What If...

I went to the basement today to get a bar of soap and noticed my stock pile of personal care items really filling up...10 body washes, 22 bar soaps, 12 deodorants. No, this is not because of a body odor issue :) ...I just get a lot of free and cheap stuff through couponing!

This has been a great year, but there has not always been a lot of resources or time for giving in the way that I would like. I grew up in a house where we were constantly donating to those in need. My parents worked a homeless shelter serving food, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, lead a high school youth group, gave toys to families in need during Christmas and SO much more!

So when I saw my stockpile, my first thought was that I would love to donate some of this stuff to a Battered Women's Shelter who I imagined could really benefit from some personal care products. Then I thought what if I thought even bigger...what if I could teach the women there how to coupon the way that I do! I can't imagine what these women are going through, but I'm sure part of the difficulty of leaving a terrible situation of abuse is the fear of trying to make it on their own, especially those women with kids. So I'm adding this to my list of resolutions, to find a Women's Shelter that will allow me to teach them how to coupon while donating my stock pile in the process. Even if I only teach one woman how to shop for basically free, it would be worth it to me.I will keep you all posted on my progress!

So what if you found your own stock pile of stuff to donate, or a way to donate your time. We were all given gifts, think about what you are good at and what you love and find a way to use it to help some one else. If you enjoy cooking...cook some food for a homeless shelter, or even just for your neighbor who just had a baby. If you love kids...volunteer at a Children's hospital spending time with the kids while their parents have to work. If you are good with a hammer...volunteer to build with Habitat for Humanity, or maybe help your elderly neighbor fix up some things around the house. The possibilities are truly endless!

What if each of us did this...what if instead of our own selfish resolutions we made resolutions to help others...what if we all donated just an hour a week to someone else...imagine what we could accomplish!

The Thought That Counts

This year, and most years, our Christmas budget goes mainly to our kids, parents, nieces, and nephews. This year is especially tight so my husband and I decided not to buy each other gifts. Instead, we are each going to write a letter or make a list of why we love each other. I know whatever it says in the letter will not only make me cry, but mean so much more to me than the expensive sweater he got me a couple years ago (as beautiful as it was). :)

Remember, it's not the amount of money you spend, but the thought that counts. Merry Christmas!

Thankful for Healthy Children

This year I have been very thankful for two beautiful and healthy boys, because for awhile there, Louie was not so healthy. When we were dealing with some of Louie's health issues, he was treated by the doctor's at Children's Memorial Hospital. They were really great, always making us feel comfortable and explaining everything that was going on so that we understood the situation. I can't help but think of all the children that are still being treated and the terrible heartache their parents are feeling.

Now through December 31, Burger King is matching every online contribution to Children's Memorial! This is a great time to donate! If you haven't gotten someone a gift yet, give a donation in their name! For Louie's 1st birthday we requested that everyone make a donation in his name as opposed to toys (he had plenty already). This meant more to us than the most expensive gift ever could.

Click here to give!