Saturday, December 24, 2011

Getting ready for Christmas


 Whitney playing soccer with our girls

 Our girls, kicking ass at soccer.

 Kids eating their Christmas treats

 Kids playing volleyball.

 Boys soccer. 

 And even more soccer. 


Spending time with friends.

And family. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

Our kids are the best

Last week, Whitney and I took kids from the leadership group and from the women's empowerment group to volunteer at a nursing home. The days leading up to the outing our kids made Christmas cards to give out to all of the people we met and spent time with. During our visit that afternoon we sang Christmas carols, not well at all but the elderly folks didn't seem to notice so that was nice. We served hot coco and pastries. Some of our girls painted the nails of the women there or did their hair. All of these things were sweet and thoughtful, but the thing that struck me the most was watching our kids just sit and listen to these elderly individuals. Or help them walk outside around the little garden. Being able to these kids interact in this way was very meaningful because I know that it wasn't only the people we were serving who got something out of this experience. I know that the experience was meaningful to our kids as well. I hope to plan more volunteer and community service type activities very soon. 














Christmas cards and sentiments written by my kids

In English class our kids had the assignment of making a Christmas card for someone. Obviously the main point was to write the message in English. Most of the kids worked extremely hard to make a very creative and well thought out holiday card for a friend. I found the cards to be quite sweet and I wanted to share a few of them with you.

"Perhaps the best Christmas decoration is a great smile"

"Although I do not like this date, I wish you the best on Christmas"

"If you do not know what to give your loved ones at Christmas, give them away"

"Happy Christmas to you and baby"

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year but your good girl"

And my finally my favorite.

"I hope you have a Merry Christmas. You are a wonderful person and a great friend. You can count on me for anything. You can always trust me."

And might I add that this last sentiment was written by an 18 year old boy to his friend.
Anyway, as I have said time and time again, these kids can always make me smile.

Feliz Navidad!!!




Saturday, December 3, 2011

Things that make my heart smile

Now. Normally, a cute kitten on it's own is not something that would easily make me smile. 
But this kitten is different. I think the difference is that there is a sweet teenage girl who is watching over this particular kitten. This is the kind if thing that makes my heart smile. 

This week has been.... full.
Full of busyness. 
Full of laughter.
Full of more busyness.
Full of tears.
Both joyful and otherwise. 

The thought that kept coming to me throughout the week was only that, giving to others is the answer. 
Giving and sharing is what makes hearts grow the way they should. 
Sharing our time, our words, our hugs and sometimes our resources is what makes hearts smile.