Our New Addition

We would like to announce the newest addition to our family, Colton Matthew, born 11/25 weighing 6 lbs 15 oz & 19 1/2" long. We are so thankful for his arrival & appreciate all your prayers & well wishes during my bedrest & pregnancy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for reading, commenting, & supporting me here @ The Gift Closet!! I am thankful for my God & my family & wising you all a blessed day!! {{Hugs}}

And here is our Thursday devo from my friend & guest blogger Emily....enjoy!

Thankful

By Emily

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. So that brings to mind the question "What are you thankful for?". Some of your answers may range from your health, family, a job or friends. The list could go on and on. One thing I am thankful for is my salvation. I am so thankful that God gave his one and only son for me "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16. Because God was so gracious my sins are forgiven and I am made a new creation "What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Cor. 5:17. I have salvation in Jesus and as a Christ follower or Christian. That's the ultimate prize you could ever have. One day I will live in Heaven with HIM. I am thankful he gives new mercies or new grace each and everyday, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." Lam.3:23(NLT). New mercies each day is like a do over. You get another chance to do what is right and change the things that are wrong.

Another thing I am thankful for is my husband and boys. They bring me such joy. We love, laugh, play,cry,argue and learn together as a family. With God as our center we are a strong bond that is not easily broken. "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecc. 4:12(NIV) The last thing I want to share I am most thankful for are those who are and have become mentors to me. Without them I would not be where I am today in my spiritual walk with God. I am so blessed to have such a group of special ladies in my life.

So this leaves me with the question for you. What are you REALLY thankful for? This is my challenge to you today. Sit down and make a list of all the things you are thankful for. Make it fun by using the alphabet and beside each letter write one thing you are thankful for. Count your blessings. They are worth counting.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who reads this.

Maternity Leave

I'm on Maternity Leave & will return December 1st to kick off the Twelve Days of Christmas!

Win It Wednesday

The winner of the Christmas Cookie Charm Bracelet from Fun Jewelry is #84 Deborah Anderson . Congrats!

Today I am giving away any item of your choice from the shop of Two Florida Girls!
Check out these adorable Snowman Hair Clips!!

Two Florida Girls offers little guy ties, coffee cozies, hair clips, & more!!


The inspiration for these Mom-prenuers:
"We were inspired to start Two Florida Girls out of our love of doing something fun together while creating sunshiney things to brighten others' days. We are sisters, born and raised in Florida, who love all things handmade. Kati, the sewer, made Amy two coffee cozies for her 30th birthday. Amy fell in love and quickly decided we needed to share the happy, fun, eco-friendly gift with the world via Etsy. We started our shop with a few coffee cozies and then quickly grew when we participated in the Cora Paige Playground Fundraiser. (Although we do not know her family, we were so touched by her story and wanted to help, if even in a small little way. About Cora-- http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/) We love that we can spend time creating fun things together. And, we love the Etsy community. "

Want It? Click here to visit Two Florida Girls. They will be offering free worldwide shipping on all purchases from Thanksgiving Day through Monday, November 30. No code will be necessary as all the shipping will be set to $0.00 in the shop beginning on Thursday. It's our "Thanksgiving Day/Cyber Monday Sale." :) Perfect to save a little cash and stock up for Christmas.

Win It! How to enter to win the item of your choice from Two Florida Girls!
1. Leave a comment here. Be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile. If you have a blog, I will ask that you sport my "I Won @ the Gift Closet" button if you win. Easy as pumpkin pie! ~wink~
2. Contest ends Tuesday December 1, 2009 @ midnight & is open to all!

Follow me on twitter by clicking below!

Nothing Fancy Giveaway

Looking to outfit your little one in some adorable Holiday attire? Or for a little something for yourself? Then you need to hop on over to Nothing Fancy!

Mandy is the Mom-prenuer behind Nothing Fancy. She sews, monograms, & appliques some of the cutest clothing! She keeps stock on children's t-shirts, rompers, dresses, burp cloths and bibs that can be monogrammed or appliqued to your liking. You can also send her items to be personalized as well.

