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HUSA House Charity Auction CLOSED

Wow. wow. wow. The auction is closed. The last few hours, minutes, seconds, were wild and the bids flew!! Winners will be notified by email of their winning bids!!

Much more news to follow, stay tuned . . . but for now. THANK YOU THANK YOU. We are so incredibly amazed and grateful.

xoxoxo

Jenny, Kevin, Will & Jack

2011 charity auction for HUSA House!!

Hoo - ray!!! And here we go! All monies raised in this auction will be headed to Kimamba, Tanzania to help finish HUSA House for over 50 little munchkins who need a safe and secure and warm and filled with love home. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be hosting our second annual auction with the help of our AMAZING family and friends who put up the goodies below. Check it out. It’s AWEsome. We are AWEstruck.

Here’s how it works: All items have a reserve bid, the lowest bid that can be offered. If you would like to place a bid, simply email your bid with the item # noted in the subject to apailofwater@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email when your bid has been received - and outbid! I will be checking all bids hourly so if your bid doesn’t appear immediately, that is OKAY. I am keeping track and will let you know. You can email me back as soon as you have been outbid, all bids have a time stamp.

The auction will close on Friday August 5th at 11 p.m. You will be advised via email of your winning bid and payment method (Paypal, cheque or cash) at the end of the auction. Charitable tax receipts will be issued to item DONORS (as per CRA standards) with the exception of a bid exceeding fair market value - receipt in the amount of the difference will be issued to the BIDDER. Clear as mud, right?

And . . . please bear with me! I will do my very best but that will no doubt include some flub ups. We’ll get through it together!!

And let the bidding BEGIN!

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1. $100 Gift Certificate for any Century Hospitality restaurant or lounge. These are in the Edmonton area and include some saucy and savory hot spots . . . and don’t forget the food! Enjoy at Delux Burger Bar, Lux Steakhouse, 100 Bar and Kitchen, Century Grill, and Century Catering. Donated by none other than the fabulous Mindy and Michael. Life is just more delicious with them around.

CURRENT BID: FAYE - $110

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2. Glasses Galore. This incredible donation comes courtesy of Alex, a girl who knows how to party her glass off. There are not one but SIX SETS of glasses - each including a red wine glass, a white wine glass, and a tumbler. Yes, EIGHTEEN glasses. They are Kahla Kwarx glass and are very very lovely.

CURRENT BID: JAN T $50

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3. Company’s Coming mexican Cookbook and Dish Set. Do you have company coming? Why not have a fiesta? A fun set donated by Shannon - ariba!

CURRENT BID: Jan G - $20

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4. $100 Gift Certificate for The Keg. Donated by the Pollocks (yes, Sarah’s adoring and exceedingly lovely parents). Have a night out with fabulous food and friends.

CURRENT BID: JAN G - $125
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5. Success Stack. Three titles - Simplify Your Life with Kids, Getting Things Done, and The Passion Test - the Effortless Path to Discovering Your Destiny. Um, yes please! Donated by that crazy Alex, success siren extraordinaire.

CURRENT BID: KIRSTEN - $20

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6. Norwex Superior Mop Starter Package. Be squeaky clean with this amazing mop package which includes (1) telescopic handle, (1) large mop base, (1) large antibac wet mop cover, and (1) large superior dry mop cover. I own one of these and let me tell you, they are incredible. Norwex is improving the quality of life with exciting chemical free cleaning. Liz is improving the quality life for others as she generously donates this gift from her paddling buddies! This package retails at $123.99.

CURRENT BID: REBECCA - $90

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7. Norwex Antibac Tea Towel Set. Made of Norwex’s famous Antibac Microfiber, is super soft and absorbent, and dries rapidly, so you always have a dry towel. Each set includes 1 antibac tea towel and 1 antibac kitchen cloth. Pictured in beige - your donated item may come as pictured or as green or golden fleece. A surprise! Sells at $24.99.
CURRENT BID: MICHELLE - $35
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8. The Norwex Starter Package for beginners consisting of 1 Antibac Microfiber Cloth and the famous Norwex Antibac Window Polishing Cloth. Sells at $33.99. I also have these. Several of these. They last forever and are the BEST cloths around. Go go chemical free!!

