Dirt Road Adventures: Easy Christmas Ideas, Celebrating My Last Chemo Treatment, Ringing The Bell, and more
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey Friends,
I’ve had a great week and was feeling good enough to share some new Christmas projects with you. However, it’s been an emotional week as I approached my last chemotherapy treatment on Friday. I allowed the fear of the unknown to creep in and steal the joy of the healing I’ve received. However, on Friday, I received encouraging news and got to ring that Hope bell. You can see all the details in My Healing Journal.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
I’m so thankful for the great response to my latest Christmas projects. I am obsessed with the snow globe ornaments and the possibilities for using them during the holidays. I shared both new projects and some of my favorites from years past. In case you missed anything, here they are.
In Case You Missed It
DIY Christmas Decor: Upcycle Old Books With Dollar Tree Ornaments
Are you ready to transform old books into festive Christmas decor? Join me on this fun, budget-friendly Dollar Tree craft adventure! Today, we are creating gorgeous, upcycled book ornaments that look truly high-end.
DIY Reindeer Snow Globe Ornaments: 8 For The Price Of One!
Have you seen those woodland snow globe Christmas ornaments in all the high-end boutiques this year?
How To Make Foraged Twig Christmas Topiaries With Dried Oranges
Looking for cheap and sustainable Christmas Craft Ideas? You will love these easy-foraged twig Christmas Topiaries.
Easy DIY Air Dry Clay Gingerbread House Ornaments Tutorial
Looking for an easy, no-mess way to make gingerbread house ornaments? I just finished making DIY air-dry clay gingerbread houses, perfect for my kitchen Christmas tree.
10 Amazing Vintage Milk Glass Christmas Decorating Ideas
Hi, it’s Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse! Are you ready to give your home an elegant, timeless glow this Christmas season?
Easy Vintage-Inspired DIY Christmas Bells With Old Book Pages
Looking for unique holiday decorations for your home this year? Learn how to create stunning, vintage-inspired Christmas bells with this easy DIY!
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- Y’all know that I love old book pages and sheet music ideas for Christmas. CoCo shared this adorable Sheet Music Project that you will love.
- Upcycling and eco-friendly ideas are always on my list. Jennifer created these adorable, easy-to-make recycled-sweater ornaments.
- If you like to force paperwhites bulbs for Christmas, check out Stacy’s Tips for Growing Paperwhites Indoors.
- I can’t wait to show you my Christmas tree and how I decorated the top this year and it’s coming soon. But in the meantime, check out KariAnne’s 7 Christmas Ideas for Tree Toppers.
- Speaking of Christmas trees, check out Kim’s Christmas Trees for Small Spaces.
What’s in my Cart
I’ve lost so much weight, and I had to have some new jeans and just a few things that didn’t look like someone else’s clothes. I’m loving some of the deals I got.
- I love how these jeans look and fit. Just stretching enough so I can keep wearing them with a few extra pounds.
- They look so cute with these suede boots.
- I was skeptical of this jacket for the price. But I love everything about it. Check out my new fur jacket.
- If you are making any of the Snow Globe Ornaments I shared for gifts, these gift boxes are perfect for wrapping and protecting them.
- I’m loving reading my daily devotional from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
- I just ordered two of these darling sweaters, one for me and one for Jennifer.
- I just switched out my living room rug and needed a new one for the front door. I couldn’t believe the price on this neutral rug.
- This plaid skirt is going to be so cute for Christmas. There was a shipping delay, but it’s on its way now. Yay!
Coming Soon
I’ve got a full week of projects and ideas for you. Hint: start checking thrift stores for nativity scenes and sets. Go back and read How To Bleach Pinecones because I’ve already made a second batch, and wait until you see what I’ve done with them and so much more.
- See our Pinterest Challenge Christmas Stocking Ideas
- It’s Thrifting With The Gals week and I’ve got some great Thrift Store Makeovers for you.
