Helping someone else achieve a personal goal

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Just to take us off focus of the holiday season for a moment. I thought I would share with you a little about what I've been doing personally for the last few months. 


I have been training for nearly 5 months for a 1/2 marathon. Let me first clarify by stating that I am not a runner, never been a runner and not sure I will ever really enjoy running. I did track and stuff but it was mainly for social reasons and I always ran short distances - like less than a mile. So when my gym friend asked me to join her in training and participating in a 1/2 marathon, I really thought she was crazy especially for asking me! :) (I hadn't ever ran more than 3 miles EVER!)

Training for this hasn't always been easy. There have been time commitments (sometimes running upwards of 2 hours), falls, physical ailments, and weather conditions to fight. But all in all - I am very excited that I am less than 5 days away from achieving this personal goal.

Quite frankly, this wasn't my goal though. It was my friend's goal. I really started this whole thing off wanting to help her achieve her personal goal of running in a 1/2 marathon. I think at the time, I thought I would probably end up backing out but somehow knowing each week she was waiting to meet me gave me gratification. 

My friend has never been a runner either. And she always likes to remind me that she's 52 so she thinks that age is against her. She has never done anything athletic in her whole life and just recently took up running a little over a year ago. This accomplishment for running in the 1/2 marathon is HUGE for her. I guess I never really knew how huge until we ran our last long run this past Sunday. She came up to me with huge tears in her eyes as we were stretching and preparing to leave. She started off by saying that she would be pretty emotional this week because she can't believe she has finally made it to the last week prior to the race. She continued with tears and choking on her words to explain how she would have never been able to train for this week-in and week-out if it hadn't been for me running with her. Especially on the longer runs when we have hit 10 - 11 miles. She said she doesn't know if she would've had the drive or motivation to continue moving forward and persevere especially during a couple runs when she felt like quitting. I kept telling her she could do it. All along I believed in her and knew she could accomplish something she didn't even know she could. She also mentioned how her family doesn't really realize how important this has been to her. Not really understanding why she has been making such a big deal about having friends or families see her to the finish line. But I have always understood as I have participated with her. Her speech touched me in such a special way. I had been unconsciously aware how important this goal had been to her and how important my participation and partnership with her through this had been. Now I know. 

I'm not saying we all should go start training for 1/2 marathons but this feeling of gratitude has definitely inspired me more. It's provided me a light of fulfillment knowing I helped someone else to achieve a personal goal. What could you do to help someone else or even yourself to achieve  a personal goal? It could be as simple as putting them in touch with the right person, giving them a referral, being there for them the first step they take, helping them to set smaller goals to achieve the larger ones, or being side by side each step of the way encouraging them to continue and believing in them even when they may not believe in themself. All this may sound tough to do especially if you are finding tough times for you and your family. I'm right there with you - experiencing those tough times. But it sure does help take the focus off of what I don't have when I'm able to give something to someone else. Especially in helping them achieve a huge personal goal. 

(here is us earlier this year at our first 5k)

Say a prayer for me that I finish on Sunday without stopping, cramping, or collapsing. :) Stay warm.


In love & kindness,





Email Elizabeth and Heather

Thoughts of Others....

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The holidays should be a magical time – full of wonder and excitement, planning , sharing and celebrating. For many of us, the holidays are exactly that – but this year, there are many, many people hurting and desperate right now. There are pressures on all of us this time of year, but the pressure of trying to figure out ways to provide an adequate holiday for children you love so very much can be, simply put – overwhelming.

So as you might expect, we have had SO many people who are in need reach out for help. We’ve heard heart-breaking stories full of so much pain. Children in need of coats, underwear, socks, parents fighting to get the heat turned back on, people in need of food – its heart-wrenching. It might be just too much if that’s all we heard – but it isn’t. The flip side of this are all the people who write in and ask what they can do to help. So many that send their own children’s clothes along the way, expecting nothing in return. Putting good out there for the simple reason that its what we all should be doing. Treating others as we want to be treated….

Recently we heard from a woman who had a wonderful idea. She asked if we could give her a family to adopt. She knew that there are so many that need some help right now and she wanted to do something. She thought for sure that we had thought of this idea before, but see? That’s why we need you – we hadn’t. Now obviously, not everyone is in a position to do that – but it was possible for her and we are so thankful for her (and all of you, too!!) You know, the sad truth is, this year at my church there were more children on the giving tree than ever before. The same is true for us….we have heard from more people recently than in any of the other months. On a positive note, however, many of those requests did not come from the people in need, themselves. They came from their confidants, their friends…people who are hearing their struggles and really trying to make the path easier for them.

