Oh The Things Kids Say

I am so proud of my little man.  I attended his "Open House" last night (in lieu of conferences this trimester) and WoW - what progress he's made!  I am simply amazed at his abilities.  He's come so far.

And I MUST share a special moment...a moment that only a mother can appreciate (well, maybe not so much...I actually wanted to run and hide under the nearest rock!)

Logan's teacher told me that they had been studying snails in science and were learning all the different parts of the snail.  Logan, in all his snail knowledge, said, "Mrs. Stackley, I know how snails move" to which Mrs. Stackley responded, "Well Logan, how do snails move?"  and then..."they crawl on their peteys."  WA-BAM!!!  Out of the Mouths of Babes Part Doux!

Owie

Logan's broken nose in September 2010.  I still cringe and get teary-eyed when I think of this.

By Gosh, I Think He's Got It!

Well, after only seven months (humor me here), I think little man finally figured it out...he LOVES school.  If you will recall (those of you who know us KNOW the drama all too well), at the beginning of the school year Logan would NOT go into his classroom without clinging to me, crying, screaming, and running after me.  Special accomodations were made for Logan to be taken to the "bus stop" line on the other side of the school where I would drop him off and walk him to the bus line and his special "bus stop teacher" would be waiting for him.  She would hold on to little man and soothe him while I walked away and headed home.  This routine, too, took some time BUT...

After seven long months he's got it!!! 

Today, when I started to walk Logan across the crosswalk, he let go of my hand, waved a casual "hey" to Mr. O and took off at a sprinter's pace to the bus line.  No kisses, no hugs, no "bye mama."  He simply ran off and never looked back. 

I am so very proud of my little man.  At the same time, however, my heart cringes just a bit knowing that this is only the beginning of things to come. 

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month...a subject VERY close to my heart.  All who know me, and know me well, know that children are my passion - their health, safety and welfare above all else.  To break the spirit and soul of an innocent child is something that we must not tolerate.  We must not remain silent.  We must take a stand and let our voices be heard for those who, through no circumstance of their own, do not have a voice.

There are many organizations out there that help abused and neglected children each and every day.  My dream, my hope? - to see these organizations close their doors.  Why?  Because their services will no longer be needed.  Child abuse and neglect will have been erradicated.  In a perfect world!

Unforunately, this world is FAR from perfect.  So, until we get closer to the erradication of child abuse, these organizations are much needed.  The organization closest to my heart is CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates.  As a volunteer CASA for two years I was able to see first-hand just what this amazing non-profit organzation does to help those who need them most.  It was a privilege and an honor to be a voice for the children and to know, through one little smile, one tiny touch, one whispered thank you, that I was making a difference. 

There is so much all of us can do to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.  It is our responsibility to do that.  Don't go quietly if you see a child being hurt...SAY SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING!  Let that child know that someone DOES care!

Please take a moment to visit your local CASA organization or National CASA at:

CasaForChildren.org

I will leave you with some parting images and words from "The Child Abuse Survivor Monument"

Hatred

Who’s to pay at the end of the day

For the cruelty and pain

That obliterated all sunshine or rain?

Unforgiveness, the judgement, children’s innocent illusion

The apparent unreality and impossible resolution.

Who’s to pay?

Who’s to pay at the end of the day

For the bitterness and sadness

The overwhelming madness?

Healing the Wounds

People that called me their family

Stabbed my life with a knife

and in the end they chose to twist it

Instead of choosing to help heal my wounds.

Now I have a new life and people that I call family

I now know how it feels to be

truly and unconditionally loved.

It is real! It is genuine!

Dear God

Please help the children

of this world;

They are hurt and hurting

and are crushed beneath the weight

of our insanity.

Please bless the children

and awaken us

before it is too late.

AMEN



Gee Dub

Logan's President's Day Project ~ George Washington in papier mache.

The resemblence is so there!

Vintage Love

I just can't hold back any longer.  I MUST share...

Erin Edwards and her creative team make incredibly beautiful treasures from

necklaces, rings and bracelets to key chains and keepsakes.  Their creations are truly unique and each one is a keepsake in itself.

