I'm so proud of Katie and Jon! They decided that instead of giving each other Christmas gifts this year, that they would give Laura's grandkids their SANTA toys this year!!! The other Fry kids also have contributed to the huge room full of Santa toys for all 4 of Laura's little grandkids. Laura's grandkids range in age from 12 years down to 5 years. 2 girls and 2 boys. We (yes, I got to be in on it too!) had a blast going to Toys R Us and buying the items on their "wish list". Laura said not to get it all but there were only a few things for each child, so Katie pretty much got everything they asked for (Terry also gave her some money to help get it all). She started by looking for specials in the paper and sure enough, we got some great deals. Pat met us in Toys R Us and gave us some money as well (which touched me b/c I know he doesn't really have much to spare these days! HAHA). Natalie bought BABY ALIVE clothes and diapers for the BABY ALIVE doll! I think Michael/Charles are also going to contribute--maybe towards a gift card for groceries since we finished with the toys. I bought Laura a throw away camera and made her promise to take pictures of their faces on Christmas morning! I'm so proud that the kids love giving to those less fortunate than themselves. I remember vividly that Christmas Eve that Charles and Terry and Michael were frantically wrapping gifts for a boy Charles had been tutoring (as well as his brother and sister). I remember being afraid for them to go that late on Christmas Eve into the projects but I got a sermon from my own son that night--he said, "Mom, God is not going to let anything happen to me tonight". Terry rode with him anyway and I remember thinking how selfish that must have sounded on my part---worrying about my own child's safety when he was doing what he felt compelled to do. Of course, that is one of the reasons Katie wanted to do the same thing this year. She remembered that night. She was probably only about 6 or 7 but it made such an impact on her heart. She has such a giving heart., too.(just ask Kemp and Lily!). Actually, not to brag, but ALL my kids have giving natures. I'm so thankful for that. As I look at all piles of beautifully wrapped packages in her room, it makes me so proud! It brings tears to my eyes because it isn't something I have taught them (although I have always tried to teach them to share what they have), but it is also something God has impressed on their hearts. I know that feeling, too. It's like you're compelled to do something for someone else and the JOY you get back is soooooo much greater than the gifts or services you offer. It amazes me each time how good you truly feel when you give, not just from the pocket by cash, but give from the heart. What an incredible feeling. And I am so thankful that they "get it" and respond to that call. To me, that is the true meaning of Christmas---giving until you feel the pinch. I needed to be reminded myself. And when I hear someone say, "I don't have the Christmas Spirit" I want to say, THEN GIVE SOMETHING TO SOMEONE ELSE and you will find that "Christmas Spirit"---over and above what you thought was possible!!!!........ :)!
P.S. We DID find the Baby Alive Afro American! a couple of weeks ago!! Katie found it online so we took the white one back (in the picture!) and got the black one! WHEW! Katie was so worried about that ! I think we found the LAST ONE in the USA! HAHAHA
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