This year, Chris and Josiah went to cut down the tree. Although I love doing this, I was feeling under the weather, so I stayed home with Elwin.

I love decorating for Christmas. It may be the only time of year that I enjoy loud and tacky decorations (well...not too tacky!). This year, I had tiny hands eager to help. Josiah was elated to see all of the ornaments being pulled out. He wanted to know where they came from.

He loved putting decorations on the tree, and I let him throw them wherever he wanted. I was so happy to share these moments with someone who seemed to enjoy it as much as I do. I did not have the heart or inclination to move a single thing he placed on the tree (well, maybe a little bit of an inclination). Life is too short. I'm sure someday when I sit gazing at my perfectly decorated tree, that I will close my eyes, and long to see those chubby little hands and eyes filled with joy staring at our lop-sided tree!

And we couldn't forget the trains! Josiah picked out some decorations to transform his train table into a winter wonderland. He's been having fun, piling snow on the tracks, making it fall from the sky, and plowing it out of the way. It is all over our house too, but he is really enjoying it!

Even though it feels like October here, I am really in the Christmas spirit this year...now if only I could get some of those last minute details worked out...so hard with kids!