A Real Tree, Again and Birthday gift

Normally, I just want to put up a fake tree.  Why?  Because, I am the one that has to clean up the needles and make sure that it is watered if we have the real McCoy.

This year, the girls wanted to have a real one, with all the needles and of course lest we forget, the wonderful smell.  That is the only good redeeming part of the real thing.  So on Monday, I forked out some of my birthday money and got a 8 ft tree.  I did have to give it a hair cut.  I will admit, the tree really is nice and the needles are not so bad, since I have hardwood floors.

After 2 trips for lights, I finally got them all on and now the girls will put on the ornaments.  I wanted to go with just gold and red balls, but oh, no.  The girls would have nothing to do with that.  I will be so glad when it comes time to be able to make my own decisions.

Christmas is so hard for me to get into.  I suppose if I had all my children close and I knew that on Christmas, we would have a house full with laughter, children, food, puzzles and games to be played, it might not be so hard.  But I really don't mean to complain.  The Lord has been so good to us, that I really should be thankful that I still have some family around.  I do plan on doing some more decorating, but my hours of daylight are being spent painting and redoing a trailer.  I tell myself every year, that come December, I am going to be relaxed and have my house in order so that each day in December can be filled  with having family and friends over.  So with that thought in mind, I would like to share two of my favorite ornaments.

My Mandy gave this to me one year.

One that I made when I had time years ago.

I wanted to share a special birthday gift.  My sister, Tammy had a young man make a wooden basketball.  He did an awesome job and he even painted it.  Now wouldn't the serious San Antonio Spurs fans love to have one of these.  It is a one of a kind.  The basketball that has my name on it, was given to me by my Mandy.  I love these reminders of my favorite sport's team.