When Hardship Rains, Blessings Pour.

Having to tell the kids that we can't get this and that on their wish lists has gone surprisingly well.  They know why we're making these kinds of decisions and they've amended their wishes to be more practical.  I really could not ask for better companions on this rocky financial road.  They are amazing little troopers.

The one decision we made that hit them particularly hard was the decision to forego a Christmas tree.  They have favorite ornaments, an evening set aside just for decking halls and having hot chocolate and cookies, and what about that lonely corner in the living room that practically lives to host a tree dripping in colored lights?  I told them Christmas was no less Christmas without a tree, and we'd still have so much to do to keep the season festive.

Yesterday after church, we were at the breakfast social when one of the older gentlemen approached my husband and asked if we wanted one of the fake trees in the corner.  Totally free of charge.

My jaw totally dropped.  I know, it's just a tree, but of all the things my kids were upset about, this lands in our lap out of the blue.  I'm feeling overwhelmed by the blessings that have blossomed from something that typically causes so much anxiety and stress!

The kids are absolutely in love.

Oh, and then it snowed later that morning.  I love the snow.  It was like God could not contain the blessings yesterday.  Tree?  You bet.  Snow?  Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas FOREVER, Meghann!

Kid #2 had the greatest day ever!

Kids #1 and #3 couldn't get enough!