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season of giving | using social media for good

Even though it’s a big part of my business, I will admit to having a love/hate relationship with social media.  It can be impersonal, superficial, and downright ugly at times.  And, honestly, sometimes it’s just too much input from people who don’t really know you.  But, it can also be an amazing community…  A tribe of people connected through a common love or common struggle.  Connecting for support and friendship.  Joining together for a cause.

This is an opportunity to make those likes and comments mean something more than a drop in the social media bucket.  This is a chance to have those likes and comments become physical dollars to support charities and non-profit organizations that support individuals who are sick, suffering, struggling, and/or in need.

I have partnered with Balsam Hill and their Season of Giving campaign to raise money for a non-profit of my choosing – and I picked the Minnesota chapter of the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund).  

As I have shared before, my youngest son, Calvin, is a type 1 diabetic, so choosing the JDRF as the non-profit to support in this campaign was a no-brainer for me.  (You can read more details about Calvin’s life with diabetes HERE.)

(At his diagnosis, the JDRF gave us a backpack with information, encouragement, and a white teddy bear for Calvin.  The other bear was on loan from his older brother.)

I truly believe that a cure can be found in Calvin’s lifetime and the JDRF is committed to finding a cure as well as supporting families affected by diabetes and finding better treatment options until that cure is discovered.

(The boys at the JDRF One Walk a couple of years ago.)

So, what is your part in this?  

We’re not asking for money.  Balsam Hill is going to do that part.  We’re asking for you to comment, like, and share.  Just do your social media thing and maybe even step it up a notch, since this time it can make a difference.

For every comment on THIS blog post, Balsam Hill will donate $2.00 to the Minnesota chapter of JDRF.  

And then, you can do even more.  Head over to the Balsam Hill Facebook Page…they will donate $0.50 for every reaction/like, $1.00 for every comment, and $1.00 for every share.  (Just comment with the charity name you wish to support with your comment.  Shares and engagements will count towards the featured charity on that specific post.  The JDRF will be featured December 17-19, 2017, and I will post reminders.)

I’ll share more opportunities to support the Minnesota JDRF on their Facebook page as well as on mine and the Balsam Hill blog.

If you’ve never left a comment on this blog, today is a good day to leave your first one.  Just a few seconds, a few clicks of the keys, and your comment will equal $2.00 for the JDRF.  Just tell me Merry Christmas.  Tell me about someone you love who has T1D.  Tell me how social media is a love/hate thing for you, too.

Just leave a comment…

…and let’s support the JDRF as they give backpacks of information to frightened parents and teddy bears to kids who just found out needle sticks will be a part of every single day of the rest of their life.  Let’s support them as they advocate for families who cannot afford the insulin and equipment to keep their children alive, which can be hundreds of dollars each month, even with insurance.

And let’s support them as they search tirelessly to cure type one.

PS – This is not a sponsored post and I am not being compensated in any way for participating in this campaign.  I am doing it to support my son, the JDRF, and Balsam Hill’s generosity.

 

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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1,167 Responses

  1. What an awesome thing. I am happy to “comment” . I have a niece who has jd and I know the hard times can be taxing. My husband and I also participate in our local JD walk. Hoping for a cure for all of those with diabetes.

  2. I am happy to comment. Such a wonderful cause. I have type 2 diabetes. I was diagnosed in August of 2016. I hope everyday that a cure for both type 1 & 2 will be found in my lifetime.
    Blessing to you and your family.

  5. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!

    Praying for a cure for diabetes!

    Love your blog!

  7. Merry Christmas! My mother had diabetes and I feel for anyone who has to go through what she did. Especially children!

  8. “Merry Christmas” to you and your family and all God’s best for the coming year.
    Thank you for all the posts you share on Miss Mustard Seed.

  17. I’m happy to post a comment to support this cause! Thanks for all the great content, Marian!

  21. Thank you for helping harness the power of social media for good. Having lost family members to diabetes, others who are actively dealing with it, including my mother, and a niece who was diagnosed with T1 at age 13, I so appreciate the need for a cure. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas too!

  23. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this Season of Giving.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  26. Awesome job, Balsam Hill! Not only do you make great Christmas trees (I purchased one for the first time this year and love it!) but I love your spirit of giving!

  27. Praying for a cure ?? The season for giving ? thank you for supporting this cause ?? Merry Christmas to you and your family ?

  32. Merry Christmas! And that note from your son wishing for a white Christmas and a cure for diabetes…oh my heart.❤️

  35. I have a couple family members with type 1 diabetes. We have supported jdrf in various was over the years. Here’s hoping we have a cure one day soon!

  37. Merry Christmas to you and yours! What a generous thing Balsam Hill is doing. 🙂
    I was so excited when you moved to my neck of the woods – I’m right down the road in Winona.

  38. It is my pleasure to comment, like, and share for a GREAT cause. Praying for a cure. Merry Christmas!!

  41. What an awesome thing for Balsam Hill to do! And they have great trees. ?. I have two at my house.

  42. Merry Christmas! Thank you Balsam Hill for your willingness to donate to the JDRF and supporting the fight for a cure of juvenile diabetes!

  43. Happy to comment for an important cause. I enjoy your creativity and blog. Wishing your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year that is closer to a cure.

  44. Thank you for raising awareness and funds.
    My son John, 14, was diagnosed at 18 months (2/05).

  45. So awesome! Glad to comment for your cause!
    I’ve followed your blog for years and was pleasantly surprised when you said you’d be moving to Rochester, as I’m a Twin Cities gal. I just saw your IG story on the brittle greenery-yup, it gets desperately dry here in winter and horridly humid all summer!
    I’m very much a suburbia gal on the exterior but deep within I’m a lover of all things domestic, with a vintage farmhouse flair (not just because it’s trendy right now, either!). I very much admire your creative, get-things-done spirit! Merriest Christmas wishes to you and your fam!

  46. I am so happy to comment and help this great cause! Many of my family members are Type 2 diabetics and a few years ago my cousin’s young son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes in general is such a life changing disease that takes a great toll on a person’s body, but to watch a child experience has reiterated the desperate need for a cure! Thank you for all you are doing with this post, and of course, I love following along with all of your work here on your blog and on Instagram.

  48. Merry Christmas. Our dadaughter was diagnosed at 17. Thank you to Balsam Hill
    We bought a beautiful tree from Balsam Hill this Christmas season and it’s beautiful.

  54. Diabetes has also affected some of my loved ones and I know how important it is to be able to continue with research.
    Thank you Balsam Hill for donating to such a wonderful cause.

  55. As a type 1 diabetic, I too pray for a cure. May the Lord give knowledge to the people He has working on it & give peace & patience to those living with it & their families.

    Also, welcome to MN! Our family moved from Northern Virginia last year to MN. I always enjoyed your items when I’d visit the store in Lucketts, so glad I get to keep on here too through CJC.

  56. Marian – you are such a ray of sunshine for all of your followers and have the BIGGEST heart. Yes – let’s find a cure for diabetes!

  58. What a great cause! Happy to hear when companies give back. Prayers for a cure for diabetes ??

    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  59. Here it is my first comment! I was never sure how to leave a comment, but because of the importance of this post, I thought I better take a minute to figure it out! Wishing you and your beautiful family a blessed Christmas and I’m continuing to pray for a cure for diabetes. Thank you Balsam Hill for your support.

  62. Balsam Hill and Marian, This is fantastic! There are so many kids challenged with this disease and it’s great that you are using your position and company to help JD! Thank you!

