Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Update

We needed to send an update on all the doings over the past few weeks. One, as everybody knows, Ruby passed away just a few weeks ago. We already miss her so much. She truly was the sweetest baby ever. Her mission in this life was short, yet powerful and she has wrought so much change. We have heard from thousands of people, all over the world, testifying of a change in their own life because of Ruby. For this we are grateful.

Another source of gratitude has been on the financial front. When I started this blog for my sister and her husband to help cover their bills I really thought if we received a few thousand dollars we would be lucky. The response has been overwhelming! Not only have we been able to cover their medical bills, but also the funeral. At this point we have a surplus of money and have made the decision to start a foundation in Ruby's honor. The Ruby Jane Foundation is currently being incorporated with attorneys who have generously donated their time and money to make it happen. All of the money that has been donated will flow directly to medical bills, funeral expenses, and then to the foundation. The foundation is something we feel excited about, Ani has been able to focus on this and help her in the healing process, and we feel like we have a vehicle to continue baby Ruby's legacy. As we formulate goals and mission statements we know that the foundation's two primary goals can be summarized as follows:

1. To enact legislation that makes organ donation easier for families and provides a time for an educated decision to be made

2. Raise awareness for organ donation through our annual "Run for Ruby"

If you have any questions regarding any of this or your donation you can email rubyfoundation@gmail.com. We are inundated right now with emails but will eventually be able to respond.

We would encourage you to continue to donate to this worthy cause and help save lives.

Lastly, thank you. My entire family has been forever touched and changed by the hundreds of people who have donated time, talents, and money to help lessen the burden in some way. This is truly a challenge we thought we would never have to face but each small kind act on Ruby's behalf, each new organ donor, all help to assuage the pain in some small way.

Please head to our Facebook page and click on the "like" button to receive updates and information on our future activities and annual "Run for Ruby".

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ruby-Jane-Foundation/163486743725357



Sincerely,

Ruby's Family







Monday, August 15, 2011

Mom's Helping Miss Ruby Jane Auction

NOTE: THE AUCTION IS NOW OVER. WE WILL BE CONTACTING ALL WINNERS WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Welcome to Ruby's Fundraising Page



Welcome to the Ruby Taylor Fundraising page. Baby Ruby was diagnosed with liver failure in March of 2011 at the age of three months. She is currently awaiting a donor liver and working with some of the best doctors in the country at the UCLA Medical Center. Due to the numerous hospital visits that have already occurred and will occur, the Taylor’s are facing growing medical bills. We have set up this fundraising page to help the them with their hospital bills and continue the great care Ruby has received thus far. Please check Ani’s blog to get regular updates http://aniandmatttaylor.blogspot.com/.


Thank you so much for helping this sweet little baby. Any donation amount is appreciated and goes a long way. Everything goes strictly towards Ruby’s medical expenses.





ALSO, YOU IF YOU PREFER TO NOT USE PAYPAL YOU CAN SEND CHECKS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

31161 SANTA MARGARITA PLACE
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO "MATT TAYLOR" WITH "RUBY JANE DONATION" ON THE MEMO LINE.

Mom's Helping Miss Ruby Jane Auction Important Details

NOTE: If you are experiencing difficulties bidding, email your bids to inthemiddleofthis@gmail.com and they will be posted for you!

Thank you for joining us in our effort to support the Taylor family at the very difficult time. We have been overwhelmed by the response we've received of people wanting to donate items and are so grateful for the generosity of those who have donated. We have over 100 items so please take your time looking at the items and then deciding what items you want to bid on. Please make sure to check older posts at the bottom of the page to make sure you see all of the items. It is our hope that together we can raise a significant amount of money for the Taylor's.

Thank you again for joining us and please SHARE the auction with your friends and family so we can make this auction a HUGE success!

Before you start bidding, please read the rules of engagement:

- Each item up for auction can be found in their own post. There are over 100 items so again make sure to scroll back to older posts.

