11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
It's New Years Eve!
To contact us Click HERE
What's your resolution? Do you make them? Do you keep them?
I don't know if I have ever really made any ... and I am sure I simply can't THINK of any because I never really actually KEPT any. But I have a few "thoughts" for the upcoming year ;) And they go something like this:
* Like nearly every other American, I would like to make a commitment to weight loss and healthier living in the new year ... especially since the Mayans believed that this will be the last year for humans on earth. Or maybe because it could be my last year ... I should just eat tons of chocolate and worry not about my heart or health? Hmmmm ... I signed Isaac and I up for karate anyway. At least if the Zombie Apocalypse occurs, (as also popularly believed), I will be prepared for executing awesome karate chops to brainless heads. And I will be healthier ... just in case we all make it to 2013.
* I would like to make a commitment to play more. Yes, PLAY. I want to play board games, team sports, practical jokes (only the nice, really fun kind), play with Isaac and Halis more ... creating epic star wars battles on the living room floor ... etc. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. One of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes quotes comes to mind: "There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want." I wish to MAKE that time ... to do the silly things that society tends to tell us do not matter ... like chasing each other around with squirt guns, playing endless games of Monopoly, faux tag team wrestling on the bed, searching for worms in the spring mud, etc. etc. etc. Are you feeling me?
* I also wish to make a commitment to create fun play dates with my friends. And if they want, we can run around and chase each other with squirt guns (as stated above) OR we can go out for martinis ... whichever is preferred at the moment. I have amazing friends, and I think 2012 will rock if I make the commitment to spend more time with them.
* But perhaps most important, my sweet little family of 3 has made the commitment to add another child to our family in 2012! Not a resolution really ... but we have announced to friends and family that we have begun the process to domestically adopt a newborn into our family. We are all very excited about this. Isaac is certainly the MOST excited :) Details will follow ...
2012 will undoubtedly be awesome. Many changes have taken place in our lives over 2011 ... and though some were difficult to be sure ... they have led us to this new place of hope, renewed faith & love, and a commitment to cherish and grow our family and our circle of friends.
At this time of reflection on the past and hope for the future ... I wonder what you are all thinking about committing to for the new year ... for your life ... for your family ... for you. Please share.
And thank you all for reading and sharing with me over the past year. Love to you and yours. Happy New Year.
Love,
Jodi
What's your resolution? Do you make them? Do you keep them?
I don't know if I have ever really made any ... and I am sure I simply can't THINK of any because I never really actually KEPT any. But I have a few "thoughts" for the upcoming year ;) And they go something like this:
* Like nearly every other American, I would like to make a commitment to weight loss and healthier living in the new year ... especially since the Mayans believed that this will be the last year for humans on earth. Or maybe because it could be my last year ... I should just eat tons of chocolate and worry not about my heart or health? Hmmmm ... I signed Isaac and I up for karate anyway. At least if the Zombie Apocalypse occurs, (as also popularly believed), I will be prepared for executing awesome karate chops to brainless heads. And I will be healthier ... just in case we all make it to 2013.
* I would like to make a commitment to play more. Yes, PLAY. I want to play board games, team sports, practical jokes (only the nice, really fun kind), play with Isaac and Halis more ... creating epic star wars battles on the living room floor ... etc. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. One of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes quotes comes to mind: "There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want." I wish to MAKE that time ... to do the silly things that society tends to tell us do not matter ... like chasing each other around with squirt guns, playing endless games of Monopoly, faux tag team wrestling on the bed, searching for worms in the spring mud, etc. etc. etc. Are you feeling me?
* I also wish to make a commitment to create fun play dates with my friends. And if they want, we can run around and chase each other with squirt guns (as stated above) OR we can go out for martinis ... whichever is preferred at the moment. I have amazing friends, and I think 2012 will rock if I make the commitment to spend more time with them.
* But perhaps most important, my sweet little family of 3 has made the commitment to add another child to our family in 2012! Not a resolution really ... but we have announced to friends and family that we have begun the process to domestically adopt a newborn into our family. We are all very excited about this. Isaac is certainly the MOST excited :) Details will follow ...
2012 will undoubtedly be awesome. Many changes have taken place in our lives over 2011 ... and though some were difficult to be sure ... they have led us to this new place of hope, renewed faith & love, and a commitment to cherish and grow our family and our circle of friends.
At this time of reflection on the past and hope for the future ... I wonder what you are all thinking about committing to for the new year ... for your life ... for your family ... for you. Please share.
And thank you all for reading and sharing with me over the past year. Love to you and yours. Happy New Year.
Love,
Jodi
Isaac's Drawing.
To contact us Click HERE
Isaac asked me yesterday what I did for work before he was born. My response was that I had several jobs during my young adult life ... so did he want to know them all? He told me to pick the one I had when Daddy and I first starting dating...
Well, the truth is that when Halis and I first started dating ... at the age of 15 ... I worked this crappy, crappy job at a stateline liquor store (which apparently is now a smoke shop). Working there under the age of 18 would be totally illegal now. Maybe even under 21, I don't know. And maybe it was even illegal then, but the guy who managed the place was my Dad's friend and that is how I got the job. Basically, I sold lots and lots of beer. And though I have no problem with beer, I felt a little weird telling my 6-year old that when I was still a kid, I was selling liquor. (Not to mention that I walked to and from the store ... a couple miles each way ... in the dark ... alone ... through a sketchy part of town). But anyway ... I saw that Isaac had a pen in hand as he was asking me this question, so assuming my answer might turn into some artwork ... I lied.
I told Isaac about one of the next jobs I had ... one that I am very proud of ... I worked as a Nanny for the Trippier family from the time I was 18 to about 21 (when I left to get married and move to Maine). He liked that answer. He smiled. And then he went to ask Daddy the same question.
About 20 minutes later, my boy comes to me with this drawing:
I thought I knew what was going on in this drawing, but never wanting to assume ... I asked him to explain. He told me that Daddy used to work at a sub shop when he started dating me (totally true) and that on the upper left hand corner is a picture of Daddy serving a sandwhich to a customer. He then explained that I am on the left of the drawing, serving green soda to one of the kids that I took care of. I smiled ... (glad that he didn't show a picture of me serving beer ... but humored by the thought that the picture would probably look exactly the same either way).
I then looked at the baby-in-the-belly picture, and asked if this was a picture of him. He said yes ... that the entire picture was showing what everyone was doing while he (Isaac) was waiting to be born inside of his birthmom, Marjorie. I then noticed that Marjorie was smiling in the picture, but that Daddy and I were frowning. When I asked him about this, he explained that we were unhappy because our baby wasn't born yet ... and that we were waiting for him ... but that Marjorie was smiling because she knew he was going to be born soon.
Awesome. Truly awesome.
And it is in these sorts of random drawings that I learn more and more about what my boy is thinking ... and how he views the world.
Enjoy your world today ... especially your kiddos.
Love,
Jodi
Well, the truth is that when Halis and I first started dating ... at the age of 15 ... I worked this crappy, crappy job at a stateline liquor store (which apparently is now a smoke shop). Working there under the age of 18 would be totally illegal now. Maybe even under 21, I don't know. And maybe it was even illegal then, but the guy who managed the place was my Dad's friend and that is how I got the job. Basically, I sold lots and lots of beer. And though I have no problem with beer, I felt a little weird telling my 6-year old that when I was still a kid, I was selling liquor. (Not to mention that I walked to and from the store ... a couple miles each way ... in the dark ... alone ... through a sketchy part of town). But anyway ... I saw that Isaac had a pen in hand as he was asking me this question, so assuming my answer might turn into some artwork ... I lied.
I told Isaac about one of the next jobs I had ... one that I am very proud of ... I worked as a Nanny for the Trippier family from the time I was 18 to about 21 (when I left to get married and move to Maine). He liked that answer. He smiled. And then he went to ask Daddy the same question.
