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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...

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 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!!

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,

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