Help for Nie Nie and Family

I'm sure many of you have heard the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson. They reside in Mesa, Arizona and were involved in a plane crash a week ago Saturday that has left them in intensive care with extensive burns. If you'd like to hear more about their story you can find information HERE. Her sister is also doing updates on her blog HERE.

I have been wanting to post about this for some time, but hesitated because I only know Stephanie and her sister through their blogs. I have lurked both of their blogs for quite a while now. I usually comment on blogs I visit, but for some reason I was intimidated an felt like they had plenty of friends. Stephanie's blog has always been a huge inspiration to me. Her approach to life, motherhood, and marriage is so uplifting.

I've decided to post now because there are several efforts under way to raise money for what will be overwhelming medical and household bills during their months/years of recovery. They have four small children the same ages as my kids. My heart aches for them.

Design Mom, has inspired many other bloggers to hold auctions on their blogs on Thursday August 28th to help raise money. I have added a button to my sidebar if you would just like to donate without being involved in the auction. On Thursday morning I will be offering several items that you can bid on. It won't be glamorous, but it's something I can do . I hope you will all check back on Thursday and bid with generosity. ALL MONEY will go to the recovery fund of Christian and Stephanie Nielson. I will mail out all winning items at my own expense. Details of the auctions are as follows:

When can i bid?
As soon as the post appears.

Where do i place my bid?
in the comments section of each item's post. Leave the first comment with the starting bid such as "i start the bid at $20". then the next bidder can submit a comment with their bid like, "I bid $30." and with each bidder to follow they just leave a comment with their price.

What amount can i bid?
please keep all bids to an even $1--no change please. example: if the bid is $65.00, then the next bid should be $66.00 not $65.50.

How do i know what the highest bid is?
check the comments. it will be the most recently posted comment.

When does the auction end?
THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 28th @ 10:00 PM PST

What if i win the bid?
after the close of the auction we will post the winner and their bid.
if you are the winning bidder, just email your contact information to crazygoodlife@gmail.com.

How can i pay for the item?
a Paypal payment would be preferred. (that makes it easiest for us to transfer the full amount to the Nielson's fund) but we will also take a check/cash if you know us personally.

Will all of the money go to the fund or just a portion?
ALL OF IT, I will be paying the shipping myself.

Please help in any way you can. I encourage you to browse the links I provided to get a sense of how incredible these people are, and how much they need your help. On Thursday morning be prepared to visit participating blogs and bid generously. Thanks!