Ruby’s Birthday Giveaways- POST EDIT

Post edit: I know a lot of you are shy about writing every little service you do all day.

I get it, true service isn’t meant to be recognized.

However, I truly love reading all the acts of service done.

It lifts me up and hopefully helps you realize how much you do as a mother, wife, friend, neighbor, etc.

If you are too reserved about writing each service in the comments, please still recognize the service you do in your life each day and enter with the comment: Service given today for Ruby.

I’m so excited for Ruby’s giveaways this year.

If you are new here, welcome!!

Ruby is our daughter who passed away when she was 15 days old due to brain abnormalities. But

If you would like to read more about her story go here or here.

She would be turning 4 years old today (October 11th) and to say we miss her is an understatement.

We like to make her birthday a happy time in our family.

A time to remember those sacred 15 days we had with her.

Every year on her birthday we like to give away things that remind us of her.

This is our way to show love and spread her story to others.

So if you are a friend of mine, a family member, an acquaintance, a friend of a friend, or a complete stranger, please stay, read on and participate.

If you’ve participated in the past, I’m doing things a little different this year.

Here are the details about the giveaways and how to enter:

All the giveaways are listed down below in this post.

This is a long post, but before you enter please take the time to read about each giveaway that my friends and family so lovingly donated. I couldn’t do these giveaways without them and I love how each one has specifically thought of Ruby as they have chosen a giveaway.

To enter to win one of these gifts, please leave a comment on this post with a act of service you have done today.

The service can be simple, small acts of kindness.

By small and simple things are great things brought to pass (Alma 37:6).

Examples: Making lunch for your kids, holding the door open for someone, writing a thank you card, putting someone’s grocery cart away, playing with your children, teaching someone something new, taking a treat to a friend, watching someone’s children, making dinner for a new mother, calling a friend to say hello, giving a compliment, paying for someone’s lunch, etc.

You get the idea.

Here’s the cool thing, every time you do an act of kindness you can leave a comment and receive more entries.

Pay attention to everything you do all day because I’m sure once you are aware of all the acts you do (especially if you are a wife, mother, daughter, friend) you will see how much YOU serve all day long.

That means if you do 5 service acts a day, leave a comment for each one and you are entered 5 times.

Come back each day and leave a comment each time you serve.

I want these next 15 days to be full of kindness in Ruby’s name.

All winners will be chosen on Ruby’s angel day, October 26th.

I will randomly choose the winners from the comment section and match up the gifts accordingly.

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Now on to the giveaways…

Giveaway #1 - Size 4 Red outfit, Razzle Dazzle Ruby Book, Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls, Minnie Mouse Plush, Red Velvet Nothing Bundt Cake

This is what I will be giving away this year. I decided to shop as if Ruby were still here. I chose things that I thought she would like for her 4th birthday.  It was a lot harder than I ever thought it would be.  I may have shed some tears in the clothes section of Kohls. It was the first time I had thought about her as a four year old, I usually think of her as a baby. To try to decide what kinds of things she would like was a little overwhelming. Even though it was hard, I’m excited to give these to someone who can pass them on to a 4 year old that will treasure them. I also had to throw in a red velvet cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes because they are my favorite and no birthday is complete without one.

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Giveaway #2  Bath & Body Works Forever Red Perfume- Donated by BreighAn Lainhart

BreighAn and I met while we were living in Vegas. She is still one of my closest friends who I keep trying to talk into moving to Utah.

BreighAn donated a bottle of Forever Red perfume by Bath & Body Works. I’m always amazed at the perfect gifts that people find to represent Ruby. BreighAn is always willing to participate in these giveaways each year, along with taking on the challenge of loving and serving more. She will be celebrating her angel baby’s 7th birthday on October 16th. Happy Birthday Keegan! Love you both!

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Giveaway #3  Custom Christmas Stockings- Donated by Lindsay Robbins

Lindsay is my sister, one of my closest friends and an amazing sewer/seamstress.

Here is what she has to say about her giveaway:

My name is Lindsay Robbins. I am Kristin's little sister. I am so happy to be able to do another giveaway in honor of my niece Ruby June. This year I will be giving away a set of custom homemade stockings. I have been making and selling these stockings for the past 3 years. I feel like it is a great item to remember Ruby because Ruby is a special gift. The winner will be able to pick colors, patterns, and amount of stockings. (Limited to single family)

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Giveaway #4 Red Storage/Jewelry Box- Donated by Jennifer Sumner

Jen and I met when I lived in San Diego. We get together at least once a year for a girl’s trip. We just got back from a cruise together and I think we both wish we were back on that boat.