CURRENT BID: REBECCA $40

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9. BBQ Bonus Set. Two packages of flavour infused bamboo skewers paired with silicone bottle top basting brushes. That Alex, she knows how to throw a good Q!

CURRENT BID: LIESEL - $10

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10. Perfectly Pink iPod Shuffle by
Apple. With 2GB you could run, dance or sing your little heart out. Generously donated by Mr. Mark Harwood. Woot woot Mark!

CURRENT BID: CATHY - $40
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11. $30 Chapters Indigo Gift Certificate. This one is from me. I love to read. I know you do too. Go to Chapters.

CURRENT BID: MARHEA $40

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12. Moroccan Oil Salon Gift Bag includes Moroccan Oil Treatment, Glimmer Shine Spray, Curl Control Cream, and Luminous Hairspray. So I have this friend and she owns a special little hair design studio called Lotus. Her name is Savannah. And she rocks. And Savannah has donated to us simply the BEST smelling, most GORGEOUS hair product I have ever used. I might just get into the bidding on this little ditty. Retails at well over $90.

BID: MARHEA - $80
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13. Lotus Hair Design Gift Certificate for $50. Oh, yeah. If you don’t know Savannah, you know someone who does. I guarantee it.

BID 13: CINDY - $42

14. Lotus Hair Design Gift Certificate for $50. Go see the amazing gals at Lotus. And Savannah’s cute puppy, Capri. Or as Jack says it, “Capwee.” Aww.
BID: DOUG - $50
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15. Sarah Peyton Home Decor Set. Includes Serenity Tray and Earth Tone Candle Set. This comes to you courtesy of Alex and I. We want you to have some light in your life.

CURRENT BID: KAREN $15
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16. Stella & Dot Paradise Studs. The next four items have been donated by Stella & Dot Stylist extraordinaire Crystal Decosta. Everyone needs a little bling and a little Crystal in their life. Fun and fresh, gold plated petals with white acrylic bead accents. Approximately 11½ mm in diameter. Retail at $26.

CURRENT BID: SAVANNAH - $27
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17. Stella & Dot Delicate Drop Earrings. Stone drops with intricate facets dangle daintily from pave petals on a round-shaped wire. An affordable way to add more facets to your style. Measures approximately ¾” drop length with gold vermeil earwire closure. Retails at $26.

CURRENT BID: LIESEL - $20
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18. Stella & Dot Coin Pearl Earrings. Lucious freshwater pearls. These versatile earrings can easily go day into night. Measure approximately 2” drop length with sterling silver earwire closure. Retail at $29.

CURRENT BID: DARLENE - $37
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19. Stella & Dot Ava Cupchain Earrings. Classic, simple and gorgeous. Czech stones earrings dangle delicately for beautiful sparkle. The holiday essential, these earrings can go day into evening with ease. Measure approximately ¼” drop length with sterling silver fish hook closure. Retail at $26. Hmm. I might need these.

CURRENT BID: CHRIS - 30

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20. Stella & Dot Chantilly Lace Cuff. Gold plated filigree cuff was inspired by a piece of vintage lace. A beautiful statement piece. 3″ length. 2 1/4″ inner diameter. Retails at $104. I have heard this is GORGEOUS in person.

CURRENT BID: LIESEL - 110
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21. Golden Greenhouses Gift Certificate for $50. It’s none other than Bill and Liz Drake and their stunning bevy of begonias et al. Located by Devon on Graminia Road, the greenhouse is the place to head next spring for all of your growing needs. Visit their new website for more information. Thanks Mom and Dad Drake!

CURRENT BID: FAYE - $70
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22. Sleeping Walking Will and It’s Jack by Courtney Drake, illustrated by Adrian Lubbers. You might catch a few familiar glimpses in these little characters in my sister in law’s children’s books. The mother, however, bears no resemblance to anyone I know.

CURRENT BID: LISA - $35
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23. Balanced Birth Doula Services by Heather Hill. My beautiful friend Heather is extending her gentle and supportive touch into doula support. Her auction donation includes free initial consultation, minimum 2 prenatal visits in your home, continuous support during active labour, birth and for 1-2 hrs postpartum, minimum of 1 postnatal visit, unlimited phone and e-mail contact throughout pregnancy and initial postpartum period, your birth story keepsake, and photographs as desired. Heather is a DONA trained Doula and a Registered Social Worker. If you have any questions about this auction item, please do not hesitate to contact Heather at Balanced Birth. This would be an amazing match if someone out there, found Heather, right here. Services currently $200 for birthdates before Decemeber 2011.

