I really need to be better about blogging, instead of throwing up every thought I have on Facebook and Twitter.

Let’s play catch up!

This week has been a long one. And emotional.

Lots of talk, as there should be, about the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin. When I first heard about it, and saw all the outrage about his murderer not even being arrested, I was relieved. People knew how fucked up it all was. My faith in humanity was restored.

Until it wasn’t.

First, I made the mistake, as I always do, of reading the accompanying comments on the online articles.

After I cleaned up the mess from my head exploding, I took a deep breath.

OK, that’s expected. The comments sections are where the bottom feeders go to spew their hatred and extremist (read: STUPID) opinions.

Then, I began seeing people I know, who were outraged at all the outrage about Trayvon’s murderer getting away with murder.

What? Outraged that a 17 year old kid with a bag of skittles and some tea was chased and shot, and the shooter was released and people are all like why the fuck is this news? WHAT IF THAT WERE YOUR KID?

*Cue another head explosion*

Then it got better (worse), people began making it a white vs. black media contest.

Oh, well, here is this case about a black man murdering a white man. Why isn’t it all over the news? Why didn’t Barack Hussein Obama comment on those cases?

Time after time I couldn’t stop from engaging, “OH, I DUNNO, PROBABLY BECAUSE THE ASSAILANT HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND THROWN IN JAIL.”

I would be JUST as outraged if a black man hunted down and murdered a white kid and was, essentially, thanked for his time and sent home in time to DVR his favorite program.

WHICH, by the way, would never happen.

I really can’t sum it up any better than Andy Borowitz did…

It’s really, really hard for me to see a bunch of white people all up in arms about their inequality. Oh, yes, poor oppressed us! We have it so hard, don’t we?

Don’t you for one second make the ridiculous claim that racism isn’t alive and well. Because YOU DON’T KNOW what it’s like to walk in their shoes. You don’t have people treat you differently because of the color of your skin. All it takes to know that racism is still rampant as hell is a quick look in the comments section.

Does reverse racism exist?*** (major footnote)? Of course it does. Ignorant assholes come in every color.

Does Zimmerman deserve the benefit of the doubt? I think not. The moment he was heard uttering the words, “FUCKING COON,” on the 911 tape, he lost all respect and credibility. You simply cannot say something that atrocious and then claim to not have a racist bone in your body.

Not. Possible.

Are people claiming that all white people are racist? No, they aren’t. So, why so defensive? Get your heads out of the white mud they are stuck in and try to muster up a little compassion and understanding.

Earlier in the week, I was caught in traffic behind a big Texas truck with Confederate flags all over it; the only thing that makes me cringe more than the “Texas Secede” bumper stickers.

And maybe I was feeling more sensitive than I normally would…with all that’s going on in Florida. But, whatever, it’s always made me cringe.

So, I do what I do best and shared my disgust online.

I had several people ask me what was so wrong with it? Why don’t you understand that it’s a symbol of pride for the South? Why do you automatically assume we are racist?

Alright, fair questions, I guess.

My issue is that, though some may see it as a symbol of pride of their Southern heritage, it dredges up so much pain for so many people.

Oh, that was so long ago, people need to get over it. I love the Confederate flag because my grandfather used to wear it.

Really? Well, the people that it hurts the most? Their grandfathers were murdered and lynched because of it. And owned like pieces of property. Or had their yards illuminated by burning crosses; their homes burned to the ground. So, maybe you should be the one that gets over it.

If I were attached to a symbol like that, and had Southern pride that ran so deep that I felt the need to wallpaper my bumper sticker with it, but then discovered it caused pain for even one person, I’d give up every ounce of my pride for them. FOR TODAY. In my book, it’s called common decency. No dumb sticker or flag is worth hurting someone so deeply.

Fuck your pride.

And I won’t even get into this despicable story. Ha, yeah, racism is so dead, y’all.

The whole thing has made me fear for my kids’ futures. And so saddened that my black friends and family members have to tell their children to watch their backs….for doing nothing more than existing.

* * * * * * * * * *

In other news, I took Luca to get his first blood draw. He took it like champ and watched closely at all four vials of blood being sucked from his arm.

He’s been tired lately, and not eating all that much. So, we just want to cover our bases and make sure we aren’t missing something. I’m sure it’s all fine, but if you guys could do whatever you do – pray, chant, spritz patchouli, sprinkle some glitter, do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight, get down tonight, etc., that would be awesome.

