Mia and Miles spent the afternoon and helped me get the tree decorated and the manger scenes set up. There is Miles hard at work.  Mia is much better, but has lost a lot of weight.

Mia asked if we got a smaller tree or was she getting bigger! I told her it was a bit of both.

The tree is looking good. I love hanging the ornaments and remembering where each one came from. Many of my ornaments were gifts from friends and family. I thought I would share some of my favorite homemade ornaments.

These two were both made by my sister-in-law, Kristin  — a crocheted snowflake and a patchwork.

This crewel piece was made by my best friend and neighbor when we lived in San Jose. It is a beautiful crewel piece.

This is an origami ornament that Miles made for me last year.

The next 3 ornaments were made by my mother-in-law, Ruth; she almost always had some hand work going.

My other sister-in-law made these two clothespin ornaments for us, years ago.

And this clothespin Mexican donkey is a favorite, too.

I am repeating my affirmations that I can get every thing done to create a lovely Christmas for the Portland contingent of the family. Steph is still not well and isn’t sleeping because she is coughing so much.

If you don’t hear from me for a few days, know that I am busy wrapping and baking and last minute shopping.