Here is what she says about her giveaway:

When I think of Ruby, I think of what a precious girl she is, locked away in our hearts for a special time in the future. When I saw this jewelry box with a key on it, I immediately thought about all the precious things that keys keep safe.  The Lord is keeping your sweet Ruby Safe for a special occasion. I hope I'm there to witness the first time you guys see each other again. What a special occasion that will be! I can't imagine anything more marvelous!

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Giveaway #5 (Donated by Melissa Wright Dawson)- Stella & Dot Ruby Red Mae Necklace

Melissa and I went to high school together and I was speechless when I saw this generous giveaway from her. Isn’t this necklace GORGEOUS?! 

Here is what she had to say:

This is the beautiful ruby red Mae necklace from Stella and Dot. I'm an independent stylist and as soon as I saw it I knew I needed to get it. It's never been worn and this summer it sold out and is now retired. For some reason I just wouldn't let myself sell this. I realized what I unknowingly was saving it for. I remembered Kristin  doing this wonderful giveaway in the name of her beautiful Ruby. I knew the giveaway was in the fall, oddly enough Kristin posted her need for donations just a few days after I had been thinking about it. Kristin and I cheered together at Payson High School, and although I was never in her circle of friends, I will say she was one of the seniors that was truly always nice to me. She has dance moves like nobody's business so if you don't know make her teach you the dance to jump around. I'm pretty sure she was named "getting twiggy with it" at the end of the year cheer awards. I am so amazed at the strength Kristin has shown throughout this difficult four years. She truly is an incredible person and I feel blessed that I have something to contribute to Ruby's memory. Whoever you are, I hope you wear this necklace and smile at the beautiful angel it represents.

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Giveaway #6  Size 4T Girl’s Red Outfit & Bow- Donated by Jessica Wilcox

Jessica and I live in the same neighborhood and attend the same church. She became an instant friend of mine. Her little boy is the same age as Hank and I’m sure they will grow up close friends as well.

Jessica has donated a 4T outfit in Ruby’s signature color with matching hair bow. I think a lot of us had the same idea this year of choosing an outfit with Ruby in mind. I’m sure there will be a little girl ready to wear this in honor of Ruby!

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Giveaway #7  Red Hooded Towel- Donated by Robyn Turner

Robyn is another one of Vegas friends who I’m also trying to get to move to Utah. I don’t think it will happen, but I’ll keep trying.

Robyn will be giving away a Ruby Red hooded towel. Above is a picture of one she made for a little girl named Mia. She will personalize it with the name of your choosing. It is a full size towel so it will fit even a big kid.  I love this idea for a giveaway. I have hooded, personalized towels for my boys and they love them. Such an awesome, practical gift.

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Giveaway #8 Redbox Gift Basket- Donated by Jody Lounsbery

Jody is another San Diego friend. We practically lived next door to each other. I’m jealous she still lives in San Diego and gets to enjoy the beach all the time. She put together a Red-themed giveaway. It will include a $15 Redbox Gift Card along with some movie watching treats. 

Here is what Jody said:

I'm excited to participate in Ruby's Birthday celebration.  I am so grateful to be reminded of the magnificent impact she had on so many of us in her short time here on earth.  I love that you continue to share her story and include us in your celebration of her birthday.  This year, I have had three friends/family go thru losing a child.  Its been difficult to know what to say to them or how to offer comfort in their times of sadness but I have sent them links to your blog and Ruby's story in hopes that they find comfort in your words and actions.  How grateful I am that each of these families are blessed with the knowledge of Eternal Families and that they know they will have the opportunity to be with their children again even when they are experiencing grief and pain.  I was able to attend one of the memorials that was held for a sweet baby boy and was blessed to hear my Stake President said something to this effect: We come thru a door at birth and go thru another at death; some are feeling great joy at those moment while others feel great sorrow, only depending upon which side of the door they stand on.  Its nice to know that if we live in righteousness, our sorrows are only for a moment while our joys can be for eternity.  Happy Birthday to your sweet Ruby!!!

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Giveaway #9 Red Chiffon Dress & Lace Headband- Donated by Courtney Moore

Courtney is also a neighborhood/church friend. She is a mama to six amazing children and has an angel baby as well watching over her family. I always tell her that if my boys turn out half as good as her boys, I’ll be a happy mom. 

Courtney will be giving away a beautiful chiffon red dress in a size 4 with a red lace headband. I can totally picture Ruby wearing this to church today for her 4th birthday. Wouldn’t this also be a great Christmas dress for a little girl?

