December 25, 2011
Dear Ava, Garrett and Grady,
Merry Christmas.
I am so proud of you and the generous spirit you have shared with others this season with our “Embracing a Spirit of Giving 2011″ project. We did so much together and I hope when you look back one day and read all of these stories, you will remember the faces of the lives you touched.
One of my favorite parts of the Christmas story is found in the Gospel of Luke, after the shepherds went out and spread the good news of Christ’s birth. There, you’ll find a description of Mary, who after giving birth to Jesus, “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
I have done the same this season. There are so many moments I have tucked away in my heart. I have these memories stored up and readily available for me to experience again and again. I love you so much. You are my gifts and every time I look into your eyes, I thank God for such beautiful children. My life is changed because of you. I am a better person because of you. You help fulfill a calling God has entrusted to me…to be your Mother. I pray I will help you grow to be strong and unwavering in your faith. I hope to help you stand tall when you feel small and above all else, know you are wanted and loved.
I am so excited to celebrate Christ’s birth with you today. Of all the gifts you will receive this morning, none will be as great as the gift we find in His Hope, His Peace and His Life.
Today we are also honoring our family. Thank you for helping me keep our secret for the past few days. Originally, we planned on arriving in Illinois late this evening. But, we decided to come up early and arrived a few days ago. In fact, one thing I have not been able to share with our friends is that the man who gave to us at McDonald’s did so on the day we arrived. I had been driving for almost nine hours and was tired. The spirit in which his gift was given, strengthen me as we continued on our last hour of driving to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
Grandma Bev and Grandpa Dave were so excited to see you the night we arrived. Your daddy arrived last night and now, this morning, we will surprise Grandma Paula and Papa Randy by attending their Christmas service. I cannot wait to see their faces when we walk through the door. I know that having a complete family, especially on Christmas morning, will mean so much to them.
Tomorrow, we will continue sharing our joy as the rest of our family arrives…aunts, uncles, cousins and many more! Always treasure your family. They are a refuge in the storm and light in the darkness and a sanctuary where love abounds. And hey, they are just a fantastic group to laugh with and be around!
I love you my children.
Always.
Love,
Mom
p.s… I like sharing this video clip on this blog every Christmas. The message is timeless and everlasting.
p.p.s…You are awesome 
Thanks for sharing your heart to your children with us. I pray you had a wonderful Christmas, my friend.