Christmas Cards & Care Packages

So, I didn't mean not to blog in December. It just happened that way. I have thought of plenty of things that are blog-worthy. I just didn't feel like writing, I guess.

The holidays are upon us. I actually have Christmas cards this year. And I have to send them. (I'm terrible about that.) I plan to make a trip to the post office tomorrow for stamps, then I can get these things in the mail. I have many made up and ready to go already. Maybe you're already going to get one from me. Wanna be sure? Let me know that you'd like to receive a Christmas card from me, and I'll get one to you. Also make sure you include your address if I don't already have it. (I promise I won't stalk you....much.)

And, just so you know I haven't completely forgotten that I was going to send one of you a holiday care package just because I love you, my awesome readers. I just hadn't gotten anything together, but now I realize that if I want to get something to you by Christmas, I better get moving.

I didn't get too many commenters who wanted a care package from me, I guess. Don't you guys know that I knit & crochet beautiful handmade items? And I love to bake? And I love to make holiday goodies? That's OK, your loss.

From those of you who did comment, I put your names on slips of paper, put them in my son's Santa hat, and drew a lucky winner. And that lucky ducky is Carrie from The Q Collective. Carrie, I'm going to start working on your package. I have a few questions to e-mail you later on. Congrats!

The Joy in my life...

Tonight I am filled with joy for many things.

I'm so happy for my family.

Today I was involved in a local event with our church choir. We went to 3 different places that were part of our Christmas Festival in town. The choir performed at each. Matt and Zachariah traipsed around with us at each thing. There were different things for them to do at each, but they sat and watched us sing quite a bit. As we were getting ready to leave the last place to head home Zachariah looked at me with complete seriousness and said "Thank you for singing today, Mom."

My heart melted.

As much as it drives us (mostly Matt) nuts from time to time, I know that our home is a great joy in our lives. Why am I so thankful for our house today? A family from our church lost theirs to a fire last night. So tragic.

I'm glad that the family is all OK. Their material possessions may be gone, but they still have each other. Thank goodness they have family here to stay with and help them with things. And I know they are thankful for our church family who will help each step of the way and pray for them unceasingly.

I'm thankful for the warm, safe house that we have.

I have much joy in my life, but there are the things I'm thinking of tonight.

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This post was written in participation of a contest from Barking Mad!