Merry Christmas

We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!! We have lots of traditions planned and things to do, but most of all we are looking forward to being together as well as with extended family. Although this is a crazy time of year and everyone has lots to do, we wanted to share one of our favorite Christmas traditions...

Giving Forward
Each year, we choose someone special who gets to receive the "giving forward" gift. The giving forward gift is a gift that gives beyond the person who receives it. I'm sure you're wondering what it is! Tom and I have always been drawn to an organization called World Vision. This is an organization that works to eradicate poverty around the world. They provide many opportunities for those who have much, to give. For example, you can send money in and they will purchase chickens, a goat, cow, etc. to give to families in need so they can sustain themselves. They also provide education, water, fishing gear, AIDS medicine, the list just keeps on going. These gifts really are gifts that go beyond just a one time deal. Families who receive a chicken can then survive by eating and selling the eggs that the chicken provides. We absolutely love this organization. This year, Lowa and Whittaker get to pick who the "giving forward" gift goes to. We want them to know that Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate Christ's birth (most importantly), family, and having fun with food and presents. But, we also want them to know, that Christ came and gave us a gift - himself. Thus, we want to honor Christ by giving to others as well! If you want to check out World Vision, they're on-line.
This is a wonderful tradition for our family that we love doing. We hope each of you have a tradition that you love as well.

Once again, we wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Love to you all!