a precious book

not sure when or how but i am feeling the christmas shift. sometimes it is hard for me to get into the "christmas spirit" simply because it's december. i do not want to loose sight of what this is all about and everything around us can easily distract us from this advent season and preparing for the birth of Christ.  

but after finally finishing decorating the tree this week (mid-decorating i got really upset and started crying and justin suggested i go into our room and settle down. so i did. 2 weeks later we finished the tree). we hosted a couple little christmas parties with our leaders and my small group and that has helped me feel way more like christmas is coming and i love it. it is also colder and although i do not like the cold per say i do think it encourages staying inside and being together. also got the deal of the year yesterday when my favorite 3 wick candles from bath and body works that are normally $20 where on sale for $8 and then i had $10 off so they were around $5.50 a piece. it is the small things you know...i love how lighting candles can legitimately change the vibe of our home or so it seems.

 this weekend is our last weekend before our little girl arrives where we have no plans. nothing.

today will be spent crocheting scarves, watching movies, and most likely various things with ava: reading, coloring, baking, decorating and re-decorating her tree for the hundredth time.

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before i begin those things i wanted to offer a really precious and sweet giveaway.

i do not know the author, kristan farley personally but i for sure like her based on our email exchanges and the words she wrote in her book "what's true about you."

profound truths that the sweet little children in our life need to hear but also an important reminder for ourselves. i often listen to the lies and loose sight of what is actually true about who i am.

sneak peek...

the best part is that you can have it personalized for whomever you plan to buy this for as well as choosing between a boy version or a girl version...i really love that. i think any personalized touch makes all the difference.

     

kristan is graciously giving a personalized copy away to one of you! yup, another giveaway. 

leave a comment sharing your favorite book and you will entered to win. 

winner will be announced on monday evening.

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if you are interested in placing a scarf order please do so by monday, dec. 17 to guarantee christmas delivery. to place an order email me at libbyryderblog@gmail.com with scarf as the subject line. thank you to all of those who have supported this little endeavor. 

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finally and by far most importantly as i prepared this post my heart aches for the families and friends impacted by the horrific events of yesterday in connecticut. i really have no words but simply that you are not alone and that you feel people around you carrying your grief and pain. although i can not speak to what this must be like for everyone involved i do know what pain and shock feels like and i recall experiencing a real sense of community as people rallied around us and however possible carried a bit of our burdens for us. you are not alone. we are praying.