Looking ahead

2012- we are ready to Make a Difference!! 
 Every day of every month we are always thinking of ways to make a  difference.  Here are some events in 2012 we'd love to share with you.  It's easy to remember as the months spell M, A, S, O, N.
M- March (the end of March we'll plant a tree in memory of Mason-maybe 9?)
A- April (garage sale fundraiser TBA)  August  (August 26 Head for Cure 5K at Corporate Woods)  We would love to have you join the 2012 Make a Difference for Mason team; as a volunteer or participant.   We will let you know when registration is available.
S- September is Childhood Cancer Awareness-We are planning! ( Sept 15 Zoo Run-Fingers crossed its for the Tiger!!
O-  October 13- Jared Coones Memorial Pumpkin Run  http://www.pumpkinrunwalk.org/
N- November thru December Seasons of Wishes for Make-a-Wish®

These are just a few events we are looking forward to in 2012.  We will keep you updated at Make a Difference for Mason Facebook page.    We'd love to have you join us at any of these events.  We also hope to have T-shirts available again.  Thanks so much for your support.  
Nothing brings a bigger smile then green balloons in the above picture; or to hear friends  start their own fundraisers in memory of Mason.  One for St. Jude and another for the Tiger.
It means so much to see how Mason continues to impact other lives.  

Maverick is also excited about the new year, he is even thinking of new Wiscurzoos designs.  He is also looking forward to shoveling driveways, mowing lawns, etc.  And when spring arrives its  fishing, and playing baseball; who knows with his energy what he will think of next.   I am so very proud of him.  

Allyson is already talking about kindergarten next year and splashing at the pool this summer.  And she already thinks 15 is o.k to marry.  This does not scare me too much, she thinks I am 15.   

Today we are going to the Zoo; the first animal to visit starts with a T. 

To be honest, I have mixed emotions about New Year's Eve.  First of all Eddie and I never have gone out on New Year's.  We have always stayed at home and played board games, watched home videos and reminisced with the kids.  This year we will be home but it won't be the same. There is a sinking in our hearts that time will never heal. But we move ahead always remembering and sharing.
After typing the above list, my heart smiles knowing 2012 we continue to make a difference.  Our lives forever changed.    Live, Laugh, Love for Mason.  

THANK YOU

Thank you!!!  Our hearts are filled with thanks.  As 2012 approaches we want to send YOU a Special thanks!! We are beyond AMAZED at the support for the  Make-a-Wish ® fundraiser in memory of Mason.    It's hard to believe how far we've come since the start in August.  From Wiscurzoos, Christmas lights, Wishing well visits, and eating at Red Robin.    Thank you for brightening our holidays.    We move forward carrying HOPE and LOVE in 2012.   With only 3 more days to view the lights, our hearts are smiling as we approach our GOAL!   May the force be with you.  January 6;  we announce the total!   Thank  YOU!!!  Thank you for ALL the support in 2011 as we reflect, my heart is overwhelmed with emotions and thanks.  We have everlasting memories because of you.

Wiscurzoo

I know what Maverick will be doing today!!  Thank you so much for the orders.  He has two tubs of Wiscurzoos ready for new homes.  Please email makx2@everestkc.net  if you are interested in purchasing a Wiscurzoo.  Donations for Make-a-Wish® foundation are due by January 6.  Maverick will be continuing making Wiscurzoos through 2012!  Maverick also accepts donations of material, or Poly-Fil stuffing which keeps Wiscurzoo costs low. 
Thank you.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  We miss you Mason, we missed the extra laughter and your smiles today. Ally was surprised there was no snow today, you have melted our hearts forever.  We released a green balloon from the fire department today, I had a dream it flew straight to you.

Sew in love with Wiscurzoos

Unbelievable!!   Those Wiscurzoos sure bring magic to our household.  Maverick had the sewing machine working double time yesterday.  He wanted so badly to break $2000; with only 9 more Wiscurzoos! He sold 11!!!  So proud of him, he is thinking of all sorts of ways to keep the spirit going.  Thank you everyone that has supported  our family this season.  From donated material and stuffing, to tiger stamps on Christmas cards from the wishing well to wiscurzoos; we love you!! Thanks to all of you and may all those Wiscurzoos spread love and happiness.

Reasons to Smile

Good Morning.  It's hard to sleep, there is unexplainable joy inside my heart.  It's been there awhile, as we concentrate on the good.  Yesterday, the Chiefs played an incredible game, however it could not compare to the game in our own neighborhood.   Eddie and the neighborhood kids played their own football game, even Ally chased the ball.   I raked a few leaves feeling so thankful for the laughter and cheers.  It was a beautiful weekend; we even went on a bike ride. Maverick still beams with the pride from Wiscurzoos, and he has no plans to stop.  Mimi and Papa arrived home from their 10 day vacation. We were so very happy to see them.  With a great big smile Ally said, "Papa you are so much fun." And at night it is so much fun to see all the visitors at the Wishing well and cars stopped enjoying the lights.  Eddie is working hard to add Away in the Manger, which Ally can sing so beautifully. There are so many reasons we are thankful. These are the reasons to smile as we spend time with family and friends.  We miss Mason, but he is right here with us.   As Maverick tries to beat his video game scores.  We smile and reminisce.  We carry on not in sadness this Christmas, but with love, and laughter just as he would have wanted.  The flashbacks and reminders are sometimes painful, but they keep his memory alive. I believe in Joy at Christmas and all year.  I believe, Mason is the reason there is extra joy in our hearts.  Our hearts have grown in each other and all those that surround, thanks again.  Merry Christmas to you, our family.

