Go on a Nature Walk - Countdown to Christmas - Day 8

For the eighth day in the Countdown to Christmas, we took the dogs on a walk at a local state park. What was nice about this particular day was that it was during the week and in the winter - meaning we essentially had the park to ourselves.

It was a quiet, peaceful day. The air was crisp and pleasant. A perfect day for a walk.

The dogs enjoyed smelling all the new scents. We could see rabbit and pheasant tracks in the snow, so there were probably even more things that they were able to smell that we couldn't see.

We spotted some significant holes in trees, most likely left by pileated woodpeckers.

We walked from the forested area to the wetland area, and saw the cattails - most had burst open and were revealing their fluffy down interiors.

Heading back, we walked around a tree that had a huge hole in it a couple feet off the ground. Olivia wanted to see what was inside. It ended up being hollow with a space big enough for a child to sit in...or a small bear to hibernate in.

Going on a walk at the state park was a wonderful way to spend part of the morning.  We all agreed that we needed to come back again and go on another walk.

Write to Santa Claus + Making Wishes Come True - Countdown to Christmas - Day 7

Sophia and Olivia each wrote a letter to Santa Claus this year. A copy of the letters were sent to one of the local papers which publishes some of the letters they receive each year.

Olivia writing a letter to Santa.

From a homeschooling perspective, writing a letter to Santa Claus is a fun way to express oneself through the written word. The girls learned about the components of a letter (e.g., date, salutation, body, closing, signature); and wrote or dictated a rough draft of their letter before writing the final version.

We looked up Santa's address on the internet; and addressed the envelope. It was mailed and on its way to the North Pole.

In looking for Santa's address, I came across Operation Santa through the U.S. postal service in which organizations or individuals can adopt a letter and make a child's wish come true. Not all post offices participate in the program, so you have to take a look at which post offices that are participating in the 2011 program.

For individuals wanting to adopt a letter, there's a simple form you need to complete and bring to your post office with an ID or driver's license. You may select up to ten letters.

Operation Military Kids - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 49

For the 49th week of the 52 Weeks of Giving, Sophia and Olivia participated in Operation: Military Kids - Minnesota. The organization helps military kids cope with their loved ones' deployment.

According to the brochure about Operation: Military Kids (OMK), "When Minnesota National Guard or Reserve members receive orders to serve overseas, the children of these women and men experience unique stressors in their daily lives including fear of the unknown, concern  for the safety of their deployed parents, less parent involvement, more responsibilities, and few friends who understand what they are experiencing."

Karen, the club's 4-H leader, explained the

monthly service project and OMK to the children.

Currently, there are over 15,000 Minnesota youth who have a loved one in the military. Minnesota has one of the 50 branches of the OMK program. On the average, it offers 86 recreational and educational programs involving over 2,900 youth. 

One of the things that OMK offers are Hero Packs. OMK describes the Hero Packs as "a tangible way for the community to thank military youth for the sacrifices they make while their loved ones are deployed.

OMK partner agencies and commuity donations help fill "sling bags [that] contain items designed to keep youth connected to deployed loves ones.  Included are envelopes, stationary, disposable cameras, HERO pins, and journals. A handwritten letter to the military youth recipient from a non-military youth personalizes the expression of support."

Sophia writing a note for a Hero Pack.

So, before the 4-H meeting began, each of the club members (including Sophia and Olivia) wrote 1-2 letters that will be included in the Hero Packs.

Olivia writing a note for a Hero Pack.

Both the National and Minnesota 4-H programs support Operation: Military Kids - Minnesota. For more information about the program, visit the OMK website.

Visit from St. Nicholas - Countdown to Christmas - Day 6

For several years now, we've been celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. It's something that we look forward to each year.

According to The St. Nicholas Center, Nicholas "was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young.

"Obeying Jesus' words to 'sell what you own and give the money to the poor,' Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man.

"Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships."

There are some wonderful ideas for celebrating St. Nicholas Day HERE. This year, we simply put out our shoes or boots on December 5th. Sometime during the night, St. Nicholas visits the home and fills each shoe or boot with a few gifts. 

