Me dear Mama

Mom passed away on Thankgiving morning at 8:23 a.m. I was holding her hand and had just told her I love you Mommy, and she gently and peacefully went home to be with the Lord. A few minutes later the living room where we were all at with her, was filled with the brightest sunshine. Where it had been cloudy and overcast. My dad looked toward the sunshine and said Thank you Lord. I know where mom is and I'm thankful she didn't have any pain or suffering. Within 5 weeks of her lung cancer diagnosis and brain cancer, she is gone. It all happened so fast, but we made some wonderful memories the last 5 weeks. Blessings to you all and thanks so much for your prayers.

MOM

Another photo of my gorgeous mother.

My Beautiful Mom

Here is a beautiful picture of my dear mama when she was 6 months pregnant with me. I think she looks so pretty. I have another photo like this posted somewhere on my blog for her for Mothers Day except it was just a different pose. Just wanted to check in and say hey. Please continue to pray and thanks for all your prayers and sweet posts. Blessings, Mikki

I've missed everyone

I've been gone for awhile. My mother is very sick. About 2 weeks ago she received a lung cancer diagnosis, and Saturday we learned the cancer had spread to her brain. Please be in prayer for her, we need a miracle. Blessings, Mikki Jo

AMISH EGGS

I took this picture awhile back. I love old signs like these. They just say "Welcome". My amish friend Fannie, that lives at this house just recently made me some dresses and aprons and a prayer kapp. She is also my penpal. She is teaching school this year and has asked me to come visit her school. I'm looking forward to visiting them. She has a six mile trip there and back, about a 40 minute drive, 80 round trip. Thats a long ways to drive one way. There have been men, which she calls "loafers", following the amish women around in their buggies and she's a little concerned but said not too scared, she said, "we have good horses". I guess she plans to outrun one. Hmmmmm. Needless to say I'm concerned for her. I took the kids a big bag of candy yesterday, she has several very young siblings. There are 12 kids altogher but most of them are grown now. This is the family that built our cabin. They are very dear friends. I've been thinking on what I will make them for Christmas, right now I don't have a clue. Sorry I've been missing in action for awhile. I've been sick and will be having tests run soon to see what the problem is. I'll be having a scope ran down my esophagus and into my stomach. Grrrrr, I don't like the sound of it.

SOFTLY SLEEPING

I stopped by my Amish friends home to have her do some sewing for me. As I pulled up in the drive I noticed the little boy softly sleeping in the shade of a big maple tree. He looked so comfortable it made me want to settle down for a long winters nap myself. The slamming of my car door, coming or going never made him miss one wink. As I backed my car out to leave, he still lay on the soft carpet of green grass. I'm sure he had a long day at school, and a full evening with his chores. It was a visit I won't soon forget.

PRETTY FLOWERS

I trimmed my rose bush back earlier in the spring and it really came back in full force! This was the first blooms, it's blooming again now with as much vim and vigor! I am having a bit of a pest problem with the Japanese Beetles, grrrr. I will spray again today, I think I've just about got them.

Me and my son found this turtle in the yard a few weeks back. I believe it was trying to lay it's eggs. What a slowpoke it was, lol. I wish I would take things as slow sometimes, and just enjoy every minute.

SWEET BABIES

My grandchildren really make me smile! They are so precious, and make me so proud. Little Owen and sweet Calli Jo! Their both growing so fast! Mama loves you both! I hope to be half the grandmother that mine was!

BIRTHDAY BOUQUET

See my beautiful flowers my sweet husband got me for my birthday, I was so surprised. He had them delivered, so it was a big surprise, lol. My 13 year old son just loved them. He was saying "Wow mom, these are cool!!!" LoL I have a wonderful husband. Thank you my love.

A PEACEFUL RETREAT

What a peaceful retreat a flower garden is. I am still working on mine this year. It has the look of an abandoned garden retreat. I love the look of unique and old containers and "accessories" in a flower garden. Here I used an old rocker, and my grandfathers old horse feeder to hold these sweet blooms that come back every year. This year I'm expanding a bit. I'm making a quiet place to sit and read a book or pray at the beginning of the path that leads to the cabin. And then halfway thru the path, at the edge of the creek, a bench and some hanging baskets. I still have a lot of work to do, but hopefully will get it done soon. We just returned from camping a couple days ago in case you all wondered where I've been. It was a nice break and I came back revived I believe. Thanks so much for stopping by and come back soon!!!

TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES

The other day while at the cabin I was resting in the peace and quiet. I felt a tugging at my heart, a need to pray. I prayed and spent some quiet time with the Lord. I enjoyed the birds singing and the smell of the honeysuckle coming through the cabin windows. I felt inspired and I sat down and wrote this poem while sitting on my cabin porch. I wanted to share it and I hope you enjoy it.

TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES

The inventions we’ve created in comparison are pale
To things that God has given us to numerous to tell
Please let me show you, if you will but listen
Turn off, turn down and unplug our witty inventions

I unplugged the radio with the blaring tune
And listened to the songbirds sing something new
It was a song so sweet and they were all on key
It was a gentle soothing song that God wrote just for me

I turned off the T.V. with the violence and shame
And instead watched my children busily at play
They were very entertaining and it made my heart glad
To know God has blessed me with all that I have

I turned off the air and sat in the shade of the trees
And enjoyed the coolness of the feather soft breeze
I sat there so still and said a short but silent prayer
Simply thanking God for His breath of fresh air

I turned off my computer with my lovely blog
And the sight of God's palette pulled me out of a fog
I took time to smell the roses and savor heaven's scent
The suns warmth upon my face felt like an old friend

Finally I unplugged the phone that rudely interrupts
And carries false and vicious tales entirely too much
Gently in my heart spoke that still small voice
I’d have never heard Him had I not turned off the noise

MY PAPA'S BIRD HOUSE

My papa loved birds, he loved to feed the birds and watch them. Sometimes in the dead of winter with the ground covered in snow and the trees bare, I'd look out the window into his old apple tree and it looked like it was full of big red apples but it would be redbirds. And the snow just made them look prettier. After he was gone I found this bird house he had made, and I took it home with me. It's hanging on my cabin until I find the perfect place for it. I thought it was precious.

GREAT GRANNY'S SOAP KETTLE

This was my great grannies soap kettle. Mom gave it to me the other day. I just love it.



My pretty grandbabies! Owen holding his baby sister Calli Jo. I just love them to pieces.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

Finally Nancy Jo, here are more pictures. You've seen the back way to the cabin thru the woods from my house. Here's looking at it from the other side. Sorry my porch was a bit messy. You can see my great granny's soap kettle sitting on the porch. My mama gave it to me the other day. And I intend to use it! The porch swing is old and worn, but I hadn't the heart to throw it out. It belonged to my grandparents. Me and grandma used to sit in that swing and sing "The Old Rugged Cross." The clothesline is only a makeshift one, I can take it down or put it up whenever I need it. You see the big oval washtub, the one on the bottom? Well that happens to be my bathtub. Sitting on the porch I watch the birds, and squirrels, and a family of rabbits. There is a deer run in the woods in the front of the cabin up on a hill. The family hasn't deer hunted much in these woods so it is plentiful with wild game. If you plan to spend the night in the cabin, you may get awakened by a "gobble, gobble, gobble." The wild turkeys make a couple runs thru each day, about 18 of them at last site. I hope you enjoy your visit and please come back soon. Oh.... leave me a post, PLEASE! I'd love to come visit you too!

THE TRAIL TO THE CABIN

On the way to the cabin today the wild roses were bloomed out and smelled heavenly. I opened the windows and the front and back doors of the cabin and the soft wind carried the fragrant smell inside. It was wonderful. The honeysuckle is just blooming out, and a wild fern grows next to the tree, ignore the poison ivy, I did. The air was heavy with the wonderful scent of the wild roses, they were intoxicating

MY TWO SWEETY'S

My sweethearts practicing ball. The short one needs a haircut badly! The season started late this year, first practice is Tuesday. I'm excited! We love to watch our little shortstop play ball. He's a great pitcher too! My husband was a great ball player too, he taught our boy everything he knows. But I will say he is gifted too, when it comes to ball. When he first started playing we were shocked at his ability, he just seemed to be a natural. My friend Susan from "Penless Writer", was talking about her hubby and how blessed she was. And she reminded me of how blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband! He's my best friend, he's a great father, and a wonderful provider. He's been good to me, and I don't deserve him, I am sooooo blessed. I love you baby.

