The Macs » Blog

Do you have your Christmas shopping done?
Don’t tell me if you do, because that would be way too efficient of you.
My sister and sisters-in-law all joined the Black Friday crazies this weekend.
Though they were lacking in sleep, they did score some pretty good deals.
I decided to stay home this year and hang out with Levi.
My sister did get me some Gap jeans for fifty percent off.
She is really sweet like that.
Anyway, if you are like me and still have some a lot of shopping to do… 
you will be glad you stopped by today.
Remember those Hope and Encouragement cards I posted about?
I LOVE them.
It is great to have a whole stack of meaningful cards
 to send to friends when they are needing a little encouragement.
The messages inside each one are perfect.
After I told you about the Hope and Encouragement Cards, 
DaySpring sent me a few other fun things to share with you.
How fun to get a big box of goodies in the mail!
This caddy would be great for Christmas parties.
Mine is ready for desserts and coffee.
{Come on over friends!} 
I filled it with polka dot napkins and coffee spoons. 
But, there are so many ways you could use this caddy!
The plaque on the front says:
Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love.
Psalm 107:8
I think this caddy would be the perfect gift 
for someone who loves to entertain. 
You could even fill it up with napkins and utensils 
and they would be ready for their next party!
I also love these colorful plates from DaySpring’s Life Collection.
I have big plans for these little plates.
Like filling them with ornaments and wrapping them with 
clear wrap and a big red ribbon…
or filling them with Christmas cookies,
or maybe a big chocolate covered caramel apple.
These would be the perfect teacher gift or gift for your neighbors.
And the best part is when they get to the bottom of the plate,
there is the sweet message of “life”.
A reminder of the life God has given us through the precious gift of His Son.
Did you notice my new cards?
I think I love these just as much as the Hope and Encouragement cards.
This is the Colors of Compassion assortment.
If you know someone who loves to send cards,
this would be a great gift for them.
The best part is that when you purchase these cards,
DaySpring will donate 6% of net wholesale sales directly to 
Compassion International to help provide immunizations and 
other urgent medical care to children in need.
Isn’t that great!?!
And even better…the Colors of Compassion cards are on sale right now…
the Hope and Encouragement cards are on sale too!
Do you need a few more ideas?
Check these out…
There are so many beautiful things to choose from.
I hope you have a list made out because DaySpring is offering one of my readers a
 $50.00 gift certificate to use in their online store!
Giveaway Details:
$50 to DaySpring
ONE winner chosen at random
One entry per person
Giveaway ends Friday, December 3 at 10pm (CST)
To enter visit DaySpring… 
then come back here and leave a comment
telling me what you would buy with your gift certificate.

Shop Christian gifts, cards, decor, and more!
This post is part of DaySpring’s affiliate program.
Posted in: Uncategorized
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  • Morgan Paige - hard to choose! but i would pick the “by grace alone” necklace!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Oh it would be hard to choose but I would I have to go between the caddy and the plates to share with teachers. I have been looking for the perfect teacher gift.
    Kathryn BReplyCancel

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  • Jodi Williams - I am loving the jewelry of course! I think I would use the gift card to buy on of the lisa leonard necklaces… love them!

    Jodi WReplyCancel

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  • Gabby - I didn’t know about those “Colors of Compassion” cards and how they make a donation to Compassion. I think they do great work. I’ve been a Compassion sponsor since 2005 and even got to meet my child and his family in the Philippines. I would definitely get lots of cards, so I could spread encouragement to people I know when they need it.ReplyCancel

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  • Jermaine D. - Wow, lots of neat things! I would love some boxed cards or maybe the scripture bracelet.ReplyCancel

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  • Karen Chae - definitely a sign of some sort to put up!ReplyCancel

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  • Liz - I love the Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio and it’s been on my wish list for a long time but I NEED the Give Thanks Caddy for entertaining! Decisions, decisions! 🙂

    lizbrussell@gmail.comReplyCancel

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  • Karie - I love the Nativity Hurricane Candle holders…so pretty.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah Crosby - Most likely the caddy and the “Abide in Him” wall decor! SO cute!ReplyCancel

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  • House of Collinsworth - There is a beautiful vase on the site that I would love to have (Ever Grateful – 10″ Taupe Small Vase), but I agree with some of the others….I LOVE Lisa Leonard’s jewelry, so I might would get one of her necklaces.

    Lisacollinsworth@hotmail.comReplyCancel

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  • Melissa B. - I would get some boxed encouragement cards for sure.ReplyCancel

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  • Hollie - I couldn’t decide between these two:

    http://store.dayspring.com/tahotohene.html

    http://store.dayspring.com/scbafahoandl.html

    Both have the word Hope in them. And that is the one word I’ve clung to for over 3 years now, while we struggle with infertility.

    PS. If you never seen these cards, http://store.dayspring.com/rw24valuepack.html, they are by far my favorite ever. I buy them all the time and send them out.ReplyCancel

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  • Robin - what a great idea! I would pick the hope and encouragement cards….lots of them…what a great idea to send out to people. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jaclyn - I love the Ever Greatful collection! I love the wooden caddy, and I would love to update my dishes with a mix of the Wasabi and the taupe dish pieces. I SO need an everyday dishes makeover! This stuff is beautiful!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Farmers - Hard to choose but I think I would get cards.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - I would get some of the “Jesus is the Gift” candy dishes and fill them with some candy for my sons wonderful christian daycare teachers!ReplyCancel

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  • jenae - I love the “Jesus is the Gift” collection!ReplyCancel

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  • A - I would buy as many things from the “Life to the Full” collection as I could!!! Especially the blue and black things- I love that color combo!!ReplyCancel

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  • JazzerMomma - I love the Dayspring cards so I’d get some of them and the “Jesus is the Gift” metal yard sign. I’d love something to put outside that declares the “reason for the season”. God bless you Jess!ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - The “By Grace Alone” necklace!

    sweetpeasandsassafrasATyahooDOTcomReplyCancel

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  • Kari - So many neat things! I think I would get the By Grace Alone Cuff Bracelet or the Jesus Is The Gift Snowflake Tea Towels.ReplyCancel

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  • Estie - I love the jewelry and I would also get a box or two of the encouragement cards to send to friends.ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - Love that ever grateful, ever blessed apron……… too cute!ReplyCancel

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  • mel zeiger - I love the nativity hurricane candle holder, perfect for my mother in law!
    zeiger_mel@yahoo.comReplyCancel

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  • The Greens - Wow. Maybe some plates and a table runner? Too many great things!ReplyCancel

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  • amac981 - I love the “be still” sign with the full verse, I also like the navity hurricane trio. Everything is beautifulReplyCancel

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  • Chrissie Grace - I would pick five of the coffee mugs. We drink a lot of coffee, and I would love to see some inspiration every morning!ReplyCancel

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  • Krystle - I would definitely pick some jewelry 🙂

    moorekrystle@gmail.comReplyCancel

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  • A Family of Love - It is so hard to decide what I would buy. The John 3:16 Heart and Globe Necklace would be a perfect gift for my grandma. That is her favorite verse. I also would buy some of the Life plates. I love the colors!ReplyCancel

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  • The Hopkins Home - I would start buying the Life collection but I would be really tempted to buy the “by grace alone” necklace as well : ) I LOVE their stuff!ReplyCancel

