http://www.ausa.org/webpub/deptfamilyprograms.nsf/byid/KCAT-6DCK7U
Charities Supporting Soldiers and their Families
The following is a list of websites of belonging to charities and other non-profit organizations whose mission it is to support Soldiers and their families. These organizations provide a variety of services from programs to “adopt” a unit or to provide military families with emergency assistance to funding scholarships for the children of fallen troops or supporting wounded Servicemembers and their families.
Disclaimer: AUSA Family Programs does not endorse any of the the organizations listed below nor the information about services provided on their websites. We strongly encourage anyone who plans to contact one of these organizations for assistance or to make a donation to ask questions about both the services provided and how the money being raised is spent.
There are several independent "watchdog" sites that individuals can visit to learn more about how to identify effective and efficient charities. The Independent Sector is a coalition of philanthropic organizations which establishes principles for ethical and efficient charitable practices. It is also possible to research specific charities through Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. Please be aware that each of these organizations uses different methods to evaluate and rate charitable organizations so conclusions may differ depending on which site is consulted. Last, the Internal Revenue Service has an online search facility to enable members of the public to verify the tax-exempt status of an organization.
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Browse organizations by type of program or service:
Help Soldiers Help Others | Donate Item or Services | Emergency Assistance | Letters and Messages |
Military Children | Staying Connected During Deployment | Send Care Packages | Wounded Warrior and Family Support |
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Helping Soldiers Help Others
Operation Iraqi Children
Many soldiers deployed to Iraq are rebuilding schools. Donations to Operation Iraqi Children help purchase desperately needed school supplies.
Operation Give
Operation Give provides toys, clothing and school supplies primarily to the children of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Spirit of America
Spirit of America helps US troops carry out humanitarian projects around the world through donations of much needed goods and supplies.
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Donate Items or Services
AMVETS Task ForceDVD
The American Veterans collect new and used DVDs to distribute overseas to US military personnel.
Commissary Gift Certificates
Gift certificates purchased though the Defense Commissary Agency can be used by military families.
Green Care for Troops
A nationwide outreach program connecting local lawn and landscaping companies with the families of deployed Servicemembers to help with lawn and landscape care.
Homefront America, Inc.
Homefront America is a volunteer, non-profit website that assists military families during deployment. Their programs include referral assistance, tuition and scholarship assistance, holiday programs, back-to-school supplies, teen education and routine auto maintenance.
Operation Top Knot
A program that supports the wives and children of U.S. soldiers through donations of baby gifts.
Support for Military Pet Owners during Deployment
The Military Pets Foster Project helps find temporary foster homes for the pets of Servicemembers who have to deploy. More information about the project is available by emailing info@netpets.org. Operation Noble Foster can help Servicemembers find temporary foster homes for cats only.
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Emergency Assistance
American Soldier Foundation
The Foundation can provide grants or interest free loans to help Soldiers and family members with unexpected events.
Armed Forces Foundation Family Assistance Program
The Family Assistance Program awards financial assistance to military families ranging from hotel room cost and utility bill payment, to laptops for recovering veterans. Families must apply for assistance through the website and are accepted based on their need in relationship to monthly income.
Army Emergency Relief
Army Emergency Relief provides emergency financial assistance to Soldiers and their families.
American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services
The American Red Cross sends communications on behalf of family members who are facing emergencies or other important events to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving all over the world. It also offers financial assistance to military families and veterans.
Operation Eagle’s Nest
Donations to this charity support the families of Soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront can provide financial assistance to military families in need as well as help with emeregncy household and vehicle repairs.
Reserve Aid
Reserve Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing financial support to the families of Reserve Service Members called to active duty in all five branches of the Armed Forces. Reserve Aid makes unrestricted, need based grants to military families who have a Reserve Service Member on full-time deployment to a combat zone or homeland security position.
Unmet Needs (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
The Unmet Needs Program provides emergency financial assistance and has a network of skilled volunteers able to assist military families.
USA Cares
USA Cares exists to provide military families with financial support and other critical resources in their time of need.
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Letters and Messages
Operation Kids for Troops
Write directly to military men and women stationed overseas through this site or learn how your local school can participate in sending mail to troops. You can submit the names and addresses of loved ones (serving overseas in a combat area) to the mailing list.
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Military Children
Believe in Tomorrow Foundation
The Believe in Tomorrow Foundation provides respite care to families with critically ill children, including military families.
