With a Pocketful of Change.

In this life, in this big unforgiving world, I ask:  What do you stand for?  And again:  What do you believe in?  (Take just a moment.)

Are you thinking?  Any answers? 

I'm curious to know, because it matters.  Really, it does.

Myself, I believe you can be the wishful change, whether grand or slight.  In this world, I mean.  It just requires heart.

A persistent voice doesn't hurt, either. 

For example, I was moved to tears (go figure) at the kindness of a stranger who nobly stood this afternoon to join my cause.  That's right, silly ol' me.  I think I love her, too.  Her heart, at least.

A woman with a voice, known simply to me as The Outspoken Introvert, made a $10 donation to this organization, and in doing so, bought five underprivileged children their first books.  Five kids who deserve a chance in life, just the same as you and me. 

It's crucial we educate our poor, and it starts with a book.  So please consider donating today.  Our tomorrow really depends on it. 

With a pocketful of change, you can be the change. 

In South Carolina?  Click here.

Not in South Carolina?  Click here.

(Two dollars buys one book.)

If you contribute, please leave a comment.  If you don't, comment all the same.  I'd love to know what you stand for.

Lastly (and I promise this is it), I write this blog to be heard.  Yes, some out there may find it trivial.  What with endless giveaways and seeming nonsense, but this post in particular is why I do it.   We all need a platform for good, and this so happens to be my soapbox.  I love that you're here.  I love that you listen.  Thanks for reading! 

For more like this, click here. 

Let's Give 'Em a First Book.

I've spoken from the heart on this matter, but it's worth repeating:

~ I LOVE READING WITH MY CHILD! ~

In fact, it's some of our best time.  But I know I'm fortunate!  For one, I have the resources to buy books for my child.

Countless ones, at that.

This brings me to my point...

Many parents out there don't have this same opportunity.  To take it a step further, many children don't even own a book.  Not one!

This saddens me greatly, and I want to help.  So, I finally am!

After doing a little research online, I contacted the caring folks at First Book and asked how I could help?  I mean, I don't have a million dollars to donate to the cause, or even a thousand really, but I care about the initiative.

Read the impact of First Book here.  It's amazing!

As a side note, it's frustrating to think of all the bright little minds that go undeveloped, the dreams that cease to come true based on circumstance, or better yet, money.

In this life, I want to do my part.  If you'd like to join me, YOU CAN!

How to support First Book locally (in South Carolina):

• Make a charitable donation here.  For each $10 raised, five books are locally dispersed.  
• To keep funds (and books) in the SC area, remember to select Horry County in the drop-down menu.
• Contact SC First Book chairperson Mona Prufer here and ask how you can assist in getting underprivileged children the books they so desperately need.
• Purchase a $20 ticket to the upcoming fundraiser event featuring local author Mary Alice Monroe here.  Your ticket proceeds will provide 10 books to local kids.

How to support First Book nationally:

• Contact First Book here and ask how you can help.
• Make a charitable donation here.

I hope you'll consider what I've written, and put your philanthropic powers to good use.  Let's get our kiddos reading their own books.

Footin' the Books!

This should come as no surprise, my boy is a BABY bookworm!  And I've been saying it for a while now, but it's SEUSS serious. 

Just see for yourself...

Speaking from my heart, reading has always been high on my mommy curriculum.  For one, I enjoy the process of engaging my child (and his imagination) through character voices and silly gestures.  I also love encouraging Aksel to participate by pouring over (together) the brightly-colored details of each page.

In fact, it's some of our best time! 

But I know I'm fortunate to have captured early-on Aksel's BOOK attention, and that leads me to my point...

Many kiddos out there don't have this same opportunity.  To take it a step further, many children don't even own a book.  Not one!

(This saddens me greatly, and I want to help!)

So, be on the (upcoming) blog lookout for charitable partnerships with worthy initiatives like First Book and Toys for Tots.

First though, my latest giveaway:  Footin' the Books!

Rules for submission below.  Enter now to win this BODY of books...

(1) The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

(1) The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss

(1) The Ear Book by Al Perkins

(1) The Nose Book by Al Perkins

(1) The Eye Book by Dr. Seuss

TO ENTER:

* Up to six ways to enter (leave a comment for each entry):

1. "VOTE" for Baby Talk without the Babble by clicking on the TopBabyBlogs icon below:

             * You can "VOTE" as often as you'd like. Just leave a comment for each.

