Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

It's been a little while since my last post. A lot has happened in only one week. Looking at my previous posts I see how much I missed this past week without my camera.
Emma and I were so excited about the upcoming holidays we wanted to set the festive atmosphere in the house. The kids helped me get the tree and find the decorations. After the move to Colorado we packed everything up for our house and for Alice, we thought we'd lost our favorite collection of ornaments, but rediscovered them when we all moved to Texas.
We laughed so hard putting up the tree. Like a lot of people I know, we have an artificial tree. It really is easier and a lot less fuss when you have two cats who like to explore. Miles and Taylor went through the boxes of ornaments uncovering little bits and pieces of our family history. It was such a treat to remember "when," like opening a time capsule.
The boys found treasured memories from the Christmas before Emma was born. Ornaments from our friends and family, even hand painted Peanut's character ornaments Jamie's mom and dad made for him one year when he was a little baby.
This trip down memory lane is bitter-sweet. I think of family and friends I miss dearly. I remember little things like James, my father-in-law, how much he delighted in going with us to cut down a live Christmas tree. He loved to watch the children dress the tree or take them to see Santa at the local mall.
It wasn't too long a go I was the little girl pulling out the decorations, remembering when I made this little bell or that paper angel. Singing Christmas Carols with the family all bundled up outside neighbor's homes to share a bit of cheer.
As I plan for Thanksgiving and hurry into Christmas, I am reminded of the true meaning behind all of this is love. The love of family and dear friends and the love of our Savior. Many blessings to you all this holiday season.