Mike lives to help others. He has a wonderful perspective on life and monetary things and what matters most. He didn't want this Christmas to go by without helping someone in need. So, with faith in the goodness of others he still adopted a family for Christmas, then asked the students in his master's program to donate any amount at all to help the family. It ended up that with a small donation from us and some pretty good coupons, we were able to provide Christmas to a family in real need. As a family we shopped for the mom and 3 kids and it was a really sweet experience with the boys.
Earlier in the week we had put together "birthday boxes" for orphans that included candy, party supplies and small toys, then at a church party we stuffed fun Christmas bags for orphans too.
As the boys went with me to drop off the large bag of presents to the specified spot, James said from the back seat:
"Mom, can I have just one of the presents or candy?" I said, "No, baby. It's for the orphans" (easier to keep it simple).
Then James said, "I wish I were an orphan. Then I wouldn't have a mom or a dad, and I'd get lots of presents and be able to eat candy whenever I want." (Interesting perspective from my candy-a-holic 4 year old).
Then, wise old Jace pipes in:
"No, James. We are really lucky. I mean even though we don't have money to buy anything we want and we're pretty poor we still have a lot. We have a nice mom and dad and a good house and food to eat and clothes to wear. We are really lucky. Lots luckier than orphans. They don't have ANYTHING."
Sounded almost verbatim of the things we've been telling our kids these last few months. Glad it is sinking in for someone :). Boy, how I love my family. It's funny, but what Jace said really is true. We really do have A LOT and I'm thankful for all of it!
Here are my boys who actually look a lot like orphans in this picture with our bag of presents for the family in need!
7 comments:
So cool! Love that husband of yours. Your family is the best! Your little orphans are adorable!
What a great family you are! Truly an inspiration to all of us.
Will you send me your new address? rainygivgal@gmail.com
what great experiences you guys are creating for your kids!!!
I can't help but smile and laugh about the conversation between James and Jace. I love your kiddos!
So darling:) Made me shed a tear:) You gotta love the moments when your kids get it...and they get the good stuff! What a great, great thing you are teaching them! Thanks for that example!
lol... i wish i were an orphan... I'm dying here. He is such a goof. what you DO need to encourage your boys to do is marry an orphan! Then, you'll never have to argue over the holidays :) Kidding! Kind of. Hey- i need your address. Email me, facebook me, or send me your christmas card already so I can get ours in the mail to you!
Love how your boys will help teach each other.
I love your friend's comment about marrying an orphan. SO TRUE! We are not spending Christmas in Utah this year for the reason that we just don't have enough time to split it in half for two families.
Post a Comment