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!
10.28.2013
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)