, but know that He is with you and for you, and loves you especially tenderly, when the darkness comes and the cold winds blow, and the rest of the world seems to be making it's way ahead, without you. He is there and no one could ever understand like the very one, the only one, that knows you through and through. Because, He's the very one that delicately formed you in your mother's womb. He held you then, knew you then, loved you then. As He does now, and will, always.

A few photos from our lovely yesterday. And loving wishes for a beautiful today, for each of you and yours. Thanks for coming by. Thanks for being so sweet. So caring. So kind.

With much love, Jewels

FAITHFUL

Like the star
That shines afar
Without haste
And without rest,
Let each man wheel with steady sway
Round the task that rules the day,
And do his best!

 

**************************************************

 

MORE AND MORE

 

Purer yet and purer
I would be in mind,
Dearer yet and dearer
Every duty find;
Hoping still and trusting
God without a fear,
Patiently believing
He will make it clear.

Higher yet and higher
Out of clouds and night,
Nearer yet and nearer
Rising to the light--
Light serene and holy--
Where my soul may rest,
Purified and lowly,
Sanctified and blest.

 

***********************************************

 

Art thou little? Do they little well;
And for thy comfort know
Great men can do their greatest work
No better than just so.

 

***********************************************

 

~~Goethe

Off to enjoy more of the delightful same, today, and Lord willing, tomorrow...and the day after that, and the day after that.......

Comments

[rebecca]

Thank you.

[Prairie Chick]

I love it here. It's just feels like "home". Thanks for opening the door (of heart and home) to us. You bless and refresh.

[Jen]

Indeed a beautiful autumn it is :)

Jen :)

[Islandsparrow]

How very sweet and encouraging you are - thank you - from the bottom of my heart. God richly bless and keep you and yours. Love in Him.

[Rain]

Such beauty. Thank you Jewels.
I too dream of cob. Cob walls around a large garden, a simple cob cottage for my mother in law, or weary travelers. God has been resurrecting some of my long held dreams about working and playing on a beautiful piece of land. Tending a flower farm with my husband and children. Thank you for sharing.

[littlejennywren]

Now if you get your cob oven before I get mine, and I'm sure I have been waiting just as long, I will be very jealous.
I can't get over how much the pictures of your countryside look like pictures of my countryside, although if it were autumn here the hills would still look very dry after the long summer and we don't have painted red barns here, we have weathered timber or corrugated iron.

[TeamBettendorf]

Hoorah for cob ovens!! Love your photos and we have 50 new broilers here. :)

[Roslyn]

Hi Jewels,

I couldn't resist being one of the first to comment on this beautiful post--we have just said goodbye to most of our lovely autumn leaves up here in Alberta, Canada, and reading your words made me grateful for all the savoring I did over the last few weeks! So very, very glad to "have you back" again lately and to read and feel your encouraging words, especially about mothering, which is the focus and fulfillment of my every waking moment right now. Thank you for the peaceful spirit you bring to each of us!

Love,
Roslyn

[mima]

yeah!!! What a fun surprize! I just got home,so tired and checked -and a new post!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your life with me and so many others!!!!

[Kathleen]

Beautiful! You are truly blessed. My hearts desire was to grow up with the same lifestyle in a family like yours. Alas, that was not to be, but I enjoy living vicariously through your lovely pictures and writing, they brighten my day and fill me with peace and love. Thank you so much, Jewels!
Love and blessings,
Kathleen

[Leah Boden]

Jewels - when I discovered your blog I felt like someone had given me a delicious gift! What a blessed insight into the life of you and your blessings; thank you for your poetic delights and Godly wisdom. It's a treat to read your precious words at the end of a wonderful day with my blessings here in the UK.
Leah

[Kate]

What a lovely bonus to my day - a new post so soon after the last one! Your blog has become a way of being peaceful and counting my blessings. Thank you Jewels.

