On The 9th Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift...

"How Now Brown Cow" by Toni Hargreaves

A painting from my friend Toni Hargreaves.

I don't know how she does it...just look at this painting.  Isn't it amazing?  Look at the brush strokes in the fur.  Sometimes I love to just stare at her artwork because I can only dream of getting my cows this "photo-realistic" 

Great...now she's going to think I'm a stalker.

Let's go back in time, shall we? 

I discovered Toni on a Sunday (I know this because the kids were trying to jump all over me when I was on the computer and I remember yelling, "Fantastic!  Tomorrow you have school, why don't I look at this then?"

I'll remember minute details til I die...when I'm old and gray, I'll forget to eat but I'll remember to go for a walk.  I'm a goofball.

Back to our meeting.  I was perusing the Internet with kids jumping all over me as I spilled my coffee on my leg that was kid free, just missing the keyboard. 

When I stopped.

 

Who the heck is this amazing artist?  I had to contact her. 

 

I sent her an email...but why would this artist who does such amazing art even want to look at my work even though I told her how good she was (flattery should get you everywhere).  I was just a stranger who practically wrote her life story on the first email to this poor lady.   She probably was thinking..."hey goofball, I've got these beautiful bovine to paint...I'm busy."

 

Then I got an email back. 

 

The rest is history.  For now we are pen pals...she lives in the UK.  Maybe when she's doing a tour in North America she can come here. 

 

 

 

And paint our cows!

(Minus that gargantuan weed in the front)

 

I do want you to check out her website.  It's incredible.  http://www.tonihargreaves.co.uk/Toni_Hargreaves/Welcome.html

 

My Christmas memory actually happened this year and was about Toni. 

 

First off, let me start by saying, I'm in no way guilting you into doing a painting for me Toni.  But this is funny.

 

Toni's was our first Christmas card.  The kids came home from school, and Cody and I were opening up the mail when I ran across it...some different looking postage, envelope...etc.  I ripped it open.  There was a neat newsletter that she had done up and a handwritten letter for me. 

 

There amongst this, was a cute little envelope.  What could it be?  I mean, there was already a letter and a newsletter. 

Could it be? 

 

I was like a kid ripping open a cereal box trying to find the prize inside. 

 

I looked at Cody....

 

"I bet I know what this is..."  I said out loud, trying not to rip the envelope.  "It's just got to be a little painting. I'm sure she knows how I idolize her work" I said, trying not to show too much excitement while the sweat beaded up on my upper lip as I was sooooo careful as not to rip what could be inside.

 

"She's so a-w-e-s-o-" I got cut off as I finally got the cutest little envelope open.

 

"Nope.  Just a Christmas card."  Cody said as he polished of his snack and went about his chores.  "But how cool...it's the first one!"

 

I hope you get a giggle out of this Toni!  I'm so glad we met!

 

 

Here's my charity for the day:  Feed My Starving Children  http://www.fmsc.org/page.aspx?pid=267

 

A blurb from their website:

 

Our MissionFeeding God’s Starving Children Hungry in Body and SpiritOur VisionWith God’s help Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) will strive to eliminate starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in people to hear and respond to the cries of those in need.

Sincerely,
A pretty thankful Fairchild Farmgirl

On The 10th Day OF Christmas, I Asked For This GIft...

A pair of snowshoes by Havlick Snowshoe Company.

First I didn't even know this company existed, second of all, I didn't know that there was so much to know about a snowshoe!  Aren't they cool looking? 
These are called Sprinters, and they would be perfect for for me to wear in the grove and the vineyard.  Check out their great website for much more!  http://www.havlicksnowshoe.com/  These are also made in the USA!

Do you want to know something completely dorky about me that you didn't know before?  I use the vineyard as a walking track.  So if you're driving past our farm and you think I'm checking on vines, no. I'm getting in my workout.  But they would workout fabulously for when I have to prune out there when the vines are dormant and the snow is about 5 feet deep.

My favorite Christmas memory I bring to you today wasn't so fantastic when it was happening.  You know, back when I was a teenager that thought a boring tradition was to get a Christmas tree out of the back 40 with some old pairs of snowshoes that my dad thought were the coolest things around...

You know how that goes...

I hated putting on those stupid snowshoes back in the day.  I also hated wearing stupid looking winter hats, a phobia that still haunts me today.  I don't know why, maybe somebody was going to see me, like my parents old yucky van wasn't going to be embarrassing enough and the snowshoes were going to be the cherry on top.

Looking back now, man was I a little brat at times. 

