Drizzles

10 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

It’s pouring here…of and on. Then we get drizzles and slow and steady rain for a while. It’s a good day for quiet contemplation. It’s a good day for coffee. It’s a good day for quiet time spent with Him. Of course, every day…is a good day for that.

From what I have heard…drizzles may be the extent of our weekend. I’m okay with that. Drizzles are good for family time spent in closer contact. Drizzles postpone chores outside…that could have overridden quality time spent inside. We try to have a good balance here at the Farmhouse. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes not. That is where grace comes in.

It has been pretty humid the last few days. I am hoping that the drizzles usher in a bit of cooler weather. I noticed that the leaves were changing yesterday. They were just showing a little bit of what glory is to come. So beautiful…even though I am a child of the summer. If it were summer all year, I wouldn’t appreciate it as much when it rolls around. Seasons are a blessing from God.

Yes, if you haven’t picked up on it by now, I am rambling. I am giving you a weather report and rambling. lol! Sometimes…you just have to relax and go with the flow. I am learning this…ever…so…slowly.

I hope that if it’s drizzling at your house…you are drizzling something yummy…into your cup of coffee. Have a wonderful weekend, Dirt Roaders and enjoy counting those blessings.

Jesus loves us!

Whip Up A Pumpkin

07 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by Kelli in Uncategorized

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Yesterday…I got a wild hair. A friend on IG had posted a pumpkin that she made. I had made a wreath like this in the past…so why not a pumpkin?

It’s so easy! Just run a piece of garden twine through your rings, tie it tight and…ba bam! Tuck a piece of moss in the middle and tie a piece of ribbon around it! You have officially whipped up a pumpkin. Congratulations Dirt Roaders!!!

I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Kelli

Tootsies and Tweetsies

03 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest, sCoRiN' some JuNkItY JuNk, Simply...living

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Lately it has been my pleasure to feature local places on the blog. I love to support the folks in our community. My dad was the town locksmith for years…so our family realizes the triumph and trial of owning a business. Today I wanted to spotlight another “honey hole” that I love to visit. Tootsies and Tweetsies. They have a lovely store and tea room…which I have not tried yet…but need to.

My husband and I agree that the variety that they have is great. They have a mix of new and vintage. They have things for men and women. (Yes…I drug my husband along. He is a good sport when it comes to junking. I think he enjoys the hunt and my childlike excitement. Love him!)

I plan to buy local for Christmas this year…good Lord willing. I am also thinking on making some things to tuck in here or there. My Mr. bought a new sewing machine for me and I am excited to fire it up!

I am going to let the picture tell the rest of Tootsies and Tweetsies story. A wonderful little place. You don’t want to miss it!

Love from the dirt road,

Kelli

p.s. That feed sack pillow with the chickens? Yeah…it attached itself to my hand. It lives here now. 😉

Here A Pumpkin…

01 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest

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Hello! Happy Wednesday! I have some craziness going on here at home today…so a little phone blogging for you…it is.

Yesterday, I purchased our first real pumpkin of the season. They are the sweetest part for me. I dug way down and found the wartiest one. I knew that the kids would approve. I’m sure that I was quite a sight, bottoms up, digging in that box at ALDI. Hey…for a tad over two bucks…who could blame me? (You can’t take me anywhere.) My MIL was doing her fair share of digging too. She came up for air with an adorably fat pumkin. It was fun. It doesn’t take much for us. Simple pleasures.

When we got home, our little son and I took it to the front porch. We sat it a couple of different places and then he suggested the pew. I think that our warty pumpkin looks right at home there. Kinda like us on the church pew. We are loved and adored by the Master…warts and all. He doesn’t mind our imperfect state…because He can see past the warts…to all the good stuff inside of us. Sometimes, when I catch a glimpse of the love of the Master…I could fall on my knees and weep. That beauty for ashes stuff…is near and dear to my heart.

I hope that you buy a pumpkin and enjoy it, Dirt Roaders!

