The Tree of Memories

Today is the last day of November 2010. What a year it has been...what a day it has been.  Tonight is also the first Eve of Advent for our family. We accomplished 2 major things tonight in preparation of Advent - #1 - making the Advent calendar (YUMMY) - #2 - putting up the first of two Christmas trees (FUN)!!

#1 - Advent calendar. It consists of a dish towel, small bags, safety pins, a hanger and A LOT of Hershey kisses.  Starting tomorrow, every day one bag is removed until Christmas Day...FUN!!  The kids made it all by themselves.  So, as you admire their work remember, this was their first one - and I personally think they done a great job!!

Haley - she LOVES family time

 Jenni & Chandler - they cracked jokes the whole time :)

 The finished product - they made it and yes, they are lined perfectly, in my eyes anyway!!

#2 - The first of two Christmas trees.  This tree has SO many memories.  On this tree (as tacky as some might find it) are some of the greatest memories we have. Pictures of the kids home made ornaments. Tonight I heard many times over and over - "Oh momma look - I remember this one...." and the child would tell the story.  How precious are those memories!! I don't ever want to decorate this tree without my children - I want that to be the tackiest tree in McKenzie, but the one with the most memories and love!!

Haley & Chandler after all of the limbs were put on

 Chandler & Jenni

The 'Ballard' Tree of Memories

 Haley made SURE they got a picture of mommy

 My angel girl....Jenn

Blessing of the day: Putting up the tree of memories with my kids and starting advent...precious memories.

Quote:  "Life gives us brief moments with one another....and in some of those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime" Unknown

A life-long blessing for children is to fill them with warm memories of times together. Happy memories become treasures in the heart to pull out on the tough days of adulthood.
Charlotte Davis Kasl