  64. Happy to comment and help with this cause! This one hits so close to home for us! Our daughter was diagnosed with T1 at the age of 13 and 3 years later passed away due to complications. It’s been almost 7 years! I pray they find a cure! Thanks for this opportunity to help such a wonderful foundation!

  66. Thank you for supporting this effort! My husband’s family was changed forever because of this disease they didn’t know his sister had at age 12. Here’s to finding a cure!

  68. We need a cure, thanks Balsam Hill for doing your part. Wishing the Parsons a Merry Christmas.

  80. My 36 year old son has Type 1 and was diagnosed when he was 25. I hold on to hope that a cure will be found, but I despair that the drug lobby will allow a true cure to be implemented – there’s too much money at stake in insulin and diabetic supplies. However, thanks to efforts like this one, hope for a cure stays alive! Thank you, MMS, and thanks to Balsam Hill!

  81. I was reading an article yesterday about the move to human trials for a vaccine for type 1. Only works before your cells are killed off but sounded promising.

  84. My husband has had Type 2 for 17 years. Knowing how he has struggled to take care of his diabetes without shots, I can imagine some of the difficulties children endure. What a blessing that Balsam Hill is giving so generously to such a good cause!

  89. Many thanks to you and JDRF for taking time to raise funds for continuing support our children and continued research for a cure. Merry Christmas!

  93. What a great (and easy) way to raise money and awareness. My best friend is a type 1 diabetic and i was with her the day she was diagnosed. It has been life altering to say the least. Thanks for this.

  98. Merry Christmas!

    Two of my friends have children with type one diabetes, so I think this is a wonderful charity.
    Thank you Balsam Hill!

  104. Our daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 6 years old. It has not always been easy, but she is now 31 years old, married and has a beautiful 2 year old girl. When she was first diagnosed I heard that being first diagnosed with diabetes is like having a hippopotamus move into your living room. Everything revolves around it and it’s all you see and think about. But as time passes it just becomes part of your life. Then someone comes over and exclaims, ” you have a hippopotamus in your living room!” You realize, yes I do, but I don’t notice it’s there anymore.

  110. Merry Christmas! So many people have diabetes. I hope a cure is found and give Calvin a big hug.

  112. Merry Christmas to all! What a wonderful opportunity to “do good”. Good luck with your goal of 1000+ comments!

  114. I am commenting because my mother had 3 brothers die of type 1 diabetes before the age of 14 and the discovery of insulin.

  116. My husband Tyler is a Type 1 diabetic. He was diagnosed at age seven and has now had diabetes for 39 years. We need to find a cure! Diabetes effects so many different parts of the body…heart, brain, eyes, circulation, kidneys, liver…just to name a few. It weakens blood vessels making diabetics more susceptible to brain hemmorrhages. We just went through that in October. Thankfully he is doing well. He also has a stent in his heart. Diabetes takes such a dramatic toll on the body. My husband takes great care of himself and is in great control…but things still happen. My heart goes out to all diabetics and the families that love them. Thank you for doing this Miss Mustard Seed and Balsam Hill.

  117. What an amazing thing this is. Finding a cure and providing support and information in a families time of need makes all the difference. Thanks for sharing your story and for supporting an amazing cause

  120. As a mother of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, thank you for choosing JDRF. It’s a very misunderstood disease. Delicate, demanding. 24/7/365.

  131. It’s just not a good day without my miss mustard seed hit. Thank you for keeping it interesting & so real

  132. It’s great to be using social media for good. There are so many bad aspects to it. Thanks for bringing our attention to this worthy cause!

  137. More than happy to comment! Thanks for bringing awareness to this charity. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  138. My son was diagnosed at 15 months and is now 26. He will be 27 on January 12 and is living a full and happy life due to the research from the JDRF. Things have changed so much from 1992 to today. We pray daily for a cure and that Christopher and those with T1 would be able to live a long D-Free life.

  145. Thank you, Miss Mustard Seed. My beloved brother-in-law has type 1 diabetes. It is a disease that affects the entire family. We need a cure.

  152. For this cause, I would be happy to make a hundred comments! As an RN, I have cared for so many patients with complications of diabetes, and I would hope and pray for a cure in the near future.

  154. I am so glad you talked about this on your Insta-stories; I hadn’t gotten to my blogs for a few days a may not have seen this. What a nice way to use social media for good! Best Wishes

  158. What a wonderful idea JDRF has with those backpacks! Love it! Let’s find a cure! Thank you for your generosity!

  159. A corporate giving program that I can totally get behind! My husband is type 1 as well and his son has been since he was 5. Diabetes does not have to make your life worse, but if you have it, you must learn to adjust just a bit to live a full, healthy life. Good luck to your son! And, extra blessings to you, Mama!!

  162. Before becoming a full-time mum, I used to work in T1D research. There’s some amazing scientists and doctors out there doing some amazing work. And with every day and every dollar, a cure gets closer.

  168. What a great opportunity to bring attention to Type 1 Diabetes and raise money for a cure. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a cure soon! Thank you for giving us a way to help raise money for a cure and to provide for those who need assistance. Merry Christmas!

  170. What a wonderful POSITIVE way to use social media which like you mentioned can be used so negatively! Balsam Hill IS making a difference too–how very generous!

  172. Wow!! So cool that Balsam Hill would do that! What a great idea.

    I appreciate you and what you do so much. I check your blog every morning. And love your name! The Biblical meaning is so significant and your story is so fitting. God is good!!! I hope you and your family have the merriest of christmases!!

  174. My husband and I put on a golf outing every year with his company Advance Auto Parts. Together we have raised over a million dollars in the past 15 years for this worthy cause. Although we do not have children with diabetes we have friends who do and know how life changing and challenging this disease is. Fighting for a cure!

  176. Diabetes runs in my family, every relative on my mother’s side, including her, has suffered and died from the disease. A cure would be awesome. Great cause!!!

  180. This is my first comment and I’m so happy it’s for such a good cause. Juvenile diabetes. Thank you Balsam Hill.

  184. My friend’s son has type 1 diabetes. Glad Balsam Hill is supporting a helpful organization.

  185. Merry Christmas and prayers for Calvin and those living with Type 1 diabetes. Thank you to Balsam Hill for supporting this charity and helping save lives. Lets pray that research finds a cure soon!

    Please keep us updated periodically on what’s being done in this field.

  191. Thank you, Marian and Balsam Hill
    My beautiful daughter also has type 1. A cure is my only wish! JDRF is a great organization, we’ve been so lucky to be involved with them

  195. I’m an avid reader and user of your milk paint but I’ve never commented on a blog post… what a good reason for me to! Merry Christmas to y’all!

  202. God Bless you Marianne and your family. Our oldest son was diagnosed 15 years ago with type 1 diabetes. A day that we will never forget. It was scary for sure, but our son has done well keeping his A1C below the targeted level. If I may offer research autoimmunity and holistic/natural/integrative medicine. Type 1 diabetes has for some time been classified as an autoimmune disease. Once you start researching your beliefs in treatment for your son and health in general will change forever. And for the good. I live with multiple autoimmune diseases and my life has been changed for the better by believing God has provided all the green food we need!

  204. Thank you for supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Marian is a fabulous blogger and I hope she can generate lots of comments.

  206. Merry Christmas to you Marian and your family. I hope you are enjoying your new beautiful home.

  207. Many blessings for a cure for your adorable little boy! This is an awesome campaign by Balsam Hill, happy to support it.

