Safety First

Hi all and happy Friday to you!  Can you believe it will be May tomorrow?  Time has a way of speeding up as you get older.  Kind of sad, if you ask me.  Oh well. 

So, what fabulous plans do you have for this weekend?  We are going to stay busy with some fun things with the kids and I will report back to you about them over the weekend or Monday.  Why the delay, you ask?  No, it's not that I want to keep you in suspense.  It's just I don't like for people to know exactly what we are doing and when, which brings me to today's topic -- social networking safety.  Okay, stop your yawning.  I promise, no lectures!  Just a brief PSA from yours truly, because I love you all and care about your safety.

Recently, I was listening to the Clark Howard Show and he was dicussing this very fact.  Did you know that some not so nice people actually keep up with what we put out on the internet and use that information to figure out when we aren't home?  (Need I remind you of yesterday's blog and how a certain site was keeping tabs on what I said about them?)  So, it seems prudent not to discuss specific travel plans, etc. on sites such as Facebook or Twitter, or even on our blogs.  It's amazing how quick this information could wind up with someone who doesn't wish us well.  I'm just saying...

Of course, I love reading about your adventures and all the fun things you do!  I just hope you post about it after the fact. 

Okay, that's my PSA for today and I hope I didn't scare you away.  If I did, hopefully you'll come back on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9) for the start of my givaway in honor of my mother's milestone birthday -- she finally said it was okay to reveal her age, 30 -- I think you'll love the necklace that will be the prize given away on May 19th, Mom's big day.  By the way, she will be drawing the lucky winner!  More details to be posted soon!  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Customer Service

Hi all and happy Thursday!  Can't believe the weekend is fast approaching, as is the end of the school year for my two eldest!  Eldest Son should be finished with his fifth grade year by mid-next week and Eldest Daughter has already completed kindergarten and has just a few more lessons left for first grade -- what a big year for both!  I know I've told you all this before, but I'm their mom, what can I say?! 

Okay, enough of my bragging.  What I really want to discuss is customer service, or at least, two vastly different experiences I've had over the past few weeks.  I won't name names for the bad service, but I will name the best people here shortly.  Well, I've always wanted the worst news first, so I'll start with them...

A few weeks ago, an online sample sale site had a high-demand sale.  I repeatedly went into the site to try to order a few items and was constantly booted out.  Strange things were happening and I believed there had to be something going on with their system.  I voiced these concerns on Twitter to a friend, who was having similar issues.  I gave up, she persisted and even got a few pieces.  Score one for her!  Well, later that afternoon I received an email from said site asking if all was okay.  I told them no and what had happened, as well as my questions.  Basically I was told too bad you didn't get in, but that's just the way it goes!  I should have had more patience.  Okay, but weren't you the ones with the sale and the odd things happening with the system -- once or twice okay, but repeatedly?  Besides, how the heck did you know I was having issues?   Oh yeah, YOU were the one watching my Twitter account!! So, they stalk me online and tell me it's my fault!!  By the way, Friend not only got an email, but a call from said site!  Still waiting to hear what comes of that.  This is how not to do business.  Sample sale site is down one customer, at least for the time being.

Now for the customer service of the year award!  I proudly bestow the first ever, My Life Through Pink... Customer Service Award to 2 Preppy Girls!  They are WONDERFUL!!  First and foremost, they didn't stalk me online and then tell me how it's all my fault, though, truthfully, it was.  I ordered a car monogram from them and put the wrong initials on it.  Yes, I know my name, but hit the wrong key and didn't notice my error.  When the monogram arrived yesterday, I called and asked to order a new one.  I expected to pay, it was MY mistake after all, instead the new monogram is being sent out today free of charge!  That is what customer service is all about!  Now, I expect all of you to rush to their website and place an order! ;-)  If not today, then soon!  I'll remind you of this again, as I plan on doing a post all about monogramming.  Oh just you wait and see what I've done...

