I came home last night from a couple of hours of blissful, quiet shopping (I was all by myself!) to find two Christmas trees up at home! The kids were begging us yesterday to put up the Christmas decorations, and Elliotte gave in. I can't believe he started without me! Unfortunately we have to replace a bunch of bulbs on the pre-lit tree, so there's some tedious work we're going to do tonight. But in the end it will be really pretty!
On the radio yesterday afternoon, the news announcer was discussing the short time between thanksgiving and Christmas. I had not connected that it was coming up really fast! We are doing less this year for our kids...instead, we are planning on taking a trip to an indoor waterpark with them. They chose to have the trip instead of bigger presents for themselves. We are looking forward to going and spending the weekend away.
All year long we shop for the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes outreach. Each year we do four - one for each of my kids - with my kids gender and age group. It's fun to shop clearance stuff all year, planning to make these great gifts for kids around the world. It's one of the things we do to reach out to others, and it also gives my kids a sense of other people not necessarily living like us. There are so many people who don't have a comfortable home, cars to drive, plenty of food to eat, and comforts and conveniences that we take for granted. When we went to the local church to deliver the shoeboxes, we were given a tour of their set-up, and talked to her about volunteering next year. God has given our kids, (we've seen it the most in Rachael, so far) a heart for others, and a heart to reach out and help those who need it. Rachael actually has talked about being a missionary...we'll have to see what God has in store for her.
We visited this weekend with Elliotte's family, getting to see all of his immediate family within a 24 hour span. It was fun, but we came back pretty tired. The kids all have a great time when they're together. They even put on a variety show for us - they designed and practiced the show Friday night and Saturday morning, and presented it around lunchtime on Saturday. What a talented bunch! On the spur of the moment, Rachael went home with Sharon to stay for the week! She and her cousin Maddie were very excited for Rachael to visit them for several days. When I've been asked when she's coming home, I don't have an answer for anybody. It's really whenever I decide to go get her! When the boys and I go up, we will stay for a few days. We love going to Sharon's house. It's a great, relaxing place to be, and I get to visit with her!
Our doggie, Obi, was boarded just for a day while we were out of town. Let's just say, he didn't like it! I don't think they like us at that vet. Obi (a bichon frise) is growl-y and snappy with them. As a matter of fact, I had to go into the back where they board them, and get him out myself. He wouldn't let the vet tech near him! Oh, and just an aside - he is named for Obi Won Kenobi. We have a houseful of Star Wars fans here!
