30 Day Giving Challenge Day 9 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Tonight I made dinner for my family… well, my hubby’s family. They came over for dinner and game night.

That’s us playing Apples to Apples – the favorite family game!

Then, there was some “Just Dance” action going on.

I love it when these three get together. It’s so much fun. They couldn’t look more like cousins could they? The girls are only 8 weeks apart. LOVE THEM ALL!

Oh, if you want to know what I made for dinner:

It was an AWESOME night of family fun!

What’s your favorite thing to cook for your family?

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day 8 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Today’s give was actually a culmination of several days of giving. I mentioned Day 2 of the Giving Challenge that I had sent some goodies with our AMAZING customer service team. Well, actually, I sent more than that, but I didn’t want them to know so I couldn’t blog about it.

The leaders of the different teams in my company had teamed up so we could send a gift for every day of the retreat. Each day, they opened a bag and found something fun inside.

  • Day One: A funny video we made for them as well as popcorn and M&Ms to eat while they watched it.
  • Day Two: Individual baggies of Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses.
  • Day Three: Fuzzy socks to wear on the chilly nights.
  • Day Four: The book “Jesus Calling” with a hand written note inside.

They all really appreciated the gifts. I heard that they looked forward to the surprise every day. So much fun.

I also heard that the thing they LOVED the MOST was the hand written notes. In a world where everything is read on a computer screen, it is so refreshing to actually read something on a piece of paper. And, everybody knows that it takes more time to hand write something than it does to type it. A hand written notes really shows that you care about the person and that they are important to you.

The best part about hand written notes—they don’t cost much. You don’t even have to have a fancy note card. Paper will do.

So, I challenge you today! Before the end of the month, I challenge you to write a note to someone. Take a minute to just tell someone why they are special. Wouldn’t it be AWESOME to pass out notes at Thanksgiving telling your friends and family how thankful you are for them!

So, write a note! Then, come back and share who you wrote it to. I’d love to see this post blow up with comments!!!

You know what! I’m going to make it even more fun! (I’m totally thinking of this while I’m typing.) Let’s do a GIVEAWAY! Everyone who comments on this post telling me who they wrote a note to will be entered to win a $10 Target Gift Card (from me) so they can buy a set of pretty note cards.

GO!

WRITE A NOTE!

Then, come back and comment! WHOOP!

Giveaway will end November 30th. One comment per note you write. This is totally my idea. Nobody gave me anything. Have fun!!

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day 7 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

While we’re still in recovery mode from yesterday’s Big OCC Party, we had to jump back into life today.

Mags had a video shoot for Orange (yes, where I work). She’s been doing the “One Thing” videos for the GET REEL product. It’s used in elementary church environments. It’s a great little two minute video that focuses on a child learning that month’s life application.

The last one we did was shot at our house, and they were back again to shoot this one. In addition, an OBD friend of Maggie’s was used in another one of the videos so they shot that one at our house too.

So, today’s give was allowing my house to be a production studio.

Have you ever let strangers come into your house with video cameras?

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day 6 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

 

Today was the day of our BIG GIVE! It was my Operation Christmas child Birthday Party! See—I even got to wear my birthday pin!

This was our THIRD time doing this party, and I think they just get better every year.

First, let me say this. I COULD NOT do this party every year without my hubby. He is such an integral part of the entire process, and I was SO THANKFUL that he took the day off so he could party with us. He helped with setup. He helped people pay for their boxes online. He took out countless bags of trash, and I’m sure there is a ton of stuff I don’t even know he did. So, a big shout out to my best friend.

Another person who works hard for this day is Maggie. She rocks at party prep, and prepping for this party is fun for us to do together. Being the actress that she is, she decided that she needed to do an orientation video. We had it available for people to see when they first came in. She decided to make this one hour before the party was going to start and had no help from hubby or I. I just had to share it with you. (Please excuse the lighting issues. She’s learning.)

So fun, right?

Once our guests had experienced orientation, they dove right in to packing boxes.

Check out all those boxes being packed at once! My mom came with two of the cousins, and they packed TEN boxes. Then, a friend came and packed SIXTEEN! It was awesome.

At one point, my hall was full of people getting things for the boxes!!!

This makes me SO HAPPY!

All in all we packed 75 BOXES! WHAT? WHOOP! I’m thrilled with that. And, there is still stuff sitting in my hall. I might run by the store and grab a few more “big” items tomorrow so we can pack a few more before we take the entire load to church on Sunday.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! to all my friends and family who made my birthday so special this year! I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

There’s still time for you to pack an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox! You know you want to. Just do it!

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day 5 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Today was preparation day! Tomorrow is my big Operation Christmas Child Birthday Party, and there was lots to do to get ready.

Maggie and I went to do a little shopping at Walmart. We found several matching outfits on the $1 rack, and were so excited about adding those to the boxes.

I was so proud of my girl. She puts a portion of all the money she makes through her allowance and odd jobs aside to give to others. She had been saving for an entire year for this year’s shoe boxes and had $100 to spend. That was enough to pack five boxes, including the shipping.

After the two of us filled the mini-van with bags from Walmart and the Dollar Store, we headed home. Poor Hubby had to work.

But, several friends my Small Group  helped us organize all the goodies from my tubs in the garage.

Then we put together the 100 boxes I’d ordered from Operation Christmas Child.

Maggie helped too.

By the time we went to bed that night, we were ready for a fun OCC party in the morning.

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day 4 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

 

It’s Sunday. Sunday means serving at church. Every Sunday. For the past twelve years.

See, it even says so on my name tag. “Serving since 2000.”

