Life is a Highway at TMA FREE on Thursdays

July 17, 2019July 17, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Thursdays just got a whole lot thriftier at the Toledo Museum of Art! Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos, the family, a night out with the gals, or a date night, that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? The Toledo Museum of Art has you covered!

Toledo Museum of Art is always FREE admission!! But did you know TMA’s latest exhibition, Life is a Highway is also FREE? On Thursday evenings 5-9pm only, stop at front desk to receive your FREE ticket(s). (This ticketed exhibition is usually $12 for nonmembers; $10 for military, college students, and seniors; $7 for youth ages 5-17, & free for children four years of age or younger).

Life is a Highway

The first large-scale domestic exhibition provides a historical overview of life on the highway with an emphasis upon the Midwest, Life Is a Highway brings together a diverse selection of artists to showcase the automobile’s reshaping of the 20th-century American landscape and cultural attitudes of self-expression. Featuring more than 100 works from the Toledo Museum of Art’s own collection and both private and public loans, this exhibition charts the rise of auto-mobility as a visual icon of American identity. With works spanning from early depictions through the Pop Artists’ portrayal of the automobile’s impact upon consumer culture to the present, the car’s image as a symbol of newness, freedom and independence, mobility, and renewal is explored. Organized through four themes that call attention to the social, aesthetic, environmental, and industrial dimensions of its legacy, this exhibition includes a range of visual media.

Hurry and make plans today…Life is a Highway Exhibition ends September 15^th

While you’re there be sure to checkout……

“Everything is Rhythm” Mid-Century Art & Music

The New Media gallery features a multisensory display focused on an exploration of the relationship between art and music. Jointly curated by Halona Norton-Westbrook, Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Scott Boberg, Manager of Programs and Audience Engagement, the exhibition features a selection of 20th-century abstract paintings each paired with carefully curated musical composition. Presented together in this manner, the art and music engage in a multi-sensory experience that simultaneously engenders close looking, contemplation, and a consideration of the connection between visual and auditory art forms. Free admission

And there is legit fun around every corner!

Make an official evening/night of it and stop off at the Museum Café beforehand for delicious, gourmet, garden to table, reasonably priced meals. Click on link to see Spring/Summer 2019 Menu, https://www.toledomuseum.org/sites/default/files/caf_springsummerwebmenu_043019.pdf

Museum Café Hours

Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.

Then head over to the Glass Pavilion for a public glassblowing demonstration (free) and a glass of wine.

Glass Pavilion Coffee Bar

Located inside the Glass Pavilion, this trendy lounge features signature coffees, teas, beer, wine, soft drinks, and homemade pastries.

Tuesday & Wednesday: Noon – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday & Friday: Noon – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: Noon – 4:30 p.m.

How to Throw an Epic Tween Boy House Birthday Party

June 24, 2019February 25, 2020momonthegoinholytoledo

Not to brag, but, the words Epic and Legendary did get tossed around! But I’m getting ahead of myself. So, a few weeks back I asked my son what he wanted to do for his 12^th b-day party. Two eye rolls and one exhale of disgust later he replied, “I don’t know…nothing too babyish, no stupid themes, dumb games, or cupcakes.” And just like that he managed to crush my party throwing soul! No stupid games or cupcakes?! I live for Bingo, Hot Potato, saran wrap balls, & frosting piled a mile high on cupcakes! I may not have liked it & it might not have been easy, but I accepted the challenge!

Theme

First things first, theme! No stupid themes…no sharks, clowns, etc. Hmmm, he is a huge fan of Stranger Things on Netflix and as he embarks on adolescence a lot of stranger things are going to be happening, lol! Cheers to the double entendre theme, lol!

Decorations

I am not a huge crafty kinda gal, but thankfully Sugarberry Lane had this momma’s back! And they can have yours too! They create custom banners, party bags, cake/cupcake toppers, etc.

Sugarberry Lane

Phone: 419-944-6305

Email: funonthelane@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Sugarberry-Lane-1356968484446294/

Balloons were from Party City…FYI, you can order and pay for balloons up to a month in advance. I totally recommend spreading out payments when it comes to parties & planning ahead!

Food

Since my cupcakes got vetoed & the main character in Stranger Things is obsessed with Eggo Waffles, we had a Waffle Bar where the kiddos could make their own waffle creations.

