Snowman: Unassembled

Snowmen fall from heaven unassembled.

One of my favorite things to do while shopping is wander around the Dollar Spot at Target looking for treasures I can use for gifties.  Gifties are small packages to let my friends know I'm-thinking-of-you, I'm-sorry-your-heart-hurts, or You're-special-to-me. 

Oh, how delighted I can get over these tiny finds.  Along with the gifties, I can get just as excited over packaging for my gifts.  Whether something to tie onto my gift, present my gift in, or give me a new idea, I get so much joy over these dollar ideas.

One day last month I came across a tiny tin pail.  Actually it was among the new Christmas offerings and it was Callling. My. Name.  I only bought one.  What could I have been thinking?  I went back for more, but they were GONE!  That's the problem with the Dollar Spot.  It's a get-it-now-or-be-sorry kind of place.

Well, you have to remember, it was November and the beautiful leaves were covering the ground so I knew I needed to wait for snow. I didn't, however, need snow to ponder on the purpose of my little tin.  And then it came to me.  A Snowman Kit!

I waited for the white stuff to cover the ground.  Today it snowed lazy flakes and I knew it was THE DAY.  I texted Emily, "Please stop at the store and get carrots.  Not the baby ones we like to eat--get snowman carrots." 

For 51 cents I bought fleece (1/8 yd) and fringed the ends.  I used unbreakable blue tree balls for the eyes, tinsel for the smile and buttons for the, well, buttons.  I'll add a tag and some ribbons, and viola--Build a Snowman is done!

So, price breakdown is:

$1.00 for the pail

51 cents for the scarf

This past weekend we were in a bookstore in Gatlinburg and I found Alice Schertle's "All You Need for a Snowman."  It was 3.99 and it needed a home.  After all, every giftie sparkles with a book.  Buying a book sometimes tips the scales in the allotted $$ department and really, the gift is enough.  But I just have this book gene in me that can't pass them up.  So don't feel like you have to add the suggested book.  It truly is the thought that counts.   And this is a $1.51 + carrot thought.

Never think sheltering children isn't as important as adults.  Jesus loved children, used children for illustrations, and reminded us in Deuteronomy 7 the importance of teaching our children about God.

And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children.

Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.

Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead.

Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

That's why I'll be tucking a Scripture verse into my tin:  Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow  (Psalm 51:7).

In Bedford, where Melanie and Emily were born, we were blessed to be with people who took time to shelter our "little" girls.  Their love helped mold them into who they are today.  So think of it...who can you shelter with A Snowman Kit?  I already have a sweet little girl in mind for mine.