Christmas Tree Up's & Down's

This is the first year Shane and I have put up a Christmas tree. True, we have never put up a tree. We have never even owned a tree. The tree we have put up was given to us. Which is great. That way if the kids tackle it, I will not blow my top nor will Shane. My mother brought up a entire assorted box of lights. We are sure to have plenty. We are putting a limited number of ornaments on it.

We are putting 1 ornament per child/per year. These ornaments are to represent them at that stage in life; their likes, favorite characters, favorite animal, etc. We are going to keep this going and when they move out on their own, send their ornaments with them for their 1st tree.

The other night, I took each child individually out front to see the neighbors Christmas lights. Nothing major, just a couple around trees and such. They went crazy. I decided to load them up and go hunt down some “really light up houses.” I was amazed, they would spot them before I did. Now every evening in the car, they look for lights and have finally noticed that Red Lights exist. I wonder how they would react if they saw flashing lights in the rear window…lets say blue? I do not want to find out either!

When we plugged the tree in and the lights came on, it was magical. Brian said “wow,” very low tone. None of them could keep from touching the lights. As if making sure they truly did exist.

A week later: The tree only has the lights, 4 ornaments, and a topper remaining. Two branches have been broken off. I placed gifts underneath it today. Guess who sneaks a gift to unwrap? Joseph, no, not Bralee our candy thief. I have caught Joseph unwrapping 2 gifts, 1 his and 1 Bralee’s. After they went to bed, I just put all the gifts into a closet. Hopefully they, well Brian, does not open the closet door. If he does, he will be buried under gifts and pampers.

Milesone's
Joseph- has really taken to singing. What songs you may ask? It does not matter, he likes them all. Happy Birthday, particularly well for some reason, possibly because we attended 2 parties back to back recently. He pronounces his name 'Oseph', spots and pronounces 'istmas ree'! For him this is a major milestone. He still says 'iemu' for 'I love you'!
Brian- is really play mother duck to her ducklings. He will undress Bralee and Joseph for bath time. He has been able to put his shoes on since August and put them on correct footing with simple directions. Now he is able to put shirt and busily working at pants, as well. He is showing more eagerness toward the potty.
Bralee- is able to make more compound phrases. We were sitting together and all the sudden, I said 'boo,' she grinned and said "mommy you care me!" She is able to put on her shoes and with little directions get them on the correct footing. She is showing a lot of interest in the potty as well.

As with last winter, we stick with habits, they all 3 know that NO ONE goes out the door without their hat. Brian is the only one that knows how to put his hat on, but strangely enough, they all know how to take it off!