1. Five Things link up is posted every Thursday at Midnight EST. Share any five things that are on your mind right now. Whether it's something you are obsessing with on Pinterest, a new and exciting event going on in your life, or even sharing five of your favorite books; it's totally up to you. 

2. Please put the Five Things button on the post you're sharing for the link up; sharing is caring, the more players involved the more fun we'll have.

3. Please follow both your hosts Diana from The World Around Her and Tairalyn from Little Miss Mama via Facebook {here and here} and/or Twitter {here and here}. As it’s not mandatory it is greatly appreciated. 

4. If you tweet about your post or Instagram it, feel free to tag me or Tairalyn and use the hashtag, #FiveThingsParty

5. Check out the other bloggers who have linked up, show them some love and comment on at least one other bloggers link-up post.

1.  As a parent, I just can't imagine what Ryan's family is going through. How terrible that day must have been for them. One minute he is playing and laughing and the next minute he is up in Heaven. It gives me chills and breaks my heart. But, I know this little boy's memory will live on forever, the efforts of the blogger and social media community has been pretty amazing to watch this week. In just two days the Go Fund Me page Keli Francis put together, has raised $40,000 plus and their goal was only $25,000! 

2. I re-posted this collage on Instagram of a few shops that are donating proceeds to Ryan's parents Jacqui and Dan. The shops are Loved by Hannah and Eli, Lisa Leonard Designs, Kate and Linny, Geo Fox Apparel, Little Wanderers , Antlers and Bows, Heart Yourself Jewelry, and Keilyn Rose Couture . Plus I just learned that there is also an auction of Six $1,000 gift baskets going on today on Instagram at CupcakeMag. Follow along with hashtag #RedBalloonsforRyan

3. One person can make a difference on Social Media and we can spread the word so fast that even celebrities will share. I clicked on #RedBalloonsforRyan and saw that actress Sophia Bush had shared this photo and the link to the Go Fund Me for Ryan's family. If we can do this for Ryan's family, imagine what we can do for the world. 

4. Speaking of the world, why did it take so long for the news of the terrifying kidnapping of 300 girls in Nigeria to reach The United States? Thanks to one woman's (Ramaa Mosley) efforts, everyone is now talking about #BringBackOurGirls. 

5. Shout it out and get these girls home, shout it out and stand up for women every where. Did you know that these Nigerian girls were kidnapped because they were learning? The terrorists kidnapped them right from their school and they believe that Western education is a sin. They want women to be their slaves instead of getting an education. It's sad and horrifying to know that in 2014 things like this are still going on. 

Social Media can be used for good things, so use that hashtag wisely and help share the stories of others who don't have a voice. 

Thanks for stopping by, we would love for you to link up with us and share the five things that are on your mind this week. 

Cards for Ryan...

There were so many posts about where to donate and things to purchase in honor of Ryan with proceeds going to his family. But, I wanted to reach out to the family and send them a card. So I left a comment to Thrive Moms on Instagram and they returned my question with a P.O. Box that their church is using to collect cards and care packages to give to Ryan's parents Jacqui and Dan. 

Please if you do one thing this week, share Ryan's life with your friends and family. Keep his memory going and read his story on Alissa's blog Diary of an Addict, she was Jacqui's best friend and is doing an amazing effort in sharing this spunky little boy's life with us all. 

Also, if you don't have the means to donate, please consider sending them a card at...

Attn: Ryan Saldana
P.O. Box 31011 Edmond, OK 73034

Heavy Heart

So I was supposed to show you my little owl buddy, but not everything in life is scheduled or goes as planned. 

The blogging world is pretty big and when you get to know bloggers you get to know designers, bakers, chefs, magazine editors, wedding photographers and planners, etc. 

Today on my Instagram news feed I spotted this photo posted by blogger and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard...

{source}

I'm not sure what stopped me, but when I read the note attached to the photo on Lisa's Instagram, my heart just sunk. You see, this adorable little boy tragically lost his life last week and as soon as I read those words and continued to see his photo in my news feed I knew I had to share his story. 

We may not always be able to help out by purchasing an item that benefits a charity or a cause, but we can spread love, share the story for others who may be able to donate, or just share the story so others can appreciate what they have a little bit more. 

Life may not always be perfect, sometimes it gets a little crazy, and sometimes you're not sure if you are doing the right thing as a parent, step-parent, or guardian. But, one thing I know for sure that is always right, even in the middle of the chaos, is showing your kids, step-kids, grand-kids, etc. how much you love them. Kids just want to know that there is someone out there who is in their corner rooting for them, loving them, and appreciating everything they do. No matter how old your children get, they just want to be loved. We all just want to be loved. 

The necklace is by Lisa Leonard Designs for Ryan and the proceeds will go to his family. His mom Jacqui is a recipe blogger at Baby Boy Bakery and my heart is heavy and is breaking for her, her husband, their family, and friends. May they find peace and comfort in the love that surrounds them. 

Also, if you would like to learn a little more about what is going on, go to Alissa Circle's blog Diary of An Addict and follow the hashtag #redballoonsforryan on Instagram.