My Heart is Full

Today my heart is full.  Our area of the country was blessed with my favorite gift of God's creation: a blanket of snow. 

As the snow clouds gathered, school was called off early.  I think my kids were excited to spend some time together.

It blew in fast and hard.  So many of our friends were stranded on the road, trying to scurry home.  My farmer made it home without any issues, but there were so many people in our area in trouble.  We heard there was an accident near the major intersection about a mile from our house so we decided to set off on a long hike to offer assistance.

It was so eerie to see the road so desolate at 5pm, when it is usually packed with vehicles.  The accident must have been beyond where we could see because the intersection was empty.

We still had fun hiking though!

 Together, with snow, and laughter makes me very, very happy.

As the snow blew against the house and the wind howled, my heart filled with joy.   I don't know why this kind of weather makes me so happy.   I know some of my friends can't stand snow/cold/ice.  I sort of feel that way about sticky/humid/heat.  Isn't it amazing how God creates us all so uniquely?!  

 The storm came on Wednesday afternoon, and as I type this on Friday afternoon it is melting away.  We have to savor it while we can!

My favorite photo of the day

I even took a little hike by myself.  I love the silence a snow brings to the earth.

On this Valentines Day my heart is full.  I've had my chicks under one roof.  We've played, we've eaten (too much), we've rested.  We've been together.  I tuck this into the bank of sweet memories to cherish.

Happy Valentine's Day!

SNOW!!!

 For all my mid-westerner friends, this post is a joke.  I know that some of you are SICK of the cold and snow.  If I was dealing with -12* temps I might feel the same way...
but in NORTH CAROLINA snow is a real treat!

I've made it no secret that winter is one of my favorite things in life.  I love frosty breath and pink noses.  Winter coats and fluffy mittens make me smile.  I've been doing a whole lotta smiling this week!

Snow days make me crave comfort food.

German pancake for breakfast and taco soup simmering on the stove.

All five of us spent HOURS in the snow.

Our property has rolling hills, but none that are really steep enough to enjoy a good sled ride.  So we improvise and burn gas all day long pulling the kids behind the 4wheelers.

We are lil' redneck, but sometimes that's more fun.  We have an old metal Coca-Cola sign that makes the best sled.  I've told my husband that it is also the most expensive sled because we could get a PRETTY penny for it on ebay.  I remember using the metal sign for sledding  when my husband and I were dating.  Good times.  Now that we have big kids, we have upped the ante:  

 Yes, it's as fun and scary as it looks.  Don't judge.

  

Our animals weren't quite sure what to do with all the white stuff.

I'm the mom, so the only photo that was taken of me was this selfie foot photo.

But I had just as much fun as all the other kiddos.  At one point I said, "this is the best kind of day.  It's freezing cold, we're all together, we are laughing our heads off and everyone is happy."

I love SNOW days!!!

Tree Shopping In North Carolina

We've only chosen a tree from a local lot twice in the last 16 years: the year of the accident and last year because we had just moved into our new home.  This year held the promise of a return to the mountains.  Unfortunately, we have things like jobs and high school to contend with on the calendar.  We knew it would be a quick trip, but it was worth every mile.

We left the flatlands on a nasty rainy evening.  Arriving late, we went straight to bed.  But we awoke to the most splendid gift: a winter wonderland!

We took the kids to downtown West Jefferson and enjoyed the sights. 

Snow in November is a special treat.

The christmas tree farms dot the landscape like my grandmother's patchwork quilt.  The week of Thanksgiving is my favorite week because it is alive with tree farm help.
Massive amounts of trees are tagged, cut, and sorted.  They await their passage to homes throughout the USA.

We discovered a tree farm that usually only sells wholesale, but the farmer makes exceptions for those of us with connections.  And by connections, I mean word-of-mouth friends.

We were the only ones on the whole mountain.  It was truly magical.

Mountains+snow+family+Christmas trees = happy momma

 The ride home was filled with fellow travelers like this:

I'm so thankful for traditions.  I feel grounded.  Nostalgic.  Contented.

Tell me your favorite tradition.  Please!

Autumn's Gifts

It has been one year.

We've tasted every season at the farm and we are back around to my favorite.

I still pinch myself.

Autumn is glorious.  

Nature seems to echo praises to her Creator at every turn...

 We try to savor amidst the busyness of life with three kids.

Even when they photo bomb...

November's winds are tugging at our beautiful leaves so I'm trying to soak up every glimpse of autumn.