I can’t even finish watching this video because I am in tears and if I watch any further I will really start crying. My father was raised Mennonite his parents still practiced. While I was growing up we made everything homemade also milked the cows made cheese, canned everything. Both my parents have passed and most of my siblings. You just reminded me of a more memorable time in my childhood. God Bless🙏
Oh do watch it all, it has to bring back beautiful cherished memories ❤ I didn’t have a pleasant childhood and I savor watching her make cherished memories in her children ❤❤❤ God bless you
I felt your heart in this. Losing parents and siblings must be so hard. My parents are gone too, my one sibling is alive. I pray our Lord blesses you.❤
I just returned to my cozy home in central VA after spending 8 days serving in a post hurricane Helene disaster relief center in devastated western NC. I brought in nutritious whole foods to cook 3 meals a day for volunteers, residents, security, law enforcement and heavy equipment operators trying to rebuild the community of Bat Cave. I thought of you often as I cooked these meals in limited and rustic conditions in very cold temperatures. Thankfully I grew up in a small rural community and knew from an early age how to love people with food as well as keep them healthy with good food sources. Upon arriving home weary, but honored and happy to have served God's people in a difficult time, I needed a reset, so I decided to watch this video before starting my day. Thank you for these calming images and words. I plan to return for another week in January as their path to recovery will be quite long and winters in the Appalachian mountains are a difficult time for many to volunteer their time to lighten the load. I'm sure I'll channel your spirit of nurturing again in my future trips.
I had a similar experience when my husband and I decided to homeschool our children 30 years ago. Hardly anyone was doing that and we had family and friends come against us hard, saying we were really going to mess our children up emotionally and make them (weird) socially awkward. Years later the same people tell us how great our children are and what great adults they are.
RuthAnn when our son was little a friend suggested removing dyes and artifical flavors from his diet. His behavior did a 180 and I have always been so thankful to her for her help. People were not always understanding but even a small glass of red anything would set him back in the begining. Have a Blessed Christmas!
A young mom friend of mine extended her experiment to limiting her boys' screen time and was amazed what a change it made in their behavior. It was like weaning them from an addiction at first sure. But going forward so worth it. They were more focused and happily enjoying play time together.
I have a son, who we learned at a very young age was ADHD. I devoured any literature I could get my hands on and found an article that recommended eliminating food dyes from his diet. I can tell you from experience it is completely true! What a difference if we allowed him to have any.
This was SO for me. I had those exact feelings as I spent so much money buying cookie decorating supplies. My kids are in their 20s and now want to bring girlfriends home to decorate. And we don't even eat them much. I love your tips on over-riding the negative memories! Thank you!
Ruthann sometimes it’s ok to treat your family on a special holiday you always do a great job of giving the family healthy foods.The children are going to love there treats.You are such a great mother.
The memories truly are what matters most ❤ It is always such a joy on Saturday mornings to see what you’ve created and to get glimpses of your children playing and enjoying time together. Thank you for keeping it real and laughing at the mishaps, sprays and spills. I have to say, every recipe of yours that I’ve tried has been a delicious success, thank you for sharing freely!
100% be called a conspiracy theorist. I have done so much research and completely agree with you on food and food sourcing. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas and yes God is so good❤
I love your attitude about making Christmas memories with your family. No guilt just thankfulness and praise to God for His many blessings ! 36 years ago, after lots of food elimination, we discovered our 5 years ago old daughter was suffering with migraines. These were triggered by red food dye ! We were the strange family that couldn’t/ wouldn’t eat or ingest any red food dye. Her migraines were instantly under better control and way less frequent. Now after she discovered she is gluten sensitive, her infertility and stomach issues were resolved. We were ahead of our time ! Now clean healthy eating is easier and all the trend 🤓! We’re trendsetters ! Angie from Ohio. Merry CHRISTmas !
I totally hear you when you talk about how validating it feels now for everyone to be talking about food. I feel validated in the same way with other issues that people thought were conspiracies and now their truth!
17:51 Ruthann I agree with 100% of what you’re saying. We even one step further and are now sugar-free. Strictly using honey or Stevia as a sweetener when needed. My point being that I am the only senior citizen soon to be 68 that I know that is not on a fistful of medications. I’m the oddball as well. I’ve been trying to fill people in on clean eating for years. And no one listens, hence the reason I’m not on medication and they are. We also slide a little during the holidays. But I restrict my intake. And I do enjoy the memories of the occasional slip. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I enjoy watching your recipe videos so much.
Good morning, I am 81 years old and on NO medication. My husband is only on ONE medication. God is sooo good. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
The health and well-being of your family is the very best gift you can give. My Grandmother used to tell me "everything in moderation". The candies you made to celebrate the Christmas is a symbol of your love. Keep teaching and showing us the old time ways. Merry Christmas to you and your family. From a fan in Indianapolis. 🎁🎄🎁🎄
Ruthanne !! This was such a delightful video! Pure honesty! I'm so with you on the yummy "junk food"😂🎉 It's a short season, then back to clean eating! And oh, the " sweet" memories that are made❤ The excitement and joy and thankyous from your children for the special treats brought tears to my eyes! ❤ You're on the right track! Keep these videos coming. I understand the guilt of knowing that candy isn't healthy. I've been there. But good family relationships are more important 🎉 I identify soo much with everything you shared here! I'm 67. Ilove how you put your little grandson on the counter❤ Ialways did this with my kids too. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family
The thing about candy is it "keeps", that is if it isn't all consumed.😉 Work -yes. Tedious in fact. How did previous generations find time to decorate cookies and make fancy candies? The best part about your journey is that you made this video. Your children/grandchildren, will be able to view this long after you have 'passed-on'. PRICELESS GIFT!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. May God give you many blessings in the new year. Winston is the cutest baby. He looks so much like his mother. Seeing him love on his aunt was precious.
