Little Bits of Good

There are a few things I don't like about this video. Mainly my fatness and inability to NOT cry when talking about Chloe and/or her playground. Oh my gosh, I just HATE the part where I say, "Special needs children are awesome. {annoying sob}." Ugh. "Ya know?" UGH! ;O)

But my insecurities aside, it is definitely well done (Thank you, Thurgood Productions).

I also wish that more features of the playground were highlighted, especially all the sensory features and interactive play stations, the very cool climbing net (that happens to look like a beehive) and other climbing features, the teeter totter (that happens to look like a dragon fly) with a high-back seat, the extremely cool slides, the fact that each entry point has both a ramp and another entry option for able-bodied children (so the kids can play side-by-side), the shade structures, the arched/sunshine entry.... and let's not forget the Bigg-o swing (pretty much my favorite part)... Oh, I wish I could show all of you every single little detail! It is going to be wonderful!

But again, there are way more positives than negatives about the video. More than anything, I love all the support that is behind the scenes in the video.... You can't imagine how many hours and how many people went into making a 6-minute flick like this. It's humbling to know that people care and support my vision and I am forever grateful.

This is truly a never-ending project. Very seldom does a day go by that I don't get an email from someone with an idea or a donation or an offer to help.... And those daily reminders keep me going! We have enough to begin construction next spring and compelte the first phase, so we're continuing to pursue fund-raising with the final phase in mind. And I know we'll get there! The longer the project goes on, the more patience I get because truly this has been about the journey for me.... the relationships, the incredible people, just the sense of community and sincere compassion from the general public. There is SO much negative in the world, but there is even more good! I am in never-ending awe of the little bits of good that have touched my life because of this project.
Source

Sharing Sunshine

I couldn't keep this to myself any longer.

Quite awhile ago (like 6 months people! I'm so behind!), an old friend gave this to us....



Her daughter, Abby, did a lemonade stand last fall, and she donated ALL her earnings to Chloe's Sunshine Playground.



Isn't that one of the sweetest things you've ever heard of? I leave the bag and note where I can frequently see it because it just brings a smile to my face and makes me want to be a better person!

I hope Abby feels the joy and warmth of having a charitable heart. At such a young age, it is extra impressive to me. Thank you, Abby!

Source

Freezer Meals

I know I'm not the only one with a tight schedule. Between work, school, cleaning, working out, quality time with my sweeties, blogging, Pinterest, DVR clean-up, and all those other "important" things.... I've simply not had time (or made time) to cook meals! Which meant unhealthy, expensive stops at fast food joints just to keep us fed. Well, no more. I was inspired by Pinterest (nothing new!).... Low-cost freezer meals AND slow cooker freezer meals.

So Oby and I decided to give it a whirl. We picked out some of our favorite crock pot meals, made a grocery list and included freezer bags on the list. We made two weeks of meals -- lunch and dinner -- in just 2 hours, including clean up! Keep in mind, Chloe eats like a bird, so this is just 2 weeks of meals for 2 people. But we're still excited! I'm just going to get out a meal before I leave for work in the morning, pop it in the crock pot, then it will be ready for Oby and Chloe when they get home, and still simmering for me when I get home! Then there will be enough for leftovers for lunch and dinner the next day! We also cut up a lot of veggies from our garden, so they'll be prepared and fresh to go along with our meals! Looking in our freezer gives us so much sense of accomplishment!

I posted this pic on facebook and everyone asked for the recipes. So here ya go, folks!








We also made Coconut Chicken Curry from this site.

If you want more crock pot recipes, I've compiled quite a few on my recipe pin board HERE.

I think next time, I'll also try some casserole recipes or other recipes included on this site and may also try putting each recipe in two bags, just because I'm afraid with just Oby and I eating each meal, some might go to waste. This is most likely going to be a learn-as-we-go process, but I do think it's a good idea that will ultimately work for our family!

If you have any time-saving tips or yummy recipes to share, please let me know! I'm dedicated to making positive changes for myself and my family, so I appreciate any ideas!

***Update: Jen commented and recommended this book: Fix, Freeze, Feast. I already bought it for myself! Even more ideas for next time! Woo hoo! Thanks, Jen!