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Staying Connected During Deployment
Cell Phones for Soldiers
This charity accepts donations of old cell phones, which it then recycles for cash to buy phone cards for deployed troops.
Caring Bridge
Caring Bridge offers free, personalized websites to connect family and friends who are separated by deployment.
Freedom Calls
Donations to the Freedom Calls Foundation help build and maintain a state-of-the-art telecommunications network for military personnel to keep in touch with family members back home.
Help Our Troops Call Home
Purchase prepaid calling cards through military exchanges for troops serving overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Operation Uplink
Run by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Operation Uplink accepts contributions in order to supply phone cards to troops and their families.
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Send Care Packages
Adopt a Platoon
AnySoldier
A Soldier's Wish List
Books For Soldiers
Boatsie's Boxes
Operation: A Bit of Home
Operation Air Conditioner
Operation Care and Comfort
Operation Gratitude
Operation Homefront’s eCarePackage.org
Operation Interdependence
Operation Troop Appreciation
Packages From Home
The Scott Valelly Soldiers’ Memorial Fund Holiday Gift Drive
Soldiers' Angels
Treats for Troops
USO Cares
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Wounded Warrior and Family Support
Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops assists severely injured service men and women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building new adapting existing homes with handicapped accessibility.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund aids severely injured military personnel in their treatment and recoveryat Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Fisher House
The Fisher House Foundation provides affordable lodging for family members of hospitalized military personnel.
Operation Hero Miles
Operation Hero Miles takes donations of unused frequent flier miles to help soldiers travel on emergency leave. They can also be used to help families fly to hospitalized soldiers.
Project Valour-IT
Project Valour-IT provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Servicemembers recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Visit the website to learn how to make a donation or request a laptop.
Quilts of Valor
The Quilts of Valor project provides homemade quilts to wounded Servicemembers.
Wounded Warriors Family Support Fund
Provides support and solace to the families of injured or fallen troops through vacations.
Monday, June 30, 2008
A bit of inspiration
In honor of our country's upcoming birthday I wanted to share this. It is from today's AOL news. Last week I finished reading Inside Delta Force. These guys to the most amazing things. They tax themselves in ways that we probably can't even fathom. My mom works at one of the local hospitals and there were a few Marines walking down the hallway by her office last week and she asked if it was ok to thank them. She said their smiles were just from ear to ear. Honestly I don't care what your political convictions are or whether or not you agree with the war but if you see a service member thank them. They're the reason we're sitting comfy and cozy in our homes with minimal risk (I won't say no risk because anyone old enough to remember 9/11 knows what its truly like to be risk free at your home stateside). The men and women serving our country are doing so much and giving up so much and in all actually not getting a lot in return. Yes this is a subject I'm passionate about but there is almost nothing that can rise my ire more than someone giving a service member a hard time about following orders. For all you know they may not agree with the same war you disagree with but they are standing tall and doing their job.
Here is the link: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/blind-special-forces-officer-pushes/20080630093209990002?icid=100214839x1204965197x1200228035
Blind Special Forces Officer Pushes Limits
By KEVIN MAURER,
AP
Posted: 2008-06-30 12:57:38
Filed Under: Nation News
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (June 30) - When Capt. Ivan Castro joined the Army, he set goals: to jump out of planes, kick in doors and lead soldiers into combat. He achieved them all. Then the mortar round landed five feet away, blasting away his sight.
'I Want to Work Every Day'
Gerry Broome, AP
Capt. Ivan Castro, who lost his eyesight from a combat injury in Iraq, is the only blind officer in U.S. Special Forces. "I am going to push the limits," he said. "I don't want to ... show up and sit in an office. I want to work every day and have a mission."
"Once you're blind, you have to set new goals," Castro said.
He set them higher.
Not content with just staying in the Army, he is the only blind officer serving in the Special Forces - the small, elite units famed for dropping behind enemy lines on combat missions.
"I am going to push the limits," said the 40-year-old executive officer at the 7th Special Forces Group's headquarters company in Fort Bragg. "I don't want to go to Fort Bragg and show up and sit in an office. I want to work every day and have a mission."
Since the war began in Iraq, more than 100 troops have been blinded and 247 others have lost sight in one eye. Only two other blind officers serve in the active-duty Army: one a captain studying to be an instructor at West Point, the other an instructor at the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Castro's unit commander said his is no charity assignment. Rather it draws on his experience as a Special Forces team member and platoon leader with the 82nd Airborne Division.
