I'm SO Excited (Again)... And I Just Can't Hide It (Still)

SO! This really has been a good week for me.

First, yesterday the Princess tried out for cheerleading to cheer for her school and made the team.
Then today, she got her braces off and she looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL. We saw pictures of her before and then looking at her now... wow... she's changed so much because of just getting older, but the shape of her mouth and face changed! She's just gorgeous. Blond hair and blue eyes... and a beautiful smile worth $%#&^% (let's just say, it was a bunch) bucks!!

Today is definitely a Yay, kids! day.

But what i really wanted to post about was USA Cares. I went to Radcliff yesterday and met with Cheryl. What a great person! She handles the volunteers for USA Cares and was SUCH a joy to meet and talk with. She's not without her own hardships in life, but seemingly a very positive and optimistic person. She shared her story with me about how she came to be involved with USA Cares, and it was a story that made me smile, albeit bittersweet. I hope to one day share that story... but not until i have her permission to do so. But i am sure i can safely share that she came to know about USA Cares by way of their organization offering a loved one of her's a lap wrap. A couple of years later, Cheryl is "paying it forward" by being the one to give love and support in the way of a blanket (and her time and heart and soul and time *laughs*), knowing what an impact it had on her to have been the receiptient at one time. I really look forward to working closely with her.

I got to meet the director, founder, PR persons, business mgr. and unsure of one title but i know her name and that she's got an excuse for eating LOTS of junk! LOL

I have been invited (how LUCKY am i?!) to join them at the AUSA Convention in Washington, D.C. during the first week of October. Can you believe it? I feel SO privileged to be a part of this and really have some hands on volunteering. It really makes me feel good about myself, in more ways than one. Maybe that's the catholic guilt being soothed, but whatever it is... i'm blessed to have it quenched! Regardless... if you happen to read this post... and happen to be planning to visit the Convention, please please... stop by and see me and introduce yourself. I will probably be hanging back a bit, but i will be the one with the name Jenn on! If you have trouble finding us... Look for the red shirts... maybe come buy one of your own!

More on this soon, too, but there is a reason for the RED shirt... can you guess why red?!?!

I'm just very very excited to be a part of this organization. More soon on the great things this organization does... how i am involved... maybe how you can be involved, if you feel so inclined, how companies and organizations can give back and help out.

i know i just met these people, but i did spend a few hours with them... and will know more after a 10 - 12 hour drive to DC with them in a week or so *winks*, but what impressed me most was the passion and love they all seemed to have about the work they do and the work they want to do and the work that they see themselves doing.

Can i just say... i am SO excited!!!