Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Special Christmas Memory and Gift From White Sheep Farm


I got the wonderful news last week I had won a giveaway from Teri at White Sheep Farm. She has wonderful giveaways, and her handiwork is amazing. She asked us to share a favorite Christmas memory with her and she would select her favorite. I had to share one of mine. This is the story with a little more detail.
Teri’s Wintry Front Porch Scene
When I was in my twenties, and before I got married, my family had a house in the Smokey Mountains, near Gatlinburg, Tn.  I lived in Asheville, N.C. at the time and my family lived in W.Va.  Of course, the house wasn’t centrally located, but we sort-of looked at it that way. At any rate, it was a place to meet. A special place. I’ll not soon forget meeting my family a few days before Christmas during that period to spend old fashioned Christmas’s--as in stringing cranberry and popcorn garlands to place on the live tree we bought a few hours earlier from a local grower. It would also be pretty hard to erase the sounds of Bing Crosby, or Nat King Cole, and how Cole’s voice never failed to make the room a little warmer--even in front of a sturdy, crackling fire built by my daddy. I’ve never wondered about what we missed on TV those nights, because we didn’t have a TV in the room--but I do remember and cherish being with my family, laughing, singing and belonging.

I remember one Christmas Eve snowstorm that was a beauty. The flakes floated down, seemingly one by one, white cottony flakes landing perfectly on trees, window panes and the immediate, twinkly world in general. The snow put us all in a giddy mood and we took it all in together. My dad helped several visitors to the mountain out of the ditch, and spent a lot of time clearing the walkways and steps for us. He loved to stay busy and there was plenty to do. It was simply a postcard Christmas for our family and we soaked it all in, the snow, the old-fashion tree, the food but most importantly the love and laughter of being a family.

My dad passed away almost four years ago. Our Christmas’s have never been the same and never will. Among many things I miss about him, I miss his laugh. It’ll be hard to unlearn the sound of his laugh-- giddy and booming, so full of life.  We still enjoy our family and cherish the times we are together but a big heart and big personality is missing. He loved Christmas and we miss him terribly, even more so this time of year.
Me, Daddy and my little sister Anna many years ago
Well, that was my story and she chose it to win the giveaway, although it was a condensed version. It touched my heart and when I got my special gift in the mail, I was thrilled. She made me an adorable sleeping mouse in a match stick box.  See the precious note to Santa? She also threw in this beautiful pillow “Its a Wonderful Life,” one of my favorite movies ever and definitely one of my favorite quotes. It is a wonderful life, and I thank you Teri for this wonderful Christmas gift.
Lil’ Mouse
Santa’s note
It’s a Wonderful Life Pillow in with potpourri
If you haven’t seen Teri’s blog, please check it out. She has beautiful sheep, spins her own fiber and makes wonderful primitive decorations. I know you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Merry Christmas all,

36 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

A wonderful Christmas memory and tribute to your father. And a lovely gift from a fellow farm blogger. :) New memories from the old...

Sharon said...

You have some very nice Christmas memories! That little mouse from Teri, is so precious and creative!

XXX

Pondside said...

A lovely story and a pretty gift - lucky you! I love to read the Christmas memories that other hold dear.

Chicken Wrangler said...

Congrats on your win - and what a sweet story. I enjoyed reading about your dad. That little mouse is a cute prize, and the pillow is adorable!

Cindy said...

What a great memory!! It is always so hard as the Holidays approach us..to not feel so sad for those who have gone on.I just try to keep their memories alive with little traditions they did..and to talk about them to my children and now my grandchildren.

Hugs..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Country Gal said...

Wonderful photos and post.
Have a good day !

Nancy K. said...

What wonderful childhood memories! I'm glad that they won you such an adorable prize! I'll have to check out Teri's blog.

How are Rain and Burdock doing? I'd love to see photos of them. Did Rain finally fill out? Are they friendly? I hope you're enjoying them. And your beautiful chickens? I'm kicking myself for selling so many of my Calicos! I'm going to have to hatch some eggs this winter, to rebuild my own flock!

Happy Holidays ~ I hope you make more, wonderful memories...

Teresa said...

Sounds like a truly wonderful Christmas memory. Thanks for sharing, Amy!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Teresa

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Congratulations on your winnings! I think your childhood memories are precious and the best tribute you can give to your daddy! Love the cute picture of him with you and your sister. Holiday memories are special and each year we venture through another Christmas without them is a little rough, but those memories carry us through.
Hugs,
Lisa

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

wonderful memories, your heart was revealed in this post. Thank you for sharing such great memories. I pray you have a Joyous Christmas, congrats on the win, well deserved!

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Oh Amy, I loved your Christmas memories piece. Such a sweet memory. I writing this right now with a lump in my throat. We lost my father five years ago and although I still love Christmas we certainly know he isn't with us.

Teri said...