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  • Melody - Oh my goodness, I love them all! I am a cheap date though, and I would choose the wooden caddy. 🙂 I love the rustic look of it! And definitely the Colors of Compassion cards!!ReplyCancel

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  • Angie K - I love the vinyl wall quotes!ReplyCancel

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  • Tyler and Gillian - Since we just bought our first house, I would love to get more art/foraging stuff. Maybe one of their wallographies, or a wall hanging!ReplyCancel

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  • Just the Two of US - I would love to have the By Grace Alone necklace, or the ABide by Him Sign! Everything is Wonderful on their site… it’s really a hard choice.

    dreamerklc@gmail.comReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - Jess, Thank you so much for this opportunity! I love the Dayspring site! I always get lost on there 🙂 I think I would choose the Wooden Caddy. I love what you have done with it!ReplyCancel

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  • K - I would love the caddy!ReplyCancel

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  • Fluttering Along - Jesus is the Gift set, can’t decide. I love the serving platter, star trivet, candy dish and serving bowl.ReplyCancel

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  • Carmen - I would love some of their wall art!ReplyCancel

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  • mooneyequalsmc2 - Wow, did you see those amazing personalized cards? So hard to find a good card to share the REAL meaning of the season. I want those SO BAD!ReplyCancel

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  • Mary-Margaret - I love the “by grace alone” necklace, but I’m leaning towards sets of the hope and encouragement cards. So hard to choose!ReplyCancel

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  • Gentry - How am I supposed to choose from so many adorable and inspirational things!? I think I would have to choose a coffee mug! I would love to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee with a bible verse on it.ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Wow – they have so much nice stuff! It would be so hard to choose – I love the cards and the plates you posted about. I would have to choose one of the charm necklaces, like “hope” or “Faith” for my Mom.

    Thinking of you!ReplyCancel

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  • Bailey - I like the Life black and white dessert plates. I THINK that’s what I would get…of course if I did win I’d have to look again and make sure of it. There are so many great items to choose from!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I just love everything from Dayspring! I would probably choose the Watch for His Wonders pillow cover. I’ve been eying it for a couple weeks now! JenReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I love the “Jesus is the Gift” collection… I could definitely use some of those items for gifts!

    Anna RhodesReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - I would have to choose the Nativity Hurricane Trio. I love it’s simplicity and beauty! Merry Christmas!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennay - If I had to choose- I would choose the Tree of Life jewelry set! Absolutely beautiful!! And I would also get Rain On Me – 40 Day Devotional Book by Holley Gerth!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I would use it for some kind of wall decor! – KathyReplyCancel

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  • Mary - I think I would get the “Jesus is the gift” plates to put cookies on for the neighbors. What a simple reminder about what Christmas is really about!ReplyCancel

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  • Kalyn - The wooden box, it is so cute and fuctional.ReplyCancel

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  • Jason and Jen - I love love love the tile hanging art and the kitchen decor! so cute 🙂 thanks for hosting the giveaway!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - I love the necklaces. Either the “By Grace Alone” or “Tree of Life” pendent.ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer Gilbert Settle - Wow! It’s hard to pick just 1 or 2 things. I LOVE the encouragement greeting cards but I think I would have to go with either the Giving Thanks glass hurricanes or the Wonderful Grace serving tray!
    Jen SReplyCancel

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  • Corrie Beard - I would either stock up on cards or get a necklace for someone (or me!)!ReplyCancel

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  • Jessica - I would get the wooden caddy–I love the Hope and Encouragement cards, too.ReplyCancel

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  • anne - I love the nativity candle holders!!ReplyCancel

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  • Jenni Lynn - I really like the Posy Pins, but would love a box of the (in)courage cards also!
    Jenni GReplyCancel

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  • The Sieberts - LOVE their christmas decor!ReplyCancel

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  • mary - Having not ordered Christmas cards yet, I think that would be the most practical choice for me!!ReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - I love the “Jesus is the Gift” dishes and kitchen towels. I can see that $50 in a gift card would be easily spent here. I’m going back there now to buy the “Jesus is the Gift” plate that I saw with the coupon code you just posted!ReplyCancel

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  • Kit - i love the plates so much; you gave me a great idea for teacher gifts!ReplyCancel

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  • The Richardson's - Definitely jewelry.ReplyCancel

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  • Trinket - I was all set to say I’d buy cards and gifts for others, and then I saw the nativity candle holders, and they are what I would buy, hands down. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - I love it all..but probably would purchase jewerly from lisa leonard for my daughter for Christmas!ReplyCancel

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  • Kasey - I love the encouragement cards and think my friends would too! I would have to get those and maybe some jewelry. Thanks for sharing this website. They have great stuff!
    KaseyReplyCancel

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  • Life In The Klaas Lane - I love the Christmas tree card holder and the Nativity hurricanes!ReplyCancel

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  • McKenzie - There are so many neat things, but I have a special friend having a baby next month and their prices are so good that I could get her a whole basket of things, plus a great piece of inspirational jewelry for myself!!ReplyCancel

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  • Melita - I would definitely use the $ to stock up on their cards! I have been ordering cards from DaySpring for several years now, and I love them! I keep them with me in my prayer notebook, and every morning during my prayer time, as I pray for folks, I pick one person to send a card to. It’s a small thing, but it’s amazing how much it means to those who receive the cards.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah Giere - I love the Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio…I’ve had my eye on them and would love to win money towards them!ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke - I love the picture frames! Especially the Blessed and Every Perfect Gift. So perfect for pics of my little guy for the grandmas!ReplyCancel

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  • Cristin - I would pick the GRACE tile set.
    http://store.dayspring-store.com/gracetileset.html

    It’s a little more than $50.00, but with the sale they are having, I think I could splurge a little. I love this tile set!ReplyCancel

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  • Megg - I would buy (and may still!) a nativity set. We don’t have one, which makes me so so sad, especially since this is our first Christmas as a married couple!ReplyCancel

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  • Jen - So many nice things, but I’d love one of the Lisa Leonard necklaces.ReplyCancel

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  • The Rouse House - I would get the Hope & Encouragement cards and the Colors of Compassion cards. Need to have those on hand!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - I love the “Jesus is a gift” collection. So beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - I think I would get the Really Woolly books as gifts for my kids and their friends.ReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - it would be hard to choose… i love pretty much everything… but i love the Jesus is the Gift collection. so precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Natalie - can I just say I love it ALL!! the dish towels, the servingware…I’d take any of it!ReplyCancel

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  • The Newby Clan - Definately cards of all types.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - I would probably choose some kind of plaque or wall decor. But I also really love cards and stationary!ReplyCancel

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  • My name is Amee - Oh wow, what a site! I would definitely buy some jewelry!! I would Christmas shop! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Holcombs - I just love the Ever Grateful plates and mugs!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’m embarrassed to admit that I had never been to that site before and am a pretty good online shopper 😉 I placed an order while I was there so I got a few things I really wanted but did not get a few frames that I would LOVE to have. Either those or something else for the walls in our home!
    xo
    Krista
    aka babykatesmomReplyCancel

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  • tracy - I love, love, LOVE Dayspring things! Our local Christian book store has a punch card system for their cards and I always love to peruse the card isle for their uplifting cards!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - The life collection mugs. Love them!ReplyCancel

