Tuesday, December 23, 2014

O Christmas Tree

Only two more days 'til Christmas--are you ready? I'm feeling quite relaxed--finally. All the presents are wrapped, the baking done, and the cards sent. The tree is up and decorated and by tomorrow evening I'll have all three of my sons home and asleep in their childhood beds. As silly as that may sound, nothing gives me greater pleasure than having my family of five here under one roof for the holidays. Our Christmases are very relaxing--we just stay put and "nest." We light a cozy fire in the fireplace, play board games, watch favorite movies, eat way too many sugary sweets, and simply enjoy each other's company. This year, the guys are competing in a $10.00 challenge; they're each limited to buying a present for each other that costs $10 or less. I can't wait to see what they've come up with! I suggested that one year we should all do a "handmade gift" challenge. Do you think I might win that one? 

My tree of stitched ornaments is the largest of three in my home and, if Pinterest is any indication, it seems to be quite well-known around the world. I'll have to admit, the first time I saw photos of my tree on Pinterest and other websites, I was a bit taken aback, but I've gotten used to it and I'm so glad that many of you have been inspired to stitch ornaments for your very own cross stitch filled tree. To give you further encouragement that some day, you, too, can have a tree filled with your very own stitched ornaments, 90% of these were stitched with the past six years. I think there are close to 100 ornaments that I've stitched on the tree and probably another 25 or so from my stitching friends.

2014 Christmas Tree



I've moved the dozen ornaments that I stitched this year from my stair garland to my tree and I just love seeing them all together with their "older relatives."  Here are a few close-ups for you (you should be able to click on them for a closer look):












My oldest son took this night shot for me when he was over for dinner on Sunday. I can't wait to sit by the tree on Christmas morning (or, most likely, early afternoon, as my adult sons tend to be late sleepers!), opening our presents as I gaze at the tree.  I have to admit, I feel so proud when I look at the dozens of carefully stitched and finished little beauties.


A most special ornament... My other two trees are a medium sized 5-foot tall snowman tree in the kitchen (which you can see in this post) and a small 3-foot tree in my family room that sits above our TV cabinet. Since we don't plan on purchasing another tree (my husband insists that we should be getting rid of "stuff," not adding to the things stored in our two attics and basement!) and this big tree is almost filled up, I limit the new ornaments that I put on my tree to ones that are stitched. I haven't bought a new ornament for myself in years, but this year I made an exception... One of my husband's coworkers passed along this poem that she thought might ease the pain after the loss of my father--especially at Christmas time. It was written back in 1989 by John Wm. Mooney, Jr. and, although it made me cry (a lot!), it gave me hope that my dad is carrying on and would want his family to, as well...

Merry Christmas From Heaven poem

If you've lost a loved one, I'm sure you have a few tears in your eyes after reading this, too, don't you? Well, last week, I was shopping in a local Hallmark card shop and, lo and behold, I came upon the exact same poem along with a special ornament that came with it in a little gift box! I stood there in the aisle of the store, just doing my best to stop the tears welling up in my eyes and immediately decided to purchase it for my tree. I put a copy of the photo of my dad holding me as a baby in it for now, but may try to find a clearer photo at some point. It is now hanging on my tree in a place of honor right up front.

Miss  you, Dad...

I've received so many lovely gifts from stitching friends all over the world, but I haven't had time to photograph them yet, so I'll share them with you in my next post. As always I want to thank you for your great comments--they really make me proud to be a part of such a supportive group of stitchers! I am behind on answering some of the comments you left and questions you asked on my "Parade of Ornaments" post, and some can't be answered because you haven't included your email address and you are a no-reply blogger. Please, if you have a question that I haven't replied to, ask it again, but make sure to include your email so I can reply... 


Enjoy the rest of this very special holiday season, my friends! Bye for now...

❄❅❄
From my home, to yours... 

 
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!

106 comments:

Tricia T said...

Tears? Yes! I'll be stopping at Hallmark today... :)

{{Hugs}} my sweet stitchy friend. May you have a beautiful and blessed Christmas!!!

Tricia

Hazel said...

Beautiful tree, beautiful poem, beautiful house. Merry Christmas Carol Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you have given me this year. xx

Heather said...

Merry Christmas Carol! Hugs! I hope that you have a very blessed time with your boys! Your tree is gorgeous and such an inspiration!

Barb said...

Hi Carol - your tree is so special! I can see why it is famous around the world - thanks to Pinterest. It is just beautiful!! You have every reason to be very proud of it.