Extremely funny how after I became a parent I have asked for snowshoes every year for the last ten years.  No joke.  I think this is karma coming full circle.  What do you think?  So remember...keep doing those family traditions...I dont' care if you embarrass your kid in an old looking car or make them wear funny outdoor gear. 

Just spend some time with the punks...do you hear? 

My Charity today is: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities  http://www.bigstwincities.org/site/c.dmK0LjO2LsKcF/b.6543299/k.F0EB/Home_Page.htm

What a great charity!  Join in and maybe you can make your OWN snowshoe memory with a great kid.  Here's a snippet from their website:

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is not your typical organization. We help children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn’t do any of it without you." -From their website
Happy Trails!
Fairchild Farmgirl



 

On The 11 Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift....

Stay north of Yellowstone Park on the Gallatin Gateway at the 320 Guest Ranch in southern Montana for 4 days.

We had planned on taking this trip this past summer, but you know, when you farm/run livestock and that's what most of your paycheck comes from, it can plan (or in this case, cancel) your trip at any time.  All the wet weather we had made for a feedlot that wasn't at capacity for a while and then we had to haul in clay. 

I'm sure hoping that with fruit and vegetable money, a good lamb crop, and a great tax return, we may just be able to go out there. 

We would take all the kids and our friend as an adult babysitter to help us, that way no more missing the little kids...they will be there with us.   

It was so cool that we would be going somewhere that we'd never been before and there is so much history.  None of us have ever been to Montana.  What a thrill!  There's also many stops along the way too.  It would just be a blast!

Back to the 320.  What an amazing place.  AND affordable.  Believe me....I've checked.  There is some unimaginably great places out there, but so expensive....some were to the tune of $10,000 for 11 of us.  I know...I thought that place maybe screwed up...nope. 

This place is so beautiful....here's their website:   http://www.320ranch.com/home.php

Here's a blurb from their site:

"This means guests can pick and choose from various seasonal activities like trail rides, Western style barbecues, fly fishing on the Gallatin (right on the property), and rafting. In the winter, their popular sleigh ride is always a hit for families, as well as dog sledding and nordic skiing. New this year, 320 introduced free shuttle rides to and from their restaurant, as well as free rides for guests up to the ski hill and to other nearby restaurants.

This hospitality is a throwback to the time when Dr. Caroline McGill, the first woman doctor in Montana, purchased the property and used it as a resting place for patients. McGill worked and died there, and as she aged, she donated most of the items from the ranch to the McGill Museum in Bozeman (now Museum of the Rockies).

The 320 team is made up of 20 winter staff, and 50 in summer. Providing staff housing creates “an informal, professional and relaxed environment,” said Richardson. “We want guests to feel like they are coming to a relative’s home they haven’t seen in awhile.” -From their website

Plan a family trip will ya!?!

My fun Christmas memory is from last year, when we wrapped up the paper for Ron and Cody's turkey hunt in a 12 pack of Mountain Dew...which by they way Big D despises giving pop for Christmas.  Boy was he sure surprised!

My favorite charity of the day is:  McCrossan Boy's Ranch out of South Dakota  http://www.mccrossan.org/

"McCrossan Boys Ranch is a private non-profit organization that reaches out to troubled boys between the ages of nine to twenty who have experienced conflict in their lives. By working on values, goals, education and skills we prepare our boys to live a balanced life outside the Ranch. We also provide the boys with one-on-one counseling as well as specialized educational services so they can heal and grow intellectually.

For more than 55 years, McCrossan Boys Ranch has changed the lives of many young boys. It is our goal to continue that success of providing New Hope for a Better Life for many, many years to come."  From their website

Sincerely,

A Hopeful Fairchild Farmgirl

                  

On The 12 Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift...

A 350XLT Econoline 15 Passenger Van

Look at that baby...Once upon a time I would have laughed in your face if you would've said I wanted one of these. 

Yeah right.

NOW, however, I'm singing a different tune.  It's a little different when you have to drive two vehicles to get somewhere because we don't all fit in one anymore. 

We rented one to take our trip north of Duluth MN last year, and D and I both agreed that we would buy one some day.  It was so nice and roomy, plus we had enough room for us and our gear (which is a lot when you are toting 8 kids, baby included for 4 days). 

Pat on the back to the Ford Company...ya dun good!

My Christmas memory is this:

Going to Christmas at my grandparents house packed into my parents 1970's van (we called it the stabbin' cabin) it was yellow with a brown and red stripe, complete with a old style crank sunroof and a small tear shaped bubble window on the sides near the back.  Inside, it was complete with a bed and shag carpet...everywhere, even on the ceiling.  It felt like you were caught up in the armpit hair of Big Foot.  There were no seats for the back, so we all piled on the bed or on the floor where ever there was room. 

