a gypsy caravan

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing a peaceful, delicious holiday to you and your family!
Love,
Rebecca

Toasty Toes

I wanted to show you my slippers.  This pair is three years old and replaces an identical pair that I wore for seventeen years. I mention that so you know just how long they last.

The best thing about these slippers, aside from their cozy, longlasting toastiness is that they are made in the U.S.A.  (Shameless plug: You can buy a pair for yourself or order one as a Christmas gift from the Sheepskin Shoppe.)  They are 100% wool but not a bit itchy or scratchy.  My babies have all worn the little slippers with the cord.  When I bought them, they did not come with a cord and I added one myself to keep them on their wiggly feet.  The price of the slippers is not cheap but they last for many, many years. 

I also own one of these wool capes (mine is black) which I received as a gift 13 years ago when I was pregnant with Benjamin.  It looks almost brand new despite being worn for four pregnancies and as a dress coat when not pregnant.   I emailed the Sheepskin Shoppe and asked whether all of their products are made in the USA.  I understand that the soft soled slippers, mittens and capes are all made in Pennsylvania but that the hard soled slippers are imported. The mittens are beautiful and I have seen them in person.  If you live in a very cold climate, you would appreciate the warmth they deliver.

Last Christmas we attempted to have a Handmade Christmas.  We did fairly well though we did purchase some store bought gifts near the end. This year, in addition to making gifts, I'd like to purchase things that are made in our country. It feels good to support American families. 

All Snug In Their Beds

One of the things I enjoy about autumn is preparing the beds for the colder months.  I keep two sets of sheets per bed, one for late spring and summer made of cool cotton and another set for fall, winter and early spring made of flannel cotton.  I have cotton blankets for summer and fuzzy fleece blankets for winter. 

This fall, we purchased some new bedding for the girls' room as we bought them their own twin beds.  Previously, they had slept together in a double bed.  Their double bed became our guest room bed and I needed bedding for that.  Also, I upgraded from a double mattress to a queen so there was a lot of shifting around to do and some bedding to purchase. 

The girls' new room is decorated in two shades of tan rather than the pink we had used in their previous bedroom.  Working with the tan was a little difficult because it is more of a cocoa than a beige.  Here is what we chose:

It is such a change for us because the girls have always had pink bedding, pink walls, etc.  I think it works though.    

I couldn't resist these little gingerbread fellows.  They are made from wide wale corduroy and are very snuggly. 

The coverlet was a wedding gift fifteen years ago.  I love the Celtic design in the center.  It looks great with most of the sheets that it has been paired up with. It is fairly lightweight so I put a comforter under it in the colder months for warmth.   I bought cream colored flannel sheets and a throw pillow for fall with a berry design.  They are from Target.  Target carries a line of Woolrich products that are well made and pretty. 

Here is a close up of the coverlet. I am so fond of it.

The boys bedding is quite old but is holding up well.  They each have a red,white and blue plaid bedspread.  I found flannel sheets a couple of years ago that go well enough.  I am not into matching perfectly and kind of like the eclectic look. :)  As long as the color scheme kind of jives, it doesn't matter much to me whether the prints match.

My mom, who lived a short walk around the corner from our previous home, now has to drive forty minutes to visit us.  Because there was an extra bedroom in our new place, we set up a room for her to stay.  She visits on the weekends when she is able.  Here is the guest bedding.  I put one of those fuzzy fleece blankets on that bed as well.  I think they are very snuggly.

Speaking of blankets, my grandmother once gave me a tip that if you put the blanket closest to the skin and the sheet on top of it, the bed stays warmer at night.

Years ago, when my mother taught me to make a bed, she showed me how to make square, hospital corners.  I still do this to the ends of the beds but like to turn down the top covers so you can see the sheets.  I think this looks cozier than pulling the covers up to the top, over the pillow.  That is how I was originally taught to make the bed, covering the pillow with the bedding.  Turning the flat sheet down requires putting it on the bed with the print side down. 

I was recently talking with someone who thought it was funny that our family makes their beds each day.  On Sundays I don't ask them to do it but they are in the habit and often do it anyhow. I have always liked the beds to be made.  It seems everyone keeps their room neater when they are made.   

Well, thanks for walking through the bedrooms with me.  It is almost midnight here so it's high time I crawled into bed myself.  Sweet dreams!

Wordless Wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday

UPDATE on Kim and Baby Fry :)

I received this update from Allen:

"Baby Girl" Fry was born at 918 this morning.  Both girls are doing great.  Kim did absolutely wonderful!"

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I am sure Kim will have some news and photos up when she is rested and able.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers!  Another update:  Go see the little beauty for yourself! Kim has posted photos and her name here. Precious!

A Prayer of Thanksgiving to the Infant of Prague:

Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life.

Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands.

Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen.

If you are online this Sunday morning...

...and can offer up some prayers for my dear friend Kim, it seems today might just be the day that the newest Starry Sky baby is born!  Please pray for a happy, peaceful delivery and birth for Kim and her little one.   I will post any updates I receive from Kim. 

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Prayer to the Infant of Prague

O Jesus, Who hast said,
ask and you shall receive,
seek and you shall find,
knock and it shall be opened to you,
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I knock, I seek,
I ask that my prayer be granted.

(Make your request)

O Jesus, Who hast said,
all that you ask of the Father in My Name,
He will grant you.
Through the intercession of Mary,
Thy most Holy Mother,
I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father
in Thy Name that my prayer be granted.

(Make your request)

O Jesus, Who hast said,
"Heaven and earth shall pass away
but My word shall not pass",
through the intercession of Mary,
Thy Most Holy Mother,
I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.

(Make your request)

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I Triple Dog Dare You

to find a cuter child than this one.  Go ahead.  I'll wait right here while you check.  :)

 

My mother's friend crocheted this little sweater set.  It has ladybug buttons.  I think the outfit raises the cherubic cuteness factor by several points.  Then add in the little fluttering hands, the temporary angelic expression, the perfect posture and the round, kissable cheeks framed by the darling hat and I think you've got the cutest child ever.  That's just my objective opinion,  of course. :)

On a literary note, don't you think she looks like Flicka, Ricka and Dicka?

Autumn in the Blink of An Eye

We were packing for most of the summer and moved to our new home in early autumn.  Then, we were unpacking and now autumn is waning.  Here are some photographic glimpses into our fall season, indoors and out.  It was transitional but oh-so-fun.

 

 

 

  

 

When There is a Spiderweb...

...in your children's bathtub, it might be a reminder that it is time for them to take a bath. 

 I'm just sayin'.