RESERVE BID: $100
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24. Bath Bits Package 1. Donated by Alex, this itty bitty bath bit pack includes Frills A-Ha! Alpha Hydroxy and Collagen Hand Cream, Hey Sugar! Pineapple Hand and Foot Scrub, Wild Prairie Soap Company Soaking Salts in Mandarin Rose, and a cute patootie purple sparkly nail file from The Body Shop. I think all bath products sound so much better when you say their names aloud, don’t you?

CURRENT BID: SHELLEY $15
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25. Bath Bits Package Two. Also from my sweet smelling friend Alex comes a pretty in pink bath assortment. Sink into a warm bath with Bubble Bath Confetti and Aromatherapy slumber bath salts. After your soak, lather up with Wild Praire Soap Company Grapefruit Hand and Body Lotion.

CURRENT BID: JAN G - $15
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26. a & e inspired Sterling Silver Necklace with Austrian Crystals. This creation is made by Monique Draudson of a & e inspired. Let me just tell you that Monique’s jewelry is so beautiful that it has people a-talkin’! This is a stunner (as is the model, don’t you think?). Delicate and dramatic. Valued at $55. Monique can be reached at aeinspired@shaw.ca

CURRENT BID: CHRIS - $56
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27. a & e inspired green turquoise and sterling silver bracelet. Genuine, natural, and striking, this piece reflects Monique’s true person. Valued at $45. Gorgeous.

CURRENT BID: MARNIE $50
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28. Vegetarian Magazine and Recipe Journal Combo. These are from me. They just looked so delicious I couldn’t resist picking them up. New, current magazine issues. I have been dying to leaf through. Oh, I won’t.

CURRENT BID: LISA $25
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29. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Book Set. Perfect for a slumber party and giggles. Titles include the Girls Book of Dreams and The Girls Book of Spells! Don’t you just want to reveal your inner magic? I do.

CURRENT BID: HAILEY - $5
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30. Kids Storytime Pack. Includes three award winning books with hard cover and soft pages. Titles include I’ll Show You, Blue Kangaroo, Isabel’s Noisy Tummy, and Dr. Xargle’s Book of Earth Tiggers. All super fun tales!

CURRENT BID: JAN G - $25
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31. Stella and Dot Jet Faceted Bead Necklace. This is a donation from me. It is brand new and has never been worn. I saw the same necklace on my sister-in-law, Court, and she rocked it. I bought it and . . . . . not so much on me. But look at it on my model! Hmmmmmm. Maybe it’s me. I bought it for $80. Black glass beads. Comes in original box. I think they are very lovely.

CURRENT BID: NICOLE - $30
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32. Red Jade Necklace by Whisper Stone. This is also from me. I bought it as part of a set with a bracelet and earrings and have never worn it - but I wear the other pieces all the time!!! I found Whisper Stone Jewelry at the St. Albert Farmers Market and love the way each piece has the healing energy powers of the stone detailed for you. Jade is a stone of physical vitality, strength and passion. Used for protection, courage and energy. Sturdy magnet clasp.

CURRENT BID: MARNIE - $30
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33. Anne Klein Silver Bangles. Two rounded square costume bangles. They are gorgeous. My model almost didn’t take them off. They are donated by me. Do we notice a bit of a jewelry buying, never wearing trend, Jenny? These would fit a small to medium hand. They have never been worn, have price tag of $40.

CURRENT BID: MARNIE $30
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34. Stella and Dot Wood Bead and Turquoise Brooch Necklace. Not from me, from Mindy!! Brand new, no box. Looks so good casual or dressy. Awesomeness. Valued at upwards of $60.

CURRENT BID: BRONWEN $50
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35. Blue and White Quilt. Lovingly pieced by Alex’s aunt, this is simply a beautiful donation. It measures 80×80 and fits to the floor on a twin bed (as pictured) or on a double bed with skirt. The pictures simply don’t do it justice . . . bordered in royal blue with coordinating blue and light blue stars, the fabric of the stars has a silver shimmer to it. Perfect for a bedroom at home or the cottage, the family couch, or a large statement wall hanging (ooooh - it would be gorgeous with a blue and white Christmas snowflake theme). Handmade. Valued at $400.

