"If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." — E.B. White

Saturday, December 11, 2010

It's up n DOWN n up!


Well we went and cut our tree last weekend.
We always go to a local farm that is so pretty and grows fir trees that we like. Last year it was hot (before the great snows), this year windy n COLD. But we still managed to have lotsa fun n silliness with Nanny along! Jack looks a bit embarrassed by our antics, huh?


We all enjoyed the time inside their log cabin shop, sipping cider n watching the train go round the ceiling. The following day we all decorated the tree while sipping cocoa and watching football.
The next morning I came down very early after a sleepless night (a sheet changing episode w/Jack at 3 am had left me wide awake)... Looking forward to the pretty lights, quiet Christmas music and sipping tea... Geez I guess I sip a lot!
Found the tree planted face first on the dog's crate. Poor Olivia.  She never even made a sound. Musta been slow motion as nothing broke on the tree either. Good thing there are no fancy Wedgewood or Lenox ornaments here!

Now it's back up n presentable with it's skirt straightened. Maybe it just wanted extra attention and appreciation? 
So here goes...
This is our kitschy, kids, Christmas crafted, full o love n memories tree!


Starting at the top with it's Angel made by Jack and Sarah's 1st preschool ornament.


I'm embarrassed to admit that these primitive crafts were made by me prior to kids!
Above is The Farmer as a baby with his Daddy who passed away 2 yrs later.
Below is my own Mommy dressed as an angel for her grade school pageant.




Bet you might have one of these...


But not a box o Barnum's and a silver baby spoon!




Yes, you saw right. They're empty tho.


Here's a glimpse of my new favorite tree skirt that I thrifted a couple years ago.


I can't seem to get any passable pics of any of this so you'll have to check out last years tree for a full shot. 
If I can ever get caught up tween extra winter farm work and extra Christmas work, I'll post some more bad pics of more Christmas round the farm!
Hope your world is Merry and Bright!


10 comments:

Lori O'Brien Photography said...

You are sooo AWESOME, making such special ornamnts....ahh life BEFORE children when
you had time... xoxo

Dawn said...

That raisin box sure did make me giggle. Too cute though...lol. Love all the kiddo created ornaments. That's what makes Christmas memories...:)

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Just love the pictures...I feel I am there also!
Keep enjoying those little ones...remember this gray hair mom has them up to age 27!!!
We went to see the small trains today...too much fun, and to watch his eyes...nothing better than Christmas will little ones...so I am milking every minute this year with our four year old. We have got to go cut a tree next year...the two youngest haven't done that yet!

Oh, caution...don't watch that movie with your kids!!! Your family has already seen a loss through cancer and that is in the movie...the only sad part and it really is done with wonderful blessings....but might be hard after what you have gone through....so view it yourself...beside it is more a teen adult topics of the value of work, and values of life. But it is a great movie!!!!

Hugs to you all...keep enjoying the holidays...even if you have to hog-tie them!!!

Lori O'Brien Photography said...

PS...that first pic looks like it was straight
off a magazine : ) : ) : )
Adorable!!!!!!!!

Vintage Country Girl said...

Cute. I love your daughter's cute coat, and Jack's funny expression. Ah, kids, they tell us how it REALLY is, don't they. Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Leslie, I love the photos of your parents, how special!

~Andrea~

Lori O'Brien Photography said...

Hey! Have I told you how much I love your
handmade and whimsical bright colored ornaments??
And the boxes...fun and original just like YOU!!
xoxo

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Lori, you're such a suck up, I mean great friend! ;-)
luv ya LOTS!

Thanks to all for the kind words! Merry Christmas!
hugs,
Leslie

Hallie said...

I love this tree idea! Specifically, the box of animal crackers! Too cute! Can't wait to have precious littles who bring home handmade ornaments. :)

Shannan Martin said...

So much raisin love for this!!