Mom's Christmas Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 31

This is Mom's (1933~2010) Mr. and Mrs. Santa,  singing mice and Santa's reindeer. If I recall correctly, the mice are from Germany, which are very cute. Mom always had this set up just like this (I copied from past photos) in the entry way of her home. Mrs. Santa's candle lights up and she moves side to side and Santa waves. The lantern Santa is holding lights up also. I took quite a few shots when all was plugged in but for some reason, I am not locating them on my computer. The grandchildren really get a kick out of this little display . . . it's fun to see the smiles on their faces.

This is one of two Nutcrackers that mom always had standing by her front door. I put them up on my entry way antique dresser . . . I felt they were safe there. The other Nutcracker has his nose missing, not sure if that happened before or when they were removed from mom's home and transported here. It's nice to see them as you walk in my front door.

I very much enjoyed sharing mom's Christmas treasures here . . . when I started, I didn't realize that I would learn so much about Christmas ornaments . . . mom has beautiful Christmas Jewels and I feel so very fortunate to have some of them now . . . there is still so much more that is still in her home . . . I am hoping to bring the remainder to my home, someday soon. Mom loved Christmas and when she bought her home here in Southern California, one of the first additions she made was to have cabinets built along one entire side of the garage . . . those cabinets are full of just Christmas decorations and Christmas treasures. Hopefully next Christmas, I will be sharing those treasures here again. Thank you for visiting and sharing in mom's treasures with me. 

~ Happy New Year! ~

Mom's Christmas Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 30

Mom (1933~2010) owned two Mangers, both given to her by her younger twin brothers, my uncles,  Helmut (1940~1994) and Adi (1940~2004),  from Germany.  Since mom purchased her home (1986) here in Southern California, she would always have two Christmas trees, one in the living room and one in the family room, each Manger would be next to each Christmas tree. I don't have the room for two trees in my home, so I put one Manger in my living room where our Christmas tree is and the other smaller Manger (bottom photo in collage) in my family room.

Emma put the snowman puzzle together and then glued it to a piece of cardboard and created an artful border around the puzzle. These Mangers are very special to me now for so many reasons and that they are from Germany and from my uncles to my mom . . . who all are no longer with us.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 29

~ Click on collage to enlarge ~

These are just a very few of Mom's (1933~2010) beautiful German Christmas tablecloths. Over the years she brought them home with her on her yearly trips while visiting our family in Augsburg . . . she always made sure she added to my collection too. So between us, we have quite a collection of these very pretty and special Christmas linens. The ones in the collage are just some that I used this year throughout the house.

Just after mom passed, I was able to get a small part of her linens . . . I am still in awe of the wonderful shape they are in. She had had them for so many years, yet, they are perfectly ironed, folded and 99% stain free . . . I have always wondered how she did it . . . I have always been afraid to use them because in this family, we are pretty rough on our stuff but I know she would want us to enjoy them  . . . that's what her intention was all along . . . and . . . I don't mind the washing and ironing to take care of them . . .  I feel very blessed to have such special treasures.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 28

These three ornaments are a set and made of plastic. I am taking a wild guess but I think Mom (1933~2010) purchased them in the early 2000's. She did get a set for me but with a different design. They are pretty but I have to say I'm not especially fond of ornaments that are plastic but at least they won't break and will last for generations to come!

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 27

This ornament is so pretty . . . I have no idea when mom (1933~2010) purchased it. It's been around for a while but I can't begin to guess how long. As I have posted mom's ornaments, at times, it's as if I am seeing them for the first time . . . paying close attention and learning all about them. You can tell mom must have dropped this one . . . it's glued together at the top . . . it's still so very pretty. Mom gave me a set of the glass ice-cycles that are on each side of the ornament, back in 2005. They really finish our tree off and the lights behind them make them glisten. I believe we are winding down on mom's ornaments with this one and I will be posting other Christmas treasures that belonged to my mom that may take us to the end of December.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 26

ca ~1960's

This teardrop ornament belongs to the same set as the one ~ here ~ as I said in my previous post, I believe mom (1933 ~ 2010) purchased these in Germany. This is the only one in this teardrop shape. 

