Big Dreams

When I set out to make changes to Gypsy Essentials this year, I had BIG dreams. I dreamt of changing the world, through helping a family in my own community each month, through either raising donations or giving them resourceful information and working towards making life a little easier and brighter for them. I also wanted to begin donating and seeking donations for several different types of organizations that support some of the causes I feel most passionate about. I sat down and discussed it with the board of Gypsy Essentials (which, let me remind you, is my 5 younger kids....and, on occasion, Aaron). They all thought it sounded fabulous!

Fast Forward to March 30th....January was spent trying to figure out how to launch a new product I felt like we needed to add to Gypsy Essentials, the Wubblies. February was spent looking for a Wubbly to spotlight (Elaina) for Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month, then spending a couple of weeks seeking donations and someone who would be willing to donate most (ended up being ALL) of their services and labor towards making a special bed for Elaina. March came and I struggled in finding a Wubbly with an extra trisomy. When I finally did find a sweet candidate, it fell through almost as soon as it began.....sigh. Somehow, helping others out has been more frustrating than I think it needs to be. With all of the other unexpected drama I had to deal with, in relation to our business, it was a little overwhelming. Because of this, I finally sat down with Aaron one night and asked him what he thought about me trying to help others out along the way.

I completely expected him to tell me that he felt it would be best if I forgot about my dream of helping others....just for right now, until we actually began making a profit off of our business. I was totally prepared for this type of response. I had my reaction all planned and had been trying to figure out a way to announce it to the public. But Aaron surprised me, when he said, "I don't think you will be as happy if you aren't doing that part of your work. You REALLY seem to enjoy it and I think you can make it work." I was so happy to hear that! I asked him to share his thoughts on how I could manage it. He suggested that I not focus so much on National Awareness Months or limiting myself to helping out Wubblies for only a month. After all, we really lucked out with Elaina's bed and had a donor who was able and willing to donate a huge sum of money AND found a bed maker willing to donate his services, all in less than 2 weeks. Most of the time, this won't be happening. He also pointed out that, there may be a time when we are asked to help someone out that has no relation to whatever National Awareness Month it is at that moment, and that would suck to have to tell them that we couldn't help them out.....as they weren't a part of whatever group we were raising awareness for during that month. It felt like such a relief to hear that he recognized and supported my love of service AND that he had even thought of a way to make it less stressful for me (Now, you can see the part that Aaron plays in our family business. With him working 2 jobs and helping out A LOT with domestic duties, I could never expect him to do more than be my sensible business partner/best friend. And that he is. Over the past month, with the whole issue of dealing with a dishonest and clearly-disturbed individual that I finally got out of business with, and also with trying to figure out how to adjust my business to fit our family's needs and still function, I have to say that Aaron is the one who has held me together and kept me from jumping ship. He never ceases to amaze me.).

As of the beginning of April (which is World Autism Awareness Month....just in case you were wondering), we will be asking all of our followers on Facebook and our site here, to send us suggestions of local Wubblies for us to spotlight. We know that we live in an awesome nation that really does look after it's citizens better than some countries around the world can or will, but we also know that sometimes it is impossible to get the help that those with special needs are desperately seeking. So, keep your eyes and ears open and send them our way. We are still looking! Our goal, for those who haven't already heard, is to involve the community in brightening the lives of those who are struggling within our own community.....simple as that! We want it to be a group effort in showing these Wubblies that they are special, they are loved, and that we truly care about their quality of life, during the trials they face.

We will still be donating proceeds from our Wubbly sales towards these local Wubblies, but we can have our donations last a week or several months, depending upon what the needs are.

Speaking of Wubblies..... "How is Princess Elaina's bed coming along?" you ask.

 

Here is Elaina dancing at our house, yesterday. Hollie and Jordan (Creative Construction Design) sat down and discussed the plans for Elaina's bed, while Elaina explored our parlor and Ben (Elaina's big brother, who is also an Aspie like all of us) and our older boys hung out. They were best friends, after a few hours of hanging out.

