Long Overdue Update

Sometimes time gets away from us as the days and weeks pass by. We've been taking it easy these last couple weeks...just waiting for the snow to clear so we can get outside more with the Mace-meister.

I've been busy these last couple weeks. I started volunteering with Junior Achievement...9th grade students at DCE Jr. High. It's been a great experience...a chance to share some of my HR knowledge and teach a group of really cool kids. They seem to be enjoying each lesson I've been sharing. Today was week 4 and there are only 3 weeks to go!

I also volunteered with the WDEZ St. Jude Radiothon this past Friday. It was heartbreaking to hear some of the stories of the families that called in but amazing to see the generosity of the central WI area communities. I am definitely going to do the radiothon again next year...so I encourage all of you to join me!

I've sort of had a bug to do more things like this lately....I guess it's because I realize more and more how lucky we are to have such a great family and great resources. Our community has already given so much to Mason and I feel like I need to "pay back". That being said...there have been quite a few trials we've been dealing with as it comes to Mason's care lately.

Mason's special stroller and bath seat are still not approved by insurance. I am working up the courage to call back again to get a status but I know they are going to tell me they cancelled the order because of a glitch in our insurance. It's so frustrating to continue going through this with them...because Mason is getting heavier by the day and we need to get some equipment to help us out.

I joined an organization called Parent2Parent Wisconsin. Basically, the organization matches me with a family of a child going through the same thing. They call 4 times a month to touch base with us and see how things are going. I am awaiting our first call from our match, her name is El.

I also called for more information from Children with Special Needs organization of WI. I am hoping to get a patient advocate to help us with some issues regarding the equipment, etc. I am also hoping that we can find a resource to have our trip to Utah paid for. For those of you that don't know...Chris and I are going to Utah in July to attend the VCFSEF conference. I went two years ago, to Detroit, and learned a TON. Mason was only 6 months then, so I have alot more questions now. The problem is, the trip with hotel, air & conference fees are going to cost a whopping $1000 that Chris and I weren't really planning on. Regardless...we're going...we need to.

So all the administrative Mommy duties have kept me busy and Chris has been busy keeping Mason and I happy. (It's a tough job!)

In addition to all the things we have been busy with, we have close family and friends that have also been going through a lot...you all know who you are. Our best wishes to all of you for health and happiness.

I'll make sure my next update includes some updated pics. Til then, with love from the Mrdutts!

Our little cutie pie!

One of Mason's 2 year pictures was selected as a semi-finalist in the Cutie Pie Photo Contest! To vote for Mason, go to this link: http://www.cutiepiephoto.com/contest.html, and click on Mason's picture.

They hold this contest as a fundraiser to benefit a different organization every month. Each vote costs $1.00. This month, all proceeds will benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which helps to fund cancer research.

(Of course, Mom and Dad will an awesome prize package from Cutie Pie, but don't let that persuade you.) :)

Happy Tuesday!