Slurping Life

Imagine The Reality And The Possibilities

Children are fragile.  Some more so than others.  I am a mom to children who are alive through the grace of God and the caring hearts of strangers.  Michelle at In The Life Of A Child sums it nicely...

What would it mean to you if someone you had never met held out a hand to help you, your child, your family?

I can tell you from personal experience, exactly what it means. It means everything. Jacqui is here — a joyous, sparkling part of our lives because people cared. Some of the most thoughtful gestures came from people we didn’t even know. People we had never met. And I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for them. I know how important the little gestures are. Jacqui didn’t get where she is today from one person doing something huge. She got where she is through a whole community of caring — many, many, people doing countless little things, that when added all together changed her life, and ours.

Which is why my heart just breaks for Pam and her adorable little Rhett at Rhett’s Journey, and for Tammy and her precious little Parker, at Praying for Parker. They are amazing moms, with heroic families. And although my family lives on a relatively tight budget stretched thin with our own medical issues, I cannot just sit by and do nothing but watch as these other two families struggle. Since I don’t have an excess of income that I can draw from, I spent a lot of time trying to think of what I could do to help these two wonderful families. About a month ago, I realized I could certainly gift them with a little bit of my time and creativity. So here is what I came up with: A set of hand-drawn pen and ink stipple prints that I have been working on during spare moments here and there in my evenings…

Please go to In The Life Of A Child and participate in the fund raiser.  Small donation...big payback in helping two little boys and their families...and a chance to win a set of beautiful hand-drawn pen and ink stipple prints by Michelle.  While you are there, please grab the code for the "Imagine" button and help by spreading the word on your blog.

If you would like to participate in other fund-raisers for these families:

Open a new account with Revolutionary Money Exchange from the link at Praying For Parker and Parker’s Medical Fund will receive $10.00 for each new account opened through his link. Plus you will be sent $25 from RME!

The Original Crackerjack Site is designing a lovely book for Parker’s upcoming surgery on May 16th: For a one dollar donation you can have your photo and website added to this book along with a drawing made especially in honor of your donation by the author’s lovely 2-year-old daughter Izabel. This fund-raiser just goes through this Wednesday, May 14th — so hurry!

The  lovely Amy, of Bunny Rose Cottage is currently
donating the proceeds from her Etsy shop to Parker’s Medical Fund — go check it out!

The clever and creative Michelle, of Down Blogger, is coordinating a virtual craft fair benefit for Parker’s Medical Fund. If you’re the crafty sort — stop by! Michelle is currently seeking talent for this thoughtful effort.

Jessica from Raising Joey is generously donating 50% of her online sales from her bookstore from now through June 10th to Parker and Rhett’s families.

Michelle at Big Blueberry Eyes, is donating the proceeds from her Discovery Toy sales from April 15th through this Thursday, May 15th to Parker’s Medical Fund — better hurry on this one too!

Imagine the possibilities in life when people come together in action and prayer.  Above all Rhett, Parker and their families request your prayers.

 

Pictures And More For Parker

Got a dollar? 

Please take a few moments and read about Pictures for Parker at The Original Cracker Jack Site.  Here's the idea:

Let Izabel draw/color a picture in your name for a $1.00 donation to Parker's Medical Fund. I myself know that sometimes even a dollar is hard to come by, but maybe you have some loose change sitting around that you could use. Izabel's pictures will be well worth your pennies, nickels and dimes. What we will be doing is creating a unique masterpiece in your name and then bind them together to make a colorful book to send to Parker for him to look at. Each page will be an Izzy original and will contain a picture of you (if you'd like) and your web address.

A $1.00 donation (Cash/Check/Money Orders) will get you a wonderfully created masterpiece designed in your name and all proceeds will be sent to Parker. This fundraiser will go through Wednesday, May 14th, 2008.

If you do not know Parker, then please take a few moments to meet him.  He has yet another surgery scheduled this month which will require a long, intense recovery.  And as he recovers, his parents will be struggling with the burden of one more humongous hospital bill and doctors' fees stacked on top of existing ones not being paid by their insurance company.

Also, Bunny Rose Cottage is having a Mother's Day sale at her Etsy Shop to benefit Parker.

And do not forget this chance to love on Parker over at Big Blueberry Eyes.

Above all...please pray for Parker.  I love this kid.  He is itching to be healthy enough to drive his mom insane.  Let's help his family get him there.