Today she is giving away a t-shirt (kids or ladies) with a design of your choice - monogram/name and applique included. $20 value for kids and $25 for adults!

Mandy's inspiration:
"I have always loved the idea of sewing and creating my own things...but have always been intimidated by words like, "bobbin", "seam ripper", "notches", etc...but last year while walking around a Christmas Market, I got this bright idea to start sewing myself. I began to look at these really cute outfits for my kids and every time I checked the price tag I would gasp. So, I pulled my Mom's sewing machine out and started from scratch. I also purchased an embroidery machine and have had a great time personalizing anything and everything! My Daddy died a year and a half ago and I really needed something to distract myself. Sewing was perfect! Making a pair of pants for my son or an a-line dress for my daughter would in some sort, "fill me up." Even if that feeling was temporary, it made me feel proud that I had accomplished something. That turned into a little side business that I am thoroughly enjoying. So while my inspiration was for selfish reasons, it's really turned into something that I cherish."

Want It? Click here to visit Nothing Fancy.

Win It! How to enter to win a t-shirt (kids or ladies) with a design of your choice - monogram/name and applique included. $20 value for kids and $25 for adults!

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile already.Winners will only be contacted via email.
2. For an EXTRA entry, click here to visit Nothing Fancy, come back here, & tell me your favorite item!
3. Contest ends Monday November 30, 2009 @ midnight & is open to US only.

Click here to check out other great Mom-prenuers on The Gift Closet!

Tidbits

Hope you had a fabulous weekend! Ready for the big Turkey Day? I know I am. Looks like I'm going to have a baby by Turkey Day...yay!!! I have a few tidbits to share w/ you before I check out a bit to welcome our new addition.

1. The winner of the Swaddle Designs Giveaway is #31 ktgonyea . Congrats!!

2. I'm starting a fabulous giveaway tomorrow that will run till next week, but after that I'll prolly take a short maternity leave.

3. I'll be back just in time to start.....the Twelve Days of Christmas!! ~Giddy~
If you are new to Gift Closet then you may be asking what are The Twelve Days of Christmas @ The Gift Closet. Starting December 1, I will be offering a fabulous *new* giveaway every day for 12 days! And who will be sponsoring these giveaways? Some of the fab Female Entrepreneurs from my Christmas @ The Gift Closet page! Click on the button below to check out these companies if you haven't already & come back tomorrow for a Holiday giveaway! :)

Friday's Feature

My feature today is Lora Elizabeth Stamped Jewelry...you'll love it!


Her jewelry is made of sterling-silver, genuine leather and pure swarovski crystals. Many pieces are hand-cut, filed, stamped, oxidized and polished.

Her inspiration:
"My husband is a general contractor and with the slowing in the housing market, I began looking for work. As I filled out applications and interviewed for jobs, my heart ached at the thought of being away from my four young children during the day. I decided to turn my passion for hand-stamped jewelry into a way to help support our family and I've been thrilled with the results. I love to be able to stay at home and stamp away with children playing at my feet (or getting into a huge mess in the next room.) I feel that my hand-stamped, sterling jewelry says so much about the person wearing it. Whether it be their children's or grandchildren's names, a favorite motto or just one word, such as "hope."

Want It? Click here to shop & receive free shipping by selecting "store pickup" then put "The Gift Closet" in the comment section. Enjoy!! :)

Grab this button:
<center><a href="http://www.thegiftcloset.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/giftlady64/giftclosetbutton.gif" /></a></center>

