What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.- Agnes M. Pharo
Greetings from my family to yours.
Warmly, Julie
Congratulations, Erica, Mary Beth and Sally… goodies are coming your way!
Thank you to Kristen (@DineandDish)
No pictures tonight.
Horrible news from Connecticut on Friday still reels in my head, like just about everyone in the nation.
This is what I wrote on my personal Facebook page on Friday night:
How many parents let their kids stay up later than usual? How many kids got that extra piece of candy or dessert tonight? How many parents cherished kisses, relished in hugs from their little ones today? How many people got teary or started to cry tonight saying bedtime prayers?
Yes, all of the above for me.
Today, the tv was for football games and tonight, I couldn’t help but cry when one stadium sent up one flare for every person tragically lost. And, the President’s speech… too many names spoken. I sat with a Kleenex box.
There’s no comprehension for what Newtown is feeling and coping with. I’m so heartbroken for this community and for the families… I start to get teary-eyed every time I hear bits of the events. And stories are surfacing of people I “know” through social media who are directly dealing with loss.
Let’s be thankful for what we have, for our loved ones in our lives. Let’s send thoughts of comfort to those who are in need.
There are ways to help… here’s one:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund through United Way
Two giveaways in one post! AH!! Sorry I missed yesterday, but I was finishing a project. Overextended me. Typical. Let’s see what this giveaway is all about.
I love paper… not for scrapbooking (mentioned before) but for just about any other type of paper crafting. These sets from K&Company just get me in the Christmas mood.
They’re cute background for these little gifts for my kids’ Sunday school teachers. This was a Pinterest inspiration, but I pieced together the gift bag. (Teachers, if you’re reading, would you skip the picture or cover your eyes. Sorry for ruining the surprise.) All you need are clear party favor bags. I cut the scrapbook paper into 3-3/4″ x 9″ strips, folded one end twice to make a little bag “bottom”. Stuff into the party favor bag and place your goodies.
Here are the last of my giveaways… two pretty sets of K&Company specialty paper (double-sided!) and accessories, and then two sets of Jolee’s Stickers. All these products are available at art and craft supply stores like Michael’s. Follow the raffle instructions below… and if you would prefer NOT to enter through Rafflecopter, just e-mail me at jtiu(at)comcast(dot)net with “K&Company raffle” or “Jolee’s Christmas sticker raffle” in the subject line. Good luck!
Two weeks until Christmas. I imagine lots of scurrying, baking, wrapping. That’s me. No matter what I do, there’s always something else I want to get done, another project, another DIY gift – which brings me to this. This stocking is so cute! And I can’t wait to pull this together with my daughter… a little gift for our newest niece who will be spending Christmas with us.
Love that the kit comes with presorted thread, die-cut felt and a needle. It almost goes without saying that there are easy-to-follow instructions.
Would you like to give these stockings a home?
Two readers will be chosen at random to receive one stocking kit. Just follow below and do leave a comment. Let me know which stocking kit is calling your name… however, no promises if the two of you like the same one. I know, I know, so difficult. This is a quick raffle so I can mail out the kit as soon as the giveaway is over. Of course, after I verify winners. Good luck!!
**UPDATE** If you would prefer NOT to enter through Rafflecopter, just e-mail me at jtiu(at)comcast(dot)net with “Stocking Kit” in the subject line. Good luck!
