Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Parks' 4th birthday. Truthfully, we don't know Parks, his mom Jenn and his dad Keith that well. We have met them through close friends and see them a few times a year at birthday parties and get-togethers. They do live in the same neighborhood so sometimes we see them at the park or out walking. We were very touched however, when they invited us to join them today as they had asked all of their guests to make donations to either The Children's Hospital or directly to Mike and me for Unite for the Cure. Parks didn't seem fazed at all by the lack of presents. He was too busy jumping in the bouncer and throwing water balloons! Everyone had a great time on one of the last beautiful days of summer.

Thank you so much Keith and Jenn and most especially to Parks. What a big boy to give up presents on behalf of others! Here are a couple of pictures!

Calla and Maya about to climb into the bouncer.

There's Mike taking one for the team. He was soaked by the time the kids were finished with him! : )

Love to you all,

Kristen

Check them out!

Today I went down to pick up the t-shirts to raise money for Unite for the Cure and must say that I am quite impressed. Thank you so much to Eli and the amazing staff at Special T Shirt Company. They were so kind and helpful and tried to offer a discount wherever possible. They also posted the petition flyer in their staff room and many of them signed it. The following pictures aren't the greatest but I wanted everyone to kind of get an idea of what they look like.

I found a couple of cute models to show them off. They are actually quite big. Calla is wearing a 4T and Maya is wearing a 2T.

Here's my t-shirt...long sleeves for the long cold winter!

I now have the t-shirts ready to sell. I have already pulled out the ones that some of you ordered and I will make arrangements to get them to you soon. Thanks for all of your support.

Love to you all,

Kristen

Trash the Dress

On Sunday my friend Tanya Lynn and her friend Carrie Ekosky, both photographers got seven gorgeous women together in their wedding dresses for "Trash the Dress". They spent some time in the Exchange district and then some time down on Bird's Hill Beach. Please take the time to read Tanya's blog about this amazing day. http://www.tanyalynnphotography.blogspot.com The group raised over $1000.00 and all proceeds are being donated! Thank you Tanya. Thank you Carrie. And, thank you to all seven women that took part in this very special day. Georgie's eyes would have been almost as huge as her smile as she watched all of you let go of those pink balloons!

Love to you all,

Kristen

Inspired

I didn't really feel like writing tonight but I came online to check on the other families via their blogs and was inspired. I only write when I feel like it and lately I don't often feel like it...mostly because I don't have a lot of time to sit down and reflect. I checked on the Unite for the Cure site and another family included the following quote in their reasons for accepting the challenge:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Ahhh...

Remember my club? I believe that I said something about not underestimating our power. I asked you all to help us fight instead of watching helplessly from the sidelines and so many of you are stepping up. I also read the Daily Dakin about a little boy who continues to fight. His mother has decided that before she takes her last breath she will see this disease eradicated. I wrote back to her in agreement. I actually decided that quite some time ago. SMA will be eradicated and all of you will have been a part of that.

If you still have some doubts regarding the importance of the stem cell trials down in California then please spend some time reading some of the blogs I follow. So many families are still fighting with their little ones and they deserve a fighting chance. These children deserve to sit up, crawl, walk, eat, breathe and swallow on their own. These children deserve to not only celebrate their birthdays but blow out their own candles!

Our family total for Unite for the Cure stands at $1800.00 right now. That does not include the $400.00 that we made on the weekend. Thank you to all of you that have helped to make that happen. There are many more ideas being thrown around and put into action. I have no doubt that we will raise the $5000 nor that my club will raise the $100 000. Georgie would definitely approve of what we have done.

Love to you all,

Kristen

First Day

On Friday we walked Calla to school for her first day of kindergarten. She seemed quite nervous upon arriving but followed her teacher into the school without a fuss. When I picked her up a few hours later she came bouncing out talking non-stop about all of the things that she had done and asking when she could go back. Having Calla feel happy and secure has never seemed more important to us. We are so thrilled that she had a great first day!

Maya missed her big sister but seemed quite excited for Calla and can't wait to go to pre-school in another week.

There she goes!

Love to you all,

Kristen