#faithsentus

*Updated*

It has taken me weeks to write this blog.
I just can't grasps the "right" words for #allthefeels.
Honestly, I still don't have the "right" words to say exactly what I want, but it's time to publish and share away.

I never imagined back in 2009, that our friendships would be where they are today. Meeting the way the three of us did, the voided time in-between, and our lives changing course over the next few years to where we would be pulled tightly together.

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"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful little princess named Faith, with a smile so bright and a heart so big, no one could stop themselves from falling in love with her and wanting to be her very best friend..."
 

Faith Hartzell was a little girl, little only in size. Her impact on this community has been monumental. She fought the toughest of battles and throughout it all showed strength, courage, and reminded us all what FAITH can do.
 

She loved to laugh, even more she loved to make other people laugh. Random dance parties and practical jokes were commonplace. She also loved to help others, and she did. Over and over again, sometimes just with a smile.

 

That beautiful infectious smile, her unwavering spirit and kind, compassionate, loving heart. That is Faith. We want to honor her."

 - Faith Hartzell Facebook Memorial Page

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It is our mission to continue her legacy by establishing an annual scholarship in her name. The Faith Hartzell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a local student who is, to put it simply, KIND. The recipient's academics and income are considered, but most importantly, it's their character that is celebrated. We want to give to a student who shows kindness and genuine compassion for others on a daily basis, someone who does good things even when they think no one is looking. 

This year on May 2nd, marks our third year of presenting the Faith Hartzell Memorial Scholarship to a kind-hearted soul. Every year, the three of us will join together in honor of Faith, share a quick story of our remarkable girl, and award a special person with an even-more special comparisson of being naturally-loving and compassionate, like Faith Marie Hartzell.

Along with our scholarship, we created an organization named #faithsentus. We are doing our best at spreading hope, smiles, and Faith to kids and young adults that need it the most. I believe we are just doing what Faith would be doing if she were here. It's a true privilege to be supported by so many AMAZING people. Our organization has been able to accomplish so many goals with the help of the most encouraging community ever! From delivering surprises and smiles, to donating 'Victory Bells', we wouldn't be capable of these achievements without all of you who always selflessly supports us! Thank you a hundred times over.

When we first established #faithsentus in 2016, I don't know if Stacy, Theresa, nor I, truly had any idea how much Faith's story meant to so many people...but it didn't take long to find out. And now, I think Litchfield is famous for two things, fast food restaurants and Faith's Story...aka Keeping the Faith. 

Congratulations to Breanna Seely for winning the 2018 Faith Hartzell Memorial Scholarship!

To follow Faith's story, visit our Facebook page. 

Mom Flu.

I've been sick with the flu for the past two days, so I'm riding that emotional roller of guilt and self-doubt. When I get ill enough that it keeps me in bed and forces Curtie to be more of a Mr. Mom than his usual, I find it super hard to accept! Am I alone in this? Is it a "mom thing" or a "Lacy thing"? I tend to have a lot of those...

 

I complain about all my to-do's on almost-a-daily basis, but maybe this is a sign that I couldn't handle an easier, less-active lifestyle. Or, maybe I put too much pressure on myself and when the routine gets sketchy, it defeats me? I just know when I can't be there for my family or work, it really wrecks my mentality.

 

Half way though my two-day flu, I'm ugly crying making a list of "Improvements to Make" and "Goals for April", mind you at the beginning of each month I already make a list of goals, so at this point I am basically re-writing them. At the same time, I'm also sending Curtie messages of my self-doubting drama so he can talk me off the ledge.

 

Thankfully, with the assistance of Black Pepper, AromaEase and DiGize essential oils, I was able to get plenty of rest comfortably and hop onto the Orange Is The New Black bandwagon. On a personal note, Black Pepper EO is the best thing I have ever used to keep my body warm when the layers of blankets are just not enough.

 

Today is they first day back on my feet since Tuesday evening and I'm so thankful. I'm feeling much improved, applied Motivation and En-R-Gee EO's to start my day, and grabbed my copy of "YOU ARE A BADASS: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" as I raced out the door. The best part, when I opened my book, my favorite candy bar was waiting for me in-between the pages...Thanks, Curtie ;)

 

 

Easter 2018 in the Books.

    What kind of parent am I? March 31, 2018...the evening I truly questioned our parenting skills. Why do I ever think I have good ideas?!

   Meet Fluffy and Tilley, two female Fancy Hamsters that I thought were brilliant ideas. Took us ten minutes, and one eating 1/4 of the box, to question WTH we were doing. Two minutes later, we were pulled over on the side of the interstate and Curtie was constructing a hamster cage.

   I have to say, since being home we've done okay. Not counting the hamsters almost ripping each other's faces off (they are sisters after all) or Harper getting her finger bit trying to feed hers chocolate (lesson learned), but it will get easier, right?!

   I'll keep you posted on this adventure. I hope you had a wonderful Easter!