Our Christmas Trees

Cricket loves looking at our trees and all their pretty adornments. We have a tree in our front room that is full of shiny bulbs and white twinkle lights. Our living room tree, however, is our special tree. It is made up of ornaments from Mr. Schalk's and my travels as well as from our childhood. We have fun putting it up every year and reminiscing over the fond memories each ornament brings to life again. We buy a couple ornaments every year to add to our collection. This tree also has colored twinkle lights, as well as popcorn garland and candy canes. Really cozy and simple. The star tree topper is one we bought for our first Christmas after we got married. I love that little light up star! I still remember buying it that first Christmas. We bought our tree from the boy scouts that year and all the needles fell off before Christmas Day. Oh my, that was a funny looking tree indeed!

Now, the memory making includes Miss Cricket. We bought her a couple special ornaments this year. She was very excited to hold them and watch them twinkle under the lights as we hung them up. I am told often how she won't remember her first Christmas, I've even caught myself saying it. Yes, that is true, but it is also true that she is excited about the season. She does not know Christmas, but she knows Mama and Dad are really happy. She bounces up and down when Christmas songs are played and she is enamored with our trees and ornaments. She is learning so much each day. By the time she does start remembering, I hope she already has a love and joy for Christmas that has been instilled in her from day one. Remember or not, it sure is fun to have her enjoy the Christmas season with us this year!

xoxo, Rachel