    Merry Christmas to you and your entire family, Marian!

  217. This is such a great use of social media! Thank you Marion for sharing your story. JDRF is a great charity. My husbands best friend growing up had juvenile diabetes. He is such an inspiration. We need a cure! Your son is such a brave little boy. Thank you. Thank you Balsam Hill!

  219. Love this!! 🙂 Hope this campaign is a success and your son gets everything on his wish list!

  221. I am happy to leave a comment, such a worthy charity. Well done Marion and Balsam Hill!!
    Merry Christmas!

  226. So enjoying your painting & getting inspired! Welcome to forced air heat ? water, water, water! Get yourself an Aprilair humidifier that attaches to your furnace, you won’t regret it!

  227. thank you for your never-ending creative juices and sharing your sweet family. you are a treasure to all.

  230. Merry Christmas! Thank you for fighting for all those little tinys whoncant fight for themselves! ❤?

  232. What a great way to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

  234. Hopefully the cure will be soon! Hope is what Christmas is all about! God Bless and what a wonderful idea!

  237. What a worthwhile cause we can all get behind. Here’s to Health and Happiness (and a cure) in the New Year!

  238. So glad to comment in support of finding a cure and improving treatment for type 1 diabetes.
    Thank you Marian!
    God bless you and yours.

  244. This is wonderful! So hope there is a family Christmas song this year. ? …but if there isn’t I will watch the others again. Merry Christmas.

  251. I follow you everyday and love everything you do. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Take care and God Bless…

  257. Have long loved your blog Marian and am happy that my first comment can help do some good. Carol in Sydney Australia

  258. My father had diabetes and I have 2 cousins that have it.i feel they have made great strides to advanced care for diabetes.thank you for supporting to find a cure!i have always enjoyed reading your blog.May God bless you and your family this Christmas!

  268. Merry Christmas! We have type 1 & type 2 diabetes in our family. I myself have type 2. It’s a very scary diagnosis. We are praying for a diagnosis too!

  272. Great cause! I have a friend whose son also has juvenile diabetes. Let’s hope that a cure is found soon!

  276. We too pray for a cure! My son was diagnosed with T1D 2 Years ago! Thanks for your support of a great cause and Merry Christmas!

  278. Merry Christmas and let’s all pray we can find a way to make sure everyone in this very wealthy country has access to good health care. This is a scary time for those with chronic illnesses.

  282. What a wonderful way to help raise funds for worthy cause.
    Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your gifts and talents,

  287. Our daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes the summer she turned 14. We participated in the JDRF walk for a cure for several years. She is now 23 and trying to get her A1c to the best number so she can start trying to have a baby! We are also praying for a cure! I pray that your son is doing well!

  293. I share your love/hate relationship with social media; however, it is so wonderful when cyberspace is used for the greater good. Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy holiday!

  294. My parents both have Type 2 Diabetes so clearly this is close to my heart too. So happy that Balsam Hill is being so generous! Merry Christmas!

  295. Merry Christmas! Let’s find a cure for this disease and many others. Together we can make the world a better place and ‘tis the season to make miracles happen. ???

  301. Great cause!! I love watching you paint and talk about oil painting on Instagram I just started following and I am loving it!!

  305. Great cause ! Thank you Miss Mustard Seed and Balsam Hill . I see the effects of this disease everyday as a nurse . It is an epidemic in America . Hoping & praying for a cure for your sweet son and future generations .

  318. Merry Christmas. This year instead of a gift exchange with the adults in my family we are each giving money to a charity/organization. I have chosen JDRF. I have several friends who have children who have type 1 diabetes. Thank you Balsam Hill for donating.

  325. I am enjoying your 100 meadows project so much and love the insta stories you do! Thanks for being inspirational and real. Merry Christmas!

  326. God bless! And Merry Christmas Marion to you and your sweet family! Thanks for all the joy and inspiration you’ve given to me and countess others!

  330. Wonderful idea! Well done Balsam Hill for giving back & great choice of a charity Marion! Merry Christmas!

  331. So easy and so worthwhile. Calvin is our grandson and we have watched him handle this so well. He’s a trooper and I too think there will be a cure in his life time. Love you Calvin.

  332. Merriest of Christmases to you and your family. Here’s hoping for a cure for diabetes soon .??

  341. What a great cause! Here’s to finding a cure soon and supporting families and patients while awaiting it. Merry Christmas!

  343. I have enjoyed your blog for years! This is a great reason to finally stop and say hi! We used to live in Lititz,PA, but have been in CA for 20+. My husband was in youth ministry in PA… so many of your stories and adventures sound familiar. I appreciate your openness, honesty and courage as you live life and share it with the rest of us. Merry Christmas!

  346. May a cure be found soon. Thank you for creating this and for Balsam Hill for their generosity, too.( I have Type 2 and it’s not caused by any weight issues (as I’m slender) and have eaten well and exercised lots too; people often assume it’s a lifestyle choice thing for those with Type 2 but certainly not always.) Diabetes is not fun, that’s for sure. Sorry your son is having to deal with it. Prayers, too, for him and for y’all as a family.

  348. I love our blog & instagram stories. You have inspired me in so many ways & am thrilled with this opportunity from Balsam Hill. We lost my Father in Law this year. He had type 1 Diabetes too, diagnosed at age 21. He was an amazing & very disciplined man. Love to you & your family!

  349. As the mum of two type 1 diabetics, I’m very happy to participate in this fundraiser. Merry Christmas to you and your family Marian, cheers and here’s to the cure!

  353. I love that I can help the cause this way! I was diagnosed as a T1D Oct. 1. I hope a cure will be found!

  360. Our son and grandson are type 1 too. Been praying for a cure for many years. Support the JDF please.

  361. Diabetes is a nasty disease! This is a great way to raise money. I will be praying that you reach your thousand comments.

  364. Thank you Balsam Hill. My grandson was diagnosed over 10 years ago with type 1 diabetes. He and every person with type 1 deserve a cure.

  374. Wow – what a great partnership – thank you BH for sponsoring this!! My 16 yr old daughter has t1d – she was dx at age 4 and has been living well with t1d for almost 12 years. JDRF is an awesome organization – we just attended a JDRF Wa/Or event this evening! Merry Christmas!

  380. Great use of social media! I’ve enjoyed using Miss Mustard Seed on several projects too.
    Thanks to Balsam Hill for helping JDRF.
    Happy holidays to all!

  382. Here’s praying young Calvin and all who live with diabetes know a cure soon. Thank you, Balsam Hill, for your generosity – makes me even happier having one of your beautiful trees in our home knowing you’re sharing your success in such a worthwhile way!
    Christmas Blessings to all!

  384. Thank you! My best friends grand daughter has T1D. She is graduating from HSchool this spring and will be going on to nursing school in the fall. She is an amazing young women. We too are hopeful that a cure will be found in her lifetime.

  385. Merry Christmas to you and your family. I’m so glad you are loving Rochester have Mayo so close.

  394. It is wonderful to see a company like Balsam Hill being so kind and generous! As a pediatric nurse who has had to teach many children and their families how to administer injections and manage this disease, I am happy to be able to assist in this fund raiser and I too pray for a cure. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  397. Missing you in PA but love seeing your new home! My husband is. Type 1 and praying for a cure!

  398. How wonderful ! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help support such a great cause. Much love and best wishes for a fabulous holiday season to you and your family! ??❄️

  404. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us – you are inspiring on so many levels! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet Calvin and the rest of your family.