In the morning, the girls wake up and they see what St. Nicholas has brought them.

Sophia by her filled shoe.

We enjoyed seeing what each of us received. Olivia was so excited that St. Nicholas brought her clear, sparkly nail polish. However, what was even better: 24 markers - 6 of which are scented! She has been coloring with them quite a bit throughout the day.

We also made peppermint shortbread cookies...well, at least the cookie part. We still need to frost the cookies and sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies.

We were going to make treats for the cats, dogs, and horses. However, we ran out of time given that we're also homeschooling and had several errands that needed to be done today. So, we will make the treats another day when we have more time.

I is for Ice Cream Sandwiches - ABCs of Homeschooling

This week we made Ice-cream Sandwiches using peanut butter cookies and two different types of ice cream - one with dairy and one that was dairy-free.

The recipe comes from the children's cookbook called "Alpha-Bakery." We've made all the recipes that begin with the letters A-H...and all have tasted great. This recipe was equally as delicious.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Cookies (recipe below)
About 1 pint of ice cream (any flavor, slightly softened)
1 package (6 ounces) of semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons of shortening.

Directions

Bake penaut butter cookies and cool. For each ice-cream sandwich, press 1 slightly rounded tablespoon of ice cream between two cookies. Place on pan. Freeze until firm.

Melt chips and shortening, stirring occasionally; let stand 2 minutes. Dip half of each sandwich into chocolate. Place in pan; freeze until firm. Store wrapped in plastic wrap. Makes 15.

** Note: We made the ice-cream sandwiches, but did not dip them in chocolate. We also made half of the sandwiches, leaving the remaining cookies to be enjoyed as they are...without ice cream.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup each of granulated sugar and packed brown sugar
1/2 cup of peanut butter
1/4 cup each of shortening and margarine or butter, softened (we used dairy-free butter)
1 egg
1 1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients. Shape into 1 1/4" balls. Place 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross with floured fork. Bake until brown, 9-11 minutes.

Watch a Movie and Prepare for St. Nick - Countdown to Christmas - Day 5

The fifth day in the Countdown to Christmas focused on relaxing after a long day of homeschooling and going to the homeschool co-op where both girls take piano lessons; Sophia has sewing and cooking classes; and Olivia has American Sign Language and music fundamental classes. 

After we ate dinner, they chose a movie they wanted to watch: Happy Feet. Although it isn't a holiday movie like I thought they would pick, it was one they enjoyed.

I made some kettle corn and each of us had a little bowl of popcorn to eat while we were watching the movie.

Earlier in the day, while the girls were at the co-op, I brought meals to my mom that I had made over the weekend. There were about 22 dinners (depending on how much she eats), 14 breakfasts, and 10 desserts.

Needless to say, she was very happy that she doesn't have to cook or bake - she can simply heat up her meals. With very little vision in both eyes combined with going through a host of grief and loss issues (my dad was transitioned to a nursing home on October 3rd, and this will be the first Christmas in which he won't be at home to celebrate it), she has little desire to make food.

She said that the meals I brought should last a month - combined with what she has on hand.

After delivering the food and a pointsettia to my mom, I took her to see my dad at the nursing home. I got another pointsettia so she could give one to him plus I also gave him a little stuffed snowman.

Right before bed, the girls and I each put out a shoe or boot for St. Nick to fill during the night. I read them a Christmas book before going to bed.

Visit Gammelgarden & Donate Food - Countdown to Christmas - Day 4

Today's activities for the Countdown to Christmas included visiting Gammelgarden to see the holiday decorations; going to play practice; and donating food to the food shelf.

Gnome at Gammelgarden.

Gammelgarden is a museum that we visit regularly.  The name means "Old Farm" in Swedish. During the summer, visitors can tour the buildings and learn more about the lives and experiences of early Swedish immigrants. Gammelgarden is the only open-air museum devoted to Swedish immigration in the United States.

So, each year at Gammelgarden I take a picture of the girls by the gnome display by the front door. Apparently, someone in the pink coat thought it would be funny to cross her eyes. So, Sophia looks like she has crossed-eyes - a new visual challenge she aquired since last year.

