Scouting 4 Food - Collection Day!

Well, last weekend Bailey passed out the fliers and this weekend it was time to collect the food donations. We all set out this morning about 10 o'clock and meet up with Chandler and his dad, Harry. Even Kaci and I decided to join the boys this morning to help make a difference.

I was in charge of driving -so they could fill the back end of the car with all of their donations.

The boys (and Kaci) worked hard- knocking on the doors of those homes that did not leave anything out- just to make sure they hadn't forgotten to set it out. In the end they ended up collecting over 200 pounds of food! WOW! - Nice job boys!

We transferred everything from our car to Mr. Louis so that he could take it to the Food Pantry. Our hard work really paid off! Look at those red cheeks!

So proud of Kaci for helping out too! She even wore her Girl Scout vest. What a great sister.

Popcorn!!

Bailey attended his Boyscout meeting last night to learn all about their biggest fundraiser...popcorn sales! He will be selling popcorn starting, Monday- August 2nd. For 4 weeks popcorn will only be sold at various "on site" locations. As soon as we find out where our location will be - we will let you know. We will also be happy to bring one to you! The second 4 weeks, Bailey will be able to go door to door and make phone call sales to anyone who is still in need of filling their "popcorn fix" Listed below are some of the delicious popcorn flavors you will be able to purchase. I do not have prices yet- but will list them just as soon as I know :)

Chocolate Lover's Collection
one 22oz bag of Chocolatey Triple Delight popcorn
one 26oz bag of Chocolate Caramel Crunch popcorn
one 22oz bag of Chocolate Pretzels, and
one 22oz bag of White Chocolate Pretzels.
28% more product than 2009.

Chocolate, Carmel, Cheese (Savory & Sweet 3-way Tin, 44 oz) includes
1 bag of Chocolatey Triple Delight popcorn, 1 bag or Gourmet Caramel Corn with Almonds, Pecans, & Cashews, and 1 bag of Gourmet Cheddar Cheese popcorn
Say Cheese (Cheese Lover's Tin, 21 oz) includes 2 bags of cheddar cheese popcorn, and one bag of white cheddar cheese popcorn.
Trail's End Mix - 18oz bag of Raisins, Cranberries, Almonds, Walnuts, Yogurt Cranberries, and Yogurt Raisons
Triple Chocolate Delight - 18oz tin of Chocolate popcorn with Butter Toffee Glaze and Yogurt DrizzleGo Nuts (Caramel popcorn with Almonds, Pecans, and Cashews, 23oz)
Lighten Up (Butter Toffee Caramel popcorn Light, 18oz)
Unbelievably Buttery - 15-pack Unbelievable Butter Microwave Popcorn
The Light of Your Light - 15-pack Butter Light Microwave Popcorn
Original Caramel popcorn (8oz)
Original Popping Corn - 2.5 lbs of popcorn seeds perfect for popping.

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

Well- hard to believe it has been a whole year since Kaci was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I remember the day in segments....I remember...

She had been losing wieght, drinking lots of water (and I mean LOTS), using the bathroom 3 and 4 times a night and even sleep walking. I made her an appointment with our pediatrician at 8 a.m on July 28th. She was not allowed to eat or drink until after the test. I promised her that we would go to Chic Fil A and then swimming at Amber's pool when it was over.- Too bad that didn't happen. After her blood sugar test came back at 240- they told me to go home and pack a suitcase and head straight to Dell's Children, they would be expecting us.

Here is the part I don't remember...I don't remember calling Clint- and I don't remember packing...in fact, I don't know if we even went home or if we just met Clint at the hospital and my parents brought us a bag later. I know that PaPa was watching Bailey at the house- and I remember that we meet Clint at the hospital- I remember the man who put her hospital bracelet on telling her he was sorry she was feeling so bad. I remember her looking at him like he was crazy- she was feeling fine and didn't really understand why we had to be there.

I remember them taking blood and making her breath in some medicine to help calm her down. I remember her crying and screaming that it burned her nose and that she wanted to go home. I remember feeling hopeless and scared. I remember being angry and nauseous. I remember that I wanted to cry and scream and that I wanted to go home. I remember laying in that little hospital bed all night with her- dreading everytime they came in during the night to poke her little finger.

I remember it like a foggy dream...I can close my eyes and see flashes and scenes as if it was a movie and not something I was really a part of. I remember friends and family being there. I remember watching Kaci sing at the juke box with her friend, Grayson- while the IV stand stood between the two of them. I remember watching her paint with her friends Romy and Reese. I remember walking around the hospital with her to see all the art and kid friendly exhibits. I remember watching Hannah Montana and Suite Life of Zach and Cody.

I remember she cried everytime we picked up the phone to order food- because she knew it meant a shot had to follow. I remember one night she ordered nachos and I watched her cry until her face and bangs were hanging in her cheese when the Dr. told her that she could go home that night but she would have to have 2 shots before they would release her. I remember the Dr. saying she couldn't go home until she said she was ready and I remember trying to get Kaci to pick her head up to say she was. Then I remember the Dr. coming in just minutes later while we were celebrating the good news to inform us that Kaci still had ketones and would not be able to go home that night. I remember asking her to step in the hall so that we could speak alone- and I remember chewing her ass out for making this HUGE mistake.