Thoughts for Thursday

Anger

by Guest Blogger Emily Farmer

Are you easily angered? Can you become angry like the bat of an eye for no apparent reason? Anger is such a strong hold and can hold you in bondage if you let it. Anger is mentioned several times in the bible and we should pay attention to all it has to say. I have a child that can turn me to anger with a drop of a hat. I love him dearly but, often let my emotions get the best of me. Why? I ask myself. I truly want to change that behavior towards him. I am doing a bible study now that says if you stay angry you give satan a foothold and he wins. I am done with doing that on a daily bases. I want my life to shine Jesus through and through. I want a change to take place. The verses I have listed below I have written on index cards and placed them around the house in different areas to see. That will remind me what I need to place my focus on. I want to be reminded often so I can make a real change in my life. I want to remind myself to let anger go. Is this an area you have trouble with as well. I pray for you dear friend. I pray these verses will motivate you to change your anger into joy, the joy that only Jesus gives.

Press On Challenge:

Be intentional about controlling your anger this week.

Press On Verses:
Ps. 37:8 "Stop being angry! Turn from your anger! Do not lose your temper-it only leads to harm."

Col.3:8 "But now you must rid yourself of all such things as these anger-"

Eph. 4:31 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you know you can email this post to a friend by clicking on the small white envelope below? :)

Win It Wednesday

The winner of the $30 GC to Andean Collection is #85 John, Sarah, & Maddie . Congrats!

This week I am giving away this Christmas Cookie Charm Bracelet from Fun Jewelry!

Too cute!

Bonnie began making bracelets for her granddaughters with alice in wonderland,tinkerbell clipart-- all their friends fell in love with them and thus she started selling on ebay- opened a ebay store and it has been an amazing time . Bonnie loves creating a whimsical, unique piece of jewelry... the sky is the limit for ideas.

Want It? Click here to shop.

Win It! How to enter to win the Christmas Cookie Charm Bracelet:
1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile. Winners will only be contacted via email.
2. For an EXTRA entry, click here to visit Fun Jewelry, come back here & tell me your favorite item.
3. Contest ends Tuesday November 24, 2009 @ midnight.

Be sure to visit some of the awesome new sponsors on my Right sidebar for Holiday shopping ideas! ~wink~

Swaddle Designs Review & Giveaway

The winner of the Elfing Around giveaway is #34 Sherri419 . Congrats!

Happy Monday ya'll!! I'm 34 weeks & still on bedrest...hanging in there! Thanks for all the sweet comments last week of encouragement!! :)

I just got a zzZipMe SackT from Swaddle Designs in the mail last week to review & 1 to giveaway!! It's just in time for the arrival of my little one. Swaddle Designs offers swaddling blankets, zzZipMe SackT's, hoodie towels, & much more!

The inspiration behind Swaddle Designs:
SwaddleDesigns was founded by Lynette Damir, a registered nurse and mother of two young children. While visiting families with new babies, Lynette found that parents struggled with swaddling because they didn’t have the right kind of blanket (most were too small or too thick) and they could not remember how to make a good secure swaddle. Lynette wanted to share her knowledge of proper swaddling because she understood that parents needed help when trying to learn how to swaddle. Lynette Damir founded SwaddleDesigns to help to parents calm and comfort their babies so new parents and their babies could get more sleep. Lynette designs the exclusive prints featured on SwaddleDesigns blankets. She chooses each component carefully for its texture, durability and color.

Every baby born in a US hospital is wrapped in a flannel receiving blanket. Babies are unable to regulate their temperature and it is important that baby is kept warm, but not too warm. Hospitals trust and use cotton flannel for swaddling newborns. Many hospitals use SwaddleDesigns blankets to teach swaddling to their new parents and give their new parents an Ultimate Receiving Blanket as a new parent gift.

The zzZipMeT Sack - wearable blankets are perfect when baby is ready to transition from swaddling. They are available in 3-6 month size and 6-12
month size. I received the Fuzzy zzZipMeT Sack from their new
fall collection: Dots with Mocha, Gold and Pastel! Click here to view the full line.

What I like about the zzZipMe SackT from Swaddle Designs:
1. SO soft & cuddly!!!
2. I love the 2- way zipper. You can unzip it from the top, or if it's just a middle of the night diaper change I can unzip it from the bottom! Great idea!
3. Lots of cute fabrics & designs to choose from.
4. Comes w/ info about swaddling, etc.
5. Reputable company, great to work with!