And...(the best part) - when you purchase a one-of-a-kind creation from TVP, not only are you giving something amazing to yourself, you're also giving to those who just might not have as many blessings to count as you. 

why we do what we do

The Vintage Pearl works closely with several non profit organizations, Christian Ministries and orphanages. We have a heart for people in need, and the success of the company allows us to give. We have several pieces for a cause where monies are donated for each sale, but we also give in other areas (missions, church needs, etc.) as we feel led.

When you buy one of our pieces you are blessing someone is need!

A few places we have donated to:

Stop Child Trafficking Now
Tulsa Dream Center
Orphan Shield
The Mercy House
Inspire International Ministries

Sooo...if you love vintage-inspired, hand-stamped, gorgeous jewelry and helping others, you MUST check out The Vintage Pearl.  (Come on - you know you want to!)

The Vintage Pearl Blog

The Vintage Pearl Website

The Magic Is In The Hole

Once Logan and I have returned to Washington, exploring new adventures is our plan.  We are going to take advantage of all the wonderful things and amazing places the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 

First stop...

Can't wait to lose myself in all the yumminess.  There are only a few things that Colorado just doesn't have to offer us Pacific Northwesterners...doughnuts is one of them. 

While going through security at Portland International on my way back to Denver, I met two fellow flyers who were on their way home after vacationing in Oregon.  In their arms they carried two big, pink Voo Doo Doughnut boxes. 

I must admit that every time I hear anything about Voo Doo Doughnuts, I laugh...I laugh because my little muffinhead, sweet and innocent as he is, believes that it is called "Doo Doo Doughnuts." 

Potholes of Life

It is said that the trials and tribulations of life are what make us strong, make us who we are.  Well then... start addressing me as Hercules please!

The road we choose to travel is there to teach us a lesson of some sort or another.  Well, I don't recall choosing the road littered with pot-holes.  That is the road, however, I have travelled.  Why didn't I just turn back?  Take a detour?  Turn my hazards on and wait for someone to rescue me?  I don't have answers to those questions.  I just continue to hold on to hope that I am nearing the end of this bumpy road. 

I know I must be getting close - I can feel the anticipation of relief.  I have persevered and triumphed over this God-forsaken fork in the road. 

My journey was not in vain...it was for a power much higher than myself.  Something so much bigger than I am.  A force so strong that I knew taking the easy way out was not an option. 

I have learned much about myself along this little trip...I am a fighter, I am determined, I am prideful.  I have learned to give when necessary to benefit others.  And I have learned to stand my ground when giving for others means sacrificing my soul. 

I will, in due time, give thanks to this bumpy road littered with pot holes.  For now, however, I will just sit back and enjoy the scenery a bit, waiting for the smooth black asphalt at the end of the road.

Popcorn Tree

Strange day today was.  It was back to school for Logan after a week off for spring break.  And of all things...we awoke to snow.  I bundled Logan up in his snow boots, heavy winter coat, and gloves.  In true Colorado fashion, however, when I picked him up from school only three hours later, the skies were blue, the sun was shining, and any hint of snow was a distant memory. 

Logan stripped himself of his winter attire and headed outside to plant "popcorn trees" in the warm sunshine.  After only 30 minutes, he was headed into the house where he changed into his swim trunks (and ONLY swim trunks) and headed back outside to "clean" the back patio.

A couple hours later, Logan was back into his sweats, t-shirt, and a hoody (and his newly acquired soccer shin guards) and we were outside playing soccer...while tiny little snowflakes fell from the sky!

It IS true what they say here - "If you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes!"

Credits: Scrapkit - "Sleepover" by Julia @ Everyday Mom Ideas

Scrapkit - "Eco Friend" @ Sweet Shoppe Designs

Denver Makes the World a Better Place

Thank you, Denver, for bringing me laughter and smiles when they were needed.  You are truly deserving of your very own Facebook page!

Denver the Guilty Dog's Facebook Page

*UPDATE* 

My brush with fame!  A comment from Denver herself...



Denver Our Guilty Dog sends greetings to Tia in beautiful Denver, CO! Sounds like you're havin' fun -- ROCK ON, girl! xoxo