You are the most amazing lady I have ever heard. I love your videos and of all the homesteaders I watch, you are my favorite. I can hardly wait between your films. I am old enough to be your grandmother, but you have taught me so much. Thank you and God bless you and your family.
I worked very hard to keep family traditions going as my dad got older. Organizing Christmas dinner for immediate family. Now, there is no more tradition except my kids, who are 41 and 32 still look forward to their Christmas ornament. This will be the first Christmas in years we will sit down on Christmas day and have family dinner at my home. So blessed.
Oh watching the boy’s excitement over the candies and eggnog was just a delight !! I love your explanation and view on making memories and having special treats. If kids have those treats throughout the year then they aren’t treats and no special memory is built, but depriving them of a special treats can be a negative memory ….. you have the perfect balance !!! Watching you unwrap those Carmel’s reassured me in my decision to make homemade Carmel for my candy ! And I was to cheap to pay for those Rollo candies, I just used that money for the fancy GHIRARDELLI melting wafers and homemade Carmel ! What a beautiful celebration of Jesus birth you have created for your family ❤ Merry Christmas everyone
It is interesting and refreshing to see America publicly talking about food health and toxins, etc. I think there are many Americans individually who have been concerned about it for decades. I know of many. But it's so nice to see it becoming a public conversation and knowledge, and I'm hopeful that things will begin to change in our foods. It'll be interesting to see how far we get with it.
Totally agree with your philosophy on food! I eat a mostly clean organic diet throughout the year. I look at ingredients & stay away from most processed foods. Things in moderation are usually just fine. Making those intentional positive memories with your children is so much more important than anything else & emotionally healthy! My memory is around Thanksgiving. No matter how poor we were, my mom always made a big spread that one day of the year, no one allowed in the kitchen. We didn't make Christmas cookies or candies, but wish we had those to remember...but my mom couldn't handle the mess. This season, I wanted to make cookies and homemade marshmallows as a thank you to all the folks at my dog's daycare. They have made a HUGE difference in my rescue dog's improvement in the past year. So I made 2 scratch cookies plus 1 which involved a cake mix... something I never buy. I make homemade peppermint marshmallows dipped in chocolate with peppermint sprinkles (to LIVE for, 😍😍 especially in hot chocolate!). A new treat I made is called Christmas Samoa Truffles made with crushed vanilla wafers. They have the flavors of Samoa Girl Scout cookies... so delicious and 4 ingredients makes 4 doz. 😍
One of my daughters is wholeheartedly about a clean, homegrown organic diet but she has a ratio 80:20 because it’s more realistic. I would say she is more 90:10 but it gives her some flexibility.
Good morning Ruth Ann loved your tutorial brought back so many memories from when my son was young and going to school and I had him on diet with no food coloring or processed foods that was 30ty years ago Everyone thought I was cruel and crazy They wanted him on meds instead of I said no to drugs ❤today my son is a awesome young man living his dream job as electrician ❤❤❤ love your channel ❤❤❤
Ruth. You do a great job on the nutrition part of things. Certain treats are only eaten at Christmas. I’m in agreement there. Wishing you a merry Christmas.
Ruthann your videos always warm my heart. I wish I had of known all of the things that were instilled in you when I was raising my son. I was raised in the country with gardens,cows,chickens ect. But the values were not placed on these things like I wish they had of been. So I am a grandmother now and sorta of grieve for the young people not seeing what is really important. I am a christian raised in the church all of my life,but I am struggling with finding the right community. I love the simmering pot. I have also done this in the crockpot. I prayer for you and all o your family to have a very blessed Christmas and New Year.
My oldest daughter had to have her tonsils out and tubes put in her ears, and she was diagnosed with hyperactivity, not just because of red dyes because she didn’t eat a lot of those, but because of most canned goods and other processed food. We had to take her off of so many things, but she did so much better. And then when my other daughter had kids, they had problems with the red food diet and were just crazy kids. So now they don’t get red food die. When we are intentional with our children’s food, they not only behave better but they do better in school.
I so understand about scrutinizing what children eat; what we all eat. It makes a difference. I so enjoy every video... Today, I think it's because listening to calm, wise words of a sister in Christ, gives my heart and spirit peace it needs... He is our peace in all seasons. Joyous, Merry Christmas to you and your family, Ruth Ann.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your beautiful family. RuthAnn, you have taught me so much this past year. Thank you for sharing your recipes and wisdom. 🥰
Thank you, Ruth Anne for acknowledging the fact that making holiday memories is work. Too often I see videos that are overly romanticized when it comes to Christmas, etc. They make it look too easy, clean, and tidy, when it is actually a huge labor of love...especially for Mom's of younger children. I appreciate your heart and also your level headed approach to blessing your household.
Ruth Anne, You are one hard working women ! Thank you for your videos. It does my heart good to see many of the things you do to keep your family healthy and happy! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Ruthann, you are such an inspiration I love watching your videos. I learned so much from you Winston is adorable and I love how excited your kids were when they got home from school and saw the treats. Making memories is the best Merry Christmas to you all.
It’s the memories of the long past Christmas’s that help me through these empty Christmas’s since the Covid years. I did finally feel like doing some traditional Christmas baking this year and watching your channel has helped me over come some of my feelings and get back to canning and baking. Thank you for sharing from your heart and experiences. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Savour every bite of those delicious treats knowing that has to stay with you for a year.
Blessings! Merry Christmas and Thank You for a year of beautiful Knowledge and wisdom. I love the memories of my Grandmother…Thank You for sharing. Happy Birthday Jesus!
Ruth Anne, you are my hero! The slow cooker to melt the chocolate is Brilliant. Thank you for all that you share with us. May God richly bless you and your family over the holidays.
