TODAY We are on The Today Show!!!

I was crazy busy trying to think of ways to get the word out about our American Gold Star Christmas project. We had over 220 Gold Star kids registered to receive gifts from grateful Americans and as of yet only a few children had been sponsored.

Desperate, I asked my facebook friends for help.

With every name or suggestion thrown at me, I sent another press release.

And then my neighbor texted.

She just so happened to be a Today Show correspondent and one of the most grateful Americans (and hardest working women) I know.

She would pitch it to her producer.

The producer loved it– even as I tried (in vain) to have a coherent non-interrupted conversation with her while I coaxed my four little boys to do schoolwork quietly in the same room that their baby brother and sister were napping in. Jumping up and down after I hung up, the kiddos could barely make sense of my lunacy. In one fell swoop I felt like the stories behind these amazing families would finally get told. These children would know that America truly is grateful.

Panic set in.

I had nothing to wear. Over the last few months I have lost 25 pounds. Everything in my closet looked like a potato sack on me.

No worries, Ronica at Bloomie’s had my back. She’s the fashionista who dresses all the models for the local fashion shows. Amazingly talented. (Seriously go to At Your Service on the second floor of Bloomingdale’s if you are ever in a pinch. She pulled some of the most amazing outfits together. I chose a navy dress (it looks black in this picture, but trust me, it’s navy) with a white collar. She had me on my way– feeling fabulous fast.

My makeup.

With little Verity who is the biggest makeup thief/abuser in the house– I could barely think to even find half of my stuff in the next 24 hours.

Javier.

Javier is a dear friend to the family and also quite possibly the most amazing makeup artist I’ve ever known. He came in my door at 5:30am and began to work his magic for three hours before the lighting and camera crew came to the door.

*the fabulous Javi.
 

By 7:30 the house was a buzz with kids running every which way looking to get their hair done, trying to find earrings, missing shoes and arguing over shirts. Javier was laughing the entire time and I was just praying the children didn’t run into me and spill coffee all over my pretty new dress.

8:30. Karen Vaughn walked in the door. I had invited her to be a part of the interview because I thought she would represent Gold Star families beautifully. Truth be told, she and her family are the inspiration for so much of what we do at BelieveWithMe. Just seeing her face brought my blood pressure down and her hug kept me focused on why we  do what we do. Aaron was surely up in heaven smiling.

*the one and only Karen Vaughn.
 

 
Suzy came in the door like a hurricane (as usual) while the camera crew meticulously set up the lighting. David took the children to get breakfast and over the next three hours we talked and did our interviews. David brought the children back after lunch, we wrapped some presents for the cameras and then all hopped in the car to go to Target to film us shopping for gifts. By 3pm it was all over.

Longest 11 hours ever, but so very worth it to know that millions of Americans would now get the chance to hear about what we are doing, come to our website, and see the children and families who have lost their fathers in what has now become America’s longest war.

Lesson learned? Step out. Keep marching. It is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the desires of our heart.  We may have some crazy big dreams, but walk by faith and not by sight. Take a risk today. Trust God to do something that only He could make happen. And watch in absolute wonder as He shows up big time.  And YOU can watch us on The Today Show sometime between 10-11am TODAY!

*the amazing Suzy Welch…next door neighbor and incredible friend.