Operation Christmas Child + Jillian

First, I wanted to remind you all that Operation Christmas Child is fast approaching.

Remember that I originally wrote about it here.

Well, National Pick Up Week is November 14-21. 

So, start packing your boxes asap.

Drop off locations are throughout the country and you can find them here.

We chose a boy and a girl......ages 2-4 each.  I have the labels sent to me automatically because we participate each year, but you can actually make your own or print them off the website, here.

We 'wrapped' from the interior this time.  I wanted them to look festive and fun, but they ask that you not seal your boxes.  I also used plastic boxes so that they can use them for storage after they open their gifts.

It's easy, folks!  Give it a try and I promise you won't regret the efforts.

Big update on Jillian's fun visit coming soon.  I'm swamped with work and kids and parent/teacher conferences.

Did want to share this pic, though.  Love.


Oh, and Carter's first basketball practice is tonight.  During tryouts, 4 other coaches tried to draft him just before the coach we wanted was able to. 

First pick, kids.  That's my boy.

Another great season ahead!

Sacrifice And Giving

The recent events in Haiti have been weighing on all of us in different ways, I'm sure. The news coverage is phenomenal. It's hard to turn on the TV and not see the devastation. The Big Picture is updating often. Recent photographs here.

I'm torn with what to discuss with Carter. We've touched on the basics and he seems to grasp the reality of the situation. While I don't want to scare or further upset him, I want him to see the differences in our lives and appreciate what we have here in the United States. The simple things......food, shelter, education, etc.

While we've always tried to instill a sense of charity in our kids, the need to give now seems to be an even greater opportunity for learning. Sacrifice....the smallest luxuries....and donate that money to the cause.

***Skip dinner out.....make a box (or two, in our house) of mac 'n cheese instead.....send $30.

***Make coffee at home......send $5.

***Do without whatever it is you can.....and send the equivalent.

And, if you feel comfortable doing so, explain your intentions with your children and show them how we can all help. Empower them to participate and sacrifice for others - even if it's as simple as trading a happy meal for dinner at home.

As I have said many times before, I believe charity is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our kids. It's also a lot more fulfilling than a quick meal with too many empty calories.

How to give:

Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.

Unicef.

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

Etsy Purchase

Just ordered this darling piece of custom artwork from a shop on Etsy benefiting Cora's Playground. The direct link to it is here. There are so many beautiful things to choose from - all handmade - you can't go wrong with any of them. But, this is certainly my favorite.

You personalize per children, the sex of the children, names and there are different silhouettes to choose from to match ages and interests. And, the price? You won't believe it. $20. I love custom artwork and certainly love it at this price.

Click the pink button on the side of my blog to view all items for sale.

Support The Troops

Click on www.LetsSayThanks.com to see how you can send a postcard of gratitude to our troops overseas in about 10 seconds. It's a great program. Please take the time to help!

Another Way To Help

Every month or so, The Lupus Foundation calls our house to request a donation. Since we have 3 young children and are constantly changing out seasons of clothes, shoes, jackets...I keep a space on-hand in the basement to collect items to donate. It's fast and easy. And, they come to your door!!!! No more driving around town looking for a donation spot or Good Will. They leave a tax form to fill out and couldn't make the process any easier. We simply have to put the bags out by 7:30am on the specific date set. You even get a reminder call the day before.

I'm sure there are more options like that outside of Denver. Check in with your local Lupus Foundation or other organizations in need for more details. I'm thrilled to give and the convenience factor makes it that much easier.

The kids are in on it, too, and Carter occassionally brings something of his own to contribute. My, he's come a long way since our first attempt at teaching charity with him at age 2 (brilliant on our part - the most selfish age). Upon cleaning out the playroom, he asked what we were going to do with his stuff. I told him that there were kids out there who needed our old toys and that he was such a good boy for helping. Our only response...."But, MOM!!!!! Poor kids don't yike toys!!!!"