 

When We Can Help Others, We Should

If you have been a reader of Slurping Life during the past year, you probably know I have a soft spot in my heart for Parker.  Parker is an adorable little boy with Down Syndrome, but that isn't an issue.  He has life-threatening medical problems. 

Parker has another surgery scheduled for May 16 with a variety of tests and procedures in the interim. Parker's family insurance does not cover the majority of his medical expenses. I cannot begin to compose a coherent explanation of Parker's fragile medical state.  Please visit his blog where his mom, Tammy, posts updates regularly.

If only a mother's love and determination were enough.  Costly medical interventions are a constant necessity, and sadly, insurance is not enough.  Medicaid is not available to the family.  Every entity they approach for assistance issues the same reply...sorry, you don't qualify.

A mother should not tuck her child into bed each night worrying where the funds will come for the next medical procedure which will sustain his young life.  Nor should she spend her days begging an insurance company for coverage and fighting red tape. 

Parker is a blessing to his family and countless others.  His family daily fights the difficult battles to fulfill Parker's potential for a healthy life.  It is an extremely expensive war.  Through May 10th, Michelle of Big Blueberry Eyes is donating all commissions from any sales at her Discovery Toys site to Parker's medical fund...

Parker's next surgery is scheduled for May 16 (which is also my dear husband's birthday, so I'm guessing this is a good date for a successful surgery!) I'll donate commissions from any sales from now until May 10th (so I have time to send them the funds before his surgery).

Need some toys for your child?  Need gifts for other children's birthdays? Want to buy a fun little something to entertain Parker during recovery from his upcoming surgery...he double wins by receiving a toy and a donation.  Please, visit Michelle's Discovery Toys store through May 10 and make a purchase to love on Parker.

If you choose, you may make a direct donation to Parker's medical fund.  The donation button is also at Praying for Parker on the right-hand side beneath the cute photo slide show.  Just click the button to donate using Paypal.

Above all, Parker's family requests and appreciates your prayers.

As your circumstances allow, please love on Parker...

...because when we can help others, we should.

Urgent Prayer Request For Parker

If you pray, please pray for Parker and his family.  If you don't pray, please hold Parker and his family close in your thoughts and hearts.  He is having a very difficult time with multiple problems surfacing.  I don't know what to say other than read Tammy's updates...and pray for Parker...then ask someone else to pray.

Love you, Parker and Tammy.  ox

Comments are closed on this post.  Please visit Praying for Parker and leave a word of support for Parker and his family.

Do Me A Favor

Thank you for all of your comments and emails full of prayers and well-wishes.  I'm being a good girl and following doctors' orders.

Would you pretty please do me a favor?  Please keep Parker in your prayers, thoughts and well-wishes...as well as his entire family.  Tammy is keeping Parker's blog updated.  I know any comments there to let her know Parker is held close in the hearts of many would be of untold comfort and encouragement.

Love ya, Parky.

The Prize Winners From Love For Parker Are...

First, read Tammy's message to each of you who have loved on Parker through your donations, prayers or words of encouragement.  Being involved in Love For Parker has truly been a blessing for me...in so many ways.

A total of $2,752.09 was given in Love For Parker during the five day event.  If you missed the opportunity to donate and would like to do so...the button remains on my sidebar and is always in the sidebar of Praying for Parker.

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Whew!  Y'all...giving out prizes is a whole lot of fun, but who'd have thunk it would exhaust my brain.  That's only due to the number of awesome prizes donated by many thoughtful people. THANK YOU!  Be sure to visit the blogs and web sites of those who donated the prizes and give them a little love.

Winners, please contact the person who donated the prize.  Let them know what you won...that you won it from Love For Parker at Slurping Life...and...they will tell you what to do in order to receive your prize. There should be a contact email at the blog/site link of the person who donated the prize.  Exception, those who won the Greetingflix accounts, please email me for instructions. 

Here are the winners...

*Chris (not not a blogger) won the HP Photosmart R837 digital camera, camera case, and HP Photosmart A616 compact printer, carrying case, and an HP Custom 110 Series 120-Sheet Photo Value Pack Total retail value apprx $430 which was donated by Hewlett Packard to Slurping Life.

