"We need toys for the children," were the words I heard in response to my question on how I could help a homeless mission.

Toys? For the children? Wow, I had never thought about homeless children needing toys. Shame on me.

Called to the cause, I enlisted my friends and family to help me collect toys and two of my friends answered in a big way. Marilyn, a second-grade teacher, enlisted the children of the elementary school my own children had attended. Another friend-teacher had the students of the Interact Rotary Club at the high school collect.

In the past two years, our efforts have garnered over 450 toys for the children. Last night, I participated in "Christmas in the Streets" and helped handout food, clothing and gifts to over 100 homeless members of the community in Pittsburgh. How humbling to be part of this important ministry.

The gratitude of these folks touched my heart and I was the receipient of numerous hugs. It was my honor to work with the ministry and serve these people.

We have so many blessings in our life - let's share the blessings.

Pay it forward

My family on vacation....as you can see, I have much to be thankful for! Like many families, the Gansters gathered on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the day and well, give thanks. My sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ann and Dave Alchier, were the hosts for the day and at the end of the meal, while we were still seated, handed an envelope to each of us. Inside was a $10 bill and instructions...we were to take the money and do something good with it before Christmas, then at Christmas, we will have to report back and tell everyone else what we did. What a totally awesome idea! Right away, we started speculating on what that $10 could/would do. Like last year, I am involved in collecting toys for "Christmas in the Streets," a program that gives toys to homeless families. Right away, my husband, son, aunt and I decided we would add to the toy drive. Kenton, my 21-year-old, and I bought footballs, a much requested gift item for the drive, using that money. My other son, Cole, 18, donated the money to Beadforlife, an organization that I volunteer with that helps rise women in Uganda out of poverty. Cole is also a volunteer with the group. Eliza, 23, donated the money for my niece's toy drive as the two of them negotiated storeslate Thanksgiving night, buying many of those toys. I can't wait until Christmas to see what others have done with their money. Isn't this a great way to be thankful?

Giving back to your neighborhood

Good things....Some of us have a lot of Good Things. The Dees certainly feel like they do. So when it comes to celebrating their Good Times, these Good People want to spread the joy by asking their friends to donate to a good cause...North Hills Community Outreach. Because Cheryl and Paul Dee love their neighborhood, they want to support the non-profit who gives so much to the area. Instead of gifts, they have asked for donations. It is a great idea and one worth sharing so others can support their own favorite non-profits. And that will create more Good Times!

Read more about the Dees.

Where does time go?

Twenty-three years ago, my first child was born - Eliza Lillian Ganster.

After 38 hours of labor, I was delighted to see my little one for more reasons than one, but like many new moms, I wasn't sure how I would feel once the baby had arrived. I shouldn't have worried.

As soon as I saw that tiny baby with her dark curls and light-grey eyes, the world was hers. Over the years, it hasn't always been easy and at times, downright difficult. But today she is an amazing young woman. So, happy birthday little one.

I love you so.

Who shall I carry for you?

Good things, good people and good times all rolled into one... Who shall I carry for you? Cancer. It may be your mother. It may be your uncle. It may be you. At some point, Cancer touches everyone’s life. In 2004, my brother, Jack, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Eight years later, he is healthy. Because of his fight with cancer, Jack founded the non-profit organization, Survivor’s Outdoor Experience (SOE) to assist other survivors. SOE provides cancer survivors with informational and recreational programming to enhance their lives. With that thought in mind, Paul and I will be once again be taking on the 34- mile one-day Rachel Carson Trails Challenge on June 23rd. There are so many fund raisers these days, but yet I wanted to honor my brother and others who have faced a battle with cancer (or any life-threatening illness or battle) while raising funds for SOE. This year, Paul and I will dedicate one mile of the Challenge for your loved one – it can be someone you lost to cancer, someone fighting cancer, someone you wish to honor for any battle. For that mile, we will “carry” them with us, pray for them, think of them and use their strength as inspiration for our challenge that day. If you wish for us to “carry” your loved one, it would be our honor. Please let me know the name of the person you wish for us to carry. If you wish to make a donation to SOE, that would be great, but I am only hoping to honor all survivors, whether or not they are still with us. (Jack’s belief is that a person becomes a survivor the moment they are diagnosed). Please let me know if you wish for us to carry your loved one. If you wish to make a donation to SOE or for more information, visit http://www.survivorsoutdoorexperience.org/hiking-for-a-reason. Thank you so much! With love, Kathleen (Who couldn’t do this without the support and love of my husband and hiking partner, Paul.)

