Six degrees.

So, has everyone heard of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Game? This goofy, fun game has been around for years, and finally, the real Kevin Bacon has decided to cash in on it. Bacon has teamed up with Network For Good and has started a website, sixdegrees.org. Through this website, people can choose a charity, create a charity badge, and post it to their blog or website. Then, readers of their blog can donate to that charity through a few clicks. Good for Kevin Bacon, who is using his fame and fortune to better the world. I mean, really, he could have shaved his head, hit a reporter with an umbrella, and entered rehab!

Anyway, one of the blogs I have visited daily for several years is written by an artist/scrapbooker/mom/all-around cool chick named ali edwards. About two years ago, her then three-year-old son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has added a badge to her site that allows you to donate to Autism Speaks.


As you probably all know, Will has also been diagnosed with ASD. In the 1970s, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with Autism. Current studies show that today, about 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with ASD. That is an increase of 6,000%. It is an epidemic and quite frankly unacceptable. Organizations such as Autism Speaks are working hard to discover causes and cures so that we can put an end to it.

I thought about putting my own badge on here (and I may do so in the future); however, I went ahead and put Ali's on for now. See, the generosity of Kevin Bacon continues: the top 6 badges on March 31 will win matching grants (up to $10,000) from Bacon personally. And believe it or not, Ali's badge is currently in the top position. I think this shows just how many families are affected by Autism. If we can keep it up until next Friday, Autism Speaks will get the money Ali has raised PLUS $10,000 PLUS some time in the spotlight. So, if you feel inclined, please donate to Autism Speaks through the badge above. The contest is won by number of donors, not amount raised. The minimum donation is $10. Thank you so much.

CHALLENGE #6, tardy.

Sorry for the no-challenge Thursday! Since there is not much time left to finish the challenge before THIS Thursday's challenge, well, let's make it an easy one, shall we? OK, for this week's challenge, post a photo of the VIEW OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW. Which window? Whichever - your favorite view, or the ugliest view, or whatever. Hey, if nothing else, maybe you will be inspired to wash your windows!

Sign of a good time...

While in the Keys, both Will and Jack found signs they could relate to!

Enjoying Key West!

Thanks to Gheghe for taking the picture! I will post more pictures when we get home - visit cbythesea for some great shots, too!

The week so far...

We have made it to the Florida Keys and so far have been having a great time! The weather has been great, warm yet breezy. We also took some time to do the challenge!

Scenes from a birthday party...

As requested by Ashley... here are a few shots from Will's party!

Three!

This week's CHALLENGE!!

OK, I think you guys have had it too easy. This week's challenge is actually going to take some work on your part. That's right, folks. Time to dig deep into the recesses of your mind (and digestive system). Time to get down and dirty.

This challenge is a two-parter. The theme is: FOOD. To complete the challenge you must do both of the following:
1. Post a picture of yourself (with or without friends and family) eating in public.
2. Spell your name in food. Post a picture of it.

Have fun, people. And, be careful out there.

Counting the days...

we leave for the Keys in a week... here are John & Jack making sure everything they need is in working order!

Note to Self...

Self, in the future, do not turn your back on soon-to-be-three-year-old playing "innocently" in the rice bucket.

Planet Challenge: COLLECTIONS

Ok, so everyone collects something, right? Some of us may even have multiple collections. Let's see 'em! Post pictures of your collections - and tell us about them, too! Why did you start collecting these things? What was your first piece? What is your favorite piece? Do other people think you are completely insane to collect what you do? Do you care?


As for me (and John as well)... we collect books. Something about a bookstore or a library just makes us really happy. And it is somehow always easy (a little too much so) to justify spending money on books. There are several spots around our house where we keep our collection, but the plan is - as soon as Leah leaves for college, we are turning her room into one big library-room! Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, with a big antique table in the middle of the room, and some comfy chairs throughout. We can't wait!! (oh, only kidding, Leah!)