Now can you see why I've had "van phobia" for so many years? 

My charity of the day is:  Minnesota House Of Hope  http://houseofhopeminnesota.org/

Here's a little snippet from their website.  It sure looks like a good one.  They can use more than just money, it's volunteers, time as well as goods, like TP, Kleenex, food, etc.

Goals

● To provide a safe and loving home where residents live in a structured loving environment with a 24 hour-a-day house staff that is committed to helping the clients learn responsibility, correct attitudes, and other skills that will prepare them to be productive members of their communities.

● To provide an individually designed Christian counseling program to help clients overcome their specific adversities. To enable them to work through their specific hurts, problems, and behavior issues.

● To provide weekly group counseling that will enable residents to learn appropriate behavior, respect authority, and relate effectively to peers and adults.

● To provide Christian counseling and parenting classes to parents of residents. Counseling and classes are designed to improve family dynamics, rules, roles, communication, and conflict resolution methods.

● To provide a Biblical based education curriculum that will provide opportunity to progress academically.

● To provide instruction in life skills that will develop skills needed for today and in the future.

● To provide an opportunity for spiritual growth that will equip them with the tools and strength they need to resist temptation when they return to their homes.

Sincerely,

Fairchild Farmgirl

On The 15th Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift...

A ranch in North Dakota.

I know, I know, I'm more than happy with our place but there's something about North Dakota.  It's just...cool.

Not sure what it is.  Yes I do, it's beautiful! 

When I tell people this they usually look at me kind of funny.  So for a while, I've been in the "closet" about my love for this great state. 

Just to let you know, I feel like a dork admitting this to you all, but I've watched Prairie Rose Reality's website for umm, about 12 years.  No joke. 

My first husband and I actually went and looked at a few ranches.  One in particular by the Cannon Ball River.  It was so beautiful I thought I may have chained myself to the mailbox...good thing I didn't...

 

Now if Big D takes me out there....

AND I saw this...we'd both fall in love. 

Ron and I are actually interested in land out there.  Will we ever get it?  Who knows.  If we do, we will definitely go through Prairie Rose, they have always find the best farms, ranches and land for sale.  Ron and I would love to have a guide hunting service out there, and a B &B. 

 

OR we could bring Sweetie out there and start building our cattle herd, then bring the calves here to Cody who will have the feedlot....See, I have it all planned!

Check out their great website, www.prairieroserealty.com/  you'll find some great ranch land, farms and sporting areas for whatever your needs maybe.   Just remember, if you do buy a place, get a spare room for me to visit.

Can you tell I love it out there!?!

 

My favorite Christmas memory for today

We  used to  visit the great state of North Dakota quite a bit. My first husband's family came from out by Ellendale.  On Christmas, we would pack up the vehicle  and head to solitude.  I loved it.  One night we got there late, as you can imagine it was very late.  His uncle George was a bachelor so he never even went upstairs except to get food, he used on of the bedrooms as a pantry.  So we go up to that particular room, put our bags down and pull back the old bedspread and there it was...

About 10 pounds of rice. 

"What the heck??"  Chris yelled down to Geoge who ran upstairs. 

"That's where all those damn mice have been putting my rice!"

"NEXT!" I yell headed across the hall with my stuff.

YUCK!

My charity is this:  http://farmrescue.org/

"Welcome to Farm Rescue!

We are a one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization that plants and harvests crops free of charge for family farmers who have suffered a major illness, injury or natural disaster.
Our ability to help families on the land is 100% dependent upon some pretty amazing people - volunteers, sponsors and individual donors. They give of their time, talents and financial resources to help put a crop in the ground or harvest its bounty for families that are in crisis. Selfless acts. Selfless people. It doesn't get much better than that in our book!"  -from their website

Sincerely,

Fairchild "Thank goodness I don't have to check the sheets" Farmgirl

On The 16th Day Of Christmas, I asked For This Gift...

This beautiful silver over copper onyx necklace from Jean Menden Silver. 

She is also from Minnesota the Dawson/Boyd area! 

Jean and her husband Tony happen to be great friends of ours....I met Jean when I asked her to do an art show that I was hosting in our little town of Gary.  Looking back now, I laugh at myself, but I was afraid to call her, I thought that she'd be too professional to do our little show.  I'm so glad she accepted for our Gary Art show, as well as the friendship that we have. 

Plain and simple, she's awesome. 

 She's a true blue silver smith and has even studied in Norway.  She can make something out of a pickle fork that would blow your mind and you'd be excited to wear it,  just like all her jewelry. 

