Merry Christmas

Christmas project, originally uploaded by Az~Kate.

A watercolor portrait I painted as a Christmas gift for some dear friends. We had a wonderful busy Christmas eve and Christmas day with family. We are very blessed.

Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done,
In sending His belovèd Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas Day;
In Bethlehem upon the morn
There was a blest Messiah born.

~from The Wexford Carol

Here are some of the other Christmas crafts I've done this year (most of my free time has gone to finding and trying gluten free recipes to replace our traditional favorites, which I'm happy to report I was fairly successful at accomplishing... been an interesting and challenging battle to get a grip on our son's gluten intolerant diagnosis.  I've learned a lot and am frustrated with the lack of  knowledge within the 'standard' medical practitioners... who missed the signs along the way.  I am hoping that we'll get more clarity with some genetic testing and that we can find a doctor in our area to order the tests so our insurance will help pick up the tab!).  Still need to get my cards or newsletter out! ;)

Hand made book-marks...

Wooden angel ornaments with fluttering wings and feet for the grand-darlings...

And clay bisque ornaments for my son and his new bride... the figures have a slight resemblance to the real people; my son wears trendy frames like the snow man, his black formal skinny tie, and blushes easily (notice the 'kiss' from his bride on snow man's cheek.  ;)  His bride, our new daughter in love, is known for her big beautiful 'cheesy' grin and long luscious locks (recently a portion of which were donated to 'locks of love').  This is the first Christmas we've not spent with one of our 3 sons... a little bittersweet for mom.