BEST Christmas Ever!

I cannot even begin to tell you all the emotions that I have right now regarding our Christmas.  God is so good and I am so very thankful.  For the last 6 weeks you have watched me become an emotional roller coaster as I have processed and evaluated Christmas this year.  As expected, it turned out to be a truly amazing time.

I think the one word that I can use to describe it would be simple. We narrowed things down to a simplicity of family.  Even down to our gift giving.  I didn't have the rushing around, the mental stress of what to get for whom.  The stress of wondering how we would pay for it all.  Praying for God to provide the money to pay for it all.  Even if we would have had the money - I had no ideas.  The ideas I did have were simple, yet meaningful and excited me more than any because I knew they were from the Lord and not just something I was buying to "buy" and check off a list.

I watched my children buzz around the house and wrap presents for each other.  Each of the fun and meaningful things that they gave up - out of their rooms. Things that took a lot of thought to know what each person would truly love.  Jarod gave his sister one of his toys that she has admired for months.  Anne gave Jarod a pen and pad of paper because she knows he loves to draw.  Jarod gave Russell a book of homemade coupons for anything from breakfast in bed, washing the car to getting to pick what movie he wanted to watch - with no complaints from the kids!  Anne gave me a purple flower bracelet - and Jarod made me a special ornament for the tree.

We gave Jarod Russell's BB Gun (with strict instructions and the promise to follow Scout rules).  Anne had been given a gold I.D. bracelet when she was an infant.  With her name and birth date on it.  She loved it so much - but a few years ago, it wore completely out.  The jeweler could no longer fix it.  I had the name plate removed and put on one of my mothers 14 kt. bracelets.  Anne opened it on Christmas morning and the thrill and excitement she had on her face brought tears to my eyes!  She knew right away what it was and when I explained that it was now on one of Grandma's chains, she was even more excited.

God is just good.  As I reflect, I realize that this journey began back in September with a prayer that the Lord would make me a generous giver.  That He would cause my children to see beyond themselves.  Little did I know at the time, that this journey began with me.  My seeing beyond myself - my being an example to my children.  God used Russell's trip to Haiti to trigger an entire course of events.  I have watched my children in the last few days, think beyond themselves.  Sacrificing time, and their own treasures.  I have watched them as they have seriously thought about each other and how they could sacrificially give. 

When I was in the middle of all of this - actually in a grieving time - I was wondering why God would change my heart about giving and then still not fund the giving.  Russ made the comment that if we had the funds, it would be so easy to just fall back into the same patterns.  I believe he was correct about that.  But I also had a friend say to me - "What are your spiritual gifts?"  I answered her with, "Encouragement, faith, administration, teaching"  She pointed out that giving wasn't on that list.  Now does that mean I am not to give - No.  It just means that I'm not going to have the means to give like others do who have that gift.  In my mind, I thought giving generously meant I would have a lot to give.  So I could bless people in large ways.  But through this whole process I realized that it's not about the size - it's about my heart.  It's about giving sacrificially.  Something Russ has been preaching on lately.  It's about giving out of a need - not out of our excess.  It's about looking  -  really looking - to see what would be most meaningful - most helpful and then doing what I can with what I already have.

After our own little Christmas at home, it was such a joy to hear both my children say, "This was the BEST Christmas EVER!"  And they hadn't even gone to Nana's yet!  That my friends, was the best Christmas gift they could have given me.  They got it.  I got it.  We all got it.  And it was the best Christmas ever because it wasn't about "stuff" - it was about people.

Here are a few pics from Christmas morning:

 Christmas morning - before the kids got up.

 Gotta have that cup of coffee!

 Waiting until we say they can come out!

 Finding their "special" gifts.

 Stockings were full of candy this year!

 Anne opening her bracelet

Very excited about the BB Gun

Until next time.......

Christmas Gifts

I mentioned in my last post that we are making gifts this year as a family.  Coming up with creative ways to honor one another.  This was one of the ideas that I know the Lord gave me and I'm so excited about it!

I took their names, looked up their meanings and then Russ and I sat down and came up with a 'life verse' that would go along with it.  Something that we want them to see in their rooms.  To read over and over and for the scripture to permeate into their lives as they grow older. 

I absolutely LOVE the way they came out and I just had to share with you!

