Needing some guidance... 6

[jks]

I had a great day today. I got so much work done and felt really productive. Went grocery shopping with D6 and we had fun together. I just now have finally put the kids to bed and can I just say, we had the best bonding moments tonight. I spoke to them about doing what's right and why mommy reminds them to continue to say their prayers. And why mommy prays every night. We also talked about Christmas and how I'd really like to take them to do some service for people that don't have as much as we do. My D6 said I would really like to do that, mommy.

Such a proud moment for me. She really does want to do what's right and be a good little girl. My S4, on the other hand, was struggling with the fact that he really just wanted to open presents. I told him that his Christmas would be wonderful no matter what but that this was just something I wanted to do as a family together. I told him he would feel so good being able to help other little children that don't get to have a really great Christmas like we do. And he said, ok.

I guess I'm sharing this because these are the types of things I always wanted to do while I was with H. And for some reason, we never did it together. I've hated Christmas over the years because I feel like it's so commercialized and it's all about getting and just having "things." More things to clutter our houses. I always wanted it to be about helping others and making our family feel closer. So this is my new tradition that I'm starting with my kids myself.

Even though the holidays can be a really crappy time for LBS's, I feel like this is a huge way to make it more about what's important and staying positive rather than focusing on the negative events that have transpired over the last year.

We laughed so much tonight together and D6 said, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! I hope to have the strength to do this regularly with my kids. Being present for them and happy. This is what's important right now.