A Friend I Cherish!!!

Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like Pam! She is the sister I wasn't given...but, chose instead. She is a very special person. She has given more to my life...than I can put into words. And I am not even close to being the only person who would say that about her. She is like that to every one of her friends. She is giving of her time, her knowledge, her loyalty and her love. My kids think of her as another mother...and I couldn't be happier they have her in their lives as a role model. She has helped me through some of the hardest struggles in my life...she is MY ANGEL! And I wanted to kind of "re-tag" her and let her know how very special she is to me. She is one of the original twelve I tagged...but, the person she is giving her tag to doesn't live close and hasn't been available. But, she is ready with it, so you'll see her on here again. I found some Easter goodies that had her name all over them...so, I had to get them for her...to tag her...and tell her that I love her and treasure her friendship...more than she will ever know!

 Last summer when I turned the big 5-0...she threw me a beautiful party at her house...I was surrounded by the people I love...it was so much fun! She made it perfect down to the last detail. It started with gorgeous invitations, then had stunning decorations, beautiful flowers and had wonderful food....I loved every minute of it!

  

Even my desserts were personalized...how cute are the golden "D's" on top of some of the cupcakes. She had some great helpers, (which are more of my wonderful friends...I am SO blessed!), that made some of the yummy desserts....and I was even given my own covered pedestal dish of them to take home with me...and they were fabulous! Everyone had a great time. (How could they not?)

It is only one of the MANY special things Pam has done for me....I could write a book! But, I know it was something I will never forget...it was a perfect evening! Thanks Pam, Pammie, Pamela or P...cause no matter what we call you...it's with love! Oh...and Tag...you're still it!!!

An Angel Lives in Glendora

Okay...this is exactly what "TAG YOU'RE IT" is all about!!!! I just received this Tag story from Kim, one of the original chosen taggers...and it was worth the wait! I bet the woman in this story could never be told enough that she is special! Just read it and you will see what I mean! 

Kim's story about her friend Becky...

Did you know an angel lives in Glendora?  My family had the good fortune to move into a house on the same street as that angel in the Summer of 1986.  Becky Ralphs was the neighborhood "Kool Aid Mom".  You know, the mom that has the house where all the children in the neighborhood congregate.  Her house didn't have a pool, it didn't have a spacious game room or the largest yard in the neighborhood.  What you would find at 279 S. Grand Avenue was a joyful lady with a husband and children to match.  Becky welcomed one and all.  Fortunately, that applied to my family and I.

At the time, I was the mother of a 5 year old entering Kindergarten and a 1 year old "all boy".  I worked part-time and I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed most of the time.  Becky cared for a couple of the toddlers/pre-schoolers in the neighborhood and when I needed a sitter shortly after moving into the area I decided to bravely ask Becky if she would care for my 1 year old son, Christopher.  Bravely I say because I really didn't know Becky all that well; I had just observed her interaction with the other neighbors, her children's friends and the little ones she cared for.  Becky said she would pray about it and let me know.  Pray about it - that was odd to me.  I had never heard someone who would pray about something before they made a decision.  Thankfully, Becky said she would care for Christopher.  My how that would come to change many facets of my life.

Mondays with Becky was Mervyn's Day and she would pack up her brood of 3 (Christopher and 2 girls) and off to Eastland they would go in her maroon mini van.  Becky was good at finding bargains and it wasn't unusual for Christopher to come home with clothing, toys, plates with dinosaurs, etc. all at Becky's expense.  I wouldn't be surprised if she spent what I paid her each week.  Wednesday she would take the little ones to Library Storytime and Fridays were "Messy Day".  She would paint with the kids, garden, cook, whatever was  her fancy.  To this day my now 26 year old son still calls Becky "Momma Becky".  He says her name so fondly and kindly that you only have to be in earshot to know the loving memories he made while in her care.

Becky was the example of a good neighbor I still try to emulate today.  She was my first exposure to a Christian woman as an adult.  When my mother-in-law was ill and close to dying we spent most of our time in Torrance, 40 miles away.  It wasn't unusual for us to come home late at night and notice our lawn had been mowed and our trash cans had been taken out for pick-up the next morning.  Becky was always cooking a meal for someone and frequently my family was the recipient.  If she thought I had experienced a particularly trying day she would have her children march down to our house with her delicious Southern cooking.  Funny thing was I could never tell when Becky was having a bad day.

