WOW! its all I can say! Both Den and I were blown away by the love our kids
displayed to us this morning. We were completely taken back, speechless, and touched with the gifts they so lovingly gave to each of us.

A few days ago, Dave called me and was teasing me about the gift that he was giving me. Of course, I got excited because I just couldn't imgine what it would be that, 1) would last forever 2)make me cry buckets 3) never out grow! Well I found out first thing this morning. I was the first to open a gift and it was from all the kids. It was a beautiful gorgeous diamond ring. I can't even begin to describe how touched I was by their gift! Awesome. I absolutely love it.

Next, Den was the receipent of his gift from the kids. They gave their dad an envelope and inside he found the cutest picture of a new puppy, to be flown into the Grand Rapids Airport today, at 3pm. He was speechless and touched as well. Of course the younger kids had no idea what the boys had done and were all excited to see the picture of our new puppy.

Bry and Scottie left to pick up the dog and made it home about 5:30. Everyone rushed the door! The puppy, I must say (even though I am not the worlds biggest animal lover) is adorable, very adorable and it was so hard for the kids to not want to touch, hold and pet. Victoria wanted to touch him constantly and cried when she had to let go. We have yet to name him and it may take a few days as Den leaves tomorrow for a youth retreat in Florida. I know that everyone has a name they are thinking about but its up to Den to choose.

I just want to say a special thank you to my kids who are by far the best kids on the face of the earth. Not because we got such awesome gifts, but just because they think more about others than themselves. Last night Branden and Ben were in the study with me and were saying how they just couldn't wait for Christmas and I asked them if it was because they were excited to open their gifts and they both said it wasn't that but they were excited to have people open the gifts they purchased. Amazing. They both agreed that it was by far better to give than receive. The kids all drew names among themselves and I think that most of them purchased gifts for the younger 3 just because they wanted too.

It was so cute last night when we brought all the gifts down; Dave wasn't in the livingroom at the time and when he came in all he said was, "Wow, I have never seen so many gifts." Then he said I haven't spent a Christmas home in 2 years either, as he was serving with the Army in Korea and Hawaii. It was so cute to see his excitement get the best of him as he scanned the gifts pointing out his, Casey's, etc.

Well its now nearing bedtime, I am exhausted too. I have spent two nights in a rocking chair with a teething infant. I will post pictures of the new little member of the 12 arrows club tomorrow.

I hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas and to our precious family, who is also serving our country in the USARMY, in Oklahoma, we dearly missed you all today and love you more than you could possibly know!!!