I have someone very special I want to tell you about today. She is such a little HERO to Russ and I. Do you ever wonder how children will grow up in today's society? Today's post only gives me hope and I think it will for you too. Elizabeth, only 8 years old, is the daughter of one of my special Stampin' Up! friends, Katherine Allen. While Russ was in training, Katherine emailed Russ and I to let us know of a special request from her daughter. Elizabeth was getting ready to turn 8 years old and planning her birthday party. This was like NO birthday party I had heard before and especially from an 8 year old. Her request was that her guests do not bring HER gifts but a gift for a soldier. She wanted them to bring something that the soldiers needed overseas. Little things like Toothpaste, Toothbrushes and Baby Wipes etc. Russ and I were floored. This child is a little hero to me. I have an 8 year old and yes she is my little hero too. However my 8 year old as sweet as she is wants Littlest Pet Shops for her birthday and she will proudly tell you that. LOL! I am so proud of Elizabeth and her warm heart. To be so selfless at such a young age. I know I wasn't, my Mother would tell you in a heartbeat! Let me share what a beautiful little hero Elizabeth is!
She is beautiful and look at all the loot for the soldiers. Katherine and Russ have been in contact with each other through email so Elizabeth could ship the gifts. My Prince will distribute the gifts to the soldiers who are in need. I want to share an email that My Prince sent to Elizabeth. It made me cry!
Elizabeth,
Please know what you are doing is unbelievably special. There are many troops over here that miss the simple things from home. While we have the experience here of training, educating, and protecting the Iraqis, many people in the States here conflicting reports in the news media. You show some mature insight knowing that the soldiers and sailors here are performing a job to the best of their ability and deserve some comforts of home. Your birthday is very special to me with your choice to send items for us. I will ensure the people who most need your gifts receive them and will let them know how these gifts came about. Happy belated birthday, Elizabeth! You make me proud to serve in the military to defend freedom around the world. You make a difference to us and I thank you greatly. I consider you a great friend.
I cannot wait for my specialize toothpaste from your brother 🙂
Your friend overseas,
Russ Van Diepen
Thank you Elizabeth! You are one special little girl! Katherine and Theron, you should be so proud. You are blessed.
Oh, and the special toothpaste Russ is talking about is from Katherine's little boy. He decided to chew on the toothpaste tube so it has special tooth prints just for Russ. <giggle>
Photo was courtesy of proud mama, Katherine.
I've made a special card for my little hero!
This stamp set comes straight from the Summer Mini Occasions. It's perfect for my little hero and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday! This stamp will not break the bank and I think we should all have it! It's called Land of the Free and it's a single stamp for 8.95! That's it. I love the name of this stamp and I love the image. You can also get this image in My Digital Studio. Hang on to your pants…. 95 cents! YES!
For this particular card I decided to stamp it twice on Whisper White cardstock. Once in Night of Navy and the other in Cherry Cobbler. Then I cut out the strip of words in Night of Navy and snailed it on top of the Cherry Cobbler words to give it texture. I wanted to give the flag that worn look. I think I accomplished this. For the base of the card I ran Crumb Cake through the Big Shot with my Stars Sizzix Die Cut. LOVE this die. So many uses for it and I love how it makes this card pop and so much texture was added. I am a huge fan of tone on tone! YUMMY! The last little element I added was punching a piece from my favorite DSP (today at least) called Newsprint. I love this DSP and I happen to find the word "America" in the DSP. I had to add it. Overall this card is simple but with lots of little things added and perfect for my little hero.
You can be a hero today too. Make a card for one of our troops! They work so hard to keep us free. Pull out your stamps and be creative. If you are DYING to have that beautiful Land of the Free stamp set, head over to my Online Store. It's ready and screaming to be FREE'd from the warehouse and into your house. It's a stamp you will get plenty of use from, I just know it.
There is hope in this crazy society for our children. Elizabeth is proof. We are blessed! Have the BEST day ever!
XOXOXO
17 thoughts on “Little Hero’s”
I am as we speak wiping the tears away. Her mother should be so proud! I have often wanted to send cards and gifts, but without knowing a specific soldier how does one do this? I had donated cards through a military wife, but she is no longer sending them. Any suggestions? My children make cards for St Jude's and wanted to send to the troops as well. Thank your husband for us for his service!
Kimberly,
I enjoy reading your blog. What a great story – way to go Elizabeth! Katherine is my up-up line.
Christine 🙂
How sweet of her to do this for the soldiers.. Russ's letter is so special. I make cards for Operation Write Home that sends blank cards to soldiers so they can write home to their family.
What a wonderful story and a wonderful little girl! So sweet. Your card is extra special also!
What a fabulous story!!! My great niece who just turned 8 a few weeks ago was like your daughter….all for me….not that there is anything wrong with that at all…kids are kids! But occassionally we meet the rare child and obviously Elizabeth is one of those angels in your lives. Thank you for sharing the story and for sharing the great card!
How awesome and so very special! Thanks for sharing with us!
OMG what a special little person she is!! Thanks for sharing this story.
What a heart warming story, she is such a sweet girl. Also loving your card.
I think someone this giving should be blessed back – what do you think about us all sending a crisp dollar bill (or more) in a cute little card – think it would tickle her??? I can just see her receiving surprise cards in the mail. If it's not possible to share her address, could we send cards to you ??? Let me know what you think about this please.
what a special young lady she is…. And I know how much the our troops will appreciate all they receive. thx for sharing the story and pics
This is such a beautiful story! I am literally wiping tears from my eyes. I am a faithful blog reader of yours, so I often think of your husband and the other troops and what they must have to go through every day. This little girl is an angel! How thoughtful! I love Elaine's idea, let's send this little girl some birthday $
Now I'm crying too! This little girl is so mature, and your card is fab!
this story you shared gave me goosebumps!:) what a thoughtful, self-LESS act. so heartwarming. i'm sure the soldiers will smile hearing about her generousity. thanks for sharing this sweet story … its good to hear the GOOD news with military and youth these days. 🙂
What a sweetie!!! Katherine should be proud!!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
A couple of weeks ago my 6 year old son gave all his pocket money to an old soldier who was collecting for one of our Military charities saying "He fought in a war to keep us free mummy" I was so proud!
But Ben would not have gone this far, she is truly an exceptional little girl & I'm sure her parents are very proud of her, we have a wonderful next generation growing up!
Wow. Thank you for bringing me to tears with the post and all of your comments!! I'm very proud of my daughter. And it truly was like Kimberly said… she came to us and told us her plans for the "presents for the troops." It was 100% her idea and we just helped decide where to send the items. And of course it took about 2 seconds to figure out where we were going to send the "presents." We are proud of Elizabeth and certainly proud of Russ, Kimberly, Alexis, and Brandon. Thank you everyone.
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