Harriet

M'friends, we have a new member of the family. Her name is Harriet. She's warm, and fuzzy, and so, so small. Can you guess what she is? *all the smiles* 

Yep, a teddy bear hamster! For a (belated) birthday present for one of my sisters, our parents bought this new little pet. :-) My sister named her Harriet after Mrs. Oleson from Little House on the Prairie.

Welcome to the family, Harriet!

Is this exciting news or what?! Comment below and tell me if you have any tips or tricks for taking care of hamsters. :D

Blessings,

Ellen S.

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Hi friends!!! How are you all this fine February morning? Did you get to enjoy some chocolate yesterday? :D (And for anyone who's curious . . . I'm not the biggest fan of chocolate, so Mom bought me some strawberry hard candies instead. :D)
I know you're anxious to find out who won the giveaway (and if you're skipping the intro to get to that part of the post, I don't blame you *wink*), so let's dive right in! 
The winner of the Valentine's Day giveaway is  . . . 

Happy Valentine's Day! + More Pics of Our Valentine Baby

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!! *showers you all in chocolate and pink and red confetti hearts* 💕💕
Ruby Jane is our precious Valentine's Day baby, as her due date, believe it or not, is Feb. 14th, 2020. Although God brought her out of the womb and into this world a couple weeks early, she'll forever be our sweet little Valentine. :-)

Holding this cuddly bundle of joy in my arms, feeling her warm breath on my neck and her soft skin beneath my cheek, is amazing. There's nothing in the whole world that could quite compare with it. 💕

 

Last day to enter the Valentine's Day giveaway! Winner announced tomorrow, February 15th.

Blessings,

Ellen S.

GIVEAWAY!

It's time for a fun giveaway!! 
Tales from Memory Creek Ranch was published in February of 2019. Soon after its release, Mrs. Marlow hosted a Valentine's Day giveaway for the book (and yes, I stole the above graphic from her post). 
Now, nearly a whole year later, I'm hosting a giveaway of my own . . . but this time for a Memory Creek keychain. 
A few pics of the prize:

You guys excited yet?? I know I am. These keychains are the CUTEST, and I look forward to sharing one of my "literary treasures" with a certain blessed winner.

Right, time for the rules. 

This giveaway runs from Monday, February 10th, to Friday, February 14th, 2020, and it is open to USA residents only. To enter, you can:

❤Follow me (via either blogger or email)

❤Comment below and tell me what your favorite story is from Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

One final note: be sure to let me know how many entries I should credit you for. If you follow me but don't clarify that you did so for the giveaway, you won't be entered in the drawing.

And . . . that's it! Have fun, and good luck! 

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Where Are We Turning?

Mom slips Ruby Jane into her bouncy seat and securely locks both buckles. 

I stand off to the side, watching. My littlest sister's eyelids begin to unfold, and I see the deep blue in her irises. She waves her hands in the air and grunts. The front of her too-big sleeper comes up into her face, and she opens her mouth, thinking she's been offered something to eat. When all that touches her lips is fabric and not milk, she raises a fist. First one, then two fingers into her mouth . . . Still nothing, and by now she's frustrated. Her face scrunches up, and she wails. Her belly craves something more, but she's unable to find what her body really needs. 
Sleepers and hands might work for a moment, but nothing can ever truly replace the warm, nourishing deliciousness of Mommy's milk. 
As I gaze upon this spectacle, and see Mom lift Ruby from her bouncy to feed her, my heart thrums. Aren't we all like this? Storms rise up in our lives, questions, doubts, fears . . . and we turn to the wrong things to fill us. We turn to people, books, money, on and on and on, any one thing we think might has the answers. 
We bury ourselves into substitutes, things that may work for a while but will never truly fill us. 
Jesus says He is the Well, the only One Who can heal us, restore us, and give us peace. Yet we grab our shovels and beat at the ground, digging our own wells . . . which quickly dry up, so that we draw only dust. 
We're never going to find peace this way. Our hearts will never be full. Our mouths will only get drier, our hearts emptier.
Friends, I urge you, whatever you may be dealing with today, take it to God. He knows you. He MADE you. He understands what you're going through, and He wants to help carry your burden. 

And if you're someone who has not yet asked Jesus into your heart, do so. Right now. You're never too far gone for Him. Ask Him in. Confess the wrong you've done and ask Him to make you new, and He will do it. Not only that, but He will flood you with indescribable joy and true fulfillment. 








Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. PSALM 62:8

But for You, O LORD, do I wait; it is You, O LORD my God, Who will answer. PSALM 38:15

New Keychains!

Last week, I received the sweetest bookmail from Etsy seller Aleigha C. Israel. (She makes some amazing bookworm goodies, so be sure to check out her shop, Literary Treasures Co., ASAP.) I obtained Mrs. Marlow's permission to use the cover flat for Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, then asked Aleigha if she wouldn't mind doing a custom order for two Memory Creek keychains. She agreed, and so now I'm able to hold my very most favorite book . . . right in my palm!

A keychain in the hands of my two-year-old sister. 

Notice how sweet and tiny that little book is!

Have you read Tales from Memory Creek Ranch? If so, what's your favorite story from the book? 
(BTW, just sayin', but I have an extra keychain, so there might be a giveaway in store for later . . .)

She's Here!!

Everyone, meet Ruby Jane, our precious little gem who was born yesterday at 8:14 A.M. 

The first visit!!!!!!!!!!

Right after delivery. :-)

Thank you all SO VERY MUCH for the prayers!! Mom and Baby are doing wonderfully. Ruby Jane entered the world weighing 7 lbs. 15 oz. (A big, beautiful baby!) Dad took my sibs and me to see her and Mom in the hospital yesterday evening. 😍 Again and again we see God's hand in our lives, and we are beyond grateful!  

Happy (belated) birthday, Ruby Jane!! I am so proud to be your sister! 💕