Operation Christmas Card...still going strong

I must tell my followers, that participating in Operation Christmas card has been incredible rewarding--much more than I ever thought possible.  For me, it started out as a project at Michael's that the paper ed instructors were to organize and participate in.  I remember thinking this is such a cool idea...so I decided to challenge myself to make and collect them as well. My original goal was 500 cards, and at this point, I have tripled that number! I have made cards until my fingers were inky and numb. And I have been truly honored by the support that I have received from my scrapbookers!  My non-card makers ("I will never make a card....") and card makers a like.  Several of my CTMH customers have religiously cropped and made or signed cards with me both at Michaels and at my own events and I am so appreciative. 

Even more than that, I have seen this project put sparkles in my children's eyes!  As many of you know, Nicholas and I have made cards for Send Love Today for several years and I have witnessed this project help him grow in his writing and his literacy skills.  But this project has been different.  All three of my kids have been Gun-ho on making cards.  As Nicholas told my mom tonight, "we have a lot, I mean a really lot of cards to make...because there are a lot of soliders!"  Their hearts are so completely into this cause that it truly warms my heart.  They are helping others, and learning while they are doing it.  Abigail is learning to write her whole name instead of just Abby, and is FINALLY learning to enjoy coloring; and Gabriel has amazed me with his developing writing skills...he has learned to write his last name because of this project. Nicholas learned to spell the word "Christmas" tonight which I think is pretty great for a first grader.  This commitment, and cause, has truly put the meaning of Christmas back into Christmas for me! 

To our many servicemen, and women, that might be reading this...our family thanks each of you for your sacrifices that you have made for us, and we honor and pray for you each night.  And in Abby's words, "I love you Mr. Soliders.  Merry Christmas."