Well. I know if you've been reading along that you will probably recall my resolution to blog on a more consistent basis. As it turns out I have discovered that the more work I put into our efforts the less time I have to blog and with things going the way they are I would rather spend my time on collecting funds and just give you a little update when I get the time. So here is what we have been up to...
Zach is still working and more extended hours since he is now able to drive later. He worked over 30 hours last week alone. He did not work Saturday so he spent the morning picking up metal donations. He also attended an orientation, the second one.
We sold several sachet hearts and are still in the process of collecting money for the Nascar fantasy league. So as of today we have a grand total of $4032.95. It's as though we have reached the top of the mountain and are headed down the other side and the momentum is gaining every day. We have no doubt that he is going to be able to raise every penny of the tuition.
One thing I did start thinking of was the list of items that he is in need of for the actual trip. Once I thought more about it I decided it might be a good idea to send out Press Releases to all of the locals newspapers. Then I went ahead and sent out News Releases to all of the locals news stations. A few of them got back in touch with me to ask additional questions. I haven't heard of anything that is going to be published or broadcast yet. I'll let you know if that changes. But, it got me to thinking about sponsorships and why wouldn't a cell phone company be interested in donating a phone and plan for Zach to take so he could e-mail pictures and maybe post blogs while on his trip. They could have a special thing on their website so followers could keep track. I thought it was a great idea but did not have any success myself in contacting the right people. Seeing as how I am a creative and very optimistic person I decided there were lots of others out there who do have acquaintances, friends and connections to be able to acquire sponsors for cell phones, cameras, luggage, backpacks, foil packs of laundry detergent, international adapters to charge the phone and camera, etc. So I sat down and wrote letters to Ellen Degeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and Jimmie Johnson (the Nascar driver). I also think that my own cell phone company should be able to step in and help, after all I've been paying for service from you for the past what? 10 years or so...Come on AT&T. I'll definitely be writing more letters, so if you are a well known person and you haven't gotten my letter yet, it is okay to go ahead and contact me with any assistance you can provide.
Til next time...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Donations and Work, Work, Work!
Zach actually received two donations over the past week. Those two donations totaled $95. Then Zach has been working, working, working. We instituted and put a few things into place over the last few weeks that allows Zach to work longer hours and man has he been. I talked to the owner of The Giving Tree, Leslie, and they absolutely love having him there to help out. She even said that he was great with customers...that was shocking to me. MY son, the one is usually very shy and bashful and has a hard time forming sentences when speaking to strangers. Awesome, this is helping him to grow as a person. We have learned that he is working with a great group of people that he fits in very well with, that he is a very hard worker and that he really, really likes to make money! Over the past week he has made $167.
Now he has raised/earned $3572.95
Now he has raised/earned $3572.95
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Recycling, Cookies Sales and a Donation
Sold another cookie dough, add $7 to the total.
Received a donation of $100. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We also received another half trailer full of scrap metal from a friend. So the guys went ahead and filled it up and took a load of scrap metal to the recycling center yesterday and received $204.75. So they decided to take a second load. We loaded up all of the aluminum cans and they took those in. I should have taken a picture of the trailer it was quite the mountain. They cashed in 532 pounds of cans which were at $0.67/lb. They also turned in a bucket of insulated copper wire. The total take from recycling was $608.55.
SO, when you add it all together Zach is now at $3310.95
I don't feel like I can say Thank You enough to everyone who has helped out:-)
Right now Zach is working on his resume so he can start speaking with local businesses about sponsorship. He's learning about the countries he's going to and becoming as prepared as he can. Still so proud of him!
'til next time...
Received a donation of $100. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We also received another half trailer full of scrap metal from a friend. So the guys went ahead and filled it up and took a load of scrap metal to the recycling center yesterday and received $204.75. So they decided to take a second load. We loaded up all of the aluminum cans and they took those in. I should have taken a picture of the trailer it was quite the mountain. They cashed in 532 pounds of cans which were at $0.67/lb. They also turned in a bucket of insulated copper wire. The total take from recycling was $608.55.
SO, when you add it all together Zach is now at $3310.95
I don't feel like I can say Thank You enough to everyone who has helped out:-)
Right now Zach is working on his resume so he can start speaking with local businesses about sponsorship. He's learning about the countries he's going to and becoming as prepared as he can. Still so proud of him!
