Day 25:

We have arrived at our final destination, and this Random Act of Christmas Kindness turns back the clock 7 years ago, to the last time my mother spoke to her family on video. Some of you that have followed our postings will remember my mother as a kind and gentle person. She truly loved the spirit of Christmas, her family, and her friends! Today, we share her message of a time when life was a bit different from our own. She left this earthly life over six years ago, but she remains forever in our hearts! Thank you all, for being a part of our journey in allowing us to share our "25 days of Kindness" with you! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Day 24:

Today's R.A.C.K. involves gifting several unique glass ornaments to friends. These glass ornaments have an image applied with Modge-Podge from behind, and tied at the top of the base with a small ribbon. Michelle took this R.A.C.K. to heart, and did an awesome job with finishing these herself! We are also having friends over for dinner this evening, adding to the festivities that this Season brings!

Day 23:

Finding a nice "bouncy ball" vending machine in a local retail store tonight, we placed coins within the turnstiles with the hope that some little child will see the 2 quarters and turn it. A very simple act of Christmas kindness, but an opportunity for someone to experience a bit of joy that comes with getting something that they may not have had the money for otherwise.

Day 22:

In striking up a conversation with a friend of mine, we were discussing our children and the things that they really liked, or would like, for Christmas. Mentioning this discussion to Michelle, she produces this small bag of goods that were going to be for our son for Christmas, only for the fact that as she had been gathering things throughout the year, she also realized that she had more than could fit into Payson's Christmas stocking. She sorted through the bag and then handed the rest to me to give to my friend! Day 22 of our R.A.C.K. turns out to be something that we hadn't planned for, but being able to help someone else out so they don't have to do last minute running coming up to Christmas is just bonus! We hope these toys enjoy their new home!

Day 21:

Last night was a very late one, but even an earlier morning to boot today! Today's Random Act of Christmas Kindness began with a drive to Salt Lake City, as Michelle took Makinah, Macey, and Ryker to meet their stepmother's brother and sister that drove up from Provo to make their way out to Modesto, CA by tonight. From there, Michelle, Payson and Malorie said their good-byes to Andre, Shea, and the kids. Michelle prepared Andre and Shea some treats for the journey ahead. We received a phone call from Makinah at about 8:00 p.m. tonight, saying that they had arrived safely at their destination! A huge "Thank You!!" to Shea and Andre for taking the kids to see their dad, brother, and step-mom for the Holidays!!

From L to R: Makinah, Andre, Macey, Shea, And Ryker.

Day 20:

Today's R.A.C.K. had us shifting gears at the last minute, and getting the kids ready to be off for California tomorrow morning, a day earlier than we had planned! With Michelle running around town this evening, and me uploading Ryker's MP3 player for the trip, I think these kids will be well prepared for the journey ahead! Ryker even got his clothes ready with little notes, so he wouldn't forget which items he was wearing in the morning!

Ryker sound asleep within minutes of getting to bed tonight. Big day ahead tomorrow!

Cheers Utah!! I'll see you in 10 days!

Macey makes last minute preparations before getting to bed herself.

Day 19:

Today's R.A.C.K involves traveling to Salt Lake today, where we will distribute these 40+ candy canes to some very deserving individuals who are going to be miles from home for the Holidays. We may also seek out those that can use a little encouragement, or reinforcement, and try to make their Christmas, a bit more enjoyable.

Tonight's R.A.C.K. took us to Temple Square, where we found many missionaries away from there loved ones this Holiday season. These sister missionaries, as well as the senior couples that we met, were so grateful for our efforts.

The sister missionary on the left (blue coat), comes from Latvia. She said that the candy cane that we shared with her was only the second one she has ever received and that she had never seen one until she came to America! She told us that this gift of kindness would never be opened and that she would take it home to her homeland to enjoy it for years to come!