Pass It On, Baby!

Well -- HELLO out there!!! We're BAAAACK!!

2011-07-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

The last time Heather and I blogged, it was because we had decided we were taking a break from Pass it On, Baby! Life had gotten busy, kids were growing up, we were taking on new ventures, expanding families and we knew that we weren't devoting the time and energy that we needed to, to make PIOB what it deserved to be. We felt like we were letting people down. So we stepped back. And waited for that sense of relief…..but it never came. I missed it. I wondered how people were doing, felt guilty that we had our auto-response on our email and felt like something was missing in my life, some indescribable emptiness . Heather and I were texting back and forth and from the other side of the country, and at the same time, she was feeling the exact same way. And doors started opening again. People offered to jump in and give us a hand. Energy and excitement has started pouring in again and you know what?.............WE'RE BACK!! And this time better than ever!!

Why better, right? Because I've learned…..a lot. You know, it doesn't have to be perfect. It won't be. My life isn't. Nothing is….and that is a-ok. Because it's not about the perfection - it's about the effort. People who really follow us will get that as mothers, wives, workers, volunteers, athletes…..we're doing our best…..and it isn’t always going to be 100% perfect.

So - let's give this a go again. We are still going to be trying to utilize our Facebook page more, but we are going to let other people help us out too. (Novel idea, right? Ask for help….ha ha!) I missed hearing from you guys! I missed the little notes that tell us to keep on going or how PIOB has reinstated someone's faith in people. I missed the tears we shed with others, the laughs and happiness…seeing photos of the kids….ALL OF IT!!! So now I don't have to. Write us, Facebook us, give us suggestions, recommend us to people….whatever. Just jump in. Because this is a good place to be. A place where the people you are reading about or responding to are of a like-mind. Where no matter what wrongs we done today, we can do a good deed. We can make someone feel a little better….and hey, that counts for a lot!

I told you we had some good energy pour in recently and I meant it. We usually deal with gently loved children's clothes, which is great. BUT - I have some FAV kiddos clothes designers that we asked to donate an outfit or two to us….and you know what? They DID!! So, we are going to do some fun giveaways and promote some awesome companies…..they didn't ask us to - but there are some AWESOME companies, doing some AWESOME things out there in the world today and they deserve some recognition….and if it strikes your fancy, some business. We gotta fight for the good ones to stay in business!! J I can't wait to tell you all about them….you are going to LOVE them!

So - nothing ground-breaking - just a new hello, a thank you and an invitation to help us help others…..it's the way its supposed to be….right?

In love and kindness,

A Bittersweet Post....

2011-06-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Heather and I started Pass It On, Baby! as a way of helping others on their journey and sharing a helping hand where we could….of passing along all the kindness that had been shown to us. Along this journey, we've laughed with you, cried with you as we read heart-wrenching stories and shared our hearts with you. We've loved every minute of this journey. We feel proud that we were there to share in all the kindness that was passed along, all the children who were helped, and the hope that was given. But the time has come for us to take a break from Pass It On, Baby! We both have big changes occurring in our lives, and need some time to focus on our own lives. We are both better people for having met so many wonderful people via this tiny little charity.

I clearly remember when we first began PIOB, we thought if we helped a handful of kiddos and their parents in turn, passed that kindness along - we would really have helped. Hundreds of kids later, people taking this kindness and paying it forward - it has truly been such a blessing to be a part of it. To hear people's excitement when they received the box or likewise the excitement of passing along the clothes that we once saw our own kiddos run, play and grow in.

Who knows where the future will lead us. All I can tell you is that as a community as well as individuals, you have impacted our lives so very deeply. Heather and I truly treasure the opportunity and the time in our live devoted to making this place just the teeniest bit better. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing this special time with us.

In love and kindness,

AND

A change is as good as a rest...

2011-02-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

“A change is as good as a rest.” ~Proverb

It sure has been awhile. We do apologize for the long laps in posts and the emails that haven’t been responded to. Elizabeth and I have been struggling for a few months now with how to continue Pass It On, Baby! in order to fit it into our lives. We LOVE giving, we believe in giving and we both have such huge hearts that giving means so much to us. However, when giving means sacrificing something else important in your life – it’s not really giving from the right place. That’s what Elizabeth and I have been doing. Giving so much of ourselves that it hasn’t been from a place of love but from a place of guilt and commitment. That in turn has created neglect. Neglect to those of you that we have hoped to match up and neglect to writing more regularly on our blog and facebook.

We are busy moms. Elizabeth runs a household with 5 children (if you don’t include her husband). You can only imagine how busy a full-time mom of 5 can be. Ranging in ages from 3-15. She is demanded constantly. I have been running my own consulting business, freelancing on the side, teaching fitness classes, and also trying to be mommy & wife. It’s hectic and exhausting for us both.

BUT – PIOB has come to mean a lot to us and I think to many others. We have been deliberating over this for a few weeks now but feel we have decided that it so important to us to keep PIOB available to others for assistance. To those willing and able to donate and those who are in need. However, we are working on changing the structure in order to make it more manageable. So bear with us as we go through some growing pains and overcome obstacles. To us it was more important to find what works than to just close our doors and walk away.

One of our first changes is that we will be more facebook focused than writing on our blog. We love to inspire through our posts but feel we can handle our facebook posts more so than our long-winded soapbox blogs. J The next change we will work on is having those in need post on facebook their child's sex, size and season and those able to donate to respond to those in need. In essence, our facebook page will become a forum for people matching themselves up. We’re not sure how all this is going to work but we’re going to try it out. We just don’t have enough hours in the day or week to manually match up donors and recipients. Hopefully this format will work out. All we can do is try and see how it goes.

We know that change is hard. It’s hard for us too. We’ve been struggling with this for awhile and how to make it work. We hope that these adjustments will allow us the opportunity to continue to be apart of this community we love so much! Bear with us through the transition. In the meantime, we are doing our best to match up everyone we can. If we don’t have matches, we will post this on our page and let you know and hopefully those who can donate will reach out on our page.

We can’t thank each you all enough for being patient with us and for continuing to be apart of PIOB. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been at this for almost 2 years and have helped so many children receive clothes. We couldn’t do it without all of you wonderful donors. We look forward to helping many more in the future!

Let us know your thoughts about these changes, if you are still in need or able to donate if we haven’t contacted you, or just a shout out or words of encouragement for us to continue. Any and all feedback is welcome!

Much love to you all! And as always – PASS IT ON!

In love and kindness,

Heather & Elizabeth

Feeling the shift...

2011-01-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

This year has been like a horse race already - at the beginning of the starting gate and we're off!! It's been an unbelievable month in many ways. I've been struggling with so many changes in my life that seem to be all happening at once. However, whether good or bad it all seems so necessary.

When this New Year started, I didn't set any specific goals like weight loss or eating healthy, I just decided that what I really want to work on the most is being present or in the moment at all times and to accept whatever that moment may bring. I resist change in all forms (most of the time). I get comfortable and decide even if it's not bettering me, that I know what it feels like. Anything different or unknown is too fearful. I'd rather be stuck in where I am than change my comfort zone. But deep down I know that change is not only inevitable but necessary.

This past year I've been juggling alot! Between handling my company's clients, freelancing for other companies when my clients were slow, teaching fitness classes for insurance, partnering in Pass It On, Baby!, being mom and wife, trying to engage with my family in friends in whatever spare time I may have had....it's exhausting!! Although I am used to going 180 miles per hour, my body and spirit have finally said enough! So, when the New Year started, of course the universe responded to my need. Although I was comfortable with the way things were, I knew deep down I couldn't continue giving 100% in 100 directions.

Sometimes when you can't understand why something bad (or that you thought was bad) was happening, you suddenly realize why you had to go through that. To allow this new opportunity to come through. It sounds so cliche but really it holds true - "When God closes a door, he opens a window." A client that threw me a curveball about possibly looking for a fulltime employee instead of using my business for their services - really upset me. We've become fairly close friends but in the meantime, this was all business. And we had agreed on our professional future through many personal and professional conversations. When things suddenly changed and not in a way I felt was open and honest, I wanted to lash out. I was angry. After allowing myself to feel the anger, I said what I needed to say. I lost my voice the very next day. Strange but true and definitely NO COINCIDENCE in my personal opinion. I had released but it was time to reflect. I began to realize that this was crazily a blessing in disguise. Although I had helped build my client's business' success to be what it was, and although this client had become a close friend...I realized that I didn't have to choose anymore. Because just a few weeks before one of the companies I had freelanced for was wanting me to come on full time. I didn't want to give up my client because I felt loyal. I had been trying to configure a way to do both. But luckily with the new situation, I didn't have to choose. It was being done for me. It hurt at the time but it was allowing me to easily move into the new direction. It was through awareness of the feelings, the moment, talking it out and reflecting on the bigger picture that I was finally able to see that. So what had once felt so painful and upsetting - turned into acceptance and peace.

All while this new career path was shaping, so too was my living arrangements. My family has been living with my mother-in-law for the last 5 years. Some of you know the story but to put it briefly - we moved here to help out when my husband's grandmother needed full time care in another city. My mother-in-law went to care for her. We took over the house but once we hit our own financial difficulties it was a blessing we were living there or we would have struggled even more. Mom-in-law and grandma moved back and it was 4 generations under one roof for awhile. But for the past few months, we'd been fighting the feeling like it was time to move on to our own place. MIL has struggled with a recent divorce, putting her mother in a nursing home, and battled finding passion in her life amongst her depression. So to make this choice, especially for my husband, it never felt right leaving her. Recently my husband and MIL had a blow up. We decided, finally, it's time to go. We need to separate so we can heal some things within our relationships. But until then we weren't ready. It took what felt at the time as negative to become the catalyst for change. As soon as my husband and I made the decision together, literally within a couple of days a friend was sending us a link to a house on her street that she thought we would love! And we did! Within 2 days, we were leasing a house that was exactly what we had hoped for! All because we were able to feel the shift inside of ourself, put the intention out there and release it. Like a boomerang, it came back to us exactly how we needed it to. And although, MIL and husband have made up, the path has begun for us to move on and luckily it's all positive for everyone.

I'm not sure where our society is going in the future. I look out and see so many negatives but can quickly change my thoughts to also see so many positives. This New Year has created an energy inside of me that is in search of peace in each moment, looking to accept all circumstances without passing judgement of whether it's positive or negative - because it's neither - it is what it is. It's leading us to a place where we can choose to fight that moment and what it has to offer or to accept and embrace. I am feeling that shift inside of myself. And for so many others out there too.

I hope that this New Year is bringing new opportunities in your life. Whether they are opportunities to reflect, to grow, to appreciate, to release, to change - we have a chance to shift our life in whatever direction we choose.

In love and kindness,

Prayers for The Best of Times...

2011-01-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

This song has a very special meaning to our family and is mixed with happiness and sadness. The words however contain the beauty of life and love for each other that I hope and pray we all have in our hearts and souls....to the very best 2011!

Happy New Year! Wishing each one of you who reads this peace, happiness and change in the new year. If you are anything like me, you used the beginning of the year as a time to take stock of your life and look at what you do like and what you need to change. Lately, I get that it's kind of a joke to tease about New Year's resolutions and how foolish it is to make them, but I completely disagree. Even if you don't stick to them as long as you wish you had, the time spent looking at yourself and deciding upon areas to change is wonderful. All of the changes we ever make start with a thought. Does it work the first time? Probably not. But each time you try, the thought becomes a little more ingrained in your mind. With that the first steps of action take hold....we each just need to keep moving in the right direction.

When I looked at myself and areas in which I hoped to change, I decided I wanted to be a more thoughtful person that gives simply to brighten people's day. I've been blessed enough to have AMAZING friends in my life that are great models for me and I look at what they do and want to try to create that within myself. I have a few cousins and friends and other family that never forget anyone's birthday. Each year without fail, I receive a card wishing me a wonderful day. They too have families and struggles, but they take the time out to make sure that the other person knows they are thought of and cared about. I have another friend who picks up items at a grocery store that she loves and wants me to try. It's something so easy, but I literally feel so good just receiving whatever she is giving me....not because of the item or gift, but because of the thought. Right after the New Year, I was in line at Starbucks. I ordered my drink and drove through to pay. The cashier wouldn't accept my money and told me that the car in front of me had paid for my drink with the message "Happy New Year and here's to new beginnings. " I honestly had to pull over because I was so overwhelmed by the kindness that I had to sit and have a good cry. I have another friend who was buying her daughter a shirt from a local store and picked one up for my daughter and sent it in the mail. These people are wonderful gifts in my life, but also examples for me.

In life, your attitude and outlook has incredible power of how you view the world, other people and your own future. Have you ever noticed that when something goes wrong during the day and it really upsets you, it's likely going to be one thing in a string of occurrences? Perhaps that's because the first mishap changed our outlook enough to cause other annoyances to really build to something much bigger that affected us in a much bigger way. We all have situations to deal with. And how we deal with them shapes the happiness in our life.

Take a simple example that has happened to me....a party invitation goes out and I am not invited. (I know, this should be SO juvenile, but I'm being completely open and honest so bear with me... =) Now, I have no idea who was invited, maybe it's only a handful of people or people for some specific purpose, but my feelings are hurt. I begin to wonder why they don't like me and feel a little rejected. I start to personalize and internalize those actions which throw me off and make me think, "Maybe I don't socialize enough, I need to get out more." So silly....no need to internalize....let it go. I don't know why I wasn't invited and I can't do anything about it, so accept it and move on in a more positive direction. Easier said than done, but nonetheless can be done.

So here's to new beginnings!! Here to a creation of a happy life! Here's to people helping people! And here's to better times for so many....we only have this one life, so you may as well give it everything you've got. Lots of love, tonight to all reading these words....

In love and kindness,

Everyday Miracles

2010-12-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

This morning on Yahoo.com I was reading a story about a little baby who was a Christmas Eve miracle just one short year ago. The young mother died during labor giving birth to a stillborn baby, but both were revived back to life just minutes later. The mother went into cardiac arrest so the doctors had to take the baby by emergency c-section. Luckily both survived. The delivering doctor said that its rare for a woman to suffer cardiac arrest during pregnancy and far rarer for both mother and baby to survive. The father has his own explanation. He believes that it was truly a miracle. Read the full story here.

Another story I read was about a Wisconsin man who had been unemployed for the last 18 months and living with his parents, won $1 million dollars in the McDonald's monopoly game.

I too have a miracle that I experienced. Several years ago I was driving back to Dallas when my car hydroplaned next to a passing semi. My car luckily bounced off the truck instead of getting sucked underneath it. However, I went airborne and went nose first into the ditch and spun out into oncoming traffic on the other side of the highway. I was somehow completely unharmed; not a scratch on me. The car however was completely totaled. The police officer that came to the scene was in absolute shock that someone wasn't killed or atleast injured. I was truly blessed!

Maybe this Christmas you haven't received some major miracle such as one of these above. But know that the gift of life and love are miracles of their own. Everyday is truly a miracle. The lyrics to this Sarah McLachlan song put it so perfectly.

It's not that usual when everything is beautiful

It's just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow

You don't need to teach a seed to grow

It's just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say

Wrapped up for you everyday

Open up and find a way

To give some of your own

Isn't it remarkable

Like everytime a raindrop falls

It's just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling

And always make it home by spring

It's just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday

Please don't throw your dreams away

Hold them close to your heart

Cause we are all a apart

Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle

Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional

Things just work out after all

It's just another ordinary miracle today

The sun comes up and shines so bright

It disappears again at night

It's just another ordinary miracle today

What everyday miracles have you experienced? Is your child or marriage a miracle? Is your health, your home, your job a miracle? Tell us your EveryDay Miracle and share in the miracle of the Christmas season. We look forward to hearing your story!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

In love and kindness,

AND

Email Heather and Elizabeth

And the winner is...

2010-12-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Thank you to those who participated in sharing their most memorable Christmas stories. We really appreciate it when our community shares with one another! Many of these stories were so touching in very different ways. All of them truly special and memorable.

Now, for what you have been waiting for! We wanted to formally announce by random drawing that our winner is ...... drumroll please ......

ERICA!

Congratulations Erica on receiving a $50 gift card! We hope that this comes in handy right before the holidays! Please send us an email with your mailing address so we can get this mailed out to you right away!

Thanks again to all who participated and please continue to share with us any thoughts or ideas on our blog or facebook page about Pass It On, Baby! How can we better help others, any topics you'd like to see us talk about, thoughts on how to reach more people - we want to know!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

In love and kindness,

The best gift ever...and GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Time sure does fly by! I want to apologize for the lag in posts but it's sure been hectic with Thanksgiving and now the holiday season among us. It seems like this time is busier than ever. I tend to get lost in all the things that seems so necessary to get done - getting christmas cards out, shopping done, santa visited, baking goodies, attending christmas parties, keeping up with the house, oh and not to mention working. I am overwhelmed with the whole to do list right now as it seems never ending. However, I read this wonderful quote the other day that reminded me what this time of year is all about...the best gift ever - LOVE!

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." ~ Dale Evans Rogers.

I remember some of my most exciting Christmas'. Those when I got that special gift or a time when my family enjoyed themselves in an extra special way. One I can remember most is when my sister and I got a Nintendo. My parents made it so fun by creating a scavenger hunt. We spent atleast 20 minutes figuring out the next clue, running through the house, excited to see where the next clue would take us. We were sure it was something big. We giggled and laughed and enjoyed every moment together. Those memories of love and excitement are truly the times that warms my heart the most. Especially since my sister is no longer with us. When I think of her and that Christmas, it's not the Nintendo that I still think about (although it was an awesome present), it's the love that we shared. It's a gift that will forever be in my heart.

The presence (not to be mistaken with "presents") of Love to me is truly what makes the spirit of Christmas so meaningful. It is the BEST gift we could give ourselves and those who are closest to us. To allow love to flow in us and through us and outwardly to all those around us - in how we think, feel and act at all times. It is the best gift ever. You don't need a lot of money to give that gift, just an open heart and the mental awareness. LOVE is all you really need.

In the spirit of Christmas and giving, we would like to giveaway a $50 gift card from Pass It On, Baby! Just a little thank you from us to you for being apart of our community of love. For giving love, receiving love, and feeling the presence of love that is here. We hope that you can use this to give a gift to someone special. Whether that be your child, neighbor, friend or even yourself. Tell us about that most memorable gift you received or the most memorable Christmas time you shared. We want to know. Please respond by Sunday December 12th and we will announce a randomly picked winner next Monday.

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." ~ Dale Evans Rogers.

In love and kindness,

Notes of Thanks.... How Appropriate! =)

2010-11-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

It sort of comes with the territory, but many times it seems like Heather and I are always asking for help instead of thanking you for how much so many of you have already done. So, how apropos that as Thanksgiving approaches we share some of the MANY notes of thanks we receive. As we are well aware, our words are hardly as touching as those who have actually received some help - so read along and feel the warmth of human love and kindness.... =)

"Oh thank you so much thank you thank you thank you, again thank you really even if you're not able to help just the idea of people out there trying to help others really touches my heart."

"hi i received the clothes for my son today .. is there a way to personally thank the mom who sent them to me? she included a note about her tragedy and it was very heart warming .. i truly would like to thank her personally from the bottom of my heart for doing this for my son knowing what i now know. she is a true angel .. if its not possible for me to thank her.. can you pass the word on for me?"

"I got my donation today, I have to say I do not cry much and today after I got this package I was in tears, The mama that sent the donation also sent along as special note with a little about her life she explained that she has a little boy at 3 years old pass away It really made me cry today because I had a daughter 3 years ago this Dec that passed away from SID it was so special to me that this mama shared this with me and I really for some reason felt so connected with this person I do not know, This mama that sent me the donation has no idea how much this will help us, We love everything and now she has some stuff that fits her perfect so I wanted to really thank you for running this program and connecting moms in need with moms willing to help this so amazing of you all to do, My family thanks you."

"I found your blog after a friend wrote into you about my best friend who was featured on your blog in XXXXX. I am amazed at all you do. I just wanted to thank you for your help. My best friend is going to court for the custody case on Thursday and I will be able to present her with the two boxes and gift cards I received for her because of your blog. I am sure she feels like no one cares and I have proof because of your blog that she is deeply cared about. I cannot tell you how much my faith in people has been restored. Thank you soooo much."

"Thank you so much. After your last email I felt much better. But now I feel like dancing again. You have made me so happy thank you again this really means so much to me."

"Yes, she is in 3-6 months, It makes me cry to actually come across some people with big hearts, It means a lot to My little one and myself, Thank you again for everything.."