CURRENT BID: BUTCH $165
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36. Holes $25 Gift Certificate and I’ll Never Marry a Farmer Book Combo. Exactly as pictured. Perfect for the gardener in your life. Maybe it’s you! Take a visit to the new Enjoy Centre and soak it all in.

CURRENT BID: KARI - $25

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37. Framed Kal Barteski You Are Awesome Mini-Print. “You are unconditionally loved + adored.” Framed in an Ikea frame, perfect for a little girls room. Or your desk. Or a gift for a friend. I continue to follow Kal’s art and awesomeness on her blog, everyday. She is a daily dose of real and creative and dreams.

CURRENT BID: SHAUNA $20

38. Framed Kal Barteski You Are Awesome Mini-Print. “You are undeniably awesome.” I have given several mini-prints just like this away as “just because” gifts. Each of my boys has a custom big one with their name on it in their rooms. There is just something about seeing your own awesomeness in print. Framed in an Ikea Frame. Just. Awesome. Kal has special editions of her You are Awesome mini-prints in her shop. Larger customizable prints available as well.

CURRENT BID: STEPH C $15
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Kal is a momma and an artist and a designer and an all round generous gal. Items 39 - 44 are from Kal - they are in the mail on their way from Winnipeg. Can’t wait!

39. JOY Mini Busroll by Kal Barteski. Pictured in the middle, a 6×18 print. It reads: “Hello Beautiful. You are every opportunity to start fresh and be something great. Oh every new day is a perfectly blank canvas just made from the colourful marks made from living a good life full of great joy.” Love that.

CURRENT BID: BRONWEN $50

40. CREATIVELY Mini-Mini busroll by Kal Barteski. Measures 3.5×10. Not pictured. It reads: Creativity is not the elusive beast I tell myself creativity is inside myself. Quietly waiting to be chosen instead of the regular over the ordinary. Not always the easy way I choose to be brave + bullet proof. I choose to be freedom. I choose to stop shooting + start choosing CREATIVELY.

CURRENT BID: DANA $15

41. Be True to Yourself 16×20 poster by Kal Barteski.

CURRENT BID: REBECCA - $50

42. Tiny Art Surprise. A print of an unknown piece of tiny art by Kal. It’s in the mail. Open bid. Check out her amazing tiny art here.

CURRENT BID: SHANNON $15

43. Make Your Life Worth Loving 8×10 poster by Kal Barteski.

CURRENT BID BID: LISA - $65

44. Tiny Art Ladies by Kal. Two are in the mail. These lovely ladies are how I came to learn about Kal when I linked to her customizable art shown off by a friend of mine. I immediately had to have my own. And I do. I cherish it so much. I don’t know which prints are headed our way, but every single one speaks to me. They will to you too. Scroll through them here.

44 A. CURRENT BID: REBECCA - $30
44 B. CURRENT BID: REBECCA - $30
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45. The Summer Sun Journal. Filled with sunshiney golds and oranges and accented with pops of pink and chocolate, this mixed paper journal features vintage pages from the children’s books Who Are You? by Joan & Roger Bradfordand What Flies? from the Rand McNally series. There are over 70 pages sheets including tape and pocket embellishments.

CURRENT BID: SHELLEY 47

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46. The Summer Sighs Journal. Complimentary to the Summer Sun journal, this journal shines with the same summer hues. Again featuring the vintage pages of What Flies? and Who are You?, there are over 70 sheets ready for the details of summer that make you sigh with contentment. Whimsical and happy.

CURRENT BID: SHELLEY - $45

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47. The Hawkeye Journal. Inspired by groovy little dude and his Momma, this journal is an ode to living in the moment. Filled with over 50 pages of rock worthy pages, this journal is all about living on the wild side with your heart hanging out. The only way to be. Measures 6×6 inches with hard acrylic cover, ribbon and clip embellishment.

CURRENT BID: MARHEA - $50
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48. The Owl and the Pussycat Journal. This one is pretty - full of blues and greens and the fantastical drawings by Jenny Thorne from the vintage book Edward Lear’s Gromboolian poems. Over 100 pages with snippets of verse from Mr. Lear. Measuring 8×8 with a soft acrylic cover. How lovely to know Mr. Lear!

