Carter's Crusaders rock the CHOC Walk

A huge Thank You goes out to everyone who supported Carter and CHOC this morning! Those of you who walked and those of you who cheered from afar. Team Carter's Crusaders ended up being over 60+ members strong and raised over $8000 for CHOC in honor of our little SuperHERO, Carter Kipp.

The Walk was great fun....So EARLY! But a blast. We woke the kids up at 5AM. The girls were so confused as to why they were getting out of bed when it was still pitch black outside. Matt said "Who wants to go to Disneyland?!" and Wyatt sat straight up in his crib and yelled "Yeah! That's a good idea, Dad!" So cute.

Now for the pics. Some of them are from my phone, so they're not the greatest, but I still wanted to share all the fun we had this morning with all of you who made it such a success!

This is the sign the Glass Slipper Guild had made that we all walked together as a team behind.

 Is Carter the cutest thing, or what?

Kara and Bennett Kipp (Carter's Mom and Big Brother!) before the Walk began.
CLICK HERE to visit the Kipp Blog "We Love Carter!"

The girls and me looking pretty in our Joy's Hope Messy Flowers inspired by Carter.

Want a Messy Flower too? Julie makes them as pins and clips too, in all sorts of rockin' fabrics and even LOVES your special requests! CLICK HERE to get one.

Wyatt wanted in on the photo session too. Can't say no to my Munchie.

The Carterman "tattoo" I had made (really just a stamp!) Want one? CLICK HERE. Greg will make one with any initial you want...and he's super nice! He donated the $ from this sale back to Carter's Crusaders. Love that!

 

(My new necklace is cute too, huh? Heather made it for me. She's donating 10% of her shop's sales til the end of October to Carter's Crusaders...so go shop!)

My Girlfriends, Old and New. All of them went to elementary school with Kara!

Kim, Sepi, Tami, Kelly and Aleece

Disneyland was decked out for Halloween.

The kids loved all the Mickey & Minnie pumpkins.

Exactly why Disneyland is called the "Happiest Place on Earth."

And why I love it so....Whimsical, fun, creative, AWESOME.

Stalks of CANDY corn!!

and Candy Corn Coconuts in all the Palm Trees.

I love this place.

And we're off!

The view down Main Street USA at the start of the Walk, 7AM.

There was twice this many people still behind us!

Megan and Molly made fast friends with Charlotte and Audrey, daughters of my girlfriend Marni.

Marni and her husband Dave, went to Pepperdine with me. Marni and I are both Glass Slipper members and thanks to this event have finally reconnected! So fun.

My hot husband was there too. With all the team/tshirt facilitating I had to do, there was no way I could've taken the kids without him. Have I mentioned before how AWESOME Mateo is for always supporting me 110% in everything I do?!

(Oh, yeah. And he's hot!)

Matt's best friend Jud and his daughter Mackenzie.

 

More Girlfriends. Brooke, Ashley and Allison

We've known each other since preschool!

Lots of characters were all along the Walk route. Some waved and cheered from a distance, while others walked with us and gladly posed for pictures with all the kids. Wyatt just about came out of his skin when Woody and Buzz Lightyear gave him hugs. The girls practically broke into song and dance with the High School musical cast members.

 Elle - this pretty lady made me think of you!

Happy Birthday!

 

(Elle's mommy makes yummy stuff for little girls and donated 10% of her shop's sales to Carter's Crusaders all last month. Love that too!)

 

 

 

 

 

All along the route were signs explaining the awesomeness that is Children's Hospital Orange County and how/where the $$ raised today is spent. (I only snapped a few tho)

 

The Walk ended in Downtown Disney complete with Wildcat cheerleaders celebrating our finish. Can you guess who LOVED this part of the morning?!

The Krotts Family at the finish line.

Kim went to elementary school with Kara.

Burns Party of Five at the Finish Line!

I think this morning was a rockin' success. Only thing that could have made it better would've been to have our little SuperHERO there himself. But he's too immuno-compromised right now! And I think the Walk probably wouldn't be much fun with a broken leg...even if it was at Disneyland! =) Carter has his scan later this week to confirm that he is CANCER FREE so let's all dance and pray and keep our fingers crossed! Kara and Bennett, it was so good to see you. I hope you had fun at the walk and took home lots of fun stories for Carter and Dad to hear!

If this picture doesn't make you want a Carterman tee....then you're P.U!

(as we like to say here at Bringing Up Burns, thanks to Junie B. Jones)

Carter, Davis and Bennett Kipp in their Carterman shirts!

