My dad and step-mom gave Allison and I some fat cash this year for Christmas specifically to give it away. They said they had given some money to www.heifer.org and that we could give to whatever or whoever we wanted…I think we’ve got plenty of ideas. The cool part was that they recognized our personal lives of giving and wanted to help us step further into that story. Cool beans I declare…cool beans.
My mom and my step-dad have had multiple Dalmatians over the years. At one point, we had about a dozen of them. The last of our Dalmatians died a few months ago and my mom and step-dad were crushed. They agreed that they didn’t want to have any more dogs because they didn’t want to experience that kind of heartache again. So we got them a puppy for Christmas. They’re in love with Goliath.
The best part was when I revealed the gift-puppy to my mom and step-dad. My mom’s jaw dropped and her eyes lit up as she squealed. My step-dad dropped his head and said, “OH NO!!!”
He fell in love with him 30 seconds later.
The end.
Awwwwe!
{reply}
How adorable!
FYI – your link to heifer doesn’t work.
{reply}
I am so blown away by your dad & stepmom’s gift- it sounds like they totally get you, and I love that. A couple years ago I told my mom I ONLY wanted a donation to IJM for Christmas, and there was nothing in this world I truly needed or wanted- especially in comparison with how many people are suffering- how could I put my wants before them? And it was truly a desire of my heart. But she got so mad at me and refused to do it. It crushed me. Thankfully my husband knew my heart and did it for me. But I am so thankful your family understands you and did that for you! That is the most awesome gift ever.
And I love the puppy!
{reply}
Perfect! The only thing we take with us in the end is what we give to others. Love the pup!
{reply}
I think that is awesome. We did the Advent Conspiracy this year. Instead of giving so many gifts, we gave money to Africa Oasis Project. It really made for a special Christmas.
{reply}
This year my parents asked us not to give them anything. Instead, they asked us to make donations to any group/individual we wanted. I chose heifer international and had a blast picking out which animals to “purchase”. It’s going to be our new tradition.
{reply}
what sweet gifts all around! I love that your response to your parents not wanting a dog was to give them a dog!
{reply}
I totally get the puppy thing. I would have 100 if Mr. Wonderful let me. The latest – my 16 year old 6’1″ studly son wants a …
chihuahua!
What the?
I’m probably gonna say yes…
{reply}
Oh my goodness! Your story reminds me of my mom, who is no longer with us. Ever since I can remember, she always has a dog. Every time that dog passed she would tell us…”No More Dogs!” Someone would ALWAYS bring her a puppy and she would say…”Oh No!!” and a few seconds later, she was in love! Thank you for bringing me that wonderful memory of my precious mother. God Bless You.
{reply}
Super cute puppy. Heifer is one of my favorite charities! They are amazing and I love that they encourage people to be self-sufficient. Great gift!
{reply}
Thank you for the smile. I needed cute puppy pictures and a good story to make me smile.
{reply}
Good post. Great Photos. Grandad and Finn have the same eyes.
{reply}
Our family has been doing the ‘pool our resources and donate to a good cause’ for about 10 Christmases now – it’s been wonderful! This year was our family’s turn to pick the charity – and we sent beaucoup bucks to Voice of the Martyrs, specifically to provide village outreach packs to pastors in Viet Nam, in honor of our friend James who has been serving there for the past two years as a missionary. There’s nothing better than the blessing of sharing in kingdom work! (btw, Goliath’s a cutie, and obviously won’t be tiny for long!) Happy New Year!
{reply}
You and your family are such outrageous givers on so many levels. Don’t you ever just want to be selfish and hoard?
Maybe that’s just me.
Thanks for the Seinfeld-studded plug! I couldn’t figure out the hundreds of extra hits until I read your blog. Again with the giving!
{reply}
I envy the gift your dad & step-mom gave you. Not the gift itself but that they understand your heart. My dad & step-mom keep telling me that I shouldn’t go to Honduras – that I should just send the money down there. They think my airline ticket down there is a waste of money that the people there could use more than my presense. It breaks my heart that they don’t get it. (I’ve been down 4 times, so I’ve been hearing this for 4 years…)
{reply}
Goliath is a cutie pie! I’d take him anyday. Unless he sheds. If he sheds I would have to cuddle him and give’um back. It’s just how I roll.
P.S. Finn gets cuter with every pic you take. Seriously.
{reply}
Goliath is adorable! Although I have a special place in my heart for dalmatians…I grew up with them and my husband and I have two of them now. They are my heart
{reply}
The agency I work for insured Heifer – it’s a great organization and their work is amazing!
{reply}
You’re awesome Ryan, love reading your blog. Great blog today. Have an even more blessed 2010.
{reply}