tradition

This Christmas I had my heart set on a new tree.

I bought our aging Christmas tree 14 years ago.

It was our first fake- I was seriously sad. We had moved to Denver & decent live Christmas trees were over $100- ouch. We were used to cutting our own- down the street- in our little town near Seattle- for about $30.

That was it, we couldn't justify the money & went fake.

Now I'm used to it... but ready for a new & improved fake. Seriously- those new ones are amazing- already lit with lights- up in minutes. I told the kids about my new tree plan & all heck broke loose. I had no idea they were so attached!?

Jack, "that's the only tree I've ever known. I love that tree." The others shared the same sentiments.
So here they are- the men in my life- putting up our tree.

I am beyond amazed that we still have the instructions.

Our other Christmas tree tradition-

playing army men in the tree before the ornaments go up.

Last year chloe & trent got out the polly pockets & did the same.

Jack is disgusted now that trent wants to play with Polly Pockets in "the tree?"

I told him - he has been slacking in his brotherly duty. So he got out all the old army dudes he could find & here they are.

Each one has a story.

They look just like they used to when jack & brian were little.

Gees Now I'm crying- again-

Darn that jack -

he just finished applying for college last week.

I will miss him- but he will be back for Christmas- next year...

and hopefully now & then to do laundry.

Last year we missed the missionary,

this year we will miss megan,

next year the missionary will be home,

the next Jack will be gone.

Who knows when megan & tony will come back?

I hate this kid growing up thing.

I need to learn to live in the moment & forget about the rest.

Note to self: just enjoy Christmas 2008- stop worrying about anything else.

darn kids- it's hard not to get attached to them.