These are a few of my favorite things...

Last night, I decorated our Christmas tree. It's not Norm's thing, but he did put the tree up, and offered to help with the lights. (And, he "ooohed" and "aaahhhed" at all the right times!)

Among our boxes of Christmas decorations, I was able to take a short walk down Memory Lane. Thought I'd take you along with me, and share a few of my favorite things....

When I'm traveling and having a great time, I like to bring back tchotchkes as a reminder. Most of the time, I like to find inexpensive key rings and take off the ring part, and turn it into a Christmas ornament. The best are from my family, friends and travels.


One of my treasured memories--a cruise to Mexico with my sister, Donna--where I picked up this little sandal key chain.



This miniature Nativity set I picked up at Feria Artesanal de la Recoleta when Shelby and I went to Buenos Aires.



This pear was part of the wrapping of a gift from my sister Julie, years ago. This is particularly special to me because she has chosen to distance herself from some of our family, and it is the only time I allow myself to "go there." It really is sad. She is missed.



The first Christmas Norm and I were together, he gave me these Hallmark "kissy bears" that have magnets in their lips. I wuv them!!

This is one of a set of four Waterford ornaments Shelby searched Ireland high and low for me. (They had to be purchased in Ireland--they could not be purchased online. That she had to hunt them down for me, makes 'em all the more special!)







Little wooden shoes from Holland.









Eiffel Tower--formerly a key chain.














Shell star from (fill in the name of any Caribbean island, I forget...)










Diving Santa from Grand Cayman island.









These little stuffed animals are from Mela, an amazing Indian restaurant in Central London. It was my first time in London, and Norm and I ordered all kinds of food and drink--it was also my first time eating Indian food, and I had the best time with his (now our) London friend, Danny.

Anyone that knew my Mom, knows the significance of this ornament from my oldest daughter, Jennifer. Long before she got sick and died, my Mom made Raggedy Anns and Andys for the children in our family--she made a lot of them!

My Baby Boy, Chase made this "paper mache" ornament for me in elementary school. My "Baby Boy" is now in college!

A new favorite ornament--daughter Casey gave this to me a couple of weeks ago--just because! She said it was beautiful and it reminded her of me....awwwwww!!

My Christmas tree is full of so many memories for me--but, I'm careful to leave room for more! (There's always room for more!!)