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  • Alex and Jill - I love Dayspring’s artwork. I think I would buy something for my baby girl’s room. I’m crossing my fingers…the drawing will happen on my birthday!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Stephanie - There’s just so much great stuff, it’s hard to decide. But I do like the “Abide in Him” wall decor.ReplyCancel

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  • Mely - So many beautiful things, but I will like the Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio.ReplyCancel

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  • Bengal Belle Mama - I love the caddy and the by Grace alone necklace. So many cute things!ReplyCancel

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  • Jen - I would buy the heart for Africa necklace as my husband and I sponsor a little boy in Kenya. It would be a constant reminder of the things God’s doing in HIS NAME. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • t - i love the by grace alone necklace, and your little napkin caddy! too cute. -tessReplyCancel

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  • Gail - I like the “by grace alone” necklace by Lisa Leonard…beautiful and a great reminder for me.ReplyCancel

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  • Amber - I would choose the God’s Heart for You necklace.ReplyCancel

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  • Ann - I would get the Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio. Just beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Marisa - So many sweet gifts…but I have a soft spot for Miss Lisa Leonard and her beautiful jewelry. Hooray for giveaways!ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy M. Harris - fun animals note cards, bloom of beauty note cards, thank you (shirley goodness and merci) note cards
    or maybe the africa pendant.ReplyCancel

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  • melissa - I love the wooden caddy and the memo board, but so many other beautiful things to be found 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Alena - Oh..so much to choose from. I’ve never looked at their site before! I love the jewelry, Christmas stuff, frames. cards….. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Laura and family - What a fantastic site and giveaway! I know I’d want the encouragement cards because so many times I want to say I care, but I lack the words.ReplyCancel

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  • LivKit - I would get the Christmas Tree Card Holder!ReplyCancel

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  • Our Life :) - LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! the Give Thanks Wooden Caddy! Would be adorable in my kitchen! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Rob and Corrie - Love the “By Grace Alone” necklace. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Macons - I would do several of the Life collection breakfast plate and do gifts in them like you are! So cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Laura - I would buy a box of cards. I love sending dear friends and family little notes of encouragement.ReplyCancel

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  • becky_mcarthur - The Nativity Hurricane Candle Trio is beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Cute stuff! I think I would like to come over for dessert and coffee right now. 🙂

    I need a new planner for 2011 so I would probably choose that as well as some books or cards.ReplyCancel

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  • Katina - I LOVE their cards! I am sooo low on cards, so I would definitely stock up! Thanks for offering this giveaway. I love your little Levi, he is soooo handsome and your pictures are top notch!ReplyCancel

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  • Nicole - I love the plates! Great idea with the christmas ornaments!ReplyCancel

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  • Niki - I have wanted the “by grace alone” necklace FOREVER and can’t seem to make myself fork over the cash, so that is definitely what I would get!ReplyCancel

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  • Kylie and crew. - I would choose the nativity candle set. It’s beautiful and something I’ve been dreaming of for awhile.ReplyCancel

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  • Stephanie Cook - I really like the Sprout Posy Pin Collection. It would also make a really nice giftReplyCancel

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  • Amber - The Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio. I’ve had my eye on that for awhile and think it would be a perfect addition to our holiday decor that I would look forward to displaying prominently each year.ReplyCancel

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  • Becca - I love the Jesus is the Gift collection! So many cute things that would be so fun to use this holiday. And that silverware caddy is perfect for our house, just what I’ve been looking for! Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyCancel

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  • Courtney Mayfield - I love the tile wall hangings, I would get them for my mom who is HARD to buy for!
    CourtneyReplyCancel

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  • Country Roads - Loved the Dayspring site!! It’s definately on my favorites now. I particularly liked the wall art, “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” and “Trust in the Lord”ReplyCancel

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  • Susanne - i know one thing for sure would be the taupe vase that says something like, “thankful for simple joys”. not sure what else!ReplyCancel

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  • Bridgette - WOW! I love the jewelery. The Lisa Leonard stuff is great. I like the Christmas stuff too though. Especially the first Christmas ornament and the Jesus is the Gift snowflake set of EVERYTHING!! I’m pretty sure I could burn through $50.00 🙂 Thanks so much for this give away!
    Bridgette M.ReplyCancel

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  • Kim - Love the metal cross wall hangings…I’d definitely snag one of those! The snowflake collection stuff is really pretty too…I just bought my mom the snowflake pitcher so I could use the 30% off deal before it’s over!ReplyCancel

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  • Bonnie - I like the What God Has Joined – 5 x 7 Christian Photo Frame.ReplyCancel

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  • Ryan and Jessica - Oh I always get overwhelmed on their website by the wonderful products they have! I am really liking the Snowflake collection. Thanks for sharing JessReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Wow this was hard to choose but I think the plates are my favorite. My boys and I love to make cookies for our neighbors and that would be a great Christmas present!ReplyCancel

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  • RA - there are soooo many things that I would buy… but I really like the “by grace alone” necklace or the all things are possible plaque!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - I would definitely pick up a couple of new devotionals for us to read as a family.ReplyCancel

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  • Jenny - I would buy Christmas books for my boys!ReplyCancel

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  • joshandamy - I love the Jesus is the Gift plates, but I would probably also stock up on cards…love Dayspring!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristen - I would buy some of the jewelry!ReplyCancel

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  • Jodi - I love the cards… and who knows what else…. tough decision!ReplyCancel

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  • Cyndi - I love these! Thank you for the chance to win!
    Cyndi (cfrith5@yahoo.com)ReplyCancel

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  • The Ashworth family - I would love to get the wood caddy and some encouragement cards to give to some of my other momma friends who need some sunshine and light in their day!ReplyCancel

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  • Marisol Avendano Avila - So much to choose from, but I love the Jesus is the gift metal sign!ReplyCancel

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  • Robyn - cards, cards and more cards!ReplyCancel

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  • Carpenter's - Oh the nativity hurricane candle trio have been on my list since last year! Have you checked out Blessings unlimited. I am purchasing the adorable puzzles that have special messages in them. Too cute! Check it out.ReplyCancel

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  • Caleb & Em Prenevost - I would have to say either the Give Thanks caddy or the “By Grace Alone” jewelry set 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Beauty from Ashes - I would choose the Ever Grateful plate set http://store.dayspring.com/evgr4pitapls.html
    I am graduating with my B.S. Degree in the Spring and I am starting get things in order for my future apartment . Day Spring has some amazing things!