And that’s not the only one, there have been other great ideas, too. We’ve had kind-hearted souls that have thrown moms nights out and spread the word and acting as a group sent out clothes. Momma time AND helping others? Does it get better? =) I don’t want to give too much about this away, because I’m hoping this dear lady will speak for herself on an upcoming blog.

In the end, each of us is on our own path. Each of us knows what we can truly give or do to help others and give back. Even if you don’t think its much – do something. Little actions build up together to change the world.

Peaceful wishes for you all. If you’re stressed, may your burden get easier. If you are blessed, may you feel the need to share those blessings.

In love and kindness,


Email Elizabeth & Heather

Hope for the holidays...

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Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all of you! We hope that you and yours enjoyed the holiday and remembered each and every blessing you had to be thankful for. We are thankful for each of you and the PIOB journey you allow us to share with you.

This is such an exciting time of year but also one that reminds me of how difficult it is for many families. Despite just the basic family anxiety some of us may endure during the holiday season, many of us share deeper worries and heartaches. I know speaking for myself, I tend to start thinking about loved ones who aren't here to celebrate the holiday season and family togetherness. Especailly, I think about my sister who has been gone over 10 years. I feel that each time my family is together there is a big empty space where her energy, smile and presence are very much missed. The dynamics just aren't the same. I am also struggling to figure out ways to create a Christmas I can be proud of but doing it on half the budget I have in Christmas' past. I know that it is what I make of it but sometimes I don't know how to create the same feeling with less things for me to give. Giving gifts has always been what I do best. And Christmas was the time I relished in giving to my family and friends. I am working on more creative gifts such as baked treats and more thoughtful gifts from the heart. In our consumeristic society - sometimes it's hard to believe that even with only that - a holiday can be enjoyed.

That leads me into sharing a story of a mother who is finding ways to do that with her own family. Sharlene contacted us back several months ago and has become such a joy to us in sharing her cooking ideas, sharing her stories on our blog and always being willing to donate when she can despite her own tough economic situation. Her husband has been out of work for quite some time but that doesn't stop this mother of 5 who works full-time and goes to school from creating the best holiday she can for her and her family.

I am, for the time being, working full time. I work part time as a teacher aide at a head start center and have managed to pick up some extra hours at another center working as a teacher aide and transportation aide. I never thought I'd be riding a school bus again, but it is fun! I have also been going to school full time. At first it was quite a challenge, mostly getting all the kids used to the fact that I am not quite as available as I have always been. I fell behind on my homework for a while, and started to get down about being able to do it all. I was also having a difficult time with my little three year old adjusting to everything. She is doing better now, and I am caught up on my homework. I work really hard trying to stay on top of things, sometimes spending as much as five hours on the computer on the weekends to do homework and do work for my internet class. It has definitely been a challenge not being able to spend as much time with my kids, but I know in the long run it is for the best. Financially, it is difficult right now. If not for the financial aide, I don't what I would do. Our public assistance benefits have been cut in half. I make less than $1,000 working full time. I just have to be very diligent about how I spend our money. My husband has been unemployed for a while, and currently brings in no income since his unemployment ran out. Trying to pay the bills and rent and provide for five kids is very difficult on $1,400 a month. Fortunately, I browse craigslist often and have been able to find some things on there for Christmas presents for far less than the price of new items. Right now, I am pretty far ahead on Christmas presents, but still have a ways to go.

Pass It On Baby! helped me tremendously when I needed it. My kids had to start school with pretty much nothing but some thrift store and yard sale finds and their clothes from last year that still fit. I couldn't even afford to go yard saling last year, so even the yard sale finds were not much. I received two boxes of clothes for my seven year old daughter, Macy, just in time for school. There were only a couple pairs of pants that were too big for her, but otherwise eveything fit and she was so happy when she opened the box! My little one, Alayna, also received two boxes from the same person. She wanted to wear everything "tomorrow". Everytime I showed her a new item she would say "That's so cute! I wanna wear that tomorrow!" She would have been wearing about ten outfits in one day! I think the most grateful was my daughter, Karissa, 14. She was in desperate need of bras and I did not realize how expensive young girls bras are at the store. She only had two bras, one which barely fit and the other was being held together by safety pins. She received a box full of about ten bras. I was extremely grateful for that one as well. I really want to thank everyone who donated to my family and Pass It On Baby! for making it possible.! Thank you!

