Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Treasures

Most  of the decorations or collections in the previous post and in this are items I have had  for many years. Treasured gifts from family and friends . An heirloom church from my grandmothers home and of course gifts from my hubby . I got some pictures of the rest of the collections today and a couple very special items as well!

A bit random , this group, but mostly snowmen and candle holders
Snow globe train and other snow globes (the larger ones are musical) My favorite musical one is the centre one it plays The dance of the Sugar Plum fairy from the Nutcracker Suite
A ballet I saw several times as a child with my mom
The gingerbread village I commented on and liked on a visit to Hammond's Candy factory in Denver several years ago with my friend Linda. She remembered ,and ordered it for me the following year!
And a variety of musical ornaments some from hubby and  the wooden horse one is one from when I was quite young , from my mom. She would buy us one or two  decorations  per year ,so when we moved out we would have our own Christmas display .

Then

this arrived

in the mail !!!!!!!
And is Proudly displayed at my entrance! Thanks to Jennifer Mac Neill-Traylor
of The Mare's Tales - Gypsy Mare Studios for sending it so quickly!
I  mentioned also that my Nativity was not displayed this year , the old decorated shoe box that has housed it this many years , was on its last legs (I think I made it when I was about 18 )

 When I took it down last year I tried to clean it up, and sadly it really fell to disarray then . So I was hoping to make something new for it .
Well time got away on me and I had nothing done . Martin said "oh maybe when I am home next time I can help you with it ."
Well I went to work yesterday ,  came home in time to take him to the airport , and what should I find??
Hand made from fence boards he cleaned up , to make it look more authentic...
Better than a shoe box , and made with love!
There you have my Christmas treasures , the ornaments and the treasured people who help make the memories !
Stay safe and warm

19 comments:

Janice said...

Very nice Sherry.I love them all. My Mom always sends me a new ornament every year too,usually something she's made herself...she's very crafty....something I didn't inherit. Anyhow those are the ones I like best. Hey that husband of yours did a wonderful job.I'll bet when you saw that it reminded you why you fell for him in the first place. Way to go Martin.

Leah said...

I enjoy seeing others' treasures - our nativity sets are very similar and I love what your Hubby made you. BUT I really really love the APPY Holidays..... wonder if she will make another - you have a great find there! Have a great rest of the week

Reddunappy said...

I collect things that mean something to me too. Wonderful collection you have.
What a beautiful gift from Martin!!

Fantastyk Voyager said...

Beaautiful treasures!

I don't know, that shoebox was really pretty special! The new nativity looks good too.

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

That Martin is pretty handy. Better keep him around. ;-)

Love your collections. And the new sign is gorgeous.

phaedra96 said...

Yup! He is a keeper!

Shirley said...

Well done Martin! Do you think the horses could spare a little straw for the ox and lambs? I don't have a lot of decorations that aren't on my tree, just a few candle holders and the wreath I hang near the door. I tend to decorate more with light than things.
I like your Tim Cox print.

Linda said...

Very nice. My nativity has never even had a shoebox:( Maybe I need to get to work and make something.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Thanks all I reall y like it .Shirley ,I am thinking to find an alfalfa cube to split up and pput in there for a hay bale , I have strw but unless I glue it down...

kden said...

How do you find the time to put all your treasures up? Beatiful and special items.

GoLightly said...

It's a Christmas Wonderland!

beautiful, and what a guy that Martin is! How thoughtful! wow. There really are guys like that out there?!
Treasures, indeed.

Crystal said...

Wow I love the pic in the first photot, I have looked at it a long time thinking it was one I needed. Pretty handy of Martin to make that up for you! Sure looks good.

Nicole said...

Have you seen the Appaloosa Painted Pony? I think it's called Appleoosa or something similar to that...

Cut-N-Jump said...

Awwwww! That was so incredibly thoughtful and sweet of Martin. You got a good one there Sherry. Definately a keeper.

Leah Fry said...

Alas, I can't put my nativity set up until my kitties have a little less spunk. I usually put it atop the entertainment center, but they are up there all the time. My mom made the set, so I don't chance anything happening to it.

sally said...

What a gorgeous collection of Christmas goodies ....and I love the new nativity box ....what a sweetie Martin is!

Prairie Ridge Performance Horses said...

What a guy, Martin, you sure did an awesome job on the new stable for the nativity!!
I love the print on the wall, and that sign is really pretty!!
should put some pics of my collection up.............one day!!

aurora said...

What a nice hubby & surprise. Decorations made with love are the best!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Awwww! That was such a special gift from your hubby...made with love and thoughtfulness.

~Lisa