This is the top of our tree! This stuffed dalmation puppy dog was given to Carmelinda by DeLynn when she was being homeschooled for kindergarten. It was her reward after learning some Bible verses that were assigned to her.
Of course, we have to have a Penn State Ornament and Ohio State Ornament! DeLynn and I love to tease each other about these rival football teams! Of course, I think DeLynn should be an Ohio State fan since he lived in Ohio last, but he's stuck to his Penn State team!
We also have a special ornament of a picture of my mother hanging on our tree. Christmas isn't the same without her. I remember eating her wonderful German Stollen bread. We also had the tradition of making Gingerbread Christmas cookies together as a family. It's been six and half years since we've had her in our lives. I miss her very much, especially over the holidays. Merry Christmas, Mom!
My 40th birthday present from DeLynn was such a suprise. I never imagined recieving a VW Bug for my birthday! But this past year I lost her. She died a sad death. It was painful to see her burn up in front of my eyes. I miss riding around Costa Rica with her!
Our first Christmas with Carmelinda was SO special. She was six months old and SO cute! I remember thinking a lot about Mary and how special it must have felt to be holding baby Jesus and caring for him. For the first time, I felt like I could understand a little more how she felt. I cherish the special memories I have caring for Carmelinda as a baby.
And now, 13 years later, we have another baby in our home, Dylan. It's fun having a baby in the house and we'll enjoy spending Christmas with him. He's a special little boy and I'm certain God has a special plan for his life.
Carmelinda's middle name is JOY. This word fits her so well. Her life has brought us so much joy. But we've seen that not only has she brought us joy, but others have enjoyed her joy, as well. Before we left for Costa Rica, someone prayed over her saying, "I see a light and the light just keeps getting brighter and brighter." We've seen that unfolding in Carmelinda's life and we can't wait to see what God does with the JOY that is inside of her!
This is an ornament my friend, Laura, made and gave me. I love it because it symbolizes what Christmas is all about. Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I'm SO grateful he would have come to this earth JUST for me!
So these are just a few of my favorite ornaments that mean so much to me! I hope you enjoy looking at them like I do! Merry Christmas!
