For Chinese New Year we sent a package to the Celiac kid and his brother. It had a little present and they each got a little Chinese envelope with money in it. I’d like to say we did something spectacular here at home, but didn’t. Maybe next year we’ll have Chinese food for dinner and make a paper dragon or something.

I came across this image on Facebook and felt it was appropriate to share today.

If you know a Veteran, tell them “Thanks!”  We take everyday freedom for granted.  Having recently  read about some of the atrocities in WWII, I’m grateful for those who put their lives on the line so we can enjoy the freedom we have today.

Thank you to all those who have served!

Recently, my niece asked about my dad who served in WWII and the Korean Conflict.  It opened up a flood of memories about him.  He has been gone, now for over two years so the memories are very dear.  He and his 5 other brothers believed in serving our country.  Remember them this Veteran’s Day!

We were so lucky to be a part of the Kids Deployment Survival Kit put together by In the Know Mom. The kit included Hugs to Go, Daddy Dolls, Boo Boo Bear’s Mission, A Very Long Time, Readeo, Paper Chair, Chic Couture Boutique and a copy of all three of our books. It’s pretty awesome! If you get a chance go and check out the Kids Deployment Survival Kit. You could even have a chance of winning it.

I was not aware that our city had even created a 9/11 memorial monument, but when I went to see the Healing Field I was able to see it. It was unveiled on September 10, 2011. It is made out of bronze. I remember see the picture that it was modeled after and am amazed at the finished product. It is a very affecting and patriotic monument.

This year we went out and saw The Healing Field in our city. There is a flag to represent every person lost during the September 11 tragedy. On each flag there was a card with information about the person it represented. It was an amazing and touching display.

Remember the many who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today. Freedom comes at a cost — always hold it dear!

We’ve been trying to improve and make this website more exciting. This last week I’ve compiled all of the reviews we’ve had on all of our books since 2006. It’s been pretty fun and somewhat gratifying to see articles and pictures of kids around the world enjoying our books, especially A Paper Hug. We don’t have any new ones for The Celiac Kid yet, but, fingers crossed, we should get some by the end of the week.

I’ve also been compiling links for military and celiac communities, websites and blogs. As I find more reviews and links I’ll be adding on to what we’ve got. So keep checking back for new things on our links and reviews page!

I love making crafts with kids!  The craft in A Paper Hug was meant for kids to do.  Operation: Celebration is all about celebrating holidays long distance.  A cute idea for St. Patrick’s Day is to cut hand prints out of several colors of green paper.  With the fingers out, paste them on some paper, cardboard or a ring cut out of cardboard to make a wreath.  It will look darling as a door hanger or send it to a friend or family for St. Patrick’s Day with a cute note:

Here’s a wreath of hugs for St. Patrick’s Day!