Finally Here, It's Christmas

 

Christmas Eve....what a special night

. 

For some it's getting together with extended family, for others it's opening gifts, for some it's people that can't be with their families.  I really pray for the last bunch. 

 

Here at the Fairchild Farm, things really got heated up:  "Where do you think Santa hid the presents Mom?" an excited Grace asked me. 

"No idea," I said as I worked on the mountain of dishes that I had to wash.  Ron and Cody were at church (I go tomorrow with the girls, long mass gets little kids whiny, nuf said.) 

we don't have a chimney, so Santa has to expertly hide gifts somewhere outside, (without getting caught by eight policing children).  I had to grab them out of my closet, through the french doors of our bedroom, slap them into the bed of the 4 wheeler, then look for a place to hide them. 

While not looking suspicious with sparkling red wrapped boxes whipping around the farm looking for a place to hide them.  One time I even lost one and had to go back for it. 

Eeks. 

 

So while we wait for Santa,  we will eat,

• Meatloaf
• hot buttered noodles
• broccoli
• cookies.

Supper was finally over, the table was cleaned off.  They were getting all the presents out of mom & dad's closet to put under the tree. 

All of the sudden....

A knock at the door!

The little kids rushed to answer it....(hurry Cody, get back through the garage door...these little punks are fast!)

No one was at the door....

Santa!!!!!!!!!

Quick put on your boots...

Slap on your coats...

Where's Rachel?

She's outside.

Don't forget Jessica!

Levi needs his coat!

Can't the baby just stay in? 

NO!

Then, ma and pa (that's us) hunker quietly in the bathroom with the lights off as all the kids trudge with their winter gear out to the sheep barn.  Why?  I don't know either, its almost 50 degrees and there's no snow.

Pa gets an idea in his head that he has to go to the back of the house to sound like Santa....not sure the kids heard, but I'm glad your getting into it Pa.

The kids find all their gifts!  Woohooo!  Time to celebrate!

Oh no!  There's one little lady that doesn't have a gift from Santa.

What?????

She comes in empty handed with a tiny tear out of her eye.

Has ma, err, um Santa lost his mind??? No present for Rachel? 

Quick...slap on my boots

No time for a coat

She's still crying. 

Hop on the four wheeler

Vroom vroom!

All over the farm

All through the barns...

Nothing.

What??? I forgot my precious girl? 

"Mom was I bad?" she asks quietly.

"NO!  Go in the bonus room and look there! What the heck Big D?" I look at him in utter disgust for the both of us..

"I don't think we got her anything."  He says.  "Now what?"

I snatched a present under the tree, wrapped it in Santa wrap and winged it outside through our french doors onto the yard, "Rachel, lets go out and look for your present out back.  Maybe it fell of his sleigh."

"Okay..." she whispers quietly.  "MOM!  I found something! It has my name on it!"

Really...have I fried my brain?  Am I going through dementia?  I'm 37....whats going on with me?

We open our presents and have a great time.  All the while the guilt is reeling in my broken down brain at what a bad mom I was, when Ron stands up and yelled, "Mom!  The present for Rachel...is in the shop!" 

We forgot what Santa had bought her was in the side room of the shop...a brand new bike.  In the end, we just said it was from us. 

She loved it and wouldn't' stop riding it.   We're only partially dork parents. 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Fairchild Farmgirl

PS Make me feel better and tell me you've done this before! =)

On The 2nd Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift...

This photograph blown up on a canvas.

Or this one...they are both really cool. 

And they are both taken by my nephew, Tyler. 

Wait a second, when did you get old enough to take these kind of pictures?   Wasn't I still changing your diapers only 18 short years ago? Or around that time?  I'm so old I forget.

On a serious note, for being 20ish, he ranks right up there with my favorite artists like Nancy Cawdrey or Martin Grelle, but he does photography.   I would love to say he got his creative side from his aunt Suzanne, but his mom used to take some awesome pictures too.  Also, Tyler has bought all his own photography equip during and since high school. 

He's always been an impressive guy... anyway, check out his website.  He's really got some breathtaking shots.  It's really exciting for me as family to watch him evolve into this great artist.    http://www.tylerjphoto.com/

Now, on to my Christmas memory: 

It's as fresh in my mind as if it happened just yesterday.

Wait....

It did just happen yesterday.  Last night to be exact.  We had a Christmas party with some relatives, I'm in the kitchen cooking supper...it's quiet....all I hear is the TV. 