*Linda of Linda LoPiccolo Photography won one custom Blogger or Wordpress blog layout by Rebecca of Just A Little Bit of Something Extra Creations.   
*RK of Braska Bear won a $20 gift certificate for Usborne books from Julie of Rarely Home Mom.
*Melissa of Adventures Of An Awesome (sometimes) Mother won developmental editing, professional guidance, book proposal writing, or coaching with any writing project from Jennifer Graf Groneberg.
*Lani of The Wooden Porch won a custom website design from Revka of RS Designs.
*Alicia who hangs out at CafeMom (her page) won a onesie of winners choice from Megan of Blessed Baby Collection.
*De of Just Another Day in Paradise won the choice of a kid's animal costume by Kids' Safari from Janice and Susan of 5 Minutes for Mom.
*Camille of Here in Holland won a custom blog header from  Laura of Swank Web Style.
*All His Blessings of Proverbs 31 Woman Wannabe won a Real Women Scrap Pack fromTasra of Lessons from the Scrapbook Page.
*Jennifer of jen the mom won a $50 gift certificate from Amy of Paperlicious good for anything on the site.
*PEA of Pea's Corner won Tracey's (of Picture This) book Baby of Mine, A Mother's Memory Album for Baby's First Year. .
*Kristi of FaiThreads won a stack of Wylde Faerie Soaps from Carol of Simply Soap.
*Robin K. from Connecticut won a Pampered Chef Stoneware Rectangular Baker from Jane, Audrey and Sharon of Pinks & Blues Girls.
*Brandy won a copy of the book, Gifts: Mothers Reflect On How Children With Down Syndrome Have Enriched Their Lives from Jan of Mauzy's Musings.
*Mary of The Vocation of Motherhood won the handcrafted tote from Miranda of Sweetest Cherry In An Apple Pie.
*Carrie of My Lil' Corner of the World won the pair of handcrafted hair clippies from Miranda of Sweetest Cherry In An Apple Pie.
*Lynnae of From Under The Clutter won a copy of the book Danny, Danny Superstar from Nicki of They're All Our Children.
*Jessica of Raising Joey won a personalized Tooth Fairy Pillow and matching Hawaiian Print Bib & Burp Cloth set from Kailani's (An Island Life) Island Baby Boutique. 
*Lisa of Sweet Girl and Silly Boy won a choice of one handcrafted pearl bracelet (one in stock) from Pickel's Pearls (Pickel of My Two Boys) .
*Ginger of Paisley and Polkadots won a Baby Signing Time DVD Gift Set autographed by Rachel Coleman of Signing Time from Kei of Unlimited . 
*Nell of Casual Friday Everyday won a gift certificate of $39.95 towards the purchase of a Creative Memories Storybook Kei of Unlimited.
*Colleen of A Madison Mom won a $25 gift certificate to The Polkadot Platypus (shop) from Bethany of The Polkadot Platypus (blog).
*Christina of Prince Vince Meets the World won a full "Pro" membership to Greetingflix donated by Chris, Founder and President of Greetingflix. (email melodyspins[at]gmail[dot]com for instructions)
*Terri of in His hands won a full "Pro" membership to Greetingflix donated by Chris, Founder and President of Greetingflix. (email melodyspins[at]gmail[dot]com for instructions)
*Stacey of JameeForever won a full "Pro" membership to Greetingflix donated by Chris, Founder and President of Greetingflix. (email melodyspins[at]gmail[dot]com for instructions)
*Carrie S. aka InsaneMom2Four (no blog) won one stamp set (up to $22.95), plus one stamp pad, and one package of matching cardstock from Stampin' Up! donated by Natalie of The Benson Family And Other Stuff.
*Annie of My Life As Annie won a set of 5 butterfly conservatory photo notecards/envelopes and a 15" blue swirl lovey from Leah of Sugarfoots.
*Amy O. won a Babystyle Booties & Cap set and 3 Babystyle shirts (3 colors) available in size 2T or 3T from Lisa of Queen Baby Bean.

Enjoy.

Prize Winners And An Update From Love For Parker

The prize winners from Love For Parker have been contacted by email.  As each winner responds their name and a link to their blog or site, if they have one, will be posted here at Slurping Life beginning Tuesday, July 31.

Due to the down time of my blog host (Typepad) during one day of Love For Parker, some comments were lost and some people were unable to post comments.  Therefore, winners were chosen from the PayPal email addresses of those who donated rather than from comments on Slurping Life.  Of course, this is an accurate list of people donating and explains why your email used to contact you may be different than the email you may have posted with a comment.  As promised, the emails of persons who made a purchase from Reading for Parker were also included in the drawing as those commissions were donated during Love For Parker.

The drawing for prizes was done using Random.org.

