Austin's story is especially close to our hearts.  He is a local boy that has walked the school halls with our children, played on the same soccer field as our kids and lives only a few blocks away.  Knowing a boy with Leukemia so close to home makes us, as parents and business owners, realize that we can assist in our own backyards.  There is always something we can do to help a person in need, especially a child.  

We are very fortunate to live by one of the most prestigious children's hospitals in the country, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  Families travel from all over the country just to received the exceptional care that CHOP offers.  The CHOP Foundation is a charitable, tax-exempt organization benefiting The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  As a nonprofit organization, Children's Hospital relies on donations to make a difference in the lives of children, to research better treatments for the future, to help families that cannot afford healthcare, and to provide quality of life programs and services.  

With each purchase of a Giving Tee, $5 will be donated the CHOP foundation specifically for cancer research and survivorship programs.  Below is Austin's story through his mother's eyes.  Read below to get a small glimpse of how childhood cancer has affected their life.   When you purchase a Simply Happy Brand Giving Tee you are not only assisting someone in need, but you are joining us on our mission to spread happiness through giving to others.  Together we can make a difference!  


xoxo
Erica & Angela

1) When did Austin's cancer journey begin?  
Austin's journey began on August 29, 2012 when he was only 5 years old.

2) Describe the day you were told Austin had Leukemia.
Oh gosh, I got a phone call at 4:30am.  Our local pediatrician left a message saying he had cancer and that CHOP was expecting him over ASAP. We drove over and immediately I felt he became a pin cushion with blood transfusions.  We still didn't know what kind of cancer he had yet.   All this happened within 1 hour.  We  had a team of doctors tell us so much information, I can't even remember it all. 

3) How has cancer changed your perspective on life?
Basically, I live in fear unsure if we will hear that his cancer has returned but I don't really tell anyone that. I try my best to just go on and hopefully one day, it will be something we look back on and glad we beat this horrible disease. 

4) What would you want other parents to know that are dealing with childhood cancer? 
Well every journey is different.  The one thing I will say is don't say no to people that want to help you!  And don't stress over the medical bills, just worry about getting your kid better. 

5) How has CHOP helped Austin and your family? 
CHOP has been amazing!  They treat you like family.  They have taken care of Austin very well.  They take in all the things he likes and dislikes and make him as comfortable as they can. The nurses are fabulous, they always remember everything about Austin. The child life specialist is there to play with him and make crafts because a lot of days can be very long. 

6) How often do you visit CHOP?  
In the beginning we had to go in weekly for chemo treatments.   Now that Austin is in the maintenance part, he goes in every month. 

7) How would you describe your relationship with other families at CHOP?  
Like I said, CHOP is one big family.  All the families talk to each other, it's probably the one place you can talk to other parents and they can relate. When Austin was first diagnosed there were a few families I asked a lot of questions about the medicine and they were very helpful. 

8) You are participating in the Four Season Parkway Run & Walk to benefit the CHOP Foundation Cancer Center in September.  Can you explain why you wanted to participate and how someone can join your team?
Austin will officially be done all his chemo in November and what better way to thank CHOP for all they have done then to raise funds for a cure of childhood cancer.  Hopefully one day, no child will have to go through what Austin and a lot of children have to go through. I would love for every one to join Team Austin.  They can join right online by clicking on the link below.
http://chop.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5618

9)  During tough times, what has made Austin Happy?
We have had a lot of tough times.  His favorite thing was to get mail . He enjoyed letters, drawings,  and small toys.  And his favorite thing was his Make-A-Wish trip, the Disney cruise.  He still talks about it all the time.

10) Describe a Simply Happy Moment that has gotten you through a difficult day. 
 Austin would occasionally ask why he wasn't dead yet because he had cancer.   He new if he didn't beat it, it would kill him. So one day he hugged me and said "Mom I will beat this cancer. I'm super strong!"  and then he hugged me.   It was one of those simply happy moments that I will never forget. 

The Fourth is a fun time for my family and I.  We basically have a week long family reunion at the Jersey Shore complete with beach BBQs, fireworks and even themed dinners (this year we're doing an 80's night and a Fiesta!). So of course when thinking of some fun 4th of July foods and crafts for the kids I turned the source of all my inspiration...Pinterest!  I'm sure you are not surprised I found SO many cute ideas! We've made flags and red, white and blue pinwheels, flag cakes and fruit arrangements...the kids and I have been busy!

As I sit here at my computer, finally booted up after a few days with no power ready to type up a blog post that was scheduled to be posted yesterday, I find myself telling a different story.   Mother Nature rarely shows her fury in the town that Erica and I live in.  Sure, we have large snow storms, excessive heat, and flooding but nothing like the weather we seen Tuesday.  From what has been reported we did in fact witness a tornado, which in our area is few and far between.  Although there was damage this tornado was nothing like the natural disasters we see on the news, it was still an awakening.

As many of us received alerts on our phones, the storm was right behind.  The sky was black and the winds picked up so fast, I barely managed to get the kids in the house.  You can truly understand how people can not get to safety fast enough.  As fast as it came that's how fast it left and when we went outside to survey the damage it looked like my daughter's Lego Town after her sister gets finished playing with it.   But we were also greeted with a beautiful RAINBOW!

