September 18, 2010

Our First Fundraiser.....a SUCCESS!

Dear Carter,

You changed the world again! There are going to be THREE kids wearing new smiles, and it's all because of you! The auction went beautifully, and we couldn't be prouder. April managed to raise $565 which coupled with the donations made to your One Smile page makes $745! Wow!

First of all, I need to thank April for doing all of this. She put together the whole thing, and it was a LOT of work. Not only did she donate items, but she donated all of the time and energy to spearhead this project. Thank you to all of the people who donated items....obviously without you this never would have worked. The items were all so perfect! Finally, thank you to everyone who contributed....either by spreading the word, or by contributing to Carter's fund. With your help, we were able to call this fundraiser a success. This family is so, so thankful to all of you!

Now, I'm starting on the next project. We will be doing a Christmas tree for Carter. This tree is going to be donated to the Festival of Trees, where hopefully it will be auctioned off. That money will be donated to Primary Children's Hospital where Carter spent much of his life. It feels good to do something for him during this holiday season, and I hope that we can make a tradition out of it.

Thank you again for all of your support.

September 15, 2010

Wow & A Carter Video Share

Dear Carter,

Wow! I can't believe your auction is up to over $400! We are so, SO close to getting enough for two surgeries. That's two lives changed forever all because of you! Go baby Go!! There is an absolutely ADORABLE bear hat that is under $10 (hint to anyone in the market for one lol), and every time I see it I think that I would have loved to have you wear that. I try to just picture it in my mind because that's all I can do. The auction ends TOMORROW, so I'm hoping your friends will take a moment to sneak a peek here: Carter's Auction

I've had a really hard week. I'm not sure what has triggered it, but it's been hard to sleep at night, and hard to get out of bed in the morning. Mostly I've just been remembering how you smell. This week that is the thing that I miss most....it seems to be something new every week. Our family has been what has been keeping me going.....and of course my faith that I will in fact hold you again. It's hard to imagine how people can deal with something like this if they have no faith. That is probably the one single thing that comforts me the most.

I found this video the other day, and it's my new favorite thing to watch. It actually brings a smile to my face because I love it so much! You certainly loved to play with your daddy. He could make you giggle all the time!

September 12, 2010

Lots Of Firsts!

Dear Carter,
Well, I made it through Jovie's first day of school. It was certainly hard to have that alone feeling, but it was made a lot better and easier by being with some of my favorite friends. Didn't she look so cute? I was actually doing fine with everything, until she came out of her room with this outfit on and told me that she wanted to wear it so that you could go to school with her. Of course the tears started to flow freely. I had always told her that you would probably go to her school with her, but in a different classroom. Since I know that you are always with us, it's nice to know that you really were there with her. We had another first in our house last weekend. Mikey finally learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. Yay Mikey! You would have been so proud of him baby boy!
We're gearing up for another week of going through the motions of life. The routine is helpful in easing the way that I miss you, but sometimes it's just not enough. Guess what little guy! I was so SO happy to see that so far your auction is up to over $400!! We've already passed our original goal of $240, and are looking to double it!!
If you would like to check it out, please take a look here: Carter's Auction . If you are new to Hyena Cart, it is very similar to Ebay. You just need to register (it takes two seconds and the link is on the bidding page). The auctions end on Thursday, so lets see just how many surgeries we can fund in Carter's name! As always thank you for your support.

September 9, 2010

Today!

Dear Carter,

I'm starting on a new adventure today. Jovie is starting preschool, so for the first time since you were in my tummy...I'll be all alone while the kids are at school. I'm really nervous for this, but excited for Jovie at the same time. It's the alone times that are the hardest for me. These are the times that my mind races and I remember everything about that final day with you. I try so hard to focus on your life and the good times, but that final day always pushes it's way into my memories.

I found some videos of you the other day, that I had completely forgotten about. That was a very nice surprise. I put them on my new computer, so I can see you with a click of the mouse at any time.

Our dear friend, April *pinkebody* is starting your auction today. It begins in a few hours. We are trying to raise enough money for at least one surgery that will be done in your name. See baby boy, you did change the world in so, SO many ways.

I love you, miss you, wish to kiss you.

Here is the link to the auction if anyone is interested: Carter's Auction . If you don't see anything that catches your interest, you can make a direct donation using the link in our sidebar. Remember, only $240 can change one child's life FOREVER, so every single penny counts.

September 7, 2010

PLEASE HELP

The fundraiser for Carter's One Smile page is set to begin this Thursday, September 9th. You can preview some of the items here:

Pinkebody's Store

I am so SO thankful to April, and all of the very talented ladies who donated items for this fundraiser. I appreciate each and every one of you for your generosity. Thank You!

The proceeds go to Operation Smile which is an organization that funds surgeries to repair cleft lips and palates. All donations are made in Carter's name. Our goal with this fundraiser is to raise enough for AT LEAST one surgery. Can you believe that one surgery only costs $240, and it changes a child life FOREVER?!?! Think about this....so far.....because of Carter.....at least 7-8 children will have this life-changing surgery, and we can help even more!

I would greatly appreciate it if you could at least just click on the link above to see if there is something that you like....there is more to be listed so be sure to check back on Thursday morning. If you don't spot something, then please consider a donation in Carter's name using the banner on the left of our blog. Every single penny counts!

PLEASE feel free to spread the word about this fundraiser on blogs, message boards, and Facebook. The more people we can make aware of this charity, the better! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Long Time

Dear Carter,

It's been a long time since I've written a letter to you. I honestly just haven't really been in the mood to. Of course you know that I talk to you every single day, so I know that you're not feeling ignored. A lot of things have happened since my last update.

First, Mikey started school. He's officially a first grader now. Wow, how time flies! I had a hard time with him being gone for the first week, but it's starting to feel a little more normal now. He's doing a great job in his class, and seems to be enjoying this new "school life". Yesterday, he finally learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. As you know, he's just never really wanted to try, but yesterday he got the nerve and he's doing great!

With Mikey being in school, I've been spending a lot of one on one time with Jovie. She still likes to talk about you every day, and of course I encourage it. Your big sister misses you like crazy, but she is so happy that you send her little signals throughout the day. We saw the most gorgeous butterfly at the park the other day, and Jovie just kept yelling "Hi Carter...I love you!".

Mikey and Jovie both started Soccer. Mikey's playing on the big field now, and Jovie's starting out on the little field. Sometimes being at that park is a little difficult because I remember the few times that we were able to take you to the games. I'm so glad that you at least got that opportunity.

Well, I'm about to start a new phase of my life that I wasn't expecting for quite awhile. Jovie will be starting Preschool on Thursday, and I'll be all alone. It's only for a few hours, but I have a feeling those few hours are going to seem like eternity. I was supposed to spend that alone time WITH you....not missing you. I'm going to just have to talk to you a lot that day, I guess.

As always, we still miss you, we love you, and we will never stop. We're still keepin' on!