My husband got transferred to Seattle four years later and we said our tearful goodbyes.  Becky visited us in Seattle several times and we spoke on the phone often.  Her encouraging words from "home" meant so much to me as I was making my way in a city 1200 miles from friends and family.  Three years later we were back in Glendora.  It was never the same though.  Her last child was graduating high school and I was attending pre-school orientations for my youngest.  We were in different seasons of our lives.  We've been there for each other's major events; weddings, babies, parents passing away, baptisms, etc.

Becky still has little ones surrounding her.  She cares for 5 of her 7 grandchildren which keeps her out in Rancho Cucamonga for days at a time.  It took me eight weeks and two cancellations for us to finally get together for lunch.  Becky is the most selfless individual I know, a true mentor to me that I wanted to honor and celebrate for no good reason other than to ...Tag You're It".      Kim

__________________________________________________________

Perfect story Kim...I SERIOUSLY love Becky and I don't think we have ever met? She sounds like a wonderful woman and how lucky you were to have her in your life. 

Kim and I personally became friends through my cousins...and also through the Christopher mentioned in this story. He befriended one of my sons in high school. They were both trying out for soccer together, and Chris would ask my son to go running to get into shape, and would pick him up for try-outs and practices. Chris was two years older than my son...my son was only 15 at the time, so he didn't have his license yet. How sweet is that for a high school Senior to be so nice to a Sophmore? And they have remained friends to this day....our whole family loves that boy! Chris has a wonderful loving family (who are ALWAYS overly helpful and ALWAYS pitch-in for a friend in need)...but, I am betting that he had to have picked up a few wonderful pointers on GIVING from his "Momma Becky", too!  

 

WHAT AN AWESOME LADY!!! 
TWO AWESOME LADIES!
THANKS FOR TELLING THIS STORY KIM!!!

Dinner and Flowers for a Special Friend

I LoVe that the tags are finally moving... Lourdes tagged a very special person in her life!!! Someone who has shared her life with her while her children were growing up. Lourdes and I have shared that same kind of friendship. It's nice because whether you become friends by meeting at your kid's school, at church, or at your kid's  numerous  other activities...it gives you a special camaraderie. I know this because Lourdes and I have shared many, many, many baseball seasons with our boys on the same team, and our boys have also attended the same schools from kindergarten through high school...and that has given us a bond for life. I just wanted to say...she has always been one of those people that make my day with just a phone call...and her happy voice greeting me with a "Hi Honey!"...and I am sure Teresa feels the same way about her friendship with Lourdes. She is a very special and loving person! And we are lucky to have her in our lives!

Lourdes words about her friend...

My special friend is a wonderful spiritual lady who through difficult times never lost her spirit and faith.  The strength Teresa demonstrates comes from her love for the Lord.  I met Teresa Bolt at church many years ago.  My family and I were new to the church and it wasn't before long we became friends.  Our children were small and we did many activities together, beach trips, church retreats and special outings.  Teresa's outlook on life has always been one to admire, her positive and uplifting personality reflects the kind loving person she is.  She has undergone many different challenges in her life, the passing of both parents, husbands illnesses, financial hardship and later in life after many attempts of saving her marriage, a divorce.  She has raised two great kids, she is a Intensive Care Registered Nurse and has attended 2 missionary trips to Belize where she helped build a school for under privileged children. This is an extraordinary women whose presence is a present to others. I tagged Teresa by inviting her to dinner and presenting her with flowers but most importantly we shared our  innermost feelings on life and the Lords love for us. Teresa your a great person who only deserves the very best! Much Love

Tagging a Friend Who'll Be Missed!!! A LOT!

Josephine is moving away... so Emily wanted to tag her in a special way. Emily is the cutest, sweetest, most lovable person...so of course she thought of the cutest thing to do! She filled a basket with the things that would remind Josephine of San Francisco if she gets homesick. She even made sticks with the faces of the people she is leaving behind...so she can see them when she misses them, too! As Emily's Auntie...I am the luckiest Auntie ever...because she is the sweetest niece ever...and I have been lucky to witness the special bond her group of friends have (and what an adorable group they are)...and they will surely miss this integral part of the friendship puzzle when she moves.