 

 

 

 

We had gotten some baby hens earlier in the day and I had gotten a couple extra (unclaimed by our kids). I had thought about letting Ben adopt one of the Ameraucanas we had named "Rainbow", but hadn't mentioned it to anyone.....I thought, he won't be interested, silly! (sometimes I think far too deeply about things...it must be an Aspie thing). Once we began our meeting, I sent Ben into our room with the boys, to see our new pets and he emerged a few moments later, Rainbow in his hands. He started to ask me if anyone had claimed this chick yet. What a trip! I told him that I had already decided to let him adopt Rainbow, but I really wanted to know how he knew which one I was going to give to him. He and the boys told me that Rainbow ran to him, when he put his hands down in the box. Rainbow obviously knew about my plans and Ben's need to have a pet chick. And Ben LOVES rainbows, so it was the perfect name, he told me.

Mel. Ted. My. Heart.

 

 

Elaina got to touch Rainbow and it was awesome to see her reaction to having a chick around. The more I get to know this little angel, the more I realize that God truly does have a plan for all of us here on this Earth, no matter how difficult it may be for others to understand that purpose.

 

 

 

Look into these precious eyes, Elaina is definitely a soul searcher.

 

And quite the explorer! Hollie was shocked to see that she had made it up the step and was into the next room! I had to catch a shot of her first time making it past the first step....congratulations, Princess Elaina!

 

 

 

(I hate to say it, but this is a horrible photo of Jordan and Hollie, they are both so much lovelier in person...I just really suck at taking photos and this was the only shot I got of them, as they were discussing plans to create the bed for Princess Elaina, so please recognize it for what it is, a lousy shot.) Jordan told us about his business and his wife and daughter. We are thrilled to meet them both at some point. Hollie shared all of her dream specifications for a bed for Elaina. As she spoke, I think both Jordan and I (neither of us having kids with special needs similar to Elaina's) were overwhelmed with adoration for all that Hollie does to wub on her princess. I know that one of the main reasons I have decided to continue on with this part of our business, is due to the fact that I recognize it must be exhausting, no matter how much you love your child, to have the responsibilities never end and that child never grow beyond a certain level of understanding. Those of us who are not enduring these sort of circumstances need to have a way to share in lightening the burdens and allowing comfort where it is needed, so that the lives of our sisters and brothers can be a little more enjoyable. While Elaina is, indeed, learning and growing (trust me, this little lady is so curious, there is no way she couldn't be), there will always be a great deal of attention required for her needs. And Hollie is an amazing mom, it is such an honor to know her, to see how she is with her Wubblies and to hear her story.  

God knew exactly where this precious little miracle was supposed to end up....in some of the most caring hands available here on Earth. After Jordan gathered all of the info he needed and visited with us for a bit, he left. Then Hollie and the kids and I continued to visit....for a few hours. Love this family! So happy to have them in our lives.

Namaste~
Danni

Gypsy Skirts

 

I LOVE skirts. I have bought many throughout the years. And, while I have loved them all, I always find myself thinking, if only there was more color....if only there were pockets!.....if only there was more flare....if only.

 

 

After saying I would make a skirt for over a year, I finally attempted a skirt. I like it. This is probably the most "neutral" my colors will get. I plan to design & create several different styles of Gypsy Skirts, all of them very bright and colorful. And the best part, I will be using upcycled pants AND my most favoritest-in-the-whole-wide-universe fabrics.

 

 

I LOVE that there are 10 pockets, 7 on the front and 3 on the back. I loathe having to take a purse anywhere with me (maternity clothes drove me NUTS, no pockets AND I still looked fat....seriously?). I usually only have my wallet, my cell phone, and my keys attached to my belt loop....hands-free and no purse to leave somewhere....not that I have ever done that. ;)

 

 

I plan on making several skirts over the next few months. I will have different sizes and styles. They will not be your typical skirt, but I think that is what will make them awesome and unique.....you won't be able to find anyone else with the exact same skirt as you! I plan on having a few available at our upcoming Spring Boutique in April. So excited to share!

 

By the way, one of my besties took these photos in about 5 minutes time...I kid you not. Joanna is amazing behind a camera. She used to have her own photography business, but put it on the shelf, so she could give more time to her 4 extraordinary wubblies.

