Have I ever told you...

how much I love the Care to Learn Foundation??? Click on the link and read all about it. I recently found myself in charge of the Care to Learn project at Claire's school. It really is a VERY small time commitment with a HUGE reward. One of my responsibilities is to pick up our food and hygiene items for the month and bring it back to the elementary. I then stock our shelves so that the backpacks may be sent home each weekend with children who only receive meals at school so that they will have something to eat while school is not in session. Thursday was my first day. Thursday was also emotional because it was my Uncle Gary's birthday. Thankfully I was upstairs in the food pantry alone...because I was having a hard time keeping it all together. I got weepy when I unpacked the canned pastas and soups. I was misty eyed as I stacked the juice boxes and fruit cups. It was the moment I picked up two sticks of deodorant that I just broke down. Don't ask me why. Maybe it's the thought of those children who might be made fun of because they don't come to school clean. But really I think it's the fact that there are parents who can't provide the basics so that their children can go to school and learn without being worried about their empty stomachs, the way they look or even smell. Worse....there are parents who probably could, but choose not to. It seriously breaks my heart that there are so many children who are sustaining themselves all weekend on the stuff I was stacking on those shelves. So this holiday season...or any season for that matter...please remember the Care to Learn Foundation if you have some spare change. At the very least, please pray for the children in our area who go without. I pray that God will touch your heart and lead you to help somewhere this holiday season. Just to help you out...here are a few more links you could visit.

Toys For Tots
The Salvation Army
Least of These Food Pantry

OR go to the Charity Vault and find a worthy cause in your area!

There was something else that happened on Thursday...and I will share very soon. But until then, I challenge you to be a blessing to someone today!

Makes me think of Big Daddy....

It's that time of year!

It's time for me to overload you with pictures!!! We shall start with our family pictures taken last weekend by our Aunt Karen. (If you are on Facebook...you've already seen these!) Enjoy!

We like to keep it real.

ThankFULL

Today I am thankful that our sweet Auntie Karen is celebrating her 48th birthday. I remember this past spring very vividly. I got news that Karen had received a diagnosis of breast cancer. I sobbed for a short while because I didn't want her to have to go through this. But then I stopped and prayed. God reminded me of HIS power and of Karen's faith in HIM. She did her chemo, dealt with the sickness and all the other lovely side effects, rang the survivor bell and is currently growing some new hair! All the while taking pictures for people and creating memories they will treasure for a lifetime!

In the words of Cohen, "OH I just love that Auntie Karen!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!

ThankFULL

Today I am SO thankful that my kids still mess up the words to Christmas songs. We were listening to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" today in the car. All of the sudden, Claire busts up laughing. "MOM!!! That guy just said TIGHTIES!"

"Ohhhh TIGHTIES of comfort and joy!!"

If I sold underwear, that would totally be in my jingle.

ThankFULL

Today I am thankful that my formal living room is decorated for Christmas! It's so shiny and bright!

(Pay no attention to the bottom of the tree. I won't buy a new tree skirt until after Christmas and I forgot to shove a blanket under there!)

ThankFULL

Today I am thankful to have my husband home. He's been gone for five nights and it was COLD without him here. It wasn't too lonely because I have two little yahoos running around and a host of family to keep me company. Which brings me to my next thankFULL. I am so thankful for my momma who came over to help me drag all my Christmas stuff upstairs. My house is starting to look a LOT like Christmas. YES, it is the week before Thanksgiving, but I LOVE to decorate for Christmas and I want to be able to enjoy it for as long as possible. Which reminds me, I am also thankful that I got two beautiful strands of garland from Sam's last year! PERFECT for my new banister!