Taste of Tuscany

This past Friday evening was the annual "Taste of Tuscany" event benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana. This event was held at the Conrad Hotel downtown. The food was Italian of course and tasted delicious. The lead singer of the band was hilarious, but very good too. To top it all off, Jeff and I were asked to be the keynote speakers of the evening and told Ellie's story. The event had over 400 people in attendance and this time we had a slide show of pictures from Ellie's time with us to make our story extra special. I think we did a pretty good job as the event raised over 53,000 dollars alone in bidding on the "room for a night" program after we spoke. This does not count the money raised from ticket prices and silent auction items as well. We were very pleased about the figures as was the Ronald McDonald House I am sure. I am so overwhelmed with emotion as I reminisce of Ellie's life and how many people we can touch and educate about the RMH by telling Ellie's story at these events. A short time after Ellie died I had a dream. I dreamed of sharing Ellie's story with others in order to allow people to see just how much the Ronald McDonald House makes a difference with families. I also wanted to tell people that through our trials and tribulations came strength. Ellie had so much strength and determination to make it through all of the procedures and surgeries. She fought so hard until her little body could fight no longer. This is where I decided to pick up when Ellie's life ended in order to keep her alive in spirit that is. In my opinion, our lives are like books. They have endings to chapters possibly, but your story is never over. People talk about you and celebrate you when you leave this wonderful place called earth. This is the case with Ellie. Her story will never end...and it has been a dream of mine that I am now watching come true. My purpose was to try to impact others and help them to understand what special needs children go through along with their families and friends. It is not a way to get sympathy or attention, but to really talk about her life and the many blessings that we received as a result. Through her I am now a stronger person and look at life completely different then ever before. I ask less for myself and more for others. I do not take anything for granted because you never know when you will wake up one morning and something will be gone. I trust others because Ellie trusted everyone with her health and was such a happy baby in the meantime. I love more, smile more and give more because of her. I am forever grateful for what the Ronald McDonald House gave to us and will never ever stop giving back.
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Molly's Wedding

Last Saturday my cousin, Molly, got married. We spent a great weekend with my dad's side of the family and met so many new people! The wedding was absolutely wonderful and Molly looked stunning! She and Brandon are perfect for each other and he fits right into our family. Gabby really likes him and he is not afraid of little kids that's for sure. He picks Gabby up and swings her around, plays hide and seek with her until they are worn out. He is kind of like a built in babysitter when he is around! Molly and Brandon are going to be great parents someday. Gabby was the flower girl and had a great time. She has not stopped saying, "i walk down the isle again mom" and "i put on my pretty dress" since last weekend! Here are some pictures from this wonderful day!

Our New Play Spot...(or when we get bored at least)

Gabby and I went shopping last night at the Fashion Mall. We have officially found our new play spot...Pottery Barn Kids. The toys that are in the catalogs are in the store as well. I knew this, but did not ever get the idea of taking Gabby to play there. I am sure that this is not what the associates that work at PB want either, but we had a great time! Gabby now has a whole bunch of "i wants" for Christmas and Mommy and Daddy are going to be broke come January!

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

My Sadie

A picture of Gabby, Me and "My Sadie"!
Many have probably read on this blog about "My Sadie" before! Well, she actually isn't My Sadie she is Bridgett's Sadie, but Bridgett completely condones me saying this and knows just how much that little girl means to me! Sadie and I have known each other for about 6 years now. She was my very first case with "work" and has since been adopted by wonderful people! Sadie has taught me so much about life. If I ever had an opportunity to write a book about my relationship with Sadie...I would entitle it, "My Sadie". She and I spent a lot of time together. Her case had the best ending a girl could wish for. I have been given the privilege to be able to watch her grow, change and become a brave, beautiful and energetic girl. She is one of the most loving people you will meet and my one wish is that Sadie remains a part of my family's life for many more years to come! She is the sunshine that we all need and most importantly...she is a survivor! Gabby adores her and we love every opportunity we have to spend time with Sadie!

Harvest Fest

Thanks Kari and Steve for inviting us to the Harvest Fest! It is an event put on every year by a church in Greenwood. There were so many great games for the kids, face painting, cookie decorating, a magician and prizes in the end for everyone! Gabby was having a little phobia over her monkey costume and refused to wear it to the event. She kept saying, "mommy nana...mommy nana" which means she wanted me to bust out the banana costume and wear it to the festival. I think she meant that she would wear her costume if I wore mine. Nope...that bad boy came out on Halloween night ONLY and went right back up in the closet seconds after company left! However, Olivia and Gavin were absolutely adorable on this evening as a butterfly and chicken! What a great night! We had a great time!

Halloween 2009

Introducing "Our Monkey" and all of her friends!

Ladybug Adalyn and Gabby

Gabby and Felicity the Mermaid! They were soooo thrilled to be having their picture taken can't you tell!?!

Gavin and Gabby! Don't those names sound like a match made in heaven!

Baby Jacqueline

Mommy Banana and her Baby Monkey! Aaaahhh...I was so embarrassed! But, it ultimately made Gabby happy and this is all that matters!

Gabby worn out after a fun filled evening with friends!

The house was packed on Halloween! We had a great time with friends and all the kids. Gabby officially went "trick or treating" this year and made it around the entire block. After the first few houses the kids had the routine down. Walk up, open bag, say trick or treat and walk away! Staying on the sidewalk was another story for Gabby and she about gave me a stroke when she would try to run out in the street! I thought she learned the whole stop, look and listen thing months ago. Wrong! Anyways, when we got back to the house we enjoyed chili made by MaMa Doris and boy was it good! Thanks to all of our wonderful family and friends for joining us on Halloween! We had so much fun with you guys and look forward to this day every year! We hope for many more years of this tradition.