The Holidays are Here!

I can't believe Christmas is THIS Saturday.  Where does the time go really?  Every year I say I am going to do all my shopping in October, then every year the week of Christmas is here before I even know it, and I still have almost all of my shopping to do.....crazy.  However, even though gifts are a fun part of Christmas, it is important for us to remember the true meaning of Christmas.  Especially with Lizzie getting older,  now is the time to instill those values by setting the right example.  We must keep the focus on Christ, and even though she is young, I am finding it easier than I had anticipated. 

I have a couple of nativity scenes around our home (both given to us by my Grandma Wittmer, thanks G.G.), which was sort of our starting point.  She is very into birthday parties, so I basically tried to explain that His birth was the most important one of all time.  Because she has much experience with a baby born recently (her little bro) she was quick to understand that part.  It was fun for her to think of Jesus as a baby, because that had never occurred to her before.  Besides bdays, she is also VERY into princesses, so my next point was to focus on the fact that He is the King.  She thought that was really cool.

While snowmen, gingerbread houses and Christmas trees are beautiful and fun as well, most little kids tend to think of presents when they think of Christmas.  When I told Lizzie the story of Christ's birth, I explained to her that many gifts were brought to Him.  The way we give gifts today is a symbol of those gifts given to Christ.  (obviously He didn't get a My Little Pony, but it's all relative) Anyway, I just thought I would share this in case anyone who reads my blog is in the same boat :) 

I love Christmas and the whole season of Christmas.  Everyone is in a better mood than usual.  There are beautiful light displays all over the place.  Plus, you are usually with the people you love the most, celebrating the One who loves us ALL!  I am so grateful for Christ's birth and for his righteous example.  I know that as we strive to remember Him in all that we do (not only at Christmas time) we will receive blessings beyond measure.  Merry Christmas!!!!!

Misfortune Turned Favorable

I was absolutely in love with my Brocade Bordeaux Boxy Backpack by Petunia Pickle Bottom.  It was the exact colors I wanted and even matched with the nursing cover my friend made for me.  (Totally by chance I might add)  They're pretty pricey, but having a good, dependable, functional diaper bag is pretty crucial in my opinion.  My wonderful mom bought it for me before Max was born.  A couple months after I started using it, the zipper broke.  It wasn't impossible to keep using, so I kept on using it.  After a couple more months it started to be an annoying hassle.  I decided to contact Petunia Pickle Bottom because I had heard they are very good about repairing their products.  However, I am not the most efficient person, so I let a few more months go by.  I FINALLY e-mailed them a couple weeks ago and I have to say they were AMAZING!  Customer service is very important to me but never have I dealt with such a wonderful company before.  They had me send in my bag and after showing it to their seamstress, they determined it could not be repaired, but that they would be happy to send me a new bag.  WOW!  I thought that was super awesome, until I read the next line.  "Unfortunately, we no longer carry that style diaper bag."  Boo....But then it went on.  "However, please take a look at our current line to find the bag that is just right for you and we will be happy to send you a brand new bag."  That's pretty awesome, but there is no way I will find one I liked as much as mine, right?  WRONG! 

Found a GORGEOUS one and was so excited to receive it in the mail just a few days later.  This company really goes above and beyond.  I highly reccommend PPB to everyone I know :) Yes, they are expensive, but from this experience I believe even more now that they are totally worth it!