Thank you to Sharlene for being willing to share her story with us and all of you. Many other people, including me and my own family, are going through difficulties this holiday season. Anything you can do to help lighten the load of someone through Pass It On, Baby! or any other person or organization that is put in your path - please take the time. It can be as little as the extra change in the donations for the Salvation Army in front of the stores, a wrapped new toy for Toys For Tots, Adopting a Family - or if you feel so inclined - providing one or a few outfits to a family who is struggling to provide during the holidays. We look to you to help us help more people and spread the message of philanthropy through your family, your work, wherever you are. It's time we start taking care of the people in our communities. Let's provide them a sense of hope for the holidays.

Please take a look at our immediate needs list and see if you or anyone you know have anything you can provide for the child who needs that size. It doesn't need to be a multitude of items - 1 or 2 outfits would suffice. Let's box up as much hope as we can ship it out this holiday season.

In love & kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

A Choice to Enjoy or Stress....

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The holidays are officially upon us and with that means the hustle and bustle of cooking, parties, making lists, buying presents, sending cards - goodness, are you tired of just thinking of all of that?! =) So was I....until I read a very important thought for my own life and something I've made a mental note to reflect on each and every day. I've heard it said countless times by countless individuals, but the basic gist is that it is not any particular happening that causes unhappiness, stress or sorrow - it is our resistance to or unacceptance of that happening. I LOVE this thought because it gives me the choice as to how I am going to react that what is happening around me.

For instance, there are LOTS of things that are happening around this time of year that can be seen as stressful. Lots of us have traveling and packing and family, etc coming up. If you start right out of the gate stressing about all there is to do - your frame of mind is already set. If on the other hand, you challenge yourself to view it another way....a positive, an opportunity to grow, an acceptance that you are exactly where you need to be - somehow, the obstacle isn't as insurmountable. Personal example - every year around the holidays we take family photos. I am kind of "nerdy" in the sense that I match everyone up (that's seven people!!), painstakingly plan and shop for the outfits, schedule the haircuts to happen just before the shoot, carefully plan the naptimes - you get it. It's a BIG deal to me -because its often the only time we get the family for a group shot. So most years, photo shoot = stress. But, this year, I wasn't about to let stress steal what should be a joyous and happy moment from me. With the kids growing up so fast, I didn't want this to be another year where I worried and fretted and then "got through" or "survived" the family pics. I wanted to truly enjoy them. So, we met our photographer at a park and just played with the kids while she took pics. They climbed hills, fought with sticks (ok - I said I wanted to enjoy it, but not that they were necessarily angels!! =), ran around and just were kids. My husband and I truly enjoyed just playing with them and watching them explore and enjoy themselves. Like any experience with five kiddos, the day did have some challenges....My children were skipping stones at a man-made pond. I wasn't thrilled about them digging in the dirt for stones, but I went with it and tried to offer sticks as digging (and more importantly, keeping clean) tools. And then it happened. The moment that threatened to throw off my sanity... My second son was balancing on a stone pond wall and reaching out over the pond to get a branch that had berries on it - in hopes of skipping those instead. Of course, in my family - monkey see, monkey do... My third son tried to imitate his older brother and reach for those same berries (wait for it....I know you know what's coming)..and.....accidentally lost his balance and fell COMPLETELY in the pond!! Although I was there instanteously and pulled him out, he was covered in mud, crying, soaking and cold -- and we probably looked like the most crazy family out in the park that day.....BUT, I was able to laugh about it right wawy and make him feel a little better about it too. So we didn't get as many shots as we might have....but we enjoyed our time together and I think that that is what is important. I couldn't change that moment, I could only change my reaction to it. Because of my more relaxed frame of mind heading in to the shoot, I was able to deal with the moment...frankly, one that would have challenged my being able to hold it together. Getting upset, disappointed or annoyed would only have made me miserable and my son even more upset. On the other hand, looking at the humor in the situation of a completely soaked and muddy six year-old who fell in to the pond during family photos, changed my perspective. Someday, it will make a GREAT story! *wink*

I truly believe that each and every moment you are right where you are supposed to be. There is something to be learned from the stressful moments, the sad moments, the challengin ones and all the rest. If you can't change the moment - change your perspective. Enjoy the moments this holiday season - and those responsibilities that you see as a chore - challenge yourself to see things in a different manner or just cut them altogether if you can't.