'til next time...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
NASCAR Sprint Cup Pool
Zach made another $40. Now at $2595.40.
We found out some news this week. Instead of having the tuition paid by June 1st, it has to be paid off by May 1. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! That means we have one less month than we expected. So we're trying to kick it into high gear. Zach went out with his grandma this morning and picked up cans. This afternoon we are supposed to be picking up a few appliances that are mostly scrap metal.
Now for our biggest news of all. We are starting a Nascar Sprint Cup pool. We have always been Nascar fans and were so excited that the season is about to begin again. We watched the Budweiser Shootout last night and are looking for anyone who might be interested. Here's how it is going to work. All you have to do is pay a $40 entry fee. At least thirty minutes prior to each race you have to notify Zach of your race driver pick and then continue to accrue points throughout the season. Points are earned base don where your driver finishes and are on a one point scale from 43 down to 1 (driver you pick wins, you get 43 points for the week). Whoever finishes the season in first place in points wins and depending on how many people we can get involved we may be able to divide up the winnings amongst the top three or ten people. So share with your friends, family and neighbors. The more the merrier. So if you're interested just let us know. by sharing a comment.
We found out some news this week. Instead of having the tuition paid by June 1st, it has to be paid off by May 1. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! That means we have one less month than we expected. So we're trying to kick it into high gear. Zach went out with his grandma this morning and picked up cans. This afternoon we are supposed to be picking up a few appliances that are mostly scrap metal.
Now for our biggest news of all. We are starting a Nascar Sprint Cup pool. We have always been Nascar fans and were so excited that the season is about to begin again. We watched the Budweiser Shootout last night and are looking for anyone who might be interested. Here's how it is going to work. All you have to do is pay a $40 entry fee. At least thirty minutes prior to each race you have to notify Zach of your race driver pick and then continue to accrue points throughout the season. Points are earned base don where your driver finishes and are on a one point scale from 43 down to 1 (driver you pick wins, you get 43 points for the week). Whoever finishes the season in first place in points wins and depending on how many people we can get involved we may be able to divide up the winnings amongst the top three or ten people. So share with your friends, family and neighbors. The more the merrier. So if you're interested just let us know. by sharing a comment.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Another $128
Zach has worked a few times at The Giving Tree again and earlier this week he was actually asked to help out a local landscaper...so now he has two part time jobs. Between the two jobs he has brought in another $128 to make the total now 2555.40.
Also sold another cookie dough. I'll add that in once we've collected for it.
And, by the way, I went online and checked out some detailed information and printed the forms out for sponsors and discovered in the fine print at the bottom of the contribution form for sponsors it says "Note: According to current IRS guidelines, donations earmarked for a specific individual are NOT tax-deductible. Please consult you tax advisor for detailed information." Boo on that but we don't think that this will deter Zach from getting where he wants to be by the time he leaves.
'til next time....
Also sold another cookie dough. I'll add that in once we've collected for it.
And, by the way, I went online and checked out some detailed information and printed the forms out for sponsors and discovered in the fine print at the bottom of the contribution form for sponsors it says "Note: According to current IRS guidelines, donations earmarked for a specific individual are NOT tax-deductible. Please consult you tax advisor for detailed information." Boo on that but we don't think that this will deter Zach from getting where he wants to be by the time he leaves.
'til next time....
Sunday, January 30, 2011
$2395.40 and First Orientation
Received a $500 donation this week. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your generosity is very much appreciated. That brought the total amount of money to $2395.40 and that sounds good to us! We are so proud of Zach and how hard he is working to earn the money on his own.
We also went to our first orientation meeting. Whew! There is a lot for all of the Student Ambassadors to learn but it will be beneficial for all of them and ensure that their trip is a success. We heard lots of different fundraising ideas but we like our ideas the best so far. The one thing we have not done is search for sponsors. We have the ability to use the website and print out customized forms. The great part of this is that any individual or company can make the check payable to and mail it directly to People to People, which in turn means it is a tax deductible donation.
We also went to our first orientation meeting. Whew! There is a lot for all of the Student Ambassadors to learn but it will be beneficial for all of them and ensure that their trip is a success. We heard lots of different fundraising ideas but we like our ideas the best so far. The one thing we have not done is search for sponsors. We have the ability to use the website and print out customized forms. The great part of this is that any individual or company can make the check payable to and mail it directly to People to People, which in turn means it is a tax deductible donation.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Lots of news!
