The tree!

I had extra coffee, and finally tacked this project today.  

It's fun, but so overwhelming with six VERY EXCITED and VERY LOUD kids!

It goes much, much more smoothly now that I put each child's ornaments in separate bags.

Then, of course, I grab my own favorites.

Note the angel behind the tree. Made by my Aunt Julie, who is spending her first Christmas in heaven this year.

Daddy had the krazy-glue job.

And Seth had to stop to draw a picture of his new favorite ornamanet from grammy :)

And as always, Jesus is with us in the chaos...

Advent- a time for memories, for slowing down, opening eyes, and looking forward.

(As the storm comes, and we face a likely snow day tomorrow, I'm trying to tell myself this. Slow down. Enjoy. Embrace the mess. Look forward. And always, look up, to Jesus, for love, joy, peace.)