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Giveaway #10 Red Apron- Donated by Pam DeGraw

This is my mom (and my dad). I’m writing this after she dropped off red flowers for me to enjoy for Ruby’s birthday. She had just left Ruby’s grave where she put a happy birthday sign. I’m so lucky to have a family that still loves and celebrates Ruby with me every chance they get.

My mom is giving away a red apron. My boys actually love baking with me (banana bread is our specialty), but I’m positive Ruby would be my number one helper in the kitchen.

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Giveaway #11 Frozen Birthday Party Supplies- Donated by Chandi Wilde

Chandi is another friend I met while living in San Diego. She also has a little one in heaven that is missed very much. They will be celebrating Porter’s 5th birthday in January. Chandi is always dedicated to serving in Porter’s name and I love that she wanted to do a giveaway this year.

Here is what she said about her giveaway:

I've decided to give away a few items to help with a "Frozen" party, because what 4 year old girl wouldn't/doesn't love Frozen & "helping" with her party?! I’m giving away 3 packs of purple, teal & silver balloons (12 in each color), a book of Frozen stickers, a package of 24 Frozen cupcake liners/picks, sparkling silver sprinkles & purple circle sprinkles. We hope that this simple & little prize will put a smile on a sweet little girls face.

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Giveaway #12 Love wood cut-out, cards, love sign, and cupcake plate- Donated by Andrea Swenson

My sister, Andrea, is one person that I don’t have to keep begging to move back to Utah. She finally lives here and I couldn’t be happier. She is incredibly talented in all areas of her life and is always thinking of Ruby. Here is what she has to say:

Hi Y’all. My name is Andrea, and I am Kristin’s favorite sister. I love this time of year. I love thinking of sweet Ruby and picking out things to giveaway in her behalf. My favorite moment in life was the time I spent with Ruby. She had a way of making me feel more peaceful and calm than I ever felt before. When I held her, I could feel God’s love for her and me. So this year, my theme for the giveaway is LOVE.
Kristin and Jared have asked that we do an act of kindness for someone to enter the giveaway. Kindness is Love. I am so happy that we are sharing more Love in Ruby’s behalf. We could all give others the benefit of the doubt, understand what they are going through, be more sympathetic, and find ways to give love that may not be expected. As a mother, I know that kindness means more than anything. When someone tries to understand me and what life throws at me each day, I feel loved. I am asking you to do an act of kindness this week that is more about understanding and being gracious.

Here is a close-up look of the loving giveaway that I have put together just for you.

My heart skipped a beat when I found this LOVE sign cut-out of wood. I knew I had to paint it gold and glitter it up.
When I found these cards, I knew they needed to be a part of this giveaway. They are a great symbol of love, but what better way to show someone kindness then send them a card? There are 60 cards in all. That’s a lot of love to go around.
This little wooden sign says it all. Sometimes I think we forget that Love really does start at home. I know I could show more love in my own home.
The last little piece of the giveaway is the most adorable cupcake stand. What does this have to do with love? It doesn’t!! It is however in honor of the sweetest little girl who would be 4 this year. This just screams birthday to me. If you win this little giveaway, each time you put a cupcake on this little stand; hug your kids. Tell them you love them. Be grateful for them.

Thanks for being here, and showing love and support to my beautiful sister.

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Giveaway #13 Girl’s shirt with Ladybug bows- Donated by Crystal Ortiz

Crystal is a high school friend and is one of the most generous people I know. The more I get to know her, the more I see she is such a kind-hearted person, willing to do anything to help. She also has an angel baby who is so proud of the person she is.

Here is what Crystal said:

I feel so honored that Kristin has asked me to be a part of sweet Ruby’s birthday giveaways again this year. I have known Kristin since high school and reconnected with her through Facebook. I am also a mother of an angel baby boy. Last year Kristin was thinking that it would be the last year she did the giveaways because it was time consuming. I'm so glad she is doing it again this year. I absolutely LOVE that she has kept Ruby alive with these giveaways because having an angel baby people do forget about them. It's been 4 years that everyone looks forward to wishing Ruby a happy birthday!!! Kristin and I had our first baby girls just 3 days apart. For my giveaway I made these red lady bug bows. They are big but we LOVE the big ones. We also got this black shirt in a size 5t cause that is what my 4 year old wears and I'm sure Ruby would be the same size. Happy birthday sweet Ruby!!!

