I would suspect that most of us scrappers on here are moms or have hopes of becoming a mom in the future. If not, I would say that it is safe to assume if you don't fit the previous two, you have/had a mother in your life that supported and loved you while growing up. For the most part we as mothers will do whatever it takes to provide for our children. They are beyond precious to us and we celebrate them daily. We are so fortunate to have them in our lives. Children bring us inexplicable joy. Sometimes it's that "thing" they they say, or the faces they make,the gestures, wet kisses and big hugs. They give us memories that will be forever etched in our brains. To be able to provide for them is a blessing that is probably easily forgotten by us at times.

Now imagine a mother not being able to provide the most basic needs for her child. Imagine not having enough food to nourish her children. Imagine those hungry little tummies rumbling, those tears streaming down a child's face and a mother on the other end feeling hopeless and desperate because she cannot soothe the hunger pangs of her child. When we see our children skin their knees, or crash on their bikes, we wince,but really it is over quickly and we move on. Mothers watching their malnourished children suffer, can't simply move on.

A lot of us want to help those less fortunate than ourselves and do when we can,but we cannot always financially pull it off. Well the good news is, that we can help those that are hungry and we don't need deep pockets to do so. Did you know that there is a website called The Hunger Site? Yes it's true! The Hunger site feeds children and their families for just a click of the mouse. It is COMPLETELY FREE! When you click, they display ads from their site sponsors. 100% of the money from these advertisers goes to their charity partners , who fund programs to provide food to the hungry. It is that easy and the best part is, you can do it EVERY DAY!

So now here are the challenges
1. Bookmark the hunger site on your computer and click to feed the hungry EVERY DAY!
2. Do the scrappy challenge....this one is easy too. Create a layout of your kid/s doing something that makes your heart swell. One other thing..somewhere on the layout, there must be glitter ;0)

Why glitter you ask? well that is simple. This time around our challenge is sponsored by none other then, "The Robin's Nest" who just so happen to make a whole ton of glittery papers. Both Illyse and I used some of their paper and Dew Drops on our layouts to show off their product. Don't you want some too?

Here are our layouts:
Christine's Layout

Illyse's Layout


So now, to win this sparkly prize, list two things in your post to us...
1. Link your layout, so that we can check it out
2. Let us know that you visited the Hunger Site and clicked away!
It is that easy!

A winner will be randomly chosen. This challenge will run from today Monday, February 15 until Monday, March 1st. A winner will be announced on March 2nd. Okay go at it and let's Scrap it Forward!!!

(((HUGS)))
Christine

So Laides..how was your Valenitne's day? Did you celebrate with family or friends? We hope it was special. We had a huge day in our house. It started off with Heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes, we went for a family bike ride, walk, attended a birthday party, went out to dinner with friends and all of our kids combined! Later came back to our pad for ice cream sundaes. YIkes a busy day,but a lot of fun!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, loves and day's plans with us! We enjoyed reading all about them. And now for time to revel our winner! OUr randomm winner is...
DONNA LARSON
Donna Larson said...
I have three loves at home... my husband and my two cute kiddos! I also love my family and my friends! All of these people help to make life sweet!

Tonight I am making a Louisiana Crab Boil with chocolate covered strawberries for dessert!
Happy Valentine's Day!!
:)
Congrats Donna and thanks for playing along with us! Please contact us and seed us your mailing info!!!
Please remember to check back tonight for our new challange sponsored by: The Robin's Nest!!!

Happy Valentine's day friends and readers of SIF! We just wanted to let you know how much that we appreciate you! Today we have a sweet deal for one lucky reader :0)
Tell us what you love, who you love or how you will celebrate today. Today is not just a day for significant others,but friends and family as well. We want to hear all about it...so share your thoughts and leave us a "love note". One lucky reader will recieve this fun little RAK!
Who doesn't want a new Slice Apron from CHA, a Zva Creative tote, some Bam Pop chipboard, a spool of American Crafts ribbon and some Jenni Bowlin label stickers?


So now leave us a little love and tomorrow we will select one winner! Happy Valentine's day

Well thanks to all those who participated in the challenge! We appreciate you reaching out and also partaking in the fun! We have two winners to announce!
The two lucky winners were randomly selected today! The winners of the fun stamps, transperancies and Kaiser kraft pearls are.....

Cheryl Kosakura and Sara (of Hunzinger's Helper)! Ladies thanks again and please contact us with your mailing info!

Now if you are actually reading still, you should know that tomorrow is Valentine's day and I am just saying that you might want to come back and check out the blog for some kind of a sweet deal! Yes there will be a RAK...no strings attached. So come back tomorrow and leave a comment on tomorrow's post for a chance to win!

With the recent quakes and heart-breaking devastation in Haiti. I stop and think to myself...What a rich and beautiful life that I have. I am not referring to monetary wealth. I am referring to the wealth of security, family, friends,resources, support, happiness, and just the basic necessities that I/we possess. I can truly say that I have not been in any kind of situation that would compare to the desperation of the the people of Haiti must feel. When I reflect upon all of this, I realize that I am "rich" and blessed with opportunity that these people may never possess.

