3, 3, 3

Three years ago today the world was graced with the arrival of Maggie. Her entry into this life started as a pleasant delivery and soon turned into a whirlwind of chaos that amounted to a sick mother aching to sit and hold her precious baby girl and an unnoticed fractured collar bone that would bring more sadness and pain to Maggie's mom than it ever did to Maggie.

Fast forward three years and all the chaos of those first few weeks of life is untraceable. It is hard for those who meet her to believe that there was ever a moment of time when Maggie wasn't racing to keep up with her siblings or flaunting her curly blonde hair. Maggie may be a third child but with her quick wit, bright blue eyes, flashy smile, and spunky personality she has managed to put herself at the center of attention in her family.

In addition to having "Happy Birthday" sung to her countless times, little Maggie wanted three very specific things for her third birthday:

1) A blue cake

2) Red balloons

3) A trip to the lake

Maggie's family was happy to oblige her requests and had a wonderful time celebrating such a special day together. Her mom is eternally grateful that she has been able to sit and hold her precious baby girl every single day for three glorious years.

Happy birthday, my sweet girl. I love you. Mom.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. ~23rd Psalm

Summoning the generosity and compassion of the American people

President Obama called on the American people to aid in the massive rescue and recovery effort taking place in Haiti after Tuesday’s devastating earthquakes.

“At this very moment one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history is moving towards Haiti,” said the president. “Yet even as we bring our resources to bear on this emergency, we need to summon the tremendous generosity and compassion of the American people.”

According to the Haitian Red Cross, “45,000 to 50,000 people have died and 3 million more are hurt or left homeless.”

The Associated Press reports “there were some 45,000 Americans living in Haiti at the time of the earthquake and officials said few had contacted American authorities in the hours immediately after the quake.”

While the world looks on at the horror and devastation that is now the country of Haiti, it is important to note that everyone has the opportunity to help in this recovery without having to leave the comforts of their own homes.

The president encouraged those interested in donating to the relief efforts to visit WhiteHouse.gov where the Center for International Disaster Information has a donation site as does the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross has released $10 million to help Haiti. People can also text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts and charged to their cell phone bill.

According to USAID, “Monetary donations are the most effective form of assistance because they allow humanitarian organizations to purchase (often within the affected region itself) the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is involved in the relief efforts in Haiti and “is immediately shipping humanitarian relief, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns. Efforts are underway to determine further humanitarian response in coordination with government and disaster relief organizations.” The church has a donation site set up for those who would like to help in the relief effort. The United Way also has a donation site and has mobilized their Caribbean staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.

The president ended his speech addressing the Haitian people directly, “To the people of Haiti, we say clearly, and with conviction, you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you. We know that you are a strong and resilient people. You have endured a history of slavery and struggle, of natural disaster and recovery. And through it all, your spirit has been unbroken and your faith has been unwavering. So today, you must know that help is arriving -- much, much more help is on the way.”