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Handmade Ornaments

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.

9 Responses to “Handmade Ornaments”

  1. I really liked seeing the homemade ornaments. I think I love the clothespin ones best.
    You are home where you should be with your loving family.
    I hope Mia recovers soon.

  2. Kristin L says:

    Such a charming tree. I’m glad to hear that everyone is on teh mend — now dont get yourself sick worrying about all the preparations. You will get done what you can and it will be enough for your family — it’s the time together that’s teh most important anyway.

  3. rayna says:

    I just think handmade ornaments and heirlooms are the most charming on a tree — personal and meaningful. The kids are doing a great job and I hope Mia will feel back to herself soon, as will Steph. Stay well, eat hearty, and have a sweet day together.

  4. Judy says:

    I love checking out the old ornaments too…….often such bittersweet memories! I made the same crewel “I Love You” ornament for my Kristin for her first Christmas……and now she has her own Charlie-baby for his first Christmas. I have just finished quilting his log cabin quilt and will give it to him tomorrow night. Someday he will be as big as Mia and Milo and will help me decorate our tree.
    My Mom is sick with the bug too………kind of scary for a 93 year old. ugh

    Merry Christmas Dear Heart……….and all the best in 2011!

    xo

  5. Michele says:

    Gerrie, am loving all the homemade ornaments. This is how I decorated mine this year as well. Dad was going thru the boxes upstairs and found some oldies but goodies and wanted to know if I wanted them. How could I say “no”? And what a surprise! Stuff I hadn’t seen in years. What a great bunch of memories as I found the one mom made of me, the painted plasters my brother did when he was 5 or 6, the sequined and beaded ones Gramma made and so much more home made love. Most of these people are gone from me now, but it’s nice to know they are with me in spirit when I put their ornaments on the tree. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

  6. Connie Rose says:

    Have a beautiful Christmas, Gerrie. Love and blessings to you and your family, and I hope Steph is able to partake of the celebration.

  7. jenclair says:

    It is wonderful to have your treasured ornaments hung on the tree by your beautiful grandchildren.

    Hope Steph feels better soon. Good Health and Blessings to you and yours!

  8. Sharon says:

    Have a Merry Christmas,Gerrie! And here’s a suggestion for Steph (it’s going to sound crazy, but it REALLY helped when I had a cold a few weeks ago): Before bed, put Vicks Vapo Rub not only on the chest but rubbed on the soles of the feet–put on socks–I hardly coughed all night. My husband heard this on the radio and then it started going around the Internet.

    Sharon

  9. Jeannie says:

    Your tree and the ornaments are beautiful. I find the remembering one of the best parts of the decorating. Gerrie, I wish you a beautiful holiday and a less stressful new year. Hugs.