Awareness that Leads to Remembrance

My sister always made everyone around her know how good God was as she fought breast cancer. 

The confessions are found in the pages of her journal after her original diagnoses in 2007. Her continuous smile proved she believed in "counting it all joy." (James 1:2)

The month of October puts extra emphasis on breast cancer awareness. During the raw and most challenging moments of Traci's journey, I found myself at times bitter and angry walking into stores seeing all things pink. 

"Why did she have to suffer like this? Why was her youth stolen by this disease and dreams of having a family instantly ripped from her grip? It's not fair she suffered for so long."

I know my sister had these same thoughts, but my memory can only recall twice when I heard the frustration. Her faith soared while her ability to survive was rooted in the truth that God is good. 

It became her lens in all things hard and reason why she praised in the positive moments. 

Her very presence was contagious simply because her faith was who she was. Traci showed many who Jesus was during her cancer journey which gave her more reason to keep fighting. 

How often have I given up hope because life got hard? When my belief that God is good vanishes due to frustrations and negative outcomes to situations out of my control?

God, I'm so sorry my flesh caved to defeat. 

Thank you for allowing me to have the years with my sister who challenged my faith and taught me 'never' or 'can't' are void of the dictionary. Thank you for granting our family thirty seven short years with a warrior who showed us how to fight well. 

Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but I'd rather change the language to show off the hero's who gave everyone else reason to believe that...

God is still good. 

If Traci was still living, I'm positive she'd still be fighting, stubborn in her prayers for healing and cheering on all her Pink Sister's battling breast cancer alongside her. 

To those battling breast cancer, you are not far from our thoughts and prayers. Your strength and tenacity inspires those around you and does not go unnoticed. 

Sister, I miss you. 

 { Super model pose while passing time receiving treatment. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #11

The last week of summer is here. 

We thrived this summer thanks to the true winner being the $97 pool from Walmart. It kept us cool, kids busy and gave all of us plenty of entertainment watching the swimming techniques from all the kids... even Millie enjoyed the pool too! 

The week began with me still traveling in Nashville at the Christian Product Expo meeting hundreds of bookstore owners and promoting the newly released book. 

I was sad to miss Charlie's first day of school, but confident Tim nailed his first day along with Myriam's meet and greet at her school. 

Tim continues to encourage the kids with their golf skills and often is asked to get up at the crack of dawn to putz around before the day gets going. Charlie and Addison are really enjoying this sport which leads me to believe we'll have golfers before I have a child runner by my side. 

With most of the summer trips behind me, I was able to find time to begin the summer purge which still is happening. There have been multiple trips to Goodwill, the dump and consignment stores as things simply don't need to be here anymore. It feels so good to clear house... and closets of stuff!

Addison had her first day of high school which made Mom and Dad somewhat teary eyed but excited for the next few years for our oldest. She nailed her first day and found every classroom without fail!

Go Lions!

Myriam also had her first day of school seeing friends and some of her favorite teachers.

We pray this is a year of growth for all the kids. 

Here's more from our last week of summer...

{ New bike. New ride. Pup approval. }

{ Ran into Bill & Evie at CPE, local Connections Bookstore owners. }

{ Homestead golf lessons for the oldies. }

Summer "n" Motion Wk. #10

What a packed week! 

The kids are all enjoying summer but have been forced to think ahead in preparing for school. Charlie had a special date with Nana to pick out all his school supplies while 

Addi and I did more shopping for clothing options. 

All the hard work this summer with the book launch paid off when Reclaimed: Finding Your Identity after Marital Betrayal was released Wednesday! Tim and I were overwhelmed with the reviews and personal notes sent our direction thanking us for the boldness to speak up and share. I found myself exhausted physically and emotionally as Tim and I toasted with a glass of wine. 

Meanwhile, life moved on as Addison had high school orientation that morning and three of four kids had dentist appointments. Baylee also had her pre-school orientation this week where she already made friends and an impression with her teacher. This should be very entertaining to watch unfold as smarty pants may be bored but challenged to sit quietly and not talk all day long. 

Addison and a friend were commissioned to paint for their past teacher so they used the morning t paint and afternoon to meet up with friends to prepare for high school. 

Friday night, Tim and I were treated to dinner with our good friends, Kurt and Gwen before I flew out to Nashville for the Christian Product Expo. 

Yes, a packed week. 

I'm not sure the kids are ready for school next week but it's coming regardless!