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 25

ca ~ 1950's 

This ornament is quite old and still in excellent condition . . . you can see a bit of the faux spray snow mom (1933~2010) used back when it was popular. This is a Shiny Brite dented teardrop ornament from the late 1950's to possible early 1960's from Germany. This collection  ~here~  and ~ here ~  is in my top favorites and bring back so many past Christmas memories.

I have several more of mom's ornaments that I haven't shared yet, along with several of her Christmas tablecloths and linens from Germany she collected over the years . . . I plan to share those here for the remainder of the Holidays and hope you enjoy mom treasures too. 

~ Merry Christmas to you and yours ~ 

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 24

ca ~ 1950's

I love this pink glass ornament . . . Mom (1933~2010) has four of them in her collection. All four glass balls, show the evidence of many years of use by having a crackled finish and the pink color has turned to silver in certain areas. I did a bit of research on this ornament and what I found was that is was made in the 1950's by Shiny Brite and that they are Mercury glass (love Mercury glass Christmas ornaments). I remember these always being on our tree . . . I never really appreciated them until this year and it's amazing how mom kept all these ornaments for so long and in such wonderful condition . . . I'm so glad she did.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 23

Mom (1933~2010) gave me a set of these lovely star ornaments several years before she passed. I recall her telling me that my cousin in Germany made them . . . I will be emailing my cousin to verify if I have this correct. Whether they were hand made or purchased, they are so pretty and sparkle under the lights . . . one of my favorites.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 22

These are the two remaining orbs from the set I posted ~ here ~ and ~ here ~ .  They are just beautiful and have Mom (1933~2010) written all over them.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 21

This teardrop shaped ornament is part of the set that I posted ~ here ~ yesterday. I thought there was only two different designs but there is actually four different designs. Unfortunately I do not know when Mom (1933~2010) purchased them and from where they came. My guess is more in the 1990's but I could be very off on my calculations. This set is so very pretty . . . mom's style all the way.

~ Happy Holidays ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 20

Sadly, I don't have a clue when mom (1933~2010) acquired this beautiful ornament . . . there are quite a few in the collection with varied designs on them. They're on the small side so I have them placed towards the top of mom's tree.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 19

ca ~ 1960's

Mom (1933~2010) had four of these shiny orbs . . . two in red and two in green. Looks like more from the 60's. They are smaller orbs and hung more toward the top of the tree.

~ Happy Holidays! ~ 

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 18

ca ~ 1960

I love this silver teardrop ornament in Mom's (1933~2010) collection. I found only four of them and I believe mom purchased these in Germany . . . they are so pretty on the tree. 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 17

I am honestly not sure when mom (1933~2010) acquired the five traditional German bells that go at the top of the tree. I do recall mom telling me that these belonged to her father and that having five bells at the top of the Christmas tree is a German tradition . . . I hope that I am recalling correctly . . . I wished at the time I had paid more attention to the story. These red bell ornaments are so pretty and I have them placed at the top of the tree just as mom had done for many years. I will inquire with my Aunt in Germany . . . perhaps she can help me with the tradition and it's history.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 16

ca ~ 1960's?

I have been trying to research mom's (1933~2010) Christmas tree ornaments . . . this one I could not find, not even close. Just by the design, I am guessing the 1960's  but it could be earlier . . . just not sure. It's the only one in mom's collection but I do remember there being more. Many of mom's ornaments are of the Shiny Brite brand both from Germany and USA.  I am hoping to find more history on this ornament. 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 15

ca ~ late 1950's very early 1960's 

Mom (1933~2010) has four of these sweet Santa's. 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 14

ca ~ 1960's ?