The above notes are all from a two week window...that's how much you loving people are out there influencing and touching lives...not just the mother, but a family - and little eyes are watching the joy that is spread by such acts of kindness. Just as many believe that children are influenced by the violence that they witness, so too are they influenced by the kindness and joy that they see.

Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours!! Enjoy this special time of togetherness. Whatever your struggles, lay them down for the day and find some appreciation in whatever you do have. To those that are hurting, hang in there - people do care. For those helping others - thank you from all of us. May this be a wonderfully, happy holiday for each of us.

In love and kindness,

True stories of families in need...

2010-11-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. The weather starts to turn colder (more cold for some of you than me as I live in Texas). And families start wondering how to make sure their little ones stay warm. I must say some of the stories we've received lately just break your heart. It surely makes me realize how many blessings I have and not to take those little things for granted. Both Elizabeth and I really felt that it was important for our community of readers to read the words that have been sent to us. We do protect identities, however, we know that for people to be compelled to action, sometimes it takes reading and feeling the same cries for help that we have read.

To Whom it may Concern,

I am a desperate woman. I am due to have my first child in Feb. My Mom thank God for her has helped me as much as she can. I live with her and my sister who has 2 kids of her own to take care of. We are all on very limited means. I am not working because the town we live in doesn't like to hire pregnant women. They still are stuck in the stone age. My Mom has tried and gotten me some things and so have the few people that have a little extra but that is limited and hard with the holidays right around the corner. The hardest thing for me to do is ask anyone for help. So this is very hard for me. But I am having a little boy and still need a lot of things like bottles, clothes, stroller, bassinet and a crib. I need help with everything. After he is born I will be able to get a job and things will be easier on all of us. It is just these things that keep me up and stressing at night. I know it isn't good for the baby but what can you do when you can't get the stuff you need and there isn't any place in the town you live in to help you. If you can or know someone that can help me please contact me. Please, please, please help me. ~ Kentucky Mother

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My daughter Michelle Lyn is going on 2 months old and the only thing she has to her name are some night/spring clothes and a bassinet, We don't even have a baby bathtub for her so I have to take her into the shower with me and it's hard trying to bath a 2month old and yourself all at once.. I feel bad for her because she has no toys no swing NO winter clothes nothing the only thing I do is leave her on her stomach on the floor with a blanket for tummy time then back in her bassinet so I can do things around the house. I use to live in Michigan but a year ago I moved out to Wisconsin so I really don't have any money to get her anything at this time and I feel bad for my baby girl.. I'm not really asking for anything I'm just wanting to see if anyone would please try and help us out in any way possible with anything they might not be using.

If not then I understand and I soon know that God will give us what it is we deserve. Just have to sit and wait it out and all will come together, but thank you for even reading this. May God Bless your family in everything you do! ~ Wisconsin Mother

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Greetings and thanks in advance for your kindness! A friend told me about your blog, what a great way to share kindness with others, I will pass along your story.

Now for the requests. I have been working with a young woman for about 18 months, tutoring her as she works toward getting her GED and mentoring her as she takes positive healing steps in her life. She started life in an orphanage in Brazil with her brother and sister. When I met her, she was in a residential two year program for women who have survived lives of violence, addiction and prostitution.

She decided to break free from her lifestyle when she found herself in jail and pregnant. She has more than 2 years “clean”, is a graduate of the residential program and is working towards full custody of her daughter. Recently, she helped her sister leave a difficult relationship with her two children. The two sisters work hard to make ends meet and support their 3 children. Please help me to help them with clothing for their children. ~ Tennessee

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I have a mother and son who need help. The father has been abusing her for a while, and recently started with their 5 year old son. The dad broke the childs collarbone when the child was trying to stick up for his mom. Needless to say she finally left him, but not before he cleared out the accounts so she has no access to money, and she is currently unable to work but looking. When she left she literally left with the clothes on her back, and the clothes on the boy. Because of no current income and no money to live off of, they are living in horrible conditions. I am wondering if you or anyone you know have any 5t clothes that you can spare for him? This family is in desperate need. She is very embarreassed. Let me know if you have anything that might help. Thanks! ~ Friend of mom in need

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i am going through a really tough time right now, and could really use help with clothing for my daughter as it is getting colder out, and she has barely any warmer clothes. its hard being a teen mommy and raising a little girl, while trying to keep up with school, no job, and having to worry about bills, only being able to pay what i can from what i get from my financial aid. thank you so much for your consideration and i look forward to hearing form you. ~ Florida mother

These are just a few of the heartbreaking stories of families who are hurting. Families who could use our help - YOUR help. Can you do something small, even if it is just 1 or 2 outfits out of your own childs clothes that could help ease the burden of a family in need? If you don't have any clothing to provide, do you have $5 or $10 to help ship a box? A gift card for a family for a couple of outfits? Can you share this blog post with any family members or friends, church groups or schools, or any other organization that can help spread the word? Anything you do will help. I can promise you that.

This new book i've been reading is about the purpose of relationships. The main point of the book is that the purpose of ALL relationships is to help the other person be the best version of themselves and vice versa. How can you help a family from Pass It On, Baby! be a better version of themselves? How can you, your kids or your family be a better version of yourselves by helping? That is our goal with Pass It On, Baby! Whether it be with our little soap boxes - discussing the evolution of ourselves personally - hoping it touches you in some way to betterment. Whether it be with the stories of hope, the stories of giving, the stories of struggle - we hope that Pass It On, Baby! is helping readers, donors and recipients be their best version.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing.

In love and kindness,

Email Heather & Elizabeth

The Fun of the Season....

2010-11-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Happy Halloween to all! I hope each and every one of you had fun with your own trick-or-treaters, or with some that visited you! I just love Halloween. Having kiddos means getting to relive your own fond memories of Halloweens long ago, all over again. It means letting loose a little... Letting the kiddos stay up later than usual, eat more candy than they should and run from house to house just getting to be themselves. Adults in my neighborhood are as excited as the kids. We all love to see the fun costumes, to see neighbors that we haven't in awhile, to catch up with new births, new additions, and new happenings. Halloween means not being annoyed with people who stop by, sharing what you have, buying extra to have some to share...just a fun holiday all around. For me it means baking for school festivals, running to all kinds of outside activities with the kids, and a rekindling of that sacred family bond that each of us holds so dear, but that sometimes gets jeopardized by our hectic schedules.

I've had fun all day looking at so many of my friends children dressed up for costume parades, community activities and the like. Each one of them is so happy and excited for the present moment that they are in. As I was talking to my own kids about Halloween, I was shocked that they couldn't decide between Halloween, Christmas and Easter as their own favorite holiday. Here, we as parents, spend SO much more money on Christmas than either Easter or Christmas and my little kiddos don't know what their fav holiday is??!! What?! I guess its because of the family time that each holiday brings. No one ever TRULY feels loved or cared for by material possessions, like them as we may, its the together-ness. The hunting for the costumes, the parties, the fire pits blazing, the s'mores roasting, teasing Dad over having his fav candies, carving pumpkins, decorating the house....that's what its all about. This year I truly felt it too.... Yes, it was busy, but it was SO good for the soul. It was such a happy time.

With that happy time passing, means the beginning of another season, Thanksgiving. The season of truly being thankful for what we all have...even if it isn't much. Make it your mission to truly FEEL your blessings and where you can, to share them. For my family, Thanksgiving means putting together an entire meal for another family we will never meet via a local organization in our area. We all head to the store together...Daddy in charge of picking the turkey, Mommy the vegetables (no one else would tolerate that role!! ha ha!), and diving the desserts, potatoes, stuffing, drinks, etc amongst the kiddos. They each set out with their list and are so happy to be preparing another meal, just like I do for them. I have to tell you, this moment is one of my favorites of the season. I hope you have one just like it that brings your family together while teaching those lessons that each of us hope to instill in our kiddos....Do unto others...Be the change you wish to see in the world.....said so many ways.

If you find that you can help another child with clothes...reach out. Make this season as magical for another as it already is for so many of us. Embrace the thankfulness and love of the season....there is another on the receiving end that you will have forever made a difference. Really, is there anything better? Please reach out to friends, neighbors, anyone you might know that can help a child. We have so many beautiful little ones in true need right now....

In love and kindness,

A tribute to cheerleaders and HAIR BOW GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Many of you know that Elizabeth and I sit many times here on our soap box, trying to convey as many positive messages to our readers the best we can; all at the same time trying our best to continue to help families in need receive clothing. It's nice to be able to do something fun every once in awhile and also hear from another voice and point of view other than our own.

This special blog post is from Anne. Anne is what my circle of friends like to call "Super Mom!" She's a wonderful wife and mother of 3. She is also the most creative person I know! She teaches sewing classes to friends and makes all kinds of neat stuff like personalized towels, baby hooded towels, custom flip flops and the cutest hair bows!! She recently started her own company called Puddin Pie Designs! I am also linking her facebook page here as well so you can "like" Puddin Pie. Check out her page and her website to see all the cute, custom gifts she has. Here is a special blog post by Anne from Puddin Pie Designs and her hair bow giveaway!

A Tribute To Cheerleaders

cheer-lead-er, n. 1. An enthusiastic and vocal supporter

When we think of cheerleaders, we usually think of pretty young girls, jumping and tumbling, rallying up support for the local football team on a Friday night. But when I think of a cheerleader, I instantly think of all of the amazing people I have met in my life that have been enthusiastic and vocal supporters of me. Not of my athletic abilities per se, but of my talents and even more importantly, my goals.

I don’t think anyone can be a truly happy and successful person without a “personal cheerleader” or two. Whether we want to admit it to ourselves or not, we need someone to pat us on the back every now and then, and look us sincerely in the eye and say, “Go for it!” Whether that “it” is running a marathon, or making a tough life-changing decision- a cheerleader can give you the push you need to kick-start your goals, or stand strong and be tough in your resolve. They are invaluable in showing us that we have something to give and share with the world that has worth.

Growing up we were cheered on for everything- using a spoon, tying our shoes, counting to 100- but it seems like that unwavering voice of praise got quieter and quieter as we grew up. It became our own job to pump ourselves up and not rely on others to make us feel good about the things we had done. But I think it is at this time in our lives when we need cheerleaders the most. Who hasn’t been scared to submit a resume to a great company, or what new mother hasn’t sat in the rocking chair crying along with her new baby thinking, ”I can’t do this!” Times can be challenging, and we could all use someone who stands by us, holds our hand and says, “You CAN do this.” I am so thankful to have so many of those people in my life.

We all have something we are good at, and we all have our own little (or big!) dreams. My own personal cheerleaders have been instrumental in not letting me demean my talents, but rather how to put them to work. I have always been a creative person- and as I have grown older, I have used those talents for my friends and family by creating custom gifts for them, which then led to me designing items for them to give to others. Their support and positive feedback have given me the confidence to turn my talents into a business. While it may be small- it is something that I love doing. I love having some time just for myself to relax and enjoy the creative process during the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even still, there have been so many times when I have stopped and thought: This is so silly. I am not curing cancer or putting men into space, I’m making hair bows. How trivial. But then I can see the smile on my friend’s daughter’s face when she gets a box of “Miss Anne’s bows” or receive a kind note from a new mom who loves snuggling her baby up in the towel I made just for her and I think, I have given those people a moment of happiness. It may be small, but it’s real. What’s better than that?

So I’d like to add to the definition of cheerleader: A great listener. An enthusiastic encourager. A dream booster. A thoughtful friend who will say little prayers for you and then call you later to see how the meeting or deadline went. Someone who can laugh with you when something turns out horribly wrong, and will sing your praises to others when they turn out really well. A giver of sound advice and constructive criticism. Provider of hugs and high-fives.

So to all of my cheerleaders, I raise my megaphone up and say “Thank you!!!” I can only hope I am as supportive of your goals and dreams, as you have been of mine.

To keep the shout-outs going, leave a comment here at Pass It On, Baby about who is your biggest cheerleader and what you’ve accomplished with their support and we will select someone to receive either a Halloween or Fall bow (your choice).

Thanks Anne from Puddin Pie Designs for the support of Pass It On, Baby! and this awesome giveaway! We look forward to your comments and announcing the winner on Monday October 25th!

Have a great day and as always - Pass It On, Baby!

In love and kindness,

(and Anne)

A Breath of Fresh Air...

2010-10-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

This message goes out to those in need as an explanation and a truthful commentary on our system of donating. Heather and I are pretty fortunate. We have lots of friends that are willing to donate clothes to our little outreach and at times our storage areas are overwhelmed with tons of clothes in various sizes from friends, neighbors, family and kindly strangers. Those that live close to us come over frequently and drop off those items their kiddos no longer need. And we appreciate every single one of them. With all the clothing that we have, when we have a need that we cannot fill with donors, Heather and I send out the boxes. But, just like each of you, we have a budget - and so we feel guilty when we are not able to send more boxes to help. We are going to continue to do what we can where we can, but please be patient with us. We truly care about each one of you and want to help. If you find yourself unable to wait for the normal processing time, we always allow someone to write and "jump" the line by covering the shipping cost of the box. Just an FYI to those whose need might be absolutely immediate and cannot wait in the order in which Heather and I send out boxes....wow, this seems so formal, right? It's just us trying to explain that we have SO many sizes of clothes, but can't possibly send out 20+ boxes a month... =) Send good wishes for us to figure out some way to send more boxes and help more people!

There is so much I want to share today! Heather and I have come across some AMAZING people running their own charities and we are so fortunate to have been able to "meet" them. We LOVE to share about others doing good deeds and so if you know of someone you'd like to introduce to us, email us! I know hearing about others making a difference inspires me and hopefully it will to you too! This week, meet "Project Head Start 2010" from Victoria who reached out to us. Here is how she describes her organization:

"Every other month ( six times a year) I will be mailing out a box of goodies. This box could include a few outfits, toys, diapers, etc for the mother and child. I want to give people who cannot give their child "everything" but wants to. This is not a pity party, it is a true genuine charity. This is not for people who cannot afford ANYTHING for their child, just a little added something to help a little bit. The box is not large or full of expensive clothes, toys etc but it provides people with a little extra umph."

LOVING THE CONCEPT!! And what's better - she's a college student! Hooray for young people caring enough to make a difference. You can find them on Facebook (like us). Wishing them HUGE success as they set out to help mommas also!

You know, though, you don't have to run a charity to make a difference. This past weekend, I was outside a grocery store with my two middle boys, who are Boy Scouts, selling their annual popcorn at the troop's designated selling location. We tried to approach everyone kindly and politely and very aware that sometimes people just don't want to be bothered as they are doing their weekly shopping trip. My kids were cute with their selling routines and I tried to jump in when they were getting long-winded or high-pressured...(I swear, my 7 year old must have been born a telemarketer!) Several people were very patient, but just simply didn't want popcorn....no biggie. One of the women paused and said she would think about it while shopping. After she walked away, I gave my boys a break and gave them a few dollars to go in to the store and get a treat to keep their interest up and the monotony away. As they were checking out with their goodies, the woman who had just said she would think about it, stepped up to the register and told the boys she would be buying their treats. They were SO happy and SO thankful, and as they ran up to me to share their happiness, I used it as an example of goodness in the world and how easy it is to make a difference in someone's day. She didn't want the popcorn, but still wanted to make my boys feel special. She did exactly that and through her they learned an important lesson about spreading joy. I think we can all think of little ways to add little bits of happiness to another's world. Especially if you find yourself in a bad mood, getting outside yourself and affecting someone else's life can be just what the doctor ordered. It actually affects two people's lives.... :)

I hope all the mothers out there, especially the ones struggling, know how much others care. Heather and I and our little community all come together with the one common interest of helping up those who are struggling. Victoria and her crew do the exact same. People care... So hang on and hold your head high. There are lots of kind people out in the world today. Here's hoping you run in to some today! And if not, who's to say that you can't be that person for another??

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

"In the Strangest of Places if you Look at It Right"

2010-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

I have mantras.....things that reignite my faith and my faith system. They help to focus my thoughts in to positive energy and a positive outlook. So, here goes....Today, I am thankful. Thankful for the fact that when I get overwhelmed (like I was a few posts ago) that every day is a new day with new hope and new promise. I believe in destiny. I know that I am in the exact moment I am supposed to be at each and every moment.....even if it won't make sense until years later. I believe in kindness. And I believe in karma. Not in the weird eye for an eye sense, but the kind that says putting kindness and goodness in the world makes for a better place for all of us.... I love that letting those thoughts in means feeling so much more than the daily tasks, the struggles....it takes you to a place of infiniteness and wonder.

Strange things happen to me. Sometimes they just seem so normal that I just don't question it. I know that they aren't really coincidences, but little pushes to get me back in the right direction. Today when I went to the gym, there was a new woman, whom I have never met or seen, working in the child's care area. She commented on my daughter and how "girlie" she looked and I made a joke of it saying after four boys, I was ready for some estrogen and some girlieness in the house. She sort of hesitated and said I have one boy and one girl. She quieted her voice so that only I could hear and said, "We are struggling. Everything is hitting at once. We just bought a new house." She began to tell me a story about her son having a fit last evening and her opening the door and for the first time looking at him dressed in clothes that don't fit. It broke my heart. She then asked me for any hand-me-downs I might have. She has no idea that I run a little charity regarding clothes, she doesn't even know why she mentioned that to me today. She doesn't have to....I know. I know that I was in that moment to remind me that the people among me are sometimes the ones struggling too. That there is goodness and kindness to be shown anywhere you go. She asked me because she was supposed to ask me, and I am supposed to help her. No questions, no judgment....just help. And while in the physical sense, it will be me helping her...she will have helped me too. Brightened my day because she trusted me, reached out....and reminded me of what I need to be doing in this exact moment. So again, today I am thankful.

Heather and I have kept this blog for awhile. Sometimes you glance at it to see what we have to say. Sometimes you see our updates on Facebook. It is not always your turn to help. Sometimes you can't. But you can always keep an eye out for those that are struggling out in our world today and likewise those that would love to be a part of this because it makes them feel good - just like it does for me. I want to ask you today to remember that each size on our right-handed sidebar is a child. A child doing without. A mother struggling.

I've said it a hundred times, but I have kiddos and so therefore, I have kiddos clothes. This is how I can help. Some of you are just like me. Some of you just can't help in that way. But you can help by just simply showing kindness. By talking to those who look like they are struggling. By smiling. By reaching out and letting them know they are not alone -- even if you can't say those exact words.

I'm not always the girl that randomly strikes up a conversation with anyone. It's not that I'm standoffish or anti-social, but sometimes I struggle with small talk before I've met or know someone. The other day, though, I was reading an article about homelessness and one of a previously homeless person turned director of a help group was talking about the hardest part of being homeless. Surprising to me, he said it wasn't the struggle for shelter, food or clothing. It was the fact that people didn't look at you, didn't talk to you, they dehumanized you. That was the toughest part for him. For this man, the smile, the kind word meant more than the money for panhandling. And that's something that regardless the others ones situation, we all can do.

Right now, lots of people are talking about the horrible bullying that has been going on for kids today. Boiling it down to the simplest level, it all starts with kindness. Respecting another human being. For what? For being human. For being a part of this journey with you. Because it truly says more about you than it ever could about them. Focus on yourself. Judge less, look inward more. And make sure to teach our children that as well. Each child is a perfect little person. But subjected to hatred, judgment, ridicule and worse, makes for a damaged adult. Be careful with our little ones and make sure to teach them by your example - not just your words.

Little tiny acts of kindness...build together to slowly change not only ourselves, but our world.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Defining your role...

2010-09-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

It's nice to know that there are other moms and families experiencing the same struggles that Elizabeth and I are experiencing at times. This little world of Pass It On, Baby! is so important to us but sometimes life just truly gets in the way of giving it even more. We have allowed it to be what it is for the time being and hope to continue to help and support as many families as humanly possible for two crazy busy moms! :)

One thing that my husband and I have been struggling with the past few weeks since I have been freelancing full time is defining our roles. Now to some that may seem crazy and to others right on point but when I've been home more, my role was more or less to care for our son Cade, work part-time and do a majority of the cleaning and shopping. Now that I am unable to take on that role, we notice that aspects of our life are suffering. The clean home, the prepared (or stocked) food, a scheduled child, and so on. We have noticed that our roles have had to change.

I am not one to say that a woman's place is in the home but I will say that my husband and I have to designate our roles better. I see families that I envy where one parent knows that their job is the kids, the house, the home manager and the other knows their role is to provide an income. Although one isn't easier than the other and they both can be difficult in their own way, I must say there is some comfort or stability in knowing what role you are to play.

My husband works from home so he is now finding (even for this short period) he must re-define his role in this family, this home, our life in order to keep us sane. No longer are the days that our house is spic and span or food is fully stocked or meals are already planned. He is now taking on that role. And in the meantime, I am having to learn how to re-define mine. Learning how to let go of some of those things and be the breadwinner so-to-speak for these few weeks.

