A little of everything

It has been a few weeks since I have posted, so this is what we have been up to.

Beau had his first swimming lessons. He is a very good swimmer - he was almost too advanced for level 1, which caused a few problems for him. He wanted to take off and do everything on his own, so when the teacher was working with someone else, he would get off the steps and practice his swimming. This resulted in many "time-out" session for him. Even though he had to sit out a few times, he had a great time and did very well.

Bailey has started hippo therapy. She loves "puppies" and would love to ride all day long. She has been pretty mello with all the people around, but has really enjoyed riding. This is just a pilot program, so it is only through the month of July. Hopefully more funding/facilities will become available so she can participate throughout the year.

Okay, so I am no "Cake Boss", but I had fun making this cake. I have been wanting to try working with fondant and have planned a cake for Beau's birthday. Instead of having my first attempt be on Beau's birthday cake, I decided to make a practice cake. This is what I came up with. It wasn't perfect, but I was happy with my first fondant cake - I even made my own fondant.

Beau has been learning to ride his bike without training wheels. It has been a big fight between he and his dad - a lot of tears and yelling, but he finally is getting the hang of it.

So far we have had a fun summer! We still have a lot of camping, boating, swimmingn and reunions yet to come. I will try to keep up on the posts.

Relay For Life

Another Relay is over! This was a busy, but fun year. I decided to get more involved this year, so I took over the publicity chair position. I also ended out being on a team, Cancer Creamers. So, the last few months have been extremely busy, but it was worth it!

The day started off with a lot of rain and a lot of set up. By the time we were ready to have our Survivor Reception and Opening Ceremonies, the sun was up, and the rain was gone. We had a really nice turn out. The only glitch in the day was when Clay got called to work (he was suppose to take care of the kids for the night). But my in-laws gladly took the kids for me.

My favorite part of the Relay is the Luminary Ceremony. If you haven't ever been to Relay, this is where thy light the luminaries that are around the track. The luminaries are all in honor of or in memory of someone who has had cancer. They then have a small ceremony where they read all the names. Here are the luminaries that I made this year.

These are the sacks I made for my mom last year and recycled them.



This is my mother-in-law who had thyroid cancer about 9 years ago.

This is Bailey's little friend who has a brain tumor. The tumor recently returned and she is currently going through chemo.

My team had a pie throwing contest this year. It was really messy and a lot of fun. We got the President of one of our local banks to volunteer to get a pie in the face, he was a great sport. We also got the Rodeo Princess up there.

I think the hardest part of the event is the survivor lap. I listen to all the names read and watch as they make their way around the track. All I can think is "I wish my mom was one of them." Even though I get emotional throughout the event, it is a great time for me to talk about my mom, all we went through, and remember what a wonderful person she is.

I love you mom!

Why?

I have had this question on my mind today. WHY did I have to lose my mother? WHY does a sweet little girl have to suffer with a brain tumor? WHY does cancer strike at anytime, to anyone? I am not feeling self pity, or even bitterness, just WHY? I know that our Lord has a plan, greater than we can even imagine. I just get frustrated not being able to see beyond today. I wonder when I will see the purpose in our trials - today, 20 years, 50 years or maybe not until the next life?

This is WHY I Relay. Being involved in the Relay for Life makes me feel like I am doing something, like I have a purpose that I can see NOW. I watched my mom fight for 4 years, I am continuing the battle for her. I Relay for those who are fighting, may they be cured. I Relay for those who have survived, may they never have to fight again. I Relay for those who have past, may their loved ones not go through the same battle. I Relay for all those who are cancer free, may they stay that way.

If you have never been touched by this terrible disease, chances are you will sometime in your life. If you would like to get involve, or even just donate to the cause, don't hesitate. You never know what tomorrow might bring. Here is my Relay web site, if you want more information, let me know.http://main.acsevents.org/site/TRC/RelayForLife/RFLFY09GW?pg=peditor&fr_id=17752&px=3705624





I have learned to count my many blessings. I was blessed to have my mom for 30 years. I have a beautiful daughter that has no health problems. I have a very active boy who is healthy and happy. I have a hard working, loving husband to support me through my trials. I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows me so well. I have a wonderful life!

And then there was the sun!

We finally had a nice sunny day (after two weeks of rain, and yes, snow). We spent the whole day outside, mostly doing "kid" projects. Clay has been promising a sandbox for two years and today was the day the kids finally got it. Beau and Elle have spent hours in it already. Bailey on the other hand, only wants her "Choo Choo". The problem is, is that she takes off down the road and you can't catch her. So dad decided to fix her wagon, or should I say Choo Choo, and tied it to the trampoline. She gets so angry when she gets to the end of the rope, and can't get any further. At least she won't be getting hit by a car. Later in the afternoon dad took us all out for ice cream, so much for eating dinner :)
It was so nice to be able to spend the day together outside. What a blessing it is to be a wife and mother to this sweet little family. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with so much, I am truly grateful for all I have.

Check this out

For all of you who likes a good freebie or good deal, check out my cousins new blog. She has great deals on it plus she is having a contest right now.
http://afreebiesfreeforall.blogspot.com/

Curly Sue

Here are the results for the socks, it turned out soooo cute! I couldn't believe that they stayed in all night. This is definitely a church hair do - quick and easy!

Sock Head

Tonight I decided to try something new with Bailey's hair. I love putting curls in Bailey's hair, but it takes so much time. I have tried curlers, but she won't leave them in. I have seen people tie socks, or rags, in their kids' hair to get curls, so I decided to give it a try. Bailey was very cooperative, she didn't even try to yank them out. We will see if it works, or if they even stay in all night. She sure looked cute with just the socks in though.

I will have to post the results tomorrow.