So, what have I learned?  First of all, companies really are watching what you say about them on Twitter, yet they really don't care.  It's really kind of creepy!  Secondly, there's always something to be said about those who treat their customers well.  I know Husband and I think about this every day with our own business, as well as in our own lives.  What about you?  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Shoe Crazy

Hi all!  It started simply enough when I took Eldest Daughter shoe shopping and bought her these Miss Trish sandals at Target about a month ago...

I promptly posted a review on the shoes and only dreamed they would ever be in my size.  Then it happened!  As I was innocently reviewing my fav blogs, I saw Bethany had found them again.  So, what's a girl to do?  I dropped everything and ran out to my local Target and promptly bought them out, quite literally.  Is it too much?

Please note, I wasn't just buying for me, I do have two adorable minnies, as well.  Even came home and ordered a few pairs online I couldn't find in the store.  Believe it or not, I'm still looking for the seahorse sandal in a little girl 9.

Okay, so the question I have for you is this... am I shoe crazy?  And, if the answer is yes, do you think it's hereditary?  Maybe one day I'll give you the photographic evidence that the answer to both questions is yes, but I'm not ready to share that with you!  Perhaps my own state of denial.  So, are you shoe crazy, too?  I'd love to know!  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim 

Iron Much?!

Hi all!  Recently, Desperately Seeking Seersucker wrote a post about J. Crew, which I read.  At the time, though, I thought she was a bit rash in her decision to break up with them.  They do have wonderful staples, such as their khaki shorts, then I received this email today...

All I can say is, iron much?!  Even the bag is wrinkled -- oh my!!  What happened to clothes that looked nice?  Clothes, dare I say, that were pressed -- or at least looked as though they were?  Yes, the color pallette is beautiful and the cocktail ring is TDF.  I'm  also sure the trip to Turks and Caicos was divine, but who wants to look as though they slept in their clothes all day?  Certainly not I!  So, my apologies, dear lady, I do believe you were right to give them the boot.  What do you think?  TTFN.


Also, you must check out this giveaway at Shopaholic in Alabama!!!
XOXO,

Kim

A Way to Help (Updated)

Hi all!  Following is the post from yesterday that I found via 2 Preppy Girls, I just wanted to give you a quick update.  If you would like, Fabulous Fun Finds has added a donate (through PayPal) button on the upper right-hand side of their page.  As for the auction, there seem to be some really neat things to be added, so you may want to check it out.  Again, I just ask we do what we can!  Hope everyone is having a great day!  TTFN!!

XOXO,

Kim



Hi all!  I came across this post on 2 Preppy Girls and wanted to share it with you.  As you already know, I want to do whatever possible to help in the fight against SIDS and this family can use our help.  Please pass on to your friends and family.  This post was originally on Fabulous Fun Finds.

A Touch of Sunshine




Well E-Friends, I have to say this has probably been one of the hardest years in my family's history. March 13 I received the most devastating phone call of my entire life and that is saying a lot since my mother and uncle passed away on the same day (unrelated causes) back in October. On March 13 my sweet 2.5 month old niece, Hailey, passed away in her sleep due to SIDS. It was completely unexpected and obviously heartbreaking. My sister and her husband had to wait a long time for this "miracle baby" due to fertility challenges, so it was so hard to see Hailey be taken off this earth so soon. The life insurance policy for Hailey was going to be effective April 1!! I can't ease the pain caused from the separation my sister and her husband feel and will continue to feel, but I can help the financial burden placed on them due to all the funeral and hospital expenses with help from you and some fabulous donations.


May 12 & 13 Fabulous Fun Finds will be hosting a special Hailey Angel Silent Auction. My goal is to raise enough money for Hailey's headstone (estimated cost $2800-$3200 OUCH!!). If for some miracle I am able to raise more the additional funds will be used for the ambulance fee and emergency room expenses.


