We needed a pick me up. Big time. Summer has been totally wonderful but school starts next week and my kids are bored, I’m tired, and we needed to do something to get us out of the slump we all seem to have been in the last few days.
We were able to donate for 16 different families–I believe that is how many beds are in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. So we donated the stuffed animals from my mom, a couple heart lovies, some zipper heart ornaments, Jane’s beautiful Zipper Heart Quilt, Jess’s adorable heart garlands, and some key fobs for the mommas.
I’d been saving up for a while for a good trip and I probably should have gone sooner. Regardless, we will have at least one more donation trip this year on Ruby’s Heart Surgery Anniversary on December 17th this year. I hope to make at least one heart themed quilt this time to donate. I have a few more stuffed animals left from my mom but I plan on making packages this time with the following in EACH package: heart lovie, key fob, heart zipper, heart garland, and a stuffed animal. The quilt is to be given to someone the nurses feel need it the most. If you feel you can donate any of these items, I will love you forever.
Bagging it all up in the van. I had to stop and get larger bags since the stuffed animals were so big.
I promise the quilt is packaged even though it doesn’t look like it is! I would never set it down without being protected :). 
And here they are waiting for me to fill out the paper work for the donations. The lady at the desk who receives the incoming donations was so sweet. These kids were so happy. We all felt so much happier once we were finished. And seeing all my kids set down their gifts on the counter, feeling so proud and joyful is really one of the best things to me. Ruby stretching up to put her couple teddy bears on the counter and then looking so pleased with herself = priceless. As it is with all of them. 