And when this freelance is over - we will once again - need to redefine our roles in order to make sure that our lives run as smoothly as it can and all of our needs are met to the best of our ability. I must say I do not envy the single parent families who must play all roles. It's difficult enough for me to play one or the other. I can't imagine the constant juggle and have much respect and compassion for those who must do so.

I am enjoying this shift in my role. It's allowing me to not only appreciate what I do have and what I am normally handling on a day to day but it also is allowing me to see my strengths. It is a reminder that I do have the skills to be successful and continue that if I choose. It's nice to see daddy handling some of those things mommy used to do and my son is gaining a new bond with him that he may not have had otherwise. Our roles in our family are important. Even if they don't seem so to you. Sometimes it just helps to define your role so you can accept and fulfill.

Have a wonderful day and Pass It On!

In love and kindness,

Tales of a Worn-Down Mom

2010-09-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

I LOVE that Heather and I get to handle Pass It On, Baby! on a daily basis. It gives us something that is only about helping others and completely allows us to step outside of ourselves, our families, our struggles and give back. But what happens to each of us when you give, give, give and have nothing for yourself? I think this will ring true for many of us mothers out there. I can tell you my story, but like everyone, let's suffice it to say we are busy. There are five of them, activities for each, all sorts of stuff we are involved in. Most of the time, I think that's great. I enjoy it! But, lately, I've been feeling each activity wear on me. The pressure of play dates, appointments, parties, training for a marathon....well, I've been feeling overwhelmed. Feeling like I am doing a pretty poor direction in every arena I turn....from keeping house, to remembering birthdays, writing thank you's, laundry - goodness, the list can go on and on. It wears on my self-esteem and I find myself wondering how everyone else seemingly keeps it all together. Heck, there are many days that just getting in the shower is a fete! :)

But here's the truth.....EVERYONE feels this way at one time or another. Your complaints may not mirror mine, but you get it. We all do. The problem is, once you get it, what do you do? If you keep avoiding the issues, do they go away? I can tell you they don't. Just like any situation in the world, if you don't meet them head on, they'll be there tomorrow and the next day and so on.

As moms, wives, friends, you-name-it, we give. We give to kids, to our significant others, to our extended families, to the schools....but what time is carved out for us? In the past, I've struggled with taking time away from my family because I feel guilty. Being a mom is what I do, so it seemed counterintuitive to take a break from who I am. But recently, I sat down and realized that being a mom may be who I am now, but there was a before that still exists inside me and needs caring for also.

My kids love to go to the park and play, it makes them feel alive and happy. We can all agree that that's great to nurture their little needs and spirits like that. It's when we turn that philosophy on ourselves that we can see how necessary it is for us as adults. When my kiddos don't get to go outside and run some energy down, play with other kids, they get stir crazy. They start misbehaving in the house, they are irritable, and they start to quarrel amongst themselves. Gosh that sounds familiar. When I haven't taken care of myself, I start to get irritable too! I start raising my voice to my kids more often, I feel confined and I find myself irritated at the smallest incidents. Funny how the logic of it all didn't hit me before.

Until very recently, I hadn't put much thought in to how to reenergize myself. At the end of the night after kids were in bed, lunches made, uniforms set out, I was just then starting a whole clean up cycle with laundry and prep for the next day. When all of that was finished, I was turning on some mindless tv just to veg out with my husband. The problem? Because there was no thought process involved, there was no real caring for my spirit, just kind of distracting it. Sometimes, we'd add a glass of wine in to the "relaxation" but still, the next morning as I was making breakfast, I could feel the exhaustion and the lack of energy about being home. That was leading to huge thoughts of failure and what was wrong with me? Here I am home with my kiddos and I'm mindlessly going through the day from one task to another and so on.....instead of enjoying the life I lead. Now I stop here and say I am BETTING that I am not the only one here. Many of us feel the same way from time to time. It's no secret, life is busy and most of us have many obligations and a lot less time for ourselves than what we used to. But the same way that you meet obstacles with your children, with your spouse, with finances - head on -- with a plan, several discussions, whatever - you need to meet caring for yourself in the exact same way.

What did I do? Well, it's hard for me to ask for help. To tell my husband that I really thought I was struggling everywhere and wasn't sure what to do about it. Then I talked to my family and shared how I felt. And you know what, it started to feel a little better as everyone kept saying, "We've ALL been there at one time or another!" And people started coming up with options. There were a few things that happened. First, it was so important to hear that people care. When you feel like you are drowning and you know you do have people to offer a hand - it helps. But in the end, I had to sit down and take a really hard look at myself. I had to look at my schedule and say to myself, "This schedule might not be more than others can handle, but it is more than I can handle." My husband and I also talked about what made us feel re-energized and how to carve out time for each of us in that manner. I had to ask for help where I needed it - whether from my kids, or whomever. We planned date nights, we talked about expectations and cut things out of our schedule. We started saying no to social obligations that overwhelmed instead of re-energized us. In some way, we took back control. We got back to basics.

So - I'm better. I'm taking things a little slower right now and actually making sure that I am present in each moment with the kids instead of just going through the motions. It's a work in progress as we all are, right? But again, I'm not the only one.

If you are like me and want to give back, but sometimes feel like there is nothing for yourself - you know, there is nothing wrong with calling a time out and getting yourself back together. Taking an hour to read instead of doing the laundry. Heading out for a solo shopping trip or a walk or a dinner with friends. Play some music and take a long bath. We need that. We can't take care of others when we aren't caring for ourselves. And likewise, if my children got older and had kids of their own and felt that they had to sacrifice themselves completely for their children - I would feel like I failed. I would feel like I never taught them that you had a two-folded responsibility...one to yourself, another to your kids.

So - its GREAT and IMPORTANT to be kind. Just remember that you need to be kind to yourself before you can be any help to anyone else.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

The Right Perspective

2010-09-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Today I was watching my favorite TV preacher, Joel Osteen, and he gave such an inspirational message for me that I really thought that everyone could benefit from such a message. It was all about having the "Right Perspective" in life.

Sometimes it becomes a little too easy for us as people to focus on the obstacles or challenges we may be facing or the things in life that we don't have. It can be easy to take for granted what we do have like our family, friends, job, opportunity, our health. We really need to start practicing to appreciate the gift of today. The reason we don't is because our perspective is off. If you were to put two people in the same situation or the same circumstances - one would be just getting through by enduring but another would be enjoying. The only difference between the two people is perspective. It's all in how they choose to see the situation.

Don't let the obstacles of today take away your bliss. Don't let the focus on the things you don't have to take away your joy. It's truly a choice in perspective. The foundation for a happy life is having a grateful spirit. The seeds of discouragement can not take root in a grateful heart. If you are feeling discouraged, or not happy with what is going on in life the solution is to start feeling grateful and to focus on the things that you do have - not what you don't have. Even if it's a lost job, lost relationship, ill health, etc. - it's all a matter of perspective.

There was a story about a man who complained about not having any shoes til he met a man that didn't have any feet. After that, his perspective changed. He decided that maybe it wasn't so bad not to have shoes. The truth of the matter is that somebody would LOVE to have your life! You have a roof over your head, you have food to eat, you have a job, you have your health, you have AC in your home, you have more than so many others! Be thankful for what you do have. Because so many others have less than you.

If you need to spark a grateful spirit - make a list of at least a dozen things that you are grateful for and put it somewhere you will look at it several times a day. When did something work out for you when you were sure it would not, when were you at the right place at the right time, when were you protected from an accident or bad situation, do you have healthy children, the ability to see or hear or think or move. When you have the right perspective, you release a sense of faith and a knowing that everything will work out.

If your perspective is off and you need to get an enthusiasm back for life - even amongst the mundane life routines - being thankful will spark a new happiness. It's all in your mind. Your life will follow your thoughts. Life is precious and fragile - it can easily be gone in a blink of an eye. Let's not waste any part of this gift of today or any other day being negative. When the obstacles come, re-read your list and shift your focus back to being grateful.

I don't HAVE to go to work - I GET to go to work. I don't HAVE to take care of these kids - I GET to take care of these kids. When tough times arrive and linger - remember this too shall pass. Atleast I am still alive. If you have your health, you have something that some people would pay billions of dollars for. Appreciate the simple things. I can dress myself, I can feed myself, I can see, taste, smell, touch. I can walk, I can work, I can breathe.

If you are having trouble sleeping - remember those who don't even have a bed.
If you are stuck in traffic - remember those who don't have a car.
If you are having a bad day at the office - remember those who don't have a job.
If your hair is turning gray - appreciate that you have hair. :)

If you are having a difficult time finding things to appreciate - think about the following:
1 million people per week die - you are still alive.
If you have a roof over your head - you are better off than 75% of the world's population.
If you have $15 - you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthiest people.

I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. For the taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed. For the clothes that fit a little to snug becuase it means I have enough to eat. For my shadow who watches me at work because it means that I am out in the sunshine. For the lawn that needs mowing, the windows that need cleaning, the gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home. For all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech. For the space I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means that I am capable of walking. For the huge heating bill because it means I am warm. For the lady behind me in church, who sings off key, because it means that I can hear. For the piles of laundry and ironing because it means that I have clothes to wear. For the aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive. For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive.

It's all a matter of perspective - all in how we choose to see our experience, our life. How will you choose to see your day today? Hopefully with the right perspective. We all have something to be thankful for even amidst difficult times.

In love and kindness,

"I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends"

2010-09-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Like everyone, there are times when you begin questioning where you are headed. Does what Heather and I do make a difference? Does it make enough of a difference? Are we crazy to think we were going to be able to manage this on top of our families and all our other responsibilities ? Because, at times, I lose focus. Sometimes I worry about helping enough people....sometimes I worry about sustaining it all. Sometimes I simply feel selfish and self-pitying and well, you get the idea....

So lately, I've been that way. Having a pity party for one...feeling bad about how little time there is to get everything done....(can you hear the tantrum, now?) and just going through the motions without getting myself centered and remembering what this is all about. But, I'm lucky in that there is something bigger than me that is letting me know that this is what I am supposed to be doing. To be putting something out in the world, to be bettering myself along the way and learning a lot about the person who I want to be when all is said and done. So when I lose focus, when I start attending the daily pity party, something happens to let me know that I am where I am supposed to be. Today, that something is this article....and the reflections I had when thinking about the people in my life who bless it everyday. Sometimes, we all "get by with a little help from our friends."

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=114394 - take a minute to read it. It speaks to the power of acts of kindness and the fact that with each one that we are influencing our world, our future....pretty powerful stuff.

I think it's true....something like an act of kindness can change you. I've been going through something similar with a friend of mine. I only met her about six months ago but we have little girls the same age and have many of the same interests. We've spent some significant time together with our girls activities, with running together, etc. We became close pretty quick. Now, I've always looked at myself as a good friend, but she is the type of person that by her actions makes me want to be a better friend. When she is out at the grocery store, if she thinks I might like something, she picks it up. If she is making something for her daughter and thinks my daughter might look cute in it, she makes a second one. If I mention that I am losing focus in training for my marathon, she offers to come and run with me. If she knows that I am stressed on any particular day, she'll offer to watch the kids so I can get myself together. Now, I have a few amazing friends. My bestie will help me with anything (she basically helps me throw every kids party I have back home) and we have the luxury of having known each other for fifteen plus years, but unfortunately, living far apart, we don't get to see each other and talk on a daily basis. My new friend has taught me how to be a good friend on a daily basis.

She's moving shortly and I won't see her anymore on a daily basis. But, I know that the simple things that she did for me made such a difference in my life that I will now be a better friend to another because of her. I see in her who I want to be to others. And I think that is exactly what the article means to say. Once these acts of kindness affect you, they will affect you in the long term. Once you've personally had an act of kindness make a difference in your life, you too will want to share that with another....it's the true power of good.

It's nice to know that there are little angels around me. That catch me when I fall and help boost me up to where I am supposed to be. When I can't do it all by myself, they do it right alongside me. Not sure what I've done in my life to deserve these people, but I am sure thankful that they are here. The kindnesses that they have shown me, I in turn, want to share with another...keeping that whole circle of good we always talk about, connected.
In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Making the best of what you have...

2010-08-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Both Elizabeth and I sometimes have LOTS to say or to relay or share within our own personal experiences and other times not. Like she said last week, I am struggling with what to write. I normally have plenty to write or speak about depending on what's been going on in my life but not sure how to share what I've been experiencing or share it in a way that relates to Pass It On, Baby!

I own my own company and times were very very good for the first 5-6 months out of the year. Then, the freelance ended, a promise of a new job, waiting around and then here we are a little over 3 months later. Although business is starting to pickup again and another freelance project will be starting in October and another client coming on board in October, that leaves me figuring out how to float my family for the next few weeks. And of course, right now - everything is hitting all at once.

My 2 year-old started his first day of Mother's Day Out today and albeit is was SUPER exciting - I struggled with how to do all the things for him that I had always wanted to do. New clothes for school, new things to take that he needs, haircuts, etc. I wanted to make a big deal of it. But our finances definitely put a huge limitation on that. I also have a wedding that I will be in at the beginning of October and although I am very excited for my friend and for going on a destination wedding - it couldn't have come at a worse time. Right in the middle of a drought for my company.

Although I have so many expectations for what I want to experience and how - I came across this quote the other day that really hit home for me.

"The happiest people don't always have the best of everything, they just make the best with everything they have."

This really made me think about Cade's experience for school. He was going to enjoy it either way, it was me that was struggling with the expectations that I had placed on what I wanted to experience. I didn't have to buy him anything new for him to enjoy the first day of school. As hard it was for me to realize, I knew that it was about what I did with the day and how I created it without all the "stuff" that I felt was important. I did get Cade 1 new shirt for the first day but nothing crazy - just inexpensive but cute. He didn't get a new haircut (although he still needs one). He wore his hat to school that he loves. I made his lunch with TLC and we talked for a couple of days before about how exciting it would be. My way of handling it I know affected how he experienced it. If I had been down in the dumps about not meeting all my expectations - he may not have been as excited or felt the same way about going.

The same for everything in my life right now. I guess there are cycles in life for just about everything - including money. I have so many expectations in my mind about how I want to experience something and a lot of becomes dependent on how much or how little money I have and how good or not good that experience will be.

For the wedding I am attending, it's been the same. I like to go over the top with gifts and have specialty items made that are personalized just for that person. I had wanted to do all the same things for my friend getting married but soon realized that I couldn't spend the same as in the past but I can do a lot for a little. I can put the same love into a gift even if it's not super expensive or what I had envisioned - it still came from the heart and she will hopefully feel that and appreciate it.

So my lesson for this time in my life where money isn't necessarily flowing in abundances - is that it's not that I have to have the best but am I doing the best with what I have? Most of the time yes, but I definitely need to be reminded of this quote more often. So I will be putting this on my facebook status today as well as Pass It On, Baby!'s as a reminder to me and to all of us.

And for Cade - his day went fantastic. He was super excited to put on his backpack and go to school. Although he quickly decided he didn't want to carry it.

Drop off was easy and tear free. He just played with the teacher and a new classmate and didn't seem bothered we were leaving.

And when we came to pick him up, to our surprise he was sleeping so soundly. It was adorable and truly amazing!

Here was to a great day making the best with what we had!

In love and kindness,

"The Days are Long, The Years are Short"

2010-08-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Today, I guess I don't have much to say. I usually have plenty to say, especially when it comes to Pass It On, Baby! but not this evening. My mind is elsewhere. My kids go back to school tomorrow morning. Three of them. My preschooler starts a little later. But, I am sad about it and missing the time I had with them. Wondering if I did enough this summer with them, missing the constant interaction....all of it. Now, that's not to say that we didn't start to feel the lack of structure the last few weeks and I seemed to become a referee much more than I would have liked, but it's more change, and that - I just don't do so well with.

My oldest son is a freshman in high school tomorrow. I could tell you all about his preschool years, though, they seemed like yesterday. And they flew by. I'm trying to fight the thoughts that I've raised him for 14 years now and that I only have 4 more with him before he goes off to college. It's a frightening thought. We worry if we've taught him enough, loved him enough, given him the tools he will need in this world. And my husband just keeps telling me that we are a work in progress and doing the best that we can. That there will be bumps along the road, mistakes we will make and that as long as you pull them close, provide security, teach them all you know, that they will come out ok.

I guess that's true for a lot of things. The same certainly can be said for our Pass It On, Baby! We learn as we go. We make mistakes, we try our hardest, but we build it with love and caring and I guess that's all we can do.

Am I the parent I wish I were every day? No.... But by the same token, I'm not anything every single day of my life. The days I'm the best parent, I'm usually not as available as a friend. The days I'm an awesome friend, I'm probably less of a great daughter or my house is less clean, etc. Some days I'm the best I can be, other days I'm that work in progress that I was talking about. And for me, that has to be ok. I have to forgive myself and keep moving forward. It's all this delicate balancing act. No one can be everything at every moment of every day.

So tomorrow I'll wake up with my goals of what I want to accomplish with my kiddos, my ideas of how to most help with Pass It On, Baby!, where I personally want to grow as a person, who I want to be as a wife. One thing is for sure, I won't be able to do all those things at once in any short period of time. They will be goals I will hold for the rest of my life.

If you find yourself down about any aspect of your life, the beautiful thing about it all is that it's never too late to change. If the end result is too overwhelming, take the first step. You don't have to do everything, you just have to do something.

Tomorrow morning, we'll be up early in our home for a family breakfast. Talking about the year ahead, squeezing out the last little bit of sacred family time together. This year won't be perfect on any of our parts either, but it will be special all the same...and we will continue to grow as people and as a family. And really, isn't it all about the journey in the end anyway? =)

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Our growing community...

2010-08-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

As Elizabeth wrote in our last blog, we have been inundated by requests from so many families in just the past few weeks looking for a "hand-up" with providing their children with clothing. We have also received some new donors as well looking to help in any way they can. However, right now - the need definitely outweighs what we have in donations. We know that many families would be happy to help if the shipping cost wasn't there.

That's why we are focusing our attention right now on how to create some sort of income or money so Pass It On, Baby! can start covering the shipping. We are working on this in a couple of different ways.

1 - We are up for a grant! YEAH!!! However, that means us filing for our 501c and finally getting our tax exempt status. This is not as easy as it may seem. There are CPA fees and lawyer fees and filing fees, etc. And Elizabeth and I do all of this with our own time and family money when needed. So, keep your prayers coming that everything will line up for us to receive this grant so we can ship SO many more boxes to families! Plus, this new status will just open up so many more doors for PIOB!

2 - We are working with Blogher. We need you to continue viewing our blogs! We earn a small amount of money for each 1,000 page views we receive each month. The money is minimal but it could help to pay for a box to be shipped. Please continue going to our blog site to read our blogs or just to stop by for us even if you are seeing us on Facebook.

3 - Reaching out to you and your network. Do you or someone you know feel a little extra blessed this month? Do you want to help a family in need but don't have the right sizes or maybe you don't even have kids? Maybe you would like to pay for a box to be shipped by donating $15 (the cost to ship parcel post a medium sized box of clothes). Many families want to donate clothes but just don't have the funds. You could help by donating through our Pay Pal right on our site.

As we continue to fill requests and match up our wonderful donors that we do have with those in need, both Elizabeth and I know that we are meant to fill a need in the world. So many of you have told us how much of a blessing our charity is for you and your family or for the families we help. We know that we must continue to move forward at a pace we can sustain so we can help more people.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers for receiving this grant, share our facebook page with friends, share our blog with those you know and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for continuing to share our message.

Here's to helping change the world - one box at a time!

In love and kindness,

My Worries....

2010-08-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

How I do I begin this blog? How do I tell each and every one of you thank you for spreading the word, sending people our way, sending us heart-warming messages and truly caring? On the flip side, how do I share with all those how badly people are hurting right now. Not to make you feel badly, but just so you know....because we all should be aware.

These days, every day brings some notes filled with sadness intermixed with many wanting to ease the burdens where they can. There are some mornings that I don't want to respond, because it seems uncertain that we will be able to get ALL these kiddos matched up. And it worries and saddens me...

