This holiday season started out with a little bit of financial struggle.
...Then some of our dearest friends bought us everything we needed,
to decorate a tree!
I was a little worried that the kids wouldn't get what they wanted.
They are such good kids,
I didn't want them to feel disappointed, left out, or unloved.
After all, my parents were able to make Christmas good for me!
I hoped that we could at least use this opportunity to teach them about family and love.
They might also learn disappointment but...
maybe love will be the stronger lesson!
My parents had a wonderful lesson planned about the Spirit of God.
We all made ships out of popsicle sticks and paper.
The ships represented ourselves.
If we keep our sails up, we allow the Spirit to be our guide.
The kids soaked up every minute of it!
Grandmas and grandpas really know how to make things fun!
I watched my children enjoy each other, and their family.
I was grateful in those moments for what we already had and enjoyed together.
But there were many other surprises this year...
The children unwrapped gifts from their loved ones...
and got exactly what they wanted!
They enjoyed the excitement of watching others open their gifts.
Even the hand-me-downs proved to be exciting!
We also had a short lesson at the Morris' about the most precious gift.
It may take work to get it, and get it right...
but the most precious gift we have is each other.
3 months ago, I had joined a weight loss contest.
and by a miracle, I won!
With the money...
David and I were able to finish buying our "3 wise men" gifts for the kids.
With our own traditions of dressing up for the special day and learning about the birth of our Savior,
I think it turned out to be a pretty great day!
and then some!!!
I am so grateful for the birth Jesus Christ.
I am so grateful to know what the season is REALLY about.
I am so grateful for family, friends and love and that they were all really there for us this year!
I am grateful for the miracles and that I recognize them as such!
I know that, in the grand scheme of things, the gifts really don't matter. Knowing that Heavenly Father loves me enough to recognize my desire to give gifts to my children for Christmas was His great gift to ME this year!
