Bravery Beads

A friend of mine recently joined The Littlest Heroes Project as a photographer. She posted a link to their site on her facebook page. It sparked my interest, so I checked it out. They work with children who have diseases or disabilities. They provide free photo sessions to the little heroes and their families...

Further down the front page I saw a link about 'not a photographer, but still want to help?'... Something called Bravery Beads. BEADS! WHAT? So, of course, I clicked. People can make cards and bracelets and send them in. They are then given to these little heroes when they go to the hospital for surgery or treatment. Isn't that great! Of course, I had TONS of beads and lots of paper/stickers/coloring stuff... So why not?

Oh, but then I saw that you can read biographies and see pictures of some of these little heroes. That's so neat... but then I started reading about these kids. These teenagers who have been sick for years. These little kids who are having surgeries. Some of them are infants. They have just started their lives and they already face such trials...

And here I am. I have two beautiful and healthy children. I, myself, have never had to go through anything so serious... And as a mother, my heart broke. What must it be like to see your baby go through chemo treatments or a transplant or surgery? I knew for sure I had to help.

I gathered my supplies, told my friends about it, and decided that in my spare time I would work as much as possible on cards and bracelets. If I can bring a smile to just one child... So for the past few days, every spare chance I have, I have worked on cards and bracelets. I had some friends come over and make them with me. They even took beads home to work in their spare time too! We decided to work for one week and make as many as we can. Then, we will get them all together and send them in.

I even got my kids to help! Ayla and Zach both love coloring. Since Zach is home during the day while Ayla is in school, he helped me make quite a few cards. Then today, since Ayla was home, we did some coloring. My kids, who are so sweet and precious... They understand that what they make is going to go to a little boy or girl, maybe the same age as they are. They know these boys and girls are very sick. They spend a lot of time in doctors offices and hospitals. And while my mother's heart goes out to those precious little boys and girls, my kids are happy! They are so excited that some sick little boy or girl is going to get THEIR card or THEIR bracelet. They pour everything they have into their creations. They talk about how when a little boy or girl gets their card and bracelet it will make them smile. Then their smile will make their mommy and daddy smile. And their smile will make the doctors smile...

So today, even though it pours rain, thunders and lightening outside... Even though I pray for the little heroes and their families.... I SMILE. I smile because my kids have shown me the unlimited love in a child's heart. I smile because, as they pointed out, If I smile then someone else will smile. And then someone else. And someone else...

Who knows... Maybe we can get the whole block to smile... or the whole neighborhood... or the whole town... Guess we just have to smile and see how far it goes...


:)

Rainy Day Musings...

It's been a while since I blogged. Business has picked up, I'm busy with school, and life has been hectic. While I haven't had the chance to blog, I have to admit that I love my busy life.

I've never been good at being bored. I get moody and I eat a lot when I'm bored. I love being busy. I don't gain as much weight that way! LOL! Really though, I don't know why, I guess it's just my personality. I love always having something to do, something to finish, or something to plan.

For example, I moved my business to the world of Facebook. I also started selling items through a local consignment store. This means I have to take more time crafting, taking pictures, and posting them. I spend time online researching fashion trends, studying techniques, and looking for new craft ideas and patterns. I also work on craft projects to use in Sunday school. I sometimes help teach the young children's (6 and under) class with Sister Doris. I am always putting together little projects for them.

I am also still in school. I am taking online classes to earn my BASS ED (Bachelors in Social Science with a concentration in education) with a minor in child development. I have been getting mostly A's with a few B+'s and I was recently inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. I was in the National Junior Honor Society in middle school, the National Honor Society in high school, and I have made Dean's List every semester I have been in college. I love learning! God has blessed me with the ability to do well in school.

I also still have household duties to take care of: dishes, cooking, laundry, cleaning. I am a neat freak. I admit it! I always keep my house clean enough that if someone drops by unexpected I can feel good about welcoming them in. It's just a "thing" I have. With four of us, I do laundry 3 times or more a week, and wash a dishwasher full of dishes at least once a day. I cook six days a week. It may not always be something big, but I love spending time in the kitchen.

I am also planning a party for the young women in our church. I have done several of them and we always have a great time. This one has a western theme! We dress up, eat, play games, and have a time of fellowship. My children's birthdays are coming up soon also. I am planning a party for each of them. Ayla will be 5 and wants a Princess Tea Party. Zach will be 3 and is going to have an Army Man birthday. Between cakes, decorations, and games, I have my hands full.

Above all of this, I am planning a vacation!!! YES! It has been years since my family had a vacation, so we are very excited. I am especially excited because my mom, whom I have not seen since Zach was 3 months old (2.5 years ago), will be coming down! She is flying down at the end of the month. Then the five of us are going to Savannah for the weekend. She will be with us for over two weeks!!! I can't wait! But anyhow, back to the rest of my life...

I also have to keep up with my four year old and two year old, who are almost 5 and 3. This means getting up early, making sure Ayla's backpack is ready, getting her dressed and ready, feeding Zach, taking Ayla to school, coming home and getting Zach ready, fixing lunch and snacks, picking Ayla up, sometimes volunteering at her school, taking care of homework and study time, playing outside, playing inside, fixing dinners that everyone will eat, cleaning up, bathing kids, getting through bedtime routines, reading stories, and more... There are fights, and accidents, battles for power, and naptime struggles. But there are also the hugs, kisses, smiles, laughs, and "mommy, I love you" moments.

It's these moments, along with my need to stay busy, that has encouraged the 'baby bug'. Yes, I was bit about a year and a half ago. After a lot of discussion and prayer and consideration, we have decided to try for an expanded household! This isn't news to a lot of you, but I thought I would share it anyhow. We already have names and nursery items picked out. I will be sure to let everyone know when the time arrives!

SO, by now, I am sure most of you are questioning my sanity... I regularly do myself! All I know, is that through everything I try to be patient, stay calm, and breathe. God has blessed me with this personalty, and I love it! He has given me skills and characteristics to use as tools. He has never given me more than I can handle, and gives me countless blessings. As I sit here on this (almost) rainy morning, I can't help but be grateful for all I have been given, and all that I know awaits me. I just felt like sharing... Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!