Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Tree trimmings












Well I love to decorate for Christmas, and I used to spend a long time making everything perfect. Kids have a way of changing that, I no longer put the things that are special to me where little hand can reach. This year with all the stress and family stuff I only put up half of my crap.

When Brian and I where first married we would always buy a real tree, I loved doing this because growing up we never did real trees for Christmas. But then Brian didn't enjoy going from tree lot to tree lot to get just the right one like I did. So now we do the fake thing, I love it. I miss the smell of the real tree but not the hasel.
Brian's involvement over the years is down only to bringing the beast up from storage and getting the tree stand sturdy. That's it and that's all he likes to do or will do, then he politely excuses himself.

This year I had my mom here and I put her to work and I have to say that when you have help it goes so fast. I will usually put the tree together while the girls sleep and then let them help decorate, but this year they wanted to help. It turned out pretty good, the girls had a good time.

Evey year I get the girls a new Christmas ornament. We like to go to a store called the Christmas village at Gardner Village. I want to make this a tradition, the village has about sixty elves statues all around the shops. When the girls get older I thought it would be fun to do lunch and then walk the shops. but for now we go in and go. Olivia had a really hard time picking the ornament that was just right for her, Gracelyn on the other hand was done in minutes and both ornament fit the girls perfect. When they get married I will box up their special ornaments so they can put them on their own trees, just like my mom did for me. It is one of the special gifts that my mom gave me. Every year when I get them out the memories come flooding back and I love it

I hope you all have a fun holiday trimming your tree.

22 comments:

corrie said...

Beautiful. I have one ornament from when I was little. I love it. A little mouse in a stocking with my name on it. You have the beginnings of a fun tradition for your girls.
Merry Christmas!

gigi said...

I love the idea of getting yearly special ornaments! Such great memeories are made. Your tree is beautiful, Emma. I love the picture of Wendy and your girls :)

Kristin said...

So fun...I just wish we could keep it up longer...like til February. The house always feels empty when it's time to take it down.
And...I pretty much get mad every time I see a picture of you in a hat. You look SO cute in hats, and I don't!

Melinda said...

I love your tradition! I will have to start doing that, I think it will be one of your girls favorite memories!

H.K. said...

I love your christmas tree and that is so great that your mom is there to help you out - tell her I said Hi!

cally said...

Your tree is beautiful. I don't have any old ornaments...I wish I did. Our kids pick one each year, too. So far, Kacie has picked a cupcake, a doughnut, and this year a lollipop. Hmmm...

mCat said...

I like the tradition with the ornaments. I might have to start that with Sissy!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Beautiful tree Emma. I'm glad you put your mom to work getting the tree up.
Hope you and your family are doing well. It was greT to be able to meet you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Missy said...

Your tree is beautiful!
Trimming our tree was "eventful." LOL
Your family continues to be in my prayers.

wendy said...

Oh Christmas tree Oh Christmas tree....
ha ha, I still remember Brian sittiing there flipping me off. so funny.
You should go to the Christmas store, and find an ornament or something to hang for Matt.....and it can go up every year as well.

Barry said...

Hey Emma!
your tree looks great and you truly do have a wonderful family.I look foreward to the day that mom and i can join you all once in a while.

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

Such a darling tree & such a darling family.

Warmly, Michelle

Ann Marie said...

Love your tree!
Love your tradition!

Connie said...

Such a beautiful tree! Love the ornaments and the tradition of getting a new one each year. It's good that your mom was able to stay with you and your family. Good thing you put her to work!

Cute picture of her with your darling girls.
It was so nice to meet you at the viewing.
Have a Merry Christmas, Emma.

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

I love love love Garnder Village during this time... I'll have to check out the store where you get your ornaments. BTW... you and your mom are gorgeous!

Becky Wallace said...

Your tree looks great! Want to come do mine? Miss you!

CB said...

OK is your husband flipping me off? Ha Ha
Your tree looks gorgeous! We went with the artificial a few years ago and it is so much less mess. Nice.
I know this Christmas was an emotional one but I hope that you and your little family had a good one celebrating together.

gigi said...

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AS Amber said...

Such a fun tradition! My sister does the same thing with the ornaments every year. Only she picks them out. Her kids are older now. One's married. One graduated last year. I asked her last week when she'll give her kids their ornaments and she said they can have them when she dies. It'll give them something to look forward to: Going through the ornaments and remembering every year they represent.

I'm so proud of you and your mom. You've done so incredibly well since Matt died. I honestly envy your strength. I've done nothing but wallow in self-pity since my dad died.

You're such a beautiful person! Inside and out. I bet you're someone people are lining up for to be your best friend.

Love ya, girl!

CANADIAN AMERICAN FAMILY said...

Cute cute kids! When I got married my husbands mom gave me a box with all his childhood ornaments and I loved it so now I do it for my kids too! Sorry to hear about your brother passing...I had a sister that passed away too and its a hard thing to have to go through. Hang in there..it gets a little easier every day.

H.K. said...

I miss seeing you blog, what's up with you lately? You must be really busy!

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