Anticipation

When my kids know that we are expecting company, they usually sit right in front of the window waiting to see the car pull up. The anticipation is so great that they are willing to sit and wait for fairly long stretches of time.

Today, my son was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his Grandma (Mama). She called and told us that we would be coming by at noon. My son dragged the chair over to window to being the 'waiting game' at approximately 11:30am. So much excitement. And again, so much anticipation. It was a heart warming scene.

My Mother-in-law invited my son and nephew to spend most of the day with her. They started with lunch out and then went to the toy store to pick out some toys for the local toy drive. My Mom-in-law talked to them about the importance of giving to others who are in need. She was able to get them to understand that there are boys in the world who do not get presents because their Mommy's and Daddy's don't have the money for things like that. She helped to teach a very valuable lesson today. A lesson that is critical for our children to learn. A lesson that will help in making them more well-rounded individuals. To live life thinking of others instead of just themselves.

The kids came back tonight absolutely full of spunk and energy. They had a fabulously fun day and did not want it to end. A huge thank you to my mom-in-law for organizing this wonderful activity today and another reminder to myself about how fortunate we are to be well-fed with a roof over our heads this holiday season. It is just heartbreaking to think of families around the world who are not able to say the same thing. I am so happy in knowing that my kids are learning about empathy and compassion at such an early age. Qualities like these will take them a long ways in each of their lives.