I ask for apologies, I did not include a total in my last post. On January 19 our total was $1597. Today the total has increased substantially. Zach worked at the store and got $32 for the few hours he put in. He helped his dad load up the trailer with a load Saturday and off they went to the recycling center. They got $230.40 for that load. Bringing the total to 1827.40. Zach went to work again today and got $36 so now he is at 1895.40.
Almost 2000!!!!!!!!!!!
Right now he is at 27% of the total he's looking to earn. We found out his dates of travel and we have until mid June to finish the rest. They did not take all of the recycling we have. The aluminum cans are still here and a decent pile of scrap still left.
It still seems like a very possible goal for Zach to earn the full amount of the tuition!
Til next time...
Almost 2000!!!!!!!!!!!
Right now he is at 27% of the total he's looking to earn. We found out his dates of travel and we have until mid June to finish the rest. They did not take all of the recycling we have. The aluminum cans are still here and a decent pile of scrap still left.
It still seems like a very possible goal for Zach to earn the full amount of the tuition!
Til next time...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
$59 Added!
Zach is still being paid by his younger brother to be his butler. He's earned another $35 from doing that and I think they are both learning a lot about communication through this whole butlerhood! Zach also worked at The Giving Tree earlier this week and is scheduled to work again this week, so far he earned $24...by the way I said in an earlier post that her name was Lynn and followed that with the comment about how bad I am with names. Well it's actually Leslie. Thank you to Leslie and Becka for being so generous and helping him to fulfill his goal.
Last week Zach's dad (Jason) was at a job and saw a pile of recyclable metals. He asked the homeowner what he was going to do with it and he told him he'd been trying to get rid of it but couldn't get anybody to come and get it. So over the weekend they went and picked up another trailer full of scrap. I think they are planning on taking some scrap in this weekend. It's starting to look a little like a junk yard around here. That's ok though it's for a really great cause.
We're also working on Valentine's baskets so keep checking back and be sure and visit either etsy or our page on facebook. Search for LK Originals.
Til next time.
Last week Zach's dad (Jason) was at a job and saw a pile of recyclable metals. He asked the homeowner what he was going to do with it and he told him he'd been trying to get rid of it but couldn't get anybody to come and get it. So over the weekend they went and picked up another trailer full of scrap. I think they are planning on taking some scrap in this weekend. It's starting to look a little like a junk yard around here. That's ok though it's for a really great cause.
We're also working on Valentine's baskets so keep checking back and be sure and visit either etsy or our page on facebook. Search for LK Originals.
Til next time.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Struggling to Get Back Into the Swing of Things!!!
The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love the smells coming from the kitchen, getting together with family that you've been out of touch with throughout the year, and the way our home looks with all of our decorations. There's just something about the home being a little fuller but not to the point of being cluttered just enough to make it warm and cozy like....anyway before I get lost back in all of that, my confession is that I feel like I've been on vacation for a while and am having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of things. It doesn't help that we've had snow twice within the past 3 weeks and we are not used to that at all. We're lucky if we get it once a year.
So here I am getting back into it and I resolve to give updates throughout the week on a regular basis, so be sure and check back often.
I was so excited to get a call from a man at the local recycling center. He called to introduce himself and let me know that if we have a large quantity of recyclables to give him a call and he can get us a better price per pound. Where do these coincidences keep coming from?...I don't know but we sure do feel blessed when they come.
Zach and his little brother are still in their agreement for a butler. It is not as consistent as it was in the beginning but on occasion Zach has to give him a slight dose of reality to keep him in check and keep his head from getting too big. I don't have the total on that so I'm not adding it.
...if you've been with us for a while you may remember the sale of an item on www.etsy.com/shop/bigdreams1 that I said I would add as soon as I received payment...well payment has not come so I have cancelled the order. I have also posted new items so be sure to check it out and see if there is anything you can use...
Til next time...
So here I am getting back into it and I resolve to give updates throughout the week on a regular basis, so be sure and check back often.
I was so excited to get a call from a man at the local recycling center. He called to introduce himself and let me know that if we have a large quantity of recyclables to give him a call and he can get us a better price per pound. Where do these coincidences keep coming from?...I don't know but we sure do feel blessed when they come.
Zach and his little brother are still in their agreement for a butler. It is not as consistent as it was in the beginning but on occasion Zach has to give him a slight dose of reality to keep him in check and keep his head from getting too big. I don't have the total on that so I'm not adding it.