A total of $2,752.09 was given in Love For Parker during the five day event.  A personal note of gratitude will be posted soon...for now please accept a big hug of thanks to each of you who loved on Parker. 

Please keep Praying for Parker.

BlogHer, Not There - Just Take My Blog, Please

Update midnight 07/28/07...Will there be a Take My Blog, Please contest?  Gosh, I hope so...see you here on Monday.

I did not make it to BlogHer this year.  However, in lieu of BlogHer I've been having what you could call a BlogHim...for Parker.  So here's my last call...a contest and the rules are simple.  Donate to Love For Parker before midnight EST today, July 28, and ensure that the total donations exceed $3,000...even by $.01...and I'll give away my blog, Slurping Life.

If the donations to Love For Parker exceed $3,000, I will have a contest to give away Slurping Life...for five days.  Yes, for five days...five different authors of Slurping Life.  Wouldn't that be fun? Each day a new blogger at Slurping Life.  Honestly, it's not so generous because that means five days vacation from blogging for me.  It would be so much fun to see what someone else does with my blog.  If when this contest comes to fruition...I have another little spin to add to it.

So push the donations to Love For Parker over $3,000 (and that really is not so far away from the current total), I will host an absolutely free contest to give Slurping Life to five guest bloggers for five days.  It will be a contest to simply sign up, write a blog post, link back and have a chance for your name to be randomly chosen.  The contest is "Take My Blog, Please".  There is a fun button to add to your blog post and sidebar...see how confident I am in your generosity?  (The contest and button code coming when those donations rise above $3,000.)

Come on...love on Parker...and win Slurping Life.

Harry Potter Winner ~ More Prizes Up For Grabs

Mama Money, come on down!  You're the winner of my book, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.  A huge thank you to all you played. 

There is still an opportunity to win the $400 Hewlett Packard digital camera/printer package or one of MANY other prizes up for grabs here at Slurping Life.  Love For Parker continues through midnight EST Saturday, July 28.  You will not want to miss the opportunity to spread the love and win.

Please keep Parker in your prayers and thoughts.  Parker's cardiologist is coordinating transfusions (yes, plural), upper GI series, PH probe, a possible tracheotomy and other tests to determine the source of his current difficulties.  Please, pray for Parker as his family prepares for his hospital admission.

Parker, we love you. *hugs and kisses*

Many Prizes Up For Grabs ~ Love For Parker Continues

A shout out to remind everyone...through Saturday, July 28, midnight EST, do a good thing for a medically fragile little boy and to be entered to win a $400 HP digital camera package or one of MANY other prizes...and, please, spread the word about Love For Parker.

The code to place the Love For Parker button on your blog is

<center><a href='http://slurpinglife.typepad.com/' ><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/846093317_2857082714_o.png " width="150" height="197" alt="Love for Parker" /></center></a>

From the bottom of Parker's little heart...thank you.

Aaahhhhhh ~ Wordless Wednesday

Whilst I soak, you should give a little love, get a little love (prizes) and spread it around.

Then drop by 5 Minutes for Mom for oodles of photo fun at Wordless Wednesday.

Above All ~ Pray For Parker

Tears stream down my flushed cheeks while typing this post.  So many have emailed me asking for updates as to how the donations are going for Love For Parker...there will be many updates throughout the week.  I thank each of you for your spirit of love in giving.   But this is far more important...

Tammy, Parker's mom, has just emailed me about Parker's echo cardiogram today and...it is not a good report.  I am almost at a loss for words through my tears, so I asked Tammy's permission to copy her words from our email and post them here.  She said "yes".  She also said "But please, Melody, ask for prayers for Parker.  Please, above all, prayers for Parker."  And so that's what I ask of each of you...Prayers for Parker.

Here's today's reports from Parker's appointment...in the words of a mom whose heart is so heavy...

We received bad news.  His pressures have gone from 54 to 81. 

The cardiologist is talking to the ENT, Sleep Specialist, and GI doctor.

He will be going in for another PH probe. 

He will most likely be getting the trach.  (tracheotomy)

The cardiologist doesn't feel it is because of his lungs or his medication no longer working.  He feels something has 'come up' and we need to figure out what.  Parker has severe upper airway issues and that could be the cause of his PH.  He says that for Parker to have been at near NORMAL levels so quickly on the Tracleer he believes that we can reverse these pressures again...IF we can find the missing part of the puzzle.

Parker's crit was down to 20.

He needs to be transfused.   BIG TIME.

