Gifts for Jesus

I started a small tradition in my family last year called "Gifts for Jesus." During the holiday season we try and look out for any extra good deeds we can do for others. Today, Olivia brought me Georgia's bottle freshly filled with milk and proudly said "Mom, I just did a gift to Jesus!" I had to giggle a little while my heart melted.

Last year I had an awesome experience with this. I had gathered up a few decorations for my daughters grave to decorate for Christmas, and in doing this, I thought I might get a few extra for the graves I've noticed to be bare. When I arrived, there was a lot of snow on the ground and that made it hard to see the graves. I noticed an elderly women, who obviously was in distress. I bravely went up to her and asked if she needed help. She told me that she couldn't find her husband's grave and the snow made it super difficult for her to even walk. She pointed me in the direction of her loved one. With my car scraper in hand, I trudged over to the spot and started hammering the ice, not even knowing if it was the right spot. I desperately wanted to help this women, so I started praying for help. After hitting the ice over and over, it broke! and there it was, his grave. Fighting back tears of gratitude I placed her ornament, along with one I had brought, and was filled with the spirit of service and what I like to call my "gift to Jesus."

So today, go out and be someone's angel, give an unexpected gift, a gift to Jesus this Christmas season. It will mean more to you than any store bought present.

Kindermusik!

If you have a child ages Newborn to age 7, you're in luck! Registration for Kindermusik classes for babies and children are coming up starting December 11, 2009 for the Winter/Spring Semester. These classes are the cutest! They are taught at Children's Ballet Theatre on 3300 South and 2505 East. Here is a link http://www.songheart.com/ . I think these classes are so beneficial for kids interested in music, dance or even just play time. Parents attend with their child and it's also great bonding time. I've gone with Georgia and she absolutely loves it! I liked it so much that I'm getting certified and will be teaching the "Village" class (newborn- 18mo.) at the studio this next semester. Come sign up!

If you believe, you will receive!

So lately my daughter has been having some doubts about Santa. It started the other night. The girls asked if they could put out their shoes for the Brownies (or elves). After bed Sydney came upstairs to use the bathroom and, of course, I had to quickly grab them and hide them while Tom stalled her. As soon as she came out of the bathroom, she said "Mom, I heard you getting the chocolate calendars out of the back." Today she's been giving me the stink eye. I'm a horrible liar, she is now 10, and yet I want to keep the magic alive. Any advice? What age did you find out? Was it from friends or parents? Were you devastated? Please help me!!!!