...if you've been with us for a while you may remember the sale of an item on www.etsy.com/shop/bigdreams1 that I said I would add as soon as I received payment...well payment has not come so I have cancelled the order. I have also posted new items so be sure to check it out and see if there is anything you can use...
Til next time...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
$1538 and More Recyclables
Zach's dad went on a warranty call earlier in the week. He had done some work for some friends who live close and they called and said there was a drip from the drain. He stopped by and was offered payment but warranty calls aren't something that is billable. He asked about Zach's trip and where he was so far and then gave him $40 to put towards the trip.
Then while talking to friends last night we were explaining that Zach has been working on tearing down a washing machine for recycling and he said he's got a washing machine sitting in his garage that Zach could have. He also said his mom probably has some metal things at her house so they made arrangements to meet up today at a job that he had to finish up. Turns out the owners of the house they met at is a cousin to our neighbor and he got to talking and has sent home a trailer full of metals things and they are going to go get another load.
Do you ever have those moments in your life when you almost feel overwhelmed at other people's generosity and think that there is no way it can get much better then all of a sudden someone else does something and you just keep feeling like there is no way you can feel any better? That's kind of how I'm feeling right now. It's kind of like floating on a cloud, with fluttering butterflies in your stomach. We will never be able to make anyone understand how truly appreciative and grateful we are. I only hope that we are all able to continue to pay it forward as we can!
Til next time...
Then while talking to friends last night we were explaining that Zach has been working on tearing down a washing machine for recycling and he said he's got a washing machine sitting in his garage that Zach could have. He also said his mom probably has some metal things at her house so they made arrangements to meet up today at a job that he had to finish up. Turns out the owners of the house they met at is a cousin to our neighbor and he got to talking and has sent home a trailer full of metals things and they are going to go get another load.
Do you ever have those moments in your life when you almost feel overwhelmed at other people's generosity and think that there is no way it can get much better then all of a sudden someone else does something and you just keep feeling like there is no way you can feel any better? That's kind of how I'm feeling right now. It's kind of like floating on a cloud, with fluttering butterflies in your stomach. We will never be able to make anyone understand how truly appreciative and grateful we are. I only hope that we are all able to continue to pay it forward as we can!
Til next time...
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Total $1498
Wow! I just can't help but think of what a great lesson this is to our children. I think everyone should set goals and reach as high for them as they can. Through this they will learn that even some that may seem impossible may not be. They could even be exceeded, depending on how much effort and hard work you put into them. Of course there is always the other side to that as well. Should Zach not reach his goal he will have learned a valuable lesson in how to deal with disappointment. He'll be able to look back and figure out if there was anything he could have done differently, if he could have worked a little harder or if he did all he could have done and maybe his goal was just a little too ambitious! Either way I love watching them learn very valuable life lessons either way.
Now to move forward, you did read that title correctly, he is now at $1498! He was able to earn another $200 helping friends with their animals over the holidays. Thank you to our friends for allowing Zach the opportunity to help out and we truly do appreciate your support!
We find ourselves very inspired by the total so far. Depending on how you look at it, it may not seem like much. But you can also say that $1498. means we are 20% of the way there or one-fifth of the way. I think that the whole family will agree the hardest part is behind us and we just continue to pick up momentum. Initially, our struggle was to let everyone know about the trip. Now everyone we know has received the information and description and all we have to do is keep them updated on our progress and what is coming next. That is even easier now that we have our blog, are on facebook and have updated everyone's e-mail addresses. Can't wait til next time to share more good news and update you again...
Now to move forward, you did read that title correctly, he is now at $1498! He was able to earn another $200 helping friends with their animals over the holidays. Thank you to our friends for allowing Zach the opportunity to help out and we truly do appreciate your support!
We find ourselves very inspired by the total so far. Depending on how you look at it, it may not seem like much. But you can also say that $1498. means we are 20% of the way there or one-fifth of the way. I think that the whole family will agree the hardest part is behind us and we just continue to pick up momentum. Initially, our struggle was to let everyone know about the trip. Now everyone we know has received the information and description and all we have to do is keep them updated on our progress and what is coming next. That is even easier now that we have our blog, are on facebook and have updated everyone's e-mail addresses. Can't wait til next time to share more good news and update you again...
