For Colin

As many of you know, I competed in the Mrs. Idaho International pageant this last month. It was a good experience for me where I met many good women that stood for remarkable causes. It hadn't occurred to me to compete again until a friend offered me an award (she was moving and couldn't use it) that covered the cost of the next competition. So, I have decided to compete one more time but I want to dedicate my time and energy to The March of Dimes in memory of our little son Colin. As most of you know, due to complications Colin was born 14 weeks early and only lived for four hours. He is still very much a part of our family and we miss him terribly. I am happy to be able to represent a program dedicated to helping babies like our Colin and families that have the emotional and financial cost of having (and losing) premature babies.

On April 25th our little family will participate in the Boise, March for Babies. It is a 6.1 mile course and ALL FIVE of us will complete it for a total of 30.5 miles (yes, even little Avery). In an effort to raise money in Colin's name, I was hoping that some of our friends and family could consider donating one dollar for each of the children you have been blessed with. I know that finances are tough at the moment and many of you contribute to many other good causes so this is totally voluntary. Even if you just check my blog and have never met me or my family we would still welcome a small contribution. If any of our family is close and would like to join our walk we would love some company and strollers are welcome! There will be food and entertainment afterward.

The most important lesson I have learned through all of this is that it is easy to ask for a miracle when things go wrong, but it is harder to be grateful for the miracles of so many things going right. Thank you all so much for your love and support over the last two years. Your prayers and thoughts have helped us survive and we will forever be grateful to you all.