    On another note, I would like to tell you that Cora’s story has blessed me greatly and I have been following for sometime. Your faith and courage is a great incouragement to me. God Bless all of you!ReplyCancel

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  • katherine - Those plates are so cute and your idea to use them as a teacher’s gift is great. Thanks for the great giveaway.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I would choose something from the snowflake home collection. It all looks so festive and happy with a great message!
    Emily HinkleReplyCancel

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  • Amy - I had the “God Cares for You” wrapped canvas on my wish list! I may go ahead and order… 30% off! Thanks for that!! I could pick a million other things off their site! Love so many things!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - I’m remembering your chocolate/carmel apples now, too! Oh, so GOOD!!ReplyCancel

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  • Loren - I would get the Christmas Children’s Book and a Bible for my little girl to grow up reading. Love this website!ReplyCancel

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  • Watch Calder Grow! - So many great things to choose from! I think I’d go for the Peace 5 tile set — I love it!ReplyCancel

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  • Pam - I absolutely love the Grace Alone necklace by Lisa Leonard.ReplyCancel

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  • Kelli Peterson - I love the cards and plates 🙂 so fun!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Definitely anything from the Life collection – love the red, black and white stuff, and the colorful stuff too!ReplyCancel

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  • Abby - Hmmm…I would get the kids apron! I have two girls who think it’s great fun to cook with me when it’s time to bake Christmas cookies. They end up such a mess though!!! I would also get some Christmas cards because my husband is from a huge family and we never have enough cards!ReplyCancel

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  • amanda - I love the Jesus is the gift metal plaque and the nativity trio of tea lights. But, I think I’m going to have to buy the christmas card tree stand right now!ReplyCancel

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  • Nichole - I love the Thank You – Sassy & Sophisticated – 12 Note CardsReplyCancel

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  • Claire K. - I love the jewelry and the cards!! Lots of cute stuff!ReplyCancel

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  • Maureen - I would buy a caddy for me and one to be given as a gift 🙂 So many cute things 🙂

    Thanks for the opportunity!!!
    MaureenReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - I love Dayspring. I would definitely buy the Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder Trio and some cards. Although, after browsing back through..it would be a tough decision cause I like it all! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Holiday!ReplyCancel

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  • Travis and Danielle - I would buy the striped organization box. So cute!!ReplyCancel

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  • Jessica - The hanging tiles or a Christian sign. Thanks!ReplyCancel

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  • Melinda - So many great items! I would probably use it to buy the Life 6″ bowls for my son’s preschool teachers.ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin Stegent - I would probably use the whole $50 for cards, as I was just telling my husband yesterday when he asked what I wanted for Christmas that I would like some new cards. I am almost out of my stack. 😉 And I really like the colors of compassion most. The sassy ones seem cute also for some of my more “sassy” friends. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Wow all kinds of awesome things! I would have to get the cards to share with others and then maybe a plaque or cross to put in my house.ReplyCancel

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  • Jessica Cooke - I love the Nativity Hurricane Trio! I bought it for my mom last year for Christmas and the hurricanes look so beautiful all lit up on her fireplace mantle….love them! 🙂
    Jessica C.ReplyCancel

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  • Tina Coleman - I LOVE all of your ideas! I love the day spring cards! They are the best!ReplyCancel

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  • C Golden - Wow this website is so cute! I am actually about 6 months pregnant with my first baby and I would definitely pick a baby item for my little one. Your Love – Lord – Pink Giraffe would definitely be a purchase I would make 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • the breedens - Awesome. I ordered and have been using the encouragement cards you recommended awhile back. the compassion ones look cool too though.ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle H. - I really love the Give Thanks Wooden Caddy – I am hosting Christmas this year and it would be perfect for my silverware and napkins, too. All of their plates are beautiful and those necklaces! WOW!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - So many awesome things. I really like the metal wall hanging.ReplyCancel

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  • Mrs. H - Oh my, how could I choose! I got caught up in the (in)courage shop… Narrowing it down further, I really like the book crop signs… ok, ok, picking one: “Be Grateful for Sunshine… for Life”ReplyCancel

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  • Angie - I would most likely buy the nativity candle holder. It’s gorgeous!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’d choose the vinyl lettering! Fun way to make a statement in my home. ~Tressa ElvehjemReplyCancel

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  • JulieA - I would purchase a few boxes of cards so I would have some ready when a friend needed encouragement. I love the caddy, too! And our advent calendar is up and going today 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I love the Show Offs art collection they have for sale because of the fun, bright colors and scripture incorporated into the art. I already have two of them up in my kitchen and dining area, and they really brighten things up. I would buy more from that collection! 🙂
    JoAnne SimmonsReplyCancel

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  • Catherine - I would choose the Max Lucado and Joyce Meyer cards. They are beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Christy - I love the May Your Cup Overflow plaque!!ReplyCancel

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  • Shannon - I really love the “EVER GRATEFUL” collection…both its soft colors and its beautiful message. I think I would buy the cake pedestal first!ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa Joy - Definitely a hard decision. 🙂
    I would either get the Jer 29:11 Sterling Silver Scripture Bangle for myself…
    Or the “Take Hope to Heart” necklace for a friend of mine.
    We are both struggling with recurrent pregnancy loss, and could use those tangible reminders.ReplyCancel

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  • susy - I love the Hope and Encouragement cards. They really are inspirational.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Hard choices here but I would most likely choose something for my granddaughter. Thank you for sharing this opportunity to win!ReplyCancel

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  • LL - I would choose the Nativity Advent Calendar by C. Michael Dudash and The Christmas Story – Willow Tree Nativity.

    What a nice offer. Thanks! Merry Christmas!ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - What a gorgeous site! I don’t know what to choose, but I’m sure I would find something 🙂 I really like your committment until Christmas, what a good idea! I will try to think of something like that also. It is a good idea, because Christmas gets so busy. I might try to find a book in the Bible that has around 25 chapters and try to go it by Christmas.ReplyCancel

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  • Janice - It would be so hard to choose, but it would probably be the caddy as a gift for my sweet MIL. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - It would be hard to choose one thing…I love greeting cards!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I would love the Nativity Hurricane Candle Holder TrioReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - There are so many good things to choose from, but I would have to say some sort of wall decor or the Life to the Full – Colorful Kitchen & Tableware Collection.ReplyCancel

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  • Marsha - I would get some cards and the cute Jesus is the Gift snowflake apron for my girls.

    God Bless

    MarshaReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Oops, I forgot to post my name with my comment. I would choose some type of wall decor or the Life to the Full – Colorful Kitchen & Tableware Collection.
    Brittanie NReplyCancel

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  • Kat and Crew - Love all the things on Dayspring. I think I would have to choose the Compassion Cards. LOVE LOVE them.ReplyCancel

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  • megan - My husband doesn’t have a bible so i would really like to get him a bible for christmas. Even if i don’t win this i’ll be buying him one.ReplyCancel

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  • Wanting What I Have - I’m thinking a necklace by Lisa Leonard…or some stationery.ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - I would choose the ever grateful memo board and any of the cards, I can never have enough cards. Thanks for the chance to win!ReplyCancel

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  • Jill - I love the ‘Trust’ 5-tile set!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - i love their cards and they have Thank you cards for graduates which is perfect for us since my son is graduating high school in June. LibbeReplyCancel

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  • Danielle - I also love the wooden caddy! Super cute!!ReplyCancel

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  • Mother of Two - I would get new bibles for me and my husband or something from their jewelry collection. All of it is fabulous!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - God has really been laying on my heart to bless people randomly with cards…so cards it would be!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lynn - I would get some plates from the Life Collection!ReplyCancel

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  • Crystal Chilek - I would choose the wooden caddy! Love it!ReplyCancel

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  • Holly - It would be a toss up between the lisa leonard necklace (by grace alone) or a WHOLE bunch of cards to send to people I like to encourage……………ReplyCancel

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  • Lori L - I would buy a devotion book for the next season of life. I am going to join you and your hubby in spending time in the word this month. I am looking forward to growing in my faith and growing closer to God. Thanks for the challenge. Now I’m off to dig into the word.
    LoriReplyCancel