Amy,
Glad you liked your winnings ...And thank you so much for finishing you beautiful Christmas memory! Been a bit busy ... trying hard to finish the barn. I haven't had much blog hopping time. Stop by, I have one more give away for the year! Have a great day!
P.S. such a wonderful post, loved the old photos.Thank you soooo much for sharing.
Teri♥♥♥

Rebecca said...

What a wonderful christmas memory-so sorry to hear about your dad-but thru those memories he lives on in your heart. I always wish for a christmas like that away from all the commericialism I'm surrounded with. Every year I watch Little House on the Prairies Christmas's along with the Walton's First christmas!

Unknown said...

Amy, that is a touching story and I am so sorry that you have lost your daddy. Your Christmas in TN sounds just like the way it should be!

xo,
annie
p.s. the little mouse in the matchbox is adorable

Tete said...

I love this story! The give away is so nice, but the story of your family and your dad is so precious.
My dad is still with us but far away in a nursing home and he has mental problems now- so I am never sure when I talk to him on the phone if he really knows what he is saying, but for me, it's just hearing his voice. When he can't remember, I do it for the both of us.
Hugs- Tete

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Good Morning Amy,
What a precious memory of your father and your family. Christmas always seems to be a time that we remember our loved ones especially those who aren't with us any more. What a wonderful place to celebrate the season too...to me it's just not Christmas without snow...and a fire. At least we have the fire :) I will check out your Blogging friend..it sounds like something I'd really enjoy. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Maura :)

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Amy,
What a wonderful memory you've shared. The photo was so cute. Congratulations on your winnings! Looks like some wonderful things.
Staci

Anonymous said...

I am glad you have some nice memories to comfort yourself with, especially at this time of year.

Jen said...

Beautiful memories to cherish... cute gifts too.

Janet said...

adorable little mouse ! clever lady ! wonderful memories thank you for sharing them

Farm Girl said...

Wonderful story Amy, so sorry about your Dad, they do leave such a hole when they are gone. Could you send me your address? I have a box to go to Verde Farm. :) Thanks
Kim

Genny said...

Amy, I love your Christmas memory. The memories are what keep the people and traditions we love alive for generations to come. The tiny sleeping mouse is just too adorable!! I just love this time of year and am loving hearing about everyone's Christmas preparations. Congratulations on the wonderful gifts.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

What a great story about your Dad! Belonging and sharing is what it's all about, Amy!...:)JP

Michelle said...

Thanks for sharing this memory of your Dad. I really enjoyed it.

Terry said...

What a lovely memory, and the matchbox mouse is so cute!

Country Whispers said...

What a great memory and thanks for sharing it.
Christmas-time is always a fun time of the year but so so different once loved ones have passed on. I am thankful for the great memories that they created with us while they were here and I hope to create those same kind of memories with my children.

Lori Lynn said...

Very sweet story, Amy.
*´¨)
¸.*´¸.**´¨) ¸.**´¨)
(¸.*´ (¸.*´* LORI LYNN *

Mom L said...

I love memories like that, and you told it so well I could picture it. The little mouse is adorable - I'll have to visit Teri's blog. My Mom is the one I miss most - she lived with me her last 2 years and passed away 3 years ago at over 101. All of us will forever miss her sweet smile and giggle, but especially her interest in everyone and everything around her.

Nancy in Iowa

Joe said...

Wonderful story Amy. I'm like you. My dad passed away six years ago and I still miss him every day.

Inger said...

What a beautiful story, it touched my heart. And made me feel the spririt of Christmas once again. Your prizes are fabulous. I have to check out Teri's blog.--Inger

Deb said...

that is what Christmas is all about.....thank you for sharing with us...

Dog Trot Farm said...

What a wonderful memory, I am so happy you won and what an incredible giveaway from Teri. Tis a lovely tribute to your father I'm sure he is smiling down on you from Heaven. Thinking of you during this holiday season. Did you choose the perfect Christmas tree? I hope to see photos. Blessings.

Dana said...

Aw, congratulations! What a lovely gift! And thank you for sharing your story. It is hard remembering loved ones this time of year, but makes the season richer, too. My grandpa always wanted socks for Christmas. Holdover from growing up in the Great Depression. He's gone, now, but every year, someone gets a pair of socks for Christmas and we all think of him.

Janet, said...

congratulations on winning. Those are very pretty gifts.

Janice Grinyer said...

hugs to ((((Amy)))) this Christmas season...and (((joe and nancy too!)))

Dana, you have a very wise family ;)!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

I am your newest FOLLOWER... I first fell in LOVE with your animals and your style... I then read this "Touching" story of your Dad... and I'm hooked(I then hit FOLLOW)...I too share WONDERFUL memories of my Dad and could relate to yours. I would LOVE for you to visit me and MAYBE become a follower too if you'd like... I posted a Christmas in Connecticut of my home @ http://conghailecottage.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-in-connecticut.html
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story... Have a wonderful weekend,
Hugs, Donna