traditions.

Christmas is full of em.
Stephen & I have made our own traditions through the years,
and yesterday we were exposed to a new kind of tradition.

One of the pastors at our church & his family had us over for lunch.
not any kind of lunch.
their kids (that we have in KidsQuest at church!- grades 6, 4 & 3)
gave up their Christmas gifts from their parents to instead GIVE to a couple that was adopting.

that couple being US!

We've never felt so loved. humbled.  honored.

over a wonderful meal of chicken pot pie, we did the best we could to tell our adoption story to three precious kids. (who want to adopt a baby brother of their own - watch out!)

at the end of the meal they handed us a handwritten note and cash.
that they would have spent on their kids for Christmas.

and Frances even gave Camp his first teddy bear.  her teddy bear.  cuddles!

Camp is making an impact.  not just on us but on others in our community and beyond.
I can't imagine this not being a part of our story.
we are beyond beyond blessed.

One of our Christmas traditions got a makeover this year....

Every year I usually make something homemade for friends & Stephen and I have a date night of looking at Christmas lights & dropping off goodies.  This year, instead of making gifts we gave the gift of clean water!  to the dig deep project.  But we added a little candy in the boxes so we could go around & deliver!  It's one of my most favorite holiday traditions.

We always end up going inside & chatting.  this year we were invited in for warm pumpkin choc chip bread & milk at the Yocums, saw the inside of friends home that they've been working hard on, almost made an elf lose his magic (sorry Sommer!), watched some of the move Cars w/ Graybo, a little baby--in-the-baby-bijorn & beer at the Gaynors, interrupted a candlelit-dinner-in-their-pj's dinner at the Craines, delivered yummy pizza & wine to the neighbors, and ended the night with a doggy play date & being prayed over for my Africa trip by the Eggemeyers!  Despite all my sickness & missing out - last night made up for it!  I love spending time with our besties during this holiday season!
{wish I had pictures of this hilarious night}

Wynne's Circle (of friends)

{I want to start something in 2012 to expose yall to the amazing things my friends are doing.  but for now, a little list!}

Jenn (the craziest story of how they are bringing home precious Alain from Rwanda & how I"M going to be there!)
http://www.pureandlasting.com/what-can-you-do-operation-love-noel/

Lauren's basket of love giveaway (for her adoption!)
http://www.laurencasper.com/2011/12/05/giant-giveaway-baskets-of-love-baby-its-cold-outside-2/