Little late….but….
Our Thanksgiving was amazing!!!
So you know me this year, looking to start new family traditions. A few weeks ago I read that Thanksgiving and Christmas are big volunteer days at most homeless shelters. I know the twins are only four but if we start this as a tradition now I think we could learn a lot together:) You may have noticed the link to Feed America under the “I dare you to click here” link. There are so many ways to give, but being there in person really forced us to look at our lives from a new perspective. It made our Thanksgiving dinner waiting at home mean so much. We realized we are constantly taking so many things for granted. Even something as simple as being with our family, is not something that everyone gets to experience on the holidays. Let alone being able to sit around the table sharing a huge beautiful meal.
Mama cooks enough for a small army and she starts at our house early in the morning. Ashley always makes unreal desserts:) We left the girls working in the kitchen with baby Renn. Jon, the twins and I went to a shelter. We found a place that allowed kids to volunteer. We explained for weeks before, how not everyone has a home and food. By the time Thanksgiving came, they were so excited to get there and help out.
When we arrived, we all got name tags and gloves, which made the kids feel sooo important. Raimy and Saylor were allowed to carry the huge plates of food to the seats. The homeless were served an amazing meal followed by pumpkin pie. I was so proud of my littles. They were talkative and kind and made a lot of the people laugh.
It was sad because there were so many homeless families with babies and toddlers. UGH. I can’t imagine not being able to feed my kids. I really recommend (if you haven’t already) going out and helping in some way. It can really change your life. It shows you how much you have to be grateful for.
On the way home Raimy said “Daddy can you call the builders?” “The builders? For what?” “To build houses for all those people?” I said “That would take a lot of money to build so many houses Raimy” “Well lets find some then”. Simple as that, right? Four year olds don’t really understand the concept of red tape….maybe we should be less concerned about it as well:)
Needless to say, we felt incredibly fortunate when we walked through the front door of our home to find our family and a bunch of friends waiting with a massive meal.
Volunteering does make you feel good and make you realize how much you have. I was able to donate some hams and turkey breasts to a local food bank.
you made me cry!!! what a beautiful family and beautiful kids.
You're such a role model Haylie.
Even though they are twins.. you can really tell how Raimy is a mini Jonny and how Saylor is a mini you!
<3
I just fell in love w your family all over again. I am in awe each time I read a blog update. Your kids are beyond fortunate to have life lessons taught to them from such a young age. Those sweeties had to have put a smile on everyone's face that day! Lisa s
Aw, this is really wonderful.
This is something i have told my hubby I want to do when we have kids. So awesome to see that it went so well! And will teach your kids to be incredibly thankful for so many blessings!
Awesome job, mama! 🙂
Hi Haylie!
This is so beautiful.
I love that your family enhanced the lives of the dinner guests at the shelter, and that the dinner guests at the shelter enhanced the lives of your family. Picturesque partnership!
What's equally wonderful to me, is that's not just a Holiday thing for you but for the other 363 days of the year too! Thank you that "Feed America" is a part of who you are EVERYDAY!
It's no wonder where Raimy gets his big heart! "Call the builders" is priceless!
Enjoy this great time of year with your big hearted family!
Love,
Connie&Co.
You are an AMAZING family and an incredible inspiration to Kevin, myself and our littles.
We heart you guys so much,
Amy
Hi Haylie,
It is awesome that you are following through on your commitment to teach your kids to see needs beyond their own. I encourage you never to give that up because your children are destined to become exceptional adults.
It is humbling for those who are on the receiving end of grace and benevolence (I wrote here once about having gone to a food pantry for the first time), but it is also so encouraging to experience the faithfulness of God through the hands of others.
BTW, my husband has shown for the first time in a year, the signs of what may be true repentance regarding the behavior which caused our current situation. I know I can't trust him yet, but my best hopes would be fulfilled if my 30+ year marriage did not fail. If he chooses to walk righteously, Christ could make all things new. Any prayers are welcome.
Merry Christmas,
Paula