COVID-19 Quarantine Update From the Farmers

It's been since Christmas that I have posted at the Farmers Place. 

It's time for an update following a Simple Woman's Daybook.

Looking out my window

Three of our children are on their own. They have shared some pictures as well.

View from our bay window

Brian's place in Minnesota

Out Daniel and Tina's front window

from Kaela and Ethan's bedroom

I am thinking

How blessed we are. We learned in January that we had to move out of our so loved townhouse. God was gracious in providing a lovely ground floor two bedroom apartment within walking distance from our daughter! He also provided all the funds to make the move and buy some much-needed appliances.

I am thankful

We were able to get moved in and out of the townhouse just in time before the COVID-19 quarantine. We are enjoying the new apartment though we haven't had an opportunity to meet neighbors. Or really so how normal life will flow from here.

One of my favorite things

crocheting - see below

I am creating

I just finished this I Heart Scraps Baby Blanket for my cousin's grandbaby.

 It was received just in time for the arrival of their baby girl!

I used the scraps leftover from the stained glass blanket I made for my daughter.

Mikaela, the inventor, used pieces from items she was throwing away

to make this lap desk.

Daniel, Tina, & Austin had to say goodbye to their beloved Doberman Pinscher, 

Lexie early this year. Mikaela painted this picture for them.

 Tina made some face masks for her boss.
She also painted her porch furniture this beautiful color of teal.
Doesn't it look awesome?

I am wearing

We're wearing pajamas a lot these days. I'm wearing some Lula Rue's pants that Mikaela found for me at a yard sale. They are so comfortable, especially for my fibro pain. Just enough pressure on my legs to ease the pain and restless legs. They are my go-to choice during the quarantine.

Tina, our daughter-in-law, wears and sells her beautiful magnabilities jewelry. It's amazing. You purchase the style of a pendant you like. Then you buy magnetic inserts to match your mode, your clothes, the season. You can even take a picture of your own and create a personal insert like the one shown here with a photo of her children. Go to her webpage and check out the possibilities.

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to

I'm reading Disciplines of the Inner Life by  Bob Benson along with my devotions each morning. And basing my blog writings on what I am learning.

This year I am also reading and watching true stories/biographies like I am Malala, How one Girl Stood up for Education and Changed the World

Another awesome movie based on a book was The Same Kind of Different. Read my review on my other blog. And Hidden Figures which has not been review just yet.

My favorite podcast right now is Emily P. Freeman's The Next Best Thing

Mikaela said, We recently just watched the Stephen King movies The Shining and Dr. Sleep, which are a series kind of. And now I am going back and reading the book The Shining. Maybe eventually I will get the Dr. Sleep book. I find that it is way better for me, and anyone watching the movie with me, to watch the movie adaptation first and THEN read the book and see how it's supposed to go.

Tina said, I went to go check on a couple of my amazing neighbor ladies and they were telling me about how they loved watching “Hank” on Chicago PD. They told me they never miss it and people know not to call or bother them at that time. Haha! So, I decided to start at Season 1 episode 1. Oh my goodness... 

I love this show! The next day I had to go tell these ladies they got me hooked!

Brian says I'm watching the Marvel Cinematic Universe films in chronological order while I'm on leave from Delta. And reading a series of choose-your-own-adventure books on the Oregon Trail that Mikaela sent me.

I am hoping

I am hoping that this COVID-19 Stay at home edict can be over soon.
I've been fine but really getting a bit stir crazy.
And I need to go to Nebraska to visit my parents.
They have just moved into assisted living, against their wishes.
Here is my Brother's family having a window visit with them.

I am learning

I learned about the Five Solas recently with the online Bible Study I participate in.
I have been commissioned to write for them as well! Join us and you will hear from me on He ~ El Gibhor ~ The Mighty God later this month.

In my kitchen

I think I have now replaced all my major appliances down to my hand mixer.
Just before moving, our washing machine quit on us. Fortunately, the apartment complex rents them for $20/month. What we really wanted to get was a chest freezer because the tiny little freezer above the provided fridge just does not hold much.
Unfortunately, This COVID craze sent everyone and the brother out for a freezer to hoard on meats and frozen foods. So, when we got ready to start looking there were no freezers to be found. Two weeks ago, our son Brett, walked into a furniture store and asked, "I think I know the answer, but would you happen to have any freezers?" 