Games

As the VR Mobile Game Trailer rolled up I could literally hear the kids’ jaws drop!

The trailer was lit; it came complete with Xbox 1, PS4, Virtual Reality PS4, VR Race, Car Simulators, & Nintendo Switch. It seats 30+, is climate controlled, & most importantly there is no playing Hot Potato or Bingo onboard!

I HIGHLY recommend you book VR Mobile Game Trailer for your next party, whether it is a b-day party, diaper party, graduation, bachelor, etc. this SWEET gaming trailer will take your party to the next level!! Be sure to like their FB page so you can stay up to date on any deals, new systems, games, etc.

VR Mobil Game Trailer

Phone: 313-715-8093

Website: http://www.vrmobilegametrailer.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vrmobilegametrailerllc/

Entertainment

Moving right along with our theme, Jake from Frogtown Exotics brought a couple stranger things for the kiddos to see, hold, & pet! And, I’m not gonna lie, at first I was afraid that this might be too baby-ish, but boy was I wrong!

Not only did the kiddos have a blast, seeing, touching, and learning about all the amazing reptiles and amphibians Jake brought, but a lot of the neighbors drove a bit slower as they passed by our house, lol! The highlights included feeding a tortoise carrots, holding Fluffy the snack, & petting a crocodile.

Jake was amazing with the kids, very patient, kind, & did an amazing job of teaching the children about the various reptiles and amphibians and the importance of appreciating and respecting each. If you are looking for something awesome to do with your scout group, church group, at your next party, etc. you’ve gotta give Jake a call today!

Frogtown Exotics

Phone: 419-350-7453

Email: Frogtownexotics@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToledoFrogtown/

***Disclosure: I partnered with VR Mobile Game Trailer & Frogtown Exotics to promote their services. In exchange, I received service to use at the party. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Gals, grab a glass! June is Ohio Winery month Celebrate w/a Ladies Night Out

June 6, 2019June 6, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

It’s like a magic potion! It boosts the immune system, increases bone density, contains antioxidants, reduces your risk of stroke & heart disease, helps lower cholesterol, reduce risk of type 2 diabetes & cancer, it improves cognitive function, but most importantly it ensures moms don’t officially make the transition to full on Cruella de Vil status! The benefits of wine are vast, but what about those vines?

Warning, what you are about to read may blow your mind!

Did you know Ohio is home to more than 280 wineries?! That’s 950 acres of vineyards & over a million gallons of wine produced here each year, making Ohio the sixth largest wine producing state in the country. Mind officially blown, right?!

And what better way to bring attention to all of Ohio’s amazing wineries than by devoting an entire month to celebrate them! So what are you waiting for? Plan a Ladies Night/Day Out at the Winery today!

How to get started:

1-Order or download FREE wine Tools

http://www.findohiowines.com/about-ohio-wineries/order-wine-guides/

2- Select a handful of the coolest ladies you know

3-Decide on a winery, or 3 to visit…a Ladies Weekend is always an option 😉

4- Set Date

5- Take Flight!

Our Ladies Night Out at Mon Ami Winery

Mon Ami Winery

Address: 3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd. Port Clinton OH, 43452

Phone: 419-797-4445

Website: https://monamiwinery.com/

Cost: Wine Tasting Flight is $5 for 4 or $1.50 per single taste

We encouraged each other to step outside our wine comfort zones & opted for all four tasting flights. My wine comfort zone has always been a dry red, but thanks to our LNO at the winery I found a couple semi-sweets & dry whites that I actually enjoy.

And what’s a Ladies Night Out without some light shopping? Everyone needs to go home with a souvenirs!

And then we stopped off at the restaurant for Happy Hour ($5 glasses of wine & discounted appetizers) & dinner

We had a lovely experience at Mon Ami & are looking forward to trying out some other local wineries this month.

Drink local & responsibly, Ohio!

Sources: https://www.wideopeneats.com/10-health-benefits-get-drinking-daily-glass-wine/

https://drinkupcolumbus.com/2018/06/01/ohio-wine-month-2/

***Disclosure: I partnered with @Ohiowines to promote Ohio Wine Month. In exchange, I received a gift card to use at the winery of my choice. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***

Breakfast On The Farm Preview (Mark your Calendars!)

