25 Days of Giving::December 3

Yesterday:: We bought angel tree gifts. I was a little worried about the boys, I'll be honest. Reeves has difficulty entering a store and not buying something on impulse. He's had to hand over his stash of money on several occasions when he was trying to save up to buy a new ds game or the like, else he'd spend every quarter on gum balls or random, plastic junk. Brice is just at that age where he's just beginning to grasp the concept of gift giving and Santa Clause. I worried that one of them would have trouble on our shopping trip.

Before entering the store we decided on a budget and agreed (in theory) that no one would ask to buy something for themselves. Each child got to choose as many toys as fit their budget. Embree and Reeves both were completely with the program. Both we so sweet and generous and thoughtful about what they chose.

Brice needed a little coaching, but finally got the basic idea when we told him we were buying for friends and not ourselves. He picked out several nice items and happily left the store without something for himself. His adventure came when one of our friends and her mom came to get Embree for a play date. He tried to give away the new toys to his "friends" just as we explained to him. Oops. Didn't quite think that one through, I guess. But today the toys are safely tucked away to be delivered this weekend. I think it all went well.

Today's Task:: Donate canned goods to the Amen House (We will post on this and tomorrow's topic on Sunday as we are off to TN for my grandmother's 105th birthday tomorrow. I am hoping that the kids will have some time to share with the residents at her assisted living home. What a chance to get over some anxieties and give to others!)

Happy Weekend!

25 Days of Giving::December 2

Yesterday:: The kids were asked to complete the simple task of making lunch for the family. I had thought an easy task at the beginning would be best. Turns out that cooperation with siblings is more difficult than they (or I) had anticipated. Embree and Reeves chose to make macaroni and cheese. There was much bickering over the interpretation of the recipe, a few panic attacks, and several "quits" by both before lunch was finally served. Luckily, the house didn't burn down and cooperation, albeit hard won, was accomplished. I think that was probably the best lesson of yesterday's task. Perhaps my overall wish for this whole experiment is generosity toward each other. Sometimes that is rare.

Today's task:: Buy and deliver angel tree gifts. 

25 Days of Giving::December 1

Do you use an advent calendar? We have in the past, but it's usually been just a means of counting the days down until Christmas. It's been a way to alleviate the daily "How many days until Christmas?" question. This year is no different in that regard. All of the kids have been asking for a week already. Brice asks everyday if "Grandpa" is coming (that's what he calls Santa).

But this year is different too. This year, instead of just counting the days until we get stuff, we are opening our advent calendar boxes to find a task of giving to others. Others may include family members, friends, or strangers. The kids came up with the list and I distributed them among the boxes. Our plan each day, here, is to reveal the day's task and report on the kids' choices to fulfill the previous task. We'll try to keep up with posts, but I promise we'll keep up with giving.

Today's task: Make lunch for your family.