We always made candy for Christmas mainly nut clusters. We made peanut clusters , almond clusters, cashew clusters (my Mom's favorite). Also peanutbutter balls and peppermint bark. Much of this was given as gifts. To be honest, it was a tiring messy job and my boys refused to help. Probably because l am not very patient. It's nice to see your family together, it reminds me of my youth. God bless and keep you and yours.
Im so greatful to have found you and your family. I love your attitude and you’re such a blessing. Probably much more than you know. May God continue to bless you and your family. Thank you for all you share.
I love your show. I’m sorry to say it took till I was 60 years old before I started being concerned about the crap they put into our ultra processed food. Anything ultra processed is bad for you. I was watching a show the other day that said if it had more than five items in it, it was bad and do not eat it. If you cannot read it .Not only the extra chemicals to make it look pretty and stay on the shelf longer is killing us. Thanks for all you do.
Ruthann, the way you describe the reasoning behind your candy making is pure delight to me. You want to captivate your children's hearts in a loving memory of being cared for in a special way. Just like Christ did for us. It is extravagant love.
My gramma made Christmas candies every year and it is one of my fondest memories.She brought so much love and teaching to our family. Never feel bad about doing something special for your family.
I am the same way about candy making at Christmas time RuthAnn. Our children are all grown and married, but we have a lot of grand kids and they look forward to my special candy and cookies that I only do at Christmas time. My husband always says about 10 days before Christmas, "you ARE going to make your fudge for Christmas aren't you?" and then gives me that smile that I could never resist. My Mom was a very great candy maker and so when I break out all the things to make my peanut brittle, fudge, and divinity, I always remember the fun and excitement every year when I would help her do the Christmas baking and candy making. Such wonderful memories. Yes, there is always some "dread" when I know it's coming (because it is time consuming and like your family, we don't eat like this any other time of the year), but the memories and now, having some of my older granddaughters wanting to learn their great grandma's recipes, fills my heart. Merry CHRISTmas to you all!
Oh, I hear what you're saying. I started caring about this probably about the same time you did, but trying to get anyone else to understand was an uphill battle until recently! Good for you for sticking to your principals.
My Grandmother kept a soup can filled with water on the Dearborn heaters. She used her flower watering can to go around and fill them. The Buckeyes brought back memories of my other Grandmother. She made a lot of candy at Christmas. My oldest daughter wanted to make Millionaires for a contest several years ago and it took us a while to figure out what size a $.35 cent Hershey chocolate bar would be because you couldn’t find the big bars as easily in the summer. It also had the paraffin added to the chocolate. Thank you for mentioning freezing the candy.
Many years ago we lived in a city but now we live in the middle of nowhere and grow all of our own food. We did it for my husband's health, but the entire family has benefitted. I can't imagine going back to "modern" life... being connected to the land feels right. I learn so much from your videos... I wasn't raised this way nor do I have family that can pass on their knowledge of cooking, gardening, canning, etc.
Thank you for sharing a balanced and healthy perspective of nutrition! I love your treats. This reminds me of my mom, who loved to make Christmas treats and enjoy eating them together. Now my daughter-in-law and are fixing new treats and when our family gathers we will enjoy the treats everyone brings. They bring back generations of good memories.
I can't imagine how much different my childhood would have been if I had grown up in a household like yours.💕 While I want abused or anything like that, my mom was very cold, and my dad was out of the house working most of the time.
How cute the look on Winston's face when there was flying eggnog! Your hard work was certainly appreciated by all. I do love Christmas, but by the time it is over I am always thinking "thank goodness it only comes once a year"! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I have recommended that it comes every other year because it is exhausting. No one agrees with me, but they aren't making candy and cooking Christmas dinner.😊
As much as I enjoyed watching you humble yourself to create wonderful memories for your family, I must admit my favorite part was you splashing Winston. That gave me a good laugh because I have done that, too!😅❤
That eggnog squirting out of the blender and both you and Winston jumping made me laugh out loud. I have Amish and Mennonite roots on my dads side. So many good memories of getting together with my aunts and cooking. Kraut burgers were my favorite. It was an all day process and my aunts would make cinnamon rolls out of the leftover dough when the filling was used up! My sisters and I loved it. 😊
Ruthanne, it’s Christmas! The one time of year that our Savior is born & we should be joyful. Your using your own caramel recipe is just making junk food less junk, do it. Happy memories are priceless. 🙏🏻
Hi Ruthanne, Thank you for the blender contents jumping out. That was the best laugh I have had all month. I work at the post office and Dec. is extremely busy and we do forget the Jesus is the reason for the season. Not the gifts or packages. Your family is very blessed because of you.
You are wise beyond your years. I love z the respect you show your children, and how they respect you♥️You give so much love always and I know in years to come you will be blessed with such blessed memories🧑🏻🎄♥️🙏🏽🎁
I am originally from Germany and totally agree with everything you said. Sorry you had to face so much ignorance. I admire your knowledge and enjoy every single video of yours. Merry Christmas 🎄
When your gone and your children are all grown w children of their own they will say Mom use to make these wonderful candies and treats at Christmas. Lets make some. That is how you are never forgotten
I'm totally on board with making whole foods and avoiding processed store bought boxed foods. Wish you and yours a very Holly Christmas Season and health & happiness for all for 2025. Watching from a very cold corming in Northern Ontario.
Candy once a year will not hurt your family. You have nothing to feel guilty about! As for your simmering pot, years ago I was given a very small crock pot. It isn't big enough to cook anything in but every winter I get it out and fill it with water. Set on low it keeps my house humidified very well. I can add cinnamon sticks, citrus peel, anything I want for a soft fragrance. A few drops of vanilla smells like cookies baking. Have a wonderful Christmas. And by the way Winston is adorable! 🎄
Merry Christmas from our house to yours! I can’t believe how much the boys have grown this year! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your heart, your explanations and your family and farm! You are san exceptional blessing to all of us.
