More Holiday Pics & "Today" in Text

Typical, I relied upon my mom and therefore left my camera at home so that Shayne could take Shayla's pictures while I was on the cruise. Today my mom sent the pictures from her camera so I'm sharing them here.
Check out the sky as we were embarking upon our trip. Mom got my attention, but when I was blinking away tears she knew I already saw it and felt like it was Christi wishing us a great trip. (Knowing how much CT would have loved to have been with us was hard!)
Happy Cruisers!
Kissing our sweet mom!
Pointing at an incredibly large sting ray at a gorgeous hotel ("The Atlantis") in Nassau.
Hanging out on deck!
Determining the game plan!


Today I gathered up all of Christi's jeans to give to one of her fellow "lean and lanky" friends (smile). Christi just discovered wearing jeans about a year ago and from then one it was like they were her staple! After packing the six pairs up and calling our friends, who were grateful, I decided to keep just one pair. I hold them up and can't believe how tiny they are. Christi seems so much bigger than that. It's odd to see Shayla dressed in Christi's tops every day, but I'm so glad she's able to get great use out of Christi's toys and clothing. We are blessed!

Today I took Christi's pink sweatshirt jacket, embroidered with a "C", to one of her very best friends (Cami). Another best friend (Sarah) gave me the wonderful poem she read during the funeral Mass. She had it framed and matted, very touching! (One day soon I'll share the four poems those amazing little girls read in a very packed church.) One my way to meet the girls and their moms, I found myself in a hysterical fit of tears. I pulled over at St. Joe's church sobbed, prayed, then called Shayne and said, "I don't think I can go." He felt that I should go, so I did and I'm very grateful I did! (I actually see Christi in those precious daughters who were so sweet to me. The "Chatty Cathy's" made her laugh and feel so happy and normal. And when THEY KNEW what Christi was going to be for Halloween, I was stunned!! I thought I was the only one to know about her silly costume idea.)

Today after school I went and met with my wonderful sub, Mr. Jones to begin to get updated. I'll be heading back in about two weeks. If I could just get up to my classroom without having to see Christi's I think I'd be ok. Hmmmmm.

Today I "cashed in" thousands of Christi's frequent flyer miles. Since there was no way to use them for flights, or to transfer them to Shayla's account without hefty fees, I figured out how to order magazine subscriptions so the Ronald McDonald Houses in New York City and in Philadelphia will soon be receiving some year long magazine subscriptions! Shayne and I both found light reading to be a helpful way to pass the time when we really couldn't concentrating on anything of great substance. I hope "Christi's gift" will help other kids and parents staying in those wonderful "homes" too! Take care!!