Items that will be up for bidding during the silent auction will be placed on my right hand sidebar along with a link to each vendors' website. I decided to hold this auction just 2 days ago, so I will be busy, busy finding fabulous products that you will WANT to bid on. A special thank you to Eden's Bouquet, A Touch of Sunshine, My Dough Girl and LaTeeDaKids for submitting my first donations!! Voting is currently under way on the Fabulous Fun Finds Facebook Fan Page for which item will be donated from LaTeeDaKids. Voting ends Sunday night (4/25), so hurry and make your vote count!


Please mark your calenders for May 12 & 13, invite your friends to check out the auction and keep an eye on my right hand sidebar for other items that will be available for bidding during the Hailey Angel Silent Auction. Bidding will begin at 12:01 am on May 12 and end at 9PM PST on May 13. You must have a paypal account to bid. Feel free to check out and participate in Hailey Angel, a "pay it forward" website, set up by my sister and her husband in honor of their daughter. Yes, the picture above is a picture of Hailey, our sweet little angel! A special thank you to Kristin from My Two Babes for creating this special button for me!


**For the next two weeks I will be posting various items from vendors that have committed to donating an item for the Hailey Angel Silent Auction on my Facebook Fan Page. The item with the highest bid is the item that will be donated and up for auction on May 12 & 13. Join me on Facebook for some pre auction fun!
 
 
Please all, let's do what we can!
 
XOXO,
 
Kim

I Need a Weekend... to Clean!

Hi all!  I need to take the weekend off to catch up on some neglected projects.  Believe it or not, this room was sparkling clean just a few short minutes before I took this picture.  Ittybit woke up to her newly cleaned room, and promptly did this...

I pray your weekend isn't so messy!  TTFN!  Have fun for me!!


XOXO,

Kim

Work or Play?

Hi all!  Hope your Friday is fabulous!  We're busy here, as always, but that's a good thing.  Right?  Sometimes I wonder if being busy is really all that good.  Well, we have to get the work out of the way to have the fun, but lately it seems the scales are tipped in favor of work. 

There is something to be said for hard work and the accomplishments it brings.  We shouldn't sit around waiting for someone else to do what we should.  But, is it really that bad to let the laundry or the dish pile get a lttle too high?  Shouldn't we also make sure to spend time loving our family and connecting with friends?  I remember a story being told to me that a house full of love is one where you can write I love you in the dust.  Now, that I could never do, but maybe there's something to be learned from it.  Maybe we all need to be reminded of our priorities, or at least, I do.  

I need to remind myself that hard work is important and that my kids need to have a strong work ethic, but we also need to play as hard as we work and we don't.  Luckily, the two eldest are almost done with their classwork for the year and then we will celebrate -- Son will be entering sixth grade in the fall and Eldest Daughter completed both kindergarten and first grade this year!  Both of them have worked very hard and deserve a special treat.  Believe it or not, they want to try their hand at fondue.  So, maybe that's where we will begin.

We will continue to work hard over the summer, but I'm going to make a point of playing just as hard -- even if I have to schedule it!!!  This is my promise to the kids.  Though they don't read this blog, I feel accountable to all of you who do.  And, I know, some of you will call me out if I don't live up to my end of the deal!  Thanks so much to Son, who pointed this out to me earlier.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Husband

Hi all!  Well, Husband fixed my computer -- thank goodness!!  So, that's one less thing I need to worry about.  Husband is so very helpful and I hope he realizes how much I appreciate all he does for me and our family!  Not only does he provide for us so I can stay home and raise our four kids, but he also makes sure the house is in running order.  I don't believe I have ever had to make him a honey-do list, because he just does.

When not at work or working at home, he is working ON our home.  He takes care of the yard, like this weekend he planted a ton of plants I picked up at Home Depot.  See, I love to pick out the plants, I just have a strong adversion to yardwork.  I would rather be inside cleaning the house, than outside gardening or anything of the such.  Actually, truth be told, for part of the time he was planting, I was on the back deck getting sun with the three youngest.  I do count myself lucky I was able to do that.  Husband also is constantly making improvements.

Over the winter, Husband installed these wrought iron balusters, as well as the judge's paneling on the wall,

and laid the most beautiful hardwood floors throughout our downstairs.  He even put it an angle to add interest, though a lot of extra work for himself!

