I still don’t know where to give them. I know there is a homeless shelter that the local radio does a lot with. I may start there, since it is still winter and we are expecting more icy cold weather soon. Will you be in prayer for me that I will find the right people to give these blankets to? My heart is still with foster kids, but homeless kids have just as much need for warmth and security.

I’m thrilled that I’m seeing my dream start to come true. I can only pray that I can see God’s direction in this project, and that children can come to know His everlasting love from it.

That said, I think this Christmas was the best I’ve ever had. I had my whole family here – mom, brother & his wife, older sister & her hubby and three daughters, and my younger sister. My aunt also stopped by a few days. It was a wonderful time of family fun. We didn’t do much. Well, there was a lot of cribbage, rummy, wii, monopoly, war, puzzles, books. There was shopping and juggling of who would watch which kids so x person could go out. There was a lot of talking about a lot of different subjects. There was a fantastic time on Christmas Eve when we discussed the birth of Jesus and what it means for us. “For unto us a Savior is given…”

I think the best part for me was the joy in the children’s eyes. The anticipation of Christmas morning, the excitement of seeing what was given to them. That’s what Christmas is – the anticipation of the birth of Jesus and the overflowing joy stemming from that special, special day. I experienced that joy. I saw it in my children’s eyes. I saw it in my nieces’ eyes. I felt the comfort of family, and the comfort in knowing that I have an abundant life because of the birth of one baby over 2,000 years ago.

I was given a gift Christmas morning. A gift of peace, of hope, of joy.

That is what made this past Christmas the best ever.

How will I be remembered?

I hope to be known as the blanket lady. It’s been a long time coming, but I honestly believe that this year is the year. My first attempt at making blankets was for a blanket drive at my church. The blankets were being sent to a sister church in Mexico. They were asking for bed-sized blankets, but my first thought was the babies. Babies in Mexico need blankets, too! I made five blankets, but only two were good enough to send on. I since perfected my design and like to make blankets for friends that have had babies.

I have had a heart for displaced children for a long time. The newspaper runs a feature in which they highlight children that need adoptive fmailies. I’ve always wanted to take those kiddos in my arms and make their hurt go away. I’ve never been in a position to do so, but I’ve wanted to.

In addition, one of my good friends is a foster parent, two others are adoptive parents, one of which also works with CPS (Child Protective Services). My foster parent friend got a 2 week old baby. When children are taken from their homes, they sometimes have a chance to grab a change of clothes and a toothbrush. Not always. So I made a baby blanket. My friend was almost in tears over the fact that I would do that for her. Now, she is not the type to cry at the drop of a hat. The only time I’ve ever seen her tear up was when I gave her the blanket. I knew then that I wanted to continue doing this for others.

I haven’t been able to do much since then, mainly due to lack of resources (as in, buying fabric), my husband’s job change and a move, health issues, and the day-to-day of taking care of three kids.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve seen that I’m being led to create a ministry of some sort. I’m not sure where it all is leading, but I’m listening, praying, and following God’s lead.

All I know is that now is the time and 2010 is the year.