November Thanks Day 20 - The Events That Shaped Me

Today has been a long, rough sort of day. Just in the sense that lots of hours were dedicated to something important, but not necessarily uplifting or fun. So it took me a bit to think of something to be thankful for beyond the usual my family is alive and we were all granted another day to live... As I was making dinner, it hit me that I have been through many different events in my life (as we all have) that have helped mold me into the adult that I am, and that some of those events were hard yet now I am grateful to have been through them, and have learned much about myself. That includes, by the way, all of the negatives in my life, so anyone wanting to lodge a complaint... Here are the culprits to complain too!

The first event in my life that I would like to recognize and be grateful for is parenthood. We all know that parenthood changes us, although it effects each person differently. I was 19 when I became a mom. By all standards, I was young but felt I was mature enough to handle things. I was wrong. It's funny how babies tend to confirm a complete lack in ability to be selfless, and provide a mirror to see the mounds of patience we all don't have... Needless to say, I did not handle becoming a mother with the grace that I should have. I did not the first time around, nor the second when I was 21. Actually, I'm still working on the grace thing... And the patience... And the selflessness. You see, having a child does not prevent anyone from having selfish thoughts. If anything, those thoughts multiply while seeing/feeling that the whole world is spinning out of control, control is essentially lost, and the sandman won't be visiting for a while. What a baby does do, though, is provide a boot camp of sorts in not acting on the selfishness. As I said, I'm still working on it, I spend money on coffee when I could put that money towards a camp or something for the kids. I'm not perfect, but am a work in progress. Also, parenthood tends to make things a little more funny, and forces us to laugh at ourselves. Remember that time your kid started pushing your other kid during a musical practice at church? Or, oh, remember the time your kid grabbed her chest in the middle of a restaurant and loudly announced she is now getting boobs? No? Okay, just me then. If that is you, then laugh, otherwise you'll develop frown lines before you turn 30.

Me with my baby girl in 2006

Me not caring with my baby boy 2008

The next event was getting married. Much like having children, pretty much everyone goes through this. What no one told me, though, is that the first few years aren't exactly easy. They are filled with adjustment, getting to see who we actually are as people (you know, the good/bad we didn't want them to see while dating as it may scare the other person off), and rubbing away at the rough spots much like a clam with sand to get to the pearl. While I definitely haven't been turned into a sellable jewelry yet, I definitely know that marriage has made me a better person, learning how to approach things as a team instead of an individual. And in remembering that I am not the only one to complete things, there is another person there (which is how I know I'm not at pearl status, yet. I definitely forget this one a lot to my spouse's chagrin). I also have learned there is a major difference between being in love with someone, and loving them. I have also learned that everyone, no matter what, will end up in the second stage so there is no point in feeling like something is broken when the first one ends. There, maybe I saved someone a trip to the counselors office. Your bank account shall thank you if you embrace this concept early on.

Our wedding party in 2007

Hubby and flower girl, Reyna

Us in 2010

Being laid off was another life changing/shaping event for me. Prior to that I had things figure out. I worked at the Better Business Bureau, felt confident at how young I was and yet how I'd landed such a great job, and knew that school would eventually be in my future but that I was fine for the moment. And then, my whole world got yanked out from under me. Bitterness and anger were the emotions that followed in the next few months. I had no idea what to do with myself, but eventually embraced the idea of staying at home. I volunteered at the local elementary school thinking I would possibly pursue a teaching degree (a few months in I said nope to that idea, ironically). I also took classes on cake decorating. The house was clean, kids were potty trained, and life didn't seem so bad. Then my husband lost his job (and our car got broken into, windows smashed, and cell phone stolen). Boy what a jolt that provided. Never in my life have I felt the need to rush and put my life together as I did then. But I did it, and was hired at the Employment Securities Department, and was one of the youngest people there. I loved my co-workers, and my job. I loved the commute and being in the city. And then I got laid off again. My whole perspective on job security was shattered, and I knew that I had to do something to get my life on track. That was when I decided to just "jump" and find a school and degree track to propel myself towards something, anything. So many appointments, so much paperwork, it all seemed so endless. Eventually, I settled on WGU and a part time job with one of our local school districts. That turned into me deciding to teach for a living, and an almost full time job with the school district. And it taught me that I am not irreplaceable. There are no guarantees in life, so it's best to be prepared for times of crises (even if that just means mentally because your bank account has no spare change to be prepared) and know that you can, and will, get through it. My dad used to throw a quote at me of "this too shall pass", and I know from this experience that it does.

