I'm running for ...

... my friend, Monica, who earlier this year found a lump in her breast and is currently undergoing treatment. I did not know anyone personally who had breast cancer when I started participating in the Run for the Cure many years ago (I think this is year 7 or 8?). I just knew it was the right thing to do as a woman, and eventually for my daughter. Now I'm so glad I did;

... my daughter, that she may never have to worry about or deal with breast cancer in her future;

... families everywhere, that they may never have to watch a loved one deal with this terrible disease, or live without their loved one sooner than expected;

... myself. On a selfish note, yes, I am running for me. It makes me feel good, my clothes fit better, it keeps me sane, it gives me energy to deal with life, and it gives me such a sense of personal accomplishment. But everyone who has been touched by this disease has kept me going, and helped me to put one foot in front of the other during my training. So if I can help some of these people while I run, why wouldn't I do it?

... a cure. 'Nuff said.

Thanks to all who supported me and our team this year. Together we raised over $1,700 towards this great cause. I know I'll feel you all there running with me on Sunday, Oct. 3rd. xoxo

Wordless Wednesday - A Girl and Her Dog

Gymnastics - Part 2

I finally remembered to bring my camera ... AND to take it out of my bag to take some pics! Hey, it only took me a year. LOL So proud of Maaike's participation level this year. She's doing awesome!! We like our new instructor, Isabel, who pushes Maaike to do some things that are a little more difficult. She laps it up! So proud ...

Gymnastics - Part 1

They renovated the gymnastics club we go to for Maaike's gymnastics class and they installed a "pit" full of large blue foam cubes. It is about 15x15 and at least 6 feet deep. I have been not-so-secretly yearning to hurl myself into said pit since spending an hour and a half waiting in line to register my darling daughter for her 2nd hear of Parent and Tot gymnastics. Today, as we were having one-on-one instruction (our class is small and half the people didn't show up), Isabel gave me the go ahead to give it a try. So we bounced down the tumble track and leapt into the sea of foam. What fun!!! Now I want to fill my basement full of big blue cubes ... : )

A Famous Cutie?

Well, we all know that she ought to be in pictures, but a magazine cover model? Yeah, I think she should be that, too. But this is just a great application that Today's Parent offers on their website. You can create a cover with your own cutie(s), and email it or print it off, or even order a copy to be framed. Since we're subscribers to Today's Parent magazine, however, we opted to have our November issue actually arrive with this cover on it! (Oh, boy, I hope I filled it out correctly!!!) I'm so excited! Might have to order a few extras ... :o)