I honestly do not know how to date this one. I don't recall this ornament but I believe mom (1933~2010)  acquired this one in the 1960's. This is the only ornament that seems to be a little worse for wear . . . the hook/hanger is a bit damaged and part of the design is rubbed off. I'm going to try and fix the hanger/hook. It does remind me of a butterfly and still looks pretty, so I decided to keep it on the tree . . . it holds history. 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 13

December ~ 2011

Well, my worst fear came true . . . as I was decorating mom's (1933~2011) tree with her ornaments, I dropped two of them ~ this one (I didn't have a photo of the other one yet). The ornament holders are so old that they didn't grab onto the tree branch. I was pretty upset and at first thought, how am I going to be able to throw these ornaments away . . . then, I had an idea . . . I decided to smash the two broken ornaments into small shards, then I poured them into a clear glass ornament that you can purchase at a craft store. I added some glitter and star confetti. It still really bothers me that I broke the ornaments but at least I was able to make a special ornament out of the little shards that holds very dear times and memories. 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 12

ca ~ 1950's or early 1960's

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 11

ca ~ 1960's?

I'm guessing mom (1933~2010) acquired this ornament sometime in the 1960's. I don't have a clear memory of this one so I'm guessing at the year. It's simple yet pretty with plenty of sparkle.

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 10

~ 2008 ~

This ornament was another that mom (1933~2010) had hand carried from Germany in 2008. She brought me two of them and then she had several also. This Christmas dove has held a special spot on our tree ever since.

~ Happy Holidays! ~ 

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 9

ca ~ late 1950's or early 1960's 

I remember this ornament when I was little so my guess is the 1950's or very early 1960's. It's in wonderful shape, mom (1933~2010) sure knew how to take care of her ornaments . . . so glad she did so that her great-grandchildren can see them now. 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 8

~ 2008 ~

Mom (1933~2010) hand carried a set of these traditional pine cone ornaments for me from Germany, in 2008. As far back as I can remember, all of our Christmas trees always had pine cone ornaments, a German tradition. I didn't have any so mom thought it was time I got with the program! I love them, and they are very special to me. Eventually, I will have her set of pine cone ornaments to add to our tree here . . . where they belong.   

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 7

~ 2009 ~

These beautiful ornaments belong to me . . . mom (1933~2010) gifted these to me in 2009. Each year, she would give me a set of ornaments for Christmas and of all the ornaments I had received, these are special and  my most favorite. There are only three . . . an Angel, a Star, and a Christmas tree . . . I love looking at them . . . thank you, mom.

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 6

ca ~ 1960's

I am not sure of the year mom added this one to her collection, it looks very similar to the ornament I posted yesterday ~ here ~ so I am guessing it maybe early 1960's. Mom worked at Montgomery Wards in the 1960's, so that maybe where she purchased it from at the time. 

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 5

ca ~ 1960's

I am not sure of the year that mom may have purchased this ornament. I know it's been around since I was at least seven or eight years old so that would put right in the 1960's . . .  it's been around for a while! Mom only had two of this type of ornament but it's colorful and has a little bit of that faux spray snow on it too. 

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 4

ca ~ 1950's

I can feel the faux sprayed on snow on this ornament too . . . mom (1933~2010) was really into that faux snow! 

~ Happy Holidays! ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 3

ca 1950's or possibly early 1960's? 

I do not know the exact year mom (1933~ 2010) brought this ornament home but I remember it always being on the tree as far back as I can remember. When I hung it on the tree this year, I noticed that you can still feel faux spray snow on the surface that mom used on our trees over the years! Part of the glitter/sparkle out-line around the pattern is wearing off after years of use and the original hook is still attached. I carefully hung this ornament . . . the old hooks don't hold as well and I was afraid it would fall off . . . somehow I would like to leave it in it's original condition but use a hook that would secure it to the tree better. This ornament was so typical of my mom and her style.  

~ Happy Holidays ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 2

ca ~ 1950's 

I believe this ornament (one of several that are similar) is as old as I am . . . as far back as I can remember, it's been on every Christmas tree we have had and it is one of my favorites.  The design and paint has worn off a bit here and there and around the top, it has become discolored over time. When I removed this ornament from it's spot in mom's Christmas treasure box and held it in my hands . . . so many wonderful Christmas memories filled my heart and how Blessed I am to have this wonderful gift. 

~ Happy Holidays ~

Mom's Christmas Tree Jewels ~ Memory Count Down ~ Day 1

ca ~ 1950's 

Once again, the Christmas season is upon us. As I carry in the treasure boxes filled with my beautiful mom's (1933~2010)  Christmas ornaments and decorations, I reminisce about Christmas' past.