"The only reason that anyone serves with 7th Special Forces Group is if they have real talents," said Col. Sean Mulholland. "We don't treat (Castro) as a public affairs or a recruiting tool."
An 18-year Army veteran, Castro was a Ranger before completing Special Forces training, the grueling yearlong course many soldiers fail to finish. He joined the Special Forces as a weapons sergeant, earned an officer's commission and moved on to the 82nd - hoping to return one day to the Special Forces as a team leader.
Then life changed on a rooftop outside Youssifiyah, Iraq, in September 2006.
Castro had relieved other paratroopers atop a house after a night of fighting. He never heard the incoming mortar round. There was just a flash of light, then darkness.
Shrapnel tore through his body, breaking his arm and shoulder and shredding the left side of his face. Two other paratroopers died.
When Castro awoke six weeks later at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., his right eye was gone. Doctors were unable to save his left.
The Blinded Veterans Association estimates 13 percent of all combat hospital emergency procedures in Iraq have involved eye injuries and more than half of the soldiers with traumatic brain injuries also suffer some visual impairment. That makes them the third most common injury - behind post traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries - in Iraq.
"What he is doing is a strong example that blind individuals can lead exciting and meaningful careers," said Thomas Zampieri, director of government relations for the association.
After 17 months in recovery, Castro sought a permanent assignment in the service's Special Operations Command, landing duty with the 7th Special Forces Group. He focuses on managerial tasks while honing the group's Spanish training, a useful language for a unit that deploys regularly to train South American troops.
"I want to support the guys and make sure life is easier for those guys so that they can accomplish the mission," he said.
Though not fully independent, he spent a weekend before starting his job walking around the Group area at Fort Bragg to know just where he was going. He carefully measured the steps from car to office.
"Obviously, he cannot do some things that a sighted person can do. But Ivan will find a way to get done whatever he needs to get done," Mulholland said. "What I am most impressed with, though, is his determination to continue to serve his country after all that he's been through."
Castro works out regularly at the gym and runs, his legs powerful and muscular. And though he has a prosthetic right eye and his arms are scarred by shrapnel, his outsized personality overshadows his war wounds: Nobody escapes his booming hellos, friendly banter and limitless drive.
He ran the Boston marathon this year with Adm. Eric T. Olson, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Last year it was the Marine Corps Marathon. He wants to compete in the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii and graduate from the Army's officer advanced course, which teaches captains how to lead troops and plan operations.
Mulholland said Castro, who was awarded a Purple Heart like others wounded in combat, will always be part of the Special Forces family.
"I will fight for Ivan as long as Ivan wants to be in the Army," Mulholland said.
Married and the father of a 14-year-old son, Castro still needs help getting to the gym. He recently needed an escort to the front of the headquarters company formation, where he promoted a supply clerk.
Once in front, Ivan took charge.
Affixing the new soldier's rank to his uniform, Castro urged the soldier to perform two ranks higher. In the Special Forces, he said, one has to go above and beyond what is asked - advice he lives by.
"I want to be treated the same way as other officers," Castro said. "I don't want them to take pity over me or give me something I've not earned."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-06-30 09:32:46
Also if you are looking for some worthwhile charities here are a few links:
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531
This link lists several organizations that help the troops and gives a breakdown of effectiveness and how the money is spent.
There is also an incredible organization that helps to fund the travel for the family of injured service members to they can be with them while they are in the hospital. My mom has the name & I can get it for anyone who is interested.
Here is the link: http://news.aol.com/story/_a/blind-special-forces-officer-pushes/20080630093209990002?icid=100214839x1204965197x1200228035
Blind Special Forces Officer Pushes Limits
By KEVIN MAURER,
AP
Posted: 2008-06-30 12:57:38
Filed Under: Nation News
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (June 30) - When Capt. Ivan Castro joined the Army, he set goals: to jump out of planes, kick in doors and lead soldiers into combat. He achieved them all. Then the mortar round landed five feet away, blasting away his sight.
'I Want to Work Every Day'
Gerry Broome, AP
Capt. Ivan Castro, who lost his eyesight from a combat injury in Iraq, is the only blind officer in U.S. Special Forces. "I am going to push the limits," he said. "I don't want to ... show up and sit in an office. I want to work every day and have a mission."
"Once you're blind, you have to set new goals," Castro said.
He set them higher.
