Getting Into The Spirit

We don't like to waste any time - Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, we went out to find a tree. Oh wait, I lied... I wanted to but I don't think we did until Saturday. Anyway.... we headed out to a nearby lot and we weren't pleased!!!!! So we went home, did naps, and went back out. Again, SO not pleased!!! We go early every year and we haven't had this problem, so I didn't get it. But now it was dark and late and we gave up. For the time being...

Yes, Jackson has to line EVERYTHING UP these days.

Because we couldn't go get a tree Sunday, we decided to begin decorating the house instead. Andi waited while I switched the laundry and once done, we headed out to join the boys.

See that strand of lights Ryan is playing with - yes it is now broken. A bulb was stepped on and crushed - and no, it wasn't Ryan, it was ME! Ahhh

How do you keep three kids out of the street = PICNIC TIME!

"Ugh Dad, let me get it!"

Once it got dark and cold, Jackson and Andrew were the only ones left to finish the lights.

I need to get a picture of the entire house, but you see what we went with. I am a fan of the straight, clear bulbs. I can't stand icicles, unless they are done perfectly on the perfect house, but really, no. But I do wish we had lawn stuff - the day after Christmas this year I am SO hitting the sales!

Once dark - yeah what, 5pm, we worked on the inside. We are still missing some stuff, so we did what we could.

MONDAY.... off to get another tree. Before that, while waiting for my parents and for Andrew to get into town, I ran to Walmart for some things. Lo and Behold... BEAUTIFUL, cheap CHRISTMAS TREES! So I called them all and told me to meet us there. The best part about it was the adorable old man helping us!

"TaDA!" Jackson was pleased!

We took SO many shavings, I don't know what you call them, branches, anyway... so Andrew can make some wreaths. Usually he uses what we cut off our tree, but this was way cool, free, and easy -so we went with it.

The tree has stood bare for one week because Andrew was waiting for it to fall open. It's still pretty uptight, but I love it. It smells incredible. So yesterday we took out the decorations and dressed the tree - but because of that ruined strand of lights, our tree does not yet shine.

And lastly, what does this have to do with the Spirit of Christmas - well spending quality time with loved ones of course....

Thanksgiving

It was a beautiful morning and a great day for a football game. I took the kids and met Andrew at the park so we could "watch" the Turkey Bowl. Ok, I really didn't see much of it, but it was a great time to hang out with friends and to let the kids run around a play before we strapped them in for a day of driving.

These two are so stinken' cute together - I love how they light up when they see one another. Elijah is growing so fast and he will soon leave Andi in the dust, I just know it.

For whatever reason, Jackson was the king of the rocks that morning.

Apparently my dad can't make up his mind on how old he is - he's too old for a rough game, too young for a boring game = so Ryan entertained him the entire morning; and yes, Jackson photographed it.

After the park, we headed to Rob and Sharon's for our first turkey meal. It was beautiful and relaxing. Andi was very pleased with the cream cheese and celery. BUT we were so sad Sharon wasn't up for playing - poor thing was so sick, and yet she still opened up her home.

After Rob and Sharon's we headed to Acton for Thanksgiving at Tori's. Tori, Chris, Jill & Ben have a planning meeting and everything - and it so shows. People often comment on how T-dinner must get old when you have it twice in one day. But really, there's no comparison. The dishes are so very different it's way cool to see what you can do with common foods.
But here's the sad part - I had left my camera in Riverside. LEFT IT! Can you imagine how I felt :( So this part of our day was not photographed but I so wish I captured the centerpieces and chefs. I'll double up next year!
With that all said - WHAT A YEAR. Every night as I kneel to pray, I am dumbfounded by all my blessings. I just can't believe how many little things can make life so wonderful. Without those little things, I have no doubt we would dwell on the big stresses of our life. But really, how could we complain? We are surrounded by love and through that love we are shown just how much God loves us. Life is good!