I'm sure we'll be hanging out on one of the floors at PCMC pretty soon.

My heart hurts.

PLEASE pray for the cardiologist to be tuned into the Spirit while he speaks with the ENT and Pulmonologist and that together they can discern what is the best path to follow and decision to make for Parker's health.   And please pray for answers as to the best way to treat the chronic sinus infections and thick mucus that is stuck in his nasal area. 

I am so confused.  His BNP on Thursday was 122.  Not great, but WAY better than 1600........and now his PH values are so high. 

We REALLY need prayers.

~~Tammy

I have talked with Tammy enough to understand one thing...many complications which arise with Parker are preventable and correctable.  A huge problem arises when there is not excellent coordination of care between Parker's many specialists.  The lack of excellent coordination of Parker's care arises from the simple fact that their insurance company leaves so many medical needs uncovered.  When you have to see whatever doctor the insurance company dictates, or are told to try this medication before the more effective one simply because it is cheaper...do you begin to see the big picture?  I can vouch because I've lived much of this with my children.

So you see, this love offering...Love For Parker...is very needed.  For the simple fact is this...with the money a better coordination of care for Parker will happen.

But now...at this moment...if you pray...stop...and honor the request of a mother...PRAY FOR PARKER.

A Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Giveaway

*This contest has ended...winner to be announced 07/27...check back.  Thanks for playing.*

Rocks In My Dryer is in the midst of a wild and crazy Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway.  I have a brand spanking new copy of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows to give away.  All you have to do to be entered in the drawing is leave a comment on this post by noon EST on Friday, July 27, at that time comments will close.  You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but you must leave a valid email address.  Already own the book?  Got more than one kid of Harry Potter reading age, you need an extra copy.  Trust a mom of multiple boys who knows.  Know someone who would love to have a copy, but money is a bit too tight for them to splurge...win this copy and give it away.

If you would be interested in a chance to win a digital camera package retail value over $400 click here.  There's even more prizes, and you have a chance to do a good thing.

The winner of this Harry Potter giveaway will be drawn from comments on this post after 12Noon on Friday, July 27 and announced that evening.  The book will be shipped free of charge to the winner.  On this prize I will be able to ship only within the continental U.S. 

Now, I have not begun to read MY copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...bye bye for now.

Love For Parker Donations ~ Take My Blog Please Contest

The deadline for being entered to win prizes has ended.  However, the medical fund for Parker remains open and donations may be made at any time through the donation button in the sidebar of Parker's blog, Praying For Parker or here at Slurping Life.  Please remember though the prize extravaganza has ended, Parker's medical needs continue.  Thank you. 

A list of winners coming on Tuesday, July 31.

Winners will be contacted by email before posting.

And the revelation...will there or will there not be a Take My Blog, Please contest.

Donations Update:  As of 2:30PM EST, 07/28 $2,604.59 in Love For Parker.  Okay, here it is...THE goal for Love For Parker...push it over $3,000...let's do it! Get the donations over $3,000, and I'll give my blog away.  I will have a contest...a sign-up...absolutely free...and draw random winners.  For five days someone takes over Slurping Life...five winners...each day a new author of Slurping Life. (This does not affect the drawing for prizes below.) But the donations must exceed $3,000.  Please, give and spread the word today. Thank you.

Latest Parker update, read the entire post...and Pray for Parker.  Then come back here and donate to Love for Parker as your heart leads.

Love For Parker ~ July 28 remains to donate and be entered for prizes! Help us show lots of Love For Parker and have a chance to win one of many unbelievably fantastic prizes?  Donate via the "make a donation" button at the top of this post and leave a comment [after clicking that link you must scroll to the end of comments to leave yours] to be entered for prizes listed below.

 Get the code to post the Love For Parker button on your blog.

 This love offering is about much more than money to assist a family with extraordinary medical expenses of a child.  Truly, it is love being given.  The love each of you brings individually bonds collectively, illuminating a glow across the world and reaching into the hearts of many, thereby blessing Parker.

As a Christian, I have prayed for God's blessing upon Love For Parker...that above all He will be glorified.  That fact doesn't mean anyone is asking you to adopt my religion or any religion.  It does mean I have faith in God and in the willingness of you as kind people to join together this week in Love For Parker.

From the bottom of Parker's little heart...thank you.

