The Christmas Tree Farm

   The first year my husband and I were married we went to the forest and cut down a small tree put it in the back of the our small black truck and took it home. By Christmas day it had not a single needle left to its' name and we had named him our Charley Brown tree. We later realized this was not exactly legal the taking of a tree from the forest. The next year one night in a wind storm we decided it was time to get our tree but we wanted to do it right (at night in a windstorm). So we looked in the newspaper add section for Christmas Tree Farms and found Stewarts. We called them around 7:30 and may have not realized that they were a bit surprised at our asking if they were still open. They said sure if we could be there by 8:00pm and so we headed up up and away. We drove through town, along a lake, up a mountain with the wind whipping viciously and branches falling all over the road. In the dark and wind we picked out and cut down our tree and struggled to get it on the top of the car we had at the time. Why were we doing this? We were twenty two and twenty three and did not give it a second thought! The Stewart family invited us in and gave us hot chocolate. We warmed out bones at their dinner table and chatted with their extended family. We took this forgranted as well.Why? I think there is something beautiful about the innocence of youth and the taking forgranted of the giving they get. They think it just comes and one day they wake up and realize how much has been bestowed upon them and there is the moments of awe and thankfulness that fills them.

See here is the thing. Of course they were not open at 8pm in a storm but they decided to let us come. They did not need to warm us and give us drink after they had worked a long hard day selling trees but they did. So thirteen years later we are still going back year after year. They know my husband by name. Some years it is pouring rain, some years it magically snows and some years it is green and grey and dark. This year it was lovely.

He is telling them about how tall the tree should be that they pick. The baby is sleeping missing it all.

                                                          He loves the Christmas tree farm :)

Last year she picked a tiny tree for herself and this year was no exception but she couldn't bring it home. Her heart was just as broken this year as it was last year. So later the next day her daddy bought her a tiny little tree in a pot that she could keep alive and decorate in her room all year round and her heart was full.

And this sweetheart has been desperately sick all through these holidays and I am so thankful she was well enough to come on this special tradition we have managed to uphold.

                    He is telling them he found the PERFECT tree. They are unimpressed.

                                         It is quiet up here and it would be nice to stay awhile.

                                              He is ready, overly so, to cut down this tree!!

                                           He missed it all this year but there will be many more my love.

                               They are so proud to realize they are big enough to carry the tree!!!!

                     This is grandma. She wows us every year and gives the children mini candy canes.

                      Somehow they had somewhat coordinating boring outfits for this picture :)

Our new home, our tree and many more happy years to come I hope and pray. xo