  410. My six year old granddaughter is Type 1 too. She is my hero…brave in all the pokes and strong in the adversity she faces. She is a beautiful girl inside and out. Type 1 doesn’t define her at all…she is so much more. Merry Christmas to all, grateful heart for Marian and Balsalm Hill in bringing awarenesss. Side note: Just put up my very first Balsalm Hill tree just last evening. It is the most beautiful artificial tree I’ve ever seen…so real! Thanks for sharing the beauty of their trees a few posts back!

  412. My mother had Type 1 Diabetes. I have watched her go through so many struggles the come along having it. Science has come a long way with the insulin pumps and so many other great inventions, but I still pray for a cure one day. God bless your son and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! ??

  413. Well, I’m going to post a big ol virtual ((hug)) to everyone involved in this endeavor! Merry Christmas!

  423. This makes me ❤ Balsam Hill even more.

    Praying that the research brings a cure for your son and all the others dealing with T1JD.

    Merry Christmas.

  436. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Praying for a cure for all of those affected. Bless you for using your platform to make a difference!

  442. Merry Christmas to your family Marian!! I pray for a Happy & Healthy 2018 for all of us! Love your blog!

  448. Merry Christmas to you and your family Marian! Thank you so much for the wonderful decorating tips that you provide for us throughout the year. I have enjoyed reading about your journey to Minnesota this past year and look forward to seeing what else you do to your new house! Hope you’re able to raise a lot of money for Juvenile Diabetes.

  452. T1 for thirty years so thank you for using your power for good and thank you to Balsam
    Hill for being so generous! ❤

  465. Merry Christmas! Thank you for giving toward diabetes cure, support of diabetics and their families and also for research. You’ve touched many lives, Marian, Balsam Hills and JDRF! Great team!!!

  471. My grandfather was a diabetic. Treatments have definitely improved since the 70’s & 80’s. A cure would be awesome for all. Merry Christmas

  481. This is for my niece who was diagnosed at 18 months old. She is now 16 and living a vibrant life, but is ready for a cure!

  488. Thank you for raising awareness of juvenile diabetes. Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones 🙂

  490. Sending prayers for a cure and prayers for your sweet boy.

    I also have been wanted to write to you to thank you for the post on your Balsam Hill tree as few weeks back. I grew up with real trees and swore I would never have an artificial tree, but I had a similar experience to you last year and had to take our tree down the day after Christmas. After seeing your post, I bit the bullet and ordered a Balsam Hill Norway Spruce, it is just gorgeous and so realistic. It was easy to put together and I am finding it much less stressful to not have to constantly sweep up needles, check the water, etc. Again, many thanks, Merry Christmas!

  491. I have a friend who has type 1 Diabetes and know of the struggles she has managing it…. what works one day/time won’t the next. Here’s to a cure! Thank you Balsam Hill for your generosity!

  492. I have 2 sons with type 1 diabetes, ages 17 and 8. We continue to pray for a cure for all those affected by T1D. Merry Christmas!

  493. Wonderful cause and hoping for a cure really soon!
    Wishing you and your family a magical first Christmas in your beautiful new home.

  495. Wishing you, your boys and Sebastian a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Thank you for highlighting a issue that affects a lot of families.

  499. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

  500. God’s Blessings during this awesome time of year to celebrate that He Is Emmanuel, Our God With Us. Thank you Marian and Balsam Hill for your giving heart and spirit and allowing me to support this cause and the cure in God’s Timing, which we hope and pray is very soon.

  504. As a Rochester neighbor, yes we have a white Christmas but hoping for more so the kids can play in it. Blessings to your family as you celebrate his birth.

  509. Thank you Balsam Hill for your generosity. Merry Christmas Miss Mustard Seed! May God bless you and your family in 2018.

  512. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. A cure for type 1 and better understanding for type 2 would be such a blessing.

  516. Wow! I am so impressed with Balsam Hill’s generosity. Such a powerful way to make an impact about something so close to home. I hope you raise a ton of money and that you have a merry Christmas. We miss you here in the East.
    The Other Marian

  517. Merry Christmas! Love your blog, using your milk paint and most of all how you share the love of our Lord with others!!

  522. The JDRF has been so important to us as my son has been diagnosed with T1 for 3 months. It’s a rollercoaster as I’m sure you remember! Thank you both for raising money for the JDRF, every dollar means the world to these kids! May God bless your son and your family this holiday season and always! Love LOVE your paint!!!

  526. I am praying every day for a cure for diabetes. We have come a long way but have further to go.

  530. Thank you for doing this. I have a good friend with a son diagnosed at 9 years old. A little girl in my daughter’s 1st grade class was just diagnosed. It’s so difficult and touches everyone. God Bless.

  531. Hi from Regina, Saskatchewan! My cousin’s son has T1D. Thank you Marian and thank you Balsam Hill for your generous contribution.

  532. My daughter is also a Type 1 diabetic. She celebrated her 10 year “diaversary ” this year!
    Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

  536. My son was diagnosed at age 2, now 21 and is a rep for diabetes pumps/cgm… (if you need supplies, let me know!). It’s a long, hard exhausting road. I’m hoping that cure is around the corner. Thanks for the post.

  539. So happy to help in this small way. Thank you Balsam Hill and Merry Christmas to you, Marion and to your sweet family.

  540. SO Happy to see a campaign like this! Yay for ALL the positive/good social media can be & Merry Christmas to you all!

  544. What an amazing opportunity for JDRF made possible by the generosity of Balsam Hill and your commitment to finding a cure!

  547. Thank you Balsam Hill and Miss Mustard seed! JDRF MN is the best! We have a 14 year old T1 daughter!

  564. What a generous offer from Balsalm Hill. Prayers for healthy children on Christmas morning…..the most precious gift of all.

  567. happy to hear about all this! i’ve been a t1 since i was 15 (32 now) and we met at a workshop in arkansas several years ago — before your son was diagnosed.

    praying you have a lovely season + thank you for bringing awareness through your platform!

    blessings.

  569. Pingback: A Season of Giving with Balsam Hill – Minnesota Chapter

  572. Thank you Balsam ill for your generous support of this important organization! We all pray for a cure for diabetes-Types I and II. As an adult Type II I cannot imagine what children and their parent endure daily! Merry Christmas all!

  574. Merry Christmas! I have two T1D kiddos (diagnosed at age 1 and age 5). A cure sounds like the perfect present!

  575. Thank you for everything you do, and thanks to Balsam Hill as well for donating to such a good cause. Merry Christmas to all!

  581. I love that you’re fighting for your son and other special kiddos like him. Merriest Christmas to you all!

  584. Praying for a cure for type 1 and 2 diabetes! So wonderful Balsm Hill is generously giving to a great cause! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!!

  589. Hope they find a cure! I hate the way social media has changed the way people live. So many lives aren’t even really lived, they are just photo ops, going through the motions for a post. I went to a wedding that was obviously just a bunch of photo ops for facebook or snapchat or whaatever. The bride and groom weren’t really engaged with the people there they were just running to and fro for the next picture.

  599. Thank you Marian & Balsam Hill for supporting a great organization…Merry Christmas to all!

  603. My daughter was diagnosed with T1 at 5 and is 24 today. Thank you MMS and Balsom Hill for continuing to help the fight! Merry Christmas,

  609. What an amazing thing Balsam Hill is doing and you for your support and picking JDRF as your charity. I hope it raises tons of money!

