Lauren turns 17

Lauren turned 17 on January 7th. She felt great, went to school, celebrated at California Pizza Kitchen, and came home to this masterpiece.

I stopped making cute and fun cakes years ago, but Rachel was home sick that day. Her creative juices started going, and before long, Lauren had a horse cake. She was very surprised and quite happy!!

Lauren keeps reminding us that next year will be her last birthday at home before going off to college. How did I get so old?

Other good news: Lauren's annual heart cath, angio and biopsy were at the end of December. Her coronary arteries look beautiful and there are no signs of rejection. Congrats!!

Charity Bash

For the last 2 weeks of school in December, Lake Zurich High School tries to raise money for a charity. Each year, a different charity is chosen based on nominations from students. Lauren nominated Make-A-Wish and, based on her essay, that was the charity chosen. At the assembly to kick things off, Lauren made a speech and our family was highlighted in a video. They gave a brief account of Lauren's story and then encouraged the student body to "make a difference."

Activities designed to raise money included a human foosball game, silent auctions, bake sales, talent show, T-Shirt sales, duct tape teachers to the walls, penny wars, $2000 day, and a dance.

The grand total was $45,632!!

Think of the wishes that will grant. What a way to start off our holiday celebrating.