I still have a few tees left if you want one. They are presently being worn ALL OVER - from California to New Jersey, Colorado to North Carolina, Florida to Indiana - we've got people lovin' on Carter everywhere and that makes my heart so happy! 

AGAIN - a huge Thank You from the bottom of my heart to everyone who worked hard, and contributed time, money, love, donations, and labor to make it a success. You rock my socks.

(Mrs. Maize...I thought of you and Miss AudreyC all morning. It seems today was not our day to meet, but I know in my heart that day is right around the corner! Love you. XOXO I'm sending Aud a Carterman tee. Because any girl who dances to Miley like that deserves some MommaBurns love! =)

Everybody Cheer!

Carter had his last Chemo yesterday! The CHOC Walk is tomorrow morning. So far Carter's Crusaders has raised over $7000!! Today is your last day to shop at Haute Tots and have some of your $$ go to support this great cause!

AND....I still have a few Carter's Crusader shirts left. $5 from every shirt sold goes to Carter's Fight Fund! Get yours today and celebrate this little man kicking cancer's butt and being an all around superHERO for the past 6 months! Way to go Carter. You Rock my Socks!

Email me at erin@bringingupburns.com if you buy a shirt and want me to bring it to the CHOC Walk tomorrow morning. I will be in front of the "C" (for Carter, of course!) outside California Adventure from 6:15am until the start of the Walk. We are going to try and get a team picture with everyone in their blue Carter Crusader shirts at 6:30am.

Don't be left out! You'll be sad, sad.

Get Em While They're Hot!

Can I get a "What What?!" A HUGE box of eco-heather, blue Alternative Apparel tees arrived on my doorstep a few days back. Here's a pic of the loot before they were dropped off at the printer.

They're presently getting emblazoned with this most awesome logo created by my girlfriend Suzanne!

There is a limited number available and I don't think there's enough time for me to reprint another order before the CHOC Walk...so get yours now! You can purchase them with Paypal in my right hand sidebar. Your $25 includes the shirt, tax, shipping, and a $5 donation to Carter's Fight Fund! Shirts will ship early next week! Leave a comment if you have any questions. 

Thanks for supporting Carter and CHOC - both awesome crusaders in the fight against YUCKY cancer! 

(Carter says "Hey! Like my tummy? If I can do this...you can Walk for CHOC!")
CLICK HERE to join our team for the CHOC Walk at Disneyland on the 18th?

Don't forget to drop by Carter's Blog for his latest updates!

And be sure to visit all the Etsy sellers shops who have dedicated items and sales to Carter's Crusaders!

Crafting Crusaders for Carter

Like I need an excuse to spend money on Etsy...

BUT it's always nice to have a

REALLY good one!

Right?

One of the first statements in my profile is "I have Ab Fab Girlfriends." Which is very true. But this past week, my faith in the basic goodness of humanity has been restored beyond measure. I think I will be "paying it forward" for a good while.

A few weeks back, when I first got the Carter's Crusader shirts underway, I decided to ask some of my favorite blogging/Etsy seller friends if they'd be willing to come up with something in their shop, that when sold, part of the proceeds would go to Carter's Crusaders.

NOT A SINGLE ONE TURNED ME DOWN!

These are women from all over the nation (and Canada!) whom I have never met other then through the letters on my keyboard. They have come to know Carter first through Bringing Up Burns and now from We Love Carter. But none of them know The Kipps personally. I am blown away by the complete goodness, generosity, and gigantic hearts these "strangers" have extended. And they all do it eagerly, excitedly, energenically.

LOVE.
BLOG LOVE.
GOOD PEOPLE LOVE.

Several of these sellers have created something inspired by our little superhero himself. From now until the CHOC Walk, on October 18th, these sellers have agreed to donate a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of these items to Carter's Crusaders! Others have agreed to donate a percentage of their store's total sales from now until October 18th. So you can buy ANYTHING in their shop and be helping Children's Hospital Orange County.

It's a no brainer. GO. SHOP. SAVE LIVES.

You can click the Carter's Crusader Button above to link to all sellers shops. You can also see some of them in my Etsy mini below. Please check them out and pass this along to everyone you know!



And when you get a few minutes, visit these women's blogs. Leave them some comment LOVE. Let them know how awesome it is to have Crusaders all over the place supporting Carter in his fight.


