The surface is shallow.
Surface thoughts are surface thoughts and that's all.
Things can be very deceiving when you only look at the surface, what someone presents to you, the cover if you will.
But chances are, things run far deeper than you might have ever imagined.
I challenge you to do more than respond to the surface and what appears to bubble to the surface.
What? How?
Look beyond the surface and love others with conviction.
Live your life and love deeply those that matter to you.
Even more than that, love those that maybe you don't know, and even your enemies.
Respond to life and folks with LOVE.
That's all.
It will never steer you wrong.
People aren't what they seem.
Most hide their pain and suffer in silence.
They pretend to be what others expect them to be.
Be the change and allow those in your presence to be real,to be authentic,and to be who they are. Love them for it. You do not walk in their shoes so be careful not to judge, just love them. It really is that simple. Chances are you are not who you seem to be either.
Love is where you will meet fellow mankind in the middle, you know where it is real.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Pepsi Refresh July
Today is the last day to vote for the Pepsi Refresh project this month.
A dear friend has entered to receive on the $5000 grants to provide Pillow Pets for the Pediatric Units at our local hospital this holiday season. She could really use the votes to secure this funding. Could you take a moment, register with Pepsi, and vote? Go to the category where it lists the ideas for $5000 and it is listed under Pillow Pets for Pediatrics. It's free and I promise you it will only take a few minutes of your time. Once registered, you do not recieve a ton of spam e-mail either. I can tell you this vote will make a difference in the lives of so many kids this holiday season. You can also vote for up to four more wonderful ideas that folks have out there for grant funding. Thank you. Thank you.
A dear friend has entered to receive on the $5000 grants to provide Pillow Pets for the Pediatric Units at our local hospital this holiday season. She could really use the votes to secure this funding. Could you take a moment, register with Pepsi, and vote? Go to the category where it lists the ideas for $5000 and it is listed under Pillow Pets for Pediatrics. It's free and I promise you it will only take a few minutes of your time. Once registered, you do not recieve a ton of spam e-mail either. I can tell you this vote will make a difference in the lives of so many kids this holiday season. You can also vote for up to four more wonderful ideas that folks have out there for grant funding. Thank you. Thank you.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
It's Over
The summer swim season is officially over!
We swam our final meet of the year today and gathered this evening at the pool for the annual swim team party, awards night, and sleepover.
We couldn't be more proud of our swimmers!
We had a great season, lots of improvement, and memories with smiles to last forever!
Monday morning may just be a lazy one...finally! I wonder how quiet the pool will be this week?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Water Up My Nose
I got some fun pictures of the kids in the pool yesterday but I also got water up my nose. I haven't had water up my nose in years! It was a fun day and it felt good to finally be able to enjoy the outside activities without the scortching heat!
Honey Pecan Pork Cutlets
Our monthly meal swap met last week. We feasted on an assortment of chocolate covered goodies while we got to meet the newest member of the host's family and caught up with the goings on of each of our lives. I realized many of these women have been a part of my life for a very long time. I value each of them and their friendship even more than the meals, but hey, those are really nice too!
The fall is quickly approaching and busy times with various school schedules and other activities. A meal swap is a great way to get a variety of meals in your freezer that make that dinner hour rush just a bit easier for Mom. Having these meals in my freezer has really made my life easier and more delicious. I love this swap and I encourage you to consider starting one if you think that it might be of interest to you.
Here's the recipe from this month that I made. Honey Pecan Pork Cutlets sounded so yummy and this recipe screamed out for a side of sweet potatoes, but that's just me. My oven is still not working properly so I decided to go with a skillet meal. It also comes in handy on the HOT days when you wouldn't want to turn on your oven. Hope you like it!
The fall is quickly approaching and busy times with various school schedules and other activities. A meal swap is a great way to get a variety of meals in your freezer that make that dinner hour rush just a bit easier for Mom. Having these meals in my freezer has really made my life easier and more delicious. I love this swap and I encourage you to consider starting one if you think that it might be of interest to you.
