Finally Friday - Some Gratitude and Joy

 As we contemplate the Thanksgiving season and the rush into Christmas, take a moment. Care!

I helped at the November Birthday Party Project at a local women's shelter. The month's theme was Care Bears and yes, there was a mascot.  (see me above).   When the Care Bear arrived, one of the birthday kids screamed and would have no part of this scary creature. The other two birthday kids were excited, and all of the other children ran up for hugs, pictures, and a magical moment. 

We had Care Bear themed stuff to hand out, games and crafts to play and do, plus singing "Happy Birthday" for November.  Then cupcakes.  It was a noisy messy party - we always call it "controlled chaos".  Kids left happy - a goodie bag in hand and hopefully a happy memory during their lives in transition. 

Take a moment.  CARE

Philly Friday to Wednesday

 Tuesday was Birthday Party Project time - theme was Carnival. Fun time at the women's shelter, celebrating kids birthdays. There was face painting, balloon animals, and more.

 Speaking of birthdays - Monday July 15 will be my father's 88th birthday.  Here's the baby George

 And my dad with his father, Fred - two dapper dudes.

And here's dad three years ago.  I'm headed to Philly for a long weekend jaunt. I'll hang with my father, celebrate 88, and I'm sure we'll have some laughs. He's a tough old bird and still in his home.
Wish us luck and good cheer.

Fingers crossed my flights go as planned. Summer travel = ugh.

Take care all. Happy July and more posts late next week. I have book reviews out the wazoo.

Birthday Month Every Month

http://thebirthdaypartyproject.org

I read a blip in a local Dallas magazine about The Birthday Party Project, and it captured my attention. I checked out the website which is very thorough, and I became more enthused over its mission.

They host kid birthday parties every month at local Women's Shelters. Cupcakes, balloons, games, music, and a lot of joy for an hour. As a volunteer I helped put up streamers, joined in a line dance (not well), and was there to chat and clean up. The lead coordinator was extremely organized with bins and the plan. I was very impressed.

The staff at the Arlington shelter were very nice and obviously cared about the attendees - the kids and the moms. The kids had a lot of fun and the one with the official birthday had a huge grin as he opened his package containing a football and a gift card.

I know I take a lot for granted in my life. Everyone should get to celebrate a birthday, but sometimes circumstances aren't right. The Birthday Party Project is working to make it possible.  Check out the website. They have been expanding to other cities - contact them if you are interested, and spread the joy of blowing out candles.