It's "almost" the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I've been craving some Christmas cheer in every way, so I made the decision to put up our tree the week before Thanksgiving :). We also finally made the decision to go with a bigger tree this year instead of our little 4 foot beauty. It was a hard decision because that little tree means so much to me. It was our first big purchase as a couple and I remember what a big deal it was. We didn't have $99 to spend, but it was on sale and our poor potted fern could only be used as a makeshift tree so many times.... Plus we were living in North Carolina and REALLY missing family. We needed that tree, and it was on sale ;). So every year as I pulled it out of the box, the flood of wonderful memories that came with it made me so happy. We were out on our own in a foreign state for the first time and we were pregnant with our first baby. I had made that little apartment so cozy and our first tree just perfected the warm spirit in our home.

Now, that first baby is four years old and we have many wonderful memories underneath that little tree. But it was time for an upgrade. However, I couldn't bear to not put our little tree up again this year, so we put it in our bedroom and the kids were more than happy to have two trees to decorate! Grandma Helm just happened to have a tree she was wanting to get rid of since she is getting older now and can't put it up and take it down by herself anymore. So we happily obliged :). Half the lights were burned out and I wasn't too fond of the multicolored lights anyway, so the kids and I climbed in the car and off to the store for some Christmas lights and decorations because now we had TWO trees to beautify!

While we were at the store looking for the perfect tree decor for our home, we also stopped in the toy section so Austin could pick out a toy for the little foster care boy we are buying presents for at Safe Haven. Our ward set out a Christmas tree in the foyer of the church and each ornament had an orphan child who was in need of gifts this year. It was the perfect opportunity to teach Austin about the true spirit of Christmas. The reason for the season. He was in awe that there could possibly be kids out there who didn't have a home or parents who loved them and he took his job of finding this little boy the "perfect truck" very seriously. Because of course he would want a truck (hehe). We also got him a warm comfy blanket to keep him warm on Christmas night and the rest of the day Austin was obsessed with writing this child Christmas cards to help him feel loved and happy on Christmas day :). It warmed my heart to see my sweet boy so worried about this child he has never met. It was a special experience and I made sure to let him know how happy it made Jesus to see him caring for, and serving others.

We went home and I got our tree all strung with pretty lights while we waited for Daddy to come home from work. Once Dad walked through the door it was decorating time!! We put on some holiday music and the fireplace channel on our TV (someday we will have a real yule log to light), and spent the evening making beautiful memories. It made me smile to see Austin being so meticulous about the placement of his ornaments. He really wanted it to look just right. And as for Evie, she had gathered up all the candy canes and was making sure they each had a friend in the cluttered section of tree she could reach (hehe). It was so cute because she really WAS trying so hard! You can always tell because she won't crack a smile or even look up from her serious business :). Both kids did a great job while Mom and Dad quietly walked behind them and spread out their beautiful arrangements ;).

He was so happy! There's nothing like having kids to make the holidays extra special :).

Just look at all those candy canes hehe!

I normally judge people who put up their tree too early because it totally skips Thanksgiving, but this year I understood it. With all the negativity in our extended family, country, and world this year, I needed to see that pretty tree all lit up and feel the warmth and love of Christ that it brings. Not to mention the beautiful calm to adds to my morning yoga hour :).