Be A Light So Others May See

 As a co-founder of a non-profit organization that makes blankets for children and families at Akron Children's Hospital Team Sofie Chapter 2 www.teamsofiechapter2.org   I love that I'm able to spread the love, hope, and inspiration of beautiful angel Sofie through the warmth and comfort of a fleece blanket when those need it most.  I love that we are able to have people from anywhere go to our website and request a blanket for anyone, anywhere.  I love that peace is found through these blankets. If one person recieves comfort and love fromthis then TSC2 has had a successful journey!!

Team Sofie has opened my eyes to helping in anyway I can to offer my heart to others.  This Summer I met an amazing family they have a daughter named Quinn and she was born with EB.  She is amazing and has been through so much in her 4 months of life.  She is currently in Minnesota going through a medical trial of a Bone Marrow Transplant .  She had the transplant two weeks ago/   This is a life changing/saving measure as children with EB are not givin a long life expectancy and she is the first ever to be recieving this type of treatment at her age.  It is amazing journey of love, faith, courage and strength.

I'm asking you today to read this and act and learn more.
Share a link so that others can learn more.
There maybe someone else out there in your world that might want to do something for EB....maybe it's a doctor/scientist that wants to do more research, maybe it's someone that wants to volunteer to help, maybe it's someone that will go to a Be The Match drive and see if they can be a bone marrow match for someone else that needs it, maybe it will be someone else that is touched by this story and wants to spread awareness!!

Please help me spread the word , pray for Quinn and her family.
 This Holiday Season ~ BE A LIGHT SO OTHERS MAY SEE!!
Thank You~

www.thislittlelightimages.blogspot.com

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/tripp-roths-tears-reveal-pain-epidermolysis-bullosa-strikes/story?id=15173125

http://marrow.org/Home.aspx

http://childrenscancer.org/puck/#.Tu98FlchZiY.facebook

The Eve Of One~The Baby

As I embark on my youngest child turning 1 tomorrow I'm filled with an overload of emotions.  We are done adding to our family and we are in transition.  In nine years I've been pregnant 5 times, I have had 4 healthy boys and one angel baby.  One we only ever saw a heartbeat and a picture a few times on a screen, one was premature, one weighed 10lbs. 5 and a half ounces, one was born in Wadsworth, and one will forever be "The Baby".  Tomorrow My "baby" hits a Huge milestone.  I'm so happy that he is healthy, happy and I'm so blessed to have been able to witness everything that he has done.  I didn't miss any firsts!!  However I'm embarking on uncharted waters ...the last baby in the family.  I must say it is an odd feeling. Anyone that knows me really well knows I'm a baby person.   I loved being pregnant ...every time.  I was not the best pregnant person but I did enjoy it.  I love infants I love the smell, the sounds, the amazing miracle of all of it!! 

As I move into a new chapter of my life my roll will change.  I have been a caretaker of an infant for half of my married life.  I'm nervous, excited, and really wishing that I would have the power to slow everything down.  I'm so worried that in all the Boys everyday I'm going to miss something and not ever get that time back.  So, this is where the importance of the birthday party comes into play.

The baby will have his BIG party on Saturday and It is so important.  Life is a gift that we must celebrate and cherish no matter how long or short.  I'm hoping to take pictures, have our wonderful family and friends over and enjoy this time.  I'm praying that Colton gets to enjoy his cake and some new toys that make music and help him make new connections with the world around him.  I will take time to just watch, and listen.  I will make sure that my Big One year old knows that tomorrow is a special day for him.  Like his brothers he will know that on 10/13/10 he was brought into this world into a loving family, and before he was ever created he was always in my heart. 

So, on the Eve of Colton Lee's birthday I say "Thank You".  Thank You for being my baby.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of your everyday.  Thank You for being such a bright spot in my darkest days.  Thank You for making me a momma to 4 boys and.  Thank You for letting me be the mom that will always call you baby......even though your age is changing from months to years! How did I ever get to be so lucky!!  I love you!!! 

God and  Angel Sofie Thank You for consistently reminding me of the gifts I have been given.

Back To School ~ The Shift

Since making the decision to work nights and leave my fulltime job as an early learning center administrator I've enjoyed the opportunity to stay home all Summer with The Boys.  It has challenges.  Trying to keep 4 young boys out of the black hole of bordem is both exhausting and wonderful.  There are the highs when you see smiles and happy giggles fill the air, and there are lows when you are so tired you can't possibly imagine answering the question " Can I have a friend over?".  There are moments of "Why?, What?, How?...Ugh!!" and there are those moments of "I love you mommy" and "I love you to my little love bucket, love bug, buzz, mister man", and all the other little names I have for my little men.    

