My Life, My Loves, My fears, My heart: A tree full of love.

Growing up I loved decorating the tree for Christmas. I loved getting out the ornaments I had made the year before. I loved the fake apples that we put on it every year and how after the arguing that would occur (because that happened every year haha) I would look at our tree with such happiness in my heart. It was the start of Christmas and time with family.

My Mom had this glass tree with holes and I loved changing the colors on it. She would make fudge and peanut brittle that was a favorite among many. My dad loved the light up star for the top of the tree. Its the small things I remember and cherish even more to this day.

I may not have that glass Christmas tree or the light up star but they will forever be in my heart. Even though I miss my parents even more during the Holiday season I know those sweet memories are being passed down to the next generation.

Each year the few days after Thanksgiving I pull out our decorations and start the process of decorating. Jax and Aria loved putting the ornaments on the tree this year. Each one placed in the exact spot it doesn't belong...but each on hung with laughter. Each year the kids pick out an ornament to add to the collection of memories. We have baby ornaments for Justin and handmade one from Jax. We have glittery ones and even a power ranger one. We have a marine for support of Stephen and handmade ones from Grammie. It is a tree full of memories. I look on Pinterest and facebook and see all the beautiful, well organized, color coordinated trees and still love mine more. It is a tree that may be small and fake but it is a tree that my kids will remember.

We made hot chocolate and laughed. It was perfect way to start the Christmas season.