Category Archives: Simply…living

Happy Thanksgiving

22 Wednesday Nov 2017

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This is always a tough week for me. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, as far as the gatherings go. I love the meaning of Christmas…but the commercial side…flips my wig a little. Overwhelms me. Anyway…this is also the week that my sweet daddy went to be with Jesus, four years ago. But…even in that…there is a place for…happy Thanksgiving.

Today when I opened my verse of the day…this was it:

This is the verse that we chose to put on Dad’s stone. Coincidence? I think not. I think that God is so personal in our everyday lives that He parents us. All of us. We just have to listen with an open heart. “With all your heart.”

My parents were so young and crazy. We grew up together. That being said…I feel like I got the best of both of them. That makes me feel loved in a way that I cannot explain. Lord…I am so thankful for the intricate things that you do.

Last night we had Thanksgiving with our babies. We paused to give thanks, taking turns. I sat there and relished their words…but also their sweet faces. It’s always a bit vulnerable when your turn rolls around. I gave thanks for underserved grace, my husband, and then our children. Our kids will always be my greatest accomplishment on this earth. I do not take that lightly and I know that it was a gift given between the Almighty, my husband, and myself.

I hope that your Thanksgiving is full to the brim. I hope that you enjoy it “with all your heart.” I hope that you look at your kids, like my daddy was looking at me, in the photo above. Most of all though…I hope that you feel the presence of Jesus in every corner of your life. He is good to gently flood into a life like that.

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet Dirt Roaders,

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Tucking In

12 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in Country Life, Farmhouse Style, Simply...living

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When the days grow shorter, do you find yourself tucking in? Gettting chores done earlier is a must around here. Then evening comes earlier and sometimes bedtime.


The Mr. loves this time of year. The time to tuck in the garden, on the years that we have one. The time to make sure the livestock are prepared for the colder months. Also…time to tuck in the swimming pool until spring.


I love fall and winter evenings with a good cup of tea. Maybe a cozy throw too. Just soaking up family life. 


May you and yours be tucked in, all nice and cozy, on this Thursday evening. I would love to hear some of your cozy season favorites!

Love from the Farmhouse,

A Little Bit of Country For You

15 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Country Life, Farmhouse Style, Simply...living

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I posted a little thingy on Facebook last week that said this: “I would rather hear cows mooing than horns honking.” It’s true, but not everyone feels that way and I totally respect that. Today though…I thought that I would post a little bit of country for you. You know…just in case you love it.


We have been helping one of our kids learn to drive this summer. That means lots of dirt road rides. One day we had Mamaw with us and we decided to take a new path. We wound up by some of our relative’s home place and the cemetery where our kid’s great-great- great-grandparents are. How crazy is that? Folks don’t stray far from home in these Ozark hills. Anyway…it was a gorgeous place…out in the middle of nowhere. My favorite kind of adventure. 


I wish that I had snapped a picture of the beautiful pasture full of round bales. There were so many and it was gorgeous. One of my favorite summer views. I’ll share a picture of  Gingerbread instead. She loves hay too. 


It’s been rainy out here on the dirt road. Although we are enjoying the cooler weather…we are missing the swimming pool. It has been nice and cozy though.


And all of that coziness makes you want to  turn your home decor in the direction of fall.


I have been clearing off a few spaces and rearranging a little. You know…just in case a pumpkin needs a place to sit. 😉 You “nebber” know! (As my little brother used to say.)


So…a little bit of country for you on this Tuesday. I hope that your day is peaceful and that the love of Jesus warms you from the inside out.

Love from the Farmhouse,

You Made It!

21 Friday Jul 2017

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It’s Fri-Yay! You made it!!! Did your week fly or did it plod? That seems to make a lot of difference doesn’t it?


Whatever the speed of your week…I hope that it was a productive one. It has been so hot here in the Ozarks that you have to be a little more selective about the time of day that you do certain chores. Of course…it is summer…so heat comes with it. 


I hope that your weekend is relaxing. I hope that you get to spend it with those that you love, God, family and friends. Maybe you will even sneak in a junkin’ trip or two. That sounds fun!!! (I have been looking at Mason Cash mixing bowls online. Oh goodness. All the heart eyes!) 


(Pinterest masoncash.co.uk)

Got a little side tracked there. Lol! But seriously….GOR JESSSSSS! 

Okay…so you all have a blessed weekend!

