A Gift From Heaven, and Mom's Little Christmas Trees

The newest member of our family was born yesterday! Iain Michael Alcazar, son of my only nephew Sean Alcazar and his wife (and fellow bloggette) Beth, came into this world at a big ole 8 pounds 13 oz. And guess what--little Iain has two dimples decorating his cheeks. The only person in the family with dimples was Mom. We know they're her gift from Heaven to her very first great-grandchild.

Over the years, Mom would get crafty for the holidays and make little decorated trees.   During the last years of her life she had arthritis so bad that she could hardly pick up a utensil so it's a little  hard to imagine her doing all this intricate work.  Mom did alot of things in pain, though.  She was a tough cookie, that Marian Jean.

 

I especially like the little netting pouf at the top.  She glued little things all over, along with crocheting a few of the ornaments.

Then she really went nuts with the crocheting.  Amazing!

Mom used to vacation at the beach with her long-time beau, George S.  She collected a bunch of little shells one year and glued them all over a pinecone from her farm.  This is kept under a glass dome but it was easier to photograph without the dome.  I think it's just precious.

This effort included lots of little pink bows, crocheted ornaments, gems, and other tiny decorations.  This time she glued the dome to the base (a heart-shaped piece of wood) and then added lace and pearls.  A masterpiece.

Mom was here last Christmas but it wasn't a good time for any of us--the Alzheimer's had gotten quite bad and when we went to Cousin Gwen's on the 25th Mom was argumentative, angry and pretty much out of it.  She passed away a month later.

On a MUCH more positive note, my father (also named George!) is doing well even though he goes through dialysis three times a week and has been in and out of the hospital for the last millenium (well, it seems that long).  He has an incredibly positive outlook on life and we know that's what is keeping him going.

Keep it up, Dad!