Christmas Tree Dreamz...

We like a live tree around these parts.  The smell, the mess, the irregularity of shape, all of it.  

Every year, we haul at least 80% of our family to a tree lot to pick out a real tree.  Every year strong opinions are given on the tree that should be Our Tree.  Every year, I make the final decision and it is 100% based on how long we've been standing around and how chilly it is.  I do not care.

Every year, I wrap the tree in lights.  I fight children off with my elbows and knees as they try to open ornament boxes before the tree is lit.  

Every year, I wrap each individual branch from trunk to tip in lights.  It looks amazing!  

Every year, I run out of lights about a third of the way up the tree and have to unwrap the whole tree and start over.  We always decorate the tree on a Sunday so going to the store for more lights is not an option.  So I have to relight the whole tree with fewer lights...it looks ok.

Every year, after poking my hand deep into a Christmas tree fifteen times, I remember that this tree has been living outside for its entire life.  AND spiders live outside...in trees and bushes...and I have to stop wrapping and give myself a positive pep talk.

Every year, Will hangs the star on the top of the tree.  Sometimes a little kid helps him, but mostly it is just Daddy.

Every year, an ornament breaks.

Every year, I rearrange ornaments to slightly more ideal locations.

We love our traditions. 

Here are some pictures of the kids greeting Daddy when he comes home.  The tree looks nice and we are keeping the tradition of jumping into Will's arms when he gets home.  

Every year, I wish for a picture window to display our Christmas tree in.  Every year, I am disappointed...except for this year!!!  Our new house has a lovely picture window that our neighbors can see our messy house through during other times of the year.  BUT at Christmas time, our neighbors get to see a kick-butt real tree, decorated to perfection!