Love from the Farmhouse,

Weekend Vibes

26 Friday May 2017

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Holiday weekends are fun aren’t they? While we remember those that have given their lives to protect us…and our loved ones that have went on to Heaven…we usually gather with family. That is such a gift. I learn that more and more…the older I get. So weekend vibes feel alive and well today.


We have new babies on the farm, so with feeding them four times a day, our weekend vibe will be busy. We have a momma goat that totally would not feed her twins. Then another that only took one. Sooooo…we are striving to give these babies the best chance possible. 


Whatever you guys do this weekend…may Jesus bless you and warm your heart. May you quietly look around and absorb the love of your family. That is one of my favorite things to do. I used to see my dad doing that. He would just be enjoying his family and sitting there with a little smile. My granddad was the same way. I have been blessed with good teachers. 


Happy Memorial Day from the Farmhouse.

Two Things

19 Wednesday Oct 2016

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I know. Shocking. Two posts in two days. I aim to please. Lol! Soooo…two things.  Well…maybe three.

1. If you have a man that brings you a     white pumpkin home from the grocery store…keep him.

2. McDonald’s has really upped their game. Their fries taste better out of those little baskets. 🙈


3. You just can’t improve on the handiwork of God. His eye for beauty never ceases to amaze me.


Those are my two (three) things for you today. Feel free to let the comments roll! 

Love from the Farmhouse, 

Kelli

Cozy Is On It’s Way

03 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Hey Guys! Come on in for a bit. I thought that we would just chat a little today about Cozy Is On It’s Way.  Here in Southern Missouri we are feeling thankful for that fact.  Yes…it’s the first of August…but hopefully by the end of next month…the humidity will have let up a bit. By the way…I already have this wreath hanging on the front door of The Farmhouse. I loved it the minute I laid eyes on it. Cozy to the core.

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Do you guys have a Rae Dunn collection going?  I am a sucker for pottery of any shape or form…so I love hunting for these mugs. This summer I stashed them in an old locker basket. So fun.  I am actually having a cup of hot tea now.  It’s a blend of organic rose, lavender, and chamomile. It’s very good.  I know…you probably think I’m crazy…but it’s cold in here with the a/c.  I’m telling ya…around this time of year, thoughts of fall are very exciting.  I need to round up the few little things that I put out for the kids when it’s Back to School time. I have also been using Mulled Cider wax in the warmer. Our whole family loves it.

If you follow along on Instagram…you have probably noticed a nod toward the cozy part of the year.  The new black and white plaid curtains in our red room (It used to be red. lol!) are wonderfully cozy.  We also have a new braided rug in our entry. I really do love summer and all of it’s fun…but as a homemaker…the cozy time of year just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Kind of like this hot cup of tea.

Love from The Farmhouse,

Kelli

Biscuits and Gravy

05 Tuesday Jul 2016

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Hey guys!  How are you doing on this… day after a holiday?  I am chuggin’ right along. We are on vacation at home, this week, so I was up and at ’em while everyone else slept in for a bit.  Rest is always a good thing.  We promote that out here on the farm. With today’s lifestyle we make a marked effort to follow after peace…but here I am off topic.  You are probably thinking “Kel, what on earth does that have to do with biscuits and gravy?”  Well…I will try to tie it all together for you.

Yesterday, at some point, the Mister requested biscuits and gravy this week.  Today is his day. We also have “home grown” sausage in the freezer so we will pair it with that.  You see biscuits and gravy is not a meal that I constantly cook.  Truthfully…I haven’t made homemade biscuits in so long…that I had to try and remember where my ol’ faithful recipe was.  (Seriously…have y’all tasted those big fluffy FROZEN biscuits?) This week though…we are taking it slow and easy and a simple pleasure he requested…and a simple pleasure he shall receive. Sometimes when life gets busy, or hard, or complicated…I opt for the easiest way to get something done.  The thing about that is…I miss out on the cathartic benefits of mixing up my homemade biscuits on our kitchen counter. (If you love to cook…you understand…if not…just skim through this part.) 😉 I miss out on giving of myself to those that I love the most. I also miss out on the peace that comes from a process.

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Life gives lots of opportunities like that doesn’t it?  We can go the extra mile for someone or we can just pop something frozen in the oven. Don’t get me wrong.  Sometimes we just have to go that route, and sometimes that is our best…and it’s blessed.  There are other times though…when we have plenty of time to get flour on our hands and knead the dough.  I want to be wise to the ebb and flow of that.  Not just with my own family but with others that I am called to serve as well.  A healthy balance is a key ingredient to a peaceful life, I do believe.


