Road Trip, Virginia Bound

We have found a way to pay for the impressions and are basically stepping out on faith that in December, when it is time to go back to get it fitted, that the rest of the funds will be available. I say December because that is when we will have time to go back due to me being in college full-time, Thomas possibly being in school full-time, and both of the kids being in school.

So I made an appointment for July 20th to get the impressions done. We will be driving from near Beaumont, Texas to Ashburn, Virgina!!

I am f-r-e-a-k-i-n-g out thinking about that long of a trip with a 4 year old and a 3year old (and a husband)!! It shows on map quest to be almost 21 hours one way

Anyone live near Ashburn, Virgina?? We may have time to do something besides just drive and have plaster smeared on ears before we have to return home. Any ideas of things to see or do?

Parents that have taken long trips...advice on how to keep sane?? Games, snack ideas? I do want to have hair left when I get back home.

Fund Update

I have sold more stuff and we've put a little more into the account for the prosthetic. There is now a total of $1,739.09 ear wishes!

Update on Funds

I've been selling stuff left and right along with saving here and there. There is now a total of $1,256.29 in the account for the prosthetic.

I am trying to figure out more ways to raise money. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thank You to Mothers-Place!

My friends have their own forum called Mothers-Place and they were so kind to add a section about Elizabeth and what we are trying to do. Above is the awesome banner that was made to go on their site!

Thank you so much DJ and Mel!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Swarovski Bracelets

I thought I would post some pictures of bracelets that I have left that I made in hopes to add to the ear fund. I've been asking $15.00 each or if someone wanted them all to share with family and friends I would reduce the price for the lot of them. Just e-mail me if interested!




This beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet is handmade by me out of Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver.

I have used "Rose" Swarovski cystals paired with "Crystal" AB along with Czech rondelles to give your wrist a little sparkle! From the center of the bracelet dangles a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm. It securely closes with a sterling silver clasp.

I created the bracelet in honor of my grandmother, Jewel, who lost her battle with Breast Cancer when I was around eight years old.

I have several sizes to pick from. I have:
(2) 7 inch
(5) 7 1/2 inch
(3) 8 inch

I also have one different 7 1/2 inch, instead of the small round czech rondelles being clear this one has pink rondelles.

Conversation with Mr. Barron & Airfare

Today I had a phone conversation with Mr. Barron about Elizabeth's ear. I sent him in some pictures and he feels confidently that he can fabricate her a prosthetic ear so that it looks natural and will not have to deal with the stares and questions, which we had to deal with in the shoe aisle of Wal-Mart just this week. I understand people have questions, but sometimes it is better to hold your tongue especially when the child is present. It's not really nice to blurt out "Is that a birth defect?" or "What is wrong with her ear?" Right now I think she is kind of oblivious to the questions but it won't be long and she will understand. That is why I want to be able to get the funds as quickly as possible so she will not have to deal with people who don't understand how to approach the situation correctly.

Mr. Barron said that the way we would do the prosthetic is to have impressions made of both ears and at that time 1/3 of the money would be due. He could schedule us anytime to have that done and we would not have to stay any length of time, could go home the same day. We then would have to come back to Virginia to have the ear painted and fitted. He has appointments scheduling 2-3 months out for getting the ear fitted. When we have the ear fitted we would have to spend the night.

So we would either have to drive to Virginia which is about 20 hours one way or be able to come up with airfare. If you or anyone that you know has airline miles that they would be willing to donate that would just be an awesome blessing. A road trip would be the cheapest, maybe not the sanest, way to go so gas card donations are welcome too!

50 Ear Wishes Granted & Other Updates on Funds

Elizabeth recived her first ear wishes from her Great Aunt Donna! Thank you so much! We love you!

I have been able to sell several items over the internet for a total of $202.11! So for now we have a grand total of $252.11! We still have a LONG ways to go but it is a start.