Here's the recipe from this month that I made. Honey Pecan Pork Cutlets sounded so yummy and this recipe screamed out for a side of sweet potatoes, but that's just me. My oven is still not working properly so I decided to go with a skillet meal. It also comes in handy on the HOT days when you wouldn't want to turn on your oven. Hope you like it!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
DEALS
In the past I have been a make a list of what we need kind of shopper. If I have a coupon for that item, great, if not, that's okay too, we still need it and I have made the purchase. I have used my bonus card at select stores and also tried to purchase items that were on sale. I did give some effort to saving money but only if it was convenient.
The fact remains that I still spend more money than I would like to spend each week on grocery and household items. There is always the gifts for parties, items for the school functions, scouts, and the endless amount of incidentals. I'll do great at the grocery store and then the opportunity will present itself to make a Costco run and drop a significant chunk of change there too for items that we will need in the near future. The I don't feel so good about sticking to a budget but I feel like I purchased items that we do use and the purchase was made at a time that was convenient.
I have tried to be a little more willing to steer away from the brand name of some items but we all have items that we are brand specific,like Heinz ketchup for example.
For the last two weeks I have tried something new. I have switched gears. I have been shopping using the local sale circulars and coupons from a variety of stores. I have been buying only items that we usually use,when they are on sale,and using coupons, hence hopefully saving more money in the long run.
In the short run, I am not sure this is working. I am really not sure whether I am saving money? I have spent the same amount of money as I usually do for the last two weeks. I am feeling slightly uncomfortable buying quantities of select items when I don't really need them. I am really projecting what we will need or might need in the near future. I am building a small stockpile of these items in my pantry. Take for example the three bottles of dish soap that was purchased this week when I don't need dish soap right now. However, the mind set is that when I do need dish soap, I will have purchased it at a better price and therefore saved more money in the long run. So for the past two weeks I have purchased many items that we will use and will need, but just not right now. I haven't figured out if I like shopping this way or not yet. Despite my angst, I do admit to the excitement that I feel when I have snagged items for free or at a really good price! Trust me, my shopping experiences look nothing like the Extreme Couponing show, but none the less, I do think I am getting a better price on many items than I normally would. I have no intention of building a large stockpile, just a small one of only things that we would typically use. Some of the other good deals I have found have gone to support several local charities.
I need your help. Do you shop this way? If so, what advice might you have for someone new to this method of shopping? Is there a universal more organized way to tell if the Safeway sale price with a coupon is still better than the Walgreens sale with a coupon price? It feels like a deal while you are in the store but only in comparison tot he regular price of that item in that specific store. When you walk out the door you just might realize that there could have been a better price elsewhere. I have no intention of running to a million stores each week in search of the best prices. There is something to be said for my sanity although I don't want to give away our money either. I also don't have nor want to spend countless hours each week cutting coupons and preparing for a shopping trip. I am willing to invest a small amount of time. I just want to find an easy, efficient, and organized way to work at this method of shopping. I am wondering if there are stores that are just universally known for having the best prices? Any advice that folks could give me would be appreciated.
The fact remains that I still spend more money than I would like to spend each week on grocery and household items. There is always the gifts for parties, items for the school functions, scouts, and the endless amount of incidentals. I'll do great at the grocery store and then the opportunity will present itself to make a Costco run and drop a significant chunk of change there too for items that we will need in the near future. The I don't feel so good about sticking to a budget but I feel like I purchased items that we do use and the purchase was made at a time that was convenient.
I have tried to be a little more willing to steer away from the brand name of some items but we all have items that we are brand specific,like Heinz ketchup for example.
For the last two weeks I have tried something new. I have switched gears. I have been shopping using the local sale circulars and coupons from a variety of stores. I have been buying only items that we usually use,when they are on sale,and using coupons, hence hopefully saving more money in the long run.