You all have read this blog long enough to know that I am not just talking about cooking. Some of my readers may not even like to cook. Some days eating take-out is a total way to win me over. My point is that we (I) should be intentional with service toward others…no matter what we do. Time is one of our most precious commodities in this life. Sharing it will always be blessed. You wanna hear something crazy?  I don’t think that this was even my original thought today…but it just kept flowing.  Maybe all of this is for my own heart…or maybe some of you needed the encouragement to keep on keeping on. After all..this life really isn’t about us.  It’s about others…and biscuits and gravy.

Love from the Farmhouse,

Sigturquoise

p.s. Just letting you know that the egg canvas and all of our canvases are on sale this summer.  Just use the coupon code FARMHOUSE10 at checkout.  The link below will take you there.

https://www.etsy.com/search/shops?search_query=dirtroadoncanvas

Summer is Here!

20 Monday Jun 2016

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Are you a summer lover like me? Well if you are…you are in luck!  Summer is here.


I love summer nights, and our summer schedule. I do casual well, and summer seems to embrace that. All of the seasons have beauty…but summer is very sanguine. Probably why it appeals to me so much.


Fields with the hay freshly baled are a big part of summer here. They are everywhere you turn. Sometimes even smack dab in the middle of town. 


Our friends bale their own hay…so we have several round bales waiting on us for our cows this winter. Our bovine family members will heartily approve. Cow snacks for the win. 


I’m gonna leave you with a shot of my new shirt. It’s pretty much my prayer every day. No matter the season.

Happy Summer!

Kelli

Whoa Nellie!

31 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by in Farmhouse Style, heart and soul, Simply...living, Yum for the Tum

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Hey Dirt Roaders!  How is everyone out there on the interwebs? I wanted to say a big “hello” to those that are stopping by from the article in the local paper.  We are so glad to have you here on the dirt road with us. Sue, that interviewed me, came and stayed a while and we just had a wonderful visit.  I love it when business turns into friendship.  Anyway…I would have posted a welcome sooner…but this week is trying to make me all kinds of cray cray…so I’m all about the “Whoa Nellie” this week.

My week started out wonderful.  Easter Sunday.  We went to Sunday morning service and then we had lunch/supper here with a whole bunch of our family.  It was the sweetest.  My favorite part of the whole day was when we all joined hands, in a big circle, and gave thanks for the meal.  I love those peaceful moments.  Those are not “Whoa Nellie” moments.

Monday was a good day for us.  We were all off of work and school. Tuesday was nerve wracking.  I had a doctor’s appointment…but everything turned out good and that was a relief.  (My road to recovery has been a slow one. I am thankful to be progressing though.) So that was a very BIG “Whoa Nellie” day.  I don’t know how you guys are…but I can have my teeth pulled…and no biggie.  Take me to the doctor’s office and I am a mess.  I start cracking jokes, because I am so nervous, and it just goes from there.  It’s like I have my own stand up routine.  What on the earth is wrong with me? Anyway, by the grace of God, we made it through that.  We even had a little time to go junking and to buy a yummy smelling candle.  Balance, I tell you. Balance.

So that brings us to yesterday. I’m just out here on the farm, minding my own biz…and a family member has a small (okay large) crisis…and I needed to be there.  It all happened very fast and was definitely a “Whoa Nellie” kind of day…all the way into the night. Things are good now though…and I now know why I came across the verse in Habakkuk, chapter 3, verse 19, yesterday morning.  It talks about the Lord being our strength and making us sure footed.  He really does that on those “Who Nellie” days.  Aren’t we glad?  Of course we are!  My Dirt Roaders are smart and kind and tough.

As usual…I will not leave you with gloom and despair.  I will leave you with the heart shaped sweet potato that I ate on Monday evening.  It was so pretty and delicious…that it deserved a spot on the blog.  If you are in the middle of a “Whoa Nellie” experience friends…just hold on. God is right in the middle of that need. He with be your strength and make sure that your feet don’t slip. He also made sweet potatoes…and I think that was really nice of Him.

Love from the Farmhouse,

Sigturquoise

p.s. We are chomping at the bit to open the Etsy shop.  Hopefully it will be any day now!  Woo Hoo!