It's strange in a way because most days when I read these notes, I can FEEL the hopelessness, the desperation, the fear in people's voices that we hear from. Many of them are at the end of their ropes. And in many ways, it weighs on me and I'm sure Heather as well. It reminds me of a conversation that I had years ago with a dear friend who felt that she was called to volunteer in a pediatric cancer ward. It was nothing that she ever bragged about, but something that she shared when I was dealing with my second son being hospitalized for the second time with the RSV virus. They had run out of rooms on the floor that he should have been placed on and so they had moved him to the floor where many of the longer-term children with life-threatening illnesses were. I can still recall walking the hospital floors with a sick feeling in my stomach, very confident that my son would be leaving and recovering and that many would not. It felt awful. And so in talking with her about the feelings, she shared that she volunteered at a similar ward. I was floored. I immediately protested and asked her how she was able to do it....to not cry constantly while she was among the children and the parents, how she left it at the hospital and didn't bring it home with her, how it didn't scare her to have children knowing they could get sick too.... She was quiet, and simply responded, "If I didn't do it, who would?"

Now, that's not to say that there are MANY, MANY people out there doing good and helping along children and moms just like us, but the statement gives me a lot of power and strength to refocus and deal.

And, let me take a moment in the same breath to talk to those that are struggling. I KNOW that when you have no money and bill collectors are calling, kids need stuff that you can't imagine how you are going to afford, choices being made between food and bills and that there is not even any money left over for fun that it seems hopeless. That is seems unfair. That getting up the next morning is a struggle. But it's for a purpose. While you are going to work day after day trying to make ends meet, little eyes are watching you. Knowing that you are doing your damndest to make sure that they don't do without, even if it means that you do. That there is a point to this existence, and even if it seems that your burdens are too much to bear, that you need to keep going and still find a way to look at the positive. If your children are doing without and so are you, it still might be worse. If they are healthy, there is your positive. Every rich mother in a hospital praying for her child's life would switch places with you in a minute, no questions asked.

On the flip side, and PLEASE don't take this as judgment....those that have enough, can you make a small sacrifice to help someone directly? If you drink Starbucks once or twice a week, can you make that sacrifice for a few weeks to influence a child's life? You too have little eyes watching. Our children become, in many ways, what we give them the opportunity to become.

You know we all get so wrapped up in pursuit of this nice life. The nice house, the perfect decorations, the kids dressed so cute....but if you turn your back to your fellow man, is it worth it? If you sacrifice yourself in the midst of the accumulation of all this stuff, what's it for?

I do not sit in judgment of anyone, because I have been the mom who thinks I've done enough, I need to worry about my own kids now or my own family. The truth is, when I say that statement and think about the people that have affected the world the most: Jesus, Mother Teresa, Buddha, Ghandi, St. Francis of Assisi, etc...(take your pick)..I am embarrassed, because that is certainly not what we are really supposed to be doing. We are supposed to help until it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable. We are supposed to help however you can, in any way you can.

So....Heather and I are doing our best. Most days. Like everyone, we have days where we aren't sure in which way to head, and days where it seems impossible. But for each of us as a member of this community -- if we don't, who will?

Many more than you imagine are in need. We have received requests in the last few weeks that rival our entire requests from the prior year. Times are hard, and many are feeling the pinch in ways you probably can't imagine....Search your heart. How can you help? Can you directly? Can you reach out to someone else? Do you know someone who has a company and is planning on adopting families for Christmas - would they consider Pass It On, Baby? Have you thought of something that we haven't?

But most of all....get down to the level we all used to be at. When we were all little and someone in preschool had many cookies and another had none, what were we taught? We were told to share, to spread kindness, to ease sadness.....sometimes we forget that simple lesson on how the world works best.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Be more child-like...

2010-08-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Children are unique. They always laugh, tell us how it is, see the simpler things in life and easily get over their bumps and bruises. When we become adults, we begin to slowly lose that part of our self. We lost that part of ourselves that allows us to be goofy without worrying what other people will think. The part of us that says that it's okay to make a snow angel, take our shoes off and walk barefoot in the grass or laugh uncontrollably until we cry.

Being more child-like allows you to invigorate your body with the pure emotion of happiness. It allows you to de-stress, it improves your mood and reduces tension. Laughter and child-like emotions alone have been proven to relax tense muscles, increase the speed of oxygen into the system, lower blood pressure and directly improve the immune system. Those child-like qualities help you to see a different perspective to life and especially to problems and it allows you to truly enjoy the moment without worry of tomorrow.

Children are happy and playful most of the time. They adapt easily and continue to operate with a wonderment towards life with little to zero negativity. Every day they have a passion for happiness. As an adult, we need to reconnect more with our inner child. When you feel more child-like, the problems of the world may seem less important or threatening. It allows us to get back to the basics, the important things in life. When we are more child-like, negative emotions can instantly shift to positive ones. This allows us to increase our positive energy and attract better opportunities for the future.

Add a little play to your day, increase your energy for the moment, and rediscover your passion for happiness.

In love and kindness,

Reflections of People.....

2010-07-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

(Before watching, please pause our song player at the very bottom of this page) .... thanks. =)

After spending the other afternoon updating our files on all those in need and also those who are willing to help , I can honestly say that I am emotional. Most days, we are so wrapped up our own personal lives and those of our friends and families, it hard to look outside of your own reality and see what others are experiencing. Today, I poured through notes asking for help....help for their children, help for sisters, help for friends....it would be more than one person could allow themselves to feel if it weren't tempered with notes from grandmothers offering to make handmade quilts, mothers offering clothing from their own children's closets, moms in the midst of struggling offering to send the clothes they have, blessed mothers sharing what they have....it's absolutely overwhelming.

Let me share with you a little of who the people we meet this way are....because they are among us all and often times blend right in. She is a single mother of three working all day and trying to scrape together extra money for the kids extracurriculars.....she is a mother going to school and working two jobs that has four children to care for.....she is a college student pregnant and scared and needs to get together clothing for a child she wants to keep.....she is a mother of a special needs child who left a career to care for her baby who needs constant help.....she is a mom and wife who lost her job when the economy soured....she is a mom whose husband left.....she probably is someone you know, you just don't know the intimate details of her life.

And the people who help? Well....they are the people who truly feel others pain. Who know how important taking care of your kiddos is important to our self-esteem as mothers. Who feel so blessed that they can't help but give back....who truly want to make this world a little better than what they found it. And you know what, you know her too.

The other day I was reading a little about Mother Teresa and I came across a quote that I have fallen in love with.....it says, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” So beautiful, right? Such an amazing statement on what we all can be with just the littlest bit of effort. Spreading and sharing love. Many days the world seems like a crazy place to me....the emphasis in the media on violence and bad things happening. On the greed, the selfishness, the winner-take-all mentality. But each of us has a choice each and every day to add some love back in to the same world. To be the person that deep down they feel they can be proud of. Helping their neighbor and sharing what they've been blessed with. To bring hope...

Reflect today....on your blessings, on your gifts. On how you can give love. Maybe not through physical clothing or donations, but how you can be that little pencil too. If your struggles are deep, hang tight and know that there are people out there caring about you....right now. Wishing it weren't so tough for you...hoping things will change.

As back to school season approaches, many moms are struggling more than ever before. Sad and scared that their children will have so little....no new bookbag, no new outfits....some with no fitting shoes. If you find yourself able to lend a hand, please send us a note......we truly need all the help we can get.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Bare Necessities...

2010-07-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Many of you have probably heard of the classic movie Jungle Book. Well, it's a favorite in my house not only with my 2 year old but also with me. I hadn't watched that movie in ages until about 6 months ago when a friend gave me a copy for Cade (along with a whole box of other classic Disney's). One of my very favorite parts (oh and Cade's too!) is when Baloo the bear sings his infamous song - Bare Necessities. It's one of those songs that has a catchy beat and tune but it also makes you think. If you haven't heard it. Here is the chorus.

Look for the bare necessities

The simple bare necessities

Forget about your worries and your strife

I mean the bare necessities

Old Mother Nature's recipes

That brings the bare necessities of life

I'm hoping that its not only instilling good morals in Cade but it's also reminding me for myself each time I hear that funny song that the important things in life are the "bare necessities."

I know its true for me so I will only speak for myself but many times we work so hard to chase the things that really just aren't that important, that we forget to focus on the simple things that are. For me it's a reminder that the relationships with myself and others are really the most important. I get so worried about the "to do" list getting completed that I don't feel any sense of peace until it's done. I have my son's birthday thank you cards that haven't been written (from over a month ago), I have a house to put back together after a minor flooding last week, a client event next weekend and a bridal shower the following weekend. But honestly, it's songs like these that remind me that sometimes I'm working too hard on the things that don't really matter in the end. Sometimes, it's important to stop worrying about all the things that have to be done, stop running from thing to thing, and start enjoying the moment that has been provided to us. We can all get caught up in the mundane "have to's" in life but sometimes we need to take a minute, take a deep breath and "smell the roses".

Another favorite part of the song talks about searching for things that can't be found.

And don't spend your time lookin' around

For something you want that can't be found

When you find out that you can live without it

And go along not thingkin' about it

I'll tell you something true

The bare necessities of life will come to you

I'm not sure about you, but that totally hits home for me. I get lost not only in the "to do" list but the never ending list of wants. They may not be major but still, sometimes they tend to take over what's important. All that "stuff" doesn't really matter. And if just attaining that next item on the want list or crossing off the next task from the "to do" list is the only thing that strings together the eventful times in life than we are definitely missing out on the simple pleasures that life can bless us with. Just spending some quality time alone or with family and friends in a simple way can be just as fulfilling if it we allow it. Today, for me, my quiet time meditating was by the pool listening to some newly downloaded music. That made my day! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a trip to the mall like anyone or scheduling a getaway or planning that next girls night out, but simply put, the bare necessities is what makes up most of the meaning in our life.

So if not for you, but for my own benefit - I hope that you can relate to the song and the message of "Bare Necessities". Good 'ol Baloo had it well put. A great reminder and something for us all to think about.

I would like to point out though that it's very easy for me to say to focus on the bare necessities in life. Although I have in the past, I am not currently struggling to keep a roof over our head, clothes on our backs or food on our table. I know many hurting families (including some relatives) that are struggling to have even the barest of necessities in life. Many are struggling to provide just the basics to their children let alone their selves.

No matter our circumstance or economic status, we all need to release our worries and strife for but a moment to enjoy the children we have, the significant others or family and friends that have been blessed into our lives. However, if your bare necessities are being easily provided in your life, maybe you can consider helping a family whose necessities are not. Just a few gently used or new outfits for their child could help ease the burden they are carrying.

We have two single moms that have reached out recently that could use Pass It On, Baby's help - a single mother to 4 boys (one set of twins) and a single mother to 5 kids. Please email us if you'd like more information on where to ship clothes to these beautiful families. They would love to enjoy the Bare Necessities of life.

Just for a moment, forget about your worries and your strife. Relax and enjoy what is right in front of you, what this moment has to offer and Pass It On, Baby!

In love and kindness,

Let Your Light Shine....

2010-07-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

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Many times, Heather and I hear from people facing circumstances that are heart-breaking. Struggles that seem insurmountable, situations that seem hopeless. At those moments, words fail me. It doesn't seem like enough to offer kind thoughts, prayers or words to people facing some of the hardest challenges...especially ones that I haven't myself experienced...but sometimes words, thoughts and prayers are all we have to give.

There are a lot of people tonight out there hurting. Some are dealing with sicknesses - whether their own or their families. Some are dealing with financial misfortunes...wondering where the money is going to come for the next meal, the next house payment, the children's needs. Some are dealing with heartbreak....doubting themselves and wondering if they will ever find someone again. When you meet someone like this, what can you say? How can you ease their burden? The truth is, you probably can't....but it is better to try something, than to say nothing.

When someone is sick and dying, we don't know what to say. I recently went through this with my Aunt. She had emphysema and things were quickly taking some pretty major turns for the worse. I tend to be the eternal optimist when it comes to someone being sick, and always act like we are a prayer away from a complete recovery. As things started to become painfully obvious that there was to be no recovery, I found myself without any words and not sure how to reach out. What do you say to someone who is dying? I had no idea and wasn't sure what to say because I wanted to make sure that it wasn't a goodbye. I felt as if I said any type of goodbye, it would be like giving up on her or being disloyal -- not rooting for her until the bitter end. On the other hand, though, saying nothing meant her possibly leaving without hearing everything that she meant to me. So I wrote one of the hardest letters of my life. I told her every memory that I had of her and how I'd take it with me in the future. I bawled the day away writing and thanking her for showing me so much love. For never judging, for always accepting. For sending me flowers to celebrate my first prom, to sending my new husband and I to a dinner we'd never have been able to afford, to celebrating each of our children's births, for teaching me how to cook, for all the laughs, the memories, the fun and the lessons. It didn't hurt any less when she was gone, but I knew that she knew how much she was loved until the very end.

Sometimes it's uncomfortable to reach out to other people in their time of need because you are afraid you may embarrass them. If you know that they are going through a tough spot financially, you walk this fine line between trying to help and meddling. Between being a loving person and invoking their pride. But, if your heart is in the right place I believe that it is better to ask how you can help than to say nothing at all. They may not accept, but at least they know that you care.

Sometimes it seems like all is hopeless. There are so many people struggling with depression and feelings of hopelessness. Some of the help needed goes well beyond what we can provide...but when you can reach out, do. You may be someone's lifeline. Someone's hope...their light.

One of my favorite philosophers, St. Francis of Assisi once said, "All the darkness in the world can't extinguish the light from a single candle." As long as you act in truth and in beauty, you will be that light for another. And I hope you know the exact person I am talking about....

It's the person whose actions result from love. Who listens to what you have to say and never judges. Who guides, but never steers. Quick to lend a hand, even when they probably don't feel like it. Willing to help you through anything, even if you say you don't need them. True lights of the world....I've been lucky to know a few. (And someday aspire to be one for others!! I'm working on it....just like the rest of us! =)

St Francis of Assisi said it like this, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Mahatma Ghandi like this, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Regardless your religion, your spirituality, your belief system -- being kind and full of love transcends it all. It is what we are called to be. That is regardless of your financial situations, your struggles, your strifes, your past.....

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good."

In love and kindness,

Little Noah...

2010-07-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

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Hello Everyone! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July, especially though, remembering those lives that have served our country for us to enjoy the special freedoms that we have today.

We always like to share the personal stories that make Pass It On, Baby! what it is. It is all about those reaching out for a "hand-up" and those who are able to make that possible. We received a note back in April from a mother of a special needs child, named Noah. Noah has a very special story and you can read his story here.

A little background about Noah..."Noah was born on December 23, 2008, weighing 9lbs and 10oz by emergency c-section. Noah did not breathe or have a heartbeat for the first 13 minutes of his life. He was taken to Children's Hospital in order to have a procedure done known as brain cooling in attempts to minimize damage caused by perinatal asphyxia. Noah's brain cooled for 72 hours after which time the hospital ran an MRI and and an EEG to determine the extent of the damage. Unfortunately, the results came back with devastating news. Noah had suffered "global damage" to his brain. As a result, the prognosis was grim. They said Noah would most likely never walk, talk, or eat or even breathe on his own." Noah is now almost 17 months. His mother, Stacy, had to quit her job in order to care for him full time and their family has to pay out of pocket for his therapy that insurance will not cover. Needless to say, this family could definitely use a little kindness in helping to ease the burden.

Although it took a little time, Noah recently received a box of Pass It On, Baby clothing. Here is what Stacy had to say about receiving this little box of joy for her son.

Noah in one of his Pass It On, Baby! outfits.

Noah received a very special box this week filled with love and help. There is an organization called Pass it on Baby that helps those that need help by finding families to donate gently used clothing to help other families. Most families with special needs children find themselves much like us - struggling financially to obtain all the items that are needed to assist our little ones. When you rub all your pennies together to get equipment or therapy it leaves little room to get the everyday basics.

Noah's little care box arrived with dozens of neatly folded clothing that smelled so fresh and new. The donor had taken a lot care and time wrapping each individual outfit up like a little present before putting it in the box. Noah knew they were for him as I laid each outfit out next to him so he could see.

It is policy that they don't disclose the identity of the donors. We will never know the person who gave such love and assistance, but my hope is they may read about Noah's journey and know how much they've made a difference in our lives by caring so very much about another.

I would encourage anyone who is discarding any children's clothing to contact Pass it on Baby. You too have the potential to brighten up a day, to help another struggling family, to lessen the heavy heart of another mother trying to provide all she can for her children. It is a great reward to know that you've helped give someone a helping hand. Please consider contacting Pass it On Baby today to see how you too can help.

http://passitonbaby.blogspot.com/

Many have come to our rescue over the last year and a half. Lifting us up when we were falling, offering us a helping hand with no expectations in return, loving us as if we were your own. To all of you including Pass it on Baby, thank you from every ounce of our hearts. You have been such a blessing in our lives.

"How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!"~George Elliston

Love,

Thanks so much to Stacy and her son Noah for letting Pass It On, Baby! be apart of their journey as well as letting us share their journey. These are the reasons we love what we do. Our goal is to affect one family at a time, one child at a time with a box of love. Thanks to all of you who continue to help us in that journey. Please pass this blog link on to someone you know that could use a little help as well or to friends and family that may be looking for a special place to share their beloved child's clothes.

Make today a great one and Pass It On, Baby!

In love and kindness,

A Place of Love.....

2010-06-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

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Hello!! I was gone last week on vacation and Heather manned the fort. Huge thanks to her - especially with all she has going on!

My last week was on a vacation that I take and look forward to every year. I went to Cape May, New Jersey. I won't bore you with the details because I remember blogging on it last year, but it's a very special and important trip to me, because it is where I see my extended family. My father took the same trip growing up and continued the tradition with his own kids. As a child, my father and his five brothers and sisters made the trip with their kids and it is a week devoted to spending time with family and in turn, learning about yourself. These years, my cousins have kids also, so my kids meet their extended family and hear the same stories that I grew up with. It's just a wonderful time and very important in building the tapestry of who I am and where I come from....and every year we all laugh about just how similar we all are. We celebrate upcoming births, special days, birthdays and even people who are no longer with us.

Although it is something I look forward to every year, it has its own frustrations. As Ram Dass once said, "If you think you are truly enlightened, go spend a weekend with your parents." Not that I think I am enlightened in any way, but it's a funny way of talking about making extended time work with your family. We actually stay in the beach house with my parents, as well as my sister and her boyfriend, and my uncle as well. Most years, there is at least one situation that comes up that aggravates someone for at least a moment. This year, though, I was determined not to let that happen. I was determined to treat and respond in love....

Before I left, I had stumbled upon a quote that I've thought about and mulled over many times. I have no idea the author, but it is, "Love is always the appropriate reaction." When I initially read it, I knew it to be true, but it is so hard to put in to place in every situation...Sooo - I hung it up on my fridge and made a point to think about it as I saw it.

A few days later, I stumbled upon a short story about Buddha.

Another day Buddha was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him. "You have no right teaching others," he shouted. "You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake."Buddha was not upset by these insults. Instead, he asked the young man, "tell me, if you buy a gift for someone, and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong ?" The man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, "it would belong to me because I bought the gift."Buddha smiled and said " that is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself. "If you want to stop hurting yourself, you must get rid of your anger and become loving instead. When you hate others, yourself become unhappy. But when you love others, everyone is happy."The young man listened closely to these wise words of the Buddha. "You are right, O Blessed one," he said, "please teach me the path of love. I wish to become your follower." And Buddha answered, "Of course, I shall teach anyone who truly wants to learn. Come with me."

My family is so important to me, and after a little bit of reflection on these two thoughts, I found myself able to easily put aside any anger that normally would have resulted out of aggravation. They are my family, and I love them dearly so it should be easy to respond to them with love and kindness. But this is much harder when we are dealing outside our families. We should be reacting with love to everyone we come in contact with. And that's where the real work begins. Those that are angry, bitter, selfish, rude - we need to watch our reactions and respond from a place of love. Anger is poison that cannot create anything positive, it only destroys. Besides that, your reaction to someone's anger says more about you, then it truly does about them.

It is easier said than done, but challenge yourself for the next week to respond to frustrations and problems from love.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Not your father's Father's Day

2010-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

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I was debating about what to write the past few days and wanted to touch on Father's Day and the importance of it. There are so many families apart of this blog with so many different situations that I wasn't sure I felt comfortable with writing from my own point of view. I started looking around online and came across this article from the San Francisco Chronicle. It's a very eye-opening article about fathers and their roles and it touched on some points that I definitely felt I could relate to in more than one way. I am hoping that many of you can relate to some of the thoughts portrayed here as wekk. Although this article is written from the point of view of a father, I hope that you can take something from this and provide your feedback. Happy Father's Day and we hope you enjoyed this beautiful Sunday!

Sunday, June 20, 2010 (SF Chronicle)

Not your father's Father's Day

Jeff Gillenkirk

As a father, I've come to dread the appearance of Father's Day. Not

because of lame presents or family members forgetting the day altogether.