About 20 minutes later, my boy comes to me with this drawing:
I thought I knew what was going on in this drawing, but never wanting to assume ... I asked him to explain. He told me that Daddy used to work at a sub shop when he started dating me (totally true) and that on the upper left hand corner is a picture of Daddy serving a sandwhich to a customer. He then explained that I am on the left of the drawing, serving green soda to one of the kids that I took care of. I smiled ... (glad that he didn't show a picture of me serving beer ... but humored by the thought that the picture would probably look exactly the same either way).
I then looked at the baby-in-the-belly picture, and asked if this was a picture of him. He said yes ... that the entire picture was showing what everyone was doing while he (Isaac) was waiting to be born inside of his birthmom, Marjorie. I then noticed that Marjorie was smiling in the picture, but that Daddy and I were frowning. When I asked him about this, he explained that we were unhappy because our baby wasn't born yet ... and that we were waiting for him ... but that Marjorie was smiling because she knew he was going to be born soon.
Awesome. Truly awesome.
And it is in these sorts of random drawings that I learn more and more about what my boy is thinking ... and how he views the world.
Enjoy your world today ... especially your kiddos.
Love,
Jodi
Isaac's Italian Stallion Lemonade Stand.
To contact us Click HERE
Isaac is amazing. If you know him, you already know this. If you don't, please allow me to illuminate his awesomeness (as well as the awesomeness of the community we live in). On Sunday, June 3rd, Isaac set up his Italian Stallion Lemonade Stand in West Market Square in Downtown Bangor as part of National Lemonade Day. It was a HUGE success. He raised over $800 in 4 hours and has raised an additional $400+ in the days after. And this is how it all came together ...
Months ago, I received an e-mail from Bangor Parks and Recreation about National Lemonade Day. I asked Isaac if he wanted to participate, and as is his usual, casual style, he simply said, "Sure". We went to the parks & rec to sign up and receive our lemonade stand starter kit. We read through the materials together ... which provided tips on setting your goals, creating your business plan, seeking investors, marketing your biz and everything else that one needs to start a new business venture. The materials were very comprehensive, easy to understand, and really got Isaac thinking about how to proceed. But first ... what was his goal? The materials provided stories about some fictitious kiddos who wanted skateboards, bikes and other goods ... and how they put together lemonade stands in order to achieve their goals. I read these stories to Isaac and asked him what he would like to shoot for ... a skateboard? A swing set? Legos? He said, (and I am pretty sure this is a direct quote): "I don't really want anything more than I want a little brother." And there it was - his goal.
Isaac wants a little brother. He has for a while. He even asked Santa. But Santa was not able to deliver such a treasure this past year. So, Isaac began to take matters into his own hands. He is adopted. He knows his adoption story very well and is fully aware that adoption is the means by which our family grows. He also knows that the adoption process can be quite expensive. And he wants this little brother so badly, that he is willing to put in the work needed to raise as much money as possible. And he is very serious about this.
Where to start? Well, Isaac learned that it often takes money to make money. We read about seeking out possible investors to help with his starting costs (stand, lemons, sugar, marketing materials, etc) ... and then compiled a list of people to ask to invest in his project. I felt it was very important that Isaac go and talk to these investors on his own. He needed to look them in the eye, shake their hands, tell them about his project, ask them to help, and then ask them what he could do for them in return. Because he is 7 - and I was not sure whether he could pull this off on his own - I wrote to each potential investor ahead of time to summarize what Isaac was hoping to speak to them about. This turned out to be somewhat unnecessary. Isaac was a pro. His first meeting was a bit rocky (he was somewhat tongue tied) but the rest were smooth sailing. He set up meetings with area business folk ... and each and every one of them negotiated terms with him and invested in his project. Some invested money, others invested supplies, while others invested marketing tools, etc. And all simply wanted some lemonade in return.
((( This is where I give a big shout out to those investors! Metropolitan Soul, Nocturnem Draft Haus, Giacomo's, Monahan Design, Hannaford's, Pigeon, Paddy Murphy's, and Winterport Boot Shop. These businesses know what it means to be part of their larger community - please reward them for their generosity! )))
Once the funds were secured, we researched lemonade stand plans via Google ... then Halis (aka Daddy) came up with his own design. Isaac and his Dad built and painted it together ... and the results are pretty cool ...
A very important part of this business venture was pulling together the theme for the stand. This also proved to be the most fun (for me at least). Isaac knew early on that he wanted a "Rocky" theme for his biz. We decided on the name: Isaac's Italian Stallion Lemonade as well as the slogan: This Lemonade Really Packs a Punch! Isaac is a huge fan of the Rocky series ... and thinks of Rocky Balboa as a true hero. His Dad and I agree. Rocky was a self-made man ... with a heart of gold ... and determination to see his dreams realized. What better theme for this venture?!
With the help of Brett Settle at Giacomo's, we came up with our own recipe for a fruit punch style lemonade (it was delicious ... and contained raspberry Torani syrup!). We gathered boxing motif goods and a print of the Italian Stallion himself and created what we think was a gorgeous stand. (Isaac's grandparents stopped by during business hours to drop off a punching bag they picked up that day at a yard sale - thus completing the motif). We even had Rocky music (from all 6 films) playing from speakers inside the stand!
Because Isaac was determined to raise as much money as possible, we also set up with baked goods (made by me), houseplants (grown by Isaac and I), and farm fresh eggs (laid by our hens). These were all very well received by his customers. He sold out of baked goods and eggs in very short order.
The day of the event (his grand opening, if you will) was a seriously rainy day. The kind of rainy day that keeps you home cuddled in bed. But thanks to a good friend, Donna Allen, we were prepared with a tent ... and ready for business.
And the rain did not deter anyone! We spent quite a bit of time marketing his opening day (as well as spreading the word about National Lemonade Day) ... and it truly paid off. Monahan Design created our fliers (see above) that we shared throughout the community. We also posted the event on Facebook ... and invited over 1,000 community members. From there, the word quickly spread throughout Bangor. And friends at the Bangor Daily News spread the word as well.
The day of the event was nothing short of amazing! Droves of people came out to support Isaac. There were lines of people waiting for lemonade - in the rain! There were hugs, laughs, dancing ... and generosity beyond my wildest hopes. Some friends drove right up to West Market Square simply to run out of their cars to hand Isaac some cash for his efforts. Strangers came by with their families to support the young man who wants a little brother. Area business folks came over to give Isaac kuddos for his enterprise. It was four hours of pure joy and enthusiasm. And Isaac worked it! I mean, he was quite the business man --- with excellent customer service (we spent the night before watching videos on the subject).
Isaac was so very focused on doing this well. He met every customer with a smile and a "Hi. What can I get for you today?" or a "Would you like some lemonade?" followed by "Can I get you a garnish with that (a lemon slice)?" and "Please help yourself to some pastries." And he always ended transactions with a shy but sweet "Thank you." He would break from his work only to hug his friends or pose for pictures ... otherwise, he was fully engaged in making the lemonade, cutting the lemons, pouring, organizing, cleaning, etc. His Dad and I were so impressed. We figured we might have to occasionally get him re-focused throughout the day, but we were wrong. At just 7 years old, he had more discipline and determination than I could have expected.
Toward the end of his shift, a local Bangor Daily News reporter as well as a local WABI camera man dropped by to interview Isaac about his fundraising campaign. Again, he impressed the heck out of us. So mature, so kind, so focused. His television piece can be seen by clicking HERE. His news article can be read HERE. (Thank you to both venues for giving this some attention).
In the end - wow - what a day! I spent most of it near tears at the generosity of our community. Bangor is truly the best place to live on earth. Or at least we think so. And the Lemonade Day program is genius. Such a great way to show kids how to live the American Dream ... how to set goals and how to see them through to their fruition. We were so glad to participate in this event in the community that we love. (A hearty thank you to all!)
