Innocence and Gratitude

Living in Texas, you never really know what kind of weather to expect around the holidays and for Christmas. Because of this, it sometimes takes me longer to get with that holiday spirit. Don't get me wrong, the tree is up, all adorned with lights and ornaments and as of today, a plethora of assorted candy canes. Along with many, many(many) presents. Even with the house decked out the spirit of Christmas is still trying to make it's way into my heart. I'm getting there.

Last Christmas the kids asked for, and got, way too many presents. Presents that after 2 days were broke, others that became boring after a month and some that were completely a memory by Easter. We talked about it and Matt and I decided that this year we would keep it simple. Simple as in a couple gifts each, totalling $50 a kiddo. With the extra money we would save we want to take them to the Great Wolf Lodge on Christmas day. To me, the memories we'll be making as a family are a hundred times greater than any amount of gifts. At first I was thinking the kids would have mixed emotions about this due to the fact that they love tearing open that wrapping paper and making my living room a trash dump. When I approached the kids with this new found idea of mine, they were, for a moment skeptical. With some compromising on the "each child budget" being a bit bigger(gotta love my Corbin) we came to an agreement. $100(have already way surpassed even that...and aren't done yet!).
When asked what they all want for Christmas this year, their lists are very minimal. Nothing extravagant. As a matter of fact the one who wants the most is Taya. She's five, this is normal. But the boys...they are growing. They are maturing. Their wants for cars, trucks, play dough, etc have now changed into MP3 players, cell phones and Under Armour anything. This saddens me but at the same time brings a sense of pride knowing they both are on the right path.

I'll never forget the day a couple weeks ago when we were driving down the road and I hadn't really gotten any answers out of Ethan as to what he wants under the tree for him this year. I asked. He replied. "Nothing really. I have all I ever really wanted." My heart melted. How mature. How grateful he is for the things he already has...most of which he didn't even ask for but received because he's a good kid.

Matt has a job that requires him to work nights. Twelve hour shifts. This puts a bit of a wrench in my Great Wolf plans since Matt has to work the day after Christmas. I told the kids we might have to hold off on our winter wonderland excursion to the lodge. They were all bummed. To my surprise, the boys said they were looking forward to the memories we will make as a family. Priceless. Really have to make this happen now.

The innocence of children is amazing to me. I look at the boys and I see my heart. I see the innocence of two handsome, cute, little guys. One of which I see turning into a young man faster than I want. The other, loving every aspect of being a little boy. I look at Taya and see the little girl I used to be. The little girl who didn't have a care in the world and thought her mom hung the moon(still do, mom). I see the innocence that I wish I still had. The innocence I hope they always keep.

Over the past couple days, my kids alone, have shown me the spirit of Christmas. For that I am grateful.