The girls by the gnome display

at Gammelgarden.

There was a little snowstorm on Saturday, so everything was covered with snow. It was the light, fluffy kind of snow which is nice - no need to snowplow, and shoveling is easy to do.

A dala horse covered in snow.

Gammelgarden was decorated for the holidays - St. Lucia is celebrated here on December 11th with Christmas right around the corner on the 25th.

Woven hearts in the window

at Gammelgarden.

Also, today Sophia and Olivia donated a bag of food to the food shelf. There's a collection cart in the lobby at church.

Sophia and Olivia donating food

to the food shelf.

After they donated the food, they went to play practice. They will be performing in a Christmas play on December 16th and 17th.

Grace - Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks - Week 49

This week for the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge, I returned to an author whose books I enjoy reading: Richard Paul Evans. He wrote The Christmas Box and The Gift, both of which I've read. This week I read Grace.

The back cover of the book starts out with: "She was my first kiss. My first love. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before of since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her."

Initially, I put the book aside because I thought it was going to be some sappy love story. Although there is that element of a first love in it, the plot certainly doesn't focus exclusively on that element which was a relief to me.

The book focuses more on why Grace, a teenager, runs away during the 1960s. The author explains (before the story begins) that in 1874 there was a nine-year-old girl from New York City named Mary Ellen Wilson. She "was the most talked about child in America. The event that created a national media frenzy back then wouldn't make the back page of a rural newspaper today: Mary Ellen was abused by her parents."

She was rescued by a neighbor, Etta Wheeler, a Methodist missionary working in Mary Ellen's neighborhood. Eventually, by the time Mary Ellen was ten years old, Elbridge Thomas Gerry of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took her case to the New York State Supreme Court in 1874; and Mary Ellen was removed from her home and her abusers. Subsequently, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was created.

The author continued to explain that it wasn't until the early 1960s, "nearly a century after the Wilson case, that the medical profession formally agreed upon the existence of child abuse."

So, while people debated about whether or not child abuse existed, children all over the country were carrying "horrible secrets and scars, both physical and emotional, because no one would believe or protect them. Many of them ran away from home. Grace is the story of one of those children."

In this book, Grace is a girl who attends junior high with the narrator (Eric). Although they attend the same school, their lives do not intersect until Eric sees Grace dumpster diving behind the fast food restaurant at which he works.

Grace tells him that she has run away from home and gives a hint at the seriousness of the reason for her departure. Eric offers to provide a place for her to stay - in a fort house that he and his brother, Joel, built during the summer.

Although the fort house isn't luxurious, it is a safe place for Grace, and she is truly grateful to Eric. Eric, in turn, brings her food and even uses own money to purchase a heater for the fort house so Grace can stay warm on cold, winter nights.

In the book Grace, the author weaves exerpts from Grace's diary with the story, using them as an introduction to the next chapter. Some of the thoughts that Grace expressed give pause for thought:

- To choose the path is to choose the destination. But sometimes it seems that the path is under our feet even before we know we're walking.

- I think the secret to a happy life is a selective memory. Remember what you're most grateful for and quickly forget what you're not.

- Is it better to be lonely or afraid? I should know by now but I don't.

- To truly forgive is to accept our own part of each failure.

As Grace and Eric's deepen, they talk about a variety of issues, some of which Eric says he still think about as an adult. "Grace had a wisdom about life that far surpassed mine," Eric said as he thought about her.

Well into the book - on page 219 - Grace reveals the true reason why she ran away from home. She foreshadows what she fears the most: "If I'm send back home, something really bad will happen." 

And, from that point on, the book becomes one that cannot be put down. Despite sadness, loss, and grief that is part of the latter section of the book, there also is goodness.  The suspense, surprises, and impact that Grace's life leaves on Eric continues into his adulthood and career.

After the story, the author shares information about The Christmas Box International and a Lifestart Kits that can be purchased and given to teenagers transitioning out of foster care. As Operation Kids states, "Every year more than 24,000 youth age out of foster care. These youths face serious challenges and many of them have no family or support network to help them."

