Encourage to Give

During these hard economic times we all tighten our wallets. We feel that we need to stay home all together in order to conserve resources. I encourage all of you to keep giving if you can. Many of our non-profit clients are feeling the strain of the economy as their donations have decreased significantly. They need donations to keep going and they need your help. If you can only give a few dollars try something like this (one of our clients and in my home state). Spectrum Health Foundation wanted to let you know what you were buying with the money you donate. I love this idea that you can spend as little as $5 and get something for someone. Be sure to scroll down on the page. Give up the Starbucks coffee and give your debit card to organizations like Spectrum instead.

If you are unable to donate money at this time, think about volunteering. An hour or so on the weekend or an evening (or doing web stuff for the organization from the comfort of your own bed, like I do), helps. Keep giving!

Probably the last ones

Okay, so about a month ago, we started recycling. Those of you in California reading this, I hear your gasps loud and clear. I posted a sheet of what can be recycled in the pantry bought three rubbermaid tubs (we don't have curb side pick up in our neighborhood) and some canvas grocery bags. Robert was immediatly on board with this project. We started recycling everything, our daily newspapers, the thousands of catalogs that we get in the mail, the containers that our food comes in, etc.

I am stunned by the results. The second week we did it, I pulled the trash can to the street with EASE. EASE PEOPLE! Usually, Kudzu laughs at me as I wrestle the green can to the street cursing it and it's stench. I looked in and there were only two bags for a week! TWO BAGS PEOPLE! Usually there are at least 6. I thought this was a fluke and even said to Robert, "could it be the recycling is making that much of a differnce?" Yes. it. is.

One thing I have to stand up and applaud are our grocery bags. We eat a lot in our family and love each morsel. We use to get 12-15 plastic bags and make numerous trips in the house. I found a local company here in Charleston who sells these bags called A Single Bag. We got 5 for $12 and that is all we need each week. They pack them to the brim, they're about as tall as a papersack and sturdy. Robert and I make one trip and each and every week Robert comments about how much he LOVES these bags. We've seen them in Publix and they're not as big as these plus I'm not going to advertise for Publix. Check them out HERE. When I bought the bags, I got them a few days later and a handwritten thank you note from the owner. Can't beat that.

So, I'm proud of my little family for recycling. It's much easier than I thought it would be and we feel good doing it. Though I'm not sure I'll ever be fully green, sorry, I'm not to the cloth diaper phase yet, it's only been a month. If you're not already, get recycling!

Big News & Dancing

The big news is that Hayden took his first steps tonight. It all started with him dancing, which you will see in the video. I was making dinner tonight and Beyonce came on my iPod. Hayden, who was sitting on the floor, pushed himself to standing (which was a first) and stood there dancing. He would lose his balance and cry (which you will see in the video). "Get on it" I yell and he gets back up and does it again. I always knew that once he figured out how to stand up, we would be that much closer to him walking. I didn't think it would be immediate. He danced, I sat the camera down and continued making dinner. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him let go of one cabinet walk the two steps to the other set of cabinets. I celebrate. A few minutes later he's standing in the middle of the kitchen, I'm about 3 feet away and encourage him to walk to me, which he does. He gives me this look as if he's been doing it for years. Robert missed it as he was outside. However, he got to see it when Hayden was naked ready for his bath. He is required to pick up his dirty clothes and put them in his hamper. He grabbed his sock and walked it over to the hamper with out any help! This is HUGE for us. We are so proud. Hope you all have a great week!

Playing Tag

Though the video is pretty dark, you'll see Hayden and Kudzu playing tag.

On A Happy Note

So, funny story. I got a call from one of our clients who said, "Molly Jones?" I said yes. "Your husband's name wouldn't be...DESMOND would it?" I laugh and said, "why of course it is, I am a muse to The Beatles". Classic. Incase you have no idea- here you go.

Desmond has his barrow in the market place...
Molly is the singer in a band...
Desmond says to Molly "Girl, I like your face"
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on.

Desmond takes a trolley to the jewelry store...
Buys a twenty carat golden ring... (Golden ring)
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door...
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing... (Sing)
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on.

In a couple of years they have built a home sweet home,
With a couple of kids running in the yard,
Of Desmond and Molly Jones... (Ha ha ha ha ha)

Happy ever after in the market place...
Desmond lets the children lend a hand...
Molly stays at home and does her pretty face...
And in the evening she still sings it with the band...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on.

In a couple of years they have built a home sweet home,
With a couple of kids running in the yard,
Of Desmond and Molly Jones... (Ha ha ha ha ha)

Happy ever after in the market place...
Molly lets the children lend a hand...
Desmond stays at home and does his pretty face...
And in the evening she's a singer with the band...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on...
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!...
Lala how the life goes on.


And if you want some fun...take Ob-la-di-bla-da (Thank you)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Isaac!

I got a bit of get news. Well, the possibility of good news. My friend Brian said that he, his amazing wife and my Godson, Isaac, may come to Myrtle Beach over New Years. The possibility of this news brightened my days. I'm homesick and Brian is home to me. I look forward to spending time with him and seeing my Godson who turned two today. It was yesterday I was standing strong as you were baptized (see picture). Happy Birthday, buddy. I love you.

Dream House

I want everyone to buy a ticket and if you win, give me the house. :) This is one of those rare cases where I wouldn't take the $1.6M in cash, I would take the house.

http://www.marinraffle.com/Overview.aspx