The Holiday Spirit

We love the holidays at our house- of course it's mostly about the Christmas cookies, but also the holiday cheer and traditions and snuggling on the couch when it is cold. Which it always is in Wisconsin.

However, it is also the time for good cheer, and our Abby has shown us what it means to have a big heart at Christmas. We were discussing that we felt so blessed this year that we have enough food to eat and have a warm home to live in, and after thinking about it, Abby had a suggestion.

"Daddy," she said. "I have an idea. How about we share what we have with the people who don't have any toys."

"How would we do that?" I asked.

"We need to have a garage sale, but put everything out for free, so the poor people can have stuff. We have so much, if we gave it away for free, other people could have it who don't have anything. That's what we should do!"

I was, of course, floored to hear my 5 year old, who should be in the "Me, me, me, then a little more about me" phase suggesting we give all of our stuff away. I said we'd think about it.

Then two weeks later, she was on the phone with her Grandma McPherson. Grandma asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Abby said she didn't know, but Grandma pressed her, asking her if she could have anything in the world, what would it be.

Abby thought for a moment, and said in a serious voice "I would want everyone in the world to be happy."

Great lessons from a little person.

THANKGIVING FUN!



Thanksgiving was great fun- spent it with the Amezcua family, the A's Auntie Allison. Andrew's entire family was there for the holiday, and to attend Elder Jacob Amezcua's sacrament meeting address just before heading out on his mission to Chile. He gave a great talk, and we got to go through the temple as a family.


St. Paul Temple


We also got to walk the dogs (one escaped, but only for a short time. I think Uncle Hector would have been fine if we had not re-captured...)

Watched the men folk risk life and limb to put up the Christmas lights.

And of course play with the indefatigable Cousin Sarah, the be all and end all of all for the little girls! Thanks for the smile, Aubri. The best of four pictures taken.