I agree with you on dye’s etc. I also did that with my children. I read everything, there is tons of crap in cereal. I made my kids, eggs and oatmeal in the mornings. Merry Christmas. 🎄
We are all sick because of the processed foods and dyes. I am 64 and hardly ever heard growing up of Autism/allergy/ diabetes etc etc.... 1 in 4 kids now a days have something. Crazy world we are in now. You the Zimmerman's are doing a fabulous job raising a family and taking care of each other. Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year.
Watching today, triggered all the memories I have of my mother. 🥰 My mother absolutely loved Christmas. She was Mrs. Santa Claus. Her whole house was decorated in all the old-fashioned ways. She always had a simmering pot going too. She made all the candies, all the cookies, all the breads and everything in between. She kept our Christmas traditions, her whole life. Until she left us. I treasured those memories. Everyone in our family, looked forward to all of her holiday treats. But not only did she give them to her family. She gifted them to her friends and to doctors and to so many other people that she felt needed Christmas cheer. I asked her why she did it one time, she said she was making “happy tracks”🥰. And man oh man did she ever leave “Happy tracks.”💝 On a side note: I hate feeling like you feel the need to say over and over it’s a treat and you know it has bad ingredients. There is no reason why you have to justify making special once a year treats for your family. I would hate to think that anyone would judge you for this. Everyone who watches your videos, I would think they know, you are very intentional about your family’s nutrition. Enjoy your special treats and foods, those once a year treats. 💝It’s the memories that will matter to your family long after you have gone. You are making “Happy Tracks” for so many people Ruthanne💝. I pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas Holiday. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me and with so many others. God Bless you 🙏💝
Thank you Ruthann for this video. I love your videos, i look forward to them every Saturday and it makes me smile and laugh at the real home life you show. I laughed so hard when you turned on the blender and it was shooting out the side at Winston. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas, Ruthann...to you and your family! Loved your video (as always). Just finished up my candy-making a couple of days ago; we also make buckeyes (but without the crispy rice cereal) and the Rolo candies. I want to try your layered candy next year...looks very tasty! Always always enjoy your words of wisdom that accompany your instructions. Your words regarding "eternal value" echo in my heart! Blessings...special Christmas blessings, from your friend, Marie
Good morning dear Ruth Ann.. Thank you for sharing your family Christmas traditions with us! You have blessed us by doing so. May you and yours be blessed through the Christmas Season as you celebrate the birth of Christ! Much love to you and your family, Patsy
I have heard it said that we worry so much about what we eat between Christmas and New Year’s Day, instead we should be more concerned about what we are eating between New Year’s Day and Christmas! It’s ok to indulge for the holidays.
We used to make the buckeyes growing up and like your grandmother -we added parafin to the chocolate to coat the peanut butter balls but only dipped them about 3/4 so they looked more like buckeyes.
Hadassah is really getting good at the piano. I love the bits and pieces I can hear in your previous videos and how she is improving ❤ I rather prefer the cookies I can dip in my tea but your selection looks delicious 😊
Loved this! Your children are precious, and the Grandsugar……. ADORABLE! Thank you for sharing! I always learn so much from you! MERRY CHRISTMAS ❤️🎄Regina
I can’t even finish watching this video because I am in tears and if I watch any further I will really start crying. My father was raised Mennonite his parents still practiced. While I was growing up we made everything homemade also milked the cows made cheese, canned everything. Both my parents have passed and most of my siblings. You just reminded me of a more memorable time in my childhood. God Bless🙏
💜🙏💜
God bless you!!!
Oh do watch it all, it has to bring back beautiful cherished memories ❤
I didn’t have a pleasant childhood and I savor watching her make cherished memories in her children ❤❤❤
God bless you
You should be rejoicing for what you were given. We all have memories and past lives. It’s what makes us who we are.
I felt your heart in this. Losing parents and siblings must be so hard. My parents are gone too, my one sibling is alive. I pray our Lord blesses you.❤
I LOVE that you credited Hadassah on the piano. You are the most respectful mom to your children.
I just returned to my cozy home in central VA after spending 8 days serving in a post hurricane Helene disaster relief center in devastated western NC. I brought in nutritious whole foods to cook 3 meals a day for volunteers, residents, security, law enforcement and heavy equipment operators trying to rebuild the community of Bat Cave. I thought of you often as I cooked these meals in limited and rustic conditions in very cold temperatures. Thankfully I grew up in a small rural community and knew from an early age how to love people with food as well as keep them healthy with good food sources. Upon arriving home weary, but honored and happy to have served God's people in a difficult time, I needed a reset, so I decided to watch this video before starting my day. Thank you for these calming images and words. I plan to return for another week in January as their path to recovery will be quite long and winters in the Appalachian mountains are a difficult time for many to volunteer their time to lighten the load. I'm sure I'll channel your spirit of nurturing again in my future trips.
✨️💖✨️ God bless you for your service. ✨️💖✨️
I live just about 7 miles from Bat Cave. Thank you so much for your work there. It is such a devastated area and there is so much work to be done.
💐🙏🇿🇦🇺🇲
How wonderful!
Did you go with an organization ?
Some of those items do have some nutritional value.
I had a similar experience when my husband and I decided to homeschool our children 30 years ago. Hardly anyone was doing that and we had family and friends come against us hard, saying we were really going to mess our children up emotionally and make them (weird) socially awkward.
Years later the same people tell us how great our children are and what great adults they are.
PRECIOUS BABY
Same!