Love from the Farmhouse,

Kelli

The Scents of Autumn

30 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, fluffin' the nest

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I don’t think that I have ever shared this in the history of Along the Dirt Road. Are you ready? Brace yourself. I have a super-duper sniffer. It’s actually a family trait and it can drive me crazy at times, if something is offensive. Couple that with a pretty healthy gag reflex and you can be in a pickle before you know it. Why am I sharing this? I am sharing this with you…because it definitely has an upside! There are gazillions of wonderful things to smell in the world and the scents of autumn are some of them.

The olfactory glands house the sense of smell. They help pick up the scent of pumpkin bread baking in the oven, the scent of roasting pumpkin seeds and the fall scented wax in your warmer. Your sense of smell triggers memories in your brain at an amazing rate of speed. The smell of burning leaves may take you back to childhood. The smell of apple pie may take you straight to your grandma’s kitchen. It’s really amazing, the way that our body and mind work…hand in hand.

Isn’t it fun to walk through the door of your home and smell good things? I love all seasonal smells, but autumn is just so stinkin’ cozy. I actually just ordered some Cedarwood essential oil and it smells amazing in the difuser. Maybe not everyone is effected by smell…but it’s a huge part of our life around here. Surely not because Mom is always harping about smells. lol!

When I started writing this post, I thought back to chores this morning. I love the smell of cattle. Their sweet breath and the smell of their hide. Should I say it? Yes, I will. Even their poop isn’t all that bad compared to some of the other farm animals. Ha! I can see some of your faces! I adore the smell of a good leather handbag and a pair of boots too. (Don’t tell our steer!) I love the smell of feed and the smell of hay. It all takes me back. Back to the farm of my childhood. It takes me back to quality time spent tagging along behind one of the most gentle men on the face of the earth. I can even remember the smell of the inside of his pickup. I am extremely thankful for my sense of smell.

If you bake a pie today, or if you make pumpkin bread…take a minute to breathe deep. When you hug your husband, children, or loved ones…lean in a second and cherish the scent of them. I do that a lot. My sweet family is used to a sniffing wife and mom. I still remember the scent of my dad. I will treasure that always.

Dreaming of cinnamon, cloves, apples, pumpkins, and all scents autumn,

Cultivating the Land

25 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in heart and soul

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Almost a couple of Sundays ago, our pastor preached an amazing message. During his message he shared with us the story of a family member that has passed away, and the impact that he had made in his community. When we all bowed our heads for a moment, while he gave the altar call…an image skittered across my mind’s eye. It was as though I was looking down at a tiller…cultivating the dirt right in front of me. In a flash…it was there and then gone. It told my husband about it later…and the way that I felt that it tied in with our pastor’s sermon. Then…in that next week of revival…one night our speaker came across a story about his dad…tilling. His dad had to sit down and rest occasionally…but he just kept on tilling. I love it when God does that.

This morning while I was cleaning up my desk…I found this quote:

“Keep your eyes on Jesus and when you do, He will cultivate an atmosphere in your life that is filled with much delight and great joy.”

Sadly…I’m not sure where I got that…but I love it.

cul·ti·vate

ˈkəltəˌvāt/

verb

1.

prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening.

synonyms: till, plow, dig, hoe, farm, work, fertilize, mulch, weed

“the peasants cultivated the land”

The thing that dropped into my heart that Sunday was the fact that, if we as believers tend to the ground before us and directly around us…we will be fulfilling our purpose. God will set opportunities in our row…and we will do His work. I am not saying that we don’t step out in faith at times…or that we always stay in the same garden. I am just saying that wherever God has us at the moment…is ripe for cultivation. Our pastor’s cousin was a huge blessing in his “garden.” You know what? I would bet my eye teeth (pardon my Southern Missouri speak) that his cousin even got tired. Maybe at times, when he got to the end of a row…he had to sit down and take a break. Maybe he had to wipe the sweat from his brow, get a drink, and then get back up to start a new row. Whatever the case, his life was spent in cultivation.