 The next is a really odd one, but it helped me see that my family really is a team unit, working together. We had a major storm in 2012, the power went out, there was deep snow everywhere, then it rained ice, trees were down, the works. For days we were trapped at home, not able to drive anywhere. Our power, luckily, was only out for 24 hours, but getting anywhere to do anything was near impossible. And, shockingly, when you have kids they do need to eat, stay warm, be entertained, and know that they're safe. That winter, my husband and I learned to suck it up, and hike up a mile in snow that had a layer of ice on top. By saying layer of ice, I do mean thick slabs of ice where you place one foot down, and are met with a feeling of razor sharp resistance that created bruising (and probably cuts if our pants weren't so thick). We had to do it, though, and we did it together and even did so happily after accepting that freezing our butts off, being in pain, and generally being uncomfortable was our fate. We also BBQ'ed in the garage (with the door open, no comments about how unsafe it was because we were well ventilated) in order to make sure the kids and neighbors ate. It was interesting. After a week, we realized we could do it, we could work together and not kill one another.

Our backyard after the first or second day of the storm.

Definitely not one of the last events that was changing in my life, but the last I will talk about (some things, honestly, are too private to share) is that of meeting some of my husband's friends. It sounds funny that the friends of my spouse would deserve a spot in a post, as they are not directly in my life, but my husband's. Nevertheless, Rob, Robert, Jeremy (someone we fell out of touch with) and some others I have met, but will remain nameless for the sake of privacy. Both Rob and Robert were very instrumental during difficult times in our lives, just being there to listen offer advice, watch the kids, or be confident enough to tell us the answers we needed to hear, but didn't exactly want. Jeremy is someone who was around in the early days , such as right after both kids were born when both Ken and I were adjusting to our new roles. He had a sense of when one of us would need help, and would simply step in and do it. I remember one time being completely overwhelmed, Reyna just cried and cried, and Ken was at work. Jeremy gently took her from me, sent me to take an hour to watch the new episode of Grey's Anatomy, and then let me lay down for a little bit. Robert has been quick to let me know when my expectations in life, relationship, or for the kids is unreasonable. He has reminded me that my children are not robots, and are entitled to their own feelings so long as they are following the rules and being respectful. He has also reminded me again and again that there are times to compromise, and times to dig in my heels, and hold on to my pride. Rob has shown he has an endless ability to listen, provide encouragement, and perspective. When I have "oh crap" moments, he has been the one to stay calm, steady, and reminding that I am not the first person on the planet to make these mistakes (like getting into two car accidents in a month... How genius of me). Knowing these three guys, and through them April (Robert's wife) and Lisa (Rob's fiancé) has helped me learn that letting others who are not family in can some times be the smartest thing we could have ever done. Thanks guys!

The Duggars, Robertsons, and Other Ruminations

This is a first for me, as I have never used my blog as a political platform (nor do I intend to in the future). When I woke up this morning, though, and saw what was trending for me, I felt led to share my personal views.

Over the last year there has been more and more unwillingness to let ANY person (let alone celebrity) keep their personal beliefs without causing some sort of fight, or demand that a job be taken away. Last checked, that is a form of witch hunt, and should not be tolerated in the United State of America where we are supposed to have a huge, long list of freedoms - I won't even get started on the 2nd Amendment and the bashing it has received. That would be a whole other blog post in its own right.

How is it that we are so afraid to let any one person, or group of people, actually have religious freedom, and freedom of speech? We are okay with it whenever it is a group that is in the mainstream's eye, which is telling us that yes, this group is the one to support and back. Guess what, that doesn't work for me! I do not need the media, my friends, family, or person on the corner to tell me that one person is allowed to have an opinion whilst the other is not. Shame on you, society, for allowing things to spin so stupidly out of control that you have blinded yourselves and become as hypocritical as those you protest!

The Robertson's came under attack last year for answering a question honestly (it also happened to the Benham brothers as well, who did not have enough of a public following to receive support). I do not care if any of you agree or disagree with their stance, they are allowed to have it. By law, they are allowed to have it. And I think they were fairly courageous for sharing an opinion knowing they would be slammed by the media and its loyal followers (which I am apparently one as I actually read the "trending" section in Facebook, so yes I'm including myself in this). Besides, isn't there some sort of law that protects people from work place discrimination? And, if memory serves me right, doesn't freedom from religious persecution fall under the umbrella in the protection from work place discrimination?