What do you think of his work?



He is now focusing on more outdoor projects, he extended the deck when we moved here about three years ago and has added lattice to finish off the deck.  I believe this summer he will be adding a new deck with a firepit overlooking the woods at the end of our new path/dry riverbed he created over the past few weekends to help with the excess waterflow from our neighbor's yard.  I think he's also contemplating covering part of our deck so he can install a ceiling fan so we can eat outside and not melt in the hot sun.  Maybe even adding a deck off of the Master bedroom.  Like I said, Husband stays busy.

Just wanted you all to know how very talented Husband is, becasue he would never confess.  I hope all of you have someone so wonderful in your life.  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Strength

Hi all!  Hope your Wednesday is going well.  Busy, busy here, but what else is new?  I apologize beforehand if this post is full of typos, as I'm working on Husband's computer.  My computer is acting all sorts of screwy and I wanted to make sure I posted something before the end of the day.

Son seemed to have fun at weightlifting practice, so I guess this will be our new venture.  I'm for anything that will make him feel stronger.  I truly believe the stronger you feel, the better you are at everything!!!  Think about it.  Isn't that true in your own life?  If you believe you can do something, you can.  It may take practice, but you usually can make it work.  The more you practice, the stronger you are, the more you accomplish.  It's a basic building block.  Hopefully, Son will get this and try harder at everything.  Dare I say a new attitude without even knowing it?  See, sometimes lessons can be learned without words.  We will see.

I wish I had pictures to show you from yesterday, but alas, I don't.  First of all I didn't even bring a camera, but could you imagine how upset Son would have been with me?  I was even told by coach that parents aren't really allowed in the weightroom.  Well, how the heck else was I supposed to meet him?!  Oh, well.  Son is growing up and he needs to fly on his own, sometimes. 

The gym and the weight room amazed me, they were better than I ever had and I went to prep school!!  What also surprised me were the number of girls in there training, lifting the heavy weights.  In fact, I think there were more girls than boys.  I had no idea that weightlifting was that popular.  Did you? 

Now, please don't ask me what type of lifting was going on, as I'm not well versed in the terminology.  All I know is Son and a few other boys from his football team are in there to increase their agility and speed, as well as become srtonger.  Now we're back to where we started. 

It all comes down to strength  -- physical, mental, whatever -- without strength, we get no where!  That's what I took away from it all. What do you think?  TTFN!

XOXO,

Kim

Surprise!!

Hi all!  Where did the day go?!  No, I haven't been out enjoying beautiful, sunny weather -- it's cold and rainy here.  Instead I spent the morning waiting for an appointment, only to be seen for 30 seconds and sent on my merry way.  Ugh!!!!  Oh well...

So, obviously, I've been playing catch up ever since I got up and see no end in sight.  In fact, I need to leave here in a couple of minutes and take the eldest to his first ever weightlifting class -- oh my!  Don't worry, it's through the high school and coached by someone in the know.  Even Son's football coach's kids are involved.  Will let you know how it works out. 

The really good news is I will be holding my first ever giveaway starting on Mother's Day (May 9) and ending on  May 18th, with the winner being announced on May 19th -- my mom's milestone birthday -- yes, she's turning 21!!!  Wait until you see the beautiful necklace I'm giving away!  Truly fit for a birthday girl!  Okay, just wanted to tease you with that little tidbit.

Better run and get Son to weightlifting!  TTFN!!

XOXO,

Kim

Oh My!!!

Hi all!  Hope your weekend was great, mine was too short.  Didn't even realize I hadn't blogged yesterday until late in the evening!  Oh my!!  Well, I hope this post makes up for it.  Warning, for those of you who may be squeamish, there are pictures of bugs to follow...


It started innocently enough a couple of months ago when one of the preschool teachers gave me her butterfly catalog.  The kids looked through it and, of course, wanted everything they saw.   Then, Mom said she needed a little something to go in the eldest's Easter basket.  I quickly remembered he had really been impressed with the praying mantis collections, so I told her where to order from.  Here is what he received.

