In 2011 I decided I needed to DO something with my life. Not just for myself, but for others. I needed some kind of creative outlet. Something that I could do around the many things that Motherhood to two amazing children entails. Something that wouldn't just be good for me, but for someone else. I had been crocheting for a while. Well for years. I had done afghans for loved ones, scarves for friends, and even attempted a couple of purses. I thought that MAYBE someday I would do a craft fair or two. I realized then and there that this was a creative outlet that I would enjoy and that I could potentially sell. This satisfied part of what my heart was crying out for. Blankets. Baby Blankets. A friend of mine was working at a teen mothers home here in town. These girls were kicked out of their homes because of their decision to keep their babies. They needed someone to believe in them. They needed someone to say that they had made the right decision. I could help. I could give them blankets that were handmade, with all of the love that I could pack into them. So I started. There were ten or so girls in the home at the time. I hadn't crocheted in a year or more, and that was slowing me down. I was relearning a lot of things. But I made one blanket. Then two. Then three. Then my friend moved away and I lost contact with the people running the home. I will be the first to admit that I have issues with making phone calls. If it were up to me I would never cold call anyone, ever. So I didn't. And I am sad to say I never sent one blanket to that teen shelter. After the stories I had been told about the girls bad attitudes and entitled views I realized that my gifts, talents, love and prayers would be lost on them. Maybe it isn't noble of me to say that because they wouldn't appreciate the gift I refused to give it. Truly that isn't the point. BUT I realized that so many more babies could benefit if the right people got ahold of my idea. Babies are a blessing from God. Being a mother of two precious children myself I know how dear they are. I couldn't imagine my life without them. I am so blessed to be a mother. I can only imagine what it is like to have your child become sick. So sick it threatens their life. I can't imagine what it is like to not be able to feed or clothe my children. To be faced with a cold winter and no place to call home for my precious babies. But I could pray for those in that situation. And I could make blankets for those huge blessings wrapped in tiny bodies. And so I decided not to give up on Blankets 4 Blessings. Those first three blankets are not sitting in my basement awaiting owners. They have been sent to babies in three different states. One here in my very own town, and two far away. But those blankets full of love, and my prayers for healing and wholeness are wrapped around three very special babies. And I am thankful. Thankful that I could do that. That I could help these babies and their parents know that God LOVES them. THEM. That He cares for their child and their situation. And that He is the one that will wrap them in love. And now, Blankets 4 Blessings is a growing, thriving business. So far in 2013 I have given away a hat, two prayer shawls for women battling cancer (yes, they are Blessings too!), and I am working on a blanket for a little girl recently diagnosed with Leukemia. I have lots of orders coming in. Blankets, hats, even some kitchen items. I work daily on these items. They give me a sense of purpose. Of being useful. I love being useful. This week an auction opens benefiting a little boy who's mother is a friend. He is deaf and almost blind and he needs equipment that insurance won't cover. His 6 month NICU stay dried up everything they had, but he still needs more. An online mom's group that I am in heard of his need. Mom wasn't asking for anything. We all knew that. But get 350 women together with a common goal and watch the organization start to happen! Within MINUTES an auction had been organized, and several direct sales fundraisers had been started. There is even a Wepay site that had almost 30% of the money needed raised in a matter of days. It is a blessing to me to be part of this group. I have never met Eagan's mother. I have never seen anything more than pictures of sweet little Eagan, but he is my blessing. This group of women, some Christian, some not, some high income, some low, some nearby and some far away, rallied behind him. And Blankets 4 Blessings, MY business gets to play a role in his life. THIS is why I started to do this. This is the kind of help I want to be. This is what I want to do. And so I am! If you would like to donate to Eagan's equipment needs check out https://www.wepay.com/donations/1422105433 There is a Scenty fundraiser here https://christymitchell.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=136325851 Also a Pampered Chef Fundraiser https://www.facebook.com/events/128999497272472/?ref=2 And Oragami Owl here http://www.facebook.com/events/290071834454167/ For the Auction check out the album below. (I have some items in there!) http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.213251145487288.71466.151296605016076&type=1