A life less ordinary

From the suburbs to the country in Independence Township, this is our journey. We are two suburban yuppies who always had a dream to leave it all behind and become country dweller's. Now we are on part two of this adventure. We just bought our Historical farm. We have six acres, a barn, some outbuildings, three excited kids, three dogs, one cat, a tortoise and us, the wonderstruck parents who are beyond thrilled and a little bit clueless about what the next chapter has in store for us!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Holiday Spirit

This year we decided to do something more memorable than going to the local Home Depot to buy our tree. Although, when the kids were younger, they did believe that the employees at the Depot were actually Santa's helpers, and we did always choose a nice tree. But this year we found a wonderful family owned tree farm in Metamora where we took the kids to cut down a tree. It was such a gorgeous day on Saturday too. Sunny and cold, but not snowy, and we remembered to dress really warm. The farm is situated on 400 plus rolling acres, and they have a tractor that will give you a ride down into the hilly spots to go search for the perfect tree. Then, after you cut it down, they haul it out for you and shake and wrap it. All of the trees are the same price, regardless of size. They also have warm chestnuts and hot cocoa for sale. The kids loved it, and so did we! We all decided that this will be our new tradition and we plan to go to the same farm every year. We chose a 9 foot Blue Spruce, mostly for it's pretty blue color, and because it's a change from all the Frasier Furs in the past. It's perfect.
So Saturday was my idea of getting into the holiday spirit. In the morning we went to a warehouse where we wrapped all the gifts we bought for our "adopted" family. It's such a wonderful charitable organization and it makes us feel so good to be giving back to the community by providing those who have nothing with a little Christmas cheer. Also, I think it's important for my children to learn about giving back, and helping others in need. Especially around the holidays when so much focus has shifted to consumerism and not what it should be about, giving back. When we were done at "Santa's Workshop", we headed out to the country to get our tree. It was a fun filled day with the family. Then we spent all day Sunday in our p.j.'s decorating the tree and the house. The snow was piling up outside which made it all the more majical, and Rog even took the kids sledding in the Village. This was a memory-making weekend: Giving back, tree cutting, snow falling and fireside snuggling all weekend long!!!
The farm is called Nicklas Tree Farm, 3847 W. Brocker Rd. Metamora, MI
email: connienicklas@hotmail.com

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Inspiration that helped me get here.

Food for thought

The increase in U.S. food prices from 1982 to 2009 rose 128%.In the same period, prices paid to farmers rose only 34%.

1 in 3 Americans born in 2000 is expected to develop diabetes in his or her lifetime.

Jargon-food sovereignty: the right of peoples to eat healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems.

(from the declaration of Nyeleni, 2007)

32 hours, 50 minutes- The amount of on-screen media, including television, videos and video games that American children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old consume each week, according to the Nielsen Company.

Chicken-ism

I loved this so much that I had to post it. I cannot take credit, I found it on the web.

All I need to know I learned from my chickens.

Wake up early, stay busy, but always stay alert.

Visit your favorite places every day.

Scratch out a living.

Routine is good.

Plump is good.

Don't ponder your pupose in life, your brain is too small.

Accept the pecking order and you know your enemies.

Weed your garden.

Protect your children fiercely, sit on them if you need to.

Take them for walks, show them the little things, and talk constantly.

Brag on your accomplishments.

Don't count your chicks before they hatch.

Protect your nest egg.

Test your wings once in a while.

Squawk when necessary.

As you age, demand respect.

Leave a little something for those who care about you.

Chase butterflies.