Whew, I could do this!!  Didn't even need Husband's beer!  I let Son store his find in the office/classroom above his desk.

Then, this happened...

If you look closely, you can see many baby praying mantises, as well as their open egg case.  You could actually hear them moving around in their pagoda.  Now, where is Husband's beer?!


Here are a couple more pictures of the babies.

Imagine my surprise to find out each egg contained 75 to 200 LIVE bugs!!!


Husband and Son let many of the mantises go, but we have kept some for ourselves and are going to give a few to friends.  We're hoping they make it to full adulthood.  Won't that be cool?  Well, as long as they stay in their enclosure!


In case you are interested in doing the same, we ordered from Insect Lore and are very happy with the quality of the insects and their customer service has been wonderful, too!  Please note, these are my opinions, alone. Of course, if Insect Lore hears about this post and would like to have us review other products, I'm sure the kids would love it!!  :-)  TTFN!


XOXO,


Kim

Spring Fever

Hi all!  I have a post I would love to write, but it has been interrupted by spring fever.  Now that I've got the grocery shopping out of the way and the two eldest signed up for football and cheerleading, it's time to go out and enjoy the sunshine!  The girls and I are going to lay out and get a little color!!  Wish me luck, as my midsection hasn't seen sun in over a decade.  Yes, you read that right, I'm actually donning a bikini!  A beautiful Lilly Pulitzer one at that.  Here's a picture of it:

Bet you were scared it was going to be a picture of me!  Don't worry, I want to keep you as readers! ;)  Well, off to get some sun on this ghostly white skin.  What are your plans?  TTFN!!

XOXO,

Kim

Be Nice!

Hi all!  Observing the the world around me, I have begun to notice many people have forgotten how to be nice.  It saddens me to think I live in a place where even the most basic please and thank you's have become a lost art.  What has happened?  Do people really believe their actions do not reflect upon them or that by being on a computer they are truly annonymous?

While some may look for someone to blame and others will continue on this path, I believe we should remember how important good manners are.  We should all be nice!  Not fake or insincere, but simply charming and kind to those around us.  Does that mean we placate to rudeness?  No!  That being said, we also shouldn't look at ourselves as being better than those who offend.  Simply say, I'm sorry you're having a bad day.  Is there anything I can do to make it better?"  When met with a stunned look, you usually can graciously walk away knowing you have given the other person something to think about.

It seems there are two types of rudeness.  The first is where a person truly doesn't know any better, this type of rudeness can be excused and the offender should be told why they are rude.  Hopefully, this will cause the person to stop the behavior and learn from their mistakes.  The second form of rudeness seems to come from a deep place within a very sad individual who, though they may not know it, doesn't even like themself.  Now, this is the tough one.  I don't know if this type of offender can be reformed, but your response to them must be thoughtful.  Don't quip back!  This is exactly what they are looking for, they want you to join them on their level.  You need to bring them up, not because you are better, but because you want better for them!

If each of us takes a moment to just be nice, could you imagine the difference it could make?  Let's all remember the simple rules of etiquette and try to be the best people we can be.  Let's make our world not only better for ourselves, but for those around us. 

Okay, so I'm jumping off my soapbox.  I just thought we all could use the reminder.  Happy Friday to all!  Hope you have a great weekend -- do something nice! ;)  TTFN!

Here's a fun giveaway over at my friend, Shopaholic in Alabama's blog for a great Lilly Pulitzer prize!

XOXO,

Kim

Amazing Dinner

Hi all!  As I posted yesterday, I found summer in a glass.  That got me thinking about having summer on the dinner table, as well.  So, what says summer more than seafood?!  Having this brilliant idea, Ittybit and I went to our local meat market, Ragin' Cajun Meats, (or click HERE for their Facebook fan page) and bought all sorts of fresh seafood.  We ended up with shrimp, grouper and gator tail.  It was so good!! 

