The first part of November brought us our nephew Austin's wedding to his lovely bride Tori. I just couldn't believe that the little guy who wasn't even a year old, when Dustin and I started dating, was now getting married! My brother-in-law and sister-on-law, Clint and Cheri, who live in Texas flew in for the wedding. Austin and Tori were not going to have a rehearsal dinner so we offered to host a family dinner, at our house, the night before their wedding. It had been a long time since all of us were together so it was fun to catch up. Clint and Cheri left their three boys home, with her family, so we missed them but still had a good time.
The kids started basketball season and we had to start our Christmas shopping!! We ended the month celebrating a lot of family birthdays and having Thanksgiving at Dustin's parents house.
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| What I am thankful for! |
December was SUPER busy!! With both kids playing basketball, school, work, and Xmas shopping the month flew by! We didn't even get to do any fun holiday stuff. :(
We did do our annual charity giving through my work. This year my office decided to give to Volunteers of America - Homeless Youth Resource Center. I was on my work committee and we went to visit the center to see what it was about and what items were most needed. I was truly speechless and in tears. This is a center for the homeless youth of Utah that primarily helps kids from the ages of 13 - 21 that have been kicked out of their homes due to them being on drugs, getting into trouble, the parents can't afford to take care of them and some because they were gay. Homeless youth can go there to get free meals, clothing, take a shower or just hang out. However, this facility is only open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday - Friday. They do not have the means or the ability to house the youth overnight and on weekends. These kids have to fend for themselves by sometimes staying with friends but mostly they all sleep near Downtown Salt Lake City in parks, tunnels, abandoned buildings, tents and sleeping bags, etc. The center likes to give out backpacks to the youth. This way they have something to carry their belongings in. And by belongings, I mean clothing, toiletries, and food. They ask for donations of backpacks, toiletries, Smith's gift cards or gift cards to fast food places and movie theaters, etc. Movie theaters you may wonder? To help get them out of the cold and to also keep their minds off of their troubles. They also take gently used clothing, sleeping bags, tarps and tents. It broke my heart to see kids walking around, all close to my children's age, that didn't have anywhere to go. I watched a young girl walk through the front door who was pregnant. It was cold that day and all she was wearing were leggings, a t-shirt with a zip up hoodie over it and flip flops. Flip-flops in December!! I went home grateful for everything I have and had a heart felt discussion with my family hoping that my kids would realize how fortunate they are. Everyone was on board to help. Again, Caden and Carlin took their charity money they had saved and bought items needed for the center. Dustin and I always buy whatever we can to help too. I wish we could give throughout the whole year but I am grateful that we can always help in some capacity.
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| An example of some of the items that we bought. |
Christmas was fun - we had our Freeze/Dawson family Christmas party complete with Santa . . .
Our Hardcastle family party with the "ticket" game and funny prizes . . .
And since Dustin had to work Christmas we opened presents on Christma Eve and the kids and I went to our annual breakfast at my parents house. I was happy to see my grandparents who haven't been in the best of health. I love my family and I am so grateful for everyone.
The kids were spoiled as usual and they loved the blankets I made for them. :) Dustin bought me a Nook tablet which I really like! I just need to find the time to read more.
