A Season of Giving

We have been super busy around here lately trying to get ready to leave for a whirlwind trip across four states traveling to see family over the holidays. I am so thankful we both have some time off from work to travel, but I nearly have a panic attack when I think about all that needs to be done over the next two days! Wash the laundry, fold the laundry, wrap the presents, pack the bags, etc. I think I need to borrow an elf from Santa. ;) Well, amidst all the business we have found time to invest ourselves in this season of giving. I often feel guilty about how Christmas is the main time of the year we think about giving when Christ continually calls us to sacrificial giving. However, a few months ago Marc and I decided we didn't really want to spend any money on each other this year and we would just put that money toward sponsoring a teen parent through Youth for Christ. This is such a great program that ministers to teenage single moms and their emotional and financial needs during a very stressful time. I had the best time filling up a gift basket to give to one such mom. I left Wal-Mart that day with an overwhelming feeling of joy! I wish I could have made ten baskets to give!

The basket was filled with lots of our favorite bath stuff, toys, books, diapers, wipes, and an adorable blanket. As you can tell someone thought this basket was for him and couldn't keep his hands off of it. ;) I hope whoever receives this will feel so loved!!!

This is the gift I bought for all of Eli's teachers for Christmas. They are SOOO good with him so I wanted to show them how much we appreciate them. I found these precious candles from Pottery Barn and had them monogrammed to make them more personal. It is hard to see the monogram because of the glare. The candle inside is Pottery Barn's paperwhite scent which is my favorite.

Well, I need to get to wrapping if any of our family plans on receiving a gift this year. Ha! I hope that you all have a blessed Christmas and I will pick up when we return. Here are a few pics of Eli that I took last weekend. I can't believe he will be 8 months on Friday!