- Please place your bid for a particular item in the comments section of the post for the item you want. Please include your email address with your bid.

- Please be respectful of those who have donated their services and bid generously. Remember ALL of the money from this auction will go directly to the Taylor's so again please bid generously.

- The auction will run until Monday August 22nd at 11:59 pm.

- Winners will be announced on Thursday August 25th, just in time to celebrate Matt and Ani's Anniversary!

- Winners will also be contacted by email and directed to pay for their item(s) on the DONATE Paypal link found in the "Welcome to Ruby's Fundraising Page" post.

- Once winners have paid for their item on the DONATE Paypal link found in the "Welcome to Ruby's Fundraising Page" post they need to email their confirmation of payment to Sarah at inthemiddleofthis@gmail.com.

- After Sarah has confirmation of payment the winner's information will be sent to the individual who donated the item and the item will be shipped to the winner. For custom orders the winner will be responsible to contact the individual who donated the item to place their order, again after payment has been made. For services, such as photography sessions or haircuts, the winner will be responsible to contact the individual who donated the item, again after payment has been made.

- NOTE: Winners will not have to pay for shipping. Those who have donated items have graciously volunteered to cover the cost of shipping as well.

Now that you've read the rules....go bid and let's raise some money for the Taylor's!

Please email Sarah at inthemiddleofthis@gmail.com with questions about the auction.

$75 Promo Code to Whippy Cake

Donated by Becki and the Whippy Cake girls from Whippy Cake.
Item up for auction is a $75 Promo Code that can be entered online at Whippy Cake towards purchase. Promo code will work exactly like a e-gift card.

Starting bid $25.

Set of 10 Silk Flowers by Melissa

Donated by Melissa D'Avanzo.

Item up for auction is a Set of 10 Silk Flowers on Clips. 1 large pink( with a clip & pin), 1 yellow, 1 orange/ yellow, 2 blue/ white, 1 large purple ( with clip and pin), 2 small dark purple, 1 light pink with pearl center ( with clip and pin), 1 red.

Set of 10 Silk Flowers

Donated by Melissa D'Avanzo.

Item up for auction is a Set of 10 Silk Flowers on Clips. 1 large pink ( with clip and pin), 1 small purple, 1 large peach ( with clip and pin) 1 medium dark pink, 2 blue/ white, 1 small brown, 2 small purple, 1 large yellow ( with clip & pin).

Brazilian Blowout by Amy Schwarz

Donated by Amy from Breathe Salon.
Item up for auction is one Brazilian Blowout. Service only valid with Amy Schwarz, Stylist at Breathe Salon located at 19010 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach, CA. Must travel to Huntington Beach salon location to utilize service.

Starting bid at $75

Service valued at $300

Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Treatments are the move innovative and effective in the world. Through the use of innovative and breakthrough bonding technologies, these treatments actually improve the health and condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. The end result is smooth, healthy, frizz-free hair with radiant shine!

Note: Please do not bid on this item if you are not able to travel to Huntington Beach for the service.

Oakley Fringe Sunglasses by Lindsey Wall

Donated by Lindsey Wall.
Item up for auction is one pair of Oakley "Fringe" Sunglasses, Brown Tortoise Frame with Dark Brown gradient lenses. A great looking acetate frame from Oakley. Dark brown in color, with a caramel and clear coating in the frame. Retail value $100.

Comes with the original Oakley case, a hard carrying case to protect your glasses and a storage baggy perfect for cleaning the lenses and carrying around your glasses.

Warranty card included. These are brand new, and never worn. A perfect gift for any girl or for yourself!

Matted "Love Never Fails" Photograph

Donated by Valerie Coulman.
Item up for auction is one Matted Photograph titled "Love Never Fails", it is 11" x 14" and matted to 16" x 20" white acid free mat.

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails." (1 Cor. 13:4-8a)

It will ship in a protective cover with protective packaging.


