Which child...

My grandma cut this article out of the newspaper and gave it to me today.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705394839/Which-child-has-the-disability.html

I read it and felt a wave of many different emotions in a very short period of time.

I felt angry, appalled, reminiscent, sad, and then grateful.

I will never forget the day, just before Christmas in 2004, when Phillip and I sat in the doctor's office and we were told our precious little girl would be born with

Spina Bifida.

 As if that isn't enough to bear, I will never forget the moments following when the genetic counselor asked if we wanted to continue with the pregnancy.

WHAT?!

Of course we would!

And we would give birth to our child and love her with everything we have, treat her with all the kindness and love that we treated our other daughter, and give her the best life possible.

It saddens me, and frightens me, that a woman can take a "simple blood test" and decide that her unborn child isn't perfect enough for her, then end that child's life before it even began! I appreciate the question this article poses...

"What is the definition of a disabled child?...The one who cannot love or the one who cannot perform calculus?"

I am grateful every day for my "disabled" child.

So what if she doesn't read as well as the school says she should?

So what if it takes her longer to do her schoolwork?

So what if she has to turn her head in strange positions to see clearly?

So what if she gets a little emotional at recess because she didn't have a chance to tell her sister that she loves her?

 Her capacity to love and forgive is far greater than I could ever hope to have. Thank you, Grace, for teaching me the important things in life.

I love you, my special child

Coming soon!

Grace recently completed her second three-week session of physical therapy at Now I Can and it was awesome! I will post pictures and her new video in the next few days.

In the meantime...Granger High school is doing a benefit concert for Grace on Wednesday, October 12th, at 7:00 pm. Their Dance Company, Show Choir, and Drill Team will all be performing, as well as the Dance Companies from Hunter and Cypress High Schools. Grace will be performing in the final number of the evening with the Dance Company! Super cute!! She will also be presented with a special needs tricycle so she can FINALLY ride a bike. Hooray! Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the door. It's going to be a fun, fun night!!

And the winners are...(drumroll please!)

Date with Suzie Robertson:  Steve R, $20.00
Gift Card for Session and Picture Disc to Mish Photography (1 of 2):  Cindy, $100.00
Gift Card for Session and Picture Disc to Mish Photography (2 of 2):  Missy, $125.00
Reversible Pinafore with Ruffle Bum Diaper Cover, Bloomer, & Hair Clippies: Brent & Luanne
       Robertson, $35.00
$50 Gift Certificate to Fotogenix Portrait Studio (1 of 2):  Candice Bahm, $7.50
$50 Gift Certificate to Fotogenix Portrait Studio (2 of 2):  Haylee Bennett, $10.00
Original Painting:  xiaolong13, $20.00
30 Custom Cards, including envelopes, from Custom Cards and Stuff (2 of 2): Jaclyn, $15.00 
30 Custom Cards, including envelopes, from Custom Cards and Stuff (2 of 2): 
      Craig & Robyn, $15.00
Ring from Tungsten Heaven: Shane Warner, $50.00
Hair Cut and Color from Couture Hair: Heidi Kelsch, $50.00
60 min. Massage with Tammy at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage: Melody, $35.00
60 min. Massage with Lisa at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage: Tshed, $30.00
5 Microdermabrasion Treatments from American Laser Skin Care: Sandy Leonard, $45.00
2 Hour Interior Design Session: my100kats, $35.00
"Grace" 2 oz. spray fragrance from philosophy: footprintskn@yahoo.com, $20.00
Complete Furnace Tune-up: Brent and Luanne Robertson, $25.00
2 Jeweled Headbands: Athena, $13.00
Beatiful Green Earring and Necklace Set: Suzie $8.00
Adorable Oversized Handbag: Cherei, $50.00
"The Kingdom & The Crown" 3-volume audio set personally donated by Elder Gerald N. Lund:
       Donna, $75.00
Chick-fil-A Party Pack for 8 (1 of 2): footprintskn@yahoo.com, $32.50
Chick-fil-A Party Pack for 8 (2 of 2): Lacey McNeill, $35.00
Bronze Link Bracelet with Crystal Butterfly Charms and Earrings: Cindy, $8.00
Sportcraft Badminton and Volleyball Set: Erin, $25.00
Decorative Room Painting: Breinholt, $55.00
60 min. massage with Marianne at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage: Melody Ollerton, $60.00
$60.00 Gift Certificate to Whitaker Hair Care: footprintskn, $40.00
Emergency Mini Survival Kit from ARK Ready: Margie R, $25.00
$50 Gift Basket from Kneaders: Margie R, $80.00
3 one-hour Yoga Sessions with a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Wendy Mcfarland, $40.00
Wireless, Programmable Thermostat from Honeywell: Brent, $50.00
Dance Lessons, 4 month session, ages 3-8 years old: Cindy, $25.00
Family Photo Session and CD from Valerie Bateman Photography: Cori Wahlin, $65.00
Custom Decorated, Special Occasion Cake: Craig and Robyn, $55.00
$10 Gift Card to Cold Stone Creamery: Craig and Robyn, $16.00
4 Mini LED Crank Flashlights from ARK Ready: Margie Righettini, $25.00
Carpet Cleaning by Steamrite Carpet and Upholstery: Cherei, $100.00
Private Tutoring- reading, writing, or math: Brandi Paterakis, $20.00
Bleach Trays and Gel from Oral Health Center: Lindsay, $70.00
Piano Tuning: Rob, $75.00
$20 Cinemark Gift Card: Kathy Jensen, $30.00
12" Yarn Letter: Jessi Carlson, $6.00
Redwork Stitching: Anna Marie, $25.00
$20 Kohl's Cash: Kathy Jensen, $20.00
$10 Gift Card to Jamba Juice: Margie Righettini, $20.00
5 Hours Babysitting (1 of 2): Mandy, $10.00
5 Hours Babysitting (2 of 2): Cameron and Lorianne, $5.00