What I didn't like about the zzZipMe SackT from Swaddle Designs:
1. Nothing! I have other swaddling products & this one is by far the best quality!

Want It? Click here to visit Swaddle Designs. Please use the code "MadeinUSA" at eSwaddle to receive 10% off regularly priced items!

Win It! How to enter to win a zzZipMe SackT in 3-6month or 6-12 month size in the Dots with Mocha Collection. You choose either Pink, Blue or Kiwi!

1. Leave a comment here to enter & be sure you include your email address if it is not on your profile. Winners will only be contacted via email.
2. For an EXTRA entry snag my Gift Closet button & wear it proud on your blog. Come back here & let me know you sport our button! :)
3. For another EXTRA entry, click here to become a follower of Swaddle Designs on Twitter. Then come back here & let me know you did so.
4. Contest ends Sunday November 22, 2009 @ midnight & is open to US residents only.


With the Holidays approaching now is the time to advertise your business & here @ The Gift Closet I love to promote Female Entrepreneurs! You can advertise on The Gift Closet for as low as $5 so contact me today for more info! heatherldt@ bellsouth dot net

Friday's Feature-The Pretty Peacock

I came across this site a few weeks ago & fell in love w/ the look of their jewelry. The
Pretty Peacock offers Handmade, eco-friendly, personalized jewelry with birthstones.

The Pretty Peacock first emerged into existence as a way to feed a
creative soul. It has now evolved into a passion to design pieces that
celebrate our loved ones, special moments - the most important aspects
of life that make it our own. Each piece of jewelry is designed and
created with great care, pride and lots of good juju! You will be able
to feel the difference.



Want It? Click here to shop & enjoy 10% off using the discount code
GIFTCLOSET (all caps, one word). It's one use per customer, but for
anyone, any where to use. It will be valid from November 13th -
November 20th.
Click above to check out some awesome Mom-prenuers @ The Gift Closet & have a great weekend!

Thoughts for Thursday

Valley
By Guest Blogger Emily Farmer

When you are faced with a difficult situation how do you respond? No one promised life to be easy. Sometimes we are faced with things we didn't sign up for. So the question is how will you deal with it? Will you face it head on or will you pout and have a pity party for yourself? There is a song that I love to hear when I am in a valley of low its "My heart will trust in you" it's by a Christian group called Hillsong United. Here are the lyrics for you to read maybe it will give you the hope you need to stand on shaky ground.

My heart will trust in you by Hillsong United

I'll walk closer now on the higher way
Through the darkest night will you hold my hand
Jesus guide my way

O you mourn with me and you dance with me
For my heart of hearts is bound to you

Though I walk through valleys low
I'll fear no evil
By the waters still my soul,
My heart will trust in You

O You counsel me and You comfort me
When I cannot see,
You light my path

What more of a perfect song for when we are feeling low. This song says everything God is to us. He counsels, comforts, and lights our path. Hang in there. Once again I tell you life isn't going to be easy. And its certainly not what you signed up for. But, DON'T give up on God HE is there for . He is the only one who won't let you down. Nothing is too hard for you with God by your side. HE never promised us a easy life but, HIS word is filled full of HIS promises that HE loves us, cares for us, and will be with us through all of life's circumstances. Rest assured in HIS loving care for you. Keep reading HIS word and meeting with HIM daily and HE will see you through the valley low. Keep following HIM and listening for his voice. HE won't let you down.

Press On Challenge:

Find some of God's promises and read them often to remind yourself HE is there for you.

Press On Verse:

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10(NIV)

For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance." Psalm 94:14 (NIV)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Win It Wednesday

Welcome to Win It Wednesday!! The winner of the Converse Shoes from Spunky Monkey is #17 Anne . Congrats!

