Excited doesn't even begin cover it!

I'm so ecstatic about this! I'd recently wrote that I wanted to do a secret Santa. I'd been kinda bummed because I hadn't gotten wind of anyone in my ward that would really truly benefit or anything like that christmas I had.

And then, last night...I got an e-mail from my cousin Courtney in Arizona. (Dad's side) and she said her sister-in-law had told her of a family that is incredibly poor. The children sleep on the floor, there is no furniture, and they hardly any clothes for their kids. Just the whole story is heart breaking. I almost cried when I read it, honestly. It's just horribly sad. Anyway, my cousin has 3 little kids, and so she is donating alot of her son's clothes to the family. I wrote her back promptly and said YES! Count me in! Leena has tons of clothes she doesn't wear, or that she is growing out of constantly. I told her to call and find out what toys and treats the kids like. I'm going to maybe even hit up Value Village and see if I can score some things there for their kids. (I don't think I've set foot in them because I was really against anything ever 2nd hand, but I guess I'm softening up to the idea of it. I really need to stop some of my snooty traits such as that) I'm elated, full of joy, and counting my blessings all in one.

THIS is why I love Christmas. It gives us a chance to help those who genuinely need it. Take the time out not to be greedy, selfish and arrogant. I can't wait to find out all the small details and get going and ship off a box as fast as I can! Gosh, it feels amazing to really help someone in need!

Officers Down

A little over a week ago, 4 Lakewood Police Officers were gunned down in Lakewood, in a cofffe shop. They were just about to start their shift. Lakewood is not far from my home. Jeff told me about the news. Which make me infuriated that someone could be so cold, cruel, and heartless. Not to mention, evil. The shooter was on the loose. He was found 3 days later, and died from gunshot wounds. He was a convicted felon and had been paroled out of prison. Long story short. These poor families are in the bigest state of mourning, and my hearts go out to them, deeply.

As I sat and watched the memorial today, I felt sad. And as the long memorial continued, sotries were told about each one of them. It was interesting. Prayers were offered, scriptures read. It made a difference to see people relying on faih, instead of locking themselves in a room, and crying every day.


Anyway, If you buy Pizza from Papa Johns tonight and tomorrow, ALL proceeds to go the families. Thanks to all the law enforcements out there, you are the ones running in, when the rest of us, are running out.