Because every kid deserves love.

.... that's why I want to spend my spring break volunteering at a couple orphanages in Mandeville, Jamaica.

I want to help improve the living conditions for the kids in these orphanages by painting & building , I want to bring some joy to them & I want to love on them.

But, the trip is expensive, and as a college student I don't have $1,000 at the ready to go. 

I haven't given up on the idea though, because I know God gave me a passion for children and volunteering for a reason and I want to put those gifts to good use.

So, I'm asking you (& anyone you know who might be interested) to think about donating to the fund for this trip I want to take in March. 

If you're able to donate, even a little, thank you. 

And regardless of whether or not you are able to donate right now, thank you for listening & praying.

This wouldn't be possible without you. 

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

One of the best things about kids is the innocence they possess. Yes, sometimes it's scary because they don't know just how scary this big world is & most kids trust just about anything, but aside from the safety aspect, that innocence is so precious & fun. 

Last night, I babysat 6 kids at once. It was a lot of kids but I just did some extra little things (like putting their pizza on the plate before I even called them up for dinner) that made it so much easier & really, not even difficult. 

I babysit for 2 different families frequently & one of them had a party yesterday that the other was invited to so I watched all the kids together last night. I kind of loved the thought of babysitting 5 of my favorite kids at once (plus one friend from another family who I didn't know).

& yet, what I loved the most is the fun they had. 

These particular kids are lucky in that they have a huge pool in their backyard & all of the toys you could really imagine but I don't think that really made the night for them. 

Being all together, watching Disney Channel & eating popcorn was so much fun for them. It was a party.

They did goofy dances around the pool before jumping in & wrote notes like, "Keep out, girls only!" They talked about Disney shows like they knew the people & took the dogs on a walk in wigs & sunglasses. 

Being with kids so much reminds me of a very important lesson & that is: sometimes you just gotta let loose.

As Pink once said, "Let your freak flag fly!"

Wear your wig to walk the dogs, sing at the top of your lungs, stick your tongue out at people ... have fun! Be a kid!

 Life is way too short to be super serious all the time.

A Day in The Life ...

Of a One Year Old

We Cuddled a Little Bit

& Cuddled Some More,

We Went For a Walk

& Found My Dream House,

We Did Some Swinging & Talked About Cars

& Then We Got Sleepy in The Swing

We Ate a PB & J

& Confirmed What We Already Knew: We Love Applesauce!

We Talked To the Kitty Who Didn't Like It Very Much & Ran Away

& We Played in the Balls But Got Tired & Laid Down for a Bit

We Caught the Balls as They Flew Out of The Machine

& Played With a Fun Ball

& Played with Trucks & Practiced Truck Noises.

 & Then it Was Time For A Nap!