Oh Christmas Tree

There is so much magic on Christmas Eve. Even as an adult there is something perfect about the family gatherings, wrapping last minute presents, listening to Christmas music and the general anticipation of Christmas day. As I am writing this I am overwhelmed by love as I hear my family preparing dinner and Noah B calling for his "Bapa". I wanted to take the time to quickly write down a few of my favorite memories of Christmas I've been thinking about lately.... most of these have to do with a Christmas tree! :)

My most recent was capturing this sweet moment as Noah curled up for his afternoon nap by the sparkling tree. He loves to find the "warm" heater right next to the tree, stand over the heater, and point to all the "BALL"s!

This made me think of one of my favorite memories of when I was a little girl. I still vividly remember laying by my dad directly under the Christmas tree. We would look up into all of the branches above us and see the twinkling lights go all the way to the top. My dad would tell me stories as we would gaze up into the magical tree and eventually I would fall asleep... I tried this the other day and although it wasn't nearly "as magical" the memory is magical enough! :)

My very favorite Christmas tree moment was the first year Brad and I were married. We had one car that we shared, my VW Passat. We drove to the local grocery store and bought our very first tree. We had no option but to slap the tree right on top of our dinky car, but we were super embarrassed at how this must look. We were trying to hurry quickly as to avoid someone recognizing us. After placing the tree, Brad grabbed the twine and told me to stand on the opposite side of the car so he could throw the twine over to me and we could quickly tie it down. We unrolled the windows of the two front seats and passed the twine through, then up over the tree and car, then back through the windows...over and over again. We were hurrying frantically and as soon as we were sure the tree was secure, we tied a knot...and started to pull our doors open to hurry and hop in the car. Oh boy,...didn't think that one through very well. Both doors were tied shut from the twine! :) We then had to proceed to crawl through both of our little windows (while everyone was watching) and make our way home! :) Sure wish I had a picture of that one! :)

I am so grateful for this time of year and for the memories that it creates and the opportunity it allows for us to remember our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hope many memories are created for us in the next 24 hours as well as for you and your families.

Merry Merry! :)

P.S. Miss you Kara! Wish you were here! We love you!