HOPE for HAITI

In the last week, as the news keeps unfolding about all the tragedy in Haiti, one expects to hear of less heartache and more healing. Unfortunately, that is not the case. As time passes we only hear of more and more horrific scenarios and see more and more devastating images flash across the news. Everywhere one turns, this is what people are talking about. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering this poor country is enduring. Even with all our financial, social and political issues our country has, it does not even begin to amount to anything compared to what these people, also God's children, are experiencing. We are blesses! And so we shall share our blessings with Haiti, in any small way we can. As a blogger, I have come across many new blogs created specifically for the Haiti cause. One in particular that caught my eye is Hope for Haiti. Created by a stay at home mom and entrepreneur. thought I would share and hope that by promoting this, it may spread and bring even more help for a country and people so desperately in need. Don't stop praying, for the hurt, the dead, and the living. They have an incredibly long road of healing ahead of them.

Traditionally 2010.....Happy New Year!

Carter had Strep throat on New Years Eve, so while Dad stayed home with him and had a party of their own, Kelsey and I headed to our friend's house for a fun and festive get together. Although I was not with Todd at midnight for the first time since we have been married, I really enjoyed watching Kelsey and the other children's delight in all the traditional New Years Eve festivities. Sweets, treats, running around and playing games with in their excitement, and not to mention the fireworks and sparklers. It was the next best thing to being with my sweetheart.

Traditonally, I don't make the black eyed peas around here - no one really likes them in our house. We have traditions of our own - Malousek style - sleeping as late as the kids will allow us, not eating on a schedule - we snack all day long, watching all the football we can handle, and the kids play games or watch movies of their own. It's the one relaxing day we have after a busy Christmas season. Can't beat a little R&R.

Italians have a tradition of dropping old things from an open window new years day. Would LOVE to do that. Definitely have some "things" around this house I would not be sad to "drop" out a window. Too bad we only have a one story. One other tradition I could handle is to wear red underwear on New Years Eve - another Italian tradition. They believe it brings good luck to the New Year. Too bad I do not have any to wear - I think those have been long gone since birthing two children.

A few other interesting traditions are that American's believe kissing anyone at midnight brings good luck; Mexicans believe crossing a street with a suitcase at midnight will bring many travels in the new year; some people eat anything shaped like a ring to bring good luck; and of course the always ridiculous firing of guns into the air in which someone always gets hurt or dies from stray bullets every year. After googling this tradition, no country has claimed it's origin but they do trace it to those living in the "hood". I guess that means we live in the "hood" - I swear I heard a couple shots in the distance during the night.

While the carrying a suitcase across a street and dropping old things out a window have some appeal, I think we will probably stick to the tried and true lazy, jammy wearing and football watching day at the Malousek's house. That is until, we come up with something a little more interesting.

Happy New Year Everyone!! Hope 2010 brings everyone many more Blessings and a time to start fresh.