It's not even Halloween yet, but

It's that time again! Time to get started on holiday cards. Yes! I know. It is not even Halloween. And although I normally push it off until the week before Christmas, this year I shall be on top of things. It is my New Year's resolution, before the New Year! Anyway, instead of ordering the same ole cards with a picture of my kiddos on the front, I discovered a MUCH better idea. They are the MOST adorable cards EVER designed by budding young artists who are also patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. It called "Children's Expressions," and there are a ton of choices and they can be personalized. What a wonderful idea!

The best part? Every purchase directly benefits the hospital’s "Family Services." The program helps support families coping with their child’s illness and stay at Childrens'.

Click here for the on-line storehttp://www.childrensmemorial.org/store/cards/default.asp?catID=3 or call 1.877.901.4264.

Rebel with cause

So, I have never been one of those rebellious types. I never drank in high school. Never got a tatoo. Never dyed my hair an unnatural color (well, I would like to think my blonde looks natural)...until this week. Salons all across the country are offering a way to bring out your inner rebel and fight breast cancer. For 10 bucks you too can have some pink hair extensions. I got two. You can only image the stares I must get when dropping off my son at nursery school. Ha Ha! Last year salons raised a half a million dollars. Now, about that tatoo...;)

It's what's for breakfast!

This morning we went over to support our local firefighters through their annual breakfast. It was a good excuse to get out of making something at home while helping fund the many good deeds of our firefighters. They do a stand-up job while on emergency calls, but they ALSO do alot of educating in the schools. They put on the fire garb and tell the children vital things like IF there is ever a fire that is what they will look like; masks and oxygen tanks. So don't be scared and run from them when they are trying to get you to safety. Smart thinkin'.

Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer awareness month although every month is a great time to do what we can to help fight the disease from all angles. Consider it an assault of sorts.
Help honor survivors, their families and those who are on the scientific front lines of fighting breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with five mile walks all across the country (164 events) and Illinois. Many of us are stepping out Oct. 18th! This is the tenth year for the events here in the Land of Lincoln.
Funds raised help educate us all about reducing cancer risk and will help with lifesaving research and support programs. To find dates and places near you, check out http://www.makingstridesillinois.com/

What ya got for me?

If you have spent anytime on this blog, you may have read about my love for CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates for children do just that; advocate for children who have been removed from homes due to abuse or neglect. Many of these stories are brutal and almost unbearable to hear. Once such case involved three young sisters. Their mom was in prison for drugs, dad was MIA and they lived with their grandma until she passed.They were then placed in a foster home. The youngest sister (a toddler) is in a hospital fighting grave cancer. Heartbreaking. The CASA helps ensure the children get the services and help they need. Some of these generous foster families need a little extra help along the way to make sure the kids are cared for in all ways. It could be a crib, a name of a service agency or even help at the hospital. My long winded point is these children, who are all of OUR children, need our help. So I thank people like Jules Ross. Although she is not part of CASA, she did take time to load up her truck and drop off a ton of wonderful toys, clothes and other items for children who could use them where they live. A stroller, a dollhouse , a winter coat...all are needed and loved by these young ones and those who now care for them. So thank you!

So long Summer!

We say goodbye to a summer we barely had time to enjoy. The plan was for me to camp out overnight with Johnny. That meant figuring out how to pitch the tent and then get that big ole blow up mattress to fit inside of it. I packed along brownies and magazines and made sure the Iphone was charged up. All that work and we ended up sleeping back at home in our own beds. Well, we tried. We did get to enjoy the cookout and fireworks at the club. They also had an outdoor movie and make your own smores for us.

On the Road Again~

This is my truck, otherwise known as The BEAST. She is mammouth. Today it was packed to the brim with baby loot.It was like Christmas in August. These things which include a high chair, crib, bathtub, bassinet and bedding are on their way to a foster family who desperately needs them for the little ones they are now caring for. The items are a result of people who have been so generous in giving their unused items to THE CASA Closet. Right now the closet is empty of items for children from 5-12 years old. School is starting this week. Many of these children who have been removed from homes due to abuse and neglect are now in foster homes or group homes and do not have much to wear. So if you happen to have some things your ever growing children can no longer wear or use, please let me know!