Tis the Season

So...I had some fun things to post for my Five on Friday but due to chaotic circumstances, the post did not get completed. However, before moving away from this past week, I wanted to quickly share with you G's first Halloween...

I must say, she was seriously the cutest little caterpillar I have ever seen! I just love her to pieces!

Okay, moving on. This past week was a whirlwind and as this weekend passes far too quickly, I am trying to prepare both physically and mentally for this upcoming week. We have a major road trip coming up, and while the destination will be a good time, the trip...probably not so much. I'm usually pretty optimistic, but a 10+ hour car ride with an opinionated 6 month old does not sound like a load of fun.

To take my mind off of the miles ahead, I took some time tonight to lift my spirits. I fought off the urge to put up the tree, but presents...yes, Christmas presents, were wrapped in this house tonight. I usually have much more of my shopping done by this point in the year. However, with all we've had going on, very little has actually been accomplished. I was however, simply thrilled to feel the colorful paper slide beneath my fingers. There is just something so satisfying about placing that bow on top as a finishing touch. While I am not one to wish away time, I do look forward to my daughter's first Christmas.

We were also fortunate to have a beautiful day for some quick pictures earlier this morning. My wonderful sister-in-law came and out and took a few shots for us. My favorites were put onto our Christmas card (which I'll put up soon). I bought a Groupon a while back and had forgotten about it. It expires in the next few days so I had to get our card together. I'm pleased with how they turned out. I typically order from Vistaprint, but thanks to my Groupon deal, I was able to order my cards, along with some prints, for about $19 (the cost of my Groupon) from Picaboo. I will say that the cards I made and purchased this year cost more overall than those that I normally make and had I not had my discount, I probably would have opted for the company that I've used in the past.

Here are a couple of shots that I really liked, but did not make it to our card...

One tradition that I also always look forward to is filling a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. I enjoyed this project growing up and it has stuck with me since. I even received a letter from a child in Honduras one year. Both my husband and I want to instill a mentality of giving in our daughter. This year, she'll of course be with us filling the box, however, we can't wait for (I take that back...I can wait but I do look forward to...) the day when she can pick out her own items to place in the box. We always pray over the box and its contents in hope that which ever child receives it, will come to know the love of Christ and greatly benefit from the items inside. It is so exciting to think of the joy that spreads across the receiver's face. Another cool thing that OCC has added over the last couple years is the online option to track your package and see which country it goes to. We'll definitely be taking advantage of that this year. I hope you'll consider sending a box this year.  It truly is better, and more blessed, to give than receive.