Never Again

For the first time in my life, I attempted to confront Black Friday head-on and

I was not going unprepared.

Last night, I devised a plan of attack, organized a comprehensive collage of goal purchases, and set my alarm.

At 3:00am, I picked up my sister (had to talk her into it...mentioned something about it being great training for Ragnar late night runs) and together we set off.

Old Navy was our first destination.

And... here is where my extensive, well-calculated plan came to a screeching halt.

Apparently, there was a breech and word of my strategy had gotten out.

I was not the only one who had decided on Old Navy as the starting point on this dark day.

A line of shoppers wound outside and around Old Navy and a "bouncer" was standing outside of the door letting one shopper in as one would leave.

Ugh. I suddenly remembered why I had avoided this for 35 years.

After a quick change of plans, we managed to slowly (6 hours to be exact) make our way through Justice, ToysRus, Target, and Michaels.

We even slipped in an unscheduled pit stop at Dunkin Donuts.

All in all, we made out OK.

I got half of my shopping done and now I'm going to bed.

Would I do it again?

No.

Once is enough for me.

Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving and this big guy likes me.


Happy Turkey Day.

Everyday
I am thankful for...

my dad and my sister.
They keep me laughing and grounded.

my children.
I get to share my life with 3 of the most compassionate, creative, and unique little people.

my healthy body.
I no longer take it for granted and do my best to care for it.

my home.
It's small,warm, and safe, and smells like pumpkin bread.

my love.
He stands by me always, thinks I'm funny, does my dishes, loves my desserts, and says I can do anything (and really believes it.)

my friends.
There are many, old and new.

my mom, my angel.
She never feels too far away.

Happy Thanksgiving.

We're Ready for the Challenge

It's still a few months away

and

I've got a marathon to finish first.

But, I am already excited for Ragnar.

My sister and I have put together Team Haulin' Asphalt.

12 brave ladies are covering 202 miles of Arizona highway.

We're ready for the challenge!

Christmas Shoot

We took the kids out for a photo shoot today.

Got lots of great shots of them individually, but together, there was really just a lot of pushing, kicking, and silly faces.

Now, what to do for Christmas cards?

Dog Day

Last November, this guy came home to live with us.

One year later, he is a bit larger and a lot more trouble, but just as lovable.

Happy 1st Anniversary, Russell!

The Farm

Every year, in honor of my mom's birthday, my sister and I meet up with two of my mom's closest friends for lunch at The Farm at South Mountain.

Under aisles of shady pecan trees, sit welcoming picnic benches and lovely grass lawns. Because of it's delicious fresh food and peaceful atmosphere, it was my mom's favorite spot.

It's become one of mine.

Visit The Farm now, while the weather is beautiful.

Menu

My mom and her dear friend, Joan, at The Farm

Allergy Attack

I'm suffering.

I've narrowed down the culprits to this lovely green lawn of mine.

I believe the newly planted winter grass has spun my allergies into a frenzy.

This highly allergic grass has me coughing, sneezing, foggy, and very tired.

Any ideas how I can feel better? I'm desperate.

Help!

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

This month is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month.

Learn The Facts:

♦ Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the United States—and has the highest mortality rate of all the major cancers.

♦No early detection or screening exam is currently available for pancreatic cancer.
An estimated 76% of patients will die within one year of diagnosis. The five-year survival rate is less than 4%.

♦52% of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease that has already spread to other organs.

Since I have learned that my risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased two to three fold because a first-degree relative was diagnosed, I have made some healthier lifestyle changes. But, unlike other cancers, early detection options are not available for me. If I am ever diagnosed with this disease, chances are that it will be my death sentence.

This has to change.

More research is needed to know it, fight it, and end it:

♦Pancreatic cancer research is drastically under-funded and as a result, relatively few researchers are investigating the disease as compared with researchers focusing on breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc.

♦Less than 2% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is allocated to this leading killer.


In January, I will be running my second marathon and I've decided to take this opportunity to raise more money for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Through my first fundraising efforts, I was able to raise $3,650.00.

If you are interested in donating to my very personal cause, go here or click on my Firstgiving button to the right. This time around, I am not asking anyone to adopt miles, but only to donate. As little as $10 makes a difference in funding private research for tomorrow’s cures.

My mom has been gone for over two years now. Yet, whenever I hear of someone being diagnosed with this terrible disease, I am taken back to that winter's day when the realization of her prognosis hit me.

In honor of my mom's memory, please consider donating.

Thank you,
Sara

End of Soccer

Another season come and gone...


And,

on to basketball.

A Special Day

Happy Birthday, Mama!

I miss you.

Have a happy day up there and say "hi" to *Mo for me.

*homely dog in photo

Halloween

Snow White, Woof Boy, and Elvis enjoyed three nights of Halloween partying this week.

We are tired.

So, we are spending this Sunday at home watching movies and recovering from some intense sugar highs.