The True Meaning of Christmas ...

Where to begin? First, I want to wish everyone the very happiest of holidays (whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or just a very lovely time of the year to spend with family and friends). I wanted to make a card today that reflected my true joy for the season and the gratitude I feel for the blessings with which I am so richly bestowed ...

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold
Ink: Gold Encore, Basic Black
Accessories: Top Note Die, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Folder, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Designer Label Punch, Rhinestone Sticker, Pop-Up Glue Dots

I also wanted to share the most wonderful experience I had last weekend with you. My dear friends, Phil and Pam Roundy, started the most amazing organization ten years ago - Spencer's Wishes. Their sweet little boy, Spencer, was diagnosed with cancer at the tender age of 4. After a valiant 6-year battle, he succumbed to the dreaded disease. Shortly after his death, his parents came across a recently-completed school assignment entitled "Christmas Wishes". Spencer had only written down three wishes - and the only thing he wished for himself was that he could have a belly that "wiggled and jiggled like Santa." The other two wishes were (1) that he could help Santa deliver presents to ALL the children, and (2) that he wanted to help Mrs. Claus sew clothing for the elves, Santa and all the children who needed them.

Shortly after that "Spencer's Wishes" was born. Phil and Pam, along with a legion of family and friends who volunteer their time (including the Jazz Bear - the mascot for the Utah Jazz basketball team - who was a close personal friend of Spencer's), talents and love to help raise money so that more children and their families can have a Merry Christmas. After the fundraising has been done and the preparations made, they throw a rip-snortin' all-out party for the kids complete with pizza, a magician, the Jazz Bear, Santa, great music and a 5-bus-long parade through the streets of Price, Utah, led by the Jazz Bear atop a flashing red fire engine. Final destination??? Walmart!! Each child, accompanied by a chaperone volunteer, gets a $100 shopping spree!

Can I just say that this was the most fun I have had for Christmas in a loooonnnggg time?? My new buddy, Jared, was sooo excited!! He brought me to tears a few times with his gratitude and enthusiasm. As we were riding the bus to Walmart he said, "I sure hope this isn't a dream ..." I leaned over, gave him a little pinch on the leg and said, "Did ya feel that? It's real, buddy! You're NOT dreaming!"

The chaperones were challenged to come as close to $100 without going over (a challenge you should NEVER throw at me 'cause I am the QUEEN of Bargain Shoppers!). The winner would receive a little prize. Since we were not taxed, I figured it would be easy-peasy. Once Jared heard about the challenge, he was ALL over it. We were done in less than 10 minutes. He picked out two mega HUGE Lego sets ... one for $40 and one for $60 ... there was NO swaying him once he did the math and realized we were gonna win!! (I honestly tried to encourage him not to worry about the exact price and get what he wanted ... he said he had, he was done, and we WON!) So, there ya have it ... we hit $100 exactly!! I didn't need to employ my shopping skills at ALL!!

Another highlight to the day was the balloon release at the end. One of Spencer's friends, whose favorite color happened to be purple, died a couple of years after they met while they were being treated. After that, Spencer's parents noticed whenever he saw a bunch of balloons he would remove any purple ones and let them go up into the air. When questioned about it, he said, "Well, Suzie's favorite color was purple. I want to thank her for being my friend. I am sure she will find that balloon once it reaches her in Heaven." More tears from me ...

After we were all done shopping and had gone back to where the party had started, everyone went inside and got some balloons (purple, of course!). After Spencer's dad (Phil - aka Santa!) told Spencer's story to everyone assembled, we all went outside and - on the count of 3 - released our balloons to Heaven. "Thank you, Spencer!" filled the air as we let them all go. Truly ... thank you, Spencer Roundy, for being such an inspiration to all of us ol' grown ups - especially your parents and family - and reminding us of the true Spirit of Giving. And thank you Phil and Pam, for listening to the wishes of a tender little boy and paying them forward to make Christmas special for so many others. I love you guys!

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!