Our Little Corner: Tradition

Monday, January 11, 2010

Tradition

Something we've done ever since we could afford it is to get a live Christmas tree. Dave always had one growing up. My family had a fake one at home but we always had a live Balsam at Nana's. Ahhhh.......I can still smell it. Now that we are in TN the trees are different. The needles are very long & soft and the smell is not as strong. But that is okay. We were thrilled to pieces to find a real Christmas tree farm last year! We didn't think we'd be that lucky down in the south. This year we went back to the same farm. The biggest difference between this year & last was the weather. We could have easily worn shorts and t-shirts it was that nice out. It felt strange to be chopping down a tree in prime fall weather. But we still had a great time & even had some hot cocoa.

Standing outside the gift shop.

One of the owners offered to take our picture. How nice of her!

Santa & Bugs

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Santa & Princess

She wasn't too fond of the guy.

I couldn't help but giggle & snap a quick pic. She was too precious.

The hunt is on!

Sisters

Elvis wanted to measure the tree.

He was determined to get one as close to 7ft. as possible.

Daddy cuts it down while Boo helps hold it steady.

A happy crew.

Bugs in the sunshine.

Shaking off the dead needles. The kids love this part.

Boo Bear & Santa.

Elvis & Santa

Me & My Girls

Ready for the tractor ride

The boys LOVE the tractor ride around the farm.

Tree is all ready to go home!

A fun time & one of my favorite traditions!

4 comments:

Megan said...: I love these pictures. What a fun tradition!! I must say that I envy the "balmy" temps! ;); Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Rhonda said...: What a wonderful tradition. I still remember that fresh pine scent as a child. My momma HAD to have a live tree every Christmas and still to this day refuses to put up a fake tree. It's the little things that you remember and cherish the most. You are making some wonderful memories for your kids.; Thursday, January 14, 2010
~Jenn~ said...: This my dear is a picture perfect family tradition! Just looking at everyone coming together for family time and fellowship makes me want to do the holiday all over again!; Saturday, January 16, 2010
Jolene said...: You have an award waiting on my blog: http://jolenecmom.blat.co.za/2010/08/07/i-received-an-award/; Saturday, August 07, 2010

SUMMERTIME 2012

2012

It was a year full of learning not only educational-wise but life lessons too. We have come to treasure those we love more than ever. Family time is to be savored and memories to be created and viewed as priceless. And our Lord is to be praised, trusted & loved.

We are enjoying our summer. It is full to overflowing with VBS volunteering & attending, Taekwondo, park playdates, gardening, Staycation, camp, birthday parties, visits from loved ones, adventures & day trips, friends, outdoor fun, swimming, summer treats, church & lots of trips to the library. It is wonderful to have some time to renew & relax.

OUR 12th YEAR

It is hard to believe we are in our 12th year of homeschooling. Where does the time go? It seems as if I should feel like an expert by now. But that's not the case. I learn more every year & always look forward to the opportunity to grow.

This year we have made some big changes. At first I was a little cautious wondering how we would handle this. But God has been amazingly gracious. We have made many new & wonderful friends. Even with cutting back our schedule is full to overflowing with fantastic & fun opportunities & experiences.

I look forward to seeing what more God has in store for us this year and sharing it with you, our friends & family.

Summer, Here We Come!

We are winding down our school year. We've finished our co-op studies & had our last classes of the year. AWANA is almost over as well as TKD. The spring soccer season is in full swing. Soon summer will be here. Swimming, park days, field trips, VBS, popsicles, gardening, bike rides & fun with friends are things we are all looking forward to. We will be doing some fun studies over the summer as well. Some we have already begun!
As always our days are full to the brim. Many like to comment that Dave & I have our hands full. I agree. Our hands & lives are full of fun, laughter, learning & growing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

A New School Year

School has begun! It isn't officially fall here yet but our fall activities have started. We are now back in AWANA, Wednesday night groups, Sunday school, soccer, homeschool & 2 family learning co-ops. This week we have added Taekwando to our schedule. Yes, we are busy! On top it all off I am co-leading our large, church homeschool support group. We kicked off the new school year with a picnic. It was an amazing time & lots of fun was had though the weather tried it's best to ruin it. God prevailed!

This year we have a 9th grader (How did we get to high school already?), a 6th grader, a 3rd grader and one in Kindergarten. And don't forget our little toddler!!!! As many like to comment yes, we have our hands full. Our hands are full of blessings, of life and of love. Some days bring more challenges & tough times but through it all we grow stronger & closer.

Announcement *

She is here! Safe & sound & BEAUTIFUL! We are all wrapped around her little fingers. Our little princess arrived on
April 6 at 8:06a.m. by C-section. She surprised us all by weighing only 7lbs. 9oz. We had expected her to be at least 9lbs. based on the ultrasounds. She is also 19.5 inches long. A little peanut!
As you can see from some of her hospital photos she is already learning to accessorize. Lol. The nursery nurses at the hospital stuck a pink bow in her hair. I love it!
I will not be publishing her real name on my blog due to safety reasons, (just like I have done for my older children), but if you'd like to know feel free to email me privately and I'd be happy to share.