* * * * * * * * * *

And then there was mulchgate. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it means you have blocked me on Twitter or Facebook. And, really, that hurts so mulch.

* * * * * * * * * *

Finally, Snoop the Asshole Cat is driving us all crazy. Basically, if he isn’t sleeping, he is meowing at three million decibels every moment of the day, and night. We have tried everything. My husband has even offered me a large amount of cheddar to find a new home for him. But, I just know someone else will turn him into a coat, so we have to ride it out.

We’ve tried giving him Xanax, but he usually finds a way to spit it back out. I’ve come to the conclusion that he’s either against Big Pharma or related to Tom Cruise.

* * * * * * * * * *

For know, I’ll leave you with all that to toss around in your brain.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by, friends.

xo

***After posting this, I got a couple of comments from friends of mine, regarding the term “reverse racism,” and how it doesn’t exist. The moment I actually took the time to think about it, I realized they are absolutely correct. It makes no sense, whatsoever. I’m super grateful to them for opening my eyes and educating me on this.

* * * * * * * * * *

I’m certain many of you will disagree with some of the things I’ve stated here, and that’s OK. But, please, try and keep it respectful up in here. Don’t be a dick.

The other day I was swapping stories with a friend about our funny little boys; we each have two. She told me about the time her four year old approached her, very concerned about the rocks in his penis.

Oh, those are called testicles, honey. Everyone has them.

He breathed a sigh of relief and moved on to the next four year old crisis de jour.

The exchange reinforced a thought I’ve been having about the questions soon to be thrown at me, as my boys become aware of things deeper than the way I cut their sandwich.

How will I handle this inevitable parental milestone? Open and honestly, I hope. I respect my children so much. It’s important for me for be truthful with them, as much as their ages will allow.

Many people I speak with cringe at the idea of discussing sex with their children. But, oddly enough, I don’t. For me, sex isn’t a bad word, or something that should be avoided. Knowledge is power in my book.

And, while my kids are still very young, I have at least an idea of how I’d like to answer those why do I feel tingly questions. Sure, things change and wrenches get thrown. And, like most things in life, it will probably go the exact opposite of what I’ve planned. After all, I was the woman who said she’d never be a short order cook for her kids. Tonight, I made 400 things so my kid would just eat something.

But, in a perfect world, this is how I hope to tackle the talk.

1. Just the facts, Mom. I’m a science girl at heart. Not to be mistaken with science whiz, of which I am not. Rather, I simply love unequivocal facts. You know, proof.  From the get-go, I’ve taught my son the proper anatomical names for all his body parts. And, though he did go through that phase when he’d replace random words with some of his freshly learned knowledge – How about we have some penis pancakes today, ma? – I’m glad he knows everything’s basic function and what to call it. I plan on treating sex the same way, when describing the physical aspects of it, of course. You know, this goes here and it can make a baby, type stuff.

2. Respect yourself. And this is where it gets more complicated, the emotional aspect of sex. Many people will tell their children to wait for marriage. But, I’m not sure I believe that’s always the best message to teach, or the most practical. And, I sure didn’t wait. For some people waiting is everything, be it for personal or religious reasons, which I respect. I wouldn’t have changed much, though. Do I have some regrets? Sure (and no I won’t mention his name here), but for the most part I did things because I wanted to, and not because I felt pressured to. And that, I believe, is key. Obviously, there’s way more to it, but teaching our kids to respect their bodies and never do anything unless it’s something they want to do, is a good place to start. Do I want them to wait till they’re older to have sex? Surely. But, ultimately, it’s their choice and their bodies, and teens have that funny way of doing what they want.

3. Be safe! This is, by far, the most important lesson I want to teach my boys. Which is why I’m unable to get behind the abstinence movement. Had my own mother not put me on the pill when she discovered I was hitting more than the books, my life may look a whole lot different today. I could have made her a grandmother two decades earlier than I did or, worse, contracted an STD. Sure, these things can happen even when using every ounce of prevention, but the odds are so much less. And if my mom handled that cringe-worthy moment by forbidding me from ever having sex again, I would’ve nodded, said “yes mam,” and been more careful not to get caught next time.

