Puppy Love

The girls giving Gracie a bath...

Mr. Cheeky...

Mr. Cheeky in bed with Alfred...

Gracie and Cheeky

Ready for bed after a long day...

Bird Capers

Two of our cats (Zoe and Clover) were chasing something in the yard late last night. Turns out it was a baby Brown Thrasher. We brought it inside and made a little "nest" for it, covering it with a sheet to keep it safe...but the baby bird had other ideas. It made it's escape and was hopping and flying about the house until I finally caught it and set it free outside!

{source}

Apparently our cats like to pull baby birds from their nests at night. A couple weeks ago we rescued two baby mockingbirds and released them the next day.

Life is never boring here!

Swirling Thoughts and Questions

 

There is nothing worse than when finances are already tight and you accidentally overdraw your account to the tune of $270, which throws off next month's proposed budget. Oh, I was furious yesterday! I was mad at myself for making such a mistake, mad about our situation, and just plain ol' mad at the world in general. I had a big chip on my shoulder.

I plotted and planned how I could transform my life from a pauper to a princess. I started thinking about how I have a man who loves me and works so hard to provide for our family and how privileged I am to be able to stay home to create a cozy nest for our family and raise our children myself. Then I began to feel guilty.

Is it wrong to want more? To live an abundant life? To live a life free from financial struggle? These questions I asked of myself. Perhaps my thoughts on abundance have been skewed. What if, instead, I focused on love, learning to be content with what we have, practicing the art of cheerful frugality and simplicity? Would I be any happier?

I realized, yet again, that my attitude could make a difference. Long-term, forced frugality is not an easy life to live, but it is our reality for the time being. I decided that I will :

~ Not complain about lack, but will be thankful for what we have.

~ Love, serve, and give to others freely without expecting anything in return.

~ Do instead of buy.

~ Pray and pay our bills; try to save money, and reduce expenses.

~ Make our home and yard beautiful on a teeny tiny budget.

~ Try new recipes; keep our nest clean and tidy; work in the yard.

~ Create a joyful home atmosphere.

Frugal Links

Surviving (and Thriving) on $12,000 a Year

Live Like Good Ol' Grandma

I Longed for a Simpler Lifestyle

Frugal and Loving It

Finding Small Luxuries

Extreme Debt - an amazing story

A Change of Heart part 12

The days after Thanksgiving passed rather quickly. Christmas was soon approaching and there was the hustle and bustle of activities, shopping, family get-togethers, and parties throughout the holiday season. Eliza loved this time of year. Everyone seemed friendlier and more willing to be of help. There was a spirit of love and generosity that permeated the town of Whispering Pines.

Eliza and Tyler decided on a Saturday that it was time to go hunting for a live Christmas tree. Eliza packed a large thermos of hot cocoa and they took off bundled up in layers upon layers of warm clothing. Though Winter was not until nearly Christmas, it appeared as if Old Man Winter had grown impatient. He was old after all!



They drove along happily chatting and singing along to the radio on their way to the Christmas Tree Farm. It was a lovely place, particularly for families. Santa and Mrs. Claus would be there along with a few reinbeer and elves. Little ones could have their photo taken with Santa and could share with him what they wanted for Christmas. There would be hot cocoa, chili, and hot apple cider to enjoy. Christmas music played throughout the farm. It was a lovely atmosphere.



Tyler and Eliza took their time walking through the farm, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Tyler spotted a sign pointing in the direction of sleigh rides. He grabbed Eliza's hand and told her to come along with him. Eliza loved horses and would one day love to own one of her own, but for now she would be thrilled to go on a sleigh ride.



They had a lovely time. The country sights were so soothing and comforting to both of their souls. Tyler was surprised that he felt so. He was usually so busy working and doing other things that he didn't have time to notice the nature and beautty around him. So he was particularly wonder-filled and in awe. He felt a new appreciation for the simpler things in life. He pulled Eliza a little closer and breathed in the scent of her hair. He was a lucky man...



After the sleigh ride, they went to find a tree. Eliza was feeling a little tired and Tyler did not want her to overdo. He wanted to get her home so she could rest comfortably. "How 'bout this one?" Tyler asked pointing to a Charlie Brown looking tree. Eliza shook her head no. "This one?" he asked. "Too tall."



"How 'bout this one?" "It's not quite right." Eliza said scanning the trees with her eyes. "How about that one over there?" she said pointing. "It's not too big, nor too small. I think that one will do just fine." she said pleasantly. Tyler got down on one knee and began sawing down their chosen Christmas tree.



Upon their return home, Eliza went to the bedroom to lay down and rest. Tyler got to work putting the Christmas tree in the stand and putting on the lights. When that was completed, he and Jeremiah headed outdoors to string the lights along the porch and put out the lawn ornaments and decorations. It looked like a regular Winter Wonderland - minus the snow.



Jeremiah, a loner and stranger, had fit right into the town of Whispering Pines. Mizz Eliza and Mr. Tyler had been so good to him. They treated him just like family. How he had missed having a family! But soon it would be time for him to move on to the next town. He didn't want to, but that was the Master's plan and he would do whatever the Lord requested of him. He sure was going to miss them though...



Copyright by Tracy Hathcock

Gratitude

This week I am thankful for:

~ Noticing gas prices have dropped a few cents ($2.57/gal) and Walmart's milk was the cheapest around at $3.06.

~ Fresh vegetables from my garden.

~ Listening to bird-songs.

~ Moon-watching.

~ Reminiscing.

Inspiration: Pottery Barn

Don't these invoke feelings of pleasant summer days? Love the colors and style!

Living Room and Bedroom

I really haven't done much to my home lately as far as home decorating.

But neat and clean go a long way in making a cozy nest wherever you are.

{I'm still waiting for bookshelves...}

We're not fancy people by any means, but I love making my home pretty and comfortable for my family.

Books, lamp, colored pens in a Miss Piggy cup and a candy jar filled with cinnamon candies on the dresser that belonged to my grandfather.

I love this little sign! I bought it off Etsy from Rachel Christy Designs.

Isn't it fabulous?!!

Photos from June

Stormy sky

Kendall at Fairhope Pier

Kenzie on the Rose Walk

Kayla on the Rose Walk

Rose Walking Trail

At the gazebo

Kendall

Clover hiding in the grasses

Scenes from Kenzie's 10th Birthday

My beautiful girl...