Jakey's Blankies

If you have time, please check out my Friend Liz Dennison's blog.  It's under "Angel Jake".  He lost his HLHS battle right before Ethan was born.  She gave Ethan one of the super soft, comfy blankets she started making for heart families.  She is doing a drive to raise money for more special blankies to give to more special babies!!

2nd Annual Ethan's Run: Hope for Heart Defects

The Event is back!  It is Saturday February 12, 2011.  1/2 Marathon, 10K, Fun Run, Pancake Breakfast and Kids Zone.  There is something for everyone!

Details

Kids Zone (bigger and better) 2 jump houses, an inflatable game, rock wall, face painting, and cotton candy.  Children 4 and older will be $5 this year and that includes both the Fun Run and unlimited Kids Zone.  All CHD kids are free (just show us your zipper).

Pancake Breakfast $5 or $20 per family.  It will be provided by a scouting organization and proceeds go to Ethan's Run

Fun Run is 1.3 miles.  We encourage friends and family of heart warriors to band together to represent thier loved one.

10K is the same route as last year and chip timed!

1/2 Marathon goes through Las Sendas then out to McDowell road, around north east Mesa, and finishes back in Las Sendas.  This 1/2M is also chip timed and in process of certification.

Please go to www.ethansrunaz.com or active.com to register and get more information.

Or email me with any questions

There is also an Ethan's Run CALIFORNIA

My dear friend is putting it on in Menifee, CA  April 30, 2011*  (10k and fun run)

You can register at active.com or via http://www.ethansrunca.com/

Please help spread the word and raise CHD awareness!

Sometimes I question myself for putting on this event b/c of the time it takes, not only my families part, but all the volunteers as well.  Then I get word of another little precious CHD baby (Ella) who loses her life to a complex defect and I am reminded of the purpose, the cause, and my little Ethan. . . We are grateful we can put on this event.  And THANK YOU to all those who make it possible!

Family Pictures

My mom always tells me our family pictures are so boring and lack color. . . So here you go mom. This one was for you. Color, color, color! We had so much fun taking them. There are too many good pictures. I have 250 to choose from and I just can't decide. I LOVE them all, but I also want to have money in the bank for Christmas! We just wish Ethan was in the pictures with us.  Family pictures will never be the same. Thanks for putting up with us Melissa!

October Fun

Life has been crazy busy. . . Fall sports, fun parties, and working way too much! Here is a peak at our month. It started off w/ Crazy Cannon turning 5! I can't believe he is five. Anyone who knows Cannon knows there is never a dull moment with him. He is either up to something sneaky, or the center of attention! This kid is hilarious and loves to keep us on our toes. And our poor puppy. . . he is often the culprit of Cannons antics! We rode trains and the carousel at McCormick train park and then had a picnic and games. I also have an annual Halloween party. Lots of yummy eats and fun treats. The pumpkin carving contest has become increasingly competitive each year. I may need to stop that part of the party to keep love and harmony within the family :)

Ethan Slide Show

Here is a very rough draft of a video I was trying to do with some of Ethan's pics (since I hate scrapbooking). We miss him so much. I cannot find a picture of him smiling big! He HATED the camera. Every time I lifted it up he would scowl. I don't blame him. Machines were all too much a part of his life. He always just wanted a finger to hold or a face to look at. Love you son... I can't believe you have been gone 1 year. . .

This picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Gifts

What were you doing this day last year? Was it a day I got to hold you? Was it the last day you were happy and smiling? I wondered. I did it... I shouldn't have. I pulled it off the shelf. Two hours later, thousands of tears, a box of kleenex, and a wicked headache the next morning. Does that make the phrase "miss you so bad it hurts" true? More than you know. It's been ALMOST a year... yet still so tangible. You are still the front and center of every thought. EVERYTHING reminds me of you. I miss you son.

I must thank those kind soles who have given me (our family) so many kind gestures. Here are two of the newest.

Greg's cousins had this portrait painted of Ethan. My snap shot does not do it justice. It's AMAZING. It captures the day, one of his best, the embrace, his eyes... It's perfect. Thanks Wrights

This one is so meaningful. One of my dearest friends had this CD signed by Paul Cardall. He is an LDS musician/pianist. He is a single ventricle (right) who recently had his first heart transplant. He supports CHD's and the children they effect so much. Thanks Cullimores.

The third gift was a letter and picture from my aunt. Her daughter (my cousin Melanie) passed away after a 20 month struggle w/ life. Melanie would be 25 years old now. It is a total different situation, but in the end her lungs are what took her. I have since cried many tears of joy and sorrow w/ my aunt. She has given me hope. I hate the bond that ties us, but LOVE that I have someone to share it with, someone who has journeyed this road and can give me guidance. Thanks Kathy.

Summer Time. . .

We have had a fabulous summer thus far. . . (but truthfully I am ready for school to start. What?! There is another month!) We were busy w/ so many fun activities in June. So July has been our "true summer". . . trips, hikes, card games, the lake, swimming, ball games, movies, and too much TV. The highlight so far has been our trip to Salt Lake City for my amazing Grandmother's 90th birthday. She is awsome and healthy as a horse (and did I mention her secret to success is a Dr. Pepper a day!) And the weather was in the 80's. Next venture: the Grand Canyon and Skidmore Reunion.