sparkle

We are fortunate. We are not rich. We have our burdens. We are comfortable.

There are many things that we want. But there is nothing that we need.

We have a beautiful home with comfortable warm beds. We have heat, electricity and water. We have tv's, iPods, iPads, and toys, toys, toys.  We have clothes. We have socks. We have shoes. We have food. We have each other.

It's very important that my girls know how fortunate we are and know that not every family can sleep with such peace. I got this book, The Sparkle Box to help them understand about giving back to their community. Each time we do a special deed this season to help others we will write it down and put it in the box under the Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve we will sit down as a family, open the box,  and read all the ways we've given back to those in need. Hopefully this well help us all fully appreciate the gifts that we receive this holiday season as well as through out the year. I would be quite happy if this became a strong family tradition that we can pass down to our children and grandchildren.

We have jumped right in...

Gwyneth helped me pick out baby toys for a family at our church. They are expecting their first baby in January and they are in need of some new baby items for their little boy. 

Our neighborhood has a giving tree and I took the girls over to pick the ornaments off. We talked a lot about these gifts.

This woman could be a Grandma and just wanted some knee socks:

As we wrapped, Gwyneth asked if we should pick up a few extra for her YaYa...she would hate for Yaya not to have socks this year.

An 8 month old who needs diapers and wipes.

A teenager who needs new shoes:

A woman who needs some new cookbooks. We're hoping she can use these to make delicious meals for her family:

Although my girls have wish lists from Santa...pretty long ones at that...it warms my heart that they were so excited to give to others. I hope we will continue finding ways to give back to our community through out the year.