New posts from my girls~

From Jen D'Surney--aka Jen Emory:

"Cece actually did the good deed - I was just the chauffer. She came to me the other day and out of the blue said that she wanted to make cards for the sick kids in hospitals. Just when I think she is an absolute terror she goes and pulls something like this. So we all sat at the kitchen table and made cards for kids in Children's and delivered them. In honor of Theo.

Hugs and kisses and a very Merry Christmas to your family!"
And from Angela Noel Brittingham:
"Merry Christmas! I am so excited that I actually got to see your family in person the other day!! You all look great, and it warmed my heart! 

For Theo this year, I have decided to sign on as a reader with my church and their Spanish community help program. We have a program that helps a mostly Spanish speaking community by providing them with church services, clothes, food, and ESL support. They started a project called Booknet where people volunteer to read to the kids. It had been on my heart to help out with this, but I kept wondering about the time, and how I would be able to do it. When I got your email, I decided to move forward and do it!! 

I will be making calls and setting things up soon. I will be thinking of Theo every time I visit and do my best to help the kids read!

I am always amazed how opportunities to give present themselves around the time of your email. What a wonderful way to represent Theo and share some love. I truly look forward to this every year."

I cannot say how much I love you both Angela and D'Surney. And the best part is that I know that I don't have to say how much I love you for you both to know. 3 snaps and big 'ol Pi Delt triangle.

XOXOX to you and yours.

Caritas Dinner ~

Last Wednesday, our family volunteered with other families who attend Lula's pre-school, St. Thomas Day School, to prepare, serve and share in a meal with local Richmond families who are currently homeless.  St.Thomas Episcopal Church hosts a temporary shelter each year at this time for Caritas, Richmond's largest and most inclusive shelter.  Caritas offers help to many members of the population who are ineligible for services at many other shelters, including adults facing addiction, large families, families with fathers, families with adolescent sons.

Day School families provided breads, salads, lasagnes, fruits, desserts and drinks.  A few of Jamie's students---Elisa, Pooja, and Melissa, as well as Elisa's friend---volunteered to help as well.  Lula had a great time having dinner with some of her friends from school, and meeting some new kids as well. All of us spent time with members of the families recieving help from the emergency shelter.  Lula kept saying, "We're having dinner with the families!"

It is so important to teach our children the importance of giving and sharing with others who need our help,this time of year especially, but all year round. We are very grateful to Caritas and to St. Thomas for giving us this opportunity to give and perform service and kindness in Theo's honor.