Oh, Christmas Tree!!

Well, we have set up our Christmas tree, which ended up being quite a funny experience. Pierce, Kennedy, and Dayton all wanted to help (of course), and they decided the tree would look best if all the decorations were on one side of the tree, and all under the 4 ft. level. The picture just does not do the hilarity of it all justice. We got the outside lights and decorations up as well. Frank and I decided that we'll have to actually map out where each strand of lights goes so we don't need to make runs for more lights next year. We love this time of year and not just because of all the excitement and hype the decorations bring, but the meaning of the season...the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The solemnity of that single, perfect event which brought light and life to all of us. May we all remember Him at this time of year, the joy he has brought, the example he set...may we strive to be a little more Christ-like, not just at this time of year, but always.
I was brought to tears today at the store because of one stranger showing that kindness and love. I had taken Dayton, Kennedy, and Maleah to the store to just grab a few things, and what was supposed to be no more than 20 min., ended up taking a lot longer. Neither Kennedy nor Dayton wanted to stay by me, and I of course, probably looked pretty scatterbrained as I tried to gather the things I needed while my children chased each other around and I called out, "Kennedy, Dayton, please come back by Mommy!" All the time trying to keep my cool and not loose it in the store. Anyway, an elderly lady shopping stopped me and asked, "Are those your darling little ones?" I reluctantly replied, "Yes, I'm trying my best to keep them by me." She then told me how cute they were and to let them run and be kids. She said too many times she sees parents repremand their children for being that...children. She then wanted to look at Maleah, and then upon seeing her, asked if she could hold her (she even got out a wet wipe to clean her hands off!--How could I say no?!) After holding her, she said, "What a wonderful Christmas present, a new baby, what more could you ask for?" She then thanked me for putting a smile on her face today and then hugged me. She lives far away from her grandkids and was really missing them. I hugged her back, wished her a Merry Christmas, and walked away with tears in my eyes, and calling "Kennedy, Dayton, where did you go? Mommy needs you to stay by me."