Monday, December 27, 2010
Post Holiday Update
We made it through all of our holiday celebrations and gatherings. We spent Christmas Eve with family and got to see some family that we don't see very often. It was nice catching up and spending time with them. Christmas day was very peaceful and relaxing. Zach's grandma came over and we had seven layer dip and white chicken chili. It was all wonderful, especially since the meal was prepared ahead of time so the dishes were all done. That just left the mess of opening gifts as the only one to clean up!
Zach received a donation of $20 from a family member and $150 from another. He was also helping a friend out with their animals, I'll add that into the total once he receives it. We're looking forward to continuing our efforts and are working on figuring out what our next step is going to be. I think Zach is wanting to do a little part time work at the thrift store I previously spoke about. We're still working on getting the printers and other equipment assessed and then the possibility of selling them on ebay. And of course before you know it Valentine's Day will be here so maybe we'll do some gift baskets.
For now though the total is at $1298!
'Til next time....
Zach received a donation of $20 from a family member and $150 from another. He was also helping a friend out with their animals, I'll add that into the total once he receives it. We're looking forward to continuing our efforts and are working on figuring out what our next step is going to be. I think Zach is wanting to do a little part time work at the thrift store I previously spoke about. We're still working on getting the printers and other equipment assessed and then the possibility of selling them on ebay. And of course before you know it Valentine's Day will be here so maybe we'll do some gift baskets.
For now though the total is at $1298!
'Til next time....
Thursday, December 23, 2010
We LOVE "The Giving Tree"
First, we're still checking on aluminum can prices and they have come up a little - today they are at $0.62 a pound. We decided to hold out a little while though.
But now onto our most important news of the day.
I had seen a new thrift store in a local town and wanted to stop by. The Giving Tree is the name of the shop. A few weeks back we had some extra time and pulled in only to find (from the sign) that their heat was out so therefore they were closed for the day. We left disappointed but knew we would be back...it just looks like a really neat shop even from outside. Last week we stopped in and they were open. It is just as neat on the inside...we bought a few things. There was just something about the atmosphere though. This is not like most thrift stores, it's well organized with everything marked and the people there are super friendly. My youngest was with me and he told the girls there that it was his birthday and they sang him Happy Birthday. Yes, the whole song and yes even with other customers in the store. I knew I wanted to go back in and thought my mom would enjoy it as much if not more than I did. We stopped by again on Tuesday of this week and my youngest (gosh I'm realizing how friendly he is) was telling them that the kid with us (Zach)
was his butler. I felt this needed a little explanation, so I introduced him as his big brother and explained the whole butler agreement and why Zach was doing it. Well, I guess the wheels started spinning and the next thing you know they wanted to donate some things they haven't been able to sell, not because it's not worth anything just that it is not something that is generally purchased at a thrift store by the regular person. He drove up there yesterday and came home with a truck full of printers, scanners, typewriters, copiers and all in one machines. We're still in the process of weeding through them and figuring out whether to re-sale over the internet or scrap them out for metal contents. Thank you so much to Lynn (I think, I'm horrible with names) and Becka and the rest of the group. You can visit their website at www.thegivingtreethriftstore.com
But more than anything we just realize how truly blessed we are and that as long as you work hard your needs will always be met...somehow.
'Til next time...
But now onto our most important news of the day.
I had seen a new thrift store in a local town and wanted to stop by. The Giving Tree is the name of the shop. A few weeks back we had some extra time and pulled in only to find (from the sign) that their heat was out so therefore they were closed for the day. We left disappointed but knew we would be back...it just looks like a really neat shop even from outside. Last week we stopped in and they were open. It is just as neat on the inside...we bought a few things. There was just something about the atmosphere though. This is not like most thrift stores, it's well organized with everything marked and the people there are super friendly. My youngest was with me and he told the girls there that it was his birthday and they sang him Happy Birthday. Yes, the whole song and yes even with other customers in the store. I knew I wanted to go back in and thought my mom would enjoy it as much if not more than I did. We stopped by again on Tuesday of this week and my youngest (gosh I'm realizing how friendly he is) was telling them that the kid with us (Zach)
was his butler. I felt this needed a little explanation, so I introduced him as his big brother and explained the whole butler agreement and why Zach was doing it. Well, I guess the wheels started spinning and the next thing you know they wanted to donate some things they haven't been able to sell, not because it's not worth anything just that it is not something that is generally purchased at a thrift store by the regular person. He drove up there yesterday and came home with a truck full of printers, scanners, typewriters, copiers and all in one machines. We're still in the process of weeding through them and figuring out whether to re-sale over the internet or scrap them out for metal contents. Thank you so much to Lynn (I think, I'm horrible with names) and Becka and the rest of the group. You can visit their website at www.thegivingtreethriftstore.com
But more than anything we just realize how truly blessed we are and that as long as you work hard your needs will always be met...somehow.