I love the ornament of you and your Dad - the poem brought tears to my eyes too, thinking of my own Dad. There is always room on the tree for one more special ornament.

Blessing and much peace & joy to you and your family this Christmas season.

Love, Barb

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Beautiful! All those stitched ornaments--wonderful happy memories which you can enjoy year after year

Jane said...

Thank you Carol for such a beautiful post in both words and pictures.
Have a wonderful family Christmas and my best wishes to you all for a very happy 2015 xxx

Glenna said...

Your post brought such joy and inspiration to me today. Best wishes for a magical Christmas.

Cathy H. said...

Your tree is breathtaking! One thing that makes your ornaments so gorgeous is your finishing! You find the most creative ways to finish ornaments! I don't have a hundred stitched ornaments on my tree, but I have a lot! I need to count them when I take them down. Also, thanks to your inspiration, I'm stitching a new one for this year! Better hurry up, hadn't I!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Vickie said...

What a perfect ornament for your father's picture. On your perfect tree. I am so glad everyone made it home. A Merry, Blessed Christmas to you all!

Stitchinowl said...

Your tree brought a smile to my face. So many beautiful stitched ornaments. You are truly an inspiration.
What is the name of the ornament that has the Santa watering sunflowers and the sunflowers are in a semi-circle around him?
Merry Christmas!
Carolyn

Kate said...

Carol, thank you for such a beautiful post. I have tears in my eyes but they are happy memory tears. Your ornaments are so beautiful and will be heirlooms some day.
Merry Christmas and enjoy having your family around. ♥

Stitchinowl said...

Update: I did a search and found which Prairie Schooler book the "sunflower Santa" is in, thanks to your blog!
Carolyn

Lana said...

Merry Christmas Carol!! I love your stitchy tree!! Absolutely stunning!!

Magiczny Świat Krzyżyków said...

Wspaniała choinka jak z bajki! Życzę wesołych Świąt!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Seeing your absolutely gorgeous tree makes me more determined to stitch ornaments this year. I only have 2! We bought a smaller tree for our dining room and hoping that I can put a few on that next year. Your tree is so gorgeous! I especially love the variety of shapes and fabrics. The black fabric is really striking.

Your special ornament is so precious. I love that you found it at just the right time. Like a message from heaven!

Irene said...

Buon Natale Carol, il tuo albero è meraviglioso! Tanti auguri e buone feste!

Unknown said...

GoD, your Christmas tree is wonderful! For me, Christmas is a time to be with the Family, that´s why I´ll travel to my hometown and be with my parents, they live in Joinville (about 02 hours from me). Enjoy your time with your grown children, I´ll enjoy mine, with my son, husband and parentes.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Melissa said...

That's a lovely poem and I'm so glad you were able to (magically!) find that ornament at a Hallmark store. It is special indeed and what a lovely remembrance of your Dad.

Your ornament tree is amazing! There's no other word for it! I think the guys are too chicken to go for the best handmade gift theme! lol.

Have a lovely Christmas with your family, Carol! Warm hugs sent your way!

Melody said...

Carol, What a lovely ornament to remember your Dad by. I'm glad you found it to add to your tree. Yes, your tree is absolutely beautiful, and the prettiest one I have seen with your collection of stitched ornaments. I know your finishes and ideas have inspired me more than once. I'm glad your family will all be home. I agree that is the best part.

Warm hugs to you this Christmas!

Michelle said...

Oh my sweet friend what a beautiful post - Merry Christmas xx

Von said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful tree! I hope you can take lots of time to relax and enjoy all that gorgeousness and have the happiest Christmas ever!

Pam in IL said...

I had my reply all figured out in my head -- until I got the poem and ornament. Yep, tears are streaming down my cheeks and I'll be looking for that ornament too.

Having both my girls home, snuggled in their rooms makes me one happy momma.

Love your tree with all the stitched ornaments! Each one is so perfect in it's own special way.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

Frances said...

Your tree is so lovely, as always! Just stunning and I know it is like an "old friend"--at least that's how I feel about mine each year!
The father ornament is so wonderful, and I do love that sweet photo--it is perfect! I have been thinking a great deal about my own father this week, even though he's been gone 28 years! Holidays do that...
Merry Christmas to you and your family and I'm glad your children will be there for a joyous celebration! As a church musician, I have 2 Masses on Christmas Eve, with strings, flutes, etc. And then I can relax and enjoy a quiet, family Christmas Day!

Shelly said...