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  • Bekah - very tough to choose. i have been eyeing and wanting a lisa leonard necklace for years so that’s what i would pick!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristy - So hard to choose, but I love the “Jesus is the gift” collection!ReplyCancel

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  • Susan - So hard to decide. I like several of the books and then the wall art also. I’m sure it would be a difficult decision.ReplyCancel

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  • Dana - Love Dayspring. Would use gift card for home decor.ReplyCancel

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  • Chris - I love the “Colors of Compassion” cards and the “By Grace Alone” necklace. So many neat things on that site -I had no idea!
    Thanks for this opportunity!ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke - I love the colorful Life plates. And you had a great suggestion for filling them w/ goodies to give away to teachers, neighbors, etc.ReplyCancel

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  • Lori - I love the “by grace alone” necklace. This week, more than ever, I’m finding what an awesome gift His grace is to me.ReplyCancel

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  • TheBackPorchQuilters - Brand new to your blog, but lovin’ what I am reading and seeing. We actually quilted the little quilt Levi is laying on! Had no idea! But, back to business, difficult choice, but some of the everyday dishes or the hurricane candle.
    Thanks so much for the giveaway!
    Rhonda
    The Back Porch QuiltersReplyCancel

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  • Liberty Ruffles - love the rejoice over you wall art!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - I am definitely a huge fan of all the cards. I still love to send friends and family mail the “old fashioned” way!ReplyCancel

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  • Chelsa - too hard to choose! i’d pick cards those- i love sending cards!ReplyCancel

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  • Rozen - There are so many things to choose from but I would buy some books for my 5 month old baby boy!ReplyCancel

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  • Angie - Cards and teacher gifts. Love Dayspring’s things… 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Katie B. In NE - Wow! They have cute stuff. I would buy some of the plates with the gift certificate…so cute!ReplyCancel

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  • pcpayne - I loved the different Nativity scenes they had. How beautiful! That is what I would definately get.ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Jess,

    You always have so many cool things on your blog! 🙂 I love the Day Spring store….. Thanks for sharing their website with us!

    I would love to by the Take Hope to Heart Necklace and order Kali the Serenity ring. She has been touched by God so many ways this passed year and we are so excited about her choices and faithfulness to the Lord! Sometimes that is so hard for teens to do.

    Happy Holidays! Levi is getting so big! 🙂 miss you and think of you often!

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  • Dena - Really Wooly stuff… love it!ReplyCancel

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  • Tabitha - Hard decision but I would probably get some boxed cards and a devotional. I’m always on the look for a good devotional-sticking to it is the hard part 🙁ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle Farley - I really love the caddy!ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - The greeting card organizer looks like what I’d need. Plus I’d get birthday and encouragement cards. Thanks!ReplyCancel

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  • Cecilia - I like the by grace alone necklace!ReplyCancel

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  • the zipfs - Wow! I’m reading your blog and you’re doing ANOTHER giveaway! How is that possible?!? I always LOVE the Dayspring boxed cards. SO, that’s probably what I would get. A couple years ago, I got some birthday humor cards – they were SOOO funny and SOOO fun to give to our friends and family. When we go home to PA, Nate and I ALWAYS take a trip to the Christian book store about 15 miles away from his hometown. (There is NO Christian bookstore around here! 🙁 not unless you want to drive AT LEAST a couple of hours to get to one!) I ALWAYS stock up on birthday and sympathy and thank you cards when we go home! I NEVER even thought to visit the Dayspring website directly to get them sent here! This Internet stuff is still SOOO new to me! Thanks for the idea! I LOVE how the Lord uses little things like an idea to use a website to remind me of His presence and provision in my life!
    Love you guys! Praying for you always!
    Kim Z.ReplyCancel

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  • mommyof2sons - wow, so many wonderful things. So hard to pick one. I do love the Hurricane candle holders!ReplyCancel

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Our Thanksgiving
{2010}
getting ready for the big day
a hug for mama
gotta love a good sister-in-law
nice yams Rachel
quality time with Uncle Loren
tasty turkey
the two middle children
(they think they are the favorites!)
the feast
grandpa and grandma
words with friends break
me and the hubby
silly Tripp
the family photo
just the grandkids
Levi slept through most of his first Thanksgiving…
but he still thought the turkey was pretty great!
Thanksgiving was really hard for me again this year.
I have been struggling with a lot of emotions…
missing Cora,
my parents moving,
and having to let go of things that I don’t want to let go of.
But, I can’t help but smile when I look back at these pictures of my family.
I have so much to be thankful for.
I hope that this weekend you were able to thank God for who He is,
even if approaching the holidays has been difficult for you.
He is so worthy of our thanksgiving.
Can you believe that November is almost over?
Come back tomorrow for a giveaway!
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  • Kristi REDISKE - Sure looks like you did have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. I sure hope your parents didn’t move to far away from you-my mom actually moved near us so this was her first Thanksgiving living in the same town. Holidays are always hard when a loved one is missing-I know though that God is Control and we can put our trust in Him-I do not know how non Christians can even make it. Thanks for posting-love seeing your pics-great photography-you are good.ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - They are nice aren’t they.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Beautiful holiday pictures! I thought of you on Thanksgiving and that I was thankful for you (which my husband would think is weird since we don’t “know” each other!) and thankful for your ability to share so much of how God is working in your life. You are an inspiration. I am sorry you are having hard days missing Cora lately. I love the pic of Levi getting ready, those little everyday moments are the best.
    Praying for you in FL!
    Krista
    aka babykatesmomReplyCancel

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  • Claudia - SWEET PICTURES … looks like you have such a sweet family. My mom is far far away, like a whole other continent away and holidays are hard with family being so far BUT we are thankful that we have them and we make every minute count when we are together 🙂 and we find ways to be close even when we are physically not close, you know?

    So happy to see smiley faces together, you can feel the love when you look at them.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather at Blessed Little Nest - i know just what you mean. this time of year is so challenging for me, too. so full of hope and happiness, but also so full of sadness. i lean on God so much this time of year which makes me feel even more grateful. His love and comfort overwhelms me, it is so good.

    take care!!ReplyCancel

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  • A - Your pictures are beautiful. This time is so hard for us, in that we have no children to share the joy of Christmas with, but we have many other blessings which we try to focus on instead of what we don’t have.ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - Jess, I am so sorry that you are missing her so much. I am praying for you.

    Your thanksgiving looks beautiful. Really, really lovely! Thank you for the pictures.ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - I am loving your short hair in these pics!

    Glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Beautiful pictures! Such sweet sweet memories that I know you will love looking back on.

    And cute headband! Where’d you get it?ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I’m so sorry your parents are moving 🙁
    These pictures brought tears to my eyes, as I’ve missed my family {mostly my mom} so much this holiday season.