In the short run, I am not sure this is working. I am really not sure whether I am saving money? I have spent the same amount of money as I usually do for the last two weeks. I am feeling slightly uncomfortable buying quantities of select items when I don't really need them. I am really projecting what we will need or might need in the near future. I am building a small stockpile of these items in my pantry. Take for example the three bottles of dish soap that was purchased this week when I don't need dish soap right now. However, the mind set is that when I do need dish soap, I will have purchased it at a better price and therefore saved more money in the long run. So for the past two weeks I have purchased many items that we will use and will need, but just not right now. I haven't figured out if I like shopping this way or not yet. Despite my angst, I do admit to the excitement that I feel when I have snagged items for free or at a really good price! Trust me, my shopping experiences look nothing like the Extreme Couponing show, but none the less, I do think I am getting a better price on many items than I normally would. I have no intention of building a large stockpile, just a small one of only things that we would typically use. Some of the other good deals I have found have gone to support several local charities.
I need your help. Do you shop this way? If so, what advice might you have for someone new to this method of shopping? Is there a universal more organized way to tell if the Safeway sale price with a coupon is still better than the Walgreens sale with a coupon price? It feels like a deal while you are in the store but only in comparison tot he regular price of that item in that specific store. When you walk out the door you just might realize that there could have been a better price elsewhere. I have no intention of running to a million stores each week in search of the best prices. There is something to be said for my sanity although I don't want to give away our money either. I also don't have nor want to spend countless hours each week cutting coupons and preparing for a shopping trip. I am willing to invest a small amount of time. I just want to find an easy, efficient, and organized way to work at this method of shopping. I am wondering if there are stores that are just universally known for having the best prices? Any advice that folks could give me would be appreciated.
Monday, July 18, 2011
A New Style
My sweet daughter spent her "give" money at Walmart buying tissues.
We found the cutest new style of tissues from Kleenex.
Stylish and soft. I love them!
I am sporting a pack in my purse as well.
Our tissue shelf is ready to be restocked. Thanks to those who are faithful supporters of this aspect of our foundation. Each and every pack goes a long way to help the response to life circumstances be a little more gentle to hurting hearts in the PICU.
I am Grateful. I am grateful for the opportunity to do something that is so meaningful in the lives of others and that heals my heart all at the same time.
I can't change the circumstances that are present in lives of many but I can love them as they walk their journey. That love, yes, it does make a difference, a big difference! That love, well, it was inspired by YOU, at the very time in my life when I needed that love to get throught the 70 worst days of my life.
Will you join me?
If there is someone on your heart tonight that is hurting and facing a difficult time, will you join me in prayer for them and then act on that love. Will you choose some way to show that person that your heart is thinking of them?
Send the email.
Send a card.
Leave an encouraging message.
Give a hug. No words are needed. The human heart feels love and does not NEED words.
etc.
Trust me it will make a difference, to them and YOU!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A Swimmingly Good Time
Our family is having a super time on the Swim team again this summer! We have three swimmers registered for the team, two consistently participating, and one who is not too sure of swimming, but eagerly cheers for his siblings and teammates! We even look above for one more to help direct a straight path while swimming backstroke. We were just completely immersed in the good time to be had by our family today. Lost in the moment if you will.
There is little that I can do to change the circumstances that threaten to eat away at my soul. Today, I found the strength to respond with love and then to embrace the good that is mine today and to dare not, take it for granted. I practice what I preach my friends. I loved those near and dear to me harder and longer today. I read that one more story. I indulged their requests of my time, I took time to encourage the rooting of my gratitude for the many blessings that are gifted to me today. I prayed over that which is not in my control. I enjoyed the miracle of today but kept perspective that, not all, are able to enjoy what is mine today. My heart paused many times throughout the day to pray and to be cognisant of the suffering hearts of this world. This place leads me to the moments where the true gifts of this world can be found. The very place that can be so deep, where others are afraid to enter, where I think too much, where life is too loud at times, where it keeps me awake at night by the light of the moon desperately trying to figure it all out, where it is lonely and a place of great solitude, that place, that is where I have also found the blessings of life that just might have passed me by otherwise. My eyes are wide open and my heart well, that just follows right along! Love me or leave me, this is who I have become.
Grateful.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Cover Me
Scroll down to the music player. Find Cover Me by Bebo Norman, I promise it will bless your day.
It is quite an intimate song...