I'm so blessed to be able to work nights and have my days with my boys.  However, this Summer I got to the point in early August  when I was excited for school to start.  Ready for Carter and Tyler to go back to school, to have them go and learn and be busy ALL DAY!!!  Ready for them to see their friends ready for them to not be here everyday.  Well not really, but yes really.  That IS what happens when they go back to school.  They leave and are out of the house most of the day.  It is both happy and sad.  So I'm so excited for Carter and Tyler.  I see that they embrace  school, they celebrate their friendships.   This is the second full week of school and I miss them terribly.  It's quiet, it's calm, it's strange, it's different.  Let's just say I'm counting down the days til Holiday Break!!  I'm so proud of my BIG third and first graders!!

CHESTER"S SONG
I know how scary it can be
To go out on your own,
To leave your favorite books and toys
And mom and dad at home.
But if you dare to take a step
And see what's waiting there,
You just might make a friend or two
With toys and bikes to share.
So open up your hand real wide
And feel that loving kiss
That rushes straight into your heart
And just remember this:
A Kissing Hand upon your cheek
Will warm you through and through:
A Kissing Hand upon your cheek
Says "I love you."

One of the best stories ever.  Thank You Mrs. Larabee for sending this home with a "Kissing Hand"...I think it was more for me not for Tyler! I love it!!  They grow fast they become so indepedent ...I'm learning that even when it's tough to cherish it, embrace it,  I must plant the seed of love and watch it grow!

Bad People Making Bad Choices in Great Communities

I have always had the privilege of living in a community that had low crime.  There was no reason to lock your door, have a security system or worry about people knowing you are out of town.  I’ve lived in comfort, the comfort of my home, the comfort of my neighborhood, the comfort of a quiet community.   I’ve worked hard to make sure that my children too have the benefits of living in a community with low crime.  We have left doors unlocked, we still have a block party every summer, and we take walks after dark. 

Yesterday my comfort was shaken, stirred by the shootings in Copley.  Growing up in nearby community and having so many friends, co-workers and relatives live in Copley it’s similarities to my childhood community make it such a close relative.  Copley and Revere were huge rivals.  We would battle for the bell every year but most of us would still have friendships with students from Copley.  It was part of the culture, the peace because we lived in such great communities we had so much in common it was easy to be friendly with one another.

If you told me that this would happen, that I would wake up and see Massacre In Copley I’d say you’re crazy it doesn’t happen there.  The reality is it can happen anywhere.  Green, Wadsworth, Norton, Hudson, Medina, Jackson, Strongsville, no community is immune.  It is so hard to remember that people make bad choices everyday and follow the wrong path.  It’s even harder when others bad choices effect your everyday, take away the ones you love, and alter your future.  I commend all law enforcement involved, (Akron, Fairlawn, Copley) and I’m impressed with their swift action and organization.  Delivering information to people that are struggling to understand.  Another piece of what makes a great community.

We will pray for the families, we will remember the good times and we will hug our loved ones a little tighter as the realization comes to light.    We never know, We are not in control.  We will still raise our children in these great communities, because they will ALWAYS be great.   We can still love our neighbors; still come together at High School football games.   We can still enjoy our parades and festivals our school systems.  We will support our friends, our neighbors.  We will be reminded that everyday is a gift and to live it well!! 

Today I remember all of the victims of the shootings in Copley, Ohio on Sunday August 7, 2011. 

~God Bless

Snickerdoodles

The Best Snickerdoodles ~ SUPER EASY to make!!  It's also a great base recipe to put into memory because it's so simple!!  Enjoy!

1 c butter or Margarine
2 large eggs
1 3/4 c sugar
3 c flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
 ( dough is a a little gooey place dough in fridge for 10 minutes and in between batches)
Roll heaping Tbs of dough in 3 tbs Sugar and 3 tsp cinnamon mixture  Bake @ 350 for 10 minutes!!  That's It, and so good!!  I even melted some mini marshmallows on top!! Place them on top when there is about 3 minutes of bake time left eat while warm and gooey!! YUMMY!!

Little Boys.....Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

     I wanted to share some random things that have happened the past few days. I haven't felt 100% the past few days but life keeps going and I have 4 busy boys that keep me moving.  It can be hectic, crazy, fun, and never boring!
     The other day Ty walks up to me with a slug, yes a slug in his hand crawling leaving a unique trail of slime.  OK so I see a ton of bugs all different kinds, worms, but slugs are just gross to me and I don't think they are really designed to be held or touched for that matter.  In the same day Nolan (our comedian) says "Mommy I love shark week can we catch a shark and keep it". No, love they have to stay in the ocean!! Nolan also periodically breaks into song singing "Like it's dynamite, I said a ehoh, a ehoh, like it's dynamite" as loud as he can (thank you KidzBop!)
     Yesterday was filled with boys in the neighborhood coming over in, out, in, out, at one point I found myself saying things my mom used to say to me "in or out boys pick one and stay there". Next I'm saying "Stay outside and play you go back to school in 16 days." Then as they are outside I'm watching them jump bikes off ramps, skateboard down the driveway, race on scooters, and now I'm shouting "get helmets on or you are coming inside"...wait didn't I just talk them into going outside?  Ugh!
    Life with a new puppy has been busy.   The boys have been helping out a ton.  They take her outside, they give her treats and have even mastered using the bag to clean up after Cocoa does her "business".   Yesterday Tyler says "Mom when can we get 2 dogs?".  Really, I think we just got Cocoa  one week ago.  Let's get her trained first and then we'll talk OK kiddo!!   Have a beautiful day.  Slow down and enjoy the little things.
     *Today is my mom's birthday!! Happy Birthday mom!! We love you!!