Melody

Those of you who landed here yet somehow missed the blogosphere buzz about Love For Parker may not know him...let me introduce Parker.  TopBlogMag has graciously published my interview with Parker's mommy, Tammy, and reading it is the best way to get to know him.  Parker is an adorable, but medically fragile child who requires an extraordinary amount of care.  His care is extremely expensive, and his parents' insurance company leaves a huge portion of the financial burden on the family. His parents have been unable to qualify Parker for other forms of assistance.

Then please remember to COME BACK HERE and Donate via the "make a donation" button at the top of this post and leave a comment [after clicking that link you must scroll to the end of comments to leave yours] to be entered for prizes. You will have a chance to win the Hewlett Packard digital camera, printer and accessories package valued over $400 or one of  many other prizes listed below.

You will not be charged a fee to make your donation.  You will be charged only the amount of your donation.  The requested minimum donation is $2, but certainly more will be accepted with appreciative hearts.

Would you like to be entered twice in the drawing for the prizes below?  Easy as pie.  [1] Make your donation via the donation button at the top of this post and leave a comment. [2] Visit Reading for Parker and make a purchase from Julie's Usborne book store.  During Love For Parker Julie is donating ALL commissions to Love For Parker.  If you do both of these things...both...you will be entered twice in the drawing for prizes.

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*"Love for Parker" button and "make a donation" button designed, created and donated by Rebecca of Just A Little Bit of Something Extra Creations.
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List of Prizes Up for Grabs:

As you drool through this list of goodies, remember to visit the sites and give a little love to the kind people who have donated these fabulous prizes. The period for making a donation which will enter you in the drawing for prizes is open through midnight EST July 28.  Prize winners will be posted Tuesday, July 31. You have to make your donation via the "make a donation" button at the top of this post and leave a comment [after clicking that link you must scroll to the end of comments to leave yours] to be entered for prizes.

Featured Prize:  The generous people of Hewlett Packard sent this to me with the instruction "give it to a worthy cause of your choice"...I am.  A digital camera, printer and accessories package, retail value approx $430.  With your donation you could win it.

HP Photosmart R837 digital camera, camera case, and HP Photosmart A616 compact printer, carrying case, and an HP Custom 110 Series 120-Sheet Photo Value Pack (glossy Advanced Photo Paper)

The list of prizes available continues...