[Amanda Sheats]

Jewels- what a fresh breath of air to discover your blog. It brings such a peace and rest in my heart when I am encouraged in the simple things of life. It is a treat to read your posts and admire your pictures.
I was reading that you have a family movie night, do you happen to have a list of some of the good movies you watch? I am always looking for resources..
Thanks and blessings to you
Amanda

[Deanna]

The Lord is so good to us isn't He? I just love that no two days are exactly alike, and yet they are the same in the sense that we walk with Him, teach our children, love our homes, love our husbands....

Thank you for your post.

[Nadja]

Another beautiful post. Your blog is an inspiration to me and is helping me to focus not so much on goals (trying to be the good housekeeper, cook, teacher, wife, mother, and so forth), but on the treasures in each moment that are lost forever when we fail to look at them.

Thank you.

Your photos are beautiful.

[Chas]

A cob oven is on my wish list also. I began the process and just built the base... I liked it so much that I left it as a fire pit. :) I do hope to eventually build a complete oven, or have one of my able bodied men-folk to do it for me. :)
Yes, please do share that recipe with us, oh the colors in that salad are glorious. It looks delicious.
My next plan is to get our chickens again. We will be having to build a coop first, we have a lot of trouble with hawks and stray dogs. :S We have the prospect of receiving a great many chickens for free if we can get the housing ready. Hooray! :D
As always, I enjoyed your post...
Love to you,
Chas

[Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me]

Okay my friend, that's it. I don't care of the menfolk will starve without me, I'm moving in with you.

Just tell the kid's that Elisabeth, David, Faith, and Matthew's Grammie is flying the coop and moving in. Hehehe... sigh, or perhaps not.

I thought of you recently when I was at the store and saw they had winter leggings (the thick tights) for sale. :)

[Kate]

Thank you for sharing and welcoming us into your home and your family. It feels so comfortable here. Your family are beautiful.

Oh and I too am waiting for a coboven, not as long as you though so I'll continue to be patient.

cheers Kate

[Ruth, PA]

Dear Jewels,

Are you sure you do not live in PA? Your view looks like mine! :) We are at the base of a mountain and it is turning all those wonderful golds, oranges, reds, and browns! Today was warm and we even opened our windows. I was able to enjoy our porch swing for a bit this afternoon. Ive been busy putting up pumpkins this week.

I was curious as to what fabric you use for winter garments. I desire a fabric that is warm yet has drape. Could you give me suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

Your friend,
Ruth,PA

[Kimberly]

A birthday was briefly mentioned~hope it is a happy day whenver it arrives~and the start of a most wonderful new year for you.
Thanks for sharing.
May I come swing on your tire swing under that lovely tree? :) What a perfect picture of Autumn to me.

[christina gomez]

so beautiful, so dear, so precious are the times spent with thoes we love. Nothing in this entire world can even compare to the treasures God has given us. How inspiring your writing, your pictures, your heart is to me. How it must feel to be so carefree, Im just trying to figure this out.

[valerie]

Home Sweet Home....that is how I feel when I read your posts. I love reading anything about the Amish. I would love to hear more. You must live close to them somewhere. I just love your blog.

[Cassandra]

I enjoy the peeks into your home and heart. You are a blessing, a loving motherly hug through the internet. Thank you for the gift you give us.

[Mimi]

Dear Jewels,

I recently brought my beloved Mother home on hospice. She lived with us for a short 3 1/2 weeks. When I was overhwhelmed, I would go to your blog and listen to your words, which drew me even closer to my Lord. My beloved daughter in law sent me your blog. It has ministered to me more than I can tell you. Thank-you for being so real and sharing your beautiful world and giving God all the glory due Him.

Mimi

[Elizabeth]

What a feast for the eyes, mind and soul you provide...thanks so much!! I enjoy coming here and check often, as what you share so speaks to my heart. We need all the encouragement we can offer to each other during the days we are currently living in!! I adore that lovely patch of countryside you live in...wow...wherever that is, is indeed a bit of heaven on earth I think!! Who would not feel happy living in such beauty? I am content here too, living in amongst mostly pine trees, but that mix of country and trees is extra nice!!