This song is just what I needed today. It is what I needed to hear many times over in fact!
This world is too much for my fragile heart that sinks to some very deep places that I cannot get myself out of alone. I am still struggling to learn that I am NOT expected to understand, fix, and figure things all out on my own.
Cover Me- Bebo Norman
Cover me, cover up my tears
Cover up this man who's covered up in fear
I need a peace of mind, I need a piece of you
To cover all that's gone and everything that's new
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
You unfold me, then you hold me
Cover up my heart, cover up my soul
Cover up this world and everything I know
You cover up the sky, you cover up the sea
Cover up the mountains and every part of me
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me
I am still alive and covered up in years
Covered up in lines as innocence appears
So give me a peace of mind, give me a piece of you
To cover all that's old with everything that's new
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
And you unfold me, then you hold me
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
You unfold me then you hold me
I want to shed this skin
You unveil me with your mercy
You unfold me, then you hold me
You unbreak me, would you take me home
Cover up my heart, cover up my soul
Cover up this world and everything I know
You cover up the sky, you cover up the sea
Cover up the mountains and every part of me
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me
I will go for now. I will not make attempts to speak words from my heart tonight.
I will pray to be covered by Him under this beautiful moon. I will pray for His peace to transcend to my weary soul.
I will unfold to Him and seek comfort in His embrace.
It is quite an intimate song...
This song is just what I needed today. It is what I needed to hear many times over in fact!
This world is too much for my fragile heart that sinks to some very deep places that I cannot get myself out of alone. I am still struggling to learn that I am NOT expected to understand, fix, and figure things all out on my own.
Cover Me- Bebo Norman
Cover me, cover up my tears
Cover up this man who's covered up in fear
I need a peace of mind, I need a piece of you
To cover all that's gone and everything that's new
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
You unfold me, then you hold me
Cover up my heart, cover up my soul
Cover up this world and everything I know
You cover up the sky, you cover up the sea
Cover up the mountains and every part of me
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me
I am still alive and covered up in years
Covered up in lines as innocence appears
So give me a peace of mind, give me a piece of you
To cover all that's old with everything that's new
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
And you unfold me, then you hold me
You unveil me with your mercy
I want to breathe you in
You unfold me then you hold me
I want to shed this skin
You unveil me with your mercy
You unfold me, then you hold me
You unbreak me, would you take me home
Cover up my heart, cover up my soul
Cover up this world and everything I know
You cover up the sky, you cover up the sea
Cover up the mountains and every part of me
Everything single breath I breathe...cover me
I will go for now. I will not make attempts to speak words from my heart tonight.
I will pray to be covered by Him under this beautiful moon. I will pray for His peace to transcend to my weary soul.
I will unfold to Him and seek comfort in His embrace.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Angel Mail #18
Dear Jeremy,
Hi! Oh, how your Mama misses you! To this day I long for your presence in my arms! Today, I find myself to be like you, the baby, longing to be rocked in my Father's arms, searching for the comfort from the pain of this world and losing you. It has been three years since I last held you in my arms. Three years, yet it seems like yesterday. Time is relative to me, something that no longer makes any sense to me or moves as expected. I am scattered into many years of the present and also of today. There are so many days where I just feel so lost...I feel like I have gained so many valuable lessons in life after what we we have been through together, yet to this day, I also at the same time feel as though I can barely survive the everyday moments without you.
Mama has been doing battle with her soul and trying to do what is considered right within the world of today. The pain eats me alive and yet I don't want to be defined by that pain. I know you wouldn't want me to be that way and so I continue to forge ahead into new places without you, but all the while, know that I am forever changed by you and the life experience that we shared. You are part of me forever...I wouldn't be the person that I am today without you and yet there is little that I can love about myself because it all largely came at the cost of losing you in this world. The very thought of you, the suffering that you endured, those moments where we were kept from the expected newborn baby and family path, the continued abandonment of the life that I wanted and planned for, ALL OF IT, it is all profoundly responsible for keeping me from completely unraveling...or am I?
