We left our house as a family of 5.....

First time we have left our house as a family of 5 since August...

to deliver 191 Christmas gifts we collected from our generous friends, family, neighbors and our community to deliver to the Children's Hospital.

Ty didn't want to go, but still willingly got in the car. However, he did not get out of the car once we arrived after a short 15 minutes drive. We could see how hard that was for him- he was more anxious than he's been recently, he was more sensory overloaded- (the rule in the car became a no talking zone).

But he did it. We did it.

I know it was hard for him......But it was successful!

The holidays are not easy on my little guy.... as exciting as it all is, it also comes at a big price to his system!

His internal self....

I was very proud of my family! We all know that we are helping others have a brighter Christmas. And we understand that we are so fortunate to not have a loved one at this time in the hospital.

It's Christmas Eve.

My children are anxiously watching the NORAD Santa Tracker just waiting.

It's fun to see their spirits so bright, and pure joy.

It's like the Kenny Roger's Christmas song, "Christmas is for kids"....

never heard it? It's a good one... I grew up listening to his album, my mom would play it while we all decorated the tree

It's a fond memory of mine... and the song rings truth about the meaning of Christmas!

It's for kids, it's to cherish our loved one's, near and far, it's celebrating the birth of Christ, it's about giving to others!

I want my children understand the importance of giving to others, helping out others, being kind to others, and know that they can make a difference in this world.

Look at what one little family was able to achieve... by reaching out to others... we created a lot of smiles today to so many kids! That feels good! Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas to you all...... And I don't know the next time we'll be able to leave our house again as a family of 5, but that's okay!

We did it today, and now it's time to get back to what helps Ty the most..... absolute calm, structured, predictable, therapeutic lifestyle!

That's what he needs..... that's what he'll get!