Christmas wrap up

Christmas is over.

There is some relief in saying that. It is always so stressful leading up to get. The budget has to be reworked, the time managed more carefull, but in the end, its all about the family. We celebrated the birth of our king. Opened all the presents that Santa brought then packed up in the car to head for church for a WONDERFUL party for Jesus. The girls were so well behaved and even sweet Liv was trying to sing along with the carols. Too stinking cute! I will share some pictures in a blog to come, but lets just say it was an amazing holiday, one we will NEVER forget.

I am not sure how many readers know that my family has had a very transitional year. We moved from where I have lived FOREVER, where all my girls were born, back to my husband's birthplace. With the move came the struggle to find jobs. Thankfully I was able to quickly get a position with one of the biggest healthcare providers in the valley, but the hiring process was still lengthly, and I didn't start until into July (after moving mid June!) Needless to say, the moving costs and the lack of income caused some financial strain. Come the holidays we were needing a bit of help, so we went to The Salvation Army's family services office and signed up for help. We were just hoping for a few things to help the girls have a better Christmas.

What I wasn't expecting was a gentleman to sponsor our entire family's Christmas. His generosity seriously still leaves me speechless. There are no words to express how deeply thankful I am for that. He (and his helpers) seriously made the best holiday out of what I thought for sure would be the worst.

It was amazing to see all those presents for my girls under the tree. Things they wanted to have, (pillow pets for each one!) and things they needed (socks, gloves, some warmer clothes). I am blown away at what was put under our tree. If I ever find out the name of this annonymous "Santa" he will be getting my thank yous forever!! In fact, I am working on a letter to thank him (not nearly enough, but heartfelt!) I would also like to send him the photos I took of him with my kids. See, he dressed up as the jolly Santa himself, and brought along the Mrs and an helper elf. It was just priceless to see my kiddos interacting with him and just the joy in their eyes.

Anyway, just wanted to share my Christmas story with my friends. We are TRUELY blessed this holiday to have seen the generosity of men, and feel the love of our Heavenly father through the hands and help of a stranger.