My son usually tries to get up early enough to make me breakfast in bed,

though as he gets deeper into his teens the idea of early gets later and

"breakfast in bed" means that I'm breakfasting while he's in bed. But he

always rises to the occasion and provides a heartfelt, homemade card by

the end of the day and a poetry anthology or a CD of what he thinks my

favorite music is.

What really troubles me about Father's Day is the bad rap fathers get.

Three years ago, Time magazine marked the approach of Father's Day with
an article wondering "whether dads have done a good enough job to
deserve the honor." Two years ago, presidential candidate Barack Obama
used a Father's Day sermon to proclaim, "Too many fathers are MIA, too
many fathers are AWOL." Last year, National Geographic News focused
on a tribe in the Himalayas for its Father's Day coverage. The title:
"No-Fathers Day: Remote Group Has No Dads, and Never Did."
The concluding thought: "Are fathers really necessary?"

As another Father's Day approaches - the 100th anniversary of the first

Father's Day, by the way - I ask America to celebrate, not castigate, its

fathers. After all, studies and census abstracts show that more American

dads are spending more time doing more things with their kids than at any

time in our post-agrarian society. Almost 2 1/2 million single parents

today are single fathers - an increase of more than 30 percent over the

past 15 years. The number of stay-at-home dads rose nearly 60 percent

between 2003 and 2008 and is expected to keep rising as the economy
and family roles continue to change. Newsweek's Julia Baird reported in a

recent column that "Millennial fathers - those under 29 - spend an average

of 4.3 hours per workday with their kids, which is almost double that of

their counterparts in 1977." Finally, a Lever study that found that four

of out five dads who responded "show more physical affection to their

children than their parents did with them." A startling statistic from

that study was that these fathers "hug and kiss their children an average

of five times a day." Startling to me, as my father never hugged me once

in his lifetime. Not once.

Clearly this is not our father's Father's Day. Millions of fathers still

have to step up to the plate, however. Nearly 25 million children are

growing up in America without fathers - making our country the world's

leader in fatherless families. A distressing 28 percent of white kids, 39

percent of Latino kids and almost 70 percent of black kids will wake up on

Father's Day without a their biological fathers at home. The impact of

this is devastating. Children without fathers are more prone to nearly

every negative development imaginable: more drug use, more depression,

more crime, higher rates of teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, gang

activity - and a lifetime of poverty.

Kids need their fathers. Most won't say it in words, but they're certainly

acting it out. Father advocate groups around the country are showing men

how to do better. They are pushing to reform divorce laws and welfare

regulations that end up separating dads from their children. President

Obama has gotten involved in a positive way, providing generous funding

for several fatherhood-strengthening initiatives. And a new trend is

becoming clear: More dads are doing more for their kids since the days

when families lived together on farms. They're demonstrating awareness

that the word father isn't just a noun - it's a verb. "To father" means to

be involved from the moment your child enters this world, until the very

day that one or both of you leave it. Hopefully, the more fathers who do

this, the fewer stories will appear about the ones who don't - which would

be better for everyone.

After all, you always get better results with praise than criticism. Every

good parent knows that. Happy Father's Day.

In love and kindness,

A Shade of Gray....

2010-06-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

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Hi friends!! Hope this blog finds you well and enjoying your summer thus far with the kiddos and family. We've had sleepovers galore, play dates...so much so that the poor guys over here got put back on a schedule because Momma just doesn't know how to exist in a sea of chaos!! I just feel completely out of control without one. Probably says something about my personality, because my husband can exist with or without one....and my kids prefer not having one!! ha ha!! But I am one of those people who like to know what's coming, know what they are supposed to be doing....you get it.

So the other day I was reading the news and I came across a statistic that shocked and appalled me...and one that relates very strongly to Pass It On, Baby! In 2010, over 21% of children in the United States will now be living below the poverty line. Over 1 out of 5....completely unbelievable to me and so very sad. I sat down with my husband and talked at length with him. My mind working the way it does, I wanted to know who was to blame. Not because I need some scapegoat, but because I always feel that if you can identify the problem, you can get to the solution. As we were talking, I was completely aware that I kept focusing on the problem and the solutions, and he talking about just understanding it all from every different perspective....totally different ways of looking at it.

He practices something that I need to try to put in action a little more. I like to think of it as "compassionate understanding". He doesn't want to talk about who's at fault, he just wants to see the situation from all angles and understand it. Never judges it....just understands it. So say we are talking about the illegal immigration issue...I'll be all up in arms about who should do what, who's to blame, how to fix the situation....and all the while, he is telling me individual stories from all sides, so I can understand the situation truly. He looks at pretty much all situations like that....I'm the black and white thinker and he's always talking to me about the gray.

I used to get so annoyed during these conversations thinking that understanding the situation has nothing to do with fixing the situation, but I was wrong. Understanding, and not judging any one side of the issue has everything to do with fixing it. Because when you do have a suggestion or an improvement, it comes from a place of love and respect....not blame. It results in truly helping the people at the heart of the situation, not judging who was right and who was wrong and then figuring out a punishment for who was wrong.

On a very small level, take an argument between two siblings where one hit the other and then the children came and told their mother. (Not that this would EVER happen in my house.... ;) I used to handle the situation by saying, "Who hit?" "Why did you hit?" "We don't act like that in our home, so you are in time out." "Apologize to him and go sit on the stairs." But in handling a situation like that, the child that did hit never learned compassion. He was never asked to think about how his brother felt or how he felt in the past when someone hit him. That type of discussion probably does a lot more to deter a child from hitting then the five minutes on the stairs....And so I'm learning as I go. :)

That is one of the nice things about Pass it On, Baby! The help DOES come from a place of compassion and understanding. It is not our job, nor our intent to ever figure out WHY someone is in that situation, but it is our job once they have reached out to us -- to help them. To love them and to treat them just how we'd like to be treated if the situation was reversed. What is gained from behaving in any other way? Sometimes I think that judgment itself, is a lot of the problem. Instead of wasting time talking about why the problem occurred, what if we just accepted it and moved toward a solution?

These families that reach out to us do so based on a lot of factors....and simply put, none of them really matter. What does matter is that when we read those notes, there is a mother hurting and a child going without on the other end of the note. That's where our focus belongs....Hugs and love to each one of you reading these words tonight.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Life's a beach!

2010-06-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

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Special thanks to Elizabeth helping me out while Cade and I were vacationing on Ono Island in Alabama! My girlfriend, Jodi, had mentioned on her facebook a couple of months ago about being excited to head to the beach. Jokingly I wrote back - "Take me with you". That joke turned into some serious thought and then planning out a besties trip with our kids. Her parents own a beach house on Ono Island in Alabama (right on the border of Florida - literally like 3 houses down was Florida) but are temporarily in Sweden for work. So, Jodi needed to check in on it and see how it was doing - plus enjoy a little beach time in the process.

Now, this was the first time that Cade had ever traveled this far in a car so I was a little nervous but nevertheless that wasn't going to stop us from being beach bound! We started out on Friday driving 4 hours to Houston. We met up with Jodi and her daughter Emma there and then the next morning headed out for Alabama. We started off with Dora, Diego, and Nemo. However, Cade hasn't yet gotten into a lot of these shows so he was only interested in Wonder Pets and Jungle Book. Poor Emma would never again see "her" shows the rest of the trip. The last couple of hours was pure torture. A screaming almost 2 year old with Emma chiming in when she'd see him get attention so I finally crawled in back and decided to play entertainer for awhile. Luckily that helped and we finally made it in 1 piece to Mobile. (her parents regular home is there which is about an hour from their beach house) Cade was still saying "beach mommy - beach" but yet we still weren't there yet. Finally on Sunday we made the last 1 hour leg to Ono Island and we were there!

This home was beautiful! A four bedroom 3 bath home that was just finished being remodeled. All the furniture still had tags on it! There was only 1 TV and it didn't have any cable hooked up so it was nice to know the kids wouldn't be able to watch much. The floors were all wood and every room had a color theme. Truly a beach home out of a movie! The back patio overlooked the saltwater pool below and that was right infront of the "soon to be" beach with a boat dock. Most of the homes had their own personal private beaches but they were still working on theirs.

Cade was super excited to get his "suit suit" on and check out the beach! We went a few doors down where we would be at the islands canal so the waves aren't as big and we are still on the private beach. I took Cade's shoes off and he was totally upset with the sand on his feet. Although he has a sandbox, he never really plays inside it. Just outside of it playing in the sand. So he complained and whined for quite a bit. I put his crocs back on and that seemed to help him a bit but it definitely was taking a little for him to get used to. He finally got in the water and got used to it hitting his feet. He then let me hold him and take him out in the water. He wasn't sure about the waves hitting him but luckily these weren't too big.

That night once we did a little grocery shopping (my child acted like an untamed animal in the grocery store - never happens at home but I guess he knew we were on vacation) and got the kids to bed, Jodi and I decided to stay up and talk and drink some wine. We sat out on the back patio listening to our Pandora talking about everything under the sun. We hadn't done this in YEARS! We really enjoyed it! We actually enjoyed it so much that we didn't notice that it was FOUR O'CLOCK in the MORNING!! Lord help us - as we knew that morning would come bright and early with two little kids. And the shutter blinds hadn't been put up on the doors to our bedrooms yet.

6:15am came nice and early the next day. Cade usually sleeps till 7:30 or 8:00 but not that morning! The sun was shining brightly and they were both super excited to get up and play with each other! It was a VERY long day for Jodi and I. Luckily we were just hanging out on the beach all day! We went to the big beach the next two days. The waves were bigger so Cade was a little more apprehensive but after he'd warm up to it - he'd finally go look for seashells or get in the water. Emma was a little beach bum! She was in the water, swimming like a fish, digging in the sand, she was having a blast! The last day, Cade was chasing all the seagulls down the beach. I had to chase him nearly a 1/2 mile! A couple of guys who were a little down the way from us, brought over some chips or something and started feeding the birds. Next thing you know - there was literally like 30 birds hovering over us. I was freaking out! I was a little concerned that we were going to get pecked or something. But Cade was LOVING it!! He kept waving and saying "Hi Birdie!".

Anyways, we enjoyed our trip and headed back to Houston. We arrived late and after a whining child that would only watch Wonder Pets for hours on end - I decided that maybe we should finish the trip while he was sleeping. I made it in that night (peacefully and quietly) around 1:30 in the morning.

I was glad that I was able to be a little spontaneous and just plan and make it happen. I hadn't been with my best friend for that many days in a row since we were 23 years old. Our kids hadn't ever spent that much time together either. It was really nice to just "do it!" I am usually the planner, the OCD one that has to have everything all lined up. I have been contracting and I knew that I had the ability to up and go when I wanted so I just decided to do it!

Boy was I glad. I am usually going 150 miles an hour between my own business consulting for advertising and marketing, contracting, teaching classes, Pass It On, Baby! and then just being a mother and wife. But I like it that way! This trip though truly reminded me that I need to slow down, stop working so hard, and just enjoy this life! It truly can be a beach life any time I choose if I would just make it a priority. I get all caught up in getting the never-ending "to do" list finished and always working in my off time but I can't really enjoy all those things if I don't have some down time to reflect.

This was a wonderful trip and I hope that I can take this renewed energy and zest for life into all areas in my life and remember that "Life's a beach!"

Much love to you all!

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Family in Need

2010-05-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

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Along the way, Heather and I hear from many people. Some of them become our friends along the way, and people we truly care about. So when they write us and tell us of a tragedy that is affecting their lives, it affects ours as well. Our dear PIOB friend, Tammy wrote recently to tell us that a friend had her home burn completely to the ground. She has four children aged 9-12 years old. There is a set of 9 year old twin boys, a 10 year old boy and a 12 year old girl. They lost everything. Thank God that everyone is safe, but now there are obvious real concerns that they are now facing. The mother stated that her first and foremost concern are clothes for the family, as they simply don't have any. If you are in a position to send along older boys clothes or smaller juniors/womens sizes - please let us know. If you aren't, but may know someone who is, please pass along the message. As Memorial Day is upon us, so many of us are opening our homes for cookouts and parties, celebrating family and friends. Take a moment to reflect what the day might mean without the security of a home....

Happy Memorial Day, friends and thank you to all who have served and the many who have sacrificed their lives defending our home.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

A Kinder Moment....

2010-05-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

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The other morning, I signed on to Facebook to respond to an outstanding email from a friend. One of my neighbor's statuses talked about how that morning she had gone to Starbucks. When she went to pay, the woman told her that the person in the car in front of her had gone ahead and bought her drink. It made her day. So what was she to do? She went ahead and paid for the car in back of her. Paying it forward....The story obviously brightened the day of my neighbor, but I think it did more than that - it brightened the day of everyone who read it. The comments below her status were exclamations of surprise, happiness and excitement. So very cool....

As I was driving my son to school that day, I realized how much others' actions can influence our days. If you've ever been driving and someone cuts you off or yells something or gestures to you - you know that it changes your mood, your outlook. (Or at least it does for me....) For me, it instantly angers me and I have to make a conscience choice to let it go or ignore it...if I don't, I'll be stuck bolstering my actions in my head and convincing myself why I was right....and in doing so, will drag down my mood.

We are social beings, we are not islands. Our actions do influence other people in good ways and in not-so-good ways. I've been influenced by so many people - as I'm sure we all have. I've taken aspects of people's personalities that I really admire and tried to make them my own....some habits, wonderful ways people have made me feel...simple kindnesses that others have shown me. I also spent plenty of time remembering aspects of people's personalities that made me feel badly and using it as a lesson on how to treat others. I may not be able to change those people, but I sure can remember how badly their actions and behaviors made me feel and make sure not to replicate them.

That morning, my neighbor's status reminded me of how easy it is to take a simple action of kindness and influence someone's day in a positive way. I needed it. I get so wrapped up in what I need to do next that I forget that that's really all the insignificant stuff. It will all get done, or it won't. Regardless, next week or next month - it won't matter. Yet the moments that someone gave of themselves to make your day just a little brighter....you'll remember. Those moments are the ones that matter.

When Heather and I started PIOB, we knew that there was great power in each box that someone received. Each box had the power to change someone's perspective or point of view. No one ever knows what moment of kindness is going to impact another person....whether it's now or in retrospect.

Sometimes I write these blogs and feel that I giving a lecture, when the truth is that I'm really talking about something that my own spirit needs to hear. I spend so much time in the theme of my life "rush, rush, rush"...that these moments that I carve out to sit and think about PIOB and what I've learned from it or in life mean so very much to me. They remind me to take the moments as they come and to think through my actions. To reflect, to listen to my spirit, to think about the person I am becoming....and whether or not I'd want her to be my friend. To learn from my mistakes and to truly become wise with age....gentler, not as much in a hurry and less concerned with the inconsequential stuff of life.....

Have a wonderful, beautiful week....

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Peace. Love. Swap!

2010-05-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

We know that there are many other wonderful organizations helping clothe family and children in need besides Pass It On, Baby! but it's hard to always know who's out there. Until somehow, someone searching to help others miraculously comes across your similar organization. That was the case with a special woman named Meg that contacted us recently about her non-profit called peace. love. swap. She wanted to donate any leftover clothing items from her swaps to our organization to help those in need.

Peace. Love. Swap. is a large-scale local community swap for maternity, baby, kid, teen and gear! Their mission is to keep gently used baby, kids, and maternity items out of the landfills and to donate to local charities by producing fun, affordable, family-friendly, swaps on a regular basis. Here is a recent blog written by Meg about her organization.

You can barely open up a magazine or read a blog today without finding something about “clothing swaps”, “swap parties” or swap websites. Although clothing swaps have been around awhile, they are becoming increasingly popular due to the “green” movement and a lagging economy. The idea is the same in most cases – get together (in person or online) and exchange your unwanted stuff for stuff that is “new” to you. It’s green, because you are reusing instead of buying new, it’s easy on your pocketbook because nothing is for sale – only trade, and a lot of times it’s helping others out because leftovers go to charities.

I have 3 kids (15, 5 & 2) and one on the way. I know how expensive it can be to buy new things for my kids all the time. I also know how much waste it creates – between the shipping, packaging & getting rid of the old stuff. I had always tried to shop consignment and sometimes at thrift stores, but after awhile, I realized I was taking in a lot of stuff and barely getting any credit to spend other “new” things. Many times, consignment stores or sales won’t even take certain things, so I ended up taking my stuff to places like Goodwill or Salvation Army to donate. I have also done the swap, sell, trade thing online. I just really didn’t have time to take pictures of all my things, post & go through all the emails, and wait for someone to show up. I had been to a clothing swap before, and felt like it was a concept that needed to be tweaked to accommodate moms and dads that constantly have kid stuff to get rid of. So, I created peace. love. swap. It’s the only organization that produces and supports Kid’s Clothing and Gear swaps on a regular basis. They aren’t small “swap parties” where you invite some of your friends and exchange stuff – these are large scale – 50-100 moms and dads that get together regularly at family friendly venues like gymnastics centers and indoor play places, and bring in all their unwanted baby, kid & maternity items (clothes and gear), and then take whatever they want. Families can bring in as much or as little as they want – and take what they need. We only ask that they bring it back for someone else when their kids are done with the stuff.

Right now we do the swaps in 10 cities in California, and have more starting up all the time. We have 2 out-of-state ones coming in late spring/early summer. We are dedicated to helping moms and dads all over the country get one started in their own community. We truly believe these events are beneficial to everyone involved. peace. love. swap kid’s clothing & gear swaps are eco-friendly, recession friendly, and since all of our leftovers go to charity- we are very community friendly too. If you would like more information about peace. love. swap, please go to our website www.peaceloveswap.com or email peaceloveswap@gmail.com .

What a fabulous in-expensive way to help out your local community and get the items you need for your family as well. What's so great about this swap is that whatever is left gets donated through organizations like PIOB to continue helping as many families as possible.

If you would like to start a PIOB/PLS swap in your area, let us know. Here is some additional information on how the swap works. Here is how to get started. Who knows how this could grow. A joint PIOB/PLS swap could not only help your family and community but the leftovers you have could be sent through Pass It On, Baby! to a wonderful family in need. Maybe there's even a small donation of $1-$2 for each person that attends to help pay for the shipping these boxes of items to the families in need. Let us know if your interested. In the meantime, we LOVE the idea of the "pls" event and hope you too will pass along this to those you know.

Happy swapping, sharing and donating!

In love and kindness,

Marathon Moment...

2010-05-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

As you can see from our most recent posts, Heather has been awesome about picking up the slack from me while I did the 1/2 marathon and committed to all the running that goes in to the race...and for non-runners - it's a lot! =) My half-marathon happened in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend. I've been training for it since late February and prior to the beginning of the training, thought a 3 mile run was a HUGE run for me. I trained with an amazing group of girls that have become some of my closest friends...and the race day was bittersweet for us as it meant the end of our training together and the end of a long road of dedication. At the same time, it was such a happy time. My dad ran his first 5K at the race, my friends were pumped and it was "do-it-or-die" time....we hadn't trained for these months to quit or fail now. So, we all met at my house, got excited (my poor neighbors can attest to that at 6am!) and drove to the race.

As we pulled closer to the race, we were shocked at just how many people were there. There were people of all shapes and sizes, ages, etc. Some were walking or running for themselves, some for others -- but regardless, there was this excitement in the air. Everyone was pumped. Everyone knew that this was their moment. There were some minor inconveniences like the rain or my not knowing how to line up...but when the race began, you could do give your best or not. Plain and simple.

Because I've trained with these girls, I rarely run with music. I talk to them and it's our social hour or hours...depending on the day. When the running gets tough, we get quiet and I have plenty of time to reflect on anything and everything. My partner that ran the race side by side with me and I started out pretty quick. We were darting in and out of people and there was happiness and excitement all around us. As the miles passed, people were quieter, more focused. The happiness and excitement was a little less because the novelty of the race and the adrenaline had passed, and we were working each mile. I passed a friend struggling due to an injury who wasn't sure how the race was going to end up for her and we passed many people who began to walk parts of the race. As we continued, we saw people who were injured, tired, sick and disheartened. By this time, my friend and I were more quiet and focused as well and the random thought that this marathon was a heck of a lot like life began to take shape. There were people at all stages of this race -- some getting by with seemingly no trouble, some barely making it. Some doing it completely on their own, others relying on people to get them through. Some cheering others along...I think you get it. It seemed so clear to me at that moment. This whole setting a goal and working toward achieving it. Doing what you are unsure can be done. It was all so much like our day to day life.

