Care packages for our troops

Those that know me, know that supporting our troops is very important to me. My father retired from the Navy after twenty years, so I'm a "Navy Brat" and my (step) son is in the Air National Guard. Following is from Rhonda's blog Giggles 'N Sugar Kisses:


Operation Sugar Kisses will be launched January 2009. Each month Giggles & Sugar Kisses will send a Sugar Kiss (care package) to a soldier. They miss home and the modern conveniences that we take for granted, so we've decided to help brighten their day.

Sugar Kisses needs monthly donations and we would like our readers to become involved. Please place our Operations Sugar Kisses button (above) on your blog and let family, friends, your church and anyone who will support our initiative know about our program. We need donations as well as the name and address of a soldier who would appreciate a Sugar Kiss. The name and address of the soldier can be sent to rhonda@gigglesnsugarkisses.com. We will build a list with the soldier's name and post of duty. Each month we will randomly select who we will receive a Sugar Kiss.

Here's a list of what our soldiers need:

• hard candy
• homemade cookies
• chips/pretzels/cheese curls (snacks)
• envelopes & writing paper
• pens
• deodorant
• tooth brushes
• tooth paste
• foot powder
• lotion
• sun screen
• chap stick
• batteries (AA, AAA & D)
• gum/mints
• sports and/or automotive magazines less than 2 months old
• disposal razors
• white socks
• cheese & peanut butter crackers
• ramen/cup o noodles
• shampoo
• conditioner
• hair brushes & combs
• unscented baby wipes
• toilet paper on rolls
• packets of Kleenex
• shower shoes
• cans or packages of nuts
• facial moisturizer
• unscented lotions
• hand sanitizer
• paper back books.

Donations may be sent to:

Giggles & Sugar Kisses
58 Aldrin Lane
Martinsburg, WV 25403

Thank you for supporting for this worthy endeavor.

Let them have sauce-Giveaway

Unlikely Housewife is giving away three pouches of Bertolli's Premium Pasta Sauce pouches. If you've never tried them, what are you waiting for? For those really busy nights, these are perfect! Made in a convenient microwavable pouch that protects fresh taste, these delicious, restaurant-quality sauces are ready in 90 seconds. The quick and easy preparation allows you more time to savor and enjoy – and you can use them to complement your favorite pasta or as the start of a great chicken, steak or fish dish.

But how can you take full advantage of these microwavable pouches? You'll need a microwave, of course. Which is why the giveaway also includes a GE microwave oven with the following features:

- 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1,100 Watts, Turntable for even cooking
- Convenience cooking controls — cooking and reheating at the touch of a button
- Auto and Time Defrost — automatically defrosts for a specified amount of time
- Timer On/Off — optional reminder signals when meals are done
- Child lock out — enables you to lock the keypad to prevent the oven from being accidentally started

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is answer this question: what is your favorite sauce? at Unlikely Housewife- go now!

Just a reminder of what Christmas is all about. May God Bless you as we worship the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Casting Crowns - Peace On Earth - New Christmas Album

Ran across this at You Tube today and had to share:
I just love this group, and this video show why. They are strong in their faith and yet, still very down to earth. Enjoy!

Once upon a time, coupons were a huge part of my life. As a single mom with two growing boys, I scrimped and saved every way I could. Earlier in the year, the Lord brought this practice back to my mind, knowing we would need to start being more frugal at the end of the year. Praise Him for preparing us ahead of time, He knows all!

Do you us coupons? If so, how do you organize them? I have mine in a large zippered pencil case, divided according to how our main grocery store is set up. (ex: frozen foods together, cereal, granola bars and breads together, etc) I also keep a running list of brands in the front for those crazy end-caps.

How would you like to win a wonderful organizer from CouponOrganizer.com? Head on over to Thrifty Thoughts and check out her review on this great product and enter a chance to win one too!
You can enter up to 6 times-6 comments equals 6 entries. Contest is open to US residents only and will end on Saturday December 27th at 5:00PM CST with winners being chosen by Random.org.