Operation Kids continues, "Without our help many of them are returning to abusive situations or ending up homeless. We can make a difference. Each Christmas Box Lifestart Kit is designed to provide these youths with the resources they need to succeed." 

Grace was a moving - and inspiring - story to read, especially before the holidays. It's a reminder of the power of love, compassion, and generosity; and of the importance of trying to make a difference in the world....even if it's just helping one other person with difficulties she or he may be facing.

EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza! Day 4

Harvest Moon by Hand is giving away a window star on the EtsyKids blog. Click here for a chance to win:
EtsyKids: EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza! Day 4

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Days 26-30 - Many People

During November, I was doing the 30 Days of Giving Thanks challenge. Thanksgiving weekend and the last week of November I dropped the ball. I didn't write any thank you letters...and I didn't make a point of going out of my way to look for and/or recognize things of which I should be thankful.

The entire weekend was challenging - from getting a call on Friday evening saying that a nurse had given my Dad the wrong medications at the nursing home (six pills total - including two for cardiac issues) to finding out on Monday that my Dad has less than six months to live and would be going under hospice care. 

So, I'm now just finishing this challenge...albeit a few days late.  The final five people I'm thanking by sending them letters include:

- Gary and Joanne. They use to be parishioners at the church where my Dad was a Deacon. When my Dad began going to adult day care because of Alzheimer's Disease, Gary was one of the bus drivers. He would talk with my Dad, make sure he was safely transported to the program, and brought back home in the afternoon.

Gary and Joanne visited my Dad in October before he was hospitalized for 11 days. My Dad enjoyed talking with them, and having visitors that day.  I took a couple of pictures of both of them with my Dad, and sent them a thank you letter with the photographs. It helps to know that my Dad is receiving visitors and that people still are thinking about him.

- My Mom. I thanked her for a recent gift she gave to me as well as taking Sophia, Olivia, and I out to eat many times when we bring her to see my Dad at the nursing home. The girls are always so excited because we don't normally go out to eat - so it's a special time for them.

I also thought that as I'm making and freezing meals over the past few days for her to use during December; as I made the Thanksgiving meal; and as I sewed the Minnesota state quilt during November...that I think of all the gifts and skills she's given to me throughout the years. 

She's inspired a love for cooking and baking; sewing and quilting; and modeled service and giving of oneself.  I see Sophia and Olivia with many of these same skills and traits - a clear reflection of who she is passed on to them.

- Dr. McCusker. She was my Dad's doctor from the time of his diagnosis in May 2009 until he went into the nursing home. She provided compassionate, thoughtful care to him. He always looked forward the appointments with her; and I know he felt listened to and respected. 

Her support and care extended beyond my Dad to me (since I took my Dad to each appointment). She provided honest assessments and guidance about how to care for him as the Alzheimer's Disease took a greater hold on his mind and body.

- Jenny. Jenny was the Administrative Assistant at Dr. McCusker's office who always made sure that my Dad and I got the first appointment in the afternoon - the coveted 1:00 p.m. timeslot. She realized how far it was for me to travel from home to my Dad's home and then bring him to the medical clinic; and then repeat the drive back to his home and then to mine - about 120 miles round trip.

She listened and was very helpful in advocating for my Dad throughout the time he received care there. Having someone like Jenny on one's side when dealing with such challenging issues makes a huge- and positive - difference.

- My Dad. I've been sending my Dad a postcard or letter each week over the past few weeks as a way to stay connected when I am unable to visit him. The first week I sent a postcard of two Scottish highland cattle. When he lived on a farm, he had cattle and showed a calf one year for 4-H. He had a different breed than the kind pictured on the postcard, but they were cute, furry-looking ones that I thought he'd enjoy.

The second thing I sent was a Thanksgiving card which had words and thoughts that were exactly how I felt about my Dad. I included a personal note as well as a few photographs with the card - including one of Eenie (the cat) who Sophia, Olivia, and I bring on visits to him; one of him looking at the finches in the aviary which he enjoys; and one of he and my Mom, my sister, brother, grandchildren, and me. I noticed that someone had put the pictures up next to his bed so he could see them.