Not content with just staying in the Army, he is the only blind officer serving in the Special Forces - the small, elite units famed for dropping behind enemy lines on combat missions.
"I am going to push the limits," said the 40-year-old executive officer at the 7th Special Forces Group's headquarters company in Fort Bragg. "I don't want to go to Fort Bragg and show up and sit in an office. I want to work every day and have a mission."
Since the war began in Iraq, more than 100 troops have been blinded and 247 others have lost sight in one eye. Only two other blind officers serve in the active-duty Army: one a captain studying to be an instructor at West Point, the other an instructor at the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Castro's unit commander said his is no charity assignment. Rather it draws on his experience as a Special Forces team member and platoon leader with the 82nd Airborne Division.
"The only reason that anyone serves with 7th Special Forces Group is if they have real talents," said Col. Sean Mulholland. "We don't treat (Castro) as a public affairs or a recruiting tool."
An 18-year Army veteran, Castro was a Ranger before completing Special Forces training, the grueling yearlong course many soldiers fail to finish. He joined the Special Forces as a weapons sergeant, earned an officer's commission and moved on to the 82nd - hoping to return one day to the Special Forces as a team leader.
Then life changed on a rooftop outside Youssifiyah, Iraq, in September 2006.
Castro had relieved other paratroopers atop a house after a night of fighting. He never heard the incoming mortar round. There was just a flash of light, then darkness.
Shrapnel tore through his body, breaking his arm and shoulder and shredding the left side of his face. Two other paratroopers died.
When Castro awoke six weeks later at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., his right eye was gone. Doctors were unable to save his left.
The Blinded Veterans Association estimates 13 percent of all combat hospital emergency procedures in Iraq have involved eye injuries and more than half of the soldiers with traumatic brain injuries also suffer some visual impairment. That makes them the third most common injury - behind post traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries - in Iraq.
"What he is doing is a strong example that blind individuals can lead exciting and meaningful careers," said Thomas Zampieri, director of government relations for the association.
After 17 months in recovery, Castro sought a permanent assignment in the service's Special Operations Command, landing duty with the 7th Special Forces Group. He focuses on managerial tasks while honing the group's Spanish training, a useful language for a unit that deploys regularly to train South American troops.
"I want to support the guys and make sure life is easier for those guys so that they can accomplish the mission," he said.
Though not fully independent, he spent a weekend before starting his job walking around the Group area at Fort Bragg to know just where he was going. He carefully measured the steps from car to office.
"Obviously, he cannot do some things that a sighted person can do. But Ivan will find a way to get done whatever he needs to get done," Mulholland said. "What I am most impressed with, though, is his determination to continue to serve his country after all that he's been through."
Castro works out regularly at the gym and runs, his legs powerful and muscular. And though he has a prosthetic right eye and his arms are scarred by shrapnel, his outsized personality overshadows his war wounds: Nobody escapes his booming hellos, friendly banter and limitless drive.
He ran the Boston marathon this year with Adm. Eric T. Olson, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Last year it was the Marine Corps Marathon. He wants to compete in the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii and graduate from the Army's officer advanced course, which teaches captains how to lead troops and plan operations.
Mulholland said Castro, who was awarded a Purple Heart like others wounded in combat, will always be part of the Special Forces family.
"I will fight for Ivan as long as Ivan wants to be in the Army," Mulholland said.
Married and the father of a 14-year-old son, Castro still needs help getting to the gym. He recently needed an escort to the front of the headquarters company formation, where he promoted a supply clerk.
Once in front, Ivan took charge.
Affixing the new soldier's rank to his uniform, Castro urged the soldier to perform two ranks higher. In the Special Forces, he said, one has to go above and beyond what is asked - advice he lives by.
"I want to be treated the same way as other officers," Castro said. "I don't want them to take pity over me or give me something I've not earned."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-06-30 09:32:46
Also if you are looking for some worthwhile charities here are a few links:
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531
This link lists several organizations that help the troops and gives a breakdown of effectiveness and how the money is spent.
There is also an incredible organization that helps to fund the travel for the family of injured service members to they can be with them while they are in the hospital. My mom has the name & I can get it for anyone who is interested.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Adsense?!!!!?
Does anybody have any experience with adsense? Positive? Negative? I'm part of a mom's forum that wants me to write articles but I need to have adsense. Not sure what to do.