RuthAnn when our son was little a friend suggested removing dyes and artifical flavors from his diet. His behavior did a 180 and I have always been so thankful to her for her help. People were not always understanding but even a small glass of red anything would set him back in the begining. Have a Blessed Christmas!
A young mom friend of mine extended her experiment to limiting her boys' screen time and was amazed what a change it made in their behavior. It was like weaning them from an addiction at first sure. But going forward so worth it. They were more focused and happily enjoying play time together.
Yes!!! This!!
Shows how truly important our diet really is. ❤
I have a son, who we learned at a very young age was ADHD. I devoured any literature I could get my hands on and found an article that recommended eliminating food dyes from his diet. I can tell you from experience it is completely true! What a difference if we allowed him to have any.
I believe it.
This was SO for me. I had those exact feelings as I spent so much money buying cookie decorating supplies. My kids are in their 20s and now want to bring girlfriends home to decorate. And we don't even eat them much. I love your tips on over-riding the negative memories! Thank you!
Ruthann sometimes it’s ok to treat your family on a special holiday you always do a great job of giving the family healthy foods.The children are going to love there treats.You are such a great mother.
Always ok to treat fam❤
Once a year, very special memories, and your children are so appreciative ❤.
Ms. Ruthann, thank you for sharing your lives in Christ with us. Praying you are Blessed with a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!
You’re right,the memories are very special. I make candy and cookies that I don’t make any other part of the year.🌲❤️
The joy on their faces and the excitement in their voices is worth it all. MERRY CHRISTMAS
Your grandson is growing! Nice memories a grandmother cherishes. Handsome little man.
The memories truly are what matters most ❤ It is always such a joy on Saturday mornings to see what you’ve created and to get glimpses of your children playing and enjoying time together. Thank you for keeping it real and laughing at the mishaps, sprays and spills. I have to say, every recipe of yours that I’ve tried has been a delicious success, thank you for sharing freely!
100% be called a conspiracy theorist. I have done so much research and completely agree with you on food and food sourcing. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas and yes God is so good❤
I love your attitude about making Christmas memories with your family. No guilt just thankfulness and praise to God for His many blessings ! 36 years ago, after lots of food elimination, we discovered our 5 years ago old daughter was suffering with migraines. These were triggered by red food dye ! We were the strange family that couldn’t/ wouldn’t eat or ingest any red food dye. Her migraines were instantly under better control and way less frequent. Now after she discovered she is gluten sensitive, her infertility and stomach issues were resolved. We were ahead of our time ! Now clean healthy eating is easier and all the trend 🤓! We’re trendsetters ! Angie from Ohio. Merry CHRISTmas !
I totally hear you when you talk about how validating it feels now for everyone to be talking about food. I feel validated in the same way with other issues that people thought were conspiracies and now their truth!
17:51 Ruthann I agree with 100% of what you’re saying. We even one step further and are now sugar-free. Strictly using honey or Stevia as a sweetener when needed. My point being that I am the only senior citizen soon to be 68 that I know that is not on a fistful of medications. I’m the oddball as well. I’ve been trying to fill people in on clean eating for years. And no one listens, hence the reason I’m not on medication and they are. We also slide a little during the holidays. But I restrict my intake. And I do enjoy the memories of the occasional slip. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I enjoy watching your recipe videos so much.
Yes!!! This is why!!!
Good morning, I am 81 years old and on NO medication. My husband is only on ONE medication. God is sooo good. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
@ that’s awesome!❤️
68 here too and no medications. We eat at home making our meals from scratch.
The health and well-being of your family is the very best gift you can give. My Grandmother used to tell me "everything in moderation". The candies you made to celebrate the Christmas is a symbol of your love. Keep teaching and showing us the old time ways.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. From a fan in Indianapolis.
🎁🎄🎁🎄
My Grandmother said the same thing. She lived just short of 100.
@santos0490 Very wise women. My Grandmother lived to be 89. I learned so much from her. Cooking, sewing, etc.
Ruthanne !! This was such a delightful video! Pure honesty! I'm so with you on the yummy "junk food"😂🎉 It's a short season, then back to clean eating! And oh, the " sweet" memories that are made❤
The excitement and joy and thankyous from your children for the special treats brought tears to my eyes! ❤ You're on the right track! Keep these videos coming. I understand the guilt of knowing that candy isn't healthy. I've been there. But good family relationships are more important 🎉 I identify soo much with everything you shared here! I'm 67. Ilove how you put your little grandson on the counter❤ Ialways did this with my kids too. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family
Lovely video, Winston is so cute and when the eggnog went flying it made me chuckle. He is such a happy baby. Merry Christmas!
Love the simmering pot with simple on hand ingredients. I grew my own herbs so I love doing this making the house smell fabulous!
The thing about candy is it "keeps", that is if it isn't all consumed.😉
Work -yes. Tedious in fact. How did previous generations find time to decorate cookies and make fancy candies?
The best part about your journey is that you made this video. Your children/grandchildren, will be able to view this long after you have 'passed-on'.
PRICELESS GIFT!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. May God give you many blessings in the new year. Winston is the cutest baby. He looks so much like his mother. Seeing him love on his aunt was precious.
You are the most amazing lady I have ever heard. I love your videos and of all the homesteaders I watch, you are my favorite. I can hardly wait between your films. I am old enough to be your grandmother, but you have taught me so much. Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Loved this video! Made my heart so happy. Baby Winston was so cute sitting on the counter so contented watching his grandmother baking.
Your videos are SO inspirational & your grandson is Adorable🥰 as all the children are, thank you for your wholesome videos
I worked very hard to keep family traditions going as my dad got older. Organizing Christmas dinner for immediate family. Now, there is no more tradition except my kids, who are 41 and 32 still look forward to their Christmas ornament. This will be the first Christmas in years we will sit down on Christmas day and have family dinner at my home. So blessed.
