Christmas Time!!

Because of our blended family...we actually have to start Christmas immediately after Thanksgiving around here. We have less time than everyone else...and I know we all feel like we don't have enough time. Perhaps Charles will change all that but as Caleb & Clay are week on/week off..it has become our tradition to run up to Apple Hill and get a Christmas tree as soon after Thanksgiving as we can manage. It becomes our TOP priority as soon as we're done loafing around.


It didn't take more than a handful of broken ornaments before Charles got the hang of it. And a couple of days of me saying "It's like art. We look at the tree but we don't touch it." He now looks at the tree and says "oooo." Walks up to it and either comes close to touching them "oooo-ing" or caressing the ornaments. It's funny.

Clay is loving getting behind the camera but clearly needs a few pointers. Like my "hat?"

Charles & I then gathered some students together to participate in "Operation Christmas Child." My mission (it was successful btw) was to give these kids a chance to experience being on the giving end of charity for a change. With some of my tithe money, I gave them each $10 and told them about this shoe box project and how their gifts would go to a needy child somewhere in the world...or possibly America. They were greatly impacted by as they thoughtfully filled boxes for these kids. It was great to see their excitement and hear their comments about doing good in the world and "feeling really good inside."

Here's Charles, Clay & I at the regional drop point for the boxes.

We partnered with a church in the area the youth live in and they got to meet a local sports celebrity (which was big treat for Caleb & Clay who are BIG fans of hers.) The gal, Monique, who is a community organizer set it all up...she got the celebrity (Ruthie Bolton) on a local morning TV show, the youth got to meet her there and almost got to be on the show as well as she promoted Operation Christmas Child and tried to promote Monique's organization. At the church they got really up close & personal with Ruthie and got to hold her Olympic medals.


On to the BIG DAY...time to be selfish and think about only ourselves for a while!! ha ha.



"I guess Santa hasn't heard we're in a recession...I guess Santa doesn't need my help shopping."
Steve SWEARS we could afford it...I will appreciate all the room it is going to clear out as the current humongous TV we have takes up way too much room and this one will mount on the wall. Steve will appreciate it b/c it's hidef...the kids...well, they really get no benefit out of it at all...they are still relegated to the garage and the current humongous TV is just too big. It's up for grabs, by the way. If you have a really big room to put a 57" TV in give us a call...we're selling it cheap cheap.


Hope you and your families were blessed this Christmas and receive many blessings in the upcoming year.

Have I mentioned: WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE...CLICK THE LITTLE PENCIL IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT...GO ON I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!!