2010 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

Blessed are we to have friends with us, family around us, and people who CARE!

Our 2010 JDRF Walk to Cure Type I Diabetes walk team, Mary Claire's Friends Who Care:

 (Sad that my camera person didn't get Stripey in the picture!  He is a beautiful white dog-part poodle-with a zebra-striped bandana on-he's off to the right!  I really hope the professional photographer got him!)

I cannot express in words how very thankful I am to each of you for coming out on early on such a sticky, hot (but yay for sun!) day just to support our family.  There is no other reason, and we know, and I can only cry out to God with thanksgiving for blessing us with amazing friends and family who love us and care about a cure for Type I Diabetes for Mary Claire (and care enough to SHOW us!).  I met new people, and I will never cease to be amazed.  They came to show us their support, when a few of them barely know Mary Claire!  I even had a couple girls from Greenland (who were recruited by my friend Candace!), and they came just to meet her and take pictures with her-blesses my heart with joy-here they are:

Ok, so here goes-I have lots of pictures (thanks, Suzanne for capturing so many memories!):

a group girl picture-very early-before they tied their sleeves up!

The Arkansas Razorback cheerleaders came by to say hello and take pictures (they were so sweet!) and shared their poms:

I know it's not a good picture, but it was a really fun day!  We were getting butterfly tattoos on the girls, and I got one, but just on my hand : )

Precious!  We were supposed to have face painting, but this was the next best thing: tattoos!  The closest we could find to the zebra-striped hearts (that I had in mind) were bluish butterflies-equally beautiful.

This is before the walk-we were singing the Star-Spangled Banner:

 

Some more pre-walk pictures:

We love firefighters!  A few years ago, they brought the smoke house (we got to go in, they simulate a fire with smoke, and you crawl out), but they haven't brought it since.  I wonder if it's too much work?  I told them thanks for coming-we love a big truck!

And, we're off! This is headed up Razorback road-a big hill!

HeeHee-He's so cute! (and spoiled!) (and not having to walk!):

This is Clay and Torin, having some boy time-notice they are walking off to the side. : )  I'm thankful they wore their shirts, and that they have spirit!

I had to do a lot of (finding kiddos!) *organizing* to make the picture happen, but it's always worth it.  The kids were all in separate places, Ches was eating, but we pulled ourselves together for a minute!  Thanks, Danielle, for a great picture! : )

Mary Claire snapped a picture of me and Angie, my best friend from junior high (and now-it's just when we got started!)  Isn't she photogenic?:

After the walk, we were all HOT, thirsty, and hungry!  They always have hot dogs and snacks-and I don't even count that ice cream bar right after the walk-it's just to cool me down!

 

I think they're tired, what do you think?

Later, I sat and did a few more girls' nails (alternating blue with zebra-stripes-I'll try to get a picture!), and Mary Claire went off with my camera (I kinda love of it when I get to see the pictures she takes!):

 I'm just thrilled she had a great day.  I do (desperately) want a cure, but I also want my girl happy.  If this *party* for her helps her like her diabetes a little more, then praise the Lord!