This year at the Farmhouse, we are especially thankful for tidings of comfort and joy.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to push on through with Christmas decor, but I wanted to do it for my family. I think that was the thing that helped me the most…knowing that it meant so much to our children.

The little wooden sled that I have on my porch was used by my dad when he was a boy. This year, it is extra special. That’s the way those things work, isn’t it?

I have told people that the passing of my dad has changed me in an odd, yet good, way. I have now fully realized what is important in this life. It is really very basic: Loving God with your whole heart.

This year I left tons of Christmas decor in the storage room. I pulled out the things that meant the most to our little family. There is a wonderful simplicity in that. I may hang on to that for years to come. It’s really my style anyway.

Sometimes at Christmas I feel the pressure to decorate everything in sight. That really just isn’t me. I start wanting to throw things out on the lawn when it gets too fussy in here. I clearly have a problem. 😉

We cut down a cedar from our field last week. Some years we buy one, but this year it just seemed like the thing to do. Staying close to home helps your weary heart, I do believe. When my dad was a boy, they would go cut one down on their own property. Yes, this year, it was just the thing to do.

I promise to not always be sad, dear Dirt Roaders. I am trying to ease back into blogging with a bruised and battered heart. Your prayers actually mean more to me than your views or comments. (Even though I dearly love those.) Bear with me, I know that with God…healing comes in time.
Now…what am I gonna cook for supper?