~~Rebecca of Just A Little Bit of Something Extra Creations has donated one custom Blogger or Wordpress blog layout valued at $55-$100 depending on the time and detail involved.   Rebecca, free of charge, worked with me to design our adorable "Love  For Parker" button, made our donation button and worked diligently to get that code to function properly on my blog.  Rebecca's designs and patience are unsurpassed. Be sure to send a little love her way whenever you need a new blog look or site design.
~~Julie of Rarely Home Mom has donated a $20 gift certificate for Usborne books at her site.  Yes, this is the same Julie of Reading for Parker. She is donating commissions from all sales of Usborne books at her site through July 28 to Parker's medical fund.  Remember, donate at Slurping Life - purchase at Reading for Parker equals two entries in the drawing for all of the fabulous prizes here.  School is about to begin...get some great books to rev up those kid brains.
~~Jennifer Graf Groneberg, a free lance writer, has donated developmental editing, professional guidance, book proposal writing, or coaching with any writing project.  Do you have the desire to write, but don't know where to begin?  Are you stuck in the middle of a project and need a gentle push to get going again?  Wonder what it's like to guide a book from an idea to final completion?  Jennifer will share with you (by phone and email) what she's learned in more than 15 years of freelance writing, including editing the anthology, MY HEART'S FIRST STEPS:  WRITINGS THAT CELEBRATE PARENTHOOD (Adams Media, 2004) and writing a memoir, ROADMAP TO HOLLAND (New American Library/Penguin, 2008).  Minimum, 2 hours time.  Value: $100.  Also stop by Jennifer's blog, Pinwheels for some mommy inspiration.
~~Revka of RS Designs has donated a custom website design update valued at $55 - $120 (depending on options chosen).  The winner may choose 3 of the following options (more details): [1] web site color change (existing template including images) [2] new background image [3] custom sidebar image [4] custom header [5] custom advertising banner.  Let's hear it for choices.   Take a look at RS designs and then stop by The Porch Light for a chat.
~~Megan of Blessed Baby Collection has donated a onesie of winners choice.  Look at this cute stuff . There are several adorable choices, and the winner may choose a onesie in any size, style or color from the website.  Onsie to be shipped to the winner free of charge.  Remember to browse Blessed Baby Collection, Megan has some precious baby items for your baby or to gift a new mom.
~~Janice and Susan of 5 Minutes for Mom have donated a kid's animal costume by Kids' Safari. The winner will receive their animal of choice.  Your child can moo, cluck, bark, oink or roar their way into the world of imaginative play.  Think of the fun!  The photo ops!  Retail value $44.95.  Stop by Pedal Car and Retro Collectibles to see more unique toys and collectibles.
~~Laura of Swank Web Style has donated a custom blog header.  We bloggers love us some custom headers.  Be sure to take a little peek at some of Laura's work and be prepared just in case you win, or if you are looking for a new blog design.  Then pop over to The Joyful Mom for a relaxed read and just to say hi.
~~Tasra of Lessons from the Scrapbook Page has donated a Real Women Scrap Pack, retail value $35.  This gift pack  includes an autographed copy of her book, Real Women Scrap,  as well as a Real Women Scrap T-shirt, altered journal, mini jotter with pen and a Real  Women Scrap square button.  A wonderful package to inspire your scrapbook creativity.  Visit Tasra at Lessons from the Scrapbook Page for a plethora of ideas.
~~Amy, owner of Paperlicious has donated a $50 gift certificate good for anything on the site. Stylish affordable Momager calling cards, custom printed invitations, social stationery, and more!  Did you read the words good for anything on the site?  Did you see the delicious paper designs?  Remember to take a moment to browse Paperlicious.
~~Tracey of Picture This has donated a copy of her book, Baby of Mine, A Mother's Memory Album for Baby's First Year. This journal goes above and beyond the traditional baby book, recognizing the journey that mother and child embark on together.  The album features Tracey's entrancing baby photography, a mother's journal, prompts to help you record those precious firsts and more.   You must snap over to Picture This  for awesome photography tips and fun photo posting themes.
~~Carol of Simply Soap has donated a lovely stack of Wylde Faerie Soaps. Her soap creations are not only beautiful, they are made from scratch with no pre-manufactured bases.  The soaps are cruelty-free, green-manufactured with vegetable and fruit oil bases, no animal fat. You'll want to browse her site.  In addition to her wonderful soaps, there is magical Faerie art.
~~Jane, Audrey and Sharon of Pinks & Blues Girls have donated a Pampered Chef Stoneware Rectangular Baker. Who doesn't love Pampered Chef cookware?  You don't even have to host a party and have people mess up your house for a chance at this one.  Retail value $36.  Remember to zip over to Pinks & Blues Girls for a peek...they're always up to something insanely fun.
~~Jan of Mauzy's Musings has donated a copy of the book, Gifts: Mothers Reflect On How Children With Down Syndrome Have Enriched Their Lives. In this beautiful collection of personal stories, sixty-three mothers describe the gifts which their child with Down Syndrome has brought into their lives.  Jan is one of the mothers sharing her personal story.  Visit Jan's blog and enjoy as she loving shares her beautiful gift.
~~Miranda of Sweetest Cherry In An Apple Pie has donated one of her handcrafted totes. It's a bright and fun quilted tote bag with pink interior, magnetic snap closure, and a removable flower pin.  Visit  Miranda's new Etsy store, Sweet and Simple, for more of her adorable creations.
~~Miranda, from above, has also donated a pair of cute, cute handcrafted hair clippies.  An alligator clip is lined with chocolate colored grossgrain ribbon with a pink and brown flower placed on top.  A sweet Brown button sits in the middle of the flower.  Visit Miranda at Sweetest Cherry In An Apple Pie.
~~Nicki of They're All Our Children has donated a copy of her book Danny, Danny Superstar. The book is about 8-year-old Danny, who has autism and is excited when he finds out that his class is going to be in a talent show.  The book is written for children and helps them understand and have compassion for many of the difficulties of being autistic.  Visit Nicki's blog...she reminds us that, truly, They're All Our Children.
~~Kailani of An Island Life has donated an absolutely precious  personalized Tooth Fairy Pillow and matching Hawaiian Print Bib & Burp Cloth  set from her online shop, Island Baby Boutique.  How adorable are these items?  Visit Kailani's Island Baby Boutique to see photos.  Then drop by An Island Life and feel the Hawaiian breeze.
~~Pickel of My Two Boys has donated a choice of one of her beautiful handcrafted pearl bracelets (one in stock) from her shop,  Pickel's Pearls.  Please shop Pickel's Pearls.  Her jewelry is beautiful, and money from sales goes to pay the foster care expenses of the second Russian child they plan to adopt (food, medical, clothing, etc.)
~~Kei of Unlimited has donated a Baby Signing Time DVD Gift Set autographed by Rachel Coleman of Signing Time herself.  The award winning DVD series teaches American Sign Language to children of all ages and abilities. This set retails $54.98. Click the link and read more about this wonderful program, and be sure to pop over to Unlimited and read Kei's post about meeting Tammy.
~~Kei of Unlimited has also donated a gift certificate of $39.95 towards the purchase of a Creative Memories Storybook. StoryBook Creator is your tool for creating a professionally printed, hardbound photo book.The certificate covers an 11x8x5 linen cover with or w/o die-cut window, with 20 pages. (extra pages, personalized cover, leatherette cover not included).  Take a moment to browse StoryBook Creator.
~~Bethany of The Polkadot Platypus (her blog) has donated a $25 gift certificate to her online shop, The Polkadot Platypus. You get choices! She carries top picks for maternity, babies and kids. Adorable and unique collections...just too much to list. Have you seen those little Pediped shoes?  Visit The Polkadot Platypus shop and browse...then drop by her blog and say hello.
~~Chris, Founder and President of Greetingflix, has donated three (3) full "Pro" memberships to Greetingflix.  If you have not heard about Greetingflix, well, the phrase "share your photos in the world's most e-motional greetings" says it all.  They offer free memberships...but three lucky winners here will receive full "Pro" memberships...think access to all templates, all the bells and whistles, and 1GB of photo storage.
~~Natalie of The Benson Family And Other Stuff has donated one stamp set (up to $22.95), plus one stamp pad, and one package of matching cardstock from Stampin' Up! Apprx retail value of entire package $35. This prize would be great for making greeting cards or to simply add to a scrapbookers stash. This product will be available at the first of August and shipped directly to the winner. Pop over to The Benson Family and Other Stuff for a chat with Natalie.
~~Leah of Sugarfoots has donated from her Etsy shops a gorgeous set of 5 butterfly conservatory photo notecards/envelopes (retail $16).  And also, a 15" blue swirl lovey (retail $15). Perfect size for infants and toddlers, this bashful blue swirled lovey is a silky blue swirl pattern on the front and matching satin on the back. Click the links to view the beautiful cards, lovey and more. Then give Leah a little wave over at Sugarfoots.
~~Lisa of Queen Baby Bean has donated a precious Babystyle Booties & Cap set, color oatmeal (retail $48) and the winner's choice of 3 Babystyle shirts (in 3 colors) (retail $42) available in either size 2T or 3T.  Both are perfect for boy or girl or wonderful as gifts.  Be sure to click those links for photos of the prizes and browse Queen Baby Bean.