Beautiful post, Carol. And emotional too. I lost my father to cancer over 7 years ago and my mom almost 25 years ago to cancer. No matter how long they've been gone, you think of them during the holidays. Thanks for sharing the poem. Beautiful tree, so many ornaments. I'm not sure I could get away with a tree that's entirely stitched ornaments but I will buy myself a small tree from the after-Christmas sales.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a Happy New Year, too!

Lynda Harrison said...

Hi Carol,

Beautiful. A perfect Christmas tree lovely home and a wonderful friend. It's been quite a year for you, I know and I wish you all the happiness possible for the coming New Year. I know your dear dad will be smiling down on you.
I will email soon. Take care of you and have a wonderful, and blessed Christmas.
With love and fond thoughts, my friend,
Lynda.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I've been waiting for it Carol and its gets more full and beautiful as the years march on! You should be proud, I've been stitching ornaments since I was 15 and I think I only have around 200. You've done superior in just 6 years :)
GLORIOUS! May your family enjoy your sweet Christmas...you spend yours as we spend ours ;) MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ele said...

Beautiful tree and beautiful post!
Have a merry Christmas and enjoy your family time, it's so precious!
Hugs

Pam in Virginia said...

Carol - your tree is gorgeous, stunning, inspirational, and oh so lovely. My parents are no longer living, and I lost my fiance almost two years ago, so I, too, will be looking for that very same ornament. I believe your talent in stitching and finishing these ornaments is a gift from God, and now you are showing your love for God and Christ by displaying your ornaments as we celebrate His birth.

Anne said...

Merry Christmas Carol to you and your family! How lovely for you to be nesting with the boys and enjoying some quiet time. The tree is amazing and no wonder it's been pinned :D I love the photo of it taken at night time...good photo! The ornament you got to honor and remember your father is just so precious. Love Anne!

butterfly said...

Oh Carol I love to see your tree each year it looks fantastic.
Love the saying and the ornament for your dad see they are watching over us .
Have a lovely Christmas with your loved ones and enjoy , Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dawn said...

Your tree is absolutely beautiful Carol! Simply lovely. Merry Christmas.

Mini Addictions said...

That poem is so touching. Yes, the tears are flowing for me too...but it is very comforting. I love the photo you chose for the ornament and I bet your dad would too. :-)
Your tree is AMAZING & I am not the least bit surprised it is all over Pinterest and the internet!
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Warm Hugs,
Lisa :D

Caitlin D said...

Such a beautiful post. Your tree is amazing, and I'm so thrilled for you to have all of your family together. It is a real treat. :-) Merry Christmas.

The Queen Bee said...

How beautiful! Have a wonderful Christmas.

Pam

Maggee said...

I may snatch that poem and share with a friend who is grieving, if you don't mind! LOVE seeing your stitched ornament tree again... it is inspiring! My stitched ornies fit on a small 4 foot tree for now... but if I tried to make one ornament a month in my rotation, that would make a difference eventually that it will fit my BIG tree! It could happen! Enjoy your family time this Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Katya said...

What a beautiful tree! Thank you for inspiring me - in so many ways.... I have ways to go before I get up to your "fullness" of the tree - 14 handmade ornaments so far..
Thank you for the inspiration, and Merry Christmas!

Nicola said...

What a truly wonderful tree Carol!

I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a great 2015!

I am hoping to get back to blogging and also keeping up with reading and commenting more next year.

Berit said...

Love to you and yours at Christmas, Sweet Carol. Thank you for sharing another wonderful year of posts with us.

Linda said...

Your tree is absolutely stunning Carol.

Merry Christmas
Linda

cucki said...

your tree is so beautiful dear
Merry Christmas xxx

Gabi said...

Beautiful! Your tree is a dream!
Thank you so much for the ornie!I put it on my tree! email follows.
Have a blessed Christmas

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Such a beautiful post! I love your trees!

I still have a lump in my throat after reading that poem. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas sweet friend. :)

marly said...

Magnificent. The tree seen 'round the world! Enjoy your Christmas with family. I'm on my way to the hospital for my sister's son, hoping for a simple diagnosis. Just like last year, we will spend the holiday at Sharon Regional! I'll put the photo of your tree on my tablet and set it on his tray. Merry Christmas!

Robin in Virginia said...

What a gorgeous tree and home you have! Thank you for sharing the poem by John Wm. Moody Jr. and the ornament you found.

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas!

Robin in Virginia

Annie said...

Love your trees and it's no surprise to me that the photos would be so popular with pinners.

Such a sweet ornament to honor your Dad. Definitely worth pride of place on the tree.

