11.13.2013
11.11.2013
Life's Marathons
Written by Melissa
Last year, on November 9, I woke up and put a beautiful dress on Ariana. It was handmade by a dear friend. She was simply angelic. I managed to get myself dressed and Asa in something decent, too. My family - both immediate and extended - headed to the entrustment ceremony I had planned for Ari. This was a first for us all - something we never heard of before - but then it was the first of many firsts in our lives. It was a precious and painful day.
Last year, on November 9, I woke up and put a beautiful dress on Ariana. It was handmade by a dear friend. She was simply angelic. I managed to get myself dressed and Asa in something decent, too. My family - both immediate and extended - headed to the entrustment ceremony I had planned for Ari. This was a first for us all - something we never heard of before - but then it was the first of many firsts in our lives. It was a precious and painful day.
I don't know that I would have described it this way last year, but it was very much like an emotional marathon. I had been preparing myself for weeks for this day, the day I would entrust another to be Ariana's mother. I was preparing myself for the unknown - and it was most frightening. I didn't know if I could do it. I didn't know if I would make it through the day or the days to follow. But Heather was there - that day and the days to follow. Most importantly, she was there for Ariana - and I knew she would be an amazing mother to Ari. I never had a single doubt about that and that was of such great comfort. What I didn't know, but came to learn so quickly, was that Heather was there for me, too. She was so supportive of me and my feelings. When I cried, she cried with me. When I laughed, she laughed with me. When I needed to see Ari, she welcomed me with open arms and an open heart. I have never known another woman like her. I am so proud that she is my daughter's mother - and that she is my friend - that she is my teammate - that she is my family!
This year, on November 9, I woke up and put my family - both immediate and extended - in the car to head to the Chickamauga Battlefield in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. It was Heather's marathon to support this time. Her first! Obviously, hers was the real deal of 26.2 miles - a long, hard, cold 26.2 miles. I was glad to be there for her. I wanted to show my support - my appreciation - my love. I felt so proud to watch her cross the finish line. And she did it so fast!
I'm not sure what marathons life has left for us. I'm sure we're both hoping for the ones that come with some work, but NOT so much pain! Nevertheless, there isn't anything Heather and I can't do with each other by our side. So, here's to the next first... may we kick it's butt, too!
Heather Crosses the Finish Line, but Who Wins?
Written by Melissa
Information Provided by Heather
We watched as Heather crossed the finished line at an amazing time of 4:27:08 in her very FIRST marathon (and she has confirmed her LAST)! It was a great race and so awesome to watch her cross the finish line of such a fantastic bucket list item. She looked good doing it, too!
So, now that her race as come to an end, who are the winners?
Well, to start, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many friends and family members, PRISMS is the real winner as we will donate $10,085 to their organization. So many of you dug deep into your pockets throughout the fundraiser and it was only days ago that we were sitting firm at $7,400 in the pot. We were proud of that number, so you can only imagine our pride and excitement when you all came through in the 11th hour to help us to "cross the fundraising finish line" of $10K! Many families with loved ones with SMS will reap the rewards of your kindness and charitableness. And they are the winners here, too! We are forever grateful.
As for the grand prize winner, with a guess of 4:30:30, Vickie Gaither takes home the beautiful ring. Consolation prizes go to Heather Connell, who will receive a quilt, and Catherine Winburn, who will receive a PRISMS t-shirt.
Again, The A Team is so very thankful that you helped to make our first fundraiser a remarkable success. When we originally set our goal at $10,000, we knew it was lofty. We should not have underestimated the love and support of all of you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Information Provided by Heather
We watched as Heather crossed the finished line at an amazing time of 4:27:08 in her very FIRST marathon (and she has confirmed her LAST)! It was a great race and so awesome to watch her cross the finish line of such a fantastic bucket list item. She looked good doing it, too!
So, now that her race as come to an end, who are the winners?
Well, to start, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many friends and family members, PRISMS is the real winner as we will donate $10,085 to their organization. So many of you dug deep into your pockets throughout the fundraiser and it was only days ago that we were sitting firm at $7,400 in the pot. We were proud of that number, so you can only imagine our pride and excitement when you all came through in the 11th hour to help us to "cross the fundraising finish line" of $10K! Many families with loved ones with SMS will reap the rewards of your kindness and charitableness. And they are the winners here, too! We are forever grateful.