The calligraphy is done on an 11 x 14 parchment in Brown ink.  I found frames at Wal-Mart that already had the mat in them.  I think I'm going to begin advertising these as well!  Sooooo excited!!!!

Best of Weddings Award and Other Fun Stuff

I received a phone call last week that Calligraphy by Cami had won the 2011 Best of Weddings Award from The Knot.com.  What an honor and a privilege.  I didn't even know I was in the running.  They survey all of their brides and the vendors with the highest remarks are the recipients of this award.  I guess it's kind of like a "People's Choice" Award.  I was floored!

I started my business 5 1/2 years ago as a way to help our family when Russ was working his tail off as a pest control technician.  It was a Commission Only Sales job that he took in between ministry opportunities to provide for our family. He worked 6 days a week - sometimes 12 - 14 hour days and we never knew what kind of money he would bring home.  We couldn't budget anything!  And the Lord opened up the opportunity for me to take my hobby and create a small business.  A friend, who knew I did Calligraphy, asked me to address her son's wedding invitations.  Knowing that we were struggling financially, she offered to pay me.  She wouldn't take no for an answer so I got online and began researching what other Calligraphers charge.  I quickly realized that I too, could begin this kind of business from home.  I never thought that it would be as successful as it has become.

Today I sit here amazed at all of the exciting projects I have done, all of the wonderful people I have met, all of the friends I have made, and how the Lord has taken a hobby that my mother taught me when I was 12 and turned it in to a successful business that allows me to be at home with my children.  I look forward to many more years of helping clients Add a Personal Touch to Their Special Occasion.  God is good! 

On a different note, the kids went to Nana and Papa's yesterday while Russ and I ran some errands.  It was a beautiful day here in Florida so Uncle Ray took them outside to play in the leaves and do a little hiking.  He sent me these pictures this morning and I thought I would share them with you.

 Raking leaves in Nana's yard.  I would like to say that they were helping out - but they really had ulterior motives........

 Who can blame them - a big pile of leaves is so tempting!

 Hiking with Uncle Ray!

Thanks for taking them Ray!  They always enjoy spending a day with you!

A Little Fun - Some More Reflections

Wow! What a week!  I've been to Wal-Mart again only to witness a 'cat fight' between two women in the parking lot over a shopping cart and a parking place.  Seriously!!??!!  I was very thankful that Anne was already in the van, with the doors closed, so she couldn't hear the language flying!  What a huge contrast to the lovely man who wished me a Merry Christmas last week.

Anne had her Polar Express Party at school.  They got to wear their pajamas to school and they watched the Polar Express Movie, had hot chocolate and I came and helped them decorate Gingerbread Cookies!  What an interesting task that was.  All I can say is that 5 year olds LOVE sprinkles!!!!

 Anne borrowing Mrs. Reed's Conductor Hat

 Decorating Gingerbread Cookies

 Waiting for the gift exchange

Opening Presents!

It was after the class party that we went to Wal-Mart.  Anne was still in her PJ's and I had to laugh at the young mothers who would look at Anne, and then me and ask, "Pajama day at school today?"  We would excitedly tell them "Yes - it was her Polar Express Party!"  Then, the older women at Wal-Mart!  Well, let's just say that suddenly I was one of "THOSE Mothers" who do not dress their children!  People are so funny.  Of course this was the same day that we witnessed the fight in the parking lot as we were leaving!  AAAHHHHH!  Just let me get home!

I received a second box of Jewelry from ApParent Project on Wednesday and by Thursday evening it was half gone!  I ordered a third box and had it Expressed to me so I received it on Saturday.  I needed it for church yesterday.  I am so excited about the response that I have had to this.  So far I have sold enough jewelry to send $1910.00 to the artisans in Haiti!  That is amazing!!!!  I feel as though I am getting to know the artisans a little.  I recognize the names on the tags and am learning about them through Facebook and the ApParent Projcect Blog.  Leo had a birthday this week and Rodney's grandmother (Rose's mother) died of Cholera.  My heart broke when I heard the news - but was so thankful that their jewelry is on my table and I am helping them in some small way.

One of my ApParent Project tables at the church.  Thanks to my friend Tracy for loaning me her displays!

 Another Table

 This was my friend Andrea's idea!  Neat display!