May 18, 2019May 19, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

I opened the car door and was greeted by a potpourri of country “aroma”, lol! We definitely were outside the city limits & my comfort zone, but I was beyond ecstatic to go country for an evening! Last Thursday, this city girl had the pleasure of attending “Ladies Night on the Farm”!

The evening began with a tour of the Henricks & Krieger Dairy (HKD), a third generation, three family partnership owned by Richard & Sue Henricks, Phillip & Tara Henricks, and Shawn & Kim Krieger. The family farm was founded 72 years ago by Clifford and Annabelle Henricks in Chesterfield Township, located east of Fayette. The family cares for Holstein cows and calves as well as raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. Henricks & Krieger Dairy is a member of the Ohio and National Holstein Association, Farm Bureau and the Fulton County Dairy Association.

During the tour, we got a preview of four of the 20 educational stations that will be debuted at the June 15th Breakfast On The Farm event; each station resourced by the farm family and supporting professionals. The first stop was the milking parlor where the milk safety and inspection process begins with cow milking and then milk cooling, testing and agitation.

At the calf area, we met the farm’s veterinarian before up-close and personal contact with the dairy’s next generation of milk cows…baby heifer (female) calves. At the animal waste station, preview we saw how dairies recycle organic manure nutrients to their corn fields to produce feed in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way.

The tour concluded with a visit to the free stall barn where cows socialize, rest, and are provided a clean, dry stall with unlimited feed and fresh water. Check it…we were provided new rubber boots, sponsored in part by Tractor Supply Co of Wauseon. And they are so stinkin cute, right?! (see image below)

Upon completion of the tour, a light dinner via grazing stations provided us an opportunity to meet eight additional farmers from Northwest Ohio who directly provided local produce and commodities for the meal. Samplings included….local fresh spring green salad, leg of lamb sliders, pork barbeque with corn muffin bun, shaved prime rib on crosonti, homemade local potato chips fried in high oleic soybean oil, fresh chicken salad lettuce wrap, additional fresh salads and, of course, a cheesecake buffet.

While sampling the local fare, Karen Bakies, Registered Dietitian with American Dairy Association Mideast, provided a nutritional discussion on the differences between dairy milk (cow, goat, sheep) and plant-based drinks. Further informing discussion was Melissa Rupp, OSU Extension-Fulton County, who followed with thoughts on wading through several food labels and production practices. The event finished with a question and answer panel including Richard Henricks (dairy farmer), Dr. Christine Greiner (veterinarian) and Bakies (dietitian).

As a parting gift, we each received a ‘market basket of goods’ including more than 20 items produced by local farmers from Fulton County and beyond. The basket included items like Arps chocolate milk, NatureFresh tomato-on-the-vine, Dei Fratelli pasta sauce, Red Gold Catchup, Myers Honey, Dicks Maple Farm syrup, Rupp Seeds popcorn, Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery chevre, Kinsman Farm spring greens and Hertzfeld eggs.

June 15th Breakfast On The Farm event to be held at the same Henricks & Krieger Dairy from 9 am to 1 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

While the Ladies Night event served to help us understand the workings of a dairy farm and discuss food production practices, it was also an opportunity to promote the upcoming June 15th Breakfast On The Farm event to be held at the same Henricks & Krieger Dairy from 9 am to 1 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast On The Farm will give the public a chance to visit this modern dairy, take a crop tour, pet baby calves, see large tractors, visit the children’s area and so much more! Henricks & Krieger Dairy is located at 14692 County Road 16-3, Fayette, OH 43521. Registration is requested, visit, www.go.osu.edu/fultonbotfregister2019 and follow them on Social Media.

Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm is coordinated by Fulton County OSU Extension, Farm Bureau and SWCD, along with a community-based planning committee and sponsorship partners. Fulton County farmers, Alysia Callender and Whitney Short, provided volunteer leadership for the BOTF Preview event.

Play: CLE

May 7, 2019October 14, 2020momonthegoinholytoledo

“Coolest place EVER!”! “I want to have my B-day party here”! ”Finally a place for older kids to play”! Those are quotes from my kiddos, age 8-13 yrs old on their experience at Play: CLE. And I couldn’t agree more, finally a place where older kiddos can let loose and have fun without the fear of trampling a toddler or running down a preschooler. This momma highly recommends Play:CLE for a fun filled afternoon/evening for the entire family (kiddos 7+).

