Christmas Countdown, Day 4

December 4th was a Sunday, so we had family dinner at Matt's parents' house. Because we were with all the cousins, I read tonight's book to all of them: This Book is so touching- it is a true story re-told by Thomas S. Monson. If you read this book, prepare for your heart to be warmed. I LOVE this story! Ellen is the oldest child in a family who lives in Canada in the early 1920's. Because Winter has come early and Spring has come late for the past two years, their crops have all failed and the family is now destitute. Ellen has lost the hope of Christmas. I highly recommend picking up this book to hear the rest! Love.

Since we had family dinner that night, we didn't have time to do the activity until a while later. Fortunately, it was a time when we had cousins over! So some of the other children who heard the story were able to participate! Our activity was a little service project to collect old coats, etc... and take them to the Warm Clothing Drive at the Bank of Utah. The kids were super excited to help someone else!

Here is Daphne and cousin Corbin packing up the goods at our house:

Isaac and a shirtless Tori in the background!

Cousin Luke joins in!

And here they are at the Bank of Utah dropping off our stash!

I would have LOVED if they were able to actually meet people face to face and help them in that way, but perhaps we can try service like that as they get a little older. Either way, I think they left knowing that they did something to help another person and that meets the goal!

We didn't have time for a song this night... but our scripture was Matthew 1:23

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."