Razorback Relief: Operation Haiti

I want to share this next post just because I am so proud. A group of business men and women here in Northwest Arkansas(and my company Acumen just happens to be playing a huge role....John and Terry, you are awesome!) have joined together to pull off an amazing packing event to save the starving. Rich's Dad is one of the Co-founders of a non profit organization called Numana. This organization has packaged more meals than any organization and has done so in less time. They have the operation down to a science and we are now bringing it to Northwest Arkansas. Rich decided a few months ago that this was something Arkansas's would love to do and so far, we have seen a huge response. We already have over 180 volunteers for 6 hour shifts and are keeping our fingers crossed that thousands more show up tomorrow to give their time to make a difference. What amazes me is the middle of the night shift was one of the first to fill up. Since this packing event is running 24 Hours, someone has to be there during the wee hours of the night and that did not pose a problem at all.

Rich has been on four different T.V stations and four different radio stations trying to reach anyone and everyone and spreading the word. However, I don't think he can top our good friend, Jimmy (He just did 4 radio stations in under four hours yesterday promoting the event, whew.....) I am so proud of Rich and this entire group for their dedication to this project. The core group managing this event consists of some of the most amazing people I have ever met and I know this weekend will be so worth all of the hard work. What a blessing to be able to feed those that are hungry in Haiti (one of the poorest nations before the horrible earthquake,) but also right here at home in Northwest Arakansas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8jx8Cl5CNo&feature=player_embedded

Below is a little information for those that are interested. I can't wait to play a small part in something HUGE......what a difference we can make! Check out our website at www.razorbackrelief.com. You can sign up to volunteer or simply see what it is all about. Oh and, we even received a certified letter from William Jefferson Clinton praising the efforts of everyone involved, wow!!

Razorback Relief: Operation Haiti is an event that will make a significant and immediate impact on the people of Haiti. Our record-breaking attempt at 2 million meals is huge, and the need of the Haitian people remains great. Our event desperately needs volunteers to show up at the Randal Tyson Indoor Track Center on Friday, June 25th and Saturday June, 26th. The event starts at 7pm on Friday and runs continuously for 24 hours.

We need thousands of volunteers to turn out for the event.

I can't wait to post pictures after this weekend.....I have a feeling it is going to changes lives. Both for the starving and for the volunteers!

being a flower girl

We were thrilled to be a part of Erin and Derek's special day. We drove down to Arkadelphia on Friday and made it just in time for the Razorback themed rehearsal and dinner. Sallie didn't sleep much on the way down and you could definitely tell she was tired by the way she rehearsed. Running around, not wanting me to leave her by herself, hiding underneath the pews, throwing her juice cup......I was really starting to get worried. I can hear the wedding coordinator now: "they are just not going to do it" they meaning Sallie and the other little girl that were to walk down the aisle. Well, of course that was all I needed to make sure she did it.......and, she DID!! I was so proud of her the next day. I was at the front of the church and Rich got her started in the back. She took a few steps, smiled, and waved a few times carrying her basket of flowers and then saw GG. after giving GGa big hug, she continued on to the front of the church where the two little flower girls and the ring bearer just stood looking around like "well, we are down here now so what do we do next". I couldn't believe it, I was so proud! She followed me out the back door of the church where I had the cookies, fruit snacks, suckers, and chocolate all waiting for her as I promised. I don't know what I was so nervous about, she did great. I was so hard on my Mom making sure she went to bed early, napped long, and didn't do anything that would make her really tired, when all along, Sallie had planned on doing just what she was told. It really was neat being a part of such a special day.....watching Sallie walk down the aisle of the Church I spent my childhood in and the very one where Rich and I said "I Do". Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Moore!

Memorial Day Weekend

We traveled to Kansas for Memorial Day this year. We headed to the Thompson home on Saturday morning. Enjoyed a relaxing evening at home with their family and my parents and then got ready for a fun celebration Sunday afternoon. Robbie completed the master's program and we wanted to honor him. How else to do that, but with food, family, and fun!!! We are so proud of his accomplishments.

The kids had so much fun together......Noah and Sallie are still learning how to share and Kaylee was super sweet to both of them. They splashed around in the baby pool, crawled around on their super sized jungle gym, and had plenty of people to give them lots of kisses. Here are a few pictures.


Sallie and Noah performing on the fireplace

Sallie just loves "taylee" can't you tell she is super tired from playing so hard?

lots of fun with 'gg' playing ring around the roses

an hour long bike ride with pap....i was started to get nervous....they loved it!

kaylee road along on her very own bike

trying to do this head shot picture....thankfully kaylee knew what to do!


Rich grew up visiting loved ones that had passed every Memorial Day. This is a tradition that he remembers well and felt strongly about doing each year. Because we live in Arkansas, we have not been able to continue on with this tradition in Wichita. It was so special to go as a family, realizing all we have to be thankful for, and remembering those that are not with us today but continue to live in our hearts.

what a special time

On Monday, after visiting the cemeteries, we traveled to Eldorado, Kansas to spend time with the Morris Family. Denice made such a nice meal and invited lots of great people. We celebrated the day, along with the health of Dick. (He just finished a procedure for his heart and it was a very scary time for the family)

ahh....this picture makes me melt....they had so much fun

hampton, sallie, and evie

dancing on the bed...."if you like it then you should have put a ring on it" sorry denice!