Isaac worked hard to raise $868 on Lemonade Day. His goal was $1500 - the cost of an adoption application/home study at the Good Samaritan Agency in Bangor. And though he was very happy to raise over half of his goal that day, he was over the moon to discover that our mailbox was full of envelopes from around the country throughout the following week. Folks who read the article online sent him funds from as far away as Alaska. Friends who couldn't make this opening day sent funds as well, by mail and through Paypal. By the end of the week, he had another $400 toward his goal. Imagine that! Over $1200 toward his goal. Amazing.
I have no doubt that Isaac will find a way to bring another child into our family. And in short order. We have plans to set up his lemonade stand at various venues this summer, throughout Bangor. He also has some other fundraising ideas in mind. And though his parents have other thoughts about this, he is determined that his little brother's name will be Gabriel. I have no doubt that Isaac will be the best big brother to sweet little Gabriel. We can't wait to meet him.
Again, thank you to all involved. We will keep you posted on this progress via this blog.
For those who would like to contribute to Isaac's efforts, we will post his address/paypal in the comments section of this article.
Love and Peace ...
Jodi
(aka proud Mama)
 |
| photo by Krysten Noyes |
Months ago, I received an e-mail from Bangor Parks and Recreation about National Lemonade Day. I asked Isaac if he wanted to participate, and as is his usual, casual style, he simply said, "Sure". We went to the parks & rec to sign up and receive our lemonade stand starter kit. We read through the materials together ... which provided tips on setting your goals, creating your business plan, seeking investors, marketing your biz and everything else that one needs to start a new business venture. The materials were very comprehensive, easy to understand, and really got Isaac thinking about how to proceed. But first ... what was his goal? The materials provided stories about some fictitious kiddos who wanted skateboards, bikes and other goods ... and how they put together lemonade stands in order to achieve their goals. I read these stories to Isaac and asked him what he would like to shoot for ... a skateboard? A swing set? Legos? He said, (and I am pretty sure this is a direct quote): "I don't really want anything more than I want a little brother." And there it was - his goal.
Isaac wants a little brother. He has for a while. He even asked Santa. But Santa was not able to deliver such a treasure this past year. So, Isaac began to take matters into his own hands. He is adopted. He knows his adoption story very well and is fully aware that adoption is the means by which our family grows. He also knows that the adoption process can be quite expensive. And he wants this little brother so badly, that he is willing to put in the work needed to raise as much money as possible. And he is very serious about this.
Where to start? Well, Isaac learned that it often takes money to make money. We read about seeking out possible investors to help with his starting costs (stand, lemons, sugar, marketing materials, etc) ... and then compiled a list of people to ask to invest in his project. I felt it was very important that Isaac go and talk to these investors on his own. He needed to look them in the eye, shake their hands, tell them about his project, ask them to help, and then ask them what he could do for them in return. Because he is 7 - and I was not sure whether he could pull this off on his own - I wrote to each potential investor ahead of time to summarize what Isaac was hoping to speak to them about. This turned out to be somewhat unnecessary. Isaac was a pro. His first meeting was a bit rocky (he was somewhat tongue tied) but the rest were smooth sailing. He set up meetings with area business folk ... and each and every one of them negotiated terms with him and invested in his project. Some invested money, others invested supplies, while others invested marketing tools, etc. And all simply wanted some lemonade in return.
((( This is where I give a big shout out to those investors! Metropolitan Soul, Nocturnem Draft Haus, Giacomo's, Monahan Design, Hannaford's, Pigeon, Paddy Murphy's, and Winterport Boot Shop. These businesses know what it means to be part of their larger community - please reward them for their generosity! )))
Once the funds were secured, we researched lemonade stand plans via Google ... then Halis (aka Daddy) came up with his own design. Isaac and his Dad built and painted it together ... and the results are pretty cool ...
 |
| with storage! |
A very important part of this business venture was pulling together the theme for the stand. This also proved to be the most fun (for me at least). Isaac knew early on that he wanted a "Rocky" theme for his biz. We decided on the name: Isaac's Italian Stallion Lemonade as well as the slogan: This Lemonade Really Packs a Punch! Isaac is a huge fan of the Rocky series ... and thinks of Rocky Balboa as a true hero. His Dad and I agree. Rocky was a self-made man ... with a heart of gold ... and determination to see his dreams realized. What better theme for this venture?! With the help of Brett Settle at Giacomo's, we came up with our own recipe for a fruit punch style lemonade (it was delicious ... and contained raspberry Torani syrup!). We gathered boxing motif goods and a print of the Italian Stallion himself and created what we think was a gorgeous stand. (Isaac's grandparents stopped by during business hours to drop off a punching bag they picked up that day at a yard sale - thus completing the motif). We even had Rocky music (from all 6 films) playing from speakers inside the stand!
Because Isaac was determined to raise as much money as possible, we also set up with baked goods (made by me), houseplants (grown by Isaac and I), and farm fresh eggs (laid by our hens). These were all very well received by his customers. He sold out of baked goods and eggs in very short order.
The day of the event (his grand opening, if you will) was a seriously rainy day. The kind of rainy day that keeps you home cuddled in bed. But thanks to a good friend, Donna Allen, we were prepared with a tent ... and ready for business.
And the rain did not deter anyone! We spent quite a bit of time marketing his opening day (as well as spreading the word about National Lemonade Day) ... and it truly paid off. Monahan Design created our fliers (see above) that we shared throughout the community. We also posted the event on Facebook ... and invited over 1,000 community members. From there, the word quickly spread throughout Bangor. And friends at the Bangor Daily News spread the word as well.
The day of the event was nothing short of amazing! Droves of people came out to support Isaac. There were lines of people waiting for lemonade - in the rain! There were hugs, laughs, dancing ... and generosity beyond my wildest hopes. Some friends drove right up to West Market Square simply to run out of their cars to hand Isaac some cash for his efforts. Strangers came by with their families to support the young man who wants a little brother. Area business folks came over to give Isaac kuddos for his enterprise. It was four hours of pure joy and enthusiasm. And Isaac worked it! I mean, he was quite the business man --- with excellent customer service (we spent the night before watching videos on the subject).
 |
| photo by Matt Chabe |
Toward the end of his shift, a local Bangor Daily News reporter as well as a local WABI camera man dropped by to interview Isaac about his fundraising campaign. Again, he impressed the heck out of us. So mature, so kind, so focused. His television piece can be seen by clicking HERE. His news article can be read HERE. (Thank you to both venues for giving this some attention).
In the end - wow - what a day! I spent most of it near tears at the generosity of our community. Bangor is truly the best place to live on earth. Or at least we think so. And the Lemonade Day program is genius. Such a great way to show kids how to live the American Dream ... how to set goals and how to see them through to their fruition. We were so glad to participate in this event in the community that we love. (A hearty thank you to all!)
Isaac worked hard to raise $868 on Lemonade Day. His goal was $1500 - the cost of an adoption application/home study at the Good Samaritan Agency in Bangor. And though he was very happy to raise over half of his goal that day, he was over the moon to discover that our mailbox was full of envelopes from around the country throughout the following week. Folks who read the article online sent him funds from as far away as Alaska. Friends who couldn't make this opening day sent funds as well, by mail and through Paypal. By the end of the week, he had another $400 toward his goal. Imagine that! Over $1200 toward his goal. Amazing.
 |
| these girls are continuing to raise money for Isaac - such lovely ladies |
Again, thank you to all involved. We will keep you posted on this progress via this blog.
For those who would like to contribute to Isaac's efforts, we will post his address/paypal in the comments section of this article.
Love and Peace ...