I can't say enough nice things about Ragin' Cajun, the staff is very friendly and they make sure each trip there is special.  They have made sure the girls have been able to see their unofficial mascot, a crawfish they've had for several weeks who loves to put on a show, each time we come in.  Even with this last visit, they shared cheese puffs with Ittybit -- she felt like quite the princess!!  Besides their incredible customer service, they also have very fair pricing and delicious seafood, as well as other products.  We recently bought a crawfish boil from them that was TDF, as you can see from these pictures...

Yummy crawfish!!

In the pot with all the extras -- sausages, potatoes and corn!

Big Guy acting silly.

Little Guy's first bite of crawfish!

and they have the best stuffed chickens!  The Husband highly reccomends their alligator sausage.  So, needless to say, we love our Ragin' Cajun!

If you live near this meat market and haven't checked it out, please do so!  Support a great local business and have some fun.  Each Saturday they grill up a treat and give out samples until they are gone.  I even saw they are offering a how-to on doing your own crawfish boil and they are always willing to give help or advice when asked. 

Just to let you know, they had no idea I was going to post this blog and even if you told them I sent you, they would probably have no idea who I was.  This is just my humble opinion and wanted to share it with all of you.  TTFN!

On a completely unrelated note, here is a great giveaway opportunity over at Maryland Pink and Green.


XOXO,

Kim

Summer in a Glass

Hi all!  Today I want to tell you about the inspiration I found in a glass.  No!  Not a glass of wine! :)  I found inspiration in a fabulus glass of Watermelon-Strawberry Lemonade from the "Essentially Lilly A Guide to Colorful Entertaining" by Lilly Pulitzer and Jay Mulvaney.  First of all, the recipe is beyond simple.

Here are some of the steps: 

Just cube your watermelon and hull your strawberries

And place in the blender with water

There are no more pictures or steps, as I prefer my guests to think I slaved all day!  Granted, if they read this post and check out the link, they'll be on to me!  Note to self, perhaps I should keep more secrets!  But how can I keep such a great summer mocktail to myself?!


Here are the kids enjoying their summer treat...

Ittybit has two pictures, because I thought her lemonade mustache was too cute!

Even the baby liked this summer treat!

There is the inspiration.  Ahh, summer breezes and lazy days.  Creative energy put to good use!  Now, just wait to see what it inspired me to do for dinner.  But, I'm feeling lazy and will share tomorrow...

What is your summer inspiration?  I would love to know.  TTFN!

Oh, here's a fun summer themed giveaway at Desperately Seeking Seersucker! 



XOXO,

Kim

Thank You

Hi all!  I would like to thank everyone who read the post yesterday and passed it on.  I truly appreciate your effort in spreading the awareness of SIDS.  I feel so for all families who have lost their little angels and pray one day it will be a thing of the past.  Please don't let yesterday be just that, continue to make people aware.  Let us all do what we can to combat SIDS, however you feel best.


Again, thank you all!


XOXO,


Kim

Baby Paul

Hello all!  Today's post is not going to be fun loving or light, but I pray you will read on, because it is important.  We need to do something, anything we can to help!!!  Sadly, I write this post for all parents who have lost a baby to SIDS.  I've always known about SIDS and remember put baby "back" to sleep.  Even remember when Pampers had it on their diapers.  While a great catch phrase, it didn't mean too much to me.  I have had four perfectly healthy little ones, no real struggles.  God has blessed me.

My newest baby, now almost 16 months old, has an incredible godmother whom I love dearly.  I chose her to be my son's godmother, because of her love for God and children.  She is a preschool teacher and has two children of her own -- one grown and one in middle school.  This is her son's story, a story that has become all too real.

Baby Paul was a beautiful surprise come early -- he was born April 12, 2009 (Easter Sunday).  While early, Baby Paul was fine.  He was healthy and he was thriving!  He had his family wrapped around his tiny finger.  

He grew and had even said Dada a couple of times.  Spring turned into summer turned into fall.  

