Check it out

Maybe you would like to be watching a movie right now?  Well, I don't have a great movie for you but I strongly encourage you to take 10 minutes to watch this video about the NFED and its mission.  This organization is truly dedicated to the individuals that are affected by Ectodermal Dysplasia and has blessed us many times over.

Tyler with his EEC buddies who he met through the NFED

This is Ectodermal Dysplasia Awareness month and we have been collecting "change" for the NFED.  If you feel led to help this organization, we would greatly appreciate it.  Go to www.nfed.org to donate online or send checks made out to NFED to our address.  Thank you so much!  We really appreciate it and so does our NFED family!!!

 Grant's getting in with the boys too:)

 The goodbye hug with our fabulous friends because of the NFED:)

The goodbyes don't consist of smiles the whole time:(

Andrew and Ally are so sweet to each other

 Andrew being a proper gentleman:)  Awwww.

"30 Days of Change"

Each year the NFED (Natioanl Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias) designates February as Ectodermal Dysplasias Awareness month.  The last couple years we've participated in the organizations annual raffle and sold tickets.  This year, the annual event is different.

Ever wondered what to do with your change at the end of each day? Here's a challenge for you. "30 Days of Change" - for the next 30 days collect all of your change at the end of each day, and at the end of the month donate it to the NFED in celebration of their 30th Anniversary.  We are associated with the NFED because Tyler (9 yrs. old) and Grant (2 yrs. old) are both affected by EEC Syndrome, one of over 150 different Ectodermal Dysplasia syndromes.  The NFED supports those affected by Ectodermal Dysplasias through education, support, and research.  We could talk all day about why the NFED has made such an impact in our lives and the lives of our children, but if you watch the video below, you will "feel" what we feel every time we attend an NFED event.  It is a group that truly feels like family.  You'll also see Tyler and other members of our family in the video.   Welcome to the NFED video

Please consider contributing your change to an organization that has "changed" our lives with their amazing support and encouragement.  After you've collected your change, or donation, please send the check made out to the NFED to us and we will send it on to the NFED.  This challenge is from January 31 - March 1.  All donations are due at the NFED office by March 8, so we will plan to mail the donations by March 5. 

The family raising the most funds will be awarded a $300 voucher to be used for registration fees for the 2011 NFED Family Conference.  In addition, any family participating in the "30 Days of Challenge" will be entered into a drawing for a $200 voucher.  We attend this conference each summer as our family vacation and have found it to be an event our whole family looks forward too . . . especially the older boys as they get to meet up with some amazing friends that they see only 3 days out of every year.  The bonds we've made with other families have developed into friendships that will last a lifetime.

Another idea to help contribute to the "30 Days of Change" could be to get your colleagues at work involved.  Set a container out for change and come up with a "specific" reason for people to contribute their change.

Please feel free to give us a call or email us if you have any other questions.

Thank you very much for your support of this cause.

Go to the following link to read the complete flyer on the "30 Days of Change"
"30 Days of Change" Flyer

Snow Days

Well, this is the last free night!  We've just had two snow days and they have been WONDERFUL days together.  Yesterday, I didn't leave the house all day!  We got up, made donuts out of Grands biscuits, drank hot chocolate and had a lazy morning.  There was even time for a relaxing run on the treadmill.  For lunch we made Western burgers (with actual Onion Strings from a Pioneer Woman recipe).  The onion strings were good, but the house looked like a fog of smoke from deep fat frying the onions - wow - it smelled too.  When the temperature is 5 degrees with blowing wind, not a great time to be opening windows to air out the house:)  Grandpa and Grandma came for lunch and then a game of Apples to Apples together.  After making No BAke cookies, we ended the day enjoying the KU game by the fire - which is when we got the call for no school again today.  YEAH!!!!!

Unfortunately, Chris had to work, so it was just the boys and I today.  I started off the day "spoiling them" by making biscuits for Ryan (so he could use the gravy from the refrigerator for biscuits and gravy), and making French Toast for Tyler.  We enjoyed lunch with Shaun and Kaitlen at Lincoln Perk in Hesston --- I was pleased to have a wonderful fancy coffee.  After coming home, I helped bundle the older 3 kids up to go out and ride the 4-wheeler in the snow a little. 

I tried to take pictures of the beautiful drift in our front yard, but the pictures didn't do it justice. 

I baked oatmeal bread this afternoon and Chris helped make White Chili for supper.  It's amazing how much cooking and baking can take place when you are actually home.  Now, time to finish the snow days off sitting back in the recliner.  Thank you for a couple free days to enjoy with the family!