This week I am giving away a $30 Gift Certificate to the Andean Collection. You may have seen them on The Gift Closet before & remember their gorgeous jewelry!

Amanda Judge founded The Andean Collection in the fall of 2008 while she was in Ecuador researching rural women’s survival strategies in the face of extreme poverty for her master thesis. The point of her research was to settle on a few tangible projects that an outside agency could do in order to help the community make long lasting improvements in their own standards of living. As it turns out, instead of just writing about these possibilities, Amanda decided to put her own ideas into action.

After discovering the amazing natural materials that were used in native jewelry making, Amanda knew that finding a market for jewelry made out of these natural seeds would be more beneficial than any academic paper could ever be. Amanda then extended her stay in Ecuador to lay the groundwork for The Andean Collection. The first task was to find disadvantaged artisans who had a drive to create a better life for themselves and their families. Next was training the artisans on order production and of course, showing them how to use email. Since the beginning, The Andean Collection has been training the artisans is jewelry design, helping them fortify their supply chains, and let’s not forget the endless cross-continent goose chases to find the highest quality raw materials in South America.

Artisans handcraft their designs from natural seeds that have been sustainably harvested from the rainforests and lowlands of South America. The commercialization of these seeds helps to ensure the survival of the world’s rainforests by providing an alternative income for its inhabitants rather than logging or selling their land to destructive industries. Through a very manual process, seeds are transformed into beads with gorgeous natural irregularities, both in color and form, which truly makes each piece one of a kind.

Want It? Click here to visit Andean Collection.

Win It! How to enter to win the $30 Gift Certificate to Andean Collection:
1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile. Winners will only be contacted via email.
2. For an EXTRA entry, click on the button below, come back here & tell me one of the companies you see listed on my Christmas @ the Gift Closet page.
3. Contest ends Tuesday November 17, 2009 @ midnight.

Now is the time to advertise your business for the Holidays! I am offering Buy 2 months get 1 free on my Right sidebar at this time.....premium advertising space! Contact me today for more info heatherldt@bellsouth dot net

Tuesday's Tip-Craft Ideas

I would like to share some great Craft ideas w/ you that have been sent to me.

I love Vinyl crafts, wall sayings, etc. McKay from Say It On The Wall sent over a couple of ideas. Check them out...
Nativity Story Cube
Each side of the cube has a different part of the Christmas story. Great for sharing w/ the kids.And this 9 piece nativity set makes a nice display...
Another crafty idea submitted from All Things Made By Kelly is this homemade puppet theater tutorial!Here is another Nativity Block Set that is a little different from Vinyl Gifts & More

Thanks to all who have sent me their ideas. :) If you have some great crafty ideas to share please feel free to leave a link to them in your comment here so we can see your craftiness!

Elfing Around Review & Giveaway

I am so excited to share a review & giveaway with you for a fun Holiday tradition today from Elfing Around!

Elfing Around is not just a Christmas toy, but a fun Christmas experience. The 12-inch plush elves “visit” all the children on Santa’s Nice List for the 12 days before Christmas. The elves have to be still during the day, but are very adventuresome at night. Each morning your child will awake with the wonder and excitement of trying to find out exactly what their silly elf was up to the night before. Your child may find their elf is hiding; or had a snowball fight; or was up watching a movie, complete with popcorn; or has taken it upon his/herself to re-decorate the tree!

Each elf comes with all the ideas and letters to complete 12 adventures. The elf will go home with Santa on Christmas Eve.

This tradition started in Norway, Denmark, Germany and Iceland. You can read more about it by clicking here.

What I like about Elfing Around:

1. While I haven't actually started the tradition yet since it's still November, I am really looking forward to this & think it will be lots of fun for the whole family.

2. The Elfing Around package came w/ lots of goodies including a letter from Herbie the Elf personalized to each of your children.

3. Plenty of instructions & ideas for you as the parent to do w/ the elf or elves.

4. I got a girl elf for my daughter, a boy one for my son. They are really cute & 12" tall.

5. Several other letters from the Elf to the kids including an "I'm here" & "See you next year". Also, a nice Wish list & cute envelopes for the kids to send their wish lists to Santa!