Note: For every unmatted print of "Love Never Fails" purchased through Etsy between now and September 30th, $25 will be donated to the Taylor Family. Direct link is: http://www.etsy.com/listing/33570063/love-never-fails-photography

Autographed Hardcover Copy of "I Am A Ballerina" by Valerie Coulman.

Donated by Valerie Coulman.


Item up for auction is one Autographed Hardcover Copy of "I Am A Ballerina". Can be dedicated to the winner's favorite young dancer by name. The auction winner will also receive a small group of dance related fun items to accompany the story book.

Set of 3 Singed Satin Flower Hair Clips by Seraya Sunshine

Donated by Shazia from Seraya Sunshine.Item up for auction is a Set of 3 Singed Satin Flower Hair Clips. Each flower measures approximately 2.5 inches and is made out of poly satin fabric. Each layer of the fabric flower clip has been cut out, singed, and arranged by hand with care. The bloom is hand-stitched with a single white pearl or coordinating seed beads in the center. It is attached to an alligator clip lined with a matching ribbon. Winner will be able to choose 3 from the colors shown in the picture above.

Yellow Flower on a Bronze Filigree Ring Base by Seraya Sunshine

Donated by Shazia from Seraya Sunshine.
Item up for auction is one Yellow Flower on a Bronze Filigree Ring Base. This is the perfect accessory for Fall! The flower measures 18 mm and the ring is adjustable.

Purple Fabric Rosette and Wooden Beads Necklace by Seraya Sunshine

Donated by Shazia from Seraya Sunshine.
Item up for auction is one Purple Fabric Rosette and Wooden Beads Necklace. This is a lovely necklace made out of a purple cotton fabric rosette and wooden beads. This beautiful creation is attached to a cream organza ribbon that is extra long so that you can wear it to your desired length. The ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying.

Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur by Elona White

Donated by Elona White.Item up for auction is one Playskool Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur.

NOTE: Please do not bid on this item if you don't live in Utah Valley or have some one who lives in Utah Valley who the item could be delivered to for you.

Product Features:
Animatronic, life-size baby dinosaur stands over 3 feet tall and comes to “life” with realistic sounds and motion!

Responds to your voice and touch with roaring and laughing sounds, and expressive tail, head, eye, mouth and horn movements.

Plays 4 different adventure-themed tunes for immersed, make-believe fun!

Convenient volume control switch. Maximum weight is 60 lbs.

Dinosaur figure comes with leafy snack and instructions

Dimensions: 21.4 x 38.4 x 28.9 inches ; 24.2 pounds

Original Painting of the San Diego Temple by Freshly Painted

Donated by Allison from Freshly Painted.

Item up for auction is an original painting of the San Diego Temple. It was painted on glossy 8 x 11 paper. I'm so happy to donate this item since the Temple has such special meaning to those of our faith. I've chosen the San Diego Temple as it's close in vicinity to Ruby's family. I know that the winner of this item will be reminded of the sacred ordinances that can be done in the Temple and the wonderful blessing of the knowledge that Families are Forever.

Sleepsack by My Nochi

Donated by Amanda from My Nochi.
Item up for auction is one Sleepsack by My Nochi. Keep your baby snug-as-a-bug in this super chic baby sleepsack by MyNochi.com. The ivory "Peanut" Nochi sleepsack is made of minky plush chenille on the inside, and minky dot chenille on the outside. It's complete with a satin ruffle trim and a satin ribbon closure. Machine wash and dry. Fits most babies from 0-12 months.

"Maddux" Single Rosette Fabric Necklace by Love Stitched

Donated by Brittany from Love Stitched.
Item up for auction is one "Maddux" Single Rosette Fabric Necklace in Tiffany Blue.

The perfect dainty touch of color to any outfit. Sometimes the simple things can make the biggest statement. This necklace features a beautiful petite rosette hanging on a dainty silver ball chain.

Chain measures 18".

Rosette is about the size of a nickel.

"Petite Kate" Rosette Trio Headband by Love Stitched


Donated by Brittany from Love Stitched.
Item up for auction is one "Petite Kate" Rosette Trio Headband in Cream.

AN "ACCENT" STAPLE STANDARD PIECE

Anthropologie-inspired, handmade, cream rhinestoned rosette trio headband. This classic piece will go with nearly every outfit in your wardrobe. Wear with a pair of jeans or with your favorite little black dress.

*looks great on children too*

Headband is 1/4" thick and silver.

Each piece is handmade and therefore unique - no two items are the same.

One Pair of "Courtney" Petite Rosette Fabric Earrings by Love Stitched

Donated by Brittany from Love Stitched.
Item up for auction is one pair of "Courtney" Petite Rosette Fabric Earrings in Tiffany Blue.

Custom Handmade Crochet Leg Warmers by Knotty Tots

Donated by Candace from Knotty Tots.
Item up for auction is one pair of Custom Handmade Crochet Leg Warmers in any size / color. Item also comes with a set of flower clips in the winner's choice.

ONE Customizable Leather Mobile by The Little Tiny

Donated by Allison from The Little Tiny.

Leather Triangle Mobile
Tiny Boats Mobile

Arrow and Feathers Leather Mobile
Item up for auction is ONE Customizable Leather Mobile. Winner has the choice of the Leather Triangle Mobile, OR the Tiny Leather Boats Mobile, OR the Arrows and Feathers Leather Mobile. Winner can also choose the colors of leather for the mobile.

These yummy mobiles are made of hand-dyed 100% pure leather in a variety of colors and textures. Perfect to hang above your little one's crib, yet stylish enough to put in your living room, this mobile will be the envy of your neighbors!

Each mobile is made entirely with my two little hands (combo machine and hand sewing) and hung on hand bent galvanized (rust-proof) steel wire.

Zebra Bloomers with Chiffon Ruffle Bum by Lyndi Lou Bowtique

Donated by Jen from Lyndi Lou Bowtique.Item up for auction is a pair of cute Zebra Bloomers with Chiffon Ruffle Bum, fits up to 2 years. Winner can choose between pink, hot pink, hot pink and turquoise, or black.

Petti Romper by Lyndi Lou Bowtique

Donated by Jen from Lyndi Lou Bowtique.Item up for auction is one Petti Romper in Watermelon (the bottom right picture shows the romper in watermelon). Winner can choose between sizes S, M, L. Aren't these adorable?! Perfect for pictures, birthday party, or a fun day out!

Set of Two Critter Clips by Likes of London

Donated by Karen of Likes of London.
Item up for auction is a Set of Two Critter Clips, Ojo the Orca and Sid the Shark.

My Critter Clips are animal inspired art designed on large/jumbo clothespins. They are by no means anatomically correct; instead they are designed to represent one or more of the "crittter's" distinguishable features. Each are about 4.5"x1.25"x1.25" (not including fins) and have felt applied at the clamp to protect your mementos! I hope they find a special place in your home or office to hold a note, a card, a photo, whatever you like!

Set of 5 Satin Flowers by Brenna Schmardebeck

Donated by Brenna Schmardebeck.Item up for auction is a set of 5 satin flowers in your choice of colors (red, light pink, hot pink, orange, yellow, dark blue, light blue, teal, dark purple, light purple, coral, or silver). Flowers are 3-4 inches wide and attached to an alligator clip. One soft white headband is included.

Summer Lovin' Necklace by Mia Moo Designs

Donated by Katie of Mia Moo Designs.
Item up for auction is one Summer Lovin' Necklace. It measures about 16" long and is made with acrylic beads.

Chiffon Earrings by Sweet Ivy Girl

Donated by Erica from Sweet Ivy Girl.

Item up for auction is one Pair of Chiffon Earrings. Accessorize any outfit with these darling raw edge dangle earrings. Chiffon cluster is attached to a dainty chain and silver earring hook.
Items are hand sewn together so each will vary slightly in size and appearance.

