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It's been a little while since you have heard from Heather or me and I wanted to reach out and tell you how much I have appreciated hearing from families, both those in need and those willing to help. It has been a journey that I am incredibly thankful for that focused on compassion, people helping people and simply put, doing the right thing. I still want to help others where I can and make it a priority in my life, however my focus due to necessity has changed.

Many of you know that I have five children: four boys and a girl. I am blessed and thankful for all that we have been given and try to focus on all our positives and they are great. However, things changed drastically in our lives this past November. My then six-year old son got sick - very sick - and now will be battling Juvenile Diabetes for the rest of his life. Here is our story if you have a minute: Riley's Story http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?px=3221603&pg=personal&fr_id=2359

We are fortunate, he did survive the initial life -threatening illness and we are back to a healthy child, but our lives have forever been changed. We worry daily, constantly take his blood sugar, pray daily for a cure, still cry from time to time, administer shots of insulin several times a day and deal with calculations, ratios, corrections, etc. Simply put, our lives, all of them, have changed. But actually, not in a completely negative way. I found a new strength in educating others, in reaching out to my congress members, in researching cures and unfortunately, helping new moms that are also hearing this horrible diagnosis for the first time. I've been there and every time I help someone else, I am truly healing myself as well.

We accept what was given, like I said before, we are blessed. There are many parents praying alongside their child's bedside who would trade places with me in a heartbeat and I need to have an "attitude of gratitude." =) We confront the challenges we are given, because they shape and mold us and make us who we are meant to become.

But at the same time, I wanted to share my story with so many of you who have reached out and helped, or needed us and I am equally grateful for this time as well. My hope is that in some way, someone was inspired by us and knows now that they can start with an email, facebook page and a blog and forever change people's lives and opinions.

I hope that in the year to come, I will have better balance. There will be advancements, I will be more at peace with the challenges we face and maybe then, my focus will again be PIOB. I would love for it to work out just that way.

In the meantime, if I am speaking to any mother going through this journey also - you are not alone. And there will be smiles and hope and happiness again. Please reach out if you need to share or talk. We are always at: kindness@passitonbaby.com

Wishing you all a beautiful and happy summer and thank you for caring, sharing and supporting us along the way. Such wonderful people in this world….and thank you for reading about Riley and loving him, whether you know him in real life or not in the virtual world. It means the world to us.

On behalf of my baby and my family, it has been such an honor to meet so many exceptional people. You will stay in my heart forever.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Heading Back to Normalcy.....

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(Let me preface this by laughing at myself as I have assured myself I would be back to "normal" several times by now and would have already ensured that I had made enough time for PIOB, but in the past it didn't work out quite like I hoped....but I am that little kid that fell down and is brushing herself off and trying again.....let's do this!! xo)

I swear I thought I would be less busy when my kids got out of the babyhood/ toddler, but somehow in this home that just isn't the case!! =) I'm so happy to be back to carving time out of my life for Pass It On, Baby! It's something that is so much bigger than myself and truly helps me get back to who I really want and need to be. There are SO many distractions in this world….social media, keeping up with the Joneses, hearing about what the latest and greatest celebrity is doing and I am the first to admit that I am nowhere near better than any of that. But sometimes the distractions start to take the precedence in my life and I begin to feel unbalanced. It starts small with a nagging feeling that I should be doing something more, bigger until it grows to the point where my subconscious is screaming….."What are you doing to make this world even a tad bit better!" And I have to concede that while I do it on a small basis with kindness, etc….it isn't half of what I am supposed to be doing. And so, here we are.

