Decorating the Tree

It's that time of year again. I love the traditions of the holidays. I think traditions are important. I love the lights and the tree and the smell and the music. I love seeing my kids' eyes light up when the decorations come out that remind them of past Christmas's. I love seeing them treat each other nicely and respectfully (because, let me tell you, sometimes those times are few and far between.) We want our boys to think about Christ when they think about Christmas at our home. There's so much Santa in their lives. We want them to focus in on the REASON Jesus was born. Yes, it's great to celebrate his birth, but it would have accomplished nothing if He hadn't died 33 years later. THAT'S why we celebrate.

Our Lord's life meant nothing without His death. It was His death and resurrection from the grave that conquered sin and death. We spend much of our time on that.




I do love the time we get with them. I want them to see Jesus in us in our everyday lives, not just the times we talk about what we believe.













I love this picture of them. Ben is the most amazing father I could ask for for them. He's patient and kind and slow to anger. He walks them thru the things that boys should know, but don't unless their dad's take the time. He lets them make mistakes, but is always there to show them how to fix it and do better next time without condemnation or judgement.

They are beautiful. They love their families and each other. They have shown me the resilience of the human spirit. They have taught me how to be unselfish (although it's not something that comes easy to me, and I have to work hard at it.)

I love this man. Thank you Lord for his heart.

My boy. Getting too cool to hug me or kiss me in public, but loves me none the less. He's a wonderful young man. I can't believe he's going to hit double digits on his next birthday.

We get them both a new ornament every year. Ben and I each get each other one, too. It's a special thing to see them get excited about their first presents of the year.

Last year I found a story about the different symbols of Christmas and what they mean. (things like the star, wreath, tree, bells, candles and lights, candy cane, color red, santa)

I spent a lot of time finding ornaments of each one. I made drawstring bags and found a

beautiful box to put them in and tied an explanation for each to them. After the rest of the decorations are on the tree we spend some time going thru them one by one and the boys took turns this year reading the cards. It was Aidan's first year being able to read and he was so excited about it.

Here I am doing what I do best as a mom, supervising the chaos.

The finished product. It may not look like a store display, but it has almost 30 years worth of memories for me and my boys put them all on. We kept telling them to spread out the decorations, but they kept going back to the same place. Ben spent some time reorganizing the placement. Not all of the ornaments can fit in a 3'x3' spot on the tree.

I set the timer and took a picture of all of us after everything was said and done. I love my family so much and I can't believe how lucky I am. They are so amazing, my men. What a blessed woman I am.