Lung Walk is in 8 DAYS!

I can't believe how quickly the summer has flown by!!!!

It seems like I just signed up to do the American Lung Association's Lung Walk, and now it's 8 days away. Crazy.

Just two weeks ago, we were at the top of the list for raising donations! Now we have been bumped down to number 13. Yikes. Kate's Peak Flow Patrol is smokin' at over $3000.00! WOW!!!!

I am a little disappointed in the lack of community responce to my money raising efforts. In May I sent out 20 letters to local businesses asking for donations. Now, some may say that sending out a letter isn't enough. Even if it was a great letter. I even included a self-addressed stamp envelope. Even may stamps were awesome. Alas, only two businesses responded . . . Northern Clearing and Northern State Bank. Thank you so much (don't worry I sent out thank you letters).

So last week, I sent out 18 more letters. Still nothing!

My son Ashton and I were on television in August for the ALA. We were asked by Milwaukee's TMJ-4 news stations, The Morning Blend to be on the show to discuss the effects of raising two children with asthma. We were on the show with the ALA's Respiratory Coordinator. It was a great experience. My husband emailed the local newspaper about it, their responce . . . nothing. Apparently a local family being on television raising money for the ALA is not news.

We had an ALA Yard Sale, that went well. My 6 yr old sold Lung Bracelets at his dad's baseball games and that raised a little money. We have can's at gas stations and banks, that has brought in a little. But, we still haven't reached our goal. I don't know if we will.

(Ashton having a treatment in early Aug, he was on pred for wheezing)

I had huge hopes for this. I think I may have to start earlier next year. I am new to fundraising, and apparently have a lot to learn. Hopefully next year we can increase our goal, and surpass it. We are still excited about the Walk, we are sad that Jesse can't be with us (he's been called to be away). I am excited for my kids to be around other kids who are experiencing medical situations similar to ours. I am excited to meet other families like ours.

Asthma is tough, and it's unpredictable. What poses as a trigger today, may not react the same way next time. My boys are on meds that lower their immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. It makes them catch viruses that your kids may not catch. We carry an asthma bag where ever we go (sometimes I forget diapers and wipes, but not the asthma bag). It contains: TJ's intal he takes every 4 hours, his proair inhaler, Ashton's Xopenex inhaler, Ashton's peak flow, TJ's aerochamber, a baggie of Benadryl pills, two actions plans, a list of meds each child is on, number for the specialist and reg dr., and our insurance card. My children also have allergies, that may make their asthma worse. My oldest is allergic to grass, mold, cats and dogs. These are all potential triggers. Whenever I take my youngest to an indoor waterpark, his asthma flares. He gets pneumonia in the summer, spends weeks on prednisone. He takes a nebulizer twice a day for one of his daily meds.

This is why I support the American Lung Association. There is no cure for asthma. But, we can learn as much as possible about lung disease and it's effects and find ways to treat it. Ways to increase my boys chance at a normal childhood. Thanks to Advair 250/50 my 6 yr old was able to play soccer.

I have learned a great deal from the ALA and am happy to support its efforts to promote lung health, education, and research. Asthma isn't always obvious; you can’t see asthma but you can count its devastating effects in the United States. Asthma is responsible for over 12 million lost school days in children and more than 14 million lost workdays for adults. Even more frightening is the fact that asthma can be fatal; nearly 4,000 deaths are attributed to asthma annually. The economic cost of asthma is staggering - over $16.1 billion dollars is spent annually. We need your help to make an impact in the fight against asthma. Join an Asthma Walk near you today.

Here is our page, check it out.http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/team.jsp?id=2028&tid=303

Apple Picking, On Apple Hill

My mom had the most fantastic idea to celebrate a marevelously warm day. APPLE PICKING IN BAYFIELD! Perfect.

It was such a great idea, it was unusally warm out and the apples are getting ready. So we headed up to Bayfield for apple picking. The boys LOVED it. They were awesome about touching the apples. They were so careful, Jackson wouldn't even touch the tree and TJ just wanted to eat the apples. Ashton helped to pick, and he was so careful not to shake the branch.

After apple picking we went to Washburn Dairy Queen, so very yummy.

Nana showing them a good apple.

Look Mom, we found some pretty apples.

Picking so carefully.

Enjoying the first bite.

Starting to fill the basket.

One full basket. Yep, that eaten apple is from TJ, he'd eat one and put the rest back in the basket.

What a fun day. Thanks Nana for your great idea!

Ashton wants to try blueberry picking next. A blueberry pie does sound very yummy.

Last Soccer Game . . .

Ashton and Jackson completed their first soccer season, and they loved it!!!

They both had amazing coaches, who taught important skills while encouraging the kids to have fun. TJ loved hanging out at the soccer field, because their is so much space to run around. This is definitely something that we will do year after year. If you haven't given soccer a try, you should it is a very family friendly activity.

Happy 5th Birthday Jackson

Here is Jack at age 3

Jack at age 4.

My peanut is FIVE, I can't even believe it.

He is still soooo little that it doesn't seem real.

He had an awesome birthday. It was Transformers with a little bit of Increible Hulk. Since JAck was 2 1/2 he has always loved super-heroes. So every birthday has some type of super-hero.

He played with his friends, opened his awesome presents, ate some cake, and beat up a pinata. Over-all his birthday was a success!!!

First Days of School

I sent two off to school this year. Until I find daycare for TJ, we are very lonely without the boys.

Ashton had his first day of school on Tuesday. He attends Lake Superior Primary, he loves his new school and expecially loves his playground. They have Disc Golf!

Ashton reading his note his Dad left him on the door.

Posing excitedly for his 1st day of 1st grade.

Standing in front of his star.

His 1st day was AWESOME! He loves his school, his teachers, and the kids. I think it will be a good year.

Jackson started his first day of school on Wednesday. He attends Our Lady of the Lake preschool. It was imporant for us to find a preschool that would help get him acclimated to an actual school setting. His classroom is right in the school, he is surrounded by kindergarten and first graders. He even has his own locker, which he loves. His classroom is huge (they have two rooms, one is dedicated to motor skills), and there is so much to do. We are so thankful we found OLL! TJ will go there next year.

Reading the note his Dad left on the door just for him.

Standing in front of his locker.

Excited to see me! He loves his school (sadly, did not miss mommy at all).