From our families to yours - Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for so very much this year. For your support and encouragement, your kindness and your generosity. ((Hugs)) to each and every one of you!

In love and kindness,


Email Elizabeth & Heather

Something More...

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I know at times both Elizabeth and I feel like we continue to sit on our own soap box and not "preach" but "share" *wink* our thoughts and views about the world and more importantly about the importance of giving. But I am sure that you welcome a break from our own rants and raves as well as we do - so we've brought back our special guest blogger - Louiseza. She has such great things to share and lucky this is a forum where she can do that and allow us the opportunity to step back and see things from her point of view. Please enjoy her wonderful post! Thanks Louiseza!

Today I looked at the calendar and couldn’t believe that the month of November is in full swing. For many November sparks the beginning of the holiday season. The stores are decorated festively and are beginning to fill with shoppers (even in this economy) searching for the items on their gift giving lists. Unfortunately, for many the holidays can be a grim reminder of what we don’t have—cup half empty, if you will. Admittedly, the downfall of our nation’s economic health over the past two years has placed a heavy financial burden on many. We have all been affected by the recession in one way or another. Some have been laid off or know someone who has. Maybe you are an entrepreneur trying to keep your business afloat in these trying times. No matter what your own circumstance we have all had to adjust in some way to survive current times.

As I listen to people (self included) talk about “sacrifices” or “losses” sustained during these tough economic times, I must remind myself of those less fortunate than I. I can’t help but wonder if I am feeling the pinch, then how are they surviving? Although these thoughts are sobering ones, I am actually thankful for them. I am reminded of the many blessings that I have received and continue to benefit from, even during present times. As well, I am not only reminded of those who are in need, but I am inspired to find ways to help.

For me the recession has meant the loss of a job and clients. However, this has been a great opportunity for me to redirect my time and energy towards helping others. I am the Volunteer Coordinator for one of the organizations that I volunteer with, which gives me a chance to meet many people who are looking for ways to give back. What intrigues me the most, are their reasons for volunteering. Many are unemployed and looking for ways to productively spend their days, while others are looking for community service opportunities to fulfill school or other requirements. One reason that resonates with me so deeply is the search for something “more”. Many of the volunteers that I have spoken with are looking for an opportunity to positively impact our world. The need to feel as though one has done something of meaning is a dominant factor for many of the volunteers. Whatever their reason, most will tell you that giving of one’s time not only impacts the organization and those that it serves, but the volunteer as well. When your efforts and thoughts are concentrated on helping others, it is hard to worry about yourself. Giving of self has way of bringing perspective to one’s life and place in the world. The conversion from name brand to generic is no longer important—and really was it ever? Instead thoughts of loss are replaced with those of thankfulness and inspiration—thankfulness for what one has and the inspiration to help others achieve their own goals and dreams.

While these past two years have meant changes for everyone, I am thankful for at least one aspect of these changes. I think that we have been forced to reassess our own values; what is truly most important and do we really need so much “stuff”? I would be lying if I said that I don’t want to have nice “things” or to be free of financial worries. None –the- less, I have been reminded that what is most important is, not what I don’t have, but what I do with what I have been given.

I can't tell you all enough how much this message resonates with me this time of year. With my business being hit, my husband getting his business going, us living with our in-laws and more - we feel the pinch too but know we have so much to share! It's hard to look around and still see so much consumerism. It's difficult not to have the "want" take over but I have to remember that for myself and my family - what is important about this season is love. Love of ourself, each other, our community, and so on. It's that love that is the gift that never stops giving.

Thanks again Louiseza for that inspiration!

In love & kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

In Thanksgiving for One of Our Faves...

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As Thanksgiving approaches, we all have much to be thankful for. Even if you find yourself struggling, you have your health or your children or your family – each of us has much to be thankful for. So – in keeping with the spirit of the season, Heather and I want to make sure that you know how much we appreciate you, our readers, our donors and our recipients. From time to time we shine the spotlight on various individuals who have been a part of this little community and today, I’d like to introduce – Mitzi. http://goodsonfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/

I gotta tell you – I LOVE hearing from her! Every once in awhile you “meet” someone whose personality shines through even an email – she is one of those people. Mitzi just makes us feel thankful each time we hear from her, because her positivity is inspiring and catchy! =) We first heard from her within a month of beginning PIOB. Back then, she was pregnant with her first child and so she didn’t have clothes that were gently used to pass along. So – what’s an inspiration to do? How about shopping particularly for that child and sending the new clothing…and that wouldn’t be the last time she would do exactly that. After her son was born, on went the maternity clothes as well as the baby clothes. So I had to ask her….why do you donate to Pass It On, Baby?

