Operation Christmas Child

This is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. Only two days left to make it to a drop off location. See below for a location near you.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index//

My daughters host a bible study in our home, and their group put together a trunk full of boxes! They had a blast filling the boxes and donating items. It's so easy to do, and it only took the group about 20 minutes to lay out all the items and fill each box with a label. They added little notes in each box with prayers for the receivers. It was a great way to start the season in giving.

Gifts Made with Love - Link

Okay. So I'm new at the whole blogging thing. For the blog mentioned earlier try the link below:

www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/category/a-homemade-christmas/">

Gifts Made with Love

Thanksgiving week brings about all kinds of sales for Christmas and the possible onset of stress over the holidays. When we moved two years ago, my husband made the executive decision that we would only be purchasing gift cards to simplify things. Moving day was four days before Christmas, so I was grateful for one less thing to pack or wrap or ship! Although most people enjoy the extra $$ to go pick out a gift of their choice, it is also a treat to receive a gift from the heart. Today, I ran across a lovely blog that offered some inspiration in making homemade gifts. I'm so glad too! I remember the first year of marriage when Christmas came and we had very little money. Along with re-gifted items, I tried homemade soaps, breads, and candles. Most were a total bomb! Thankfully, I've since improved at giving the food items, but there are so many other ideas with easy to follow instructions. Bring back the joy in gift giving!!! And have a LOVEly holiday season!