Relay for Life 2014

Relay for Life has been a family tradition for the past several years.

 

Our family, like so many others,

 

 has been touched by cancer in numerous ways!

 

It really is scary!

 

Because of that it is important for us to support this amazing cause!

 

This year I wasn't sure I was going to be able to participate due to work.

 

It was my weekend off and I kept telling my mom that I would be coming.

 

Then a few weeks ago, I realized that I was scheduled to work the Friday

 

which would make it impossible for me to make it in time.

 

It was so hard to tell my mom that I wouldn't make it!

 

I knew how much it meant to my mom and grandma and I felt awful.

 

Isaac's team was also going to be the Dream Team at the La Crosse Logger's game

 

and I also wanted to be there for that and could make it after work.

 

In talking about it with Tim we decided that missing the Logger's game wouldn't

 

be as big of a deal as missing Relay for Life if I could get it worked out.

 

He promised to take pictures and I knew that I would hear plenty of stories!

 

I was only "placed" in a spot at work until 3pm

 

and after that I would be extra so I talked to my boss early last week

 

and she told me I could leave at 3 unless there were sick calls

 

or other needs that afternoon- if there were I would be expected to help cover those.

 

Lucky for me everything was looking good and I was able to head out

 

and made it with time to spare!

 

Mom and I got to spend some time together checking out a couple of local shops

 

and then headed to Relay for Life.

 

Last year was my first year participating as a survivor and it was emotional.

 

This year was no different!

 

I thought it would get easier this year

 

and it maybe did in some ways-

 

I didn't have that same nervous energy as I did last year walking up to register

 

and I wasn't seeing luminaries with my name on them for the first time-

 

none the less, it was still emotional!

 

It still brought the whole experience back.

 

It made me really think about how lucky I am

 

and how blessed I am-

 

I have so much love and support

 

from my family and friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me (2 links for my 2 years) & Grandma Betty (32 links for her 32 years)

 

The rest of the events went much like last year-

 

we listened to the opening speakers (once again- could relate to much of what they were saying),

 

 got the survivor picture (still crazy to think of myself being included)

 

and walked the survivor lap (it was wonderful visiting with my grandma during this time)

 

followed by the care givers lap

 

and team lap.

Grandma Betty and I got to enjoy our survivor cupcakes to celebrate the night.

 

 

 

 

 

Mom and I enjoyed walking tacos for dinner before walking several laps

 

with other family members that were there.

 

Loved seeing these two guys!

 

It was really nice to catch up with them and enjoy the beautiful evening.

 

It wasn't long and they started to light the luminaries.

 

That is one of my favorite parts of the whole night!

 

It is really beautiful to walk through the park once they are all lit.

 

After walking a few more laps with them lit it was time to head out.

 

We had plans to participate in a local bike ride Saturday morning so

 

I still had to drive the two hours home.

 

Saturday morning came with a bit of frustration-

 

someone thought the ride started at 9:30 when it actually started at 8

 

and it was already 7:50.

 

I guess Minds In Motion is just not meant to be for our family!

 

We made the best of it and headed out for a 6+ mile run.

 

Turns out the run was just what I needed after the crazy and emotional week I had!

 

I had to work again on Sunday but we made the best of it

 

by getting out for a great family bike ride once I got home!

 

What a great way to spend some time together on Father's Day!

 

I love seeing my boys relationship with their dad!

 

Tim is an amazing father

 

and is such a great role model for them!

 

I am honored and blessed that I get to share this crazy adventure

 

with him and our three amazing boys!

 

I see magic every time I look at them!

 

Our weekend was crazy

 

but wonderful at the same time!

 

Some people say that just listening to our schedule exhausts them

 

but we wouldn't have it any other way!

 

We are living life and enjoying all of the magical moments along the way!!