We had a wonderful Christmas. We truly experienced the "miracle of giving" from so many people. Our family has been so blessed to feel the generosity and Christ-like love of others. I long for the day to do for others that which has been done for my family. In hopes that our anonymous friends might read our blog(...and to our friends and family who I know read this blog), might I offer to you our most heartfelt thanks and gratitude!
On Christmas Eve after making cookies for Santa,
we went to my parents home for a lovely dinner and then we all participated in the traditional Nativity, in which my dad tells the story of our Saviors birth from the Bible while some of us act the story out silently. This year, Paul was Joseph, Nick and Andrew opted to be Sheppard's, Josh was the Angel, and Chelsea was Mary. It was really nice. Following the story Josh treated us all by singing several Christmas songs. He is so amazing. I wish I could express how beautiful the spirit was that was there with us.
Before heading home, I chose to let Paul have his Christmas gift from me. He had really been wanting a professional "Big set" of drums, but that was just out of the question. I decided to see what I could come up with. Using old buckets and tins, some spray paint and ribbon, and with the help of my parents, I created a substitute... of sorts.
Thankfully, Paul LOVED it.
That night Mr Paul was so excited that he hardly slept a wink. I woke up at 4:30 to catch him in the front room checking things out, as well as at 5:30, and 6:30! By 7:00 when we decided that it was time to get up, we had to send Nick in to wake Paul up!
The boys were so good. So kind, and patient, and sweet. We couldn't have asked for better behavior! They were so delighted with every gift too!
That afternoon we headed out to Josh's brother's house for the Jardine gathering. We had a great dinner and the children all played together happily. We were able to meet a friend of Jodi's, (also named Nick), and have some good laughs all together.
This is such a beautiful time of year. There is so much to reflect on, and to be thankful for. So many blessings~ both spiritual and tangible. And so much hope for the future. Light and good deeds shine forth from others and love abounds!
