the simple list: december

inspired by my new real simple december issue, i'm going to make my own version of the simple list: december.

12:
operation christmas child. it's just good for so many reasons. it gives you a chance to pray and listen to the voice of the Lord guide you in choosing the perfect gifts for a child you've never met before. and you probably won't spend more than 10 dollars.

"it is in giving that we receive" - st. francis of assisi

11:
the spirit of Christmas is up to me. i can't depend on movies or pre-thanksgiving christmas decorations or snow or baked goodies to bring Christmas to me. if i wait for that, i'll never really feel christmas. this year i'm being intentional about what this time is to me, and why i love it so darn much!

10:
i'd like to make popcorn garland. straight up needle, thread, and popcorn!

9:
the only people i'm buying real gifts for are my neice and nephew, and my operation christmas child. everyone else is getting a lovely made-from-scratch edible gift and a hand-written letter and prayer. as lamesauce as i feel about it, i'm also really excited about it! when i take the time to bake i really love it, and i feel like it will a nice, different way to thank the people i love.

8:
i'd like to host OR attend a real 20-something holiday party. i have a fabulous little cocktail dress and have access to amazing jewelry by "what's-in-store" and diana warner. i also want to have a reason to make champagne cocktails!

7:
soldiersangels.org

6:
my wish list goes as follows:
some nice new undiewear
a new bra
new long socks
a moleskin reporter journal and 2009 planner
itunes gift cards
those are the necessities, anyway. you know, i can always use a new fancy coat, an ipod alarm clock, someone to pay for my trip to spain, a digital camera, or true love. but it's really whatevs :)

5:
i'd love to play a little coffeehouse show and sing some snowy songs on guitar and peenaner.

4:
now for $8.88 at wal*mart you can get a set of DOVE body wash , dove beauty bar, dove lotion and loofah.... all full sized. the body wash sold separately is $6.49. this is the best deal ever!!! and you know my affinity for dove products!

3:
we've had 3 november snows in boone thus far. i am praying praying praying that december is equally as snowy!! nothing makes me happier faster.

2:
i love mornings but i often don't wake up to see them, unless i have to for class or work, and then they lose all fun and grandeur. one day i will start waking up just for morning's sake, you know- toast, tea, paper- the whole nine. i just like sleeping a whole lot. people make fun of me because i do it so much, but i heard once that having a full night's sleep most nights can add on years to your life. so hopefully by the time i'm 85 and still going strong i'll be enjoying mornings in their entirety.

1:
rosie thomas: a very rosie christmas!!!

love, sam