What I didn't Like about Elfing around:

1. Honestly, nothing. It was comparatively priced & I was pleasantly surprised with all you get w/ it.

Want It? Click here to visit Elfing Around.

Win It! How to enter to win a boy or girl elf from Elfing Around!

1. Leave a comment here & be sure to include your email address. That is the only way I contact winners.

2. For an EXTRA entry, tweet about this giveaway & come back here letting me know you did so.

3. For another EXTRA entry, link to this post on Facebook & come back here letting me know you did so.

4. Contest ends Sunday November 15, 2009 @ midnight & is open to US residents only.

Click here to enter to win a pair of size 2 (infant/toddler) punk girl bling converse from Spunky Monkey!

New Arrival Coming Soon

Hey Gift Closet readers! Just wanted to let you know that while I am not due until December 23, our little baby is trying to make an early arrival already. I am on modified bedrest & they expect him to arrive within the next few weeks. So, if I fall off the face of the earth, don't blog, don't answer your emails for a few days, you can guess I'm at the hospital! Please say a prayer he will be healthy no matter when he arrives! Thanks & God Bless! :)

Friday's Feature

The winner of last week's Polka Dots N Pacifiers giveaway is #8 April V . Congrats!!

This week's feature is Pocket Full of Posies. This is a unique pocket meal planning system that is designed to save you time & money.

How it works:

The monthly pocket system is divided into 4 weekly pockets. The first pocket represents week 1 of the month, the second pocket represents week 2, and so on.

Each pocket will be filled with a recipe pack to be used that week.A recipe pack includes 5 recipes and 1 ingredient list.An ingredient list categorizes every ingredient from each of the 5 recipes in the recipe pack.Also, on the back of each of those recipes is an individual ingredient list.

How to Use the Monthly Pocket System:

With any of their packages you order, you will receive How To instructions with 2 different options on how to use the pocket system.

Option 1:
1. Create 4 recipe packs:
-Choose 4 ingredient lists and the corresponding recipes.
2. Put 1 pack in each pocket.
3. Each week:
-Pull that week’s ingredient list
-Create a grocery shopping list
*remember to buy everything from the ingredient list that you don’t already have, plus anything else you would need for the week.
*For example, I wouldn’t put spaghetti sauce on my list if I already have it on hand.
4. Do your grocery shopping.
*you will then have everything you need to make 5 meals for the week.
5. Each day:
-Choose a recipe and make it!
*There are 2 open days a week reserved for leftovers, eating out, etc.

Option 2:
Option 2 is a little different. Instead of using their pre-made weekly ingredient lists as your meal plan, you create your own meal plan using the individual ingredient lists on the backs of the recipes.
1. Choose 20 recipes for the month.
2. Group 5 recipes for each week and put in pockets.
3. Each week:
-Create your grocery list using the ingredient lists on the backs of the recipes.
*remember to buy everything from the ingredient lists that you don’t already have, plus anything else you would need for the week.
4. Do your grocery shopping.
*you will then have everything you need to make 5 meals for the week.
5. Each day:
-Choose a recipe and make it!
*Unlike option 1 where there are 2 open days a week reserved for leftovers, eating out, etc., option 2 leaves room for adding recipes if you don’t feel like having left overs or eating out.

The inspiration behind Pocket Full of Posies:

"Cammie was looking for a way to gather her favorite recipes from all of her cook books into one spot and to take the work out of making meal plans. She hated meal planning and weekly grocery lists and ended up cooking breakfast for dinner three times a week instead of planning ahead.

Emily also wanted her recipes in one spot, but really wanted to save large amounts of money. Her goal was to cut her grocery bill in half while still making the meals she wanted every week. She needed a structured plan so she would stop buying extra stuff.

