Operation College Cash

Let me preface this by saying, I will not be getting all "Toddlers & Tiaras" on you. If you haven't seen it, it's a very sad TLC show about pageant moms spending gobs of money to parade their unhappy little ones around in fake teeth, hair and eyelashes in an effort to win titles like "Supreme Queen Junior Buttercup." http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/toddlers-tiaras/about-toddlers-and-tiaras.html

That said, I did enter G and J in a Parents magazine photo contest that could result in some moolah for the college fund. So, if you're so inclined, please visit their entry albums and rate them, as an unbiased observer of course. :->

http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/cover-kid-1/741000040/

http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/cover-kid/741000038/

Thanks!

MA MA MA Makes It All Worthwhile!!!

Eric and I have been a bit zombie-like for the past few days, thanks to a stuffy-nosed, sleepless Jake at night. Between the four of us, we're going for a new record for "most colds in succession," but are hoping to kick them for good with the welcome return of warmer temps, open windows and SUNSHINE! So about the sleeplessness...

--First, Eric had me cracking up this morning when he called to say he'd accidently exited a "no-exit" door at the assisted living facility in his fog, which prompted a head count to ensure there hadn't been a resident escapee. He was embarassed and apologetic. And by the end, it sounded like the nurses were even slightly amused at his mistake...which he won't be making again.

--I too am a bit off from lack of shuteye, but still smiling from Jake's new mantra---"Ma ma ma ma ma ma ma..." When Grace uttered "Da da" first, I swore it was just a fluke, but I'm pretty sure Jake knows what he's saying. :->

OK, on with my day--which will not involve operating heavy machinery (at least 'till I catch some Zzzs.)

HAPPY EASTER!!!

In all of my "Sound of Music" enthusiasm (see below), I almost forgot to post some Easter pics of the little ones. They'll also make you smile. :->

Warm Fuzzy

If you haven't already seen this, you have to check it out... a routine morning at a Belgium train station turns into over 200 dancers "Do Re Mi-ing" in sync. So I'm not the only one who pictures the world breaking out into choreographed dance for seemingly no reason. You can't help but smile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

It's a Small World After All

After many weeks in the hospital, a girl can get bored, start reading blogs, and now feel very invested in several special stories. As I've mentioned before, I used to be pretty anti-blog, thinking they were pretty narcissistic--after all, who cares what I had for dinner last night and if it gave me heartburn. But when I suddenly found myself with LOTS of free time and little to do, I started poking around online.

It began with my cousin's wife's blog. From there, I clicked on every one of her links to see what her friends had to say. One site particularly touched me:(http://smithscooptexas.blogspot.com/).
It's the story of a wife and mom with 2 seemingly healthy boys, until one of them--now 4-year-old Gavin--was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor out of the blue. I was so moved by this mom-warrior's strength and perseverance, I emailed her--and prayed for Gavin. And she emailed back with words encouragement for me--and prayed for Jake. Two strangers, many states away, united in faith and a fierce love for our struggling sons.

From her page, I found another that led to another, and so on. There must be thousands of sites, representing thousands of families, all holding out for a happy ending. I also started to notice patterns, with the more popular sites ultimately linking together, making small circles of what I used to think was a big world.

As a result, I now feel irrevocably tied to people that I will probably never meet. It's an amazing vehicle, but one that should come with a word of caution. After getting absorbed in so many different stories, I started to feel the weight of all the suffering people I'd come to "know." Other than pray for them, there wasn't a lot I could do, which left me frustrated and very sad. At the advice of Eric and a good friend, I have now limited myself to a few select sites, restraining my willy-nilly urge to click my way into yet another life.

That said, I want to share my new short list with the hope of generating more interest in these special children and families. Please note, it's not all doom and gloom. The last link is a fully-healed, perfectly normal baby whose mom continues to post fun pictures, links, tips and wisdom. And the others continue to inspire with their faith-fueled determination.
http://smithscooptexas.blogspot.com/
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

While I'm recommending sites, here's a shout out to two others that have saved me lots of money (and they're not just for mommies!):
http://www.babycheapskate.com/
http://www.dealseekingmom.com/

Please send me your favs too...although I might already be aware of them. It's a small world after all!