Have a wonderful holiday 'nest'!

Carin said...

Ohhh jump, jump, jump, .... can you see me jumping? I just love your tree !!
I also have made pretty much ornaments but you have much much more and I love it !!
I also love your special ornament with the picture of your dad in it, what a special piece that is. Too bad we don't have a halmark card shop here. I will go and see if they also are to buy online.
Thanks for the beautiful pictures en Merry Christmas !

Andrea said...

What a wonderful ornament as a remembrance to your father, it was meant to be, so special.
I have been waiting for your photos of your tee, truly spectacular. Love the night time shot.
Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas.

Jannie said...

Carol - I am in total awe of our stitched ornaments. They are lovely and so, so, many. How cool that looks on that huge tree! Thx for posting that poem. My best gal pal for many, many years - just lost her Father. She, like you, was so very close to him. Just days before Thxgiving he passed. Why does that always happen? I forwarded your blog to her so she can read that poem to her family this year as she's there in Texas celebrating their first Christmas w/o her Dad. Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015 to you. Thx for sharing.

Jannie said...

Carol - I am in total awe of our stitched ornaments. They are lovely and so, so, many. How cool that looks on that huge tree! Thx for posting that poem. My best gal pal for many, many years - just lost her Father. She, like you, was so very close to him. Just days before Thxgiving he passed. Why does that always happen? I forwarded your blog to her so she can read that poem to her family this year as she's there in Texas celebrating their first Christmas w/o her Dad. Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015 to you. Thx for sharing.

Daniela Bencúrová said...

Carol, your Christmas tree is beautiful !!!
Your decorations on it are great!
I admire your work!
I wish you joy and peace within the family !!!

Myra said...

Your tree is gorgeous! I treasure every stitched ornament I have. Blessings and peace to you this Christmas.

Carolyn said...

My favorite post of the year from you! I look forward to it every year, and always go back and look at the previous ones. Just beautiful! We've aready had our Christmas with our little family. My son, our sweet daughter-in-love and our grandchildren live 5 hours away, and with him being a police officer, we have to celebrate when he is off and can travel. Enjoy having a full house, and I wish you and yours a WONDERFUL Christmas!

Belinda said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family Carol. What a stunning Christmas tree with all your beautiful ornaments. I had closer looks on all photos. Just gorgeous! Especially the night photo all lit up.
Your dad will surely be with you this Christmas and what a beautiful reminder you have of him with that lovely Christmas ornament of you both. The poem is very beautiful. It made me well up too.
I hope you have a lovely day Carol with your three boys! Enjoy this special day. I look forward to seeing your ornaments and beautiful stitching next year.

Ellen said...

Wonderful tree with all your gorgeous ornaments! Love the poem and the special ornament!

Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015!

Hugs,

Cindy's Stitching said...

The tree just makes you smile. Just Beautiful. Old friends come out to shine. I look at mine everyday and smile also. It has only stitched pieces on it. The poem is beautiful and the ornament you purchased just perfect. I can't wait to see what your sons come up with for 10 dollar gifts. I am glad you will have a relaxing christmas. Merry Christmas to you and your family Carol. You are so special to me.

Lisa V said...

Merry Christmas to you Carol. I will look forward to seeing what you create in 2015.
Take care and big hugs dear friend.

Elizabeth Ann said...

Magnificent! Love the picture your son took of it!
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!

valerie said...

Beautiful tree and house Carol! Your tree is amazing. I can imagine it's been pinned a million times on pinterest. I hope someday I have a nice tree filled with hand stitched ornies. Merry Christmas, dear friend. I wasn't able to get cards out this year but I'll email you soon. Enjoy the holiday with your boys. :)

Christine said...

The photos of your tree look like they are straight out of a magazine ~ No wonder they have been "pinned" so many times! Thank you for sharing the photos as they're such a great inspiration and have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

Margaret said...

Oh Carol, that ornament! Oh my gosh. Yes, tears, of course. I need to get one to put a picture of my mother in. I hope Hallmark still has it. It's perfect -- I'm so glad you got it to remember your father by.

I love your tree as always! It's so so wonderful! And all of your boys at home -- yay! Yes, I know exactly what you mean. it's so special to have all the kids home for Christmas and to be (for us) a 4-some again. It's such a rarity these days that I always treasure the times that we can manage it. DD will be home tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to having Christmas all together as you and yours are too!

Merry Christmas!

diamondc said...

Beautiful Post.

Merry Christmas
Catherine

Angela said...

