Friday, January 31, 2014

Chick-fil-A Night

We were blown away by the support for Zach at the Chick-fil-A fundraiser Tuesday night.  A huge thank you to my friend Kelly Bueno for spearheading this entire operation!  She was instrumental in organizing everything.  Brad and Amy Miles generously opened their restaurant and were prepared for the craziness!  Brad told me the place hadn't been that packed since opening day last year.  When we arrived at 5:15 the drive-thru was filled with cars and the lines inside were long, but no one seemed to mind.  It was such a joy to see old friends and meet new ones.  We saw friends from high school, colleagues, family, our church family, strangers who came to support Zach and poor unsuspecting strangers who probably wondered why CFA was so busy on a Tuesday night.  The only person who didn't have a fantastic time was our 2-year old Oliver.  Poor guy was just overwhelmed and exhausted.  My wonderful in-laws Mark and Wendy took both boys home early so Zach and I could meet and greet as many people as possible.  My mom also helped us greet and even spent time walking up to cars in the drive-thru.  


It wasn't a particularly late night but I woke up the following morning with a "Chick-fil-A hangover."  It wasn't anything that an extra few hours of sleep couldn't cure--but the boys didn't allow that to happen.  We all moved too slow and were 45 minutes late to Bible study.  So glad I went though because I'm pretty sure Beth Moore's lesson was just for me.  After studying both Abraham's obedience towards God, and his willingness to sacrifice his only son if God commanded it, these 2 points stayed with me all day:

1.  Obedience is not the hardest part of our most trying tests. Keeping the faith can be the hardest of all.  
2.  Our hardest tests involve our dearest loves.  


Karen and Jane greeted customers!


Mandie, Virginia, Erin, Karen and Kelly helped make the fundraiser possible by cleaning, greeting and smiling :)

 CFA owners, Brad and Amy Miles, and their son Aiden with Zach.    

 Zach and his student Zac from Eagle High School.  

 Leilani and Diana brought out orders and helped out in any way possible.  Diana came in for dinner but saw there was a need for more volunteers so she jumped right in.  

Zach's mom Kris and Aunt Kellie with Max.


Aunt Kellie and Mr. Max

 A packed house!

 My brother Mitch, my mom Kathi and me.  

 My bible study leader Stacy and her beautiful grandson.  Those curls!!!!

 Zach, his sister Jessica, and her son Lucas.

Zach and a few of his favorites--Rocky basketball players
Zach and more of his favorite--his basketball team.

The next few pictures and video are from Oliver's birthday celebration last week.  It definitely wasn't a Pinterest-worthy celebration.  In fact Oliver's "cake" was a delicious banana cream pie for Zach from our thoughtful neighbors.  



This adorable little boy loves puppies, the garbage man,  and throwing away trash.

Oliver and his Grandma Kris snuggling before bedtime.




Video: Oliver enjoying his banana cream pie! Not a cake mess fest like last year but still a memorable night.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Bald Is Beautiful: A Show of Solidarity

I can't find the appropriate words to express the gratitude and emotion that Zach and I felt Saturday night at the Eagle/Rocky Mountain basketball game. It was awe-inspiring to see the gym packed with "Believe: PFI" shirts and shiny bald heads!  I had the opportunity to meet many of you who are following our journey and praying for our family.  I knew when Zach was diagnosed that God would be with us every step of the way.  But what I didn't expect is how He would use so many friends (and complete strangers!) to bless us.  Thank you for an unforgettable night!


Video: I love this guy!


Video: I got to do the honors! I was relieved when I finished to see that Zach has a nicely shaped head to sport his new 'do.

Video: Eagle math teacher, Kasey Krone, braved the clippers and shaved part of her hair.  We appreciate your willingness to go all the way but understand your family's desire to see you keep your beautiful curls.  Thank you :)

Handsome Zach!  I actually prefer the no hair look!

 Zach's Family: The Ipsens

 The Ingersoll cousins--Elizabeth, Marissa, Savannah and Jessica

Thank you to the person who put together this nice poster for the raffle table.  We have it in our home now.

Rocky Mountain students designed the shirt:  Believe PFI (Pray For Ingersoll)

Tanner and Cooper Leaf 

 Parker Leaf was a little nervous about losing all of his hair--I don't blame him.  I love the mohawk!

Tanner and Cooper Leaf look fantastic!

Zach and the Leaf Boys

Brave boys!




 The Ingersoll Family

 Dear friends of Zach's: Nathan White, Brian White, and Rob Rathbun
 
 Dear friends of mine: Darren and Angela VanHofwegen.  They drove up from Twin Falls for the game and Angela brought a bag of toys and treats to keep Oliver occupied.  He loved sitting on her lap watching the game!   
 
 3 braves souls!
 
Zach and me.  

Love those bald heads on the JV players!

Varsity teams gearing up for game.

 PFI
 
 Rob Rathbun, Eagle football coach and teacher, losing his hair.

 Coach Paul Peterson, Eagle football

 Coach Scott Criner, Rocky Mountain football

 I love this picture!

 The amazing students at Oliver Findley hair school shaved hundreds of head.  Zach and I appreciate you so much!

 Mohawk!

 Michael Vincent, Sawyer Shields, Paul Semons
Eagle football

 Eagle football players

 The nerves were evident for Trevor, Robert and Riley...

 …but once you start there's no turning back!

Dirk Baskett, Gavin Butler, Tanner Foster, Riley Greatorex and Trevor Schwer, Eagle High School

 Clay Hatfield, Spanish teacher
Eagle High School

Lucas Younger, counselor
Eagle High School

 Eagle High School cheerleader shaved part of her head--she is amazing!

 Jessica, Mitch, Zach and me.

Zach and Thad Jones, Rocky Mountain basketball

Mr. Oliver (and Uncle Jared photobomb!)

Oliver rockin' his Rocky purple and Eagle green ribbons in support of Dad

Max sporting his ribbon with pride

Daddy's (not so) Little Guy