He is the Gift

Every day since Thanksgiving it has been the same. Children presenting lists of Christmas wants that have barely changed since that time. 

Determined to give my kids' the three gifts* they wanted the most, I started on my Christmas shopping. I was done in no time, except for one. 

Every time I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, I got the same answer "I want everybody to know the true meaning of Christmas."

After a couple weeks of my prodding for other gift options, he added jelly beans. Sometimes he would add gummy lifesavers, but his number one gift that people know the true meaning of Christmas has never changed. 

For my Ethan:

Dear world,

I believe in Jesus. I celebrate Christmas in honor of His birth. Christmas is literally "Christ's Mass".

Jesus has brought me peace in life. May you feel the love and happiness you deserve through Him. 

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Remember the reason for the season for me... for Ethan... for Him. 

Forever in Love,

Me

*based from the three gifts Christ received

Work Christmas Party

After surving a supposed "family" work party with my children, I decided I would give advice to anyone in a similar situation.

1. Although you may like giving your child freedom of choice for their wardrobe, maybe letting the majority of your children wear pajamas may not be a good idea. 

2. Babies are cute. Toddlers are loud. Childless couples are unsympathetic.

3. The announcement that we made a Halloween cake mix because it was in clearance to a Christmas party doesn't go over smooth. Either does the child's annoucement that it's okay that it's old because he made it. 

4. If you think your boss micromanaged you, just wait until four kids are serving themselves at the buffet table. 

5. On that same note, pies are hard to dish out. Spoons?

6. Someone is bound to spill something.

7. You don't have to wait until it's really is boring to leave, they will continue to remind you. In front of the director. 

8. One word: tantrum... and not by youngest

9. Confirm other children will be there to the "family party"