It's Friday!!

Happy Friday everyone.  Eddie added a new song to the Christmas lights for tonight.  Celine Dion's The Magic of Christmas will play every hour.  Maverick is still excited to be sewing Wiscurzoos.  He has collected $1898.00 for Make-a-Wish just in Wiscurzoo sales.  I'd say there is definitely some Christmas  magic in Wiscurzoos.  He plans to keep making them, who knows where they will travel next.
There are so many times our hearts stop and weep, but God has continued to lift us up this Christmas with the love of family and friends.  Thank you.  I also had to share this beautiful photo my cousin posted on Facebook this morning.  It made me smile.

 With only 9 more days til Christmas, Mason stays close by my side, first I found something new that is sure to add extra laughter to the rest of our season. Mason, I can hear you chuckle now.
Second I finally found the book I was looking for Mimi(shh, she doesn't read the blog)

The book Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman. It a daily devotional book. I could not believe the very first page I turned to was June 21.

Wiscurzoo Sunday

Thank you for purchasing a Wiscurzoo.  For those that are interested you can send an email to makx2@everestkc.net for more information.  We are currently SOLD out!!!  Thank you Heartland for your generosity and support.   Have a WISCURZOO Day!!
WIS-Stands for Make a Wish
CUR- Cure for Cancer
ZOO- an important part of our journey we spent visiting the Zoo/ Mason's favorite animal was the Tiger.

We have reached a  milestone raising $1232 at Red Robin and $1132 with today's Wiscurzoos.  With wishing well, previous sales and on-line donations we are at  $3,279.00  We are beyond amazed. 
With an average WISH costing between $3000 to $5000, it just proves how together we can make a difference.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts as we continue fundraising for Make a Wish in memory of Mason. 

Thank you

Thank you everyone for dining at Red Robin and supporting Make-a-Wish in memory of Mason.  It was truly an inspiring evening.  Thank you for keeping Mason's memory and spirit alive in your heart.  We never forget.  We hope to continue to make a difference.  Words can not express our gratitude; your presence last night was a giant hug.  It was just what we needed this Christmas Season.  Thank you.  We will keep you updated as the fundraising efforts continue.  A big thanks to the Red Robin staff and stores for such a successful fun evening!  And thanks for stopping by and checking out the lights;  wishing well donations are collected nightly.

Snow

First snowfall...excitement and sadness.   As I wrote Mason and heart, I licked the snow off my fingers.  Then I laughed, Mason always ate Snow and I would shake my head and say, gross.  But he still would eat snow by the mouth full.  Here's to the first snow and the first "taste" of winter.

2007-Eating SNOW!

The snow sure made Maverick happy this morning.  As Maverick has a music recorder concert this evening, I'd say someone up above will be proudly watching. 

This week...

What an exciting week ahead.  Just 2 more days until the Make-a-Wish  Red Robin night, Wednesday, December 7 from 5-8 p.m. at 5 KC locations (see previous post for all the details)
If you haven't stopped by the house this year, the lights are different this year.
There are 4 tigers in the display that Eddie crafted himself.

  

Thanks to a surprise gift, Eddie was able to set the lights to music this year.  The light show runs 20 minutes, with a 5 minute break after the show.  Maverick selected the song, Good Life and my favorite is Fly to Your Heart. We are hoping to have an added Star Wars theme soon.  And there are Christmas songs as well.  Be sure to stop by the wishing well, kids can drop a coin and wish upon a star.  All donations collected will be donated to Make-a-Wish in memory of Mason.For more information visit Lights, Stripes and Snow on Facebook.

Another exciting event is this Sunday, December 11, Heartland Church will be helping stuff 200 Wiscurzoos. Yes, 200; Maverick, dad, mom and Mimi helped prepare for this event.  Kids will have the opportunity to purchase after the stuffing event. We will keep you posted.

Last night, teary-eyed, I could barely read the last chapter of Milo Sticky notes and Brain Freeze.   I still can't believe out of all the books at Half Price Books;  it was such a random selection. It was the first and only book Maverick selected.  I swear it was if the book jumped in his hands.  Who would have known it would have been so therapeutic for the both of us; as I usually don't read out loud with him.   The pictures and flashbacks were all so real.  It was definitely a  Mason hug.  He is everywhere; guiding us along the way.
Thank you everyone for your unconditional love and support. Your support means so much.

SIX more days

You can make your tummy happy on December 7 from 5-8 p.m. Red Robin is having a Make-a-Wish night in memory of Mason.  5 KC locations are participating!! Santa will make a surprise visit at the 95th and Metcalf location!  We are looking forward to a fun evening with friends and family!  I got my eyes set on the crispy chicken salad.  Hope to see you soon!  The best part, you don't need a flyer, so spread the word.  Thanks for your support!    The picture below is from Mason's wish trip; the smile and joy, the memories. Pictures Mason wanted on his computer screen saver.
Here are the Red Robin addresses:

7111 W 95th St Overland Park, KS (95th and Metcalf)

8657 W 135th St Overland Park, KS

20155 West 153rd Street Olathe, KS

1919 Star Dr. Liberty, MO

18810 East US Highway 40 Independence, MO