There are moments embedded within each and every single day where I am in utter amazement at each and every one of your siblings. I get lost in my love for them. They are each unique, special, and a blessing to me and to this world in their own individual ways. Then it comes, it ALWAYS comes, the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, And HOW questions, they always come. What IF you were here? What if you didn't go to heaven? What If life had gone the way I had hoped and planned? Who would I be? What would our life look like? In what ways would our family be so very different? What would I be feeling? I trust by now that all of those questions are answered for you and it all makes perfect sense to you by now. Oh, how how I long for that knowledge and understanding to transcend to me.
After all, my life, it really isn't mine. It belongs to God, it always has and it always will. He is there when each and every tear that falls from my eye, He is there to fill me in places where the world just can't, He is there to show me love and peace...He offered me His detour, His perfect plan and will for my life and for Yours. Who am I to question His authority? Why do I fight His will with my own ideas and plans? Why can't I just fully DWELL in His will for my life??? I want to, I want to with all that I am. I am working so hard, so painfully hard at this pruning cycle, all the while keeping my eyes fixed upon the cross knowing full well that there is purpose in the pain and good fruit to bear sometime soon. There is good and there IS joy embedded right beside my grief while I get to the everyday work that is asked of me and while I am shedding the tears of grief and pain.
I can only imagine what heaven must be like...if you even think of me, know that every cell of me remembers you. I remember it all, the good, the bad, and even the moments most would want to forget. I remember most of all, what you have taught me and what you continue to stretch me to become each and every day! There are surely rough waters left to navigate, but as good ole' Garth sings, "with the Lord as my captain, I can make it through them all." One day we will be reunited and I look forward to that moment more than words can say.
Until then...
I send my love to You on Angel's Wings,
Mama
Hi! Oh, how your Mama misses you! To this day I long for your presence in my arms! Today, I find myself to be like you, the baby, longing to be rocked in my Father's arms, searching for the comfort from the pain of this world and losing you. It has been three years since I last held you in my arms. Three years, yet it seems like yesterday. Time is relative to me, something that no longer makes any sense to me or moves as expected. I am scattered into many years of the present and also of today. There are so many days where I just feel so lost...I feel like I have gained so many valuable lessons in life after what we we have been through together, yet to this day, I also at the same time feel as though I can barely survive the everyday moments without you.
Mama has been doing battle with her soul and trying to do what is considered right within the world of today. The pain eats me alive and yet I don't want to be defined by that pain. I know you wouldn't want me to be that way and so I continue to forge ahead into new places without you, but all the while, know that I am forever changed by you and the life experience that we shared. You are part of me forever...I wouldn't be the person that I am today without you and yet there is little that I can love about myself because it all largely came at the cost of losing you in this world. The very thought of you, the suffering that you endured, those moments where we were kept from the expected newborn baby and family path, the continued abandonment of the life that I wanted and planned for, ALL OF IT, it is all profoundly responsible for keeping me from completely unraveling...or am I?
There are moments embedded within each and every single day where I am in utter amazement at each and every one of your siblings. I get lost in my love for them. They are each unique, special, and a blessing to me and to this world in their own individual ways. Then it comes, it ALWAYS comes, the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, And HOW questions, they always come. What IF you were here? What if you didn't go to heaven? What If life had gone the way I had hoped and planned? Who would I be? What would our life look like? In what ways would our family be so very different? What would I be feeling? I trust by now that all of those questions are answered for you and it all makes perfect sense to you by now. Oh, how how I long for that knowledge and understanding to transcend to me.
After all, my life, it really isn't mine. It belongs to God, it always has and it always will. He is there when each and every tear that falls from my eye, He is there to fill me in places where the world just can't, He is there to show me love and peace...He offered me His detour, His perfect plan and will for my life and for Yours. Who am I to question His authority? Why do I fight His will with my own ideas and plans? Why can't I just fully DWELL in His will for my life??? I want to, I want to with all that I am. I am working so hard, so painfully hard at this pruning cycle, all the while keeping my eyes fixed upon the cross knowing full well that there is purpose in the pain and good fruit to bear sometime soon. There is good and there IS joy embedded right beside my grief while I get to the everyday work that is asked of me and while I am shedding the tears of grief and pain.