4. Self-Discovery. Oh yes, I am going there, to a subject more awkward than sex with a partner. I was raised Catholic, spending my school days wearing a plaid skirt and attending chapel. And, while of course abstinence was their only way, having sex with yourself was also something that would send you straight to the fiery embers of hell. Puzzling, because we are humans and as such have an innate desire to explore ourselves. Like I tell my almost four year old, “It is completely natural and normal to touch your body, just not at the breakfast table.” After all, I’d much rather him touch himself than someone else. Worth noting, I also believe it’s a discussion a bit easier for a mother of boys. In our society, it’s acceptable for men to make themselves feel good, even expected. For women, on the other hand, the subject is still taboo.

5. Sex is not a dirty word. Sure it can be messy, but I’m talking about the way people treat sex as a bad or shameful act. It’s not. Sex, when done willing and responsibly, can be a beautiful thing. Can sex be bad? Indeed, in more ways than one. Doing it because you feel pressured or forced, doing it without respect for yourself and your partner, having it before you are ready….those are things that make it a negative. But, for the most part, it can be a beautiful thing. And it feels good.

My hopes are that my children hold out until long into adulthood, before taking that complicated leap. There’s no turning back once the deed is done. It changes you, and I want it to be a good, positive experience for them.

For now, I’ll be here soaking up the simple stuff. Like, explaining to him why he can’t drop his pants and pee in the plant at our favorite outdoor fajita joint.

I never see cool shit, you guys.

But, last night, I walked outside after I put the boys down*, and found this perfect little heart leaf, still damp with drops from the day’s fierce rains.

It ain’t no Virgin Mary on a grilled cheese, but pretty cool nonetheless. And much more my speed than burnt Jesus toast, anyway.

*By put down I mean put to sleep. But, not like they do at the veterinarian. To be sure.

It all begin one drunken night on Twitter…..

A few minutes later, an awesome Twitter buddy had designed my shirt. I ordered it immediately.

And then, a few days later, Cafepress was all “Blah blah blah copyright famous people blah blah blah you can’t have your shirt. Bitch.”

And to that I say, Oh, the irony! 

I’m not sure Milli Vanilli is all that entitled to it’s own…anything.

Ahem.

Cafepress, you know it’s true.

But, if I did own that shirt, it would look something like this…

And then, as it usually does, my brain took things a step further.

And I thought, “How awesome it would be if everyone walked around in shirts that blatantly stated how they were feeling that day?”

Like last week, I totally would have rocked this, with some cute shoes, of course…

And, yesterday, I would have slipped on this little number, thanks to this year’s elusive Lady Winter.

Sure, some of our thoughts may be a little awkward to wear, but it sure would cut down on a lot of bullshit small talk.

So, what would your shirt say today?

As a mom of two boys, people are constantly asking us if we’re going to try for a girl. It’s as if they are sympathetic that I’ve been dealt a duo of boys.

If my patience grew, my desire to bathe lessened, and we did go for a third, I’d love and embrace her just as I do our sons. But, there’s no doubt it would do a number on my nerves, in a way that having boys just hasn’t, yet.

Sure, there’s the fear of passing on my insecurities and body issues to my hypothetical daughter, but that’s not where the real fear lies.

You see, the big reason I’m content with never braiding hair is easy.

Girls are mean.

And not the boy-kind of mean.

Because, as physical as boys can be, they’re not nearly as cutthroat as girls. Boys say what they mean and mean what they say. And then, they get over it. There’s no complicated layer of emotions and motives. And while violence is never acceptable, I sometimes wonder if a minor schoolyard brawl is less painful than a bruised ego or a muddied reputation. You know, the places girls hit hardest.

If I had the time to delve into the psychology of why girls are so hard on their female counterparts, I’d guess it all stems from their own insecurities. As much as I condemn mean girl behavior, my been-there-before heart can empathize. I know their battle with self-worth, because I fought it, too. Struggling in those years to find confidence and be proud of who I was.

The difference was, I struggled with a smile, choosing a different coping mechanism to deal with all that angst. Instead of a mean girl, I became the people-pleaser. I still have the scars of being walked all over to prove it.

Teen hormones and emotions can make you do some outrageous things. We’ve all been there.

Lately though, my brain has encountered something it can’t comprehend; mean women.

Grown women attacking other women. Sometimes out of anger or spite, and sometimes just for a laugh.  While it’s certainly not a new phenomenon, mediums like Facebook and Twitter put these women center stage, giving them a high school-like platform to spew their negativity.

