As Thanksgiving is approaching, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for so many wonderful people in our lives! Earlier this month we celebrated Tori’s 7th birthday per usual at the DSAMT Nashville Buddy Walk.  I think it may have been my favorite Buddy Walk to date, granted, I say that each year.  It just keeps getting better and better. The weather was amazingly perfect and everyone had a blast! Our team, Tori’s Trailblazers, raised over $6K this year which is the most we have raised to date.  Though I know we have come a long way in raising awareness, I am continually reminded of how much more work there is to do!  I am thankful daily for this little girl, we celebrated Strawberry shortcake style because she is “Berry special and Sweet”!  Okay, okay, she is also stubborn and sassy; however, I would not change her chromosome count, she is exactly who her creator created her to be.

For You formed me in my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb, I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalms 139: 13-14 NKJV

To all of those below who supported our Buddy Walk team, Tori’s Trailblazers, by donating, we appreciate you!

Don and Sharon Snyder, Vicki Kamp, Evelyn Jenkins, Mike and Marcie Guarnere, Blake and Misti Guarnere, Dustin and Shannon Guarnere, Shawn Snyder, Lesley Melega, Kay Holle, Steve and Michelle Holle, Jessie Guarnere, Kathy Guarnere, David and Kathy Guarnere, Kathy Rice, Kyle and Ashley Lewis, Terah Crabb Penhollow, Becca Fleming Chin, Duane Propes, Conard Frye, Jennifer Garmin Rowlett, Bobby and Cleo Suttles, Jessica Stearns, Alexandra Geraughty, Gregg Hawkins, Elza Freeston, Leila Hodges, Teri Staggs, United Health Group and Corner Music.

I am also thankful for the Restoring Hope Christian Academy (RHCA) staff Dr. Anderson, Natalie Green, Krestyn Cline, Angel Andress, Nichole Cornelius and all of the RHCA cheerleaders who came out to support Tori, Annabel and Hannah Grace. We love our school and we could not have been blessed with a better environment for our girls to grow up in.

RHCA Cheerleaders, two of our favorite teachers (Mrs. Green and Ms. Krestyn) and Lauren Potter from the TV show “Glee”

Photo Credit: Nichole Cornelius of Bookends Media

Thank you to Mamaw Evelyn Jenkins, my Mom and Aunt Sharon for always helping us make birthday celebrations a success!  It takes a village and we are grateful for ours!!!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff for being an awesome husband and father:-)

Overall, the Down Syndrome Association of Middle TN raised over $230k.  When you give to this organization, you are supporting the following, and so much more:

• They throw a baby shower for expectant families who have received a prenatal diagnosis providing education, love and support and responding to hundreds of support requests each year.
• They show up with a meal, listening ear and love for those families spending their first night or even 2nd month in the hospital.
• They provide a sensory friendly Santa experience for those of us who have little ones that struggle with long lines.
• They show up at schools to advocate for our children to ensure they are getting the education and support they deserve.
• They have implemented an employment program for adults with DS who need to learn job skills, resume writing and job training.
• Thanks to DSAMT all obstetricians in the state of Tennessee now have to provide families expecting a child with DS up-to-date literature and resources regarding the diagnosis.
• They support legislative initiatives educating thousands about the important contributions and gifts people with DS bring to our community.

All funds raised go toward supporting over 2,000 families in 41 counties in Middle TN.  I have been blessed to serve with the DSAMT staff on the Board of Directors this past year and have been blown away by all of the work that they do.

Last, but not least, THANK YOU Jami Joe Photography for the gift of these amazing photos of Tori and her sweet (and super handsome) friend Carter. You are practically family and we love you!

I am thankful and my prayer is that God blesses each and every one of you!  I know He will!

Acts 20:35 NKJV
“It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

And how about that cake I made 🙂