I would like to know what happened to Sunday being a day of rest! I feel like I've been going nonstop since 6:30 this morning! Princess Bear (PB) woke up screaming to watch Dora (she got 2 new Dora movies for her birthday the other day & I'm already trying to figure out how to hide Dora). My ankle somehow blew up again (I had a severe sprain in December as in my ankle literally did a 180 and somehow didn't break. I partial tore all ligaments and tendons, stretched muscle to the point that it can't fully be repaired and bruised the bone). My 10:30 this morning I was asking my dad to bring me ice. I think I would have preferred a stiff drink but that just didn't seem to be in the cards!!! PB was just full of energy and I tried (once again!) to repair her trampoline. This thing is truly testing what little patience I have left! Today might have been the charm though! I filled it at 11:30 and my dad & bil moved it around 4:30 and it was still inflated!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!! The little girl from 2 doors down has already been over three times to ask to jump in it. She also demanded to know when I was charging PB's car. UGH! My dad, sister, bil & I spent a few hours empty some (a very small some) of our attic. Honestly I think we need to just go up there and blow it up....it would be easier!!! I really don't even think we made a dent. We did find a "new" outdoor riding toy for PB. It looks like the inch worm guy but is a dog. She was a happy little camper! Then we had my neighbor & her grandson who is living with her over for dinner. Mary Jean (our neighbor) is like another grandmother to me and she adores PB. Her grandson Ryan is also a big PB fan and the feelings are returned 10 fold. The highlight of her day is getting to go to Mary's house. Ryan is so good with her; its just darling! For her birthday he gave her the 2 Dora movies and Mary always gets her Gymboree gift cards. Fun fun! Well that is an update on this side. I'm off to take a shower and join the rest of my family in sleeping!
I would like to know what happened to Sunday being a day of rest! I feel like I've been going nonstop since 6:30 this morning! Princess Bear (PB) woke up screaming to watch Dora (she got 2 new Dora movies for her birthday the other day & I'm already trying to figure out how to hide Dora). My ankle somehow blew up again (I had a severe sprain in December as in my ankle literally did a 180 and somehow didn't break. I partial tore all ligaments and tendons, stretched muscle to the point that it can't fully be repaired and bruised the bone). My 10:30 this morning I was asking my dad to bring me ice. I think I would have preferred a stiff drink but that just didn't seem to be in the cards!!! PB was just full of energy and I tried (once again!) to repair her trampoline. This thing is truly testing what little patience I have left! Today might have been the charm though! I filled it at 11:30 and my dad & bil moved it around 4:30 and it was still inflated!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!! The little girl from 2 doors down has already been over three times to ask to jump in it. She also demanded to know when I was charging PB's car. UGH! My dad, sister, bil & I spent a few hours empty some (a very small some) of our attic. Honestly I think we need to just go up there and blow it up....it would be easier!!! I really don't even think we made a dent. We did find a "new" outdoor riding toy for PB. It looks like the inch worm guy but is a dog. She was a happy little camper! Then we had my neighbor & her grandson who is living with her over for dinner. Mary Jean (our neighbor) is like another grandmother to me and she adores PB. Her grandson Ryan is also a big PB fan and the feelings are returned 10 fold. The highlight of her day is getting to go to Mary's house. Ryan is so good with her; its just darling! For her birthday he gave her the 2 Dora movies and Mary always gets her Gymboree gift cards. Fun fun! Well that is an update on this side. I'm off to take a shower and join the rest of my family in sleeping!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
More...hair experiments, stuff to learn, & things I like!
Well, here is a definite sign that I no longer have a life. Its 11:45pm on a Saturday night...what am I doing? Well, I'm sitting here blogging. Ok...maybe the fact that I'm sitting here with a mixture of coconut oil, olive oil and tea tree oil in my hair that makes is just down right sad. I can remember a time that I wouldn't have been home at this time on a Saturday unless I was deathly ill. Hmmm....I'm not sure what I think of this! I know some of it is the inevitable process of growing up. Beyond any shadow of a fact I could no longer party like I used to. On the flip side it would be nice to have something to do if I was so inclined! I wouldn't even know who to call to hit a Saturday night out. Is this one more of the joys of getting older?!!?
Princess Bear & I had a fun day. She had swimming lessons this morning. That child loves the water! Next week we're going to try moving her up a group. That means I won't be in the water with her. This might be interesting!!! Afterwards I took her to a drive in restaurant in town called Lou's. I've never taken her there before and she had a ball. "We're not going in and we're not driving thru?" Nope...we sit here and its brought to the car & we eat it here. Just blew her little mind! Then it was time for some vegging out/ Dora watching. My sister, bil and darling nephew stopped by for a bit as well.