'Til next time...
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
$1128
As I was out running around (alone-without children) running errands after a doctor's appointment yesterday I stopped by a local store that we frequent. I was looking for a gift for the kids and could not find it. I asked the cashier (my favorite clerk...one who knows me by name and knows my children as well as me knowing about hers) if she had seen any. She looked somewhat puzzled and said no but then said wait...and beckoned me back over to the register. You see we had the pictures we developed of the gingerbread house developed there and had told her about our mission. Without hesitation she pulled some money out and gave a donation to Zach's fund.
Today, we received a Christmas card from a neighbor and enclosed was a note stating that they were sorry they did not make the open house and included was another donation.
We trulyy are touched by the support from all of our friends, family and neighbors.
I know this is somewhat of a short posting from me, I just found out today that my mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer so I'm a little distracted. She is in great spirits. I'm going to the surgeon's appointment with her tomorrow...we'll see what the surgeon has to say and go from there. I know life always deals us bumps, challenges and distractions from what we have planned but this is all part of the plan. So we are going to stay focused on the plan for Zach because that is what she wants!
Again, I hate to leave on a negative note...so $5872 to go and Zach and his dad are going out tomorrow while we are at the doc's office and collect cans.
'Til next time.
Today, we received a Christmas card from a neighbor and enclosed was a note stating that they were sorry they did not make the open house and included was another donation.
We trulyy are touched by the support from all of our friends, family and neighbors.
I know this is somewhat of a short posting from me, I just found out today that my mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer so I'm a little distracted. She is in great spirits. I'm going to the surgeon's appointment with her tomorrow...we'll see what the surgeon has to say and go from there. I know life always deals us bumps, challenges and distractions from what we have planned but this is all part of the plan. So we are going to stay focused on the plan for Zach because that is what she wants!
Again, I hate to leave on a negative note...so $5872 to go and Zach and his dad are going out tomorrow while we are at the doc's office and collect cans.
'Til next time.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Another $ 62 - Total $1103.
I'm a glass half full kind of person so I hate to put something that seems bad in my mind because I'm really only focused on the part where we have been able to raise a lot as far as the cost of the tuition. So I'll put it this way....we only have $5897. to go!
Zach has been working really hard. We dropped him off the other day (at his request) when we ran to town (yes, we live out in the country) he decided he was going to walk down one of our country roads and pick up cans and then we could pick him up on our way back. This was really hard for me. The temperature was 38 degrees outside, I would have stayed with him and walked the other side of the road but I can't do those temperatures. I would have been so sick! Anyway, we showed back up and he had walked over 3 miles!!!! He collected two thirteen gallon bags full....no, we still have not recycled any aluminum. The prices are still low. They don't seem to be going anywhere soon. That's OK, he's not going until summer...we can wait. At this point we do have fifteen, forty-five gallon trash bags full of crushed cans and more coming everyday.
We did sell cookies, a homemade angel off of etsy.com and received a donation over the weekend.
I'm sure you're curious about the butler, he's still at work...weekdays only (part of the agreement).
'Til next time....
Zach has been working really hard. We dropped him off the other day (at his request) when we ran to town (yes, we live out in the country) he decided he was going to walk down one of our country roads and pick up cans and then we could pick him up on our way back. This was really hard for me. The temperature was 38 degrees outside, I would have stayed with him and walked the other side of the road but I can't do those temperatures. I would have been so sick! Anyway, we showed back up and he had walked over 3 miles!!!! He collected two thirteen gallon bags full....no, we still have not recycled any aluminum. The prices are still low. They don't seem to be going anywhere soon. That's OK, he's not going until summer...we can wait. At this point we do have fifteen, forty-five gallon trash bags full of crushed cans and more coming everyday.
We did sell cookies, a homemade angel off of etsy.com and received a donation over the weekend.
I'm sure you're curious about the butler, he's still at work...weekdays only (part of the agreement).
'Til next time....
