Smiles for Baby Tammy {and more}

I can't even imagine what it would be like to have a baby suffering in the hospital. The stress of trying to be by her side and give her strength, and still juggling life outside the hospital; taking care of the other children and all other responsibilities life requires.

Meet Tammy's Family:

Tammy's family was staying at a hotel when her daddy put her down for a nap. He put her in the bathroom with the fan on so that she would have a quiet room while he played with the older girls. When he went back to check on her, he opened the door and the fan was blowing in hot air, acting as a heater. Tammy suffered from heat stroke and is in the hospital recovering from the damage that was caused to her brain. While the blog was up, I read that she was making great progress, eyes opening and breathing on her own, but still had a long way to come. (They have removed information from the blog, pending a law suit against the fan manufacturers) So, until we are able to see her progress, we will pray for Baby Tammy.

Tammy's father's cousin is my dear friend. I don't know Tammy, but I know she belongs to a beautiful and loving family. A family that is going through a hard time. I thought we could send some smiles by the way of care packages. Here are the items that would be helpful:

FOR THE BIG SISTERS:

-crayons and coloring books

-nail polish

-beef jerky

-fruit snacks

FOR THE DADDY:

-loves anything with peanut butter in it; recess pieces, p.b. cups, butterfingers

FOR THE MOMMY:

-loves 3 Muskateers Candy

OTHER IDEAS:

-baby lotion (they massage Tammy often)

-princess crowns for the 3 girls

-baby blanket

-stuffed animals

-pictures for her hospital room

-get well cards

I'm sure that even the smallest gesture of kindness will put a smile on their faces and faith in their hearts. If you would like to help in any way, please comment or email us at SmilesForStrangers{at}gmail.com

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I also want to link to another great project. One that a few of my dear friends are involved with. Our host, Christine, lost a baby boy at 17 weeks almost 8 years ago. While this kind of loss might tear one down, she has allowed her challenges to keep her strong. She has a wonderful blog dedicated to women who suffer from miscarriages and infertility; and even those who haven't suffered from these hardships find strength in her blog. She is teaming up with Meka and PJ's Forgotten Children to celebrate Baby Connor's birthday and help many children who may not receive Christmas gifts this year. Please go HERE for information on how to help. I can imagine that even one pair of pajamas, bar of soap, or small gift will make a huge difference in the life of a child who might have been forgotten this Christmas.

Pink Glove Dance

My aunt recently sent me an email of this video entitled Pink Glove Dance. Kirsti and I thought it was just too cute not to share! Plus when this video reaches 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution as well as offering free mammograms for the community of Portland, Oregon. Got to love that!!!
The story behind the video is that a woman by the name of Emily (MacInnes) Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves- which I think are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!!! How she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, I'll never know, but it looks like they all had a lot of fun doing it! Please check it out.....Pass it on....Get the word out. It's an easy and fabulous way to donate to a wonderful cause. As the saying goes....

"It's not a matter of if you know a woman that has breast cancer....it's when."

Scatter Sunshine: May Day Project

One of my favorite Springtime memories from my childhood was when my little sister and I would celebrate May Day! {The old-fashion tradition is to secretly leave a basket of flowers and treats on a neighbors doorstep demonstrating the gift of giving without receiving. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.}
We usually picked roses from my Mom's garden and rolled up some decorated construction paper for a flower cone. We would place the flowers on the doorknob, ring the door bell and hide, or run home really fast, wondering if anyone saw us, giggling the whole way home. I always imagined them opening the door and smiling, and I hoped it made them feel special.
This year, I want to bring back those memories and traditions by starting a May Day Project! Join with me on Saturday, May 1st to secretly deliver small flower baskets or bouquets to your neighbors or loved ones. This would also be a fun thing to do at nursing homes, orphanages, and hospitals (but plan ahead, you may need special permission.) If you have children, involve them in the process of making the baskets, choosing the recipients and secretly delivering them. This is a really fun way to scatter some sunshine without spending any money and not a whole lot of time!
Leave a comment of commitment that you'll do this and please let us know how it goes! I hope you don't get caught, but if you do, remember to give a kiss!! :)


Here are a few fun home-made basket and flower ideas for those of you who don't have a garden or would like to include your children in this fun project!
Tissue paper flowers
Preschool Craft: Paper Flowers with Straw Stems
May Day Cone
Cute Cone Template and Tag (shown in picture above)
Cone Template
Flowers & Vase made from Toilet Paper Rolls
Paper Plate Flower Basket
Charming May Day Basket
Home Made Paper Basket
May Day Baskets