My favorite Christmas tree things

I love our Christmas tree. It's not fancy. There is no theme, and no dominant color. It looks different every year. The ornaments don't match ~ some of them are old, some are new. Some are fancy, some are paper. But almost every ornament holds a special memory. And if you are here when I am pulling the ornaments out of their storage boxes every year, you will probably hear me say, "Ohhh...I love this one ~ I think it's my favorite" over and over and over again...

this is the ornament that started it all...Doug brought it home for me after we bought our first tree together in 1991. it's a little romantic gesture that I will always remember.

i've always credited this ornament to my Aunt Jonna...but it might have been my Auntie Judy who made it. each year when I unwrap it I'm amazed that it's almost as old as I am!

my friend Micheline Scott made me the most amazing set of saltdough ornaments in 1989 (not all pieces are pictured). it was a lean year for her, but she wanted to give gifts to her friends. i don't know where she is today, but i think of her every Christmas when I hang this beautiful and unique set of ornaments on my tree.

I picked out these ornaments when Doug and I went to Cape Cod with Doug's folks after Doug graduated from Fordham in 1996. Even though we didn't spend much time in Plymouth, it seemed more appropriate to have pilgrims on our tree than a lobster.

Inga Bodine was the Homemaking Leader who lead me through the assembly of this beautiful battenburg lace angel. I doubt I could craft another, and this angel sits proudly near the top of our tree every year.

When we first moved to New York, I had a job in Connecticut for a financial holding company (that had lost all its holdings). The lobby Christmas tree was decidedly PINK that year, and the woman in charge of the storage unit decided she didn't want to put this collection back. There are 6 Santas and a cute rocking horse. Mr. & Mrs. Claus are always hung together.

The year that Doug and I moved into our own apartment in New York, I mentioned to my friend Tena Merckson that all of our ornaments (you know, all 4 of them) were in storage in California. She went through her own ornaments, and chose to give me more than enough to decorate our tree. This might be the only ornament left from her gift that year, but it reminds me of her generosity.

when I worked at The Baker Companies, I had the privilege of working with (and becoming friends with) Suki Schavoir. And each year she gave me a Christmas tree ornament. They are each beautiful and unique, and I can't think of my Christmas tree without thinking of Suki.

this is one of our newest additions...he and his "friends" are part of a collection that Alexis Leonard had when she was growing up. last year she decided that she would like to share them with our children ~ and it was so fun to see how excited the kids were when they opened them this year to hang on the tree. When we see these each year we'll feel like we're part of Alexis' family!

the kids get a new ornament every year...And one day, when they have Christmas trees of their own, they will get a box of ornaments so they can decorate with their own memories.

Christmas Day

Doug and I weren't sure how much sleep we'd get ~ after the 3am turn-in time we knew the morning would come fast. Laurel and Malcolm were the first to get up ~ 6am...though they held off coming into our room until 6:33am. Aubrey and Dana resisted the urge to wake us until 7:45. They were excited to see the big, new TV (from Mommy & Daddy), and that Santa brought them just what they asked for...Laurel ~ Harry Potter Box Set books; Malcolm ~ RipStick; Aubrey ~ Zhu Zhu Pet & an accessory; Dana ~ Musketeer Barbie.

The kids were surprised (almost) when they unwrapped an xBox 360. Finally, we are no longer the only family in the world without a gaming system. And Mommy and Daddy also managed to surprise each other with gifts ~ a Festivus Miracle!

The rest of the day is kind of a blur...we played, ate, relaxed, and generally had a beautiful Christmas together.

Christmas Eve traditions

Our family loves fun traditions. And our Christmas Eve tradition is to head to the Campbells to watch "A Christmas Story" and eat homemade Chinese food. After dinner this year we went to the Bakers and the kids put on a well-directed Nativity story. Laurel was Mary; Malcolm was the Innkeeper(s); Aubrey was the Angel; Dana was the donkey; Preston and Andrew shared the role of Joseph; and Joshua was a reluctant Shepherd. I liked this addition to the evening.

After we left the Bakers, we headed home so Daddy could warm up the truck while the kids changed into their Christmas jammies. And then we headed to Slurpee 11, and to look at Christmas lights in Maple Valley. Next year, we've decided that we want to hand out some awards...

The kids headed to bed, and then Doug and I went to work...and then we dragged Jason into the mess. That TV was hard to get up there! Good thing Jason's an expert cord runner! And good thing we finally made it to bed (about 3am) so Santa could come...

Woodland Park Zoo & the Fremont Bridge Troll

Doug and I both had the day off, and we had free passes for the Zoo, so we headed to Seattle. I think the Gorillas were our favorites, but the kids had fun running the paths, taking in new sites (and smells), and trying to stay warm on a sunny but chilly day.

After we left the Zoo, we took a detour and visited the Fremont Bridge Troll. My first reaction was "He's not as big as I thought he was." But after a few minutes I realized that he's one big dude. There were a lot of other people there, so we only spent a few minutes. The kids would like to go back again.

Strikers go to Slurpee 11

At the end of the season, Doug promised the Strikers a Slurpee ~ and he's a man of his word.

Nothin' like a gaggle of pre-teen girls all sugared-up. :)

Saturday Fun

The kids and I went to Grandma's & Uncle Scott's today for a little pre-Christmas party. We had some snacks, watched a few Christmas videos, and enjoyed looking at Grandma's fun Christmas decorations (and her "forest" of Christmas trees).


This is the nativity that my Dad brought back from Israel when he went there in 1980 (1981?). It's similar to the one we now have in our family, but the Wise Men are much fancier in the older set ~ and we have 2 camels!

