Christmas Program

The kids had their Christmas Singing Program yesterday...and they all did sooooo FANTASTIC! I got better pictures of the boys...but I LOVE this one of Rachel just BELTING out the words to "Jolly Ole' St Nicholas"

Oh my humble Kory...LOVE that kid!

Mr. Photogenic Brock :)

Family Night in December

Okay...so we ALL already KNOW that my Mom is great! Well...she came up with the PERFECT family night for all of us to enjoy! We went down to the Riverwoods Mall, saw Santa and took a Hayride...FABULOUS fun!!! Here are some pictures:

The kids all ANXIOUSLY waiting for their turn on Santa's lap

Rachel had her turn first: "I want LOTS of Barbies"

Then, Brock's turn: "I want an R/C Truck"

Now Kory: "I want a PSP"

After seeing Santa, the kids made an ornament for the tree and wrote letters to Santa to put in the BIG Santa Mailbox.

Next was the Wagon/Hay Ride! We were able to fit 20 of us in ONE Wagon, wow! We got the VIP ride and sang Jingle Bells in our best voices.

Me & my Sweetie on the Wagon Ride :)

The kiddos standing by the LARGE horses

We couldn't have asked for a better night...the weather was beautiful, the kids were great and we were with FAMILY!!! Afterwards we all went to Kneaders for some Hot Chocolate and Cookies, what a FANTASTIC way to end a night!!!

The true SPIRIT of Christmas

In the years past I feel as if I have taken the SPIRIT of Christmas for granted. I have had money to spend, but have never felt a TRUE excitement about everything that is going on around me during such a special season. It is amazing how much spirit you can find in your heart when you are forced to do so. This year has been very trying for our family (financially) as I know it has been for many others as well. I have no money for Christmas, yet I am THRILLED for Christmas! I have taken the time to enjoy the lights, the tree, the decorations with a little more admiration. I have been able to notice how NOT disappointed my kids have been because of our lack of money flow. Actually...they have been more understanding, loving and sharing than I ever imagined. Christmas is NOT about all the BIG things, it is actually about all the little things. It is about LOVE, SHARING, KINDNESS, SERVICE, FORGIVING, SELFLESSNESS...basically all the things that Christ is and has been teaching us that we should be all along.

Christmas is no longer about GIFT(S), but rather...THE Gift. Whatever that gift may be to you. For me, my gift is my FAMILY. I have so much to be grateful for when it comes to family. My parents are such amazing people and have worked so hard to teach and instill true values into me and my siblings, we have learned the true meaning of LOVE and FORGIVENESS because of them. My siblings have also been an important part of my life. I am so grateful for the unconditional love that we share with one another. We can laugh and cry together and give each other warmth whenever needed. I am EXTREMELY grateful for my husband, Clint. Yesterday we celebrated our 13 year Anniversary. We have shared so much together and I am grateful that HE is the one that chose me. I am grateful for my kids. They mean the world to me. I struggle with the thought that they are getting older and I won't be able to be there to protect them at all times. I do pray for them always for protection however and I know they are watched over. They are kids...and do kid things, however, over all...they are GREAT kids! They are compassionate and in tune with me and Clint's needs. It is so nice to be able to go on a date and come home to safe kids and a clean home. I know that is a pretty rare thing for kids to want to do that for their parents. It is little things like that, that make a HUGE difference in our lives and relationship.

I feel that even if the gifts aren't many under the tree this year, for me...I have gained more by recognizing so many (more important) things. I am grateful that Sky challenged me to update my blog and that I could share my true feelings here. For all of you...I hope the true spirit finds you and that you can recognize that one "gift" in your life!