They said, "We just got some in today, but already we only have 2 left and they are small 5cu. chest freezers." 

He responded, "That's exactly what I am looking for. I'll take one of them." (The other one was sold over the phone while they did the paperwork on his purchase.)
Then, last week our clothes dryer stopped. Thank God for a stimulus check that paid for a washer-dryer set. Next, my hand mixer quit. I was glad to find a Kitchenaid hand mixer. It was rated the best AND it also happens to be the lightest on sold which is helpful for this old Chronic Pain Warrior.

In the Schoolroom

We no longer have any school-age children. But I would like to encourage those of you who have found yourself homeschooling against your will. Don't get stressed over this. Your child is going to do fine. Enjoy spending time with them. One thing I learned quickly was when it gets stressful, it is time for a little break. Go outside for 15 minutes ~ play or have a snack or even just do a little exercise. When you return, things won't seem quite so bad.
I loved having my children at home and learning right alongside them.

We homeschooled from kindergarten to senior high.

In my Garden

We don't have a garden but I would love to create some kind of garden or bird sanctuary outside our bay window. It's about a 6'x6' area. We are thinking to put some kind of border along the sidewalk to keep the leaves from blowing on the walk. This would make our door a little more noticeable for the delivery people. And I'm thinking it would be beneficial to plant something that deters the mosquitos and other unwanted pests.

Our oldest, Daniel is the gardener in the family. You can see his back yard on the left above and some flowers they have on the front porch. 

Board room

I'm a little slack at posting on Pinterest, but my handle is GGMandy
You can find me on Instagram  @Mandy_Holds_u_Up

Post Script

Have you checked out my Blog with Michele Bruxvoort?
I love her writing and mine is OK. :)
There is usually a post every day. When you get there, sign up for Push Notifications where you will get notified immediately when we post something OR
sing up at the bottom to receive an email newsletter every Friday.
www.mandyandmichele.com/blog

Shared Quote

An Appropriate Prayer from Disciplines for the Inner Life

O God, you have made us for fellowship, and have given us the power both to help and harm our fellows, grant us the wisdom to know what is their good, and the ready will to help them attain it. Heal those we have wounded, strengthen those whom we have failed, grant us all your healing grace, and make our fellowship to be your family, through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Norman B. Nash in Daily Prayer Companion

A moment from my day

All I do is blog and visit doctors! :)

Closing Notes

I do ask your prayers for me. 

I am having some shortness of breath and lightheadedness. I am scheduled for a nuclear stress test this weak. Michael is also having to tweak his BP meds which has things "all stirred up"

With Love from the Farmers

Merry Christmas from the Farmers!

December 2019

I recently read that joy comes from gratitude. We may often think that gratitude follows Joy, but they have actually proven scientifically that when we express gratitude, it makes a connection in our brains and we become joyful. Below we have shared several things for which we are grateful to God this year. He has been wondrously good to us.

 We challenge you to start a gratitude journal next year. You will be surprised how much God is doing for you. And you might feel a little joyful along the way.

Wishing you a season filled with the joy of the Lord,

Merry Christmas from the Farmers

Gratitude Journal for 2019

1) 2018 Christmas cash gifts paid for two tires for the car and

2) much needed and overdue eyeglasses for both Michael and Mandy

3) tax return paid for an air purifier for allergies and some needed clothing items

4) Health Insurance rebate paid $1,000+ on our medical bills.

5) Our benefits were renewed! These benefits pay our health insurance premiums and pays all of Mandy’s co-pays!

6) We found more ways to save on our auto insurance. (getting older does have it’s benefits)

7) Tina was hired at Days Inn and was fast promoted to manager. (a real God thing here!)

8) Ethan received a promotion at FedEx.

9) Mikaela & Ethan were able to acquire a second car.

10)  Harvest Church called a new pastor.