Pampering Beki and her SUPER Necklace
Joy's Hope and her CARTER Pretty. Messy. Flower
Polka Dot Moon and her I HEART CARTER earrings
The Paperista and her SUPERHERO BOY invites and SUPERHERO GIRL invites
Nerdnook and his SUPER SHEILD customized rubber stamp
Haus of Girls and her SUPERMAN party favor buckets

Lisa of ElleBows and More is donating 10% of her shop's total sales, from now until Oct 18th.

Haute Tots is as well! I will also be some Carter inspired items listed later today. (I do my best work at naptime!) Also working on putting the button and code you see at the top on my sidebar so you can add it to your website too! It'll take me a few minutes, but it will be up by the afternoon.

Thanks for the support and for spreading the word! Are you an Etsy seller? Want to be a Crafting Crusader too? Just email or convo me. We'll get it all set up!!

PS - Happy Birthday Munchie....TBall party comin' right up!

Out Came the Sun

^"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9:16

I figured it fitting, after my post yesterday, that a Rainbow is what I chose to giveaway on Julie's blog today. It was after all, agreeing to be her Giveaway Guest, that started the flood.

It began with a tweet Wednesday afternoon. Julie needed a last minute fill in when her scheduled Giveaway blogger had to back out. Haute Tots had been incubating in my mind and heart for over a year, and just recently I'd felt I had the extra time and energy to bring it to life. But I wanted to do more than just open a shop. I wanted my shop to matter. I wanted my crafting to have purpose. I wanted my profits to make a difference. When Julie's plea came through, and I realized the Giveaway would be happening exactly one month to the day until the CHOC Walk, my heart told me this was a radtastic opportunity too good to pass up!

Radtastic because Julie and her blog are kinda a big deal. You don't have to jaunt around the blogosphere long before stumble upon Joy'sHope. That colorful button is everywhere and it's too beautifully enticing not to CLICK.

Before you know it, you've fallen in love. You're inspired by a quiet, graceful strength that grew out of a painful dark place. Moved by the honest spirit of a woman who actively chooses everyday to make her life matter. To see the good, find the love, be the beauty she's looking for in this world. Before you know it, Joy has given YOU hope, just like she did her beautiful Mommy. And I love that.

Apparently a lot of other people love that too! Because, like I said, Julie's kinda a big deal. I knew being a Giveaway Guest on her blog would mean traffic. And traffic would mean a greater voice. Greater voice = more opportunity to make this little place of mine on the world wide web matter.

Sprinkle. Sprinkle.

Later that day, as I was in the trenches of constructing Haute Tots and facilitating the ever expanding team of Etsy Crafters for Carter, I was contacted (for the third time) and invited to become a Featured Blogger for Wellsphere.com.

Pitter. Patter.

I had put off accepting Wellsphere's invitation twice before. First, merely because I didn't think it was sincere. I thought the email was one that probably appeared in every blogger's inbox. It wasn't until 2 weeks later, when I was contacted again, this time by Dr. Geoff himself, and his email wasn't generic, that I realized maybe they did really want ME. Maybe they did see something special in Bringing Up Burns. Maybe, just a little of what I had learned from Julie and Joy, was shining through, and making people fall in love with me too!

Tappity. Tap. Tap.

That's silly, I told myself. That's conceited, I told myself! Just chill and blog. Wait and see.

So on Wednesday, when Dr. Geoff contacted me for the third time, you can imagine the thoughts and emotions that began to rain down inside me.

Plip. Plop.

You can imagine how I felt the water level break the surface and begin to flood when I learned Wellsphere.com is visited by over 4 million people each month.

Splish. Splash!

You can hear the storm that followed when in just 24 hours of becoming a Wellsphere Blogger, Bringing Up Burns' average daily readership had doubled. In 48 hours it had tripled. And I hadn't even been a guest on Julie's blog yet! I hadn't even announced Haute Tots or Etsy Crafters for Carter to friends and family yet! What would happen then?

Lightning. Thunder. Kerplunk!

I began to take on water.

I began to lose sight of the shore.

Somewhere in between Sprinkle and Kerplunk my rain had turned from refreshing and sweet to torrential and bitter. And down it came. I began to panic. I use our real names. My children's real names. My contact info is my real contact info. I've posted pics of our cars, our street, our schools.

I began to drown in information of copyrights and trademarks, image captures and captchas, stat counters and trackers, blog analytics and analogs.

