Operation Christmas Child

Got to see my favorite charity in operation today. Took a trip to Charlotte to visit the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child processing center, where hundreds of volunteers come each holiday season to process the shoebox gifts that are donated to children around the world. Franklin Graham was there to thank everyone and cheer everyone on. I really wanted to get his autograph or have him sign my book, but just couldn't get that close. It's a really nice organization, there were also several people there who themselves had been recipitents of shoeboxes in the past and now are serving God by volunteering themselves. The reception included serving lunch to all the volunteers and I stayed and had Chic-Fil-A with 'em.

Busy Beavers

We're busy beavers, but we're not shopping or getting ready for Christmas around the house. We're:

-Finishing Decorating and stocking the shop for Christmas.
-Waiting on customers, it's getting busy already in December.
-Making airplane reservations and transportation plans for IN.
-Cleaning out the garage to get a big truckload of a new experimental line of budget bedroom furniture for the shop tomorrow!, like 19 pieces that will need to stored in the garage until we make room for it.

-Getting ready for garage sale Sat. to get rid of extra junk in garage.
-Getting hair recolored (needed a little something more)
-Deciding what clothes to wear to the wedding and bringing Christmas gifts for the kids, and how we're going to get it on the plane, no big purchases planned.
-Praying for specific people who are suffering.
-Talking creatively about what jobs Jack could apply for besides CAD.
-Taking little drives to downtown Camden and around Lugoff to see the Christmas lights, stopping at Sonic for a Mint Blast....hmmm
-Jan is planning on going to Charlotte on Thurs. to attend a non-invitation needed party for Samaritan's Purse Operation shoebox gathering, and hopefully meet Franklin Graham! (exciting)
-Raking the leaves in the yard (they're still falling here)
-Listing Christmas items on Ebay.
-Cooking supper when I get home from work and then collapsing.
-Thinking about when I'm going to get some time to do my Christmas baking and jelly making.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK AND JAN A DULL BOY AND GIRL!

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The Manhattan Declaration

Read the Manhattan Declaration and sign it. Possibly one of the most crucial documents of our time www.manhattandeclaration.org

Phew.....

Phew,alot's going on! Tom proposed to Niki at the Marine Corp. ball last weekend, of course she accepted they are talking about getting married in 2 wks! Jack is going up there and now I may have to book a flight too. Then have to find a dress.
Put an ad in the Camden newspaper for "Christmas is Here at The Red Door" advertising 20% off with coupon, hope that will stir up some increased holiday sales. People starting to buy Christmas stuff already.
Got my hair colored yesterday, wanted a few more red streaks in it, so may go back. It looks good, someone told me I look younger :)
Gotta go pick up some furniture today, may go to auction tonight.
Going to friend's house tomorrow for T'Day. Will be cooking pies, sweet taters, corn and maybe collards. Yeah, we don't have to eat at a buffet this year!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
I'm thankful this year for my husband, my business, my family, my home, cars, health, friends, and for my Lord who watches over me and provides everything we need.

Tillie Gets Ready for Winter

Tillie hates the wet grass, so we're trying these boots. She was compliant in having them putting them on, but she's walking like a cripple. Is this torture? She also got a new hoodie wrap and a few treats in the process. FuFu to the max.

A Little Encouragement

A little encouragement goes a long ways. I have a friend that has been helping me organize things at the shop. She has a traumatic and abusive background. Her self esteem has been in the basement. She really enjoys coming to the shop to escape her present situation and she's quite good at making neat displays of the items.
She wrote me a Thank You note and I wanted to share it. I'm not bragging, I really don't say that much to her, I think it's just an attitude of acceptance.

"Dear Jan,
Thank you for letting me work with you. You make me feel like a person of value. I was delighted to discover a useful talent that lay hidden in me. You did that. I am happy to be your friend. Most people don't bother with the pounded down, self-esteemless. That''s what makes you and Jack so special....your kindness :)
Please don't beat yourself up over what your other family has done. It's their loss. I think knowing you is first rate! Love, Cathy"

LIFT SOMEONE UP AND ENCOURAGE THEM TODAY, A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!

My Kitchen Counter Crisis

HELP: My kitchen counter gets messed up as soon as I pick it up (I should say we, because Jack helps with this). We bring stuff home (esp on the weekend) that needs to be fixed or sold on Ebay and it all ends up here.

On my counter right now:

-Chatty Cathy Hallmark ornament (needed tiny battery put in)

-2 Vintage Retro clocks (need cleaning or something)

-Receipt book from the shop

-Kleenex box

-Book about Country Crafts (like I was going to find time to read it!)

-Checks that need deposited

-Frame that I'm going to put something in for a friend

-Bananas

-Batteries

-Dirty coffee cup

-Scizzors

Note*****A Creative Mind is Not necessarily an organized mind!

P.S. My "Barry Kieselsteine- Cord" purse is now up to $207.00 on Ebay!