April

The Month of April started out with April Fool's Day.

Early Spring flowers popping up through the soil.

Green splashes of color in the branches of the trees.

Good Friday.

Easter Sunday.

Daughter's 30th Birthday.

Mom's 78th Birthday.

Tax Day.

Interior repairs continue.

Spring cleaning continues.

Kittens.

Yard work begins.

April Showers bring May flowers.

So lovely.

A GOD THANG

One of the BLESSINS' I have had as a Blogger is the warm invitation to enter into the Homes, Worlds and THOUGHTS of others in Blogland. Being the age I am right now and living through circumstances that have come from everyday life challenges has contributed to being more isolated from society in the little community that I presently live in.

AND this has been fine.

The being so isolated is about to change...AND this is fine and desired.

The Grandchild I babysit for has grown into a 3 year old and I am purposing it in my heart to venture out more during the daylight hours! I'm not a Vampire or part Night Owl that waits til it's dark to soooocialize...but at times the obvious isolation came from babysitting a one year old Monday through Friday. A very active and fast moving one year old that required a great deal of overseeing and protection with guidance.

AND on the week-ends...WAS much needed time to rest up because I was TIRED. Bone TIRED. Tired TIRED. Leave me be TIRED. I want to sleep in TIRED. I don't want to go anywhere TIRED.

The 'NEEDING to stay HOME' because I only had x amount of energy to use concerning sooooocializing with other Stay AT Home Mommas and the growing population of Grannys that help their children by providing ChildCare in the HOME ENVIRONMENT...has had its welcomed place. A HAVEN!!!!!

On some days I'd just assume stay at home than to go go go go and then go some more. I have my moments when I WANT TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE and SHOP! Thus far...having a young child with me has been alright and I have actually had alot of fun going shopping with her.

There are times I have really enjoyed shopping by myself as well. So keeping a healthy and happy balance is a must.

There are times I want to be alone and there are times I crave having fellowship with others. Once again keeping a healthy and happy balance is a must.

God continues to open my eyes about the things of God, the GOODNESS of God, enjoying being around early childhood developement, LIFE, people, Christian living in a fallen world, and the list goes on!!!

Almighty God is so good, but when one is deliberately rebellious, deceived or ignorant of HIM...calamity comes and it AINT PRETTY.

Back to being blessed by blogland...I read an April 16th post written by Emily at

'A Beautiful Life'...You can find her at http://www.emsbingy.blogspot.com/

She shares her Testimony about The Joy of Children...I enjoyed reading her story about what she and her husband went through. I hope you'll visit her sight.

Also on her Blog she has mentioned THE BABY CONFERENCE.

'A Historic Family Summit on the TRIUMPH of LIFE Over the Culture of Death'

A Lady's Tea is planned and Michele Duggar will be present. Tickets have to be purchsed and there's limited seating.

Have you given it some thought that there is evil in this world and it desires to steal from you, kill you and destroy you??? This evil desires to molest your soul and prevent you from being who you are meant to be.

The culture of death is a real thing and we live in amongst it in this fallen world. To have triumph of life over this culture of death is a GOD THANG.

I wish I could go and see first hand how this conference is presented. I can't go, but I may have to order some of their DVDs and recordings.

When I think about the culture that I grew up in...it did have an serious effect on me...I WAS Rebellious and very worldly. I thumbed my nose at Godly counsel and ignored listening to God's Instructions. I WAS very self centered and demanding. I WAS very I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR. I WAS very ignorant and StUpId.

I WAS very much a product of the fallen nature of mankind. MORE about this later...I just know from personal experience...it TAKES THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD to open our eyes of understanding with coming to the end of ourselves and desiring to walk in the ways of the LORD to be victorious. VICTORIOUS and a CHAMPION!

You can make excuses and argue all you want...I did for a very long time. I used so called logic for years...it doesn't hold up when you have a personal encounter with the Holy Ghost. When those scales fall off your eyes...the logic just doesn't hold up. When the Holy Ghost falls a fresh on you...the excuses you have used and the arguments you have entertained...just don't stand up.