As for the grand prize winner, with a guess of 4:30:30, Vickie Gaither takes home the beautiful ring. Consolation prizes go to Heather Connell, who will receive a quilt, and Catherine Winburn, who will receive a PRISMS t-shirt.
Again, The A Team is so very thankful that you helped to make our first fundraiser a remarkable success. When we originally set our goal at $10,000, we knew it was lofty. We should not have underestimated the love and support of all of you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
11.05.2013
Our First Year
Written by Heather
This time last year we were anxiously anticipating new and wonderful additions to our family. We had just met Ariana, Asa, Andrew, and Melissa, but already felt completely at ease with them. Meeting extended family on November 9, 2012, for the entrustment ceremony, that feeling continued. There was never anything that felt more right.
Now, a year later, that feeling is even more solidified. We have come a long way in such a short time. This family, clearly created by God himself, will stand strong together through anything. Of this I am sure.
I thank God for bringing us all together. I thank Melissa, Andrew, and Asa for their courage to think "outside the box," and for their trust in us. I also thank God for their immense love for and pride in everything Ariana. I thank Jim for his strength of faith and for the wonderful daddy and husband he is. I thank Ariana for completely changing my life and how I see the world. And I thank all our loved ones, and even those I do not know, for the immense pouring out of love and support.
It is my great honor to be Ariana's mother. The joy she brings every day is beyond words. Her soul is pure and innocent, as any child's, but this is most obvious when you look into her eyes. She can draw attention from across a room, from a complete stranger. She is intent, observant, funny, beautiful, and very stubborn. As she grows, I know she will use these and the rest of her God given gifts fully to her advantage. This could be trouble.
At the forming of this unique family, Melissa suggested the moniker, "The A Team." I being a child of the 80's thought of the TV show. This led me to wonder who would be who? This was not easy, but this is what I came up with.
First, I figured Jim was "Murdock" - it's his goofiness, I guess. He is certainly not insane, actually he's probably the most sane person I know. I pegged Melissa for "Hannibal." To me, she is the leader, the organizer. Andrew would be "Faceman" - it's the Andy Garcia thing he's got going on. I myself am left being "BA." Don't let my size fool you, Sucka, I am the enforcer! I do not mind getting my hands dirty. What do you think?
Honestly, I feel we all have the best qualities of each of these characters. We are all flexible enough to take on different roles as needed. This is part of what makes this work so well. We will change hats, so to speak, to lift up and support whatever team member is in need. For now, the team is solid in support of Ari and Asa. This Saturday, we add supporting myself. This support is emotional and will probably end up being physical as well. After over four hours of running, I am not sure if I will still be able to stand on my own. But, no matter, The A Team will be there and that will make everything possible.
So, four more days left. Days of rest, hydration, stretching, and anticipation. We may not reach our monetary goal, but we have far surpassed our goals as a family over this first year. I am so proud to be a part of The A Team and so thankful for the amazing year it has brought. I pray for God's continued guidance and blessing on us and on all of you.
This time last year we were anxiously anticipating new and wonderful additions to our family. We had just met Ariana, Asa, Andrew, and Melissa, but already felt completely at ease with them. Meeting extended family on November 9, 2012, for the entrustment ceremony, that feeling continued. There was never anything that felt more right.
Now, a year later, that feeling is even more solidified. We have come a long way in such a short time. This family, clearly created by God himself, will stand strong together through anything. Of this I am sure.
I thank God for bringing us all together. I thank Melissa, Andrew, and Asa for their courage to think "outside the box," and for their trust in us. I also thank God for their immense love for and pride in everything Ariana. I thank Jim for his strength of faith and for the wonderful daddy and husband he is. I thank Ariana for completely changing my life and how I see the world. And I thank all our loved ones, and even those I do not know, for the immense pouring out of love and support.
It is my great honor to be Ariana's mother. The joy she brings every day is beyond words. Her soul is pure and innocent, as any child's, but this is most obvious when you look into her eyes. She can draw attention from across a room, from a complete stranger. She is intent, observant, funny, beautiful, and very stubborn. As she grows, I know she will use these and the rest of her God given gifts fully to her advantage. This could be trouble.