11)  Mikaela and Brian both gave us their old cell phones (better than what we had) plus all the kids committed to pay Michael’s cell phone fees saving us $30 a month. They didn’t like that we canceled his cell phone to balance the budget.

1)  Brian found a larger, nicer apartment in Burnsville, MN and moved in September.

2)  Brian bought us an external hard drive to store our stash of movies and TV shows!

3)  MRI for Mandy’s left shoulder shows it needs to be replaced. Surgery is not possible due to her unstable C1-C2, but injection has helped immensely with the pain.

4)  Brett was rear-ended & his car totaled. However, enough money was given on the settlement to pay off all his debt and put a nice down payment on a new car!

5)  A new laptop from Brian is keeping Mandy writing and blogging. Mandy was commissioned to write devotions for the general Church of the Nazarene and also to write Bible Studies online at www.GracefullyTruthful.com

6)  Michael started preaching twice a month at the Bloomingdale Church since their pastor resigned in September.

7)  We received another reimbursement from health insurance for $200+ which helped restock on pantry shelves.

8)  We received pastor appreciation gifts from both Savannah churches.

9)  We were safe from any effects of Hurricane Dorian.

10)  Mandy received a generous birthday gift of cash which she used to purchase a small Christmas tree and more yarn for her crocheting projects.

11)  Michael’s polycythemia has improved with needing only two phlebotomies this whole year. Check-ups stretched to every 2 months.

12)  Brian started a job in November at Delta in Minneapolis. He was one of a few selected out of thousands of applicants. So many wonderful benefits. He is very happy with the position.

13)  The Bloomingdale church gave us an abundant Thanksgiving basket including a whole turkey and everything needed for the whole meal.

14)  Mandy only had to visit Mayo Clinic once this year. She’s had more joint pain but the general consensus is that it’s your basic osteoarthritis. All the crazy accidents on the farm are catching up with her.

15)  Occasionally, one of the kids will just decide to put gas in our car. What a blessing.

16)  November brought to mind that we have been living in the Savannah area for four years now. We are still so thankful for the way God provided us a place to live in HarmonyTownes.

17)  Mikaela reminded us that it’s been 3 years since she and Ethan starting dating. Married 1 1/2 years now!

18)   We are eternally grateful to family and friends who have given us cash or provided food just at the right time this year. We are blessed.

19)  Speaking of anniversaries, Michael and Mandy will celebrate 30 years of marriage on December 31. Not sure how that happened. I guess time flies when you are having fun.

This is just the tip of the iceberg because we didn’t share all the answers to prayer for other friends and family that God has answered gloriously. It has been an awesome year. So, again, we encourage you to start a gratitude journal. You will be so surprised at all God is doing

Merry Christmas from The Farmers

Well, here we are at Christmas again. 

How did that happen? I see that I haven't written since July. My hope was to write every three months, I have been writing just not here. :) A good friend, Michele Bruxvoot, and I have joined together on a new blog page. Getting that going has kept most of my attention since the wedding. I think you will like it, so please take some time to visit when you have a chance. Mandy and Michele Just Keeping it Together! If you like what you see, click on that little blue bar on the bottom of the page and sign up for the weekly newsletter that will keep you in the know about what's happening on the blog.

OK, so ... What has been going on with you this year? 

Michael and I seem to spend most of the time visiting doctors. Oh! The joys of retirement. You retire and suddenly you are sick all the time. ugh! We've managed to get my pain under "control" or at least into some kind of new normal. The R.A. is in remission and the fibromyalgia is bearable as long as I don't go doing too much. We head down to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville 3 or 4 times a year to get injections in my neck. My C1-C2 joint is deteriorated because of the R.A. Michael has been fighting various illnesses this year. We seem to be jumping from one thing to another. He had some melanoma removed, then he has "too much blood" so he goes and has some removed every 6 weeks or so.

Michael has been supplying at Savannah Harvest Church twice a month since the senior pastor got promoted to heaven. It was sad to lose Pastor Jim but the extra income has been a blessing for us. We are amazed at how God continues to provide our every need, month after month.

