Christmas for the Kids

Finally decided on what to do for the kids for Christmas. I will be making each of them flannel pajama pants and a matching embroidered shirt. Then they will each get a stocking, game and a special gift that they have asked for. Doesn't seem like much, but they understood that the Disney trip was a very large part of Christmas this year. Thankfully, I have very grateful, practical children. They have expressed to us that they actually enjoy small Christmases because they enjoy having plenty of time to play with their new gifts. The girls will have books in their stockings and Mason will have an Adventures in Odyssey cd. Everyone has asked for a book light, so they will have those as well. Both girls want a few sewing tools and Mason wants a bandana and a pocket knife. (He has a swiss army already, he is only allowed to carry them on occasions that he is going to be spending time with his Daddy.) Kelsi wants a bag of starburst and Keeli wants a large Hershey bar and Mason wants a nerd rope or Reese Cups. They will all have pencils in there and I'm sure a few more goodies, like ponytail holders for the girls and cars for Mason. That will probably be it for the stockings. I found some family Wii games for $10 each, so we will have two of those and I also saw a bundle of 2 board games for $10 so we will have those as well (those will be group gifts). Lastly, each of them will get their individual gifts, Keeli wants an art set, Mason wants a GI Joe Snake Eyes Sword and Mask and Kelsi wants a set of Nifty Knitter Hoops.

I'm still completely unsure what I am doing for my husband. I have a pretty good idea what to do for Josh (my step-son), but he occasionally reads my blogs, so I'll refrain from posting about his.

I'll post pics of the homemade gifts as I get them done. I hope to start in the next few days.

Homemade Christmas

We just got back from a trip to Disney World. This trip kind of came about last minute and we did not have much time to save up for it. So, we've decided to make up for it, we are having a small Christmas at home, everyone understood that the trip was a big part of their Christmas. We also have decided to make homemade gifts for everyone in order to save money, but still be able to give nice gifts. I'm actually more excited than usual. I think it's going to be so much fun. Here's the plan so far : My dad, FIL and Grandfather are all getting Alabama themed lap throws. I bought crimson and dark gray fleece and will be embroidering the Alabama A on each of them. I'm leaning towards tying the knots on them as opposed to sewing them. My 2 youngest nieces will be getting pillowcase dresses with black velour leggings and white turtlenecks. Our older nieces and nephews in Mobile will be getting personalized insulated cups (I found the cups at Dollar Tree) I will add fabric with their names or monograms to them and put hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and peppermint chips inside. My mom, MIL and Grandmother will be getting Aprons, trivets and pot holders that match, we may also give them crocheted washcloths. All I have left are my step-son, husband and children. Not sure what I'm going to do. I am thinking of making some PJ's for at least some of them and possibly another throw or two. So far I have saved a ton of money. The throws will cost about $10 each, the gifts for my little nieces will be about $9 each, the Mom's and Grandmother gift will cost about $6 and the cups will cost less than $3, so needless to say we are saving a lot of money.

Are any of you making homemade gifts? If so, what's your plan?

Good Enough ????

For many, many years I was so insecure, hiding behind a somewhat outgoing personality that made people think I had so much confidence and had it all together. My growing up years were difficult at home and that equated into more and more insecurity. I looked for it in so many different places, but even then the Lord that I only barely knew was protecting me. I had walked down an aisle. Was baptized twice as a matter of fact. I knew who He was and I loved Him. I wanted to please Him, to adhere to the lists of what you do and what you don't do, to be a "good" Chrsitian, but I didn't REALLY understand who He was. I didn't understand relationship with Him. I didn't understand how He feels about me. I tried to earn His love. I needed it so. I would try so hard, then mess it all up. I jumped back on the wagon many times, but no matter what I did, it wasn't good enough, it wasn't permanent enough, I wasn't perfect enough, in my eyes I was nothing but a failure and disappointment to Him. The thing is though, that those feelings are accurate. I am not good enough, I am not perfect enough, I do make mistakes, but He loves me. He loves me when I'm grouchy, when I mess up with my kids, when I snap at my husband, when I get started with my day and miss getting in the Word.....You get the picture. He knew before I was ever born, before He walked the road and died on the cross that I was going to make all the mistakes I have made........and He died for me anyway. That one realization was so profound for me. Nothing I have ever done took Him by surprise. The problem is not the thoughts, not the feelings of inadequacy, the problem is the focus. My flesh (I'm sure with the help of the enemy) focused all of those thoughts on me, on what I should do to be adequate, good enough, etc., but the point is to focus those thoughts on Him. I am inadequate, but He loves me, I am not good enough, but He died for me, I am not perfect, but He thinks of me. Even I, wretch that I am, am loved, thought of, danced over by a faithful loving Father.......and so are you!