Christmas Tree Time

In about a week, my kids and I will venture out to find our 2nd "real" Christmas tree. I can't stop thinking about our experience last year with our first "real" tree.  And so I am inclined to repost last year's musing.  Enjoy!  And... Merry Christmas!

Ornaments of Life - Dody's Daydreams, December 18th, 2009

We've had a fake Christmas tree for 10 years. It was easier when we had three preschoolers. No chasing kids through massive tree lots while my hubby and I bicker over the "right" tree. No falling needles to be eaten and choked on. No forgetting to water the tree because I have laundry and spit-up and diaper rash on the brain.

After the boys got bigger, it was a habit we were in. We have the tree, so why go pay $40 for another one, real or not?

Then came the kittens. The kittens loved to climb and bat at things and play! The Christmas tree became their own private amusement park. We tried to deter them by squirting water at them. That was only a temporary fix. When we slept, they played. Every morning I found misplaced and broken ornaments. Eventually, several branches would accompany the glass shards on the floor. By New Years Day, they had left their permanent mark. The fake tree we had used for 10 years was unrepairable.

This Thanksgiving, my hubby picked up a new fake tree, by my request. However, it just didn't sit right with us. It was time to create a new Christmas tradition. I returned the plastic tree, tightly stuffed into it's box and two weeks later we ventured out into the snowy night to buy a real tree.

The experience was great. No arguing, a warm campfire, a tractor-pulled hayride through the beautiful tree farm. It was perfect.

The next day we erected our gorgeous tree. (I'm certain it was the best one on the lot and only fools came before us, why else was is still there waiting for us?) With three little helpers, it seemed almost magical how quickly the tree transformed. Lights and garland and ornaments were flying onto the tree.

An ornament my son made as a toddler, another that his brother made in pre-school, another that was a gift from my stepmom; "Oh, I love this one." "Grandma bought these for us, one snowman for each of us." "Oh look, a handcrafted angel from Stella!" "Nana helped you make that one." "You made this one with your Aunt Jamie." "Mom, remember these from our old neighbors." "Ahaha... this one is from my sister. I miss her." "Baby's First Christmas, one for each of you."

The memories of our loved ones and past Christmases flooded every open space on the tree. Many of the people from these memories aren't here anymore, but these decorations, these ornaments, these precious trinkets, they represent life. My life, my children's' lives, my relatives lives. This tree may be a living tree, but it wasn't truly brought to life until it was donned with our treasures.

The kids are already planning which ornaments they will take with them when they grow up and move out. The memories will live on with them for years to come.

Maybe I am just more sentimental this year, maybe it's because our tree is living, maybe I am intoxicated by the smell of pine; but I know that I am smitten with this tree that is very much alive.

K is for Kangaroo

Kangaroo Lake, that is.

That is the destination for a much needed vacation. It couldn't have come at a better time. My hubby and I have been so busy we hardly see each other and the kids have noticed we're never together too. We will have one whole week of us all being in the same place at the same time. Lately, one hour of that is a treat, now we'll have over 170 hours of our nuclear family in the same place.

It's beginning to seem like the holy grail! I know we'll all get on each others nerves at some point, but this vacation truly seems like it will provide us all with tank refills. Each family member may have varying needs (emptied tanks), but I predict we will be filling them all with joy, laughter, rest, love, snuggles, fun, recognition, affirmation, attention, calmness....

Kangaroo Lake, her we come. You are our Pu'uhonau.

May Baskets - The Joy of Giving

I was reminded recently of the tradition of leaving May Baskets on someone's doorstep on May 1st. Beautiful spring flowers, maybe with a sweet treat, left anonymously. No glory, no thanks, just the joy of giving.

It's a shame that so many traditions like this have fallen to the wayside. I'm not going to preach about how busy we are on the internet, emailing, on the phone, texting, working, running to and fro. But, I wish our society wasn't on the track of getting more and more self-absorbed and used to the short-cuts of life that technology provides.

I applaud my sisters for continuing to send hand written notes and cards through the mail. Those touch my heart in ways that texts and emails never seem to be able to do. And I know a basket left on my door would warm my soul in the same way.

I think May Baskets are in my family's future. I'd like to create and deliver some with my children. (Try this link for May Basket ideas for kids.) Perhaps a few of us can keep the beautiful, selfless, giving traditions alive.

Nice Try Mr. Snow Miser

The kids' Easter Break from school commenced with them playing in the yard with shorts and t-shirts for hours on end. They were basking in Spring! In that moment, everything was right in the world.