 

And They Call It Puppy Love

When you make the decision to take on a new responsibility and add to your family it is so exciting. You're gettin a puppy!  You are just so in love with the idea that you can't see past the puppy dream.  This idea is so fully of happiness, cute little puppies.   Puppy kisses.  Puppy cries.  Puppy love.  All so wonderful.   Our puppy was not a planned puppy she was a" sometimes life gives you a surprise" kinda pup the best kind!!  We did not discuss it with The Boys in fact on Tuesday night I brought Cocoa home a little before 9:00pm (bedtime).  Surprise.  I've never heard The Boys so full of Thank Yous :)
Since the first day there has been some puppy drama, cries, accidents, but there has been love, responsibility, kisses and cuddles. She is so worth it~all of it.

Some people think I'm crazy.  Why a Jack Russel they are so hyper. I say why not.  My life is busy, sometimes it's filled with the best kind of organized chaos.  I say Cocoa will fit right in!!  She is doing a great job telling us when she needs to go out and The Boys are helping out with walks, feedings, and playtime.  Tyler even slept downstairs on the couch so Cocoa wouldn't cry.  She has to have someone in the same room with her or she starts to cry, and at bedtime Tyler gets upset when he hears Cocoas cries. She is a puppy so I have to go out with her in the middle of the night and I find myself in bed awake anticipating her cries. I go as fast as I can down the stairs so she doesn't wake anyone in the house.  She enjoys being outside, but she seems as equally excited to come back  in.  I love that !   Yes we have a puppy her name is Cocoa and we love her!!  I think she loves us too ♥ 

Snow Cones and Snoopy

We had a great time trying to stay cool today.  We made snow cones!!    It's amazing how much happiness can come from ice, syrup, and a fun cone shaped paper cup.  Faces light up.  Smiles get really big.  I must say this was great.  Thanks Carrie for this wonderful birthday present a few years back.  Great gift idea.  It keeps on giving even on the hottest of days :) 

I remember when I was 5 years old I had a Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine.  It was awesome!!! I loved that thing, but you had to work to make the snowcones.  You dropped the ice into an opening in the top and then took the piece with Snoopy on it and pushed the ice down.  There was a metal blade that you could reach in and touch.  You had to push down and crank the blade around to shave the ice.  It was so cool to watch the ice come out from the metal blade and the faster you crank the more ice.  It was always a competition to see who could crank the fastest, and make the most shaved ice.    It also had a snowman that you put the syrup into squeeze on top, and a little shovel to scoop out the ice.  We always used Kool-Aid for flavor.   The snow cone maker I have today is so easy to use.  You just drop ice in, push down the top and presto out comes  shaved ice.  And they have real cherry flavored snow cone syrup to top it off.  Although, I must say if I had a Snoopy Snowcone Machine we would be using it.   I was able to get some cute pictures of the snow cone making fun that I posted below.

It has been such a hot day!!  The a/c has been running all day and it's still warm in the house.  It was fun remembering what I enjoyed doing as a child to beat the heat and showing The Boys that you don't need to go to a fancy park or spend a lot of money.  Playing in a sprinkler, making homemade snow cones, and freezing some yogurt pops made for some happy kiddos.  Just like I remembered.

Firefly Where Are You?

Now that I know fireflies don't live in all other states they amaze me even more.  When we went to HH we went to visit our awesome family in North Carolina and learned that there are no fireflies.  None.    How can this be?  Something I just grew up with as part of my everynight during Summers in Ohio.  Sometimes I would put them in jars and leave them as a natural night light.  In awe of the light I would watch them glow and then set them free the next morning (although most would not fly away).  So tonight we went firefly hunting ...again because we must, it is now part of my everynight as an adult because I can.  It is a happy childhood memory that I have and I hope one day The Boys will have similar good memories.  The Boys love it and they will forever know how unique the firefly is.  I also really enjoy the fact that they call them fireflies.  I called them lightning bugs but firefly makes them sound special and they are!!

Balance

If there is one thing that I think is true it is everything needs balance.  A little bit of this and a little bit of that.  On the nights when I work I know I need some sleep even just 20 minutes to create some sort of balance.  I have 4 beautiful sons, 1 amazing husband and a 10 year old tuxedo kitty.  And everyday I must find balance.  In cooking to make sure everyone is happy at dinner time it takes balance.  Balance is needed when doing work around the house to make sure that the soccer clothes are clean and ready for game/practice days  and the lawn mowing days don't fall on a rainy day.  Balance is needed in relationships, careers and education.  Everyone needs a little bit of everything.  So I think that will be the focus.  A little bit of everything.  Stories from the mother of 4 boys, food favorites, shopping deals and steals and whatever creates balance for the day!