Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Ornaments and 100,000 visitors R.A.K....

I thought I'd share some pictures of ornaments from my tree. Most are handmade. I painted all the cute wood ones and a few others. Some are made by other crafters and some are store bought. Of course there are some made by my kids.Frosty
"Cheesons" greetings - Mouse
Sled
Santa
Birdhouse log cabin

George boys fireplace stockings
George boys as Santa's reindeer
Reindeer
Americana bells for my boy so far away
Elf

Cody boy-painted pasta noodles
Rusty bell
Debbie-bird ornament for my sister who passed away
Bark snowflake with jingle bells
CTR Shield- Choose the Right

Flower filled tin cone-Total cuteness

Seasons greetings

Teddy Bear
Peace on Earth (Slate)
Snowman made from oval boxes

Baby Jesus


The tree is full of bears and stuffed animals


Wooden Rustic Stocking

Snowman with spectacles

Rusty tin tree

Star
Joy reindeer
Silent night angel
Wonderland
Rusty tin Santa

Glass snowman snowmen buddies on slate
Mrs. Clause (Santa's better half)
Santa...ho! ho! ho!
"Meowy" Christmas -Kitty

Gingerbread dude...I have lots of these
Another rusty tin Santa
Rusty snowflake
All my boys made these...love them!
Wooden rustic star

There you have it...a little tour of the tree. I have hundreds of ornaments but many are duplicates. In some pictures you can see bits and pieces of the rag tie garland I made as well. If you saw my tree in real life you would see that I decorate it much like my house. PACKED FULL of things that make me feel good....warm and cozy! Can't beat that! :o)


As for the random act of kindness. I'm doing a special give away in honor of me reaching 100,000 blog visitors today. How cool is that? I can't believe I've had that many visitors. Actually I believe I reached it a few days ago but site meter was down and didn't record my count for 2 days last week. I'm not going to tell you what the prize will be, but it will be something special that I put together for the holidays. Trust me...you'll WANT to win it! Leave me a comment on this post and I will draw a winner out of a basket on Sunday night. There will be other posts in between now and then, but the winner will be announced then, as well as a picture of the prize package. SO FUN! :o)
Now go make comment...any comment...talk to me.
What are you still doing here?...go!!! :o)


OH OH OH! Before I forget...again. For you local Arizona girls...I'm hosting a Christmas cookie exchange on Saturday morning December 8th. If you are interested in coming and making the drive out to Maricopa, email me and let me know. You'll need to bring 6 dozen HOMEMADE cookies on/in a platter or basket. I will be making everyone a yummy breakfast and we'll all exchange cookies and visit. I already have a dozen or so local girls who are coming, so it will be fun!

96 comments:

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Wow...that's a lot of ornaments! I love it! What a painter too! Awesome...thanks for sharing!

Jacquie said...

Oooh I love contests, and I love all you tree decorations! You are so darn talented girl!

A cookie exchange sounds like a great time. Too bad I live in another country ;-)

P.S. I think you need to turn off comments now, denise and I would stand a much better chance of winning he he he ;-)

Anonymous said...

I love your tree....it looks so neat. Were putting ours up on Saturday. Can't wait. I wish I could come to your Christmas cookie exchange, but, CO is to far to drive just for cookies. But I bet they will be good ones, along with a great breakfast. Were coming through AZ on our way to CA for Christmas. Wish we could meet. Have a great week.

Diana said...

Comment... comment!! my only comment is that I'm so disappointed that I don't live in arizona!! I love cookie exchanges.
I love your tree!!!
We have a real one so we don't put it up until later in dec!
I am surprised that I could make a comment because for the last month it hasn't wanted to let me!!

Cindi said...

I was just stopping by to tell you how pretty your tree is since I peeked at work this afternoon while having lunch at my desk but didn't have time to comment. I love all your lights! It just screams happy! Thanks for the tour of your ornaments. They are also just beautiful.

Carol Dunton said...

Gosh, darn...if I wasn't already busy with something that day, Jolene, I'd be buzzing out to Maricopa in a heartbeat! What fun that would be to see you!!

Your tree is just as beautiful reflection of the love of the matriarch of your warm, loving home. Your spirit is the glue that binds your family and your love for your family is so wonderful to watch...truly!

Congratulations on your blog achievement! People always feel better after a visit with you, so no wonder so many come by for a spell! I know I do! : )
xoxo
VB

Teresa AKA: T said...

Jolene, You are just awesome... Wish I lived closer I would be at your cookie swap.... T. from Texas

Kim said...

