How's 2013 Treating You?

Howdy fans and friends!

I wanted to reach out to you all and wish you a happy 2013! Yes, I know I am a little late, but it's for a good reason. 2013 is going to be a great year for the 8 Little Monkeys (both at home and in the shop)!

Daddy monkey is back in school and acing all his classes. I am so very proud of his accomplishments. He is not only a 4.0 student, but he manages to keep our house organized. What a gift it is to come home to a hot meal on the table, laundry nicely folded, homework folders signed/checked/etc.!

Our second oldest monkey is a senior in high school this year. Where has the time gone? It may sound cliche, but it seems like yesterday, he was just in elementary school and I was meeting him for the first time. The next few months are going to be full of graduation planning, college planning, SAT, ACT and just more planning!

One of our little monkeys went back to school this year after being homeschooled for 3 years! It has been a transition for us all. We are so proud of how much this little guy has achieved in 6th grade. Autism does not slow down what he can do!

The youngest little monkey is turning 6 in just a few weeks. It doesn't even seem real to me. I love watching what she does and how much she grows everyday, but I wish I could keep her little still (although she will always be my baby). The age of 6 is no longer baby/preschooler age. Recently, daddy monkey and I were planning our little monkey's birthday party. We realized that this is it. After her, there are no more babies in the house. We are celebrating every moment of every day with her.

So basically, between graduations, IEP meetings, birthdays and coping with empty nest(ish) feelings our house hold has been busy busy!

Now on to 'monkey business'....

In the next few weeks, I have some special things coming up. First and foremost is something 8 Little Monkeys is doing for a special family. I am adding new things to the shop and there are a few other surprises in the works.

Whew, that was just a glimpse of what 2013 has in store for us, and the wheels are already spinning....How is 2013 treating you?

There is still time....

A family that is near and dear to me is in need of some support. As I shared before in a post, their four year old son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with Autism. Recently, the family found out that their little angel has been diagnosed with a brain malformation called, Chiari Malformation. The condition is serious and in order to correct and heal little Isaiah, he must undergo brain surgery and possibly spinal cord surgery. As you can imagine, brain surgery is a costly and delicate procedure that will require a ton of attention from mom and dad. There is still time to help the Biel family.

If you feel moved to help the family, please make a donation directly to them on their ChipIn.com page. Another way to help is to visit my Facebook page. On my Facebook page, I have opened an auction to help the family. In order to bid on items in the auction simply click on the Auction for Isaiah photo album and leave your bid amount and paypal address in the comments. Winner will pay for their item and shipping. Bidding ends at 11:59pm Monday, April 24th. All proceeds will go directly to the Biel family. Following are a few goodies you can find in the auction.

Pink Glitter Newborn Beanie by Funky Crochet by Lynne Renée

Soap Saver Cozie by Funky Crochet by Lynne Renée

$25 Gift Certificate to Lia Sophia Consultant Marcy Rowley

3 Pack of Patterns by 3 Boys and a Ball of Yarn

3 Pack of Patterns by Loop Leigh Loops

3 pack of patterns by Loops of Love

2- 6 oz skeins Red Heart Plush Yarn donated by Crochet from My Heart and Soul

Skinny denim blue scarf by Loop Leigh Loops

Summer beanie by Funky Crochet by Lynne Renée

Autism T-shirt by Warrior Mom101

Men-Women's Autism Necklace by Warrior Mom101

Men's OSU Spike Stitch Hat - Size Large

0-3 month Marble beanie by KC Creations by Karrie

Orchid beanie by KC Creations by Karrie

Let the bidding begin!

Mother's Day and graduations are just around the corner. Stop by 8 Little Monkeys Facebook page to get a jump start on your shopping by participating in the Auction for Isaiah.

As I mentioned to you all, I have a darling friend who is in need of some love & support. I have set up an online auction for the Biel Family on my Facebook page. There are some awesome goodies on there!

The auction is scheduled for Friday, April 20th through Monday, April 23rd. Winners will be announced on Tuesday April 24th. This auction is to help his loving family with the costs associated with brain surgery that are not covered by health insurance (food, travel, hotel for the family, child care for siblings, etc).