 

And try not to judge the model too harshly....it took a lot of courage for me to have pics of myself on here. I know I am not very "photogenic", but I am who I am.  And I love who I am! :)

 

Namaste.

~Danni

My Studio: Narnia

 

A few months ago, I decided that I really needed to have an official studio. I ALWAYS seemed to have fabric, paint projects, and whatever messes I could possibly make, lying all over in my front rooms and that really bothered me. REALLY bothered me. I moved the younger 2 boys in with the older 2 boys (which has been our plan for years, I was just worried I would have to give up my little snuggle buddy, if I did this.....nope, Sunshine still comes and gets in bed with us most early mornings). I then painted my new studio and began planning. I had always wanted to paint the sewing desk (I bought from Deseret Industries for $15...score!). I decided to use my own unique paint technique and I was pleased with the outcome. I finally pulled out years of my children's art (I have been saving my very, very favorites for over 18 years now). There were so many, but I managed to narrow down the ones I found and even left room for more, when I am able to dig through more boxes and when my little budding artists create more wall-worthy art (Shhh...they think all of their doodles are wall-worthy).

 

The stained glass hanging in the window was my own design and hand-crafted by my mama. She went through a phase where she was taking stained glass and fly fishing classes one year, it was the happiest I had ever seen her. I was so thrilled when she asked me if she could make me something. It looks absolutely stunning when the light shines in through the window. I found the antique vase sitting on the desk, on my birthday this year, and decided that I needed flowers within reach all year long. I think that will be the only way I can keep myself inside during the warmer weather, that and the view of the mountains from my window. Can't wait to have fresh-cut flowers in there during the growing season! The cute little make up case, sitting up against the desk was given to me by Aaron's grandma, who is my mentor as well as my dear friend. It belonged to her mother. She knew how much I love luggage (I still haven't figured out which pieces to add to my studio, but there will definitely be more in there, by the time I am through). I think it is important, not only to have materials, tools, and resources within reach, but to have items that make your heart smile. After all, we all need inspiration for creating beautiful things. We also need to remember that we are loved, when we are trying new things or getting frustrated with a broken sewing needle or having to undo an entire length of yarn because of miscounting. Having these few items, makes me feel loved.

 

Notice the sign I created above the window. Just in case you were wondering: I came up with the idea for the sign, I spent hours making the sign, I sell signs like this through my business, and I LOVE what I create....so much so, that I will ask people not to copy what I make. If you LOVE my art, you can have it! You just need to pay me for it, not take pictures of my artwork and figure out a way to make it "cheaper" than what I am asking for it. It is my concept, my time, and my heart you are stealing, if you choose otherwise. The brushed-nickel lamp stays on the desk all of the time, but the different machines I use for my business, take turns there. I love that the top of the desk folds out (more room) and have even been contemplating having the sewing machine, which is eternally resting inside, resurrected. It is a Necchi, like the machine I use.

 

 

 

 

And here is the machine station. I have a cameo silhouette machine, a laminator, a serger, sewing machine, and a slew of yarn and fabric scraps. I have plans to make new (brighter, happier) covers for my serger and sewing machine and to embellish the cameo cover. I will share it on here, when I get to it. In the upper section of the room, I plan to display this year's Wubblies, along with photos of the Wubblies we have Wubbed and met along the way. I have pics of Elaina, but won't finish the collage until her bed is finished. My plan is to make some cute little pony heads to slip over the tops of the pegs, so it looks like the Wubblies are on little ponies...I know, I have too many creative thoughts flowing through this crazy mind of mine. ;)

 

 

I learned a long time ago, that if I can keep my life organized and well-planned out, and have a list to keep track of my goals, it frees up all of my creativity. I know it sounds silly, but it is how I function. And it really does work. Now that my studio is organized, my mind is going wild, with all sorts of ideas of what I want to create. Notice, that I didn't keep my patterned fabrics folded, I rolled them all up. It has been working quite nicely, as I just pull out a roll and then put it back in, when I am done. I have my Wubbly skin fabric on the top of the middle section, then Wubbly hair, and then the supplies I am using for the Wubblies I am making right now. I have my paints, my thread, ribbon, paper, and a few patterns, that I have yet to look at and learn how to read...hey, it is a goal of mine for this year! In the top of the closet, I keep my duffel bag of the PVC-sign-stand I created a year ago (also my very own design...be proud) and the sign I sewed for when we eventually go out on the road and sell our wares at different festivals around the USA. I also keep my 6' table in the closet, along with the huge basket that has all of my future projects (and a few neglected items I still need to repair). I love that I can see exactly what I need....and that I can shut the doors and give my eyes a rest.