At the forming of this unique family, Melissa suggested the moniker, "The A Team." I being a child of the 80's thought of the TV show. This led me to wonder who would be who? This was not easy, but this is what I came up with.
First, I figured Jim was "Murdock" - it's his goofiness, I guess. He is certainly not insane, actually he's probably the most sane person I know. I pegged Melissa for "Hannibal." To me, she is the leader, the organizer. Andrew would be "Faceman" - it's the Andy Garcia thing he's got going on. I myself am left being "BA." Don't let my size fool you, Sucka, I am the enforcer! I do not mind getting my hands dirty. What do you think?
Honestly, I feel we all have the best qualities of each of these characters. We are all flexible enough to take on different roles as needed. This is part of what makes this work so well. We will change hats, so to speak, to lift up and support whatever team member is in need. For now, the team is solid in support of Ari and Asa. This Saturday, we add supporting myself. This support is emotional and will probably end up being physical as well. After over four hours of running, I am not sure if I will still be able to stand on my own. But, no matter, The A Team will be there and that will make everything possible.
So, four more days left. Days of rest, hydration, stretching, and anticipation. We may not reach our monetary goal, but we have far surpassed our goals as a family over this first year. I am so proud to be a part of The A Team and so thankful for the amazing year it has brought. I pray for God's continued guidance and blessing on us and on all of you.
10.28.2013
13 days, $2,669 To Go
Written by Melissa
We can do this!!! Only 13 days and $2,669 to go until Heather's first marathon. We want her to reach the finish line just as much as we want to reach our $10K fundraising goal for PRISMS. Who's in to push us over the last mile?
FYI - for those still placing last minute bets, this past Saturday's half marathon time was 1:58:15. She's speedy!
We have an official logo now - thanks to the amazing Chesley Lowe. We also updated our url to reflect our blog name! And so we took the opportunity to jazz up the design of the site a bit, too. There's lots in store for THE A TEAM and this blog is a place we will keep you all in the loop on our scoop! Keep coming back for updates.
For now, let's dig deep (into our pockets) and donate what we can to reach our goal. We can't thank those of you enough who have already donated. The support we've received is overwhelming!
We can do this!!! Only 13 days and $2,669 to go until Heather's first marathon. We want her to reach the finish line just as much as we want to reach our $10K fundraising goal for PRISMS. Who's in to push us over the last mile?
FYI - for those still placing last minute bets, this past Saturday's half marathon time was 1:58:15. She's speedy!
We have an official logo now - thanks to the amazing Chesley Lowe. We also updated our url to reflect our blog name! And so we took the opportunity to jazz up the design of the site a bit, too. There's lots in store for THE A TEAM and this blog is a place we will keep you all in the loop on our scoop! Keep coming back for updates.
For now, let's dig deep (into our pockets) and donate what we can to reach our goal. We can't thank those of you enough who have already donated. The support we've received is overwhelming!
10.24.2013
Marathon Shmarathon - Bring on the 5K to Benefit TWO Awesome Organizations
Written by Melissa
Heather has trained for months for her first marathon and her loved ones will cheer her on to reach that finish line! Still, most of us just can't imagine running for 26.2 miles. So, what about running (or walking) in the 5K?
For every person that signs up for the Chickamauga Battlefield 5K, Jim and Heather will donate $25 toward the PRISMS fundraiser, up to $1000. And check this out - 100% of the 5K net proceeds will go to the Thompson Children's Hospital at Erlanger. So that's a double whammy good deed!!! Let us know that you've signed up - and be sure to wear your best gear in support of The A Team and PRISMS. We'll be sure to cheer you on, too!
If you can't make the 5K, which starts at 8am on 11/9, and would prefer to donate the race registration fee directly to PRISMS, please do so through RAZOO. This way, Jim and Heather will be sure to match it with their $25 donation in your honor.
Finally, if you plan to join us in cheering Heather and all the runners on, here's some information on nearby hotels and lodging. Be sure to give us a heads up so we can look for you at the race!
Heather has trained for months for her first marathon and her loved ones will cheer her on to reach that finish line! Still, most of us just can't imagine running for 26.2 miles. So, what about running (or walking) in the 5K?
