My class did a writing project last week. The task was for the students to write about what they wanted for Christmas. We had a little discussion before they began writing. We talked about what they might want for themselves and also what they might want for others. Our discussion was short and I was interested to see what the students would write about. They wrote for 30 minutes (which for 1st graders is a long time :)). When I began getting their papers back, I was amazed at what I read. Some of them touched me so much that I thought I would share them with you. I will write them as they wrote them on their paper.

Tommy
All I want for Christmas is peace on earth and for people to know God and love him and to have a Marry Christmas.
P.S. And no prezenz for me. Onlea the love of God.
P.S. I mite be a little bit sad, but I do not care.

Tanner
All I want for Christmas is peace on earth and good will to men. A jenrel greevus and for other people to have food. I want my dad to get the Empyer Stryx Back movie and that soldiers woud get to come home safle. That my dad woud be blest for going to school so earlee. I am thankful for my bed and for my family.

Dean
All I want for Christmas is an Imperial landing krat Lego, peace on earth, new friends, love on earth, for people who do not believe in Jesus to believe in Jesus, and no dying. I want a Republic attack gunship, republic cruser, food for others, shelter for others, clothes for others, cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer and milk.

Keziah
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. I am going to sing the song and you will like it. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth. I want to give people eggs, they are fresh from my chickens. (She is really missing her two front teeth).

Ella
I would like a doll and a puppy. I would like uther pepl to have a blanket and food. I wood like a rabit. I wood like peac on Earth.

Brody
I want a four wheeler and a Star Wars toy and the soldiers to come back and peace on the earth.

It is in this season that we need to truly remember the reason for Christmas. God sent His Son to come and serve others and save them from their sins. It is our job to serve others and teach about God's saving grace. I am so proud of my students for knowing the true meaning of Christmas and realizing at such a young age that we are soooo fortunate.

I hope that you all have a joyous Christmas and remember the Reason for the Season. God Bless!

It's Been A While

So, the only excuse I have for not posting anything for a while is that life has been so busy. Here are a few highlights that I have had these last few months.

* A Visit to Puyallup, WA to see Tim, Steph, and little Ava Knapp.

This was such a wonderful experience for me. I got to spend 6 days with my best friend, her husband, and new baby girl. We spent time talking, laughing, crying, changing diapers, baking, reading, and got very little sleep. These are days I will cherish forever and I can't wait til I get to see them all again.

* Basketball

I am coaching the Freshman/Sophomore Girls basketball team at Nampa Christian again. Once again we are met with the challenge of sharing players with the JV team. I have a wonderful group of girls to work with and thank goodness for that because I get to spend about 20 hours a week with them :). So far we have won all 4 of our games.

* Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was different for me this year. This was the first year that my grandpa and grandma Gray were not with us. They spent 12 days traveling to and from Branson, MO. Also, my brother was not with us this year. He was asked to take his police dog, Ceasar, to the Dominican Republic to do a dog presentation. It was wonderful to have his wife, Brianne, with us for a short while. We ended up still having about 28 people at my parents' house and it was wonderful. I truy have so much to be thankful for.

I hope that everyone enjoys this holiday season.