Whew! Sorry it took so long to get this posted! I would like to allow each of these winners the opportunity to keep their personal information, well, personal. So...if your name is on this list then please e-mail me at olsonlove@comcast.net. (Or, if you have my phone #, then feel free to call me or come by the house.) From there we will make arrangements for you to pay for and receive your item.

I hope everyone had fun with this auction. I know I certainly did! My family and I want to say "thank you" from the bottom of our very full hearts to each person who contributed to this auction...

those who dontated time, services, and talents;

those who placed a bid, winning or not;

those who helped get the word out about this auction;

everyone!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

I am going to keep this blog updated on Grace's journey to learning how to walk. It will be a long, slow journey, and I hope that each of you will want to travel it with her.

Bidding has closed! :D

Congratulations, winners! Wow, this has been so much fun! I will post all the winners names by Monday afternoon, so for now..."good night!" And THANK YOU!!

Let the Bidding Begin!!

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST!
So here's how the auction is going to work: Each item up for bid will have it's own post. To bid on an item simply leave a comment for that post. The person with the highest bid at midnight on Sunday, August 28th wins! Each item will have a bidding increment, such as $1, $5, $10, etc.
 ALSO...For some crazy reason the blog isn't showing all the items up for bid. Argh! There is a list on the right side of the blog (about halfway down) of all the awesome items. Click there if you see something you like. And remember to hit "older posts" at the bottom of each page. If you have difficulty posting a bid please e-mail me at olsonlove@comcast.net and I can place it for you. Sorry for the frustration. Thank you!!
***This blog has open permission, so you don't need a Google account to post a comment and bid. Simply select "Name/URL" (leave the url space blank), or select "Annonymous" and include your name with your bid.***

Click on this  link to see this AMAZING girl

(this is a video of her first three-week, 60 hour session of therapy)

Click here to read more about her first session at NOW I CAN
(this comes from Marianne's blog)

Auction will end at midnight Sunday, August 28th.
Items will be available for pick up beginning Monday, August 29th, at the Olson home. (We can make arrangements to deliver some items if needed)
100% of the earnings from this auction will go to Grace and her physical therapy at Now I Can Foundation.

If you are interested in donating items to be auctioned, please leave a comment here or email Marianne at olsonlove@comcast.net or Suzie at suzier81@gmail.com

Ok...ready, set, GO!

So, my sister is totally going to kill me for this one, but I just can't help myself! I've been wanting to post this during the entire auction, and now that it's almost over I thought, "what the heck?!" So here goes...

The winner of this auction will win a

DATE WITH SUZIE ROBERTSON!

The most amazing single-girl I know! Suzie is tall, blonde, and beautiful (well, naturally blonde, anyway)! She loves the University of Utah football, Mexican food, and pretty much anything sports. She loves to laugh and definitely knows how to have fun! She is kind, loving, generous, and all-around wonderful! You will not regret it if you win this auction!

Disclaimer: I won't trust my sister to just anyone. So please include your name and any trustworthy references :0)

PS: our dad owns a gun

This auction has a $15 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $20

Gift Card for session and picture disc to Mish Photography (2 of 2)

This auction is for a gift certificate to

Mish Photography

 Gift Certificate includes:
One hour family photo session (on location, up to 8 people)
A CD with a minimum of 50 enhanced pictures with copyright
Formal and candid poses
Group and individual shots

This is a $300 value!

Check out her stunning work here

This auction is set at $15.00 increments, with a $50 starting bid

Gift Card for session and picture disc to Mish Photography (1 of 2)

This auction is for a gift certificate to

Mish Photography

 Gift Certificate includes:
One hour family photo session (on location, up to 8 people)
A CD with a minimum of 50 enhanced pictures with copyright
Formal and candid poses
Group and individual shots

This is a $300 value!

Check out her stunning work here

This auction is set at $15.00 increments, with a $50 starting bid

Reversible Pinafore with Ruffle Bum Diaper Cover, Bloomers, and Hair Clippies

Does it get any cuter?! This adorable set is from

Polka Dots 'n Pinstripes

 and is handmade from quality fabrics with scallop stitch detail. Size 12-24 months.

Included in the set: 

Reversible Pinafore with a Paisley-Floral print on one side, and Polka Dot print on the other

Polka Dot Bloomers with Stripe Ruffle

Ruffle Bum Diaper Cover in Paisley-Floral Print with three coordinating fabric ruffles

Two Felt Flower Hair Clippies

Mix and match the set for several adorable combinations!

Our talented contributor has provided her e-mail address to contact her if there are

any questions.

PolkaDotsNPinstripesUtah@yahoo.com

This auction is set at a $3.00 increment, with a starting bid of $5.00

$50 Gift Certificate to Fotogenix Portrait Studio (2 of 2)

have you ever been to Fotogenix? they are truly awesome! i take my girls there to have their pictures taken every year and i LOVE them!! you definitely won't regret this purchase!

this auction is for the second of 2 $50 gift certificate toward any package at Fotogenix in Sandy. they have packages as low as $70, so with one gift certificate you're only paying $20! what a deal!

here's their link so you can see what awesome pictures they take:

http://www.fotogenix.net/Fotogenix/welcome.html

and definitely check out their blog!

http://fotogenix-photographers.blogspot.com/

This auction is set at $2.50 increments, with a starting bid of $5.00

$50 Gift Certificate to Fotogenix Portrait Studio (1 of 2)

have you ever been to Fotogenix? they are truly awesome! i take my girls there to have their pictures taken every year and i LOVE them!! you definitely won't regret this purchase!

this auction is for 1 of 2 $50 gift certificate toward any package at Fotogenix in Sandy. they have packages as low as $70, so with one gift certificate you're only paying $20! what a deal!

here's their link so you can see what awesome pictures they take:

http://www.fotogenix.net/Fotogenix/welcome.html

and definitely check out their blog!

http://fotogenix-photographers.blogspot.com/

This auction is set at $2.50 increments, with a starting bid of $5.00

Original Painting

Grace's auntie, Suzie Robertson, is donating her talents and providing a fun, floral painting. The winner of this auction can specify the look and colors of the painting to match their taste. Here is a sample of her paintings (yep, it's mine! It's hanging in my daughter's bedroom!):

This auction is set at $2.00 increments, with a starting bid of $5.00

30 custom cards, including envelopes, from Custom Cards and Stuff (2 of 2)

This auction is for 30 custom cards or announcements (including envelopes) from

Custom Cards and Stuff. "you dream it, i design it".

Need Christmas cards?  

Baby announcements?

Thank you cards?

Done!

Custom Cards and Stuff will design anything you need, and provide you with

30 one-sided 5x7 cards, including envelopes. You have the option of ordering as many more cards as you need at retail value.

Click here to see their blog!

This auction is set at a $2.00 increment, with a starting bid of $5.00

30 custom cards, including envelopes, from Custom Cards and Stuff (1 of 2)

This auction is for 30 custom cards or announcements (including envelopes) from

Custom Cards and Stuff. "you dream it, i design it".

Need Christmas cards?  

Baby announcements?

Thank you cards?

Done!

Custom Cards and Stuff will design anything you need, and provide you with

30 one-sided 5x7 cards, including envelopes. You have the option of ordering as many more cards as you need at retail value.

Click here to see their blog!

This auction is set at a $2.00 increment, with a starting bid of $5.00

Ring from Tungsten Heaven

                             

We have an awesome item up for auction for you from Tungsten Heaven
for a choice of

any one ring

from their shop, valued up to $169.00

I've never seen such a beautiful selection of rings for men, period,

but these prices are amazing as well.

Click here to go to their website!

Please “like” them on Facebook to be notified of upcoming sales and giveaways.

This auction has a $15 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $30.00

Hair Cut and Color from Couture Hair

Ready for a change?
Or just need to update what you already have?

Win this auction and you will receive a

Hair Cut and Color from Kimberly Kelsch of
Couture Hair

Kimberly has professional salon in her home in West Jordan and does beautiful work

(have you seen my hair recently? She's awesome!)

This auction has a $5 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $15.00

60 min. massage with Tammy at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage (pregnancy not required!)

This is a gift certificate for a 60-minute massage therapy session with Tammy
at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. You can use the gift certificate for yourself, or give it as a gift. Anyone can use it, not just pregnant women! 
$70.00 value

I don't need to tell you how AWESOME massage therapy is, but just in case you're wondering, or you want to read more about Tammy, check out this link:

http://www.slcprenatalmassage.com/

This auction is set at $5.00 increments, with a starting bid of $20.00

60 min. massage with Lisa at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage (pregnancy not required!)

This is a gift certificate for a 60-minute massage therapy session with Lisa
at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. You can use the gift certificate for yourself, or give it as a gift. Anyone can use it, not just pregnant women! 
$70.00 value

I don't need to tell you how AWESOME massage therapy is, but just in case you're wondering, or you want to read more about Lisa, check out this link:

http://www.slcprenatalmassage.com/

This auction is set at $5.00 increments, with a starting bid of $20.00

Microdermabrasion- 5 treatments from American Laser Skin Care

The winner of this auction will receive a gift certificate for

5 Microdermabrasion treatments

at American Laser Skin Care in Draper.

I have personally experienced their Microderm treatments and they are AMAZING!

This is from their website:

Microdermabrasion - a non-invasive procedure to slough older, outer skin layers. The treatment also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, leading to more radiant skin. 

Click here to visit their website to learn more about their facility and services.

This auction has a $5.00 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $15.00

2 Hr. Interior Design Session

This awesome auction is for a

2 hr. Interior Design Session with Sande' Taylor.

Sande' can help you rearrange what you already have,

give you ideas for different rooms,

 or go shopping with you to find the "perfect treasure" for your room.

What an offer!

 Sande' has been in Design for more than

10 years and has worked with

award-winning Published Designer, Carolyn Call, in Los Altos, CA.

Sande' loves helping people create a warm and inviting space to call their own!

This auction has a $10 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $25.00

"Grace" 2 oz. spray fragrance from Philosophy

Choice of

"Amazing Grace",

 or

"Pure Grace"

2 oz. spray fragrance from Philosophy

$40.00 retail value

From QVC:

"Amazing Grace"

What is it: philosophy's clean, beautifully feminine, amazing grace fragrance.
Who is it for: The ideal fragrance for the woman who wants to smell and feel infinitely clean and beautifully feminine. Why is it different: Amazing grace embraces the essence of femininity, and allows you to wear a beautiful dress every day of the week, even if you dress casually. It was designed to draw people closer to you, yet it never overwhelms.

"Pure Grace"

What is it: An infinitely clean fragrance, perfect for women who want to smell soap-and-water clean, as if they just stepped out of the shower. Who is it for: Any pure grace devotee or any woman who loves crisp, clean, just-stepped-out-of-the-shower scents. Why is it different: pure grace is an ultra-fresh and crisp fragrance with universal appeal. pure grace is the clean smell of soap and water; the memory of fresh air woven into a set of crisp, white cotton sheets; a cold, deep breath on a snowy winter night; the best summer morning you have ever known; the one white T-shirt that feels better than all the rest.

Check out QVC's website here for more information on "Amazing Grace"

and here for "Pure Grace"

This auction has a $3.00 bidding increment, with at starting bid of $10.00

Complete Furnace Tune-up

Need to get your furnace ready for winter, but cringe at the thought of doing it?

This auction is for you!

Complete Furnace Tune-up

by Scott Bateman

Change filters

Oil motors as needed 

Check flu and air flow

Check controls and electrical components

Inspect heat exchanger for cracks

$80 value!

This auction has a $5.00 bidding increment with a starting bid of $20.00

2 Jeweled Headbands

Yep, that's our sweet little Grace modeling these

adorable headbands!

$24 value!