Anne was my special helper.  She named it the "Haiti Beads and Jewelry Store".  Jarod wrote it up there for her and then Anne kept track of how many people were in the store and then would write the number on the board.  So cute!

Christmas break is here and the kids are home for the next 2 1/2 weeks.  I'm looking forward to the down time.  On Friday we drove down to St. Augustine to look at all the lights.  It was a nice family night out.  The Lord has continued to keep things scaled back so that we can re-evaluate our traditions.  I will be honest and tell you that this entire process has not been easy.  A few of the posts that I have written have taken me three hours to write.  It's been therapeutic as I work things out - vent - delete - and work things out some more.  I have cried, I have sobbed as a matter a fact.  Changing traditions is not easy.  It's a loss - it's a process.  It's grief over things that once were and are now going to be different.  It's examining myself to understand WHY I do what I do - and often times not liking the answer.  It's conviction over selfishness and greed.  Over my lack of thankfulness for what I have.  It's wanting to be different from the world and then feeling like you are Mickey in Sorcerer's Apprentice when he's holding tightly to the book as this huge whirlpool spins rapidly around him.  Of course, in my mind, the book is scripture.  I can hold tightly to that and let the world swirl around me or I can let go and get sucked into the madness.  Then you grieve because you feel left behind by the madness because you've chosen to do something different and no one around you understands or cares.

This really has been an exhausting month!  But, I will tell you that we have implemented something new this year and I'm anxious to see what will come of it.  In all of this change, I haven't been worried so much about extended family and friends.  They are grown ups and understand that money is tight.  But I have been concerned about my kids.  Not because they won't get anything for Christmas - they already have plenty from family.  But what about our Christmas morning?  The big present that always awaits them - unwrapped - under the tree - the stockings full of fun stuff - the three gifts we always buy representing the gifts brought to baby Jesus of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Usually I have ideas and am praying for God's provision specifically for those ideas.  This year - if the Lord were to drop a bunch of money in our lap - I wouldn't know what to do with it.  No ideas.  My kids don't NEED anything.  I found that odd.  Until the Lord showed me that instead of buying gifts, let's re-gift.  Let's make gifts.  Let's get outside of  'Just buying something to buy it' and really think and get creative.

Russ and I talked about this and got excited because we immediately began thinking of things we could do for the kids that wouldn't cost much - if anything.  But - how would Jarod and Anne take it?  So, last Tuesday night, we sat down at dinner and began to present the idea to them.  Explaining different things they could do.  Making things, offering coupons for special tasks, re-gifting things they have that maybe someone else in the family would enjoy.  I was amazed to see their eyes grow wide and the wheels begin turning!  They were excited!  By the end of dinner they were off in a corner discussing ideas.  This morning when I got up they were on the computer looking things up on the internet.  They are actively seeking ways that they can be a part and are very excited about it! 

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about Christmas morning!  The pressure is off - everyone is on board and I have a feeling that this is going to be one of our most memorable Christmases for our family yet!  I am so thankful for the struggle that I have had to go through to get here and I am confident that it is going to be worth it!  God is sooooo good and I look forward to sharing with you our special Christmas Day!

Our Week in Photos

It's been a busy week and it's only Wednesday!  Thought I would catch everyone up with a few photos.

So, I started on my baking.......

 Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls!

 I used the left over chocolate to drizzle on my Pretzel Rods - this is a first this year.  Yumm!

 We had our Christmas Cookie Party.  It was small this year - just the four of us and Marc, Sam and Chloe

As you can see, we had lots of work to do!

 Russell kept Chloe busy while we all decorated cookies.

 She found the lunch box and water bottle in my pantry.  She's all ready to go to work with Daddy!  Too Cute!

 Finished Product!

Russ and I attended our first "Adult Only" Christmas Party in......well, I can't remember when!  It was a lot of fun hanging with couples from Ocean Park!

 There was lots of food and fellowship.  A game of Catch Phrase and a warm fire out back!  So nice!

 We attended Jarod's Cub Scout Christmas Party on Monday.  I just loved this picture of Anne with her ApParent Project Jewelry on.  She's been wearing it and telling everyone all about it!  So proud!!!!

Jarod's Cub Scout Pack (Jarod is on the left towards the back - Russ is in the back row)

 

Yesterday, Destiny Dance Center had an Open House for the families.  We were able to sit in on one of her classes.  So fun to watch - she has improved so much in the last year.

