23Dec 08
Over the river & through the rain…
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The countdown till Christmas was ticking ever so quickly by. With days so full, there seemed hardly an opportunity for 
all eleven of us to pile into the car for our yearly Christmas tree hunt. At last an evening afforded an available slot of time; however, warm hearts would have to, atleast mentally, overcome the steady drizzle (heavy at times) and lower 40 degree temperatures. But at this point, 
neither rain nor snow could damper the excitement.
And so it was with cheery hearts that we descended upon our local Home Depot. The wet, outdoor sales floor was deserted by all save our party of eleven. Our family’s personal favorite has always been the traditional Fraser Fir Christmas tree. According to family tradition, we generally shop at one nursery, look at a dozen or so trees, 
make a selection or two, and then confirm it with our official Christmas Tree panel (otherwise known as Mom & Jennifer) 
. Once their stamp of approval is received, the purchase is made.
This year, we branched out into new waters when Mom suggested buying a Balsam Fir. Similar in style to the Fraser, the Balsam Fir displays many 
commendable qualities – dense foliage, small needles, well shaped, etc. And to top it off, the Balsam Firs were $4 cheaper – thank you Mom for your thriftiness! The stamp of approval was received!
What fun memories we walked away with as all wet, eleven of us, tree in hand, marched through the Home Depot to the check out line!
It is events like these that bring to mind once again another 
reason for the Christmas season – and that is families making memories while doing things together. Often it is the simplest of activities and perhaps amidst uncomfortable circumstances that result in a family’s most memorable moments! This Christmas season, may you enjoy your time together as a family.
Merry Christmas Wilkesteam! I really like the tree! Nice selection. I love the shot with everyone singing around the piano beside the tree. So peaceful and serene. I can almost here the carols…
By the way, Mr. Cox shared a little bit last Sunday from Hosea 14 (especially verses 4-6). That’s a good promise to think about as your enjoying your Christmas Tree!
It’s clear to see from the pictures that God blessed your perseverence.
I must say that even though it was raining outside it sure was such memboral time!
Our uncle plants Fraser Firs around his house instead of Blue Spruce because their needles are so nice and soft. I praise God for the way He has made His creation to remind us of Himself. Thanks for mentioning that passage Robert. In verse 8 God likens Himself to a green fir tree!
That sure was a night I wont forget for a long time!
Walking through Home depot with a dripping wet tree and soaking yet very happy group of eleven people was a sight to behold!
O, the joys of doing things together!!