Man. I love my life! Tonight was one of the best night's I can ever remember. It was great because it was ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. We (me, Karen, Annie and James) put up our Christmas tree tonight. Once we got it in the house and on the stand my job was done. I sat back and watched my awesome wife and terrific kids decorate it. I had the best time watching them laugh and enjoy putting on decorations, some of which are old enough now to have traditional memories. Our dog Rocky laid on the back of one of our leather couches and just took it all in with me. Oh yeah, we had "A Christmas Story" playing in the background so there were plenty of laughs.

Anyway, as I watch the fam putting up the tree I just caught a glimpse of what Christmas is all about - family. I KNOW, it's about more than family but dog-gone-it that is a big part of it. Just the simple joy of being together and laughing and loving each other. We plan to do more of that all month long...

Now I know why my dad sat on the couch and watched me and Carmen and my mom decorate the tree. The part he enjoyed was watching us.