  Ballerina in the making

Love this pose.....

 Anne's Dance class for 2010

Anne's teacher is Tiffany Willis - the owner of the studio

 While Anne is taking Dance Lessons, Jarod is in another room taking Guitar Lessons with Alan, Tiffany's husband.  I did the whole "Embarrassing Mom" thing yesterday and snuck in to take this photo.   Oh Well - he'll appreciate this photo when he's older.

A quick plug for Destiny Dance Center - We absolutely LOVE it!  The owners and teachers are Christians and we know that both of our kids are getting quality lessons with a Christian perspective.  They have openings for both dance and guitar lessons.  If you are interested, let me know and I can hook you up!

Well, now I'm off to run some errands.  Tomorrow is Anne's class party at school and being room mom - I have things to do!  Until next time.......

"Merry Christmas! Jesus Loves You!"

I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to pick up a few things for the week.  I'm in Wal-Mart regularly so I really wasn't anticipating anything out of the ordinary.  I was a bit frustrated as I had a budget to stay within and Russ called me last minute to tell me that we had to bring all the plates, napkins and utensils for last night's Cub Scout Christmas Party.  Really?  You couldn't have mentioned this to me earlier? (I tell you this not to complain about Russ - but to let you know that we are a typical married couple.  He forgets to tell me things and my response is not always a Godly one)

So, I'm standing in the paper goods aisle, comparing prices of plates and napkins.  I'm minding my own business, pretty oblivious to the man beside me.  He goes to walk in front of me, his arms full of plates and cups, and he looks me right in the eyes and says "Merry Christmas!"  I smile and say it back, pleasantly surprised by his bold friendliness.  He goes on to say that he is in the middle of moving and they need to eat off of paper goods.  I make a comment about how this is a hard time of year to move and he says, "Oh no!  We will be in our new house for Christmas!"  He was so excited!  I congratulate him and as he is turning out of sight he looks at me again and says, "Merry Christmas!  Jesus Loves You!"  I smile and say, "Same to you!"  He is out of site.  I break into tears.  Right there in the Wal-Mart paper aisle.  I'm such a mess.

Now I will preface this and let you know that I am hormonal this week (apologies to all my men readers  - but it's just a fact of life) and even though I am typically an easy crier, this week is always worse. But there was just something about this guy.  First, I needed to hear that right then.  I was in a "Pity Me" mood and needed reminded that yes - Jesus loves me and He has everything in my life under complete control.  It was so encouraging! 

Second, I thought, 'why can't I be like that?  So bold, so friendly?'  Our 10 second conversation made such a huge impact on my day.  Why is it easy for me to encourage people I know and more difficult to speak to someone I don't? 

And last, I just wanted to follow that man home!  Not in a weird, stalker kind of way.  But, his boldness, his excitement wanted me to say "Hey - let's get a cup of hot chocolate and you can tell me your story!  I want to know where you've come from and what God has done in your life!"

Isn't that the way all of we Christians should be?  This man obviously loved the Lord and his excitement was contagious.  He was different.  I want to be different.  I don't want to look like everyone else around me.  I want to spread hope, and cheer and excitement!  I want people to be drawn to Christ in me - to want to sit down and find out why I'm different - what has happened in my life to make me that way. 

This guy may never know how his simple act impacted me until eternity.  Just because he took the time to say, "Merry Christmas!  Jesus Loves You!"

Helping Make a Difference

Yesterday at church we had our 2nd Annual Missions Celebration.  Russ brought in Guest IMB Missionaries to speak.  Josh and Amy Bowman are on furlough after serving in Africa for 8 years.  It was so nice to meet them and hear their stories. 

We also had several tables set up with the different ministries that Ocean Park is involved in.  Angel Food Ministries, The Cabaret Children's Home in Haiti, etc.  I set up a small store and sold the jewelry for the ApParent Project.  Anne called it our "Haiti Bead Store" - I thought that was cute!

 These beautiful pieces of jewelry are made from cereal boxes and other recycled papers.

My friend Andrea had a box of jewelry as well.  We combined our inventory and the response was so exciting!  I came home yesterday with only 19 pieces left (out of 100)!  I sold over $600.00!  And everything goes directly back to the artists!