We left there and went to McDonald's for Jacob's 6th birthday party...it was fun and Jen always makes the yummiest cupcakes. She says it's just a box cake and frosting-in-a-can, but oh-so-tasty!

After we got home, the girls and I ran over to the Lake Wilderness Golf Course where Northwest Harvest was collecting food. Santa was there and posed for a picture for us. We enjoyed looking at the lights on our way home.

Seattle...

I drive past this view every day on my way home from work. And the skies have been spectacular. I finally remembered to bring my camera, but unfortunately, I seem to have some dust or smudges on the lense. :( In any event, I'm glad I finally stopped and took the time to take these.

Seattle's starting to grow on me...

it SNOWED!

The kids were BURSTING with excitement today at church ~ and so was I...because it SNOWED! It wasn't a lot, but it was enough to shovel and play with.

I only got pictures of the girls ~ Aubrey and Dana (and Audrey, too)...but not the boys or Laurel. Hopefully there will be more snow at the house. Otherwise we'll be forced to hit the mountains!

the Ward Santa

Our two little believers sat with Santa at the Ward Christmas party tonight. Aubrey dictated a list to Laurel ~ it was long...and included (among other items) Zhu Zhu Pets, Fur Real Pets, and a request for a picture of Santa with Rudolph. Dana's request was short and succinct: a Musketeer Barbie.

Santa was kind enough to tell the girls that they were on the Good List, so they would get what they asked for! perhaps in the future, Santa might consider saying something like, "Well ~ you've certainly been good this year, so I'll do my best to see that you have a little something special in your stocking."

We love this Santa and his kind heart and booming voice!

Strikers Trophy Party

Tonight was the Strikers' Parents v. Kids game, and the trophy award ceremony. This year we went to Starfire Academy in Tukwila, and everyone had a great time!

As he awarded her with her largest trophy yet, Coach Patrick had some nice things to say about Laurel (I believe, "Keep your head UP!" was one of the reminders he gave her). And Coach Tori wrote her (and each of the other 17 Strikers) a personal note about her accomplishments during the season.

GO STRIKERS!!

oh Christmas tree!

The kids and I went out on this chilly, CHILLY night to pick out our Christmas tree. For the last several years, we've tried several varieties...Balsams, Frasers, and a Norway (I think). But this year, Malcolm convinced me to go back to a Douglas Fir. Two reasons...1) Malcolm LOVED it, and I thought it was beautiful; and 2) it was just $25, and I believe it's the largest tree we've ever had!

It was really cold outside...it has been for several days now. When I set the tree up in the stand, it felt like there was an air conditioner blowing cold air out from under it!

We love that we can go back to Sean at Foley's Produce every year ~ can't wait for spring to roll around so we can get our produce from him again!

Maple Valley Stake Creche Exhibit

This weekend was the 6th Annual Creche Exhibit at our Stake Center. I was asked to be the coordinator for the Live Nativity ~ which meant it was my job to find our "Holy Families" to stand/sit in the stable. This was harder than it sounds (given the very fertile state of our Stake). So I had to call in some special reinforcements to help fill the gaps!

Holly and Matt came down with Baby Sam (who is not looking too much like a baby anymore) from Lake Stevens to take the first shift on Friday evening. Sam was a great baby Jesus and Holly and Matt made a beautiful Mary and Joseph.

The next shift was taken by Andrea, Ian and Baby Rebecca. Ian was such a sweet Shepherd boy! Because Dan was at his Reserve Weekend, Andrea's dad stepped in and made for the most realistic Joseph of the weekend. Maybe next year we can convince him to be a Wise Man!

And finally, my Bread-group/Cub Day Camp friend LynAnn and her husband came up from Bonney Lake. I'm quite fond of a red-headed baby Jesus, so I love this picture!

On Saturday afternoon, Laurel sang a solo & duet with her music studio. She and Abby sang so well together! I am constantly amazed at how well Laurel holds herself while performing in front of an audience ~ if she's nervous, you wouldn't know it! (you can hear her sing by clicking on the arrow)

Aubrey got sick on Friday night, so she was unable to perform with the Children's Creche Choir. But Laurel was back on stage, and she sang a short duet with Kaylee. I simply love the songs that the choir sings each year, and I'm so grateful to Sister Rockwood for her dedication to these kids and to the Creche each year!

On Sunday night, my boss Darren came with his mother. He said it was amazing, and that he enjoyed the message that was being "piped in" (President Monson's talk from the Devotional), the cookie room, and that he couldn't decide which one was his favorite. They are planning to attend next year with his sister.

This weekend has become my favorite part of the Christmas season! The nativities from around the world (both mass-produced, and one-of-a-kind) are simply priceless, and the spirit that presided in the building was undeniable.

Aubrey on stage: King Arthur's Quest

Tonight was Aubrey's debut in King Arthur's Quest, a Missoula Children's Theatre production. She was great all week, and was super excited about her 3 lines...

1) Fetch wood for the fire.

2) This makes me scared a lot!

3) The giant's sleeplessness.

As a Camelotian, she was on stage more than she expected. She absolutely loved it. Though she did comment (more than once) that "we stand around a lot!!!"

After the Aprecio family was done at the Creche, they rushed over to the school to watch Aubrey's play. She was sooo excited to see them at the end!!

Friday night Aubrey got sick, and she wasn't able to be in the Saturday afternoon show. It made both of us so sad! She was sad because she didn't get to say goodbye to the directors, and I was sad because I'd missed Friday's performance because I was over at the Creche. Good thing we bought a copy of the show from the Video Man!