Thursday, December 26, 2013

Festivities

Merry Christmas!!!

For everyone that celebrates, I hope you had a great holiday.
We sure did over here!
 
My older boys have outgrown "Santa" but the littlest is just beginning to understand.
This was our first Christmas like this. I wasn't sure the magic would be the same but it was.
Perhaps even more so....
 
Before church, Chase helped bake and decorate some cookies for Santa.

 
 
 
Hope Santa liked his sprinkles with his cookies!!!


Christmas Eve service at church proved to once again be a mix of laughter, prayers, songs and good memories. We filled the balcony with our crew and looked down over a beautiful service.
The thought of our loved ones close at heart....looking at "her pew".





Then off to MomMom and Grandpop's house for Christmas Eve dinner and presents!


 Lizzie and her 25 weeks baby bump!











 Craziness!!

 A knitted cowl for my mom. Spun by her, knitted by me. Thanks Sheep lady for the tag inspiration.


Santa made a visit to our house!
Christmas morning with our three boys...


The much hoped for cell phone....oh boy. Here we go.


Mickey and friends!!!!

This kid hardly asked for anything. Really. He wanted a soft blanket and a hockey stick.
We surprised him with a kindle fire. He loved it. Here he is snuggled up with his soft blanket and new toy.





After a perfect day spent in pjs, playing with new toys, knitting, drinks and a good old fashioned home made dinner, we were wiped out and slept peacefully.

Now it's back to reality...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the farm and my family!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

End of the Season Photos

 
For the past few years we have opened the farm up to the public for the holiday season.
My dad does most of the chatting outside to the folks
while my sisters, my mom and I work in the farm store.
We are once again overwhelmed by the response that are farm has received.
It warms our hearts to know that so many people appreciate the luxury of alpaca fiber and love our fuzzy cute critters as much as we do.

I thought it would be fun to post some before and after pictures
of the coop. I know something for sure....there will be many, many happy people
here at the Jersey Shore this holiday! Happy warm feet, cozy sweaters, warm heads, necks and hands!!! Enjoy everyone!!!!
 
BEFORE:
AFTER!!!


BEFORE:

AFTER!!!

 BEFORE:

AFTER!!!!

Lots of empty spaces :)
 This table was FULL of hats, scarves and cowls!


We were exhausted by the end, but so happy.
The money raised in the coop helps keep the farm running.
 

 Time to put the signs away for awhile.

And of course, time for an end of season celebratory drink!





Cheers!

From all of us at Arrow Acres Farm,
We THANK YOU and wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

-Don & Dee
Leanne, Andee, Liz
and of course the alpacas,
Awan, Blue, Smoke, Bing, Squany, Kigo, Reno, Ox, 
Lily, Maggie, Mr. Bates, Melody, Bocote, Star, Arrow,  
Annashea, Wdamo, Swag, Spicy, Stone, Geneva, Jatoba, Vaughnese, Francesca, Wea

& Harper :)

See you in 2014!






Monday, December 23, 2013

The Gift of Handknits

I am the mother of three boys.
The aunt to 4 (soon to be 5) nephews.
 I only have one niece.
She's adorable, so much fun, sweet and a total "tween"(in the best way possible).
She's a joy to be around and I wish I lived closer. She's the kind of girl you love to be around.
Her funny sense of humor, love of One Direction and everything girly makes me laugh.

So, when I heard from a little birdie that she wanted a gray slouchy hat for Christmas,
I got right on it and knitted one up for her.

We exchanged this weekend.

Her face says it all.....









It's why the gift of handknits is so special. The late night knitting, sore muscles, achy shoulders and elbows are all worth it when the recipient loves what you made.

I have also heard that she hasn't taken it off since I gave it to her.

This makes me happy.

Ravelry Link: Jamie's Hat 
The pattern is: Rosebud hat by Jared Flood