Happy Halloween!

Here are a few happy moments from Halloween's past...

WEDDING BELLS!

 

October 16, 2010

The day we had all been waiting for.  Cam and Juan got hitched!

We had some scary moments, when we thought it would rain on this parade, but the weather Gods were in our court (I hear it rained in areas around us, but we were spared!).

Mr. &  Mrs. Juan Mendez

 

 What a wonderful time...and they will live happily ever after...

because, she has found her prince!

On Being a Champion

A champion is a winner, a hero... 

Someone who never gives up, even when the going gets rough. 

A champion is a member of a winning team... 

Someone who overcomes challenges, even when it requires creative solutions. 

A champion is an optimist, a hopeful spirit... 

Someone who plays the game, even when the game is called life. 

There can be a champion in each of us if we live as a winner. 

If we live as a member of a team. If we live with a hopeful spirit, for life. 

 

September 1999- Mattie J. T. Stepanek

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Worth re-posting...from my original blog 10/1/09

Here are a few facts:

• One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Breast cancer knows no boundaries--be it age, gender (that's right, men do get breast cancer, folks), socio-economic status or geographic location.
• The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older (boo!)
• Early detection and effective treatment for breast cancer have been shown to improve survival.
• Making healthy lifestyle choices may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.
• Breast cancer affects more than just the patient--co-survivors (friends, family and co-workers) need support, too.

Here I go again...

 

I have committed, once again, to walking 60 miles in three days for the SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day in San Diego, November 19th through the 21st.  I will be joined by thousands of other committed men and women in support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  And to double the efforts, my wonderful husband (Sean-shown above), will be joining me!

Terry Gerardi

I was inspired to participate in this event by the courage of my friend, Terry Gerardi, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998.  Sadly, Terry left us in April 2005, losing her courageous battle with breast cancer.  I walk again in her memory, and know that she will be with us every step of the way.

We have begun a rigorous training schedule for this year's event.  In addition to spending many hours training, Sean and I have each agreed to raise $2,300 each (yikes!) as a requirement to participate in the 3-Day walk.  If you can help us reach our commitment, click on the link on this blog.  Any contribution would b greatly appreciated. If you would prefer to donate with a check, please email me and I will send you a donation form.  

I am so committed to this cause, and I am confident that WE CAN KICK BREAST CANCER'S ASS!

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

P is 11!!!!!

Eleven years old-----already?!!!!!  Slow down, little guy.  You are growing up too fast!
Happy Birthday!!!!!


Love, Nana & Papa

Happy Birthday, Little El !

Three years ago, Elliot Richard Simpson arrived, and we were blessed.  Happy Birthday, little guy.  Nana and Papa love you soooooooo much!

So much to do...

November is coming...all too quickly.  Training is coming in fits and spurts, with soooo much to do before my darling daughter Camella's wedding.  Got a 13-mile walk in last weekend, so distance is not a problem.  Please, Blister Gods, be nice to me. :)

We are getting so excited for the upcoming nuptials in October of Juan and Cam!  I know it will all come together just fine and we will all have a great celebration.   Happy Days! 

Jen on the left; Cam on the right

My baby Jennifer turns 30 on August 30th!  Really, really?  How did this happen?  Happy birthday, sweet girl.  XXOO Marma

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Without a doubt, I've got the best one!  Happy Father's Day!

Seasons come and go

It has been several months since my last update...so many things have happened, both happy and sad.  The first (the sad) is that I lost my mother October 21, 2009, mere weeks before my 3-Day trek last November.  My mother had been ill for many years, and 2009 was particularly challenging for her.  I hadn't noticed how frail she had become until I gathered up some photographs taken of her over the last few years.  As she would always say when someone "left us", she is now "happy, joyous and free of pain" and has "moved on to the second balcony".  With the holidays quickly on the heels of these events, my mourning was somewhat delayed.  I am now coming to terms with the loss, but often find myself thinking, "I should call mom about this".  So many questions I should have asked.  So many stories that I am ashamed to say that I didn't pay close enough attention to and find the details now fuzzy.  I should have paid more attention.  I should have taken a few notes.  Shoulda, coulda, woulda.  It's too late now.  Don't wait to tell family and friends how much they mean to you.  Ask them about their life's experiences, feelings, hopes and goals.  And...really listen...

Now, for the happy.  My eldest daughter Camella and her fiance Juan are getting married this coming October.  We are looking forward to this event, and as many of the activities surrounding this event will occur at our home, we are in the process of sprucing up the place. This is real motivation.  We couldn't be happier with her choice in a spouse and know they will share a wonderful life together.  Congratulations!