Jodi
(aka proud Mama)
Raul's Auction
To contact us Click HERE
Just under a month to go until Raul's Auction, and we have some amazing items listed!
-Handmade pillowcase dress with hand-embellished ribbon flowers (18 month size)
-Two sets of silver plated earrings ("Hopes"/"Dreams" and "Thoughts"/"Prayers")
-Piggy Paint Little Firecracker gift set (non-toxic, odorless, kid-friendly nail polish!)
-Home canned jellies, jams, and pickles
-$50 gift certificate to Red Thread Stitches Boutique (custom made dresses)
-36" square quilt made of vintage chenille and minkee (perfect for a baby)
-Willow House ruffled glass bowl
-VeggieTales Bible, VeggieTales DVD-Super Hero Triple Feature: Larry Boy, and VeggieTales bible indexing tab set
-Headband with interchangeable handmade embellishments. 1 red Camillia flower and 1 blue fascinator
-Handmade baby blue tutu (toddler size 2-3)
-Flutterby full size Scentsy warmer w/ scent bar
-Wooly Babes handmade 15" Waldorf-inspired doll. Blushed skin, hair color (TBD), dress, and undies
-Custom name magnets! Winner can choose up to 5 names.
-Art by Raul
-Unconditional Uncensored book
-Five cards by paper cut artist Nikki McClure
-Casting Keepsakes 3D Casting Kit
-Expect Miracles butterfly bib (custom color choice) x2
-ALFANI Shimmering Leaf Bracelet
-ADORABLE jungle themed feeding tube pads
-Butterfly Mini stonework
-Beautiful handmade quilt with butterflies in support of EB awareness
-Matching skirt set for your girl and her doll
-The Estrogen Posse eBook
-West with the Wind eBook
-Willow House Tuscan Sage Bowl
-Handmade pillowcase dress with hand-embellished ribbon flowers (18 month size)
-Two sets of silver plated earrings ("Hopes"/"Dreams" and "Thoughts"/"Prayers")
-Piggy Paint Little Firecracker gift set (non-toxic, odorless, kid-friendly nail polish!)
-Home canned jellies, jams, and pickles
-$50 gift certificate to Red Thread Stitches Boutique (custom made dresses)
-36" square quilt made of vintage chenille and minkee (perfect for a baby)
-Willow House ruffled glass bowl
-VeggieTales Bible, VeggieTales DVD-Super Hero Triple Feature: Larry Boy, and VeggieTales bible indexing tab set
-Headband with interchangeable handmade embellishments. 1 red Camillia flower and 1 blue fascinator
-Handmade baby blue tutu (toddler size 2-3)
-Flutterby full size Scentsy warmer w/ scent bar
-Wooly Babes handmade 15" Waldorf-inspired doll. Blushed skin, hair color (TBD), dress, and undies
-Custom name magnets! Winner can choose up to 5 names.
-Art by Raul
-Unconditional Uncensored book
-Five cards by paper cut artist Nikki McClure
-Casting Keepsakes 3D Casting Kit
-Expect Miracles butterfly bib (custom color choice) x2
-ALFANI Shimmering Leaf Bracelet
-ADORABLE jungle themed feeding tube pads
-Butterfly Mini stonework
-Beautiful handmade quilt with butterflies in support of EB awareness
-Matching skirt set for your girl and her doll
-The Estrogen Posse eBook
-West with the Wind eBook
-Willow House Tuscan Sage Bowl
Quick Hospital Stay
To contact us Click HERE
We got home late last night from a quick hospital stay. We got to the ER about 9 PM on July 4th, and were admitted to the floor at 5:30 am. Raul had been having a high heartrate, high respiratory rate, high blood pressure, and low urine output. After doing bloodwork it was decided that it was time for his next blood transfusion, so he was admitted. Once they got an IV, it took a bunch of tries, they decided they would also jump start his antibiotics with IV antibiotics as they thought he likely also had an infection brewing based on his symptoms. Right before they were going to start the transfusion he had a high fever, but luckily it came down with tylenol and they were able to complete the transfusion.
In the past his transfusions have always ended up happening in the middle of the night, but this time it was during the day so I got to see the whole process. They had to recheck his blood type and antibodies before it, which was a big project as they couldn't get any blood from him for a while. I didn't get why they had to recheck the blood type since he had a transfusion just in March, but apparently the antibodies can change. The transfusion took about 5 hours, and he got 250 cc's of O+ blood. During the transfusion they have to constantly check his vital signs for any sign of reaction to the blood. Luckily Raul napped through most of it.
After the transfusion he still was not peeing much at all, so they decided to start IV fluids as well. He got fluids through the night, and then the next day they did a bolus since it hadn't helped yet. This was on top of his normal continuous g-tube feeds. After the bolus he did finally start to pee more, but they kept the fluids running until discharge.
We did a dressing change with an audience of at least a dozen, but thankfully dermatology agreed with me that if it was just going to be a short stay we did not have to do a bath in the hospital since it was so traumatic last time we were there. His ankles looked pretty bad, but nothing looked super infected. Since we were there, dermatology offered to do the biopsy to confirm his EB subtype that we had planned to do in a few weeks. Raul was champ, and barely got upset at all about it! The results from that should be back in a few weeks. It won't change his treatment, but the results are needed for any future trials he may be eligible for.
Raul was VERY happy to get home last night and be out of the hospital. He has to be in isolation whenever in the hospital, so he can't get out and go to the playroom or anything. And we didn't get floor mats this time, so he had to stay in the crib the whole time, which is hard for a two year old! He was very grumpy while there, but is so much better today!
Hopefully we will be able to go longer this next stretch before another transfusion. It was 6 months between his first two, and only 3.5 months between these last ones. His levels were not at a critically low level, but he was quite symptomatic this time.
Watching fireworks on TV in the ER. Raul was so funny, he LOVED the TV fireworks, and kept clapping for them.
Getting a few minutes of sleep in the ER
Sleeping during his blood transfusion. He slept with that car on his chest for almost five hours!
In the past his transfusions have always ended up happening in the middle of the night, but this time it was during the day so I got to see the whole process. They had to recheck his blood type and antibodies before it, which was a big project as they couldn't get any blood from him for a while. I didn't get why they had to recheck the blood type since he had a transfusion just in March, but apparently the antibodies can change. The transfusion took about 5 hours, and he got 250 cc's of O+ blood. During the transfusion they have to constantly check his vital signs for any sign of reaction to the blood. Luckily Raul napped through most of it.
After the transfusion he still was not peeing much at all, so they decided to start IV fluids as well. He got fluids through the night, and then the next day they did a bolus since it hadn't helped yet. This was on top of his normal continuous g-tube feeds. After the bolus he did finally start to pee more, but they kept the fluids running until discharge.
We did a dressing change with an audience of at least a dozen, but thankfully dermatology agreed with me that if it was just going to be a short stay we did not have to do a bath in the hospital since it was so traumatic last time we were there. His ankles looked pretty bad, but nothing looked super infected. Since we were there, dermatology offered to do the biopsy to confirm his EB subtype that we had planned to do in a few weeks. Raul was champ, and barely got upset at all about it! The results from that should be back in a few weeks. It won't change his treatment, but the results are needed for any future trials he may be eligible for.
Raul was VERY happy to get home last night and be out of the hospital. He has to be in isolation whenever in the hospital, so he can't get out and go to the playroom or anything. And we didn't get floor mats this time, so he had to stay in the crib the whole time, which is hard for a two year old! He was very grumpy while there, but is so much better today!
Hopefully we will be able to go longer this next stretch before another transfusion. It was 6 months between his first two, and only 3.5 months between these last ones. His levels were not at a critically low level, but he was quite symptomatic this time.
Watching fireworks on TV in the ER. Raul was so funny, he LOVED the TV fireworks, and kept clapping for them.
