Operation Christmas Child

Well it's not even Thanksgiving yet & we are already doing Christmas activities at our church. I'm not much on doing Christmas activities before Thanksgiving but I will make an exception for this one.  Every year we participate in Operation Christmas Child.  The boxes have to be packed in early November so they can then be sent to a distribution center.  From there they are sent to third world countries.  We put the items out on tables then the youth goes along and pick up one of each item and puts it in a shoebox.  We pack items like soap, washcloths, toothbrush & toothpaste, combs, hair accessories, school supplies, toys, and what ever else we can get into the boxes.  The children always look forward to participating in this activity at church.  We have been doing this for approximately 8 years now. Could you imagine being a child and not receiving anything for Christmas.  If you would like to participate in this you can Google Operation Christmas Child.  Hopeful by participating in this you will show a child God's love and lead them to the Lord.

Secret Santa Swap Questions

1. What are your hobbies?  Geocaching
2. What are your favorite colors? Red
3. Do you collect anything? I don't really collect anything but I love picture frames
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? No
5. Do you have any pets? Yes
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? Sweet Tea or Hot Chocolate
7. What do you like to read? Christian/romance novels
8. Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet?  I love them both.  But i don't like dark chocolate
9. What is your favorite holiday treat? 
10. Describe your favorite holiday tradition? All the family gathering at my house for Christmas Dinner
11. Did you believe in Santa as a child? YES!!
12. When do you open presents? Christmas Morning
13. Do you put up a tree and when?  If not, how do you celebrate? Yes we put up our tree thanksgiving weekend or the weekend after
14. Does your tree have a theme?  No.  I try to hang alot of  my children's handmade ornaments on it.
15. What has been your favorite gift to give?  I love to give small gifts (warm socks, homemade items)  to receive? anything - i love gifts and especially surprises.

Trying Something New!

Busy . . Busy . . Busy. . .

I haven't forgotten about my newest activity blogging.  It's just that I've been busy.  With what you may ask.  Well my favorite day passed.  My favorite day isn't any special red letter day on the calendar.  It's Fair Entry Day at our county fair.  Yes I love the day because you get to show off the hard work you have done all year long.  It can be anything from crafts, flowers, fruits, vegetables, photography, baked goods, food preservation, or maybe anything else you can think of.  Even though I'm showing off my goods I love seeing how creative and talented my friends are.  It is also something I love to involve my children in.  Down through the years all my children have done entries in the 4-H division. Even though we win ribbons and money that isn't what makes this day special.  What makes this day special is passing on tradition not only a tradition of an individual, family but a community involvement.
 When the county fair is over we jump right into back to school.  Even though having a freshman and a 3rd grader it wasn't so bad getting the clothes, and school supplies shopping done.  Our elementary does a BIG back to school fair where alot of people from the community gets involved and gives kids school supplies.  This is such a big help to families.  I just hope the ones that are involved in this community event realizes how much they are appreciated for doing this. 

This year I am in school two and my first paper that i had done in 25+ years was due.  I had to write a personal experience about ourselves.  Was I ever overwhelmed.  But once I started working on it I was just amazed at how easy it all came together.  Then on my night i had to present this paper in front of my class.  A cohort that had only met a few weeks earlier.  People that i didn't know.  How would I ever get up in front of this group and tell a personal story.  Well i don't know if I'm just brave or what but i volunteered to go on the first night but not only the first night the first person to read their story.  I got through it just fine only stumbling a little bit.  When I  sit down my class mate whispered "i can relate to your story".  As the stories progressed everyone had a heart wrenching story to tell.  Some were more tearful than others but with every story there was something I could relate to.   Through these stories our cohort has grown closer.  Even though we have not been in school together but five weeks.  We have already made life long friends. 

It's All New to ME!

It's all new to me, this blogging.  I've been interested in it awhile and so i decided to just do it!  We'll see how it goes.