Isn’t it amazing when we surrender to God and let Him cultivate or till the walls of our hearts? There have been times in the last few months, that the only way that my bruised and battered heart could survive, was keeping my eyes locked with the Master. When we do that, the stress of this life fades into the background. We start to notice the beauty in life, instead of the pain. Jesus cultivates an atmosphere in our lives filled with much delight and great joy. Although…I wish that the events of ten months ago had never happened, I would never wish my dad back from the streets of Glory. Also, I would never want to throw away what I have learned. You see, I have been a student, and my Teacher…has been ever so patient with me. He is teaching me about joy, good choices, compassion, and real life. He is tilling, ever so gently, and I stand in awe of Him.

Hoping for beautiful and healthy turnips!

Autumn Color

23 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, fluffin' the nest

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Before we get started: Happy first day of autumn! Some of you have been waiting all year for the cozy part of the year. Congratulations! It is here! Crank up the soup pots!

Autumn is very cozy. I love the little touches of home that it seems to add to life. I love to have a pot of chili simmering, just waiting on our family to pile in. Serving it with hunks of cheddar and crackers…seems to only enhance the cozy feeling. Today, I decided to share some autumn color with you. Usually, things are pretty light and airy at the farmhouse. I love that so much, it also provides a nice backdrop to add some deep and warm color for the season of…warm blankets and good books.

My husband made this jack-o-lantern when he was a little guy. I love it so much. It is probably my most favorite autumn treasure.

I love old crocks. This year, I decided to pile a few faux pumpkins and a gourd in ours. They make me happy when I walk buy. That is the kind of home decor that I love. Things that really matter…and make us feel good.

Today, I have chores waiting, a house that doesn’t clean itself, and supper to think about. You know what though? I plan on enjoying all of the above. This morning when I waved to my family and stepped back inside, I could smell warm toast in the air. Thankfulness welled up within my heart. I want to be the type of wife and momma and homemaker that actually lives here. I don’t want it to be a job…I want it to be a life.

(How fun is it that Christy Nockles, Christian singer and songwriter is featured in October’s issue of BHG!? Her home is lovely!)

It doesn’t take much to add autumn color to our homes. You may not have a huge array of autumn decor. No problem. I plan on looking for a real pumpkin for our table and maybe one for our porch. Eventually those will get nabbed…and the innards dug out. The seeds will be salted and roasted. Then, a happy little gap-toothed smile will emerge on the pumpkin’s big, round, face. Another good place to pick up a little autumn decor is Dollar Tree. A little pumpkin or gourd sitting by your coffee pot…just might make you smile, first thing in the morning.

I hope that you have a wonderful first day of autumn!

Love from the Farmhouse,

One More Day

22 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff

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Shhh…the little ones are still sleeping.

It’s a day off for them. One more day off for me. A week away from social media was a good thing. Silence with God is very grounding.

We are going to take it easy and rest up today. The flu bug found some of us, last week…so I am thankful for another day to regroup.

I hope that you all are enjoying your first day of fall! Tomorrow we will see what kind of autumn goodness that we can get into…good Lord willin’…and you know the rest.

Love from the Farmhouse,

Kelli

A Pumpkin for Everyone

12 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in everyday stuff, Farmhouse Style

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Pumpkins are my favorite. Are they yours? They are so fun to decorate with. You just plop them out somewhere and you are done. They are just so cheery in their plumpness. They don’t even care that they are round. I like ~~people~~ pumpkins like that. Today I am going to share with you guys, the newest little pumpkin addition to our collection. My Mr. spotted it the other day while we were junking a little. I’m so glad that he did. It is a fitting addition to our farmhouse this year. If there ever was a manly pumpkin…I would say that this is the one. 😉 Just goes to prove that there is a pumpkin for everyone.

Isn’t it sweet? It’s made from a post and a small branch. I love it. I put it in one spot and then I moved it. (Big surprise.) I decided that it needed a spot in the family room, where we all could enjoy it. After all of our fence building this year…I think that it’s fitting that we purchased a little pumpkin made from a small post. You all know by now, that I love to incorporate decor that means something to us. I love for our home to tell our story.