 

 

 

I also keep any items I have up for sale online or am getting ready to give away, in there.

 

This is my throne.....well, that's what I like to believe it is. In reality, I spend many hours sitting here with different children, listening to them read or working on math, flashcards, etc. with my own Wubblies, while I crochet, cut, or stitch. I plan to one day (perhaps this year) learn how to reupholster furniture and then I will cover this little overstuffed chair with a crazy quilt of all of my MOST favorite fabrics. For now, it is just covered. The Gypsy Mat on the floor is only about 18" wide, so far. I began taking every fabric that I was having the boys rip and roll into balls and adding a short strip to this one. I need to add to it (obviously). I plan on making it about 6 feet across while we live here and eventually even wider, for our next home, in the Great Room....but that is a few years away. The leafy floor-lamp is going to get a fresh paint job, once I find some time. And hidden behind my throne, you will find a basket of towels and yarn...just waiting for my fingers to give them some wub and make them into Gypsy Towels. 

 

 

I rolled all of my solid cottons and put them in this retro television cabinet that I picked up from Deseret Industries for $15....I obviously like buying from there, huh? I keep my Wubbly dolls I am working on, inside the bottom, along with the patterns (I created myself....only because I couldn't read another person's pattern, to save my life). Next to the cabinet, you will notice my creative basket. I have just about everything an artist would need on a regular basis in there. And I can't forget my little basin of specialty yarns. Some of these yarns cost over $10, but they are only used sparingly on my Gypsy Rolls. I keep them close by, for inspiration.

 

 

 

This picture greets me, as I enter my studio and was created one day during sacrament meeting. When I asked River what he wanted to call it, he scrunched up his brow and a look of wisdom and deep thought came over his face, as he placed his hand on his chin (if you know River, you know exactly which look I am referring to). After a few moments, he stated, "The Beauty". I know it probably looks like a simple drawing to most people who see it, but it means so much more to me. It represents all that I live for and all that I work towards, in my endeavors. The Beauty is within all of us, and all around us....if we open our hearts and our eyes, we can all have beauty within our reach.

 

Namaste.

Danni 

 

 

BE THE DIFFERENCE

It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot harder to make a difference.  ~Tom Brokaw

I have spent the past couple of weeks, really stressing over the fact that I have been giving away more products than I have been selling (four to one). First, I went through wondering what I was doing wrong. I don't have a major in marketing and I am winging-it in just about every area, and the learning curve has been steep! I started up Gypsy Essentials a little over a year ago, with the idea that I would be able to make up the difference in our income (with Aaron's second job gradually decreasing over the next year or so) and somehow make a difference in the world. Last year, I gave away about 3x as much as I sold. Which was okay with me. Everything I gave away, was to people I love and wanted to share my love with. Over the past year, I learned a lot about setting up a website, selling in boutiques, and going to craft fairs (the one craft fair I did attend, was a disaster for everyone there). Over the past week, I began doubting my capabilities and wondering if others really like my products or if they are just being kind and supportive because they love me (I am very loved by my friends, this much I do know) or excited to get something for FREE (I have heard that people will enter contests for just about anything, because it is FREE! FREE! FREE! That VCR-potato peeler-back massager they won was FREE!).

 I have been spending 30+ hours a week working on Gypsy Essentials. That is a lot of time, when you consider I am homeschooling 5 of our 6 kids and attempting to stay at home with all of them, while working these 30+ hours. Between making calls, sending e-mails, researching to find Wubblies/organizations to help out with our sales, along with actually making all of the products I love, I have been going to bed around 2am and waking back up around 6am. My evenings and weekends are no longer relaxing. I no longer have clean counter tops and sinks or know where all of the missing socks have migrated to. And the bathrooms....don't get me started! I have delegated meals, laundry, and bathing to the older kids and Aaron. I have been reading, talking with mentors and friends, and (of course) working on products so much lately, that I haven't had a chance to really sit back and take a look at all I am doing and want to do.

