Race For The Cure Update

As you know, Mackenzie and I will be walking the 5K, Race for the Cure on Sept. 30. I'm happy to say that my Mom and youngest brother Sean will now be joining us on the walk. And...We have currently raised $260 ~ Thanks to all our supporters!! Keep it coming :o) http://www.firstgiving.com/dontbaboob

In addition to walking, earning a Girl Scout patch and raising money for a great cause, this year is even more poignant for us. We are walking in Celebration of my grandma (Grace Elderkin) and my mom (Karen Baragar/Ryan) who recently has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. She won the first fight against breast cancer and had just received the 5 yr. "All Clear" this spring...and now we're putting on the gloves for the next fight against bone cancer.

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We're also walking in Celebration of a Bunco friend Kim K. in support of her fight and In Memory Of Heidi's mother. You are all in our thoughts & prayers and thought of often.
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From The Cancer Crusade web site, you must watch the Survivor Movie. It's the most amazing movie that provides encouragement and support to cancer survivors and their families. If anyone else you know is battling cancer...please forward this on. It is Sooo Powerful!

I really can't say enough...you really must watch it!

What Kind of Flower Are You?

I am a Violet What Flower Are You?

I am a violet:

"You have a shy personality. You tend to hesitate before trying new things or meeting new people. But once people get to know you, you open up and show the world what you are really all about."

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On the Sewing Front

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For the first time in a very long time, I actually made something for myself! I needed a "tropical" outfit for a weekend party and really didn't have the money. So it was more of a necessity. I remembered seeing a wrap skirt that my sister made (or was making-still want to see pictures) and it looked really cute. I found some Batik material in hot pink, orange and yellow at Joann's on clearance and only paid $3 for almost 2 yds. The skirt almost didn't happen because they either cut it short or it shrunk a lot! When I laid out the pattern pieces on the pre-washed fabric...they didn't fit. I had to get creative to make it work without making it really short. I actually ended up with extra after all my adjusting and I might make some microwaveable rice bags or something. It's such cute material...I'll have to figure out something to do with it.

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I really, really, really hate to have my picture taken and avoid cameras at all costs...so Theresa...This picture is for You! Not just a picture of the skirt...but a picture of me in the skirt. It was from the McCall's pattern #3145, if anyone was wondering. Now that I've made this one...I'm thinking of making the longer version in a more subtle fabric. It is really comfy and depending on the fabric ~ might be good for the office! Although, assuming I had an office job ;o)

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Race For The Cure!

The Grand Rapids Komen Race for the Cure is coming September 30, 2006 at RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville. Mackenzie will be walking with me for her first time. She will also be earning a Girl Scout badge by doing this.

We will be walking with some friends from my Bunco group. We are all supporting friends and family walking in Memory of some and in Celebration of others. I invite anyone to sign up and join us! You can easily sign up online for about $22 for an adult and $12 for a child which includes a t-shirt.
Here are a few details from the Komen website:
On-line registration is open until Midnight on Wednesday, Sept 27th, 2006. After Sept. 27th, you can register in person at the RiverTown Mall on Friday, Sept 29th from 10am to 8pm or on Race Day, Sept 30th, beginning at 6:30 am. Click on the link above to get to the GR Komen website for registration. Hope to see lots of you there. If you would like to donate...Mackenzie and I will be collecting. You can do that simply online at: http://www.firstgiving.com/dontbaboob ~ the last part is "Don't Be A Boob" as in Get On The Bus, People...Race For The Cure! And Don't forget to do your monthly self exams! Ok, I'll get off my soap box now ;o)

Mackenzie is growing her hair again to donate it to Locks of Love and she challenges anyone who may have an exta 10 inches (or more) of hair to donate to a great cause! She donated 11 1/2" of her hair in the 2nd grade (2004) and she just about has another good 10 inches to cut off. Right now it would just be super short so I'm trying to get her to wait a little longer because the hair needs to be in a pony tail to be cut off. Ok ~ So who's ready for a hair cut??

