Buddy Walk 2009

Well, all the Buddies out there.... We did it! We had a wonderful and successful Buddy Walk 2009. We had estimated 1000+ people (up from 300+) last year! And the estimated amount raised is $26,000!!! (up from $12,000) last year!!!! Way to go!

You can still see how the fundraising is going on www.firstgiving.com/dawntomiln

Here is a few photos and if you are a facebook fan, check me out and see my friend Heather's photos.

It was the most beautiful fall day! Sunny all day, with a light breeze.

Then today... guess who started taking a few steps on his own!! Yes, mr. Brady himself! How this makes a mother feel to see her son take the first steps. Of course, he has been crawling and climbing all over things for a while and he does the bear crawl so well. Walking independently has been slow in coming,... but just last week, he got his first pair of orthodics for his feet. They are a little boot like thing and fits snuggly on his feet and in his shoes. They provide balance and proper postitioning for his feet. I just took them off for a little while to give his feet a rest. I was sitting on the couch talking with Cody (who still has strep since last thursday!) and out of my eye, I see Brady walking towards me!!! I was so happy and proud of him. He has done a step here and there, but this time no shoes, no orthopedics, and no lunging towards me... He was walking!!! Yahooo! Brady! I am so excited!

So I wanted to say a big thank you to all who have been supporting us in one way or another and sharing in our joys. I have been reminded of the many God blessings in our lives this very week (as you can see for yourself!). One of the promises was seeing a rainbow monday as I dropped Cody off at school! We were playing "I spy" on the way to school, which has been our daily routine. I saw the sun raising brightly, and looked to the west to see the clouds and rain upon us. I said to myself, I wonder if there is a rainbow somewhere??? I looked again towards the west and there it was as bright and growing bigger by the moment! What a wonderful sight to start out the week.

I am also saying a prayer for our family. We lost a family member to a house fire this week. To me she was a 2nd or 3rd cousin, but still, someone I know and have fond memories of her. So in the midst of joy, I feel some sorrow. I am thankful to have known Sandy and pray for my family this week as we say our good byes.

Blessings and Joy!!!