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. 

Drum Roll Please....

Wow, for our first giveaway it was a pretty nice turn out of 193 entries, thank you so much! 

So, who wants to find out who the winners are...

A big thank you to Busy Bee Kate for hosting with me and to Mila Rose Designs, HorseFeathers Gifts, Erica Jacqueline Designs, and Vintage Vinyl Journals for sponsoring the giveaway. 

Drum Roll Please...

3rd place winner is:  Casie S.

2nd place winner is: Danielle F.

Grand Prize winner is:  Julie M. 

All winners have been notified, if you haven't gotten back to us yet please check your email. Note: All gifts will be shipped separately from the vendors. 

Come back tomorrow to see what I decided to do with this little guy...

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!