The NAVY ornament, proudly hung by my father each year.

I put the tree up early this year, on the first of December.  I did it by myself, while remembering the chaotic days of children hanging ornaments and eating cookies and cheerfully arguing about who picked what branch for their ornament and who ate the most cookies and how many more days until Santa?????

When I finished I found my camera and took some pictures for the grown children who won’t be home this year.  I thought I’d share some of them with you.

From the year of making my own ornaments.

Also from that year.

From Son #2 to his father, purchased on a fifth grade field trip.

From the December my mother, daughter and I celebrated my 50th birthday in London.

Rest in peace, Miss Lillie.

One of our treasured White House ornaments (thank you, George).

A peach from Retired Mountain Lady!

A momento of a New Orleans trip.

A treasure from Hope.

To commemorate an Idaho fishing trip.

The antique raspberry that belonged to my father and grandparents.

Celebrating my “Boots and Booties” series with Harlequin.

Music!

More music!

I miss my Uncle Mac.

Made by my grandmother.

 I’d never thought of taking pictures of ornaments before, but it’s nice to see them.  Maybe years from now someone in the family will wonder why on earth Grandma owned three Scottish soldier ornaments and several pairs of faded felt ice skates made with paper clips.

Merry Christmas, everyone.