~Deanna~

Friday Fun Facts

Oh...I wished I had had PINK Oreo Cookies in my day as a child! This would have been awesome.

One of my favorite cookies of all time is the OREO cookie! With milk these days. As a child I would scrap the cream filling off the cookie shell with my teeth! Then pitch the outer cookie.

Taint so anymore...I crunch down on the entire cookie. Delicious right?

This week, I was so excited to find this great bargain at SAMs CLUB 24...count 'em...twentyfour 12"x12" HOTEL QUALITY Wash Clothes by 1888 Mills. Only $10.88 for 24 white wash clothes. Not 100% Cotton, but that's alright I want to try them out anyways.

86% Cotton 14% Polyester. That's about 46 cents each. Not bad for a pretty good wash cloth that suppose to withstand heavy washing.

You've got to be kidding! I stopped off at Dollar Tree to pick up some cat food and for a dollar you get Purina Brand...but that's not what I got excited about at this particular $$$$ Shoppe...for a buck was LOREAL LIPSTICK. Loreal!!!!!! I picked 3 shades and left a HaPpY CaMpEr!!!! I have never had tangerine colored lipstick...so quess what one of the colors was that I bought?

Even though LAUGHTER is good for the soul...Please don't laugh too hard...I started using a OSTER Dog Brush on my mane. Never used this brush on the dogs and then on me...new and all!!! Like the way it has brushed my thick mane of hair. When looking on the internet for a picture of this brush I bought at WALMART...an article said these were great for Horse's Tails and Manes. I have no plans of using it on my tail...but my head hair loves this brush! Haha.

Wish my hair looked more like this! Do you suppose the real Gibson Girl used a Dog Brush on her hair?

AND to end this post...as a GRANNY NANNY I have found fantastic uses for unscented Baby Wipes from Dollar General. These cloths are a nice size and great for 'right away' wiping sticky figures and quick clean-ups for little faces after eating.

Fast wipe ups on counters and table tops.

Easy on upholstered furniture.

Markers and ink pen marks on skin come off fairly easy with these wipes.

They are great for spot cleaning sinks and toilets.

Cleaning vinyl toys.

I've used these wipes for quick clean-ups for a multitude of items and I like using them! Make-up remover...sweaty foreheads.

A few years ago when we had puppy kennels to clean...they were remarkable for keeping the puppies kennels clean and smelling clean. The linoleum floors were a cinch to keep clean.

I like carrying a package of these wipes in the car for spills and wiping the babyseat fastener clean as well as the dashboard of the car.

I haven't had much luck with making my own wipes...didn't use Bounty Paper Towels.

Here's a recipe for Home Made Wipes. Maybe you'll have better luck at it than I did.

Need:

1 roll Bounty Paper Towels

2 Cups Water

2 Tablespoons Baby Oil

2 Tablespoons Baby Lotion

8 drops Lavender Oil (optional)

1 plastic container with lid

Instructions:

Cut roll of Bounty Paper Towels into two parts and discard the cardboard roll.

Bring water to boil.

Add oil, lotion and scent oil.

Put half of the paper towels in oversized zip lock baggy.

Pour solution over paper towels.

Zip shut and wait an hour for towels to absorb liquid before placing paper towels in plastic container with lid.

Let cool.

Pull from the center of the roll.

Keep sealed.

Last 3 weeks.

This is the HaPpY Housewife hollering at 'cha!

Some Pampering is necessary to help stay relaxed and refreshed! Just know that being refreshed will help you be a sweeter you and easier to be around. And we all need a sweeter you to make our HOMES a happier Haven.

Have a great week-end.

God Bless you and your HomeHaven,

~Deanna~

The Cat's Meow

TAX DAY Today started out a little different than normal. My husband was already up getting ready for work when a ruckus was heard out in the backyard. My daughter woke me up to tell me that 2 kittens were found in the backyard. These kittens look like they are about 3 weeks old.

