50 Days...

...until Christmas.

YIKES!

When I saw that on another blog today, I nearly peed my pants or had a nervous breakdown or something like that. So much to do...so little time. Every year, I vow that "This year will be different" or "I'm going to make more time for really enjoying the holiday season" and it seems that every year is pretty much enjoyable with a touch of insanity. I have to admit that we, as women, tend to bring a lot of the insanity on ourselves by trying to create the picture perfect Christmas we see in magazines and on tv. The reality is that it's insane.

And so, as we enter into this most insane time of the year, I highly recommend some great encouraging friends, a nice hot cup of coffee, a warm fire and this.

When I posted about my Christmas Planning Binder last JANUARY, I know you all thought I was a bit off my rocker. But, I'm tellin' ya that it saves me every single time the countdown begins!

The address book is updated. The Christmas card labels are printed. The gift list is filling up. And I feel my blood pressure every so slowly returning to normal...if there is such a thing during November and December! Ha!

So, we want to know what keeps you somewhat sane during the Christmas season. Do you keep a handy binder like this? Do you wing it? What's your sanity keeping secret? We'd love to hear about it!

"What can I say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."

Ellen Griswold (Christmas Vacation)

-Sarai

Birthday Blessings..

to our Sarai!

Wishing you a day of gerbera daisies, niece snuggles, label makers, doctored up coffee, and birthday cake with extra icing.

Oh and beautiful spools of ribbon... you gotta see below! :)

Love,

Brooke and Katrina

But for This

In the past eight years my husband and I have moved four times to three different states. In each new place we have faced the challenge of starting over, establishing community again among cities of almost all strangers.

But.

How, I love myself a good but.

But, these adventures haven't been for nothing. We have learned so much about trust, ourselves, and risk taking. And we have learned, time and again, the value of building relationships wherever we have been called to go. No matter how hard it can sometimes be.

That's why this past summer inspiration struck to call together moms for a playgroup with a twist. Not only was our focus to slurp popsicles, to chitchat about potty training and discipline, to remind little hands about sharing again, and to laugh at the kids romping around. We hoped to get to know one another more deeply, to share and pray and encourage.

With some neighborhood tweens to babysit upstairs before lunch time/nap time meltdowns came calling (at a buck an hour for each walking kiddo)... an inspirational book You are Captivating; Celebrating a Mother's Heart by John and Stasi Eldredge... and the promise of meeting just about every other week... that's what we tried to do.

Last week was our final gathering for now and, in honor of the last chapter's title, we had a "Nurture Your Heart" celebration. My budget was pretty tight this month, but I still wanted it to be special even if I had to use a lot of what I already have. As I so often find, it's in those simple details anyhow!

Like mason jars filled with lemon lime punch, whipped cream, or candlelight...

Flowers from the backyard with a message to every guest...
Sweet things to munch on while we discussed where our hearts were at, how Stacee makes her rice krispy treats so gourmet like, and what so-and-so's munchkin did the other day...
(Don't be afraid to take shortcuts... with time and money running a bit low, these little treats made a big hit for a few dollars. Yes, I dug this box out of the trash for you! :)
Copies of the book to read and reread when we need a lift back in the blessing of what can sometimes creep into overwhelming...
Best of all, the Eldredge's have written two other great books-- Wild at Heart, targeted for the heart of men, and Captivating, for the heart of women in general. I throw this out there to you as a friendly challenge for whatever your season of life; grab a group of people, dig in, and encourage each other to become all that you were created to be!

Then, please, come back here to share your own but story.

We'll be waiting.

And we simply can't wait to hear all about it.
~Katrina


***

Don't forget the giveaway below ends tomorrow! I can tell you from experience that Sarai has a real gift for making these special (CUTE!) treasures. Can't wait to see the lucky winner!

You've Got Mail

What do you like to find in your mailbox? Let me guess, the power bill, random catalogs and sales papers. If you are like me, you find joy in weeding through the typical mail to find a handwritten card or note. These are my favorite mail days! I have always loved getting mail. In fact, one of my favorite parts of my house is the mail slot in the front door. Not only do I find joy in getting a little something special through my mail slot every once in a while, I also find joy in sending handwritten notes to others. But in the craziness of life, it can sometimes be hard to find time to write these handwritten treasures. As soon as I sit down to begin writing, a dusty table catches my eye, or the pile of laundry starts calling my name. So, to help me really be able to focus on adding a little happiness to someone's day, I have found that creating a "writing tote" and heading to my local coffee shop to write helps me to focus. I thought I would share with you what I include in my "writing tote" and maybe this will inspire you to take some time away and share a little mail with someone you love!

You will need a cute tote bag to gather your materials in. I find that this one is the prefect size for what I need. It is not too bulky and fits all the tools I will need for the day of writing.

The things that are in my tote bag are the most important. I really am fond of cute note cards, I have quite the stash. I always keep 2 or 3 generic packs in the bag so that I can write any kind of note that might be needed. I also include some specific cards for birthday, get well, and other special occasions. This way if an important day comes up, I am prepared.

I also like to have fun pens to write with, it just adds a little something to the notes you send. I found an old container at my house and filled with with markers, colored pens and other writing instruments.

Sometimes I like to tuck a little treat in the cards I send. Maybe a little note of encouragement or one of my favorite quotes. I like to include a quote book and my bible in my bag for times when I want to include some encouragement. I also have quite the collection of stickers and inspirational quote cards that also come in handy.

To finish up the contents of my bag, I will throw in my address book and some stamps. If you want to get really fancy on your notes, you might check out this website where you can make your own personalized photo stamps for those special occasions.

So there you go, a little tip for helping you bring a little joy to a mailbox near you. Have you checked your mail today?

~Brooke