For every person that signs up for the Chickamauga Battlefield 5K, Jim and Heather will donate $25 toward the PRISMS fundraiser, up to $1000. And check this out - 100% of the 5K net proceeds will go to the Thompson Children's Hospital at Erlanger. So that's a double whammy good deed!!! Let us know that you've signed up - and be sure to wear your best gear in support of The A Team and PRISMS. We'll be sure to cheer you on, too!
If you can't make the 5K, which starts at 8am on 11/9, and would prefer to donate the race registration fee directly to PRISMS, please do so through RAZOO. This way, Jim and Heather will be sure to match it with their $25 donation in your honor.
Finally, if you plan to join us in cheering Heather and all the runners on, here's some information on nearby hotels and lodging. Be sure to give us a heads up so we can look for you at the race!
The Big 5!
Written by Melissa
It's so hard to believe we have a 5-year-old. Seems like only yesterday we were newly embarking on parenthood... of course, blissfully ignorant about what parenthood really was, but embarking on it nonetheless.
In five years, Asa has taught us so much about who we are and who we want to be. He's given us reason to be better and stronger people than we ever were before him. He's been through quite a lot in his short years, but you wouldn't know it from his amazingly playful demeanor and love of life. He is extremely well-adjusted, despite life's attempt at rocking his world. In fact, he loves his world. And we couldn't be more proud of him.
As any 5-year-old should enjoy, we had an awesome Star Wars themed birthday party over the weekend. Friends and family came out to help us celebrate, as did Obi-Wan Kenobi and others to help make his Jedi-training party a rockin' good time. Take a look at the MANY pictures!
Of course, The A Team was in full effect and we were excited to all be together for Ace's big day. So excited that we just couldn't contain our goofiness.
Now for his annual "stats," where there are no shockers here:
Height - 45.94 inches (95th percentile)
Weight - 52.2 pounds (95th percentile)
BMI - 17.33 (90th percentile)
So happy birthday to our BIG, healthy, sweet, and handsome boy! We love you dearly!
It's so hard to believe we have a 5-year-old. Seems like only yesterday we were newly embarking on parenthood... of course, blissfully ignorant about what parenthood really was, but embarking on it nonetheless.
In five years, Asa has taught us so much about who we are and who we want to be. He's given us reason to be better and stronger people than we ever were before him. He's been through quite a lot in his short years, but you wouldn't know it from his amazingly playful demeanor and love of life. He is extremely well-adjusted, despite life's attempt at rocking his world. In fact, he loves his world. And we couldn't be more proud of him.
As any 5-year-old should enjoy, we had an awesome Star Wars themed birthday party over the weekend. Friends and family came out to help us celebrate, as did Obi-Wan Kenobi and others to help make his Jedi-training party a rockin' good time. Take a look at the MANY pictures!
Of course, The A Team was in full effect and we were excited to all be together for Ace's big day. So excited that we just couldn't contain our goofiness.
Asa was very happy to have Ari by his side. Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia - brother and sister - were perfect peas in a pod.
Now for his annual "stats," where there are no shockers here:
Height - 45.94 inches (95th percentile)
Weight - 52.2 pounds (95th percentile)
BMI - 17.33 (90th percentile)
So happy birthday to our BIG, healthy, sweet, and handsome boy! We love you dearly!
10.14.2013
Less Than a Month to Go - Let's Make a Last-Minute Run For It
Written by Heather
This video is of Ariana communicating. She is not being as emphatic about it as she usually would be, but I was really lucky to get anything on video, considering she will usually just pose.
Ariana is now occasionally pulling herself up in her crib. I found her standing this morning in there. She also finds it funny to flip over on her changing table so we cannot get her diaper back on. She is so strong, she is giving us quite the workout. So, with that in mind it is my duty, with less than a month left until race day, to prove that running around with a one year old, along with faith and the love and support of family and friends, is all one needs to be well trained for any challenges life brings, including marathons. This is my story, and God willing, I will prove it to be true if I can manage to survive the 26.2 miles without having to walk the whole way.
We still have nearly $4,000 to raise, and time is running out. Tell everyone you know, share our Razoo site. And remember, there are prizes to be won for guessing my finish (net) time. We will round up in the case there are two close answers on either side (because I appreciate your guesses on the lower side, considering my lack of training). And again, in the case of more than one correct guess, a winner will be chosen at random. All guesses should be submitted by midnight, November 6, to be considered, and the minimum donation requested is $26.20/guess.