They are adorable with big blue eyes.

We kennel 4 Airedale Terriers in the backyard. They were having a FIT. Our female Delilah had unlocked her kennel gate and was gently carrying a kitten in her mouth as she went about the yard! My husband went outside to be greeted with one kitten running toward him and Delilah carrying the other.

I had read before that Airedales might carry small creatures around in their mouths without hurting them. When my hubby saw Delilah, he thought oh no...is that a kitten in her mouth???

He thought she might try to eat the little thing, but she dropped the stunned kitten and started to lick the kitty as if she were its mother.

A few weeks ago, we were getting some things out of the garage and I said...it smells like kittens have been born in here. Hubby and daughter just looked at me like huh???? There's a specific scent and sure enough we're pretty sure these kittens were born in the garage. Tonight we will look for more since cats usually have 4 in their litters.

Sad thing is last week we saw who we think is their momma lying dead in the road. Think a truck killed her. If that's the case...these kittens haven't eaten in a week unless they nibbled on dog food that was stored in the garage.

Bought some Cat food. Gave the kittens 2 handfuls and they chowed down.

Last time we rescued kittens 14 years ago, my husband built an oversize cat cage. They were kept in this until they were about a year old. They were loved on and fed before hubby went to work and came home for supper. They knew when they heard his car they'd get loved on and fed. So when they got older and were living outside of the cage...whenever they heard my hubby's car they'd come running knowing that he would love on them and feed them.

They were the most affectionate cats I have ever seen. Other people would comment on how sweet they were. They truly were overly sweet.

He did something right with these kittens soooooo I don't know if we'll keep one or not. At Lunch time today my husband said he had somebody who wanted them if we didn't. We shall see. They ARE really CUTE. Just think we didn't have to go to the Pet Store for these...they came to us. MEOW!!!

I'll let 'cha know if Home Haven adopts another member into our family....will the government give us a tax deduction for this???????

God bless you all,

~Deanna~

The Art Of Cooking and Serving

The

ART OF

COOKING AND

SERVING

by

SARAH

FIELD

SPLINT

My 1926 copy of this book by Ms Splint caught my eye when it was rediscovered. I've thumbed through the pages and think it's a great book for TODAY's Home Makers as it was for the 1920s Home Maker.

It's entertaining to read what was written in the neighborhood of 74 years ago. 74!!! The nuggets of wisdom here are priceless. There are black and white illustrations along with some colored plates/pictures.

I think I had better review the recipes and suggestions for etiquette.

The focus of this book is TABLE SERVICE IN THE SERVENTLESS HOUSE and TABLE SERVICE IN THE HOUSE WITH A SERVENT, What to Serve and How to SERVE IT!

From what I can gather right up front...my menus are lacking and I have fallen victim to not having a wide enough variety of foods and ample selection!!! OOPS. I've also gone overboard on having way too many items in my kitchen. The well stocked Butler's PANTRY and Kitchen can be very efficient without all the BELLS and whistles...hummmmm.

In the near future...think I'll share some insights into this great book I have at HomeHaven.

The Cross Index has SECTIONS ON:

BREAKFAST

LUNCHEON

DINNER

DESSERTS

AFTERNOON TEA

"COMPANY" SUPPER

SCHOOL AND PICNIC LUNCH BOX

For instance in the book under CHAPTER XXIII

Spring-Summer Menus

WEDNESDAY

BREAKFAST

Fresh Apricots

Wheatena

Poached Eggs on Toast

Coffee

Cocoa

LUNCHEON

Cheese Fondue

Cabbage Salad

Sour Milk Biscuit

Peach Jam

Milk

Iced Tea

DINNER

Cream of Watercress Soup

Beefsteak Hash

Mushroom Sauce

Parsley Potatoes Baked Corn

Pineapple Sherbet

Nut Cookies

Coffee

Notice there isn't the push to drink a fountain of water?

The Table Settings in this book are well organized, clean and ready to serve.

Not a bad recipe to contribute to a Happy Home Life.