I remember counting carbs, learning how to give a shot and feeling like I couldn't breath the whole time we were there.

I remember leaving the hospital and losing the balloon her best friend had given her to the 50 foot ceiling in the foyer. I watched her cry and felt hopeless....

I remember holding her hand all the way home while I drove and she sat next to me. I don't remember why Clint wasn't with us. Maybe he was at work...or with Bailey...I really don't recall. I remember we sang, "I Run To You" by Lady Antebellum at the top of our lungs and cried all the way home!


I remember I felt mad, exhausted, scared, guilty and totally out of control. I remember I felt this way for days, weeks, months. There are many days I still feel one or all of these emotions. I promised Kaci and I promised myself that we would not let Diabetes ruin us....we would not let it control us. I work hard everyday to keep this promise. There are many days I fail....but I always try.....always!

Scouting 4 Food~ Passing out Flyers

Clint and Bailey left bright and early this morning (well, for a Saturday it was bright and early) to help out Bailey's Cub scout Troop. They are passing out flyers this morning to homes and neighbors in our community asking for a canned good donation to help fill the City's Food Pantry. In 2 weeks- they will make their way back through the neighborhood to collect all of the donations. So proud of my 2 boys for working to help the community~ Way to go Clint and Bailey~

Team walk bracelets are here!!

BRACELETS ARE BEING SOLD FOR $1 DONATION!

We got our Team Walk bracelets in the mail today! They are so cool! Hard to see in the picture- but one side says "CURE DIABETES!"

While the other side says "Honey, Rufus and Kaci Team" This is the name Kaci gave our walk team. Honey is the large bear that her Uncle Chad gave her when she first got home from the hospital. She used it to hug while she was getting her shots. Rufus is the name of the small bear she was given in the hospital-. He also has diabetes and wears his diabetic bracelet. We have 100 of these bracelets to share with our friends! Can't wait to see them around town!

When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless.....

... But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.--Pauline R. Kezer

Dear Friends and Family-

On July 28, 2009 our lives and the life of our daughter, Kaci, changed forever. Kaci was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes and is now insulin dependent for the rest of her life (or-- until a CURE is found) In the last year alone- Kaci has had more than 1,810 finger pricks and over 2, 172 shots- and her fight is not over yet.

As you know, we are always working hard to try and help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Kaci has used this last year to learn all about Juvenile Diabetes and is working hard to help herself and others who face it's challenges.

Back in October, Kaci participated in the "Say Boo To Diabetes" walk, where her team raised $1,575.00 ( thanks to your help)

When we attended the Say Boo to Diabetes Awards ceremony in December- we learned that it is never to early to start raising money for the annual October walk. So- Kaci has a special JDRF piggy bank in her room that we are constantly dropping our spare change in to. Her Daddy has promised to match whatever amount she collects in that piggy bank by walk time. (I think he is getting nervous at how much she has...haha)

In November, she was asked to participate as a model for the Hope Ball. Her picture was chosen to be featured in the 11th Annual HOPE BALL invitation- which is a special event which raises money in hopes of finding a cure.This year's Hope Ball featured spectacular silent and live auctions, Buckets of Hope, fabulous entertainment by Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes, great food, and much more - all to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

In January, we sent her picture in to the Wall Of Change ....where she used coins to write out the amount of time that she has lived with Diabetes. At that time, it was 1/2 year! The coins we used to spell it out will be donated to JDRF.

April was a BIG month! In the month of April, her Uncle Chad gave her a match challenge....in his words he wrote,

"Kaci~ I am so proud of you for all you do to help find a cure for Diabetes. I know that it will help both of us!! So here is what I want to offer you!! For every Dollar you raise during the month of April, I will match it, and we can donate to JDRF! BUT...you cannot get more than a $1 from every person. That means Mom can donate $1, Dad can donate $1, etc....and I will match every dollar you collect. So keep a list of every person that gives you a $1, and we will add them up at the end of April!! Does this sound like a deal?? Let me know!! I love you VERY, VERY much!!! -Uncle Chad “

We had lots of wonderful donations from family and friends - and even total strangers who were forwarded our original email or heard about it by word of mouth! Kaci raised over $165, a dollar at a time~ With Uncle Chad's match that is $330!

In April- also had all of the proceeds from the sale of my Prissie Piggies go to JDRF. These are cute little custom made flips flops with bows that I started selling a few months ago. The sale of Prissie Piggies raised $160 that will be donated at the time of the walk in October.

In May, Kaci was featured in the Austin American Statesman in a pull out advertisement for the Hope Ball! I later had the invitation framed - and it hangs in our front hallway.

She was also featured in the JDRF Austin Chapter newsletter in appreciation for all of the hard work she had done in preparing and stuffing the KIDS SCHOOL WALK FOLDERS! These folders are used in fundraising events at different schools in the Austin area where students are encouraged to raise money to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Kaci stuffed over 1,100 folders!!