  614. Your are amazing Marion, and thank you Balsam Hill for making a great donation to JDRF. I work in a lab & unfortunately see young kiddos with diabetes more frequently than I care to admit. Keep up the great work of being a great parent to a JDRF kid, you all rock!!

  616. Thanks Balsam Hill. And thanks to Jesus for offering salvation and forgiveness of sins to all who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior! Merry Christmas!

  618. I have a niece, Romney, who was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago. You will never meet a more incredible young woman. She has handled her diagnosis with grace and maturity far beyond her age, but The emotional, financial, and physical toll that type 1 takes on a patient and their family is huge. There is constant worry in the back of our minds for our sweet Romney! We need a cure! Thank you miss mustard seen and balsam Hill!

  620. Thank you MMS and Balsam Hill. Let’s pray for a cure. Pray for all the families dealing with Type 1 Diabetes everyday. My daughter was diagnosed at age 13! She amazes me everyday!!

  625. Yay, Balsam Hill for supporting JDRF for Marian’s Calvin and so many others. Praying for a cure!

  627. Bless your sweet family and your precious boys and your son’s tender heart praying for a cure for his brother. Thank you, Balsam Hill for your generosity.

  631. Happy Holidays to your family! Prayers for a cure!

    Thank you Balsam Hill! One day I hope to buy one of your trees!

  632. Such a great thing to do. Thanks for using your platform to give us the opportunity to help in this way.

  634. One of my very best friends was diagnosed with type 1 when she was 9. She is now 70 and has led a very full life!

  640. For Jeff and Marian, two great parents. Will miss you this Christmas (but not the cold weather and snow).

  642. My 34 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type1 about 10 years ago. I pray for a cure in her lifetime!

  650. Marian,
    My daughter had a friend in dance that had juvenile diabetes. It is certainly a noble cause to give to. Although I do not use social media, I’m glad to leave a comment here, and to add JDRF to our consideration for donations this year. By the way, you boys are such the image of you, and just so adorable!
    I hope you all enjoy your first Christmas in your new home!
    Karen

  653. My son-in-law has been type 1 since he was a little boy.
    I hope you & your family have a very Merry Christmas.

  654. Thanks to Balsam Hill for donating to this need. Miss Mustard Seed, have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

  658. Another reason for net neutrality is this awesome gesture from Balsam Hills. Merry Christmas to the Parson Family.

  659. Marian, I’m praying with you that a cure will be found for Diabetes 1. Thank you for this post and past posts providing more information about this condition. Balsam Hill is a fabulous company to make this offer.

  662. Marian,
    I hope your page blows up with comments and then donations.One of the hardest things in life for a parent is to have a child with an illness that has no known cure[ yet] May they find one soon!
    Wishing you and your family the best Christmas ever in your new home.

    Peggy

  663. Having been an elementary teacher, I knew several students with type 1. My dear friend, Jana, has a husband and a daughter with Type 1 also. Yes, we need a cure!

  666. Tell Calvin we got a white Christmas today in Houston, Texas. First snow in 8 years :-). I’m sure he’ll get one in MN!

  667. As a retired school nurse I know what Type 1 diabetes can do, not only to the child but the family also. I know there will be a cure soon!

  670. Wonderful!! You are so right about the social media, today I was looking through a FB marketplace for furniture and I was STUNNED to see so many people reaching out for help for their kids. Christmas Santas are in short supply here in NC. I responded to one poster that asked for help paying for your grand baby’s headstone of all things, her daughter is devastated and also cannot provide gifts for her other two boys (2 and 5) I called the memorial park to confirm that they did have an outstanding balance and am putting together forces to raise some money for this young family, so they can all rest easy. There are needs everywhere so it’s great to be able to help, especially little ones <3

  672. Have yourself a merry little Christmas and may they find a cure for T1 diabetes. Blessings to you and your family! Thank you, Balsam Hill

  673. Inspiring as always! Prayers going up for a bountiful fund raiser and a cure in the very near future. Merry Christmas!

  674. That’s a lovely thing to do with our social media participation; thanks for showing us the way. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  675. I read the story of your son’s diagnosis a few years ago—very scary situation! I had no idea how dangerous it is. I know your faith in the Lord helps y’all get through every day. You must have a very special school nurse to help you also. Merry first Minnesota Christmas!

  680. Merry Christmas and God Bless you, your family, Calvin, Balsam Hill and everyone who is facing this diagnosis!

  682. My son was diagnosed with T1 Diabetes at age 20. It is a terrible and scary disease that controls ones life every hour of every day. Thank you Balsam Hill for the donation. Better treatments and especially a cure is needed badly. Merry Christmas to all!

  687. We hope and pray for a cure. My sister was diagnosed Type 1 at age 4. She is a healthy 52 these days with a
    lot of work ~ and a positive attitude full of hope ! Merry Christmas

  691. May your Christmas be filled with love, family,and happiness! Thank you Balsam Hill for your generosity!

  693. Way to go Calvin, with your wish for a cure for diabetes and a white Christmas. This is my first time to comment, but I am a Miss Mustard Seed reader for a long, long time. Thank you Balsam Hill for your generosity!

  694. Merry Christmas! To the awesome Parson family and the generosity of Balsam Hill. Prayers for a cure for diabetes, both type 1 and type 2. Peace to all.

  696. Wishing Peace, Love, Health & Joy this Christmas Season to you, your Family and all the your Faithful Readers.

  702. Great cause! Thank you Marian and Balsam Hill. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  707. Have been a T1D for over 40 years and still going strong! Have enjoyed your blog from the very beginning! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  710. So happy to do so! I too believe we will find a cure for Type 1 well Within Calivin’s lifetime!

  713. Blessings for your new home in this season of giving. Thank you for supporting the great JDRF Cause!

  714. We have a young friend with type one diabetes also. Wishing the best for you and your family this holiday season!

  719. JDRF is a great cause! Locally I like to support Camp Surefire —RI’s only camp for children and teens with diabetes. What a great opportunity to spread awareness and raise funds.

  725. LOL! All of the above! I love/hate social media…Go JDRF! We all know someone who has been affected by diabetes…and Merry Christmas, Marian!

  726. A great cause!!!
    Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!
    Do not and will not have a Facebook account, I have more important things to do then read what others are doing!

  729. Wishing your family a special Christmas in your new home.
    I love following your blog.

    Trish, Qualicum Beach, BC

  730. Dearest Marion – thank you & you are a blessing. JDRF is dear to me also since my 10 year old granddaughter was diagnosed with type 1 last year. You were so precious to respond when I emailed you with teary questions. Thank you again.

  733. From down under in New Zealand, wishing you all a very safe and happy festive season. What a wonderful way to raise awareness.
    Celia Canterbury NZ

  734. I remember the day you posted about Calvin being diagnosed with Diabetes, literally crying with you. I work in direct marketing/direct mail, and one of my clients is a local organization committed to educating people with Diabetes (TCOYD). They often partner with the local JDRF chapter at their various conferences around the country. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to support these causes.

  735. I hope your first Christmas in your new home is filled with blessings of all kinds!
    I have diabetes and I struggle everyday! Your two sons are so precious!
    Blessings

  736. Thank you, Marian and Balsam Hill! — so glad to help JDRF! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  737. Merry Christmas to you and your family Marion and also to Balsam Hill company for all its generous contributions going for a good cause!!

