since I last posted on this blog! We’ve had a lot going on with the new baby. But, there are several new posts at babydixon. com.

We had a great time in Chattanooga for Thanksgiving. It was good to see most of our families and share Will with them. Although I was glad to get home so that I could hold Will again

Yesterday I went Christmas shopping for the first time this season. It only took about 3 hours for Will and I to get up, eat and get ready to go out! I’m sure that we’ll be able to cut this time down as we go out more and more. I was able to get a good start on our gifts and was able to get some great deals as well. I think one more afternoon and our Christmas shopping will be finished.

And thank Jesus for little miracles. Yesterday, Bill found some gift cards in a drawer that still had money on them. And most are for stores that we will be buying gifts from this season! Every little bit helps.

Are you looking for some unique gift giving ideas this year? These are some of my favorite charities that you can give to:

kiva.org – You can give someone a gift certificate that they then “loan” to a small business person in another country. I did this for my Dad last year. His loan went to a man who was starting a car shop. A small loan from many people help these entrepenuers start and continue their businesses and they pay back the loan over time. So, far about 70% of my Dad’s $25.00 loan has been repaid. When the loan is repaid you can either reloan the money or take the money out.

International Justice Mission – The IJM works all over the world to rescue children, women and men from slavery. They have a holiday gift guide that allows you to purchase: investigation, advocacy and aftercare. The lawyers, social workers and other workers investigate slavery, traficking, and oppression undercover carefully documenting what they see. Then, they use the local legal systems to represent victims to gain their freedom and make sure their abusers are held accountable. After the victims are FREE they provide services like counseling, job training, education and other social services.

AAA Women’s Services – They have two locations in Chattanooga and they provide education, ultrasounds, support groups, baby supplies and so much for women who are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Their office is located in the builidng that use to house an abortion clinic. So, when they first opened they were able to help many women who were looking for the abortion clinic. They are an amazing ministry that helps not only the women but also the men, boyfriends, husbands as well.