Christmas Day 09

We try to be very diligent about reminding our kids, well, specifically P at this point, about 'need' verses 'want.' And honestly, most of the time when we are teaching her principles of giving verses receiving, gratitude, contentment, etc. I am convicted. Just trying to stay in a place of contentment and being grateful for all that the Lord has chosen to provide and bless us with can be a challenge at the very least. So, with that in mind, we instituted a new philosophy in our gift giving for the kids this year... something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. I read a similar idea a while ago and thought, I love it! We can totally make that work for our family!

So, Christmas morning P woke up at the crack begging to open presents. I opened one eye, saw that it was still dark outside, and promptly sent her back to bed. Once Mas woke up, we drug ourselves out of bed to see what "Santa" had brought us. Grandma and Grandpa from CA had most of their gifts for the kids sent to our house so those were under the tree waiting to be opened as well.

For P the favorite item of the day was her American Girl Doll from her Grandma. She has been asking for one of these for about three years now and our answer has always been a resounding, "no." So, this year her Grandma and Grandpa came through for her! And boy was she thrilled!

And for Mason, his favorite thing was of course the first gift he opened (big mistake on our part!), "Queen" aka Lightning McQueen for his "leapsta."





We are truly blessed. I am so grateful for our life.