I got up this morning and while poking around on Facebook, I came across a new blog post by Shelley Clay, founder of the ApParent Project.  It is about one of the artists, Regnus.   I know I have sold about 8 of Regnus' pieces.  I have about $100.00 to send her this week!  Please take the time to read about how you are helping this amazing young woman and all the other 72 artisans.   This post brought tears to my eyes.  I am humbled and excited that I am able to be a small part of this ministry.  God is good!!!!   (Read post here)

I have ordered a second box of 100 pieces.  It should be here by the end of the week.  I will have them at church again on Sunday if you were looking for a specific color or just waiting to see more variety.  I will open again at 9 AM and stay for a while after church is over.

Thanks to everyone who has been involved in some way!  I have friends who have purchased jewelry and friends who have ordered their own box and are selling the jewelry themselves!  So many of you are collecting cereal boxes as well.  It is so very easy!  I have been amazed at how quickly this has grown in my circle of friends because I was willing to look outside the box as far as Christmas gifts go.  God has a purpose for everything and I am thankful to be used in such a way!

Let's Lighten Up A Bit

Okay - So it's time to catch up on some of the family photos!  I've been a little heart heavy lately so now let's catch up on the world that continues to move around me as God has been speaking to my heart.

Thanksgiving

We spent our Thanksgiving with Sasha and Jeff again this year in New Port Richey. It's always so nice to take off and spend a few days relaxing with them.  Yes - even cooking is relaxing!

 So Anne "helped" with the homemade noodles again this year.  She sat and played with this flour for over 2 hours!

 It was a warm Florida day, so the kids BEGGED to get in the pool!  Of course, it being Thanksgiving, I did not pack any swimsuits.  I think they are crazy!!!

 Jarod checking pool thermometer - 72 degrees!  Could be worse, I guess.  Both were shivering - crazy people!  But that is what memories are made of!

 Didn't get Russ and Jarod in the photo - but her is our Thanksgiving Spread!  Yummmmm!!!!

Christmas Beginnings

Nana helped get the Christmas celebration started by hosting a girls day to the Rockettes!  I don't know who was more excited out of the three of us.  I have always wanted to go to New York to see them.  Coming here to Jax was the next best thing!  It was a wonderful show.  Anne completely loved it!  She sat mesmerized the entire time.  Thanks Nana for a wonderful day!

 Anne and Nana before the show began

 After we got home from the Rockettes, we went on our annual Christmas Tree Hunt.  Now this isn't difficult since they are all laid out nicely for you under a tent here in Florida but it is fun just the same.  I know this may be strange to some, but each year I pray to find my perfect tree.  When that tree is planted - God knows it's going to wind up in my house for our Christmas Celebration.  He has been growing my tree and making it perfect and we enjoy looking for it!  I just love how God is so into the details!  Even of a Christmas Tree!

 Cute!!!!

 Found it!  Taking it home.  Russ had to ride in the back and hold the door down. This is the first year we haven't had his old truck to get the tree with.  I guess that truck was good for something!  Ha!!!!

 Bringing it in and getting it set up.  This was the first time in our 13 years of marriage that he got it straight on the first try!  He was sooo proud!  No fussing, no rolling of eyes, nothing.  Just up and ready to go!  Yea Russ!!!

 So this is the first year we've had a cat in the house at Christmas.  She was so curious about all that was happening and has actually done surprisingly well.  She likes to lay under it and when she plays - she hides behind the manger scene, peeks through the crack in it and then pounces!  Way cute!  We did catch her drinking the water in the bottom.  Gross!!!  She's been walking around the past few days with sap on her head.  Silly Kitty!

 Finished Product!  I'd say that was a perfect tree!  Thanks Lord!

I am enjoying the Christmas festivities, please don't misunderstand me.  I know I could be taken as a Scrooge or a Grinch this year with my recent posts.  That really isn't the case.  I'm just searching to see what God is whispering so loudly to my heart.  Difficult or not, I'm just excited that He is working in my life.  Something crazy is coming and all this growth will have had it's purpose.

Well, I'm off.  Sam is coming over and we are going to begin baking our cookies.  Decorating them tomorrow.  Small party this year - just Marc's family and mine.  God's plan is perfect.  Until next time.......