In a sense I am really fortunate. I have a teenager who I am able to watch with his idealism, his ideas, his dreams of getting out and changing the world and I see the person in myself who I was as a teenager….worried about the planet, worried about helping others, never understanding how some had so much and other had so little. But time went on and there was schooling to attend to, kids to have, careers to build, dinners to make and I found that my mind in its spare time went to schedules to make, meetings to attend and on and on… and less and less about making a difference….in unfortunate ways so many feel that that is "growing up"….and man, that sucks to think that that is what we call "growing up." Where does that passion to do something lasting by helping another go for many of us? Where was I anymore? But really, where are many of us? Those of us rearing preschoolers likely spend some time everyday on preschool television where the lessons of sharing, being kind, using words carefully and kindly are driven home again and again. Because that's what we hope for the future generation. A way out of all this unkind words, greed, selfishness, hatred. But yet again and again, as adults we push this outwards on children without looking inward at our own actions.
Lent bothered me this year because I took a hard look at myself and wondered if this is the best I have. The best I have to give to my family, my neighbors, others in need and pain…..and it's not. So here I am. Asking you to do what little we can. We can get back to basics. We can pass along what we are no longer using to another. I get that some of us sell some of these baby and kiddo clothes, but really, if you don't need that little extra money….pass it along. Make a difference. Make a change in someone's reality.
Now I completely realize that there are a fair share of us that don't waffle and lose their focus from time to time….and baby, that ain't me! =) But kudos to you guys and seriously if that's you, help lead the charge to change. We make our surroundings a little better by the decisions we make, one after another, building upon themselves to create our lives. So, thanks for lending an ear….and I hope in the end it will inspire you to lend a hand. Regardless, love to you all.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Falling into place...

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            It has definitely been an exciting last few weeks with Pass It On, Baby! It seems like ages ago when Heather and I were worried that we were unable to keep this going and worried about how to fix the fact that we constantly felt like we weren't giving enough. Fast forward to our recent write up in the Dallas Child Magazine and some recent posts about us, then glance at our Facebook page and you can see that the spirit of giving and helping is alive and well. So, thank you dear friend s for reading, posting, sharing and keeping this all going. Heather and I talk about this being such a pure and perfect part of our lives. We hope that you feel the same.

            As you may or may not have known from our last post, Giggle Moon donated several outfits for us to donate to those in need. We were able to send 14 brand new, boutique outfits to some deserving mothers. We have received some wonderful thank yous to send along to them, but I know that personally, their gift has changed my perspective on supporting a particular brand. Heather and I sent them a brief note explaining what we did and primarily who we served. After answering some back and forth questions, we received a huge box with instructions on how to gift. Unbelievable….for me, when I do have the option of this brand, I will remember their kindness. People truly serving their community….

            We are SO excited about the amount of matches that have happened via Facebook recently. Soo exciting for us! We love when we are able to write and match donors and recipients, but we are able to help MORE people with less of a time lag when the matches occur naturally with a mother in need and a mother able to help. So thank you to those many who check our Facebook page and comment or browse for matches. It is truly appreciated by SO many!

            For many of us, we are coming upon the season of giving. Getting lists ready to gift teachers, family, children and friends. Those that are struggling are in more of a panic during these times then normally. Every year we hear stories of mothers and fathers desperately trying to figure out how to get their children something for Christmas. I understand times are tough, but if you are in the position to buy something extra this year, please consider us. I can't tell you how many requests we get for warm coats, hats or gloves, etc.

            And for those that donate and wonder if it makes a difference….I can tell you it does. We hear from women who talk about not knowing how they would get through this struggle and the fact that the little glimmer of hope that PIOB provides, helped them to gather the strength to move forward. Or those that were SURE that no one cared until someone did…  You know, it is no mistake that you are here in this moment reading this blog. If you find yourself being lead to help, we'd love to hear from you. And if you are struggling and you have posted on our Facebook wall without response, we haven’t forgotten about you. Hang in there!

