Slowing down

Christmas is gone and now we can start to relax. I was very bad this year with my Christmas shopping. Normally, I have it done before Thanksgiving. This year I was shopping on Christmas Eve. I got my Christmas cards out early - but I don't know what happened after that. We do have one more family Christmas this weekend.
Next year we are going to do Christmas a little different. My kids are at the age where they can understand that Christmas is more giving than getting. I was given some advice and I plan to follow it next year... or maybe sooner. We are going to visit places that help needy people. This year, one of our family Christmas' was about helping others. We took the money that we would spend on gift-exchanges and gave it to SafeHaven Ministries. This is a place that opens their doors to victims of domestic abuse. ALL of our money ( this is important when donating to charities) goes to supplies for the families. They have a Wish List of items that we may purchase also. I want our kids to understand how blessed they really are. If you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food in your belly - then you are blessed!!!
Also, some exciting news!!! Shane has finally finished the Art Museum. We are so proud of him. It made the last 3 years of stress worth it when I saw the look on Brittyn and Spencers face at the ribbon cutting ceremony. They are so proud of their dad!
He also won the Presidents Award this year for Rockford Construction. This award goes to someone that is dedicated, accountable, responsible, survives the toughest project that RC has seen.... ok, so I'm bragging a bit. The reward is a trip (for two) to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. SOOO excited!
Now, I'm going to try to download some pictures. MSN was so easy when it came to pictures.
Hope all are doing well!