So I forgot one of the most important things I'd like to learn. Digiscrapping!!! I love doing my regular scrapbooking but the funds aren't always available. I'm pretty crafty so this seems like it could be fun!!
Now on to things I like:
1) Homemade laundry detergent. I don't know what it is but my clothes are so much softer!
2) When a new book is released in a series I've been reading. Fern Michaels latest in the Sisterhood series came out. I like Fern Michaels and this series has a basis that is very easy to relate to.
3) That summer TV series are starting. I'm loving Sunday nights! Army Wives & In Plain Site!
4) Gooseberry Patch. I cannot say enough about their cookbooks! Its like going to a church potluck where everyone brings something delicious and then all the recipes are compiled and printed! I like their Christmas decorating ideas as well! Very cozy. Not prim but cute & comfy feel. Does that make sense?
5) Toys that my child likes & will actually play with! Oh happy day!
So what are some of your favorite things? What do you wish you could learn?
Princess Bear & I had a fun day. She had swimming lessons this morning. That child loves the water! Next week we're going to try moving her up a group. That means I won't be in the water with her. This might be interesting!!! Afterwards I took her to a drive in restaurant in town called Lou's. I've never taken her there before and she had a ball. "We're not going in and we're not driving thru?" Nope...we sit here and its brought to the car & we eat it here. Just blew her little mind! Then it was time for some vegging out/ Dora watching. My sister, bil and darling nephew stopped by for a bit as well.
So I forgot one of the most important things I'd like to learn. Digiscrapping!!! I love doing my regular scrapbooking but the funds aren't always available. I'm pretty crafty so this seems like it could be fun!!
Now on to things I like:
1) Homemade laundry detergent. I don't know what it is but my clothes are so much softer!
2) When a new book is released in a series I've been reading. Fern Michaels latest in the Sisterhood series came out. I like Fern Michaels and this series has a basis that is very easy to relate to.
3) That summer TV series are starting. I'm loving Sunday nights! Army Wives & In Plain Site!
4) Gooseberry Patch. I cannot say enough about their cookbooks! Its like going to a church potluck where everyone brings something delicious and then all the recipes are compiled and printed! I like their Christmas decorating ideas as well! Very cozy. Not prim but cute & comfy feel. Does that make sense?
5) Toys that my child likes & will actually play with! Oh happy day!
So what are some of your favorite things? What do you wish you could learn?
Friday, June 27, 2008
Things I want to learn....can you help me?!!!!!?
Ok...so as I'm nearing the end (I think! fingers crossed) of the house cleaning project from the underworld I'm evaluating what I would like to do and learn in the next few months. I can't believe that the summer is 1/2 over & I'm not sure that I will be able to pick up classes in the fall so here is a list of things I'm interested in. If you're good at or have resources for any of these things hit me up! You can email me at SarahRose_914@yahoo.com (that is one of the things...how can I add an email me button to the right hand column that will help someone automatically email me?!!!? Add learning HTML to the list!)
1) I'm in the process of redesigning my Control Journal/ Home Management Binder. I'm a form junkie and would love for anyone to share any and all forms with me! Sites, good graphics etc!
2) Ways and resources for going green...preferably economically please!!!
3) Resources for making natural based products for the home. I make my own shampoo and laundry detergent as well as wipes for my nephew. I'd eventually like to turn this into a business venture at some point in time. Do you do these things? Where did you learn? If you don't make your own are natural products important to you?
I think there is more but Princess Bear is about to fall out so I want to scoot her off for a nap before she falls asleep in here!
1) I'm in the process of redesigning my Control Journal/ Home Management Binder. I'm a form junkie and would love for anyone to share any and all forms with me! Sites, good graphics etc!
2) Ways and resources for going green...preferably economically please!!!
3) Resources for making natural based products for the home. I make my own shampoo and laundry detergent as well as wipes for my nephew. I'd eventually like to turn this into a business venture at some point in time. Do you do these things? Where did you learn? If you don't make your own are natural products important to you?
I think there is more but Princess Bear is about to fall out so I want to scoot her off for a nap before she falls asleep in here!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Contest winners!!!
