THE FIVE...and we're off!

I want to start out by saying how awesome all of you are who were up for the fun challenge of Paying It Forward. You guys rock :) I want to make something for all of you! But I have a feeling I'll be doing this challenge again :)

I've been excited to see who random.org would pick for me to pay it forward to!

drum roll please...

# 29 - Katrina

# 13 - Gee

# 26 - Eva Marie

# 23 - Kiki

# 3 - Christine

You five will be getting a package in the mail with something(s) handmade by yours truly :) I'll be needing your addresses...so send them my way: haley.kjar{at}gmail.com

And then you'll do the same for 5 others! Oh I can't wait to start working on my hand crafted goodness for you guys! :)

And on a kind of random note...while working on my little family's silhouettes the other day, I was thinking about Stephanie Nielson (it was she who inspired me to do them). Let me tell you, she is a prime example of paying it forward. To put it lightly, Stephanie has been through some hard things...and yet she still puts all she has into being the best wife and mother she can be. She knows her life has been blessed by God, and she wants to show her gratitude by serving everyone around her.

Many of you may have seen the beautiful video below, of Stephanie sharing a bit about her new life...I've watched it numerous times, and each time something new sticks out to me and I'm inspired to appreciate life and give back a little more :)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Oh, and we're off!!!

Tomorrow we're heading down to Lake Powell...house boating all week with family and friends.

You want to know my favorite part?? I get Adam and Brooks gets Daddy all to ourselves for 8 straight days...no work, no cell phones, no computers. Yessssssss :) We're SO EXCITED!

These two pictures are from 2 years ago when we went to Powell...gorgeous isn't it? I was 5 months pregnant with Brooks at the time...so this go around we're thrilled to have him with us!

Pay It Forward

A couple days ago I received a package in the mail...

It actually arrived last week, but it was delivered to my neighbor, and we were out of town...

all in all, it got to me, and it made my day!

You see, last month Carolee, a sweet blogger friend of mine, shared the neatest challenge (click here to check it out). She was inspired by one of her facebook friends who posted a status that said she'd send something homemade to the first 5 people who commented, and then they were to do the same after receiving their homemade gift. After Carolee received a beautiful bottle of homemade vanilla extract (purely awesome, no?) she chose to do something similar on her blog. She picked 5 random people, and I was one of them!! :)

Carolee is so thoughtful and sent me some charmingly rustic magnets for our fridge in the new kitchen! The little hand-carved spade and fork make me smile. And little did she know I have been devouring carrots with hummus lately, so that 3rd magnet is just too perfect ;)

So now it's my turn!

MY PROMISE:

Pay it forward 2011: I promise to send something handmade to five random people who leave a comment on this post. I will choose the 5 individuals randomly on Saturday, June 11th. So you have until then to comment. The random winners of my pay-it-forward must then promise to somehow offer a handmade pay-it-forward service and send 5 items to 5 people within the year 2011.

I really loved not knowing when or what I'd receive from Carolee...isn't the anticipation of surprises half the fun? :) So, I won't share what I'll create for the five of you randomly chosen, but I'll do my best to make sure it puts a smile on your face.