    The food looked so yummy and Levi’s smile in that high chair picture is priceless!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - That last picture is so precious! Looks like a good time was had by all! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - jess… you share your heart so eloquently! i’m sure in the midst of all the happiness it’s still a struggle to have the waves of grief wash over you…
    i’m so thankful you had such a happy time with your sweet cora and have memories of family times with her to carry you through. and so thankful for the ability for you to share sweet new memories with levi and the rest of your extended family. what a blessing our family community is!ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - What a beautiful family. I love all the photos.ReplyCancel

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  • Lainey-Paney - What WONDERFUL pictures!
    🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Lainey-Paney - I’m sorry you were missing your Cora.ReplyCancel

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  • Mr Lonely - nice blog… have a view of my blog when free.. http://www.lonelyreload.blogspot.com .. do leave me some comment / guide if can.. if interested can follow my blog…ReplyCancel

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  • Mrs.Haggie810 - Levi is beautiful. I am not facing the same trials as you, but my thanksgiving was challenging this year too. We are facing some great trials in my family, and what’s worse is that they were imposed by vindictive family members. It was still a great day though, and I am so thankful for the blessings in my life, and I know you are too. (((hugs)))ReplyCancel

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Today my heart is thankful…
For a sweet daughter who’s short little life forever changed me.
Because of her I am clinging to Jesus in a way that I never have before.
My perspectives and priorities are changed and I am so grateful for that.
I am missing Cora so much today.
For a little boy who is full of life.
Because of him my days are filled with being a mom.
My house is noisy and busy…and I love that.
Levi is so fun and every day with him is a blessing.
For a husband who loves me unconditionally.
Because of him I can stay home with my babies – my dream job.
He makes me feel like an awesome mom and beautiful wife…
even on days that I am not.
I love raising a family and walking through life with Joel.
This week at Bible study I was really challenged by this:
How much do I enjoy God Himself apart from His blessing?
Wow. 
My life is full of blessings. 
I could go on and on about the many things I am thankful for. 
But, am I truly enjoying God Himself…apart from those blessings?
He has already given me more than I could have ever ask or imagine 
through the gift of His Son, Jesus. 
He has already met my greatest need. 
And I can be completely satisfied in Him. 
That is what I am most thankful for today. 
I am thankful that He is enough. 
I am thankful that He is all I need.
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  • The Moffats - Beautiful, Jess.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I’m thankful for the testimony of God’s grace and mercy you live out very fresh and clearly. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!ReplyCancel

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  • butterflymom - Loving this post…what an amazing thought. Thank you for writing. Happy Thanksgiving!!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Such a beautiful post…so true. Hope your family has a wonderful weekend!ReplyCancel

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  • Elizabeth-Plain and Simple - Beautiful post.ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - That’s so true & so great. Happy Thanksgiving to a sweet family…ReplyCancel

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  • jandkland - I rarely comment but frequently read your blog. You’ve faced the worst nightmare I can imagine, and yet you are still able to give thanks. I can’t describe to you what a testimony that is. I’m grateful for all the “cancer parents” like you who have been to the valley of the shadow of death and still believe in a loving God. Cora is one of those kids who will always be in my heart.

    –Kelley Land (Macon, GA)ReplyCancel

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  • the brokaws - What a great reminder! Thank you!ReplyCancel

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  • Heather at Blessed Little Nest - AMEN!! happy thanksgiving!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren Thomas - So very well said! Sometimes I have to stop and remember that He is enough. Ok, a lot actually!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Thank you for these beautiful words and reminder. You always bring me back to what’s important, worth focusing on, and just simply the truth.ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - I hope that your sweet family had a very Happy Thanksgiving. I love the pics of the kiddos next to each other. They always make me smile. Thank you for this post, and for a reminder that we all need.

    Much love,
    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Melody - Wow, what Bible study is that from?

    We are studying 1 Peter (a NavPress study) and while we have been learning a lot about suffering, our speaker spoke a couple weeks ago kind of along the same lines as that question you faced. She shared a quote that said, “I know You’re all I have. But I don’t know You well enough for You to be all I need.” She asked us how often we thank God for who He is, rather than only the temporary blessings? Because if I’m only thanking Him for temporary blessings, I’m going to blame Him when times are bad.

    That hit home! I forget so often that God is not synonymous with the blessings He’s given me. He is so much more!! But so often I just thank Him for our health, our home and the many things He’s given us- rather than His mercy, love and who He is.

    Anyway, wanted to share that. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Nan - I have no idea if you are familiar with Andrew Peterson (if you aren’t I think you’ll probably quickly buy as many of his songs as you can!) but this song made me think of y’all.


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I have been thinking a lot about Advent calendars and Christmas traditions as December is quickly approaching. What traditions do Joel and I want to pass on to our kids that we grew up with? What new traditions would we like to start with our family? Levi won’t be able to do very much this year, but we still want to be intentional with him. We want Levi to understand that only Jesus matters…He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Do you use an Advent calendar with your kids as you anticipate Christmas?
How do you help your kids understand that only Jesus matters?
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  • songskatesang - This may sound a little extreme, but it is how I grew up ~ so it isn’t strange for me… we don’t do Santa. We talk about Saint Nicholas being a saint and a giving person, etc. but we only talk about Jesus. The only ‘Santa’ we allow in the house is the Santa who is kneeling to the baby Jesus.

    It works for us and the kids really don’t seem to miss a beat.

    Happy Thanksgiving!ReplyCancel

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  • Pilgrim Days - we do use advent calendars…more than one in fact. I didn’t get a new one made this year but my plan is to make one for each child to have as their own to take with them when they have their own homes. With your craftiness you’d enjoy making one and sharing it with your family.

    I love Nancy Guthrie’s book of advent readings. It does such a great job of telling the whole story and giving the whole picture.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Last year I wanted to make an advent calendar for our family – but I couldn’t decide on one – and now you’ve added even more cute ones to my idea list! Are you going to make one – that could be what I work on at MM!!! I should probably decide.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I love the ones you posted! We’ve never used one but I really want to, for the same reason as you. I want my kids to daily focus on the real reason we celebrate.ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - I’ve always enjoyed advent calendars, and plan to use one with our son this year (he is two). My Mom also passed along these Christmas traditions I hope to carry on in our home.

    St Nicholas Day (Dec 6) – She taught us the real story of Santa, made a special dinner and gave us a new Christmas ornament for the tree. Christmas Eve – a birthday cake for Jesus (we usually ate it at 2am after returning home from midnight mass) Epiphany (12 days after Christmas) – celebrating with a small gift each day in our stocking after Christmas, and then a family dinner celebration on Jan 6.ReplyCancel

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  • Amber - We use advent calendars and I love them! We have a fisher price nativity for my son that we talk about a lot as well. We have lots of books about baby Jesus’ birthday. I think this year we’re going to have a cake on Christmas and sing to Jesus. I like santa and presents, but I love Jesus and want that to be the most important thing. I also read about giving people an advent basket…If there is someone going through a rough time it’s a sweet idea to give them a basket of 25 things to open leading up to Christmas. It’s a nice way to put the focus on others. As Avery gets older, I’d like to focus on a service project around the holidays. I want it to be important in his life to give back to others. Oh and one more thing, I had someone suggest only getting 3 presents because that is what Jesus got from the 3 wisemen. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jane - I love advent calendars! I’ve read on a blog somewhere about having activities to do as a family in each day – reading scripture, taking a meal to someone who needs it, spending time together as a family etc.
    maybe check out soule mama’s blog?ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - I love the first and last ones you posted! I do not yet have kids, but as a child we 3 kids shared an advent calendar each year and we loved it! Something that I always thought was special about Christmas time was the generosity. We would try to make sure everyone had something to open on Christmas Day and when we were older, we kids would all adopt a few angels…ReplyCancel