  740. What a great opportunity and a really smart idea. I’m happy to help. Kudos to Balsam Hill for doing this.

  741. On my list to Santa already – a cure for diabetes. Wishing you all the love and peace of the season.

  742. More than happy to add my small comment for a great cause. Love reading about your endeavours and decorating style. Keep up the painting, I am sure that you are encouraging many others. Merry Christmas to all. Helen

  745. I’m happy to help. I’m a registered dietitian and have done nutrition therapy with type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It’s a tough disease and it will be wonderful when a cure is discovered.

  747. I also have a son with Type I diabetes. Thanks to everyone who commented for supporting a great cause. The research on TID will have implications for many other diseases, so this is something that can benefit almost everyone’s family. Merry Christmas y’all!

  750. Great cause! Thank you Marian and Balsam Hill. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a healthy NEW YEAR!

  751. We have a teen friend with Type 1 and my husband and I both have type 2. A wonderful cause. Thank you Marion!

  763. Wonderful idea…wonderful cause. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family Marian! So enjoy your blog…very much! I am also happy to welcome you to Minnesota…I live in beautiful Bemidji in the north woods.

  766. Thank you for your wonderful blog! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

  769. So happy to support Minnesota JDRF ! Just got a Balsam Hill Christmas tree. Our first. It’s a beauty. Glad to see them partnering with you on such a worthy cause. Merry Christmas

  773. I am a 47 yo mother of four who has been type I diabetic since I was 13. This is a great cause! Merry Christmas 🙂

  774. A Joyous Christmas to you and your family!
    Always enjoy all of your blogs
    Merry Christmas !!

  776. Marian, what a great idea! Diabetes affects so many and I do pray for a cure. Such a wonderful post — and such a wonderful, caring person you are. You are truly one in a million! Have a great weekend!

    Blessings!

  782. Near & dear to my heart too – from Minnesota with a lifelong friend who has lived with diabetes his whole life – diagnosed with JD at age 3…49 years ago!

  792. Merry Christmas, Marion, to you and your family. Hope it’s a very special one this year in your new home.

  797. Merry Christmas miss mustard seed and family. Thank you Balsam Hill for your generosity. Praying for a cure for JDRF.

  800. My grandfather was a TID. He was diagnosed in his thirties after losing his sight completely, from diabetes. Due to my grandmothers amazing care for him, he lived until he was in his late 80s. He even won some awards for being one of Australia’s longest using TID of insulin, relying on it for more than 50 years.

  801. Wow! Thank you Balsam Hill! And thank you to Marian for a wonderful blog. I look forward to reading it every day at work. Keep up the creative inspiration for us all!
    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

  804. Here’s to advocacy. It’s one way to keep social media upbeat (although that can sometimes get a little too passionate). I’ve thought about starting a blog and social media is one of my main deterrents.

  805. I love having this opportunity to help, thank you Marian and Balsam Hill! What a great way to celebrate the season!

    Jan

  806. Love to read your wonderful blog, Marian! Merry Christmas to you and your family and here’s to finding a cure for junvenile diabetes!

  809. Merry Christmas to you and yours and God’s richest blessings on your sweet family. I wish I could afford a balsam hill tree. They are beautiful ! We are almost retired and need every penny, so I will make do with the one I have !!

  811. I made a contribution to JDRF here in Florida in honor of my now 21 year old grandson who was diagnosed at age 20 last summer.

  812. Marian — thank you for supporting this cause. My grandson was diagnosed with T1D 4 years ago at age 8. Although he is doing well, I know he would like not to have to deal with it. Thanks also to Balsam Hill.

    Rose

  813. Thank you Balsam Hill for donating to this worthy cause. I pray they find a cure in my daughter and your sons lifetimes. Merry Christmas!

  816. After 46 years of going out to cut our own fresh tree, we said enough of carrying that big, heavy tree and tying it to the top of the car and invested in a Balsam Hill tree. It doesn’t smell as lovely as the real tree, but it looks so great that everyone has been convinced it’s the real thing.
    Good job Balsam Hill!

  822. My grandson is also T1D and the JDRF is a great charity and resource to support. Hopefully one day soon we will benefit from a cure for diabetes. Balsam Hill has the most beautiful Christmas trees and greenery ever, but I just can’t afford the price tags.

  825. My friend has been Type 1 diabetic since she was 6 years old. She is now 68 & is still fighting the battle. I am the most non-medical type person ever but am now learning to administer some of her medications into a PIC-line. (not sure of spelling.) I’m nervous but she’s willing to be my guinea pig! Merry Christmas to you all. Hoping & praying for a cure real soon.

  826. Happy Holidays to you all. I too am using social media this Christmas to get the word out that I am collecting 500 pairs of socks for the homeless. As of today I’m at 371 pairs with the local brewery here in Excelsior, MN offering a free pint of beer to the person that donates 3 pairs of socks. I am humbled by the support in our tiny town. Good luck to you!!!!

  827. What a wonderful way to support a cause. I have a few friends who have type 2 diabetes and I know what havoc it caused in their lives. I can’t imagine being a child and diagnosed with type 1.

  830. What a wonderful (& unfortunately for your family) personnel thing for you and Balsam Hill to do! Was so glad to see you chose one of their trees instead of one of their competitors; theirs are the prettiest ones I’ve seen & now I love their generosity too! Merry Christmas!

  834. We have a Balsam Hill Christmas tree and love it. Thanks for doing this for Calvin & diabetes. My sister was just diagnosed with diabetes.

  835. My niece was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 10 years old. She inspires me with her positive attitude. She is now 30 years old, married and the mother of an adorable little girl.

  837. I have never commented before, but I have enjoyed reading your blog for years! Glad to help with this cause!

  843. I too have Type 1 Diabetes and I’m 47 years old!! This disease affects more than just children and the public knows so little about it. People always assume adults have Type 2 Diabetes, so I just don’t tell anyone and choose to suffer in silence. I too hope a cure is found in your son’s lifetime. This disease affects the whole family and is a never-ending chore to maintain! Many blessings to you and your son…and thanks go Balsam Hill for their generous donations!

  844. Having a child with medical issues is a difficult road to travel. I send you good wishes. I hope and pray that a cure is on the horizon. Merry Christmas!
    Best,
    Pat

  847. Please, please comment and help by doing so for this VERY worthy cause! EVERY comment will help toward finding a cure for this horrible disease. May you and your family enjoy a FABULOUS and Christ-filled Christmas!

  848. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Praying for a cure for your son and others like him. I’m a mother of 6 boys and 3 girls. You and your blog inspire me.

  849. Thank you for the post. Merry Christmas! Looks like you will have a white Christmas and even before!

  853. I am so thankful Balsam Hill has committed to do this. I too, pray for a cure to be found soon.
    Merry Christmas to you and your 3 guys.
    BTW I love your blog and look forward to reading it each day.

  854. What a wonderful idea and a wonderful cause ❣️ I too believe the cure is coming soon . Praise God for his faithfulness to his children ❣️

  856. Thank you to Balsam Hill for supporting the research for this serious disease. Blessing to you and your family, praying for all those affected, I know it forces a whole new life style..

