Monday, January 20, 2014

Family Pictures 2013

An amazing photographer, an adorable little family and a good blowout all make for a successful photo shoot!


Snow Days+Cousins+Sledding =

A day of feeling completely blessed
And maybe a little bit cold :-)

And these guys make my day EVERYDAY

Well, when they are not fighting or whining… or hitting or biting or….

And even then, I'm crazy about these two!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Ok so this note made my day...

Hi Mrs. Harvie,
 
It's me M. again from third grade!
Well, even I can't believe it, but I am an eight grader!
 
I guess that means that Roderick is 4 and Mckenna is 2! It'll be so cute when they enter elementary school, too. I hope they get a teahcer as good as you! Be sure to tell me how they are growing up...I've only seen Roderick that one time you brought to the play ground 
 
Anyway, my eight grade is going well and it's a lot of work, but a lot of fun! I signed up for a philosophy class - apparently it's the only eightgrade philosophy course in the world - and it's really awesome! But whenever my classmates ask me how I am doing so well in such a hard class, my parents and I always think of you, because third grade was the first year I got interested in reading and writing (all credits go to you).
 
I'd love to know what the little ones are up to or when you'll be coming back to school, because there is a lot of us at Odle, who'd love to meet you again, so reply soon!
 
Out of the people who I really have to thank today, you are pretty high up on the list,

-M.

Team Amelie Update


Update on Amelie:  

Amelie had an MRI last month and results do show a 65% reduction rate in tumor size! This is great news!!! Although the tumors will never go away, she is doing her best to push through the rough times and try to live a "normal" 3rd grade life.  She does attend school on most days and is loving her teacher and classmates.  Nipuna says that usually by noon, Amelie leaves school due to a headache, nausea and being exhausted.  She continues to undergo chemo every other Monday and will do so for the next 8 months at least.  She is actually at Children's right now getting her treatment.  She usually does not feel well for the days following chemo so I am praying that she feels ok on Christmas, one of the best days of the year.

Over the last few months, Amelie has been in a few plays.  One of which I, along with teachers and the Principal at Stevenson, were able to see.  Amelie did an OUTSTANDING job as an evil crow.  Her love for the Arts keeps her going and I pray she is able to continue doing what she loves while she has the energy. 

I spoke with Nipuna this morning and she told me she can't believe the amount of love and support she has received over the holidays.  She mentioned that Peyton's Ranch and Comfort Critters came and decorated their house for the holidays.  http://www.peytonsranch.org They brought lights for the outside, a tree, a wreath and even took the kids shopping for their mom.  Peyton passed away at age 7 from a brain tumor a few years ago.  Her parents, who I went to college with, have dedicated their life to making children who are sick, feel the love and comfort they deserve.  They are an amazing group of people doing wonderful things for children all over.  Nipuna also said there are presents under the tree for the family and the kids are so excited for Christmas.  However, this time of year is especially difficult, as Amelie, Skanda and Nadia have to celebrate their first holiday season without their dad.  Amelie has been struggling with this the last few days and so I ask you keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Richard Sherman from the Seahawks came to visit Amelie and her family ON Christmas morning and even brought them gifts! What a guy!!! 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcoCQZ_ct9s&feature=share 

-Video of Sherman at Amelie's house (never mind he called her Amelia) Still a HUGE fan!

I know the holidays can be very busy for everyone.  I also know that you have all put in a ton of effort to help Amelie and her family over the last several months.  The year is coming to an end and I know the Rue family still needs some help.  Please let me know if you are interested in helping in any of the areas below:

Meals: We have been providing the family with TWO MEALS EVERY WEEK since August.  The support has been AMAZING!!! We are hoping to have people sign up ONLY ON CHEMO DAYS, as Nipuna and Amelie are at Children's all day every other Monday.  Don't worry, the family DOES have a meal coming tonight!!!

Below is the link to sign up IF time allows you:

Cleaning: TEAM AMELIE paid for Nipuna's house to be cleaned by Maid Pro for 6 weeks.  It costs $63.00 a week in which someone comes and cleans for two hours every Monday.  Nipuna could not afford to keep Maid Pro after we stopped the service so at the moment, they don't have anyone cleaning.  Amelie recently had a cold and with her compromised immune system, I would LOVE to get someone in there ON CHEMO DAYS if that is all possible.  Again, chemo days are EVERY OTHER MONDAY, starting with today.

Laundry: Thank you to Jacqueline and team for doing laundry EVERY week since August!!! Nipuna said she never knew how helpful it would be to have someone doing laundry.  I think we need to give the current laundry team a break so if anyone else would like to jump in and do laundry ON CHEMO DAYS, let me know.  If not, thats ok too.  I think laundry is last on the priority list.  

Again, I KNOW you are all very busy this time of year and that you have all done SOOO much already.  I also know that this is the time of year that people feel most inclined to help those who need it most.  I do NOT want to ask too much of any of you and I do not want you to feel as though you "have to" help.  But ANYTHING you can do in the coming year to get the Rue family through this hard time would be much appreciated.

Thank you all again for everything!!! TEAM AMELIE is not possible without each and every one of you.