Presents

Just the word presents makes me think of our niece Kate. That is what she associates Mark and I with...Mark, Tracey and presents. I don't mind. I love buying her things. She loves everything you get her. She is especially fond of a sucker. She was asked if she wanted all this stuff for Christmas, and said she didn't need anything they mentioned. They asked if she wanted a sucker for Christmas, and she said that she could use a sucker. How precious is that? I love getting presents. I mean who doesn't? Getting a present means that someone was thinking of you, and it is nice to be thought of. I also love getting Christmas cards. I really love seeing which card someone chose to send me and Mark. I love getting "happy mail". Sending cards and letters is such a lost art anymore. I went to around 13 showers of some kind one year, and only received 2 thank you notes...they were from sisters (their mom would have killed them if they hadn't sent a note). My little niece, Courtney, who is 9 leaves me a thank you note when I leave her a gift at Mark's parents. I am not sure how I got on this soap box on this blog, oh well. It goes without saying that sometimes you need to follow up with a note of thanks. I will get off the box now.

In keeping with "mitzvah" for the December challenge, I am sending off a package today. The church where we are a member is collecting items to help families and ministries in our area. I am sending a gift card to help. Merry Christmas to whoever receives it.

I like the challenge this month that they have set, but sometimes it seems a little "braggie". If that is a word. I certainly don't do things for acknowledgement. How shallow and conceited is that? I do love to help people. I am not sure why God didn't make me rich...I would give most of it away...or would I? Evidently, money must would change me and God knows that. I think I would be generous, but maybe if I were rich I would be greedy and snobby. I sure would like the chance to find out. LOL. Wouldn't we all like that chance? I hate to see people go without. I am talking about more than their needs. I am also talking about their wants. It breaks my heart to see a mother and father struggling to provide for their child's needs such as food, clothing and shelter, and can't provide for a little bit of their "wants". That is what I like to do, is help fulfill the "wants" in a child's life. All children want things they see. About 2 weeks ago, I was at Dollar General. The lady in front of me had a child who wanted a candy bar. You could tell that she was a struggling parent. Only the necessities where on the counter. After paying for her groceries and personal items, she didn't have the money to buy the candy bar. Disappointment filled the child's face as she went to put it back. I just couldn't let her be disappointed...I bought her the candy. Her mom was most appreciative and thanked me numerous times with tears in her eyes. All I could say was, "Merry Christmas". A candy bar...how insignificant to most children whose parents probably could have bought the whole rack of candy without blinking an eye. In today's world most everyday is Christmas for a child. They get things all year long. Christmas has become the time of year that they get lots of everything they want at one time. I remember an episode of "Little House". Laura and Mary got an orange and their very own tin cup to drink out of...they were thrilled. Could you imagine giving a child their own cup and an orange today? Probably wouldn't get a good response. Americans are so blessed, but we do have poverty her in America. I just challenge everyone who reads this blog to maybe help meet a little "want" in some one's life this Christmas season. Some people's wants are not that elaborate. It could be a baby doll, race car or a new dress. Not all children want a Wii or a PS3. Some who have nothing or close to nothing want the simple things. Most children in that situation want what fills other kids toys boxes that aren't even being played with anymore. Just a small challenge to meet a "want" this year.

Today started out a little windy, but not bad enough to stop us from shopping. We first had to fuel up on some good eats from K & W Cafeteria. We had not had breakfast and it was now 11 am. After tanking up, we headed for Toys R Us for a little Christmas shopping and some just because we love you presents. We got some games at $3.99, plus a $2 rebate. We spent over $120, but after discounts and coupons we paid $57...plus we are getting $14 of that back in rebates. A quick stop at Best Buy turned up an unexpected deal...$6 for blackberry chargers that are usually $40. We have chargers, but these have the stands... not sure if they are keepers or Ebay inventory. Then it was off to Kohl's to exchange Mark's jeans. We each found us a few things and earned us $10 in Kohl cash, which we are using come Monday. Then it was off to Belk's to exchange things I bought last week. I am in need of jeans, but I have midget legs. There are NO midget jeans at Belk's. I guess I am going to have to write to "The Little People" on TLC and see where she gets her clothes. Seriously, my legs are short. To fit me is like buying Frosty the Snowman with legs an outfit. I am thinking about buying maternity clothes and just letting people think I am pregnant. I did find a red glitter blouse to do my Christmas performances in...now I just need some bookings for Christmas. I did some how manage to earn $10 in Belk Bucks, which I will use come Monday. We finished up our day with dinner at Atlanta Bread. It was a great spent together. We got everything done that we set out to do today, so tomorrow it is just rest and relaxation for us.