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  • Heather at Blessed Little Nest - a few years ago we started to celebrate st. nicholas day as a way to start the season off right. there are some great websites out there that explain it and give tips on talking to kids about it. we talk about how st. nicholas loved Jesus so much that he wanted to be just like him and so one day each year he goes around sharing his love by leaving little treats to remind the kids that jesus loves them.ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - We had an advent calendar that we did when I was little, but I haven’t gotten one for my son, yet. Maybe I ought to do that? Also, we don’t do the whole “Santa” thing, either. Granted, our son is only 3, but we’ve been sure to tell him he’s just a story. My small siblings (I have siblings as young as my son) don’t do Santa, either.ReplyCancel

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  • The Hopkins Home - We have a advent calendar that is filled with service projects (shop for toys for tots, take food to the food pantry, make cards/cookies for nursing home residents) or ideas for family time together (movie night, going to the living nativity in our town, etc). We have always done Santa but along with Santa we have an “elf” that communicates with my children in Dec. by leaving them notes at nighttime telling them all about the real reason for Christmas – the elf emphasizes that Santa only does what he does b/c he wants to be giving and loving like Jesus. He goes over parts of the first Christmas and gives my children pointers in order to behave more like Jesus. They understand that Jesus is the head of this whole operation and that without HIM there would be no Christmas. It’s what works for us – I know you and Joel will find what works perfectly for your family as well : )ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Lisa Whelchel wrote a book called, “The ADVENTure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions”. She offers so many ways to incorporate Jesus into every part of Christmas. I have used several parts of her book for Sunday School lessons and have done even more with my son. Have fun!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - I always had a “kid friendly” nativity set by the fireplace that my children could play with. 25 years later, I’m saving it in hopes of grandchildren someday! They loved being about to touch and act out the nativity story. (Which you can’t really do with some of the fancy, breakable nativity sets…) The only problem was, Jesus kept coming up missing because my children would take Him to bed with them like a well loved teddy bear. Jesus and the set are intact, but well worn. And well loved.ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - We have a musical christmas tree that has a tiny box for each day in december. We open one up each day and it has an itty bitty ornament to hang on the tree.

    We love it & definitely look forward to it each year.ReplyCancel

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  • Chauncey - We use The Advent Book by Jack Stockman. You can find it on amazon and some local Christian stores. It is beautiful! You read one page each day and the kids can open a door or pop-up as the Christmas story is told, all Biblically based. It is a tradition that can be passed down for many years to come. I love that. I also have the Fisher Price nativity set for the kids to play with too.

    Hope your Thanksgiving is blessed!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - We do advent calendars every year. Usually the cardboard ones from the grocery store that have a piece of chocolate inside. This year, however we have two new, very special advent calendars. I commissioned a dear friend (and my former youth pastor) to knit some slippers for my girls as surprise Christmas gifts. When she sent the package, she mentioned that there was a surprise inside. I opened the box and found two (very big and fancy) handmade advent calendars. I cried. Not just because of the advent calendars, but also the slippers (they hold special memories for me).

    So this year will start a newish, even more special advent tradition.

    Without a doubt, Levi will love the advent calendar tradition too.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Jess.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Bridgette - I LOVE the socks!!! Saw that idea when I was researching. I plan on starting that next year. Thanks for your ideas!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Stephanie - We try to make Christmas about Jesus as much as we can and not the commercialism side of it too much. One of the things we do is give our children 3 presents from us (as oppose to a mound of presents that half of them they won’t even care about or play with after a week….nor do they need) like Jesus getting 3 presents from the Wisemen. We do have Santa – at least until they figure out there is no Santa but Santa brings one educational gift and fills their stocking.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - We have never done advent calendars, but we do Adorenaments. We have a special tree that is our Jesus Tree and every night for the 12 nights leading up to Christmas Eve we open the ornaments in order (the girls take turns) and read the scripture and explanation. They are all different names for Jesus. One of my girls was compelled to ask Jesus in her heart one evening after doing this. I just love this tradition! Advent calendars are wonderful….ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - We have a big red wooden house with 25 doors in it. Every day the kids open a door and get a treat as they do the count-down to Christmas. Sometimes I write poems and put them behind the doors with scavenger hunt hints in them, but this year we’ll do ornaments for the tree and they will take turns hanging them.

    We don’t talk about Jesus, except to inform the children where Christmas traditions come from.

    Happy Thanksgiving!ReplyCancel

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  • Patti - We’re going to have a happy birthday party for Jesus. We want Emersyn, our 2 yo daughter, to understand that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday so we celebrat Him and GIVE. On her birthday we celebrate her and receive. We are still going to do Santa and he will fill up her stocking, but Christmas in our family is going to be much more about giving. I can’t wait to take her shopping for gifts for the needy and children who are less fortunate.

    I love the idea of an advent calendar and advent readings in general. What an incredible season to focus on our Lord and center our lives around Him. He is so good.ReplyCancel

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  • Marisa - It feels like little people (and big people alike) are bombarded on a pretty constant basis throughout the holiday season…especially now with Black Friday ads flooding our TV’s and littering our mailboxes. For our family and our 3 little boys at home, we find ourselves reminding them often and much that Christmas is about the “Who” rather than the “what.” Since birthdays are a big deal around our house, we love to make a big deal out of Jesus’ birthday too. We love counting down to Jesus’ birthday with a couple of advent calendars…they’ve become a great source of conversation and one of my favorite traditions for our family. (The two I’ve made for our home are here: http://miskamiller.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-things.html).
    Loved the ones you featured above–so stinkin’ cute!

    I know whatever you guys choose to do for sweet Levi, you will show that little boy what it is all about (in crafty Jess style, no doubt). 🙂

    Happy Thanksgiving, girl.

    Blessings,
    MisReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - My parents made advent calendars for my sister and me when we were little. We got them filled every year – and even now that we live hundreds of miles apart, we still get that handmade advent calendar filled by our dad. I cant imagine the xmas season with out it.

    AnnaReplyCancel

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  • Mory - I have always done advent calendars, but this year I participated in the Advent Jesse Tree at our church and now I have 25 homemade ornaments that weave a story through the bible and end with Christ’s birth – plus there is a devotional book to be read with each day. Excited to use it this year!ReplyCancel

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  • Joy - I love reading your blog. We are missionaries in another country so it is easier to protect our children from all the commercialism in America. We have also never allowed Santa to take the place of Jesus at Christmas. My kids are 8 and 9. We were listening to Christmas music online yesterday as we put up the tree and my son said, “Momma they are only playing songs about Santa. That is not who Christmas is about.” My heart jumped for joy as I realized he does know the true meaning of Christmas. I struggled when they were younger about the whole Santa thing, but now they are getting older I realized the impact it has had on them. An amazingly good impact!ReplyCancel

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  • teampischke - I think this may be my 2nd comment EVER… but this is my passion. sooo…these ideas are not my own.. when I saved them I lost the source…BUT they are GREAT for small kids.. Blessing to you.