Winner will be able to choose the color of their choice. Colors available are gray, white, navy, turquoise, baby pink, hot pink, coral, salmon pink, purple, and green.

Length measures approximately 2.5" - 3"
Chiffon cluster measures approximately .5" - 1" in diameter

Scentsy "Faith" Warmer and a Bar of Wax by Jenelle

Donated by Jenelle of Scentsy.
Item up for auction is one Scentsy "Faith" Warmer and a "Welcome Home" Bar of Wax. It is a wickless candle. The paraffin wax is heated to approximately 70 degrees by a 25 watt light bulb that is inside the warmer. These warmers are very safe because they do not require a wick or tea light candle, and wax only reaches approx 70 degrees.

Jenelle also generously offered to donate her commission (20%) from all sales on her website until the end of the auction. So if you want to get a candle warmer or some new wax now is the perfect time to do it.

Set of 6 Silk Flowers by Melissa


Donated by Melissa D'Avanzo.Item up for auction is a Set of 6 Silk Flowers on clips. 2 dark purple, 2 purple, 1 red, and 1 black.

Set of Two Chiffon Clips by Sweet Ivy Girl

Donated by Erica from Sweet Ivy Girl.Item up for auction is a Set of Two Chiffon Clips.

Accent your hair with this adorable full raw edge chiffon clip. It can be worn as a clip or attached to a headband, clipped to your shirt, shoes, purse, etc...wherever you desire really. Item is attached to an alligator clip. It can be worn by all...babies, children, and adults!

Items are hand sewn together so each will vary slightly.
Winner will be able to choose the colour of their choice. Colors available are gray, white, navy, turquoise, baby pink, hot pink, coral, salmon pink, purple, and green.

Full Set of Eyelash Extensions by Bethany Christian

Donated by Bethany Christian.
Item up for auction is one Full set of Thick, Long and Luscious Eyelash Extensions (a $160-$300 value!). Service is performed out of Bethany's home in San Clemente, CA. Please allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours for a full set.

Note: Please do NOT bid on this item if you do not live in or around the San Clemente area and are unable to travel to San Clemente for your service.

Family Photography Session by Brynn Alyson Photography

Donated by Brynn from Brynn Alyson Photography.
Item up for auction is a Family Photo Session anywhere in Southern Orange County, retail value of $350. Includes an online viewing gallery and 25 fully edited images on a high-resolution disc with copyright release.

Note: Please do NOT bid on this item if you don't live within Southern Orange County (as south as San Clemente to as far north as Hungtington Beach) or are unable to travel to Southern Orange County for the session.

Set of 10 Silk Flowers by Melissa


Donated by Melissa D'Avanzo.
Item up for auction is a Set of 10 Silk Flowers on Clips. 3 red, white, & blue, 2 blue/ white, 2 purple, 1 red, 1 black, 1 white.

Photography Session by Kelsey Steindler Photography

Donated by Kelsey of Kelsey Steindler Photography.

Item up for auction is a regular priced family, portrait, engagement, or newborn photo session, valued at $325.

This includes a 1-2 hour session at the location of your choice, multiple outfit changes and 25 completely retouched images on a disc with unlimited rights.

Note: Location must be within South Orange County, so please do NOT bid on this item if you do not live in the South Orange County or are unable to travel to South Orange County area for your session.


Miss Ruby Jane Necklace

Donated by Taisia from Tea Party Jewelry.

Item up for auction is the Miss Ruby Jane Necklace. It is a sterling silver heart shaped washer handstamped with "Ruby" on the one side and with a hanging pearl in the center. It comes on an 18 inch sterling silver box chain. It's perfect for keeping precious Miss Ruby Jane always in your heart!

If desired, the winner can choose to have a Swarovski ruby charm in the center instead of the pearl.


The Miss Ruby Jane Necklace will also be available at Tea Party Jewelry with Taisia generously donating ALL proceeds to the Taylor family.