I know my HUBBY would be shocked if I had the Table set with meals like these....

God is good and desires a personal relationship with each of us. Just think the Creator of the Universe desires to spend time with you to where you know Him and His blessed ways.

Perhaps we all need to rediscover this and be Blessed!

Luv u,

~Deanna~

Granny Nanny Using Her Imagination

Usually when I go to Home Depot I'm alone or with my husband, but on this particular day I was Granny Nanny and was pushing Jr. Miss in this cute cart. Man, can you imagine what shopping would be like driving one of these hot autos around the store??? I'd need a horn.



Even when my children were young they would have enjoyed being behind the wheel...but having 3 youngins they would have had to take turns and we probably wouldn't have spent enough time in the store to please them.

I did not encourage my Grand to make this face...she learned it from a friend!

If I had done this with my face as a girl my Mom would have said to me that my face would stay that way. Thank goodness it didn't happen with Granny Nanny on duty.

My camera was acting up so I didn't get a pic of the ceiling fan that had a globe attached to it that resembled the planet Earth from outer space. I said nothing as we looked at the beautiful ceiling fans.

Jr. Miss said to me, "ERF!" meaning Earth. I asked her, how did you know that? AND she said, "I used my imagination!!!"

She's 3. She used her imagination...I chuckled. Yes, it did look like Earth from outer space.
Do you suppose Home Depot would have a discount day for us ERFLINS?

Smile on and enjoy life. Perhaps our Homes would be more of a HAVEN if we smiled more. God loves you and so does this ERFLIN,
Granny Nanny

WARNING

Playing it SAFE.

Just because we live in the Midwest doesn't mean there isn't a CRIME problem. We live in a Fallen World where some people would just as well hurt you as to look at you.

I received an email from my dear SISTER that lives in Iowa. I'm passing the word on via blog. A WARNING from SARPY County Nebraska would like to get the word out about these TECHNIQUES being used to HARM WOMEN.

Several things to be aware this year GANGS and ROBBERS are plotting different ways to attack people by getting them to stop their vehicles.

GANG INITIATION reported by the local Police Department that GANGS are placing car seats with a fake baby in it by the road beside a wooded area or grassy field waiting for a woman to stop and check on child in seat. When stopped...woman is dragged into wooded area or grassy field...beaten and raped...left for dead. DON'T STOP...call 9-1-1 and inform them.

NO NEED TO FEEL QUILTY THAT YOU DIDN'T STOP TO HELP. Ease your mind...you're not being a bad person for not stopping. You're being a cautious person living and driving in WISDOM.

ALSO...If driving at night and eggs are thrown at windshield...DON'T operate the wiper and spray any water because eggs mixed with water becomes milky which blocks your vision up to 92.5% so you are forced to stop beside the road and become a victim of robbers, rapist, murderers, etc.

PLEASE INFORM OTHERS.

LIVE in wisdom and be safe.

~Deanna~

PS Last year I was coming back from a shopping trip and ended up driving at night. Those dreaded red and blue lights started flashing. I was pulled over. The Officer said I had failed to dim my lights. He gave me a warning ticket.

To this day...I still think that I was driving with my dims on, because when I looked at my dash board the high beam light was not on. I flashed the dimmer light off and on and off...after I did this the blue light on the dash lit up to let me know that my highs were then on.

What I wanted to share is this...when I knew I was to pull over...I drove to a turn off into a place of business, circled my auto around to where the nose of my car was pointing toward the exit to get out of there...left my lights on, turned the interior light on and opened my door. Pulled my driver's license out along with proof of insurance. HAD MY CELL PHONE IN HAND.

Something to think about if you get pulled over. You want to make sure the Officer is actually a OFFICER.

God bless you out there in a not so nice world at times...you want to make it home where you live...alive and safe,

d

Hats...

Oh DRAT! I have had to start taking some meds for high blood pressure. Cinnamon in coffee is suppose to help naturally lower our blood pressure. Please pass the cinnamon. Thanx for stopping by for a visit...Please join me for a fine cup of warm tea or if you like some Java or fruit juice.


