Handmade Photo Ornament

One of our favorite family traditions has been a new ornament each year.  Sometimes there is one for the family from a place we have visited, but always one for each child.  I try to choose something that is either special to that child or about that child.  It may be a favorite activity or pastime.  I've always purchased these from various places.  I've been fortunate to find some really neat ones over the years.  I'm often amazed by the "perfect" one for someone.

Well, this year I just couldn't find ANY that I liked.  Some would be ... alright.  But not just right.  Not special.  I didn't want to pick something just to have an ornament.

So at the last moment, I decided I would make ornaments.  I wanted them to be special and I began pondering ideas.  I thought about photos and I really wanted to be able to add a note.  (I often write notes on the boxes that the ornaments come in.)  I asked friends for suggestions and then wandered around the craft store.

Then, I found it.  Just the right item that would fill all my desires.  I found little star-shaped paper mache' boxes.  Perfect for adding something to - and putting a little note inside.

I found a photo of each child and mod-podged it to the star.  Then I hot glued ribbon around the box, tying it at the top.  I used a red sharpie to add dots to the sides and the year on the back.  I love how they turned out!

I love giving ornaments to our children each year.  It's fun to surprise them and to bless them as well.  This year was no different. 

I always take a picture of each child with their ornament.  Wouldn't it be a neat thing to have a scrapbook of each year with each ornament?  Hmmm ... maybe sometime in the future.  LOL  Here are the rest of the pictures.

I wanted to share this idea in case anyone else is looking for a neat ornament to make.  I know it's too late for this year, but perhaps next!

Blessings
Leslie

Choosing a Tree

This tradition has wavered over the years some.  We typically spend Thanksgiving in the mountains with my family.  (Some years though due to sickness or pregnancy, we have been home.)  Since there are SO many great tree farms in the mountains of NC, this seems a natural thing to pick a tree from there.  We have loved going to tree farms, often with my family, to choose a tree.

This year, we again chose from home.  Why?  No luggage rack on our large van and Roger wasn't sure we could secure it.  So, we chose a place near to home - that brings them from the NC mountains.  It didn't take long to select a great tree!  And to have our annual family photo in front of the tree!  (That has not changed!)

There is a cute little sled near the trees - perfect for a photo.

I didn't get many photos of us decorating the tree this year though.  We were in a hurry and had a short time frame to get it done so here is just one.  Eliana LOVED putting up the ornaments. 

She finds such joy in so many things.  Have I mentioned today that she is a delight?  All of my children are a delight, but her wonder and enjoyment of each small detail of life makes the rest of us stop and appreciate life even more!

Blessings

Leslie