Mom had an amazing knack for Christmas decorating, she loved Christmas and every Christmas, growing up was magical. I use to tease her and tell her she should have worked for Macy's - decorating their Christmas display windows.  When you walked into mom's house, it's as if you took a trip to Germany. She decorated in true German tradition and it was an incredible sight to see.

This is my second Christmas without my mom . . . I miss spending Christmas at home with her and all of her special touches. For some reason, this Holiday season seems a bit harder than last. Now, I need to apply what she taught me over the last 50 something years. I inherited her family room Christmas tree and many of the ornaments she collected over the last 50 + years. I thought sharing an ornament or two a day, would be a wonderful way to honor her and share the wonderful collection I have grown-up with. I don't have all of her Christmas decorations as of yet . . . but I feel Blessed with what I do have. So for the next 25 days, I will be sharing some very pretty Christmas Jewels with you.

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Mom's tree is up and completely decorated . . . I love to just sit in that room and absorb the beauty and memories of Christmas' with mom . . . here's to you mom . . . .

Mom's tree in my home ~ 2011

~ Enjoy and Happy Holidays ~ 

Christmas Angel ~

This sweet little Christmas angel was among several items I received in a package from my cousin in Germany . . . a nice surprise waiting for me on my front door step today! She also sent me several books on the history of the city of Augsburg, where I was born and where she still resides . . . thank you dear cousin!

Happy Birthday, Emma ~

Today, we celebrated our granddaughter, Emma's, twelfth birthday . . . we made spareribs, Oma's homemade BBQ sauce, corn on the cob, sweet potato fries . . . a feast fit for a princess!

Happy Birthday, Emmabeans! 

Happy Birthday, Lacie ~

Thirty-two years ago today, a sweet baby girl came into my life . . . she has been a blessing ever since . . . Happy Birthday, Lacie!
We love you . . . .

Autumn leaves ~

Autumn Leaves 

Jones Very (1813 ~ 1880)

The leaves though thick are falling; one by one

Decayed they drop from off their parent tree;

Their work with autumn's latest day is done,

Thou see'st them borne upon its breezes free;

They lie strown here and there , their many dyes

That yesterday so caught thy passing eye;

Soiled by the rain each leaf neglected lies,

Upon the path where now thou hurriest by;

Yet think thee not their beauteous tints less fair,

Than when they hung so gaily o'er thy head;

But rather find thee eyes, and look thee there

Where now thy feet so heedless o'er them tread;

And thou shalt see where wasting now they lie,

The unseen hues of immortality. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

More roses in Fall ~

Just one of the few that are left on this pretty rose bush.

Roses in Fall ~

Wisteria in Fall ~

Feel better flowers ~

Flu season is upon us . . . it's seems that bug is visiting our home . . . the grandkids and hubbie thought a pretty flower bouquet would shoo the bug away . . . it has definitely helped.

Autumn tea ~

A friend stopped by today for tea, cookies and my help researching her Italian ancestors . . . we found her great grandfather's manifest passenger list, he arrived at Ellis Island in 1913 and we also found his WWI draft registration in 1918 . . . she was so excited and I may have got her hooked!  Was a nice peaceful day . . . .

Cruising the sea ~

Photo Archives

A friend invited us to hang out on his boat for the day . . . very relaxing. 

Hydrangea's in the Fall ~

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El Camino Memorial Park ~

Inspiration Lake ~ El Camino Memorial Park

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Wild Animal Park ~

Archived photo collection

We were able to get pretty close to the giraffes and the kids were able to hand feed them. 

New toy ~

My husbands new Police motorcycle . . . he's like a kid at Christmas with a really cool new toy . . . flashing the lights and hitting the siren . . . then, he took off for a ride with a big smile on his face . . . I've been replaced!

Halloween at the neighbors ~

Street View

I promised > here < I would take a few more shots of our neighbors up the street and their very cool Halloween cemetery in their front yard! It's much better in person and at night but I wanted you to see it clearly as I have issues with "night" shots!

Every year, this neighbor goes all out . . .  it's alot of fun and I look forward to seeing what new items have been added each Halloween . . . my favorite . . . the "Rigor Mortgage" Sign!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!