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

A Breath of Fresh Air...

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"

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...

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,

Email Elizabeth and Heather

Tales of a Worn-Down Mom

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

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,

Email Elizabeth and Heather

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

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