Sometimes the criticisms are vague or seemingly impersonal. Maybe it’s about a celebrity.

“Did you see so and so tonight on such and such program? I can’t believe she has gotten so fat! GROSS! DISGUSTING!”

How many women must have read that and thought, “If she is fat, and I’m twice her size, what does that make me?” Because I‘ve thought that.

Or the ever so popular passive-aggressive, “Some people are so tacky!” highlighted with “likes” and words of encouragement.

Then there are the “perfect mothers,” the ones who never make mistakes, putting down other moms for their personal parenting choices. “Baby-wearing is better! Breast is best! I would never co-sleep! Cover those things up! She must hate her baby!”

Though I definitely subscribe to the to each ‘her’ own school of thought, my nose would grow at least six inches if I didn’t plead guilty to having these types of critical thoughts before. I’d be lying if I said I’ve never judged another mom or said I’ve never commented on someone’s weight gain. Sure, I may not air my judgment on a public platform, but I’ve certainly done my fair share of private gossip.

And, really, is that any better? Or does it make me a mean woman, too?

If I gloss over someone’s malicious comments, shaking my head in silence rather than pointing out that it’s wrong, am I just as guilty of not supporting other women?

And why do we just shake our heads in silence? Because I know I’m not the only one. For me, people-pleaser extraordinaire, rocking the boat can be intimidating, especially when I allow myself to fall back on giving a shit.

But, this is a boat that needs to be rocked. And to do that, maybe we all need to rewire our thinking.

Stop for a minute and think about how awesome it would be if we all had one another’s backs? If instead of being judgmental or jealous, we were respectful and proud of one another? If we quit picking one another apart and stopped being our own worst enemies?

Just the thought takes a weight off my shoulders.

And if I ever did have that daughter, this is the kind of community I would want for her; the kind of actions I would teach to her.

So, how about we all take more time than it takes a page to refresh when choosing our words, keeping in mind how much power they hold. The things we say, often flippantly, can push someone down deeper in the mud or be the hand out they need.

We aren’t in high school anymore. There are no preps, cheerleaders, nerds, or jocks. There are just other women, trying to get through their day the best they can, just like you.

So, cool it with the judgment and negativity. And if you can’t, try to figure out why.

I bet you’ll have more people supporting you than you think.

For a huge chunk of my life, Spring Break has always meant one thing to me.

PARTY BALLS.

South Padre, Acapulco, Florida, and New Orleans, are just a few of the destinations I’ve headed to in my younger days to get shit-faced relax.

But, now that I’m the mommy of two, Spring Break mainly consists of things like Legos and Dinosaurs, rather than beer bongs and sunburns.

Even so, Spring Break then and Spring Break now have more similarities than you’d think.

And here are a few…

• A cute boy tries to climb in bed with me every night.
• I’ll get puked on at least once this week.
• Someone is always pissing the bed.
  
• There is never enough sleep.
  
• Lot’s of nuggets and frozen pizza will be served.
• I usually feel the need to drink before noon.
• Someone always ends up crying.
• Inevitably, someone will yell the word: BOOBIES.
• Someone passes out with a bottle in their mouth.
• There’s always someone playing with their penis in an inappropriate location.
• The bathroom smells like a urinal.
• Someone tries to shower with me.
• I’m woken up every night to sounds of screaming and yelling.
• I usually say or do something I’ll regret.
• Someone always passes out before before sex.
• Something always breaks.

So, you see, things haven’t really changed that much.

Other than my bathing suit size and inability to function with a hangover.

I can still drink your ass under the table, though.

Have a safe week everyone!

Thanks for stopping by.

xo

You guys, I finally downloaded the Draw Something app.

I don’t like to brag, but I have mad skillz.

Here are a few of the reasons you should play against me.

Word: Birdcage

Word: Meow

Word: Martini

Word: Kanye

Word: Blow (*giggle*)

Word: Vaccine

Word: Tebowwing

Want more of my brilliant artistic ability?

Get Draw Something on your iPhone or iPad and start a game with me.

Username: allizap

You’re welcome.

UPDATE, you guys: I just got this awesome tweet from Amber – WITH AN ADDRESS – on where we can send in-kind donations for the tornado victims. They will sort them and distribute them!!