Have A Merry Christmas And Beautiful Memories 🎄
Oh watching the boy’s excitement over the candies and eggnog was just a delight !! I love your explanation and view on making memories and having special treats. If kids have those treats throughout the year then they aren’t treats and no special memory is built, but depriving them of a special treats can be a negative memory ….. you have the perfect balance !!!
Watching you unwrap those Carmel’s reassured me in my decision to make homemade Carmel for my candy ! And I was to cheap to pay for those Rollo candies, I just used that money for the fancy GHIRARDELLI melting wafers and homemade Carmel !
What a beautiful celebration of Jesus birth you have created for your family ❤
Merry Christmas everyone
What’s Carmel?
It is interesting and refreshing to see America publicly talking about food health and toxins, etc. I think there are many Americans individually who have been concerned about it for decades. I know of many. But it's so nice to see it becoming a public conversation and knowledge, and I'm hopeful that things will begin to change in our foods. It'll be interesting to see how far we get with it.
Totally agree with your philosophy on food! I eat a mostly clean organic diet throughout the year. I look at ingredients & stay away from most processed foods. Things in moderation are usually just fine. Making those intentional positive memories with your children is so much more important than anything else & emotionally healthy! My memory is around Thanksgiving. No matter how poor we were, my mom always made a big spread that one day of the year, no one allowed in the kitchen. We didn't make Christmas cookies or candies, but wish we had those to remember...but my mom couldn't handle the mess.
This season, I wanted to make cookies and homemade marshmallows as a thank you to all the folks at my dog's daycare. They have made a HUGE difference in my rescue dog's improvement in the past year.
So I made 2 scratch cookies plus 1 which involved a cake mix... something I never buy. I make homemade peppermint marshmallows dipped in chocolate with peppermint sprinkles (to LIVE for, 😍😍 especially in hot chocolate!). A new treat I made is called Christmas Samoa Truffles made with crushed vanilla wafers. They have the flavors of Samoa Girl Scout cookies... so delicious and 4 ingredients makes 4 doz. 😍
One of my daughters is wholeheartedly about a clean, homegrown organic diet but she has a ratio 80:20 because it’s more realistic. I would say she is more 90:10 but it gives her some flexibility.
Thank you Ruth Ann- showing us how to love on our families is all the little and big ways.❤
Good morning Ruth Ann loved your tutorial brought back so many memories from when my son was young and going to school and I had him on diet with no food coloring or processed foods that was 30ty years ago
Everyone thought I was cruel and crazy
They wanted him on meds instead of
I said no to drugs ❤today my son is a awesome young man living his dream job as electrician ❤❤❤ love your channel ❤❤❤
I absolutely love your focus on family memories and emotional health. As a young mom, this is truly inspiring. ❤
Ruth. You do a great job on the nutrition part of things. Certain treats are only eaten at Christmas. I’m in agreement there. Wishing you a merry Christmas.
Ruthann your videos always warm my heart. I wish I had of known all of the things that were instilled in you when I was raising my son. I was raised in the country with gardens,cows,chickens ect. But the values were not placed on these things like I wish they had of been. So I am a grandmother now and sorta of grieve for the young people not seeing what is really important. I am a christian raised in the church all of my life,but I am struggling with finding the right community. I love the simmering pot. I have also done this in the crockpot. I prayer for you and all o your family to have a very blessed Christmas and New Year.
The kids are so excited with the candy and egg nog!❤️ Winston is the cutest!💙
My oldest daughter had to have her tonsils out and tubes put in her ears, and she was diagnosed with hyperactivity, not just because of red dyes because she didn’t eat a lot of those, but because of most canned goods and other processed food. We had to take her off of so many things, but she did so much better. And then when my other daughter had kids, they had problems with the red food diet and were just crazy kids. So now they don’t get red food die. When we are intentional with our children’s food, they not only behave better but they do better in school.
AND they are healthier.
😳 New memories.... confirmed! 🥰🤶🤣😆 Poor baby 🥰
Now, that was a priceless moment. Thank you for sharing 💐
Merry Christmas 🙏🇿🇦🇺🇲
I so understand about scrutinizing what children eat; what we all eat. It makes a difference.
I so enjoy every video... Today, I think it's because listening to calm, wise words of a sister in Christ, gives my heart and spirit peace it needs... He is our peace in all seasons. Joyous, Merry Christmas to you and your family, Ruth Ann.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your beautiful family. RuthAnn, you have taught me so much this past year. Thank you for sharing your recipes and wisdom. 🥰
What a wonderful video. Love your Mama’s heart.
Thank you, Ruth Anne for acknowledging the fact that making holiday memories is work. Too often I see videos that are overly romanticized when it comes to Christmas, etc. They make it look too easy, clean, and tidy, when it is actually a huge labor of love...especially for Mom's of younger children. I appreciate your heart and also your level headed approach to blessing your household.
Ruth Anne,
You are one hard working women ! Thank you for your videos. It does my heart good to see many of the things you do to keep your family healthy and happy! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Ruthann, you are such an inspiration I love watching your videos. I learned so much from you Winston is adorable and I love how excited your kids were when they got home from school and saw the treats. Making memories is the best Merry Christmas to you all.
It’s the memories of the long past Christmas’s that help me through these empty Christmas’s since the Covid years. I did finally feel like doing some traditional Christmas baking this year and watching your channel has helped me over come some of my feelings and get back to canning and baking. Thank you for sharing from your heart and experiences. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Savour every bite of those delicious treats knowing that has to stay with you for a year.
Beautiful parting shot of the snow. You are a wonderful mother and grandmother. Your family is blessed.
Blessings! Merry Christmas and Thank You for a year of beautiful Knowledge and wisdom.