Something's wrong. 

I hear faint giggles coming form my bedroom. 

Not good.

I open the door and about 20 presents are unwrapped and Maggie and Levi are playing with them.  The wrapping paper is mangled and it's too hard to see who got what for who. 

I punted.  We were out of tape and had mere scraps of wrap left.  I got the yellow masking tape and used the torn scraps to wrap them up. 

We'll see how bad I screwed up tomorrow night. =)

My charity is:  Art from Ashes, based in Colorado.  http://www.artfromashes.org

"Since its inception in 2003, Art from Ashes (AfA) has provided poetry and creative workshops to high-risk youth, facilitating expression, connection and transformation among the most neglected and vulnerable segments of our community. Executive Director Catherine O'Neill Thorn has been conducting transformational poetry and spoken word workshops at juvenile detention facilities, treatment centers, and schools—including post-trauma workshops for Columbine High School students—since 1992. When statewide funding for youth programs was cut in 2003, Thorn was motivated to establish a nonprofit to serve struggling youth with a proven process that helps build strong interpersonal skills, encourages literacy, and empowers young people to lead confident, violence-free lives.
AfA has since provided creative workshops with more than 60 partnering organizations for more than 3,000 young people who have survived traumatic events, are victims of abuse, neglect and/or poverty, and are at risk for or engaged in destructive behaviors. Moving beyond contemporary therapeutic models and arts programming, AfA provides a forum through creative expression for recognizing and acknowledging previous traumas; removing the barriers that isolate young people from each other, from caring adults, and from society; and allowing youth to experience health and hope rather than the expectation of further victimization. " -from their website

Happy Trails,
Fairchild Farmgirl

On The 3th Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift

This new whirlpool bath tub.

 I know I missed yesterday's blog, but amidst Christmas Concerts and as CCD coordinator our Christmas party of making and mailing all the people that attend our parish Christmas cards, I got home, looked around and still had to clean up after seven kids and put some to bed.  Then after that, I had to work on some ornaments I had made for friends. 

So with that said, since this is a two person tub and I would NEVER take a  bath with Ron (I'm a good Catholic girl! =) ) I'm counting this blog as two.  I know you don't understand my dimwitted math, but trust me on this...k?

Let me start out by saying, this tub is big.  If you've been in my house before, you know that the measurements of this tub means we would have to take out the vanity, toilet, and medicine cabinet out of our one bathroom.  The good thing is that Ron would get that outhouse he always wanted, the downside is he'd still be sharing it with a bunch of girls. 

The poor man can't win! 

In all seriousness, there has been many a day that I would have loved to jump in one after being chased by working cattle.  When I'm covered in sweat, puss and nut sack residue (by the way, if there is such a thing as nut sack residue it would have found my shirt and arms...I'm convinced.  So far I've always missed the bomb that goes off when you hike their tail up). 

Anyway, my favorite Christmas memory is about a bath tub, sort of. 

Going to my grandparents house for Christmas.  Our homes couldn't be more different.  We lived in a shack, they lived in a mansion a stones throw from Lake of The Isles in Minneapolis.  Our house had about 6 rooms, theirs 17.  The best was when we would first get there.  Now, we had "sometimes plumbing " in our farmhouse.  Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.   We would go to the neighbor's well and stock up for the week, keep water in a stock tank. 

No I'm not kidding. 

Anyway, when we would get to my grandparents house, we would play for a while, then we would get to take baths...in their tub.  With hot water that wasn't warmed up on a wood stove. 

I know, I'm 37, not 87.  These were the eighties that this happened in.  When agriculture was in the toilet. 

Anyway, back to the mansion.  We would get to take a glorious bath every night. 

My fondest memories are not of the presents, the seven course meals, the Santa gifts...

it's the yellow Dial soap.

My grandparents have past away, but my grandma loved to hear me tell that story.  I know it made her feel good that she helped out in that way. 

To this day, I still love that soap.

My charity for the day is:  People Serving People  http://peopleservingpeople.org/  It's the biggest homeless shelter in Minneapolis MN and you can donate, volunteer and much more.  Go to their website and read all about it. Here's a blurb from their website:

"To serve homeless children and their families and provide new opportunities for healthy, stable family life.