  857. The JDRF backpack was amazing. We were absolutely terrified and the information they provided gave us some comfort. And my son still loves Rufus (the bear that was included).,

  860. Merry Christmas! Here’s to a cure of JDRF in 2019. I wouldn’t mind a cure for cancer one bit either.

  862. Good will and good wishes for a cure. I lost my sister to diabetes. Keep up the good work. God bless.

  864. Christmas Blessings to you Marian and your family. God Bless Balsam Hill for their generosity!

  868. Juvenile diabetes is such a difficult diagnosis for the whole family. I like you hope and pray for a cure for this diagnosis that effects children and robs them of some of the magic and innocence of childhood. I have never commented on your blog but read it often it is a great diversion from the stress of my job. Thank you for everything you do. Kimberley Halbrook RN

  871. Yay to Balsam Hill for their generosity this Xmas season, especially to such a worthy cause! Merry Xmas to all!

  873. Thank you Marian and Balsam Hill for supporting T1D. There is so much publicity about type 2 and so little public info about type 1. The expense and constant vigilance involved in staying healthy can be overwhelming. Your support of Calvin shows that it can be done and thankfully progress is being made to make it easier but it is so expensive!
    Thank you for sharing your challenge, it does help the cause.

  874. How wonderful that Balsam Hill is contributing for all the comments to this wonderful organization. There are so many people and families praying for a cure for TYPE 1 and hopefully with all of our help, it will happen in our lifetime. I have known so many people with TYPE 1 or their children and know first hand how hard it is for all involved and also financially draining for a lot of families. Merry Christmas to your family and enjoy your first Minnesota holiday season. I remember the kindness to my family when we traveled to the Morristown area in 1963 for my aunt’s funeral. My father was born near Detroit Lakes and moved back to Nebraska when he was almost 7. But I remember also the beauty of Minnesota.

  875. Thank you, Balsam Hill, andbless you for your thoughtful generosity. My brother was diagnosed with type 1 in 1957. So many advances have been made since then, and I continue to pray for a cure.

  876. This is the best reason to comment, ever!! Merry Christmas and may you know His peace this season.

  878. Thank you both for doing this. I work with a friend whose 4 yr old granddaughter has this disease.
    I pray there will be a cure soon.

  880. I had to leave a comment. Every little bit counts and adds up! So nice to see companies being charitable. Great job Balsm Hill!

  884. Merry Christmas to your family. This post is for Calvin, thank you to Balsam Hill for your heart warming generosity.

  885. I’m fairly new to your blog. I am so enjoying it. You have a very sweet family. I hope you like Minnesota. It’s difficult to relocate. My husband was transferred 12 times in his 40 year career. We are loving retirement and staying put.

  890. MERRY CHRISTMAS CALVIN!! I hear you’ve been a pretty good guy this year. I’ll bet you get a lot of snow this year. Yay! Plan on a big ole’ snowman!! God Bless you!!

  892. Bravo for Balsam Hill supporting your charming blog and truly giving to those who need the support of having their lives be shaped by the new “normal” of diabetes.

  898. Well, Mr. Calvin, I sincerely hope you do have a white Christmas & I really, really hope your Mom is right about finding a cure for Diabetes!! Have a wonderful Christmas & a great New Year!!

  904. God bless Balsam Hill for their generosity! And may God bless you and your family, Marian! I hope the Christmas season brings much joy to your entire family.

  910. Dear Balsam Hill, Thank you for your generosity at the special time of the year and for such an important cause. Merry Christmas Miss Mustard Seed and family!

  912. Blessings on you and your family, Marian, for raising awareness about juvenile diabetes…and a very Merry Christmas!

  913. Dear Marian, husband and your beautiful boys, here is wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Fruitful New Year. Feliz Natal all the way from Portugal! xx

  916. Thank you Balsam Hill for your generous contributions. God bless those with Diabetes and please watch over them and the families that care for them.

  919. I love Calvin’s note! A very Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family.

  922. I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for nearly 38 years. I was blessed to have 4 babies (one at a time-not quads! ?), which was made much easier because of my insulin pump. Go, Calvin!

  927. Marion,
    Christmas blessings to you and your family! Thank You to Balsam Hill what a wonderful Corporate heart they have to support such a worthy cause!

  929. I have enjoyed your blog for many years, but this is my first time commenting. Merry Christmas!

  930. I love that there are companies that will support charities. Thank you for your part as well!

  932. Thank you Marian, for helping with awareness. Have a happy and blessed Advent and Christmas.

  934. I LOVE this! My older sister is Type 1 (she was diagnosed around 9 years old and is now 36) and has been on an insulin pump for the last few years. It’s made a world of difference for her. Thank you for bringing about awareness and support! Merry Christmas!

  939. It’s time a cure was found. My father had Type 1 & the son of my last employer. It’s a complicated & intense disease.

  944. I don’t know why but this made me cry. Maybe it is because I have a child with a disability, and I love to see other parents calling for support from their community! We love you – Merry Christmas, Marian!!

  949. YES…in honor of folks like me and your wonderful Calvin…I hope and pray for a cure to Type 1 Diabetes!
    Thank you for sharing your family with us. Merry Christmas!

  950. I work in a preschool and have had a child with Type 1 in my class and a friend’s child has it too. I pray for a cure in their lifetime. Merry Christmas!

  952. My beautiful 23 year old daughter is a Type 1. Such an overwhelming disease. May a cure be found in their lifetime! Merry Christmas!

  953. So happy to help! Not a fan of most social media, but a BIG fan of You!
    Hope you raise lots of $ .

  954. Thank-you Marian for the way you share yourself, your family, and your faith through your blog. You have touched my heart in so many ways and I am very thankful for that. Wishing you and your beautiful family a Merry Christmas, and and praying that a cure be found for JDRF.

  958. My brother has diabetes as well, my hope is that you raise a lot of money to help this most worthy cause. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  959. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for the last couple of years and I really enjoyed reading about your move to Minnesota and your new home. Merry Christmas
    from Dothan, Alabama!

  960. My husband has diabetes, it’s tough, but Calvin and your whole family are tougher! Merry Christmas!

  966. What a lovely way to share the holidays and help a worthy cause. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

  969. Calvin, I hope your first Christmas in Minnesota is white too! Marian, I have enjoyed your blog above all others because you are open, authentic, helpful, giving and gracious. Yes, we all look forward to a cure for diabetes in Calvin’s lifetime. Merry Christmas to you and your whole family in your new house where many new memories are only beginning.

  972. Love your blog…I feel like I know you and your family! God bless you all this holiday season in your new home!

  977. Merry Christmas Marian! I’ve been enjoying reading about and seeing pictures of your new home. Hope you and your family are loving Minnesota and no doubt will have a white Christmas this year! What a great thing Balsam Hill is doing! I just recently ordered my 10 ft noble fir from them. It arrived today and I’m hoping to get it out of the box and decorated tomorrow.

  984. Calvin, I too hope you have a white Christmas at your new home for you & your brother & all of the kids in your neighborhood! How fun!

  985. I’m happy to help support a fellow mum! What a great opportunity for you to give back!!

  986. Merry Christmas to you and your family. What a neat thing to do, I hope we can all make a difference with our support. Such a simple thing to do to perhaps say thank you for all your blogs that provide us with a bit of much anticipated and enjoyed diversion each day.

  990. Thank you Balsam Hill for your care and generosity!
    Thank you Marian for your love for your family and I hope you’re reminded of how much more God loves His beloved.

  996. A great cause indeed. I know someone whose son was diagnosed at the age of three. God bless Balsam Hill for donating to such a worthy cause. Praying for a cure during Calvin’s lifetime for sure.

  997. In memory of my brother, Joe. He fought T1D like no one else. Never said, “why me” or complained about it. Diagnosed at 18 mos. old
    In the 1956.
    Merry Christmas ? Marian and family!!!
    Calvin you rock!!! ?

