gratitude

Since November was the month for "thankfulness," what a better time than to write this post.  I know, I know, I am a little late but it's been a little crazy at the Smith residence lately!  Also, this post has been one that I have been trying to figure out just how to write it so that our gratitude shows through my words.  People have been SO GOOD to us, it is hard to comprehend just how good, as I swallow this lump in my throat and fight back tears...we have certainly felt the love and prayers...we are truely blessed to have this awesome support system in our family, friends and even strangers!!

Shortly after we found out that our baby would have to have heart surgery sometime after birth, Kris' cousins' wife, Stephanie, contacted me and wanted to put together some fundraisers.  Now, I have to admit that at first I was prideful, and thought why would we need help, but then the bills started coming in, and we hadn't even HAD the baby yet, plus we HAVE insurance!!!  Argh..it was so frustrating, and we knew that it was only going to get worse especially when she had the surgery.  So, Stephanie contacted my sister, my dear "brother" Ryan Hall, and best friend, Amanda Smith, and away they went organizing events. 

The first event was a bake sale that was held on August 25, outside of McComb Market.  I can say that there were lots of delicious treats made by some talented women and even men!  In the words of my honey, Ryan, "forget about your diet for one day and come get your sugar fix!"  And believe me they did and even bought whole cakes!!  They had to hide some to bring to us!  People were SO GENEROUS and came out and supported our baby-to-be!! 
Below is a list of people who made yummy treats and/or manned the tables..my cup runneth over for this fine bunch of folks....and for the people who bought the sweets!!

STEPHANIE SPEARS--without your "get up and go attitude," none of this would've been made possible..love you bunches..muah!!
Kimberly Dykes AKA "Shimmy"
Ryan Hall AKA "brother" or "honey"
Jillian Lally AKA "Dillian"
Kathy Smith AKA "Nana"
Aunt Colleen AKA "Aunt Tolleen"
Amanda Smith AKA "Miss Manda"
Jessi Jeanfreau AKA "Miss Dessi"
Kelly Hart
Ronda Temple
Joann Callum

The spaghetti dinner fundraiser was on September 15, 2012 (my Daddy's bday) at the Summit Health and Rehab.  It was a hit, and they ran out of spaghetti..it was some good stuff!!  Again, some special people helped make it such a success, and they actually had alot of fun..I am kinda jealous that I missed out on the spaghetti slinging, but I was home rocking a brand new bambino!! 
Stephanie, Kimberly, Ryan Hall, and Jillian made the plates in the kitchen with music blaring and sporting hairnets...can you picture it cause I surely can!!!  I know they were all looking h.o.t.t. in those hairnets, and we certainly felt all the LOVE that went into preparing those plates :)  Kristen McBeth, childhood friend of mine, made lots o' noodles, and Amanda Smith manned the front.  These wonderful people took precious time out of their busy lives to contribute to our sweet girl and for this, Kris and I will be forever grateful..they all hold special places in our hearts and always will...


Mr. Ryan Hall, attorney at law :) set up a Give Forward account online that allowed people to donate monetary gifts.  The overall goal was $2,500.00 and 95% of that was reached with $2,383.00 being donated.  Whoa!!!  That is AAAAMAZING to say the least..again, I cried at just how generous and good people really are..  We would like to give those wonderful people a big shout out:

Chuck Paulk
Max and Anita Fenn
Troy and Kandi Whittington
Paul and Heather Moorhouse (my cousin from Canada!!)
Josh and Ginger Simpson
Stephen and Kristen Ladner (good friends who live in Knoxville, TN)
Landon and Kristin Ratliff
and even an Anonymous donor..you know who you are and we thank you!!

Our precious church, Fernwood Baptist, sent a generous gift and have also sent love and prayers that have all been greatly appreciated!!
Thompson Baptist Church, the church I grew up in and that we were married in, took up a love offering of a generous amount...I know that times are tough and that people are strapped, but they still gave to help our sweet angel and again I am speechless...which is a hard thing for me!! ha

We have never felt so loved and supported as we do now...we also feel the prayers and God as He has taken us in His arms and continues to comfort us.  There is absolutely no way we would have gotten this far without these fabulous people in our lives!!  There are so many people that have given and done so much for us that I don't even know about but please know I am talking to you when I say, "THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!!"  Please know that all the money is and will be put toward mending our Chandler's heart.  Given our situation, it has certainly put the importance of fundraisers and awareness into perspective and that every little bit helps!  There are honestly no words that can express just how grateful we are...

As I wipe the tears streaming down my face, please know that we love each and every one of you and thank God for putting you in our lives.. 

until next time, with lots of love,
the extremely grateful Smiths--Megan, Kris, Madeline, and Chandler