Saturday, October 27, 2012

Scarlett's Birthday

I think we may have finally recovered from Scarlett's epic birthday week.  

On her birthday (Oct. 16), we visited the pumpkin patch.

Mommy made a special superhero 2 shirt!

 

 
Cousin Caleb came with us.  Getting these two monkeys to look at the camera was a losing battle.
Good enough.
 
We opened presents.


At school, she shared banana bread cupcakes with her class (well, other kids got their own...she was not sharing hers!)

We have found that her recommended eye-patching goes much smoother when there is food to distract her. 

Definitely a big fan of cake.  Frosting helps.

 
Saturday, the Superhero Blood Drive took flight...

It was cold and cloudy most of the morning, but the sun came through eventually!
 
Our superhero photobooth didn't survive most of the day, but it made for a few good shots!
Thanks to our friends, readers and community, we had a great raffle that raised almost $400 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.  We gave away handmade scarves by local artist Karen Taylor, a hand-blown glass pumpkin from Erickson Arts, Disney Blu-Rays and a photography session with JRo Photography thanks to my friend Laura Mojica and her family,  movie tickets, a Target gift card thanks to reader Debbie, Golden State Warriors tickets from Jane Chisaki, a quilt handmade by Meredith Johnson, cards handmade by Kris Adams, fun baskets from Lindsay Affleck, a Scentsy warmer from reader Hillary, a Raiderettes calendar autographed by my friend Kelly and her friends, and a few other fantastic things that I can't even remember.  The winners were really excited to get these fabulous gifts - people have been asking me all week if I am SURE they didn't win.
Stanford's Bloodmobile bus was on-site to help alleviate the long lines we had last year.

Besides the bus, these chairs inside were full most of the day.  We ended up getting about 90 units of blood collected for patients in local hospitals.

A local bicycle club  Kruz3r Mob set up this awesome art auction and raffle, plus had their custom bikes on display and brought a DJ friend along with them.  In the afternoon, the advanced choir from our high school - where Chris and I became friends - came out to sing a few songs and Happy Birthday to Scarlett!  They made our party an event, and we were so happy to have them all!
Scarlett's grandpa won this neat piece in the art auction, inspired by Miss Scarlett (see the cute patch on the head where her scars are?!)  It was made on a piece of a skateboard.  I'm pretty sure it will be a part of our home's art from now on.
  
Scarlett's birthday cake was fantastic thanks to our friend Jennifer Jones, and matched her (mommy-made) costume perfectly!  With sandwiches donated by our favorite local diner, Dino's Grill, we all had plenty to eat through the day - including the awesome nurses who stayed all day drawing blood.
She dug right in...
...and it was delicious!
Mommy and daddy gave blood early, without passing out!  And yes, I made those t-shirts, too.  Blood-type superheroes!

Overall, it was a wonderful day full of friends and community support for our family and patients all over the Bay Area who will be benefiting from the blood donations.  We are so grateful to everyone for coming out and supporting us in this endeavor.  It means so much to us to be able to give back a little to those who need it, and to bring together our community in support of a cause so close to our hearts.

On Tuesday, Scarlett will have her next MRI to further investigate the "mystery spot" that was found 8 weeks ago.  We are very nervous, but have firmly planted our expectations on the positive side.  We have made vacation plans for Thanksgiving, including Scarlett's first airplane ride.  I will update with news as soon as we get it - probably not until Thursday at least.  In the meantime, expect some Halloween costume cuteness!

10 comments:

April said...

Sending good thoughts for a clear MRI.

MC said...

Love the pictures! She looks so happy! Sending lots of prayers your way for a clear MRI. Thinking of you!!!! Hugs from PA!

Ashley said...

Praying for a clear MRI. I think it's wonderful the blood drives you do!

Em said...

It's hard to believe my girl would be so big at two years old. Thanks for sharing Scarlett with me.

Pia said...

Praying for healing... Belated happy birthday, scarlett.

Holly said...

Love the cake smile!

Molly said...

Wow 90 units! Congrats on the blood drive success. Scarlett is adorable as always. I will be thinking of you guys on Tuesday.

debtfree4me said...

Yea for the successful Birthday Blood Drive!! I love all the homemade touches... it's really special!!

Hillary said...

So glad that the blood drive and her birthday were a success! thinking of you guys today during the MRI and praying for you always! :)
Hillary

melissa3075 said...

Please tell us if Scarlett is okay? Been on edge since her MRI on Tuesday. You are in our thoughts