Putting up Christmas

Grandma Hatch Ornaments Picture

PUTTING UP CHRISTMAS
So this didn't go as smoothly as it has in years past.  Kind of a bummer and hopefully it's just to keep us appreciating the years when it does go well.  We had had to put it off til Tuesday, which bummed a lot of us out.  Then it was a race against the clock to try to get as much done as we could before I had to leave for the RS dinner at 6:30.  We had several things get in the way and slow us down.  Unexpected extra kids to pick up and drop off from school.  Not knowing where we wanted to put the tree and messing around with some ideas with the living room.  Then Costco took a little longer than I thought it would.  Nate had to chop off the end and some branches which took way longer than planned.  And then finally deciding where we were going to put the tree for sure was another hang up!  By then it was time for me to go.  I knew I would need to hurry and not get as much chit chat in, but I had no idea what time the thing ended!  I didn't get home until 8:45!  The kids convinced me that we needed to do it tonight still, so we did!  I wish it hadn't been so chaotic.  I wanted more time, I needed to know where the hooks were.  The flash on the camera was only going off on some pictures!  I wasn't even getting as many pictures as I wanted!  Ugh.  It really wasn't too bad, but when I have such high expectations for the evening.... anyway.  I love that the kids were having a great time and I was reminiscing.  So many memories come flooding back when you crack open the boxes of ornaments!  It's so cool.  THAT'S what I love about Christmas!  The memories.  I hope we are making good ones for my kids and that they will be happy when they remember their childhood Christmases.  I did get pictures, I will post those later.12-1-15

Jack really loved our big Nutcracker when we were putting up the decorations that day, so I knew he would get a kick out of this little one.  Sure enough :).  I let him put it on the tree.

We have a tradition that we let everyone put on their OWN ornaments.  The older kids have accumulated quite a few of course, over the years with school projects and such, so they have lots to put on, but the little guys... we improvised a little this year since Jack was so excited about it all, but I think we're going to have to get the younger ones some more of their own :).  We did find this one of Jacques from Cinderella that my family had growing up.  Since that's French for Jack, it's now his :).  

Luke was telling me about a paper he had to write at school about his family's Christmas traditions and boy was it fun to hear all the things that Luke appreciates as family traditions.  He mentioned putting up the tree together and how everyone puts on their own ornaments.  He really does take this all very seriously.  It's fun to see the look of pride on his face when he looks at one of the ones he made himself.  He also listed Temple Square lights, Christmas Street, Christmas Eve at Grandpa's house, Jammies on Christmas Eve...  I can't remember the rest.  But how cool.  It's funny what is important to Luke.  Not one of them involved food or candy.  Cute kid.

I am really loving the bond that is forming between Bradley and Molly.  You would never think that the 11 year old boy would be the one still anxious and asking to hold the new baby once the novelty has died off (mostly- not completely mind you) for everyone else.  I love it!  He will offer to hold her when I'm cooking, he changes her diaper, lets her sleep on him once he gets her to sleep. And she is totally content with him.  She calms right down in his arms.  I LOVE it!!  He loves being special to her too, I can tell.  

Kelly's year to do the angel.  I realized that the next time it's her turn she will be 20 years old!  How strange to think about.  I hope she's around to do it still :).  Should I be one of those moms that makes their kids come back to decorate the tree after they've moved out and on with their lives... I think I will :).  Maybe that's when we'll do our Christmas- then they can have the rest of the month to themselves and in-laws... I'm liking this idea... 

She thought she was tall enough to do it herself... silly Kelz.

The Holiday Specs.  What would Christmas be without them?