Shriners

We have great news!  This morning we got a call from the Shriners Hospital in Utah.  They told us that Mimi has been approved, and they want to see her on April 8th!  We are so excited that we were chosen to go.  Not only is this one of the best hospitals for Cerebral Palsy, but they will evaluate her completely.  Not to mention that they pay for it all!  If you want to read more about where we are going, click on the link http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/Locations/SaltLakeCity.aspx

Mimi playing at P.T.

The first visit on the 8th is just a basic checkup, and meeting to create a plan for testing and evaluations.  We will go back in a few weeks for a more lengthy stay, in which most of her testing and evaluations will be conducted.

We continue to be humbled by our daily surprises.  Money continues to come in, medically things are going just right and Mimi's attitude is great.  On a side note, Mimi has declared that she is a "Princess Girl!"  I am so excited I can barely stand myself!  Her 7th birthday is coming up in May and she actually wants a Princess Party!

While she has the Princess attitude, we hope and pray that all of this attention will not go to her head, but help her become a girl of grace, compassion, and hope.  We strive to remind her daily that her beauty comes from the inside, not just the outside.

On a final note, please remember to keep Miles in your thoughts and prayers.  It is hard to be the big brother sometimes.  He still sleeps on her floor most nights, and worries about her all the time.  He also struggles with feeling left out, so we are trying to remedy that with extra Miles time.  On Sunday we decided that a family day was in order, and it was great.  I was invited to attend the wedding of Arial and Prince Eric (Barbies of course), who were well protected during the marriage ceremony by Halo soldiers (action figures).

Thanks again for your continued support and love.  We should get our Shriners Packet in the mail in the next few days with information that I will post.

Success!

There is so much to say here, we don't know where to start....

Last night's Music For Mimi, was probably one of the most inspiring moments of our lives.  The turn out was unbelievable, the volunteers were amazing, the musicians were fantastic, and family and friends in abundance.

At last count we were at approximately $6,000.00.  We am so overwhelmed by this I have cried pretty much all day.  We can't express the gratitude we feel.  Tomorrow, we can pay for Mimi's braces, her last 3 months of therapy, and maybe have enough left cover to pay for three more months of PT.  

However, we don't want to forget all of those who's hard work made Music For Mimi even possible:

Steve Wamberg- who  met with me the morning after my vision for Music For Mimi, and helped us get the ball rolling.  Also, for helping with the sound, coordinating the event, and working with the musicians.

Ben Wamberg- for getting the word out, passing along information between bands and us, his beautiful flyer, and for his amazing work last night!

Steven Goodrich- for helping with the sound, and coming after a long day of work to set up, and take down.

Kristi Leonard- who was there for me, organizing food for the event, and meeting with corporate sponsors- even when she had a lot to deal with.

Kari Bannister- for working in the kitchen and helping with the auction.  We owe you!

Fairy!

Christy Anderson- for working in the kitchen and making great cookies ( and gluten free)!

Robin Todd- for watching the cash, baby!

Kelsie Border- for being the best fairy ever!

Jordan Lane- for rocking the Rapunzel!

Annie Wamberg- for making dreams come true!

Ryan Walls- for being the COW!

Carol Wolfe and Pam Mollencamp- for being so supportive, before, during and after with your prayers and hard work.

The Lundquist Girls- you were so helpful!  And you made Mimi feel so special.

Brandon Sullivan- for being the best brother ever, and for helping me set up all day, and build a stage! I am your slave.

Tyler Bell- for your calm advice, getting musicians together, and keeping me sane.  

Tim Bannister- for helping set-up and take down, and being Nelson's baby sitter!  Thank you!

Ben Lew- for the amazing logo!  It looks great.

Rapunzel

Cindy Leupp (and Dave too)-for the many supportive telephone chats, cookies, and hostessing.  Thank you for being there for us.

Wilma David- for her constant prayers, her cinnamon rolls, and love.

Monica and Sophie- for being great face-painters!

Richard Blanchette, and Kevin Hodges for doing the odd jobs in set up and take down.

Carol Sullivan- for EVERYTHING.  There isn't anything that I can't thank you for.........

Thanks to all of the great and beautiful people who donated items to be auctioned-we made so much off of your items, those who made delicious cookies, and those who quietly put money in the jar.  We can't thank you enough.  

And finally, 

Mimi with Ascend the Hill band members!

Miles Singing

Thank you Miles Leupp (for being wonderful on stage and off), Brown Eyed Girls, Rohman Holiday, Kellie Prophet (I need a copy of that song!), A New Downfall, Warrington Station, Avila (I loved the "Mimi" written on the speakers!), Replacing Judas, The Ember Days, and Ascend the Hill ( E.D. and A.H., thank you for your prayers, and love-it was an honor to meet you and have you there). 

Mimi with A New Downfall

I know that as soon as I post this, I will remember those we have forgotten to mention.  But we are no less grateful!  I am sure we will have to put add-ons!  Again, thank you all.  You have literally changed how our little girl will walk into her future.  We adore you all.

Mim with Avila

The Big Day!

It is finally here!  Music for Mimi is going to be a huge success!  So many people have volunteered to help us, make cookies, serve in the kitchen, do face painting, dress up- it blows my mind.

Miles and Mimi could not sleep last night, they were so excited.  Miles has been practicing his music so that he can "open the show," with some Johnny Cash and Charley Pride.

I can't wait to see you all there, and thank you for your support.  I know that tonight is going to be amazing and we are all going to see some spectacular things.

Just in case, here is the info one more time:
2315 N. Circle Drive
5:00 pm
Music Starting At 5:30.

Fun, food and fantastic Music!

The Countdown Has Begun!

Music For Mimi is just around the corner!
Here are the details one more time, just in case!
March 5th, at 5:00 pm
Music starts at 5:30
Highland Park Baptist Church 2315 N. Circle Drive

Mimi is so excited!
We are still in search of some characters (or costumes) for meet and greets.  If you have any ideas, or are willing to be someone else for the evening-let me know!

We are making the emotional and physical adjustments to the news of Cerebral Palsy.  We are chatting with her school, and Physical Therapists for the best routes and treatments to correct her spine, legs and arms (or at least keep the bones from hardening in these odd angles).  We are so moved my the support and love we have seen through this time.  Music For Mimi is going to be a great success, in large part, to all of you.  Thanks again, we love you!