pink POWER

Many of you know...some of you may still not...that my precious mother, Pat, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. Of all the storms that have been blown my way in life, this one not only took me by surprise, but completely capsized my boat and left me gasping for air and struggling not to drown in despair. My mother? It could not be possible. She is the strongest person I know. She is invincible. She is the one that is able to outlast us all when it comes to energy and will. She is the glue in our family. She brings us together. She has, is, and will always be there when I need her. She is there for everyone. She does not know the meaning of "selfish". She does not deserve this! I was so sad for her. My heart was broken. I mourned for a few days. And then...I decided...NOPE! NOT MY MOTHER!!! She is going to fight and beat this and I will do it with her! We have rallied, as a family, as friends, and as a community to fight this battle. So many have stepped up to help Mom and Dad make it through these past months by delivering meals, sending gift cards, helping with transportation, and mailing loving cards and packages full of encouragement. We have been so overwhelmed and grateful by the response.

Since December, Mom has endured biopsies, tests, scans, a double mastectomy, 3 rounds of chemotherapy, and the start to her breast reconstruction. She has 3 rounds of chemotherapy to go, physical therapy, and of course, choosing her new set of Ta Ta's! My sister recently saw a t-shirt in a breast cancer boutique that stated, "These are not real...my first pair tried to kill me!" I am definitely getting Mom that shirt once she gets the final implants. And...just 4 days ago, she received amazing news...she will not need radiation after her chemo!! What a blessing! Just what she needed to give her an extra boost of JOY!

Saturday was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in Fort Worth. My sister and I decided we were going to fund raise in advance as a surprise to Mom. We each set a goal of $500. I thought that was rather lofty. Yet, as a result of so many generous donations, our goals were not only met, they were doubled! On race day, we presented Mom with a list of all the people who would be "walking" with her and she was completely shocked that so many gave on her behalf. We were able to make a donation to Susan G. Komen in Mom's name for $2050! Unbelievable! We also surprised her by wearing signs that said, "Walking to Cure Pat Roe!" with a picture of her so all could see her beautiful smile. Isaac and Amelia were thrilled to wear Grandma's picture.

Here are some Race Day pictures. It was such an inspiring and empowering experience. I think there were over 20,000 participants. Pink warriors everywhere, rallying to fight breast cancer. Mom and Dad completed the 1 mile Walk together...hand in hand. Lauren, Keith, Amelia, Isaac, and I walked the 5K. (well, Lauren and I walked and Keith pushed Ike and Amelia. way to go honey!) We are already making plans for next year...and the year after...and so on. The fight against breast cancer is one that I will always be willing to support. None of us are safe until there is a cure.

one post at a time

hi. long time no post. i know. i'm sorry. so much has happened in our lives. time started flying by at an alarmingly scary rate, and before i knew it, my blog sat over a month with no love and i had no idea where to start. so, i'm back and i'll just take it one post at a time and update you little by little. let's start with Isaac...

Our little man turned 2 on December 18th...which happened to also be the day we moved into our new home (save this for another post.) My sister graciously allowed us to celebrate at their house with family and friends that evening after a long day's work. Because Isaac LOVES any type of vehicle...especially emergency vehicles with lights and sirens...we had a firetruck party. The week leading up to his special day, he would inform me every day, "Mommy, I want chocolate cake, orange candles, balloons, and presents at my bir-day party." So, we did not disappoint! Though, after opening 2 presents from the mountainous pile, he declared, "I'm done with presents." Alrighty. His cousins gladly stepped in to open the rest.

Since the move, Isaac has started a new school. He now attends Angel Montessori and is doing really well. Let me share a little more about where he's at right now in life...

He talks and talks and talks...complete sentences that leave me amazed and laughing. He is very polite. We are working on "May I.......please?" He also has some funny exclamations that are so cute like..."Oh no goodness!" or "That's wonderful!"

We were worried for a while, but he has actually turned out to be a good eater. The other night, he ate 2 portions of broccoli and refused to eat anything else. I found myself getting frustrated that he wasn't touching the chicken. Seriously. I need to calm down! Now, does he eat veggies everyday? Nope. Yesterday he tried one bite of zucchini and gagged. At least he tried it. He loves granola and yogurt for breakfast...but pancakes and donuts are his favorites! (mine too!) Pizza and quesadillas rank really high for lunch or dinner. However last night when asked what he wanted for dinner, he told Keith and I, "Marshmallows, cinnamon, and vitamin." Mmmm, nutritious!

He loves to play cars and blocks and puzzles and baby. He was gifted a baby and stroller for Christmas from his cousins...much to Keith's dismay. Yet, that baby is walked everyday and fed cereal. Grandma and Grandad gave him a play kitchen, which he proudly calls his "chicken". He can whip up some mean soup or a pizza sandwich. Just stop on by!

His favorite movie is Lady and the Tramp. His favorite books are Curious George. He loves to play outside, swing, slide, and feed ducks. Our new house is walking distance from all these things. Such a blessing.

Well...this is plenty for now. I'm feeling back in the game. Here's a few more pics of Isaac over the past month. Christmas morning he was thrilled to find he'd been given his "very own" suitcase that he can't wait to pack for overnight trips. Please notice Poochie patiently waiting to be fed in the highchair. :) The wedding dress is Amelia's "marrying dress" that Isaac insisted on try on. I will save that pic for his rehearsal dinner! The bouncy horse, who is of course named Prince, was my cousin's when she was a little girl. Her son outgrew it and passed it on to Isaac to keep it in the family. Hugs to all!