This has gone beyond the Robertson's to now being a legal battle fought by many around America. And, while I personally believe ALL people should be serviced in a company regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religion, etc (I do not hold that same belief for a church, though, or for anyone holding any form of religious ceremony. Not in the same ballgame at all, to me). I do also believe in the rights of a business owner. It's wrong, in my own opinion, to pour out blood, sweat, and tears only to be told by the government what you can and can't do when it comes to your own clientele. If customers don't like how business is being conducted, then take your own business elsewhere. Makes for good, ethical business all the way around.

Another who comes to mind is Donald Sterling, former owner of the LA Clippers. The man had, unfortunately, shared his views on race that were incredibly wrong. Views I do not share one iota of. Does that mean he isn't allowed to have them, though? Shouldn't he be allowed to keep his team regardless of what formulated in his mind and came out of his mouth? How can a personal stance be used against any one person to prevent them from owning something, or having gainful employment? Again, I do not agree with any of his views, but it saddens me that we have become so hateful in our own society, that we are unable to exist with those we disagree with. And, not that his opinion validates mine any further, Dave Chappelle even agrees and has made a public statement two days ago stating that this team should not have been taken from him over person viewpoints.

Now, the new celebrity under fire is the entire Duggar clan. The Duggars have been on TLC for years and have promoted their own Christian values from the very start. I do not personally believe in everything they promote (especially the first kiss being for the wedding day, that is odd to me, but to each their own). Over the last year, more and more people have become upset with the Duggars views on abortion, marriage (in that it happens at such a young age, and how the courtship is conducted... Which, again, I semi agree that how they do things is not my personal cup of tea), and now homosexuality. Busy family in making so many people angry this year!

I am not a regular viewer of 19 Kids and Counting - when I'm board I will watch an episode or two on Netflix, and I will admit I am excited to watch the wedding episodes because I'm a sucker for weddings. Seeing this family slammed, though, and a high demand that they lose their jobs because they promote on their personal site (personal, not TLC's site) their own beliefs has made me angry. I do not agree with them on everything, and feel that their call to having married couples post a kiss to have been tasteless (for the record, I share their stance on marriage being between a man and a woman. Everyone who knows me knows that, and I will not defend/argue it). Definitely a call that should have been skipped since it went beyond just sharing what they felt. In saying that, though, it's their own personal right to make what I feel are bad decisions, and to take a stand for what the gospel says. Stand down, and let the family be whether you agree with them or not. If this was a family down the street in your own neighborhood, having these conversations with friends, none of us would expend a huge amount of energy on it. We wouldn't be protesting at their local jobs for them to be fired, so why is it okay for celebrities?

Personally, I do not believe in the Department of Education, I don't like the direction public school is headed, I don't like the attitude from those in education about those who homeschool, and I have relatively conservative viewpoints outside of that. I work for a school district. Almost all of my beliefs should, if logic made sense to fire these other people, give me a pink slip and a butt kick out the door. I'm good at my job, though, and have a passion to bring to the table different angles to help children learn. So... If I can hold my personal beliefs (so long as I do not post them in affiliation with my school district) and not be jobless, why does it not hold true for others?

I am not saying a company isn't allowed to fire someone. I am not even saying that a company has no rights to make decisions on the message they want coming from said company. What I am saying is that if those sentiments are not shared on the show the company is paying for, and those sentiments/beliefs are being spread on personal time, why should any of us give one darn about it other than to make a personal decision on whether or not we continue to tune in week after week?
Whether you share their beliefs or not, please sign this petition in support of freedom of though, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.

Thank you for reading my rant, we will now return to the normal mommy blogging content :)

November Thanks Day 19 - The Sucessful Resolution

Every year I carefully make my resolutions. Usually they are the same, which is probably the case for all of us. Yet, I continue to make them with due diligence because may this time will be different. Maybe year XXXX will have that extra oomph to it to make me carry out the 10 or so things that I'd like to do, yet cannot seem to get around to by the time July is here (or, in most cases, February when the resolution excitement has waned). I actually made some really good ones last year (which, if curiosity leads you, can be found here), but sadly did not keep any that were made with my original resolutions.

Sounds odd to have a thankful post about resolutions that were failed, right? Well, you see I belong to this yearly blogging community who reflects for the entire month of December about the year that has passed, and how what was learned that year will carry on into the new one (I love it, and can't wait to start up again next month). It's pretty incredible, and has helped me with a lot of personal growth.

