Christmas Outreach

Our church had their Christmas outreach today. The kids have been asking for weeks if we were going to go help at the Christmas party. I think they love to give even more than to receive. If not more, it's awfully close! The kids picked out gifts to donate for the outreach. Instead of picking out any old toys, which I probably would have done so I could quickly get out of the store, they both picked toys that they would love to have. It felt so good to see how happy the kids were to be a part of the outreach. They were happy to walk around this neighborhood and knock on doors inviting people for a free fish lunch, a toy for their children and a bag of groceries. The church gave out 200 plates of fish, 175 toys and 75 bags of groceries. It was such a blessing to be a part of this.

Ernie and Jason loading a truck with groceries.


Don, Bookie, Tyler and Tyler knocking on doors, inviting people to the party.


Austin, Tia, Michael and Misty inviting to the party.


Michael, Austin, Annalee and Bekah


Fish fry time!


Cotton candy and popcorn


Basketball time


Bella and Ernie


The kids had a great time!


Santa Ronnie handing out presents.


The line of kids waiting for presents. They were so sweet and so grateful.




The strap on the stroller broke when we got there today! I had to keep a close eye on my little monkey! She kept turning around and I caught her standing in the stroller! I doubt she'll go back in this one!

I was so blessed to be a part of this today. I am so thankful that our church believes in not only supporting missionaries, but also giving back to our community. I believe that it teaches our children to be givers. After church tomorrow the kids will go with Ernie's Mom to shop for kids that are less fortunate than us and go hand them out wherever she sees fit. That activity was started a couple of years ago. It really stretches me. I much prefer doing something in a large group where you can bless more people. The kids absolutely love it, though. They have the sweetest spirits.

We are having such a wonderful Christmas season this year. I usually get very overwhelmed and extremely cranky. We have said no to a lot of extra things this year and have spent more time together as a family. We have baked tons of cookies together, drove around to see Christmas lights and have just relaxed and enjoyed being together as a family. Normally by this time of the year, I'm just ready for it all to be over. Not this year! I wish we had another two weeks left in December to just revel in the holiday spirit.