The contest winners for the school times & pool maintenance are:
jenontheedge, Lea from farmhouse*blessings & Bethany
Can you guys please send me an email with your snail mail addys to SarahRose_914@yahoo.com and let me know if you want clippies or french clip barretts? THANKS!
jenontheedge, Lea from farmhouse*blessings & Bethany
Can you guys please send me an email with your snail mail addys to SarahRose_914@yahoo.com and let me know if you want clippies or french clip barretts? THANKS!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Would anyone like a 5 year old for a little while?!!!?
I'm of it me some of it Princess Bear (PB). I did get about 4.5 hours of sleep last night though so I'm happy about that! PB is just one of those kids who feels the need to take out LOTS of toys and then do nothing with them up to and including putting them back. Today that led to a battle of wills. A very long battle of wills! As in 3 hours! (What can I say...I'm a stubborn pollack!) Now the thing is PB did pick up everything & I'm left with a blinding headache. I knew I was in trouble since I've had a cluster headache for days but man this sucks! My mom & dad even took her with them on a few errands so I could get a bit of peace. WOOHOO!
I didn't blog yesterday because we were a) recovering from Chuck E Cheese and b) busy. Chuck E Cheese was a very interesting experience. At first PB wanted absolutely nothing to do with anything. It took about a half an hour to get her warmed up. Then there was no keeping her away from the games. She loved playing skee ball....ummm can I tell you what a scary experience that was?!!!? Overhand throwing, lobbing balls, various THUNKS! At least no one was hurt and fun was had by all! Things were fine at dinner for all of the kids until the live show started. Even though I explained that Chuck E was a nice mouse...even Mickey's cousin she totally freaked. Here is a picture of PB under the table.
This is so different from my child who usually has no fear of anything! She fears nothing or anyone except for a gray mouse who owns a pizza joint! Guess that trip to Disney can wait for awhile!!!
I've been pondering kids toys for a few days. Mostly because PB got the new crop for her birthday. Is there anyway of taking care of a dolls hair to keep it looking nice and knot free?!!!? We have a new Strawberry Shortcake doll that has hair to her rear. She's been in the house for approximately 48 hours and has already had once major comb out that lead to some significant hair loss. UGH! Also, whoever invented Legos needs to be shot! Those things could be considered weapons of mass destruction...just walk on one barefoot!!! Hopefully Monika won't see this entry since I just gave her son some Legos!!! One the plus side of things we've found some toys that PB LOVES and will play with for more than 3 minutes!!!! I bought her the Pet Palace from the Go Anywhere Girls set. That's been followed by the carousel and dance studio. She's dying for the pony cart. I'm seeing it in her future!!! Honestly I can't even begin to explain how exciting it is to see her having meaningful play with toys!!!! She's been a part of the Lekotech program through Easter Seals for years but this is even better than that!!!!
I didn't blog yesterday because we were a) recovering from Chuck E Cheese and b) busy. Chuck E Cheese was a very interesting experience. At first PB wanted absolutely nothing to do with anything. It took about a half an hour to get her warmed up. Then there was no keeping her away from the games. She loved playing skee ball....ummm can I tell you what a scary experience that was?!!!? Overhand throwing, lobbing balls, various THUNKS! At least no one was hurt and fun was had by all! Things were fine at dinner for all of the kids until the live show started. Even though I explained that Chuck E was a nice mouse...even Mickey's cousin she totally freaked. Here is a picture of PB under the table.
This is so different from my child who usually has no fear of anything! She fears nothing or anyone except for a gray mouse who owns a pizza joint! Guess that trip to Disney can wait for awhile!!!
I've been pondering kids toys for a few days. Mostly because PB got the new crop for her birthday. Is there anyway of taking care of a dolls hair to keep it looking nice and knot free?!!!? We have a new Strawberry Shortcake doll that has hair to her rear. She's been in the house for approximately 48 hours and has already had once major comb out that lead to some significant hair loss. UGH! Also, whoever invented Legos needs to be shot! Those things could be considered weapons of mass destruction...just walk on one barefoot!!! Hopefully Monika won't see this entry since I just gave her son some Legos!!! One the plus side of things we've found some toys that PB LOVES and will play with for more than 3 minutes!!!! I bought her the Pet Palace from the Go Anywhere Girls set. That's been followed by the carousel and dance studio. She's dying for the pony cart. I'm seeing it in her future!!! Honestly I can't even begin to explain how exciting it is to see her having meaningful play with toys!!!! She's been a part of the Lekotech program through Easter Seals for years but this is even better than that!!!!
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