My Favorite Ornaments, 2009 Edition

The other day BFF Chrissy said she was making a list of her favorite ornaments and I thought, "Hmmmm, that sounds like a great idea and I've got the perfect place to share what mine are." So today's post is all about my 8 most favorite ornaments on the tree. Some are obvious, others weird, some may make you say huh?, but these are the ornaments I love to put out every year (or in the future, since 1 is new this year). Anyway, enjoy my ornaments tour of 2009...

1-
I, along with the help of BFF's Michelle and Chrissy, made these ornaments back in 2007 to remember Jackson. It was our gift to everyone that year. They each come in a nice little box with a card that says as you place the ornament on your tree please take a minute to remember Jackson and his battle with SMA. The ribbon says Jackson Cole Hedgepeth on one side and Forever in our Hearts on the other. Believe it or not, I still have about 20 left, so if you would like one please let me know.

2-
This ornament is new this year, but it goes all the way up to spot number 2. This was given to me from BFF Chrissy (gosh, three credits already?!) for my birthday this year. It's absolutely perfect. I cried when I saw that Jackson was the star. It is just perfect!


3-
This isn't an "ornament" really, but he does go in/on the tree, so he counts. This is a Christmas Memory Bear that a coworker gave to me. He wears a locket and I had it engraved with Jackson's name, birthday and the day he passed away. It also came with a precious poem. I think it is another great way to remember our Angel Boy!


4-
An ornament not about Jackson...but very special to me. This is mine and Joseph's "Our First Christmas" ornament. It's just so cute. Who would have ever thought when we got married over 6 years ago we would begin such a journey?! I could not imagine having anyone else by my side!


5-
This ornaments goes way back to my childhood. I know I bought this ornament when I was in elementary school. It's some kind of animal that squeaks. You can't really tell what it is because some animal (probably Barkley, vicious dog) attacked him. This was one ornament that I had to take with me from my Mom's...


6-
Two words sum up this next ornament...GROUP CRUISE! In 2005 we took a week long cruise with 14 of our friends and had the time of our life. For Christmas that year I gave everyone these ornaments, including myself! They say "Carolina Cruisers" which was our name in challenges, trivia, whatever game we happened to find on board. Since this trip Joseph and I have not been able to go on another "group" vacation, but this one will always be on the list of greatest memories EVER!


7-
What favorite ornament list is not complete with supporting the home team?! This is my Carolina Panthers ornament, Santa included. I have several Panther ornaments, but this is my favorite.
Go Panthers!



8-
And rounding out the list is an ornament that represents two of my favorite things in life...South Carolina and flip flops! I know I was born in upstate NY, but my life is now in SC, I've got the tattoo to prove it (but don't tell anyone). And any true Carolina girl is a fan of the flip flops, though you must have a fresh pedicure, which I don't have at the moment. Flip flops will be making their way back into my life rather soon because they are so comfy and much easier then any other shoe...

And that is it for my "Favorite Ornaments 2009" tour. I bet next year will include some new ornaments, think of all the super cute "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments there are, times 3! I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my favs, do you have any favorite ornaments? I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a very safe, Happy New Year. 2010 is going to be an unforgettable year, I hope you join us. As always, please Remember Jackson!