Trees, trees, trees!

And all was muddy and brown in Missouri. This would not do on Christmas Eve.

And so I set off on a mission to capture pictures of all of my mom's wonderful Christmas decorating.

In the front room by the piano stands this happy tree with lots of the family ornaments on it. I like the family traditions that last year after year.

The piano of course has the Christmas sheet music and decorations on top. I love the influence of music in my life; the way a good song can completely change my attitude. It makes the bad days happy and can make happy days live on forever.

The most beautifully decorated tree in our house stands in front of the window overlooking the beautiful Missouri landscape. I am always grateful for the beauty that surrounds me - this earth and this life.

This tree is bright and funky and different. It always makes me think of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I'm grateful for the wonderful blessing of humor in my life. I should probably be serious more often than I am, but there is nothing quite like a good laugh.

This tree, decorated with western-type ornaments stands in my parents room. I am grateful for my parents beyond words. Their good influence and loving kindness has made me into the good person I am. My less positive characteristics are no fault of theirs, and stand as a witness of their undying patience for putting up with me for so long.

This one is in Michael's room (in front of his map plotting out world domination)

And this one is in Kaitie's room. My siblings are the best. What else can I say?

This little guy had the misfortune of ending up on my very cluttered dresser. Having a warm bed to sleep in every night is one of those blessings I'm never quite grateful enough for.

 

Of course there are Christmas presents. This year, for church, I got to kind of take charge of a Sub for Santa drive we did as a ward. Delivering the gifts to the families (with my lovely assistant Sarah) and seeing the gratitude of the mothers was one of the best moments of the entire semester.

This fella is the most real looking tree out of all of our fake trees. Let me reiterate how much I love nature, and throw in how much I love all of our animals. Sometimes I think I miss my dogs as much as my family while I am away for college...

When I started taking these pictures, I realized just how many trees my mom has around the house. Like this little chili tree.

This kind of odd little guy on my parent's dresser.

The hallway tree with little pink ornaments, but no lights.

And even the tree in the bathroom.

I won't take the time to post pictures of all the other beautiful arrangements my mom created, but I will leave you to enjoy your Christmas with one last picture of decorations. The picture that sums up the reason for all these trees, lights, and reflections of gratitude.

 

The beautiful Nativity scene: the truth that Jesus Christ was born of Mary and lived a perfect life so that we may all return to live in His presence someday. Through His perfect example, let's work towards peace on earth.

Merry Christmas!

(P.S. I stuck my camera out the door just after the clock turned from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, and was greeted by a beautiful fresh layer of Christmas snow! Epic win.)