People Serving People achieves its mission and goals by providing emergency housing and community services that assist families experiencing homelessness in becoming self-sufficient and reconnected with the community. In a safe, secure and sober environment, PSP provides services which cultivate independence and accountability.
What distinguishes PSP from other emergency shelters is the broad range of on-site programs and services designed to address common barriers that homeless families are faced with. To provide a new opportunity for families, it is necessary that we help them find ways to break through these barriers and stop patterns that lead to poverty and homelessness. Housing and employment issues are addressed, along with educational, emotional and life enrichment needs."  From their site

Say a prayer for all the homeless people in the world tonight.
Fairchild Farmgirl

 

A carved wooden door from Summit Handcrafted Log Homes.

I wanted cattle in the feedlot scene, Ron said he wanted this exactly how it is with this deer. Because with this gift, I have to share you know. =)

Of course this can't happen until we build our new house when we don't have little hands wreaking havoc in our home.

BUT STILL before I die (which I better have at least another 40 good years out of this bag of bones), this company will make me one. If you like this, check out the rest of the site...the have a double door that has a tree carved into it. It honestly looks like you are walking right through it. You have to see it.

That's all I can say. www.summithandcrafted.com They are truly artistic masters!

My great Christmas memory for today is this: Getting a huge box of Christmas cookies from my grandma Mayer every year. I remember digging through them, as they were froze from the trip by mail in the dead of winter. For some reason I can remember the chocolate chips and M&Ms would about break your teeth. But my siblings and I didn't even care. We didn't get this type of goodies very often and my grandma was the best baker ever.

She died 20 years ago...GULP! She was the greatest. I wish my kids would've gotten to meet her. They would've loved her and my grandpa Norbie. They would always make sure they had a sack full of pennies for us and some Nips caramel candy.

I want to be just like them!

My charity today would definitely be approved by my grandparents, all 4 of them.

The Happy Factory, http://www.happyfactory.org/

Here's a snippet from their website -

The Happy Factory

Miracles happen when people willingly serve others. When Charles and Donna Cooley became aware that many children have never had a toy, they formulated their motto, "We may not be able to make a toy for every child in the world that needs one--but we're going to try!"

The seeds of their service were planted in a small workshop at their home near Cedar City, Utah in 1995. They made a couple hundred toys that were humbly offered to Primary Children's Medical Center. The toys were received with such enthusiasm and gratitude that the Cooleys made more and donated them locally to the Canyon Creek Women's Crisis Center, Cedar City Care and Share, the Presbyterian Church, and within the state of Utah to Shriner's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and worldwide.

They named their workshop "The Happy Factory" because of the happiness it brings to them and to the children who receive the wooden toys. In the process, they have learned that toys are not simply playthings, but tools that help unlock a child's ability to think and to cope with the world around them. What started as a hobby has turned into a full time labor of love.

Since their humble beginnings, The Happy Factory has welcomed volunteers of every age--including juvenile offenders in three state correctional facilities. There are no paid salaries. The Happy Factory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All the materials they use are donated and all of the toys are made by volunteers. Every toy is donated to a child in need. The toys are made of scraps of hardwood donated by a local cabinet maker. Unfortunately, there are a few expenses for wheels and axles, saw blades, building maintenance costs and other miscellaneous items. The Happy Factory workers are toy makers, not fundraisers. It costs approximately eighty five cents per toy for wheels and axles. They gratefully accept donations of materials, time, and money.

Sincerely,

A "Happy" Fairchild Farmgirl

On The 6th Day Of Christmas, I Asked For This Gift...

A carved moose antler.

Isn't this amazing?  I always marvel at the many, many cool pieces there are in this country.  When Big D and I are out and about looking at different art out west, we have seen a few of these, but none this good.

This carver hails from Dubois, Wy.  his name is Monte Baker.  I hope he has a shop or gallery to visit, next time we are out that way I would love to see these in person. 

Now, I know I didn't blog yesterday and tell about what I wanted on the 7th day of Christmas, but you know what?  This guy is so good that he can account for two days. 

Think of the time and skill this takes? 

I had to show you one more...look at the pine tree. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

There's so much more to look at...check out his website at:  http://www.montebakerantlercarving.com/

My favorite Christmas memory for today is this...

Taking all my kids shopping at the local drug/gift store in our little town the week before Christmas.  Here's what's cool about it.  I take along all  the kids so each child can shop for their siblings.  It's so fun to see what they would pick out for their siblings. 

"Mom!  Cody NEEDS this!"  As Levi points to a a hunting magazine.

"Are you going to get that for him?" I ask..."