I was this close to being washed out when a ray of light pierced the water and caught my eye. I recognized this light as one of the first sunNIE places I felt at home on the web. The water broke this light into a million tiny pieces and it was breathtaking. A rainbow of colors suddenly here for me to see, because of the water. I understood that it wasn't the water that was making this light beautiful. She had been beautiful all along. But without the water, she never would have caught my eye. For sure, she'd still be burNIEng vibrant and white as ever, but too far off for little ol' me to see. I remembered her middle name is Aurora. Fitting I thought. Goddess of the Dawn. First light of day. Had the water muted her spirit or put out her fire? Heck no! Not even a plane crash could do that. The water had made her light possible for me to see. The water had bore wittness a testimoNIE.

The panic began to wane. My frantic flailing slowed. I could feel myself leaving the deep dark behind. Warmed by the light and beginning to tread.

My heart settled into a hum that lulled me towards a sense of calm. I recognized this beat as one of the second places I felt at home on the web. The water amplified it's intentional rhythmic pattern and it became impossible for me to remain still.  A powerful and intentional dance suddenly here beckoning my soul to join in because of the water. I understood it wasn't the water that was making this beat move with purpose. She had been purposeful all along. But without the water, she never would have turned my ear. I remembered her name is LOVE. Fitting I thought. A strong positive emotion of affection and regarrd. Had the water weakened her passion or derailed her devotion? Yeah right! Not even the Atlantic Ocean nor the Continent of Africa could do that! The water had made her heart possible for me to hear. The water had Let Love Grow.

My muscles relaxed. My strokes began to come with ease. I could feel myself remembering how to swim.

There were parts to the water that were still scary and deep. But I decided to look for the beauty in the darkness rather than blindly get swept into it's abyss. In doing so, I was filled with an unusual peace. I recognized this peace as the most recent place I've felt at home on the web. The water helped dissapate her fears and questions, her pain and anger until all that was left of her unusual peace was HOPE. A personal journey, battle and triumph suddenly here for me to feel because of the water. I understood it wasn't the water that made her peace hopeful. She had been working at it all along. But without the water, her journey never would have crossed my path. I remembered her daughter was named JOY. Fitting I thought. The emotion of great happiness. To make glad. Had the water robbed Peace of her JOY? Squashed all that was happy and faithful and fun in her? Yeah right! Not even having to wait until Heaven to hear her daughter's voice could do that! The water had allowed her journey to be mine too. The water had taught her (and she me) that even in your darkest hour to look for the rainbow. There is HOPE. There will be JOY again.

So here I swim in the rushing, rising tide. I am no longer scared. The water is no longer cold. I actually almost feel like I am home. Like the deep end of the ocean is where I was always meant to be.  After all, I was lead here by light and love and hope. How could that be wrong? This conclusion makes me smile. Almost giggle at the change in my perspective this week. Gone from black and white to Full Color. Like a rainbow. I've come full circle and it's funNIE. "What's In A Name?" EVERYTHING.

Come shop Haute Tots HERE 10% of our total sales until CHOC Walk on 10/18 will be donated to Carter's Crusaders

AND...

Bringing Up Burns is now broadcasting HERE!

Wellsphere.com is an awesome site. I rarely ever think this - but THEY SAY IT BETTER THAN ME - so click the link to learn all about 'em. The more I familiarize myself with the place, the more I believe this is the (not so distant) future of Health care and management.  I love how they combine medical expertise with knowledgeable and compassionate social support all in one personal, individualized place.

While it's still a little hard for me to wrap my head around,  the possibility of 4 million visitors a month is no longer scary. When I think there are women from all over the nation (and Canada too!) crafting for Carter, even tho the only place the've ever met him is on Bringing Up Burns....I say bring on the rain.

Post in the AM linking to all the Etsy Crafters for Carter. We're talking jewelry, hair accessories, stationary, party favors and more. Time to get your shop on!

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's a Crusaderman!

Carter's Crusaders Tshirts are {almost} here! The order from Alternative Apparel has been placed and should be on my doorstep manana. Then off to the printers and hopefully ready to be shipped by early next week. I am so excited! I'll add more current pics of the tees as I have them. But for now - here's what I got....to get you excited, spreading the word, and ready to purchase! (I want them to see out faster than a speeding bullet!)

Do You LOVE them?! I do. And guess what? SO DOES CARTER! He told me himself. When his Daddy showed him the sample and asked him if he thought it was "cool," he said (and I quote)

"YEEEAAAHHH!"


More tshirt news coming up....right after naptime.

**UPDATES**

CLICK HERE to see the shirt from AA on a woman

CLICK HERE to see the shirt from AA on a man

Working on an badge for the blog so that you can "Pre-Order" this weekend!! Stay tuned....