***Another update: Dinner is Ready is another book that has been recommended. Loving all these resources... Thanks, everyone!

*** I can't believe I forgot to mention the freezer meals recipe list on Our Best Bites. That site is just a great recipe resource all around.

Team Chloe

The event was so great yesterday! It was an event for several charitable causes, and Chloe's Sunshine Playground was one of them. They had these signs for people to wear on their back if they were walking/running/riding for our cause. This was just so perfect -- SO Chloe!!!






Jodi was the coordinator of the event. She started doing "Ride the Brain Wave" event 5 years ago for her daughter who had a brain injury. She had so much support that she has wanted to "pay it forward" and help others' charitable causes as well as her daughter's each year. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. She is amazing!



Three of the people Jodi has helped have passed away. Balloons were released in their memory.



Then the 5k began. It was such a spectacular event! There were competitive runners, walkers, and even people with brain injuries using walkers. Wow, it was just amazing. The route went on State Street in downtown Salt Lake, past the Salt Lake temple, then through Memory Grove and back. It was beautiful! I was so proud that my daughter was able to be a part of this. Chloe loved it too!!!

Right about the time that we got back from the 5k, a motorcycle rally began. Oby and my dad couldn't stop drooling over all the cool bikes and Chloe just loved the loud mufflers! It was so fun!




We saw this sign when we were walking around downtown, and I just thought it was fun. I solemnly swear to take the recess pledge.... do you?!?



As always, thank you to EVERYONE who coordinated and supported this event. It was amazing to see perfect strangers with Chloe signs pinned to their backs. It is so humbling to be a part of this project and to see the never-ending kindness of others. The world is filled with good people. It makes my heart happy and grateful.

A Reminder About Tomorrow's Event!

Just a reminder that the big event for Chloe's Sunshine Playground is tomorrow at the Gallivan Center!
Everyone is invited so spread the word!!!

Avoid lines and pre-register online at childrenandtheearth.com for the 5k/$10 or the motorcycle ride/$30.
We know everyone's schedules are busy and budgets are tight, so we sincerely appreciate your support!!!


There are many additional activities going on as well,
and everything lasts all day from 7 am to 7 pm. Come any time!

-kids fair (face painting, princess dress ups, Bouncy House, Gamin
Trailer etc.)

-Tow mater will be there!

-The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard will be there!

-Some very popular Mascots will be there!

-Food vendors!

-Shopping vendors!

-A drawing that will go throughout the day consisting of AWESOME
prizes!!

-And so much more!!


Here is a play by play of how the day will go.......

7am- 5K Registration

8:45- Releasing of balloons in memory of those who have passed away.

9am-5K Begins

9am-Registration for the Motorcycle Ride/Rally

10am-Motorcycle Ride leaves the Gallivan Center

11am-6ish- Live Music/Bands
> Taken Root
> Markham Sound
> Owen Country
> Jason David and Rima Clark
> Matthew and the hope

1pm-The Motorcycle ride returns back to the Gallivan Center

Custom Bike Show all Day put on by Coonyz Customs

This is such a great event, bring the family down and have some fun!
There is something for everyone!!

He Did It!

Oby, as you all know from my constant bragging, is a sensational husband! He's handsome, patient, funny, kind, a hard worker, and just all around fabulous.

And now....

He's also a college graduate!



He didn't want me to make a big to-do about this milestone, like he knew I would do if he didn't stop me. It took some arm-twisting, but he finally agreed that we could go out for a celebration dinner with Chloe and our parents.



He chose to go to Spaghetti Factory, which is right by Pottery Barn Kids. It is physically impossible for me to walk past that store without going in and drooling over everything. Chloe especially liked their ice cream parlour!



If it were up to me, I'd have gotten Oby a Rolex or something equally fabulous for graduation, but on a budget I got what we could afford. Well, let me tell you what. Oby wouldn't have been as excited about a Rolex as he was about this survival bracelet I got from REI! If you need a gift for the man in your life, check out these survival straps. If your man is anything at all like Oby, he will love it. I swear, it is like Christmas morning every day since Oby got this thing. Totally cracks me up!



Congratulations, Oby! I am SO proud of you and love you for all you do!!! xo