 Finally, this weekend, I did just that. I took a really hard look at what I want to accomplish with Gypsy Essentials and what my plans are for the future. I sat down and discussed my plans with a couple of dear friends, whose opinions I hold very high. Their advice, was to not donate any money or time, to focus on my business and how I can make money....which is great advice, and I know I should proabably take it to heart, but I still have this part of me that wants so very badly to be able to BE THE DIFFERENCE, to BE THE CHANGE, to BE THE GOOD. I know, it sounds very nice, so sweet, even noble, but it isn't as a means to pat myself on the back. It is something that is innate in  my soul (and I am guessing in every other person's soul, as well). It's in every one of us, to be loved, to feel safe, to feel wanted, to be appreciated. It is natural to want to help others to feel the same way. While my friends were right, I am going to have to begin managing my time and prioritizing better, I just can't give up on the aspect of Gypsy Essentials that takes up most of my time right now. I know it is going to be a little bit more time and effort, but I will have to give up some of the other areas in my life. Book Club will not be attended this year, my garden may not get weeded as often, the carpets may go weeks without being vacuumed, and the bathrooms will still be embarrassing to have guests go into, but I will continue with seeking out and assisting others in donating to those causes that strike deep to the core of my being. That is just the way it is.

Once I have everything more organized, with our Wubblies, my plan is to find several different organizations which are supporting more causes I feel passionate about, and to donate to and help raise funds for those causes...but not this week.

Another issue I have had, over the past year, is the fact that everyone wants something for nothing. When I tell people that it took me a few months of looking, to find the colors of upcycled fabrics that I use in my Gypsy Mats (ALL of the fabric used in them is upcycled, even the tags), they look at me with that blank stare my kids give me when I have been lecturing them for over 10 minutes. When I tell them that it, then, took me another 2 hours to wash & dry (that part isn't actually any work....lol), to rip, to crochet, and to sew the Gypsy Mats, their eyes glaze over even more. Then they begin asking me if I can share my technique with them. This is the part that always gets me! I am naturally a sharing and caring kind of gal. I want to educate the world, I want to have everyone able to do whatever I do. If someone asks me about homeschooling, I usually will spend hours giving them my reasons, my resources, my love and my support. If they were to ask me about homebirthing, I would do the same. These are subjects that I feel passionate about and have spent years educating myself on. I LOVE to share info. So, naturally, when they first asked, I was going into great detail, sharing how I made my product and wishing them the best of luck with their own "craft". Hey, they wouldn't go home and start up their own business and try to copy everything I am making, right? What did I have to lose? But after a sweet, fellow craftsman overheard me sharing one day and realized I was naive to the crafting business, he shared with me that my time is worth more than just freely sharing all of my hard work and efforts with the public. Nowadays, I just tell people to google crocheting in the round or rag rugs (and I have even learned to send friends an e-mail with links on homebirthing, homeschooling, etc.....I just don't have the time to spend hours on the phone or in person sharing what I know, only to have them ask me again and again and again. It is a matter of efficiency.). The truth is, with today's technology, you can make just about everything on your own. In fact, just about anything you see in a craft boutique, you can go home and make for yourself. The real question here isn't CAN YOU, but WILL YOU? ;)