So between the two of us we came up with the Perfect Pocket Meal Planning System. We combined Cammie’s lack of cooking and Emily’s over buying and created a plan that fit both our needs. We’ve been perfecting our system for almost a year. Cammie now cooks and Emily cut her grocery bill in half!

Our system was working so well for us we started telling our friends and family. It turned out many of them needed the same help we did in meal planning and grocery savings and wanted in on the meal planning success. We thought if our friends and family were this excited maybe more moms like us would want a little help too."

Sounds like a great way to get organized, save money, & time to me!!

Want It? Click here to check it out.

Are you interested in being a Friday's Feature on The Gift Closet? Please email me at heatherldt@ bellsouth dot net for more info! Have a blessed weekend!!

Thoughts for Thursday

Drill Sargent
by Guest Blogger Emily Farmer

As I am rushing around getting the older boys ready for school with chaos hanging overhead, I find myself shouting orders like a drill sargent. Now, I ask you, how is a mother supposed to act when she only had a few hours sleep because the little one is up several times and it takes him awhile to fall back to sleep. If you are like me once you are awake, no matter the hour, you're awake for good and can't go back to sleep. So I toss and turn, toss and turn. Praying Heavenly Father PLEASE let me go back to sleep. Finally after several hours of being awake and praying I drift into dream land. This is where the crazy dreams start. Then once again my little one is up again at my bedside. Good grief as Charlie Brown says. Can't a mother sleep. Back to bed again and I am wide eyed once more. Forty five minutes later yep, you guessed it the little fellow is back up and can barley keep his eyes open and says he feels sick. I put him back to bed once again. As I type this , he is sleeping and the house is quiet. Thank you Jesus!

Now is it any wonder that I am a grumpy drill sargent barking orders to my older boys? That's not a good morning attitude to have now is it? God gently nudges me and reminds me of Phi. 2:5" You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus has." OUCH! In a good way. What a message to myself.

So today when things are not going your way and you find yourself like me, a yelling orders drill sargent. Remember Phil. 2:5 and be filled with HIS attitude the " attitude that Christ Jesus had."

Press On Challenge:

Ask someone to hold you accountable to change your attitude.

Press On Verse:

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you O Lord my rock and my redeemer." Ps.19:14 NLT

"The spirit who lives in you is great than the spirit who lives in the world" 1 John 4:4 " NLT

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other's faults because of your love." Eph. 4:2 NLT

Win It Wednesday

The winner of last week's giveaway ($40 Gift Certificate to Bumbletees!) is lucky #52 Donna . Congrats!!

This week I will be giving away a pair of size 2 (infant/toddler) punk girl bling converse from Spunky Monkey! Spunky Monkey has given away several cool items on the Gift Closet, so let's add this one to the list...too darn cute!
Value $79.95

Why settle for crystals only on your clothes when you can sparkle down to your toes with an extra burst of bling? The Girly Punk Skull & Crossbones, Swarovski Crystal Converse Shoes are all the rage, great for girls from tiny toddlers to girls!

Caress your feet with style and snappy fashion in these embellished Chucks, perfect for Back to School, special occasions, certain holidays, or everyday wear! The Girly Punk Skull & Crossbones, Swarovski Crystal Converse Shoes feature

• Black, authentic Converse sneakers from the All-Star collection: Choose high top or low top
• White swarovski crystals covering the toes, accented by a skull and crossbones with a girly bow in your choice of crystal color
• Coordinating shoe laces

Because each crystal Converse shoe is embellished by hand, no pair is ever exactly alike.

Spunky Monkey offers a wide variety of trendy & hip items. Some fabulous shower & gift items for sure!

Don't you love this little crown??


And what a unique adorable hooded towel!

Want It? Click here to visit Spunky Monkey.


Win It! How to enter to win:
1. Leave a comment & be sure to include your email address if it is not on your profile. That is the only way I contact winners.
2. For an EXTRA entry, click here to visit Spunky Monkey. Then come back here & tell me what your fav item is.
3. For another EXTRA entry, leave another comment telling me what your favorite Fall activity is!
4. Contest ends Tuesday November 10, 2009 @ midnight.