I can only imagine what heaven must be like...if you even think of me, know that every cell of me remembers you. I remember it all, the good, the bad, and even the moments most would want to forget. I remember most of all, what you have taught me and what you continue to stretch me to become each and every day! There are surely rough waters left to navigate, but as good ole' Garth sings, "with the Lord as my captain, I can make it through them all." One day we will be reunited and I look forward to that moment more than words can say.
Until then...
I send my love to You on Angel's Wings,
Mama
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Few Opportunities
I went to Target today , Walmart too for that matter.
For the record, I was searching for something special for someone special...
In the end, there was success but I did have to compromise on what I set out to find. What I didn't expect to find was that SCHOOL SUPPLIES have been stocked on the shelves already. AHHH!!! I can't decide if I am excited or sad? I think I am excited about the school supplies but sad that summer is passing by so quickly!
I also had the privilege of delivering tissues to the PICU today. With the help of God and the support of many generous folks, our foundation has been able to continue to provide this comfort item to the families of the children in the PICU for the last three years. Thank you, I am humbled by your continued compassion and generosity. I would not be able to keep this donation to the PICU up without each and every person who has been a part of this mission from the start. The PICU is ever so grateful for the soft tissues and the compassion of so many! For those who may be reading and are unaware of this project, we donate the purse size tissue packs to the PICU on a regular basis. Any brand will do, but the softer the better.
Kleenex, Puffs, whatever...even the ones found at Ollies and the Dollar Store have been great. Every single donation is appreciated. I have had many people tell me that they try to pick up a pack or so as they are doing their regular shopping and then they tuck them away until they have several packs to send my way. I love hearing heartwarming stories like that from our faithful Prayer Warriors.
On that note, a friend of mine has asked me me to spread the word about another project that is well under way that will also benefit children who are patients in the hospital this upcoming holiday season. She has applied for a Pepsi-Refresh grant and if you are familiar with those, they are dependent upon the votes in the community and beyond to win the grant money. Here is the information that she sent to me. Please check out the site and vote if you can. Many children will surely smile a little easier this holiday season if you do.
Hi All,
I submitted an application to the Pepsi Refresh Project for a $5000 grant to continue my Pillow Pets for Pediatrics into the 2011 Holiday season. The project is to provide critically ill, hospitalized children with a pillow pet during the holidays. Providing comfort to children as they face the unknown truly lifts their spirits. This was very successful last holiday season (collected 250 pillow pets through generous donations). However, I want to make this an even bigger project this year touching and reaching more children then last year!. The kids LOVED them.
However, I need votes to win... I need to get in and stay in the top 20. Please take a moment to vote by clicking the link and casting your vote. http://www.refresheverything.com/pillowpetsforpediatrics
Please vote daily during the month of July. Your vote can help make this happen! Or you can text your vote to 73774, and enter 107141.
Now Go Vote! :) Thanks for your support! I was at 17, now at 31... Your vote can bring me back to the top 20!
Please spread the word to all you know, and thanks for supporting a great cause!
I finished my book ON FOLLY BEACH and loved it. Now off to read some other great books that are waiting in my library bag.
I started off having many things to say but several interupptions later and a storm or two inbetween, I am too tired to write anymore.
The rest will have to wait until another time.
For the record, I was searching for something special for someone special...
In the end, there was success but I did have to compromise on what I set out to find. What I didn't expect to find was that SCHOOL SUPPLIES have been stocked on the shelves already. AHHH!!! I can't decide if I am excited or sad? I think I am excited about the school supplies but sad that summer is passing by so quickly!
I also had the privilege of delivering tissues to the PICU today. With the help of God and the support of many generous folks, our foundation has been able to continue to provide this comfort item to the families of the children in the PICU for the last three years. Thank you, I am humbled by your continued compassion and generosity. I would not be able to keep this donation to the PICU up without each and every person who has been a part of this mission from the start. The PICU is ever so grateful for the soft tissues and the compassion of so many! For those who may be reading and are unaware of this project, we donate the purse size tissue packs to the PICU on a regular basis. Any brand will do, but the softer the better.