{ More lake days at Auntie Missy's lake house. }

 

{ We have water babies. }

{ She's officially a freshman. }

{ Happy Birthday Reclaimed. }

{ Addison & Darla painted a picture together for their 8th grade teacher. Stunning. }

{ Self care post book launch at Mt. Baker. }

{ Really enjoying these ladies and so proud of their effort into training. }

{ Mountain Mama. }

{ Cousin sighting on my flight from Bellingham to Seattle. }

{ Enjoying Daddy's pre-birthday gift to himself. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #9

The week on the boat continued for the kids as they went from island to island in search of the perfect shrimp to catch, pool to swim in and whales! Yes, they even managed to have some whale spotting's!

Baylee continued to talk her way through the week making up for the lack of conversation and filling the blank space with her own voice. Potty training went well and of course, so did her independent personality of getting things on her own. (pic of Bee drinking water) I often find her 

counter surfing and climbing the fridge grabbing snacks on her own. 

With almost all kids gone, I took advantage of the quiet time and focused on the upcoming book launch. This means lots of emails, creating social media content and continuing with network connections made for Reclaimed Ministry. Oh, and let's not forget I'm trying to train for the upcoming canyon race in October so plenty of running happening too. 

Here's the week in pictures... 

{ The boating crew keeping Papa and Nana busy. }

 

{ I don't know. I suggested a glass but Little Irish had other ideas. }

{ When friends speak your love language and make you a personalized dish of brownies: win. }

 

{ Bee and I enjoyed the fair on our own with 2 objectives: food & animals. }

{ These two were so excited to reunite with the rest of the sibling crew! }

{ I need to make an album of cute kid selfies. }

{ Friday Addi & Charlie went to the fair together ALL. DAY. LONG. }

{ The road trip to Portland begins... }

{ A quick road trip south to celebrate Tim's step sister Maria's wedding. }

 

{ The road trip trying to end... }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #8

Week eight was busy, stressful, and yet filled with celebrations on many levels. 

The first part of the week Charlie had golf camp at Homestead Farms which the kid is getting pretty good at and loves that he can share a sport with Dad. 

Early in the week, my ultrasound from the week prior, needed to be followed up with a breast biopsy. Needless to say, this brought on far too much anxiety and emotion that I was not wanting to deal with especially being a birthday week for myself. 

Tim, in typical supportive fashion, drove the stress case to the doctors and made sure that I had no lifting once home. I know deep within he was nervous as the doctors this time used language such as meeting with oncologists and further potential treatments. 

By the grace of God (and lots of prayer) we got results at the end of the day on my birthday. Negative. 

Thank you Jesus.

And yes, I celebrated a birthday as did Mom!

Could not have asked for a better gift than results that indicate no cancer. 

Papa and Nana invited the older three kids to a week on the boat which left Baylee alone at home with Mom and Dad. It's been awhile since there was only one at home! The three older kids loved their big kid time in the San Juans hiking, fishing, becoming captain and being spoiled by my parents. It is such a treasure to have such involved and loving grandparents in our kids' lives. 

Here's some more about our week in motion...

{ Surprise flowers from a secret admirer. }

{ Kids selfies that never get old - instant laughter. }

{ Birthday family lunch at Red Robin with our friend Bruce. }

{ Girl time getting our nails done. }

{ Myriam had about 50 different facial expressions during her pedicure
as the massage chair bounced her this and that way. Hilarious. }

{ Tim has become the giddy mole killer in our yard. }

{ My running cheerleaders Saturday morning. }

{ My Love. My date. }

{ Roommates 20 years later. }

{ Class of 1999. }

{ Surprise visit at Lopez Island - Bee was inside throwing a tired fit. }

{ Potty training success. }

{ Happy Birthday Mom. }

{ Kids are off to explore the San Juan Islands some more with Papa & Nana. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #7

After a few days away, I thoroughly enjoyed a quiet morning sipping coffee with the chaos of kids and puppy around me. This was a week of unpacking, typical summer activities and the not so fun doctors appointments. Monday I had a breast ultrasound due to family cancer history. There is always a moment of anxiety that takes over as the procedure begins and immediately, I have to start filling the room with prayers and whispers of my sister telling me it's all okay. For twelve years I've been going in for preventative screenings and they still get my tummy in knots. 

There was also the pleasant colonoscopy, but thank goodness I honestly don't remember any of it or the fact that I had breakfast with mom after. Either she wasn't good company or I was still riding high on meds! Tim had some limited work travel but overall a relaxing week. 

Here's a picture glimpse for week seven of summer...

{ The pool continues to entertain the kids. }

{ Millie was introduced to Pup-a-chino's this week. }

{ The best you get when kids are enjoying lake days! }

{ There's playtime, and then chore time. }

{ Naptime for a few cuties. }

{ A much needed run with a good friend. }

{ Myriam plays a mean game of UNO. }

{ Tim teaching Charlie young on the sound board. }

{ 3 on 3 Tournaments with Coach Ken. }