More Snow Fun

When I walked out to clean out the chicken coop yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but to snap photos of the children's sledding runs.

a gentle run with a small jump

a black diamond run

Warm wishes for a joy filled day,

Tonya

Igloos

I had this funny feeling when Isaac (he is 12 years old) came in from outside, stuck his head inside the door and said, "They have fires in igloos, right?"  

I replied, "Yes, with a hole in the roof, of course."

A little while later he came back in and asked, "Mom, can I have some matches?"

(just a note, there were no little ones outside with him when he did this)

As I went out to check on him a little later  I discovered ~

Morning Chore

Each morning in the winter, when the temperatures are very cold, I take over Abby's morning chore, and head out the door with a warm pail of water and some grain for the chickens.

Here is the view as I walk out the front door, this morning the sun was rising.behind the evergreens.

I am still in my flannel nightgown with long underwear and wool sweater under my barn coat.

The fresh cold air feels refreshing as I listen to the crisp crunching as my boots step on the snow.

As I walk toward the chicken coop, and look to up to the left ~

the beautiful morning sky is turning blue with the moon still bright.

 and I enjoy a brief visit with the  chickens.

What a blessing that I get to experience this each morning, even when, like yesterday, the wind was howling and the snow was falling down my back - I rejoice about the amazing gift we are given to live on such a beautiful earth.

Warm wishes,
Tonya



Images from Christmas Day

Abraham looking at a puzzle he received from his brother

hand knit mittens for Abraham

Abby made her Poppa a pillow with "poppa" embroidered on it

Wooden play people for Abraham and Sarah

 

Presents wrapped with recycled papers and yarn with painted words and pictures

 

Sarah with a hand knit sweater from her Poppa

 

An afternoon hockey game - the children were given hockey nets from Poppa

This week after Christmas is such a nice time to reflect, organize, spend time playing games inside  and outside, and to make some plans for the coming months.  What are you doing this week?

Warm wishes, Tonya

(I am also putting the finishing touches on the newsletter - sorry for the post-Christmas delay.  They will begin to be mailed on Friday.  I am really excited about this issue.)

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Blessings on this First Day of Winter and Warm Christmas Wishes

We are ~

enjoying the antics of having a puppy and a a kitten

keeping busy while mom and dad finish the last of the orders

bringing some of the outside in

making gifts

 and baking ~



I will be mostly off the computer the next few days, enjoying the baking and making with our family.  We had a last minute order rush which resulted in two trips to the post office yesterday.  But, now all is officially done, and my heart and mind are eager to turn toward this week of joyful celebration.

Wishing all of you a warm and wonderful week,
Tonya

Handmade Holiday - Last Post

It  has been a joy to do this each week since July.  I have been introduced to  many new people through their blogs and have enjoyed all of the creative ideas.  Thank you so much for sharing and I apologize to so many of you that I probably did not include .  We have dial up internet, so the going is slow and I don't alwyas get the chance to visit everyone each week.

Hopefully, this Christmas will be filled with some handmade goodness for you to share with others and also that the process of creating has been a positive one for both yourself and for your children that may have wanted to join you, and just maybe one of your children has learned a new skill or two as well.  Also, maybe by giving a handmade gift to friend or relative for the first time, just maybe, this will light a little spark within the receiver that it is possible to make and give handmade useful, beautiful, and/or thoughtful gifts instead of having to drive down to the mall or big box store and buying something that may have been produced in less than ideal circumstances by people earning very little and have to work in a very unhealthy environment.   

Small things truly do matter and by living a life true to my beliefs is all I can do.   My hope is that the ripples may someday turn into waves.  Anything is possible, right?


Ok - here are some more wonderful ideas from some of you ~

Homemade Laundry Detergent from Earth Mama

Beeswax Lantern from Moment to Moment

A Wet Felted Playscape from The Little Gnomes Home

A Simple Knit Hat from McGreen Experience

Peg People from Peas and Carrots

 

Warm wishes,

Tonya