And here is what she says…you read enough of my posts and you’ll figure out that my life is lead my emotion – so I won’t lie and say that there weren’t any sniffles while reading her sweets words… =)

I am a woman that wanted kids from the time I could say baby BUT it just seemed that the right guy never came along so I just prayed & waited…I knew God would get to my prayers when he had a free minute J Then one day there was my husband; he was sitting there in his suit & I just knew the first time I saw him we were going to be together forever & he was the man God sent my way. We got married & were again blessed when we found out that we were expecting Brayden; this is when I started blogging & when I found PIOB & felt truly inspired & in awe of both you & heather & what you were doing to help. I actually teared up when I saw what you guys were doing & just knew that I HAD to help (I was meant to help) when & however I could. I knew that it wasn’t that I just “stumbled” onto your blog I knew it was God leading me to it. I am beyond thankful for Lance & Brayden & that my prayers were answered & now I just want to give back every chance I have the opportunity too. I just hope that I have helped lighten the burden/load off of a family that needs it.

She doesn’t need to “hope” that she has helped with many burdens – she undoubtedly has. Thank you, Mitzi, for lending a much-needed hand to families out there. She embodies what I love most – someone fulfilling their dreams turning back to help the next person up.

In love and kindness,


Email Elizabeth & Heather

Adoption Awareness Month

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With the holidays just around the corner - many people start thinking about charity or how to give back. Recently we were lucky enough to come across a wonderful mom, blogger and children's boutique owner - Robin. Here is her blog post that we have reposted for you about how she came across Pass It On, Baby! and a wonderful idea that she has that touched us.

November is Adoption Awareness Month.

Did you know that purple is the color that represents adoption?

Did you know there are over 100 million orphans in the world?

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Anyone that has adopted or has been touched by someone that has adopted, understands the amazing blessing brought to them by the sacrifice of another.

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Adoption = to take as one's own

Today I wanted to post about different way in which we can "adopt". Have you ever adopted the burden of another? .... taken on someones struggle and adopted the solution as your own? Sometimes there are those that have such a need for help. They are completely dependent on anyone willing to reach out to them. People who's stable situation changed in the blink of an eye by an unexpected event. Sometimes it doesn't take much to lose what took years to accomplish. Right now there are so many that have lost their jobs and are losing everything they spent years to build. Let's reach out and "adopt" someone today!

_________________

If you are like me you have an over abundance of clothes and/or shoes that your children can no longer wear. They are packed away in boxes that are taking up way too much space in your closet, basement, or garage. One of the waiting moms had ordered 3 Red Thread Stitches creations from me back when I was fundraising for Mia Hope. There was a change in plans on their adoption journey and she asked me to donate them to "Pass It On, Baby!" I asked her if it would be okay to take the money she had given me and purchase outfits. Instead of sending 3 outfits, I was able to purchase 12 outfits! When I contacted the wonderful ladies that run this charity, I was touched by the need for basic things such as underwear and shoes. These families are desperate for ANYTHING to clothe their children in because they have nothing due to job loss.

November is also a month of "thanksgiving". Even after 6 months of unemployment in our home this past year, we have so much to be thankful for! If you find it in your heart to "adopt" a child that needs clothing...new or used.... please click on the link below and see what you can do to help. There is an "immediate" needs section on the sidebar. These families are in urgent need of clothing. Thank you for allowing "adoption" to become a part of your world. I believe there are blessings waiting for those who share their abundance.

We want to thank Robin for this wonderful blog post and to Michelle for supporting us through sharing Pass It On, Baby!'s message. So we extend this idea of "adoption" to our Pass It On, Baby! community. What a wonderful way to show how thankful we are to our blessings by helping out a family and adopting their burden with your solution - kids clothes. So simple - so impactful. Even if you don't have clothes to donate and you have a few extra dollars for charity this holiday - I invite you to consider purchasing clothes for a family who desperately needs it.

I want to end with a quote that Robin posted on her blog under PIOB's blog button. It truly represents why we feel so strongly about Pass It On, Baby!

"Sometimes I would like to ask God, why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid He might ask me the same question." ~Anonymous

In love & kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather