<br> This is the place where ECHOage stories are shared, where good news is spread and successes are celebrated. Start a thread, ask questions, exchange ideas, or just sit back and enjoy reading a forum inspired by giving. http://www.echoage.com/forum/index.php Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:45:12 -0400 Phorum 5.2.7 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,334#msg-334 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,334#msg-334 Once the party is over, ECHOage provides easy to use electronic thank you cards and very often this is where the birthday child shares the special gift that they purchased. They also get to share how positive they felt about contributing to a cause that they chose. It is wonderful to see how kids are able to purchase something memorable and unique to their interests.

In terms of our press, we are very fortunate to have been written about by many US and Canadian publications. We do not post all articles and blogs as there are so many but we are very pleased by how many Canadian publications have pointed to ECHOage as a solution to the birthday party madness.

We always appreciate questions and feedback so please feel free to write back any time.

Best wishes -
Alison]]> Anonymous User ECHOage.com Reviews Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:25:25 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,333#msg-333 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,333#msg-333 mike lolato ECHOage.com Reviews Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:32:48 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,332#msg-332 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,332#msg-332 mike lolato ECHOage.com Reviews Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:31:17 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,331,331#msg-331 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,331,331#msg-331
The way I see it, there are a few friendship fizzling high risk situations:

1) You become a mama: Many report that their friendships with single/childless girlfriends suffer. Mama feels they don’t understand why she doesn’t want to ditch the kid to go dancing every weekend. This has not actually been my experience. My single friends have shown extreme interest and understanding when it comes to my kids. And I am equally keen to hear their Sex in the City lifestyle stories.

2) You have a child with a disability: Hate to say it, but mamas of kids with disabilities get ditched. I’ll explain why it happens in the autism world: you have a friend who brings her 3-year-old over for weekly playdates. Her kid can’t talk, has meltdowns for “no reason”, maybe he’s a bit aggressive, doesn’t relate to the other kids there and his behaviour is disruptive. The mama host thinks “Hmmm…this playdate would go much more smoothly if that kid with the problems doesn’t come”. The playdate invitations stop.

3) You constantly bail on plans: When you regularly drop out of social plans at the last minute, eventually your friends will stop inviting you. I generally don’t accept invitations in the first place because of my bailing stats. But, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate receiving a low pressure “turn up if you can swing it” invitation. It makes me feel that I have not been forgotten, and also that there is some understanding about my situation.

4) You become a Mama of Many: Right around the birth of your fourth child, families you normally socialize with suddenly stop inviting you over. Who can blame them – your family takes up their whole house.

How have your friendships survived? What are the biggest friendship hurdles you’ve encountered in your mama life? Are you still close with the friends you had pre-kids, or did you shake it up socially when you hit the mama scene?]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:39:09 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,330,330#msg-330 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,330,330#msg-330
As a blogger, I’ve had several non-bloggers ask me many questions – from how to get started to why I like to blog. The answers are long and wordy, but a few quick points include:

1) If you’re going to blog, blog about something you love. If you are not passionate about what you do, it’s going to, well…suck.
2) Don’t go into it for the money. While bloggers often receive products to review, free diapers and diaper cream won’t pay the mortgage. The money *may* follow if you have enough readers that advertisers will pay to be on your site – but counting on that happening is probably not the best plan.
3) Know your limits. If you’re going to talk about your kids, have a big think about privacy before you get started. It’s one thing to talk about toilet training but if your tween catches wind that you’ve been blogging about her training bra, you’ll be in the doghouse faster than you can say “Justin Bieber”.
4) Blogging creates one heck of an awesome journal. I feel like my kids will have great fun in a few years looking back at their childhood through my eyes.
5) Blogging gives you a spectacular feeling of being heard. It is powerful.

So if you’ve been thinking about starting a blog, what is stopping you? I’m hoping to see you at BlogHer in San Diego next year, because there are many lessons to be learned at BlogHer. The biggest for me this time around was that even with a shocking case of laryngitis, I still have a voice.]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:46:51 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,329,329#msg-329 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,329,329#msg-329
[www.charitybuzz.com]

A PHENOMENAL show in Toronto - August 11th - quick, make your bid and support an ECHOage Charity Partner.]]> Charities @echoage.com ECHOage Charity Partners Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:27:42 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,328,328#msg-328 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,328,328#msg-328
The kiddos feel very connected with Oscar Mario – they send him letters and art work, and anxiously await his response. When they are all behaving like spoiled brats, I remind them of Oscar Mario and his life, and they humbly retreat back into humans I am proud to have birthed.

Last year for Oscar Mario’s birthday, our family sent off a package with stickers, cards and Mabel’s Labels. Some months later, it was returned unopened. I did what every good mother does – hid it from the kids and forged a letter of thanks from Oscar Mario.

I had been meaning to reach out to the agency to investigate the returned package. But our monthly donation continued to be withdrawn so I assumed everything was fine. Of course, following up on the package ended up at the bottom of my “to-do” list – tied in last place with about 20 other items.

Last month I got a letter saying we have a new sponsored child because Oscar Mario cannot be located. Not be located?! I started flipping out wondering how he just fell off the radar. Upon investigation, it seems that families commonly relocate without notifying the agency. So my next question was about where my money was ending up if my kid had gone MIA. I was told it went to his community. I do remember signing on and reading something briefly about how the money is distributed locally – I think the sponsored kid thing is more of a sales tactic.

It’s a sales tactic that worked very well on us. I’m pretty sad about losing Oscar Mario. For two years, we’ve been looking at his adorable picture on our fridge. He’s been my “go-to guy” when the kiddos need to be reminded about how privileged they are.

I have actually been putting off telling the kids about our now long lost friend. I’m torn between the truth (that he’s gone!) and telling them that his family won the lottery and Oscar Mario is busy managing his house staff in between private school tutorials and cello lessons. Suggestions welcomed.]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:19:03 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,327,327#msg-327 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,327,327#msg-327
I was dumbfounded. Flabbergasted. All those great words that describe that shock 'n awe feeling...

According to the most recent studies, having kids makes you unhappy. I'm paraphrasing of course, but when I read this, I wanted to refute it at every word. I'm deliriously happy. Except when I'm not. And staying home and being there for my children is completely fulfilling...

OK. Not really. But....How did they know??

I did prefer washing up the dinner to bathing my kids. And of course I'd rather bake something real then pretend cook fake food. Stacking blocks, fitting shapes into holes, doing the simplest of puzzles....No, no and no thank you.

Sure, I could get into playing - I'd build something kinda cool, only to watch one of my guys gleefully knock it down. I loved when my boys helped me with my mini-business in the kitchen. As long as they understood I was totally and utterly in charge and they followed by every direction. Not so fun for them, tho' raw dough is always a good incentive.

Yes, I confess: I hate the park. Ditto Sportball and other kiddie programs, watching Teletoon, and bro-on-bro (-on-bro) wrestling. We joke that it's Rated M for Mother. because this mother can't stand to look.But the park? Stresses me out. Either I'm standing still in the sun, repetitively pushing swings or, even worse, watching my 2-year old clamber up structures much taller than me - with several ill-spaced openings, perfect for falling from. That gut instinct that tells you not to walk off an edge? My son doesn't have it. Or maybe he does but finds it hilarious seeing me try to figure out which side of said climber he has the least chance of tumbling from. It's quite a dance we do. I envied my friends whose kids preferred the sandpit. They'd sit for hours and yeah, emerge filthy, dumping sand all over the floor, but my boys did that sans sand. And at least my friends got to shmooze with the other moms in the park. As one person pointed out: that's not the point. You're supposed to shmooze with your kids.

Oh.

A lot of my female friends have confessed to not being very good at (ie not really enjoying)"playing". Maybe because quite often, they've got other things to do (dinner, laundry, sorting through old clothes). One friend of mine told me the best day she ever had with her kids at the park was the day she figured she'd let them eat cereal for dinner.

Maybe it's a girl thing. My Man loves to play with our boys. Maybe they have too much access to me or maybe (gulp) he's just more fun. Apparently I'm more "talk-y". Not sure how to take that.

The article mentions the "golden age" of child-rearing: when the kids are 6-12. Babies and toddlers are hard, and teenagers are worse. Our guys are 2, 5 and 7. I fear we'll never be in that golden age. When my youngest turns 6, my oldest will be 12. Little kids, little problems and all that...

Either way, we're right in thick of it. There's a lot of "drudgery". A lot of "chores". And a lot of counting to 3 (and wondering what you'll do if you reach the magic number and your kid doesn't care). And yet, when my very busy baby starts singing "Imma Be", complete with fist-pumping, I howl. And when my not-so-compliant middle guy joins me on my errands - he doesn't like to miss a thing - he slays me with love and laughter (cliches be damned) every time. And when my super-sensitive eldest and I went to NYC, just the two of us, there was nothing better. It was like a honeymoon of sorts - but with my kid.

I feel like the "unhappiness" comes less from the kids and more from the loss of freedom that parenting brings. Same thing? Perhaps. Freedom is a luxury that I for one definitely took for granted. Going out wherever, whenever is no longer an option. Thinking solely of myself is impossible. Not because I'm the perfect wife and mother, but because it's literally impossible. There's always someone who needs something, somehow, somewhere. Or I get tired. Or distracted. But appreciating it now - is that about parenting? Or just growing up?

The grass is always, always greener. But seeing so many of my own "bad thoughts" put onto paper was quite gratifying. And enlightening. Therapeutic even.

But fleeting.

If you have a chance, grab NY Mag and head for the toilet. And don't forget to lock the door.

For those for whom this is impossible: check it out on-line:

[nymag.com]

www.motherofallmavens.blogspot.com]]> Carolyn Brilliant Bloggers Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:00:49 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,142,326#msg-326 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,142,326#msg-326 ECHOage Books to Inspire Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:09:53 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,324,325#msg-325 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,324,325#msg-325
We cannot thank you enough for sharing your enthusiasm about ECHOage. When we hear from a parent who uses our services it means the world to us!

We are so thrilled that you want to share ECHOage wtih your community. When parents in a community, collectively decide to ECHOage, everyone benefits. The children as a group experience the joy of giving, the environment as you noted is treated gently and the parents can feel great about contributing to a special group gift without having to guess what the child would like or appreciate.

We would be extremely grateful if you wrote about us in your community paper or posted your positive experience on Facebook or simply shared the idea with your friends.

Our greatest joy is spotlighting the kids who have truly made a difference in the world, so we may be back in touch with you shortly to see if you children would like to be featured in an upcoming article.

Thank you again for writing to us Noelle. You made our day.
Warm wishes -
Alison - C0-Founder]]> ECHOage ECHOage.com Reviews Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:38:27 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,324,324#msg-324 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,324,324#msg-324
I discovered your company through my last subscription to Woman's Day magazine (April 17, 2010 issue). I was so excited that something like this had finally been started. It has always been extremely important to me to educate my own children on the importance of charity and helping others. It can be done at any age! The earlier the better!!! =)

As soon as I told my two daughters about ECHOage, they were on board immediately. They had so much fun creating their invitations and planning their parties. They loved picking out the charities and reading up on who they were. What was amazing to me was the positive feedback we received from other parents and children. I am not sure if ECHOage parties are totally new to my area but I knew for a fact that none of my children had ever been been invited to one, nor had I never heard of it before reading my Woman's Day magazine.

We just received our checks two days ago (July 12th); I believe my girls closed out their parties around the end of June. Thank you for sending the checks so soon! They are excited to use their money when they go to Maine with their grandmother.

I intend on writing an article to our local paper and "Parent Paper" magazine, so that I can spread the word about how wonderful your company is and what a positive experience it was for my girls to have an ECHOage party. I can only say good things about the both of you and your mission----everybody benefits here! The environment benefits. Parents of the birthday children benefit with the ease of party planning. Parents of the children attending have the ease of taking care of the gift just with a click if they so desire--no running around looking for a present. They in turn educate their kids about charity. Birthday children benefit because they can pick out their own gift and learn more about charity. The community benefits.

How much better does it get than that? Thank you so much for making a difference in this world.

Warm regards,
Noelle Carenza]]> Noelle Carenza ECHOage.com Reviews Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:03:13 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,323,323#msg-323 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,323,323#msg-323
But I digress....This is the annual book list. The really good flicks start making their way into our air conditioned theatres tomorrow, so, without further ado, you asked for it, you got it:

The Mother of all Mavens Summer Reads List

The Children's Book - A.S. Byatt
This is a big, meaty, sprawl of a book. It follows the lives of a famous writer and each of her children, their friends and families. Starting out in Victorian England, and finishing up at the end of the First World War, reading this baby was like watching the most exquisite period film and hoping it won't end. This novel is brilliantly written, and not just because I am biased towards AS Byatt. I've loved her since Possession (which you should also read) and read everything she's written. This one is totally accessible - and devastating. Not necessarily a beach read, but fantastic. Break out the tissues.

The Slap - Christos Tsiolkas
I was hooked from the very start. At a BBQ in Australia a man slaps a child who isn't his. And thus it begins. After the proverbial shrimp on the barbie, the incident is seen through various eyes, intertwining stories and characters while painting a spectacular portrait of life in the Melbourne suburbs. Modern families, domestic life, identifiable characters and yet....totally sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. I couldn't put this one down - you won't either. AWESOME.

The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Is there anyone out there who HASN'T read this book yet? What are you waiting for? The film? Good books almost always outclass and outlast their oft feeble adaptations (unlike the cheesy books which make for FABULOUS flicks)....Set in 1962 Mississippi, we've got a university graduate ahead of her time who tells the stories of, well, the segregated town's Help: the nannies, babysitters, and maids. Compelling, brave, awesome. It's been in softcover for months now, so no more excuses. Grab it and start. You won't be able to put this one down.

Stieg Larsson Trilogy

What? How could I do a summer reading list without these books on it? Blockbusters to be sure - but with good reason. All of Sweden can't be wrong, right? The rest of the world obviously agrees. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The Girl Who Played With Fire. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. Potboilers. Kick-ass female lead. They are NOT flawless - the late novelist would probably have a lot to answer for, putting his magnificent Lisbeth Slander through such gruelling, violent and downright deviant experiences. His details made me a little squeamish, for both the content itself and the dichotomy of the strong female lead stacked up against such gross brutality. Did he need to go that far? Is it twisted porn in some ways? Who knows? They're terrific reads and quick quick quick, ensuring you have lots of time to finish them before you see all the Swedish flicks (no. 2 out next week) or the American remakes. My fave was the second book. What's yours?

One Day - David Nicholls
Full disclosure: I haven't finished this one yet. While I was in London one of my favourite people raved about it, foisted it upon me, and promised I'd love it. I saved it for the plane, but then got all caught up in the third and final Larsson book. Meanwhile, my man scooped me, read it in a matter of days while I read magazines, waiting. He loved it too. And suddenly - this book is everywhere. Or at least seems to be (Helloooooo EW). It's about two people who meet on the night of their college graduation. We follow their lives, chapter after chapter, each one depicting the same day, but one year later. I couldn't wait. I wanted to love it, live it, breathe it. And.... I didn't like it. The characters bored me. They felt cliched and earnest, annoying and indulgent (especially The Girl). AT FIRST. And then, last night, Emma and Dex (said characters) turned 30. And I turned into a fan. A huge fan. Total 360. Gripped?! I am gripped.

Gotta go. Must finish my book.

ENJOY!!

motherofallmavens.blogspot.com]]> Carolyn Brilliant Bloggers Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:54:06 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,322,322#msg-322 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,322,322#msg-322
But there are bigger things that I don’t remember – the things that I did before I had kids.

What did I do in the evenings? What did I start questioning at 4:00pm every day if not “What am I going to feed them?” To remove that daily dilemma from my brain space would leave quite a gap. Along with “feeding time at the zoo”, my evenings consist of organizing homework, packing school lunches and shuttling people to sports and dance classes. If not doing that, what would I be doing? I just can’t remember. Maybe I watched the 6:00pm news. Maybe I had a hobby. Whatever it was, it’s long gone from my immediate memory.

Waking up naturally because my body has had enough sleep.
Actually, I can’t even remember what it’s like to wake up to the sound of an alarm clock. I vaguely remember that sensation of a Saturday morning sleep- in, dozing in and out of lazy slumber, eventually crawling out of bed when it suited me. Yeah, vaguely.

Eating in a civilized fashion.
I can’t remember what it’s like to sit down and eat an entire plate of food without having to get up half a dozen times. What is it like to sit around a table enjoying food and chatter without springing up regularly to fetch things and cut up food on other people’s plates? I’ve been to dinner parties and left without actually having had dinner myself. And I’m told food is normally served hot. Imagine that – it’s actually HOT when served! By the time I get to my food, “hot” would not be a suitable description.

But from what all the weathered mamas tell me, these busy mama days go too quickly and before you know it, they too will become vague memories. So I think for the moment I’ll just clutch onto my cold dinners and hectic evenings for as long as I possibly can.]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:56:10 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,321#msg-321 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,321#msg-321
The "dream" gift is anything your child desires and you consent to buying for him/her. We send you the funds in the mail and you buy your child the gift yourself.

We know you will love using ECHOage!

Best wishes-

The ECHOage Team]]> ECHOage ECHOage.com Reviews Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:04:12 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,320#msg-320 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,320#msg-320 How does the attending children find out what the total monies contributed were in total - and - what the "dream gift was???

The facilitation of this is pretty vague!!!]]> mike lolato ECHOage.com Reviews Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:20:07 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,319#msg-319 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,319,319#msg-319
ECHOage will send half of the money collected to buy a dream gift for your child


and the other half to the charity your child has chosen.
Easy on guests, good for the environment and meaningful for kids.
NOW THAT'S SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!]]> mike lolato ECHOage.com Reviews Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:15:55 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,318,318#msg-318 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,318,318#msg-318
Can it happen in Canada? Is Canada prepared for this type of catastophe?

Find out how YOU can help and how WWF-Canada is making a difference.

[wwf.ca]]]> Charities @echoage.com ECHOage Charity Partners Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:24:57 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,317,317#msg-317 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,317,317#msg-317
Daddy-o came home from work the other day and joined us all in the backyard. I went inside and started puttering around when suddenly I heard the panicked words of Daddy-o: “oh man….don’t move buddy, just stay right there.” I looked out the window to see my 13-month-old teetering half way up the wooden deck steps looking like he was about to take a step down. Daddy-o was running, but it was too late. Through the window, as if in slow motion, I watched my baby fall down the steps onto the cement patio.

Two initial reactions:
1) I was sick about the big bump on our baby’s head.
2) I was annoyed that Daddy-o thought it was somehow OK to take his eyes off our busy 13-month-old for even a second.

I have a friend who is married to an “absent-minded professor” type. You know how sometimes you’ll put your coffee on the roof of the car while you get in, and then drive away forgetting all about it? When my friend was expecting her first baby, it occurred to her that it would be entirely within the realm of possibility for her husband to do that with a baby in a bucket car seat. She sat her husband down and told him that if he was careless and it resulted in an injured baby, she would never, ever forgive him. She felt bad threatening him with their marriage before the baby was even born, but his absent-mindedness knew no limits. It worked – they have four kids who have survived babyhood.

Daddy-o claims he was just a bit rusty – it has been a couple of years since we had a tippy toddler. It’s easy to forget how quickly they move and we all know that these falls can happen right under our noses. But clearly, he took his eyes of the baby long enough for baby to get across the yard and up the steps. So what is a mama to do? We don’t want to nag our husbands about their supervision skills, but we need to have confidence that our kids are safe.

What is your experience? Does the Daddy-o around your house have good instincts or are you always a little nervous when he’s alone with the kiddos? Have you effectively communicated your concerns, or does he feel like you’re a nag?

In short, do you trust your husband with your babies?]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:03:24 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,142,316#msg-316 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?7,142,316#msg-316 Robert VanTol Books to Inspire Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:51:29 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,315,315#msg-315 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,315,315#msg-315
We want to thank you so much - ECHOage couldn't have been more of a success for our daughter's fourth birthday party! All of the invitees commented on what a great idea ECHOage is and everyone who attended donated generously.

At only four, we weren't convinced that our daughter would grasp the concept entirely, but boy did she prove us wrong ... she loved the idea - so much so that she has decided that on top of the half of donations going to Evergreen, she will also take half of HER money and donate it to WWF (she had a really hard time deciding between charities - eventually her green thumb won out over her love of animals - but it looks like in the end she still found a way to make sure that they both benefit). What a great introduction to the concept of charity!

I think we may make ECHOage a birthday party tradition for both of our girls from now on!

Thanks again,
Kelly]]> Kelly George ECHOage.com Reviews Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:17:16 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,314,314#msg-314 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,314,314#msg-314
That is my disclaimer. If you’re curious about what common and harmless things you are saying that make my ears bleed, here goes:

1) “All I want is a healthy baby.”
I get that. It makes sense to me – health is the most important gift we can ask for. But, bring out my psycho sidekick self and you want to know what it hears? It hears that the very last thing you want is a child like mine. I know that’s not really what’s being said, but it’s what the little friend in my head is hearing!

2) “Your son was born to you because you are strong and can handle it.”
I understand and appreciate this is a compliment, but in those early and difficult days when I was digesting an autism diagnosis, I wanted to scream “So let me get this straight – I’m rewarded for being a competent parent by having a kid with autism?!” My rational self knows you are encouraging me but that little crazy me is turning red, stamping feet and yelling “it’s not FAIR” better than any 4-year-old you’ve encountered.

3) “He’s lucky to have you.”
The thing is, I’m lucky to have him. When I hear how fortunate he is to have me, it makes me feel like you see him as a burden. Please remember, I feel like I picked a four-leaf clover on the morning of his birth.

So next time you say something completely innocent, and I start frothing at the mouth and growling, you’ll know that it’s a simple case of mama bear gone mad.]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:12:29 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,312,313#msg-313 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,312,313#msg-313
ECHOage is not a charity. We are a social business that raises funds for charity in the work that we do.
ECHOage pools the funds for each birthday party and then donates the funds for the birthday to child to the charity they have chosen. The parents of the birthday child get the tax receipt. Individual guests do not receive tax receipts for their donations.

Please see the ABOUT section in the top left corner of this page for a visual description of the way ECHOage works.

We know you will love using our service and we look forward to answering any more questions you might have along the way.

The ECHOage Team]]> ECHOage ECHOage.com Reviews Sun, 30 May 2010 16:16:54 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,312,312#msg-312 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,312,312#msg-312
We've been invited to several echo-age parties now, and I find myself with a few questions.

Are you a registered Non-profit Organization or a Charity?
How do the donations get made to the associated charities?
Who gets the tax receipts for these donations?

Thanks for the info, great idea, just want to know what is happening behind the scenes.

Lorraine]]> Lorraine May ECHOage.com Reviews Sun, 30 May 2010 11:58:56 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,311,311#msg-311 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,311,311#msg-311
[www.loveofreading.org]

Listen to their reactions as Heather Reisman and Love of Reading board members inform the schools that they have received the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation grants.

Indigo Love of Reading Foundation is changing the lives of these children, only for the better!]]> Charities @echoage.com ECHOage Charity Partners Sat, 29 May 2010 10:47:41 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,309,310#msg-310 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,309,310#msg-310
Thank you for your comments. We genuinely appreciate the honest feedback you have given us about ECHOage. When mothers like you take the time to write to us we learn a great deal about how to offer the best service possible to our users.

The ECHOage user fee is deducted from the total cost of the party in order to cover the varied costs of running the ECHOage website. As you know, there is no advertising on the ECHOage website at all. Therefore, the only way we can pay for the transactional costs, fees, taxes (GST is included), and support the infrastructure of the site is by charging a service fee. The fee covers transactional costs for the charities as well and there is no added cost to any charity that is partnered with ECHOage. We, the Co-Founders, work without compensation as yet because we believe so strongly in the value of ECHOage and we knew mothers would appreciate the positive impact on their children and convenience for themselves.

There is so much value, as you likely know by now, in the ECHOage experience and mothers tell us repeatedly how easy and meaningful ECHOage is to use. It took tremendous time, effort and resources to make it so.

Your points are great and we are taking them very seriously and will try to communicate better to our users about the fee in the future so they too will know what the costs are comprised of.

Again, thank you for your honest feedback as we appreciate and value it!

We wish you a wonderful birthday celebration-

Debbie

ECHOage.com, Co-Founder]]> ECHOage ECHOage.com Reviews Fri, 28 May 2010 12:16:30 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,309,309#msg-309 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?3,309,309#msg-309 Sarah Kimball ECHOage.com Reviews Thu, 27 May 2010 18:25:07 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,308,308#msg-308 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,308,308#msg-308
Mornings around our house are always hectic. The other day, my five-year-old woke up excited that the long awaited kindergarten trip to the fire station had arrived. The best part – I was going along as a classroom volunteer. She is a real mama’s girl, so that was a pretty big deal in her little world.

This particular kid is a bit of a fashionista. By dumb luck, our kids ended up in a public school that has uniforms. As such, there is no real discussion about what kids are going to wear to school. However, my fashionista girl regularly express opinions about shoes, sweaters and coats.

On the day of the school trip, the morning was madness. I had to get the kindergarten kid and the three biggies out the door. The baby was screaming for breakfast and the pre-schooler had to get dressed for nursery school. I was under pressure for time since I had to get myself organized in order to be at school on time for the field trip. I handed my kindergarten kid her sweater with instructions to put it on and head out the door for the bus. She started fussing, complaining and carrying on about not wanting that sweater. I snapped. Out of my mouth came something that stopped her in her tracks. I said “If I get any fuss about this, I will not be going to the fire station”. She looked startled and quickly put the sweater on.

I consider that statement to be a perfect example of lazy parenting. Did I really just threaten to take away something so special to her – spending time with me? Did I really just serve up a threat I would not have followed up on? Yep and yep.

Half an hour later I was driving to the school with tears streaming down my face. When I arrived, my daughter’s little face lit up. I gave her a hug and told her I was sorry about the sweater incident and that I wouldn’t have missed the school trip for anything. She laughed and said “I know, mama!”

I’ve still got a lump in my throat as I type this, but I’m trying to remind myself that if my dear, sweet five-year-old can forgive me, maybe it’s time to forgive myself.]]> Julie Cole Brilliant Bloggers Thu, 27 May 2010 13:44:24 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,307,307#msg-307 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,307,307#msg-307
Now, many years later, and the mother of a toddler, I have realized that my daughter has given me a gift much greater than the love I anticipated from her arrival but also with new reason and direction for myself that was unexpected.

Being a parent is by far one of the toughest jobs I have ever experienced. And, being a full-time working mom adds even more to this juggling act. Thus, with Sarah’s health and well-being at the center of it all it took me time to realize the possibility of much more for myself when my plate was already so very full.

In July 2009 after trying to move a chair from my living room to another room, on my own, after Sarah climbed on it one too many times, my life was indeed forever changed. I know this sounds ridiculous. After dropping this very large chair on my foot and thankfully not breaking my foot, I did; however, endure a really bad sprain that led me to rely on crutches for a couple of weeks with much rest in between.

During this time I had to stay as much off my foot and spent much of this time on the couch working on my laptop, and discovering another new journey I was about to explore that was completely unknown to me.

Despite not being able to get to my front door without my crutches, this journey would take me farther than I would have imagined many more feet away from what I thought could be possible.

After Sarah was born during the winter season, I spent much of my time indoors with her during the early part of my maternity leave on the Internet reviewing parenting blogs, researching parenting topics, buying online, etc. It was too cold to take Sarah outside. So, while she slept much during the day I spent a fair bit of time educating myself on what was being communicated online.

