Giving Tree

Yesterday I went to lunch at the school. When I got there I noticed that they had a giving tree. I told each boy to grab an ornament. All the things that had been returned were there below the 3 threes. Most things were like sample size. I thought that was sad. If someone needs laundry detergent, they need a lot. So I go to Walmart and buy my huge can of formula and 2 of the largest laundry detergents I can find. I did, however, buy the cheapest big things I could find. This morning when the boys were getting them ready to take them in, Carter was bugged. He told me that this was NOT the formula that I fed my babies (parents choice instead of similac), so why was it ok for the people that didn't have enough money to buy their own. I was instantly bugged at him. Cars and Caden said, "yeah, this isn't what we use. Why didn't you buy the good stuff. They want to smell good too." I was getting mad at them and told them that we did a good thing, and Jesus would be happy for his present, that we are giving to others. As they all unloaded from the car (which I know looks funny. The teachers on arrival duty always look at us funny as about 6 kids come piling out of my car. They just keep coming!) I was feeling a little embarrassed. I don't know if they are right or not? I love the way the kids make me think outside of myself. Would I have still done 4 ornaments (Cael too), or done fewer, or just spend the money and buy the "good" stuff for everyone. Instantly my judgements of the other things brought in small sizes were slapping me in the face. Is something better than nothing? When you have been so blessed, do you just freely give, and buy the "good" stuff? Do you burst with pride that your boys are worried about others "smelling good" too. They thought that the items were really dumb yesterday. I explained to them that they never have to ask for food to eat, or laundry detergent, or snow gloves for their birthday or Christmas. They just have those things without thinking. They wanted to buy toys for someone. After explaining, they were really happy that we were buying those things. Or, do I need to give them a lesson on money??? It's so hard sometimes to know what's the "right thing". I think it is good to give. And as long as we give... I hope that's enough. Next time I think that I will buy the exact things I would buy for us. Love my boys and their giving hearts! Cars donated more money than he paid in tithing last year. I love that!!! If they are respectful and giving (still working on the respectful part) then I think the odds are in their favor to be amazing men and husbands and fathers. I love them!!!