NOEL SWAP

Two of the blogs that I follow had a Noel Swap, and it sounded like something that I would enjoy.  We used to have Secret Sisters at church, but, this year, it didn't work out.  So, when I saw "The Homespun Heart" and "With All That I've Been Given" were having a shoebox gift swap, I thought I'd give it a try.  My swap partner lives in Pennsylvania, and it was fun to meet a new friend and get to know her a little.  We plan on staying in touch, as well.  I really enjoyed putting together some gifts for Christmas, and I LOVE what she sent to me!!  So glad I was a part of this!  Here are pictures of the box I sent her and what she gave to me.  Thank you, ladies, for hosting this wonderful swap!

What I sent:  snowman dishtowel, Noel pot holders, snowman, memo book, 2 mini loaves of Pumpkin Bread, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, FAITH nativity ornament, snowflake ornament

What I received from Sarah:  snowman box, peach butter, Christmas apron, recipe cards with a couple recipes written on them, homemade gift tags, gold ribbon and silver ribbon, snowman dishtowel, Welcome snowman/sled, snowman ornaments, white snowflake pail

Such cute items and so much fun!  Looking forward to the next one...

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

I know, it's only November 8th.  And we're actually having an INDIAN SUMMER this weekend.  (Yay!  70 degrees again!)  But, last week, my husband came home from work one evening and told me that he wanted to put up the CHRISTMAS tree.  Sure, why not?  So, we put up our CHRISTMAS tree and lights.  I'm waiting to put up the snowman decorations around the house.  Still too early for snow, so I'm going to wait a few weeks.  But, I love to turn off the lights in the house and watch the CHRISTMAS lights.  So relaxing and serene!  And, of course, like I mentioned a few weeks ago, we are listening to our CHRISTMAS cds.  We love this time of year!  You really should try it!  :)  (Of course, your neighbors might think you're a little weird...)

HaPpY bIrThDaY!!!

This is a special post for my friend who is having a BIRTHDAY!  I have known SHELLEE for 33 of her 34 birthdays...  (Sorry, Shellee, I just gave your age away.)  We spent several SUMMERS together, went to SCHOOL together, went to CHURCH together, CHEERed, SANG, etc.  Now, she is living on the other side of the world (Japan) faithfully SERVING the Lord in a foreign country.  Since pride is a sin, I won't say that I am proud of her.  But, I am very HaPpY to see her doing the Lord's work with her husband and eight boys.  Her mama, PAM, would be so HaPpY, too!  (She is, I'm sure!)  

So, as she celebrates her birthday, I am praying that Shellee is able to enjoy a special day.  She deserves it!!  Wish I could be with her to give her a hug!  For those of you who know her, if you have her email or phone number, let her know you are thinking about her.  She would LOVE to hear from you!

Thank you, Shellee, for all that you've done for me!  LOVE YOU!