Getting a few minutes of sleep in the ER
Sleeping during his blood transfusion. He slept with that car on his chest for almost five hours!
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Boston: Museum of Science: Isaac's First Visit!
To contact us Click HERE
This past week, our little family took a much needed trip to Boston. "Much needed" in the sense that we needed to get away for a while, just us three, to take a break from the chaos of our lives and simply enjoy one another. But also "much needed" in the sense that Mama needed to revisit the city of her childhood ... the city that my Dad took us to whenever we needed a bit of culture, some interesting foods, music, museums, and whenever we just needed to be surrounded by people of all kinds. My Dad and I are kindred spirits ... and Boston feels good to us.
Why Tamarin monkeys? Well, I don't think we got that far, but the website reads: "Ancient stone tools, poisonous plants, DNA, fossil skulls, and tamarin monkeys all have something in common: they are all clues that help explain why all life on Earth, including humans, evolves over generations." So if you are interested, check out their site and search for the connection.
There was so much to see all around us ... and so little time (we will definitely go back!). There were so many exhibits that we enjoyed but did not get any pictures of. A fave that comes to mind is the new X-Ray exhibit ... where Daddy showed Isaac the x-rays of various animals with various ailments.
I found this amazing rock ...
Anyone know what is called? It is gorgeous. I want to wear it all over me!
I also found this enormous piece of artwork that called to me ...
I think I may try to recreate this in some way ... on a much smaller scale ... and with paper :)
Here - for whatever reason - was one of my favorite interactive sections of the museum ...
I think I would also like to recreate this in our home too! What a simple, yet brilliant way to learn about birds! Oh, and I just have a thing for silhouettes :)
This was Isaac's favorite ... and I really think he could have spent hours at it ... watching the mechanics at work ...
At one point, there were at least a dozen kids watching this piece ... and I think Isaac loved it as much for the social interaction as he did for the mechanics of it. That's my boy.
And at the very end of our visit, I remembered the bees! The bees that I was mesmerized by as a child ... so Halis and I made sure to run Isaac up to the top floor to catch a glimpse. And it was worth it ... once again ...
So, there ya have it ... a glimpse of what we enjoyed during our first Boston day. We missed quite a bit at the museum ... so now have an excuse to return ... that and we want to do an overnight in the museum! I want to live out the adventures of Claudia and Jamie ... just as I heard them when I was in 3rd grade :) Have you ever done such a thing?
Although we weren't able to explore any one exhibit in the depth that it deserved, we now have some starting points for homeschool discussion and exploration.
Day Two? The Aquarium! And it was AWESOME! Will post more asap. Thank you for reading & sharing with us.
Love,
Jodi & Family
I took Meaghan to Boston when she was 6 (still searching for the pics of that trip) ... taking the train in from Lowell ... for a visit to the New England Aquarium. It was a wonderful day for us ... and I figured it was time to do the same for Isaac.
But instead of one day ... we took a vacation of three days. One day for each place that I wanted to share with my boy. Day one? The Museum of Science.
As a child, I loved the Museum. As a young adult, I found it boring. As a Mama, I fell in love all over again. Such a huge place full of rich history and exciting innovations.
Here is a bit of what we saw/did:
First stop ... Theatre of Lightning ... one of my favorite exhibits from childhood ... and as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. But not one of Isaac's favorites. Very loud and a bit over his head. But interesting (again) for both Daddy and me.
Then, a bit of the old space exhibits that we parents also remembered from our childhood ...
R2-D2 and Luke Skywalker never get old. And since Isaac is a recent convert to the whole Star Wars trilogy ... this was a super cool find for him.
Sometime after space ... we went over to the Evolution, Human Birth and Anatomy sections. These were my favorite! Skeletons that showed the evolution of the human species ... various animal brains in jars (beluga whale brains are awesome!) ... a whole exhibit on reproduction that was so well done ... baby chicks hatching in a hatchery for all to see ... WAY COOL.
And as part of the whole Human Evolution exhibit ... there were Tamarin monkeys ... live ones. So adorable and fun to watch. And I swear to you ... on pain of death by flying monkeys ... that we (all three of us) witnessed two Tamarins totally making out. Like for real making out. Lips to lips ... smooching. Then they would preen each other ... then cuddle ... then smooch ... and repeat. It was awesome.
Why Tamarin monkeys? Well, I don't think we got that far, but the website reads: "Ancient stone tools, poisonous plants, DNA, fossil skulls, and tamarin monkeys all have something in common: they are all clues that help explain why all life on Earth, including humans, evolves over generations." So if you are interested, check out their site and search for the connection.Later ... after skipping around to various exhibits (we had only a few hours so did much skipping about to the exhibits we knew were a must see) ... we found ourselves among dinosaurs!
The above dino is Cliff, who is apparently a big deal. He is one of only 4 nearly intact Triceratops skeletons in the world.(I am loving the picture I took of him!) As I looked over his bones, while Halis and Isaac were goofing about somewhere else, I found myself wondering how some people, in order to keep to their religion, have decided that all the skeletons/fossils of dinosaurs are a hoax. Apparently they need to believe this in order for the Christian bible timeline to make sense. I wondered how on earth anyone could pull off such a global hoax ... and how people could believe that these bones were planted all over the world for archaeologists to feign the discovery of them. I wondered this in part because I once had a friend who truly believes that dinosaurs were created as a global hoax to usurp Christianity. ANYWAY ... while I was wondering all that ...
Isaac was simply enjoying them. :)
There was so much to see all around us ... and so little time (we will definitely go back!). There were so many exhibits that we enjoyed but did not get any pictures of. A fave that comes to mind is the new X-Ray exhibit ... where Daddy showed Isaac the x-rays of various animals with various ailments.
I found this amazing rock ...
Anyone know what is called? It is gorgeous. I want to wear it all over me!I also found this enormous piece of artwork that called to me ...
I think I may try to recreate this in some way ... on a much smaller scale ... and with paper :)
Here - for whatever reason - was one of my favorite interactive sections of the museum ...
I think I would also like to recreate this in our home too! What a simple, yet brilliant way to learn about birds! Oh, and I just have a thing for silhouettes :)
This was Isaac's favorite ... and I really think he could have spent hours at it ... watching the mechanics at work ...
At one point, there were at least a dozen kids watching this piece ... and I think Isaac loved it as much for the social interaction as he did for the mechanics of it. That's my boy. And at the very end of our visit, I remembered the bees! The bees that I was mesmerized by as a child ... so Halis and I made sure to run Isaac up to the top floor to catch a glimpse. And it was worth it ... once again ...
So, there ya have it ... a glimpse of what we enjoyed during our first Boston day. We missed quite a bit at the museum ... so now have an excuse to return ... that and we want to do an overnight in the museum! I want to live out the adventures of Claudia and Jamie ... just as I heard them when I was in 3rd grade :) Have you ever done such a thing?
Although we weren't able to explore any one exhibit in the depth that it deserved, we now have some starting points for homeschool discussion and exploration.
Day Two? The Aquarium! And it was AWESOME! Will post more asap. Thank you for reading & sharing with us.
Love,
Jodi & Family
It's New Years Eve!
To contact us Click HERE
What's your resolution? Do you make them? Do you keep them?
I don't know if I have ever really made any ... and I am sure I simply can't THINK of any because I never really actually KEPT any. But I have a few "thoughts" for the upcoming year ;) And they go something like this:
* Like nearly every other American, I would like to make a commitment to weight loss and healthier living in the new year ... especially since the Mayans believed that this will be the last year for humans on earth. Or maybe because it could be my last year ... I should just eat tons of chocolate and worry not about my heart or health? Hmmmm ... I signed Isaac and I up for karate anyway. At least if the Zombie Apocalypse occurs, (as also popularly believed), I will be prepared for executing awesome karate chops to brainless heads. And I will be healthier ... just in case we all make it to 2013.