The race continued and as the miles remaining became less and less, I wanted to pick up the pace and give this race my all. But that was when my friend hit a wall. I tried with all the encouraging talk that I could muster, but she was tired and starting to become mentally beaten. I remember saying, "We only have 3 more miles to go and that's nothing to us anymore." She said, "It's still three more miles and my body just can't go..." And then a stranger came up and said, "Think of it as two. The last mile is cheers and fanfare, so you won't feel that one. I've been there before plenty of times...just think of it as two." I looked around and started paying attention to the atmosphere once again. There were so many cheering along the side, but within the race itself, the runners were cheering each other along. It was like we all wanted to make it, but to help everyone else make it too. Just like life, the other person accomplishing their goal took nothing away from anyone else. We were all in this together, yet with all of our own goals and hopes.

My friend rebounded. She kicked butt. =) We both did. And at the end of this, we realized that these three months had meant a lot more than had ever anticipated. We weren't ready to let them go yet. We didn't feel like the road was quite at its end for us.....

So come October, three of the four of us are running the full marathon. We expect to feel the same excitement, learn some more lessons and enjoy the others running the race....whether its a marathon or simply just life in general.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Update on Landyn & Larsyn

2010-05-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Almost exactly 1 year ago, we received quite an emotional and moving email from a little family expecting twins (a little girl and a little boy). Sadly, the little boy had been diagnosed with a terminal birth defect called Alobar Holoprosencephaly (when the brain doesn't separate during the first 4-6 weeks of gestation). The mother of these two beautiful twins was obviously devastated and had a very difficult time preparing for the birth of only 1 of her beloved babies. By the grace of God, she was directed to Pass It On, Baby! Our community was able to help provide her little girl with clothes and help ease the burden of shopping for only one child. This family's original story is linked here for you to read.

Well, it's been some time and this family had an update to share. Please read the ever evolving and beautiful story of Landyn & Larsyn as the mother (Shanna) shares a little of her reminiscing on her one year anniversary of finding out about her little boy Landyn.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010 12:06 PM, CDT

So today a year ago was when our lives changed. And we started counting our daily blessings.
This day is forever burned into my memory, frame by frame, word by word. As we are having our ultrasound checking for what we thought could have been Downs Syndrome, only a 1 in 118 chance according to my triple screen. As the ultrasound tech is measuring baby A, Landyn, he is just a few days shy of Baby B, Larsyn, she gets to his head and Says" I just cant get a correct measurement on baby A, let me let the Dr. take a look at these. She never returned. As we waited in the room, I prayed as hard as I ever had, I knew something was terribly wrong. Then the Dr. walked in and Said ," I am sorry , it seems that baby A has Alobar Holopresencephaly, a condition that is incompatible with life, being he is Baby A , I would recommend you selectivly reduce this pregnancy to save Baby B, if you don't do this the likely hood of you carrying these babies to term is very slim and you could lose both of them. By then my mind is going crazy, I cant think straight and I get up and leave the room. I went to the restroom because I had to get away from the negativity of the Dr. to hear your baby is not compatible with life and is not worth giving him a chance made me furious, no matter what Landyn had, I knew he would have a chance and this DR, was wrong !!I collected myself, went back into the room and told him I agreed with the diagnosis did not agree with the treatment he recommended, it was up to God and I wanted a second opinion.
As we left I prayed and cried , my heart was breaking and mostly dreading telling 3 little girls that had been so excited to finally have brother, that their brother was sooo special that God has chosen him to be one of his Angels and that we would only have a short time with him.
God instantly granted Keith and I the strength to go home and tell the girls and keep it together. The start of multiple miracles and blessing in our lives ! God is Good !

We are so blessed and humbled to read and share this story with you. We are glad that we can continue to share their story.

In love and kindness,

Clothing for tornado victims...

2010-04-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

Dear Pass It On, Baby! Community,

We have received an email from one of our PIOB readers about a tornado victim family in Mississippi. Apparently on Saturday a horrible storm rolled through Mississippi bringing a string of violent tornadoes that have been blamed for at least 12 deaths and dozens of injuries. Hundreds of people have been pushed from their homes. (please see this link for more storm details)

A set of 3 boys aged 2, 3, and 8 lost their mother in the storm and all of their belongings. If you or someone you know have clothes that could fit any of these ages, please send to their grandparents home at the following address:

The Carpenters

8843 Myrleville Road

Benton, MS 39039

We can provide you with a shipping label if need be. Please send us an email by clicking below. As always, the Pass It On, Baby! community is here to help clothe those in need and we definitely want our presence to be known for this devastated family.

In love and kindness,

Releasing expectations...

2010-04-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

It seems like that during this transition in season, me and my family are also undergoing some transitions in life. I have new career opportunities in my path, we are finally starting to get ahold of how to budget our money, my 22 month-old is transitioning from a baby to a toddler, my marriage is evolving into a more communicative - more expressive relationship, and even my sisters and extended family are under going some positive changes as well. It seems like there is change all around me.

If you were to know me, you'd know that I don't necessarily do change all that well. I have been one to resist change due to fear. Fear that the change wouldn't turn out the way that I would want. Or that my expectations wouldn't be met. I have a really hard time with that. My expectations that is.

I expect everything to go according to the little plan I have so carefully thought out in my head. I believe that my life or experience or situation will be perfect if it could only go like "THIS"... However, life has a funny of way of showing up and teaching you a thing or two about planning.

One example is that I have been contracting on a job for a couple of months now. Now I expected to have only a few weeks at this job and with my crazy schedule of teaching fitness classes, running my marketing consulting business, Pass It On, Baby!, and being a wife and mother - I thought for sure I couldn't keep up with that kind of schedule for more than a few weeks. However, 3 months later, this job has turned out to a more long-term contract position and now quite possibly a full-time job. I have been feeling so lost and confused as to what to do with schedule since in my mind - this job would be over by now and I would go back to the schedule I had before this. But life had a different plan. I am not complaining because the money has been great and we are finally getting things back on track. However, I am going to have to decide here at some point how to release other things in my life and keep the balance. My expectations may not have been met but it has definitely worked out in my favor if I can only start releasing things off my plate. That's hard to do with my "you can do it all" mentality.

Another perfect example of my inability to release expectations is when other people get involved. Like our dinner and evening with my father-in-law and the family. I expect for the things to run smooth, people know where to be and at what time, as well as a time schedule (cause you know I have a 22 month-old and we have to keep schedules for the most part), and how our evening will go. I started having a difficult time when the family couldn't figure out where we should eat, what time we were meeting, who all could meet us there, and what plans we would have afterwards. I started to feel flustered and chaotic. Definitely not my cup of tea. But as my husband so gently reminded me that I can't control everything and sometimes I need to go with the flow. I couldn't allow myself to relax and enjoy our time together because I was so frustrated that my expectations of the evening weren't being met. Once my husband had gently nudged me to be aware of how I was being, I realized it and tried to take a deep breath to relax. Doing my best to enjoy the moment for what it was and not create this perfect idea in my head. What was meant to happen was happening - I had the choice to enjoy it or be miserable. By the end of the evening, I was relaxed and enjoying the interaction of the family and the kids instead of desperately trying to control the moment.

I say all of this only because I truly believe that the student is also the teacher. As I learn (as we all learn), we should share with those who are willing to listen about our experiences in bettering ourselves as you never know how it may impact another.

I know that I have a lot to learn and practice about having less expectations. I know that I will be less unhappy and more likely to enjoy life if I can stop expecting things to be a certain way. Now it doesn't mean that I won't still make a plan but it does mean that I need to start being more flexible when that plan takes a turn and know that it is exactly the way it was intended to be.

Here is a quote that really helped to solidify this releasing expectations for me. "Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." ~ Dale Carnegie

May you know the exact reason you've read this today and how it can impact your own life.

As always, we appreciate you for reading our blog, sharing our message, donating or receiving clothes and being apart of our community.

In love and kindness,

Everyday Miracles....

2010-04-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

I think the old saying goes "sometimes you're the bat and sometimes you're the ball" ... it's kind of the way life works out. Sometimes you're the message, other times the message is directed to you. Lately, I guess I've been both...and learning a lot about the risks you take, the benefits you reap and remembering that you either jump head-first in the pool or walk away all together.....there is no sitting on the side. =)

Easter Sunday is an important time for our family. Yes, it's a time where we celebrate with food, candy and egg hunts - but for my husband and I, its also a time where we take stock of our lives and the way in which we are raising our children. It was important for us to celebrate by going to Mass on Easter Sunday. We had the kids dressed up beautifully, had finished up one egg hunt, had an amazing breakfast and were feeling pretty good about life. I remember the moments clearly, because I teared up a few times thinking about how perfect the day was and how I wished I could bottle the moment and never have it leave. So, when my two year old, Ashlyn, started getting squirrely in Mass, I took her out and let her wander the halls without a second thought. There were LOTS of moms and dads out doing the same thing, each with their own level of frustration. While Ashlyn explored, I read the bulletin boards and noticed a 5K going on for a young girl and her boyfriend that had passed away in a car wreck earlier in fall. Ashlyn distracted me and I went back to watching her when a grandfather approached me and told me how nice Ash looked. I thanked him and remarked the same about his granddaughter in her Easter dress. He had noticed our family in church and talked about how well behaved my kids were and how nice they looked. (Not sure what moment he saw them in --hee hee...because the behaving can sometimes be a rarity!) Anyhow, we started talking about having large families. He was so interested in our family because he, himself had seven children and my young family reminded him of his own. He talked about the fun of the holidays and how he also had a boy dominated family...we just seemed to hit it off and were at ease talking. He looked down and paused for a second and said, "Im so sorry. I don't know why I am telling you this, but that was my youngest," and motioned to the bulletin board where the memorial race was advertised. His fifteen year old daughter had been the girl who passed away in the car wreck. I hugged him immediately and we both started crying. Here I was in the moment of absolute joy with my baby, and he was living his first Easter without his own. We talked for a little before Mass was over and it ended up that I volunteered for his sister-in-law on a weekly basis. A week later when I ran in to her, she pulled me aside and told me that her brother-in-law had struggled with his faith since the accident and had seen his running in to me as a message that people and life in general is good. It was his moment of peace on Easter. Its funny you know, because I'm always struggling to get to church too, struggling with my beliefs, struggling to be a better person. Strange to think that you could be a message of compassion for someone when you yourself are looking for that same message....

At the same time, I see someone like Tammy as my own sort of message. She represents all that you can do when you truly give of yourself to help another. If you haven't read her story....please click here. If you remember, Tammy is the mother of two who was chatting on a moms message board with a mother two states away who had been diagnosed with lymphoma. With no one to help her care for her small daughter during her treatments, she had started to turn them down until she could figure something out. That was when Tammy had the thought - what if I cared for her daughter (she runs an in-home daycare center) while she focused on getting better. It was a story that touched so many of our hearts. Recently Tammy wrote to us again, not for any accolades, but to make sure that the mother she was helping by caring for her beautiful daughter, knew how loved she was. Take a moment and read about the good news and the struggles they have experienced here....it is amazing. http://www.thewolfleysketchpad.com/ Tammy reminds me that sometimes the real answers don't come from the head - that sometimes that gets in the way. Sometimes the real answers are irrational, unclear and uncertain.....but in the end, those moments will make it all worth living.

I say it a lot - but I feel so lucky to meet these people along the way. They humble me and remind me how I want to live and who I need to be. We recently heard from a mother of a miracle baby. A baby born without a heartbeat and without brain fuction....who remained that way for 13 minutes. He wasn't supposed to live. He wasn't supposed to eat, to walk, to talk.....and yet he is. With a mother who never gave up. With another inspiration....

Sometimes I spend so much time making lists, dealing in reality and common sense that I forget that there are miracles that occur each and every day. They come in the forms of people. They show in the form of example. They touch our lives and make us want to be just a little better from having met them. So here's to them. and to you...those of you that have walked as an example and who make the beauty in the world seem just a little bit brighter. You never know who is watching, who is learning, whose life you will have touched or influenced. But the world is just a tad better because of you, today.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Easter Fun!

2010-04-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

We hope all of you had a very happy Easter! This past Easter my little family (Me, Chris & Cade) went to Kansas finally to visit my dad's side of the family. We had missed the Christmas holiday due to the big blizzard at the end of December.

Cade had everyone's names memorized, GG (for great grandma), Gray Papa (aka great grandpa), Keri, Kim, Bruce, Charna, etc...I was pretty happy that he said everyone's name on cue so well since he's only 21 months old.

We spent time on the golf course hitting balls with daddy, driving the golf court (yes, he got to steer), hanging out at my uncle's with a big bonfire and playing with ALL the animals (like 5 cats, 3 dogs and lots of birds).

Cade got to a "trial run" easter egg hunt at GG's on Saturday morning since Sunday we had plans. (Plus he wouldn't know the difference.) When Sunday came, Cade had a cute little handed down outfit from my friend Anna who's been "passing on" clothes to Cade for the last couple of years. It hand only been worn a handful of times and looks nearly brand new. We headed over to my Great Aunt's house in Topeka and spent the day with with my cousins and their little ones. The day started off with an Easter Egg Hunt. Cade being the youngest, the older kids had been instructed to help him find eggs or make sure he had an even amount. Cade gave them a run for their money. He was hustling up eggs left and right so eventually my husband would take eggs out while Cade wasn't looking and put them down for the other kids to find.

Since Cade doesn't really eat candy yet (it will happen soon enough) nor does he know anything about money, we gave all the earnings of quarters and candy to the other kids. He just had fun playing with the eggs and hiding them again.

We enjoyed our trip, albeit we were exhausted. It was nice for us to get away and for Cade to learn about the rest of his family. I got to slow down from my very hectic schedule as I usually teach classes, work a contract job, handle my marketing clients and then fill in the rest with being a mom and wife. Being in a small town really helped me slow down and just enjoy. It felt nice not to have every minute of the day planned until bed. Sometimes we would just lay around until after lunch and then decide to do something. My goal is to continue working towards a day a week that I have that same feeling. Less planned more relaxed.

All in all Easter was enjoyed by everyone. Cade is still talking about GG, Gray Papa, etc to this day so it must have been memorable for him too even though he's only 21 months. :)

As spring is fully upon us, families in need are looking to clothe their children with seasonal clothes. Please look through your closets and see if you have a few outfits (in good used condition) to donate to a family in need. Let us know and we will gladly find a match. Thanks for listening and as always for Passing It On!

In love and kindness,

The Season of Beauty ♥

2010-04-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Please note: If this is your first time visiting our blog, please click here to hear the premise of Pass It On, Baby! and how it all began.... Pass It On, Baby!

I LOVE spring. It's my season. I've always lived in some corner of the Midwest, so spring is a welcome change from snow, lack of sunshine and overall dreariness that comes with the tail-end of winter. I fall in love with the world and life in general just about the same time every year. I get really (probably nerdily so) in to the whole idea of the season of rebirth. Of starting over....light from darkness, second chances, new beginnings. And more than anything...the beauty of it all.

Beauty has been on my mind a lot lately. Not the skin-deep outside appearance type, but that which is true, full of love and makes our lives extraordinary. This past weekend, my husband and I spent a weekend in Chicago sans kiddos. One of the "must sees" on our list was the Art Institute. It holds a special place in our hearts because way back in what feels like a cross between just yesterday and a lifetime ago, he asked me to marry him. So, on our walk down Memory Lane, we spent some time there. We loved it on so many levels. For me, the paintings represent a glimpse in to someone's soul and what they themselves found beautiful in the world. There were paintings of the less fortunate, pictures of loved ones, pictures of religious occurrences, paintings of strangers, of pets -- you get it. But what's so magical about it all, is that each person painted (or photographed, or sculpted) what they found beautiful and profound. They focused on their little corner of the world and made sense of it how they could. And all of sudden, what should have been a revelation from long ago, came to me. It doesn't matter how we make sense of the world - how we add beauty (if you will) but that we do. That we do create and improve and give our best - wherever and to whatever it may be.

Throughout my life, I hated those questions that you might do at work or in any "getting to know you" session where you had to say something unique about yourself or what made you different. I still don't have a good answer to the question. What's unique and different about me? Who knows. Maybe how I see and feel the world....but again, isn't that just like all of us? Maybe for me, a better question would be how I make sense of the world. Helping others (primarily children) helps me make sense of this lifetime. Why? Because my path lead me down that path. I was a young mother and proceeded to have five kiddos - so much of my life has been dedicated to raising them, teaching them and caring for them. I started out struggling along the way - and so it's no great stretch that I might help someone coming along a similar path that I did. The artists make sense of the world by painting, sculpting, photographing that which is beautiful. They include symbolism and themes and their own perspectives and points of view. For those that love art, they add beauty in to the world. The same can be said for those that write stories, or those that create music. All of us are just making sense of the world which the eyes and perspective that we were given. And to me it's all so beautiful.....

After I had this thought or realization, or whatever you want to call it, my husband and I were walking around the city. We came upon a boy (really - he was pretty young - certainly not even 21) that was standing on a milk-crate preaching his faith. It was beautiful. Not because I necessarily believed in everything that he said, but because it was said in love for what he was doing. He believed SO strongly in the words that he was saying that you couldn't help but smile when you heard his words. He preached against racism and arrogance and fear and talked about those as sneaky forms of hate. We loved his conviction....he added beauty to the world because his beliefs were so pure, honest and built on love for his fellow man.

Later that day, Dave and I stopped to get a treat as we walked within the city. Just outside the shop, there was a man selling Streetwise (which is a publication that those who are homeless sell so that they are not just pan-handling - but actually selling a product). I watched through the windows as a group of young adults approached the man and talked with him. They were the type of people that I always look upon with interest and maybe even envy - those who are totally comfortable in their own skin. The girl that was leading the conversation was warm, smiling and totally at ease. The group was introducing themselves by name and at the end of their short interaction, the girl reached in to her backpack and pulled out a grocery bag filled with non-perishables. I realized then, that each person in the group had a backpack on, and guessed that they must have been doing this repeatedly. It was beautiful and brought tears of humility to my eyes.

There are those out there creating beautiful parks, helping people, rescuing animals, painting, writing, dancing, raising children, planting gardens, being amazing friends (and man, do I have some of them!!=) - simply put - just processing the beauty that they see on this Earth and I am so glad that each and every one is doing it in their own way. Sometimes, especially when Heather and I depend on our word getting out, I (I won't say "we" because she may be doing better than me - LOL!) expect everyone to just hop on board with our cause and just get to helping people. But, that's a really arrogant view, right? And I'm learning....bear with me! =) There are MILLIONS of great causes around the world - we just can't each stand for everything....and it also isn't my job to stand over here and judge and insist you process the world the way I do.

So, beautiful people -- HAPPY EASTER!! I hope you view the world as beautiful and that you see that each of our roles in this world are beautiful also.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Power of Please & Thank You!

2010-03-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

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My 21 month-old son Cade has been recently talking more and more. Its so much fun to hear the words he's putting together to understand what is going through his little mind. He's saying things like "Chuck E Cheese have fun" and "Shoot hoops with friends at gym" but my most favorite words that Cade has been saying lately is "Peas" and "Tay-tu" (translation - Please and Thank You.")

I have always been a big proponent for saying "Please and Thank You" in my life but didn't really realize how important or how good if feels to hear until I started hearing Cade say it. It surely is a simple concept and simple enough for a 21 month-old to understand but I realize how many people through out the world forget this simple act of kindness and how infectious it can be.

My favorite was recently I was changing Cade's diaper and when we were finished (without any prompting I might add), he says "Tay-tu Mommy". I can't tell you how good that made me feel inside! One, because he understood when to say Thank You and Two, that he was glad that I had changed his diaper. Another favorite is when we get up first thing in the morning he always says, "Milk peas." Just hearing those simple words of "Peas and Tay-tu" make me feel good about doing more for him. It's not always this polite around here but when I do get a Please and Thank You, it sure makes what you do do feel that much better.

To me that simple concept needs to be carried out more through-out our daily lives. Just a simple "please" or "thank you" can be expressed so simply to people we come into contact with every day and promote an infectious positivity throughout our life and the lives of others. This common courtesy promotes the age-old saying "do unto others as you would have done unto you." It is nice to be thanked and its nice to hear please when being asked for something.

For me, it makes me want to do things for people again if I hear a genuine please or thank you. I am more willing to go the extra mile. I would hope and only guess that the other person will be more likely to pass along those same "pleases and thank you's" to someone else. It sure does help promote a more positive world to live in for us and our kids.

I love saying please and thank you to a waiter when out to eat. It usually makes them more likely to do more for me, and in turn they get a better tip - everyone wins! I also like waving to a driver when they have let me over as I am hoping to promote less road rage. One that I still struggle with is saying "Thank You" when someone gives me a compliment. But I assure you, it makes the other person's compliment seem more important when I am able to graciously accept with a "Thank You".