I love all of your hand painted ornaments. I have tried to paint one for each family member with our name on it each year. They will have a collection of ornaments to take with them someday.

I wish I didn't already have plans that Saturday, the cookie exchange sounds fun. I'm sure you will make some of the best cookies :0)

Grandma September said...

I so so so so so Love all those wood ornaments you've made Jolene. You are so stinkin' talented, girl!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
I love your ornaments. I really like the americana bells. Did you make that? I have many friends and family that would love it. Is it just bells that are painted with a little bit of fabric tied on the top? Thanks for sharing your tree with all of us.
Jen
jen_lance_91998@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Oh your trees and decorations are just so b-e-a-u-tiful!!!!! How did you get the fabulous pics of your trees all lit up? Everything looks so warm and cozy, just like Christmastime should be! Thanks for showing a bit of your decor!

I wish I lived closer so I could come to the cookie exchange!
Leslie

Anonymous said...

Oh I wanted to ask if you would mind taking a pic of your tree topper :) I love unique ones, mine is an angel bear. Thanks!
Leslie
mama24cubs@live.com

Anonymous said...

As usual Jolene, your blog rocks!

linda t said...

Oooh, sooo excited for your give-away!!

Congrats on 100,000 visits from your closest friends!
Yes Jolene, you make us all feel like we're friends, or that we would want to be your new best friend!

Heather said...

a rak! how fun!
i so love a cookie exchange.
wish i was in AZ instead of freezing cold Illinois!

Nonie said...

Sounds like fun.. Love the tree.. wish I lived closer for the cookie exchange..

Anonymous said...

Hi Jolen,
Just wanted to let you know that I just "LOVE" your ornaments. They are absolutely adorable. You are so talented with your painting. Knowing that you & your family just love and treasure them is so special... You have been blesses with so many wonderful talents...
I'd love to come for your cookie exchange, but I'm in WI. I know you make yummy wonderful treats... your family is so lucky...
Blessings,
Sherry D. from WI

Caren said...

Wow... I'm so jealous! We had a house fire and lost most of our decorations... takes years to build up a new collection. Of course you can't recapture the memories so we make new ones. Wishing you & your family a happy & healthy holiday.

Anonymous said...

Your tree is beautiful....I love all your ornaments! The homemade ones are so special. I have various ones made by my mom, grandmother and great-grandmother on our tree as well as the those by the kids....makes it so much more special. You are a very talented and special person. Have a happy holiday!! Kim H. from VA

Andi said...

Goodie, goodie, goodie...a drawing and I get to enter my name...love a drawing...love a prize and love, love, love all your awesome ornaments. Your tree tour was wonderful. Wish I could participate in your cookie exchange and I would if I were closer. Please share the recipe you're making. I will be attending my gal pal's cookie exchange here and can always use a new special recipe.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness what cute ornaments you have. The ones from the boys melt my heart!

Laura-Ky

Anonymous said...

fun fun fun. Congrats on 100,000 visitors. That is amazing.

The cookie exchange sounds like such fun.

I have to tell you that it cracks me up that some of the most talented, creative women I know have ALL boys. No girls to pass on their talent too. You have to hope for grand-daughters I suppose. (Not that your boys can't be creative and artistic......)

Pam said...

Oh all those ornaments are just the cutest! I love them!

And I want to come to the cookie party! :(

Anonymous said...

I love your tree. I wish I had a small part of your creative talent. I read your blog every day. You are very inspiring. I don't blog, but I enjoy reading them.
Amy-Ia

Anonymous said...

I love all the ornaments, especially the ones made by the kids...they never lose their appeal. Wish I was closer for the cookie exchange....they might be stale by the time i arrived.

Ruth in Canada

Kelly said...

Jolene, Your oranaments are beautiful! I wish I could come to the cooke exchange!

Honeyed Hashette said...

I wish I could come to the cookie exchange! I have a deep down love for baking, especially something as Christmasy as cookies!!!
I keep meaning to post on your site and let you know that even though I have never met you, I read about your family often and I wish all of the George's a blessed holiday season, many wonderful memories, lots of contact with Chad overseas, great food (cause I know you'll be making it) and for your sake...a few moments of rest. Hee hee...

DENISE IRVINE said...

hi, i just love your blog...its the first one i visit daily!
congrats on 100,000 hits!
denise from miami

Kelly said...

wow! Awesome decorations. I have a 2 1/2 year old son. I can't imagine 5. Even though, some days I do wish for that many. This is our first Christmas to have him help us with decorating. I'm so excited. Merry Christmas!