CURRENT BID: GABRIELLE - $45

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49. The Ansel Adams Journal. Filled with over 70 pages of new and repurposed paper, this journal features stunning color photographs by Ansel Adams from the art book Ansel Adams, In Color. As soon as I saw this coffee table book, I knew I just had to cut it up! Blues, greens, browns and rusts fill the 6×9 journal. Hard acrylic cover. Tab and ribbon embellishments.

CURRENT BID: SHANDA - $35
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50. If Kisses Were Colors Journal. This one is so very very sweet and girly. Inside is the entire repurposed children’s book If Kisses Were Colors by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Allison Jay. “If kisses were colors, you’d see everyone of the bands of a rainbo that shines in the sun.” Sweet storytime animals romp through the pages - over 80 mixed papers. Measures 6×9, hard acrylic cover with ribbon embellishment.

CURRENT BID: SHELLEY - $62
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51. Lil’ Robots Journal. This one is full of graph paper, robots, and boyish charm! Featuring coordinating scrap pages and mixed papersin the Little Robots theme, over 85 pages are together with ribbon embellishments. Would be great as a scrapbook for your little robot or snippets of his days. Measures 6×9 with hard acrylic cover.

CURRENT BID: MINDY - $35

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52. The Get Happy Journal. This is one of my faves. Well, I have many. Eighty five pages of mixed paper happy in bright pinks, yellows and teals, this journal features a vintage 1979 Mr. Happy at the Seaside Mr. Men Word Book. That Mr. Happy! He takes a boat trip, rides the big dipper, and pals around with Mr. Small and Mr. Lazy. Hey, so do I! Come on, get happy. Measures 6×9 with a hard acrylic cover and ribbon embellishment,

CURRENT BID: BRONWEN - $40
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53. The Olive Me Journal. Yep, partial to this one too. Measuring 7×7, filled with mixed paper in a cool aqua, red, and black. Lots of graph paper, a Maurice Sendak illustration, and snippets of illustrations from a vintage Eric Carle book, Alphabet Zoo. Hard acrylic cover, ribbon embellishment. Would be a great spot to stick polaroid candids, your latest drink concoctions, or your deep (or not so deep) musings.

CURRENT BID: LIESEL - $35

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54. Girly Art, Craft & School Supply Pack. Whoa! Marhea of Write On stationary fame knocked on my door today with craft and school supply bonanza extravaganza!!! And then my sister in law Marnie whipped it all into these handy and uber fun packs of glee. Over 20 different goodies in this girly themed pack - from Crayola pipsqueaks markers to a mini-stapler. Sticky notes, paper clips, Disney pages, stencils, ruler and more. Have I ever mentioned that stationary supplies make me very very happy? Like in a frenzy happy? Especially when they come in a pink bin with a snappity lid? With crafty little projects included? Ahhh-AHHH! Sing that part from low to high. These craft kits could elevate my status to hoarder if I let myself loose. Thanks Marhea!!

CURRENT BID: SHELLEY - $43

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55. Little Man Craft & School Supply Combo. Stationary supplies gone boy. Will shares my stationary fetish and almost went ballistic when he saw what Marhea had sent over. And this combo has SILLY PUTTY. He almost up and fainted. A snappy blue bin carries a construction paper, duotangs, a pencil case, laptop sleeve, pencil crayons, markers, sharpies, glue and more glue, scissors, and on and on! A fancy Color Wonder Stow and Go studio and an Iron Man Color Explosion set send this one right over the edge. Write on, Marhea, write on.

CURRENT BID: WILL - $40
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56. Stampin’ Up Grab Bag 1. My Mindy let us into her stampin’ stash and came up with some treats. This grab bag has pomegranate and chocolate chip stamp pads, a pack of chocolate chip cardstock, a groovy new birthday stamp set, and some fun accent papers to go with. Huh. Apparently I didn’t know how to spell pomegranate says my spell check. Now I do. That looks all wrong to me, but this stamp kit looks all right! Valued at over $35 fo’ sho.

