Operation Christmas Child...

We have continued the tradition in our family of filling up shoe boxes for children around the world who are not having a Christmas. This ministry is Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse-- Franklin Graham's ministry. My grandmother did it years ago, my mom did it, and now we are doing it with our kids.

Throughout the year I buy things on clearance for the boxes then whatever is left we go to the dollar stores and find what we need. This year it really seemed to click with Ticklebug and Doodlebug on what to get and why. I really enjoyed shopping for the items with them. We bought clear shoeboxes so they have a "treasure box" to go along with their treasures. The kids were old enough to help me pack the boxes which made it even easier and fun!

Maybe next year, I'll be organized enough to get a picture of us and a note into each box. I've read that sometimes the kiddos will write back.

Too Awesome for Words...

My MIL just emailed me about a free software program that they are using at her school called Tux Paint. It is so cool! It has life-like images and easy to use options of stamps, painting, letters, shapes and more. My kiddos love to mess with the "Paint" program on our computer but this is much more user friendly.

Check it out at TUX PAINT!

The World's Greatest White Elephant Gift...

Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a wee little bit but this was the best one I have ever given. It beats out the old shower head and How To Cut Hair DVD. I called my husband from the store and attempted to describe it to him. This is what he had to go on...

"It is a remote as long as my arm from my elbow to my palm and it is wider than my hand. The buttons on it are larger than my thumbprint."

Supposedly it works.

Isn't that the funniest thing?

What a great tabletop conversation piece that you could have until you are 95!

Just think, one remote for the rest of your life.

Ramblin'...

Snugglebug is 2.5 and her chatting is starting to make a lot more sense but can still be hilarious. The conversations you can have with her...


MB: SB, What is your favorite place to eat?
SB: Mimie's house, no, MmmDonald's


Mimie's or McDonald's .... Hmmm. She'll have to settle for the Golden Arches, Mimie is too far away. Believe me, it is settling. You should taste my mom's cooking! She makes good homemade noodles. I tried to make them once 9 years ago. The fact that it has been 9 years since I tried it again, says it all. I'll just have them at her house. Not only can she make noodles but she used to make bologna sandwiches a delicacy! You haven't lived until you have had bologna on WonderBread with chips for a picnic in the car after grocery shopping.

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You've heard of kids that can be hungry between bites? Well... let me tell you a little story. SB was in the middle of her breakfast this morning very adamantly stating that she was hungry. She must not have seen the delightful breakfast in front of her. I think it was code for "I would rather have the Halloween candy in the pantry and not this boring toast".

I fully admit that she got those genes from me. I've been known to eat ice cream for breakfast every great once in a while, of course. It has protein and carbohydrates. If I need a little more protein, I add nuts. Of course, I have to wait until the buggers are in school before I break that out.

Unusually thoughtful thoughts...Mulling over a sermon

Warning... No cute pictures ahead... keep reading only if you want to know what was on my mind today...

Our pastor spoke on giving today using II Corinthians 8 and 9 as the main text. He doesn't talk about money much but today he shared how he and his family chose to give and why. I read both of those chapters this afternoon for my quiet time. Although he talked about giving money there are other ways to give too. You can give of your time, your talents, your possessions, and more. Remember how Peter saw a crippled man and when the man asked for a handout Peter said "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:5-7) "Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong". See, Peter gave what he had. He didn't ignore the need because he didn't have exactly what the man asked for. He looked to see what he could give and gave that.

What God wants is for me to be like him and give of what time, money, things, talents, or gifts that I possess. (Luke 6:38) I realized that what God wants me to give is probably different from what He wants someone else to give. Not only does he want my gifts to be according to what I have, but also to be given without reluctance. (II Corinthians 8:11-12, 9:7). Guilt should not be my motivator.

Many times I'll say: "I'll sign up to help there" or "I can do _____" or "I'll give _______." I can't stop there. I need to put my money (or service) where my mouth is like it says in II Corinthians 8:11.

"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." .

There is a lot of good stuff in those two chapters. There were verses I have heard all my life and others that jumped off the page at me for the first time. Time for me and God to have a little talk about what I have to give.