Kim said...

Wow. What fun and cute ornaments. I try and do all handmade ornaments on my tree as well. The ones that the kids have made me through the years go up first. Congrats on the 100,000 milestone.

Anonymous said...

This is my first time leaving a comment on your blog but visit it every day. Love your ornaments and tree, also love cookie exchanges but live in california hope you have fun. karinkinney@sbcglobal.net

deedub said...

Love the ornaments and the sentiments behind them! I too place a special ornament on the tree each year in remberence of a lost loved one...even when it doesn't match that year's tree theme. It is never missing from the tree. Love the shots of the completed tree too. Such a warm, cozy glow! Happy Holidays!!!
Wish I was closer I would love to join the cookie exchange. If only the postman was gentler on packages! LOL!!!!
Hugs,
-d.

ellen said...

Congrats on your blog milestone!

Ellen in Boston

Monogram Queen said...

I knew your tree and decorations would be awesome. I want to find a cookie exchange so bad! love that idea!
fingers crossed that I win :)

Anonymous said...

What A GREAT tree you have. I wish I could do the cookie exchange i wish I lived down that way sounds fun. I love coming to your page and reading your post. Thank you..
Terri E
Ventura Ca

Anonymous said...

Hi Jolene!!! I love your blog..it is one of the BEST!!! I look forward to reading it everyday!!! Your tree is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! So festive!!! Wish I was closer to participate in the cookie thing....that sounds fun! Have a wonderful Holiday!!

Anonymous said...

Love your blog!!
Love your Christmas ornaments and tree!!
Happy Holidays!!
TamaraP.
North Carolina
Military Family Husband in Marine Corps 23 years and counting! :o)

Briana said...

Love all your cute ornaments! I just did a post like that yesterday, but only needed 12, for my "Tuesday Twelve" post. Now I want to share more! I LOVE seeing other people's decorations!

Happy 100,000 visitors!

Briana

Anonymous said...

I love your blog- I check it everyday to see what project your working on next! You are a very talented lady- keep up all the great work you do!

Becky K. said...

Wish I was closer the cookie exchange sound like so much fun!
Lancaster County, PA is quite far away, though.
I'd love to be entered in your drawing. Your talents amaze me.
Becky K.

Spencer Family said...

I love reading your blog and if I was anywhere nearby I would come to your cookie exchange--it sounds like so much fun!

Laurie Anne said...

Always enjoy the little looks into your wonderful life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
:0)

Hol said...

Your tree and ornaments are so cute! You are inspiring and very talented. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jolene, I'm so glad September introduced us. We'll have our lunch someday at Tia Rosa's. I love your tree and am so jealous you're already decorated and full of Season's Greetings!

Unknown said...

I love your tree decorations! I have been a "lurker" on your blog for a while and enjoy reading about your family and your day-to-day happenings. I wish you lived closer because I would love to hang out with you sometime!

Sue in Alexandria VA

Nina Diane said...

love your tree......

Stacy said...

Hi Jolene, I've been reading your blog for awhile now but this is the first time I've commented. I found you through Briana. I love reading your blog, I check it every day. You seem like such a wonderful person and it just makes me happy to read your blog.

Your decorations are amazing. Very talented. I would love to have a tree as gorgeous as that one.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jolene,

I love the tree!! You are a very talented person. I love your blog. You put a smile on many faces...keep up the great work. I am sorry I am going to miss your Cookie Exchange....Im freezing in Minnesota!!

Amy said...

So sorry I am in MN and can't join in on your cookie exchange. You will have to take pictures so we can all "share" in it! Thanks for sharing all of your ornaments! I always love to see how you decorate! I too love to decorate my tree and look at all the ornaments. They always evoke such feeling of nostalgia and make me think of people who I have crossed paths with in my life that I will probably never see again, and places we have visited that we will probably never make it back to. Good times and fun memories! Congrats on your 100,000 visitors! It's not hard to see why you have that many people checking you out and visiting your site! BTW, we are continuing to pray for Chad and are so happy for him that he was strong enough to make the decision he did.
Take care, Amy =)

Tricia said...

Great tree!

love your blog... I think 10 thousand of those visits are from me! (IM a stalker that way! HA)

Chris said...

I love reading your blog and I also love all the cute little wooden ornaments you have made! I'm still trying to figure out how you did the "mosaic" xmas card, though . . .!!

meli said...

