Happy 2013

As always the Holidays flew by with all the excitement of a few week(s) off school and work.  We kicked off the season making gingerbread houses, celebrating with a special Christmas service with Mom, Christmas Eve with the Dad & Peg and the cousins complete with a special appearance by Gorilla Santa (that is entirely it's own post) and Christmas Morning with Omman & Obba and a special visit from Uncle Stevie.  2100 miles apart can seem to be shortened with email, phone, texts and facetime but nothing can take away from a giant hug and quality face to face time.  Carrying on old traditions, starting new ones, whatever the case, celebrating Christmas with those you are closest to is so very special and important to giving the kids a lasting foundation of love.

A few other exciting things helped close out our 2012...

With preschool, Evie was an angel during the annual reenactment of the Nativity.  The innoncence on her little face during the play was yet another reminder to me of how precious these little ones really are and how I need to appreciate her for who she is and pray for who she will become.

Evie was an Angel at the Nativity plan - December 2012

Cali auditioned for and got the part of a reader during some of the Parkview services.  After the worship team performed the trans siberian orchestra, they had an "emergency Christmas meeting" video (which was hilarious) and then Cali's part kicks in (about 7 minutes into it).  Here is the link if you'd like to see:  Cali's reads at Parkview's Christmas Service

Cal reading at Parkview's Christmas Service - Dec 23, 2012

One things I have always struggled with was the WHY of things.  Jim is by far a more successful optimist than I but I'd still do look more at the positive than the negative but I have always had a hard time understanding the why.  I once heard some wise words that even if you could explain and understand the why, you still have the WHAT.   So very true. The timing is incredible as we heard this a bit after Dean was diagnosed with CF.  This past weekend, the sermon was comforting as well.  It centered around the kingdom of Istrel torn in two after the death of King Solomon but the take away for me was that we're not promised a life of no pain or an easy life but we can get through it if we "yoke" ourselves to Jesus and follow him.  I've always known this but the imagery is greatly comforting.  I feel like it was a release for me...the final click that I needed to settle the incessant why that pops into my head.  Here is the sermon if you're interested in it:  The Story sermon from Dec 28/29, 2012 . 

So, we ring in 2013 with the kiddos at our side...and looking forward to another great year all around.  One of health, truth, love, faith and a focus on truly making a difference in and outside our home.  We're working hard  for our cure, have some great events and ideas in the words for this fundraising year and most importantly Dean has been antiobiotic free for 12 months...a HUGE positive in the CF realm!!  There are tons of opportunities to help fundraise this year (check out the list at the bottom) and let us know if you're up for any of them.  Wishing you a 2013 full of comfort and joy. 


January 1, 2013

Team Eat. Pray. Dean events*
May 18 - Orland Park Great Strides - join team Eat. Pray. Dean for a 3 mile walk
Date TBD - Eat. Pray. Dean Chillin & Grillin for a Cure
June 22 - San Rafeal Park Reno Great Strides - join team Eat. Pray Dean for a 3 mile walk
* If you're out of town and willing to walk for us in your own city or one near to you, let us know and we'll get it all worked out and connected to our team.

Calendar Dates for Team CF events**
April 7 - 8k Shamrock Shuffle
June 2 - Barrington 5K
September 7 - CF Cycle for Life (25 or 65miles) $13 registration through Jan 7!!
Sept 27 - 29 - Extreme Hike in the Manistee National Forest in Western Michigan (25 miles in one day)
October 13 - 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon feb 19th registration starts at noon; expected to sell out FAST!
Winter 2013 - CF Climb for Life

** If you're doing any of these events, please consider joining Team CF and you can help us raise money while achieving your own goals!  Check out them Eat. Pray. Dean at the 2012 Chicago Marathon.  Contact us or Liz Thompson to register for these Team CF events:  ethompson@cff.org or 312.236.4491

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