In love and kindness,

Elizabeth & Heather

Some Amazing Kindness from An AMAZING Company....Giggle Moon

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Good morning!! Hoping you had a TERRIFIC weekend!! In our last blog I mentioned that I had asked one of my favorite clothing companies to donate an outfit or two to us to give to those in need. Well, I have to tell you, not only did they come through, they SHOCKED us with their generosity. Completely overwhelmed me….I honestly had to sit down and have a good cry. Their name is Giggle Moon www.gigglemoonbaby.com (we'll tell you more about them a little later) and their clothes are AMAZING!!! I posted a sneak peek on our Facebook page, but honestly, that was only a teaser. And we can’t wait to get these clothes out to some very special people!

Heather and I thought a lot about how to structure a giveaway so that the clothes go to people in need, but also keep the circle of giving alive. We wanted to make sure that everyone involved in PIOB had a chance to receive one of these gorgeous outfits or blankets. So here is what we've come up with….a three-pronged approach. Here is how you can get one of these outfits. If you are in need, send us your note or post something on our facebook….either way. If you have given recently to Pass It On, Baby! or have volunteered to, send us a note to remind us or a note saying you are willing to give and we will enter you, and finally, if you haven't given because you haven’t been able to for whatever reason, but still want to keep the goodness going - refer three friends to us on Facebook and just send us a note letting us know. If you win and end up not needing the size, just remember that you can turn around and bless someone else with it.
When I asked Giggle Moon to donate, I truly had no idea that they intended to be as generous as they ended up being. It's funny how it all works out, because Heather and I were brainstorming on how to bring back some energy to PIOB and then we received their shipment. It reminded me instantly that it is all a circle, the giving and receiving. Sometimes you are gifter, sometimes you are the giftee…. (and no, I'm not sure if those are actual words… =) The ONLY condition of this is that if you do win an outfit or a blanket, you send us a picture to forward on to Giggle Moon. They deserve to see how much good they are out there doing in the world.

For those that purchase boutique baby clothes, remember the kindness that this company has shown. It's very easy to grumble about business today and the greed involved, but there is the exact opposite going on as well. If we want companies such as this to survive and continue to do good, then when we have the choice, we have to consciously support them as well. (They didn't ask me to blog this, but if I didn't hop right up on my soap box, then really, would that be me?...ahaha! )
Here is what they did send us:

Giggle Moon began as a mother-daughter venture in the 90’s with a simple focus on newborn layettes and irresistibly soft minky blankets with their signature satin trim. Over the past few seasons, Michelle Clark, owner and designer, has re-invented and expanded the design direction toward boutique fashion, while still keeping the sweetness of her original palette.

The Fall 2011 Collections will vary from soft and sweet to vibrant and bold, complimenting the richness of the season.

Giggle Moon is especially excited about the upcoming Spring 2012 Line which will be sure to surprise it’s consumers, with the introduction of several fresh, unexpected pieces. “Our goal is to stay current while remaining true to our niche in the market.”

Giggle Moon knits are made of 100% premium stretch cotton mixed with wovens and lacey tulle overlays with sizing ranging from newborn up to size 6 girls. All products are made the the U.S.A.

Visit Giggle Moon at www.gigglemoonbaby.com

I hope you are as excited about this new little contest as we are! We can't wait for people to enjoy these beautiful clothes….and we can’t wait to hear from you!! As a side note, most of the clothes we received are girls. We have a few baby boy outfits and a few super soft blankets in boys colors also. Individually, if you are chosen, we will keep in mind your particular need.

In love and kindness,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

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

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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,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

A Bittersweet Post....

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   

Email Heather and Elizabeth

A change is as good as a rest...

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“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

Email Heather and Elizabeth

Feeling the shift...

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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,

Email Heather and Elizabeth

Prayers for The Best of Times...

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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,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

Everyday Miracles

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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

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...

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,

Email Heather and Elizabeth

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

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,

Email Heather and Elizabeth

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

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,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

True stories of families in need...

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 

__________________  

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

____________________ 

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

___________________ 

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

___________________

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....

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,

Email Elizabeth & Heather

A tribute to cheerleaders and HAIR BOW GIVEAWAY!

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)

Email Elizabeth and Heather