* I would like to make a commitment to play more. Yes, PLAY. I want to play board games, team sports, practical jokes (only the nice, really fun kind), play with Isaac and Halis more ... creating epic star wars battles on the living room floor ... etc. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. One of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes quotes comes to mind: "There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want." I wish to MAKE that time ... to do the silly things that society tends to tell us do not matter ... like chasing each other around with squirt guns, playing endless games of Monopoly, faux tag team wrestling on the bed, searching for worms in the spring mud, etc. etc. etc. Are you feeling me?
* I also wish to make a commitment to create fun play dates with my friends. And if they want, we can run around and chase each other with squirt guns (as stated above) OR we can go out for martinis ... whichever is preferred at the moment. I have amazing friends, and I think 2012 will rock if I make the commitment to spend more time with them.
* But perhaps most important, my sweet little family of 3 has made the commitment to add another child to our family in 2012! Not a resolution really ... but we have announced to friends and family that we have begun the process to domestically adopt a newborn into our family. We are all very excited about this. Isaac is certainly the MOST excited :) Details will follow ...
2012 will undoubtedly be awesome. Many changes have taken place in our lives over 2011 ... and though some were difficult to be sure ... they have led us to this new place of hope, renewed faith & love, and a commitment to cherish and grow our family and our circle of friends.
At this time of reflection on the past and hope for the future ... I wonder what you are all thinking about committing to for the new year ... for your life ... for your family ... for you. Please share.
And thank you all for reading and sharing with me over the past year. Love to you and yours. Happy New Year.
Love,
Jodi
What's your resolution? Do you make them? Do you keep them?
I don't know if I have ever really made any ... and I am sure I simply can't THINK of any because I never really actually KEPT any. But I have a few "thoughts" for the upcoming year ;) And they go something like this:
* Like nearly every other American, I would like to make a commitment to weight loss and healthier living in the new year ... especially since the Mayans believed that this will be the last year for humans on earth. Or maybe because it could be my last year ... I should just eat tons of chocolate and worry not about my heart or health? Hmmmm ... I signed Isaac and I up for karate anyway. At least if the Zombie Apocalypse occurs, (as also popularly believed), I will be prepared for executing awesome karate chops to brainless heads. And I will be healthier ... just in case we all make it to 2013.
* I would like to make a commitment to play more. Yes, PLAY. I want to play board games, team sports, practical jokes (only the nice, really fun kind), play with Isaac and Halis more ... creating epic star wars battles on the living room floor ... etc. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. One of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes quotes comes to mind: "There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want." I wish to MAKE that time ... to do the silly things that society tends to tell us do not matter ... like chasing each other around with squirt guns, playing endless games of Monopoly, faux tag team wrestling on the bed, searching for worms in the spring mud, etc. etc. etc. Are you feeling me?
* I also wish to make a commitment to create fun play dates with my friends. And if they want, we can run around and chase each other with squirt guns (as stated above) OR we can go out for martinis ... whichever is preferred at the moment. I have amazing friends, and I think 2012 will rock if I make the commitment to spend more time with them.
* But perhaps most important, my sweet little family of 3 has made the commitment to add another child to our family in 2012! Not a resolution really ... but we have announced to friends and family that we have begun the process to domestically adopt a newborn into our family. We are all very excited about this. Isaac is certainly the MOST excited :) Details will follow ...
2012 will undoubtedly be awesome. Many changes have taken place in our lives over 2011 ... and though some were difficult to be sure ... they have led us to this new place of hope, renewed faith & love, and a commitment to cherish and grow our family and our circle of friends.
At this time of reflection on the past and hope for the future ... I wonder what you are all thinking about committing to for the new year ... for your life ... for your family ... for you. Please share.
And thank you all for reading and sharing with me over the past year. Love to you and yours. Happy New Year.
Love,
Jodi
Children's Museum of Bangor.
To contact us Click HERE
It was a snowy day earlier this week ... so Isaac and I decided to spend some time at the local Maine Discovery Museum. I now know that poor Isaac was coming down with something ... so he didn't expend too much energy ... but we did enjoy the following ...
It was a snowy day earlier this week ... so Isaac and I decided to spend some time at the local Maine Discovery Museum. I now know that poor Isaac was coming down with something ... so he didn't expend too much energy ... but we did enjoy the following ...
This place is such a treasure in our community ... and my photographs only give the smallest glimpse of how awesome it is. Since we were both feeling a bit "under the weather" ... we didnt spend as much quality time as we have in the past and will in the future :)
Just thought I'd show a glimpse of one our recent outings. What are you all up to???
Love,JodiIsaac's Drawing.
To contact us Click HERE
Isaac asked me yesterday what I did for work before he was born. My response was that I had several jobs during my young adult life ... so did he want to know them all? He told me to pick the one I had when Daddy and I first starting dating...
Well, the truth is that when Halis and I first started dating ... at the age of 15 ... I worked this crappy, crappy job at a stateline liquor store (which apparently is now a smoke shop). Working there under the age of 18 would be totally illegal now. Maybe even under 21, I don't know. And maybe it was even illegal then, but the guy who managed the place was my Dad's friend and that is how I got the job. Basically, I sold lots and lots of beer. And though I have no problem with beer, I felt a little weird telling my 6-year old that when I was still a kid, I was selling liquor. (Not to mention that I walked to and from the store ... a couple miles each way ... in the dark ... alone ... through a sketchy part of town). But anyway ... I saw that Isaac had a pen in hand as he was asking me this question, so assuming my answer might turn into some artwork ... I lied.
I told Isaac about one of the next jobs I had ... one that I am very proud of ... I worked as a Nanny for the Trippier family from the time I was 18 to about 21 (when I left to get married and move to Maine). He liked that answer. He smiled. And then he went to ask Daddy the same question.
About 20 minutes later, my boy comes to me with this drawing:
I thought I knew what was going on in this drawing, but never wanting to assume ... I asked him to explain. He told me that Daddy used to work at a sub shop when he started dating me (totally true) and that on the upper left hand corner is a picture of Daddy serving a sandwhich to a customer. He then explained that I am on the left of the drawing, serving green soda to one of the kids that I took care of. I smiled ... (glad that he didn't show a picture of me serving beer ... but humored by the thought that the picture would probably look exactly the same either way).
I then looked at the baby-in-the-belly picture, and asked if this was a picture of him. He said yes ... that the entire picture was showing what everyone was doing while he (Isaac) was waiting to be born inside of his birthmom, Marjorie. I then noticed that Marjorie was smiling in the picture, but that Daddy and I were frowning. When I asked him about this, he explained that we were unhappy because our baby wasn't born yet ... and that we were waiting for him ... but that Marjorie was smiling because she knew he was going to be born soon.
Awesome. Truly awesome.
And it is in these sorts of random drawings that I learn more and more about what my boy is thinking ... and how he views the world.
Enjoy your world today ... especially your kiddos.
Love,
Jodi
Well, the truth is that when Halis and I first started dating ... at the age of 15 ... I worked this crappy, crappy job at a stateline liquor store (which apparently is now a smoke shop). Working there under the age of 18 would be totally illegal now. Maybe even under 21, I don't know. And maybe it was even illegal then, but the guy who managed the place was my Dad's friend and that is how I got the job. Basically, I sold lots and lots of beer. And though I have no problem with beer, I felt a little weird telling my 6-year old that when I was still a kid, I was selling liquor. (Not to mention that I walked to and from the store ... a couple miles each way ... in the dark ... alone ... through a sketchy part of town). But anyway ... I saw that Isaac had a pen in hand as he was asking me this question, so assuming my answer might turn into some artwork ... I lied.
I told Isaac about one of the next jobs I had ... one that I am very proud of ... I worked as a Nanny for the Trippier family from the time I was 18 to about 21 (when I left to get married and move to Maine). He liked that answer. He smiled. And then he went to ask Daddy the same question.
