Kidney Walk

I wanted to let our friends, family, and blog followers know that my family has started up a team for the 2014 Triad Kidney Walk in High Point, North Carolina. We will be walking on Sunday, April 6th to raise funds for the Kidney Foundation. 

Why We Walk

In April 2012, my mother became very sick. She ended up in the hospital for a whole month while the doctors tried to figure out what was going on with her body.  It was finally determined that she had Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a blood disorder that causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels around the body, and leads to a low platelet count. Through a process called plasmapheresis they were able to remove the TTP from her body. One complication that occurred because of the TTP was that her kidneys were damaged and were no longer able to function. 

Since then my mother has been on dialysis, first at a clinic and now at home, to extract the toxins in her body that her kidneys use to remove. She has been doing great and is awaiting a kidney on the donor list. We wanted to take the opportunity to honor my mother and give back to a wonderful organization that helps raise awareness and funds lifesaving programs that educate and support patients, their families, and those at risk.

How you can Help!

Each member of our team is already hard at work fundraising for this great cause. We ask that you consider taking the next step by making a donation or joining our team. Here is a link to our team page. 

We have received so much love and support from friends and family members over the past few years. We appreciate all of the prayers and help that has been offered and are humbled by your service. Thank you for the continued support of our mother and family. We are truly blessed to have some many wonderful people in our lives. Thank you again! 

Christmas

We had a fabulous Christmas and we hope you did too! We spent a fair amount of time on the road shuttling between relatives homes, but it was really nice to spend a lot of time with family who came to NC to visit. 

Christmas Eve:

We started our Christmas eve off by heading to Chapel Hill to spend time with my family. 

Finley was given an early gift from Mimi - a karaoke microphone that could turn your voice into an 'elf'' voice. This quickly won the award for the 'most annoying gift' of Christmas without even opening any other presents! But it was really funny and Finley had a blast with it. 

Uncle Michael tending the bar

On Christmas Eve my Uncle Pete hosted dinner at his restaurant 411 West for 24 people! It is a fun privilege that we can close down a restaurant and take it over for the evening. It made cooking and entertaining so many people a breeze. And the food was amazing. 

It was really nice to get to spend time with all of our family and extended family. 

It took a lot of the normal Christmas duties and pressure of hosting off of my mom. Such a blessing! 

I love getting to spend time with my brother and sister! 

Aunt Maggie (right) came down to NC for the holidays this year! She had never even met Finley before, that is how long it had been since she has been down. So nice to have her in town. Also pictured my Nani's cousin Sally (left). 

A family friend Brad (aka Brad the dad) and his wife also joined us. 

And Finley continued to serenade us all night long. 

Luckily he had some admirers. 

Sisters Selfie. 

I know Michelle hates this picture, but I think it is so cute. 

The whole gang sitting down to dinner! It was delicious and the cakes (ordered from Nantucket Cafe) were divine. After cleaning up it was time to head back to the boro so we could have Christmas morning at our house. 

Christmas Morning: 

We started our morning off by checking out what Santa brought us in our stockings. 

Finley was super excited about all the candy and little Lego sets. 

And here are the 'big' gifts from Santa this year. Basically a little bit of everything. 

One of my friends made this adorable TMNT hat for Finley. He is such a Michelangelo fan! 

And Finley even gave us a few gifts that he made at school! A cute candle holder with snowman made with his finger prints, and an ornament. 

After our family presents Grammie and Abuelo came over to join us for a yummy breakfast. 

Then it was once again time to open gifts! 

David was super excited about the bread maker from Grammie & Abuelo. He has even made two loafs of bread in it already! 

Finley enjoyed playing with a Star Wars/Angry Bird Jenga set and putting together some more Legos! 

Thank you Grammie and Abuelo for all the wonderful gifts! 

Our annual family picture in front of the tree.

Christmas afternoon: 

We made it to Chapel Hill in time for our annual Christmas brunch of breakfast burritos. Easily my favorite meal all year long. After stuffing ourselves silly we opened presents with the Dorrances. 

Donovan wins the award for the most creative wrapping job! 

Finley and Pop Pop playing with new toys. 

Donzer, Uncle Michael and David. 

My Uncle Pete and his wife Dolly. 

Auntie Maggie showing off a robe that made it's way into the crazy gift exchange game. And Finley showing off his new tap shoes from Auntie Michelle! Now the pressure is really on for me to start teaching him a little tap. 

Aunt Chantal and her husband Bruce. 

This is my favorite picture. 

Finley and Michelle sword fighting with Hannah in the middle of it all. 

Finley was in Power Ranger heaven thanks to Mimi and Pop Pop. 

The Christmas day crew! 

We had a lovely low key dinner before heading back out on the road. We really felt so blessed to get to see so many relatives that were in town visiting. Happy Christmas!