UPDATE: They are officially open as of October 8, 2020! NEW PRICING & HOURS have been updated in post. Masks required when entering and hand sanitizing stations are now included. Read more →

COOLEST Camp EVER! Circus Camp!!

May 6, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, tightwire, acrobatics, aerial skills on silks, as well as stilt walking and walking globe! Think elephant on a tiny ball, high flying strong humans, and a lot of new friendships that’s what your kiddos will get out of Circus Camp!!!

This is legit one of the coolest places in Toledo! If you haven’t had the opportunity to checkout one of Bird’s Eye View Circus classes you need to! We had a Moms Night Out here and it was awesome! But we’re not talking about us; we’re talking about the kids! Lol! Here are the DEETS…..

Bird’s Eye View Circus

Campers: kids ages 8-17

Camp Dates: June 10-14 & 17-21 half days

Address: 1153, 2413 Collingwood Blvd 1st floor, Toledo, OH 43620

Phone: (567) 298-6841

Website: https://www.birdseyeviewcircus.com/

Cost: $300

Circus Camp (Youth) Ages 8-11

Monday June 10th- Friday June 14th
8:30am-12:30pm
$300
SIGN UP

Spend a week learning circus skills! Silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, tightwire, acrobatics, object manipulation, and character development. Beginner children will learn a simple but fun sequence and advanced students will work harder skills such as drops and endurance.

No prior experience needed – students should wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle and one snack.

Circus Camp (Teens) Ages 12-17

Monday June 10th- Friday June 14th
1-5pm
$300
SIGN UP

Spend a week learning circus skills! Silks, trapeze, lyra, hammock, tightwire, acrobatics, object manipulation, and character development. Beginner Teens will learn a simple but fun sequence and advanced students will work harder skills such as drops and endurance.

Performance Camp (youth) ages 8-11

Monday June 17th- Friday June 21st
8:30am-12:30pm
$300
SIGN UP

This camp would aid students in creating solo, duo and ensemble acts that they would showcase these acts in a performance at the conclusion of the camp. Skills covered in this camp would be: movement quality, character work, choreography, and collaboration, working their current circus skills.

Prerequisite:

Students should have taken at least 1 full session of regular weekly circus class, or, a week long circus camp, or, be coming from another youth circus program.
Brand new circus students should take our week long circus camp or regular weekly classes.

Performance Camp (teen) ages 12-17

Monday June 17th- Friday June 21st
1-5pm
$300
SIGN UP

Prerequisite:

Students should have taken at least 1 full session of regular weekly circus class, or, a week long circus camp, or, be coming from another youth circus program.
Brand new circus students should take our week long circus camp or regular weekly classes.

It is literally the best time to be a kid; they can go to circus camp, sign them up today! And don’t forget to tag friends and set up that carpool!

3 Summer Wellbeing Tips For The Whole Family

April 27, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

Summer is right around the corner and it’s a great time to focus on our health! The weather is at its peak, the flowers are in bloom, and it’s exciting to get outside! However, with a busy life, it can be hard to prioritize your health. Here are some unique ideas to help get you motivated to focus on the your mental and physical health and that of your family.

1-MAKE THE TIME-Improve your mental health by simply taking the time to do the things you love

Utilize holidays like Father’s Day & 4^th of July to take a break from work, spend time with your kids while they’re off from school, and get active. Make plans over these holiday weekends to get away from work or any hustle and bustle in your life and spend time recharging with your family. This break can help you all relax, bond, improve your mental health by simply taking the time to do the things you love. If you want to get some physical activity this weekend, go somewhere you can hike, swim, canoe, or even rollerblade around with beautiful scenery. If you only have time for a day trip, that’s okay too! Need some inspiration? Here’s a list of 101+ places to go with your kids in Toledo. The important thing is, is to take intentional time to bond as a family.

2-GET ADEQUATE SLEEP-Limit Screen Time! Too much blue light exposure can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle, causing difficulty falling asleep & deprivation.

