Early Christmas Gifts

Santa came a little early this year...well, at least for Kaylani!  Lily doesn't have a clue about what's going on now, she's only one!  Abri and Garrison are eight and ten, so they're over the whole Santa deal now!  But Kaylani believes he's Jesus' good helper that gives presents to all the kids for Jesus' birthday!  That works for me!  But, I'm thinking a good movie will help ingrain some truth!  Any ideas?  She believes everything she watches, and you know how little ones can watch movies over and over again!  So I'm on the lookout for a good little movie that will help her understand the real story of Christmas.  She's three, so because she's "seen" Santa, he's real to her... just like Mickey Mouse or Chuck E. Cheese!  Ha!  But it's important that she know why Santa comes and gives presents...the real reason we celebrate Christmas. 

So, back to Christmas' early debut...

We received a little package in the mail from our good friends Mary and Jeff and their two little ones, Emmy and Grant.  It contained gifts for all four of our kids.  How very sweet!  They looked so pretty tied up with satin ribbons!

I am always so amazed by Mary!  She's always early or on time, she's got exceptional organizational skills, and she's pretty stinkin' crafty, too!!!  She's a neat gal!  I'm very thankful for her and her family.  My husband and Mary's brother were friends growing up, and they pretty much grew up together.  This family kind of became his surrogate family (ha!), and he tells me all the time how thankful he is that God put them in his life.  Their influence really helped to shape him into the man he is today!  He recently shared with me one of his favorite scriptures: "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)  I'm so thankful that God's plans for us are "good," and that he provides us with so many opportunities so that we can have that wonderful "future" and the "hope" that he's promised! 

Here are a few photos of the kids with their gifts.  They really enjoyed receiving early Christmas gifts, and Emmy ;) did a great job picking out something that each of them really liked!  Thank you, Emmy, for helping Santa out this year!  We love you guys!

Abri loves her "girly" stuff!

Garrison loves any type of game!

Kaylani with her Baby Bear!

Lily loves babies!!!

The kids loved their gifts, and they were all playing so nicely!

Until...

Lily spotted Kaylani's bear!

"Oh no!"

"Uh oh, here she comes!"

"No, it's MINE!!!"

"But...I want it!"

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!"

At this point Daddy almost rushed out to Target to see if he could find Lily a bear just like Kaylani's.  Sweet Daddy!!!  But, Abri reminded Lily of her little baby again...

"What...my baby?  Well, I'm still not too happy about this!"

"Oh yeah...thanks, Big Sister!"

And they all lived happily ever after!

THE END

A Little Help Here

My husband wants to buy me a (much-needed) new camera and asked what would make me happy.  Isn't he sweet?!!!  But I really need some help!  C'mon ya'll...what's going to make me happy?  I need some thoughts, 'cause although I love to take pictures and want a really cool camera that does really cool things, I know nothing about photography!  I've been wanting a nice camera for a few years now, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.  I know it's gonna cost a bit, so I want to make a good decision.  Here's the main feature I  want-a camera that lets you keep pushing the button without pausing and having to refocus-what's that...a fast shutter speed...continuous shutter speed? Ha! See, I need some help people!  Any suggestions on a really nice camera that will take professional-looking photos?  Thanks!  :-)
                                                            

Christmas is Coming!

Yes, Christmas is right around the corner and will be here before you know it!  Yay!!!  But, it's so easy to get wrapped up in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and forget the real meaning. This season, we are starting a new tradition in our family. We are going to make an effort to reach out to others in need and share Christ's love by sending Christmas gifts to children. There are so many ways to do this. To name a few, Operation Christmas Child, Toys for Tots, and Angel Tree. I’m sure there are others, too! Whichever one(s) you choose, get involved!!!  Put a smile on a child's face this Christmas and share with those in need. Often times the “little” we think we have is so much more than what a lot of others have. It's a small sacrifice that really blesses children. Jesus gave us the greatest example of giving by offering his life as a ransom for us!

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

What a fun way to get your kids involved and teach them to share with others! Be sure to check out the links below! These organizations make it so easy to give in a more tangible way than just a monetary donation. With some of these, you can actually go shopping for the kids and give them something they really want!  Get busy now so you don’t miss out!

(Operation Christmas Child)

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/
http://angel.jcpenney.com/

    http://www.toysfortots.org/