I spent a long time trying to figure out just the right pattern for my Gypsy Mats, through trial and error. Most crocheters already know how to read a pattern and have been crocheting in the round forever. Not me. I can't read a sewing or crochet pattern to save my life. I have borrowed library books on the subject and have plenty of mentors, but haven't taken the time to learn....too busy thinking up NEW products to create! I came up with the design for the Gypsy Towel, all on my own. I am sure somewhere in the world, someone has something similar, but if you look around here and on etsy, you won't find that design. And it works! Not only are my Gypsy Towels bright, vibrant, and FUN, but they function better than your grandma's design ever did. Some of the key ingredients to creating an awesome product, for me, are being functional, beautiful, and resourceful (which is why I use upcycled fabrics with as much as I can). But, while everyone wants one and wants to know where I got the towels from, if I can show them how to crochet the top, they balk at the amount of money I am asking. Yes, it may seem like a lot to you. But take into consideration that the buttons, alone, usually run me around $1-$2. The yarn isn't that expensive, as I have found that acrylic holds up the longest (and costs the least....thank goodness!). The sewing around the edges is less than a dollar. The towels only cost me a couple of dollars. The insignia (which I have an embroiderer do, because it is my own design and I don't own a $10,000 machine that can do digitized embroidery) costs me more than the towel does, at $2.50 per tag or piece. Put all of that together, take into consideration that it takes me about 45 minutes to crochet on my Gypsy Towels (down from 1 hour when I first began) and around 8 minutes to sew (down from 1/2 hour, when I first began. LOL), that I travel to pick up all of the materials, wash the towels before I begin, to make sure they are not going to have issues with the edges, pay to have them listed on etsy and in the stores where I have booths, pay for Paypal, pay for the electricity, machines, tools I use, pay for tags, paper to make signs, etc.....and you can see why I would charge what I do. It all adds up. I am not WalMart, I am not even KMart. I have to pay what you would for supplies. I don't ship the work  I have, out to China or Thailand. I do the work myself or hire someone local to help me. And I am okay with all of that. I LOVE what I create and know that, at some point, others will see my creations for what they are and be willing to pay what they are worth. I am FOLLOWING MY BLISS!

Once I found my groove and accepted the fact that I LOVE what I create, even though I wasn't making much more than a dollar an hour, I decided to begin figuring out a way to make a difference. I began with the Wubblies, because over the past year, I had watched one of my best friends, Dee, working her tail off to get funds for the adoption of their son, Peter. I knew that this was an area I could feel passionate about and so I began looking for another child to help find their forever family.

Sara and Samuel's names were given to me from a liaison at Reece's Rainbows. I thought they sounded like they needed help. I thought I could make a difference. Right from the get-go, I felt frustrated. Because of the coding for the widget Reece's Rainbow provided me, I wasn't able to add it to my blog, so I spent a couple of days and moved everything from Wordpress, over to Blogger. Which was okay, I thought, if I was going to be working with Reece's Rainbow, I wanted donors to be able to see the progress and get excited over the difference they were making. Since I had no way to know who had donated or how much, there wasn't a way to promote it much, other than to share their touching story....again and again. I am still not sure how much was raised for Sara & Samuel during the month I had their widget on our website. At any rate, one day I came to post on my website, and found that where the widget had been, it now said "page not found". I sent a message to the liaison for Reece's Rainbows and she joyously announced that they had a forever family that was working towards their adoption. YES! This was awesome news! She said that if I wanted to, I could help the family raise funds for the adoption. Well, it just so happened that, only a couple of weeks earlier, my friend, Dee, who had just returned with her Wubbly, Peter, had announced that they were going to be raising funds for another adoption, Divine's. I was torn. I wanted to continue on with Sara and Samuel, but I really didn't feel like what I had been doing for them had even made a dent and felt that I could support Divine's adoption and Dee's efforts more effectively. I discussed it with my kids (who are, for all intent and purposes, the Board of Directors for Gypsy Essentials) and with Aaron (my business partner). They all said it was up to me, but that they would like to support Divine's adoption more. I vacillated in my head, between the two options, for a good 2 weeks. I prayed. I debated. I even thought of drawing names out of a hat.....but then I finally received the answer I was seeking. I knew that Sara and Samuel would receive the help they deserve. I knew that the Taylors will be able to raise the funds they need, through the vast network they have been building over the years, with all of the other adoptions they have been fortunate to fulfill. I knew that Dee was a miracle worker herself, and I also remembered conversations we had had when we were just 14 years old. We both loved (still do)  kids and both wanted to adopt kids, at some point. I had been adopted by my parents and she had been adopted by her dad. We both knew of the importance and we both wanted to "travel the world and have babies from as many places as we needed to adopt them from". As I am not in a position, emotionally, physically or financially to adopt at this point, the best thing I can do, is to support my sister in her efforts to save these children and give them the love they deserve. My choice had been made and I am now perfectly at peace with my final decision.

