TOYS FOR TOTS -- Word for the Day -- Monday, December 8, 2008

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

MISSION: The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.
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ChemoSabe had his labs last week and everything is going well. He is gearing up for January. With a lot of business plans this week he has had to take up the responsibility of giving himself stomach shots. Saturday was his first day as I watched. He did not even flinch.

Began steroids again last Friday. I can tell by his attitude he is on them. Tomorrow is the last day and then he will crash by Thursday. Roller coaster ride!

The tops of his hands have been bruising badly from the blood thinner. Looks like blood blisters. Mostly from Pete jumping on him and scratching him. He can put his hand in his pocket and they burst like blisters. He then bleeds heavily. I think we could do his shots every other day. I would hate for him to cut himself and bleed like that.

Early mornings last week and this week. He was up at 3:30 this morning and gone by 5:00. He seems to have good energy without tiring easily. He has put on some weight (15 lb.), but I won't tell you how much he weighs. He might read this! ha Looks like he might be catching up with me.

We did the Toys for Tots ride yesterday. It is our 5th year. It didn't seem as big as the years before, but we believe it was because it was on Sunday instead of Saturday. We were right in the middle of the motorcycle parade. I couldn't hear my bike to shift because of all the thundering pipes around me. AWESOME! The son rode with us and it was good to have him there.

My brother came in this weekend to spend time with my mom. She loves to see him and she seems to do so much better with him. We hope to bring her to our house for a day next weekend, but it will really hurt her to go back. She doesn't realize she won't be able to go home again.

Other than the cooler weather and ChemoSabe's travels, not too much going on. We have pulled some of our wood up from the pile and had two fires last week. We have some good burning wood this year.

Gotta run---

Good day and Love -- Pepper