Decking the Halls

I love Christmas....more importantly, I love the warmth, the joy and the family traditions that come along with it.

As I get older (I'm certainly not getting an younger) I find that I spend more time in reflection, savoring moments that may never come again.

One of my favorite times is when we decorate the tree. We get out the hot cocoa and eggnog, then my husband and I sit back to watch the large production of adorning our 9 foot tree. Our children know how it works (we've done it the same ways for years).

When my children were much smaller, I wanted them to be able to enjoy decorating the tree, as well as satisfy my "OCD" ways. ;). Sooo, I bought boxes and boxes of colorful Christmas balls...we have so many balls that they can put them wherever they want with no worries that someone will rearrange them because they are too close. Our tree is LOADED with these simple little balls.

After the hundreds (seriously, hundreds) of balls are on, then we bring out the special ornaments. Everyone gets to place their special ornaments which turns out to be quite a treat for them.

Once the tree is loaded, everyone steps back commenting how beautiful it turned out with the usual, "I love our tree" comments. :)

I love being a mom. I love the privilege that I have to impact and raise these special children that I have been blessed with. My heart overflows with joy!

A Date With My Fellas

Every now and then, I have a special day with one or two of my children.

Today, it was time to take my boys out for a " Mommy and Boys Date".

They are simply a joy and so appreciative... I'm a strong believer in developing the character of gratefulness in your children.

There's not much more that grates on my nerves more than spoiled, whiney, bratty, ungrateful children.

I don't think it is something that just happens but you must intentionally develop this...INTENTIONAL parenting...yes, a rare concept, I know.

Perhaps it is something that you have to mature into, I don't know.

But, I do know this- it is something that I strive towards.

...And am trying to teach to my daughters so that when it's their turn to have children, they will get THIS concept early on.

...and now, back to this date night...

I didn't go out and blow $60 on my boys and make it a natural expectation of a "special day".

For goodness sakes- even if I could, I don't think that would be profitable for them!

No, I splurged a whole $5 on a Little Caesars pizza and dug out 2 year old gift cards they had from a birthday and we "lived it up" like nobody's business! It was cheap, sweet and I guarantee it was memorable for them.

It doesn't take money to make your child feel special, it just takes some intentional parenting! ;)

...and ultimately my goal is to tie those heart strings

and bind their hearts to mine.