I love the memories of my Grandmother…Thank You for sharing.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Blessings and Merry Christmas! ❤
Ruth Anne, you are my hero! The slow cooker to melt the chocolate is Brilliant. Thank you for all that you share with us. May God richly bless you and your family over the holidays.
We always made candy for Christmas mainly nut clusters. We made peanut clusters , almond clusters, cashew clusters (my Mom's favorite). Also peanutbutter balls and peppermint bark. Much of this was given as gifts. To be honest, it was a tiring messy job and my boys refused to help. Probably because l am not very patient. It's nice to see your family together, it reminds me of my youth. God bless and keep you and yours.
Im so greatful to have found you and your family. I love your attitude and you’re such a blessing. Probably much more than you know. May God continue to bless you and your family. Thank you for all you share.
I love your show. I’m sorry to say it took till I was 60 years old before I started being concerned about the crap they put into our ultra processed food. Anything ultra processed is bad for you. I was watching a show the other day that said if it had more than five items in it, it was bad and do not eat it. If you cannot read it .Not only the extra chemicals to make it look pretty and stay on the shelf longer is killing us. Thanks for all you do.
I love your spirit. With your short lived delicious candy, you continue to build appreciation in your children. Priceless!
Ruthann, the way you describe the reasoning behind your candy making is pure delight to me. You want to captivate your children's hearts in a loving memory of being cared for in a special way. Just like Christ did for us. It is extravagant love.
My gramma made Christmas candies every year and it is one of my fondest memories.She brought so much love and teaching to our family. Never feel bad about doing something special for your family.
I am the same way about candy making at Christmas time RuthAnn. Our children are all grown and married, but we have a lot of grand kids and they look forward to my special candy and cookies that I only do at Christmas time. My husband always says about 10 days before Christmas, "you ARE going to make your fudge for Christmas aren't you?" and then gives me that smile that I could never resist. My Mom was a very great candy maker and so when I break out all the things to make my peanut brittle, fudge, and divinity, I always remember the fun and excitement every year when I would help her do the Christmas baking and candy making. Such wonderful memories. Yes, there is always some "dread" when I know it's coming (because it is time consuming and like your family, we don't eat like this any other time of the year), but the memories and now, having some of my older granddaughters wanting to learn their great grandma's recipes, fills my heart. Merry CHRISTmas to you all!
Oh, I hear what you're saying. I started caring about this probably about the same time you did, but trying to get anyone else to understand was an uphill battle until recently! Good for you for sticking to your principals.
My Grandmother kept a soup can filled with water on the Dearborn heaters. She used her flower watering can to go around and fill them. The Buckeyes brought back memories of my other Grandmother. She made a lot of candy at Christmas. My oldest daughter wanted to make Millionaires for a contest several years ago and it took us a while to figure out what size a $.35 cent Hershey chocolate bar would be because you couldn’t find the big bars as easily in the summer. It also had the paraffin added to the chocolate. Thank you for mentioning freezing the candy.
Many years ago we lived in a city but now we live in the middle of nowhere and grow all of our own food. We did it for my husband's health, but the entire family has benefitted. I can't imagine going back to "modern" life... being connected to the land feels right. I learn so much from your videos... I wasn't raised this way nor do I have family that can pass on their knowledge of cooking, gardening, canning, etc.
You make everything special for your kids! They will have so many wonderful memories, thanks to your purposeful parenting.
Good morning Zimmerman family!
Merry Christmas ⛄🎁
Thank you for sharing a balanced and healthy perspective of nutrition! I love your treats. This reminds me of my mom, who loved to make Christmas treats and enjoy eating them together. Now my daughter-in-law and are fixing new treats and when our family gathers we will enjoy the treats everyone brings. They bring back generations of good memories.
I can't imagine how much different my childhood would have been if I had grown up in a household like yours.💕
While I want abused or anything like that, my mom was very cold, and my dad was out of the house working most of the time.
How cute the look on Winston's face when there was flying eggnog! Your hard work was certainly appreciated by all. I do love Christmas, but by the time it is over I am always thinking "thank goodness it only comes once a year"! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I have recommended that it comes every other year because it is exhausting. No one agrees with me, but they aren't making candy and cooking Christmas dinner.😊
I love your balanced, sensible approach to nutrition and treats.
As much as I enjoyed watching you humble yourself to create wonderful memories for your family, I must admit my favorite part was you splashing Winston. That gave me a good laugh because I have done that, too!😅❤
That eggnog squirting out of the blender and both you and Winston jumping made me laugh out loud. I have Amish and Mennonite roots on my dads side. So many good memories of getting together with my aunts and cooking. Kraut burgers were my favorite. It was an all day process and my aunts would make cinnamon rolls out of the leftover dough when the filling was used up! My sisters and I loved it. 😊
Ruthanne, it’s Christmas! The one time of year that our Savior is born & we should be joyful. Your using your own caramel recipe is just making junk food less junk, do it. Happy memories are priceless. 🙏🏻
Good Saturday Morning, Zimmerman Family. May y'all have a Blessed Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁🫂❤️
Tears, Ruth Ann you give me memories i never had. Thankyou so much.
Hi Ruthanne,
Thank you for the blender contents jumping out. That was the best laugh I have had all month. I work at the post office and Dec. is extremely busy and we do forget the Jesus is the reason for the season. Not the gifts or packages.
Your family is very blessed because of you.
Enjoy watching your videos. I am now 74 & one of my favorite memories is of my Mom making Icebox Fruitcake. Thanks for sharing.