- See How To Transform Inexpensive Glass Vases into Stunning Candleholders for Christmas
- Check out this year’s Christmas Tree Style and my 2025 mantel.
- Plus… A Christmas Tour and so much more to come. Stay tuned.
Thank you so much for your loyal following, especially these last few months of recovery. Have a blessed week!
Congratulations on your LAST chemo and you only had to do 7…that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you and will continue to keep you in my prayers for continued healing. Just remember to be kind to yourself as your body recovers from that chemical assault…it takes time.
Carol,
Thank you so much! I appreciate your continued prayers as I’m sure I’ll need them. Have a blessed week.
Continued prayers for healing, Rachel
Sandy,
I appreciate this so much. Have a blessed week.
Well the bells and snow globe ornaments are so cute. Oh, the gingerbread houses are darling too. Then the small trees post has all sorts of ideas. I was going to keep it simple this year but now my mind is racing. LOL I have my pinecones soaking as I post, this year may not be as simple as I thought it would be. Rachel, I am so happy that you got to ring the bell now let’s get ready to holiday and leave 2025 behind. Hugs !!!
Diana,
I know what you mean. I said I was going to keep it simple but Christmas is my favorite and I have so many ideas that I want to make. I guess I’ll have to wait to do simple. LOL. Have a blessed week.
Happy Belated Birthday, Rachel, and Congratulations on ringing that bell! I will continue to keep you and Brad in my thoughts and prayers every single day. Sending hugs and love from Tennessee.
Miche,
Thank you so much for your birthday wishes and continued prayers. It means so much to me. Have a blessed week.
I have been following your journey from the beginning. Congratulations and Happy Birthday. My shh,,83rd is tomorrow and I too have been on a journey. December 2011 I had surgery for stage 3 colon cancer. In August my oncologist said I no longer needed yearly visits. My markers are the lowest they have ever been and blood work is great. Praise The Lord. My forever motto has been BELIEVE! My love and prayers are always with you.
Linda,
I’m so happy for you and Happy Birthday! God is good and you have been blessed. Keep believing and I appreciate your prayers.
Rachel. I’m so happy for you that the chemo treatments are finished and the bell has been rung. All praise to God for all the answered prayers. I will continue to pray that He provides all you need for healing going forward. Thank you for all the inspiring Christmas crafting ideas you’ve provided, and I wish you great joy as you decorate your beautiful home. I’ve finished my decorating now as I got the outside decorating done this weekend with my husband who is always willing to help with all my creative ideas when I need him. I hope your week goes well as you get over the chemo effects, and as you look forward to next week and the most enjoyable Thanksgiving ever.
Marcie,
Thank you for your kind words and especially for your continued prayers. Although I feel the worst is behind me, I know I’ve still got a ways to go before I’m back to myself. I’m still working on my decorating as I feel like it. Have blessed Thanksgiving and the Merriest of Christmases.
Rachel!!! Ringing that bell must have felt exhilarating!!!! Congrats to you and Brad both, dear family and friends and everyone on Team Rachel! God is good!! So pleased for you. Great posts as always and especially loved your stockings on the stairs with the pine cones and ribbons…simple, elegant and festive! Thank you for continuing to inspire, educate and uplift all around you!
Hugsnlove,
Katy
Katy,
Thank you for your continued support! I’m so glad you liked the pinecones. I’m obsessed with bleached ones at the moment. They are everywhere in my house this year. Have a blessed week.
So excited you got to ring the bell and have finished your last chemo treatment, Rachel. Congratulations! What a huge answer to prayer! My aunt also got to ring the bell this week because she finished her last breast cancer treatment and we were ugly crying in the best possible way. It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to walk hand in hand with someone who’s had cancer. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us and for sharing all of your tips along the way. They’ve been so helpful. I’ll continue to pray for you and your family and that God will use your story in a big way. You inspire me all the time! Sending you hugs and thank yous for sharing my music envelopes, CoCo
Coco,
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. Congratulations to your aunt. Praise the lord for her healing.