One of the things I wrote about was trying new things. I resolved, with the best of them, to try at least one new thing every month so that I could push myself into having new experiences. And, you know what, that is a resolution I actually kept! I do not recall if I actually did something every single month, but what I did do was remove the limits I normally would have had against myself, and for that I am thankful.

Here is the grand list (at least, all that I can remember):

• I went to Zoo lights - I'd been once as a child, but can't really remember it, so it doesn't count.
• I touched a tiger shark.

Reyna and her brother touching the
tiger shark

• I touched an armadillo.
• I touched an alligator (and, no, I didn't do all of those on the same days or at the same time).
• I walked on a suspension bridge that was swinging, and did not freak out!

My dad and the kids on the bridge

• I actually completed hikes on Mount Rainier, and off of it as well. This one may not count as I walked a trail the year before, but I did it in flip flops in the snow, lasted half a mile, and then had to stop. I did not actually complete the end goal of where we wanted to go (nor do I remember if we had any such goal). I'd also been on the mountain twice before with Ken. One time we hiked for 10 minutes and decided it was too cold, and the second time we made it to the parking lot and said, nope, lets go home. So, to me, this counts as a "first".

The switchback up a trail

The face of sweat after completing
a difficult hike

The view from that trail

• I saw my first real waterfall that was bigger than the mini ones you see on the side of the mountains (I actually visited two this summer). I'd been on top of one before, but was too chicken to do the steep climb down to actually see it.

• I personally BBQ'ed for the first time ever (I always let others do it, never myself)

Tell me that doesn't look delicious!

• I took my kids to their first stage musical to see Tarzan, which I had not seen before either.
• I went on the Ducks in Seattle, which normally would embarrass me like none other.
• I have personally held, and fed, a squirrel.

Our guest at my daughter's 8th birthday party

• I went to an island for the first time in my life.
• While on that island, I got to see my first ever lighthouse

Lighthouse at Vashon Island

• I took the kids to every single museum Tacoma has to offer, minus the car museum because I'm not sure how they'll react to it.

The kids and I at Union Station

• I went inside my first ever haunted house. Like a scary one, completely as far away from the Haunted Mansion at Disney as one can really get. I wish I had gotten pictures of that one, pretty sure the looks on our faces would have been pretty priceless!
• I walked around all day with a fake mustache on my face (spirit day at work).

• Took a tour of the Museum of Flight with an actual docent (which is way better than wandering through alone, trust me).
• I took myself and some friends to a few movies. This may sound crazy, but I personally have never done that as I've always waited for my husband, or dad, to want to go see something. I don't like driving, but finally decided if I wanted to see something I don't need to wait for anyone. So I found people who wanted to go, and made it happen.
• I went to an outdoor movie with the kids and my dad. It was so fun, and so beautiful. Cannot wait for next summer to do it again!
• Though I have not done this one yet, on Sunday I will get to go on my first walk through of Fantasy Lights, which is something I have been wanting to do for at least two years now, and finally just decided to buy the tickets for the darned thing.

I know there is more that I have done this last year, but I honestly cannot remember it all. I am just thankful that I had enough to fill up every single month this year, and then some. Cannot wait to see what else I can accomplish for the first time  between now and January!

November Thanks Day 18 - La Francais

French excursion for my 25Th birthday

When I was 13, I had a friend who convinced me to take French class with her. Though I was more interested in Spanish, I quickly agreed as I wanted to take a class with someone I knew. Within the first few minutes of the class, I knew this was it. I'd been hooked. All things French became my focal point for a few years. French art, architecture, style, language, music, food, movies, and history were all things I rapidly absorbed.

And it changed me. Instead of being a kid from a small town with the interests and knowledge of everyone around me, I was able to see and experience other facets of beauty in the world. I still love almost all things French (the politics I could do without), and dream of visiting some day. I am very grateful to my old French teacher, Madame Knelleken, for opening my eyes to a whole new culture! J'aime la francais!

November Thanks Day 17 - Old Friends

I want to personally thank all of the friends who have, in my opinion, helped shape me into the adult I am now. The friends I had in the decade of 10-20 years old where I was testing the limits, and deciding who I wanted to be, and how I wanted to approach the world. Some of them I do not have pictures for (at least, not scanned for online use), but that does not make them, or their memories, any less special to me. And, some of them I do not talk to anymore because of growing apart, busy schedules, or any other reason, but that does not take away what I learned from all of them!


