“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R Tolkien
This ubiquitous quote remains one of my favorites because I identify with it so much–indeed I wander to find myself.  I usually feel far from lost while on a trail or not (except this one time in Utah when the sun was getting low, and we could not find our camp site after a post-dinner walkabout).  With a decent map and a fair sense of direction (and the help of today’s technology) getting truly lost can be fairly difficult.  As far as hiking goes, I am quick to qualify many wanderings and walks as hikes. If I’m wearing hiking boots, walk on trails away from a roadway or take more than 30 minutes, my walk becomes a hike. It turns out I take lots of hikes!

We found snow while wandering through a mountain meadow a couple weeks back. Yay Snow!
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I really enjoyed your blog today. Made me smile and even laugh (not AT you, WITH you!) I have to say yours is one of the only blogs that I try to read religiously when it comes in my email box. You brightened my day today. Thanks!
I think your project looks great – and what little girl wouldn’t be inspired to help around the house if she gets to wear something this cute made for her with love! Way to go! so much better than “plastic crud” ; )
Way to go, Alex!!! with all the sewing. Merry Christmas to y’all. God Bless.
Love the apron. Great color. Congratulations on making your gifts. The stories you share are very refreshing.
What wonderful precious memories you are making with your family. That is the heart of the farmgal. After 49 years I still make a snafu every year in someway. As the Amish say “it keeps me humble and thankful”. Merry Christmas and God Bless you three.
Love the tree and who cares if its wonkey….its Christmas… love the baby quilt with the OWL on u, Neat . Lovely!! Susana
This was a perfectly charming and uplifting post. I meant to start my day with some Advent reading from the Scriptures, but checked my e-mail first and found this gem. We’ve been putting Christmas trees up for 36 years and this year one of ours fell over as we tried to adjust it. The water was already in the stand and it spilled all over our floor. It was quite a job trying to scoot this giant balsam (I misjudged the size also) around so as to dry the wood floor underneath. It did dawn on me that maybe we are getting too old for these live trees, but now that they are up and looking beautiful, maybe not.
God bless you and your family.
Oh, would Grandma Ruth be proud of Evan and your improving skills,too. Merry Christmas and we cant wait to celebrate with you and Ava. Gail
Alex, I love your honesty and humor and I laughed through your post. You did a wonderful job on the aprons and I’m so glad you did not burn down the yurt in the process. Always enjoy your writings (I can sew, but do not have the knack at writing that you do – see we all have our gifts!).
Enjoy all the wrappings with your little family (pun intended) and safe travels.
Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Homemade Christmas’s are the very best!!
Right now I’m sewing homemade kitty beds, with fabric I’ve had for years and
baskets from the thrift stores!!
Merry Christmas from the Christmas City, Noel, Mo…….Hugs, Diana
Actually to be able to take an object (such as a book or another apron) is very talented when it comes to sewing. You have a good eye!! And a beautiful baby!!! I imagine that grandparents are excited about little Ava coming to visit!!! Happy Holidays!
Alex, can I just say that I think you are a very talented Farmgirl? I do a lot of sewing and mostly feel like I can sew anything…. BUT, I do not ever have the courage to sew without a pattern. So to take an existing apron and use for a pattern, scale it down to the size you want, cut your fabric and sew it and have it turn out so amazing? THAT is talent!!! Good job, you can be really proud of yourself! I hope your trip “outside” (as my Alaska family calls it when they leave the state) is fantastic! – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
P.S. Little Ava has the sweetest little chubby cheeks!
Alex, This post was a delight…I giggled ( along with you ) through most of it until I got the part where you caught the bag on fire… Then I got worried! LOL! You can blame that on the fuzzy brain you acquired after Ava was born. As a mother your intuition will bloom and grow but darned if you won’t lose your common sense from time to time! I think your Christmas is perfectly Wilder! You’ve got it right and you are TOO crafty! Your aprons are fantastic and ORIGINAL. Don’t be so hard on yourself girl! It’s great Evan is so helpful and knowledgeable. Blessings to you and your sweet little family…
Love your posts!
Deb ( Beach Farmgirl )
Enjoyed your blog! The aprons are lovely and I’m sure the recipients will agree! Celebrating Christmas with a baby in the home makes the holiday feel so fresh and new all over again. Seeing the wonderment in your child’s eyes as she beholds the singular charm of cheery Christmas tree lights, her mounting curiosity about the bright little changes all happening in and around her home, and enjoying with your little girl her first experience with age-old traditions, is God’s precious gift in itself to you. Merry Christmas!
Your apron looks great!! High five 🙂
Alex, I am so proud of you for taking up sewing! Home made gifts are the best. Love the apron and I am sure that the girls will too. Merry Christmas and safe travels to you!
You did a great job. Seeing without a pattern sounds like something I’d do. I’ve sewn lots of things that way and they always turn out just fine lol. Well done. Love your tree, Ava sure looks a cutie, and the aprons. Sewing by headlamp is pretty cool 🙂
Happy new year
Denise
Australia
Thanks, Denise! It is fun sewing without a pattern, I need to pick up some real patterns and see which I prefer. At least I know I can sew without if necessary. Happy New Year to you, as well!