To make a monetary donation directly to the family, please visit the family's page on ChipIn.com.  Winners will be announced on April.

Happy Bidding!

Auction for Isaiah

In my life I have been so very blessed with the love, support and friendship of so many amazing people. In some of the toughest times in my life, I have been able to count on a few wonderful folks who have lent me an ear, a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand. Recently, I found out that one of the families that has touched my life was given some life changing news about their 4 year old son, Isaiah.

Isaiah is a sweet 4 year old little boy who was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago. During a recent routine neurology visit, the family was informed that Isaiah is suffering from a condition called Chiari Malformation.  Chiari Malformation is a serious condition of the cerebellum - the part of the brain that controls motor movement and other functions. The condition can cause severe headaches, difficulty swallowing and be as serious as paralysis. Little Isaiah is scheduled to have decompression surgery on May 9th. 

To help defer the costs associated with the operation, 8 Little Monkeys is holding an online auction. This auction is to help his loving family with the costs associated with brain surgery that are not covered by health insurance (food, travel, hotel for the family, child care for siblings, etc). The auction is scheduled for Friday, April 20th through Monday, April 23rd. Winners will be announced on Tuesday April 24th.


If you are a shop owner or vendor and would like to donate an item to this auction, please contact me at 8littlemonkeys@gmail.com. To make a monetary donation directly to the family, please visit the family's page on ChipIn.com. 

What can I do with $5??

How many times have you been at the store and say, "What's the big deal? It's just $5, I'll buy it." How many times have you been purging your closet and said, "It was just a $5 shirt. I don't need it anyhow", and that shirt ends up in the donation bag. How often do you tell your kids, I'm not replacing that toy. It was just $5. Imagine if you added up all the times that you think, "it's just $5", and think how much that adds up to?

For me, I love going to Starbucks or Cup O Joe. Luckily, I live a about 1/10th of a mile from both places. Every evening, my wonderful fiancee was treating me to a yummy treat from one of these places. A few months ago, I cut out my evening treat, and I saw how much further we could stretch our budget. (Not to say that I've struck gold by cutting out my Starbucks habit, but it is somewhat helpful on the pocketbook.)

I also realized that I should put my treasure where my heart is, and that is in helping others. With 8 little monkeys to tend to, donating time is difficult, but donating treasure can help others as well. Like I said, I'm totally not rich. I found this great opportunity to donate a little bit of what I do have through contacting a family friend.  He started a great mission called The Five Dollar Blessing.

"The Five Dollar Blessing is simply a group of caring people who desire to consolodate our small gifts and words of encouragement to someone in need. Everyone in the group will be made aware of the story of a deserving recipient and will only be asked to send a five dollar blessing ONCE EACH MONTH. Individually, we cannot do much, but collectively we can be a great blessing to someone in need"


Follow this group on Facebook to learn more.

Christmas In July

A lot of shops and local businesses like to advertise Christmas in July sales. You can get a head start on your holiday shopping with the fabulous discounts and offers. However, many forget that the meaning of Christmas is not just nicely wrapped goodies, but the spirit of giving to others in need and celebrating the birth of Christ.

In the spirit of Christmas in July, I'm going to feature a charity where crafters can share the gift of their talent with others. This week, I am going to feature Scarves for Special Olympics.

The purpose - "Handmade scarves donated as a result of the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project will be a symbol of unity, support, compassion and empowerment, as the Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters wear them with pride in knowing they have become part of the Special Olympics family. "

Scarves for Special Olympics is near and dear to my heart. As many of you know, two of my little monkeys have been diagnosed with Autism. This upcoming year, they will be participating in our local Special Olympics chapter. I am so excited that they will be able to participate in sports events with others with physical and mental challenges. We are so blessed to have organizations like Special Olympics that give folks who otherwise would not have a chance, an opportunity to participate in athletic programs.

To learn more about the program, visit Red Heart yarns at the link below:
Scarves for Special Olympics

Follow other knitters and crocheters participating in this project on Facebook at the link below:
Scarves for Special Olympics - Facebook

Happy Crocheting & Crafting!