About 20 minutes later, my boy comes to me with this drawing:
I thought I knew what was going on in this drawing, but never wanting to assume ... I asked him to explain. He told me that Daddy used to work at a sub shop when he started dating me (totally true) and that on the upper left hand corner is a picture of Daddy serving a sandwhich to a customer. He then explained that I am on the left of the drawing, serving green soda to one of the kids that I took care of. I smiled ... (glad that he didn't show a picture of me serving beer ... but humored by the thought that the picture would probably look exactly the same either way).
I then looked at the baby-in-the-belly picture, and asked if this was a picture of him. He said yes ... that the entire picture was showing what everyone was doing while he (Isaac) was waiting to be born inside of his birthmom, Marjorie. I then noticed that Marjorie was smiling in the picture, but that Daddy and I were frowning. When I asked him about this, he explained that we were unhappy because our baby wasn't born yet ... and that we were waiting for him ... but that Marjorie was smiling because she knew he was going to be born soon.
Awesome. Truly awesome.
And it is in these sorts of random drawings that I learn more and more about what my boy is thinking ... and how he views the world.
Enjoy your world today ... especially your kiddos.
Love,
Jodi
Isaac's Italian Stallion Lemonade Stand.
To contact us Click HERE
Isaac is amazing. If you know him, you already know this. If you don't, please allow me to illuminate his awesomeness (as well as the awesomeness of the community we live in). On Sunday, June 3rd, Isaac set up his Italian Stallion Lemonade Stand in West Market Square in Downtown Bangor as part of National Lemonade Day. It was a HUGE success. He raised over $800 in 4 hours and has raised an additional $400+ in the days after. And this is how it all came together ...
Months ago, I received an e-mail from Bangor Parks and Recreation about National Lemonade Day. I asked Isaac if he wanted to participate, and as is his usual, casual style, he simply said, "Sure". We went to the parks & rec to sign up and receive our lemonade stand starter kit. We read through the materials together ... which provided tips on setting your goals, creating your business plan, seeking investors, marketing your biz and everything else that one needs to start a new business venture. The materials were very comprehensive, easy to understand, and really got Isaac thinking about how to proceed. But first ... what was his goal? The materials provided stories about some fictitious kiddos who wanted skateboards, bikes and other goods ... and how they put together lemonade stands in order to achieve their goals. I read these stories to Isaac and asked him what he would like to shoot for ... a skateboard? A swing set? Legos? He said, (and I am pretty sure this is a direct quote): "I don't really want anything more than I want a little brother." And there it was - his goal.
Isaac wants a little brother. He has for a while. He even asked Santa. But Santa was not able to deliver such a treasure this past year. So, Isaac began to take matters into his own hands. He is adopted. He knows his adoption story very well and is fully aware that adoption is the means by which our family grows. He also knows that the adoption process can be quite expensive. And he wants this little brother so badly, that he is willing to put in the work needed to raise as much money as possible. And he is very serious about this.
Where to start? Well, Isaac learned that it often takes money to make money. We read about seeking out possible investors to help with his starting costs (stand, lemons, sugar, marketing materials, etc) ... and then compiled a list of people to ask to invest in his project. I felt it was very important that Isaac go and talk to these investors on his own. He needed to look them in the eye, shake their hands, tell them about his project, ask them to help, and then ask them what he could do for them in return. Because he is 7 - and I was not sure whether he could pull this off on his own - I wrote to each potential investor ahead of time to summarize what Isaac was hoping to speak to them about. This turned out to be somewhat unnecessary. Isaac was a pro. His first meeting was a bit rocky (he was somewhat tongue tied) but the rest were smooth sailing. He set up meetings with area business folk ... and each and every one of them negotiated terms with him and invested in his project. Some invested money, others invested supplies, while others invested marketing tools, etc. And all simply wanted some lemonade in return.
((( This is where I give a big shout out to those investors! Metropolitan Soul, Nocturnem Draft Haus, Giacomo's, Monahan Design, Hannaford's, Pigeon, Paddy Murphy's, and Winterport Boot Shop. These businesses know what it means to be part of their larger community - please reward them for their generosity! )))
Once the funds were secured, we researched lemonade stand plans via Google ... then Halis (aka Daddy) came up with his own design. Isaac and his Dad built and painted it together ... and the results are pretty cool ...
A very important part of this business venture was pulling together the theme for the stand. This also proved to be the most fun (for me at least). Isaac knew early on that he wanted a "Rocky" theme for his biz. We decided on the name: Isaac's Italian Stallion Lemonade as well as the slogan: This Lemonade Really Packs a Punch! Isaac is a huge fan of the Rocky series ... and thinks of Rocky Balboa as a true hero. His Dad and I agree. Rocky was a self-made man ... with a heart of gold ... and determination to see his dreams realized. What better theme for this venture?!
With the help of Brett Settle at Giacomo's, we came up with our own recipe for a fruit punch style lemonade (it was delicious ... and contained raspberry Torani syrup!). We gathered boxing motif goods and a print of the Italian Stallion himself and created what we think was a gorgeous stand. (Isaac's grandparents stopped by during business hours to drop off a punching bag they picked up that day at a yard sale - thus completing the motif). We even had Rocky music (from all 6 films) playing from speakers inside the stand!
Because Isaac was determined to raise as much money as possible, we also set up with baked goods (made by me), houseplants (grown by Isaac and I), and farm fresh eggs (laid by our hens). These were all very well received by his customers. He sold out of baked goods and eggs in very short order.
The day of the event (his grand opening, if you will) was a seriously rainy day. The kind of rainy day that keeps you home cuddled in bed. But thanks to a good friend, Donna Allen, we were prepared with a tent ... and ready for business.
And the rain did not deter anyone! We spent quite a bit of time marketing his opening day (as well as spreading the word about National Lemonade Day) ... and it truly paid off. Monahan Design created our fliers (see above) that we shared throughout the community. We also posted the event on Facebook ... and invited over 1,000 community members. From there, the word quickly spread throughout Bangor. And friends at the Bangor Daily News spread the word as well.
The day of the event was nothing short of amazing! Droves of people came out to support Isaac. There were lines of people waiting for lemonade - in the rain! There were hugs, laughs, dancing ... and generosity beyond my wildest hopes. Some friends drove right up to West Market Square simply to run out of their cars to hand Isaac some cash for his efforts. Strangers came by with their families to support the young man who wants a little brother. Area business folks came over to give Isaac kuddos for his enterprise. It was four hours of pure joy and enthusiasm. And Isaac worked it! I mean, he was quite the business man --- with excellent customer service (we spent the night before watching videos on the subject).
Isaac was so very focused on doing this well. He met every customer with a smile and a "Hi. What can I get for you today?" or a "Would you like some lemonade?" followed by "Can I get you a garnish with that (a lemon slice)?" and "Please help yourself to some pastries." And he always ended transactions with a shy but sweet "Thank you." He would break from his work only to hug his friends or pose for pictures ... otherwise, he was fully engaged in making the lemonade, cutting the lemons, pouring, organizing, cleaning, etc. His Dad and I were so impressed. We figured we might have to occasionally get him re-focused throughout the day, but we were wrong. At just 7 years old, he had more discipline and determination than I could have expected.
Toward the end of his shift, a local Bangor Daily News reporter as well as a local WABI camera man dropped by to interview Isaac about his fundraising campaign. Again, he impressed the heck out of us. So mature, so kind, so focused. His television piece can be seen by clicking HERE. His news article can be read HERE. (Thank you to both venues for giving this some attention).
