Allie, Steve and Jesse

While we were recently in Salt Lake City, we made a last minute decision to stop at the Target and fill a basket of toys for the kids that will be spending Christmas at Primary Children's Hospital.  We picked out toys that we though Markelle would have liked, we even got some games and PJ's.  We took them up to the hospital and dropped them off.  It was  a great feeling to be doing something to help the kids on Markelle's ICS unit.  I will be smiling on Christmas morning thinking about the Bop It Jesse picked out making some child very happy, and a nurse very crazy... 


Steve and I  have chosen to not exchange gifts with each other at all. We will take that money and fill the wishes of two children who's Christmas needs are posted on a giving tree. We chose this because Markelle made us feel blessed and we would like to bless someone else in her name.  We picked a 14 year old girl and got some new shoes and a CD player.  We wrapped the presents and took them to our chruch and put them under the tree.  It was great and especially wonderful to see how many gifts there were under that tree.  There are really so many giving hearts in the world.

Jesse says that Markelle made him feel happy, so he would like to make cupcakes and take them to our neighbors because that will make them very happy.

Jesse loved baking his cupcakes.  I was basically only on "germ" duty making sure his fingers got washed after he dipped...  He did the rest and did a great job staying focused on his duties and LOVED every second of making his cupcakes.  Part of the deal was that he had to think of a plan, pay for it, do the work and then make the deliveries.  He counted all his money, took it to the store and turned it over to the checkout gal with pleasure.  I was very proud of him.  I think his favorite part was making the deliveries...  well, maybe second after licking the batter.  He choose red velvet cupcakes, so you can see from the pictures how red the batter was...  He had a good time and it gave us a great opportunity to talk about Markelle and heaven and Christmas and all that this season is really about.  It was a blessing and I believe a real  learning experience for Jess.

This was a great experience for our whole family and I loved being a part of each others giving experience.  We miss Markelle everyday, but this time of year is especially difficult given her birthday and the holidays.  This is a great way to stay connected and keeping us focused on the real meaning of Christmas.  God Bless and may heavens greatest blessing be with you in the new year.