I give you, Divine! This Wubbly is in Liberia. We will be donating a portion of our proceeds from our 2013 Wubbblies, from this point forward, toward Divine's adoption. We will get a link to Divine's donate button, once it is available. In the meantime, feel free to join this FB page, to share your support and to find out more about how Dee was able to raise funds for Peter's adoption last year. She has an e-book that will be coming out soon, with a lot of valuable info on fundraising, in general, even though it will be especially beneficial for all of you who are working towards an international  adoption. And 100% of the profits from this e-book will be put towards Divine's adoption. Yay!

So, now you know what I have been through over the past year, what I am in the process of working out, and what we are planning on doing in the future. Hopefully, this will give you a little bit of insight into who I am and explain what we are doing here at Gypsy Essentials. We may not be perfect, but we are working towards BEING THE CHANGE, BEING THE DIFFERENCE, BEING THE GOOD....and that is all any of us can do, really.

BE THE CHANGE.
BE THE DIFFERENCE.
BE THE GOOD.
~Danni

Peter and His Wubbly

 

A few weeks ago, I had the awesome experience of attending the sealing of Peter, who was just recently adopted by his Forever Family. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I have had, to date. Watching this precious family, who had been waiting for this moment, for over a year, finally have the capability of sealing their family together for all time and eternity, was priceless. I had been planning on sending my friend, Dee (whom I have known and loved since Jr. High school) a Wubbly gift for Peter, when they returned home from Liberia. Instead, I was able to attend this sacred event. Pure BLISS!

 

The icing on the cake? I had 4 drawings for a FREE Wubbly of your choice, during the month of February. Dee, being the sweet friend she is, shared our Gypsy Essentials page SEVERAL times during that time and was the first person to have her name drawn for a FREE Wubbly. So, not only did Peter end up with a Wubbly, but so did his little brother!

 I custom-made a Wubbly for Peter and a couple of Wubbly Wraps for the boys, also making sure that Peter had his special white outfit, along with an extra outfit for playing with his new friend.

After the temple attendants had brought their 7 kids into the sealing room, Peter had been sitting on his chair for a few minutes, trying his best to remain reverent. That was about the time that he looked over and saw Dee and her husband. It was the first time he had realized they were in the room. If you could have seen the pure joy on that little wubbly's face....as he leaped across the room and into their arms, you would understand why this was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. :)
 

A Wubbly Named Elaina

After only a couple of weeks of planning, seeking donations, and working towards finding someone to create a bed for our wubbly Princess Elaina, we reached our goal of $1000 (we actually raised more, thanks to a VERY generous anonymous donor, so now Elaina will have a cute bedspread, new sheets, and a TON of diapers....the last item was per Hollie's request. Did I mention that this lady is extremely practical and admirably responsible. Amazing lady here!). When I told Hollie that we had surpassed our goal and had found an awesome local furniture company (Creative Construction Design), who was willing to donate all of their labor for FREE....she wept. Feeling her joy was so worth all of the time and effort that has gone into making Elaina's dream of having a nice bed a reality.

Today, as it was the last day of February and the last day of gathering donations for Elaina (technically, we stopped asking for donations, once we reached our goal, but we won't take down the donate button until we find our March Wubbly), I decided that we would have our drawing for one of our FaceBook followers to be able to receive a FREE Emery Wubbly. I gathered up 4/6 of my own wubblies and we went to the Bountiful Country Heart Crafts Store to meet up with Elaina and her family. Elaina's grandparents, brother, and mom were all there to support her and to show their wub! Elaina was the one to choose the name out of the basket. She took a little bit of coaxing, but when she finally grabbed a hold of a piece of paper, we made sure it wasn't dropped back into the basket. It ended up being Elaina's great aunt, Hollie's mom's sis. What a treat!

This picture (above) cracks me up. It may appear that Elaina is grabbing the FREE Wubbly doll we gave to her, but in actuality, she lost complete interest in Emery, as soon as she saw those balloons. Yes, Elaina is a balloon lover, TO THE MAX!

The store owners, Mark & Shanna, came by to watch the drawing and to share their wub with Elaina and her family. They gave her some balloons and took some pics of us all (they even bought an Emery). Have I mentioned that I love the stores where I have our Gypsy Essentials' items located? Seriously, LOVE the owners!

