Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Office Survival Kit

I have been making these as Christmas gifts for office mates for a couple years. It's a fun gift idea, so I thought I would share it with you at no cost.  Yes, friend, today is your lucky day - FREE POST!

My sister-in-law first introduced this to me when she gave me one.
It can get expensive, so tailor it to your budget.

Contents:
Blank note cards
Chapstick/lip balm
Tums
Pepto To-Go
Tide To-Go pen
Photo holder
Gum
Breath mints
Lint roller
Floss
Sewing kit
First aid kit
Chocolate
Tissue
Hand sanitizer
Back scratcher
Put these in a decorative photo storage box & distribute!
Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Dear Newtown, Connecticut

"But they were teenagers and older kids, right Mama?" she asked, eyes fixed on mine, not sure what to hope for as the answer.

"No." I somberly answered.  

I didn't want to tell her the victims were first graders.

I didn't want her realize she's the same age as the victims.

"Were they in first grade or something?" was her follow up question, eyes unsure, filled with more fear.

I put my hand on her back so she knew that love surrounds her and I nodded my head up and down, whispering, "yes".

The tension in the kitchen thickened. I kept my cautious eyes on her, watching her process the information, studying her face in an attempt to anticipate what might be next.

"Did he use guns and shoot them all up?"

Those are words I never thought I'd have to hear from my six year old daughter, not at the age of six anyway.

I soften my worried expression and in another whisper, "yes".

She quieted.

I kept rubbing her back, stroking her hair occasionally.

"You okay?" I finally asked. 

She looked up at me and said, "well, let's hope those kids who lived heal".

+

Dear Newtown, Connecticut, 

Please know that the lost lives of your community as a result of the mass shooting serves a greater good. I pray you find peace knowing that all bad things sprout bountiful good things.  It's my hope you can see how your story, your life, your struggle has touched my family all the way here in Dallas, Texas.  Your story helps me teach compassion. I'm able to teach that death is a part of life.  She now has heard a more extreme story of good and evil.  Her final statement is affirmation to me AND YOU that good wins. "Hope".

Hope.....

You are loved.

~Jackie & family

Monday, December 17, 2012

THIS Is A Digital Footprint

Jamie Livingston, RIP.

He died on his birthday. 

This gentleman took a polaroid picture every day of his life for 18 years and they're online.  You can see them here.

Thank you to Mental Floss for running the story that caught my eye.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Rules According to My Little One

While waiting patiently in a quiet setting, MLO decided she needed to work on her birthday party goings-on which, mind you, isn't until March.  And, according to these rules, a pool will be required. I don't have one of those. Hmmm....






Translations:

RULES

fees out all out uv the pool

inclood all

(Peace out)

OK's
is OK to fite
is OK to hav fun
is OK to have cake and ice c

NOT OK's
not OK to be mean
not OK to hav cake and ias creem

+

Got that?
Good!