Hurry over now!

72 hour Giveaway, $25 Walgreens Gift Card

Want to Win? Head over to STL Mommy and enter now! The giveaway will end December 23rd, at 5pm, so hurry!

Every Girl Wants a Little Ice!

So what do you get for the girl who wants diamonds and you need to be affordable? Well there’s always something beautiful at Ice. These dazzling 1/4 ctw diamond stud earrings are right for today and always. The impressive round-cut diamonds are handset in highly polished 14K white gold. Currently they are on sale for $150.00 and you can’t beat that price! Even as you go up in ctw they are still affordable. Every diamond piece they have is timeless and affordable. So guys whatever you pick, you know she’ll love!

You can search for the perfect gift now, and for Valentine’s (they take payments) at Ice.com. Take a browse through the Ice.com Holiday Gift Guide, The Holiday Color Guide, or you can search the main Ice.com home page to search by jewelry type, and price. Right now get 20% off (this link gets you the 20% automatically) the code is also LIFE2 just in case. There is also FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders!

Want to win a pair? Head over to An Ordinary Life and enter now!

Sunday December 21, 2008

Today I want to share the daily tip from The Generous Wife. Whether you subscribe to this or not, please take the time to pray for your spouse, your children, and all the other important people in your lives. Remember, prayer is our strongest weapon! If you are married, I also suggest you head over to the website and sign up. There is also a site for Generous Husbands! (not to mention some excellent forums that have helped me over the past seven years)

The next few days are likely to be both special and perhaps a bit stressful. You may be hoping that everyone loves their gifts, that a particular meal or gathering will be special, or that aunt Louise won't be rude to your son's girlfriend. ;)
Let's just take a moment, as a (cyber) gathering of women (there are over 15,500 of us now), and pray for each other. Pray that we can communicate the true meaning of Christmas to those around us and pray for a spirit of peace and joy over our households (or wherever we travel).

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Then Sings My Soul - Silent Night

Flip Camcorder Giveaway at I Never Grew Up

Here's a chance to win a Flip Camcorder! Head over to I Never Grew Up.
What an awesome prize! The Flip Ultra Video Camcorder is simple, it has built in software so
youI can flip out it’s USB arm, plug it into any laptop or desktop and quickly download the videos. It only takes 3 seconds to start up so you can quickly begin recording. The other things I love about it, how portable it is! Slip it in a pocket like a cell phone and you are on our way!



Go enter HERE.

Mr.Bobbles Toddler Blanket And Pillow Giveaway

Isn't this set adorable? I wish I could have found such cute stuff when my boys were younger. I was blessed with a (former) MIL that is an accomplished seamstress, so my boys had some nicer than average stuff. {side note here moms, once your kids outgrow this stuff, if you want to keep it, store somewhere, or in something, fireproof : (

Now, run on over to Mr. Bobbles Blankets and check out the wonderful variety of items they carry and the beautiful fabric choices. Then head over to Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House for the full review and giveaway rules.

Another side note to my wonderful friend and adopted daughter overseas: If you want to join any of these, use my address for US shipping and I will pass along to you! : ) (Sorry Gidge, but you have an address here, so this is only for Moon. :p

Then Sings My Soul -Faith Hill

Found a site for pet lovers!

I stumbled across a site for all pet lovers today, and wanted to share it will you:

The Pet Haven

If you run over by December 14, you can sign up to win a Grooming Essentials kit too!

BIG GIVE AWAY: $500 Walmart Gift Card

A chance to win a $500 gift card! Yippee! So, who wants to play along and add a little extra jingle in your pockets this season!?


Nickelodeon and Walmart have teamed up to offer this awesome give away hosted by the ElevenMoms! Because each gets to offer a $500 gift card that means you have lots of opportunities to win (please note: you may only win once). So, after you enter here, check out the Elevenmoms site to see how you can enter other contests!

Okay, on to how you can enter here...

There are a couple of ways to get your name in the hat...