OK, you got me to comment with your contest. I have never commented, but I love your blog. You are such a talented and creative person!! Love your ornaments.

Chickenbells said...

How is it that Velvet Brick is already busy on that day?!?!?! I was going to call her and see if she wanted to run down your way...rats!!

The tree is beautiful as always...and congratulations on your traffic to the blog...although, it does not surprise me in the least!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Jolene....
Your tree is always so beautiful! I am sure that the rest of your home is too...especially since you have so much more space to decorate. I so wish I could make it to your cookie exchange. Chris has to work so I am on kid duty... have a great time!! Take Care!

Nicole *Ü* said...

What fun ornaments!! And a cookie exchanged sounds divine!! I've never done one! I hope you have fun!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 100,000+ visitors. That is so awesome! I was glad to hear that you are in regular contact with Chad now. It really sounds that he has it together and knows what he wants in life. I know that you are so very proud of him

Love all the ornaments. I'm lagging behind as usual. ;-) I plan to get my tree up this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jolene,
I love you tree...it is really pretty. Thnaks for sharing your ornaments with us!
Stacy L.

Geri said...

LOL I was just sitting here with my mmouth hanging open, because I have so many of the same ornaments!!! I was'nt going to put up my big tree this year but you just convinced me to! Happy Holidays!
Geri

Valerie said...

dagnabbit - i so would come for a cookie exchange! what a blast that would be!

your tree is adorable...i love stories behind people's ornaments!

Unknown said...

Oh man - I am teaching Tucson that Saturday morning - I'll be driving right by Maricopa on my way - but it will be way early - I would so love to come !!!! I am truly bummed right now :(

Kristan

Judi said...

I would love to come to the cookie exchange--too bad it's not where I live!!!

Cassandra said...

Oh how I wish I lived near Maricopa! I would love to come over for a cookie exchange and breakfast...have you ever thought of moving to California?! =)

I just love the rustic ornaments and the gingerbread man..what a great tree!

Anonymous said...

You best be putting me in that drawing as well!!!!!!!! And about the cookie think... count me in on that too!! ME
Oh, wait... did you say I had to be a blogger?

Kassie said...

I think you have more ornaments shown on your blog than I have on my whole tree. I have very simple taste when it comes to decorating, even for the holidays.

I hope you draw my name, I've been on a win streak and it would be cool for it to continue.

Anonymous said...

Where did you get the George Boys ornaments? We have a couple that we bought at a festival, but the booth is not there anymore. So I have been looking all over.

Meredith Ferrin said...

Such an adorable tree! Have fun at your cookie exchange, if you get any recipes you will have to share them with us!

Cherie Nelson said...

Jolene - your talent constantly amazes me! Your tree is awesome! So glad you gave us a tour!

Mary Jo said...

Jolene, your house looks SO cozy with all those decorations! I wish I lived closer so I could join your cookie exchange. I'm looking forward to the pics of that! What a great idea--your contest!

I enjoy reading your blog even though I don't always comment. Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas this year!

Carla said...

Cookie exchange... How fun I wish I lived closer...

Too far from Michigan...

Carla

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
Your tree and decorations are fabulous! Makes me feel warm and cozy all the way to Texas.
Lots of love!
Gina

Anonymous said...

Oh Jolene, your ornaments are so flippin cute! My favorite is the yellow star. It makes me smile!

Anonymous said...

Pick Me!!! Me want to win your RAK!!!

Love Lily

Anonymous said...

You're the popularity of the blogging world, LOL

I laughed at your first sentence...share some of my ornaments....girl I think you shared all of them :)

Caroline said...

Love your ornaments. I am slowly building up my collection of ornaments. Having not celebrated x-mas for the first 30 years of my life...I have a lot of catching up to do.

Wendy said...

I am poster 75 Pick ME PICK ME!!!

I love all your ornaments and your house looks gorgeous!

Wish I lived nearby for the cookie exchange.

Merry Christmas!

krista said...

those ornaments are awesome! you are one talented lil lady! :) congrats on your 100,000 visitors...wow!

Anonymous said...

Excuse me! I put my comment on the next section and just realized that you might not get me in the drawing unless I comment here. I could use some more ornaments so I don't get any temptations to sneak some ornaments to my house. My tree is pretty naked. For the cookie exchange, why 6 dozen??? Wow! I don't think I have ever made that many. Is this just a get fat together kind of thing? Love ya!

Jessica said...

