Hand Embroidered Dresser Scarves

Earlier this week I was looking through my collection of dresser scarves, to select one for the top of my dresser. I only recently retrieved my dresser from my mom's house, time and weather had prohibited us from collecting it sooner.

I really do love dresser scarves they add such a "homey" touch to a bedroom. I have a few antique dresser scarves, and then three that I hand embroidered in my single days. Each one had been carefully tucked away in my hope chest.

Currently I have the mauve embroidered dresser scarf on my dresser. I was hoping to place the coordinating blue embroidered scarf on Adam's dresser, but since he has his 1929 "Pa Kettle" radio displayed there I thought it best to wait until I had some clear vinyl to protect my handiwork.  For those of you who have watch the "Ma and Pa Kettle" movies, Adam has a radio that looks just like Pa's radio that seemed to always play "Hold That Tiger". Thankfully Adam's radio does not have that problem. : )

I certainly had fun embroidering these three dresser scarves. On a quiet Sunday afternoons it was always a pleasure to work on my current embroidery project, while sipping a cup of tea. And now I am so pleased to have things I have made sprinkled throughout our home.

And to close I'd like to share a scripture that I would often reflect on while working on projects for my hope chest. In fact I taped this scripture to the inner lid of my hope chest the day I purchased it.

'"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."' Jeremiah 29:11

A New Chapter

Spring is finally coming to upstate New York. Outside my kitchen window tulips and daffodils are growing larger and greener despite the snow we had last week (one has even blossomed). The maple trees are crimson with tiny blossoms that are now falling across the driveway. And the delightful call of geese flying overhead fills me with joy.

With so many signs of new life around me, I find myself contemplating more and more another new life. A dear little baby that I am so excited to meet this September. Now that I am almost 19 weeks along, I am thrilled to feel the little baby kicking within me. Each time I visit JoAnn Fabrics I am inevitably drawn to the baby yarns, wondering if I should purchase a skein of pink or blue yarn. : ) I am working with some cream yarn for now.

Adam and I are so excited and blessed to begin this new chapter of life. We pray that the LORD will guide and direct us.

My Jesus, I Love Thee

 

 

My Jesus, I Love Thee

 

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

-William R. Featherson 

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 

1 John 4:10

Banana Bread

"Best Ever Banana Bread Recipe"

from Gold Medal Flour

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (3-4 medium)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts, if desired

Directions:

1
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 2 (8X4 inch) loaf pans.
2
In large bowl, mix sugar and butter. Add eggs, bananas (increase recipe by one banana), buttermilk and vanilla; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
3
Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and nuts (if using) just until moistened. Pour batter into pans.
4
Bake for one hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool about 1 hour before slicing.

Over the weekend I baked a loaf of banana bread, one of Adam's favorites. Over the years I have tried several different recipes, but have to agree that this is the "best".

"Be Still, My Soul"

---

 

 

(photo source) 

 "Be Still, My Soul"

 Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side. 
 Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; 
 leave to your God to order and provide; 
 in every change God faithful will remain. 
 Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend 
 through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. 

 Be still, my soul: your God will undertake 
 to guide the future, as in ages past. 
 Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; 
 all now mysterious shall be bright at last. 
 Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know 
 the Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below. 

 Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on 
 when we shall be forever with the Lord, 
 when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, 
 sorrow for forgot, love's purest joys restored. 
 Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, 
 all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.  

-Katharina A. von Schlegel 

Over the years "Be Still, My Soul" has become my favorite hymns.

The comforting words and beautiful music are such an inspiration!

May you have a blessed day!

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

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!!