our newest tradition

 

 We wanted this year to be different, the getting them together for the holidays. This year, we wanted, rather, to get them together for a purpose. So, 4 sweet girls showed up to our home on a Saturday...and if you've done the math, you know that means there were 8 children in our home. 

Honey was beside himself at the number...mostly because he knew 1/2 of them were his. But really? It wasn't any different. 

Because, really, it's not THAT uncommon for my table to look like this.

They all created, cooked, giggled, cuddled, and sat down to watch the "Buck Denver asks, Why Do We Call It Christmas?" video. Well, most of them...

Minkle was in the mood to hang by himself and do his own thing.

It was a cookie cooking, cards making, video watching fest. Then, for the best part of all, the girls piled in the car...

Don't worry, all children were safely strapped in by the time we were in motion.

and we headed to some widows' homes to deliver their cookies and cards and sing carols.

These girls made me so proud. They loved every part of it and were so excited to go to each home to bring joy to each lady.

And the ladies?

Well, they made me nearly cry as their faces lit up when the girls began singing to them. Some took out their cookies just to look at them while the girls sang.

So, it was on the way home we decided to make this a Christmas tradition...the giving to others in this way.

It's in the giving that we can really celebrate Christ in Christmas.  The little we have to offer...the reminder of all He continues to give.

And, as a random side note, my next post will have everything to do with this...

My kids may hide my camera one day. Until then...enjoy!