Life is Good.

Today was one of those days where I had to pinch myself several times to make sure I wasn't dreaming..... Am I really so blessed to have such a uniquely special daughter, such an incredible husband and family, so many supportive friends and to live in a community that truly reaches out and helps each other? I really do. And life is good. To say that I am grateful would be a gross understatement. I am thankful beyond words.

Today was the Turkey Trot & silent auction. Chloe started by getting in the right attire....

Chloe in her Turkey Trot Tee!

Then we met with our family, friends and everyone else who came out from the community to support our cause!....

Chloe & Mayor Nagle

There were approximately 200 runners and many more supporters. It was incredible!

Ready.....


Set....

Go!!!....


Even though the wind made everyone's hair kinda crazy....




We were just glad the forecast was wrong and it didn't rain!!!

The silent auction was also a huge success. The winning bidders were thrilled with their winnings. Here are just a couple of the happy winners....

Chloe's cousin Caroline was thrilled to win this tie-dye shirt!

My friend's son won one of our hottest auction items, the X-Box!!!

This playground is a true community effort. And because of all the support I witnessed today, I am 100% certain that this community is going to build Chloe's Sunshine Playground. I'm grateful to be just a small part of this effort. Thank you, everyone!!!

After the Turkey Trot, I was able to meet up with my friend Shelly who came all the way from ARIZONA to participate in our little 5k! I haven't seen her in at least a decade, but back in the day when we were roommates, we were the dearest of friends. I also got to visit with some of our other friends who I haven't seen in years. It's amazing how friendship is. Even when you don't see a true friend for years, when you do get to spend time with them again, it feels like not a day has passed. Somehow I missed snagging a picture of these friends, but here are Shelly's cute girls, Abby & Emma....


Later in the evening, I went to help my friend Kendra with her amazing Leggings Project, A tribute to her daughter Makenzie who passed away last December. Instead of slinking away from life and lying in the fetal position while she tries to deal with her daughter's death, she is moving forward and doing things to help others. She has literally thousands of leggings that will be donated to the ICU where Makenzie spent the last few weeks of her life. Kendra is one of the most inspiring people I know and being a tiny part of her project was, well, amazing.....

leggings, leggings, leggings!

cutting, sewing, folding, bagging & tying

Last but not least, we got to celebrate Grandpa Phil's birthday. Despite his serious health issues, Grandpa Phil is one of the most positive and inspiring people I know. It's a privilege to love and be loved by him. Happy Birthday, Grandpa Phil!!!....




See what I mean? What a truly blessed day. Life really is good.