QUIET RETREAT

As we pulled into the driveway at this Amish home, we passed this elderly Amish lady. She was walking like nobody's business. I waved and she waved back. I couldn't help but wonder what her day had been like so far, and what she had to do when she returned home. The lady that we visited that day was busy washing clothes when we pulled in. The front of her dress was wet to her shoes. She dried her hands on her plain but handy apron. As many of you know by now, if you've visited here very often. You know that my heart longs for the quiet and tranquil life of the Amish. The gentle, safe haven and gentleness that my heart absorbs hungrily while I'm in their presence, is a pleasant treasure that is savored. I am happy for my little get-away cabin, when feeling overwhelmed it is the perfect place to come home to. I think I'll go there now, to my quiet retreat.

CRAWLY CRITTER

Looks like some kind of a crawly critter doesn't it? lol It's pretty tho'!

CURTAINS FOR MY CABIN

I have new curtains for my cabin. My mom made them for me, aren't they cute! On the bedroom side we're doing muslin curtains. I absolutely love them and I love the fabric! My mom is a perfectionist so you won't find anything wrong with these curtains, lol.

COME WALK WITH ME

Follow me, down the hill


across the creek,


up the hill,


and around the bend,


My favorite place in the world.... My little get-away cabin. Leave your cell phones, computers, and bring your lantern and favorite craft or a good book and let's sit a spell.

MOM

I could go on and on about the sacrifices you have made for me. The encouragement you've given me. You've been my friend when I had no other. You've taught me so many things. There's been times I was lost and with strong hands and a gentle love you directed me back to the right path. We've laughed together and cried together. You are my best friend. I love you Mom. You are a wonderful and beautiful woman, and I'm so proud that your my Mom. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

A day never goes by
that I don't think of you
I always see your smile
in Springtimes first bloom
A hymn is never sung
that I don't hear your voice
When I need to talk
your always my first choice
I can only hope to be
Half the mom you've been
I'm so thankful your MY mom
And my dearest friend

Primitive patchwork tablerunner

Check out my etsy and see the new tablerunner I made! Thanks!

PRECIOUS STONES

The tiny stones in these old glass bottles are more precious by far than any rubies, diamonds, or pearls. These old glass bottles contain tiny stones of wisdom, strength, and hope. This is their story. My grandpa would gather the eggs each day from the barn, and he would be to get each one so as not to be wasteful, and it didn't matter what nook or cranny near or far, he'd find the very last egg. He was a strong willed man, and would not admit that at his age he shouldn't be climbing. As he climbed up to the barn loft he lost his footing and fell backwards out of the loft. After awhile, realizing he couldn't make it to the house, he crawled to the fence row. Every car that passed he tried to get their attention by waving. Finally about 2 hours later a car stopped. The man ran up to the house to call an ambulance. After sometime, the paramedics finally got inside the gate to him, grandpa's horse was bucking and pawing at them. In his horse mind, he was protecting my grandpa. It turned out grandpa had a badly broken hip. In his late 70's this was a dangerous break. After surgery and a long recovery, my grandpa was back on his feet. He knew he would have to exercise and take care of himself if he was ever to gain his strength back. Years later, I found shelves overstuffed with big bottles, little bottles, fat ones and skinny ones. Each bottle filled to the top with tiny stones. There was probably up to 70 bottles or more. I asked about these bottles filled with tiny pebbles. My grandpa began to explain to me how everyday he walked the edge of the creek bed, and every step or two he'd bend to pick up two or three tiny stones. He went on to explain how that was his way of exercising, strengthening his hip and the muscles that had grown weak. It may not have seemed like such a great feat, had there not been soooo many bottles filled with so many of these tiny stones. What I seen was wisdom, strength, and hope for the future. Each one of my family members have their own bottle of precious stones. When I look at mine, I see the strong loving hands of my grandpa. The heart of a man that held on to hope. And the simple wisdom, that made all the difference.

