Gifts of the Season

It's been a while since I've posted.   I was in a bit of a funk for a while.  Felt like I was on the hamster wheel not going anywhere.  It was like I was getting further and further behind and there wasn't anything I could do about it.  For example, two $400 electric bills in August and September.  Our house is not some mansion over the hilltop.  It's a little over 2000 square feet.  And our thermostat was set at 76 in summer.  Electric company wouldn't even send some one out to look and check the meter.  Nothing, no help what's so ever.  Then, we finally get those paid off and we had another $500 unexpected thing pop up.  Plus, making trips for Joey's band trip every month.  Faith has a trip to Disney in January that I was supposed to chaperon.  Life can wear ya down, you know?  Where else could I go but to God?  He knows how stretched we are.  He knows our circumstances before I ask.  So, I gave God the worries on my heart and asked for help.   God gave us an unexpected check in the mail that got us caught up.  Joey's band payment got made yet again.  I did have to step-down from going to Disney with Faith.  Just makes me so sad that I couldn't be there.  All of the other kids have at least 1 parent going, but I couldn't put that financial strain on my own family for a trip for myself.

Our first snow in our house.  So pretty!

Now, it's Christmas time.  As they get older and I get wiser, it is less and less about the presents under the tree.  When they were smaller, I'd start during the summer if I found a sale.  Then, it moved to starting in the fall and being done by December 1st.  This year, the first gifts I even bought was a couple movies at 7 am on black Friday.  Seriously.  My husband couldn't believe it.  Black Friday and I came home with a couple movies, fabric, and a toy for my youngest niece.  That's it.  I did some shopping online these past days snowed in.  Now, I am basically done.  Not because I've gone crazy on some awesome sales, but because a couple things they really want under the tree is enough.  There isn't any fluff under there.  There is not clothes that I picked out under there.  Or things they will think is cool for 10 minutes then forget about.  They each have a a couple things under the tree and a couple things for their stocking.  It is enough.

 Annual walk through the lights

 I am looking forward to spending time with my family.  Reading the real Christmas story and Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve like we always do.  Waking up and singing, "Happy Birthday to Jesus!"  over the birthday cake we bake every year.  Then, having family over for a hot meal after presents have been opened.  Playing a few games and just making some memories with one another.  Once you quit worrying about the gifts that do not matter, the real gift of the season can be yours.  The gift of love.   Love from your Savior.  Love with your family.  What a blessing!