November 30, 2011

Tony Memmel

So we all know you need two hands to play guitar, right?

WRONG!! That was a trick question.

And if you don't believe me, just check out Tony Memmel in action. His songs always make me smile. I like this clip because it shows a great close-up of how he plays. Not only is he extremely talented but he is self-taught!



Since it is snowing right now and tomorrow is December, this festive little song seems fitting.



P.S. I like your jammies Tony!

November 29, 2011

Make it a Lucky Fin Christmas!

Can you believe there is less than a month until Christmas?

This year we are trying to take some of the focus off of Santa and presents and teach Gavin about the real meaning of Christmas. I knew I had failed in that area up until now when he asked me a few weeks ago, "Who's Jesus?" *Hangs head in shame*

We have been reading some books about the story of Christmas and we plan to visit the library today to look for more books and hopefully a movie. There is also a Christmas musical at the church by our house that I plan to take him to.

Since we just moved and have had A LOT of expenses, we won't be doing much in the way of gifts this year. And it actually feels good. Its not about the STUFF. Our focus is on the time we spend with family and friends. And the food. We can't leave out the food!

This year is Eden's first Christmas so that makes it even more special. We have been very blessed this year in so many ways.

This year we have connected with some amazing people who share the passion that I do for advocating for our kids. I have posted before about Molly, mom to her wonderfully-made daughter Ryan, and the founder of the Lucky Fin Project. She has reached out to so many people all over the world and the Lucky Fin Project continues to grow! And now, just in time for Christmas, you can help support the project with a limited edition handmade Lucky Fin Love ornament.


They are very sweet and it seems like the perfect way to celebrate our perfectly made kids! Its a beautiful keepsake and something they could hang with pride on the tree every year. Or even just hang it in a special spot year-round.

These ornaments are available for a donation of $15 each or 3 ornaments for $40 at The Lucky Fin Shop.

November 24, 2011

Filmpossible Fever

Two entries about filmpossible and our little Super Stars in one day??? That's right!

Check out the BLOOM blog to see the post by Louise Kinross.

FILMPOSSIBLE FEVER.

"Left hands are so over-rated!"

I've said it before but I will just say it one more time... This has been such a wonderful experience for Gavin and our family and friends. I know that we really reached out to a lot of people. And it was overwhelming how much support everyone showed. Thank you again to Jen and Annya for sharing your talent with all of us!

November 23, 2011

Filmpossible Fete

Last Wednesday was the Filmpossible party at Holland Bloorview and it was a very memorable evening!

The first thing we saw as we entered the party was a table of Holland Bloorview's 2012 Desktop Calendars! It was pretty cool to see Annya's winning photo, "Lucky Fin Love" on the cover! We are sure proud of those adorable little arms wearing their lucky fin bracelets with pride!


It felt oh-so-fancy when we realized there was even a little red carpet and a photographer took Mr Gavin's picture as he entered! He didn't want to smile until he found out there was popcorn! It is such a rough life being a mini celebrity! Ha! He totally rocked his sweater vest that GG knit for him! Thanks GG!

During the awards ceremony they played the clip of Gavin and Gabi's "I Can Be Me!" video and I almost teared up. I just love that little video! Its so awesome :) Jen did a great job and it was so fun being a part of the contest this year!

Here is the "I Can Be Me!" team: Gabi, Jen & Gavin


It was really too bad that Annya wasn't able to make it though, as the first place photography winner! I really wish she could have been there and I know she did too!

They called Gavin & Gabi on stage to accept her award (which meant that Janelle & I had to go up as well because the kids were being all shy). They were both presented with an incredibly soft and cute stuffed animal. They were both being so shy though and didn't even want to take them.

One of the highlights of the evening was when Gavin held out his hand for the microphone when I was asked to say a few words on behalf of Annya. I was not really prepared to say anything so I was glad to hand the mic to Gavin and give him a chance to say something, thus taking the spotlight off of me! At first he just wanted to stand there and hold it but I told him he had to say something. Then he started singing his ABCs in a quiet little voice into the microphone!!!! Ha! I should have known! Of course everyone was just eating it up. I was just glad I didn't have to talk anymore! It was pretty priceless though!



It was such a beautiful feeling to watch the awards and see some of the other winners and participants in person! There were so many wonderful entries and so much VISIBILITY was brought to disability! :)

Soon it was time to wrap up the evening. But it wouldn't be a party without CAKE!!!


Thanks so much to the awesome team at Holland Bloorview for allowing us to have this wonderful experience! It was so nice to finally meet Louise and Kathy and everyone else!

And thanks to all our supportive friends & family who took the time to vote all summer for "I Can Be Me!" and "Lucky Fin Love"!! We love you!

Janelle's BLOOM clip

I feel bad that I haven't been posting here very often. I keep meaning to but it is just hard to find the time lately!

Would you like to hear a long list of excuses or should I just skip right to the post?

We have lots of pictures and news to share!

First I want to share a link to the BLOOM blog where you can find lots of great video clips and resources from other parents.

Janelle (Miss Gabrielle's awesome mom) talks to Louise and shares some advice about dealing with questions and stares from other people and the importance of staying positive! I am so proud of Janelle because I just LOVE her answers and advice and I know how helpful it could be to new parents. Listening to this interview when I was pregnant with Gavin and dealing with the shock of finding out about his limb difference would have made a world of difference to me.

TALKING ABOUT LIMB DIFFERENCE

So I just want to make a shout out to my friend Janelle! You rock! We are SO blessed to have such awesome kids and to have each other too!

(I will be back soon with an update about the Filmpossible Fete!!)