Thursday, November 30, 2006

A few of my favorite things




I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Christmas things that I've made. Still cleaning...still digging out Christmas boxes, but I did find these. It's such a treat to bring out things that I love. I made the big nativity last year. Santa and Mrs Clause were made 11 or 12 years ago. HoHoHo Santa was made 8-9 years ago and the pink victorian Santa was made 12 years ago. That one was the hardest thing I've painted because there is no black line work to hide mistakes and clean it up. His bag has roses in it and some under his arm too. I'm not so good at roses, but I love him all the same. He just makes me smile! :o) Later I will share other decorations as I dig them out. I hope you're all having fun getting ready for Christmas.
Today I grabbed the mail as I was heading out to get Kyle from school. There was a letter from Chad and this picture. They took it in the first few weeks of basic training. I have to say that he is one handsome boy! I know I'm his mom...but he is! As soon as I saw it I started crying. Just so you know, crying and driving at the same time is not recommended. It tends to affect your vision a teeny bit. He says his face has more scars now from things blowing up in his face. Oh my gosh! They are blowing things up at my son....and shooting over his head too. He said "not to worry because it was concussion, not frag, even though it lifted him off the ground...fun fun." What the heck does that mean??? On the back of the picture it says "Your loving son...forever grateful for your guidance and protection. I love you all! Chad A George"
I so love and miss that boy!
P.S. I saved 3 extra Christmas cards to send to the first 3 blog readers that are not on my mailing list. If you are interestled just say "me" and email me your address and I'll send you one. :o) craftygirilinaz@hotmail.com
***Edited*** Perhaps I should have explained better. It isn't necessarily the first 3 people who comment, because some blog readers are already on my mailing list and some readers may not be interested. I did get an email from Briana and it appears that Carrie wants one too, so I have one more to give away. :o)

25 comments:

~Telah said...

You are so talented. I would love to be able to paint like that! You have a very handsome son too...I know you must be proud!

Anonymous said...

CUTE PICTURE, Jolene!

Susie Q said...

Beautiful work you creative lady!

And such a handsome son! There is something about a man in uniform...I oughta know! O was a Navy wife for 27 years! : )

Have fun decorating!

Sue

Nonie said...

OH! how cute. Love them! Nice looking boy you have there.

Amie said...

Yes I have to agree very nice looking.. How long is he going to be over there for??

You are so talented you should be very pround of your artwork.

SmileyCarrie said...

Darn.. I'm number 6!! hehe
Love the Christmas decorations you made..you're so talented!

great picture of Chad!! He is very handsome!!

Andi said...

Oh my!!! Your Chad is one handsome guy!!! Must be the good gene pool...you have every right to be a proud Mom!

Love your painted pieces. You certainly are the "crafty girl in Arizona"!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Jolene, that photo must have been such a gift to receive. I had tears in my eyes picturing you receiving it. Good looking boy and obviously loves his family. Love the decorations too.

Wendy said...

I started crying and he not even mine, I know it's tuff especially around the holidays. What a great relationship you must have with him.

Love love love the decorations, did you paint them yourself?
You are Very talented!!

Wendy

Valerie said...

holy frejoles - you paint, too?!
dang. you are uber talented!

love the photo of Chad - he looks so proud to be in the uniform and he is one good looking fella!! Obviously he hasn't figured out the part that "kids in the military should not tell their mothers about anything blowing up in their faces." period!!

Kelly said...

I love all your homemade Christmas decorations -- they all look beautiful. The only thing I've made so far is the wreath on my door, I'll have to take a picture of it and put it on my blog.
I'm glad to hear Chad is doing well.
And Congratulations on your finished cards!

Briana said...

I LOVE your decorations! So very cute and festive.

Nice picture of Chad too, very handsome.

Deb said...

Gorgeous folk art painting! I took lessons in '86 and to this day I still can't do roses very well either!

Chickenbells said...

Well...he is a handsom boy isn't he? I think you're right about crying and driving...maybe that's why I've taken up walking almost everywhere...I've been crying so much this year, it's a little useless to drive (and I thought it was because gas was so expensive!)

PS...I'm loving all your decorations!

Anonymous said...

Chad is very handsome, I agree!!

Your decorations are adorable....

Anonymous said...

Awww your nativity scene is way too cute! And your son looks oh so handsome in his uniform.

Chris G said...

Can you beleive that boy will be graduating in a couple of weeks?? Does he get to come home right after that?

Didn't you make stockings also??

Super cool stuff, Mrs Talent.....

((Hugs))

Anonymous said...

Love,love,love your hand painted decorations! I enjoy painting too, but have not tried to do projects like this....I just started tearing up reading about your son too.....how handsome and how precious for him to write that on the picture. We are praying for him and for all soldiers everywhere. God Bless the USA!
Heather
P.S. And yes Telah's singing has helped to get me more in the spirit....I feel much more peppy and more in the holiday mood today! Thanks for asking! :)

Pam said...

Yep, he is a handsome boy alright! And a bad one to tell you about things blowing up in his face! Mom's need to be protected from that stuff and only be told the rosey stories don't they know that! ;) Love the photo!

Love all your pieces! They are gorgeous but the rose colored santa is my fav!

Caroline said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Nicole *Ü* said...

Your son is very handome!! I bet you were so excited to see that picture and to hear from him. Your Christmas decorations are darling. We really need to get ours up!! The tree's up, just not decorated. The advent calendar went up today. I have 2 HUGE totes full down here needing to go up, though. LOL!!

(P.S. Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog!)

Bethany E. said...

God bless your son for what he's doing...and you're right, he's very handsome! Thanks for sharing your decorations with us..can't wait to see more!

Teresa AKA: T said...

I love all of your Christmas Stuff, It's so cute... Chad is also very handsome... I'm going to get my stuff out this weekend. T

Anonymous said...

Oh Jolene, your son is such a fine young man. One that you can be proud of. My heart cried with you. I can't imagine not having my children near me. And to top that off your other son and his wife and baby Mark are moving this weekend?..the little birds are leaving the nest but it sure doesn't make it any easier does it? I have 4 more years until my oldest leaves and it breaks my heart to even think about it. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are such a talented and gifted person. Thanks so much for sharing those gifts with the rest of us in your blog.

Staci

Anonymous said...

your home is so, well, homey! I just love how you decorate! Fun stuff!
Sorry to hear about the post office fiasco, but scrapping about it is good - you'll laugh about it in years to come (maybe).

yes, Chad is a handsome young man. Bless him! I appreciate what he's doing in serving our country. Cyber hugs to him!