IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS

We have been rather busy this week but not doing the usual Christmas shopping, baking, wrapping presents, etc that you would expect. In fact, very little of that has gone on at our home. I need to get started and quick. I have bought a few small things, but nothing like in years past. And I really would like to bake some of the Greek cookies that my mother use to make.
I told Brian that Santa was laid off this year because of the bad economy and that he didn't have enough money to buy food for the reindeer, so there is a good chance that when he comes to our home, if he comes that he won't be bringing to much. We laugh about it, however, in reality it is somewhat true. This year I didn't work for several months and bills still do come and things have to be bought and paid for.
We took a few trips this summer while Giovanni's brother was here, and the boys went to San Diego to check out the beach. And....there have been a few vehicle accidents and a lot of doctor bills to pay (I will go more in depth in a moment with all that!) Then there is the other large factor that comes into play....we have a missionary who will be leaving in about 10 weeks and a lot of things to buy for him.
We have talked at length with the boys about Christmas and what it is really all about, which is serving others (which we have tried to do) and family (we will only be together for a few short weeks before Robert is gone). We have decided this year that there will be a few presents under the tree for Brian, but nothing to big or special...just a few small items that he would like to have, then as a family we are going to do some fun things together over the holidays...Things that will make memories...not just stuff. I am especially thankful this year to Brian for being so understanding and selfless. It could be hard for an 11 yr old, but his attitude is amazing. He is one of the main reasons that Christmas will be great this year!
We had our ward Christmas party last weekend and it was so much fun to be with other ward members enjoying a nice meal and program. We really are blessed to live where we do and have such an amazing ward family.
Sunday one of Robert's friend had his mission farewell...it was such a nice sacrament meeting. I cried (what's new?) and I realized that would be Robert soon. How great that he has friends that are such good examples. Within the next few months there are about 4-5 of them leaving...They have a great traditionof taking the departing missionary and going out on Monday evening and playing arcade games, etc...They all came home with a stuffed toy this time...oh my...Robert says his is going with him to Italy and will have his picture taken in all the important spots in the Milan area...wow...that will be interesting to see!

I wrote a few posts back how Gio and I went to SLC to do some genealogy work...and finally after being married for almost 20 yrs and talking about it since day one, or close to day one...we went to the Timponogos Temple yesterday and did the baptisms for Gio's dad, grandfather, great grandfather and some other family members. What a special experience. Gio did the baptizing and Robert and I stood in for the deceased family members. There was such an incredible spirit there as Giovanni performed the baptism for his father. Nonno Onofrio was singing with the choirs of angels yesterday!

I think that it was a wonderful experience for Robert too. My dad and Lorraine are temple workers and they were there too. It was a special day. We are hoping that Robert will be able to go to the temple soon so that we can go back with him to finish the work for these family members...then on to find more!
Today Brian's ballroom class did a small showcase for the parents. It was so fun to go and see what he has learned. He has really liked ballroom and I think it has been good for him. He and his friend Talon have the class together and so they really have a good time in there.



He starts his Jr Jazz basketball season this week with practice. He loves it and has so much fum with the boys on the team. Pictures will come during the season!!!
I mentioned earlier about doctor bills...well I guess I should go more into detail about doctors...
In an earlier post I mentioned that Robert and his buddies played in a flag football tournament around Thanksgiving time. I might have failed to mention though that Robert hurt his left ring finger. It got wrapped around a flag and pulled. At first we thought it was just a small sprain..but now 3 weeks later he still can't bend it from the second knuckle (one closest to nail) down. With everything that has gone on this year with him..accidents in cars and scooters and doctors and having to pay for his MRI, doctor visits, specialist visits, physical therapy visits, etc..we were putting it off, hoping it would get better. Well...it didn't. So on Tuesday Gio and Robert went to the hand specialist (the same one we saw last time). They took an x-ray, and guess what?

Robert has a ruptured/torn tendon/ligament in his finger and will be having surgery on Thursday (tomorrow)!. We still don't know what time, they will call this afternoon and let us know. His finger will be in a splint for 6 weeks, then he should have PT for 6 weeks, but it will only be 4 because he has to be in the MTC on March 3rd! The doctor seems to think that after 4 weeks of PT he will be okay to continue the rest in the MTC on his own...The only good thing about this situation are 2-3 things....1-Robert has met his deductible for the year so we will only have to pay 20% and they want there several hundred when we go tomorrow. 2-Him having a splint on his finger for 6 weeks will stop him from doing any more contact sports where he could get hurt, and 3- maybe we will get some fun pictures of him after surgery! I love the health care system here in the US....don't get me started on that one...It will be saved for another blog post, someday. Maybe. Doubt it.
Well...time to close this journal entry..that is what I have decided this blog is. More a journal for me then anything else..but it is fun and I love doing it. I guess it is good therapy for me!
Merry Week before Christmas! Enjoy the season!!!