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Monday, December 14, 2020

Oh Christmas Tree!

 

Here's our Christmas tree this year.  Last year we bought one that was smaller - 5 1/2 feet tall and skinnier than our previous trees.  It makes it much easier to set up and decorate.



Here's a few fun ornaments on our tree:

This is an ornament that I've had since before we were married.  When we were first dating, the first time I met Bob's family his sister Karla was working on these ornaments for a fund raising bazaar.  This was 40 years ago, so decorations were a little different.  I started helping her make these, and even then, we thought they were pretty ugly.  We did a lot of laughing over them.  Several months later, at Christmas, Karla was the one laughing when she gave me this ornament.  Every year since them, this ornament is hung with fun memories.




This ornament is new.  It was given to me by my sister Cheri last year.  It has a special message - it's my moms handwriting.  Cheri had a card Mom signed with "Lots of Love". She found someone who could transfer that writing and put it on an ornament.  It made me cry!
I loved it and had some made for Bob's siblings this year, with his moms writing on it.





These are some other favorites - all Santa ornaments that Bob has carved through the years.  They always make me smile!


11 comments:

Terri D said...

Oh my goodness, these are all so great! Bob is so talented. I love the handwriting ornament. A wonderful keepsake. Now for Karla's creation... it looks a bit like the coronavirus picture we see everywhere!! Seriously though, my mom and I made similar beaded ornaments years ago. I love your new tree. We downsized last year, too. Thanks for sharing!! xo

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your tree is really beautiful, and I like all the ornaments!

Ginny Hartzler said...

BUT, why do the Santas look so sad? I hope they don't have Covid!

Hootin Anni said...

I was just thinking the other day if Bob has done any wood carving lately (guess the crib is priority). Now, you show us his Santa ornaments?! My oh my, how jealous I am. Love the signature (and sentiment) on your newest ornament.

Changes in the wind said...

Your tree is beautifully decorated and thanks for sharing some of the special memories. Never thought about the handwriting ornament, would be very special indeed.

Mari said...

reply to Ginny - the old time Santa's that he was following when making these never smiled, just a straight face!

Jenny the Pirate said...

OK you've made me cry with that ornament featuring your mother's handwriting. What a treasure. Just incredible. Your kids will be fighting over who gets that one when you're gone, a long time from now. I love seeing Karla's ugly ornament every year. and I LOVE your tree. I replaced my 17-year-old pencil tree last year with a newer pencil tree, which I detest. It was cheap and I think that next year, God willing and if the rapture has not occurred, I will go and buy what I want. I have eleven months to figure out what I want, haaahaha xoxo

Connie said...

Mari, your tree is amazing. I love that there is a memories and a person's love connected with each ornament. These are the treasures and heirlooms that have great family value.
Merry Christmas, Sweet Friend,
Connie :)

Joyful said...

I love a smaller tree now too. In fact last year I bought quite a short one (I think aabout 2.5 or 3 ft tall and not very big around. It came pre-lit because tree decorating is my least favourite thing to do at Christmas. You have some wonderful memories with your ornaments and it is a very special idea that your sister had to get your mom's handwriting transferred. That's a wow thing. All the best as you gear up for Christmas. xx

LL Cool Joe said...

I bet Bob's ornaments are heavy if they are made out of wood. I like the way he can create carvings in different styles too!

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi Mari - beautiful decorations! So creative. You have such a beautiful and comfy home. I always enjoy pictures of it. Hope your week is going well. See you again soon. :-)