Gifts from the Heart...

While I love the holidays, especially Christmas, I don't like all the hoopla surrounding them. All the junk stores put out for us to buy that most everyone ends up returning later (most of it probably made in China or some other country where the laborers typically get paid a dollar or two a day). The crowds just make me a nervous wreck and I normally avoid going into Wally-World at all costs between November and January! It's insane in there on a normal day much less the holidays. I've got to where I buy some things online early, make goodies to send out and send cash to the kids. I personally like making things though and sending them out. Seems much more personal that way.

At church we ladies get together one night a month for our 'Enrichment' meetings; ours is the second Tuesday. It's a night to do something fun, learn a few new things, share our talents, and uplift each other. I am in charge of those meetings; I like doing them. Our topic last night was "Gifts from the Heart". I've been trying to showcase our sisters and their talents at each meeting. I presented a lesson on putting together jar mixes and different ideas on gift baskets to give. I made a few mixes and drew names later for the jars. I did up a turkey/chicken noodle soup mix (minus the turkey!) and a cookie mix. I had actually made both that day to try (I had to make sure they were good-I've had a few mixes before that were gross!). They were quite yummy and so I plan to do some up for Christmas...I have more than enough jars too. I brought some of my homemade bread and jam for refreshments (plus the jar cookies already made) and actually had two people ask if they could buy some of my bread on a regular basis!

I agreed so now I'm baking our bread and their's. I don't mind really. I'm just putting the money aside for now. Probably end up being Christmas money anyways, LOL!