If you have read our blog long, you might remember that three years ago, Steve and I began gifting our granddaughters, Abigail (12), Bethany (10), and Christina (8), with Hobby Lobby gift cards for Christmas. As part of the gift, we provide the trip to Hobby Lobby (about 35 minutes away) and a light meal after shopping. That gift proved so successful for two years that we continued it for Christmas 2020, and it now feels like a tradition.
This year, we scheduled our trip for the Monday after Christmas, but Grandpa had a cold so that date didn’t work out. Then we postponed it until February because the girls’ family was on an elimination diet for the month of January to experiment with some health issues.
Monday, February 1st at 2:30, we picked up the girls for our shopping trip. This year the girls were all interested in card making supplies with Christina also wanting some modeling clay. In addition to cards, envelopes, and stickers, each girl bought a package of multicolored pens.
We tried something different this year—eating at our house rather than out. Lots of eat-in fast food places aren’t open for dining in so we did take out and ate at home. That allowed Steve and me to eat with the girls. Last year, we sat with them while they ate, took them home, and then Steve and I ate back at our house because of Steve’s restricted heart-healthy diet.
With our new plan, we had enough time in the late afternoon and evening, after the shopping trip, to not only eat together but also to play games and have Bible time. The girls are doing the chronological read-through of the Bible that our church has a schedule and reading plan for and has encouraged people to do this year. We are also doing that during our family Bible time so it worked out well.
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And,
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity”
(2 Timothy 2:19).
Hello,
Thank you again for sharing such a wonderful time with your family.
It’s great how involved you are with your grandchildren! They will have such wonderful memories.
God Bless your family!!
We feel blessed to have our grandchildren so close.
What a fun adventure! I cannot get over how much Abbie has shot up. She is almost as tall as Steve. Wow! Abbie reminds of the the Breck Girls (I am aging myself!) with that long thick blond hair.
Have a wonderful winter & stay warm!!!
Yes, Abbie is tall. And Steve is shrinking!
I gain such joy from your family blog! Love the pictures, so sweet.
Thank you, Linda.
O, what a delightful shopping trip with Grandpa and Grandma to the wonderful Hobby Lobby! What a blessing to hear hymns play over the loudspeakers while one shops! What great photos of you all in the store. YES! I can see your beaming smiles through your masks, because your smiles radiate the LOVE OF JESUS in your hearts! Keep shining for Christ!
The girls have truly grown up, especially Abby! I remember when she was born!!
It looks like you found some fascinating items!!! Great job!!! 🙂
I appreciate the verses on your white board!
Great job of reading through your Bibles!! We truly need the Word of God DAILY to keep us going until we hear the Shout, are all called Home to meet Jesus in the air, and to be re-united with our loved ones! “Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
“Who shall separate us from the LOVE OF CHRIST? shall tribulation…? … Nay, in all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US.” (Romans 8:35)
In Christ,
CF
What an encouraging comment, Colleen. Thank you. I thought I could see the girls’ smiles behind their faces too.
I was wondering if you could do a blog post on the games you all play as a family and with the grandkids. I’ve started looking for games to play with my kids and I need some ideas!
Yes, I think we could do that.
Hi Teri,
Well, if you lived in Mobile, we might have seen you out:) We have been taking our grandchildren to Hobby Lobby on their birthdays, also! We appreciate Chick-fil-a and have taken our children & grandchildren there for special times. We have yet to give gift cards, but such a great idea. After 18 years, I continue to find amazing counsel and encouragement from you and your family’s ministry. Thank you for pressing on and continuing to serve the Lord and so many others.
Wouldn’t we have enjoyed that, Christie?! Thank you for your encouragement.
Love this! What sweet memories you are making! But, wow – is Abby really taller than you both now?! lol
I love the memories too. I wonder if Abby and Steve are close to the same height.