Welcome to the Sweet Pea Project's Blog, part of the Sweet Pea Project's effort to create a supportive and compassionate community for those of us affected by the death of a child. Here you will find updates on the Sweet Pea Project, as well as anything going on in the world that relates to childloss. If you have a suggestion for a topic you would like to see discussed here, I'd love to hear it. Please make sure you stop by the official website, www.sweetpeaproject.org and feel free to email me for any reason at anytime at Stephanie@sweetpeaproject.org.
peace, Stephanie Cole (Madeline's Mom)

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sweet Pea News & Picnic Reminder

I realized I never made an announcement about the Unity Awards, so I wanted to share my news with all of you.  Back in March, I traveled to the Unity Awards Luncheon in Scottsdale, Arizona and met so many wonderful people from MASK and many other organizations, all of whom have such charitable and compassionate hearts.  It was amazing to be there, and it was humbling to come in third place.  I am so grateful for all of you who voted for me and helped me make it into the top 15, and for the people on the selection board who placed me in the top 3.  It was truly an honor.

I also wanted to remind anyone who is hoping to attend our 3rd Annual Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic at Lititz Springs Park on June 1, that registration closes this Thursday, April 25.  All registrations and t-shirt orders must be submitted by this date, instructions can be found online at www.sweetpeaproject.org/picnic/registration. Over 250 people are registered so far, and we are going to have a fabulous time. This year's event will feature lots of family fun such as a concert by Dancing Bears Music, free family portrait sessions with Kulfan Photography, hula-hooping with Acts of Jennius, balloon sculpting by Tony the Balunguy, a bounce house from Big Bright Bounces, live animals from Bob's Critters, a magician from Country Conjuring, a fast pitch booth and froggy fly toss game from Eagle Rental, bubble and parachute playtime with Gymboree Play & Music of Lancaster, flower planting thanks to Shenk's Greenhouse, face-painting stations and tons of prizes!  Grace Photos will be on hand to capture this beautiful afternoon in photographs, so you'll want to be sure your little ones are wearing their Sweet Pea Picnic shirts, which we are offering free to children this year!  (A photo of this year's t shirt design can be found at the bottom of this post- be sure to check it out if you are attending the picnic but hadn't yet ordered shirts, it just might convince you to place your order!)  We'll also be making garden stones and beaded necklaces and kids will be able to draw pictures and write notes to their sister/brother on our Remembrance Wall.  And bring your appetite because we'll be serving a picnic dinner from Freeze & Frizz of Lititz with sides from Four Seasons Produce and Food For Thought Catering, and leave room for dessert from Couture Cupcakes, Country Table Restaurant and New York Bagel Cafe!  For more information, hop over to www.sweetpeaproject.org/picnic.   

And last, thank you to everyone who came out and supported us at the Weeusables Consignment Sale in March.  We raised just under $2000 through donations and sales at the Stuff-a-Bag event and will be using that money to continue comforting and supporting bereaved families by offering blankets, books and safe spaces to remember the children who will forever be held in our hearts.

This year's picnic shirt, with child's name on back