All was going as it was supposed to, Thanksgiving was the next day.  "Dada" put the baby down for a nap and the nightmare began.  I don't know the specifics, nor do I want to, because they can't change the outcome.  "Dada" went to check on Baby Paul that Thanksgiving eve and he had stopped breathing.  Baby Paul was transported to the local Children's Hospital and great care was given to both him and his family.  There were times where there were glimpses of hope.  It wasn't to be.  Baby Paul left this earth on November 29, 2009.  I still can hear my friend calling me to tell me she was going to tell her grandson goodbye, I didn't know what to do.  Still don't, but I hope this is what is right.

Baby Paul's parents did the most amazing thing.  They donated his organs to save other little ones!  There are three children still living today, because of their compassion.  At the funeral, Baby Paul's mother said her son lived on, because his organs saved others. What a beautiful and strong woman she is!

According to the CJ Foundation for SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of death among infants one month through one year of age in the United States. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) defines SIDS as the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene and review of the clinical history. SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, assigned only once all known and possible causes of death have been ruled out.  You can go HERE for their list of ways to reduce the risk.  This is information to pass on to anyone who is pregnant or has a newborn.

What can we do?  Well, we need to help by making sure research is funded.  There have been many advances made.  Yet, there is still much work to be done.  I can not give this plea justice, here is what Ricki had to say, a mother who lost her son two years ago,

"Well, I will say this... the facts are there. Up to 3,800 babies every year die from this monster called SIDS. That's 10 a day on average. Our society is too far advanced to still be having this tragic event occur. The only reason we don't have the answers that we want is that not enough money is being funded to the medical doctors that need it to do their research. There are doctors who have dedicated their careers to finding a cause... to finding a way to stop it. A few of the leading researchers are given yearly grants by the US, but when their money runs out, there is nothing more that they can do that year. Donating money is the number one way we can ALL contribute to SIDS Research... Donating time is the number two way. Taking the time to learn about SIDS personally... and taking the time to spread that knowledge to every family who plans to have a baby, to every pregnant woman, to every parent and to every person who will simply tell it someone else. My son is among the millions of babies who have lost their lives suddenly; unexpectedly, lives that never got the chance to be truly lived...

I would have loved to have been given the chance to watch my son grow up. I often wonder what he would have looked like today as a two year old toddler. I am sure that 16 years from now I will wonder which college he would be attending... and 30 years from now I will still wonder. I will wonder what his children (my grandchildren) would have looked like, who he would have married, what he WOULD have become... but those are memories that will never be made. 

The worst of it all is that I'm not sure if I will ever know why. The one thing I DO know is that I will not just sit back and watch SIDS continually take innocent life after innocent life. Until I take my final breath, I will still be searching for answers if it is still happening. 

There's no words to quite describe the feeling a mother endures after losing her child. It's a multitude of emotional waves that not even the highest could scholar could describe it with words."

Ricki is also the organizer of a fundraising walk in South Carolina, the CJ and Julie Strides for Babies, to be held Saturday, May 15, 2010 and the founder of the Facebook Page SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Research.  I highly recommend you check both out and help the cause any way you can.



Here is CJ:

and his resting place:

And Julie:

And her resting place:

Do this for Baby Paul, for CJ, for Julie, do it for your children, possibly for the child(ren) you have lost. Do it so that no more parents have to try to figure out what to do on their baby's special day.

This is my birthday present to you Baby Paul.  You live on not only through the babies you have already helped, but through those that will be helped in your memory, as well as in the memory of all other babies who were taken too early due to SIDS.

XOXO,

Kim

Beautiful Day

Hi all!  Today is such a beautiful day!  Hopefully, I'll be able to find a few minutes to enjoy it.  I don't have any plans, but even to just sit outside would be lovely.  Do you have any plans?  Husband is making a wonderful dinner of smoked ribs and I'll make some sides, probably a broccoli and cheeses casserole, as it always pairs well with smoked food, and what ever else I have on hand.  Will see.


Please do come back tomorrow for a special post for Baby Paul.  It has a lot of information that is important for all mothers and mother-to-be.  I pray you will share it with everyone you know.


