Deck the Halls

We had 2 options for a Christmas tree this year.

OPTION #1 - A friend of ours said that she would take us to her parents' village (a 3 and 1/2 hour drive away) where her father would take David up the mountains to chop down a real tree.

OR

OPTION #2 - Go to the store just a few blocks away and buy an artificial tree (which we could use every year and save us the 7-hour trip for a real tree).

As much as we love the smell of real pine in our home, we opted for Option #2. As soon as we felt better after our Thanks - giving bout with the stomach bug, David & Verity went to that store and returned with our tree (and as an added bonus, some white lights. We were told by a friend that white lights are hard to find in this city but this store had a few boxes left). Needless to say, the girls loved seeing their ornaments again and hanging them on our tree! You may be wondering why Christmas trees are sold here ... the nationals put them up for the New Year holiday.

Another sweet family moment arrived a few days after our tree trimming party ... Moriah took her first few steps with the help of a walker toy!! I will never forget the video footage I caught. David, Verity and Annalise were sitting all in a row on the couch, yelling, "Come on, Moriah! Come on, Moriah!" I was behind Moriah videotaping her backside as she walked towards her cheerleaders. When she arrived at the couch, everybody erupted with screaming and both big sisters gave her huge, congratulatory hugs and kisses.

To me, it was such a sweet reminder of a) the blessing of having a family to cheer us on and b) how God unconditionally loves us right where we're at in life. At 10 months old, we are so excited for this next baby step in Moriah's development. I know how imperfect I am and it's so comforting to know that God loves me unconditionally and cheers for me as I take baby steps in my relationship with Him.