Well, we made it through a whole day with no puking!  By anyone!  Avery managed to eat a little bit at all three meals today!  If we can make it through the night with out any vomit making an appearance (from anyone) then we may actually be in the clear.  Knock. On. Wood.

We’ve made it through two days without daddy around and it’s going fine, except that the little guy really doesn’t understand where daddy is or why he’s not around.  So each morning he starts the day off by asking for “dada” approximately 87 times. And each time we come home from being out he is hoping Colin will be there.  That breaks my heart a little each time. And Avery isn’t afraid to pull out the “I want my daaaaddddy!” when she is having a meltdown. (Another reason I know she’s feeling better today.  She’s got enough energy to break out the diva.)

I cannot believe it’s ten days til Christmas. I think all the illnesses we’ve dealt with in the past few months have warped my sense of time.  I picked up the new Josh Groban Christmas album to remind myself that it really is that time of year (no, shopping for Christmas presents somehow didn’t drive the message home for me).  My verdict is: mediocre.  I luuurve Josh Groban, but this album was a resounding “meh” for me.  It definitely wasn’t bad, and he succeeded in making The Little Drummer Boy (a.k.a. worst Christmas song ever written) palatable. Approaching enjoyable even!  But it didn’t wow me like some of his other albums have.

The highlight of my day today was hearing the s.l.o.w.e.s.t. rendition of “Blue Christmas” in existence.  And if you think the song is a wee bit sad normally, then the pace of this particular version will make you want to slit your wrists.  Seriously. It was that depressing.   Ummm….Merry Christmas?

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This is something I thought about posting a long time ago.  It’s kind of late for those doing their Christmas shopping but if you still need a suggestion for the person who had everything, why not consider making a donation in your friend or family member’s name to better the life of someone who has nothing?  Here are some ideas:

• Women for Women International – Sponsor a woman in a war-torn country to help her rebuild her life.
• World Vision – Most people know this organization as one that sponsors children (which is also a great thing to do – only $35/month can change the quality of a child’s life and education) but the link goes to a page on their site.  Here you can donate money that will help those in countries that have been devastated by natural disaster, famine, and war.
• Gospel For Asia – This is a church planting organization. But once again, they have a page on their site where you can donate money to help those in third world countries. You can purchase animals, tools, a sewing machine or vocational training. This organization also sponsors children.
• Kiva – I think this is an awesome opportunity to help those in need.  Kiva allows you to lend money to entrepreneurs around the world who are living in poverty.  Not only do you get your money back, but you are helping someone create a business that will allow them to support themselves and their families.  There are small loans that you could take on individually and slightly bigger ones that are shared by a number of lenders.

These are just a few organizations that I am familiar with. I am sure there are many more out there. (Feel free to share them with me!) But I think that they are all excellent ways to embrace the spirit of generosity that many feel at this time of year and reach out to those in need who share this planet with us.

Well now!  That puts me in the Christmas spirit!