12 Days of Giving Wrap Up...

Wow, another year has come and gone. I welcome 2010, a new year and decade. This is a wrap up of our 12 days of giving our family did this year. The first four days were a lot of fun. We have really enjoyed doing this hope to make it a tradition.

Day 8: Tipping

One of my funnest and cheapest giving stories so far has to be the skater dude! One late night after shopping all evening, I pull into Sonic to order me a drink. I had planned on using a $5.00 to pay and give the rest as a tip. It was pouring down rain. I look in my mirror and see a teenager skating along to my car. I said, "you are just too cool". He then replied how he was having an awful night. I told him that I hope things look up for him soon. I handed him the $5.00 and said, "I hope you have a Merry Christmas!" His face was priceless when he realized I didn't want change. It was less than $3.00. (Well, his tip was more than my total.) Anyway, he smiled and thanked me and skated off. As I backed out, I happened to glance in the window of Sonic. He waved real big and flashed another cute smile. That was fun to know I helped make his night just a little better! I would have LOVED to be able to hand him $100.00 bill. How cool would that be.

Day 7: Drive Thru Treat

Another before Christmas shopping night in town, and yet another fast food place...sigh.

Anyway, this night I grabbed a kids cheeseburger and a water. When I went to pay, I felt led to pay for the person behind me. I ended up paying ~$10.50 for the elderly lady behind me. I hope it brought a smile to her face. It's fun being sneaky.

Day 6: Teacher gifts

I made white chocoate popcorn this year for teacher gifts. This is the packaging I did for Caden's K teacher, Ms. Reeves. I will be making this again. It was so good!





Cameron's 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Butler sent a letter home requesting in lieu of a teacher gift that she would like us to put that money toward kids in India. She partners with another teacher who does a lot with a program to help kids there. I couldn't just donate money and not do at least a little something for her. So I did a small popcorn bag for her. Michael said she wouldn't stop raving about it! She ate at least half of the bag during the party.

Cameron and Mrs. Butler

Day 5: We made a cash donation. There were ample ways to give through the school.



Day 4: Neighbor gifts

I made the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for my neighbors and some friends.

We had a great time delivering the homemade goodies. While dad was shopping and at the movies with our oldest, Aaron, the boys and I headed out. We went caroling to our closest elderly neighbors, Don and Colleen. We sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas." It was funny because we sang to Don. As we were leaving we noticed Colleen on the treadmill watching T.V. She didn't even know we were there. They are great neighbors.

Our next stop was a neighbor who is a widow. We talked about how the bible talks about taking care of the widows and orphans. We did not get to visit with Caroline because she was not home. However, we promptly received a nice thank you note from her.

We then traveled on and dropped off some goodies to a single mother of 3. The Lord put Montee and her children on my heart. When I had a long term sub assignment, the class got a new student, Vivinne. Her mother moved from another state due to a divorce. Before the 9 weeks were over, Vivinne was hit by a truck while trying to get on a bus. She flew into the air doing several flips. Thank God she was alive. She did have to have surgery on her leg. I volunteered to tutor her in her home until she could return to school. She returned after two weeks, and just recently got out of her wheelchair, although now she will use a walker for at least six weeks. Her mom shared with me how the divorce was a total shock. I know they have been through a lot! She and the kids were so happy to see us.

Our final stop was a great friend of mine who has had a really tough year battling cervical cancer. She has been through surgery and now is in remission, praise the Lord. We visited with her for a little while and got to see her new puppies.

Day 3: Homemade dollar soap for Caden's class and our Sunday school kids gift.

Caden wanted to make our $ soap for his classmates. Cameron gave this to his classmates for three years. It was always a big hit. Since Caden is in K, it is his turn now.

Our sweet Sunday School class...the 3 year olds. Michael doing the Donald Duck impersonation.


A gift for the Sunday school kiddos! Just a recycled soup can dressed up.



Day 2: St. Jude's Ranch for Children


What do you do with all those Christmas cards you receive each year? Are you a saver or tosser? I am a saver. This year I plan to make albums for the picture cards. I am saving about 30 of my other favorite cards I've kept over the years for a project. Then, I am sending the rest to the St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Go here to learn more about this wonderful program. They take all kinds of cards and turn them into new cards.

You can mail your card donations to:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street - Boulder City, NV 89005

Day 1: Opening our home up to a stranger

(Written by Michael) On my way home one evening I saw a motorcycle broke down on the side of the road. I stopped and offered assistance. Turns out he is from Kansas and is on his way to Little Rock for a motorcycle rally when he had a flat tire. I brought him to our home and called a wrecker. It took about two hours for the wrecker to show up. While we waited we had pizza, and found him a hotel room and a motorcycle shop in the area. He was very grateful.

There are so many different ways to give. I want to be a better giver this year....even more courteous and polite. From letting cars out that are waiting, letting someone go in front of me in a checkout, smiling at complete strangers, paying for someones meal at a drive thru, and helping out at church with the blessing baskets. If you open your heart to give, there are ample opportunities every single day. It feels so good to be a giver!