As we began our Christmas decorations for this year, I cannot help but to highlight one of my favorite Christmas traditions.
Growing up each year my parents bough each child an ornament with the year on them, and then we left the house, we were given all of the ornaments for our family tree. I wanted to continue the same tradition, but I struggled to find ornaments the first year we were married with the year with years printed on them. So, we decided to modify the tradition slightly...
Therefore, instead of buying the ornaments, each person in our family makes a ornament. Each year we buy something different, and we spend an entire evening making ornaments! It is such fun!
Here are some of my favorites...
The fine artwork of a then 4-year-old! It was not originally black...this is what happens when you combine all colors of paint together!
Sweet boys...they made crosses this last year too!
Randy cut several different shapes/animals...He is so awesome!
Eric is always so proud of his!
I particuarly love this ornament...it is the creepiest angel ever!
Our snowflakes from last year...
Two years ago...Gunnar.
Stained glass from the year G was born.
Another one of Randy's...Cannon painted this one!
This one is by far the best...because I did it! The kids and Daddy make fun of me for my dots; therefore, I do my best to incorporate them every year!
The ornaments go on our family tree in the living room (the kids also have their own tree in their playroom they decorate themselves). I used to think that I would want a perfectly decorated tree; however, I love the fact that almost every ornament on our tree is a precious Christmas memory, and to me it IS perfect! There are many nights that Eric and I will sit each with a different child in front of the tree, recall Christmas memories...and then sing Silent Night to them as they drift to sleep. Oh, I am so glad the season has officially begun!
Ballerina
Ballerina and Avery
G
The newest cousin, Zachary!
The girls.
Siblings
G, Ballerina and Adam
With Uncle Brad!
Grumpy!
Making up!
The fine artwork of a then 4-year-old! It was not originally black...this is what happens when you combine all colors of paint together!
Sweet boys...they made crosses this last year too!
Randy cut several different shapes/animals...He is so awesome!
Eric is always so proud of his!
I particuarly love this ornament...it is the creepiest angel ever!
Our snowflakes from last year...
Two years ago...Gunnar.
Stained glass from the year G was born.
Another one of Randy's...Cannon painted this one!
This one is by far the best...because I did it! The kids and Daddy make fun of me for my dots; therefore, I do my best to incorporate them every year!
The ornaments go on our family tree in the living room (the kids also have their own tree in their playroom they decorate themselves). I used to think that I would want a perfectly decorated tree; however, I love the fact that almost every ornament on our tree is a precious Christmas memory, and to me it IS perfect! There are many nights that Eric and I will sit each with a different child in front of the tree, recall Christmas memories...and then sing Silent Night to them as they drift to sleep. Oh, I am so glad the season has officially begun! 
Eric hung the lights...
Ballerina was quite fascinated by them! 
With the paci in her mouth she repeatedly said, "lights...Mommy, lights!"
And then afterwards Mommy and Ballerina wrapped the first round of gifts!
This is just the beginning of the merriest Christmas!
We played lots of 42 with our neighbors...
Have I ever mentioned before that we love our street? It is awesome!
