Memorial Day 2012

Today is a day of remembrance. A day we remember those who gave their lives for this country. For freedom. May those brave souls rest in peace. It's also a day to remember those who serve today, those who served in the past, and those who will serve in the future. My Grandfather served, two of my uncles served, and my husband served.

Sigh. I miss seeing this. 

We saw TWO, yes two, parades today. Erin was in one with her Girl Scout troop. The other went right by our house. Erin's having a great time with GS so far. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

I promise you, if you look close, you can see her. :)

How do you ...

How do you express thanks enough to show just how grateful you are to people you've never even met in real life? To someone who is a complete stranger?

This is something I am trying to figure out today. Over the last few weeks, I've been trying to raise money to replace Alvin's iPad that he broke. A dear friend L*** spread the word high and low. She plastered it all over Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Another friend, S*** plastered it all over groups she was in.We have 19 different contributors to the fund. Each and every donation is precious to me, but I have to single out one. The final donation. A person I've never met, never heard of, and didn't know at all, finished our fun for us. FINISHED IT!. We're talking over a $100. This is amazing.

Then, this morning, another dear friend E**** won a code for the Apraxia Picture Sound Cards Parent app and gave it to me! As you all know, Alvin has Childhood Apraxia of Speech. His SLP recommended this app to us to help him at home, since children with CAS need extensive speech therapy. However, did you see the cost of that? It's a $180 app. Yes, you read that right. A ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DOLLAR APP! This is going to be a complete game changer for us.

So, how am I saying thank you? I'm posting this for the whole world to see. The world needs to know that even in this day, there are people out there who are on the good end of karma. That we should still have faith in humanity. That there are people who are willing to give, without expecting anything in return. So thank you L, S, E, and everyone who donated to Alvin's iPad. (Both this time, and before).

Flower planter from an old door

Yep. That's right. I turned this pile of stuff into a planter. Sort of. I like it, but you may not! So, here's how I did it, and how much it cost.

1 old door ($10 on a local buy/sell/trade site)
1 window planter kit ($15 at Home Depot)
1 set of window box holders ($9 at Home Depot)
1 hanging basket hanger ($6 at Home Depot)
1 hanging basket ($15)
various flowers ($5)
1 small bag of potting soil ($4 at Home Depot)

Total cost: $64  You could do this cheaper if you already have some of the stuff.

It was very easy to do too. It would have only taken me 15 mins, but I had to wait mid project for my drill to recharge. So...

1. Attach box holders and basket hanger to door. It should look something like this:

2. Plant the flowers in the window box.
3. Stand door upright and place window box and hanging basket.
4. Admire your creation!

This is what it looks like in my own flower bed (which is still a work in progress)

World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day

I can say neurofibromatosis, can you?



So, what is NF? Well, here's the answer! In honor of NF Awareness Day, I participated in Fancy Dress for NF. I dressed up in an outrageous ballgown, and headed to the zoo! to spread awareness of this condition. Remember, there is no cure. There is no treatment.

Oh the things we'll do for our children! I love you Alvin. I will do whatever I can to teach the world about NF for you. Hopefully, one day there will be treatment or a cure. I love you very much!