The week-end was relaxing and I feel really great that we have been SpRiNg ClEaNiNg this SpRiNg!!! Spring cleaning...Getting some results. THAT'S satisfying.


Soon there will be pink geraniums on the porch. A favorite. Lord willing they will grow and sport beautiful blossoms to enjoy through out the late Spring, Summer and early Fall. This year I think I will try to house these geraniums through out the Winter in the Mechanical Room. That's a ways away.


This past week-end my hubby won some Brownie POINTS by hanging a wooden shelf that's been revamped from an old Eastlake Dresser Mirror, an old wooden magazine/paper rack, more pictures, changed out light bulbs, did yard work and tended to the Airedales. He's amazing when he applies himself. What a great Blessing.


We watched some Saturday Night PBS television of Lark Rise To Candleford...an adaptation of Flora Thompson's memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood. Have you seen it? I'm enjoying it.






ON SUNDAY Hubby and I did some dreaming about how to redo our Kitchen when the time comes...it was fun and we walked away from Loews with some ideas to think on. Going to possibly install a tin ceiling in our little kitchen that will mimic a VINTAGE old fashioned look with a hand rubbed bronze color to it, white cabinets with rubbed bronze hardware, pretty white sink with rubbed bronze fauchet, new counter tops that will match the new tile that will be laid...can't wait, but have to. Dreaming together helps if you're on the same page about it!


We bought 10 watt Chandelier light bulbs that make all the difference in the Diningroom. It sure tones down the lighting to set a relaxed mood. So pleased and it's wonderful. Feels relaxed and feeds the room with a warmth that we like. This week the chandelier will need cleaned. That will be an accomplishment.


The kitchen fan needs cleaned as well. I hope to get this done as Lil Junior Miss naps today.



I'm still boxing up items that I have no place to display or store until the new kitchen cabinets get built. Soon the table will be cleared. Another AAAHHHHHHH moment.


Doing laundry today. Good 'ole Wash Day. Paid some bills by telephone...this was actually nice. So convenient and fast. I need fast at something these days.


It seemed like Easter came and went by so fast that I'm still waiting for it to soak in. Speakin' of Easter...did you wear an Easter Bonnet??? I didn't. Wish I had.


Before Easter I hoped to get this done...take a picture of my Granddaughter dressed in one of her Momma's childhood Easter Dresses and Bonnet that a doll wears these days. Maybe just maybe I can get this done sometime during the month of April. Pictures to follow.





I'll finish this post with a parade of hats. Wouldn't it be something to return to an age where hats were expected when we dressed up to go out for a formal event or just to pal around? For now...I'll just think about it with fond memories.




God Bless,
~Deanna~
having fun at HomeHaven on the Kansas Prairies

BE NOT CONFORMED

Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethen, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
AND be not confirmed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

God Bless you today and every day of your precious life that is a gift from God.
~Deanna~

Ghost Town On A Friday Night

We had a great Friday evening. My sweet hubby and I went for dessert and a cup of hot java at the local Mom and Pop Restaurant. Deb serves up a tasty strawberry pie that I first got acquainted with 4 Springs ago. Hubby phoned first to see if they had any and yesssss...she said she'd hold some for us.

One of the neat things of living in a small small small town is that it takes about 3 minutes to get in your car, drive downtown, park the car and walk into the small town restaurant, seat yourself (no long waits) and be served! Fantastic.

We walked into the restaurant and sitting in a booth enjoying their supper was our beautiful Daughter and cutie Grand. Didn't know that this was where they were eating out at. I said I didn't mean to crash your party! Daughter said, " Sit with us."

We did. AND she paid for our pie and coffee. That was very sweet of her. Then Hubby and I went to the Grocery Store for a local newspaper and a drive in the country.

