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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Sentiments


I get sentimental this time of year. We've been preoccupied with our basement finishing project, so it happened a little later this year than usual...but it still happened.  It hit the moment I opened up the ornament boxes. Certain ornaments got me all choked up, I couldn't help it.  You know...those ornaments your kids make for you at school or church.  They usually have some precious photo of your child, or a small handprint...those are the ones that have the tendency to melt my heart. 
Colin made this one for me in school last year. What a little cherub!
Sydney made this one for me 3 years ago in her church nursery class.  
I love that handprint! Though it seems to get smaller and smaller every year. Sigh.
Talon made this one for me in kindergarten....I remember his teacher wanting to help him do the weaving on it because he was a little behind on the project, be he insisted on doing it all himself.  Boy...was he ever so proud when he presented it to me!  
He's nearly 10 now...where does the time go???
As I pulled each sweet little ornament out of the box and handed them to my children to hang on the tree ...I marveled at how quickly time passes and was grateful to have these little treasures from my kids to display on the tree.  

Then I pulled out another ornament from the box...it was an ornament I won in our family ornament exchange game we play at my parents house every year. We play white elephant exchange style. One year, my aunt thought it would be fun to bring a few ornaments with photos of my grandmother as a little girl...those ornaments were the most popular and traded for again and again. It started a new tradition of adding a few fun photo ornaments of some of our relatives who have gone on.  The ornament I was about to hang on the tree was one I fought hard to win in the game...because it is a sweet frame that holds one of my favorite photos of my grandmother on my Mother's side. 

Then it happened again...another tear as I pulled another framed ornament with a picture of my grandmother on my father's side...also won in one of our family games.

One more ornament got me all sentimental...this one above.  

That's me!  

I remember making it at church during a primary children's Christmas party.  I remember going out in front of our church the week before to have my picture taken.  I remember those sneakers and the shopping trip I made with my mother to Mervyn's to get them. I remember my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Verus, teaching me how to tie those shoes at school with the bunny ears method. I remember that orange and navy plaid dress and the schmocking around my torso, and feeling so "grown up" because the dress had a tie on it. I remember that my knee high socks would never stay up, because I was constantly running around. I remember that "pixie" hair cut, and being so confused why my mother cut all my hair off after I said, "sure, I want a pixie haircut" after she had suggested it. I didn't know what "pixie" meant. I remember glueing each of those sequins onto that felt frame, and meticulously picking out just the right colors from the plate that they sat on. I can't believe that most of them are still there!  Most of all...I remember giving that ornament to my mother and remember how proud I was to present it to her. I always remember that feeling each time my kids give me their ornament presents from school...and year after year, I do my best to preserve those ornaments in hopes that I can give them back to them when they are all grown up.

Yes, I love this time of year!  

It is also this time of year, that I think of all the people who have touched me in my life, as I receive cards and letters from old friends far and near.

Silhouette digital die "Card Christmas Tree Trio" 
I would love to send a card to each and every one of you, and hope that you will accept my "virtual card" as I express my appreciation to you for stopping by my blog each month.  I could not be designing these products without those of you who buy them.  I am truly grateful to you for your support!

I also want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukah, a Happy Kwanza!  Whatever you celebrate during this season, you cannot deny that there is a special spirit about the month of December as we gather with our friends and family. May this season be your merriest yet!

21 comments:

  1. I'm a newbie to your blog but have been using your products (designs) for years. I just love them. Looking forward to the blog hop <3

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  2. This is a beautiful card!

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  3. Everything looks beautiful, Samantha!

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  4. Gorgeous post. And your card is beautiful!

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  5. Starting to hop. Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

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  6. Beautiful card. I can't wait to try it with my Silhouette.

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  7. I absolutely LOVE all of your photo ornaments!!! Some of our favorites are the handprints and photos too.

    We have a tradition of choosing one special ornament that captures the years big memory to put on the tree. : ) I'm going to go for photos this year.

    I love that card and those intricate trees! I'm going to put a Cameo on my list. If Santa doesn't bring it, I'm pretty sure UPS will. ha! ; )

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  8. Liana S.3:47 PM MST

    I just found your blog today while looking at your designs in the Silhouette online store. A lot of your designs went onto my wishlist today! Love the card you shared. Can't wait to download it and make it myself. Waiting on the Cameo I just ordered last night! As to look at your blog more and your team member blogs.

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  9. I can see why you get sentimental. Nice family...

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  10. I always like your hops...

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  11. Wow love the card. loved seeing your collection of ornaments that have meaning. my oldest is 35 so I have a tree decorated mostly with ornaments he and his sister have made for me.
    TFS
    Debbie
    http://craftywizard.blogspot.com
    debbie_craine at hot mail dot com

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  12. You actually made me get tears in my eyes with this post. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal and beautiful. It says so much about your character and who you are. Merry Christmas.

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  13. Oh, Samantha, the ornaments on your tree are so very special and meaningful. Beautiful and you are so very lucky to have them. Very pretty card, also. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

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  14. Anonymous7:56 PM MST

    That's so generous of you! Thank you!

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  15. YOu have some great stuff over at Jessicasprague.com. Thanks for the change to win!

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  16. What a great tradition!

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  17. What a beautiful post, with all those precious memories :)

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  18. Wonderful, sentamental, inspirational!! no need to say more! Thank you!!

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  19. Very beautiful card, Samantha! Going to complete the blog hop, then off to JessicaSprague.com to check out the kits!

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  20. Wonderful memories! I loved reading the whole post:)

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  21. Your work is amazing , beautiful thoughts colors and creativity is found.

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