Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Hopefully the Gift of Giving is Still Around

Marcus doesn't ask a lot from me, so when he does ask me to do something, I am eager to help. He sent out this email to many family and friends during the holidays. He also asked if I would post it to get the word out. Any help is better then nothing. This is very near and dear to Marcus.

As I am sure many of you know, in 2001 I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Romania and work with a charity helping homeless children in Bucharest. The charity is dedicated to helping find homes for the estimated 20,000 homeless children, many of whom currently live in the sewers in and around Bucharest. Because they are not able to house all of the children they opened the Hope Rescue Center. They bring children into this center for an hour a day. Here they are given basic first aid, food and clothing. They are also allowed to color and play. For these children this is their only break from begging in the freezing cold. It is the only chance they get each day to just be a kid. I have spent time in this center and with these beautiful children and I know how wonderful the work they do is.

The Romanian government has decided to demolish the Hope Rescue Center to build an overpass. You can read about this in their latest newsletter. The charity is in desperate need of $275,000 to purchase a building so they can relocate the Rescue Center and continue to be a small glimmer of light in these children’s life each day. I urge you to consider a small donation to this wonderful cause this Christmas season. I have donated a lot of my own time and money into this charity and have spent time in the rescue center with these children, some as young as 18 months old. I can assure you that your money is going to a wonderful cause. Please take a few minutes and read about the charity or watch this video and then consider a small donation to help.

Thank you for your consideration.

Marcus

Marcus Did Well

Marcus called me last week and said that he bought Christian a suit. I have to admit, I was a little afraid. I pictured a blue plaid thing or something. But Marcus did a very good job picking out Christian's new suit. He wore it to church on Christmas Eve.

Is It Over Yet?!

I am so ready for the holiday season to be over. Don't get me wrong, I get the whole "remember the season" and the "true meaning of Christmas". But, unfortunately, all the "other stuff" seems to be over-shadowing everything else.

This last week and a half has been INSANE. Jessi had her birthday party on Friday/Saturday. Friday she had a sleep-over with four other obnoxious nine/ten year olds. Christian decided to get sick that night--without clearing it with my schedule. Then on Saturday we had a party at the swimming pool in Layton for the other half of her party. Drama! Drama! Saturday was also Marcus' birthday so we had to do the whole birthday celebration with him as well.

On Sunday, the whole family had to talk in Sacrament. I have never had to talk in Sacrament before, so it was an experience. It went well, considering I didn't start planning my talk until 11:00 Saturday night with a sick baby. So the four of us went to church and the sick little one stayed home with Grandma. Then after church, we had Marcus' family party at our house. Everyone came over and had dinner and opened presents. Everyone had a really nice time; there were just so many people in the house at one time.

Monday, my sister, brother-in-law, and their baby flew in from Virginia. Whenever my sister and I get together we have to go shopping, we did a lot of that during the week. Don't forget, Christian is still sick during all this time. I had to do holiday baking, finish all my shopping, run a restaurant in a mall during this time of year, deliver all the holiday goodies to neighbors and friends, take care of a sick baby, and I am still sick most everyday from being pregnant. On Wednesday, I ended up taking Christian to the doctor. He just wasn't getting any better. I figured the Dr. would just tell me it was the flu and there was nothing they could do about it. I was wrong. I felt so bad for not taking Christian in sooner. Turns out he had two ear infections and possible pneumonia. Poor Kid. Then on Thursday, Kim, Dan, Madeleine, Christian, and I went to Vernal. Christian and I stayed until Saturday. Saturday, Marcus and I had to finish our last minute Christmas stuff and wrapping. We stayed up too late watching a very stupid movie, but did finish everything we needed to.

Sunday morning we had to take Marcus' mom her Christmas present and visit with her for a bit. Then we had church and another miniature Christmas party with Marcus' brother-in-law and nephew. Everyone has gone to look at Christmas lights, but I opted out. I needed ten minutes of "me time" and peace and quiet. In a little bit, the Christmas Eve rituals will all start and then the craziness begins again. I am so exhausted and I just need a couple hours to collect myself and get myself back together. But I don't get a couple of hours for who knows how long. I am looking so forward to New Year's to be here and gone and then life can slowly start to get back to being almost normal. Right?!

I Learned a Very Valuable Lesson Today...

I learned that sometimes it is better to walk away from a situation instead of saying something you may regret later on....

Finally!!

After a month of trying, I finally have my house to "Monica Standards". Most people wouldn't appreciate how important that fact is to me...but there are a few who know just how important that is. Everything is clean, laundry is going, and all Christmas decorations are put up. I do however, still have that annoying sock basket I promised I would never have in my house. All growing up when my mom would do laundry, she would throw all the socks into one basket and we had to find our own matches. Try doing this when you are in a huge hurry...there were seven of us in the house; it was never a quick process. I promised myself I would never have such a thing. (No offense Mom) With as sick and miserable as I have been, I started a sock basket. It is a cute wicker type basket, but that doesn't make it any better. I am deteremind to sort ALL socks and put away in the next day or two....It is my goal.

On a better note, today was the first day in over 2 and 1/2 months that I have not thrown up, gagged, or wanted to throw up all day. It was so nice to almost feel like myself again. I am freaking exhausted and ornery as all heck, but for now, oh well. Deal with it people; it's not getting any better. I bought my first maternity outfit today. I don't need it quite yet, but it was so cute and I know when I finally do need it, it wouldn't be there anymore. I am feeling thick-wasted and nasty. I have finally gained two pounds! I do have a little bit of a belly, but it's at the stage where people can't tell if I am pregnant or just putting on weight. Unlike most pregnant women, I am so excited to be getting a belly. I can't wait for my belly to catch up to certain other parts of my body. that have grown A LOT! Let's just say even my mother mentioned that I have grown "up top." Thanks for noticing Mom. So I am hoping that the way I felt today will be a continuous thing and I can enjoy the rest of my pregnancy....I guess we will wait and see.