This auction has a $1.50 bidding increment with a starting bid of $6.00

Beautiful Green Earring and Necklace Set

The winner of this auction will be feeling pretty in this beautiful

Earring and Necklace set
19" Necklace

Seriously, how pretty is this?

This auction has a $2.00 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $8.00

Adorable Oversized Handbag

 This auction is for a super-cute, oversized handbag.

It is brand new and feels very heavy-duty.

C'mon ladies, flimsy purses just don't make the cut anymore, right?

There is a zippered pocket in back, a zippered pocket inside, two small pockets on one inside wall, and a large zippered divider. The top of the purse is also zippered.

$40 value!

Ok, family, who drew my name for Christmas?! Joking!! (sort of)

This auction has a $5.00 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $10.00

The Kingdom and the Crown 3-volume audio set donated by Elder Gerald Lund

Oh my goodness, I am super jealous of the winner of this auction!

Elder Gerald N. Lund personally donated this 3-volume audio set of his books

"The Kingdom and the Crown"

$150.00 retail value

(but seriously, worth tons more!)

Click here to read a description of each book in this series

This auction has a $15 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $45.00

Chick-fil-A Party Pack for 8 (1 of 2)

mmm, yum! This auction is for the 2nd of 2 Chick-fil-A Party Packs (serves 8),

compliments of Chick-fil-A in Jordan Landing

This Party Pack includes:

Small Nugget Tray (serves 8, 64 nuggets)

Small Brownie Tray (12 halves)

One Gallon Diet or Regular Lemonade

or

One Gallon Iced Tea, Sweetened or Unsweetened

This auction has a $2.50 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $10.00

Chick-fil-A Party Pack for 8 (2 of 2)

mmmm, yum! This auction is for 1 of 2 Chick-fil-A Party Packs (serves 8),

compliments of Chick-fil-A in Jordan Landing

This Party Pack includes:

Small Nugget Tray (serves 8, 64 nuggets)

Small Brownie Tray (12 halves)

One Gallon Diet or Regular Lemonade

or

One Gallon Iced Tea, Sweetened or Unsweetened

This auction has a $2.50 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $10.00

Bronze Link Bracelet and Earrings with Crystal Butterfly Charms

This picture seriously doesn't do this set justice!

It is so cute!

7" bronze link bracelet with

crystal and butterfly charms.

 Paired with a matching set of earrings.

Adorable!

This auction has a $2.00 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $8.00

Sportcraft Badminton and Volleyball Set

What fun! This auction is for a

Sportcraft Badminton and Volleyball Set

compliments of Sports Authority in Taylorsville.

$70.00 value!!

Features

• Four tempered steel rackets with padded grips
• 1 1/8-inch hexagonal PVC poles adjusts to 61 inches to 85 inches above ground
• 20 foot x 1 1/2 foot net with 1 1/4-inch top and bottom tape
• Two shuttlecocks
• Inflating pump with needle
• Game rules and instructions

It's hard to believe this compact SPORTCRAFT® badminton and volleyball set can contain so much fun in such a small package. Inside a convenient carrying case is everything you need to play either game, from the net to the volleyball to four durable steel rackets. A full set of game rules and instructions are also included

This auction has a $5.00 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $15.00



Decorative Room Painting

This girl's got talent! Cindy Bateman, owner of

Spice of Life Decorative Painting,

is offering decorative painting in

one room

to the winner of this auction.

valued at up to $350.00!!

Click HERE to see more of Cindy's incredible work!

This auction has a $15.00 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $50.00

60-minute Massage at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage (pregnancy not mandatory!)

This is a gift certificate for a 60-minute massage therapy session with Yours Truly (Marianne) at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. You can use the gift certificate for yourself, or give it as a gift. Anyone can use it, not just pregnant women! 
$70.00 value

I don't need to tell you how AWESOME massage therapy is, but just in case you're wondering, or you want to read more about me as a licensed massage therapist, check out this link:

http://www.slcprenatalmassage.com/

This auction is set at $5.00 increments, with a starting bid of $10.00

$60 Gift Card to Whitaker Hair Care

Need a little pampering?

 Michelle Whitaker, owner of Whitaker Hair Care, is a licensed cosmetologist with 

12 years experience.

She is offering a $60 Gift Card to the winner of this auction.

She is located in West Jordan, and her services include:

Hair cut and color

Perms

Feather Extensions

Glitter Toes

Waxing

This auction has a $10 bidding increment, with a starting bid of $10.00