Well we're up to $250 in donations, a HUGE thank you to everyone that is going to make this family have an awesome holiday. I have exciting news of another donation that is 'in process' it has not hit yet, but once it does, it's going to be a big deal. If you have a spare $5 or $10 please scroll down to the next post and click the donate button. Thanks.

I’m a huge fan of small software programs, that just work, are simple, and make doing something that is normally a total pain, easy.

Enter Microsoft Shared View, a small, free program that allows you to collaborate with up to 15 people. How many times have you been on the phone with a remote co-worker, or friend, or heck even trying to explain something to your parents. Both people download shared view, use your windows passport, and you’re off and running.

What can I say, it just works. Even if Microsoft still can’t figure out how to transfer files in a chat session, shared view is seamless. There are several very useful features that make it worth using:

• You can share single applications, or the entire desktop.
• When I’m sharing with someone, I can see a transparent version of their mouse (with their name above it) so they can point something out to me, but their mouse won’t control anything on my PC
• I can give the remote user control if I choose, they have to request it.
• The remote user(s) can send me handouts (transfer documents)
• I can send the remote user(s) handouts (transfer documents)
• You can swap sessions, so I can share my screen for a while, and then the user(s) I’m connected to can choose to share their screens, all without disconnecting and reconfiguring.

Scott and I used this for about 2 hours last night, he was showing me some WPF  goodness. Very cool stuff. And although I feel like I’m back at square one in n00b land, it was fun.

I think this shared view application is a must for anyone with remote co-workers, or parents who need computer assistance.

Update: I've had requests for people that would prefer to mail a check, if that's the case for you, and you don't have our address, email me, and I'll send you our address!

We received the wish list from our family on Friday. It’s the kind of thing, that when you see it, again makes you feel how fortunate you are. We’ve actually already made a huge dent in their needs already. I spoke to both the Mom and Dad of the family, and they sound like great people, they were very appreciative, and gracious when I spoke to them. In the spirit of anonymity, I’ll keep their names out of this and refer to them by age. Items that are crossed off are taken care of for them already! I want to throw a HUGE thanks to my sister, who with her company have donated a TON of great things for them, thanks Anne!

So here’s the lists:

Mom: Slippers & Tennis Shoes 7.5 WM

Dad: Beard Trimmer, Men’s Medium Winter Jacket

Son (17 yrs.): Pants 31/31, Tokio Hotel CDs, Headphones, Skateboard(thanks Anne)

Daughter (14 yrs.): Nail Polish, Hair Straightening Iron, Portable CD Player, Clothes(thanks Anne) 

Son (10 yrs.): 10/12 Boxer shorts, Remote Controlled Car, Skateboard(thanks Anne), Age appropriate toys

I was thinking a new portable ‘boom box’ style of CD player for the girl would be awesome, they’re easy to find at Target for like $50 - $75, and maybe some Target Gift Cards so she could pick out 5-6 CDs.

 

That’s it folks. As you can see some very modest requests. But I want to go above and beyond this, I want them to get more than they’ve asked for, or would expect. Please help our family help this family. We can meet their needs at a small level, but let’s put huge smiles on their faces, let’s give them a Christmas to remember.

 

Donations Update: a HUGE thank you to EVERYONE that has donated so far. We’ve hit about 10% of the goal. Donations stand at $100, again I want to thank EVERYONE that has donated. I’ve gotten donations as far out as Chicago, and as close as next door. Thank you. And if you’re thinking about donating, it takes literally 2 minutes, just click the donate button below! Don’t put it off, just click it, right now!

I really almost didn’t post this. But, I feel like community, unity, and fellowship are all key elements of the holiday season. I’m not making this post to brag, or boast, it’s a call to all friends, colleagues, and others to help people this season.

We’re working through our church to help a family of five that is just now getting housing. They have been homeless for quite a while, and down on their luck. We are going to be helping them to have a Christmas they will remember, to see that even when things seem bleak, that people are there to make a difference, to help one another.

Our family we’re adopting this holiday season consists of a Mom, Dad, and three kids, a boy 9, a boy 13, and a girl 15. We’re going to do everything in our power to make this family feel joy, excitement, and peace.

Your call to action is to help. That’s right. Have something you could donate? Something you don’t use, that someone else would be excited to have? How about a few bucks? Click the link below to donate money that will be used for Christmas presents for the whole family.

By Friday, I’m hoping to have a list of needs/wants, so if you’re uncomfortable donating money, or feel you could help in other ways, I’ll be posting their needs soon.

We’re scaling back what we spend on our friends and even family this year, and instead focusing this on this family in need. We are so excited to help others this year, we realize how blessed and fortunate we are.

I would like to set a goal of $1000, any small amount you choose to donate is GREATLY appreciated. Every single cent of this money will be used to procure gifts and or needs for this family, if there is any leftover, the cash will be gifted to them as well. If you need a receipt, I will write one up for you, just be sure to request one in the message field.

Keep an eye out on this blog, I’ll post updates as to how much people have donated.

Just take a second and think about how blessed and fortunate you are this season. Cherish your friends and family and help others if you’re able to.

Thanks for your time.