  998. Merry Christmas from Illinois! Thank you to you and Balsam Hill, for this for my stepdaughter, your son and all other TID!

  999. During this special time of year, it’s so wonderful to see the support for JDRF & the other causes that Balsam Hill is also supporting. Hopefully a cure will be found within a few years.

  1000. Merry Christmas! Looking forward to hearing your family and friends sing Christmas hymns this year

  1005. First time commenter but long time reader here. Great choice of organisation to support!

  1006. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a healthy 2018. Hoping Calvin’s diabetes is a thing of the past some time soon.

  1010. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!When things like diabetes n other illnesses appear in our lives,it changes our perspective n sometimes even changes how we see people.Our family experienced such a happening when our oldest son(he’s 28),was in a horrible accident this past summer.He is a paraplegic now and has very little income,is struggling with insurance,n is still trying to heal so he can go to rehab on a regular basis.Christmas this year,family time together,n etc are very precious to us,it’s just hard to make it happen!Life can change in less than 2 seconds…

  1011. My father had diabetes. I saw first hand the cross he bore. Hope they find a cure soon.

  1023. My nephew has Juvenile Diabetes since the age of 6. He is now 18 years old and heading off to college. We have supported this great charity since his diagnosis and will continue until there is a cure. I believe there will be one in his lifetime, as well, Marion. God bless…..and Merry Christmas.

  1040. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Social media is a double edged sword idk how you don’t get so frustrated you don’t just give up sometimes. It’s great to see it used for such good. I hope you max out their giving budget.

  1041. Have a health and blessed Holiday season. May your children bring you joy and may God bring you peace. Less stress means beautiful Christmas memories for your children.

  1042. Happy Holidays with best wishes and hope for a cure! Thanks for your blog and gifts of shared creativity!

  1043. Love this! HOORAY! As the mom of a T 1, I too believe we will find a cure. and the day we do we’ll drop to our knees and cry like we’ve nor cried before…and then we’ll dance.

  1044. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Marian! Thank you, Balsam Hill for your contribution to JDRF in response to posts on Marian’s blog! Let’s pray for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes!

  1046. Merry Christmas! Thank you, Balsam Hill! Praying for a cure to Juvenile Diabetes.

    I am sharing this, Marian! Love this use of social media. Thank you for the gift of your blog, Marian!

  1056. How could I not leave a comment. What a thoughtful way to generate support for an important cause.

  1058. Thank you to Balsam Hill and thank you to Miss Mustard seed! Merry Christmas to all. Here’s to a cure!!?

  1059. My mother had Type 2 diabetes; I had never heard of Type 1. How did your mother know the symptoms? I have spoken with a number of people, and none had ever even heard of Type 1.

  1063. Mim
    Thanks for sharing your personal journey. Calvin is blessed to have a loving supportive family. I’m happy I can make a difference in a small way.
    I’m new to blogging , I enjoy your talent and it has sparked my creativity.

  1071. Merry Christmas to all. Thank you for your positive and uplifting use of social media, and for giving us a way to show that we support both you and Calvin. Thank you also to Balsam Hill for their donation.

  1073. Happy Holidays to you and your family Marian! Sending much love to you all AND Balsam Hill peeps too!
    ???

  1074. Merry Christmas, let’s work for a cure for diabetes just like so many other diseases we have seen almost completely eradicated. It can happen.

  1076. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your creative spirit with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  1079. Thank you Balsam Hill!
    We have supported JDRF for years as our neighbor was diagnosed with diabetes a number of years ago. She is now a sophomore in college and doing well.
    Here’s hoping and praying for a cure!

  1080. Thank you Marian and Balsam Hill. I know how devastating this disease is. The love of my life was diagnosed with type one after a physical to play high school football. Today was his birthday. I pray everyday for a cure.

  1083. Merry Christmas and God bless your son may God help find a cure and help for so many that cannot afford their medications

  1086. Wishing for a cure for diabetes – soon! Thanks Balsam Hill for your part in the cure. Merry Christmas!

  1096. Great cause !! My brother in law died at a very young age from diabetes and left my sister single with 3 kids. So let’s find a cure.

  1106. I generally do not post comments, but felt this pist deserved one. Thank you for spreading the word about T1D and JDRF. I too have a son with T1D, so I deeply understand. AND thank you for sharing that sweet note. Christmas Blessings to you and your family.

  1113. Praying for all those affected by this disease and that a cure will be found. Merry Christmas to your family Marion.

  1116. Merry Christmas. May a cure indeed be found in your son’s lifetime for his sake and for everyone affected by T1D. <3

  1120. This is a great idea Marian. I love your work, your journey as a painter and your big heart. I hope this campaign makes a difference in the effort to end T1D and help the families struggling with their personal battles. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  1122. My best friend’s husband has Type 1. He’s in his 60s now and as a youngster didn’t have the benefit of the type of support JDRF offers families today. I’ve been supporting the search for a cure for a long time now and I’m am very happy to lend support to you and your son.

  1123. THANK YOU MARIAN! My MIL is a type 1 diabetic and we sure do pray for a cure!!! I know you’d love the same for your sweet boy!

  1127. Balsam Hill, thank you for the very generous donations! God bless you! Thank you, Marian, for bringing it to us. Have a lovely Christmas.

  1134. How wonderful that Balsam Hill will partner with you in support to find a cure for T1D.
    Wishing you and your family a Blessed Holiday season, with your new friends and in
    your new home as well. Prayers for a cure and that together we will make a difference.

  1137. My husband has Type 2 diabetes and even though I know it is different in many ways from T1, I still feel for you and the challenge it can be to keep your loved one healthy and safe. We’ve had several scares (DKA twice!) and visits to the hospital due to his and I can only imagine what it must be like for you with your sweet little boy. Much prayers and love to you, always! You’ll always be one of my most favorite bloggers and creative inspirations! I know you may not remember meeting me and Facetime-ing with me about becoming a blogger and several emails we exchanged as well, but it all meant so much to me and I am finally taking the plunge this new year and starting my own blog. So, as impersonal as social media can be (I totally agree… plus it intimidates me a little too!), it’s been a wonderful place to connect with a special person like yourself (one of my people) and to support you back in a way that means so very much to both our hearts! Merry Christmas and much love to your family! Ellie (of Nest and Nook Vintage)

  1146. Love your blog, love your style, love that you keep it real. Thanks for sharing the opportunity to help support a great organization. And thank you for partnering with such a generous company.

  1147. i love that they give a teddy bear! I was diagnosed with type 1 at age 11 and that sort of thing does help to take away from the overload of medical information all at once

  1148. I’m so happy to see you picked this cause to support. My mother was a diabetic and I know what a devastating disease it can be.

  1149. Merry Christmas! Praying for a cure for your beautiful boy and all the folks who face this challenge Daily. Not to mention the people who care for them. Your family has chosen to be a light in all this. God is good.

  1155. My daughter in law has had JD since age of 5. She is now 35+ and has given me 2 beautiful grandchildren. She is a RN and does well with an insulin pump. Praying for a cure!

  1161. We just lost my brother in law who as a child was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes…
    I pray for a cure in your son’s life time… Merry Christmas…

  1163. Commenting for a cure! We pray daily for a cure in our family. My 9 year old lives with T1D and he is the bravest soul I know! Thanks Marion!!

  1166. “Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” – G.K. Chesterton

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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