Getting Involved Early

Last weekend a long time friend Tracy Dart, and her team of walkers, set out on the Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk here in Seattle in support of Breast Cancer research.  Their team collectively raised over 40K dollars through dontations, sponsorships, etc!  Tracy is a 2-time survivor of Breast Cancer at just the age of 35.  Being a long time friend, and someone our age, this has hit home as we have see her attack this head on and be a huge advocate for a cure.

So, when the opportunity came up to support Tracy and her team, we decided to help..and we being the entire family.  During the fundraising phase over the summer, Maddie and Kenzie overheard details about the situation and wanted to lend a hand.  They used their skills and interest in making beaded bracelets to make a slew of pink bracelets to sell at our family garage sale.  Using materials we bought for them they, along with some friends, spent the time to make the bracelets for the sale.  The first go around generated over $100!  Later, at another fundraising event, they raised another $100.  It might not seem like a lot, but for these girls it was a fortune.  More importantly they felt like they were really helping and contributing.

Fast forward to last Saturday while Team Tracy was pounding the pavement on Day 2 of their walk.  We made the drive up to Everett to be at a cheering station for the team.  However, the station wasnt just for them, it was for the thousands of people walking.  Walker after walker came by, with smiles on their face (despite the pain of being on mile 30 of 60), genuinely appreciative that we would take the time to be there.  Right in the mix were our two girls, cheering, clapping and encouraging them to keep going.  It was right after I took this picutre that it hit me...

Here are our two little girls, cheering on these people that are raising money for a cure to one of the worst diseases out there facing women, breast cancer...this is for THEM.  It is because of what these walkers are doing TODAY that will give our two girls hope for a cure in the future.  While I am hopeful that a cure will be found a lot sooner, the reality is it that it likely wont be for sometime, and who will benefit from the things happening now? ...these two little girls!

Clearly I hope they can avoid this all together, but I know by getting them exposed this now, they will continue to aware...they will continue to support...the will continue to have hope.  Plus, if at some point in their life they become directly impacted by this disease, they will know that they can fight through it.  So, we are excited that they are getting involved at this early age and taking an interest in supporting the efforts that they will benefit from in the future.

The Week(end) in Review

Last week wrapped up the first full week of school for both Maddie and Kenzie. By Friday, Maddie was drained, and Kenzie couldn't wait to go back on Monday. The weekend was GREAT..mainly because we didn't do much. There was no Husky game to watch and be depressed about :-), plus it was a cold/rainy day on Saturday. The only thing on the plate was an afternoon soccer game for Maddie. She played the entire 1st half as Goalie and she really enjoyed it. Of course, like her dad, when asked why she replied "Because I dont have to run back and forth all the time!" To her credit, at this age it is constant back and forth, almost like a good tennis rally. Although we arent supposed to keep score, they did win! Mikayla led the team with a hat trick in the 1st half. They are starting to play really well together and might be on a roll!! Sunday was another laid back day with Church in the morning, Seahawks in the afternoon (I predicted 35-13, so I was close!), and then some friends over for dinner. All in all a great weekend. Now we just have to hope that Fall doesn't come on too quick and we can squeeze some more sun out!

Weekly Plug: Remember it is Hope Auction time. Hope Lutheran, the School that Maddie and Kenzie attend, and the school that Mike, Steph, Jeff and Stacey attended, is having their auction on November 1st. We still have room if anyone wants to attend, and we can ALWAYS use more donations. If we want to contribute just drop us an email at mjandsj@comcast.net and we will gladly talk more. If you are reading this...think about it, as we are trying to do everything we can to make the event a success, and you can help!!!

New School Year - Hope Auction

After an extra long summer, the School year is almost ready to start. As you might have heard, Hope is undergoing a bit of remodel, so we ended early and are starting late to accommodate the construction schedule. Maddie's first official day of school is Wednesday. She will be in 2nd grade. Meanwhile, Kenzie's first day will be on the 15th. She will be in P3. Both are super excited to start up school! Tomorrow we have the "Back to School BBQ" at SLHS, followed by orientation back at the school. We will be extra busy tomorrow as I get to give the "Welcome" message, and Steph will be talking about the Auction

So, speaking of Auction. Time to give the plug:

Steph has been hard at work with this year's auction. With our experience helping put on the SLHS auctions in 2005 and 2007, she decided to help make it happen in 2008 with Hope. This is a perfect job for her with her amazing organization skills. It is going to rock! Anyway, the event....It will be on Saturday, November 1st at the Hall at Fauntleroy. Her, Julia and the slew of great volunteers met today to get all the invitations stuffed and ready to be mailed. So, be on the lookout. However, if you dont get one, and are interested in attending, just give us a call, email, etc. Tickets are $50 and it is shaping up to be the best Hope Auction ever.

If attending wont work out, we are also looking for donations. From physical items, certificates, tickets, experiences, services, etc....anything will be accepted. Give us a call, or drop us an email and we will be happy to coordinate pickup of whatever you willing to donate.

Steph and I feel very blessed to have attended Hope and that is why we are passionate about giving back and helping out....and to make it be that special place for our kids. So, we welcome any help you might be willing to offer. Hope is on the verge of some great things and we appreciate all your support.