The scenery was so pretty. Six wild turkeys crossed the road in front of us and ran away across a field. They were a nice size. They are free to run wild and enjoy the country around here. Earlier in the day, Buffalos were grazing in the country. There is a Buffalo Ranch not too far from where we live. Will have to blog about it. Seeing the Buffalo grazing in a field is a beautiful sight to me. It brings to memory alot of thoughts about early Pioneer Life in Kansas.

Back to our country drive. We found ourselves at the Ghost Town of Volland, Kansas. Two trains were stopped there waiting for take off. There was an aweful train wreck at Volland years ago and maybe I'll blog about that as well. Got alot of blogging to do.

Anyways...our country drive was so relaxing. I loved it and I loved being with my sweatheart in our little economy car enjoying the sights and a gorgeous Kansas sunset.

The Prairie grasses are burned once a year...and you are able to see sights just like this as you drive country roads.

May you have a delightful week-end and remember that you are greatly loved by Almighty God. He wants you to know Him and His ways for they are higher than our ways. He has a good plan for your life.

Luv u

~Deanna~

PS The neighbor Lady down the street has a sign in her corner plot that says

"BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED" I've heard this before, but know it's worth repeating. Bloom where you are planted. I need to.

HomeHaven Details

Some more of the details I like about our old stonehouse. So glad you've stopped by.

One of the features I love about our old stonehouse are the high ceilings and the way the walls curve into the windows. This picture is of the Formal Parlour and pretty sure that this will probably be the last room I decorate another color. The other rooms will come first, because they need more attention than the Parlour. I want to take the valances down and hang delicate lace panels instead of what is up there now. I'm looking for white lace panels. For now the walls are a beige/champagne color and white. This will do for now...but I sure want to change it.

We moved this SideBoard/Buffet out of the Parlour last week-end and put in it's place a large Curio Cabinet. Pictures later. I had the Sideboard sitting in the Parlour for a good year and when Christmas came I was lost without it in the Diningroom. So she's happily sitting in the Diningroom again.

This next picture is to show you the plaster wall on stone that curves into the window. Almost all of the windows are like this. I hadn't seen walls like this before. The 1901 part of our Haven mimics the 1885 part of the house. Whoever did this technique carried the theme throughout the house. This I like and it caught my eye when we were house hunting 3 years ago.

Moving right along...One of the brass door knobs that holds a mystery behind it...the Mechanical Room where the Hot Water Heater and Boiler reside. Just what you wanted to see right? Maybe next time! It's a Man Cave in there.

Thank you for visiting...I always enjoy hearing how you're doing!

God Bless you and may you have a super week-end!
~Deanna~

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, MOMMA

I just hung up the phone from talking to my Mom! Today is her 78th Birthday. 78. I love my Mom and Dad and am blessed to have them as my parents. So blessed. Dad's 83 and now Mom's 78.

My Dad robbed the cradle when he found my Mom to date, court then marry. Mom was only 15 when they met in Marion, Kansas. He was a local boy and she was staying with her older sister, Eyleen who was the County Extension Agent dating my Dad's older brother George. Things didn't work out between Eyleen and George...but my parents became an item. They dated for about a year and then said, " I DO!" and then they did. Faithful to one another to this day.

My Mom liked him right away, but played hard to get when Dad asked her if she wanted a ride. She said no and then wondered why she said no.

They've been married a little over 6o years!!! They still hold hands, kiss each other good night and say I love you. Also...they pray together every night.

'I LOVE YOU TRULY' was sang at their Wedding, October 17th.

My Momma is the "BESTEST" kind of Mom to have. She has a sense of humor, hard worker, and kind. She knows right from wrong. Loves her family. Enjoys jewelry, knows how to put colors together, fantastic HOMEMAKER and WIFE. This Lady has no red lipstick on at the moment, but if she knew I was coming...she'd put some on.

Dear LORD, Bless my Mom today and let her know that I love her and she's much valued. BLESS her with long life and Happiness. In Jesus Name I pray...AMEN!

i LOVE YOU mOM AND AM WISHING YOU A VERY hAPPY AND hEALTHY bIRTHDAY,

~dEANNA~