See you tomorrow for Thoughts for Thursday!

Tuesday's Tip - Organize Your Holiday Shopping

If you are a procrastinator, you are going to hate to hear this, but Christmas is only a little over 7 weeks away! It will be here before we know it. Seeing as how my baby is due December 23, I am trying to get organized & do my Holiday shopping early this year. I don't want to have to be worrying with a ton of Christmas shopping with a newborn! So, I thought I would share some tips for organizing your Holiday shopping this year.

How to get organized for your Holiday Shopping:

1.Make a list. Include who you need to buy for, how much you want to spend on each person, ideas for gifts they may like. Include on your list sizes, fragrances, the person's likes, etc.

2. Try to go without kids in tow. As a Mom of 2 young kids & 1 on the way, I know it is a lot more frantic, chaotic, & hard to concentrate w/ the kids in tow. You will be able to focus & not over-spend if you don't have young children to pacify & contend with while you shop.

3. If you are looking for a specific item, call around to see who carries it & who offers the best price. No need to waste time, gas, & money driving all over town looking for 1 thing.

4. Shop online if possible. You may find a better deal!

5. Again, looking for a specific item? Compare prices online & know what a good deal is before you go out shopping.

6. Make a list ahead of time of stores you need to visit so you don't waste time running all around town in random directions.

7. Wear comfortable shoes. :)

8. I have a list called "Christmas Wishes" that I keep in my computer files. It has a list of fragrances, sizes, things people like that I shop for every year. That way I don't have to ask them, cuz I know I won't always remember!

9. Start shopping now & purchase at least 1 gift a week. That way you & your pocketbook won't be hit all at once!

10. Take coupons! Look for coupons in the paper, online, or in the mail for stores you plan to shop at.

11. And last but not least...shop with these Mom-preneurs at Christmas @ The Gift Closet! These shops offer unique and affordable items. And you can shop in your pj's from home while sipping your coffee or hot chocolate! Sounds like a deal to me! Click below to check them out.

A Monday Meet

Hope everyone had a safe & Happy Halloween! Can you believe it's only a few weeks now till Thanksgiving?

I recently came across a site called Crinkled Nose. Cute name, eh? They sent me some of their fun products to review so I thought I'd share them w/ you!

Crinkled Nose makes festive photo calenders, baby announcements, party & event invites, save-the-date cards, and much more!

The inspiration behind Crinkled Nose:

"The technology we use to print these cards, NexPress technology, is the reason we decided to create a photo card web site. We are a mailhouse and marketing firm originally (review our About Us page on the site for more details of our history). It is digital press technology that prints images really well. The name came from a creative brainstorm session that my boss and I had. We went outside to get out of the office to come up with a name for the site. It was a beautiful day that day and we both were crinkling our noses and laughing about the goofy names we came up with, crinklednose happened to be one of them – due to the sunny day and laughing we were doing. And so, our name was born. We have a really fun work environment and CrinkledNose.com makes it that much more fun! When we get in orders, we all throw a party it’s so exciting. If you can image us screaming “we got an order!”, that’s exactly what we do."

Sounds like a fun creative bunch of people to me!They sent me a magnet calender, several custom greeting cards, a birth announcement sample, & party invite & here's what I thought...

What I liked about Crinkled Nose's products:
1. Fun, colorful, & creative.
2. I love the magnet calender. I put it on my office file cabinet & would love one for the frig.
3. They offer a fundraising programs for schools & organizations. Great idea!!
4. Their greeting cards can be customized w/ pics, etc.
5. Invitations & birth announcements come in a magnet as well.

What I didn't like about Crinkled Nose's products:
1. Well....couldn't find anything really!

Want It? You can get 15% off your order using this code: TheGiftCloset
Click here to shop. And...stay tuned because in a few weeks I'll be offering a giveaway from Crinkled Nose!