The Cut A Thon

Yesterday was a very full day. Emily, Mike, myself, and John started early in the morning getting everything dropped off for the Cut A Thon. If you are just tuning in a "cut a thon" is an idea Emily's teacher came up with who owns a local salon. We held the box making party outside, while the salon raised funds doing hair inside. We also sold Emily's Smile Boxes t -shirts outside, and greeted all the volunteers that walked up. My cousin made goodies to sell (24 cakes to be exact), and my aunt even came down from Springfield to sell Askinosie Chocolate for our cause (www.askinosie.com). All together we raised $2733 yesterday!! Mr Chaler was Emily's fourth grade teacher from last year, and his wife own the salon. They are the ones that set this entire event up, and even bought us a tent to host the box making party in. Today I have been informed that Mr. Chaler is in the teachers lounge cooking hot dogs for tips for Emily's Smile Boxes. He said he is determined to get her to $5000. What a great guy he is.


Emily and her fourth grade teacher Mr. Chaler (right), and her fifth grade teacher Mr Latwon (left). These men have both been so influential in my childs life. They are such wonderful role models for her.


Reality Steve from the celebrity waiter gala came to help out too. What a great guy to devote his Sunday to Emily's cause. You can see his blog at www.realitysteve.com.


Our good buddy Fleck was there helping out again. She is always on hand for Emily's Smile Boxes. She has been to almost every drop off now, and attended several functions.


My grandmother came in from Missouri, and my aunt Docia drove her over, and they both participated. It was very hot outside which means we are approaching our famous Texas summer! Our crayons were getting a bit melted, but all in all it was a great day! After we finished the fundraiser Emily and I loaded up 100 boxes, and three bags of teddy bears, and headed to Scottish Rite. I have no idea how we fit so many boxes in our car, but it somehow worked. Mr Chaler is taking the other 100+ boxes, and bears to Cook's Children's Hospital today. We are just thrilled so many children will have a smile on their face. Thank you so much to all those that helped support our cause this weekend, it just means the world to us!

Emily unloading the car at Scottish Rite

She filled up the whole security area inside the hospital.


Then it was back home to have some "kid" time. We decided to go to my cousins so Emily could swing, and we could have a nice dinner with the family. Jude was so excited he even dressed up in his swimwear.

While there Jude kept straining forward when I put him in his wheelchair saying"Uhhhhhh". We realized he really does know UP, and is vocalizing it to us. Every time I picked him up when he said "Uhhhh" he would just smile. Our baby is communicating in his own way, and it's awesome!