The postcard I sent today was handmade by a woman named Joan who I participated in a swap on Swap-Bot last year. She used an image from a greeting card glued onto a cardstock. Then, she put lots of snowflake cutouts in between the card and a transparency-type material. She sewed along the edge to enclose the snowflakes. When you move the card, the snowflakes move as well.

*~*~*~*

So, that wraps up the 30 Days of Giving Thanks. The challenge was timely; and certainly was a great motivator for me to let a variety of people know that I am thankful to them for the impact that they have had on my life and others.

Holiday Activities in Small Towns - Countdown to Christmas - Day 3

The third day of the Countdown to Christmas was on Saturday, so there were many holiday activities in  nearby small towns.

As we were leaving, literally hundreds of Canada geese were flying over the pasture and neighboring fields. It was incredibly loud - and amazing - to see so many geese flying together.

Hundreds of geese flew overhead.

Our first stop was Gustaf's Galleries in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  There are three galleries within the building:

- Up North Fine Art Gallery - has regional art and fine art crafts. Artists on exhibit are from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, Michigan, and other Upper Midwestern states.

- The Art of Friendship Gallery - exhibits gifts which express encouragement, friendship, compassion, and support.

- Välkommen Gallery - exhibits artwork and unique gifts from Northern Europe including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Then we went next door to the historic Gustaf Anderson House. The house that was built in 1879 by Gustaf and Helena Anderson upon their return to Minnesota from the Montana gold fields.

With its Italianate brick exterior and Victorian high style interior, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.  The building stands as a tribute to the "rags to riches" status achieved by the hard work of early immigrants.

We stopped at a church craft sale in Center City before heading onto Eichtens where there was an open house. We sampled some of the food and cheese; and purchased a couple of items to make at home.

Since the cafe at Eichtens was packed due to the open house, we headed up to St. Croix Falls since it was the annual Lighting Festival. 

Apparently it was a slow year for the Lighting Festival...that or more people attend the evening activities. There were probably a dozen or so people walking on the sidewalks...which is fine, but kind of surprising giving that was a festival.

The first stop was the Senior Center which was decorated and had holiday music outside. There was a bake sale going on and lunch was available.

The girls at lunch at the senior center.

Sophia and Olivia each had a grilled cheese sandwich, brownie, and a glass of lemonade. With their meal came tomato soup. Sophia tried it, Olivia passed on the soup, so I had it along with a glass of lemonade. The total bill for 3 people: $5.

After that, we visited a quilt shop down the street that also was having an open house. Since we all enjoy sewing and quilting, it was an interesting stop. Ended up seeing these cute hand-dyed wool felt flowers.

Olivia is making a quilt and we thought adding some of these to the quilt might add an interesting three-dimensional element to it.

Wool felt flower.

We began to head home and stopped at a Christmas tree farm on the way. We visited the farm last week as well, and the girls wanted to go back since it had a model train.

This time, one of the owners was there and let us push the buttons that controlled the sounds - engine whistle, circus sounds, train tracks rattling, etc.  Needless to say, Sophia and Olivia enjoyed being able to do that.

Our last stop was Franconia Sculpture Park. The first sculpture they always visit: the swingset.

Girls on swingset.

There were many new sculptures that we enjoyed seeing.

View looking up at the sky

from the interior of a new sculpture.

Sophia and Olivia were alternating between walking and running as they saw new sculptures. Some they were content to walk towards and explore while others were so inviting - they eagerly ran to see them.

Olivia running out of one of the new sculptures.

Sophia's taking her time as she leaves.

When we came home, the girls relaxed, practiced their instruments (piano and harp), and read.

I continued to make more food for my mom. At over 80 years old and with significant health issues of her own, she is going through this holiday season with my dad in a nursing home due to Alzheimer's Disease.

He is now under hospice care, so my mom's motivation to cook and prepare meals is rather low right now. Having premade breakfasts, dinners, and desserts may help her through this month.

Game Night - Countdown to Christmas - Day 2

For the second day on the Countdown to Christmas, the girls checked to see where Santa is at by visiting the website http://www.noradsanta.org/ .