Daniel-San in my seniors hoody

First up (and these are in no particular order) is Daniel Reidstra. Daniel was my younger neighbor who drove me crazy. Absolutely crazy. Still, we saw each other every day, and hung out watching stupid cartoons together while his parents worked. I still remember the day that I had to hide in his closet, then sneak out the backyard so his parents wouldn't catch me there - something I did not know was a big deal until the yell of "oh crap, my mom's home. HIDE!". We walked to and from school together - he and the other neighbor kids would meet me at the end of the hallway every single day. Daniel passed away in a car crash June 9, 2008, which is the exact day that my son was born. To this day, I can be doing something and all of a sudden see his face in a crowded school hallway, smiling, laughing, messing around with his friends. It makes me sad to know the last few years of his life I missed everything. Our last conversation was when we ran into each other at the mall, he told me about his new career, and I told him about expecting my son.

What I learned from Daniel is that it is always important to let people in, share with them, and hear their advice (regardless of whether or not it is applied). He would listen to everything, and force me to hear his opinion on the relationship issues I had - I'd scoff, because what did a jr high kid know about anything, anyways? - or any other situation in life. It was a good give and take, as I learned everything about his dad, step dad, and the rest of his family. I miss that kid. A lot.

Best birthday outing ever!

Next up is my old buddy, Holly. We were neighbors, and met when I was 11 years old. We have seen each other through pretty much every single important milestone that there can be for a girl/young woman. Beyond the normal changes that we went through together, Holly was also there for me when I first started at public school. I was a homeschooler, and had never done anything beyond art/music/aerobic/Bible classes, and was really scared to try anything beyond my comfort zone. She promised to meet me right before our French class, and showed me where to go for the first few weeks until I felt comfortable navigating my way around. Her friends at school became my friends, and I was included in everything. From her, I learned how important it is to look out for the people you care about. It does not matter if they really aren't family, or if they don't belong as easily as others. Take care of them, show them they are important, and all will be good!

Holly and I at her wedding






The next person is important to me, yet I have 0 pictures of her scanned (sorry!). Brianne Keith is someone I met through Holly. She lived a block up from  us, drove a car (the first out of everyone), and was obsessed with Hanson and anything dealing with the medical profession. She was always the person who would try to answer a question. To this day, though she lives far away and we rarely talk, if she finds out I need something she will try and give whatever help she can. And that is what I have learned from her, always, always, always pay attention to what others needs and try to be the one to help instead of letting them sit and stress for no reason. 



Me and Krystal

Krystal Chiarolla is another I have learned much from. We met in high school after talking about a boy we both had problems with ("don't date him!") and bonded from there. We had a mutual love of Disney, Broadway, and travel. Though we met towards the end of my time in high school, she had a huge impact on me in that she pushed me to be more independent. When I received the big yes for the Disney College Program, she and her mother were there, cheer leading me on saying I could do this. I could leave everything I was familiar with, plus my boyfriend, and go take a gamble that this would be a good fit. Not only that, but she was the one who had the idea that we should both apply for the program in the first place. I owe her many thanks for all of the help she and her husband have provided over the years, along with the pushes to just jump without thinking some times. If not for that, I probably would not be where I am today in my quest for a teaching degree. It's good to just go with a gut feeling some times, and just not look back!


Our Kitchen Sinks

Tracy Hansen is someone I met at community college. We met, and became instant friends. Though we had known each other a short time, she was one of the main ones to help my husband and I when the move back from Florida needed to be made. She taught me that being selfless, and going above and beyond for people is a necessity. That it doesn't matter how close they are to you, everyone needs help some times.


Tracy and I at the zoo








Megan was someone I met while pregnant with my daughter. She and my husband worked together, and she quickly became a friend who tried to be there for everything. When I would become overwhelmed with motherhood, she would swoop in and hold my daughter so I could take a break. If I could not find a sitter so I could work, Megan would do it. If I simply needed to vent from frustration, she was there. Megan taught me that it is important to simply show up for people. It does not matter if the hands are empty (during that time, we were all broke. Broker than broke. Oh my goodness, I hate to remember how broke) or not, it matters to show up, and do the little things. We all have something we can give, even if that some thing is just time.