Thank you for all of your support!
This video is of Ariana communicating. She is not being as emphatic about it as she usually would be, but I was really lucky to get anything on video, considering she will usually just pose.
Ariana is now occasionally pulling herself up in her crib. I found her standing this morning in there. She also finds it funny to flip over on her changing table so we cannot get her diaper back on. She is so strong, she is giving us quite the workout. So, with that in mind it is my duty, with less than a month left until race day, to prove that running around with a one year old, along with faith and the love and support of family and friends, is all one needs to be well trained for any challenges life brings, including marathons. This is my story, and God willing, I will prove it to be true if I can manage to survive the 26.2 miles without having to walk the whole way.
We still have nearly $4,000 to raise, and time is running out. Tell everyone you know, share our Razoo site. And remember, there are prizes to be won for guessing my finish (net) time. We will round up in the case there are two close answers on either side (because I appreciate your guesses on the lower side, considering my lack of training). And again, in the case of more than one correct guess, a winner will be chosen at random. All guesses should be submitted by midnight, November 6, to be considered, and the minimum donation requested is $26.20/guess.
Thank you for all of your support!
10.03.2013
The Life that I Was Meant to Live
Written by Melissa
When people ask about my family and all that we've been through over the past year or so, I tend to say, "Well, this was not the life I expected." And it wasn't. But just saying that alone doesn't fully encompass my meaning or the sentiment I hope to portray. In my recent soul searching (a journey I suspect I'll forever be on), I have come to realize that even though I am not leading the life I expected to live, I am certainly leading the life I was meant to live.
Some might ask, what's the difference? Well, surely I could never have predicted in a million years that my family would be challenged the way we were, the way we are. Further, I surely also wouldn't have chosen that for myself --- if given a choice. But that's just it, we aren't given choices when it comes to major life crises. And the same can be said for major life miracles. They just happen!
In my case, the way I know this is the life I'm meant to live is because with my crisis, a miracle followed - several really. See, I was meant to have a beautiful baby girl who has touched so many lives in her short one. I was meant to have learned so much from her without even her first word uttered. I was meant to meet her amazing parents, Jim and Heather, and to learn to love and trust in a new way that can only be defined as a true, authentic, and honest in a world that is certainly not always true, authentic, and honest. I was meant to be surrounded by the amazing family and friends that have showered me with love and support in my toughest time. I was meant to feel the pain that only a mother can - as well as the joy that only a mother can. I was meant to fully believe in my heart that both of my children are exactly where they are meant to be.
So even thought I didn't expect this life, it was meant for me. And I'm grateful for it and EVERYONE in it. Much love to all of you.
When people ask about my family and all that we've been through over the past year or so, I tend to say, "Well, this was not the life I expected." And it wasn't. But just saying that alone doesn't fully encompass my meaning or the sentiment I hope to portray. In my recent soul searching (a journey I suspect I'll forever be on), I have come to realize that even though I am not leading the life I expected to live, I am certainly leading the life I was meant to live.
Some might ask, what's the difference? Well, surely I could never have predicted in a million years that my family would be challenged the way we were, the way we are. Further, I surely also wouldn't have chosen that for myself --- if given a choice. But that's just it, we aren't given choices when it comes to major life crises. And the same can be said for major life miracles. They just happen!
In my case, the way I know this is the life I'm meant to live is because with my crisis, a miracle followed - several really. See, I was meant to have a beautiful baby girl who has touched so many lives in her short one. I was meant to have learned so much from her without even her first word uttered. I was meant to meet her amazing parents, Jim and Heather, and to learn to love and trust in a new way that can only be defined as a true, authentic, and honest in a world that is certainly not always true, authentic, and honest. I was meant to be surrounded by the amazing family and friends that have showered me with love and support in my toughest time. I was meant to feel the pain that only a mother can - as well as the joy that only a mother can. I was meant to fully believe in my heart that both of my children are exactly where they are meant to be.
So even thought I didn't expect this life, it was meant for me. And I'm grateful for it and EVERYONE in it. Much love to all of you.
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