Christmas Cookies (Project Update)

So, I have not finished the dress. I was on a roll then needed a creative change of pace. So, I have been Christmas card distributing, cookie baking, gift stenciling, Christmas brunch planning, and gift wrapping (actually I watched my hubby wrap gifts). I will post pictures of the dress soon, but until then I'll show you guys what I've been working on. Above are cookies we gave to our neighbors...a sweet treat as well as an invitation to church!

My Current Project (and Gordon Gartrell)

I am currently working on a project for my daughter--a dress. Not just a dress but a special dress. Did I mention I am giving myself less than a week to complete it? Did I also mention I've never made a dress from start to finish using a pattern? Crazy, I know. I just pray it doesn't look like a Gordon Gartrell knock off once its done. If so, I won't be posting pictures...in fact I may act as if I never even mentioned it!

Addition: After watching the clip I realize Denise and I had the same budget and time constraint (sigh). Well, at least Chloe isn't old enough to complain.

Turkey Time

Do you have the holidays on the brain like I do? My family travels for my annual momcation, I mean our annual Thanksgiving trip. Though with all the relatives around it does seem like a mini mommy vacation for me. I usually have only a few responsibilities: 1) nurse the baby 2) iron the tablecloths 3) watch as much HGTV as I want.

This year I was hoping to catch a 9 by Design marathon but it seems that won't be happening, thanks Bravo! But after seeing this absolutely cute idea from One Charming Party I may actually contribute a turkey to this year's celebration.

A paper one full of popcorn of course! Garrett's popcorn would be a great filling...but I might have to line the bag with plastic in order to keep the greasy goodness from seeping through.

Sweet Words Giveaway!

Sometimes we need sweet words to get us through the day. Whether you work a 9-5, go to school or spend your days as a homemaker, occasionally you need encouragement in doing what you feel the Lord has led you to do. Its not always easy, but knowing that He's there, He has a plan and He loves you helps ... a whole lot. Recently a few friends of mine set out to encourage each other to recognize the progress we were making rather than focus on the things we were struggling with. The CD above was a bit of a soundtrack to remind us to "encourage ourselves." The cd is full of gospel songs that remind us of Who we serve and how He sees us -- and reminds us that we are precious in His sight.

Anyway, these "sweet words" have been a blessing to me and I would like to share it with you. Simply leave a comment telling me of a song that you listen to when you need encouragement. If you do not have an account select "anonymous" but leave your name and email address so I can contact you if you win. I will randomly select someone on Thursday October 28th to receive a copy of this cd. Also, in case you were wondering like me, from my understanding you can legally burn up to seven CD's of the same playlist according to the iTunes guidelines. So, no illegal stuff going on here!

Great Gift for Young Authors

Click here to view this photo book larger

Gift of Giving

One of my absolute favorite things is giving. Well, yesterday I was doing a favor for a friend before going to Old Navy to get a couple things for the baby. Well, while doing the favor I came across this coupon! Giving my time to help someone else resulted in the Lord blessing me to get a discount and help out Teach for America!

Use the coupon by Sunday August 29th and you can give 5% of your purchase amount to a non profit organization while also receiving 30% off your purchase at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. Hey, why not use the coupon to buy a gift for someone else AND help a nonprofit organization? After all its more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).