Thanks so much to Amber and Goat Milk Stuff for the info! Now, what are you waiting for. Start packing up all the shit you don’t need.

And you know you have a lot of shit you don’t need.

You can find the address here.

But, since I know some of you are lazy, I’ll also put it here:

For Tornado Victims
2720 Crone Road
Borden, IN 47106

Even if it’s just one small something. Like a pair of  jeans or shoes. Or teddy bear.

What if it was your kid who didn’t have anything left to wear, or play with….or LIVE IN?

And if you want to donate money, BUT OH MY GOD WHY WON’T SHE STOP TALKING, feel free to scroll down and you’ll find a list of organizations accepting monetary donations.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I have a tendency to turn away really quickly from anything that makes my heart hurt (which is a lot). I usually change the channel if I see a story about anyone hurting, people or animals. I’ve become even softer (I’m basically mush, now) after becoming a mother. On one hand, I simply can’t bare seeing anyone suffering.  It’s a physical pain in the chest. A punch in the gut. But, on the other hand (why is there always another hand?), it touches my own mortality. I don’t want to be reminded that something horrible can happen to anyone. The selfish part of me wants stay blind to that and continue to live in my fortunate bubble.

But, last week, I wrote something over at CGG on Raising Volunteers. About our responsibility to raise emphatic and giving children, who want to help those in need (which, could be any of us at anytime, no one is immune). And, well, we can’t very well help anyone if we are always changing the channel, right?

So, last night, when the news showed the heartbreaking footage of the towns and lives recently ravaged by tornadoes, I did not change the channel.

Instead, I put out a call to Twitter asking how we could help.

The response was overwhelming, with everyone wanting to know what they could do, too. Amazing.

So many bloggers, and not bloggers, agreed to pool together and get the word out.

Here is where it gets tricky, though. I’m nowhere near done investigating, but from what little I have read this morning, most organizations aren’t accepting in-kind donations (clothes, blankets, toys) at this time. Frustrating, because we all have things lying around the house that we don’t need, but understandable, because right now, cold hard cash can expedite the relief efforts much quicker.

But, I know there must be somewhere these things can be sent. The question is where, so we make sure they reach the areas and people who need them most. I’m hoping someone can connect me with a local organization who will accept in-kind donations. This is the first time I’ve done something like this, and I want to do it right.

I’ll be updating here with new information as it comes in. But, for now, if you have a buck or ten to spare you can do that at the following organizations.

Via The Huffington Post:

American Red Cross
Red Cross workers have opened shelters for displaced residents, providing meals for victims and first responders of the disaster.

Support relief efforts:
Donate online at redcross.org
Text RedCross to 90999 to make a $10 donation
Call 618-529-1525

Salvation Army
The relief organization is providing feeding sites, first responders and clean-up crews. It is not accepting in-kind donations at this time. Contribute to relief efforts:
–Text the word ARCH to 80888 to make a $10 donation
–Donate online at SalvationArmy.org
–Donate through the mail at The Salvation Army, PO Box 21787, St. Louis, MO 63109. Please designate the gift “Storm Relief.”
–Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Team Rubicon
An organization that deploys veterans to help with disaster relief, Team Rubicon has sent three teams to Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. The group is clearing debris, assisting with security and making repairs where possible. Support Team Rubicon’s response efforts here.

United Way of the Plains
Find volunteer opportunities and ways to help the small town of Harveyville, Kan. Support efforts and find options here.

Harrisburg Volunteer Hotline
Anyone wishing to volunteer with relief efforts should call 618-252-3732 and will be contacted as soon as possible.

Branson Volunteers
Anyone interested in volunteering or providing recovery assistance in the Branson area can find opportunities at volunteerbranson.org.

Feeding America
The hunger organization is calling for an increase in food donations to serve those in affected areas. Find local food banks here.

Architecture for Humanity
A grassroots network of building professionals, volunteers provide their services to areas of need post disaster. The organization accepts donations online.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I’ll reach out to local charities and disaster relief organizations throughout the day to try and get more information on where we can send our clothes, blankets, toys, etc., updating here when I find something out.

I’m hoping once the more critical item are addressed, organizations will have more man power to help with non-monetary donations.

I told Luca on the way to school that there were some kids who lost their homes, toys, and clothes. I didn’t get into why, he’s too young for such brutal and raw information. The last thing I want is for him to feel unsafe in his house, or be scared that he will lose it.

