Happy Birthday Dear Amy

Watching you grow into the woman you are

has been one of our greatest joys.

Our sweet baby at seven hours old.

Remember in the days before social media,

a birth was announced via snail mail.

Birth Announcements, Address Book, and Postage Stamps

were packed in the suitcase that went to the hospital.

Amy Christine is the baby that made us parents.

We are proud of you and your strength, kindness,

thoughtfulness, creativity, organization,

sense of humor, and more.

We love you.

Take care,

~Dad and Mom

Happy Weekend ~Where the Week Went ~Where did January Go ~These are a Few of my Favorite Things

It’s always a highlight to chat with

a former student when we go out and about.

Especially when it is someone as sweet as Jasmine,

a beautiful young woman and a great Mother.

We have had typical January weather here in the Dakotas.

“Cold Surges of Air”…that’s for sure.

We have enjoyed our time indoors with

a little Stitching and Stewing.

The Handstitching is done on this Flock of Chickens.

Or maybe I should say “Three French Hens”

They are ready for our Fall & Winter Makers Markets.

January is definitely Soup in the Crockpot weather.

Chicken Tortilla is a favorite.

Thanks to Courtney, another former student, for the recipe.

Hubby and I collaborated to create another batch of wooden hearts.

By far, the best seller in my Etsy Shop.

Out in the Woodshop, he cuts, sands, and drills the holes.

In my Studio, I paint, edge, and embellish with Homespun Ties.

There’s still time to purchase one for your sweetheart.

Just leave a comment or send a message.

Another favorite meal in our house is Salmon.

In the summer, Hubby prepares it out on the Grill.

In Winter, in the oven.

We serve it with my Pasta Carbonara.

Here’s what’s Happening in the Woodshop.

A batch of hand turned trees waiting for stain,

and those Fall/Winter Markets.

FaceTime with any of these young humans makes my day.

Well, chatting with their parents does, too.

Another favorite of  my Go-To Recipes is Shrimp Pasta.

It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s delicious.

Now, on my Worktable, another favorite,

My stash of Vintage Wool.

Stay Tuned to see how it comes together…

…as it appears we’ll be enjoying our indoor projects

for while yet.

Stay Safe and Warm, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

What’s New from the Wood Shop

We’re experiencing typical January weather here in the Dakotas.

Ice, Snow, Wind, and Cold…

Not conducive to outdoor activities.

So Hubby has spent a lot of time with his indoor hobby…

 in his Wood Shop, at his lathe.

This new tree design fits in nicely with your other decor,

and the fresh green color will carry over into spring and summer.

It is a great Hobby for him in retirement.

No two trees are exactly the same.

Some folks prefer the smooth and symmetrical trees,

others like the Rustic look with some bark left on the edges.

All in a couple days of work, or should I say “play”?!

With all this turning, Hubby could use some more wood.

If you know someone who is cutting down a tree,

or even trimming a few large branches, please contact us.

Take care,

~Natalie

Sunday Blessings ~Quitters Day ~New Year, Fresh Start ~My Word for 2026

I hope you all had a great start to our New Year,

grateful for the accomplishments and blessings of the previous year,

and looking ahead at new beginnings…

A fresh start.

Do you have a 2026 Resolution? 

Or, maybe you call them “Intensions”??

If you are sticking to your new goals,

Congratulations! Keep up the Good Work!!

This Friday was Quitters Day.

Studies show that 80% of people have given up

on their resolutions by the second Friday in January.

I’d rather choose a Word for the Year.

By focusing on a single theme, it becomes a habit.

In 2022, my word was “Organize” and yes, I’m still working on that.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place”

“Gratitude” was my word for 2023.

I am Blessed, and for that, I am Thankful.

For 2024, my focus was “Joy”

This was perhaps my favorite…looking for something

 that brings me Joy, every single day.

I enjoyed finding Joy in the Little Things.

Last year, my word was “Balance” and

This one needs more work.

So, along with Counting my Blessings,

Looking for Joy in the Little Things,

Finding Balance in my Days,

Here is my Word for 2026…

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~Storing Away our Christmas

It appears our cats are questioning this.

Why are we putting all this away?

While the warm glow of Christmas Tree lights are gone,

We carry the lasting gifts of Peace, Love, Joy, Hope,

and Friendship into the New Year.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Welcome 2026 ~Our Holiday Report

Christmas is now a Memory…

Visions of Sugarplums Dance in my Head.

A couple of weeks have passed since my last post.

And it was not because our days were not blog worthy.

Here’s my Report.

Christmas Eve Worship services at Zion…

…Followed by a lovely evening with good friends.

We retired empty nesters shared good food

and great conversation with another couple who was

also spending the evening, just the two of them.

Together we created a charcuterie spread of meats, cheeses,

crackers, dips, shrimp, fruits, and veggies.

Thank you, Brum and Katzy.

We prepared and brought Christmas Day dinner to

Hubby’s Mother in her Assisted Living Facility.

She was a pretty Happy Great Grandma.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing our daughters gather

their families together to celebrate a Holiday.

Our grandchildren love spending time with their cousins.

Thanks to Friends and Family,

we had some packages under our tree.

Those Friends and Family, they spoil me.

Consumable items make the best gifts for Seniors.

Homemade Spiced Nuts savory for snacking, and

the Dark Chocolate Cherries are decadent.

We look forward to trying the Honey Mustard and Maple Butter.

More Kitchen Goodies.

Self-Care products include Lotion, Shower Steamers,

a new Make-Up Bag, and Comfy Cozy Pajamas.

New Years Eve found us here,

Sharing an appetizer, and toasting to our memories of 2025.

Celebrating the New Year with Friends,

cheering for the NSU Wolves Basketball Team.

I hope you had a delightful Holiday Season,

along with plenty of rest and relaxation.

Wishing you Peace, Joy, Love, 

 and much Success for the New Year.

Take care,

~Natalie