Using a Wagon to bring home groceries, 1942, LOC. In the 1940's, residents were encouraged to save resources and find creative ways to avoid the waste of gasoline and other necessary supplies. Money was scarce. Families worked hard to put food on the table and to maintain a place to live.  One of the campaigns that was broadcast was called, "I'll carry mine."   Photos were taken of a variety of children and adults doing their part as they walked home from the grocer holding bags or hauling parcels in little wagons.  They were choosing to walk rather than drive so ..read more

Sewing supplies at our table. I had an apron project in mind for quite some time. I had been putting it off for months because the hardest part, for me, is making the effort to lay out the pattern pieces and cut them all out.  A solution was presented to me, one day, by a dear grand-girl who wanted to do it for me.  She was such a great help, and we were able to get the pieces cut and put aside.  My favorite part of making something is sewing by hand.  Prepping the work is exhausting. But the actual sewing is such a peaceful form of recreation as I sit to sew or m ..read more

Flowers at our table.  There has been some discouragement and worry in recent days.  We have moods that tend to bring a bit of sadness. As I go about the house, baking, sweeping, and mending, I have to remember to ignore worrisome thoughts.  I have realized that these are the moments when I need to find my rest in a closeness with the dear Lord.   I must still take care of the family, make the bed, tidy the rooms, and make this a pleasant home.  The emotional swings are unstable and will be healed when we walk through the heavenly gates.  When I rem ..read more

Sewing box on our table. It is common to go out and buy new things whenever something breaks or is falling apart. We watch for sales and bargains and then buy what we need. This is wise unless there is no money available. In this case, it is important to know how to make do and mend, making repairs (without cost) to the best of our ability. I have a set of bath towels that I bought many years ago. They are great quality but, as with all things, have worn out over a long period of time. I would love to get new ones but there is not any money available. Since I really need the towels ..read more

I used to publish a small homemaking newsletter. It was sent out by regular mail to subscribers. I did this for about 10 years before the last edition was sent out.   We now have a new method for this type of publication. Readers can subscribe by email!   This will be a condensed, smaller version of the original, but still designed to bring you encouragement. Inside each monthly issue you will find: - A brief article (or post) about homemaking. - News from our home. - Any updates or news about our homemaking ministry (blog, Instagram, videos, etc.).   ..read more

One of the historic houses here in Vermont. The greatest hardships often help build our wisdom and character. This is especially true when we lean on the Lord to get us through the hard days.  Winter is an example of a difficult period of time, particularly in cold climates like ours.  Have you ever read "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder?  It is a historic description of life during an incredibly difficult season. The winter weather was so intense that storms prevented the train from coming into town.  Everyone was waiting for their supplies. Residents and ..read more

Our driveway (Early yesterday morning).  We are cozy and safe indoors while a snowstorm has been raging outside. There are high winds and freezing temperatures. This makes me all the more grateful to the Lord for a home which provides safety and shelter to my family.   Despite the storms, I cannot stop looking out the window at the beauty of nature all around us.     We are surrounded by high snowbanks! (Another view of our driveway.) A few days ago, between frequent snowstorms, we went to the back grounds of the property to see the river. We w ..read more

A snowstorm at our property in Vermont.  I have been biding my time, waiting out the cold winter months.  We are doing our best to limit all spending and keeping our costs as low as possible. The cost of heat and food is high. We need to be careful with our resources, especially during the cold season here in Vermont. It has been lovely to walk the grounds of our property. We have cleared a pathway that leads to our river. This borders the back of our land and is beautiful in all seasons.  Sunlight shimmers on the river, at our property.  The scenery all ..read more

Selecting seeds for a Victory Garden, 1943. (LOC) Many are facing financial challenges. Despite careful saving and spending, the expenses seem to increase each year.  They are grateful to have their bills paid and some groceries in the kitchen. Yet, many worry when there isn't any cash left over to get through the month.   This is when we need to get creative. We need to know how to get by and to manage the kitchen and the home when there is little money available. We need to be cheered along and encouraged. We are in this same situation as so many others are right now ..read more

Old fashioned advice for Mothers: In 2014, I was busy helping take care of some of my grandbabies. They were such a precious joy to have here. As I cuddled the littlest baby in my rocking chair, I was reminded of how it used to be, in the old days, when I took care of my own children.   I wanted to write out some of those memories and share some advice on motherhood in an old-fashioned Christian home. The book was originally published in May of 2014.   I have just finished updating this book and a new edition is now ready. Here are the details: - I have added a charming f ..read more