I thought his reply would be something along the lines of, “No, mommy, those are my toys and clothes!” But, instead he said, “We get to help other people after school, today? YAAAAY!” Adding, “Do they need my bathroom and shower, too, because I think that may be too big too send.”

So, while unfortunately, it’s not possible to send our homes and bathrooms, it is possible to send a donation or small things we don’t need (and usually take for granted).

I’m putting another call out to you guys. For information on where and how we can help. I know not everyone has ten dollars to spare, but may desperately want to help out in other ways. We just need help figuring out how.

Thanks for stopping by, friends.

xo

Excuse the typos on this one, you guys. It was written in a hurry.

(Not really, but just to cover my ass.)

I have an Aunt who sends my two young boys a Valentine’s goodie in the mail every year. And this year there was an extra special surprise, and a first. Having never received money before, they were both delivered a sweet card with a twenty dollar bill inside.

I quickly pocketed the seven month old’s greenback, knowing he would definitely want it to go towards my Starbucks’ fund. After all, what good is his mommy if she’s asleep?

Being that my other son is now old enough for cash, I handed over the card when I picked him up from school. Minus a few quarters here and there, this was the first time he’d ever received a crisp bill of his very own.

As he yanked the twenty dollar bill out of the heart-adorned Hallmark card, I proclaimed, in my best, albeit most annoying, exaggerated-mommy voice, “TWENTY DOLLARS!?” His response was a slightly more underwhelmed,”Why didn’t she send me more, mommy?”

I laughed, reminding him to be grateful she’d sent him anything at all, and quickly moved on to the next topic at hand.

But, the exchange lingered, and inside of me a chord was struck.

It’s time this kid learns about the real world.

While it’s true he’s not yet old enough to understand the value of money, nor the value of anything really (except for chocolate and gummy bears), my son’s comment reinforced my belief that one of our biggest responsibilities as parents is to give our kids an awareness of things outside of their safe world – full of food, warm beds, and toy trains. This is one of the most important values we can instill in them – a desire to give their time and excess to those less fortunate.

More important, and much more difficult, is making sure these lessons are lasting, staying with them as they grow older. The key is helping them develop a real love of giving, so they will help others because they want to, and not because they have to. That way, they’ll still feel inclined to lend a hand, even when mom or dad is no longer forcing theirs.

We can tell our kids until we’re blue in the face about the child who goes to bed hungry. Or the man without a house. Or the thousands of abandoned animals. But, this isn’t something that can truly be appreciated or internalized through words. We must take them out of their comfort zones and into situations they’ve never experienced (age appropriate, of course), for them to truly get a grasp on what it means to have and have-not.

And, really, it all starts with us and how we live our lives. Children are more likely to embrace the idea of helping others if they see their parents doing the same.

Regrettably, I’ve done my fair share of lip service over the years on volunteering my time and resources to those that desperately need it. Sure, I’ve given a few hours of my time, here and there, to various causes. I’ve babysat at homeless shelters and served plates of hot food to those with empty stomachs. I once signed up to volunteer with the youth chapter of our local Gay Pride organization, hoping to offer love and acceptance to teens whose parents have decided they don’t deserve either. But, when it came time to step away from the online registration form and into action, nine times out of ten, I failed miserably.

And unfortunately, when it comes to volunteering, it’s not the thought that counts at all. In fact, it couldn’t mean less. I need to put my time and energy where my mouth is and make doing for others a priority in our lives.

Not just a priority, but a habit.

Whether it’s helping out at your local soup kitchen, donating new or used items, mentoring kids, recycling, fund-raising, or giving a buck or a burger to the guy on the corner, helping is helping.  Large or small, it all makes a difference.

So, I’m on a mission to get myself and my family involved in various volunteer opportunities, whatever they may be.

Here are a few ideas that hopefully inspire you and your family to do the same.

Soldiers’ Angels

Alex’s Lemonade Stand

Relay For Life

Feeding America

National Coalition for the Homeless

Goodwill

Friends of Maddie

Hannah’s Buddies

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Toys for Tots

Tunes for Tots

And, remember, people aren’t the only ones who need our help.

The Earth does…

And so do it’s animals…

I’d love to hear more ideas from experienced volunteers on how to make a difference.

Because, while it’s true we shouldn’t ever feel guilty about having more, we should feel guilty about not lending a hand to those who have less.