Challenges in our lives makes us stronger.... dedicated to Arianna Bellamie Luna :)

It's a New Year filled with resolutions, changes, motivations, challenges and where also the unexpected can occur in our lives.

Here is an unexpected reality that happened to someone very close to me.

For those of you that don't know a very close childhood friend Xenia experienced a mother's worse fear. After the thrill and excitement of finding out she was expecting she was also faced with an unknown defect that the baby will be born with. As any parent you can imagine the anguish that both Xenia and Ariel felt during this time.

The baby was diagnosed with Gastrochisis.

When Xenia expressed to us the condition Arianna had she knew it wasn't going to be an easy road and she was prepared for everything and anything to help her baby. Both Xenia and Ariel immediately did everything possible to educate themselves. Visited one of the top hospitals in the country "CHOPS" in Pennsylvania where they had the opportunity to speak to other parents with the same condition. During all of this they wished there was more they can do to make other families aware as well help in some way so that more research is done with this defect because the cause is still unknown.

What is Gastrochisis?
Gastroschisis is a defect that occurs when the abdominal wall fails to close properly during fetal development, allowing the intestines to protrude through the abdominal wall. Gastroschisisis usually discovered when the mother's alpha feto protein (AFP) blood levels become elevated during the second trimester.

Gastroschisis occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 births. Unfortunately, we do not know the exact cause of gastroschisis. However, it is often associated with younger mothers (under 20 years of age) and is unrelated to anything the mother ate or did before or during her pregnancy.

Thankfully on December 14, 2009 Xenia had a beautiful baby girl named Arianna Bellamie Luna. For the little time I know Arianna she is sure a fighter! She has this incredible strength and will to live and be healthy. I can see already she has many traits from her parents.

With the prayers we continue to give and the support of our family, and friends Arianna is doing great.

Be Arianna's strength and let's end the mystery and find a solution. Below is a candle dedicated to Arianna to raise and donate it to Gastroschisis Center for Research and Support.



If you can't make a monetary donation, please donate blood and/or plasma. 1 adult donation of plasma/platelets saves 12 babies.

To purchase a candle please visit: Creationswithakiss.etsy.com

If you would like to know more about Gastrochisis take a look at the video below.

Inside Out: Understanding Abdominal Wall Defects Video Series The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

'Tis the season ;)

Time to string up the lights, put up the tree and get in the Christmas mood. Celebrating Holidays Everyday is what life is about! The best part is to be always around friends, family, and loved ones. Sharing warmth, friendship, and a great deal of fun.

With that said: We can all make a "Difference"

Christmas time is a time to love. Families make a special effort to get together.
From near and far, everyone likes to get home for Christmas. It is one of the busiest times of the year.
Gathering together to open presents under a beautifully decorated tree and sitting down to Christmas dinner with Dads, Moms, Aunts, Uncles, children, grandchildren and even our pets gathered around is the ultimate Christmas holiday celebration for many people.

It's the holiday rush. People everywhere making lists, who is getting what this year and who's coming over for Christmas and of course, what to cook! How wonderful it is to be able to do all of this with the ones you love.

I have a challenge for you this holiday season, something to really think about.

I love to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with Ty Pennington on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. It's truly one of my favorite shows because it expresses giving to those who may need it more ;)
I tell you this, I cry at every show I watch. The love, the care that radiates through this show is impossible not to share in that emotion. The way people’s lives are touched and changed. The thing is they are no different than you and me. That could be you, that could be me…is it?

How about sharing some of your blessings with others less fortunate than yourselves? Why not volunteer with an organization for one day to give out presents to children who do not have a home or have parents who cannot afford to buy them a gift. You could also volunteer at a church or organization that gives out food to the homeless. Why not? It’s one day you could make a difference.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Take this time to teach your children to think of others less fortunate then themselves. This is a good time to teach them how to really appreciate what they have.

Are you ready to make a difference?

I know this holiday season can be very busy. But next time your walking to your car and you hear the ringing of the bell go to the kettle and put in the change you just got for buying that wonderful expensive gift. Your change can make a difference.

Below are some items that I have personally made to help this season and 1/2 of the profits will be donated to families that need it this season. These lovely candles smell great and most importantly are natural to help our environment.. you can give them to your son or daughter's teacher, grandfather or grandmother, or that special someone in your life.. they are all made with lots of love and of course with a kiss

To purchase please visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Creationswithakiss

I will also be collecting Toys for the "Toys for tots" program. If you are interested in doing so please email me at creationswithakiss@gmail.com. The due date is 12/16 and I would be happy to pick up the toys at your home. The gifts must be unwrapped and in original package. *even a coloring book and crayons would help ;)

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday Season.
God Bless You and Your Family.
Merry Christmas !

Love,
Angie
Creations with a kiss ;)

** Please see video below :)

Halloween for the Kids!

On this chilly morning... I am starting my first blog. After a good month of planning the gathering for "Halloween for the kids" was a success. It brought such great joy to see how much fun the kids had. I created individual treats for all the kids, baked tons and tons of cake and cupcakes. We took great pictures outside and then went as a group trick or treating which was also a good turn out. This is our 2ND annual "Halloween for the kids" and look forward to many many more ;)