Whatchu talkin' bout, Willis?

My husband and I recently decded that this year for Christmas, we were going to minimize what we purchased for the kids. We decided this year it will be 4 Santa gifts, and 4 gifts from us. To some, that may still seem extravagant, but it is a large scale down from what we have set as the "standard loot" on Christmas morning. We also decided that we are going to put that extra money towards helping another family purchase Christmas gifts, that might not otherwise have Christmas. We want to get the kids involved in that, as well, so that they might have a better appreciation for the blessings we've been given, and to help instill a giving nature in their heart. This morning, as I was getting the kids ready for school, I shared with them this news. Rachel was talking about things that she thought she might like to have on her Christmas Wish List and I told them to be very selective about what they chose to put on the list, as the number of items was going to be less. Brian was really excited about helping pick out items for another family, and quickly reminded himself that his birthday is only 2 weeks after Christmas (a good reaction, still some work to be done there). Rachel's reaction was more like this....

And the exact reassurance that we are making the right decision on what we should be doing.

2 Corinthians 8:7 "But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, ni complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Cleaning out my closet...

Proverbs 31: 25-26 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

This afternoon, I did my seasonal "closet change-out" from spring and summer clothes to fall and winter clothes. I hope I'm not the only person that does this!! As I looked at the piles of clothes in front of me, I decided that I was going to challenge myself to fast from shopping. To some of you this may seem petty, but to those of you who know how much I like to shop, and how much I love clothes...you know what a challenge this will be. I am committing to not buying any new clothes, other than necessities (undergarments, socks, etc) for 1 year. That's 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. You get the point. Between now and October 11, 2012, I am not going to buy any clothes or shoes for myself that are not an absolute requirement. And to be honest, I can't think of anything that would require something that I don't have all ready. Instead, I want to pledge to buy one new outfit a month for a woman or child in need. I haven't yet found the program I want to donate to, so if you have any ideas or suggestions, please pass them along. I'm starting first by donating all of the clothes I have that I don't use that I used to wear when I worked in an office setting. I have a pile of slacks and couple of suits that I will not be wearing anytime soon.

So I've challenged myself and now I'm going to challenge any person that reads this blog. What can you give up for 12 months and replace with something that will benefit someone else instead? Challenge yourself.

UPDATE: I had heard of this cause, and just now found the info for it. Take a look:  http://www.inmatemoms.org/programs-clothing-closet.aspx..

Weekend at home...

We got to the exit on the interstate that takes us to my parents home, and my kids started cheering and exclaiming "We are HOME!!"....My heart swelled with pride that they have a place that they consider to be their home, and at the same time ached with sorrow that the visit was going to be short lived, as we were only there for a weekend. We arrived at my parents' home late Friday night, and it was an instant therapy for my soul to just walk into their door. My children love being with both sets of their grandparents. My husband and I were greatly blessed with parents that have set wonderful examples of what marriage is supposed to be and how to make family important. I have to be honest and say that I sometimes covet the fact that my sisters have my parents within reach at all times, and especially after having that myself for the last 3 years and now to be removed from that setting again makes that nerve a little tender. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and his commitment to his job and our country, and support that wholeheartedly. I will follow him anywhere and proudly do so. That said, that doesn't mean my heart won't ache for my family back home. Don't take for granted the relationships that are at your disposal. Don't take for granted the love and acceptance that can only come from your family. Don't take for granted the accountability and balance you can get only from your family. Don't take for granted the roots that are buried deep and make the family strong. I love that my kids think of Louisiana as "home" and that they love spending time with their grandparents. They have an abundance of cousins and aunts and uncles that they have been able to establish relationships with that will last a lifetime. We are truly blessed to have the roots that God has given us...I pray that we continue to nourish them wisely.

rock salt

One example of how cholesteatoma has had an effect on my life:

This morning, Rachel is calling out to me, "Mama, do we have any rock salt? We are supposed to be taking some to school!" I'm thinking to myself, "what in the world do they need rock salt for? and heck no, I don't have any in the pantry!" I'm scrounging around looking for some in the pantry as Rachel comes into the kitchen with her note from school with the request...and then I read it. "Box Tops" and "Rock Salt" now sound very similar to me....