Kleenex, Puffs, whatever...even the ones found at Ollies and the Dollar Store have been great. Every single donation is appreciated. I have had many people tell me that they try to pick up a pack or so as they are doing their regular shopping and then they tuck them away until they have several packs to send my way. I love hearing heartwarming stories like that from our faithful Prayer Warriors.
On that note, a friend of mine has asked me me to spread the word about another project that is well under way that will also benefit children who are patients in the hospital this upcoming holiday season. She has applied for a Pepsi-Refresh grant and if you are familiar with those, they are dependent upon the votes in the community and beyond to win the grant money. Here is the information that she sent to me. Please check out the site and vote if you can. Many children will surely smile a little easier this holiday season if you do.
Hi All,
I submitted an application to the Pepsi Refresh Project for a $5000 grant to continue my Pillow Pets for Pediatrics into the 2011 Holiday season. The project is to provide critically ill, hospitalized children with a pillow pet during the holidays. Providing comfort to children as they face the unknown truly lifts their spirits. This was very successful last holiday season (collected 250 pillow pets through generous donations). However, I want to make this an even bigger project this year touching and reaching more children then last year!. The kids LOVED them.
However, I need votes to win... I need to get in and stay in the top 20. Please take a moment to vote by clicking the link and casting your vote. http://www.refresheverything.com/pillowpetsforpediatrics
Please vote daily during the month of July. Your vote can help make this happen! Or you can text your vote to 73774, and enter 107141.
Now Go Vote! :) Thanks for your support! I was at 17, now at 31... Your vote can bring me back to the top 20!
Please spread the word to all you know, and thanks for supporting a great cause!
I finished my book ON FOLLY BEACH and loved it. Now off to read some other great books that are waiting in my library bag.
I started off having many things to say but several interupptions later and a storm or two inbetween, I am too tired to write anymore.
The rest will have to wait until another time.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Summer Love
It has surely been a busy summer so far. It's hard to believe that we have been out of school for almost four weeks now. Where does the time go?
I am still reading On Folly Beach. I am still enjoying it a great deal and wishing I had more time to read. It has been a very busy week so far. Hoping I will get done everything that I need to do tonight so I can have a little quiet time to read. Maybe a little glass of wine too.
Someone else asked how I am liking The Fitting Room? I am enjoying it so far, although I have spent more time recently with the Fooly Beach book. I usually take longer to read books like The Fitting Room because I need to read a little, put it down to process what I have read, apply it to my world, then read some more.
This summer I have also really enjoyed my insulated cups. You can usually spot me caryying one or the other around the deck of the pool and to and froim all of my many errands each day. I am still loving my pretty ice cubes and looking forward to adding some fresh peaches into the mix sometime very soon. I am hoping I will find some peaches at the market this weekend. These ice cubes are especially yummy in a tall glass of iced tea. Peaches and mint make a really yummy combination.
I do love summer. That is once I get past the first week and the painful memories attached with what that date brings.
What do you love about summer?
I am still reading On Folly Beach. I am still enjoying it a great deal and wishing I had more time to read. It has been a very busy week so far. Hoping I will get done everything that I need to do tonight so I can have a little quiet time to read. Maybe a little glass of wine too.
Someone else asked how I am liking The Fitting Room? I am enjoying it so far, although I have spent more time recently with the Fooly Beach book. I usually take longer to read books like The Fitting Room because I need to read a little, put it down to process what I have read, apply it to my world, then read some more.
This summer I have also really enjoyed my insulated cups. You can usually spot me caryying one or the other around the deck of the pool and to and froim all of my many errands each day. I am still loving my pretty ice cubes and looking forward to adding some fresh peaches into the mix sometime very soon. I am hoping I will find some peaches at the market this weekend. These ice cubes are especially yummy in a tall glass of iced tea. Peaches and mint make a really yummy combination.
I do love summer. That is once I get past the first week and the painful memories attached with what that date brings.
What do you love about summer?
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