Operation Christmas Child
For the last two years, we have participated in Operation Christmas Child through Evan’s school.
Out of complete honesty both years have consisted of me going shopping at the stores, me packaging the boxes, me wrapping the boxes, me sticking the money in, me sealing the envelope, and me carrying the box to his classroom. I know I mentioned it to him each year … that we were taking a present so some other children that didn’t have much – so that they would have a Christmas present to open, but I honestly didn’t expect him to get that much out of it. And even more honestly I probably didn’t try to hard either.
I’m hoping this year will be different. He’s four now. He knows that Christmas is getting closer. He’s already started telling me what he wants to get. I’m hoping this year he’ll start getting a better understanding & even an excitement about what he wants to give. He’s always been very excited to give gifts to Megan or his Dad, a grandparent or a friend. But he has absolutely no idea that he has so much compared to so many other children throughout the world … or even down the street!! His little world is shattered if he can’t get a toy every time we go into a store.
So this year, we’ll go shopping together. We’ll pack the box up together. We’ll wrap the box together (or maybe I’ll wrap & he’ll stick a bow on it), we’ll seal our envelope of money together, and together we’ll carry the boxes into his classroom. Then at his school they’ll have a big drop-off celebration for all the boxes collected.
Sarah at Real Life is hosting an Operation Christmas Child Carnival. You can link up & we can share about past Operation Christmas Child experiences or plans for this upcoming drive. Plus there’s even prizes … and Veggie Tales at that!
Weekend wrap-up
That would be last weekend … I realize it’s almost already time for this weekend, but hey I still haven’t even posted about Thanksgivng or the Sisterchick Christmas Party!
We had a busy but fun weekend. Of course, a busy weekend probably sums up most this time of year – right? On Saturday we had some good friends over. They actually all started out as “Pep’s friends”, but now most of them are married & have kids so they’re my friends too! It was fun to all get together and also alot different with kids & babies around.
Sunday was jam packed fun … or mostly just jammed packed. We had our annual “Lovett Family Christmas Party”. It’s always the 2nd Sunday of December. This year apparently all the old ladies were tired of cooking so we went here:
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like the Golden Corral! In case you’re wondering – and I know you’re not – we had some “Order of Business” at this year’s gathering and it was voted that starting next year we would get together on the 2nd Saturday of December – for lunch at Eddie & Laurann’s and it will be catered – everyone will just chip in of course. Don’t you love those kinds of family gatherings! You have “business” and it involves planning for next year … can’t we just enjoy the one we’re in!!!
After a good ole’ meal (if you like that kind of buffet thing), Pep & I went on a movie date to see 4 Christmases. I can sum that one up with “strange” and “disappointing”. We laughed, but each time we were also thinking what in this world?!?! Nine times out of 10, we’re pretty disappointed when it comes to those Romantic Comedy-types. Why can’t they just make a good movie??
After the movie we zipped off to Pep’s company Christmas Party. It was really nice – the food was good, company was pleasant, and the door prizes were – GREAT. Pep won this:
Isn’t that awesome!!!! Yes – it is! It’s a 42″ LCD/ HDTV Flat Screen – yipee!!
Then on our way home, we decided to put out a fire – literally!! Our neighborhood holds an annual fundraiser called “Night of Lights”. Votive candles line the streets – well, one of those fell over a few houses down from ours. Fortunately we & another neighbor pulled in when we did. Apparently the grass was pretty dry & it started spreading pretty fast. They got it out before it got to the pinestraw.
So after all the excitement I can’t wait to see what this weekend holds!
The practical gift giver
The other day I asked Evan what we should get Megan for Christmas. He thought for just a moment & then with pure excitement he said, “I know … a bottle & a paci”! Now that’s a practical gift in the midst of a tough economy! However, practicality soon went out the window because he thought everyone else in the family would want a “big, green, mean d-i-n-o-s-a-u-r”! Funny that’s what he wants too!
