Crazy Time of Year and Precious Gifts

I haven't written anything in awhile and honestly it's not because I haven't had the subject matter...on the contrary. I've thought of so many things to write about but can't seem to complete a thought on any of them.

From Belle telling me, "If there were an All-Star award for naked-ness...I'd have it." Yep...she likes to be naked.

To Ben being so excited about our first snow of the season and accidentally saying, "This is testicle!" vs. well...whatever he was trying to say.

Then there's the fact I haven't even started my Christmas shopping. I haven't put lights outside (first time in...forever), I probably won't send out Christmas cards this year (money is tight, time is tight, my loved ones will understand and recognize it has nothing to do with my excitement and belief in Christmas), I JUST got the Christmas tree up AND finally...I seem to be gaining weight...again. I can't be too upset with the later since it's not entirely my fault (that's WHOLE other post...research doctor recommendations!). Anywho.....

But through it all, I still love Christmas. I LOVE this time of year. My kids love it too and I so enjoy experiencing all the excitement through their eyes. We drove by some Christmas lights the other night and their "oooooohs" and "ahhhhhhhhhs" and it literally warmed my heart. And once again, made me realize just how lucky I am.

Remember what it was like to drive by all the houses and be in awe of the lights and decorations without thinking about all the work it took to get them out there, how much they cost and how much the electric bill was going to be? Christmas through a kids eyes is the way to view it. Not just visually, but with your heart. That spirit that comes with the hope and excitement of the best time of year. It's the only way to be...kid-like.

There's a commercial - not really a Christmas-related per se - that I keep seeing. But it's about as Christmas as you can get to me. It's a St. Jude commercial about all the advancements they are making in caring for kids with cancer. The commercial reminds us to be thankful for what we have. Especially our most precious gifts...our children. Especially if they are healthy.