O Christmas Tree

Every year I have grand expectations for the evening we put up our Christmas tree.  We'll listen to carols, reminisce about Christmases gone by, calmly and orderly hang our ornaments, and enjoy family time together.

But reality is each year goes pretty much like this:

Argument over which Christmas music we listen too.  That's too old fashioned, that's too cheesy, that's too secular.  It's too loud.  It's too quiet.

We're committed fake tree-ers and every year there is whining about having to 'fluff' up the branches of spikey, pokey branches.

Ornaments are broken and I don't have the right tools to fix them.

EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. we put the lights on and half of them are dead.  You think we'd have the foresight to buy new lights before we decorate the tree.  Nope.

Last but not least, an argument ensues over who put the star on top last year and whose turn it is this year.

Here is our tree in all it's half lit glory.  We did get new lights and it's been shining brightly ever since.

Love this crazy crew even amidst all our imperfections!

Aaron:10

My not-so-little boy turned 10 this week.  It's been so fun to watch our son grow up. As a baby he was very happy and easy to please and he's still that way.  Aaron reminds me a lot of Steve and I think that's maybe why I like him so much!

One of my favorite things about Aaron is how conscientious he is.  He's very aware of those around him and how his actions affect others.  He's quick to apologize, would give you the shirt off his back, and he thanks me for everything from pouring his cereal or taking him to the grocery store with me.  I love that Aaron cares about right and wrong and loves others.  He remembers everyone's name and how they're connected to others that he knows.  If he meets you once you're his friend.  Aaron is tender but tough, loves to laugh and is such a good kid.  We are so happy he is ours!!!

Happy birthday, Aaron Jeffrey, we love you so much!!

                                                                                                         

Babysitting Adventure

We got to babysit our nephew for the first time this week.  He is certainly loved by all!!

Josiah: 5

It's hard to express all that adding Josiah into the mix of our family has changed things.  He fulfills his 'little brother' role quite well.  He is loved and adored by all.  The kids fight over his affections, he never wants to be alone, and he loves loves loves his family.  He's smart, observant, and funny.  His current obsession is with Legos.  He literally plays with them all day long and in my language...spews his Lego vomit all over the house.  Wherever he goes there is a massive lego trail.

It's sweet to me that Josiah's preferences and opinions are regularly based on what Aaron and Greta do.  His priority is making sure that he's doing what Aaron and Greta are doing. He is disoriented when they are gone and does not like to be by himself.  I'm grateful that they both like to help take care of him!!

Josiah, we love you so much.  Happy 5th birthday, Buddy!!!