Donate by July 28 midnight EST via the "make a donation" button at the top of this post and leave a comment [after clicking that link you must scroll to the end of comments to leave yours] to be entered for prizes. You will be charged only the amount of your donation.  The requested minimum donation is $2, but certainly more will be accepted with appreciative hearts.  Please give as your financial circumstances allow.  Parker's family will be reading comments, and your words of support would mean a lot.

Love And Determination

Did you tuck your child into bed last night fearing for his or her life?  One mother did...her son's cardiologist called...

An echocardiogram is where they measure Parker'€™s Pulmonary Hypertension levels. The last two echocardiograms showed that Parker'€™s numbers were steadily rising. Rising isn'€™t the way we want them to go. If as in Parker's case, PH numbers rise high enough, PH is quite often deadly. There have been two children on the PH list that I am on to lose their fight to this disease in the last few months.

One is hoping for a heart lung transplant before time runs out.   

My shoulders are already tense. I know I won'€™t sleep well tonight. I can'€™t seem to get enough of Parker. I hold him to me as if just my determination alone could heal his heart and lungs.

If only a mother's love and determination were enough.  Costly medical interventions are necessary, and sadly, insurance is not the answer.  Medicaid is not available to the family.  Every entity they approach for assistance issues the same reply...sorry, you don't qualify.

A mother should not tuck her child into bed each night worrying where the funds will come for the next medical procedure which will sustain his young life...for a piece of plastic tubing to ensure his next breath.  Nor should she spend her days begging an insurance company for coverage and fighting red tape.

A mother should be free to tuck her son into bed each night with a hug, a kiss and relaxed shoulders.

Please join us in "Love for Parker".  You will be blessed.