Christmas Tree 2012

This year, we decided to do a new style on the tree - all white and gold and silver. I really like the way it looks. It is a little different without all the kids' homemade ornaments from throughout the years, but I am enjoying the change.

Our tradition for many years has been to put the tree up and decorate it on the weekend after Thanksgiving. It was a special blessing this year to have all three of my children help decorate it. I am sure that now that they are adults, it will be unusual to have them all home to decorate the tree together. For that I am truly thankful.

A Light in the Darkness

Christmas is coming. Jesus said that He is the Light of the world. It is amazing how much even a small light brightens the darkness. Dow Gardens is beautiful this time of year.

The gardens are beautiful at night with all the Christmas lights.

It is so beautiful to walk in the snow along the beautiful paths that are lined with lights and singing of Christmas carols by local groups. It is so peaceful and calming - something that we all need this time of year.

Putting Up the Tree

Our annual tradition is to put the Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and this year was no different. I was blessed to have all three children here and Ron and Jess graciously put together the artificial tree. My camera seems to have gone on the blink so most of my pictures are blurry. But it is what it is. Each child has their own box of special ornaments along with the standard ornaments that we have collected over the years. Christmas carols were playing, and Jess insisted on retrieving the remainder of our ornaments and trim from the attic - so everyone was happy.

The final product - well, almost. Kate still has to add her ornaments. She was too busy with school to help decorate. But she was sitting nearby doing her homework.

An Easter Tradition - Pink Saturday

This year we are anticipating our annual Easter tradition where we gather with our close friends for food, fun and hunting eggs. The best part is that the adult men are "forced" to donn pink Easter hats to go out and hide the Easter eggs for the annual hunt. They are always good sports and we all get a few laughs at their expense. But it is just a genuine good time where even the adults get involved in the festivities. The day comes to a close with the Easter story told via the Resurrection eggs. Here are some photos from last year's gathering.

After the oldest kids get the plastic eggs filled with candy, the dads and friends donn the Easter hats and head outside to hide the eggs.  Meanwhile the children are anxiously waiting inside for the go-ahead to be allowed outside to begin the hunt. Once the eggs are hidden, everyone gets into the act - young and old, looking for the eggs.

And the day is topped off by delicious food, fun and games.

Please head over to Beverly's place at How Sweet the Sound to check out other Pink Saturday posts.

Christmas Traditions - Pink Saturday

This week Miss Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound has asked us to share a favorite Christmas tradition. One of our favorite traditions is to read aloud The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.

This started many years ago, but it always makes us think about the true meaning of Christmas and just how fresh the story looks to new eyes that haven't ever heard the story. To many of us the story becomes old hat, but the story of the Herdmans and their invasion of a local Christmas pageant always gives the story of Jesus as a newborn baby a fresh look. This year was extra special because our local theater group put on the play and some of my favorite people were in it. I laughed so hard my face hurt and I thought my ribs would break. They truly did a fabulous job with the play.

"The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

None of the Herdmans have ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale (the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating) has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year's pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever."

 

My best friend, Brenda, playing the role of Mrs. Armstrong. She was hilarious!

The final scene of the Christmas Pageant, the crowd is quiet as they watch the Herdmans, who are in total awe of the story and the newborn king.   If you have never had the opportunity to read this story, I encourage you to try it this year. It is one of our family's favorites.

Another thing we like to do as a family is watch It's a Wonderful Life. I imagine there are many out there who watch this wonderful story which helps us to realize that we touch many, many lives and the world is a better place, just because each of us is in it.