Top Gifts this Year

So it's Black Friday and I'm trying NOT to buy anything right now. Because it's true, it's not about stuff. It's about togetherness. It's not about debt, it's about sharing what we HAVE. So today I did spend money, but it was on haircuts for the whole family. And it was together time -- all four of us together with nice, pretty (handsome for Bill) haircuts. I am, however, browsing online. And we've made some lists about "stuff" that we want. Ultimately, I think I'd like a retreat center, already laid out and ready to go -- horses grazing, chickens laying eggs, and nice, quiet and reflective cabins under God's beautiful trees. Hey, if we're dreaming about "stuff" we might as well dream big, right? I'd like to help people simplify their lives and I'd like to simplify mine. I'd like to prepare meals from scratch and sew my family's clothes. I'd like for all of my "stuff" to be something I've created with these hands God has given to me. But in the meantime, I'm going to show you what my family wants. And if you, by chance, have any of this just laying around, I'm happy to purchase hand-me-downs. ;o)

For my dear husband:


For my oldest: the trilogy beginning with She's already read all of them -- but she wants the first and last one that we've had to get from the library. She also wants anything horsey and I'm browsing the internet for horsey things that won't clutter our home.

For my youngest:
Although she hasn't asked for this (American Girl is top of her list), she would enjoy this "game". She's a HUGE dolphin fan.

I hope you've had a wonderful Black Friday and that you are still in the black by the end of the day. I hope you've enjoyed your family and/or friends. And I hope you'll take the time to post a response to my blog here and there. Happy Day.