Good things...last year, my daughter Eliza Lillian graduated from Duquesne University. Here she is with my mom, Lillian "Dolly." I love this photo and love that they had this moment together. Good times...with Mother's Day just around the corner, I feel like the luckiest woman alive. I have three amazing children, two wonderful step-daughters and both of my mothers (Dolly and Marion) in my life. We almost lost Marion mom last summer, so this Mother's Day is especially important. We celebrate all of these "Mom" things on Sunday. Good people...to all the mothers out there. Not only biological mothers, but those who have stepped to the plate and helped out as teachers, coaches, scout leaders, good aunts, big sisters, neighbors, and a million more other roles. Happy Mother's Day!

Be inspired...

Good things...it's easy to forget how good life is somedays. We complain about minor things that can seem pretty big. But we can't forget the good things...if you forget, Emmanuel Kelly will remind you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W86jlvrG54o

Good people...Emmanuel Kelly reminded me that a bit of a weight gain or stalling on a story isn't that big of a deal. As we approach our most Holy of Days, let's imagine all the people leaving for today...imagine there's no countries...imagine being as brave as Emmanuel....

Good times...loving life as much as Emmanuel, having a smile as big as his.

You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...thank you, Emmanuel Kelly.

"Never judge a book by its cover"

Good things...anyone who knows me, knows I hate cold weather. The winter this year in Western Pa. was unbelievable. I'm so thankful that we don't usually have to worry about natural disasters here. As I watch the flowers opening up, the turkeys strutting by and the trees starting to bud, I feel my energy renewed.

Good people...a friend shared this link with me of a young man who appeared in Britian's Got Talent and it moved me to tears. It is a story of talent, weight and most of all, friendship. Watch it, but have your hankies handy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsNlcr4frs4

Good times...enjoy spring in your neck of the woods and remember, in the words of wonderful, 16-year-old Charlotte (Jonathan's singing partner in above-mentioned link), "Never judge a book by its cover."

Setting a goal...

Good things...I started training today for the Rachel Carson Trails Challenge. The Challenge is a 35-mile-in-one-day hike. Whew. Can't believe I am going to do it again. That's my goal - what is yours? Read more about this Challenge.

Good people...my brother Jack is the creator of Survivor's Outdoor Experience and he posted this moving link. Watch it and tell me how you appreciate life.

Good times...I train and hike with my husband, Paul Sauers. We always have a great time and encourage each other on during the tough times. They are amazing times.

Taking time to be grateful

Good things...the last time that I posted, I was collecting toys for the homeless. Thanks to the big hearts of my friends, family and the children of Hampton Township School District, we were able to collect over 250 toys. I am blessed to have such generous folks in my life.

Good people...well, obviously, the people mentioned above! With the New Year here, I have started a "Gratitude Journal," writing down at least five things every day that I am thankful for. I have coerced my husband in to doing this as well - he is a chemist with a whole different thought process than writer me, but he is getting into the groove as well. He is a good guy.

Good times...as I write this, I am getting ready to go watch my 17-year-old play basketball. The photo above is him a few years ago during football season. Where has that time gone? A friend of mine said she misses when her kids were younger and she would go watch them play sports. I am cherishing this time.

Be grateful, enjoy your days and be well.