On the website, there is a new game each day that is introduced. The girls played two games each (one for each in December).

Although my intention for having "game night" be more along the lines of board or card games that each would pick, this was something they wanted to do and enjoyed playing since they don't normally play computer games. 

Perhaps another day or evening during December, we will play some of the games that are our favorites...or ones we haven't played in a long time.

In the evening, we read a Christmas book that Olivia picked out.

A Handmade Quilt for Winter (Creative Every Day Check-In)

During November and today (December 1st), I worked on a handmade quilt that features 12 Minnesota symbols (e.g., state bird, flower, grain, fish). Each of the squares was appliqued and/or embroidered.

The balance of the squares (23) were fabric from what I had on hand. Many of the pieces of fabric were from items that held another purpose at a different time (e.g., bed sheet, pillowcase, clothing).

My goal with the quilt was to create something functional from only items that I had on hand. I wasn't trying for that "perfect" quilt...I was looking for something useful and that would provide warmth on cold, winter days and nights.

Today I worked on the final steps of the quilt. First, I ironed all the pieces that were for the backing.  I sewed the pieces together to create a backing and ironed it again.

Three layers: top of quilt with right side facing down;

back of quilt with right side facing up; and

batting under it all.

Next, I placed the batting on the floor. On top of that, I placed the backing with the right side facing up. Then, I placed the top of the quilt with the right side facing down.  Once these three layers were smoothed out, I pinned them in place.

Three layers pinned and ready to be trimmed.

There was surplus fabric and batting on all sides once the quilt was pinned, so I trimmed the edges so all matched.

The trimmed quilt ready to be sewn.

One I was done sewing, I put my hand into the quilt and pulled it out through the opening. In this way, the quilt's right sides were now on the outside and the batting was in the center.

I hand-sewed the opening closed; and then ironed around all the edges of the quilt so they would lay flat.

Finished quilt!

Then, I used a tapestry needle and yarn to make yarn ties where each of the squares met one another.

The girls couldn't wait to see

what the quilt felt like once it was done.

Although I didn't finish the quilt during Art Every Day Month last month, I am happy that it is done by the first check-in of Creative Every Day.

Operation Christmas Child - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 48

Since 2007 (with the exception of one year when Sophia had to have her appendix removed), the girls have been assembling boxes for Operation Children Child. This is a project that they enjoy doing, and look forward to selecting and packaging the items.

They take time to carefully package the items - including folding washcloths and placing soap in a plastic bag so it doesn't affect any other products.

After they finish packing their boxes, they write and draw pictures for the recipient - even though they do not know who will receive it or where the child lives.

Although there is a space at the end of the two-page form to include your name and address, they complete it but do not expect a thank you or letter in return. They are simply sending the gifts so children have some of the same things that they for granted.

When we were done packaging and labeling the boxes, we brought them to a collection site - about 17 miles away from home.

We filled out some paperwork and then added the boxes to the other ones waiting to be put into large shipping boxes.

Once the shoeboxes were packaged into large boxes, they were put onto a truck that brought them to the distribution center.

The girls liked seeing the truck at the collection site because they knew that their boxes for Operation Christmas Child would be on their way within an hour.

They are already planning on participating in next year's Operation Christmas Child  program.

Decorate the Home - Countdown to Christmas - Day 1

On the first of December, Sophia, Olivia, and I brought in a few bins of Christmas items from the hobby shed and began choosing what we wanted to use to decorate the home this year.

One of the first items to go up was the advent calendar. Last year, I hand-embroidered 25 wool felt envelopes that have numbers on them (1-25). In each of the envelopes, I place a little slip of paper with an activity/activities to do each day.

In the process of going through the Christmas items, we collected two bags of books and decorations that we no longer wanted. Our goal - from now until Christmas - is to donate at least one bag of things that we no longer use, need, or want.

The items will be given to a variety of secondhand shops in the area that sell the items at low prices to help individuals and families stretch their budgets and/or to fund programs that benefit those in need in the community.

In the evening, I read a Christmas book to the girls. Each day from now until Christmas, I will read a book to them each night. The one who opens the envelope for the day gets to pick out the book that is read that evening.