"Joy" Christmas ornament

I make several picture ornaments for my tree every year. I know someday when my children have grown and settled into their own lives that I will be able to have a tree dedicated solely to them. It will be an amazing feeling to watch them grow up all over again in these baubles I've made.

My first for this year is rather large, over 15" in completed length. I used wooden letters and gave them the crackle paint treatment before inking and decorating. The middle "O" was the perfect place for a sweet picture of my son in the snow taken in January of this year. We put up our tree yesterday and all the ornaments, including this one, look gorgeous!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, it's that beautiful time of year when the holidays descend upon us. We gather with family and friends and count our blessings. Today, I am of course thankful for family, and a few very special friends who have really helped me out lately....

I had a virtual memory problem on my computer, which was extremely old, and couldn't afford to fix it. My friend and coworker Mark and his wife Wendy decided to GIVE me one of their computers. REALLY! It is my Christmas present, and I got it early as my computer was truly gasping for it's last breath. I cannot repay such generosity, but I tell you it has opened my eyes to the true spirit of friendship and love and I will pay it forward in kind acts as much as I possibly can. What are you thankful for?

A few Halloween pics.....