How to help

Earlier today I wrote about my sister Kristin and how her U-Haul trailer with all of their possessions was stolen on their way to California. Our friend Michelle set up a website where you can donate money if you would like to help out. Here is the link: http://pledgie.com/campaigns/14298

Thank you everyone for your kindness and generosity! It is greatly appreciated!

Tragedy for the Hawkins family

As I mentioned in my previous post, my sister Kristin and her family left for California this past Tuesday. Tragedy struck on Tuesday night around midnight when someone stole the trailer that they were using to transport their possessions. They lost everything! They had everything that meant most to them packed in that trailer. It makes me so sad for Kristin's kids because they not only lost most of their toys, but they also lost their new Christmas presents. I can't imagine what a devastating blow that must be to a child!

Kristin and her family also lost just about all of their clothing. Scott is supposed to be starting his new job on January 10, but he only has a few pairs of old jeans and some old shirts to wear to work. Kristin loves cooking and all of her specialized equipment that she uses to bake and cook is gone, too.

Most of their possessions can be replaced, but it's going to be such a financial hardship on them. There were several priceless and irreplaceable things that they lost as well. The saddest thing that they lost was the piano that my dad bought for my mom 30 years ago. Kristin loves playing the piano, so my mom decided to give it to Kristin since she enjoys playing the piano so much. It makes me sick to think about all of the things that my sister's family lost! This couldn't have happened to better people.

I'm wondering if anyone would be kind enough to help me replace some of her family's belongings, especially things for her kids since they lost all of their clothes, toys and Christmas presents. It would be great if people could find it in their hearts to spread some belated Christmas cheer to Kristin's family. Let me know if you're interested in donating some money or things to the cause!

(Of course I see the silver lining that everyone is safe, that their van is okay, etc., but they need prayers and help at this time. Thanks!)

Parting is such sorrow

I've recently lost several people who are very important to me. I'm not sure what the expression "parting is such sweet sorrow" is supposed to mean because there hasn't been anything sweet about parting with people that I love and adore.

My sister Kristin and her family left on Tuesday for Ridgecrest, California, where Kristin's husband Scott found a job that he's very excited about. When Kristin moved here this past summer I was sure that Scott would find a job in St. Louis, or at the very least somewhere in the Midwest so that we could be relatively close to each other. This isn't how things have turned out at all! On one hand I'm so excited that Scott has found a job since he's been looking for over a year, however, on the other hand I'm so sad for myself because I'll have to say goodbye to Kristin and her family. Kristin is one of the best people I know! It She's kind and thoughtful, talented in so many ways and just plain wonderful all around. I'm also going to miss her kids. She has four boys ages six and under and they are so much fun. I've loved getting to know them better. They crack me up and I love seeing their creativity. They've taught us all things about super heroes, video games, Star Wars, playing the Wii, etc.

I also had to say goodbye to my dear friend Nathan earlier this month. I met Nate 2 1/2 years ago when he moved to St. Louis to go to orthodontic school at St. Louis University. We've been friends from the start and have shared so many fun times with each other. I don't know if/when I'll be able to see him again since he's taken a job in Tucson, Arizona. I wish all of the best for him and his new life in Tucson!

I'm thankful that the Lord sees fit to bless us all with wonderful friends and family members that enrich us and fill our lives with joy!

Movie #25

I saw my 25th movie of the year this past Tuesday. My sisters Sharon, Chandra and I decided to see Gulliver's Travels. This movie was so silly and funny and it gave us all a good laugh. Jack Black was his typical funny and crazy self, and he reminded me of the character that he played in School of Rock (one of my favorite movies).

I made my goal of seeing 25 movies in 2010 and I will be making a blog post soon about going to the movies and reaching my goal. Hooray for movies!

Elizabeth's 10th birthday

My niece turned 10 on December 27, and since she was visiting for Christmas I got to help her celebrate. It's hard to believe Elizabeth is 10 years old already; she's definitely turning into a young lady!

Here are a few pictures of Elizabeth with her cake. It was a four layer cake with two white layers and two chocolate layers. My sister Kristin really went to town decorating it to make it fancy and fun.

Here are a few pictures of Elizabeth opening her presents. It was great to have so many of her cousins to celebrate with: