cuddling with Mama

Amos is officially off work until 2008 and we're doing some relaxing today!

#7 -- Junky Car Club Calendar

...in the "Top Ten Gifts That Give"

What?

This 2008 calendar features beautiful shots of Junky Car Club members and their vehicles. The Junky Car Club is a group of members who are learning to live with less so they can give more.

"We're a bunch of happy drivers who are politely rebelling against consumerism by driving junky cars. We encourage our members to use their dough to support social justice causes instead of making fat car payments. We believe in environmental stewardship and hanging onto things a little longer. Junky Car Club members sponsor kids living in poverty through Compassion International."

Check out this sweet ride from their gallery...


Why?
Because not only is the Junky Car Club itself a great cause and message in a world of bigger, better, faster, more...but 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar will benefit the Corps of Compassion in Las Vegas. The Corps of Compassion currently delivers food to over 700 homeless and at risk children in 14 schools every weekend through their backpack program. Currently, there are over 4,000 homeless and at risk children living in the city.

Cost?
$12. Or, pick up a bundle for $40 and divy them up to even more friends this Christmas season.

#8 -- Blood:Water Mission T...in the "Top Ten Gifts That Give"

What?
Doesn't every warm-blooded American love a quality t-shirt? Why not gift one that gives to a life-saving relationship-building cause?

Why?

One out of every five people in the world don't have access to clean drinking water. According to UNICEF, 80% of sickness and death among children is caused by water-related diseases That's almost four million deaths every year!

Blood:Water Mission was inspired by a few actively broken hearts when the guys from Jars of Clay visited Africa in 2002 and learned of the dyer (all too literal a term in this case) need for clean water amongst the majority of the population. Dehydration isn't the only issue. Unclean water is a primary cause of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. And, why? It's just clean water for Goodness sake! Just drill some more holes! That's precisely what the 1000 Wells project is set out to do. To drill 1000 Wells into African communities through communal involvement, fiscal support and awareness.

BW:M is committed to clean blood and clean water to fight HIV/AIDS, to build clean wells in Africa, to support medical facilities caring for the sick, to make a lasting impact in the fight against poverty, injustice and oppression in Africa through the linking of needs, talents and continents, of people and resources.

Cost?
Twenty bones is all. That's about a cup of coffee a head-sized burrio and a couple energy drinks. Who needs all that faux energy when you could pick up a B:WM shirt for someone? Rest assured that over 80% of the profits BW:M makes from all purchases go directly to the cause...not salaries..not admin fees...straight to the cause.

Christmas in Chicago!

We went into the city last weekend while visiting Uncle Eric and Aunt Debbie. We had such a great time. Above is a very cool train in the Hancock building. Landon was entertained for...oh about 3 minutes and then wanted to run around.


A family photo...Crystal was freezing!


A great "Amos" shot of Landon opening gifts at Uncle Eric and Aunt Debbie's house.


Very funny! Aunt Debbie is opening a "Landon" calander that we made for her and Eric.


Landon is more entertained with ribbons, boxes and paper this year. He loves to get in the boxes!


Papa and Uncle Eric being boys, playing with fire. It is about 15 degrees and they could care less.

Landon and Nana enjoying the Christmas tree. Landon loves balls, so he was very excited to show us every ball on the tree.


An early morning picture with our snuggly son. He is such a cuddler!! I hope he stays like this for a long, long time!!!!