That tree is breathtaking! No wonder it's famous :) I can't stop looking at it ;) Merry Christmas!

Barbi said...

So beautiful Carol! I just love your tree :) And your new ornament for your dad. I have one similar in the middle of my Christmas village every year. It was given to me by a dear friend the year he passed away, and she had his name engraved into the back of it. My dad loved my village so I found it the most fitting spot for it.

Preeti said...

Hi Carol, Your tree looks wonderful !! So many lovely ornaments :) Merry Christmas to you and your family !!

Lynn B said...

Hello Carol,

I love your tree and the poem really did bring tears to my eyes!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Krista said...

What a wonderful poem! It is hard not to well up with tears. I think the photo you chose is perfect. I will need to look for that ornament too.

Your tree is absolutely stunning! I can see why everyone shares the picture, it truly is a Stitcher's Dream. :)

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Mary said...

It's all breathtaking Carol! Here's wishing a Merry Christmas and a bright shiny New Year to you and your family.

priscilla said...

Merry Christmas Carol ! Love..love..love your tree ! It is just amazing ! So many ornaments I want to stitch after seeing them on your tree ! It is a work of art !

Lois said...

Oh Carol, such beautiful sentiments in the poem and little wonder that you have shed tears over the words. I love the ornament you found for your tree this year - it's perfect and a lovely photo of you with your dad. I love your tree so full of the most lovely stitched ornaments. Sending Christmas wishes your way, have a lovely time with your sons.

AnaCristina said...

I love your Christmas Tree!!
It´s my inspiration!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Merry Christmas for you and your family!

AnaCristina said...

p.s.:
your house is so beautiful!
I love american´s houses....especially in Christmas time!
:-)

Natasha said...

WOW, Your tree is BEAUTIFUL and even more so at night. Such a treasure of beautiful ornaments.

(HUGS) to you duriig this first Christmas without your dad. His love and spirit is with you....

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Natasha said...

Ohhh I also have to say my Mother would have LOVED your tree. Growing up our tree was always stuffed full of beautiful ornaments. Every inch had to be covered she would say. Even when one year she didnt feel like putting a BIG tree up we bought her a real 4 ft tree, I thought that thing was going to topple over. I love it!!!

Karen said...

Your tree is gorgeous! All of those stitched ornaments are truly awe-inspiring.

Merry Christmas!

SilverCuteDwarf said...

Merry Christmas Carol!
I love your tree so much; it is so special, so gorgeous, and so beautiful!
Hugs, Silver

Barb said...

Your tree is a masterpiece. Each ornament is a little work of art! May you and your family have all the blessings of Christmas.

msmartello said...

I love your tree Carol! Someday I hope mine will look like that. Beautiful ornament you bought and a great way to have your Dad with you on Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Maureen

Christina said...

Such a beautiful tree Carol! I often see your stitching on pinterest. I know what you mean about it feeling strange. I have seen photos taken from my blog (most of them credited to me) and it felt a little weird initially! Somebody had pinned an image of a snowman that I stitched and had written underneath 'love this, but not sure about his arms'. Well, I do apologise! Lol. My husband thought it was hilarious that I'd taken the comment to heart!
I hope you have a fabulous Christmas with your boys. Look out for the postman after Christmas...there may be something in the post for your special birthday in January! :0)

Joy said...

What an amazing tree! No wonder it is shared every where. Have a beautiful Christmas!

Julie said...

Your home looks so inviting Carol. I'm wishing you a wonderful Christmastime with your boys.
The new special ornament is so lovely, I've never seen anything like that here in the UK. Such a beautiful poem too, what a lovely person to have given this to you.
A magnificent tree, what a stunner!
love and (hugs) xxx

Hilda said...

My dear Carol!
A very merry Christmas to you and your family too!
Have a wonderful day (tomorrow)!
We already had our Christmas 2014 (because in Austria the "big" Christmas celabration is on Holy Eve!)
I am very sure you would win a "handmade gift" challenge with your fabulous stitchings!
I hug you, my dear friend!

Hilda

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Merry Christmas dear friend. Hugs from here.

Sandra said...

Your tree is lovely. I lost my mom on December 10th past year, that poem made my cry, is beautiful, thanks for sharing it.

Lillie said...

Your tree lookied fantastic Carol.
Merry Christmas and a blessed one to you and family

A.Girlstoys said...

Oh my goodness, your tree is gorgeous! It's realy wonderful. Merry Christmas to you and your family :)

Sherri said...

Just beautiful!

Mavi. said...

Felices fiestas Carol, felices con tus hijos en casa y al calor del hogar. Que esa felicidad dure todo el año y se mantenga hasta las próximas navidades. Un recuerdo especial para tu padre.
Un abrazo entrañable para ti.

Melanie said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!!!
Even Martha Stewart can't beat you in the Christmas tree department. Nope. Not even CLOSE. :)

Friendship Crossing said...

Wow~that is some tree ~ no wonder you still mostly on 40ct!! LOL

Love that ornament and poem ~ how sweet!

Your house looks like it belongs on the front of a Christmas card. How pretty!

We don't have any snow here in Ky. It decided to warm up instead!

So glad you had a wonderful Christmas w/your boys! We did too!

Hugs,
Tanya

Elia said...

✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•✫FELICES FIESTAS..✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫,
Que el amor, la felicidad y la salud, entre por tu puerta
y se quede contigo para siempre.
☻/ღ˚ •。♥ ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* Un FUERTE ABRAZO 。 ღ˛° 。* °♥ ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。


UN POST TAN ENTRAÑABLE, TAN BONITO, ME GUSTA TU ÁRBOL Y EL HOMENAJE A TU PADRE
TE ECHO DE MENOS

HUGS

Judy said...

Hi Carol, Your tree of ornaments is just stunning! And the night view is even more stunning! You have been a great inspiration to others with all of your beautiful work. And anytime I see anything by you on pinterest, I immediately know it is you. The ornament and the poem are so touching. It sure does bring o tear to the eye. Hope you had a great holiday.

Judy Heartland stitcher

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful Christmas tree! One of my goals this year is to start making ornaments so I can decorate my tree like this. Lovely!

Nancy M said...

I thought I Had commented, but was trying from my phone last night! Your tree is awesome, such a work of love . I especially like the night shot though. You have a lovely home too. Your special ornament you found at the store was a special find for you this year and will hold a special place in your heart from years to come. I'm sure you had a spectacular Christmas.

Shebafudge said...

I have just discovered your blog and what a post to be introduced to you by! That tree is absolutely AMAZING! I have never seen it on Pinterest or anywhere else on the internet so it was a real treat for me! I'm off to read some more of your blog now.

Nice to meet you and Happy New Year!

Mylene said...

Your Christmas tree is simply beautiful!!

Wish you and your family a Happy New Year!!

Kay said...

Carol, your tree is beautiful! The ornament of you and your dad is very special. It is hard to not have our loved ones with us. That sounds so sweet that your whole family was under one roof for Christmas a special day indeed to be treasured! Happy holidays!!!!!

Mary Ann said...

I got behind on blog reading/commenting(again): )

Your Christmas tree is gorgeous, and I hope you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!!

Theresa said...

Very nice blog. Love your trees and all your stitched ornaments. Could you tell me who is designer for the very top one "rejoice in winters song"? I just love it.
Happy New Year and happy birthday too! Theresa thelab@wowway.com

Wanda said...

Dear Carol,
As always, I just drool over your beyond gorgeous Christmas tree! I seriously get goosebumps when I look at all the love, fun and hours of joy and creativity that have gone into making each of those little works of art! I am not surprised that your tree is pinned all over the world (I know I have shown all my friends and always end with, this is my goal).
I was moved to tears by the poem. It is beautiful. What a wonderful treasure to find that ornament in memory of your Dad. The holidays are such a tough time when we have lost someone we love.
I am especially thankful you will be with your family this Christmas Carol.
hugs, Wanda

Michele said...

your tree takes my breath away! lovely! and I love that ornament!

Brigitte said...

I won't leave your blog without leaving a comment on this post. I just want to say that your tree is so beautiful with all the lovely ornaments that you stitched for it.

passionfruitprincess said...

Wow! Very pretty! What more can I say? And I love your new ornament! So sweet!
Love, Ana Paula.

Brenda A said...

Wow!! This years' tree looks as lovely as last years! Pretty sure that's how I originally stumbled across your blog actually. :) That's a lovely ornament for your dad too. You'll always take it out and remember the great times you had. :)

Beth said...

What an amazing Christmas tree Carol! I can see why it is popular on Pinerest. I hope you take great pride and pleasure when you gaze upon it.

ewarost said...

Carol tree is beautiful , I started to embroider and my Christmas tree 2015 was similar to your. Happy New Year.

Unknown said...

I have to say: This is the amazing tree that I have ever seen! All this ornaments and lights make me crazy! Your house look gorgeous too!!! Congratulations!