Well That Was Different

Years ago on a that special day we would all load up in the vehicle, sometimes with an extra kid or two in tow and drive out to Bobo's way outside of Natchez. The smell of pine trees and the cool air told the tale of why we were there. Video camera in my hand and a bow saw in Todds. The children all snuggled up in hats and scarves, the search would begin. Everyone had an opinion about which tree to pick, and we took it all in. There were kids running here and there. Sometimes dogs were barking and running too. We would laugh and explore. A choice would finally be made by all. Casey would sing Silent Night and we would watch while Daddy sawed the tree down as Mark yelled Timber. The boys loved the "shaking machine" that emptied the tree of loose pine needles. Then finally Todd would tie the tree to the vehicle and off to the house we would go. Crank up the Christmas music or a holiday movie and the decorating began. I love those memories.


I had to add this picture. You do not know how much Casey wanted that outfit! It was a "Must Have"! -From the Beret to the socks! And I have no idea what Josh is doing in the window???Well anyway, this year it went a little differently. For the last several years we have had an artificial tree. I cant remember how many years. I think it began when we got new carpet which is long gone now. But last year Josh put the tree up for me after Christmas and it never got put up the way I would have done it. It wasnt sealed off. I am a little bit of a perfectionist. I think I get that from my daddy. Anyway, the lights hadnt worked perfectly the last two years. Its a pre lit tree. So for those two reasons I decided I probably wouldnt use it this year. When Mark called and said he needed a tree for his house in Ruston, that sealed the deal. So Todd took him the artificial tree. I decided that I didnt want the trees at the Christmas Tree Farm to get all picked through and we would do something we hadnt done before. That was go and tag a tree early, to return and pick it up closer to Christmas.So in the upper 70 degree weather and gorgeous sunshine Todd and I, went out on a mission. Just the two of us. No scarves, no gloves, no children, no saw, and no video camera, but a camera of course. We two searched out the perfect tree for us and tagged it. We will go pick it up sometime Thanksgiving week. Maybe it will be cooler then, I hope. So even though there were none of the things we were used to while choosing a tree, we still enjoyed it. After we pick it up there is certain to still be Christmas Carols or "It's A Wonderful Life" playing in the background while it gets decorated for the most glorious season of the year.

Soon my tree will be up and sparkling with color, telling the tale of Jesus birth to all who see it.