In May- Kaci was awarded the KOHLS Kids Who Care Award. Aunt Amber took the time to nominate her online- She was chosen as the store winner and received a $50 gift card for all of her hard work in our community. She is now entered in the Regional competition where she would win a $1,000 scholarship! We are so proud of her!!

Most recently in July, Kaci and Bailey (along with their friend, Grayson) hosted a lemonade stand to raise funds! They raised $16 ! We will also be selling team wrist bands to collect money for our team. (Let us know if you would like us to save one or two for you!) A few bake sales are planned for the summer as well!

Please take the time to say a prayer for Kaci that God may keep her strong, brave and positive! Thank you for your love and support through the last year. Our family and friends mean so much to us. If you would like to make a donation to this year’s Say Boo To Diabetes Walk in October- please make your check payable to JDRF- and mail it to our home address- and we will make sure that it is applied to our walk group -The Honey, Rufus and Kaci Team.


The Borchgardt Family-
Clint, Andrea, Kaci and Bailey

Getting ready...

Got a request from the JDRF Austin Chapter today to send in our picture for the Say Boo to Diabetes Walk in October. Last year I sent in my favorite picture of the kids- They were dressed as Tinkerbell and Peter Pan. They made it poster size and used it to decorate the walk route. I later had the poster framed and it is hanging in our formal dining room.

This year I sent in last year's picture. Bailey was Mario and Kaci was Hannah Montana. I wonder who they will be this year. Can't wait!

We did it!

It was hot and it was work...but we did it! Amber helped us set up shop at the corner....and the kids did a great job! They sold $16 worth of lemonade!- Going straight to our Walk Fund!

On the Web....

Winners have been announced online.

Click on this link to see Kaci's name on the Kohl's Kids Who Care website!

So proud of our little girl!



http://www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship/StoreWinners.asp

When life gives you lemons- make lemonade!

We will be having a lemonade stand on Wednesday at 3 o'clock. If you are in the area.....please stop by! All of the proceeds will be donated to our JDRF walk team in October! Help us find a cure!

Above poster made by Kaci Borchgardt
Above poster made by Bailey Borchgardt

Sea World Adventure Camp!

Here we are packed and ready for our Girl Scout overnight trip to Sea World. This year our troop decided to use the funds we raised from our cookie sales to pay for this unique trip!
Here we are waiting for our guide in our cute troop shirts!
Look at all the girls in their new orange shirts. In order to enter the park- we all had to put them on! So much for our cute troop shirts. This will also explain why Kaci is wearing a green bow with her orange shirt! ha
Kaci and Grayson trying to stay cool!

We loved this guy- posing for pics and catching the sun rays!

The girls caught some rays too!

Here we are at the Shamu show! I think I heard it put best when someone said," One bad whale can spoil it for all the rest!" It was a very low key version of the Shamu performances we have seen before. Lots of music, dancers and smoke- not much Shamu at all. They are reviewing procedures and all activities since the unfortunate accident.

Here are the girls asking talking to one of the trainers. It was so miserably hot during that show. You can't see it in any of these pictures- but man it was hot!

Here we are in the shark tank after a LONG and HOT day! I thought I would be a little more nervous about the sharks....fortunately, the floor was so hard and uncomfortable- I barely noticed the sharks! ha Let's just say it was a long night. Thank goodness for my phone. I was able to check emails, facebook and play games all night! I also enjoyed giggling with Tracy (one of the other moms) and listening to someone snore like a freight train all night long. There were 100 of us in the shark tank- and it looked like they all slept like babies, other than me, Kaci, Tracy and Grayson!

"Do your best" - The Cub Scout Motto

I, Bailey Borchgardt,

promise to do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

To help other people, and

To obey the law of the Pack.

On their way to the first Cub Scout meeting!

Borchgardt Bowling Buddies!

The kids got their bowling shirts and they sure do look good in them!

They bowled great today and had fun too! (that is the most important part) Decided that they would call themselves the "Borchgardt Bowling Buddies" I think I like it :)

Bailey can bowl with his fingers in the ball and he has lots of power behind his throw! Look at that form!

This is Kaci's last year on the Bumper Buddies league :( and she is doing really well keeping the ball on the lane without even using the bumpers (even though they are there) We stayed after league bowling ended, and bowled 2 games without the bumpers. Kaci and Bailey are really getting good at keeping it straight on the lane. Bailey has an awesome curve ball....video coming soon!

Hapy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July! Here are some flowers we picked up for Grandma Dee.

Making homemade ice cream is a tradition that Kaci and Amber have. This year's flavor was chocolate!

Absolutely gorgeous!

Clint and Bailey made a little time for baseball while PaPa Bar-B-Q'ued!

Colton and Kaci show off their pearly whites for the camera.

Aunt Ginny came down from Houston to celebrate the day with us. I think this is a great picture of Kaci and her on the way to the fireworks.

Grandma Dee and Kaci getting the glow bracelets ready!

Kaci and I are ready for the show! Clint didn't have Monday off- so he headed home to bed...and Bailey decided to join him since he is not fond of waiting :)

Dad and Aunt Ginny were ready too! Happy 4th of July!