Kids are sponges and a direct reflection of what they see. So if your kids could use a little work on the "Peas and Tay-tu's" - maybe you too could practice applying this powerful yet simple concept into your own day-to-day life. Try it with bank teller, cashier, waiter, or better yet a family member, friend or your own kids. You never know - they might surprise you with a few more of these words too.

Have a great day!

PS. If you are starting to spring clean and get ready for summer clothes, consider "passing" your clothes along to someone in need. We have received several new requests for clothes. With seasons changes, more kids need clothes for the new weather. "Please" and "Thank You" from Pass It On, Baby! :)

In love and kindness,

We're Still Here... =)

2010-03-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

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Pardon the rambling today. I wanted to reach out and write something, but I am battling some type of sickness. The thoughts are pure, but my mind is a little tired and clouded with medicine. Please be forgiving for any mistakes.... =)

As the seasons change, we are still here helping. Sometimes we don't update our page with immediate needs as much as we should...but week after week, boxes are still heading from one beloved child to another - easing the burden on the mother.

I was talking to my husband lately about how many companies are involved in the idea of giving back. From credit card companies to banks, its great...but it does seem like a increase from what we would normally see. He had an interesting perspective on the whole phenomena. He said that giving back or helping another is pure, innocent and deep down inside we all know it's the right way. As we live our lives further and further away from that with some of the garbage reality TV, greed everywhere, and a loss of many values in our culture, there is a part of us that seeks to hold on that which is good and true.

I don't know if that is true or not, but it makes for an interesting discussion. We talked for awhile about if we know it's the right way, what's the difficulty? We talked about us ourselves and how no matter how much you make, you automatically adjust your lifestyle to account for that new money. We talked about our own path and whether we help as much as we should and how to know. We didn't come upon any answers, but sometimes it helps to just reflect on it all.

That's a totally different conversation that one I had with a girlfriend of mine a few days ago. We were out talking about life and I mentioned my charity and she talked about one that her husband was involved in. She said, "I don't think it's about looking for ways to give back, but rather those that are put in your path to make sure that you see those and help those on their way."

I guess in the end, it doesn't matter. Your way won't be my way and vice versa. That's kind of how it goes in life. So, just help where you yourselves are called to help and this world will be a better place. :)

That being said, if you ARE called to help through Pass It On, Baby! please check your closets as you move from Winter to Spring and your kiddos outgrown their sizes. There are many children who don't have enough clothes to get them through a season. You would likely be shocked at how many people we hear from whose children have nothing but torn and worn children. I have four older boys. My third son has quite a few pairs of jeans...but he ALWAYS plays on his knees. The other day I took out all the pants that had holes in the knees - I think it was more than five pairs! Now, we are fortunate that we usually can hand down from son to son and also buy more clothing when we need it. But really - five pairs? If you were hurting to provide the basics - there is no way you could replace that immediately.

The other day we heard from a woman who was a lot like many of us. She loved to shop and took great pride in how she clothed her children and their appearance. She came across our site and was so happy that she could take those clothes that she had dressed her own children up in and pass them on to another mother who could hopefully feel the same pride. She was passing along all the time and the love she had taken to carefully choose each and every outfit for her daughter and son. It made that feeling that she loved with her own kiddos move onward and carry on.

We are fortunate that you care. That you help. That you reach out for these kiddos. Thank you so very much.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Don't take anything personally...

2010-03-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

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DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. ~The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz

Recently I've been re-reading one of my favorite books called The Four Agreements. It's a simple to read book about the agreements we make with ourselves that lead us into a life of unfulfilled expectations in our relationships. Because a couple of the relationships in my life have been i guess what you could say as challenging - I decided it was time to crack open this book again.

For me, I have many expectations out of my relationships. I give 150% to others (sometimes to a fault) and in return I expect 150%. I help family members in need, some in more desperate need than others, and expect to receive an abundance of appreciation and gratitude. Not to toot my own horn to make me feel how "good" I am but more to know that my loving efforts aren't taken for granted or expected. I want my giving to be a sign of how much I'm willing to give or give-up in order to be there for someone I care for. Because of this, I get easily disappointed. Little do I realize that the recipient in my life is perceiving this loving gift from a completely different perspective than me. They may feel shame, self-conscious, inadequate or just downright depressed because of their situation - and then having to take my form of help. I guess I don't realize what it is the other person is going through and may be unable to express their gratefulness in a way that is "satisfactory" for my feelings.

That's why this book - especially the above quote on taking things personally - has been so important in me coming to terms with how I have let others affect my feelings about myself. In the past, I have taken what seems to be ungratefulness as a representation that my help or giving to my family member was not enough or that it wasn't good enough. Truly it isn't about me. It's about them. I have to know that as long as my efforts came from a loving place without my ego looking for praise, that I am truly providing the support and assistance they need.

On the same note, I seem to get lots of opinions from other friends and family members about why I should or shouldn't be helping out or assisting my family member. They have their own thoughts and ideas about what kind of help should be given or how it should be given. I guess again, they aren't coming from my perception. If it's deep in my heart to do something, I should do it and not feel bad because someone else's opinion on the matter is different than mine. As a past people pleaser, this can be quite a challenge. Too many others opinions in my head can make it difficult to know what I truly feel but now I've decided that no matter what I should trust my own feelings and judgments.

Maybe you can relate in some form or fashion. I just know that I believe so strongly in supporting and helping those in need - especially my own family - that I have to remember that I do it for my reasons from my perspective no matter what anyone else thinks or how they respond to my help. This will keep me free from future pain and suffering looking for affirmations of gratitude or affirmations of doing the right thing.

I am including additional information about the book and the other agreements. Maybe something will give you and "aha" moment that will free you from unnecessary suffering in your relationships.

Everything we do is based on agreements we have made. In these agreements, we tell ourselves who we are, what everyone else is, how to act, what is possible and what is impossible. What we have agreed to believe creates what we experience. When these agreements come from fear, obstacles and blocks in our life develop keeping us from realizing our greatest potential.

Based on an ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives and work into a new experience of effectiveness, balance and self-supporting behavior.

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY - Repeated from above - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

May you find some wisdom in these words as I have in helping me cope with difficult relationships and situations. If you've read this book before, maybe you have some insight or practical application to these agreements. Or maybe you just have a comment about what you've read. Please share your thoughts. We want to continue making this space an open forum for not just giving and charity but also in development of ourselves as mothers, wives, daughters, friends and so on.

In love and kindness,

Thoughts for a Wonderful World....

2010-03-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

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Recently I started thinking about how much Heather and I talk about our opinions on giving back and helping those less fortunate. I make no secret of it that sometimes it makes me feel like I'm lecturing or up on a soap box. It makes me even more uncomfortable since I myself am SUCH a work in progress. But, I think I've come to an important realization (one that my poor husband had to listen to for at least an hour on a recent road trip while I got my mind around how I really feel....hee hee =)...you need to, you HAVE to talk, live and share areas in your life that you want to strengthen. You should link up with others that feel the same way. Isn't that what we do when we come together to celebrate our religion as a community? Isn't that why society suggests conquering addictions as a support team? Because its easier to commit to something WITH another than it is without. If you are committing to being kind - a community that feels the same will share ideas and help keep you moving in the right direction. Even when we ourselves aren't for that moment. Because we're living a human existence and so we fall. And then get back up again. And then fall....and as long as you surround yourself with likeminded people and messages of positivity, you'll get back on the path again.... even when its hard and you just don't feel like it. After enough times of surrounding yourself with the positive message, it becomes hard to just ignore it and turn away from it. It becomes a part of who you are.

The great thing for Heather and I about PIOB (Pass It On, Baby! - clever, eh?) is that we really CAN'T fall too far off the path in giving and kindness. Why? Because we are lucky enough to hear from people on both sides -- people who need and people who give - and they pull us right back in to the fold. We hear stories and personal thoughts - and so while I have a string of days that are crazy and I'm stressed, or I am stewing about something that I cannot change, or I am jealous or envious, or (insert your weakness here - I'm sure I've suffered from it!!) - there is this voice that comes through from the emails telling me to snap out of it. It reminds me to become the person you want to be each and every day. And it also reminds me to focus on what's important, what's good - to me that's helping others in any way that I can. Right now, that way is moms and children - its what I know.

For me, its really easy to get lost in the day to day. Running kids to school, back from school , to activities, dinner, chores - sometimes when I'm feeling REALLY sorry for myself, I think I just have SO much going on. Boo hoo for me....so tired. (lol!!) But, then remind myself that EVERYONE has the exact same 24 hours in the day. And that the days build in to weeks, months and then years. If you keep waiting for there to be time to become the person you want -that chance may never come. So, like all of us, you make time for your priorities. And though I can't tell you how to prioritize your life, I can tell you that every religion, every branch of spirituality tells you to care for your fellow mankind. Why? Because we're all in this together.

When I was little, when my brother and I would fight and argue or my sister, my mom would tell us that our family was only as strong as our weakest link. The same can be said about our society. Mahatma Ghandi once said, "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." He was one of about ten famous authors who said a similar statement. ' So I think that most of us know - I mean know in our core that that is what we are supposed to be doing....its just that we aren't always the person we are supposed to be - again, me at the top of the list!! We are busy, stressed, tired, sick....but regardless of that we HAVE to find the time to be the people we want to be.

You might be reading along and think - Wow - how pompous and arrogant she is! The truth is, I'm not. I don't mean to be. I'm trying like you are and I just want this place to be a little better than we found it. I'm making mistakes as I go...I'm trying to learn from others....and I really hope that you see some positivity in my words and that maybe it helps just a little. I can't tell you how many times little notes from some of you have helped get me back to where I need to be headed.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

A single mom's plea for help...

2010-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

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Everyday we continue to get stories and notes from mothers struggling to provide even the basic of items for their children. We've shared stories of kids without winter coats, even socks and shoes.

We heard from one particular mother towards the end of the year in a panic, desperate to receive assistance. Her name is Jennifer and she is a single working mother. At the time she contacted us, she had 2 older children and 1 little one on the way (a bit of a surprise and definitely not planned). Most of her family lives far away from her and those who do live close are unable to help her with much more than a supportive ear. With her little girl due in January, Jennifer found herself struggling to find baby items that she could use - even finding a used crib was quite a feat. Her friends threw her a very moderate shower as most of them are struggling moms as well so she found herself just a couple of weeks from having her little girl and in a panic to even have bottles, clothes, bibs, you name it - just the basics in bringing home a newborn baby. Miraculously Jennifer was guided to Pass It On, Baby! She reached out for help and PIOB was able to deliver. Several boxes of clothes, toys, bottles, odds and end necessities were sent as little care packages just in time for the new little girl. Jennifer has been so overwhelmed by the love and support from Pass It On, Baby!

I am writing this to show my gratitude to everyone who has helped me at Pass It On, Baby! PIOB has been such a blessing to me and my children. I am a single mom of 3 kids and times are very hard for me. I just recently had a baby and because of PIOB - my baby came home from the hospital with clothes. I didn't have anything for my baby - clothes, bottles, mittens, and because of some wonderful packages I received - I was able to give my infant what she needed. I think this method of reaching out and helping the parents that are hurting financially is such a great thing! I can't even begin to fully express or even explain how much this has truly helped me. If it was not for Pass It On, Baby!, I really don't know how I would have properly clothed my infant or provided her the necessities. I truly feel blessed. I hope that Pass It On, Baby! can touche other people's lives the way it has done mine...

Thank you sincerely,

Jenn

PS. Here are a few pics of my little girl with some of her Pass It On, Baby! clothes as well as her with her proud brother and sister.

Thank you again to all the wonderful donors of Pass It On, Baby! Whether you donate clothes, donate your time reading this blog and sharing our message, or donate your love to someone else you know in need - we couldn't survive without you!

In love and kindness,

A grandmother's wish...

2010-02-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

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Pass It On, Baby! loves to take the stories of donors and recipients that have been blessed through this online community and share that along with all of you. We feel that hearing these stories directly from the source helps to personalize how we are all helping another as well as connect us on a more personal level. Such is the story of a grandmother who wrote back to us in December about her daughter and 3 grandchildren who were struggling. Here is her note to us.

I recently received this website from a friend of mine at work. My daughter is a stay at home mom and could certainly use a helping hand. Jakob is in 5th grade and is a good brother. In January 2008 they welcomed a little baby girl named Elizabeth. It was quite a surprise as my daughter had several miscarriages and did not expect to have another child. Then as the Lord will provide, she had another son, Justin in March 2009.

The day before we heard from her about her family, we received a note from a wonderful mother looking to "adopt a family" for Christmas. She purchased items brand-new for this family. Her box of blessings arrived just shortly before the Christmas holiday. Here is the note back from the grandmother - expressing her appreciation as well as sharing pictures of her grandchildren in their newly received clothes.

My name is Mary K., otherwise know as Nana. My daughter Nikki and her family are like a lot of people here in the United States…hardworking, scraping by on a shoestring and a prayer and sometimes a miracle happens. My friend Christie told me about Pass It on Baby and how it helped her family. I thought that Nikki could certainly use some help so I e-mailed and talked with the angels Elizabeth and Heather. I let them know that Jakob, Elizabeth and Justin could really use some winter coats. The immediate response I got was overwhelming. When the box arrived it was the best Christmas present anyone could receive. My daughter and I cried on her kitchen floor as we opened the box to find new boots and coats for all of them. They even put in a pair of soft footies for me.

I know I could not have afforded to buy all of those coats for them, but with the help of some very beautiful individuals, my grandchildren have had a lot of winter fun in their snowsuits and did not have to stay inside on beautiful winter’s day.

This is the beauty of Pass It On, Baby!'s circle of love - the giving and the receiving is what creates our community. Please check out our immediate needs section and help where you can or pass along this site to those who you think might be interested in helping us continue our circle. As always, we thank you for being apart of our community as well as reading our blog. We would love to continue hearing from any of you - if you have been a donor, a recipient or are just a reader. We want to know your thoughts or your stories.

In love and kindness,

Share your Inspiration and Inspire Another.....

2010-02-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

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You know, as you listen to popular music or some of the messages present in today's society - there is this big push to define yourself as having done everything yourself. "No one gave me anything." And while that's great - its so not completely true. There are people everywhere that have built us up to the moment we are at now. Friends, family, co-workers, social services...whatever. Sometimes it takes a long time to look back and to realize the sacrifice that another person made on your behalf. Sometimes it takes a long time to appreciate it enough to say that you, in turn, want to do something similar for someone else. Sometimes, it takes "growing up" to determine who you want to be and set about getting there. I am one of those people who wants to make a difference in someone's life. I want to pass along good. I want someone to think that I made their burden just the slightest bit easier. But, I am this person today, because of all the people that have helped me and unconsciously taught me to be just that. And, frankly, who loved me enough to still "do" for me and help me, when maybe I wasn't yet that person....

When someone helps us out, we say thanks - but sometimes, as the years go by, you realize that the thanks you gave was pretty minimal and that it shaped you in ways you would have never imagined when you were in that moment. Here's your chance. If you have someone that you'd love to spotlight - write a quick note of thanks and tell your story. It inspires others and shows us all how great people are! You can comment, you can choose to blog about them, whatever works for you. Maybe you'll just choose to reflect.....so here goes. One of my inspirations....Anne.

My husband and I married young - while we were still in college. I had my first son while still in school, and though we wanted to wait for our second son to be born until after school was finished - Someone Up Above had a different plan for me. =) Fortunately, I accepted a job in December of my senior year, so I didn't have to interview pregnant. I did, however, have to start my new job pregnant and immediately begin talking about maternity leave since I was scheduled to start in July and my son was due in October. I know there's nothing wrong with my situation, but it was uncomfortable for me and I was intimidated to meet all my new colleagues 6 months pregnant, just out of school.

Anyhow, my first day I started alongside Anne. Anne was from Brigham Young and I was from Purdue. We hit it off immediately. She was fun and loving, insightful and exciting. We became fast friends. We were both living in Michigan with no family around and new enough in town not to have many friends there either. Because of this, I started to worry how to plan care for my older son while I was in the hospital having my second son. My husband would be with me and my family was a minimum of 4 hours away. It would take them a little while to get there. So, when the time came, we took my older son to his preschool and headed to the hospital. Anne had offered to pick up my son from school and bring him to the hospital to meet his brother. She had to leave early that day from work to pick him up - which of course, she did without saying a word to me. She brought him to the hospital and then when he was tired, brought him to her apartment to play. She was wonderful. While I was on leave, she brought some adorable gifts from my co-workers to my home....she had organized the gift-giving too. I could go on and on about Anne, but none of those are the moment that I really want to focus on.

Eventually life went back to normal. I went back to work following leave, my husband was in grad school and we were making the best of our life. Life was busy with two little ones, but we were happy. One day Anne asked me if we had ever been out on a date since we had moved to Michigan. I thought about it for a second and had to say we hadn't. My second son was less than a year at the time and we had never felt comfortable having anyone watch them. She promptly said that was it and that my husband and I were heading to dinner that weekend and that she was coming over to babysit. I tried to protest, but she was having none of it. So, that weekend, my husband I went out to dinner. I can remember every detail of that date because it was so special. Anne told us she didn't want to see us back home before several hours (but that we could call to check =), so we truly just enjoyed ourselves. She accepted no money, said she was happy to do it and let two tired parents out for a night without worry. Everything was perfect when we got home. The kids were happy and well- taken care of. We were rejuvenated. Most of us would say - wow - how sweet or thoughtful....and it might not seem that out of the ordinary for those of us in our 30s. The difference was that Anne was 24. She had no children at the time. She just saw a need and reached out to lend a hand.

My second son is now nine. Neither Anne nor I work for that company any longer. We live in different states and don't see each other as much as we'd like - but in that same spirit she has always have, if I ever need a friend, she is there. She is expecting her first child very soon. I can't wait to meet her daughter this summer and more than that, I can't wait to tell that little girl how wonderful of a mother she truly has and how lucky I am to have met her.

My story is no different than any of yours. But there is power in each of ours....share your story. Inspire another. We'd love to hear it.....post on your blog and let us know or share a comment with us.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Thinking and Sharing....

2010-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

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I had a random occurence that happened to me last week that I just haven't been able to get out of my head. So, I thought I'd share it - because I think it points out some of the trickiness associated with giving and helping and really kindness all around. I was at a card and stationary store recently picking up some gift items for birthday parties that my kids were headed to. When I got to the register, there was a woman who appeared to be somewhat frazzled and a little frantic checking out at the register next to me. I proceeded to be rung up and was taking out my money to pay when she leans over and says, "Hey - do you have a quarter?" I reached over and handed her one, she thanked me repeatedly, finished her transaction and left the store. Likewise, I went back to my transaction. The moment the woman who had taken the quarter from me left the store, the woman behind the register asked if I knew her. I said no, but that she obviously had something going on and I joked about buying myself some good karma. The woman behind the register was in disbelief...she asked me again - you don't know her at all? I said no. She proceeded to call over the woman from the other checkout counter and explain the situation. They both apologized several times and as I left the store, were still shaking their heads at how someone would have the "audacity" to do that.

The situation struck me as weird....and I'm not talking about the woman asking for a quarter. I'm talking about how shocked the women behind the counter were. Who hasn't been in a situation where you are paying in cash and you realize that you are a few cents short? What a great world it would be if your neighbor didn't mind giving you a hand without thinking twice....But the truth is that they were apologetic and surprised because there are unspoken rules on giving and how you can give.

Lately there has been a lot of focus on helping Haiti and at the same time I've read a lot of backlash talking about all those in need in the United States who go without help in the same extent. I personally think giving in any form is wonderful, but as I listen to those who take issue with the extent of help, I hear their message too. When some catastrophic event happens, personal stories of horrific, unimaginable events leak out. We hear those stories, know that we have little capacity to relate and choose to help - because we can't believe what others have been through and don't want them to suffer any more anguish. It's amazing and truly shows that people are good. In events like the Haitian disaster, celebrities banded together, news outlets continuously covered these stories and people opened their hearts. It was clear that we COULD make a difference and did in some way. And we knew how to recognize that need. It was clearly identified and we knew exactly how we could make a difference.

The need in some of our own backyards is less clear. The paths is less clearly labeled and the stories are not always shared. So, there is a different reaction to the need. I do believe that people are good....I do believe that if we heard each and every heart-breaking tale of children going hungry in the US or children without clothing - it would pull at our heartstrings in much the same way. But we aren't going to....if you walk by a homeless person on the streets of a major city, you won't know their story. You'll have to fight to hold back any prejudice that flows in that makes you doubt their motives, or their capabilities. You'll have to choose to help because its another human being and they need it. You'll have to make the choice not to allow yourself to be jaded and just help out.