Here is what Emily had to say about Josephine... 

I met Josephine right when I moved to San Francisco 5 and half years ago.  We quickly became fast friends.  From morning phone calls checking in on each other on the commute to work, to taco Tuesday specials at Bluelight in the Marina.  She was my constant support system as we went from being single to dating our husbands to getting married.  She gave me much needed advice, love, laughter, and fun! It does not seem like we met only a few years ago but it seems that we have known each other forever.  She was sooo sweet that she even planned a baby shower for me the week after her wedding! Josephine is always thinking of everyone else. I wanted to do something to show her how much it means to her friends.

 Best wishes to Josephine and Milo 

in their new home in Portland!!!

I just got my Purple Angel by Donating to a MAD Project!

Another MAD project spreads support to those in need... and will be donating the proceeds from their fundraiser to the Children's Miracle Network this summer. Marie Osmond is a co-founder of  Children’s Miracle Network. In addition to hosting the annual Telethon, Marie continues to make appearances on national and local television shows and at sponsor events to share the important work of children’s hospitals. From her top selling line of dolls on QVC, to her fabric line, to donating all of the proceeds from her first inspirational album “I Can Do This,” Marie continues to be generous in her support. Donny has also participated in the annual Telethon, both performing and hosting. He’s also participated in a variety of other events to raise funds for children’s hospitals. Donny actively supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during his winning season on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2009.The entire Osmond family has been involved with Children’s Miracle Network since its inception in 1983. The charity, which began as a telethon housed in the Osmond studio, has since grown into a leading children’s charity. Amazing work done with the help of the Osmond family! 

 

There are now 42 countries on board with people doing and sharing ideas on a daily base, families talking about M.A.D. With Your Heart during their family nights, people joining in on the prayer chain as well as adding our to theirs, children at a Daycare learning about M.A.D. With Your Heart and doing art projects to take home to their Mother and Father showing how they can M.A.D. 

For their fundraiser, they are hand-making and selling the Purple Angels pictured above. They sell for $20 Canadian including shipping world wide. They then donate $10 from the sales to M.A.D. WITH YOUR HEART to be presented at the 2011 GT to Donny toward The Children's Miracle Network. 

DON'T FORGET TO...Make A Difference with Your Heart!

APRIL BREAKS TAG PASSING RECORD!!!!

Leave it to April to get the job done in record time!!! She made this gorgeous fruit bowl for her friend...and got it to her just two days after receiving her TAG! (And she even found time to make me the SUPER SWEET Smile Box Photo Story that I posted yesterday). She TRULY is AMAZING!!! And I feel awful...because April made a beautiful lay-out for her story about her friend Tammy...but after trying everything I knew to try...I could only copy and paste the words and photo. It was so pretty with a beautiful font and pretty shadings...I wish you all could see it! I will keep on trying....I am just so happy to be posting this story just a week after getting April her tag (posted on 3/4)...this was the way the tags were supposed to move along! AWESOME JOB!

Here is April's story about her friendship with Tammy...  
Tammy and I have been friends well, ever since she moved in next door 19 years ago! We were friends from the first day we met! We soon found out we were both pregnant at the same time due a month apart, this was my second & her first! I had my second boy in June (Evan) & her first girl in July (Carly)! Of course they were best friends too! They attended pre-school, E.M. & S. schools together. Played Baseball on the same teams until Carly switched over to softball. As well as Tammy’s second girl (Pavin) that came along 2 years later!

Tammy and her family are more than friends they are family to us. Our families have spent all but one Christmas Eve together since we met! The year they spent Christmas in Illinois we spent New Years Eve together! We have so much fun playing games eating, sharing, reminiscing & counting our blessings, that it just wouldn’t be Christmas with-out them. We have spent many fun days together as a family; game nights, BBQ’s with Uncle Jorg’s Famous Ribs that everyone loves and always requests! Supporting our children’s school, sports and just kid fun events! Having a Bunco Group together, quite talks and heartfelt memories! The sad day came when Tammy & family needed a bigger house they said the hardest part of deciding to move was leaving us, however, moving across town didn’t stop us from being close or getting together!