Labor of Love

This being Labor Day, I thought it perfect timing to announce the creation of the Carter's Crusaders CHOC Walk webpage! Easiest labor I've ever done is supporting this kid. I can't wait to walk in his honor and raise some $$ to benefit all the little Crusaders CHOC helps.


AND...speaking of labor...Kara is being induced tomorrow! Carter will be a BIG BROTHER in just a matter of hours! Congratulations Kipp family. I can't wait to meet your newest lil man. (Does he know the family he's being born into is kinda famous, kinda inspirational, kinda RAD?) I'm sure Benny and Carter will bring him up to speed. It was so good to see you yesterday Kara. You are a vision, with your big belly, wide smile and CALM attitude! Love you XOXO

(Carter says "Hey! Like my tummy? If I can do this...you can WALK for CHOC!")

So people.....Now's the time!! Come join our team. Become a Carter's Crusader and support the most amazing 2 year old on the planet! (you know you want to...) I mean really, How can you say NO to this kid?


CLICK HERE to join our team and participate in the walk. It's Sunday, October 18th. A 5K stroll through Disneyland and California Adventure, where you are joined by Disney characters cheering you on and providing unique photo opportunities. At the end of the walk, the celebration continues in Downtown Disney where event sponsors, hospital support groups, shops and restaurants have special offers for all Walk participants.

***It's important that when you register online, you select "GLASS SLIPPER" when it asks you where you heard about the walk. And for "Additional Information" please select "CHOC Affiliate - Guilds" under the drop down menu of "Team Category." Then type "Glass Slipper Guild" where it says NAME next.***

The Glass Slipper Guild is an extraordinary group of women dedicated to raising community awareness and funds to support Children's Hospital Orange County (CHOC). Kara, myself, and several of our girlfriends are members. Carter's Crusaders will be walking with the Glass Slipper Guild on the 18th. What an awesome showing we will be in the name of Carter Kipp!

CLICK HERE if you can't be at the walk, but still want to make a donation!

THANKS for your love and support! Be sure and check back...special Carter's Crusaders tshirts are in the works. I hope to have them available for purchase here on the blog in the next week or so. The plan is to make them available to ANYONE who wants one, not just those who join the team. 100% of the proceeds from the tshirts will go to Carter's Fight Fund.

Happy Labor Day everyone!
(Kara...you get two this year!)

Not Surprised

Carter came through surgery with flying colors! Which really shouldn't surprise anyone since he's been fighting and smiling since Day One. He's doing well, but still needs LOTS of Love and Prayers!

GO HERE for Kara's latest update on her little Champion.

I Have Tears and Chills

And Carter has a NEW Liver!!!

GO HERE now!

Dance & Pray!

** Late Night UPDATE: False Alarm for Carter. You can read the details HERE. Good news is, someone got the transplant they were praying for last night. Carter will be soon. Kara and Matt, your attitude during this roller coaster is inspiring!**

I just heard the best news ever and I have to share! Carter's family got the call that a liver is available for transplant and they are on their way to UCLA tonight! Do you have goosebumps? I do! Please hit your knees and lift this little boy to the Lord tonight. He has been a little under the weather today, and the doctors want him as strong as possible for surgery. Also raise up his parents, his doctors, and especially the family of his donor. While we are rejoicing in this event, they are most likely mourning. It is my fervent prayer that we wake to more awesome news on Carter's behalf.

God Bless you Little Man!

Save The Date!

I am forming a team for this year's CHOC Walk called
"Carter's Crusaders"

The CHOC Walk takes place on Sunday, October 18th this year. It's at Disneyland - before the park is open in the AM. No rides are available...but the park is full of kids and parents walking to raise $$ for CHOC and all the Disney characters are out and about for taking pictures and cheering on the teams. It's a really fun event and a great way to introduce your kids to the great feeling it is to GIVE and help others. Also a great way to support Carter and the Kipps and let them know we LOVE them!

Let me know if you want to help me organize the team and logistics....I'm thinking team tshirts, snacks, a "tailgate" spot for our team to meet and take a group picture, maybe a BBQ afterwards...we'll see how ambitious I get! Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and ALL kidlets are invited to join the team! You know you want to be on it! Save the Date and get ready to have the time of your life - all while supporting the cutest little Crusader of them all!

We love you Carter!
Rock on with your bad self.

If you are interested in being a Carter's Crusader CLICK HERE to sign our team roster.