See, in my opinion, there is an undertone of blame for people in need in our own backyards. You know - "why can't they get a job - I have to." Or, "if they need help, they can start by helping themselves." We make these judgements that those in need have made bad decisions and therefore find themselves in that exact position....But - I'm thinking we need to challenge ourselves in there moments and think them through and decide exactly what person we want to be in this lifetime. So -- let's take me for instance and talk about how quickly I could be one of those people in need.... I have a college degree and prior to raising children full-time, had a challenging career in Finance with a Fortune 500. I volunteer and I save..you know, the stuff that they tell you to. =) But, as a stay-at-home mom, all of my ability to provide for my family comes from my husband. He works so that I can stay home. I'm fortunate to have a loving and happy relationship with my husband, but what if in an instant, something changed in our relationship and he was gone. What if he no longer provided for us? Many would say, well - you'd have to get a job. Yes, I would. But I also have five children and with my being out of the workforce for the past 6+ years, it would be tough to find a job paying more than what I made prior to leaving my career. I would need to find daycare for one, preschool for two and afterschool care for all five. We'd be upon tough times pretty quickly. We'd be lucky enough to have family support, which many don't....but on one lesser paying salary than what we have currently, it wouldn't be long before I'd have to question my ability to keep my house...and so you get it.

The point is, cast aside your judgements. Remember that feeling whether you helped with Haiti or 9/11, Habitat for Humanity, the soup kitchen - you name it. You can have it in your life on an ongoing basis. If you haven't had it - seek it. You will probably find that you end up gaining more yourself that those in need gain from you. Just remember that "life is the journey between who you were, and who you were meant to be."

So in a nutshell - this is why Heather and I run Pass It On, Baby! because there are so many who need so much and it sure helps a lot if everyone does a little....((hugs))

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Giving is everywhere...

2010-01-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

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A couple of days ago, I was at Chick-Fil-A having a "Mommy and Cade" night. Now, I don't like to take my 19 month old to Chick-Fil-A too often but it's a nice treat and I feel like it's a little better than maybe other fast food restaurants. Plus, I've been working alot!! I recently took on a contract job for a couple of months so my life is a little crazy and my poor baby isn't seeing me as much each day. Between working, teaching fitness classes, and then handling the marketing for the restaurant client I already had as well as Pass It On, Baby! my time has been VERY limited!

So back to being at Chick-Fil-A, I order a kids meal (which I never do - we usually share something) and saw on the bag this note about The Gift of Giving. This is what it reads...

The powerful act of giving is a way to spread a smile. Even helping in a small way shows you have a lot of style. There's so much you can do to help others out. Like donating part of your allowance to a cause you care about it. No matter what the gesture, no matter the amount. Giving is a great idea, your thought is what will count.

It touched me to read this. Obviously giving back is so important to both Elizabeth and me. And with the recent events in Haiti, there is never a better time to think about giving or teach your children about giving. Even if it's a nickel or a stuffed animal or something so very small. Like the poem reads, if it is a cause you care about it doesn't matter how much it's just the thought that counts! I couldn't have said it better! Many of you have wanted to donate clothing through Pass It On, Baby! but maybe there hasn't been a match of sizes. If you are ready to get rid of those clothes and we don't have it in our immediate needs list - consider donating your clothes to your local American Red Cross and they will tell you what they need and where to bring the items. It is another way to impact moms and families in desperate need of basics. And if you are part of our blog - then it's part of Pass It On, Baby! You could even pack the clothes with our letter if you like. (it may or may not make it to the person in Haiti but atleast these organizations would know that PIOB cares!)

It seems like that giving is everywhere. Maybe that's what happens when we have a recession, people out of work and natural disasters. We learn that it's not about what we have but what we can give.

If you have heard of any other ways to donate clothes to Haiti - please comment back on this blog post and let us know.

Much love to all of you!

In love and kindness,

When is Enough?

2010-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

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Its been a little while since my last post, and though things are going well....I was having a hard time posting. Sometimes I get tired of my own voice...wondering if I lecture too much or hop up on that soapbox I carry around with me (insert sarcastic smile here). So this time, no lectures....just thoughts...maybe a little disconnected - but near and dear to my heart.

I met a friend out last night for some girl chat. It was great to see her, I don't get to enough. We were talking about giving back, being socially responsible, raising your kiddos to be that way, you know....just trying your best in life. I confided in her that I felt like I wasn't doing enough. That most of the time I was still wrapped up in my own day to day occurrences... So she asked me, "When will it be enough?" And I have to confess, I don't know. Do you ever feel like you are doing enough? Should you ever feel like you are doing enough? I've been mulling it over and over again in my mind. I'm one of those people that like a definite, concrete answer. If someone tells me, "Do this and it will be enough"....I'm all over it. Its the gray, the in-between, the figure-it-out-for-yourself answers that really throw me for a loop. I was the girl in school that needed to know how MANY paragraphs we had to write. What do you mean a couple? Is that 2 or 4? Yes....that girl.

Now I could dismiss it and tell myself that you'll never know the answer....but in my life, when I'm meant to reflect on something - it will come up again and again. Its usually the tenth time or so that I'll see the connection and think, "Hmmmm - probably NOT a coincidence...I should probably get back to thinking about this."

So this morning I'm in a fitness class that I regularly take and the instructor starts the class by saying "If you pray, please keep one of the spin instructors in your prayers. He and his wife left today for Haiti. They will be gone for five weeks and their daughters will not be traveling with them." My eyes welled up with tears....those people, I thought, are doing enough. What wonderful people, right? Maybe that could be an answer for me? Yet later as I was grabbing coffee on my way out, I heard other mothers talking about how they thought it was unfortunate that the couple would leave their own children for five weeks. At first it shocked me that it could be viewed that way...but now I think that I was meant to hear that as well.

When I mulled over that thought process, I realized how personal and dear a decision it is on how much of our time to donate to others or helping others. No one can tell you what will work for you. Each of us will find that answer based on your past, your belief system, how you were raised, your levels of gratitude and reflection, your views on the world and frankly, your personality. You can't copy someone else's plan because it may not work for you. Each of us are meant to make that decision for ourselves.

I don't think it matters how you choose to give back or why...but that you do. Its humbling, its teaches you about yourself and who you want to be and gives you one moment where you realize that we aren't that much different. The rich, the poor,the haves, the have-nots....we're all out there searching. I'm still not in a good place with my answer to when it will be enough, but I'm guessing that a question this important probably won't have an answer within 24 hours. Its likely one of those questions I will reflect on, waffle on and battle my whole life. I'm ok with that. After all, its the journey....not the destination, right? =)

In the meantime, its comforting to hear quotes such as this and wonder how many others have asked themselves the exact same question. A timeless one, perhaps....Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

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Thank you all so much for the wonderful messages for the PIOB family that just lost their 7 month old little boy. It has been a very difficult time for them and will be for awhile however, they are so appreciative of all the kind messages and those who have been able to donate. Your messages and assistance helps ease the burden just a little. We thank you too for responding when we reached out. It is so amazing what happens when a community works together.

Being a New Year, so many of us have started resolutions for this year. Like the rest of you, Elizabeth and I have already been discussing our goals for Pass It On, Baby! This past year we have done some amazing things. Since starting up in May, we have been blessed to help approximately 65 children this past year receive clothing they might not otherwise have received. And as full time moms, (Elizabeth of 5 kids and me of 1 as well as 2 part-time jobs) we feel so blessed to have touched that many lives. Not to mention we have had approximately 60 or so mothers/families who have donated clothes as well. What an accomplishment! All thanks to you!

So, for the New Year here are some of the current goals we are setting for 2010: we are working diligently on getting a Post Office Box set up for our return addresses, we are working on ways to reach out to more mom groups so that we can receive more clothing donations to help those in need a little faster, we would love to double the number of children we are able to assist this year by getting our message spread to more people that help is out there, and we are working on finding ways to help with shipping costs especially for those who would love to donate clothes but may not be in a financial situation to do so.

You may or may not have noticed our new advertising space on the right-hand side of our blog that has "Blogher" ads. You can help us here. Each time a blogger clicks from our site to one of the featured Blogher ads, PIOB will receive a small financial credit for that. I will have to confirm exactly what that is - but know that by clicking through these ads you will be able to help support us to send out more boxes in this upcoming year. There is also our paypal donate button on the right-hand side as well. Maybe you don't have clothes to donate or would like to sponsor a box to be shipped - any little bit counts towards helping a family receive a much needed hand-up.

So thank you for making a great 2009 and here's to an amazing 2010. PIOB is setting new goals to help this community grow! Tell us what your New Year's Resolutions are - volunteer more, lose 10lbs, get a new job, mend a relationship - anything! We want to hear what's in your hearts and minds for this New Year!

In love and kindness,

In the arms of the angels...

2010-01-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

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A lot of our journey with Pass It On, Baby! is the wonderful feeling of helping another mother in their time of need. It’s based on helping moms through what can be a dark time. But sometimes, the dark times are much more than one or two of us can take on. Sometimes those times need the love and support of an entire community…

Heather and I started PIOB in a very simple manner. I shared clothes with her, she went ahead and shared clothes with another mother who needed the kindness so that we kept the circle going – and thus the idea on a larger scale was born. That very first mother that received clothes – she needs our help again, but this time the help is no longer in clothes.

Earlier this week, we received some heart-breaking information. That little baby – that precious soul – had passed away. He was seven months old and had just celebrated his very first Christmas. He was beautiful and loved and as you can imagine, there is a family in grief and shock…searching for answers and needing our comfort and compassion.

As most all of you are aware, we typically deal with mothers who are struggling financially, who have hit a bump in the road and are going through trying times. This mother is no different. And so it is with much heart-break that we reach out to you to look in your heart and see if there is anything that you can do to ease their burden. In grief, shock and sadness, they currently face funeral expenses as well as burial fees…not to mention the headstone. The financial worries at a time like this can be simply overwhelming. We’re all coming off of Christmas, there are many families hurting out there – we understand this. But, in searching your heart you find that you can donate $10 or even $20 dollars, whatever your budget allows…the hope is that we can put this together and allow them to focus first on their grief.

There are some that simply can’t donate the funds, but are also going to feel the sadness and shock inside their being as if they knew this baby. Maybe you can send some prayers, some kind words to a young, grieving mother or share some comfort with a heart-broken grandmother. We all help in the ways in which we can.

It will take an entire community to help out…so please, consider passing along this entry to everyone you know that might be able to help. In so many of our pasts, we have felt the pain of losing a loved one, and sadly enough, there are many people who have also buried their child or their grandchild – or struggling along the path to pay for that funeral as well. Share your story, your wisdom….some kindness.

In love and kindness,

Here's to Us! =)

2010-01-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

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As Heather said in our last post - Happy New Year to all of you! Looking forward to some exciting new beginnings!! Meeting more loving, caring people - helping those that need it - and hopefully growing a little along the way....It's kind of inevitable - when you help someone, you see who you want to be, you get a glimmer of how interconnected we truly are.

In my life, I found that I've been searching for that feeling almost continuously. That "feel-good gratification" that lets us know we are A-OK and on the right track. I've searched for it in stores, with the perfect top, dress, jeans, etc - only to have the feeling fade quickly after I brought my purchase home, and the old feelings that it wasn't enough or maybe I wasn't enough - return. I've searched for it on swanky nights out when you doll yourself up and have your ego fed for the evening - only to wake the next morning and have the same old insecurities return. Maybe you know the feeling....sometimes it comes in the form of being proud you were included in a party or gathering. Whatever the form - when it is built on the material -- it is fleeting.

However, when I help another person - the feeling I get about myself, isn't so fleeting. In a sense, its life-altering, the more you do it. It directly affects my self-esteem. It challenges my insecurities. It tells me that I'm good enough. After all, if I weren't...how could I be of any benefit to another? The older I get, the more readily I'm able to see those opportunities are about me finding out who I am while at the same time, helping someone else with their journey.

You could probably do a very simple exercise to prove to yourself that this is true. Think back to five years ago and try to imagine a material purchase that really pumped you up for the day. Maybe a fun shirt, a great pair of jeans, or the cutest pair of shoes. If you're anything like me -- you're coming up blank. Now think about someone who needed you back then. Something you did that was kind....something that you did who reminded you of who you are at your very core. I'm not at that blank anymore. And, I don't think its because of my ego. I think its because that's what's really important to me.

The other day I was watching TV with my son and an "In Memoriam" scene came on to the screen with someone's picture who had passed away and the years below the picture. My son turned to me and said, "Its weird to think that its only a matter of time before each of us has the second date below our own pictures." Jarring to think of it that way, for me at least. So, if that's the case and we all know that there is limited time, then what do we truly want to do with the time that we have left?

Building on the material is the fast track to heart-ache. If you pride yourself on looks, there will always be someone younger, thinner, prettier, taller, shorter, insert anything you want here_______. If you pride yourself on money, there will always be people with more. But if you only work on you, there cannot be someone who is a better you. YOU are the only one who can reap and claim that benefit.

Soo - here's to being the best YOU each of us can be. Finding the moments to reach out and help someone else. Channeling the visionaries that transcend faith systems and forever changed the world.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Coats for Christmas...

2010-01-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

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Happy New Year to all of our wonderful readers and followers! We hope that this New Year is bringing you a new energy for change, for hope, for new possibilities for the year and the decade. I know it is for me and my family. We are getting Christmas decorations put away and on to organizing our house for a new abundant and blessed year.

We count our blessings with each donator and recipient that comes our way through our grassroots organization. And we thank God for always bringing timely people and situations in our path in order to help us to help others.

Such is the case with a family we heard from in Georgia. This family's request touched us in a special way. They have been in need of not only clothes but some very basic needs like coats and shoes. Now for Elizabeth and I to hear of a child without a proper winter coat affects us most deeply. A child in a cold climate needs to be warm. It is so very basic but so very important. So we started reaching out through the blog, our facebooks, and emails in hopes that we could help touch the hearts of those who might be willing and able to help not only this family but other families in need. An unlikely turn of events proceeded.

I was meeting some girlfriends for a happy hour a few days before Christmas to celebrate the "bridesmaids" group of a friend getting married this upcoming year. One of my girlfriends (not married and doesn't have any kids) happened to mention how their company had adopted a couple of families for Christmas and was telling us the story of how they helped them. I piped in by saying that there have been lots of families in need this year and mentioned a few of the heart-breaking stories we had received - especially the children without proper coats. My girlfriend immediately said she would love to help and wanted to buy brand-new coats for the 3 kids. She was needing to buy gifts for her cousins of the exact same ages and thought it would be more appropriate to provide coats to the children in need in lieu of buying gifts for the cousins. So each child's gift was donated in the shape of a coat to 3 children.

This was the note she gave to the children instead of their present.

"We may not always realize that everything we do

affects no only our lives but touches another too.

Three kids in Georgia

Ages 2, 4, and 6

Boy, Girl, Boy

In need of winter coats for Christmas

Every time you show a friend you understand
Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give.

Three kids in Colorado

Ages 2, 4, and 6

Boy, Girl, Boy

Provided winter coats for Christmas

You help someone find beauty in this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness and loving more brings love."

This story to me is so amazing how 3 children helped 3 other children. It is truly the blessing of Pass It On, Baby! and we couldn't have asked for a more touching and fitting outcome. I deeply thank my girlfriend, who although has no children yet, felt so moved to help out another in such an impactful way. I am blessed to have such a beautiful and loving friend. I thank you. And the family received their coats the day after Christmas. According the mother, the kids were so excited that they actually wore their new coats around the house the entire day!

We hope that this story brings you a bit of happiness and hope for the New Year. It has for us!

In love and kindness,

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!!

2009-12-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

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Merry Christmas to all our friends, our readers and those of you just peeking in. My house is abuzz with little ones wrapping dollar store presents for each other, reading their letters from Santa, preparing cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer and pretty soon the comfort of cooking holiday food. It's funny, tomorrow there will be presents of varying dollar amounts - but from each year to the next, the kids will forget what those special presents they requested were. They will instead remember heading to the dollar store and scanning the aisles for a present for each of their siblings. They will laugh about trying to avoid each other in a small store and hiding in a corner in their rooms trying to wrap the presents all on their own. It really is the little things. The memories that we collect when we least expect it. The traditions that unfold from one year to the next and carrry through generations....

Today, I am enjoying having my family around me. I am begging myself to remember each little one at this age and all the special little things that they do. We went to visit Santa today and two of mine were terribly afraid, one was sizing him up to see if he was the real deal or an elf and another one was just so happy to get home and get ready for him to make an appearance. I can't wait until tomorrow. Seeing the kids happy in the magic of just being a kid....I know I'll be sad when its all over. But for now, I can only make sure to appreciate it as much as possible.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you and your wonderful families. Those of you that have come to us needing help. those of you that have provided that help. Those who are stressed and those who are blessed. For one day, take the day to celebrate the time you have with those loved ones around you. Watch the magic of the season unfold in your children's minds. Be a kid again tomorrow with them.....

I seriously CAN'T WAIT!

Heather and I are so thankful for all that you have helped us create. We appreciate it more than these simple words can convey. And we can't wait to get back to it next year. But, for now, we are going to appreciate the smiles of little ones, the hugs from our families, kisses from our husbands and love from those around us.

We sincerely hope you do too.

We will be checking emails on a limited basis only and will likely blog only once more before the new year. But, stayed tuned as we have had AMAZING people up to AMAZING things - and you know us, we have to share it with the world.

But for now, the world is right and we are taking a little break....

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

In times of need...

2009-12-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

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This time of year we start thinking about those less fortunate than us and how to give back. And so many of you have done just that. I know many are doing more with less and lots of you have already donated so many boxes of clothes to families in need. Some of you have been Pass It On, Baby! recipients as well doing your part to "Pass It On." Some of you amazing individuals have even donated brand-new clothes. We truly thank each and everyone of you from us at PIOB and on behalf of the receiving families for the wonderful hearts that you have. But there are so many more families out there hurting. We continue to receive more and more emails each day, especially due to the season, of people in need and their story. We are hoping that if you haven't donated through us or you've been unsure as to what kinds of families your clothes might be helping - that we should share just a few of the heart-wrenching stories we have received. We haven't included any names in order to keep their privacy but we hope that maybe there is someone that these stories will touch and be compelled to share their threads of love through our wonderful organization of providing a "hand up" in times of need.

I was told about this website from a very kind lady that was trying to help donate clothes but she didn't have my son's size. So I said to myself that I will give this a try and hopefully I can get some help. I have never had to seek help since I have always been employed, but I have been looking for a job for the past 14 months and still nothing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My mother works with a woman whose daughter and son's girlfriend both just had babies and live with her. They are all on public aid and the grandmother is the only one working right now. They are in desperate need of newborn clothing for a boy and girl. My mother told them about Pass It On, Baby! and they asked if you could put them on immediately. They need everything (ie: tops, bottoms, socks, sleepers, onesies, coats, ...) Hopefully you can find something soon! Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

My sister told me about this website in hopes that it could help my family. My husband and I both were laid off this year and have found it hard to find work. My husband had decided to go back to school to get his teaching degree so we moved in with my in-laws. We have two children a little girl who is 3 and a boy who is 2. Both grow out of their clothes so fast it is hard for us to keep up. I would really appreciate any help we can get. My daughter is a 3 but wears a size girls small or 6 and my son is 2 and is in a 3T winter clothes would be great and I'm hoping that I can help donate to those in need when my kids grow out of what they are wearing. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I can't tell how nice it is to know that there are people who are so willing to help.

We're going through hard times just like everyone else....I desperately need winter/fall type clothes for my 3 kids. We are starting over after having our slate cleaned for us :( My 4 year old sun just busted out the knees in his last pair of pants today at pre-k. The two boys' hoodies have been worn so much since last year that the zippers are broken and they don't have winter coats. My 2 year old is wearing size 2 clothes when she needs a 3 or 4T simply because I can't afford to buy any right now.... None of them have 1 decent pair of shoes, and I mean decent as in the sides and soles not busting out....forget dirty lol...I've exhausted efforts on craigslist and freecycle...nobody has anything for free anymore, I guess because everyone is hurting. If you can help....my 6 year old needs size 7/8 clothes and size 13 shoes...my 4 year old needs 4/5 T clothes and size 10 1/2 shoes....and my 2 year old girl wears 3 and 4T clothes, and needs size 8 shoes....all of them need jackets. Thank you for starting this site!

Thank you again to each of you! We hope that these stories have inspired you to continue sharing our message with anyone you can think of as a donator or recipient. (We especially need donors right now!) And if you had been hesitating to donate through us - maybe one of these stories touched you and inspired you to donate clothes.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

In love and kindness,