Relay for Life 2009

Relay for Life 2009 was once again a success. A big thank you to Team Super Jake for the continued success we have had for the past 5 years! I participate in the Relay for Life in Dublin every year, and yes I have successfully completed 5 24 hour events to help find a cure for cancer. This event is such a an amazing event. You meet so many new people on teams and hear so many inspiring stories of people who have fought the battle with cancer and won, people who are currently fighting the battle, as well as unfortunate stories of people who have fought the battle and lost. It is an emotional event, that is for sure. We had some unusual weather this year, for sure. A bit of the heat and a surprise thunderstorm that lasted about 10 minutes, which was odd. We once again had 24 raffles prizes to represent the 24 hours of walking. There was also a fireworks show in the evening, which I didn't get the chance to see this year, but oh well. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who donated money for me at this event. Thank you Jeff Lienhard, Danette Scott, Carole Scott, Al Brady for your generous donations. I appreciate it. Another part of the Relay for Life which is so meaningful to me is the luminary ceremony. This is a ceremony that takes place in which you write you name on a lunch bag and a glow stick is placed inside it. Then in turn the bags are placed along the pathway in which we walk and come nightfall, there is an amazing glow from the bags. I have so many bags this year, it was kind of scary. Some of the people I recognized, whether they fought the battle, are fighting the battle or are in remission are Ann Brady, Gary-Steven Brady, Missy Christensen, Tess Scott, Reed Snyder, Billy Meehan, Gary Miller, Michael Jones, Dwain Glossip, Bill Boston, Henry Lienhard, Sheri Castro, Nana Castro, Debbie Martin, Maria Ponce, and of course Super Jake. I know I have forgotten some people, so forgive for the people I haven't mentioned. There is also some music and speakers that go up and tell their stories as well as a slide show of photos. Thanks again to everyone who helped me make this event successful, another part of my journey.

4th of July

4th of July was another fun day at the lake. It always tops off the weekend between Sydney's birthday and the 4th, we look forward to every year!! Sydney always thinks the fireworks are for her birthday!! Makes me laugh! We had a great BBQ for lunch and dinner, some good ol'American grill! We enjoyed lots of fun in the sun, a little fishing and a short nap to top it off, well some of us did. We had a fireworks show of our own, which the kids always enjoy. It was a great day!

Sydney's 5th Birthday

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY SYDNEY!!!

It is incredible that Sydney is already 5! Not to mention the fact that she will be starting Kindergarten in a couple weeks! Yikes! We celebrated Sydney's actual birthday, July 3rd at the lake as we ALWAYS do. Sydney woke up to balloons everywhere upstairs at the lake. She enjoyed the day fishing, swimming and going out in the boat accompanied by all her cousins, Auntie's, Uncles and also Nana and Papa. She had her favorite dinner, Spaghetti, garlic bread, and Caesar salad all thanks to Auntie Kristy. She had a barbie birthday cake to top it off! It was a wonderful day. Happy Birthday to my sweet angel. We love you with all our hearts!

Sydney's 5th Birthday Party

Sydney decided she wanted a Tinkerbell Birthday party this year, which is well fitting as she is very sweet and sometimes sassy! The weather was perfect and there were lots of family and friends who attended. The kids went swimming and played in the jumping house. We ate a Mexican theme lunch which was delicious. Fajitas, quesadillas, rice, beans and Mexican caesar salad was served. We topped it off with a Tinkerbell ice cream cake. We sang to Sydney and then to Uncle Ray because it was actually Uncle Ray's birthday the same day! Thanks for sharing your day Uncle Ray!! Sydney opened her many, many gifts from everyone, which she said was her favorite part!! Once we finished with Sydney opening her gifts the kids got a chance to go up at bat and take a swing at the Pinata. Tyler was able to actually knock it down, but not break it open. The kids loved grabbing for their favorite kind of candy! We had a great day!

Kelly's 30th Birthday Party

Darin and my family decided to throw me a huge 30th birthday bash. A bash it was. We had the decorations to set the mood along with the music. There was good company, good food and plenty to drink. The weather was perfect, thank goodness! As you walked up to join the party Darin and Jeffe' had their cars lining the driveway to show. Ray grilled up some pork lion and chilcken with some salad, rice, and fresh fruit for lunch. The dessert was cake, neopolitan, it was amazing as always. It was an incredible event, if I might say myself. Lots of kids running around, which seems to be the theme at parties these day, which is awesome! The kids playing in the pool and on the water slide while the guys played some volleyball and others enjoyed each others company. We had a great time all day with the children and when night fell it was playtime for the adults. We had a great time. A word to the wise...no going down the slide, 3 at a time, that is a BAD idea!! Those slides are dangerous!We enjoyed watching Ray and Jeffe' climbing the waterfall and playing the noodle guitar too! Good times, good memories!!