Life as a Leach

Our family was so honored to represent the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore last night at the lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon!  Along with the mayor of Baltimore and Steve Smith Sr. of the Baltimore Ravens, we lit the monument and officially kicked off the holiday season!  This is a HUGE deal in Baltimore and there were an estimated 20,000 people there last night!  Incredible!! Abby was the "official" lighter with a magic wand that caused the monument to light up.  She loved it and proudly held her wand up high in the air!  Caleb actually got to push one of the buttons with the mayor and Steve Smith Sr. to make it happen, so he was thrilled!   We were interviewed by two Baltimore TV stations!  Here's one: http://www.wbaltv.com/article/crowd-gathers-for-annual-washington-monument-holiday-lighting-event/8457145 I can't find the other one online, but a friend taped it from her TV with her phone and shared it ...

After the Shuffle, a reporter from The Baltimore Sun interviewed us about our experience with the House.  Caleb is featured in the article, and I think his words are wise beyond his years. You can read the whole article here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-red-shoes-walk-20160410-story.html You see, RMH is the one place where everyone does really look at us the same way.  No one judges, no one gawks, no one teases.  We can all just be.   That's the beauty of The Ronald McDonald House.  It's so much more than a place to sleep.  It's a community of people who get you in a way that no one else can.  They love you through the hard times and celebrate the successes. It really is The House That Love Built.

There have been so many blessings that have come out of our journey the last five years.  At the top of the list is most certainly the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore.  The staff has created such a warm community there, and it really is our home away from home.  We love it and shout that from the rooftops! We were so honored that they invited us to their Hamburgala fundraiser.  The kids presented flowers to the chair of the committee, and we all held signs to direct people to dinner.  It was such a fun evening and a great way to raise money for the new house! Abby loved her new dress and enjoyed twirling in it! Caleb got so many compliments on how sharp he looked. Abby decided to practice her princess wave for Disney World while we waited for the shuttle to take us to the Gala at the Four Seasons .  :) Our menu for the night. Everything served included McDonalds ingredients!  (but much fancier!)...

Did you know that today is Governor Hogan's last day of chemo?!  Woo hoo! I have been SO very impressed with Hogan's transparency and willingness to turn his difficult circumstances into a way to raise awareness for cancer.  During each inpatient chemo treatment, Hogan has often been found visiting other cancer patients and sharing their stories. Of course, the Ronald McDonald House was one of the organizations he was able to visit and promote during his cancer battle.  He has supported and loved the families these past few months, so RMH wanted to show Governor Hogan that our family loves and supports him too! So the RMH staff decided to surprise him with a big pep rally---Hogan thought he was just comign to serve dinner!  Instead, 50+ RMH residents, Ravens cheerleaders, the Oriole Bird, and some of us "lifers" greeted him with noise makers, cheers, and smiles. Here's an article about the surprise!  The staff pulled it off and Hogan was totally surpri...

Have you ever tried Jamberry nails?  They are nail wraps that make you look like you got a fancy manicure for a fraction of the cost.  I got into them a few months ago and have enjoyed trying out different styles of Jams.  These are my current Jams: A friend of mine, Chenoa, is hosting a Jamberry fundraiser to benefit The Baltimore RMH. 30% of all proceeds will be donated to RMH in honor of Abby!  In addition, Chenoa has custom designed a beautiful Joy Jam to honor Abby Joy! This Joy jam is $18.75 plus tax, and needs to be ordered by contacting Chenoa on the email address on the picture.  I've already ordered mine! :) All other Jamberries are typically $15 and are also included in the fundraiser.  Visit this website to place your order:   http://chenoaherrick.jamberrynails.net/party/?uid=4fa2ff10-f97b-43f8-b2c5-c70ee0a37514   You can also be part of the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/633581033430807/ Orders can be placed betw...

Last week, I took the kids to the RMH holiday party.  I started to question my sanity as I sat in crazy traffic on 97, but thankfully we made it!  The kids had a great time at the Ronald show.  Caleb even got to be one of the volunteers! They even got to visit with Santa! I am so grateful for the friendships I have made at RMH.  It's so much more than a hotel...it's a family! It was SO good to see several of my friends and catch up on our lives a bit.  Our kids liked playing together too!  :) Thank you Lord for the Ronald McDonald House!!

Caleb, my super hero! This is the front of the card a sweet group of Frederick friends sent to Caleb.  This is a group of men and women in the Sunday School class of our wonderful friends, the Reeds.  This group have prayed our family through the last 4 years and send thoughtful cards for birthdays and get well cards to Abby after surgeries.  They are the SWEETEST PEOPLE!   Recently, they sent Caleb a special card congratulating him on speaking about the Rknald McDonald House in front of a group of 70 high schoolers.  He loved the card!   Me?  I'm thankful for those who recognize the wisdom and compassion of my little guy.  He's pretty much one of a kind!