I Need to Vent!

Ok, you're wondering what on earth....? I witnessed something yesterday that tears me up. I can't get it out of my mind and I need to vent. Well, vent again. I already vented to my husband....

My firstborn turned 6 on Monday and I took him and his brother to JCPenney's for portraits yesterday. It was there at the studio that I witnessed this heart wrenching scene.

As we were walking up to the studio, I could hear a child crying. It was an 'upset cry' not an 'angry cry' if you know what I mean. I thought to myself "uh-oh, someone is not wanting their picture taken". As I got closer, I saw a little blonde girl about 2 years old being shaken by her mother. Then the mother began yelling at her. "_______, I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU TODAY! WOULD YOU SHUT UP!?" And on it went - more along the same lines. By now, the little girl was crying louder and the mom was shouting louder. I was HORRIFIED - embarrassed for the Mom that an adult would act that way much less in public. And oh, I felt SO sorry for that poor little girl..... And then, I saw her face. And my heart broke completely. She has Down Syndrome. I wish I hadn't been such a coward and would have told that mother (who obviously didn't appreciate the gem she was given) just how lucky she was to have her little girl. Some of us would give anything to have our 'special' children with us!

Thankfully, the grandmother intervened and took the little girl from her mother. She soon had her quiet. She put her down to walk around. She immediately brought her book over to my younger son and was smiling and jabbering excitedly - wanting to share her book with him. My son was delighted and patiently turned the pages for her - going through the book many times. I was so proud of him!

At first, the grandmother apologized for the 'intrusion'. I quickly informed her that it was more than OK because I had lost my little girl 'like her' at 38 weeks. The grandmother understood.... the tears in my eyes.

I wanted so badly to scoop that little girl up and take her home with me..... And her name is even close to Alexis.


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Ruffled Pillow Giveaway Winner

Thank you ALL for entering the giveaway for the ruffled pillow. The worst part of hosting a giveaway is having only one prize to give out. I wish I could give all you sweet ladies one. Out of 12 entries, the result of the drawing was #3 - LYDIA!

Congratulations, Lydia! Please email me your address and I will send you the pillow.

Thanks again, everyone, for joining in the fun. I will be 'celebrating' future milestones with more giveaways.

A Girl Can Always Dream...

..... dream of a laundry room that looks like this one:

via houzz

I love the wide open space and all the cabinetry. Plenty of storage and function...

Or what about this one?

via

I love the bead board cabinets and the tall pantry. I NEED this! :) My pantry area is currently in my laundry room (which is right off the kitchen) and it's an eclectic (and mostly ugly) mix of cabinets. 

via houzz

In this one, I love the clean, bright look. And all that counter space for folding laundry.... {sigh}. I think I would actually keep up with my laundry if I had an area like this to work in...

And lastly....

via

I like the farmhousy (ok, I don't think that's a word) look of this one. Very cute!

So, why am I dreaming of laundry rooms? I was 'suckered' into entering the Arrow Fasteners Dream Room Contest.

One lucky winner will win a $10,000 room makeover. I don't expect to win, but like I said, a girl can always dream, right? I entered my laundry room, which is in BAD need of a major overhaul. It's probably the most expensive 'pending' project we have. Therefore, the least likely to get completed anytime within the next... oh, say, 10 years... Just to show you what I mean, here's an embarrassing picture:

It's a weird mix of leftover cabinets and leftover decor. Not pretty and not even totally functional. The sink (which is to the right just off the edge of the picture) is ancient and non-working. The walls are plaster and I would LOVE to have them drywalled... I would like to have my sink and stove together for canning. Also, the cabinet just on the left of the picture serves as a pantry... but I would like to use it in my sewing room for storage. This is a large room for a laundry room but it is also my canning room and pantry. 

You have the chance to enter/win too! Go to Arrow Fasteners on Facebook and click the Dream Room Contest tab.

And speaking of contests, you still have until midnight to enter my giveaway for the Ruffle Pillow.