You are wise beyond your years. I love z the respect you show your children, and how they respect you♥️You give so much love always and I know in years to come you will be blessed with such blessed memories🧑🏻🎄♥️🙏🏽🎁
I am originally from Germany and totally agree with everything you said. Sorry you had to face so much ignorance. I admire your knowledge and enjoy every single video of yours. Merry Christmas 🎄
When your gone and your children are all grown w children of their own they will say Mom use to make these wonderful candies and treats at Christmas. Lets make some. That is how you are never forgotten
I'm totally on board with making whole foods and avoiding processed store bought boxed foods. Wish you and yours a very Holly Christmas Season and health & happiness for all for 2025. Watching from a very cold corming in Northern Ontario.
Girl, I don't know who jumped higher when the eggnog escaped, Winston or I. That tickled me. I pray you have a glorious Christmas.
He’s a good sport!! I was afraid he was going to cry!!
Candy once a year will not hurt your family. You have nothing to feel guilty about!
As for your simmering pot, years ago I was given a very small crock pot. It isn't big enough to cook anything in but every winter I get it out and fill it with water. Set on low it keeps my house humidified very well. I can add cinnamon sticks, citrus peel, anything I want for a soft fragrance. A few drops of vanilla smells like cookies baking. Have a wonderful Christmas. And by the way Winston is adorable! 🎄
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely traditions!❤ what a blessing to serve your family.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours! I can’t believe how much the boys have grown this year! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your heart, your explanations and your family and farm! You are san exceptional blessing to all of us.
I agree with you on dye’s etc. I also did that with my children. I read everything, there is tons of crap in cereal. I made my kids, eggs and oatmeal in the mornings. Merry Christmas. 🎄
We are all sick because of the processed foods and dyes. I am 64 and hardly ever heard growing up of Autism/allergy/ diabetes etc etc.... 1 in 4 kids now a days have something. Crazy world we are in now. You the Zimmerman's are doing a fabulous job raising a family and taking care of each other. Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year.
Watching today, triggered all the memories I have of my mother. 🥰 My mother absolutely loved Christmas. She was Mrs. Santa Claus. Her whole house was decorated in all the old-fashioned ways. She always had a simmering pot going too. She made all the candies, all the cookies, all the breads and everything in between. She kept our Christmas traditions, her whole life. Until she left us. I treasured those memories.
Everyone in our family, looked forward to all of her holiday treats. But not only did she give them to her family. She gifted them to her friends and to doctors and to so many other people that she felt needed Christmas cheer. I asked her why she did it one time, she said she was making “happy tracks”🥰. And man oh man did she ever leave “Happy tracks.”💝
On a side note: I hate feeling like you feel the need to say over and over it’s a treat and you know it has bad ingredients. There is no reason why you have to justify making special once a year treats for your family. I would hate to think that anyone would judge you for this. Everyone who watches your videos, I would think they know, you are very intentional about your family’s nutrition.
Enjoy your special treats and foods, those once a year treats. 💝It’s the memories that will matter to your family long after you have gone.
You are making “Happy Tracks” for so many people Ruthanne💝. I pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas Holiday.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me and with so many others.
God Bless you 🙏💝
Treats are made for making memories
What a cute helper that fits perfectly on the counter❣️
Thank you Ruthann for this video. I love your videos, i look forward to them every Saturday and it makes me smile and laugh at the real home life you show. I laughed so hard when you turned on the blender and it was shooting out the side at Winston. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Amen girl, we should be eating food real food to nurish our bodies
Merry Christmas, Ruthann...to you and your family! Loved your video (as always). Just finished up my candy-making a couple of days ago; we also make buckeyes (but without the crispy rice cereal) and the Rolo candies. I want to try your layered candy next year...looks very tasty! Always always enjoy your words of wisdom that accompany your instructions. Your words regarding "eternal value" echo in my heart! Blessings...special Christmas blessings, from your friend, Marie
Living in Europe I am sure you cannot buy marshmallow cream anywhere, sounds really evil😂 but they look delicious!
RuthAnn your grandson is very sweet
A caring mother making treats for your family
God Bless u and your beautiful family RuthAnn❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏
Good morning dear Ruth Ann.. Thank you for sharing your family Christmas traditions with us! You have blessed us by doing so. May you and yours be blessed through the Christmas Season as you celebrate the birth of Christ! Much love to you and your family, Patsy
This video made my heart happy. I loved when the baby wanted to stay with Hadassah. So cute! God bless and Merry Christmas ❤️
I have heard it said that we worry so much about what we eat between Christmas and New Year’s Day, instead we should be more concerned about what we are eating between New Year’s Day and Christmas!
It’s ok to indulge for the holidays.
Wonderful video ❤, and your grandson being right there with you guys as you go, absolutely magical. God Bless you and Merry Christmas ❤
And absolutely lovely time with you. Thank you. God's continued blessings. ❤
I love your heart in making memories over not having unhealthy treats. ❤️
Nice to have your 'theme music" back! Merry Christmas 🎄
Enjoyed the candy making. Winston is absolutely gorgeous!
We used to make the buckeyes growing up and like your grandmother -we added parafin to the chocolate to coat the peanut butter balls but only dipped them about 3/4 so they looked more like buckeyes.
Hadassah is really getting good at the piano. I love the bits and pieces I can hear in your previous videos and how she is improving ❤ I rather prefer the cookies I can dip in my tea but your selection looks delicious 😊
Just have to say that your grandson is absolutely precious!!! Sooo adorable!!! 🤗😍💙
Isn’t he!!???
@ Yes!!! Sweet smiles and so cuddly!!! I’m sure he gets lots of hugs and kisses!! 🥰❤️
good morning its ok once in a while wont hurt and by sounds your kids love the homemade candies
Right? We try to keep it in moderation!
Loved this! Your children are precious, and the Grandsugar……. ADORABLE! Thank you for sharing! I always learn so much from you! MERRY CHRISTMAS ❤️🎄Regina