 The funnest part of our little get together? Although Hollie and I have spent several hours gabbing on the phone (she seems like a long-lost friend when we talk, so what can you expect?) and sent countless messages back and forth, up until today, we had not been able to physically meet up (they were sick, then we were sick, then they were sick....you know how the story goes). I was so thrilled to finally meet her precious wubbly, to look into her eyes and know that we were going to be able to make her world a little brighter. I look forward to all that this cause has brought forth in our lives, especially mine. Not only has this allowed us to make a few new friends and figure out a way to provide Elaina with a new bed, but it has also helped me to develop a deeper belief that there are many, many good people in the world and they are just waiting to step up and hit that ball out of the playing field for your team. I really needed to see that! Thank you to everyone to who showed up for Elaina and her family. Your efforts and contributions have made this dream a reality. Can't wait to share her bed when it is finished! Until then.....

KEEP SPREADING THE WUB!

 

 

 

 

Emery & Elaina

 

February is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month.
Did you know that there is a child born with CHD every 15 minutes? Here is more info on Congenital Heart Defects.

Emery is our Wubbly® that will be available for the month of February. When you adopt Emery, a portion of the proceeds will go to Elaina, a precious Wubbly who lives nearby. Let me tell you about Elaina....

A few weeks ago, I began reaching out to my friends and acquaintances, trying to locate a local Wubbly with a congenital heart defect, who would benefit from receiving donations from our efforts during February. I had a friend who recommended her cousin. I got in contact with her cousin, Sara. Sara expressed her gratitude, but then told me that, while they did struggle from time to time, both her and her husband are able to work and they manage to get by. She had someone else in mind, a single mama named Hollie, who had a daughter with congenital heart issues and several other conditions, as a consequence. I was touched. This wasn't what I expected to hear. Someone who is offered help, automatically sending that help elsewhere, really increased my testimony that there is a lot of good in the world. Hollie also has a son with Asperger's Syndrome (we can totally relate here) who had recently started having seizures.  Both Sara and Hollie were in the hospital with their daughters around the same time. Sara told me about how Hollie had been her rock, her strength, through one of the most difficult times of her life. And she knew that Hollie was too humble to ask for any more help than what she was receiving. She was right.

 

I called Hollie and spent some time getting to know her and her situation. What a beautiful woman! She shared the story of Elaina being born and everything seeming perfectly normal. But after a few moments, it was obvious she wasn't doing well. They soon learned that her heart was missing a valve and part of it was significantly smaller than it should have been. Because of the lack of oxygen, this led to several different issues that have effected Elaina's growth and development over the past 5 years. Her story broke my heart and listening to Hollie speak, I was very aware of the deep love she has for her wubblies. When I asked what we could do to help out, Hollie stated that they were actually doing okay financially (luckily our medical system helps her to cover her bills and she has been blessed with a part time job from home). I was touched by her honesty and humility (yep! Sara was right), but asked her if there is anything in particular that she might be in need of, that might lighten her burden or make their lives a little sweeter.

It turns out, Elaina is in need of a bed that can keep her safe and have easier access to her feeding tubes. Right now Hollie has her in a crib, on the lowest setting (and anyone who has ever had a child in a crib can tell you how difficult it can be to reach into a crib that is on the lowest setting, especially in the middle of the night....maybe it is just us shorties! LOL). Hollie has a few ideas of how to create a special needs bed for her wubbly princess. So, our donations for Emery will go towards purchasing a bunk bed and the materials needed to make a safe, sturdy, and well-suited structure for little Elaina. And we are also going to try and make it into a castle/princess-theme. Elaina LOVES princesses!

Here is Hollie's blog that shares more about Elaina's story:

Walking The Fine Line

If you would like to donate 100% to Elaina, feel free to click on the Donate button below. If you have any info on creating a bed that would fit Elaina's needs, please get a hold of me (either my cell phone or e-mail). We really want to make this dream a reality for Elaina. Thank you for your support!  

SPREAD THE WUB!

Contact Danni 801-513-7027

gypsyessentials@hotmail.com