Christmas Giving

Emily and Everett,

(I always want you to remember:)

Today, we went out shopping for a family in need this Christmas (our annual Christmas tradition).  This year we "adopted" a family of 5.  A single mother and her 4 children - 3 boys and 1 girl.  The mother has been sick for a while and they lost their home and all of it's contents in a foreclosure earlier this year.  They found a place to stay and recently were given a table, couch, and TV but are in need of so much more.  It is the first year that you, Emily, have had any idea about what we were doing and Everett really enjoyed pointing out every Santa we passed in the store.  When we made it up to the cashier Emily was lounging on the clothes in our cart, wedged in between the food, and Everett was searching for more Santas. 

Between us and Nana and Grandpa, we were able to buy everyone a new pair of jeans, socks, and two shirts.  We also bought an array of foods that don't require much more than an oven and stove top...

as well as a nice gift card that they can use for their most pressing household goods.  We put the gift card in this card that Emily personalized.

Now, all of the gifts are wrapped so they will have something new to open this Christmas...

and it is all packed up for drop off with the children's school counselor.

Daddy and I want you to know that giving is much more important than receiving and that whenever you are able, you should bless those that are in need.

Merry Christmas.

XOXO,

Mama