XOXO,


Kim

Stressful Saturday!

Hi all!  Didn't want to let the day go with out wishing you all the best.  Super busy here as I try to catch up on housework and business for the husband.  See, I told you I really couldn't do it all, all the time! :)  Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, I'll feel caught up enough.  Just like "The Little Engine that Could," I keep saying "I think I can! I think I can!"  


As a side note, I should have the link to the online trunk show  in the next couple of days to share.  As soon as I do, I'll post it.


Even more important, please make sure to come back on Monday for a VERY special post with some important information that I would be honored if you would share with everyone you know.  TTFN!


XOXO,


Kim

Trunk Show

Hi all!  Just wanted to take a minute and invite ya'll to a super cute trunk show for Twirly Bird Lane that I will be hosting next weekend.  While, I know many of you aren't here,  I will have a link next week so you can order online.  They have the cutest girly-girl clothes in sizes ranging from 18 months to 12 years.  In the meantime, you can check out their website HERE.  Please let me know what you think of their adorable clothes!  I know I can't wait to host the show!! 


Also, click HERE for a great giveaway from the ever adorable Shopaholic in Alabama!  Good luck to all that enter!  TTFN.


XOXO,


Kim

The Best Fruit Dip, Ever!

Hi all!  Well, now that spring is in full gear and summer is fast appraoching, I thought I would share with you what is probably the best and the easiest fruit dip, ever.  This is a staple for any party we have and the ingredients are usually on hand in the fridge and pantry.


Fruit Dip


1 brick cream cheese (softened)
1 small jar marshmallow fluff
1 tablespoon vanilla

Simply beat the cream cheese and fluff together until creamy.  Stir in the vanilla. 

Typically, I make the dip the night before and refrigerate to let the flavors come together.  I'll set it out about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften and make for easier dipping.

I don't know of any fruit that doesn't work well with this dip and have never seen anyone turn it down.

Remember, it's healthy, becasue you are pairing it with fruit, right?! ;-)  TTFN.

XOXO,

Kim

Sick Baby :(

Hello all!  Here we are, day two without a real post.  I apologize, but the baby is sick and very cranky.  I always said family is my first priority and it still holds true.  So, off to hold a pitiful little man.


Before I go, though, wanted to let all of you know I have a VERY special blog post for next Monday that I pray you will get out to your friends, family and followers.  




XOXO,


Kim

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say...

Hi all!  I was raised to believe if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.  Today, I have nothing nice to say, so I won't say anything!  I certainly hope all of you are having a much better day than I am!  TTFN.


XOXO,


Kim

Happy Easter Monday

Hi all!  Boy did we have a busy weekend, egg hunt with Papa Sal at the local Harley-Davidson, egg dying, 6 am Mass on Easter Sunday, Easter baskets, egg hunts and Easter breakfast!  Believe it or not, it was all done before 10:00 am Sunday!  While busy, I love spending time with family and friends and thought it would be fun to share a few pictures from our weekend.  Hope you enjoy!


It's great when the Easter Bunny is also the godfather of your youngest.  Sadly, little man isn't in the picture, because he was scared!!!

The ladies of Harley always throw a great egg hunt and the kids LOVE it!!

Noel wants this scooter!  Typically she asks for one in pink, which they would gladly custom paint for her, but was taken in by this sparkle-y purple number.  At this point, she was more interested in the cupcake, but did ask Papa Sal for it... it's still not here! :(  Since she's obviously NOT getting it, you can get it for yourself at Frazier's Harley-Davidson.  I believe it was between $11,000 and $14,000.
.  

Here's little man after we had dyed eggs, as you can see, he wasn't done...

All the Easter baskets with fun cooking and baking supplies (the Easter Bunny obviously loves Williams-Sonoma) and spring treats...

Here are the Easter baskets from Nana with yummy chocolate from Godiva!

Beautiful flower...

Yummy chocolate dipped strawberry!

Playing with chalk in the sun!!  A good time had by all!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter, too!  Please share what you did!


XOXO,


Kim