Hello friends! I have been in frantic (cyber) window shopping mode all week, trying to get the best possible deals for my Christmas shopping money. I will be so glad when I can finally say my shopping is finished. However, if things go as they typically do, I will be finishing up the day before Christmas! I hope all your Christmas preparations are going well and you are enjoying the season. If your shopping is already finished, then you may enjoy perusing these links, If not, then you will probably still enjoy them!

• Speaking of gifts, I have another great link for you! Check out The Crafty Crow for some great ideas for gifts kids can make.

• Nothing says Christmas like a nice, soft gingerbread cookie! Check out this Ginger Cookie Recipe to make some for your family.

• While you’re perusing cookie ingredients, don’t miss this great post about the most important ingredients in mothering.

• Robin at Heart of Wisdom has done it again! This time she is sharing these great 15 minute clean-up checklists.

• And finally, don’t miss this helpful article about toddler self entertainment.

Next time we get together to share links, it will nearly be Christmas! Until then, have a blessed week!

Cassandra Simpson is a homeschooling wife and mother of four children, ages 1, 8, 9, and 12. She is starting her 6th year of home educating in Indiana and uses a “Classically Eclectic” teaching approach. Cassandra is the Assistant Lead Moderator for HOTM’s forum and loves talking homeschool with anyone who will listen! Her hobbies are reading, blogging, sewing, and cooking. You can check out her family’s blog at In His Image.