Birthday Hero

At only eight years old, Sam is out to change the world, or at least Orange County.

His soft brown eyes and huge smile lit up the room as he walked into Orange County United Way, proudly carrying a check for $280.00. “It’s my birthday money,” Sam said.

Even with the distractions of watching Star Wars movies, playing dodgeball and reading Goosebumps books, Sam was able to realize well before his 8th birthday that there are “less fortunate people in our world” and he wanted to help them. So placed inside his birthday party invitation, Sam’s mom helped him slip a note that asked guests to donate money instead of bringing gifts; and as Sam’s friends arrived, they placed the donations into a box and then enjoyed the birthday celebrations.

“When we came home and opened the box, we were so surprised to see all the money we got,” said Sam. “I felt very proud and happy.” The family took a trip to Orange County United Way to personally drop off the donations and was greeted by several employees who were thrilled to see such an intelligent and big-hearted individual. Orange County United Way was the chosen organization to receive the gift because Cristine, Sam’s mom, knew the dollars would stretch the furthest and make the most impact on people’s lives.

Sam learned that giving back was important from his mom, who was in tears when members of the United Way staff handed her son a teddy bear and high-fives for his thoughtful choice. “I was overwhelmed by their gratitude and generosity,” said Cristine. “You have certainly inspired us to do more.”

The future scientist, he wants to discover bugs, is also an older brother who wants to help teach his brother Jack to give back. “I’ll say Jack, we have a lot of stuff, money and toys, so we should help people who are less fortunate,” said Sam.

Though we see him as a young hero, Sam says he’s not. “I’m doing what’s right. I hope other kids will do the same thing on their birthdays. We can help so many people – a million!”

Sam left the United Way offices with a bear in tow, and pride to last all year. He left the United Way team with the encouragement and amazement of what a small gift like Sam’s can do for our community when we all recognize our daily gifts, and chose to give back.

Beagle of the Month

Has changed:

This month the featured beauty is:

Cassie Cruiser

Likes: Chasing butterflies with her two pups

I wish I had the picture of her on my office door - but this one will work instead :) Enjoy

Guess it's sports week

So cool! Yesterday I got to go down onto the Angels Baseball field and help hold cue cards while Mike Scioscia filmed a PSA for our upcoming walk! At the end of the PSA, all the players came out and started warming up. It was sooooo cool!!!! Then I got to enjoy the Angels game with good seats :)

Yah for putting me in a good mood!

Anxiety Galore

I've never been so anxious before and, unfortunately, this feeling won't be going anywhere, anytime soon. All I can control is trusting God & using prayer.

Thank you Lord for providing me with You - all your strength and wisdom, even if I don't fully understand it.

One Event Down . .

Work event went pretty well last night . . Met some NFL players & coaches (Terry Donahue, Coach Robinson, Mike Salmon, Danny Farmer, Pat Harlow, Rob Johnson and a few more)! Extremely glad it's over with - and now only 2 minus 2 weeks from today till WPF Breakfast. Ahhhhh - should be working on that now instead . . :)

Until I get one . .

I want a beagle pretty badly - but I'm not ready to commit to a dog yet. I feel as though it's like having a child, and you have to be mature and ready - and have the money.

But, in the meantime, I've taken an adorable Beagle poster that the great bf gave me and put it to good use! Starting this week, I'll take one beagle photo at a time, post it on my office door, give it a name and a hobby.

This month is: Dover Dave. Likes: tracking down birds

It's been a great hit :)

So until next month . . .

The Power

It all started coming together for me these past two weeks. .

The church sermon I heard two Sunday's ago explained that no matter how much we love & trust God, we will never fully understand Him and His capabilities. At that moment, I didn't realize how important that message would become to me that next week. And, this past weeks sermon talked about connecting with God in small ways, throughout the day and becoming His friend. Because, "if you don't have faith in the small things, you won't be able to have faith for the big things."

Faith has really made it's purpose clear to me - it's always been there, but the importance of connecting and having faith in the small, daily moments really stuck for me.

I think we're given warning signs from God that will play a large role in our lives at some point. Mine happened to come rather quickly, but I'm thankful for the voices He put into my head before hand, because it gave me the strength I needed to get through these last few days.

<3 It comforts me knowing I can never fully understand why some things happen, but that there is a meaning and purpose behind it. Amen :)