Wedding Bells

The biggest news and excitement for the Farmers this year was the beautiful wedding of our Mikaela to Ethan Grimes. This was "the other royal wedding". Married on the same day as Prince Harry and Meghan, Pastor Jim said that this marriage was indeed a royal wedding as both Mikaela and Ethan are children of the King of Kings.

Tina&Daniel, MikenMandy,Ethan&Mikaela, Brett, Brian

Mikaela's brothers were all, in their own special way, deeply involved in the ceremony. Nephew Austin and brother Brett were "Bride's Dudes". A little unorthodox but they are indeed her best friends so it was very appropriate. Brett did a lot of behind the scenes running, you know a go-pher. He didn't want to be running the sound so he made sure everything was in order for another to do it.

Brian helped with the ceremony and sang during the Rope Ceremony. I had never seen a rope ceremony but it was beautiful. It is based on the scripture "a cord of three strands is not easily broken". Ethan and Mikaela braided the three cords representing themselves and God this was instead of the traditional candle lighting. Awesome.

Speaking of the ropes, Daniel made a gorgeous plaque to hold the braid. It was displayed for the ceremony and is now in Ethan & Mikaela's home. Daniel and Tina have a little side business making some amazing wood furniture and walking sticks. So nice. Tina did her part for the wedding too. She was the wedding planner! Couldn't have made it all happen without her! Also, Tina has found two wonderful products that she is now selling online, Norwex (wonderful cleaning products) and Magnabilities (customizable jewelry).

Daniel is still "running things" over at Mock Plumbing where he designs and heads up the plumbing plans for institutional buildings. Recently, he has been helping with the new hospital going in here in Pooler... and many other things, even over in South Carolina. Daniel acquired food poisoning in October which brought attention to his high blood pressure. This was investigated and it was found that he had a kidney stone the size of a half dollar piece. The kidney was not really working at all so the decision was made to remove the entire kidney. That happened last week. He is resting at home now. Lots of pain but doing well and should be back to work soon after the holidays.

Our grandson, Austin (20) is still in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) & Kickboxing. When not at the dojo, he can be found at the gym. He feels led to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. Currently, he is brushing up with some online classes before enrolling in college.

After the wedding, Brian moved to Minneapolis to consider a new line of work. He has friends there that put him up until this month when he found his own little place. For now, until he gets established he is doing quite well driving for Uber and delivering for Amazon. He's really loving it ..even the cold.

Brett has been promoted to store manager at a local sports shop. He's enjoying the change from Chick-Fil-A. And now hoping to move closer to town. The drive in is taking its toll on his car. (2 accidents this fall alone.)

He's also running the sound at church. Something he really enjoys doing.








Mikaela is still working at the bread shop around the corner from our house. That's nice because occasionally she drops in after work with a loaf of bread! Ethan keeps getting moved up at Fed Ex. He is impressing their socks off over there and they keep asking if he wants to make a career there. He is also working on his ordination as a youth pastor. He received his district license this summer a week or so after returning from their honeymoon in Gatlinburg. If you want to know more about their wedding and see more pictures, just click on this link.

That's about it for excitement here. Hope your holidays are joyous and the new year full of great expectations.

Mandy, Michael, and the gang

Remember to go by and check out Mandy's new blog at www.mandyandmichele.com/blog

Great-Grandblessings!

Oh, now we know that we are WAY TOO YOUNG to be great-grandparents but we do have a few that we claim through marriage. Daniel's Tina has two children from a previous marriage. They are adults and this year they gave us #5 and #6 great-grandblessings! Check these cuties out!

Cody & Lizz
with Lacie, Caiden, Livie,

Layla

Loran&Justin with Cooper

Sawyer born Nov 2018

The Wedding Day May 19,2018

At last! The day had finally arrived. May 19, 2018

He had been waiting for this day for some time now. Ethan, the young groom stood at the altar with his best man awaiting the arrival of his bride, our daughter, Mikaela. Tears of joy were already pooling in his eyes at just the thought because he loves her so.

The sanctuary was filled 

with friends and family from as far away as Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Some had driven over 5 hours that morning to be at this special event.

