Steps to decoracting a tree

Step 1: Get the tree in from outside, put in tree stand, let sit for 24-48 hours while kids ask about once an hour if the tree is ready to decorate!

Step 2: When the tree branches are finally all down and set, put on lights, while the kids ask if you're done yet and if they can add the decorations. (oh and don't forget to tie the tree to the wall and weight it down for when the cat decides to climb it :) )


Step3: Put the star on the tree. (Allison doesn't this remind you of when we went to the Boundary Waters and had to hang the rope in the tree for the food...my dad pushing us up the tree?)


Step 4: Pose in front of tree with lights and star.

Step 5: THE BEST STEP! Put all the decorations on the tree and remember all the years and the decorations you received and made!

Step 6: Enjoy the tree....

The HUNT.....

Growing up, we went out in the woods and would look at all the trees (typically the tops of them because they were large) and searched until we found the perfect "Charlie Brown" tree. I love live trees. I love the smell of them the feeling of them and the feeling of growing up. When we first got married, we went to "Home Depot" and got a tree there. Well the last several years we found a tree farm (in a parking lot by the Sports complex ;) So...we went on a hunt...the perfect tree hunt...and what do you know....WE FOUND IT!

Holidazzle Parade

I love the Holidazzle parade (the parade of Christmas lights that goes down Nicollet Ave in downtown Minneapolis). I LOVE dressing really warm, bringing blankets, getting coffee and freezing while waiting for the parade to start and then while watching it. Last year we missed it. This year I wanted to make sure we got to go. Last Friday we got to go and I was so happy. We got a good seat, the line for coffee was perfect (always a perk ;)) and the lights were Christmasy! :) The kids loved it. Every time another float came Sydney would jump up and down and say, "Another is coming," like she just got to open a new present. What a great night together and what a way to get into the Christmas spirit.

I love the look Sydney is giving ;)

DRAMA

Tonight Jordan wanted to use a metal Christmas tree that we have during spelling to put one of the magnetic bulbs on the tree every time he spelled a word. Unfortunately he was being so distractible Arlie decided that wouldn't be a good idea. Jordan, however, wasn't happy with that decision.

He went on and on about "Why is it always me? It's always me that you say "no" to? It's always me." Arlie asked him what else we've said "no" to that he's so upset about. With out taking a breathe he said, "Well then, after I do spelling can we go to Camp Snoopy?" Which of course we replied with a "no" while stifling laughter. So my son being the dramatic child that he is immediately went to mad again, "See I told you. You always tell me no". I was practically doubled over with laughter. The drama that boy is! He kept saying, "It's rediculous that a boy can't fun with a tree during spelling."

Man was it funny...at least to me ;)

Things I love to hear

My parent had a paper punch out Nativity. The kids punched it out and we helped put it together. After a bit of it was done, I heard the kids having a conversation.

Sydney: "Hi, I'm Mary and this is my baby Jesus."
Jordan: "Hi, I'm an Autobot (a transformer)."
Sydney: " I'm Mary, autobot, let's play"

And then the proceeded to play together...Mary, Jesus and a Transformer ;)

I love those kids of mine!

New things...

My boy got something new!

He looks too old :( But sure is handsome!

Mad Skills

Thanksgiving was such an incredibly relaxing weekend for us! We went up to my parents house in Grand Rapids and enjoyed 4 days of pure relaxation, family time and NO stress! It was WONDERFUL! On Thanksgiving day I was talking with Jordan who loves to hula hoop. Grandma has a great hula hoop and we decided to have a contest. I talk with Arlie (who claimed he was "amazing" in elementary school), my mom (who said she does it at the gym she works out in), dad and Jordan and we all decided to do it. The hula hoop was too big for Sydney so she couldn't do it...but she did try.

The Rules: We each got two tries. Time started when we first start the hula hoop and stops as soon as it drops. We can do consecutive tries or let others go and then go again. Jordan started. His first time was over 2 minutes. I was IMPRESSED! Then mom went...she got 1 min. 40 sec. I went next and got 1 min 14 sec. Arlie went next and got over 3 minutes (INCREDIBLE). Dad's hula hoop record was 3 seconds ;) So we all went again. Jordan's second time was over 6 minutes. That's right 6 minutes. That boy has got some skills! Mom made it over 2 minutes...the people in my family can hula hoop...that is, except for me :) I still only make it like 1 minute 38 sec or something silly like that. Jordan had the record...an impressive one at that. Then came Arlie.....who hula hooped and hula hooped and then hula hooped some more for over 15 minutes. I didn't even know it was possible. Can you believe it? over 15 minutes. He was most definately our winner :)

FYI: Jordan tried again the next day and hula hooped for over 10 minutes. Mad skills I tell you!