ornamental

Each year since I was a wee one, my Mom would buy me a special ornament for the holiday season. It was one thing I knew would happen and that I could look forward to before Christmas even rolled around. It usually came cheerfully wrapped at the same time we put up our tree each year. The ornament was always thoughtfully chosen and usually reflected my interests at the time or something that was going on in my life. When I moved out I got all of the ornaments for a tree of my own. They run the gamut from a silver cat in a stocking engraved with my name and 1976 (which was my first Christmas) to a little blonde Brownie, to a collection of adorable Snowbabies ornaments. Some of my most recent ornaments include a bride and groom with 3-1-2003 written at the base (for Josh and my wedding anniversary) and last year's ornament which is the front door of a house that says New Home and has our last name and street address hand written on it to celebrate the acquisition of the first home of our own.

When the family came over for Thanksgiving dinner this year, my Mom came with the very last ornament for us. The tradition ends this year—although it will be carried on whole-heartedly with the baby from us so that one day he may have a collection of memories to call his own. It's somewhat bittersweet, but I understand. I am 30 and this tradition could have ended long ago. I'm grateful to have all of these ornaments and each year when we put up the tree a flood of memories come rushing back as I carefully find a spot for each glimpse into my life. But, my Mom never disappoints and this may be the best ornament to date. It's certainly one that I'll never forget.


How appropriate and adorable is this? The book the "father" is reading says Parents To-Be and as you can see, the other book says 2006. The "mother" hen is sitting on her egg, happy as can be knitting a little bootie. This is so awesome. Thanks Mom, we love it.