    2.    "LIKE" Baby Talk without the Babble by clicking on the

           Facebook icon below:

            

              * Leave a comment letting me know you "LIKED" Baby Talk...

     3.   "JOIN" Baby Talk without the Babble's Facebook fan page
           by clicking below:

Baby Talk without the Babble 

               * Leave a comment letting me know you "JOINED" the fan page.

      4.   "FOLLOW" Baby Talk without the Babble by clicking on the
           Google icon at the top of the sidebar on your right.

               * Leave a comment letting me know that you are/have become a follower.

     5.   "TWEET" this post by clicking on the appropriate icon below.

     6.   "SHARE" this post by clicking on the appropriate icon below.


           Remember: You MUST leave a comment for each entry!

• Contest will be open until Midnight EST on April 3, 2011.
• Contest winner must have a US or Canadian mailing address.
• The winner will be randomly selected (from random.org) and announced online. Please check back to see if you won, or leave your email address with comment. The winner will then need to provide their name and shipping address by contacting: babytalknobabble@gmail.com

The Importance of Giving.

There's so much going on, and I've neglected the blog yet again!  Here though are some brief mommy high points to fill you in:

I went to FAO Schwarz as I mentioned weeks ago.  Go figure, I was disappointed!  I know I romanticize everything (toy stores included), but really the experience was lackluster.  True to my promise though, I did buy a few interesting goodies for my boy.

During my checkout however, I was reenergized by making a small donation to Toys for Tots.  It's an organization I believe strongly in, which leads me to my next thought.

Don't get me wrong, I want to give my child all that he wants (and more) in life, but really, I want to teach him to give to others.  My husband and I, for years past, have foregone the elaborate process of buying each other gifts, preferring instead to purchase gifts for children that have little to nothing.

Last year for example, we loaded our carts with simple gifts (so we could buy as much as possible, for as many kids as possible).  I was ready to pop - to give birth at any minute, and for me, in my hormonal mommy-state, it was so exciting to think of all the sweet boys and girls that would wake to find gifts under their tree.  I've always wanted to help people, and barely nothing fulfills me more than knowing a child will be happy!

Myself, I couldn't have imagined waking on Christmas morning without a little something under the tree.  In our time, in the state of our economy, I know more now than ever, little ones are going without.  If you have just a small something to spare, make a donation to Toys for Tots.

For example, there are a huge assortment of classic toys available at Wal-Mart for $5 and under.  Take your little ones today, and teach them the importance of giving to those that have less.

Happy Holidays!

Just This Minute.

In the next minute, something unforeseen, tragic, or life-altering could happen.  There are a great deal of unknowns in my life, in your life, and in the life of our sweet children.

I'm thankful just this minute that is all well!

I can't say the same for Mike Konald of North East, Maryland.  A close friend of a family member, Mike suffered a devastating spinal cord injury on July 4th, and is now paralyzed.  As a former Shock Trauma nurse who worked on the Neurotrauma unit, he has sadly gone from nurse to patient. 

I don't know Mike personally, but I want to help!  I think about it, if this were to happen to me or my loved ones, I would hope caring individuals would take initiative to aid in my time of need.  It dawns on me just now, this is an example of the age-old Golden Rule. 

I think I need a refresher.  This is where Wikipedia comes in handy!

_________________________________________________________

The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is an ethical code, or a morality, that states (in four forms, see below):

1. One should treat others according to how one would like others to treat them
2. Treat others as you would like to be treated
3. One should not treat others in ways one would not like to be treated
4. Do not treat others in ways you would not like to be treated

_______________________________________________________________________________

I know how I am going to help.  How will you help Mike, or your neighbor, or a child starving in a third-world country?

If you'd like to join me in helping the Konald family, please make a donation to the...

Mike Konold Benefit Fund

304 Hances Point Rd.

North East, MD 21901

http://www.aldilarestaurant.com/

Charlestonians:  During the upcoming month of August, we're on a fundraising mission at Al Di La.  For each National Bohemian beer we sell at the restaurant, we will donate a dollar to Maryland man, Mike Konald. Let's start drinking, and do some good for a family in need!

Teaching Aksel about the Golden Rule, I might just need...

The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule

The Golden Rule

Just this minute -- it's all we're guaranteed!

(Think about it, and do some good!)

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