Then, only a few days later, they were peering out there bedroom windows during a late evening rain and hail storm. The lightning was a bit nerve-wracking for the younger boys. We left the three of them together for a bonding experience when... Stomp, Stomp, Stomp, they ran to the top of the stairs. "Mom! Dad! Frank still has a snowman in his front yard. We see it every day. It's in the street!"

This wouldn't have been a big deal if he lived next door. But, Frank lives two houses down, and around the corner. I ran out in the pelting rain to rescue four-foot-tall, plastic "Frosty" from what clearly a fierce battle between impending Spring and lingering, obstinate Winter.

Then early this morning, it snowed. GASP! It's Easter Break! No snow allowed! I truly expected the snow to stop at day break, but it continued through the morning.

I've been observing the contrast all morning. Daffodils are in full bloom. The grass is green and ready for its inaugural mowing. The falling snow is thick and desperately trying to disguise Spring, if only for a moment, its last hurrah. I'm sorry to say, Mr. Snow Miser, you are failing.

The tree buds and flowers and rejuvenated lush, green grass are full of the heat of the approaching summer. The snow succumbs on contact and melts into the thirsty earth. More nourishment for the burgeoning growth.

The victory of Spring is invigorating. Nice try Mr. Snow Miser..... Fail!

Spring...

My mind is racing with all the things I want to accomplish. Spring invigorates me and motivates me.

Yesterday I took down our Christmas lights that I couldn't get to until the massive snow drift melted. My husband swears it will snow again. I say, "Blasphemy!"

I cleaned up some remaining fall leaves and found all my tulips are poking through the dirt. Flowers are coming!!!!! Actually I already have some snowdrop bulbs in full bloom. They started in February. Thank you God for the hearty flowers that push through the snow to blaze the trail for Spring!

My kids were outside for hours with no jackets. My baby went swinging for the first time this year. I even was daydreaming about running through the yard with our dog. Uh... we don't have a dog, but in this weather is seems like a great idea! (I'm sure I'll come to my senses right quick though.)

Spring, spring, spring! Newness, freshness, renewing of life. It's so wonderful!

This Christmas

This will be an indulgent blog entry. My Christmas, without any concern for the reader. Just what I want to remember. And, for the purpose of self-decompression... (I love ending random sentences with "...")

Christmas was surprisingly stressful, in the sense of go here, go there, wrap this, buy this, don't forget that, get the kids ready, fit in baby naps first, is there enough for my generous parents to unwrap? And, don't forget the dirty house! I have four children and a busy life. Seriously, my house needs to be cleaned 24/7. Ugh!

I snapped at my hubby a few times. Someone needed to be blamed for my stress. If only he'd do MORE and SOONER, then I would have no stress. Yah, right. The reality is, he did much, and I just wanted him to be my saviour and be perfect. It's hard to let that go when there is so much to do and it seems to all fall on me! Or... did I take that on myself, the woman who must do it all and do it all well. I watched a terrible Christmas movie with that message, though poorly conveyed. Still it served some purpose in making me look at myself. Do I really look at what is important? Do I really let others help me? Can I let go of the insignificant details?

Well, I tried. I probably did the best I could do in that regard. And, I did do it enough to enjoy and recognize what was really important to me. I noticed my children's sense of humor many times. It was truly satisfying. I noticed their excitement and gratitude and pure joy. Of course they loved the gifts, but they had the best time enjoying moments with their loved ones. I am so proud to be their mom. Even with all of the moments I failed them, they are turning into wonderful young men.

I relished the 26 hours that I had my sister all to myself (with my kids and hubby of course, but she mirrored my activities and we did everything together). She is a brilliant young adult, still she's dorky, just like me. No expectations, no hang-ups, just hanging out. I will cherish this Christmas with her forever. Okay, I'll just admit it; this was the prized jewel in this mosaic Christmas. (And it's not just because she is an obsessive cleaner, something missing in my house.)

My dad and his girlfriend were invested in our family by cooking great food, playing games with us, laughing and being merry. Our Christmas with them was more than I could have hoped for.

My stepmom spoiled my children in ways only she can. She swooped in with her magical dust and left the boys in a joyful stupor.

My mother-in-law and brother-in-law were so full of love and doting over the kids. It was calm and pleasant. This reminded me how much we love our family.

Finally, at my mom and stepdad's the Christmas story was read. Happy Birthday to Jesus was sung. It brought it all together. And we hunkered down for a long evening, waiting for the snow to diminish so we could have better than a "not-so-enjoyable traverse" home. (Did I mention that the TouchTMJ4.com Christmas Eve reporter was very entertaining with the worst ever weather report in human history?)

My Christmas was far from perfect, yet it was one of the best ever! We spent it with everyone we love. There was no fighting. There was lots of laughter, joy and appreciation. It was... fabulous!