Walking the path of SMA with Ella has shown us much.  One aspect that we speak of often is the unending support we receive from so many.  When speaking or writing of "the many" we will often say, "family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers".  I'd like to speak of one particular "stranger"; whom, by the way, is no longer a stranger.      Her name is Katherine and she lives in Pennsylvania.  We had never met Katherine.  We never knew her at all.  She, likewise, never knew us.      Katherine is a runner.  She runs all kinds of races.  She trains, from what I can tell, constantly.  She braves all sorts of weather and terrain.  To run as she does requires commitment, determination, stamina, and a passion for it.       We met Katherine through Facebook.  You see, there is a group of people, a rather large group, of people who are runners.  The...

Showering our children with love.  Filling our house with grace.  Bringing smiles to our lives. Ava, Henry, and Ella have a mother who has dedicated herself wholly to them.  I have a wife who loves me.  The world has a person who brings it "cookies and flowers" in that she spreads joy wherever she finds herself. Lindsay Casten.  Born on December 24th, celebrates her birthday amidst the holiday season.  A season which she holds dear to her heart.  A season that is highly favored in her eyes.  She finds a joy during the Christmas season that I have yet to find in another.   The joy that surrounds her is more than the Christmas carols, candles, and cards.  It's more than the fire, the hearth, and the decorations.  It is a simple yet complex feeling that shines forth from her.  If you catch her in just the right light, at just the right time, you can see the beauty of the season in her face.  Her eyes sparkle just enoug...

My intention was to go to Wendy's with Ava, Henry, & Ella. I pulled onto the entrance street of the restaurant only to see a boarded up building.  A sign flapped in the wind and read, "Closed for Renovations".  The three kids and I were disappointed; but more so we were hungry. Without thinking I said, "We can find another Wendy's or McDonald's or something."  Once the word "McDonald's"  left my breath all three kids screamed, "YAY" and Henry said, "I just saw one over there and it has a playground!!" The McDonald's playground.  Every kid loves the McDonald's playground.  Who wouldn't?  You get to take off your shoes and climb, jump, slide, and be silly knowing that a McDonald's meal was either just enjoyed or is coming soon. Who wouldn't?   This is SMA.  A child who has every mental capability fully intact.  A child who has every desire as any other child.  A child with the urge to p...

We're so excited  to be a part of this holiday event.  We will have a booth set up with all of our ellaWEAR Jewelry   alongside 20+ other local small businesses.   If you're in the Chicagoland Area  stop by and find some  creative, original, and unique gifts!   Of course, all sales of  ellaWEAR Jewelry   will  benefit Ella Casten's housing needs.