CURRENT BID: KIRSTIN $15

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57. Stampin’ Up Grab Bag 2. Get all stamp happy with this grab bag. Includes the simply scrappin’ Special Delivery Girl kit, coordinating ribbon, a hodgepodge hardware embellishment kit, and a dry embosser pen. Valued at over $50. So is my love for Mindy.

CURRENT BID: MICHELLE $30

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58. Little Artist’s Package. Move over Van Gogh, here comes Vans Goo. This little artist’s kit is awesome. In a handy dandy storage bin comes a paint set, oil pastels, modelling clay, tracing paper, sketch book, a plastic carrying case, pencils, eraser, whiteboard markers, whiteboard and eraser. Hold the phone. I just had a moment of brilliance. These art and craft kits would make KILLER birthday party gifts. And they are already wrapped. Love it. LOVE it.

CURRENT BID: LISA - $40

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Raise the Roof : 2011 HUSA charity campaign!!

husaWe are SO excited to share with you that this summer, Jack and Will are heading up another hill to raise funds to help finish and fill a home for the children of the Human Sympathy Association - HUSA!

Last year, our family hosted the Jack and Will Went Up the Hill charity:water campaign. It was 90 days of awesomeness and with the help of so many, three water projects are now being completed to bring clean drinking water to 875 people in . . . Ethiopia! It was one of the most incredible experiences our family has ever had - we were inspired by so many who were so willing to help make a real and lasting difference. Thank you.

AND This year, our inspiration and excitement has continued as we have recently become aware of the work that HUSA is completing in rural Tanzania, Africa (the village of Kimamba, to be exact). Partnered with the Ainembabazi Children’s Project, a Canadian charitable organization, a small group of community members is working to care for 49 children aged 3-16 who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. It is heartfelt and much needed effort, one that has been joined by Canadian Director Sarah Pollock - a young and incredible woman from Devon (who happens to be our family friend), who has returned year after year to help establish and maintain meal, youth and school programming.

From the Ainembabazi Children’s Project : “HUSA center was started in response to an overwhelming growth of orphans in Kimamba to support these children through their difficult situation and help plan for their futures. HUSA’s main goal is to support these children with care and also develop their life skills, promoting their abilities and talents. The center aims to allow the children to grow up in a safe haven, complete school to at least a high school level, and provide the children with life skills to ensure they are successful in the future. The HUSA parents try to reach the children before their parents die so as to assist the family in making decisions for their children.”

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Over the past few years, HUSA has become a registered Tanzanian orphanage. And right now, the HUSA family is building a MUCH needed new house for the kids - a big project that has had many big obstacles to overcome (to say the least). To finish the house and fill it to the rafters with all that the children need, HUSA simply needs help. Right now.

So in a sudden but awesome turn of events around here, we are hosting our second annual ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION August 3 - 5th. Last year, it was an absolute blast and we had so many incredible donations and bidders, we jumped around as it all went down. And, as soon as they heard that there are children in Kimamba without a ROOF for their house (!!) Will and Jack offered to host their second CHARITY BOTTLE DRIVE on August 14th. Y’all rocked our socks off with support last year and we are hoping we can pick up all those summer empties to help RAISE THE ROOF for HUSA. Let’s help them finish their home.

Sarah is great at keeping updates and pictures on the website (link above) and you can see, brick by brick, where the project is at. In reading the stories and seeing the faces, we have again been reminded of the simplest needs that our children have met, that others don’t. And as before, we are so very grateful to stand behind a project where we will our support in action as HUSA has committed to sharing updates, photos, and stories as the house is being finished and becomes a home.

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Sooooo . . . if you would like to join us, please tune in at 9 a.m. on August 3rd for the auction (right here). And, SAVE THOSE BOTTLES. Email us either through the contact link above or at apailofwater@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the bottle drive pick-up list and we will be there on August 14th!

Hope all are having a fantastic summer right along with us, much love,

Jenny, Kevin, Will & Jack

work is love made visible

~ work is love made visible ~ mark warren jacques

this quote is actually the title of a piece of art by mark warren jacques. i linked to his amazing breadth of work through another site recently (can’t remember how i got there, if i find the source link again i will absolutely include, it may have been through the free people blog). anyway, i found his words STUNNING.

in photography, this is why i do what i do. i work to make visible the love that is in the eyes of parents and children.

in my work at my playschool, this is why i do what i do. my work makes visible the love i have for helping children and families grow and shine.

love THAT.