1. With entertaining around the corner (and already happening!) Denise wants to know your FAVORITE recipe for appetizers. We've all got to make that dish to bring and she would love to add to her repertoire. So if you've got a great one, an easy one, a crowd pleaser... leave a comment here telling us how to make your favorite holiday/entertaining appetizer.

2. Follow her on twitter! She's Centsible Sawyer
And then, post a "tweet" about this give away! Spread the love... and spread the word! Then, come back here and leave a comment telling her that you twittered about this give away.

3. Subscribe to her feed (on the right side bar) and leave a comment saying you've subscribed. If you already subscribe leave a comment saying you already subscribe.

4. Blog about this give away. Then, come back here and comment and leave a link to your post!

5. Email her (her email is the top left corner) and tell her one thing you like about her blog (how is it helpful, what posts do you enjoy most) and one thing you'd like to see there (or not see there!). She wants to share more info about herself and the goings-on in the "Centsible Sawyer's" household. However, she wants this blog to be a place you can quickly come and soak up all the deals without to much clutter/extra reading. She's trying to find a balance. What would you like to know that she has not shared? She will be glad to share any info... go ahead and ask!

Okay, so that is FIVE ways you can enter!! You can enter one way... or all five ways! Just be sure to leave a separate comment each time you fulfill one of the entry requirements!

The winner of this $500 gift card will be announced on Tuesday, December 16th. So, be sure to get your entries in by Monday, December 15th at Midnight EDT!! IShe will choose the winner using random.org. Good luck!!

5 Things meme

Jenn at Frugal Upstate posted this awhile back and I ran across it again today. Since I'm too tired to post much, I'm going with it,

So for those of you who would like more about me, here you go:

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago:

1. Living in Independence, Missouri
   
2. Working as a Customer Service Rep for GEHA
   
3. Still attending holiday events with my ex in-laws
   
4. Pulling my hair out on a daily basis raising two teenage boys, by myself
   
5. Wondering what I ever saw in my ex
   

5 Things on My To-Do List Today:

1. Dishes
   
2. Catch up on emails
   
3. Finish current book I'm reading
   
4. Finish Sunday School lesson plan
   
5. Sleep
   

5 Snacks I Like:

1. Apples
2. Yogurt
3. Cheez-its
4. Pretzels
5. Pears
   

5 Things I Would Do if I Was a Millionaire:

1. Fix my mom's house
   
2. Stop working and volunteer at the women's shelter
   
3. Travel
   
4. Major updates to our house
   
5. Pay for mom's knee replacements
   

5 Places I Have Lived:

1. Honolulu, Hawaii
   
2. Alameda, California
   
3. Milton, Florida
   
4. Imperial Beach, California
   
5. Independence, Missouri
   

5 Jobs I Have Had:

1. HiBoy's
2. Reservation Agent for TraveLodge Reservations
   
3. Encoding Clerk for Union Banker's Insurance Co.
   
4. Assistant Manager for Hardee's
   
5. Pharmacy Clerk
   

5 People I Tag:

I'm not going to tag anyone. If any of you want to play along, then consider yourself tagged, and just leave a note in the comments so we can come on by and check out your answers.

An Etsy Christmas Contest

This contest is all about promoting mom blogs and small businesses (especially run by moms or for moms). Etsy is a site that has thousands of small shops that each sell handcrafted item.

Hop on over to Busy Mom
Here is the HUGE list of prizes. Be sure to check out each shop too, you'll find LOTS of great stuff!