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Add another $75 for a total of $1041
First things first. Monday we delivered the gingerbread house to the winner of the raffle. Ms. Eugenia works at a local store and was so excited. I don't think she could wait to dig in...she asked if they were completely edible. Thank you to everyone for your support by purchasing a raffle ticket.
Thanks for checking in on our status...'til next time.
Then we sold a Winnie the Pooh Totem Pole wall hanging from the etsy site but the order is being paid by money order (on its way) so I'm not going to add it to the total yet. Then we got an order for a chalkboard. All of the money minus shipping charges is going towards the trip. It's adding up quickly.
The biggest development so far is that Zach and his younger brother have reached a business agreement. Jacob has hired Zach to be his butler for $5 a day. This includes a detailed list of things that are required of him in a days time, such as make his bed daily, prepare snacks, play with him at least once a day, etc...I'm rather enjoying not having to make snacks for him. I have to admit I am getting spoiled. We'll see how long this lasts. It's probably going to be a while before he runs out of money. They'll probably get tired of it long before that!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
What A Weekend!
Once the open house was wrapped up we went bowling. The People to People organizers held a winter social so those who were going to be traveling as Student Ambassadors could get together. We got to meet many of those who Zach will be traveling with. They all seemed extremely nice and friendly. I've posted a few pictures of some of those who we met.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
$863 - Current Tally
Yes, Zach's now up to $863. I sold one of my fleece blankets...the pink John Deere one. Grandma sold a raffle ticket as well. We are all still so excited. It's almost like the anticipation of Christmas but a long, long way off. I started telling family last night that this year we're going to be saving the money we would be spending on everyone to put towards the fund. As no one should be expecting gifts from us, we are not anticipating any in return. If anyone were to feel the need to do anything we ask that they make a donation or purchase towards Zach's trip. As I'm new to facebook http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigdreams1 and writing a blog I am slowly figuring out how to link it all together. If successful I'll have a link with this blog to my shop at www.etsy.com. Then you should be able to simply click on it instead of having to find it.
Until next time.......
Until next time.......
Monday, December 6, 2010
Up To $826!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
We're Having a Holiday Open House
For the past few years I have been a very casual maker and seller of miscellaneous craft type items. I love doing it and sharing with others. To me it is almost therapeutic and I love to see peoples reactions. Being gifted in the creativity department leaves me with a huge sense of self satisfaction to hear a recipient of a gift basket or handmade angel marvel and say "How did you do that, I could never create anything even close".
So now I have a very specific purpose for making even more and becoming more serious. We've been absorbing all costs for everything we've been making so far including the cakes, cookies, breads. We decided to do the same with our handmade items. Our open house is taking place on December 11th. We're of course going to be serving red velvet cake and we're going to display all that we've been making. So far we have winter hats, a tree skirt, stockings for Christmas, tree ornaments, teacher gifts, new baby gift baskets, chalkboards, and wooden trees that hold Christmas cards.
For anyone out of town we're posting all items online at www.etsy.com simply click on the arrow by "Handmade" and then click on "Sellers" then type "bigdreams1" into the box and click on "search" our store will be brought up and then you can click on "bigdreams1", all items are there and they include shipping charges. Remember every penny is going towards Zach's trip to Europe. It's so cool to see him so driven and willing to work so hard to earn as much toward his trip as he can. He may not be able to sew or paint like I can but he has been doing dishes, laundry and vacuuming so I have more time to do so.
I love my kids! Til next time.
So now I have a very specific purpose for making even more and becoming more serious. We've been absorbing all costs for everything we've been making so far including the cakes, cookies, breads. We decided to do the same with our handmade items. Our open house is taking place on December 11th. We're of course going to be serving red velvet cake and we're going to display all that we've been making. So far we have winter hats, a tree skirt, stockings for Christmas, tree ornaments, teacher gifts, new baby gift baskets, chalkboards, and wooden trees that hold Christmas cards.
For anyone out of town we're posting all items online at www.etsy.com simply click on the arrow by "Handmade" and then click on "Sellers" then type "bigdreams1" into the box and click on "search" our store will be brought up and then you can click on "bigdreams1", all items are there and they include shipping charges. Remember every penny is going towards Zach's trip to Europe. It's so cool to see him so driven and willing to work so hard to earn as much toward his trip as he can. He may not be able to sew or paint like I can but he has been doing dishes, laundry and vacuuming so I have more time to do so.
I love my kids! Til next time.
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