The Jesse Tree: Our Favorite Advent Tradition

The Jesse Tree: Our Favorite Advent Tradition

One November I spent many evenings huddled on the couch, surrounded by markers and covered in scraps of felt. I had three young children and was pregnant with my fourth, inspired to craft by both my nesting instinct and the chilly weather outside. I was creating a Jesse Tree for our family, a new experience for the upcoming Christmas Advent season. That was ten years ago, and we’ve been cherishing our Jesse Tree as an Advent tradition every year since!…

Read More Read More

Look to the Birds

Look to the Birds

I poured the last bits of food into my dog’s bowl. Someone would have to make a trip to the store later to buy more, but there should be enough there to last her throughout the day. Half an hour later I walked by the bowl and discovered that it was empty. Surprised and disappointed, I exclaimed, “You ate all your food already?! Why didn’t you save some for later?” Then I realized that, besides the fact that she’s a…

Read More Read More

Sweet Potato Casserole and the Pleasure of the Lord

Sweet Potato Casserole and the Pleasure of the Lord

I don’t know about you, but when the air and leaves turn crisp in October, I suddenly feel like cooking. Soups, breads, pies, casseroles, fruit crisps… every beautiful Fall flavor! Last year I inadvertently started a tradition with my kids that they call “Fall Feast”. On one gorgeous Saturday I was trying out recipes for Thanksgiving, and I made meatloaf, corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, and apple crisp. My son asked what the occasion was, and I told him “I…

Read More Read More

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide

It sounds silly, maybe – pajamas, a shawl, a pair of jeans. So insignificant in the grand scheme of life, yet these simple things bring tears to my eyes. They are tangible evidence of God’s love for me – something I can hold in my hand and exclaim, “Jehovah Jireh – the Lord will provide”… and He has. Our church holds a clothing drive twice a year, in the spring and fall. It’s a full week of countless people working…

Read More Read More

Jorts: How To Sew Jeans Into Shorts

Jorts: How To Sew Jeans Into Shorts

Today I’m going to show you how to quickly and easily sew jeans into shorts. This post may be way too simple for some of you, but if you’re new to sewing and want to learn how to save some money on your summer wardrobe, read on! (Also, a warning: I wrote this post late at night and my ‘close friends and family’ sense of humor has come out. Read at your own risk.) The Motivation I have a 12…

Read More Read More

Growing Non-traditional Crops in the Square Foot Garden

Growing Non-traditional Crops in the Square Foot Garden

You may remember that last year I doubled my Square Foot Garden. This year I got a little crazy and decided to double it AGAIN to make room for more of my favorite plants, and a crop of all new ones! These new plants include watermelon, pumpkins, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and even corn. My Square Foot Garden I love my Square Foot Garden because it allows me to grow so much in a small space. A square foot garden is simply…

Read More Read More

House Chickens: Unexpected Guests

House Chickens: Unexpected Guests

Winter was a crazy season here at The Way Homestead! I took a writing break over the holidays, intending to get back at it after Christmas… but everything got so busy here, I haven’t had the chance. With temperatures below zero, house chickens living in my basement, a case of bumblefoot in one of my hens, and two new chickens joining the flock… it was just one thing after another! Trauma and Drama It started the day after Christmas, when…

Read More Read More

What To Remember This December

What To Remember This December

You may have noticed that I haven’t written a new post in a while. I decided to take this holiday season as a Sabbath from blogging, and the benefits to myself and my family have been significant. But I wanted to pop in and give you a quick word of encouragement for the holiday season, and to share with you some things we need to remember this December. December is probably the busiest time of the year for most of…

Read More Read More

Impacted Crop in Chickens

Impacted Crop in Chickens

A couple months ago something happened here at The Way Homestead that I haven’t written about until now. Life with animals can be unpredictable, and even more so with livestock. Sometimes something happens that’s out of your control, and you lose an animal – or think you might. The day Bijou had an impacted crop was one of those times. Earlier Scare I’ve had chickens for about eight months now, and in that time we’ve had two big scares with…

Read More Read More

Country Christmas: Tablerunner and Pillows

Country Christmas: Tablerunner and Pillows

Today I want to show you how fast and easy it is to sew your own tablerunner and pillow covers! These are a great way to decorate your home for Christmas with very little time, money, and effort. The material can be bought for less than $10, and sewing them only takes around an hour – even if you’re a beginner. They’re so simple, you’ll want to make a set for every holiday! A Frugal Country Christmas In my ruffle-edge…

Read More Read More

Don’t miss a post!

I would love to have you follow me by email! I promise never to send you spam or share your information with anyone.