"Nahhh, me want it!" He giggles.  This is also a great way to show kids that Christmas isn't all about them, because they need to think of others too.  He was the only one that cried when he couldn't get what he wanted.  He sat by the register on the floor sad as can be.  Too bad I remarked as I smiled to the high school clerk and to everybody around me.  He's gotta learn sometime.

My charity for the day is:  The Last Great Race:  Iditarod 

You can buy a membership and that's your donation!  THEN you get cool stuff!  Here's their website:  http://www.iditarod.com/

 "The fabric of any membership organization is judged by the number, loyalty and active involvement of its members. 'The Last Great Race on Earth' is annually run against the most scenic landscape on earth in the harshest weather Mother Nature can provide. The ITC depends on member volunteers to stage the world's premier sled dog race. Mushers feel privileged to train, coach and encourage the outstanding athletic dogs that run the race. I feel privileged to be an ITC member and invite YOU to join us in celebrating Alaska's state sport in the 'Last Frontier.' Catch the spirit and enjoy the benefits." — Leelan Larsen, President of the Board               

Sincerely,

Santa's favorite elf,
Fairchild Farmgirl
       

On The 8th Day Of Christmas, I RECIEVED This Gift!

All my family home hanging out together.  Ashlyn is home for the weekend and we have all pitched in to help her with a gift for her dad and step mom. 

Yes, I didn't believe it either when I first heard of it.  I was bar tending one night, D and I were dating and he was watching Ashlyn for me.  Ash called to tell me that "Ron had fixed my pants mom!"  "Huh??"  YES Big D is a man of many talents.  He can sew....and his wife can't.  I can hand stitch, but not use a sewing machine.

Back to Christmas present.  This year, I told the kids that they had a limit of $5 per sibling and the three older kids had to contribute $2 per child.

"WHAT?"  was their initial reaction, but then they started to plan straight away what they were going to get everybody.  When I met Ash and her dad in Olivia last night, she took care of her shopping in Alco. 

On the way home, I asked her if she'd gone shopping for her dad and step mom.  "sigh, no.  I don't know what I'd even get them and I don't have money."

"Well, lets make them something cool." was my response. 

Of course I got eyes rolling, they didn't leave her head so that was a plus.  =)  "Like what?"

"Lets do a fiber art wall hanging."

"Have you ever done one mom? I mean, we can't just do one."

Puleeezzzzeeee!  Don't challenge the great craftin' momma.

"Were going to and it will be fun.  AND yes, we will get it done."  More eye rolling.  No I had never done anything like that.  She can sew with a sewing machine, the last time I did was when I was her age, a long long time ago.  None the less, we got home and we figured out how big it was going to be and then she drew out a pattern.  Then, she picked out fabric from the rag bins where we have old shirts, jeans, sheets etc.  Just waiting for some kid to do a project with them. 

Then she went to bed....

And I cut out her pattern piece by piece by piece.  Eeks.  There was a lot. I was finished around midnight.

BUT it's so neat...she drew a picture of their dog  at the lake on the dock, with pine trees in the background.  For a 12 year old she did excellent.  She wasn't happy with her sewing job around the pine trees, but like I told her, once your dad knows that you have about 15 hours in it, he will love it!  He better. =) 

Kara getting cards and pictures out for family.  What a helper!

Not to cheat you out of a Christmas memory, but this will go down as one of my favorites.  I know I was making a gift for my ex and his wife, but it was so fun helping out Ashlyn.  However, she's not the only crafty one.  This is the second year that Cody has made his gifts for every one.  Last year he learned how to make shelves in wood shop, so every body got a shelf.  Now, he did some sandblasting in shop class, so he is making a sandblasted mirror for everyone. 

I  love my family.  Just like I told Big D, you don't need a lot of money, homemade gifts are fun to make and give. 

For a charity, I'm going to tell you about what I heard today as we were all pig piled in our bed.  It was me, D, about 5 kids and we were talking to my sister Betsy on the phone.  She had mentioned that the "in thing" to do is go to Walmart or Kmart and see if there is anyone in danger of losing their layaway from non payment.  If there is, pay it for them.  There's  a lot of people losing jobs, or just having problems affording a few presents for their kids. 

Cool huh? 

Here is our finished project.  She did about 80% of it herself.  If you want to have a great time with your kids, do a family craft.  It's always a blast!

Sincerely,

The Happiest Fairchild Farmgirl Around!

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