Cozy December Days

 It is hard to believe it has been over a month since my last post, but each week just seems to fly by.I find myself so busily occupied each day with sewing, cooking, cleaning and cuddling my sweet baby that I have little time for anything else. But I thought I would share with you a little of what I have been up to.

This past weekend we decorated our home for Christmas. It was a cozy way to spend the weekend, sipping hot tea, listening to Christmas music, decorating the tree.

I have been quite busy sewing; Mom and I are always swamped with orders this time of year. It is a great feeling to mail out the last of our packages for the season, we are hoping that Monday we will have all of our order completed for shipping. 

Adam and I recently rearranged the furniture in our dining room. I wanted to have enough space for Jemimah's swing. She loves to watch me sew while listing to Christmas music! It is adorable. : ) Her favorite Christmas cd is The Three Tenors, I am not sure why, but she always calms down as soon as I turn it on.

 I have also been enjoying my time cooking in my kitchen. Yesterday I made a big batch of  chicken soup, one of my favorites. From my kitchen window I love to watch the snow fall, the sun set and the birds at the feeder. Some days I have a fantastic variety- woodpeckers, cardinals, juncos, tufted titmice,  chickadees and finches.

In the evenings I might knit. Recently I finished knitting this bonnet for Jemimah. The fit wasn't all that I had hoped for, but thankfully I have enough yarn to knit another with my revised pattern. The yarn I found is so soft, and the color suits Jemimah so nicely. Once I have finished my second bonnet I hope to share more about it.

While I knit Adam will often play the piano. He seems to know all of the Christmas carols, and he plays them beautifully! Jemimah just loves to hear her daddy play; it is precious to see her delight once he begins.

Yesterday I finished reading "The Christmas Cat" by Melody Carlson. I had read a review of this book on Stephanie's blog The Enchanting Rose. I love cats and Christmas books, so I just couldn't resist!I found it to be an enjoyable read.

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful Christmas season thus far!

Have you read any special Christmas books this season? or do you have a favorite Christmas cd to recommend? How about a special knitting project in the works?

May you have a blessed, and cozy evening!

The Sunflower Blogger Award

 Recently my dear friend Jazzmin from Blessings n' Sweet Tea nominated my blog for the Sunflower award. Be sure to stop by her blog, as I find that I am always encouraged by her posts!

Here are the questions Jazzmin created for those she  nominated for the Sunflower award:

1.  What is your passion in life or your most favorite hobby that you are passionate about?

I have several hobbies, but sewing is my favorite and I spend a lot of my time each week sewing for our family business. 

 2.  What is your favorite bible verse that most strengthens you?

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse has always been my favorite! It has comforted and encouraged me when I was unsure of what the future may hold.

3.  Where in the world would you like to travel to for your next vacation?

When I was about ten my parents took my sisters and I to Williamsburg, VA. I would love to visit Williamsburg again.

4.  What about blogging do you most enjoy?

It has been such a blessing to connect with like minded ladies around the country! So many have become special friends and truly a source of encouragement.

5.  Your favorite style of music?

I love classical music, hymns and music from old musicals. I can't really decide which is my favorite though. : )

 6.  Do you know what your name means?  

Sarah means "princess" and when I was a little girl I was thrilled to make that discovery!

7.  What type of landscape do you find most beautiful: mountains, prairies, canyons, beaches, etc.?

I love the rolling hills and farmland in our area, also the lakes. We live in the finger lakes region, and it is beautiful.

8.  What is something nostalgic to you about your childhood that you cherish in your memories?

Oh, there are so many things! I loved growing up in the country, raising chickens, bringing home kittens, baking blackberry pies with my mom. I guess it is a lot of little things. : )

9.  Which season is your favorite?

Definitely spring! I love the flowers and new life everywhere.

 10.  If you could be a prodigy at something, what would you want it to be?

Probably playing the piano. I can play a little, but I wish I were more accomplished at playing.

Thank you Jazzmin for including my blog. : ) 

Hope you are all enjoying a lovely week!

Winter Evenings

When I found the picture above on Pintrest I was captivated by the coziness portrayed. The snow and ice on the window frame, the tidy kitchen with supper being lovingly prepared by the lady of the home. You can see a house plant thriving on the other kitchen window sill; warmth, life and love are within the home though snow and cold are surrounding all of the exterior.
                                                                                       **************************************

There is something so beautiful and restful about the winter evenings. I watch the clock as I finish up my sewing projects for the day. In the late afternoon I begin my preparations for Adam's return from his day of work. I put all of my sewing away and begin making our dinner. The kitchen is warm and cozy. I light the blue and white oil lamp on our kitchen table, the warmth and glow are welcoming. On the stove top simmers dinner while I set the table.

 Looking out my window I see snow covering the ground, it stands in subtle contrast with the early evening sky. All seems pastel now as the sun, almost sherbet orange in color slowly slips down the horizon of soft gray and dusty lavender. In the distance the tall conifer trees that border our property look dark and shadowy, just beyond the trees I see the outline of an old barn, softened in the evening light.

As I feel the warmth and enjoy the soft beauty of the winter evening from within my kitchen I thank God for the amazing blessings of being a wife and homemaker, I thank Him for my sweet husband, as I see Adam's car coming down the road, and I thank Him for beautiful winter evenings.


"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Happy New Year!

The past few days I have been reflecting on the past year and wondering what 2014 may hold. This past year has been the most eventful year of my life! From getting married, to leaving the home I had lived in my entire life, to start a new home with my dear Adam. It has been exciting! As I look back over the past year I see God's hand of provision, protection and blessing with more clarity than ever before.

We did not stay up until midnight this year, but I thought back on all the New Year's Eves of my childhood when we did stay up until midnight. My mom would ring our kitchen bell, one of my sisters or I would open the back door and another would open the front door. This tradition may seem strange to most, but those who have read "Anne's House of Dreams" by L.M.Montgomery will know where we got the idea. : ) In the story they would let the old year out the back door and let the new year in the front door, and then ring the new year in. I loved doing this as a youngster! We would then take time to read a scripture, pray and mom would then anoint the front door with oil. She would dedicate the new year, family and home to the LORD. I will always treasure these special memories.

A new year is like a new notebook filled with empty pages to fill with new memories and ideas. Already I am inspired with ideas for new sewing projects for my home and Etsy shop. There are so many things I would like to learn and do in the year ahead. Isn't that an exciting aspect of life? Always something new to learn, new books to read, new recipes to try! : ) Some of my goals for 2014 are to make yogurt (I love yogurt! and have yet to make my own), perfect making lavender soap, further my skills in tatting, perhaps get back into spinning, purchasing some chickens, finish the many projects I began in 2013, have a big vegetable garden, blog more and share tutorials. More importantly I pray that in 2014 I will grow closer to Jesus, memorize more of His Word and be the best wife I can be.

I pray that you all will have a very blessed 2014!!