Choose Hope

I remember sitting in my living room with my dad. I think I was 12 or 13. We were watching a Feed the World special about the hungry children in Ethiopia. It was so sad. I remember it was just my dad and me, my sister couldn't watch these type of documentaries without crying and I'm not sure where my brother and mom were. Maybe it was late and my mom was already asleep, I'm not sure.

During a break, I turned to my dad and said that I thought if everyone in the world could give just one dollar, maybe those kids wouldn't be hungry. I remember my dad saying that not everyone had a dollar to give and the one's that had thousands of dollars, just didn't want to.

I don't know how true the latter part of his statement is today. Maybe it's more true than I want to believe. I don't know. I do know that this world is full of generous people who are working to making a difference. Hopemongers.org was created to help us, help others. The concept is simple - give $10 and help end poverty somewhere in the world.

You choose the project and they'll take care of the rest.

A Berry Special Birthday

This past Sunday we had a party for the girls.

Isabella turned 5 last week and Lucia turns 3 next week. I love having joint birthday parties for them. Not only does it justify the running around but I think it's pretty cool that it's teaching them the art of compromise and it's keeping Isabella from growing up too fast since Lucia's two years younger. This year some of the ideas were Chuckee Cheese, a mermaid party, a Dora party and I think a puppy party, too.

A few months ago, my aunt gave us matching Strawberry Shortcake outfits and the theme was quickly chosen and approved by moi! The party got a lil crazy with a house full of family and friend but in the end, it ended up being a "berry" special birthday!

Smart Turtle

We found a turtle in the yard.

Decided to keep it as a pet. Especially after we noticed how much her shell resembled the pattern of our patio.

This turtle was pretty big! And fast! We'd go inside and come back minutes later to find it running across our backyard. I figured she could hear the whining of who got to hold her first and decided to hightail it outta here!


Smart turtle.

My Birthday Wish

I can't believe today I'm turning 33!! Where did the time go? ;) Is it sad that I don't feel a day past the age of 23? Hmmm. That may be a good topic to start on if ever I get into some professional counseling. :)

Many of you have been asking me what I want for my birthday - and by many, I mean three so far (haha). With the lovely economy we are in and the fact that med school has taught me the value of a dollar (again!) - this is my wish...

When you think of me, go do something nice and tell me all about it. Smile at a stranger, help someone (maybe this?) or just keep from losing it on your kids! How fun would that be? To read about the great things you've done today!

This world needs a little kindness... that's my birthday wish.

If You Like It...

Ok, I promise that my blog is not becoming just a bunch of videos but I just had to share. How hilarious is this? The more I watch it, the more I laugh!

Love it!



Off to search if I can find this baby dancing to "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce - he's got the booty shaking down pat!

Who Says Guardian Angels Don't Exist?

6-year-old nearly crushed by car

Feeling Lucky?

A cute couple I have recently become acquainted with is hosting an amazing fundraiser in order to raise funds to bring their daughter home. They are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia and this will be their first child. What a lucky little girl!

Skip that Starbucks coffee and help unite this family of three! This really is a great and worthy cause.

Check out their story here and then here to bid on some amazing give-aways!