Who Has 2 Thumbs and Is Going to Have a Great Year in 6th Grade?

THIS GIRL!

Yes, I'm a PROUD Mama!

That Stinks: How to Lose Friends and Un-influence People

So, I'm still in computer Hades right now. Most of these problems stem, I believe, from the big storm last week. I'm a firm believer in turning computers off to "let them rest" before trying them again, mostly because I have no other computer skills up my sleeve, so there's been a lot of that going on. And some cursing. I also managed to spam (and possibly lose) many of my friends by sending them a blank email when I was trying to let them know about a fabulous jewelry party/charity fundraiser I'm having in Jack's memory. More on that later (p.s. you're all invited!)

The other thing going on is my dealing with an incredibly stinky dog. I scrubbed the little drip pan under the fridge (did you know you have one?), freshened up my garbage disposal, and emptied all of the trash cans in the house before I convinced myself that the horrible odor in the house was either me, or the canine who follows me around so closely she might, as well be up my...you know. When I took a whiff of her back, it smelled like decaying animals. Nice.

We took a pleasant (not really) bath together and I used all manner of products to get her de-smellified. Yes, I was IN the tub with her because it was the only way to get her in. That, plus some Meaty Morsels.

I spent extra time at work today hoping the smell would continue to abate while I was gone. Unfortunately, as soon as I got home, the dog ran to the side yard and started rolling in...you guessed it...animal carcass. Just can't BEAR to take another bath with her, so for now I've spritzed her with dog shampoo spray and I'm trying to keep my distance, which is impossible.

We have a lot more to catch up on, my friends, but for now could I just ask for your prayers? The past few days have been hard emotionally, for reasons that have nothing to do with technology or smelly pets.

Thanks and Love!

Jack's Balloons

For those of you who were not able to be at Sunday's balloon launch, check out this short video lovingly put together by our friend Kim.



And yes, my nose really is that pointy in real life. Waaaah!

Samaritan's Purse and Jack's Lanterns Update

I want to update you on Samaritan’s Purse, one of Jack's favorite charities. Thank you so much to those of you who have contributed in any way! Contributions totaling over $7,000 went to Samaritan’s Purse shortly after Jack’s death. The donations went to Operation Christmas Child, clean water projects, and disaster relief.

In November, many, many people packed Christmas boxes in Jack’s memory to be sent all over the world, giving needy children what may be the first Christmas gifts of their lives. Thank you to those who participated!

Our family had the privilege of making boxes with our church youth group and at Tim’s office. We dropped off 119 boxes the week before Thanksgiving. An Inch of Gray reader, Katie, got creative and made a beautiful video featuring Jack to help motivate youth in her church
to give more boxes than ever before!

Next, my sister, Auntie, set up a virtual running group called “Jack’s Lanterns" which will run races all over the world in Jack’s honor to raise money for Samaritan’s Purse. Almost $6,000 has been raised by Jack's Lanterns already! Auntie is hoping for $10,000 by Jack’s birthday in mid- March! Runners can sign up by emailing your name and what race you plan on running to me at aninchofgray@yahoo.com. That’s it. Just let me know, and you ARE one of Jack’s Lanterns.

As a runner, you can make a donation and/or direct your friends and family to the secure website so they can make a donation if they wish. Neighbors, former students, Jack’s Cub Scout leader, high school friends, blog readers, and one of the paramedics from that horrible night are all Jack’s Lanterns. Tim is running the first races of his life to honor his son's memory.

If, like me, you are not an athlete but rather an “athletic supporter” (one of my fave lines from “Grease”), you can go to the Jack's Lanterns page and donate just as so many generous people have already done. One of Jack and Margaret’s young friends even requested that her friends make donations to Jack's Lanterns instead of giving her presents this year. Wow!

Please spread the word by telling anyone you can think of.

Thank you so much for your love and support!


“Nothing is Impossible with God.” Luke 1:37