Giveaway #14 Rainbow of Bows- Donated by Shirley Hale

This is my beautiful friend, Shirley. We were neighbors when I lived in Spanish Fork. I feel like we’ve actually grown closer now that we live farther apart. Shirley also has an angel baby, Annie, who she delivered at 18 weeks. She also tries hard to do things to remember Annie and is always helping me with any Ruby project I have going on.

Shirley will be giving away two sets of these homemade bows (I’m in love).
Here is what she said:

I know that what we give away is specifically supposed to be red, but I wanted to do more than just one bow and I didn't want to do a bunch of red bows. I am giving away a rainbow of bows. Ruby brings so much hope, just like rainbows. Hope that we do have a Heavenly Father who loves us and of eternal families. Hope that there are angels around us every day protecting us, lifting us and loving us. Ruby is such a special blessing and has always given me hope for beautiful things to come.

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Giveaway #15  $50 Target Gift Card- Donated by Elise Ford & Danielle James

These two are my gorgeous cousins (good looks must run in the family). They also happen to be sisters. We grew up together and have been there with each other through many difficult times, including the death of our grandpa just days before Ruby passed away. These two continue to give me insight and knowledge as we continue to grieve the passing of both Ruby & my grandpa.

They have a gift that everyone is going to want!
Here is what they said:

We will be giving away a $50 gift card to Target. It is our favorite (ruby red) store and we feel like someone should get the opportunity to use it to bring a smile to the face of a child (or grandchildren, or another child in their life).

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Giveaway #16 Red Heart Handmade Quilt- Donated by Wendy Busenbark

This is my sister-in-law, Wendy. She is Jared’s oldest sibling. She is extremely talented when it comes to quilting. I’m always in awe whenever I see what she has made. Every year she has made a quilt to donate to a hospital in Ruby’s name. These quilts are so detailed and  pretty that whoever gets it at the hospital is extremely lucky.  She will be giving away this red heart quilted wall hanging.

Here is what Wendy said:

This heart is given to commemorate the love that Ruby brought to us with her short visit here on earth. Please celebrate every chance we get to pass that love on. 

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Giveaway #17 Ruby Snap Cookies, London Bridges Size 4 Red Dress, $25 Red Robin Gift Card- Donated by Amber Tarin & Friends

This is Amber. She is my best friend from high school and we have been through it all together. She is always helping me out with Ruby stuff as well and has done a lot of work to put together some awesome giveaways this year. She has three different things arranged for you and they will go to three different winners.

Her first giveaway is a dozen cookies from RubySnap Fresh Cookies. This is a local Utah company out of Salt Lake. Someone anonymously sent some of these cookies to me a few years ago for Ruby’s birthday and they were so YUMMY. If you haven’t tried them, it’s a must! Amber contacted them to see if they would ship the cookies straight from their location to the winner and when they heard the story about Ruby and the giveaways they donated the cookies and the shipping on the house. How awesome and extremely generous is this company?! We love RubySnap! xoxoxo

Amber has a friend, Holly, that is the owner, designer and creator of London Bridges Clothing. She creates Mommy & Me Dresses from baby to adult size. Amber contacted her to see if she had any red dresses that she could buy for the giveaway. When Holly heard about what Amber would need the dress for, she said that she wanted to make a specific red dress in a size 4 just for Ruby’s birthday. She will donate it to Amber to give away. I was in tears when Amber was telling me all this. So many kind and generous people in this world. Be sure to check out her adorable dresses. Thank you Holly!

Amber’s final part to her giveaway is a $25 gift card to Red Robin because who doesn’t like yummy food?! Amber and I love to go out to dinner together, so this is fitting giveaway.
Again, we will pick three different winners for these amazing gifts.

Giveaway #18-  Framed Quote

At the last minute I saw this framed quote and knew I needed to get it for the giveaways. This was a quote that was displayed at Ruby’s funeral. Every time I read/see it I think of her. It also has a little red in it to make it even better.

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I was overcome with emotion as I complied this post with all the wonderful gifts donated in Ruby’s name.

I truly have the greatest friends and family who think about Ruby and remember her.

I decided at the last minute to do the giveaways this year so I didn’t think I would have too many donations, but once again everyone jumped at the chance.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated.

I wish there was another word for thank you, because it just doesn’t seem to do justice for the gratitude I feel inside.

Please know I’m truly grateful.

Now start posting all your wonderful acts of service in the comments.

I can’t wait to read them all.

It makes Ruby’s birthday such an uplifting time for me.

(Scroll to the next post for Ruby’s Birthday Post)