There is a good reason why you have so many readers- we love you, your family, and your ideas. Thank you for blessing us by sharing. The exchange sounds like a blast!!! I would love to come if I were anywhere nearby. MMMM, I can taste the cookies already!! ;)

familywithfivekids said...

Love your blog! Thanks for inspiring so many.
Cori

Anonymous said...

How fun would that be....a cookie exchange at your home! Man I would love to, and I would totally make the drive! BUT, that is my annual Christmas Shopping Weekend in San Diego with the girls I scrap with, and I can't miss that! Even though I can't come I totally know what cookies I would make, a recipe I got from the Barefoot Contessa (yes! I am Food Network Junkie!) a few years ago that have become my favorite! Have a super fun time without me. :-(

I don't think I will ever quit checking in Jolene, your my first blog and boy it is a good one! I hit the jackpot when I clicked the link on the comment you left on the Bazzill Blog. Happy 100,000 Vistors!

Noel
Yuma, AZ
:-)

bs honey said...

Wish I lived in Arizona,I'd love visiting you.
Your Christmas tree is absolutely beautiful. Like yours, my tree is laden with wonderful things from the past. Some are ornaments hand made by me. But; the most special ones were made by family, and friends.
Jolene, I wish for you, the very happiest of holiday season's.

Anonymous said...

Gee wish I could come to your cookie exchange. I miss you on Chatty Chicks but then I always catch up with you here. Love the tree, your ornaments are gorgeous and you such memories for some. I love the ones the kids make. Your grandkids are just too cute and growing like weeds. Can't wait till I am a Grandma, will be a while but I will be ready when the time comes. Hugs to you and your family. Mendy
PS Love the collage pic of all of you.

Wendy aka Cheeky said...

Wow! Such really cute ornaments. I usually make glass ball ornaments but not this year - the kitty thinks they are toys.

Susie Q said...

I love a tree chock full of ornaments! : )

Yours is so pretty! Mine is still waiting to be put up!

I love that you have had 100,00 visitors!! I would love to be in on the giveaway because I know it will be fantastic. So please count me in!
Still, YOU are such a blessing to me! I always get a smile and feel so warm here...

Love ya,
Sue

Heidi Cocca said...

Congratulations on reaching 100,000!!

scrappinmama said...

I ran across this blog by total accident and I'm so glad I did! What beautiful ornaments! I'd love to have tree that looks like that. Congrats on reaching 100,000.

melly said...

I always enjoy reading your blog. I don't know how I first started reading it, but I always look forward to it. Your decorations and crafts are always beautiful. Gives me inspiration to do more!

anniekate said...

I'm just getting ready to set up my tree and was hoping I could just use yours ;)!! It looks so festive! Congrats on your 100,000 visitors!

Unknown said...

I love how talented and sweet you are. It is so fun to read your blog. No wonder you are already at 100,000.

Thanks for the inspiration
Jeanette

Brooke said...

Jolene,

I really love and admire that all of your ornaments mean so much to you. I don't own a tree yet, just a growing supply of decorations, but one day I hope to have a collection of ornaments like yours that have a little story to go with them.

Brooke

Carol Dunton said...

Dear J,
Just had to say how much your kind comment the other day meant to me... thank you so very, very much. You amaze me and I love you without even having meeting you! We need to change that, don't we????
xoxo
VB

Anonymous said...

I was looking through your pics seeing if you had a duplicate of the wooden stand that Coleen stole from you. Or were you supposed to know that???...well, now you know. If I lived closer, I would steal it from Coleen.

Are you serving jello at your breakfast? ; )

PS Now I'm trying to figure out when I've been at Coleen's when she had a xmas decoration out....I think it is past my bedtime!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Jolene! Your decorations look beautiful. Your tree is not only gorgeous, it has such special meaning in all the wonderful ornaments. Don't you just love a house during the holidays, the glow of all the lights at night make me so happy. I wish I could come to your cookie exchange, but I'm in Georgia - a little too far away. Have a wonderful happy merry Christmas!

Brandi

MarthaYvette said...

Jolene can you come decorate my tree and house, I absolutely love your home it just screams "homesweethome". Love your beautiful tree and ornaments :). Can I think positive and say I'M GOING TO WIN!!!! :)........

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh Jolene, I'm number 95! See how loved you are. You are a very talented painter/decorater/crafter/scrapbooker/ cook/photographer. Everything looks beautiful!
Diane

Anonymous said...

Love your ornaments, you are so talented!!!! You really shouldn't be surprised by the traffic you get because you are so talented and interesting. I think you make all the readers feel like we are just part of the family! It's nice!!!