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Christmas is over already?

How did that happen, anyway?

I hope you all had a wonderful day!   I think my children actually caught the spirit of giving this year......and not just monetarily.  That makes this mama VERY happy.

Tying up the loose ends now so that I can reveal my big surprise. 

I might as well throw out a hint.......and start begging.

Hint:  It's nothing as exciting as being pregnant.......or in other words......I'm not pregnant.

Begging:  scratch that.  I can't beg without telling you why.  I'll beg later.
 

The Gift of Blood

When I was little my mom used to donate blood on a regular basis.

I remember sitting in a room for what seemed like forever {and ever} and then right when I thought we'd never leave I'd get to move to a table with my mom and drink an orange juice and eat graham crackers.

I understood at the time that what she was doing was important, but I thought of it as more of a job than an act of giving.

I think differently of those times now.

Jeff and I had the opportunity to donate blood {and sign up to be a marrow donor} yesterday for a local child with a rare blood condition.  We brought the children with us because we wanted them to see all of the people who were willing to give of their time (and blood) without getting anything in return except a good feeling.

I didn't expect to see the sick little boy there as well.

I was humbled.  I was glad.  I felt grateful, and I felt sad.

I'm grateful for my health and that of my children.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to see first hand the child that may benefit from my tiny donation.  I felt sad that that little boy was sick and his family was not out celebrating the season, but sitting in a blood bank watching and waiting.

I'm thankful for this sick little boy who allowed me to do something simple, something which reminded me to take every opportunity I can to do the right thing.

I'm thankful Christmas and the reminder of the birth of my Saviour....and for the blood he shed for me.

I'm thankful to all of you for taking the time out of your day to stop by and visit me and for the examples you are to others in kindess and deed.

Merry Christmas!

Wordful Wednesday-Holiday Edition

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button

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"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

Is it as crazy at your house as it is at mine?

Somehow in the hustle and bustle I managed to forget about writing a Wordful Wednesday post until someone emailed me about it.

Gasp.  How that's even possible I'll never know since I thought it was routine by now.....

So, I'd like to leave you with evidence of the activity going on {Gingerbread house decorating is a tradition we cannot miss} in my household and particularly draw your attention to my kitchen counters.

Double gasp.  Stuff everywhere.

I'm trying to breathe deeply and keep my heart palpitations under control.

Merry Christmas!

*Remember, exciting news coming soon.  Keep checking back because there will be something in it for one of you!