Grateful

Last night our secret 12 days of Christmas came. We received the Joseph piece of the Nativity. It totally drives me nuts that I don't know who it is though. I know that that is the idea, but it still drives me crazy. We now have Mary and the baby Jesus left to complete the set. I am going to be sad when this is all over. Not just because someone is bringing us presents, but because of the wonderful spirit it brings to our home. So, if the person who is doing this is reading this blog, could you just keep it up all year? We are really enjoying it. (Ha, Ha).

I have been really conflicted about the money jar. The night we received it, I asked the kids what they thought we should do with it. Sarah wanted to give it to "the poor people with signs at Temple Square." We discussed the intent of those who gave it to us. Sarah spent the evening separating the coins and counting each kind, (IE, quarters, nickles, etc.). I told her that there were machines that would do that at the bank, but she would not hear of it. That just didn't seem right to her. She wanted to treat the gift respectfully. Jim and I were still struggling. If we gave the money away, we felt we would be disrespecting the wishes of the giver. But if we took the money and did something fun with it, we felt guilty. So, the next day, I came up with a solution that I felt we could feel good about. We had the money from the jar counted. I wanted the kids to know exactly how much was in it so they could see what was sacrificed for us. It was around $90.00. We also have a change jar that we put our loose change in. It is not as large as the one received because we all borrow (steal) from it frequently, but still it had a significant amount in it. I suggested to the family that we take both jars and combine them. Whatever the amount totaled, we would spend half on "toys for tots" and the other half we would go to dinner Christmas Eve. We all felt good about that decision. So, today the kids and I went to the store and bought toys for kids that otherwise would not be getting any on Christmas. When we had reached our budgeted limit, I told the kids that we had spent the money and we were done. Sarah responded "who cares about the limit, it is Christmas." Truth from the mouth of babes. It was very fun for us to think about someone else besides ourselves for a minute.

Tomorrow night will be very special. Brendan works at Powder Mountain on Christmas Day. So we decided that we will take our gift money and go out to dinner Christmas Eve and then we will come back here and Brendan will open his gifts. Also, we will open the gifts he has given us. It should be a great family night.

Today, Jim went and got a short hair cut. I guess it is already falling out from the Chemo. I suggested that he just shave it. He stated that he was not quite ready for that yet. I think he looks sexy with a bald head so I don't have any problem with it, but to him it signifies illness. All in due time I guess.

I have to say, that I think this is my favorite Christmas that we have had for a long time. I know that sounds funny considering what is to come, but this Christmas we have felt and experienced what Christmas is truly about. Our hearts are full and we have enjoyed family time, making memories, holiday traditions and the spirit of service and sacrifice.

I am so grateful.