In Honor of Ellie Kate - A Month of Reckless Love

The month of December will soon be upon us, and I can hardly believe it!  I say that often, but it is oh-so-true, Friends.  I REALLY cannot believe that it is almost December, the month we will celebrate Ellie Kate's life and death.  

This year, we are starting a grand tradition - a project of service and love.  The event itself will take place the entire month of December.  After all, that is the month Ellie was born, the month she was sent home on hospice and the month she went to be with Jesus.  The event will be called, "In Honor of Ellie Kate - A Month of Reckless Love".  

We have a Facebook Page dedicated to this event, under the same title.  I welcome you to join our Facebook Page/Event so that you can stay up to date on all of the details!  Here is a brief explanation of what the celebration will entail . . . 

Ellie Kate McLaughlin was born December 4, 2005 in Oklahoma City. Ellie suffered from NKH - a rare and terminal genetic disorder, and spent most of her birthdays in the hospital at OU Children's Hospital. Ellie Kate taught everyone around her how to love recklessly and selflessly - to love the unlovely and serve those in need. Ellie Kate went to be with Jesus on December 23, 2012. During the month of December, we celebrate our Precious Daughter by making a difference in our communities, by loving and serving the world around us. Join us as we honor Ellie Kate by loving others this month! November 5th-December 4th: Purchase a book or donate your favorite story to Ellie's cause! Your gift will be handed out to patients at OU Children's Hospital at Ellie Kate's birthday celebration on December 4th. Books should be suitable for children ages birth-18 years. More information on book drop-offs coming soon!  Purchase a book directly from Ellie Kate's Amazon Wish List!  All donations will be sent to our home and will be placed in the hands of children staying at OU Children's Hospital during the month of December. Click HERE for the Amazon Registry http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/giftlist/26F5I0VH3O3FZ/ref=topnav_lists_2 December 1-31st: Start loving those around you in reckless ways! Give to those in need, purposefully reaching out to those who are hurting, including those with special needs and families who have lost children. Share on our page how you have loved others in Honor of Ellie Kate!  December 4th: Ellie's 8th Birthday! Join us at OU Children's Hospital as we throw a party in Ellie's honor. This is a way for us to love on special children who are stuck in the hospital during the holidays, much like Ellie Kate. We will have a birthday party, a reading/story time, and special crafts for the patients (time TBA).  December 19th: Share Ellie's story with someone you come in contact with. Post and let us know about your encounter, and also share your favorite Ellie Kate memory or story!  December 23rd: Ellie's Heaven Day! Post pictures of you and your family releasing PINK balloons in Ellie Kate's honor. Send messages with your balloons and be creative! This is a way to show our family that you remember our Sweet Girl. More details will follow, so keep watching for them!  I want this to be an amazing event, all month long.  I dream of Ellie Kate's legacy living on through this - through YOU loving those around you in reckless, big, intense, and purposeful ways.  I can't wait to see what God will do through you!