Ronald McDonald House and Sammy

Normally when you see the big red haired guy, you think mmm....I'm definitely value sizing my fries and I wonder if their shake machine is working today (probably not), but Ronald will always be much more than that for me after last night.

Myself along with a few friends prepared a dinner for the families staying at the local Ronald McDonald House. The building itself was absolutely amazing. I felt right at home with the earth tones and pictures of words of encouragement such as: Faith, family, love and friends have built this home. The entire night held that theme.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to cook. So, that was not even a chore and then getting to really bond with some of my co-workers was a plus. After the dinner bell rang and all the guests were sitting and enjoying their meal, we then were to take a plate and have seat with the guests.

I met some truly inspiring parents and some tough kids. I never knew about meningitis. I learned last night from Sammy. He is two and half and charming. He battled meningitis at a young young age of 8 months. He has survived and is glowing!! His parents were informed yesterday that he may have to have one of his legs amputated due to the damage the illness had on his body. They went out immediately and bought Sammy a pair of sweet Air Jordan's.

His Dad and Mom were hopeful. As we watched him run around the dining room (from Lisa Cotter), I listened to two amazing parents tell their story. They would not give in so easily. They would search the ends of the earth to ensure every stone was unturned before taking this drastic measure. His father asked me, "How do I explain to a two year old that we have to cut your leg off?" Speechless.

Each family had their own story and each was very unique.

I have always had so many selfish reasons for not having children sooner...well what about vacations and what if I want a night off or what about the financial aspect...all bullshit if you will. I saw people giving their lives over to save their children and happy to do so...I said and happy to do so. Selflessness is beautiful to me.

If you don't know about The Ronald McDonald House look here http://rmhc.org/.

The next time I hear someone take smack about how bad all McDonald's food is I will let them know about the unbelievable good that Ronald does and then I'll go buy a happy meal.

Thank you McDonald's for all you do. Your staff at the house is amazing. Thank you to everyone last night for chipping in and making this happen. and Thank you to Sammy and your amazing family for truly inspiring Tim and I.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Welcome to Denver Will Boy

This weekend I went to a very special party. Well, to begin there were two guests of honor...myself (birthday girl) and Will (new Denver boy). Now I love a party just like the next person, but this...this was a very special night. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think it was the group of folks I took company with.

I realized on this night how very blessed I am to be surrounded by such wonderful people...such wonderful people that are new in my life and ones that have been around for awhile.

Yes...I loved the wine, and the Chicken Bryan smothered in goat cheese and sun dried toma-yum and I loved the fact that Sarah was making Chocolate Molten Cake and didn't even know it was my favorite dessert to ever hit a kitchen and the gifts were very special to me as well, but I have to say the best part was the laughter.

And not just my own. My husband's rolling around on the over sized chair giggling like a school boy was beautiful. Anthony falling out of his chair with legs in the air laughing loud and hard was a sight. If you don't laugh like that often, well, your life is not full. I know they say that laughing adds years to your life, well honey after Saturday, I'll be around to see 111 years (tim notice the reference to bilbo's birthday here, that was just for you).

I can't really recall any jokes in particular. I remember some reminiscing, which is always good for a laugh at my expense, a few jokes were thrown around about Nebraska (Go Corn Huskers), perhaps some inappropriate jokes about Hispanics, felons and P90X, but I guess you just had to be there. And as always Katie dropped it like it was hot.

In summing up the night, full of laughter, good conversation and great friends, I would like to thank Anthony, Katie, Will, Sarah and Mark and yes you too Tim for a really wonderful Belated Birthday Party! I am truly blessed to have you all to share life with!

p.s. Will I love my Farm shirt and you think you sho slick putting one in that PS3 for T-Bone. Welcome to Denver!