Mackenzie ~ Before the haircut

11 1/2" for Locks of Love

Birthday Goodness!

Birthday Goodies from Sister Theresa

My sister Theresa knitted me a really cozy pair of socks and a Market bag. The red Market Bag is designed by Jodie Danenberg and Theresa did a great job! I can't wait to use it at the Farmers Market downtown. I hear the peaches are really great right now. The socks are really nice and the second pair she has made for me. I just love them. Caleb thinks they are really cool too! Thanks a lot sister T!

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Then Another Package arrives and much too Pretty to Open!

Pretty Package from Matt & Cara

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Well...good thing I did open it!! Matt (my brother) made me a whole slew of glass beads. These pictures don't do justice to the colors and detail on these. I could (and do) sit and look at each one of these for hours and see something new everytime I pull the box out to look at them. The kids want to make all kinds of stuff with them. I just want to hoard them!! They are too cool to let anyone else have any. I want them all to myself. Can you blame me?? Just take a look at the pictures. There's a sage green pendant that I'm going to put on a hemp choker necklace for myself. I'm also teaching Mackenzie and her friend Erica how to do the hemp knot tying and Erica's mom too. Caleb doesn't want to learn but he does want me to make him something with his favorite blue bead that looks like it has candy on it. As long as he doesn't put it in his mouth...I'm ok with that! Thanks again Matt ~ You are Awesome! I wish I had some of your talent and I wish I could watch you blow glass. It looks soo cool ~ I'd really like to see how you do it!! You are the BEST!!

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Oh ~ Hope they don't mind me spilling the beans...

Big Congrats to Matt & Cara! They are pregnant for their first child due April 6, 2007! Yeah!! We can't wait!!

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Hand Made Glass Beads By Matt Ryan

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Glass Beads on Play Dough for Close-Up

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And A Little Sewing ~ Hooded Poncho Towel

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I made Caleb a hooded poncho style towel for the pool or maybe bathtime. He's always getting cold and getting out of the pool to warm up and this thick towel really does the trick. Plus he can run around the yard and the towel won't fall off. Double bonus! Perfect for busy little boys!

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In Other Baby News!

I'm a Great Aunt again and sister Theresa is a grandma for the 3rd & 4th time. Tuesday, August 08, 2006 my niece Katy had twin boys. That makes 4 boys for Katy. Better you than me Katy!!

Here are the details: Daniel was born at 2:50pm, 18" long, 5lbs. 5.9oz., and has dark hair. Luke was born at 2:52pm, 17.25" long, 4lbs., 3.3oz, and has blonde hair.

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Luke

Daniel

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Proud Grandma Theresa with baby Daniel and big brother Bowen. Luke should be coming home by Wednesday the 16th if he can maintain his temp.

He's been a bit cold. Cool Hand Luke.

Congrats Everyone!!

Hot Enough For Ya!

My Back Yard Was Reading 102*

On Tuesday & Wednesday

That's pretty stinkin' hot for Michigan and don't get me started on how humid it has been around here! I feel sorry for anyone that doesn't have airconditioning!! I actually got in the pool with the kids one day because I just couldn't stand to sit outside and watch them anymore. I was sweating just walking out to the mailbox.

This weather is doing a real number on my head too. Thank god for drugs! Besides the migraines the kids started the week out with ear infections and upper resp. infections and now it seems that I'm coming down with a sinus infection too. That's what I get for wiping those noses ;o)

Well, At least we've had a pool that was saved from Aunt Tisha's trash can! OK...OK ~ So I have to blow up the top ring just about every day...BUT it still holds water AND the kids are as happy as clams ~ and all the neighbor kids too! The bad part is that I'm stuck sitting next to the pool with nothing to do. Wishing I was able to sew or if I had knitting talent like my sister...I could actually get something done out there. But...Nope! I mostly read magazines.

Happy Clams

Mackenzie, Caleb & Erica (neighbor)