To rebuild, refurbish and provide these people with just solely the basics will demand a lot of dedication, resources and funds. I know that my contribution can help and may make only a small dent,but it will make a difference and so can your donation. There are so many agencies out there willing to give of their time and aide. If you are interested in donating to the cause here are a few resources that I found online via USA TODAY:

Disaster relief and non-governmental organizations:

Action Against Hunger has mobilized an emergency response and has teams already on the ground, assessing and responding to needs;

You can make a donation through the American Red Cross' International Response Fund, and it will be allocated specifically for Haiti relief efforts;

CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, also needs donations for its on-ground work in Haiti;

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund brings together President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush (at the request of President Barack Obama) to raise funds for high-impact relief for the long-term. Doctors Without Borders needs donations to provide crucial medical treatment and supplies;

Habitat for Humanity has been working in Haiti for 26 years and will be sending a team to assess the impact on affordable housing after the earthquake. The Lions Clubs International Foundation is working through local Lions clubs members in Haiti. To make an online donation, go here and select Disaster, including "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the comments section;

Mercy Corps has a way for you to donate your money straight to its efforts in Haiti.

The Pan American Development Foundation is the disaster relief arm of the Organization of American States. It has been in Haiti for over 30 years, and currently has over 150 people on the ground there.

Project HOPE, which provide medical supplies and health care services to those in need, is seeking donations for its aid efforts in Haiti.

Save the Children says that at least 2 million children or more have been affected by the earthquake. Donate online or by phone at 1-800-728-3843 to support their efforts to help Haitian children and families.

UNICEF is working hard to help Haiti's children. To donate to its ongoing emergency relief efforts, visit the website or call 1-800-4UNICEF;
Staff from the United Nations Foundation is currently on the ground, and its United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is accepting donations toward these relief and recovery efforts.



You may want to consider donating with TEXT format. Here are a few options. This is a quick way to get your $ working.

Text HAITI to 25383 to donate $5 to International Rescue Committee
Text CARE to 25383 to donate $10 to CARE
Text QUAKE to 20222 to donate $10 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
Text OXFAM to 25383 to donate $10 to Oxfam International
Text AJWS to 25383 to donate $10 to American Jewish World Service
Text HABITAT to 25383 to donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity
Text BABY to 20222 to donate $5 to March of Dimes
Text GIVEto 25383 to donate $10 to Partners in Health
Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross
Text HAITI to 864833 to donate $5 to The United Way
Text SAVE to 20222 to donate $10 to Save the Children

I have provided many avenues in which to choose to donate. You may have already donated and bless you for that. Perhaps you can pass this info on to another person. I let my sons each choose a charity to make a donation to help the victims in Haiti. I thought that it was a good idea to let them be a part of it, to teach them that they can help make change by getting involved and to shine a light on the fact that they are very fortunate to live such a blessed life.

The challenge for the next few weeks will be to do two things:
One to create a layout using one of these prompts:
Blessed with _________________ or Rich with ___________________. The other part of the challenge is to let us know where you donated or suggest another place to donate that has not been mentioned in this post. Please link your layout in your post,so that all can admire your work and get inspired.

Your layout can be light hearted or very meaningful. It is up to you..whatever you are inspired by ;0)
Here is my sample:


All participants that complete both challenges will be entered into a drawing to win one of these prizes.
Two winners will be randomly selected. This challenge will run from Friday Jan. 29 through Friday Feb. 12th. Winners will be announced on Sat. Feb 13th. Good luck to you, and thanks for helping make a difference. Please pass this info on and let's Scrap(pay)it forward!

((Big Hugs))
Christine

This is such a fun, busy time of the year for shopping and giving to our friends and family. It is also about celebrating and thinking of others. This month we are focusing on giving. Please make a project ( page layout, mini book, altered item) to document how you spend the holidays whether it be decortating a tree, singing songs, lighting candles, or time with special people, we want to see how you enjoy the month of December. As you are out shopping, please keep in mind, other people who are less fortunate, and do a little extra something special for them. Some ideas are: donate some spare change to the Salvation Army who stand in front of most grocery stores and large retail shops, or give a new toy for a toy drive. The local fire stations often collect toys for tots. If you aren't able to "give" anything financially, you can donate some extra clothes or household items to your local goodwill. We at Scrap It Forward want to combine the love of scrapbooking, with helping others. Whatever you decide to do, please let us know when you submit your challenge entry! Thank you for particiapting and helping someone else!!! Happy Holidays!

This challenge will run from today, December 14th until Wednesday, December 30th. Two winners will be selected on December 31st. We know that it is a busy time of year,but to get you in the mood, and those creative juices a flowing.... here are some sample layouts that Illyse and I did. AND if that doesn't get you going, check out the prizes below! :0)

Illyse's Layout


Christine's layout


PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! OH DON"T YOU WANT SOME?



Thanks for all those who stop by, support us and play along. You make it all worthwhile and a lot of fun~ Happy Holidays!

Congratulations to Carla for winning our We Are So Very Thankful challenge. She made an adorable "Thankful" card. Carla, please send us an email with your address/contact information so we can send you your prize. Thank you to all of you who participated in this challenge. Be sure to check back because we will have another challenge soon!