Last night, after we got the kids tucked in, mostly without tears, Ryan and I sat on the couch, enjoying the glow of our finally decked Fraser.
camera settings: iso 4000, f/5.0, shutter 1/25 with a 35mm lens, resting on the music stand ;)
We reminisced about our first Christmas with our tiny little tree we picked from a tree farm, using the little cash we had. It didn't have more than 2 or 3 strands of lights, probably not many more ornaments than that, and even less gifts under it.
It seems so clear, the way we should raise these baby dills when they're asleep with a peaceful, glowing, almost porcelain countenance. But my mind quickly becomes befuddled when little feet hop out of bed and someone turns on the chaos switch to HI, and somehow I have the remote for everything but that.
I want to resolve to build my treasures above (Matthew 6:20) instead of here below. I will resolve to build my relationship with each of my children (and of course with my Ryan) with more deliberateness and care, more than the arranging of ornaments and gifts chosen to wrap and give. I want to relish and stoke their desire to please us and their Father above. And it all starts with desire, right?
My parents brought these stars down for our red schemed Christmas when they visited us last. I loved picturing their hands make them (because I know it's a lot of work!) as we placed them on our tree. Do you want one for your tree or to give to someone who has everything (except a Knudsen star, of course ;) ? Keep them busy, go here.
Your tree, and your words, are beautiful. Love the stars.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. You have captured the heart of parenting, which seems so simple when they are all fast asleep and peaceful. Every one is a different blessing from the Father.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always Katy. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always Katy. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly.
ReplyDeleteI have several of your parents' stars in my home. This year, I ordered a few to give as gifts. They make me so happy every time I look at them and they look just beautiful on your tree!
ReplyDelete-Amy
Crafting by Candlelight
Thank you for sharing. I can relate, I have 6 of my own that didn't come with remotes or instructions. I appreciate your insights and reminders on what we should be focusing on while raising our little ones.
ReplyDeleteWe had a similar tree when we first were married. It was so tiny we put in the trunk of our car when we brought it home. To this day it still is my favorite tree.
ReplyDeleteYour words always strike a chord!
ReplyDeleteNothing like the magic of hand-made.
May I ask how you took the picture of your Christmas tree? =)
ReplyDeleteKIMMY--I've added my photo settings in the post!
ReplyDeletekaty, this post is amazing... and so true. i think of this often as we adjust to life with 4, including one very fussy 7 week old. every child stretches us in new ways, the household dynamics changing. in many ways, having more parenting experience has made it easier as a new baby joins the family. but when i see the mess that four kids ages 0-6 make, it's easy to become frustrated. then i gently remind myself that what really matters is building lasting treasures... and that doesn't include a sparkling clean house. thanks for reminding me of this today.
ReplyDeleteI love the stars. I bought a bunch to give away this year. Each one is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this seems like an odd request and no one else would be interested, but I'd love to see a tutorial (or a simple description) of how you light your tree. I've only ever used 3 strands max on my 7' trees and have always evenied how nice and even fake, pre-lit trees looked. Yours has all the beauty of the pre-lit while still keeping the tradition of a real tree. Mine has visible strands of lights with varying gaps and clusters of bulbs. It looks as if you wrap the individual branches - is that the secret? I'd appreciate any advice you could give.
ReplyDeleteSo very beautiful and true! I esp like the part about parenting being so very clear and peaceful while they are sleeping but chaos when the feet hit the floor. I feel the exact same way....and I only have 3 :) Thanks for the wisdom in your post!
ReplyDeleteStephanie--I start at the base and take the lights to the trunk and wrap the lights clockwise around each branch to the tip and back again, going onto another branch. Doing it the same direction the whole tree makes it easier to take them off, all counter clockwise. You should only string together 4 strands together, so I started back at the base and threaded it up along the trunk to where I left off when it was time for a new strand to be plugged in. Good luck!
ReplyDelete