Did you know that blue light can affect your vision? With cellphones, computers, and tablets becoming more and more prominent in our daily lives, we have to be more vigilant about screen time, especially for our kiddos. Artificial blue light, like that from digital screens and LED light bulbs can have detrimental effects on health and eyesight. Too much exposure to blue light can cause digital eye strain, which means your eyes become dry, itchy, and blurred. Blue light can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle, causing difficulty falling asleep and deprivation. This can be especially hard for children who have to wake up for school, camps, or sports and can begin to affect their focus, effort, and mental health. To help combat these effects, browse for new eyeglasses that have blue light filtering lenses for you and your children. These glasses can help block harmful blue light from reaching the eyes and affecting physical health. Try to be very proactive on limiting screen time before bed to reduce the effects on the sleep cycle. Luckily, now smartphones come equipped with night mode to remind us it’s time to wind down and stop looking at our screens to help us all get a good night’s rest.

3-BE ACTIVE!-Impromtu game of ball is great for your metal, physical & emotional health! July 15^th-21^st is National Youth Sports Week!

There are virtually endless benefits to children who play sports from a young age. Children can boost their physical health by playing an active sport, especially outdoors during the summer months. Not only are they bettering their strength, stamina, and coordination but their lung and heart health too! However, it’s especially important for kids to reap the mental and emotional benefits of playing a sport. Sports allow children to show leadership, companionship, and great communication skills with peers. It can also help with feeling included, confident, and worthy, which is amazing for a person’s self-esteem as they begin to age into adolescence.

Take time each month this summer to focus on your health and wellbeing, especially utilizing that time your children have off from school. Whether it’s your physical health, mental health, or bonding as a family – these are all equally important when it comes to caring for your overall wellbeing.

Pirate-ology, Young MacGyver, & ooey, gooey, messy, sticky, slimy Summer Camps!

April 26, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

When summer heats up, Imagination Station is the place to be for cool science! Campers ages 8 – 13 will experience a week jam-packed with experiments, challenges and projects designed for exploration and discovery.

A LOT of BANG for your BUCK…Campers Receive

Daily instruction, 9am – 4:30pm*
2 snacks daily
Simulator Theatre ride
Camp T-shirt
Complimentary admission for immediate family on the last day of camp, 3 – 5pm

* Extended day available from 8am – 5:30pm at no additional cost

Registration Information

Imagination Station members: $175
Non-members: $200

Camps fill quickly, so don’t delay – save your spot today! Visit imaginationstationtoledo.org or call us at 419.244.2674 ext. 250 to speak with a Reservation Specialist.

CAMPS…

micro MOLECULES

They offer three totally different, but equally fun programs for kids ages 6 – 8. Attend one camp or sign up each week!

Pirate-ology

June 10 – 14 June 17 – 21 June 24 – 28

ARRRE you ready for an adventure? Come aboard and explore the science that allowed pirates to sail the seven seas. Bravely seek the treasure of the old salty sea dog, Captain Gizmo, and experiment with code-breaking, ship design, weather and navigation.

Super Splatter Science

July 8 – 12 July 15 – 19

Campers will learn about the world as they spew lava from a volcano, run through pools of oobleck, tie-dye t-shirts and shoot elephant’s toothpaste to the ceiling. It’s a week of ooey gooey fun and campers should be ready to get wet, sticky, dirty and messy!

Young MacGyver

July 22 – 26 July 29 – August 2 August 5 – 9

When the pressure is on, MacGyver will save the day with quick thinking and a pocketful of common items. Campers will construct grappling hooks, build flashlights and even learn to pick a lock. By the end of the week, they will have tinkered their way to earning an official Young MacGyver badge!

micro-MACRO Mashup

July 1 – 5

Super Splatter Magnified

One week only, micro MOLECULE and MACRO molecule campers meet together for some of the most-requested mess makers compounded into one science-stacked, massively messy and exceptionally exciting camp! Don’t delay – this camp will fill quickly!

MACRO molecules

Designed especially for older kids, MACRO molecules campers ages 9 -13 can choose from four science themes – or immerse themselves in a summer of science by attending them all!

Inside the Lab

June 10 – 14 June 17 – 21 June 24 – 28

Campers will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become an Extremes Scientist as they prepare and perform lab experiments, ignite bubbles and set off explosions! Each week ends with an Extreme Science demonstration led by campers.

Super Splatter 2.0

July 22 – 26 July 29 – August 2 August 5 – 9

This camp is ooey, gooey, messy and memorable. Campers will burst bubbles, experiment with eggs, create colorful messes and ignite eruptions. Come prepared to have a BLAST exploring the sticky, slimy and sloppy side of science!

