Hello, Dear Ones,
With cool weather upon us, we stride towards the winter months. The gardens are
nearing completion and ready to be bed down. Leaves are still falling in glorious reds,
yellows, oranges and burgundies. Autumn is here in all her glory. It’s time for more
indoor activities: quilting, rug hooking, planning and preparing for Christmas. Perhaps
planning vacations and our gardens for next year.
Working on new skills or honing old ones, we enjoy the days of schooling the children,
helping them through their activities and finding ways to keep the family moving forward
and yet the home life solid. There is a rub there, between being good at things outside
the home, while still being good at things within. While still keeping sibling relationships
kind and loving. While still keeping rooms clean and chores done. While still keeping
the family structure in place.
I took a course in Chicago to learn how to make shoes. Not just sandals, but real,
honest-to-goodness shoes. I’m in awe and still very much on the early end of the learning
curve.
I’ve heard it said that you have to give yourself
permissioin to be bad at something before you
get good. Well, I’m still in the “probably bad”
state, but getting better. Enjoy the pictures of
my new makes.
We’re coming to the best and worst time of
year: the Christmas holidays. I love the holiday
parties, the celebratory atmosphere, the giftgiving, and the decorations. But some people are
still hurting during this season. Look around. Ask
the Lord to help you see who’s hurting this time
of year and how you can help. For some, it’s a
hard time. Read Tammy’s article about “When the
Holidays are Hard.” It will help.
Let’s choose to live this time with purpose.
Choosing which invitations we accept and which
we pass by. Which parties we should give and how
much we should personally make and what can be
store bought. These are tough questions that can
help us make it a good Christmas, or a burn-out
holiday time. Let’s make wise decisions to help
the holidays be good for all, even you. And your
Spouse.
Check up on the children’s diet during the
holidays. Not too much sugar, nor junk food. Fit
in as much good nutrition as you can. That can
help the emotions immensely.
Take a moment to think of the things in your
life you are grateful for. Have your children make
a thankful list also. Help them learn the attitude
of gratitude. Gratefulness moves God’s heart so
much more than complaining. And it’s more fun to
be around than grumbling. And it’s contagious.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
From our house to yours,
Mark, Kym & Kyds Mark, Kym & Kyds
Kaitlyn, our youngest daughter, is pregnant
and expecting twin girls in February 2025.
We’re so excited and eager to meet them.
