December Daily

Have you heard of the December Daily scrapbooking concept?  Ali Edwards (the creator of the concept) says this in the December 2010 issue of Scrapbooks Etc.:  "I began creating a special album each December to document and celebrate the everyday blessings leading up to Christmas Day."  Also, "This album is less about decoration and more about documentation.  Share simple stories and photos that get to the heart of what the holiday season is about for you and your family."

I have watched Ali's albums "from afar" via her website - and this year, I felt I was ready to tackle my own.  As much as I wanted to do a December Daily album, I knew I had to do it on a budget.  Ali encouraged me that if I was on a budget, I should "keep it simple!"  With that in mind, I did NOT head out to the store to buy, buy, buy.  Instead, I looked at things around me in a different way.  The MAIL has been an interesting source of TITLES like "BEAUTIFUL GIFTS," "BEST IN SNOW," "THE GREAT CHRISTMAS," and "TOYS."  Today, I stopped at Starbucks for a Peppermint Mocha, and received this cup holder (below) - another item I will add to my album.

Here are some TIPS if you're interested in doing a December Daily album:
* Ali has launched a Flickr photo group to showcase the albums/pages of all the people that participate in this project.  You'll find LOTS of inspiration here.
* Watch the #decdaily hashtag on Twitter to find out how other people are tackling this project.
* Check out Ali's own website to see what's new with her 2010 creation.

If you decide to try a December Daily album - I'd love to hear from you!  I find myself looking forward to December 1st, when I will complete my first page!  I'm so thankful for Ali, and creative people like her who give us these great ideas!

Professional vs. Personal (or both?!)

Did you ever sort of dread something -- and then it worked out SO GREAT?  Today, I took my daughter to her first physical therapy session.  (She injured her ankle this summer & it hasn't quite recovered.)  I'm not really sure what part I was dreading.  Probably the medical, insurance, unhappy-paying-lots-of-money part.  Really, God must tire of my whining.  But, off we went.  The only thing that was keeping me positive (besides my daughter with the sunny disposition) was the fact that when I called for the appointment, the voice on the other end of the line was SO NICE.  She was professional, but took the time to HEAR me, you know?  So, I wanted to make sure I touched base with HER, and could put a face to the name that I already knew.  Tanya.

We opted to go to a satellite office rather than downtown to the hospital.  #1 best idea.  Familiar area.  Easy in, easy out, no one-way streets to mess with my mind (is it just me?)  Easy & free parking, walked in the door & THERE was the office (in a rather large complex).  Nice.  The lady that greeted us was friendly & smiling, and I instantly knew - but I scanned her name badge just to be sure.  Yes.  Tanya.

Again, she was very professional, and so nice.  Now, here comes the good part.  At the end -- after we had made all of our future appointments & were getting ready to leave, I checked to see what we needed to pay.  Tanya checked our co-pay.  High.  Ooohhh.  That changed things.  Right away, Tanya called our therapist back to check to see if we could cut the number of appointments in half, and lengthen each appointment.  Yes, you read it right.  My new friend Tanya was TRYING TO SAVE ME MONEY!  The therapist (also a lovely lady, named Karen) was only too happy to help.

You know, there are people who do their jobs...they just do the job.

Then there are people who do their jobs professionally...they do the job well.

And then, there are people who take their job to the next level.  They do it so professionally, and yet so personally.

If everyone fell into the last category...I think our world would be a different place.  I don't know what kind of job you do.  I am a homemaker, a homeschooler, & a part-timer for KIDS at our church -- and I want to fall into the last category (above).  How about you?  There's no better season to start than in the season of joy & giving!

I'm hoping that somebody will bless YOU today, the way I've been blessed!  Then, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Want. Need. Wear. Read.

Well, as much as I am not ready to start Christmas shopping, I must admit that my outlook is a little different this year after last year's experience.  Let me explain.  Last year, a friend told me about this idea.  Now, I have heard about giving only three gifts - in honor of the three wisemen.  Somehow, that idea didn't do it for me.  But four gifts given with specific intent - now that I like!  

Our kids still made Christmas wish-lists (a little tradition in our family), but their gifts had to fall in one of the four categories.  The categories (want, need, wear, read) nicely cover just about all the bases, so that wasn't really a problem.

You know what I noticed?  The kids thought about their lists much more purposefully and specifically.  Although I had a Christmas budget in mind, I didn't have any problem buying one wish for each category (and each child) within my budget.  It all sort of naturally fell into place.  I love it when that happens!  In addition - I try to spend for each child equally (a little quirk of mine - does anybody else worry about this?), and I came within cents for the two of them!  [Patting self on back...]


I wrapped each child's gifts in a different wrapping paper, and included tags that indicated what category the gift was in.  (This is not necessary, but just adds to the fun...)  I cannot tell you what a difference this made in our Christmas morning festivities.  Most importantly, there wasn't a lot of "fluff" - you know -- all the stuff that gets purchased needlessly, because you're trying to fill the floor under the tree.  It was so NOT about that at our house last year... and it was lovely.

This year, one child (who shall remain nameless) asked if they could put underwear on their list under "need."  I told them I might be able to spring for that out of my non-Christmas budget.  Generous, I know.

It's November 2nd - late for some people to start their shopping... Don't worry.  I've got it all under control.  Happy shopping everyone!

If you've used this gift-giving system for your kids, I'd love to hear your comments!

Finding Joy in the Simple Things

Rebecca at "Simple As That" recently suggested a photo challenge.  Take photos of the simple things during your week that make you smile, or bring you happiness -- even JOY.  

Well, if there's anything I like better than a good photo challenge, it's having my act together enough to submit something!  (Are you with me?)  My submission speaks for itself.  However, you should know that my "little one" is just a few months shy of her 13th birthday!. She recently shared with me that of all the names that I call her (and there are many, as we are a "lovey" name-calling family!), she loves "little one" the best.  *sniff*  [You might also want to know that we homeschool, and that while I was sitting at the computer earlier, and (I thought) my daughter was reading history in the other room, she tossed this love note to me.  You know -- like passing notes across the aisle in history class.]

p.s.  The girls at Eighteen25 have a similar photo project going on.  It's called "Snapshots of Life."  Each Wednesday, they will post a time at which to take a photo on the following day -- Thursday.  Take the shot at the appointed time, and link it to their blog.  Fun!

What? A letter from Gooseberry Patch?

Imagine my surprise when my daughter brought the mail to me, and in it I found a letter from Gooseberry Patch!  I tore it open - trying to think what they could be sending me.  WOW!  "Congratulations!" were the opening words.  "We're tickled to let you know that your name, hometown and recipe, Sensational Peppermint Patty Brownies, will be included in our upcoming cookbook, Best-Ever Cookies."  WooHoo!  I have had recipes published in Gooseberry Patch cookbooks before, and the greatest part is... they send you a copy of the book when it is published!  Nice, huh?

Speaking of Gooseberry Patch, they have some great (& free) desktop wallpapers for your computer.  Check them out here.

I'm having a little bit of a lucky streak!  The other day I won the "Hungry Jack Pantry Party Giveaway" over at "kevinandamanda" on Twitter!  {Amanda also has a great BLOG here.}  

The Hungry Jack giveaway included:
* Hungry Jack Original Pancake & Waffle Mix (32 oz.)
* Hungry Jack Original Syrup (27.6 fl. oz.)
* Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes (26.7 oz.)
* $10 Walmart gift card
* Exclusive Recipes from Chef Adam Gertler

I haven't won anything in a long time -- and now two things in just a couple week's time!  

What's the greatest thing you've ever won?  Tell me -- I'd love to hear about it!