Over the next few days we were without power or cell service and my initial Freak Out mode was soon under control as I began to see the good that came from the storm.  I took this time to be with my kids in a way that I am embarrassed to say rarely happens.  Without the cell phone constantly buzzing and dinging and the extra chatter of the TV in the background ,I was able to really talk to and play with my kids and they were able to do the same with me and each other.  We went outside and cleaned up our house together and they had so much fun doing it that they continued on to our neighbors.  At night we stayed up late played flash light tag, a completely new phenomenon to them but the most exciting thing this week.  And when my daughter lost her first tooth last night we were all there show our excitement for her.  Taking a picture on the actual camera, rather than the phone and posting to Facebook, we shared that moment together and made it last, my proud mom moment had to wait.

I seen many electrical crews and police officers out that first night, working extra hours to make sure everyone was safe.  As I drove to the store the next day, I thought about how thankful I am that no one was badly injured in this storm and although there would be repairs and rebuilding on some houses and roads, that it was beautiful, sunny day to start that clean up.   It wasn't humid or cold or stormy and being without AC or heat didn't seem so bad.  Almost all of my neighbors had been lent a generator up and running by the next morning including myself, and those who didn't carried their food to their neighbors fridge.  I was asked by at least 10 people to come have my family take a shower or use  their phones, even though a fridge full of spoiled food, a cold shower and no cell phone was nothing of concern in the scheme of things.  I heard stories of a local hardware store flagging people from driving cars, helping them into the store's conference room, although they had been told to lock the doors.   Seeing people come together to help each other is something that has warmed my heart.

I know that our "Big Storm" does not range on the disaster and devastation that other parts of our country and the world see.  I know that losing power for a few days is nothing compared to what others have gone through.  I know that I am lucky to have a home that's still standing and my family is intact.  But in this world where we see horrible stories of hate from this social, religious and racial divide we have created so present in our lives; where you have to look hard to find the good stories; seeing neighbors helping each other is a Beautiful Thing!


XOXO

Angela & Erica

It’s hard to believe that 7 years have past since our Collin was born.  In the blink of an eye he became a beautiful, thoughtful, dramatic, unpredictable, snuggly, artistic young boy.   As parents, we are suppose to teach our kids about life but what I have learned is that our kids teach us just as much and Collin has taught me the most.  

I remember the day I had him like it was yesterday.  One minute I was questioning if I was in labor and the next I was cursing up a storm and hoping he would not be delivered in the car on the way to the hospital.  He had his mind made up he was coming out (a little foreshadowing on his personality).   By the grace of God, he waited just long enough for me to receive my epidural and 2 hours after getting to the hospital at 8 centimeters, Collin John was born. 

I remember crying happy tears that I have another healthy boy added to our growing family and he was born with an automatic best friend, his big brother Chase.  Only 17 months apart and they look nothing alike and their personalities couldn’t be any more different.  But nevertheless, after 7 years together they laugh, fight, scheme, and are roomies.  Add 2 more boys to the mix and I have a beautiful family of little men.  

Collin has taught me so much.  No book or parenting advice could have prepared me for him and I am so grateful for the lessons on patience, love and persistence he has given me.  Collin is one tough boy and gives a whole new meaning to, “never give up”.  I am so happy for who he is and I am so curious on the man he will one day become.  But before I jump too far ahead, I look forward to each day being his mama and the one he loves snuggling with!! 

Happy 7th Birthday Collin John!!  I hope you have the best day celebrating on the beach, eating a cheeseburger and stuffing your face with a big piece of cake with lots of icing!!  I love you more then you will ever know!! 

Xoxo

Erica

Get on the floor in kneeling position; touch your toes together, sit on your heels and then open up your thighs. On an exhale bend from the hips down stretches your arm out with palms facing down.  You can hold this pose from 30 seconds to 3 minutes breathing easy.

Salutation Seal Pose:  This pose is said to increase awareness, decrease anxiety and open up the heart.

Your kids can also try modified versions to do with you, my kids love telling people they do yoga!  Also check out www.yogajournal.com for some other great poses.  I love this website; you can look up poses by your need! So, the next time your day has you running in circles take a few minutes out to do one or all of these poses. The chaos can a few minutes while you regroup and calm down.


XOXO

Angela & Erica



Note: We are not licensed yoga instructors or advanced students.  These poses were based on our personal preferences only.  Be Sure to check with your doctor before participating in any new activity.  

Today is National Best Friends Day and today is the perfect day to remind yourself how your best friends have brought you so much happiness!  Take some time today to reach out to your best friends and schedule that much needed dinner date(sushi is my fav), night out dancing, coffee break, or if distance is an issue, skype or facetime them!  Whatever you have to do, make sure you take some time to keep your best friends close.  

As I reflect back on friendship, I have learned that quality friendships are more valuable then quantity. And your significant other can be your partner in crime but will not fill the void of your best friends.  They go hand-in-hand and if you have both, then you are truly blessed!  My best friends are part of my “Happy” life and I couldn’t imagine my life without their friendships.  

Along side my oldest & best friends, it is always nice to gain a new friendship that you know is something special.  Angela & I have formed a new friendship over the past year and I know we are both happy for it.  We bonded at the bus stop and after having so much in common our friendship turned into a new business!  You never know how valuable a person can be when you open yourself up to friendship.

I could go on and on about all the times my best friends have lifted me up.  I only hope we continue to grow, share and laugh for many more years.  They make each day happier just knowing I have them by my side. Happy Best Friends Day!  I hope each and every one of you reading this has a wonderful day celebrating Happy Friendships!!  
xoxo

Erica & Angela