I know that if I have it in my jewelry box, it's made by Jean Menden.

check out her website:  http://jmendensilver.com/

She's got great stuff!  Wonderful selection and prices that won't break the bank.  Thank you Jean!

My Christmas memory for today is...

Making Christmas cookies with Ron's family for 10 hours one year. 

It wasn't meant to take that long...we just had  a few recipes...a piece! =)  There was about 7 of us.  We made homemade yeast pretzels, eggnog cookies (which are still my favorite today) fudge, you name it, we made it. 

About the eighth hour we were pretty drained.  Ron's uncle Ted was even there  baking with the rest of us.  He didn't care that he was the only guy because he loved to cook. 

Since our baking day, we lost Uncle Ted.  My five year old Rachel and I drove past his house today that's now owned by his son and wife and I instantly thought of that day and smiled. 

My charity today is the Courage Center...this is the neatest place! You can donate, they also make cards, read some of their inspiring stories.  Check out their website:  http://www.couragecenter.org/

Welcome to Courage Center

"We are a Minnesota-based non-profit rehabilitation and resource center that empowers people with disabilities to realize their full potential in every aspect of life. We use a holistic approach that includes comprehensive rehabilitation therapies, independent living services, drivers services, a community reintegration program, accessible aquatics and fitness programs, camps, and adapted sports and recreation programs. We have an inpatient residential program for rehabilitation after brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury, as well as a chronic pain rehabilitation program. We also advocate for people with disabilities at the legislature and in other public forums.

We have locations in Golden Valley, Stillwater, Burnsville and Forest Lake, as well as a sports and recreation office in Duluth, and camps at Maple Lake and Lake George. Courage Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and is a United Way agency." - From their website

Sincerely,

An inspired Farmgirl

On The 17th Day Of Christmas I Asked For This Gift...

This amazing little purse from the Buffalo Billfold Company.

I knew today I wanted to list something Buffalo.  I have been dreaming about a decorative pillow for our bed, as I want to get my  whitetail photo framed that i took when we were in Custer and wanted to keep with the outdoorsy/wildlife theme.  So I started looking for a company to spotlight, you know, to help Big D in his search for my perfect  Christmas present. =)

Not sure how I got directed to this site, but I'm sure happy I did.  The have beautiful simple but elegant items, from billfolds to laptop cases and everything in between.  They even have cool mouse pad and a "make your own baseball" kit.  It's also (as you can imagine), all tanned buffalo hide. 

This purse pictured is only around $42.00 (the front one in the picture). It's so pretty!

They are also RIGHT HERE IN MINNESOTA!  In Worthington to be exact. 

Want to know something else cool about them?  In reading their blog, it looks as if we've vended in the same place; Brookings Arts Fest. 

Check them out at their website:  www.buffalobillfoldcompany.com  they have great prices and cool stuff, very affordable gifts for Christmas. 

Bill, it was nice chit chatting with you this morning!  Catch up with you on the "show" road...I plan on going to the Round Up next year as a spectator.  Then on to the art venue... it's really nice going to an arts fest that I don't have to vend in.  =)

My favorite Christmas memory/tip of the day today is (I hope my kids are reading this):

Never peek on a present like I did when I was a kid.  I'm tellin' ya, old wounds never close.  I slighted myself when the presents from my grandparents came.  Now, they had lots of money and we didn't.  By UPS, we would get boxes of presents.  We would actually count them - hey, I was a kid and quality was in numbers! =).

I saw a curiously wrapped present with my name on it.  For some reason I just had to know what was inside.  Then, when my parents were out chopping wood,

I did it....

I ripped the wrapping paper just a little. A teensy bit really just to see it. 

The Barbie I had only dreamed of was right there. In front of me. 

On Christmas Eve however, I wasn't even excited because I knew what it was.  It felt like opening a pair of socks or something.  The thrill was gone. 

Remember...I'll say in again like I have before, It's not the destination....it's the getting there that's the fun part.


My charity today is this:  Minnesota C.O.P.S Chapter

"In February, 2005, the MN Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors became a reality. Our Chapter is about extending a helping hand for the emotional well being of those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, friend or co-worker in the line of duty. We are survivors helping survivors. The success of our Chapter can be seen in the families we have touched with love and compassion. There are no membership dues to join for the price paid is already too high.

Why make a donation

The MN Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors is a 501©3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

100% of your donation is used for outreach to the families of officers killed in the line of duty as well as financially assistance for families wishing to attend National Police Week Ceremonies and the National C.O.P.S. grief seminars in Washington D.C..

The Chapter also assists with funding of travel costs to attend Hands On Programs and Retreats. Consider donating as a way to thank the families of those who have made the selfless sacrifice to protect you and your families." -From their website