I have pared my fall decor down so much this year. It is amazing. It’s also very breathable. At this point in our lives…this is what works for me. I just dug out my favorites this year and I may grab a real one or two. I am enjoying the fall scents in the wax warmer too. They are so cozy.

I am going to take a little break, next week, from social media. I will be back though, Good Lord willing, and we shall talk of all things fall. 😉 I’m also wanting to get back in the swing of sharing a recipe now and again. Who knows? I may even have a new pumpkin or two…by then. If so…I will let you know. After all…there is surely a pumpkin for everyone. 😉

Love from the dirt road,

Finding Your True Style

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by Kelli in Farmhouse Style, fluffin' the nest, heart and soul

≈ 2 Comments

I don’t have a quiz for you to take. I don’t have a pill for you to swallow and then it finally dawns “uponst” you. What I do have…is a tad of experience in homemaking. I have been doing that very thing for years. I can give you a pointer or two and then the one big question to ask yourself, that will determine your style. When we were first married…our little mobile home was decorated from stem to stern. I had a major conflict of interests going on though. In the kitchen, I had a sunflower and watermelon theme. A mere few inches away…in the living room…I had cherubs. (They went beautifully with our quail and wagon wheel couch. Hey…you work with what you get free, when you are newlyweds, and I was just fine with it. I still love freebies. 😉 ) Down the hall was the laundry area and bathroom and I think that I went with frogs (so cute) for a while and then a few other phases. Our master bedroom was burgundy and hunter green. It may not sound like much to you…but I bawled my eyes out when we sold it…and I mopped the floors for the last time. After all, our first child was brought home there. I was beginning to see what was really important. My Granny made a home for her family in a little bitty farmhouse for years. It was my favorite place on earth. It wasn’t fancy…but she always kept it clean and was always cooking something good for her family. They were very happy there. They were focused on doing and living what God had for them…and not trying to keep up with everyone else. There is a huge life lesson in that. There is freedom there. I have went through several decorating phases through the years.(My husband is so patient…and gives me free reign in this area. I do run my crazy ideas by him and get his approval though. I also get his opinion and the kids…because this is OUR home, not just mine. My favorite thing…is a place that we all enjoy.) For a while, I jumped on a more modern bandwagon. It was fun and that trend brought us fluffy carpets once again…but then…it happened. I found myself…in home decor. It had been there all along…because I have been drawn to antiques from day one. No matter what phase I was in…there were always old things incorporated. Farmhouse Style. How do I know that it’s the style for me? I never get tired of it. I have injected it into every trend and style…in some form, down through the years. When I finally realized that I needed to go “whole hog” with what I loved…not what everyone else loves…I found true comfort at home. I also realized that what looked beautifully intricate for others…only looked like a mess when I tried to decorate that way. I needed simple, clean, lines. I needed smooth surfaces. I needed for my home decor to make sense to me. Farming is in my blood. It skipped my dad…and went straight into my DNA. It holds my interest. Why wouldn’t I want to use that to make a home for us? Another fun thing? It’s not overly feminine. That makes it fun for the whole family. What really speaks to you? What are your eyes drawn to? What makes you sigh and dream? I’m not promoting overspending or surrounding ourselves with things. If anything, I might be encouraging you to simplify, to make room for the really important things in life…people. Here is the big question that I promised you. Are you ready? What makes you and your family comfortable? Get in tune with all of your senses. Observe your family and what they take delight in. Maybe for you, it’s wildlife. Maybe it’s organization. Maybe it is sunflower decor and watermelons. Sunflowers are actually trending again…so if you love them, now is a good time for you. If we live to be a hundred, that is still too short to surround ourselves with anything less than what we love. Am I making sense? Don’t just dream about being happy and comfortable in your space. Do something about it. Put some thought into it. I believe in you and I know that you can do it. My Dirt Roaders are smart and creative. I hope that this helps. I hope that we are not slaves to our homes…but that we use our homes as tools to help us in this life. A place of refuge in a harsh world. A place to reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ. If you are not comfortable with your home…it doesn’t always have to be that way. No matter the size or the age…your home can be a place that says “Welcome home family…” at the end of the day.