As we prepare for Christmas, here are some of the ways our life is shaping up:
Our Christmas shopping was a little different this year as I took each of the kids out separately. We used to be able to sneak it in together, but they are getting too smart for that, and this worked out great as it gave me special time with each of them. It was fun to see them find special items for their siblings and get so excited about it!
Another change needed to happen this year since we have only five stockings, and they're kinda special ones that I found at Ross one year (in other words, not ones you see normally). So, since Scott and I really don't care about having stockings and usually have a hard time filling them for each other anyhow, the kids thought it would be neat to make the center stocking for Jesus this year. They are filling it with a gift of money to be used for a special gift to World Help for children/adults in need. Once they all contribute, they are going to pick out what they'd like to give from a catalog they sent us - thinks like Bibles for China, or a drinking well, or harvest-producing seeds to plant, or bedding for a child. The really cool thing is there is already $90 in there and that came from only two of them (from small allowances and money from Nana & Pop Pop for grades and to spend for Christmas). God has really opened their hearts to caring for others this year and I am so proud of them. If you're interested in helping too, you can go to worldhelp.net/giftsofhope.
One other fun thing is that a couple of months ago, I took Aleeya shopping for some fall/winter clothes. While we were out, she saw the pretty Christmas dresses and wanted to try some on while we were there. I said "sure," but that we would wait until later to decide if we would buy one (they are kinda expensive). As time moved on, finances were really tight and I didn't know if she would really care. Well, she mentioned it again and my heart said that it would be really good for her to get dressed up for Christmas! And she wanted to match Ashley, so it would be cute to see the two of them matching as we went to our special Christmas events. Well, I went to find them kinda late in the season, and they were all gone. After going to a couple of stores, calling the online store, and finding one that I didn't think would fit, we found both dresses and on great sales (which took away the guilt factor). For our girl that says she's a tomboy, she is going to be a beautiful young lady this Christmas and my heart is full!
Tonight, I went outside to find Alec playing basketball and the two girls laying in the front yard looking up at the stars and singing "Silent Night." Alec came over to me and told me how they were really struggling to find a good key, but all I saw was pure awesomeness! Loved that they were worshipping together under the heaven He made. When they came in, they told me they saw a shooting star - weird thing is we've seen like five this year and I've only seen like one or two my whole life - love that God did that for them! And yes, they did make a wish :)!
We are all very excited that tomorrow it is the last day (half day actually) of school and are looking forward to Christmas break! More traditions to be made, some fun family times to be had, and relaxed time in between all the Christmas performances at church. We are going to get to serve at the Modesto Gospel Mission, which will be a huge blessing and are really excited about this upcoming big weekend at church celebrating with five special services! Then on Monday night, Scott will be directing our choir (and Austin is in it for the first time), who is backing up Point of Grace. Then next weekend, our church will have three Christmas Eve services, and one service on Christmas Day! It will be really special to attend together as a family!
We've decided to do some of our family traditions on the 23rd (gifts and Christmas dinner) so we can enjoy really worshipping and celebrating His birthday on Sunday. We'll save the stockings and maybe one special gift for Christmas day, but want it to be a relaxing, joyful time. Hoping it works out well, and thankful that we get to celebrate in so many special ways! Today, I was really struck by how special Christmas really is - it's a day we celebrate the fact that God sent a Savior (a baby) into our world . . to save us from our sins. So thankful for this Truth!
No comments:
Post a Comment