The Joys Of Family and Hearth

So I'm a bit of a stickler for a made bed.  Yes, I think it should be made every SINGLE day!  It's a simple task that makes your room appear clean and neat.  I try and keep out master bedroom a bit of a sanctuary for us. Hubby and I work opposite shifts.  So when I leave in the morning he is usually up and I'll make the bed before I go out for the day. Or he'll do it before he leaves.  At night when he comes home I have his towel and jammies laid out at foot of bed because I am normally asleep.  We do have some kids that sneak in and sleep with us every now and then. But creating an atmosphere of rest and relaxation is so important to any marriage.   I do this by using a lot of natural light during the day and very soft lighting in our bed room at night.   I literally have one lamp, two candle stick lights and my salt lamp.  All give off a very soft glow.  My bed is loaded with pillows...

This lovely gift was a 21st wedding anniversary present from my lovely husband.  I absolutely love this thing.. For many reasons...  My hammock brings me peace.   Why??  Because I love to be outside and be in nature.   So everyday weather and schedule permitting I try and get on my hammock.  It's bring me closer to my children.  They will see me out there and come out and lay with me on it.  From my 17 year old on down to my 5 year old.  My 17 year old and I have had the best chats just laying and swinging on that thing.  My youngest daughters 13, and soon to be 10 will bring their books out and  just veg and read with me.  My 5 year old will crawl up on that and just snuggle and chat with me, eventually giving way to the peacefulness of outside and fall asleep in my arms. My grandbabies will cuddle with grammy  and let me read or just hold them.  I have even had my best girl...

Depression is:  hiding behind a smile that no one but you knows is fake. getting dressed even though it feels like the hardest thing to do. hugging your child, when you can't fathom another person touching you. going out, when you really want to stay home. petting your dogs, while  you wonder why they love you unconditionally. cooking for your family, when you really rather not. not eating for days, and then when you do you choose moon pies. crying when you're in the shower, alone in your bedroom, while your whole house sleeps. feelings of guilt feelings of sorrow feelings of inadequacy  feeling overwhelmed feelings you can't explain feeling exhausted headaches  feeling alone even though I'm surrounded by people.  and so much more... but as of late these are the feelings I've been having.  Trying so hard to over come, but my energy level just can't handle any negativity. 

I have been wanting a new bible for quite some time.  I found this one online but I'm way to cheap to buy it for myself.  I can't help it. I'm a mom of 6.  My children have always been my first priority.  Since our move to PA, we have experienced some major changes.  Lots of good and some could be better.  The goal was to better our family and I feel that we have done that.  But a huge part of me, misses my family, my home, my people.  Starting fresh and alone is hard work for me. Especially since I was well established in my area.  The need for me to lean into God is stronger than ever.  We have found a home church. We have jumped in full throttle.  I had a particularly bad day the other day.  And my son went out and bought me this bible and surprised me with it.  I am so happy, and feel so blessed by this gift.  

This was our first full Christmas in our new home.  I can't tell you how hard I struggled with my normal routine and missing my family.  I thought I was so prepared for being away from my family and the longer I am here the more I realize that I was not fully prepared.   I felt so out of sorts that I think I cancelled Christmas 10 times before Christmas Day.  I struggled with my depression, which left my immediate family wondering how they could help me. I literally walked around for day with tears just pouring down my face, and  I couldn't give an explanation as to why. I managed to pull it together and below are some photos, from around the house. 

January is National Soup Month...  and well Soup is a favorite any month!! I make soup at least twice a week through fall and winter.  My family enjoys it and is perfectly happy with it as a meal.  I usually make soup and serve with a small salad or crusty warm bread.  Soup can be hearty and nutritious and can be made relatively  quickly.  Pinterest is a great resource for recipes.  So far this month I've made Italian Wedding Creamy Chicken and Rice Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana White Bean and Zucchini  Italian Sausage Loaded Baked Potato Manga!