AND i am officially opening my summer session schedule for the months of june, july and august. i will be taking limited sessions and will have pricing available shortly. please contact me if you are all about making YOUR love visible.

sigh.

jenny

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be still my beating uterus.

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the hair. the lips. the eyelashes. the teesny toes and fingernails. i haven’t yet recovered from this session. neither has my uterus.

precious girl o was my sleepiest subject EVER and in fact did not get the coveted open eyes shot that all grandparents love. she did, however, zen out for the entire session and let her momma and i tromp her all over the house and put her in all varieties of outfits (or lack thereof). what fun! i am realizing that i didn’t post one of her stunning parents - goes to show that o stole the show.

xo

jenny

sweetpea.

oh my, sweet baby ‘a’ melted my heart a little. oh, okay. a lot.
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she made an early arrival and has been working on growing growing growing over these last few weeks. she was four weeks old on the day of our session. four weeks of little pink toes, baby grunts and sighs, and powder soft hair. this session was a gift from a couple of very adoring grammas. aww.
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thank you to frank & micheline for sharing their beautiful daughter with me. it was wonderful meeting all of you.
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my goodness. she’s gorgeous. congratulations new family!!

p.s. these are some sneak peeks for all those up north who just might be missing this little one!! gee, do you think?

summertime.summertime.sum.sum.summertime.

a quick summertime update. i have so much going on around here and i know i haven’t been big on the sharesies.

what have i been up to? watching my biggest boy finish kindergarten. watching my littlest boy turn three. i can’t believe it.

i’ve taken two e-courses (love) and will hopefully be embarking on one more in august. i’m going to be doing a fun summer picture a-day-project for the month of july (except i won’t post until next week so stay tuned).

i got an iphone.

i’m moving.

i’m starting a new job.

i’m embarking on a new little business venture. and a big one.

i’m loving life.

and with that . . . . i’m off on vacation!! i will be available by email for the next week, but if i am tardy in my replies it is because i am sunning myself. please be understanding of my solar needs ;)

i am booked for july and august. i am doing limited sessions in the fall so if you are interested, please let me know asap and we can chat!

not even an image to share today as i’m putting on my flip flops and flying out the door. check back a week from now because then i will have so much to share you won’t be able to shut me up!

xo

jenny

mama to be.

i have a confession to make. i love mama to be bellies. if you know me at all, this isn’t a shock. and now you’ll see why . . .

look at this beautiful couple. in their new home. awaiting their new arrival. sigh.

i have to say that i love this image. i think it is delish.

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and here is mama-to-be and baby-in-belly. she was sweet and unassuming and darling throughout our shoot. she is going to be a great new mama. i think it’s a girl.

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thank you both for a fun and easy session. you made me remember why i love what i do. AND i get to go back to meet the babe next month - can’t wait!

on being.

oh, i have had this family on my heart for quite some time. and they have been so incredibly patient waiting for their images.

sometimes, even when - no, especially when - our plates are full, we need to take on a little more when our hearts allow. that is what this session was for me. a heart session. i feel quite emotional sharing it with you, but so excited!

there are times in all of our lives when something makes us stop and focus. on being.

being together. being happy, being sad. being silly and teary and heartfelt. on just being there. in that moment. and cherishing it. it is a hard and a wonderful and a difficult thing to do.
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dear family, to all of you. still sending you love and thoughts of happiness and healing. let me tell you, you are one strong family. a force to be reckoned with. thank YOU for allowing my heart to share in this afternoon with you. you are awesome.

jenny

complete.

i am about to share a beautiful family with you. they are a tapestry. they are complete.

look at these stunning girls - miss a is still hanging on to her baby softness while miss b is inching towards those teen years. don’t these images make you feel that if you held them close enough, you could physically feel them growing. oh, my.

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and welcome to baby brother who makes three. i chose to include these images of mom because she is radiant. and because mr. g gave me about as many smiles that day as his sock monkey ;) just kidding, laura. but really - you can see the new love in this family in mom’s eyes. how he fills up her heart, again, for the third time. new mama love.

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twirl around swirl around little girl hair. makes me happy.

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together. complete. happy. loved.
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xo

jenny