As a result, a new idea and vision for the future was established. It wasn’t; however, until July 2009, well over a year after Sarah’s birth, that I was able to make this goal a reality. With a great interest and desire to write, and help from my husband, an amazing technology expert, my blog Mommy’s Point of View (www.mommyspointofview.com) came to life.

In addition to continuing my full-time career in addition to parenting, it was then that I began to chronicle my life as a mom, for fun and in my spare time, sharing parenting tips, advice, ideas, woes and more, to moms all over the world. My goal was to get started and to see how it would go. And off it went.

This blog has been an extraordinary experience into a world of the unknown. It’s been cathartic, self-deprecating and rewarding all at the same time given me strength in ways I didn’t necessarily know I had both personally and professionally.

Most parents would say that having their children is life-changing. This is indeed very true of my experience as well. Further, the birth of my daughter also brought an incredible opportunity of growth for me, one that I didn’t see at first and one that has enabled me to explore unchartered territory.

Being at the helm of Mommy’s Point of View, breathing life into something unfamiliar, fun, exhilarating and experimental has enabled me to see myself in ways I didn’t before, be honest with who I am as a person and especially as a parent. Sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I don’t. Sarah’s role in my life has been two-fold. She has changed me forever because she is my child and I will do for her in ways that any good parent would. Her presence in my life has also empowered me to find a new voice and ways to use it to help others, while also helping myself.

Becoming a mother has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. My journey as a blogger, and hopefully future writer, is a dream and one I am thrilled to be embarking upon and parlaying my professional knowledge and expertise with my novice experience as a parent.

My life has been transformed since having Sarah. Not only has she given me new purpose but she has helped me to find new direction for myself as well. My message here to you is recognize not only the beauty in what life brings us with our children but also the paths we may walk, crawl and climb to new discovery thanks to their role in our lives. Like our children, as mothers and adults, we too need to continue to learn and grow and thrive.

I thank my daughter for this incredible life lesson and opportunity, and for this new voice she has helped me to find. I just hope that I am able to be the parent she needs and to help her on her life’s journeys including the good and bad, and be there to support her, as best as I can, every step of the way.

For more thoughts, tips, advice and perspective on parenting come by and visit me at Mommy's Point of View -- www.mommyspointofview.com

Thanks,
Caren Begun
Mommy's Point of View
www.mommyspointofview.com]]> Caren Begun Brilliant Bloggers Sun, 16 May 2010 21:20:13 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,306,306#msg-306 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?8,306,306#msg-306
[www.bgccan.com]

Their mandate is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

Such a wonderful opportunity for kids to support BGCC by having an ECHOage birthday party!

A fantastic partnership!]]> Charities @echoage.com ECHOage Charity Partners Fri, 07 May 2010 13:42:17 -0400 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,305,305#msg-305 http://www.echoage.com/forum/read.php?6,305,305#msg-305 1. No take out dinners. When you think about it, part of the joy of not having to cook, is not having to clean up. Take the whole family out for a change and enjoy being served.
2. Bring my own mug. If I don’t have my own mug, I’ll just have to stay at the café and enjoy some quiet time. If you know you are staying in advance, let the server know, they’ll often default to disposable cups unless told otherwise.
3. Litterless Lunches. Start big, go small. This is my mantra when it comes to kids lunches. I buy big yogurts and re-distribute into smaller re-usable containers, same with apple sauce. Many dinners can be sent for lunch tomorrow, so make more at dinner and pack up leftovers in a thermos tomorrow.
4. Clean water is good. Really good. Everyone should drink more tap water. We are so lucky to have clean drinkable tap water, lets enjoy it and use it, but not waste it.
5. Flick Off. That’s right, flick off, turn out the lights, turn off the power bar and go to bed knowing there are no costly vampires sucking the energy out of your home.
And last but not least…

Keep thinking green thoughts.]]> Roz Heintzman Brilliant Bloggers Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:38:49 -0400