Oh Christmas Tree

I used to have what I thought was a perfectly decorated tree. I purchased all the ornaments in only white and silver but I put a bit of green and red in too. It was a beautiful tree and I loved it. Last year it started changing a little as handmade things were brought home by Annslee from daycare ~ actually a few were added the year before~ but now, it is full of ornaments that mean something. I got out the boxes of our "other" ornaments from years past and added them along with all of Annslee and Malia's. Is it still beautiful~ absolutely! I love it even more now because it tells a story. This year I gave in to hubby's request to do a skinny tree and I miss my big huge tree but this one does work better in the space : ) I also put a few gifts under the tree because Annslee has a habit of looking under any tree she sees and if there are no gifts she says "uh oh" and I am happy she isn't trying to open them yet!

Growing up we had a tradition of opening an ornament and PJs on Christmas Eve so we do that with Annslee. It took me a while to figure out what PJs to get her this year since she refuses to wear them and I am certain you can guess what her ornament for 2007 will be. Here is our tree and a few of our ornaments.



Christmas 2002~ This is an ornament from the church where we were married : )



Christmas 2003~ we were merely discussing adoption but we clearly were on our way. This was one of a series of Dave Thomas ornaments Hallmark did but sadly only for a few years



Christmas 2004 we were almost DTC for Annslee. We were still waiting on our 171 but the dossier was finished. We got this ornament and put it on the tree.



Christmas 2005 she was HOME!! I got this ornament for her because it had a one on it. I know it was technically her second Christmas but it was her first one with us.



Here is another in the Dave Thomas series



We also got her this one : )



Christmas 2006 I bought her one that was actually symbolic of what she LOVED that year : )



We also got this one last year as we just received our 171 for Malia and were anxious to have her home



I love this one that Annslee made in daycare last year and it has a prominent place on our tree




This year I had to buy another "waiting for" ornament for Malia. It never occurred to me that she wouldn't be home to open her own ornament this year ~ but she isn't. Annslee did hang it for her sister : )



I of course got the new "Joy to the World" China one from Hallmark



This is one of Annslee's favorite ones that we bought in China



Yeah, my obsession over every ornament being monochromatic and in its proper place is over! Annslee helped decorate the tree this year and continually moves ornaments so each day is a surprise. She also squeals each morning when I turn on the lights. If there is anything better than the wonder in the eyes of a child at Christmas, please let me know...but I probably won't believe you!

Here is a sampling of her decorating style...10 purple (of course) candy canes and the two ornaments she made at the FCC party all on 4 branches!



Ok, I showed you mine...now show me yours