My Christmas Tree...

Ray took some pictures of our Christmas Tree this evening.  Yes, it's full, but that's okay, I love it! :-)

Pics should be clickable for a larger view if you're interested!

We have all types of ornaments on our tree.  Some are older than me and many are handmade.  You'll see lots of brass ornaments that are engraved with our names.  We have one from every Christmas we've been together - since 1985.  There are ornaments I made as a child in school, church & girl scouts, some my mom bought before I was born, some I remember helping her make, etc.  Some were bought at the craft shows we used to do, or given to us by other crafters we were friends with.  The crocheted bells, angels, snowflakes, etc. were made by either Ray's dear Grandmother or myself.  She taught me to crochet not long after Ray & I started dating.  She was a very special lady & we both miss her a lot.  Seeing the ornaments she made every Christmas brings back lots of special memories of time spent with her.  A lot of the ornaments are also gifts from my online friends, especially all the snowmen! :-)

Here are a few "close-up" pictures:

The ornament below with the cardinal was made by my mom with my "help" when I was 5 or 6.  She was in a "craft of the month" club & I so looked forward to those coming in the mail.  I remember being totally fascinated with these, it was a set of 3.  One had a snowman, one a deer & this cardinal.  She still has the other two on her tree - but she gave me this one many years ago.  :-)

The red ornament to the left was made when I was about 7 in Brownies.  I can remember that night very well too...  I have 4 of these & my mom still has several as well.   LOVED making these then, and they're still special to me.

 My mom was the assistant troop leader the entire time I was in scouts, and always in charge of all craft projects.  She & my dad were co-owners in a stained glass shop that also carried all types of craft items until we moved to SC.  She was always making something & we went to craft supply stores on Saturday's fairly often.  I LOVED those trips.  Hmmm, I think I still do that now & then, but it's not as much fun as it used to be! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by - happy stitching & MERRY CHRISTMAS!