Best Friends

Ethan invited four of his best friends from High and College. Mikaela had asked her friends, as well, to come and stand with her. Though a very traditional girl, she had also asked her brother, Brett and her nephew, Austin to stand up for her because they were indeed her closest friends. Unfortunately, Austin became ill that morning and was not able to attend.

Grandparents and Mothers all had taken their seats and the bride and groom's wedding party was now in place. 

Music from Tangled, the Disney movie, began to play and his sister, Ericka, sweetly began to sing...

All those days watching from the windows

All those years outside looking in

All that time never even knowing

Just how blind I've been

Now I'm here blinking in the starlight

Now I'm here suddenly I see

Standing here it's all so clear

I'm where I'm meant to be

.

All at once, everything looks different

Now that I see you...

Ethan bowed his head and closed his eyes. He didn't want to see even a glimpse of his beautiful bride until she was standing in the doorway. We waited as the music continued. 

As one of the groomsmen, Mitch, sang out the second verse, the congregation stood and turned. Ethan lifted his head and opened his eyes.

Now she's here shining in the starlight

Now she's here suddenly I know

If she's here it's crystal clear

I'm where I'm meant to go

And at last, I see the light...

And there she was pretty as a picture standing at the threshold of their new life together. She wore a gown of antique satin and Chantilly lace from the same dress her mother and grandmother had worn many years earlier. Around her neck hung a necklace worn by her Daddy's mother.

Tears of joy could no longer stay back as he gazed at his treasured bride. Her Daddy stepped to her side and they walked down the aisle together. Daddy was also in tears. Just the thought of giving away his little girl brought so many emotions to the surface. Both pairs of parents had prayed for this day when each would meet God's mate for life.

A Royal Wedding 

They turned and faced the minister who made mention of the Royal wedding which had taken place that same day “across the pond”. He noted that this, too, was a royal wedding because the bride and groom are children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Her brother, Pastor Brian, delivered a marriage message speaking of the gift of marriage and what it meant to give oneself to each other. He spoke of other gifts as well. The gift of love, commitment, themselves, and more.

Brian stepped aside, and both Dads approached the couple. Since both are ministers, they led the couple in the repeating of their vows. How precious that each father could lead their own child in these most sacred promises. You could hear their voices quiver.

And then, the exchanging of rings.

“With the ring, I thee wed..”

The groom placed his grandmother’s wedding rings onto her finger.

“.. And give to you, my life”

Mikaela placed a ring of wood and fiery opal on Ethan’s finger. Opal is her birthstone. [No comment as to whether "fiery" has any indications.] It could mean he has her wrapped around his finger. But more likely, She has him wrapped around her finger!

Bonded Together Forever

The couple then moved to the side for the unity ceremony.  They lifted a veil to reveal a beautifully stained board with a cross and three cords. Her brother, Daniel, had created this unity board for this day and this moment was the first glimpse they had of the board. 

Mikaela & Ethan began to braid the three cords representing God, Ethan, and Mikaela together.

And her brother, Brian sweetly sang as they spent a few treasured moments together.

“Today you're giving your all
You've never trusted like this before.

Now tears of joy fall like rain

They seem to wash away every fear

You feel God's presence so very near."

Yes, tears fell and Ethan took a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe her tears. What an endearing few moments to watch how much he loves his bride.

And a brand new life is waiting for you

Starting here, starting now

From this moment on

From here to forever

He will carry you

Safe inside His love

The couple returned to the arbor where Pastor Eric,

Ethan’s dad pronounced them man and wife.

“Ethan, You may kiss your bride.”

The kiss was as passionate as their love.

Thunderous applause and cheers rose up from the sanctuary nearly drowning out the pastor’s introduction of the new couple.

“May I introduce to you, 
Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Grimes”

Hallelujah!

Applause rose up again. The joyful strains of the Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus could hardly be heard as the couple stepped out hand in hand.

The moment had finally arrived. 

They were now bonded together. 

Forever.

-------

Thank you to all those who helped make this day a beautiful day. We couldn't have done it without you!

Need to see more pictures? Click here

Photos provided by Lynn's Photography