Tammy has always been a wonderful, caring, thoughtful friend! She gave Austin (my oldest son) an internship with her Architect Firm while he was attending College. Let us give Austin & Kirstin a surprise Engagement party at their Laguna Beach Condo. Always there to lend a helping hand and a listening hear! She’s attended my sons events as if they were her own. Aunt Tammy is one of our Favorites!

Tammy my sweet friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (we even had/have the same obgyn. He is wonderful & has really been there for us) and now is a Breast Cancer Survivor.  

Thank You GOD!  

The first thing she did when she found out was be concerned for everyone else’s health! We are so blessed that she is with us, & big part of our life as she is a True One of a Kind Sweet Friend that I am proud to say is Family!

Tammy I just want to say; Thank You Tammy for being in my life and being a Blessing of a Friend! Love You Girlfriend…

XOXO

April

I have to say...this is adorable...the story...the friendship...the girl who wrote it! I Love you April! I am so PROUD that you are in my circle of friends!     YOU TRULY ARE A GIFT!!!    =0)

APRIL'S BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE TO HER TAG!!!

I THINK I GOT TAGGED BACK!!!  Isn't this BeA-u-Ti-FuL!!! (just an FYI...if it doesn't load right away...try it again!)  WOW...I love it!!!  THANKS APRIL

Donating to help the Chihuahuas

 

Who doesn't LOVE cute little puppies?

Another MAD project being run for Donny is a "Chihuahua Rescue". It provides assistance wherever there is a Chihuahua in need. They achieve this by taking dogs into a network of foster homes...or by referral/assistance through their many rescue contacts. So...of course this had to be my next MAD donation...and isn't that an ADORABLE pup they put on their receipt for my donation. 

If you would like to read about all of the ten MAD projects that are going on...or to make a donation of your own...use this link to Donny's site.

http://www.donny.com/story/news-other-fans/donnys_mad_friends

Everyone needs to get MAD...

so we can 

Make A Difference

in this world!!!

Want to Be a Tagger, Too???

 

Copy and Paste and Make Your Own Tags... 

If would like to make someone feel special...you can just copy and paste this below and make tags like I did...I mounted the tag on card stock and dolled it up with a sticker and I was good to go! If you send in your stories to the e-mail on the tag...I will be happy post the stories of your tags as they move! It is always great to include a picture to go along with your story if you can! If for some reason copying and pasting doesn't work...just send me a request by e-mail and I will send you an attachment for it! I would love to have more fellow taggers...and everyone has someone they would like to make feel special!

Here was my response from Candy on her tag....

OHMYGOSH!!! That blog entry was AMAZING! What a SWEET thing to say about me! I feel like such a common person, but YOU made me feel like a SUPER-HERO!!! Thanks so much for those kind words! You made my day, and I feel so blessed and lucky to be included in your circle of friendship!

I told you she was special! Now make it your turn to get involved and make a difference in someone's day!  

 ___________just copy below and get started...________

TAG

YOU’RE 

IT!

YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED BY SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU!!!
SOMEONE YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE TO!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO DO THE SAME…
PASS ON THIS TAG AND
TELL SOMEONE YOU DON’T TELL OFTEN ENOUGH
THAT THEY ARE GREAT!
AND HOW GLAD YOU ARE THAT THEY ARE IN YOUR LIFE!

THEN LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DID IT…
EMAIL A PHOTO AND A SHORT STORY
OF WHY THEY ARE SPECIAL TO YOU!
SEND TO MADTAG2010@GMAIL.COM
THEN SEE YOUR STORY POSTED ON…
http://madaboutmakingadifference.blogspot.com/

 

Another Donation to a MAD Project...it's all about the SMILES!

 

Donny website says..

Smiling to Make a Difference

03/02/11

One of the best ways to make a difference is by simply smiling.

He must have been reading my mind...because I had made a donation to this very same MAD Project for the Oral Cancer Foundation just last week. Then on the very day that Donny posted this on his site...I received my package for my donation. They are note cards with Bea~U~Ti~FuL photography. They included two bracelets, also. I know that the entire Osmond family has always been known for their big, beautiful smiles...so, this is such a fitting cause for one of the MAD projects. I remember when I was in high school, my mom had a friend stay with us that was being treated at the local hospital for jaw cancer. It was not a fun experience watching her go through the treatments for it. So, with that in mind also, one of my first donations to a MAD project had to be to this one, which is being run by Susan. And I must say...these are great quality cards printed on high quality paper...and everyone can use note cards for their TAG YOU'RE IT projects...to write notes on...to let people know how special they are!!! So, order yours today!

