Our own winter wonderland, the farm is gorgeous with only the red barns, trees and fences standing out in the clean white snow. The snow has been falling for a some time now, so the reality of farm life (the mole hills and the animal poop) are covered and we can forget they are there until it thaws a bit. I am looking forward to our first white Christmas. So much has been and is a ‘first’ for me, the ‘firsts’ for this Christmas over laid upon the family traditions we’ve brought with us.
‘The’ ornaments are done.
Seen out of the corner of my eye as some craft queen on TV put these together when Number 1 son was just a baby 24 years ago, ‘the’ ornaments are important to me and important to the offspring. They were one of the few items we managed to pack into the cars when we were told to evacuate last summer. I don’t have carefully crafted scrapbooks for each child. I don’t have up to date scrapbooks for me. Divorce…made all of that..harder. However, we have ‘the’ ornaments. One for each child, each year and now a handful for My Loving Spouse with his kids as well. Who knew when I began adding just one, then two, then three and four a year, that someday our tree would hold over 60 of them. They are usually made before Christmas, but not always… the whole process is fairly forgiving. For the most part, this year’s ornaments are celebrating a wedding and our new farm life.
As I was putting them together, reflecting on all the friends & family I’ve taught to make these, how grateful I am for our time together and how grateful I am for our tree which reminds me of a rich, full and blessed life.
PS: If you’d like the instructions for ‘the’ ornaments, just email me at ellen@newlifeoldfarm.com and say ‘ornaments’. I will be happy to send them to you. Don’t worry about my selling your email because
1. I never would
2. I don’t actually know how
I love sharing this and if you live nearby, feel free to stop by and we’ll do them together.
Oh, Ellen. I just love you so much. And I miss you! I miss seeing your tree with all the ornaments (time capsules, really). Please tell all your kids and your loving spouse that I am thinking of them!
So glad I was the recipient of “the ornament” crafting class one year. Every year when Lauren’s goes on the tree, I think I will make another but, alas, I’ve only the one. Love your tree loaded with memories!!!
Love the ones you made for me as well!
Merry Christmas Ellen! I have been reading your wonderful stories and insights for a month or so and keep meaning to write to tell you how much I am enjoying them. Both Leslie and Ashley G. suggested I follow your blog and I’m so glad they did! I would love to have instructions for your photo ornaments, what wonderful keepsakes. I’m looking forward to more stories from the farm.
Fondly, Kathy J
You got it! So glad you are enjoying the blog. It is so meaningful to hear from you. Wish you a wonderful Christmas!
I love these ornaments, but I had no idea that you made so many! Aunt Betty (and you?) made one for me and for each of my siblings a long, long time ago. For years she gave each of us a special Christmas ornament, and I love all of mine! But each of us has only 1 of these special handmade ornaments. Mine always has a special place on our Christmas tree. Right up front and at eye level!
I taught Mom how to make them. The year she sent them to you was the only year she made them…. Maybe next year you can come make some instead of work clothes, you can bring craft clothes.
Great ornaments! what a way to remember the years!