An Etsy Christmas Contest

- Over $750.00 worth of prizes - 2 winners

The Sponsors:

Children
This and That - $20 gift card
Red Pajamas - Little Man's Tie ($8)
Baby Luv Gifts - Cute Custom Beanie ($15)
Baby Bears - $25 gift card
My Custom Baby Boutique - $25 gift card
Baby Goin Places - PocketChanger Diaper Changing Pad ($25)
Layla Legs - $15 gift card & free shipping
Second Story Window - $10 gift card
Inspiring Color Tie Dye - Youth pullover hoodie rainbow diagonal or swirl ($30)
Baby Peas - boy or girl cloth play blocks- set of 4 ($18)
Abby Chase Designs - Lotus Hair Flower ($13.50)
Tadpoles and Tutus - $20 gift card
Make it and Love It - onesie/bootie set of choice (14.99)

PiggyTails Boutique - Christmas tutu and snowman wand with a matching personalized bow ($26)

Jewelry
Four Dog Day - Cute Pink Key Ring ($8)
Jupita - $20 gift card
Zeba - Coin Pearl Earrings ($20)
Jodi Horgan - $25 gift card
One of a Kind Custom Jewelry - $20 gift card
Across The Pond - choice of any vintage button ring ($14)
Kerstin Hanson - $20 gift card

Bath and Body
Krug's Eco-Logic - $15 gift card
Indulgent Creations - Soy candle travel tin, soap and lotion ($16.50)
koko candles - holiday brownie cupcake candles ($25)
Dazzle Dott - $20 gift certificate

Especially for Mom
Mary Zoom - Pink Polka Dot Glam Cleaning Gloves ($10)
Maggie Sue Designs -A cup cozy and coordinating set of Tame Your Mane ponytail holders ($12)
Gaia Conceptions - "My Everything" piece (clothing, $40)
BoojiBoo - apron of winners choice (only ones in stock, $28.75)

Stones of Healing - $20 gift certificate

Yummy Treats
A Sugar Affair - $10 gift card
Cakebox Cookies - $20 gift card
A Thyme 2 B Comforted - $25 gift card
Double Dipped Sweets - $20 gift card
KE Cookies - One dozen chocolate chip cookies ($8)
AngelPie Cookies and Cakes - One dozen decorated sugar cookies ($18)
Meg's Creations - 2 pack of cookie and brownie mix ($24 including shipping)
Cookie Art by Sarah - One dozen sugar cookie snowflakes and $25 gift certificate ($53)

Paper Crafts
Paper Treasures 4 U - 2 page 12''x12'' Christmas layout ($9)
Inkspot Workshop - 1 Set of 6 Snowman Gift Enclosures 1 Set of 6 Tree Bird Gift Enclosures ($12)
Take Note - 1 set of personalized notecards ($15)
Articulations - 6 lunchbox love mini cards ($5)

Now, what are you waiting for: Go now!

Update for Moon and Gidge

hey gals!!

Just a quick note to let you know I'm still alive.
Finally started the new job on Monday, December 1.
So far, so good. The training hours are kind of yuck: 8:00am-4:30pm. Yeah, I know, most people would kill for such hours, but later works for us. Eddie is still on the 3:00pm-11:00pm shift. Hopefully, starting next week, I'll be working 12:00pm-9:00pm.

So, should you place an order with my company, I may talk to you! LOL
Can't say which one, but maybe I'll drop hints, should I ever get my emails caught up.

Love, Hugs, and Prayers!

All About Him

This One Sounds Fun!

Maria posted this all-about-hubby tag and I thought it might be fun to play along too.

So here it goes...

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, or CourtTV

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch or Ceasar

3. What's one food he doesn't like? Liver

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? Nothing, we don't go to bars

5. Where did he go to high school? Kingman, Arizona

6. What size shoe does he wear? 7

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Models, 1:18 scale

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Bologna Salad

9. What would he eat every day if he could? Crab

10. What is his favorite cereal? Cinnamon Life

11. What would he never wear? Corduroy

12. What is his favorite sports team? Doesn't like sports.

13. Who did he vote for? McCain/Palin

14. Who is his best friend? Me

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Bending to pick things up (herniated disc)

16. How many states has he lived in? Two

17. What is his heritage? Unsure

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what would it be? Lemon

19. Did he play sports in high school? No

20. What could he spend hours doing? Drawing, playing computer games, or working on his models

21. What's something cool about him? He loves the Lord with all his heart and tries very hard to listen and follow God's directions each day. Also, he's taking classes to become a certified minister.