Cardboard Creators

July 8 -12 July 15 -19

Creativity and collaboration are the name of the game at this camp designed to put engineering, planning, construction and communication skills to the test. Using cardboard and household tools, campers will work together to imagine, design and build the biggest, tallest and most extreme structures possible.

Imagination Station Camps: On Location

Can’t make it to downtown Toledo for camp? Register for an Imagination Station science camp hosted by Bowling Green State University or the University of Findlay.

Let’s Build

Bowling Green State University June 4 – 8

University of Findlay June 11 – 15

Using the powerful tools of imagination and creativity, campers will transform the everyday into something extraordinary. Construct space suits, vehicles, buildings and more – the possibilities are endless!

For more information about off-site camp opportunities, visit imaginationstationtoledo.org/off-site-summer-camp

Finding Neverland Tickets BOGO 50% OFF! Discount Code in Post

April 18, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!” -J. M. Barrie-

Finding Neverland at the Stranahan Theater, April 25-28

The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid at heart,” says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, “It’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionary Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy® Award-winning film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. FINDING NEVERLAND is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR)

WHERE:

Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH, 43614

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Thursday, April 25, 2019: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 26, 2019: 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 27, 2019: 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 27, 2019: 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 28, 2019: 1 p.m.

Sunday, April 28, 2019: 6:30 p.m.

TICKET INFO

Buy One, Get One 50% Offer for select seats. (Valid April 18-25)

Link: https://bit.ly/2D7zi2X

Code: CIRCUS

Let’s Help Change Narratives: Big Wish Gala Recap

April 16, 2019momonthegoinholytoledo

That family with the son who has cancer! The 2^nd grader with epilepsy! The cystic fibrosis kid! Have you ever noticed how quickly a diagnosis comes to define a child and family? A family that was otherwise flying under the radar in your school, neighborhood, or community now becomes defined by their child’s diagnosis. And when a child becomes defined by a diagnosis, disease, illness, etc. their own identity, what makes them special and unique gets lost and when they lose that hope falls shortly behind. I’m not going to lie, going into the BIG WISH Gala I was one of “those” people, those people who would define a family by their tragedy, but by the end of the evening my heart and mindset changed entirely.

My metamorphosis began the moment we sat down. Seated at our table was Annabella, one of the Wish-Kids being recognized that evening, she was dressed like a little princess seated snug between her mom and dad. I couldn’t help but notice her star balloon attached to her chair and inquired about her wish.

Turns out her wish was granted and what an awesome wish it was, she and her family (even her 7 year old brother & 2 year old brother…who she got a break from at the Gala & got to have mom and dad all to herself for the evening) went on a Disney Cruise!! How cool is that?! I have never been and I had many questions for Annabella and her parents, which they all so graciously answered. I was also excited to learn that Annabella and her family are local, from NW Ohio…like just down the pike a few miles! (Make-a-Wish donations DO stay local) In the background I could hear Christina Williams, the Emcee getting the evening started.

The evening began with all the Wish Kids coming up to the stage, sharing their name, age, and wish…and just like that it all changed for me. Suddenly I didn’t see children who received diagnosis, of leukemia, brain cancer, etc. I saw children who received wishes and with those wishes, hope! How cool is that?

Make-a-Wish helps us all change our narrative! No longer is a child defined as, “that child with cystic fibrosis”, but rather, “that young author who had his book published” or “that 6^th grader with brain cancer”, but, “that 6^th grader who swam with sharks”….yup, true stories, those are wishes that were granted thanks to Make-a-Wish and thanks to ordinary people like you and me!

I arrived home that evening feeling rejuvenated & hopeful, apparently it’s contagious…and couldn’t wait to tell my husband all about Annabella, her family, and her wish. When I was done he asked, what was Annabella diagnosis? You know, it had never dawned on me to inquire…her narrative from me will always be an amazing little girl given the diagnosis of hope, via a Disney Cruise thanks to Make-a-Wish!

Please help change local children’s narratives today! No donation is too small; every dollar is greatly appreciated! Share & tag friends!

Click on link to learn more, donate, volunteer, and/or nominate a wish kids, https://oki.wish.org/