In the end - wow - what a day! I spent most of it near tears at the generosity of our community. Bangor is truly the best place to live on earth. Or at least we think so. And the Lemonade Day program is genius. Such a great way to show kids how to live the American Dream ... how to set goals and how to see them through to their fruition. We were so glad to participate in this event in the community that we love. (A hearty thank you to all!)
Isaac worked hard to raise $868 on Lemonade Day. His goal was $1500 - the cost of an adoption application/home study at the Good Samaritan Agency in Bangor. And though he was very happy to raise over half of his goal that day, he was over the moon to discover that our mailbox was full of envelopes from around the country throughout the following week. Folks who read the article online sent him funds from as far away as Alaska. Friends who couldn't make this opening day sent funds as well, by mail and through Paypal. By the end of the week, he had another $400 toward his goal. Imagine that! Over $1200 toward his goal. Amazing.
I have no doubt that Isaac will find a way to bring another child into our family. And in short order. We have plans to set up his lemonade stand at various venues this summer, throughout Bangor. He also has some other fundraising ideas in mind. And though his parents have other thoughts about this, he is determined that his little brother's name will be Gabriel. I have no doubt that Isaac will be the best big brother to sweet little Gabriel. We can't wait to meet him.
Again, thank you to all involved. We will keep you posted on this progress via this blog.
For those who would like to contribute to Isaac's efforts, we will post his address/paypal in the comments section of this article.
Love and Peace ...
Jodi
(aka proud Mama)
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| photo by Krysten Noyes |
Months ago, I received an e-mail from Bangor Parks and Recreation about National Lemonade Day. I asked Isaac if he wanted to participate, and as is his usual, casual style, he simply said, "Sure". We went to the parks & rec to sign up and receive our lemonade stand starter kit. We read through the materials together ... which provided tips on setting your goals, creating your business plan, seeking investors, marketing your biz and everything else that one needs to start a new business venture. The materials were very comprehensive, easy to understand, and really got Isaac thinking about how to proceed. But first ... what was his goal? The materials provided stories about some fictitious kiddos who wanted skateboards, bikes and other goods ... and how they put together lemonade stands in order to achieve their goals. I read these stories to Isaac and asked him what he would like to shoot for ... a skateboard? A swing set? Legos? He said, (and I am pretty sure this is a direct quote): "I don't really want anything more than I want a little brother." And there it was - his goal.
Isaac wants a little brother. He has for a while. He even asked Santa. But Santa was not able to deliver such a treasure this past year. So, Isaac began to take matters into his own hands. He is adopted. He knows his adoption story very well and is fully aware that adoption is the means by which our family grows. He also knows that the adoption process can be quite expensive. And he wants this little brother so badly, that he is willing to put in the work needed to raise as much money as possible. And he is very serious about this.
Where to start? Well, Isaac learned that it often takes money to make money. We read about seeking out possible investors to help with his starting costs (stand, lemons, sugar, marketing materials, etc) ... and then compiled a list of people to ask to invest in his project. I felt it was very important that Isaac go and talk to these investors on his own. He needed to look them in the eye, shake their hands, tell them about his project, ask them to help, and then ask them what he could do for them in return. Because he is 7 - and I was not sure whether he could pull this off on his own - I wrote to each potential investor ahead of time to summarize what Isaac was hoping to speak to them about. This turned out to be somewhat unnecessary. Isaac was a pro. His first meeting was a bit rocky (he was somewhat tongue tied) but the rest were smooth sailing. He set up meetings with area business folk ... and each and every one of them negotiated terms with him and invested in his project. Some invested money, others invested supplies, while others invested marketing tools, etc. And all simply wanted some lemonade in return.
((( This is where I give a big shout out to those investors! Metropolitan Soul, Nocturnem Draft Haus, Giacomo's, Monahan Design, Hannaford's, Pigeon, Paddy Murphy's, and Winterport Boot Shop. These businesses know what it means to be part of their larger community - please reward them for their generosity! )))
Once the funds were secured, we researched lemonade stand plans via Google ... then Halis (aka Daddy) came up with his own design. Isaac and his Dad built and painted it together ... and the results are pretty cool ...
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| with storage! |
A very important part of this business venture was pulling together the theme for the stand. This also proved to be the most fun (for me at least). Isaac knew early on that he wanted a "Rocky" theme for his biz. We decided on the name: Isaac's Italian Stallion Lemonade as well as the slogan: This Lemonade Really Packs a Punch! Isaac is a huge fan of the Rocky series ... and thinks of Rocky Balboa as a true hero. His Dad and I agree. Rocky was a self-made man ... with a heart of gold ... and determination to see his dreams realized. What better theme for this venture?! With the help of Brett Settle at Giacomo's, we came up with our own recipe for a fruit punch style lemonade (it was delicious ... and contained raspberry Torani syrup!). We gathered boxing motif goods and a print of the Italian Stallion himself and created what we think was a gorgeous stand. (Isaac's grandparents stopped by during business hours to drop off a punching bag they picked up that day at a yard sale - thus completing the motif). We even had Rocky music (from all 6 films) playing from speakers inside the stand!
Because Isaac was determined to raise as much money as possible, we also set up with baked goods (made by me), houseplants (grown by Isaac and I), and farm fresh eggs (laid by our hens). These were all very well received by his customers. He sold out of baked goods and eggs in very short order.
The day of the event (his grand opening, if you will) was a seriously rainy day. The kind of rainy day that keeps you home cuddled in bed. But thanks to a good friend, Donna Allen, we were prepared with a tent ... and ready for business.
And the rain did not deter anyone! We spent quite a bit of time marketing his opening day (as well as spreading the word about National Lemonade Day) ... and it truly paid off. Monahan Design created our fliers (see above) that we shared throughout the community. We also posted the event on Facebook ... and invited over 1,000 community members. From there, the word quickly spread throughout Bangor. And friends at the Bangor Daily News spread the word as well.
The day of the event was nothing short of amazing! Droves of people came out to support Isaac. There were lines of people waiting for lemonade - in the rain! There were hugs, laughs, dancing ... and generosity beyond my wildest hopes. Some friends drove right up to West Market Square simply to run out of their cars to hand Isaac some cash for his efforts. Strangers came by with their families to support the young man who wants a little brother. Area business folks came over to give Isaac kuddos for his enterprise. It was four hours of pure joy and enthusiasm. And Isaac worked it! I mean, he was quite the business man --- with excellent customer service (we spent the night before watching videos on the subject).
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| photo by Matt Chabe |
Toward the end of his shift, a local Bangor Daily News reporter as well as a local WABI camera man dropped by to interview Isaac about his fundraising campaign. Again, he impressed the heck out of us. So mature, so kind, so focused. His television piece can be seen by clicking HERE. His news article can be read HERE. (Thank you to both venues for giving this some attention).
In the end - wow - what a day! I spent most of it near tears at the generosity of our community. Bangor is truly the best place to live on earth. Or at least we think so. And the Lemonade Day program is genius. Such a great way to show kids how to live the American Dream ... how to set goals and how to see them through to their fruition. We were so glad to participate in this event in the community that we love. (A hearty thank you to all!)
Isaac worked hard to raise $868 on Lemonade Day. His goal was $1500 - the cost of an adoption application/home study at the Good Samaritan Agency in Bangor. And though he was very happy to raise over half of his goal that day, he was over the moon to discover that our mailbox was full of envelopes from around the country throughout the following week. Folks who read the article online sent him funds from as far away as Alaska. Friends who couldn't make this opening day sent funds as well, by mail and through Paypal. By the end of the week, he had another $400 toward his goal. Imagine that! Over $1200 toward his goal. Amazing.
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| these girls are continuing to raise money for Isaac - such lovely ladies |
Again, thank you to all involved. We will keep you posted on this progress via this blog.
For those who would like to contribute to Isaac's efforts, we will post his address/paypal in the comments section of this article.
Love and Peace ...
Jodi
(aka proud Mama)
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