That seems crazy to me. Has it really been twelve years since I started serving in the preschool area at my church? I guess so. There has been SO MUCH CHANGE since I started. The preschool wing has more than doubled in size. I’ve been there longer than most of the staff. I’ve watched countless kids that I’ve held and loved move on up to the elementary and even high school program. I’ve served with hundreds of volunteers—some there for a year, some there for as long as me.

But, there is one thing that has never changed. There are always a little faces looking up at me that need to know God made them. God loves them. And, Jesus wants to be their friend forever. They need to know that I care. They need to know the love of Jesus, and I show them.

That love looks different for each child. Some need a hug. Some need a lap to sit on. Some need an extra scoop of Goldfish. Some need an adult to listen to their story.

All need to know their Heavenly Father.

That’s why I wear my name tag with pride. That’s why I serve every Sunday.

Do you serve somewhere on a regular basis?

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge : Superstorm Sandy

We’ve all seen the footage on the television and Internet. I’ll admit it. It’s so upsetting, I can’t really even watch anymore. All of those people affected by such a crazy, freakish storm. So many without electricity. So many without water. So many without so much.

The question that comes is of course, “What can I do?” I know there are people heading up north from Atlanta to physically lend a hand. I TOTALLY admire them. However, I don’t feel called to leave my family. And, let’s be real…40 year old short lady with bad knees would not be much help.

Fortunately, I can donate money from our “give fund,” and we plan to do that.

In addition, I plan to collect items at my Operation Christmas Child party on Tuesday that can be sent up to those in need. If you are coming to the party and want to help, please bring:

  • Feminine products
  • Bottles
  • First Aid Kits
  • Cough Drops
  • Cough Medicine

I will box up everything contributed and pay for the shipping to get it to those who need it. I’m getting an address from this blogger who is in the thick of it.

Are you looking for a way to give? Check out some of these possibilities.

I know there are MANY other organizations out there helping out. If you have one you want to share, please leave a link in the comments.

My heart hurts for the people in the Northeast. I’m praying for them each and every day. But, I feel I’ve got to DO something. So I am!

Have you ever felt that way?

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

30 Day Giving Challenge Day 3 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Day 3 brought yet another opportunity to share some yummies with those we love.

Don’t those look good? I will admit I ate a couple. I love me some chocolate chip cookies. Before you ask for the recipe, please know that I use the recipe on the back of the Nestle bag of chocolate chips. Always have. The only modification I make is that I use butter-flavor Crisco in place of actual butter. And, I might add a little bit more vanilla. I don’t really measure things like vanilla.

Where were these delightful cookies going? To retreat with my drama girl, Mags.

She and her troupe (aren’t they the cutest group of kids) headed up to the mountains for some bonding time. They are all going to sleep together in one room. Well, let’s admit it. They’re not going to get much sleep.

Doesn’t that look like fun? Craziness I say. Mags did get there early enough go grab a bunk. She was pretty excited about that.

One of the coolest things they do at retreat is pick their buddy for the year. This year, they’re calling them “Bubble Buddies.”

That’s my girl with her Bubble Buddy. I’m not sure what they’re doing. But, it sure looks like they’re having fun!!

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the drama mamas (and dads) that help organize this weekend every year. It is an AMAZING experience for all the kids. I mean seriously, I wish I could share every picture that has been uploaded to Shutterfly already, and they’re not even home yet. The moms in charge are AWESOME!

I sent cookies. It was the least I could do.

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day Two 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Day two’s give was once again a cooking one. Do you see a theme here? I truly do LOVE to cook and bake for others. I really enjoy baking, and I’m trying not to eat what I bake, so I just give it away. Win, win for everyone I say!

Our customer service folks were heading out on a retreat today, so I did a little baking to send along with them. All calories consumed on vacation/retreat are null and void, so I thought I’d send two yummies.

I made Scotcheroos, which are a personal favorite of mine, and my homemade brownies. (The recipe is coming soon. I promise! I took pictures while baking this batch.)

Don’t those look delightful!

I know my co-workers will enjoy them.

What’s your favorite thing to bake for others?

 

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

30 Day Giving Challenge Day One 2012

The House of Hills is once again participating in the

30 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE!

Our goal is to give something EVERY day of the month. Big or small, every give is a gift to someone! Join the giving with us. We’d love to hear what you’re doing.

Day one was an easy one for us. I already had a writers’ meeting scheduled for November 1st, and I always make lunch for my writing team.

About a year ago, we realized we we were outgrowing my office space for our monthly meeting so we moved it to my house. Now, my writing team arrives to a warm breakfast casserole made by the queen of breakfast casseroles, Deb, and I usually have something going in the slow cooker for lunch. The house smells of whatever dessert I just pulled from the oven, and it makes for an awesome meeting environment.

Because of the cold snap that accompanied Superstorm Sandy, I decided to make chili for the ladies. I made taco soup last month and didn’t want to repeat myself. I felt chili was far enough away but still easy to get started that morning.

I searched my Main Dishes Pinterest Board and found this chili recipe from my friend Mary. She claimed it was awesome.

My team would agree with her. It was was SO YUMMY… just the right balance of spicy and hearty. I highly recommend the recipe.

I also threw a quick batch of brownies (from a box – ack!) in the oven that morning. They didn’t seem to mind that they weren’t my usual homemade ones.

The team LOVES that Deb and I cook for them each month. And, we LOVE to do it for them. Nothing says I love and appreciate you more than a nice, home-cooked meal (in my humble opinion).

What are your favorite recipes to give?

Follow the 30 Day Giving Challenge on Twitter and Facebook.