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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Spirit of Santa

It shouldn't be hard for the frequent reader of our little blog to know by now that we have been insanely blessed this year, amidst difficult times. It is hard to spend much time at all focusing on negativity when so many uplifting people have been involved in our lives. It is my primary goal to be sure that all the blessings and generosity we have been shown will keep going. We are eager to be in the position to bless people as we have been blessed!!!

We had some pretty incredible people step up this Christmas and help make it as memorable as humanly imaginable for our family. It is people like them that keep the spirit that is Santa Claus alive and thriving.

We had a Special Christmas for these special Santa's. On Saturday, we let the kids open all the gifts from special friends. A large box mailed to us from California for both kids, from a family who had lived the struggle of a sick child and can stand tall today in spite of the struggles they faced. Handmade jewelry boxes, fun toys and interactive activities. So much thought and love was put into it! And a wide assortment of gifts gathered from many loving souls at Paul's work for both kids to enjoy. Clothes, toys and other goodies! Each small gift or package I watched them open, even a surprise to me what was inside, was enough to fill my heart beyond capacity. It wasn't the items themselves that gave me joy, but the generosity and compassion put into the fact that each one was picked out by someone that wanted to bless (spoil) my kiddos.

Please check out our album here of the kid's Special Christmas.




Spirit of Santa 2009

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity
and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its
highest beauty and joy.
We also had one very special gift we didn't include in the Special Christmas on the 26th. It was something we chose to give the kids from Santa Claus, and never have I had anything that was more from the spirit of Santa than this. An 'anonymous' person gave my kids something we typically give them every Christmas, but couldn't afford to this year. A trip to Disneyland. Not only that, but at the Disneyland Hotel even! A combination of that Santa, a sweet friend who gathered goodies from the park to help the big reveal and numerous others who blessed us with Disney gift cards or money for Christmas, I am typing this blog from the Disneyland Hotel on New Years Eve. The kids got a box from Santa on Christmas day. Inside was 2 sweatshirts, maps to both parks, official Disneyland handmade candy canes, $25 gift cards for each kid and buttons, and a letter from Santa.

The letter read:

Dearest Gabriella and Paul Jr, Christmas 2009

What a year it has been. Gabriella, you have been such a strong little girl. You have had so many scary things happen to you, but have always been so strong and such a big girl through everything. And PJ, you have been patient with your mommy and daddy when they had to take care of your Sissy. You are such a loving little boy

I got your letters you took to the mall. PJ, I love your Mickey Mouse santa Gabriella, you said you wanted to go to Disneyland for Christmas. My elves and I have worked very hard to grant your wish. That is why I am giving you everything you need to go to Disneyland for Christmas Your Mommy and Daddy will have enough money to take you in their bank, and I have packed a box here for you with a warm sweatshirt, Disneyland maps, and your very own money to spend


Gabriella and PJ, you have both been good. Please promise me to be good
for your Mommy and Daddy all the way until next Christmas when I come back to see you. Love each other and listen. And remember that Christmas is about Jesus
and how much He loves you

Snowballs and Candy Canes-

Santa





From Christmas Time 2009







From Christmas Time 2009







From Christmas Time 2009







From Christmas Time 2009


How can we ever thank you enough, special Santas? Thank you for keeping that glimmer in their eyes bright. We believe!

2 comments:

Nichole said...

OMG! That made me cry! How wonderful!!!

Tiaras & Tantrums said...

What a wonderful gift for you and your family. I have been following your blog since the beginning of G's journey last year and I am so glad that she, PJ, you, and your husband are able to have time together as a family in Disney!! Happy Holidays!