NO GRANDMA MOSES

A couple years ago me and my mom and my sister went to Stream Cliff Farms. It's a flowergarden/tearoom and they were giving short lessons on primitive grandma moses style painting. Well, this was my first attempt. I have never finished it as you can see the mucky looking piece to the right of the sidewalk. Don't know what I had tried to do, but was attempting to fix it, lol. And don't know why I jumped ahead and signed the darned thing, before I've even finished it. Don't know why I even signed it, attempting to feel like a painter maybe? Well, considering it all, I will say I was quite proud of my first attempt. My mothers painting was very good too, hers was of a sheep. But, my little sisters? Well, hers looked like a tree with fingers. I'm not putting her painting down, but it was hideous. It's kind of a family joke, we tease her about it. There's LOTS of things she can do, but primitive painting, and especially tree branches??? NOT, nope, not her thing. And she'll tell you so too. Mom fixed it but it turned out to be a sheep I do believe. How do you get a sheep out of a tree you ask? Well, all I can say is, you shoulda seen the tree!

IT SITS ALONE

This beautiful old cabin sits alone and abandoned and decaying. It's such a shame. Every time we go to visit the Amish we pass this cabin. I noticed this time someone had mowed the lawn. I wish someone would save it, it's so pretty. I know it could be such a beautiful place given some TLC. I would love to go inside it, but we've never stopped other than last weekend so I could snap this photo of it.


I'm adding new items to my etsy shop everyday, stop by and browse if you have the time! You may find some goodies! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I know it's hard to take time to comment each time you stop by but I'd love to hear from ALL of you. And again, thanks for stopping by my blog, I appreciate it more than you know. Blessings and hugs to you all!!!!

WELCOME TO MY ETSY SHOP

I've opened me up an etsy shop. I hope everyone will stop by! I sold a pair of Amish made dolls I had, but I can get more if anyone is interested. You can go to "items sold" and click on that to see them. As soon as my amish friend gets them made they'll be posted. The next set may be spoken for though, not for sure yet.
www.mikkijo.etsy.com

BEAUTIFUL BLUEBELLS

I love these darling little wildflowers. They come up every year along the edge of our creek bank. They just have so much personality and their color is unbelievable.

AND TIME STOOD STILL

Such a picture of tranquility, peace, and time standing still but for only a second. I can't explain how the Amish people and their lives draw my heart toward the peace and quiet that surrounds them. If I had no kids left at home, I would surely learn more of their lifestyle. Living it is one thing I know. But for them it is the most natural thing in the world, just like our lives are for us. But as I stay in my cabin, in the dark of night, with oil lamps and candles burning. The quiet that surrounds me except for maybe the sweet song of the nightingale, I feel whole, and at peace with my soul. It has really been eye opening for me. I have really gotten to know myself, and who I am and what I'm about. And I'm learning more everyday. I'm thankful for my little get-away cabin, and the primitive lifestyle that I have chosen to live there. My mind wanders to things that really matter. In the quietness, my spirit hears the music that nature plays and the song that fills my soul is one of depth, lyrics that speak of family, love, Jesus Christ, and all things that matter. In the quietness I can hear the song well, it's not stifled by phones, tv, alarms, the things that steal away time and peace of mind. Thank you Lord, for the song that sings to my soul.

A RIDE IN THE COUNTRY

Wouldn't it be nice to be riding along.

CORNBREAD AND APPLE COBBLER

Cornbread and Apple cobbler cooking on the side!

BEEF STEW Mmmmm

The beef stew was really good!

SUPPERTIME

Suppertime at the cabin last weekend. We had a wonderful time!

Visiting The Amish

We had a wonderful day. We had to go by and drop off a frame that we had of theirs that we had used to move our outhouse. We enjoyed our visit very much. They had asked us about the shooting in Virginia, and we talked about the Amish school shooting also. Some of the Amish community had relatives there. We talked a long time and I got some yummy Maple Syrup. This weekend I'll have to go to pick up my milk. It was hot the other day and we weren't coming straight home so we thought we'd wait till next weekend to get our milk. I talked with them about how their ice house is built, we are planning to build one over at our cabin. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I have a few more I may post tomorrow. Have a great week everyone and thanks so much for visiting!

following the trail

End of the day....

Good For You

A Hard Days Work

OUTHOUSE

Here is a picturesque view, lol, of the outhouse. It's hidden among the redbud trees, Can you see it?