Note: I am so excited about this item and grateful for Taisia who was willing to make it at the last minute for the auction and then who said she would sell them on her site and donate ALL the proceeds to the Taylor's. Isn't it just perfect!

Navy Cardigan by Pearl and Pauper

Donated by Courtney from Pearl and Pauper.
Item up for auction is one Navy Cardigan in size 3T. It is 100% cotton and comes with a detachable peach broach that is finished with a Swarovski crystal center. It is the perfect piece for any girl's fall wardrobe!

Miss Ruby Jane Doll Replicas by Sarah Parson

Donated by Sarah Parson.Item up for auction is a Replica of the Miss Ruby Jane Doll. This original doll was created for our miss Ruby Jane. She has beautiful blue eyes like Ruby Jane as well as a cute original Ruby flower in her hair. The fabric was chosen because it went with Ruby's blue eyes and had a bird on it, matching the birds in Ruby's room.

Note: Due to popular demand there are now 2 Replica Miss Ruby Jane Dolls up for auction. The top two bids will both win dolls.

$100 to spend on Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry by Tea Party Jewelry OR Custom Hair Accessories by Pretty Petals Hair

Donated by Taisia of Tea Party Jewelry and Pretty Petals Hair




Item up for auction is $100 towards Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry at Tea Party Jewelry or $100 towards Custom Hair Accessories at Pretty Petals Hair. Winner can also choose to split the $100 between the two shops if they so choose. Item is for $100 total.

Teal Velvet Flower Headband from Pearl and Pauper

Donated by Courtney from Pearl and Pauper.
Item up for auction is one Teal Velvet Headband. This headband is perfect for fall! It is made with teal velvet, and cream hand felted wool. It is secured to a leather strap that can be tied to fit around any size head.


Kitty Cat Grey and Pink Headband by Dolly Priss

Donated by Allison from Dolly Priss.
Item up for auction is one Kitty Cat Grey and Pink Headband, made to fit any size.

This puuuuurrrfect little number features a super soft stretchy headband in Pink with a handmade trio of blooms in Pink, Silver and Pewter complete with rhinestone and black feather accents.

Butter Yellow Headband by Dolly Priss

Donated by Allison from Dolly Priss.Item up for auction is one Butter Yellow Headband, made to fit any size.

It features a super soft stretchy headband in LIGHT YELLOW with a 4 inch full brimming bloom in LIGHT Yellow and CREAM complete with rhinestone and pearl accents.

Yellow Ruffle Bloomers with Matching Hair Clip by Pearl and Pauper


Donated by Courtney from Pearl and Pauper

Yellow Ruffle Bloomers and Matching Hair Clip: These adorable ruffle bottom bloomers are the perfect accessory, or outfit for any baby girl! They are so cute for baby pictures, and look great under dresses and skirts. They are made of cotton and have layers of ruffled chiffon on the bum. They are super stretchy and one size fits most babies, 0-2 years.

Burlap Flower Hair Clip by Pearl and Pauper


Donated by Courtney from Pearl and Pauper

Burlap Flower: This flower is so cute and so original. It is hand crafted with layers of burlap petals. It is finished with Amy Butler polka dot leaves. It can be made on a clip or put on an elastic headband in any size.

Lace Romper in any colour and size by Pearl and Pauper


Donated by Courtney from Pearl and Pauper
Item up for auction is a Lace Romper in any colour and size (0-4 years)

There are 3 of these up for bid, so the top three bids will each win one lace romper.

Lace Ruffle Romper: This adorable ruffle romper is perfect for any little girl! It has layers of ruffled lace, is stretchy, and comfortable to wear. It is perfect for baby pictures, as a birthday outfit, or just to wear as a darling everyday outfit. This can be worn as a romper, or scrunched down as little ruffled shorties. It is available in the following sizes: S(0-12 months), M(1-2 years), and L (2-4 years). Winner has the option of any size and color!