Remember everyone to show your

smile...because a happy smile always 

Pays it Forward!!!

.

More Tulips to Share...

I had to get more of these pretty tulips to share!  I was positive when I got the idea to keep on tagging...that I would have to take something over to OUR friend Candy!  This is definitely another person who has been a positive influence on my family. You can always count on Candy to greet you with a huge smile along with warm words of how great you look! And she always has something special to share with you about your kids...and how much she enjoys them all.

I first met Candy when my third son was playing little league with hers. They were on ALL STARS together and they have been great friends ever since. We had a great season and that was where I learned what a great sense of humor Candy has. She is hysterical...and I am sure that is why she is named "Favorite Teacher" by the kids year after year. She teaches Spanish and Speech and Debate at our local high school...and the kids all LoVe her. My kids ended up being in her class...and TA-ing for her. She always saved that coveted spot for my boys...which was always fun for them. She was sad last year when my baby graduated, as she said he had lightening fast fingers for entering grades into the computer. (I guess all of those computer and video games paid off! LOL). My son was just telling us the other day that he still stops by to visit her...I personally think those are the special teachers...the ones kids go back to visit! That means they have touched that place that isn't always easy to find in teenagers.  

I really had to chuckle at this though. Her son is currently serving a mission for the LDS church. So...Candy had his best friends over to have breakfast to celebrate his birthday...and so she could send him pictures of his party. How cute is that! I think she was totally missing him and drew strength from having his friends surround her. They loved it! And I thought that was the cutest thing! He will be returning soon...although, I heard he had asked for an extension...because he was really enjoying his work in Japan. He is pretty remarkable, too! And we are all excited to see him when he returns!  

I just wanted Candy to know that we all appreciate her friendship, her kindness and the time we have shared with her... 

We Love You Candy! And yes...
TAG YOU'RE IT!!! 

SPREADING MORE TAGS...

I have decided to get more TAGS out on their journey. The first person who came to mind is OUR friend April. April is "One in a Million"! Just ask any of my own sons, or any boy that was on a team with either of April's two boys. 

I first met April when I coached her oldest son in Little League. She was amazing from DAY ONE. She is SO sweet and helpful. She has always given her time to Glendora sports and to "HER BOYS" (as she calls them)...as she has personally adopted every single boy...on every one of her boy's sports teams...as her own. If anyone ever needed a ride to a travel soccer game...her car was full of them. She always brought lots of snacks for everyone. Actually, if the boys needed anything...she was always there for them. She volunteered her time to every sport her two sons were involved with. She even played in the adult co-ed soccer league...and she worked in every capacity that she could for that league, too. She even kept up on her duties for the adults, after injuries made her hang up her own cleats. Her latest involvement was the Tennis team at the high school, where she quickly starting running a club team for the boys. There really are TOO many to things to name them all. And if that wasn't already enough...she has a weekly game night at her house for ALL the boys to stop by and play and eat and laugh! And they do! It is so wonderful to have someone like that in the lives of your children...not only to be a friend and a great example of GOODNESS....but, to love them unconditionally like she does. I have never seen her mistreat any of them...she loved them all equally! (of course...I noticed she has always had a special soft spot for my four boys...and vice-a-versa) tee hee

April's younger son is now a senior at the high school and has been friends with my youngest son ever since they were little. They always played together while the older boys were playing in their games. She would always have my son over and has been like a second mother to him...and he ADORES her. Her creativity is beyond measure...as you can she in the photo above...where she and her son are presenting my son with a darling candy creation at his graduation party last June. The smile you see on her face is always there...and she is always happy to greet me with a "HI SWEETIE"! Now you know someone like that has made many days brighter for soooo many people....I know she has for me!!!

I LoVe you April!!!....and so do ALL OF MY BOYS!!!! 

I decided to tag her with these tulips and a card of appreciation. The tulips looked so happy and reminded me of her. They are hanging on the mirror of her car tonight...so she'll have a surprise there in the morning when she goes out for the day. So April...TAG YOU'RE IT!!!!    Smooches xoxox