    1. Band-aid: Jesus is our healer. Read Jesus heals the 10 lepers in
    Luke ch. 17 (p.s. this went over really well since she got to put her
    band-aid on before bed!)
    2. Pecan nut: God taking care of animals. Matthew 10 & we have a bookwith kids thanking God for nuts to feed the animals. (Then she will
    get to eat the pecan)
    3. Leaf: Noah’s ark. Dove went out and brought back the olive branch, new life.
    4. Butterfly: Read story Hermie and Wormie. Transformation, we are
    like the caterpillar to the butterfly. (we have a butterfly hair clip)
    5. Light bulb: God made the light/dark in Genesis and Jesus is thelight of the world.
    6. Rock: David and Goliath (her favorite story right now)
    7. Hay: Jesus born in a manger. Story of His birth in Luke.
    8. Cup: the wedding feast where Jesus turns water into wine for His
    first miracle.
    9. Bread: Give us today our daily bread. Prayer in Matt 15.
    10. Q-tip: Sit and listen to Jesus. Mary and Martha with Jesus in Luke
    Day 11. Heart: Psalm 119:11. I have hidden Your Word in my heart.
    12. Nail: Unless the Lord builds the house- Psalm 127:1. Then build
    and decorate a gingerbread house. (Without nails of course… you may
    have thought it was for Jesus’s hands- we are not ready for that
    yet!)
    13. Candy: Psalm 34:8. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed
    is the man who trusts in Him.”
    14. Map: Mark 16:15. “Go into all the world and preach the good news.”
    15. Bar of soap: Having a clean heart. Psalm 24:4-5 (she loves taking
    baths with actual bar-soap, so she will get to use it next bathtime.)
    16. Key: Paul and Silas locked in prison and then released. Acts 13 and 16
    17. Cotton ball: Psalm 100:3. We are like sheep.
    18. Ring: Isaac and Rebekah get married. Genesis 24.
    19. Torn piece of paper: Ecc 3. A time for everything. It is torn and
    she will get to mend it with tape.
    20. Net: Matt 4. Called to be fishers of men. (I am using an avocado net)
    21. Two silver coins: The good Samaritan gives 2 coins, Luke 10.
    22. Little wash cloth: Jesus washes his disciples feet. John 13
    23. Empty: the tomb is empty, so nothing will be inside. Matthew 28.
    24. Sugar packet: Bake a cake for Jesus.
    25. Star: The star of Bethlehem. Matthew/Luke’s story of Jesus’ birth
    on Christmas morning and we might even let them eat cake for
    breakfast- ahhhhhhh!ReplyCancel

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  • The Pepper. - Ahh, advent calenders! I was actually planning on posting about the one I made this year and some of my favorites since I see everyone else in sharing theirs.

    & in case you’re interested. were having a giveaway from Lullaby of Love where one winner will receive their own customizable lullaby

    http://thepepperandherpups.blogspot.com/2010/11/kick-off-to-our-christmas.html

    liz:)
    Happy Holidays!
    http://www.thepepperandherpups.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • Sara @ Mom Endeavors - We have never used an advent calendar before, but are starting this year. I made ours using a muffin tin. We have an activity to do each day as a family.

    http://www.momendeavors.com/2010/11/muffin-tin-advent-calendar.htmlReplyCancel

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  • Mrs.Haggie810 - Great post! I love the idea of socks on a line! This totally has given me some new ideas for ours that I am making (late) today! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Good toys is Black Friday Advent Calendar . That’s great. Thank you.ReplyCancel

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The weather in Kansas has been beautiful this fall.
So, Levi and I have been spending lots of time outside.
He loves to be outside.
He has even started crying when we have to go back in the house.
We go on a lot of walks,
but Levi likes it best when I just let him explore.
He is so curious.
This weekend he discovered the rock driveway at the end of the sidewalk.
I don’t think he knew it was there before.
He thought it was awesome…rocks EVERYWHERE.
After digging about twenty little rocks out of his mouth,
(he is sneaky and fast!)
I finally compromised and let him suck on a big rock that he couldn’t swallow.
Yum.
I carried him back to the grass
and five minutes seconds later he was back to the driveway.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.
He always found his way back to the rocks.
I could barely take his picture
because when I did he would sneak another rock in his mouth.
I found out this weekend that Levi has a new love.
Levi {hearts} rocks.
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  • flower power momma - lovely pictures of a darling explorer.ReplyCancel

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  • Taking Heart - Just an FYI… my middling (Jonah) loved rocks, too.

    Now he loves rock (music.)

    And has asked for an electric guitar for Christmas (he’s 8.)

    We are still presently bribing him not to get a tatoo until he is 45.ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - I LOVE that you gave him one to suck on. What a good mom 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Amy Pinney - My daughter and I think “Baby Weebi” (as she called him) are just precious 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - 1. In that first picture he looks just like Joel.

    2. I’m jealous that you have sidewalks. We don’t. When Levi is bigger he’ll love it for riding his bike or skating. My poor kids are deprived.

    3. I love that you let him suck on a rock! That shows what a great mom you really are.ReplyCancel

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  • nichole - yay for rocks, lol! Levi is such a beautiful boy!ReplyCancel

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  • Aaron and Shannon - Boys love rocks and dirt! Both Eli and Cole always found the rocks! He’s getting so big!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Tee hee! All of my girls liked rocks, too. In fact, my 8 y.o. still collects (and has now moved on to selling them). Although she doesn’t eat them. That’s good. 😉

    Levi just know what’s cool.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - He is the perfect combination of you and Joel. So cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Yay! A future geologist! I loved rocks when I was little, too.ReplyCancel

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  • Vanessa - My brother did the same thing when he was little. My dad used to joke that he had to pay him for cleaning all the rocks in our driveway 😉

    He is so so adorable 🙂 And the weather has been beautiful here in Ohio too! 67 right now!ReplyCancel

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  • LibraryGirl62 - My son Max-now almost 17-would suck the dirt of rocks and then spit them out—SO NASTY!!!! He wouldn’t put any other nasty stuff in his mouth, just rocks.ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - He looks like his cousin Esther in the one picture where he is sucking on a rock! I had never noticed the similarity.ReplyCancel

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  • Jane - beautiful post Jess,
    wow your little fella is definitely all boy!

    his face is changing has he had a growth spurt recently? my godson is the same age as Levi and he’s changing too, it’s almost summer here and he loves nothing more than being outside on the deck in his wading pool butt naked!
    it’s so adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - my daughters both loved rocks. Go figure 🙂
    Levi’s hair is growing! Or something is changing about his face… he is suddenly looking different. Bigger, more mature. Such a cutie pie!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - I love that you gave him a rock to suck on. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Bonjour Four - how cute!! sneaky little guy.ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - Gorgeous photos. My son is 6 1/2 and he is obsessed wtih rocks. He collects all kinds of rocks and I find them all over the house and in his pockets when I do the washing. I love it and it’s something I’ll always remember as he grows up.

    Sue xReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Jess, he is the cutest little boy. I love to read your post about him and how much he growing. Love the pictures. Hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - What a character! He is utterly adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Nan - Welcome to the world of boys. Before you know it those will be pouring out of pockets and making awful noises in your dryer! I have four boys, the oldest is ten, and they all still LOVE rocks. And sticks.

    Can’t tell you how many squabbles they’ve had over sticks and rocks. I try to remind them that the world has plenty of both to go around… But alas, to no avail. Some rocks and sticks are obviously ‘specialer’ than others!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Love it!! I have 2 sons who are teens now (16 and 18). When they were toddlers I spent many hours standing beside them while they threw rocks into a sewer waiting to hear as each rock plops into the puddle below. I wish life was that simple now!ReplyCancel

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