Race for the Cure 2011

May 7, 2011.  The day before Mother's Day.

The Breast Cancer Walk is one of my favorite events of the year.  There is just something so poignant about joining thousands of people in a cause, knowing that every one of them is walking for someone they love.  I walked for my mother.  My dad walked for his wife.  My little boys walked (well rode in the stroller) for their grandmother.  Almost every person at the race had a sign on their back reading either "In Memory of..." or "In Celebration of..."  My heart ached for those who were walking in memory of someone they loved who had lost the battle with the monster called cancer.  I could imagine the fierce desire they had to help conquer this foe that had stolen the one they loved.  And my heart soared every time I read a sign that began "In celebration of.."I couldn't help the tears that came to my eyes on and off as I celebrated the fact that my own dear mother was still walking next to me.

Mothers hold such a special place in our hearts.  Well, women do.  Whether it is a mother, sister, daughter or friend.  We cherish our women in this world.  Women care for, nourish, and love us.  And in turn, I think that we each have this desire to care for, protect, and love the women in our lives.  I think that is part of the reason why breast cancer strikes a cord so deep in our hearts.  Because breast cancer affects our women.

I wish I would have gotten some pictures of all the fun people who walk in groups for the ones they love.  There are always so many crazy pink wigs, tutus, hilarious t-shirts, darling decked out kiddos... I love it!  My mom and I saw a bunch of little girls with bright pink boas, necklaces, bows, and tutus and wished we had a few to array in pink finery, too!  

Mom walked in the survivors parade.  I think that is my favorite part.  Watching all these beautiful women proudly wearing their pink survivors t-shirts, laughing and smiling...  looking like the conquerors they are!

After the parade, the women all stand on the stairs at the Gateway above the Olympic fountain during a short program.  Isn't my mom so beautiful?  I love this picture.  She looks so happy waving to us.

 Dad, my little boys, and I were practically on the front row.  It was so fun.  Jack had a fever, but he was a champ with a little tylenol on board and Papa to hold him.

My beautiful mother and I.  I really wish my brother and sisters could have had this experience with us.  It was so special!

My dad hates crowds and cities, but even he loves this walk.  We were sitting together waiting for the survivors parade to start with a band playing golden oldies and "rockin" out with my baby boys.  My dad looked over at me and said, "This is really fun, isn't it?"  And I knew he wasn't just talking about the band.  It was really fun.  I would NEVER wish anyone to have breast cancer, least of all my mother.  But being a part of the fight against this terrible disease and celebrating a victory over it is an experience I would never trade.  We love you dearly Mom.

Yay! A Sister in Town for a Visit

I have really really really missed my sisters who have moved away.  With only Erin living away, I could afford to visit her most years (of course, I didn't have kids most of that time).  But now with three living far away and a kid I have to pay for a plane ticket for... I don't get to see them nearly as often as I would like.  So I was thrilled when Melanie came in town for Women's Conference this year (the week following Easter - don't worry, I am behind but I am still blogging chronologically!).  While she was here Amy, Melanie, and I appeared on Channel 2's Fresh Living for The Sisters Cafe.  It was pretty fun!  It was our first time on TV, and I think we'll do a better job next time, but it was still cool to be there!    

This is the first time that Colt met his Aunt Melanie.  He loved her, of course. 

Melanie was pretty busy with women's conference and visiting all her old friends, but we squeezed in a game night and some  Cookies and Cream Chocolate Fondue.  (Thanks to my cousin Marnie for this awesome recipe!).  It was actually pretty comical with everyone crowded around the pot, getting in each other's way trying to dip their fruit.  After the initial flurry of forks, chocolate, and fruit we all settled down laughing and talking.  Noticing that there was still a little more fondue in the pot, I reached for my fork... what?  where did it go?  No matter, I'll just use dad's.  But dad's was gone, too.  Looking around the table I couldn't see a single fork... until I met Amy who was smirking while dipping a banana in the fondue pot.  A little investigation revealed her left hand gripping everyone's forks under the table!  So funny!  And don't worry, she relinquished the forks with only a small food fight ensuing. :)

This last picture was taken just before Dad took Melanie to the airport.  It was so great to see my cute sister.  She is a "bloom where your planted" kind of girl, but I still wish she (and my beloved nephews) were still rooted in good old Utah.  See you at Christmas sis!

Diaper Deal from this Week

Okay sisters. Here is the link for the best deal on diapers on amazon this week. It is pampers baby dry diapers. I've been using them for Colt and love them. I did the math, and it is cheaper than buying generic brands at costco ( even with the $5 off coupon). It is about the same as buying generics at target. Make sure you sign up for amazon mom and subscribe and save. This link goes to size 3 diapers, but when you change to the size you want make sure to get the one with the volume of diapers that makes the diapers the cheapest (and make sure it is eligible for subscribe and save). Call me if you have questions. Love you! Mindy

Baby Dry Size 3 Diapers Economy Pack Plus 222 Count