Tracy, Megan, and one of their friends, Alise



The next person is tied with my husband in that if it weren't for him, we probably would not be together. Also, if it weren't for him yapping in my ear so much (really, obnoxious amounts of yappage) about what a relationship needs, I probably, to this day, would still not know the beauty of compromise. Though we had huge issues, differences, and disagreements (and that is putting it mildly), I owe Chris some large amounts of thanks. He suggested to my husband that we date, he orchestrated our first date, he created times before that for the two of us to quietly get to know one another and be around one another. And, probably most importantly, he taught me daily about the need to compromise. How it is so, so, so important to make both parties win instead of looking out just for self.

The hubby

The last person to thank is my husband, Ken. No, he doesn't fall in the friend category now, but that is how we started out. If it weren't for him, I would not have opened my eyes to all of the different things I now like. I was very set in my ways as a teen, and he forced me to try foods I thought I hated (Chinese is pretty darned yummy), listen to music I knew nothing about and thought would probably be dumb (Les Miserables and country), see that authors were excellent even if they weren't the greats from the classics era, and to try things even if I thought I might lose. Which, by the way, is one of my biggest faults next to gossiping, and being impatient, and being judgmental (I could go on and on). Most importantly, though, he showed me that it was important for me to try and be independent before we got married. I was not certain what I thought of this whole Disney thing, and he gently told me it needed to happen, I needed to know what life was like without parents to catch me, and that he'd pay my application fee. Looking back, we have had our ups and downs, but I do not regret for an instant being married to him. And I know he was right, that if I had not jumped at the opportunity, I would not have the confidence that things will happen and work out that I do now. So thank you, honey!

Thank you to each and every one of you who I mentioned today. There are many, many more who have stepped in and taught me things, and meant a lot to me. If I wrote about all of you, it would take me days and days to get everything down. I have truly been blessed with some amazing people in my life!

November Thanks Day 16 - Let Them Eat Cake!

As I was looking through my Facebook pictures, trying to come up with something for today's thanks, I saw some things from a few years ago that made me smile. I used to bake, and decorate, cakes. There was a period in my life where I was jobless (thanks economy!), not in school, and needing a way to earn some extra money while staying sane, feeling I was learning something new. So my mom gave me the gift of a few cake decorating classes, and I was able to sell a few cakes whenever we really needed a few extra dollars.

My daughter's 5th birthday cake

The best part was seeing that I have a small creative outlet, and seeing my kids happy with some of the things I made for their birthday's. Plus, it felt good to be able to be resourceful in hard times.

A friend's wedding cake

While looking at the pictures, please keep in mind that I am in no way saying I'm as good as a professional. I'm not. I'm not Duff Goldman, Buddy Valestro, or any other greats (some of my co-workers, and my mom, are truly great decorators), but for my own capabilities I'm not that bad. And it brings me joy to create something (after loads of stress trying to get it done). Also, I have to say that I miss doing this on occasion. It has been about two-three years since I tried my hand at any serious decorating, basically since motherhood, work, and school took over my life :)

Gender reveal cake

Her fourth birthday cake,
and yes, the top tower is leaning!

Birthday cake for a friend



Yule Log

November Thanks Day 15 - Operation Christmas Child

Photo from www.samaritanspurse.ca

Today I am thankful for a wonderful project called Operation Christmas Child. I have learned about this organization through the church my family and I have attended for the last few years. Every year we have seen the mountain of shoe boxes going out to children all over the world, and have wanted to take part, but have always missed the early November deadline.

This year, my parents grabbed two boxes to fill up with the kids. My daughter chose a girl, and my son chose a boy, and off to shop they went. The kids had so much fun trying to figure out what would make another child happy, and learned about being sensitive to worldly situations (such as explaining to my son that no, a toy gun isn't okay. The child who receives this gift may come from a war torn area). Today, the kids completed their letters introducing themselves, wishing the other child a Merry Christmas, and including an address in case that child wishes to write to them in return. We will definitely do this again next year, and may start as early as January in getting something once a month for our box.

Operation Christmas Child provides you with decorative shoe boxes, labels, and the ability to choose the age and gender of child that will receive it. Then, shop away until the box is filled, include a picture and letter so that the child has a connection with who provided them with the box, and return to your church (or send in yourself). It can take weeks for them to reach some of the locations these children are at, so all boxes must be turned in by the middle of November in order to reach these kids by Christmas. When the packages are delivered, so are Bibles for all of the kids, which is truly a blessing! For more information directly from the organization, go here.

For an extra chuckle, here is Uncle Si partnered with Operation Christmas Child!