3rd Annual Santa's Little Helpers...DECEMBER 19th

Last year...time to collect for this year!

The last 2 years we have had an incredible response, we went from filling stockings the first year to filling gift bags last year. But it is all because of the overwhelming love and respect each of you have for our Gabi. Every Christmas since she has passed we have collected items to give to the children in the PICU at Children's Mercy. The way we see it, Children's Mercy gave us so such love, hope, and encouragement, during the most awful moments in our lives. That was the last place we held our daughter, the last place we hugged and kissed her. Although it is bittersweet to go to Children's Mercy, the fact is that is the last place she was and we want to give back. Now we can't do this on our own, so that is why I ask each year for your help.

Think of some of your best memories as a child, especially those memories of Christmas. How many of you spent it in the PICU, I hope none of you! These kids don't deserve to be in the hosptial at what is suppose to be such a magical time of year. So we like to spread a little cheer and hoilday spirit. And even if it only takes them away for a second to bring a smile to faces, that is all we wish for! Donations could be anything from coloring books and crayons, games, lip gloss, hot wheels, dolls, booties, hair bows, arts and crafts...we never know the ages of the children, but it can range from newborn to 17 years old..variety is what we go for. I usually buy out the dollar spot at Target. Or if you'd rather just send a buck or 2 that works too! We only have 2 weeks to collect items, so anything and everything is GREATLY appreciated!

Our little angel is counting on us to represent her well but we need your help. Thank you and God Bless!!!

Warning...You are about to view the CUTEST PERFORMANCE EVER!!!

3rd Annual Santa's Little Helpers

I cannot believe it has been nearly a month since my last post. I do apologize, I have been so busy with cheerleading and then there is Kinsley. She is slowly becoming a big girl right before my eyes. She is AMAZING!!! She is starting to put words together making little sentences. She always wants to dance, color, and play with ALL her stuffed animals. I should say carry ALL of her stuffed animals around, and if she can't get them ALL I carry what she can't. We are potty training and she recognizes most of the time when she needs to go. She is soooooo proud when she does go, and of course so am I! She just turned 18 months, such a fun age, but it's a busy age.Gracie is staying busy with school. She has finally figured out why it is so important to do good the first time around. She has weekly spelling test and on Thursdays they have a pretest. If they get 100% they don't have to take the test on Friday, let's just say I think she has only taken one test on Friday. She just finished cheerleading for her little brothers team and now she is starting basketball. She is pretty pumped about bb, and I think Jason is more excited than ever, something he can really relate too.Now for the next topic at hand, 3rd Annual SANTA'S LITTLE HELPERS!!! For the last 2 years we have stuffed stockings for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Childrens Mercy. We have had such an amazing response both years, so I am really looking forward to see how this year turns out. I am thinking we will deliver Saturday December 19th. That is not 100% confirmed but that is the date I am thinking will be best. That gives us 4 weeks to collect items. Remember we do not know until a couple days before what age groups we are collecting for, so it is important we get a little bit of everything. Mostly babies, a few tweens, and teens we also like to include something for the parents. These are some things we have collected in the past...coloring books and crayons, cross word puzzles, gift cards (McD's and movies tickets are great), hand held games, barbies, toy cars, lip gloss. The place I stock up the most is the dollar spot, you can find great items there for super cheap. We also accept monetary donations and then I take that and buy items suitable for the children/parents. I also like to take a tray of goodies for the nurses, so any bakers out there??? If you are interested in making any sort of donation, please contact me micah@giftsofgabisgrace.org
It is a tough time of year for everyone Christmas can be overwhelming on top of all of our other expenses, but the think I always remind myself of is, the kids are in the hospital and no kid should ever have to spend Christmas in the hospital. So we need to bring a little cheer to their day, give them a stocking full of goodies, just let there minds be in another place for an hour or 2.

Stepping Up for GABI'S GRACE

Our team raised $720, just $30 shy of my goal...which I was super excited about. The sun was shining and we were surrounded by our amazing family and friends! It was a great day and we couldn't of had more pride walking for our angel. Thank you again to those of you who walked as well as donated!

My favorite 2 cheerleaders

A Great Way to Start Your Monday!

What can I say, the girl loves music! And check out her new uniform, Great Grammy made it and she LOVES it!

Another eventful weekend...

Can you believe it, 2 days in a row I am on here!?! I figured instead of making a huge entry I would just start from the weekend. We are always on the go when Gracie is in school. But this was our last free weekend for a while. She starts cheerleading this next Saturday, which I am totally pumped about. She has been practicing really hard with her mom and me. When we practice though she asks if her motions are right and where she should be looking on certain motions...it is so cute. She actually listens to me too since I am a cheer coach.
So Saturday Kins and I picked up Gracie and went out to the Renaissance Festival, opening day. Gracie got to ride a pony, get a henna tattoo, and visit with Mimi and Papi....Kins and I were along for the ride. Jason had to work all day Saturday, so I have been trying to keep both girls entertained without hearing too much, "When's Daddy gonna be home?"Then Sunday was the annual Childrens Mercy Memorial Service. It was very bittersweet, this year they dedicated the 2008 quilt. The 2008 quilt is in memory of the children who passed in 2007. I had made a quilt block in memory of Gabi the quilt was beautiful. And the most special part is Gabi and Ava are right next to each other, just as they are in heaven...insert tears here :) The quilt will be hung in the hopsital on the wall near the cashiers counter in May of 2010. Be And each family gets to release a butterfly...it is such an amazing site to see when they are released.
Monday as a family, along with Uncle Freddie and Zach, Uncle Michael, Matt, Jess, and Joellen we all went to the Ren Fest. The kids got their faces painted, rode an elephant, jumped on a tampoline off bungies, ate turkey legs...let's just leave it at they got SPOILED!!! Oh and Kins got her new attire for the Ren Fest, she is so stinkin CUTE!!!

Basically it's like this...we have been super busy and enjoying life to the fullest! The girls are doing great. Jason and I are doing great...we celebrated our 2nd, 3 year anniversary. If that confuses you it's because in June we got married at the courthouse and then in September we had a ceremony to exchange our vows in front of all of our loved ones! So that is why I say our 2nd, 3 year Anniversary!

I have been taking pictures like a crazy woman...is that any different than any other moment in my life. If you don't take pics how do you capture those moments you wish you had your camera??? I will have to download them soon and post A LOT!!!

Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk is coming up soon, so be sure to sign up. The cut off date for team t-shirts is right around the corner!

STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME

Don't wait until it is too late the walk is October 24th, seems far off but it will be here before you know it! Join team GABI'S GRACE for our 3rd walk. It is $20 for adults and $15 for children. Price includes team t-shirt, lunch, and lots of fun family friendly activities. All proceeds go to kids in KC with D.S. It is an incredible cause and most importantly to us, we are there to walk in memory of our precious angel! If you can't walk, donate to our team! All planning to attend and wanting a t-shirt, the cut off date is Sept. 25th...so don't lose track of time and forget to sign up...DO IT TODAY!!!

Piggies For Gabi

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and Piggie Tails!!!
You all bring so much joy to our hearts. Gabi WAS shining down on us all yesterday!