Lately, John David seems to be asking a bunch of questions. All the time. About everything. Some are easy to answer, others - not so much. One of the most difficult lately has been, "How did Jesus die on the cross?" Not why, but how. I wish I could see the thoughts in his little mind sometimes, because I am always in awe of how it works!
Miss Heather, his babysitter, told me yesterday that she had tried for a while to explain to him that she could not blow any balloons up for him b/c she is allergic to latex. She was doing okay until she had said that it would make her break out in little red bumps all over. John David said, "What does break out mean?".
This had made me realize, however, how many things I do not question. I wonder how many times throughout the day I just take things for granted or at face-value that I should really try to delve deeper into to discover the origins or the reasons. Would I appreciate things more if I took some time to wonder? Probably. That is my goal: to take more time to be curious, to question and wonder about things. I'll try to update as I go, but I am hoping that I will discover new things and have a greater sense of appreciation for those things that I have passed by everyday without realizing it.
I am almost done with my job at the church. It has been a lot, but it has made me realize some things. One, I miss my time with John David. Two, I enjoy having something for which I am responsible. Three, I get tired fairly easily.
All of those being said, I think that I will focus my attention back to being a wife and mom. Organizing and being responsible for things like the daily schedule and menus for dinners. I think that if I am in charge of that, then I could probably work in some rest time as well! :)
Off to work again for a while today. Tomorrow is Matt and my ten year anniversary - wow!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Graduation Day
John David is a graduate. And I am the mom of a graduate. Who would have thought?
He had his end of the year program and Pre-K commencement ceremony yesterday morning.
I did pretty good - no ugly cry in public or anything. His class sang songs from High School Musical - they were so cute! Here are some videos of the performance. Enjoy!
Here are a few pictures of the graduate. The last picture is of him bowing his head to pray at the end of the service. So precious. Although I do have to admit that I got into trouble (by him) when he noticed that I was snapping this picture instead of bowing my head with him during the prayer.
Speaking of prayers - on Tuesday night, during our nighttime prayers, John David said this prayer, "Dear Lord, bless the food we ate today, and help us to make good choices, and help us to eat healthy food, thank you for my friends and family. And God, I want you to come and live in my heart. Amen."
My heart lept. Heaven rejoiced. Honestly, to date, one of the happiest moments of my life.
I have not written in a couple of months, but will write more frequently. Looking forward to sharing more wonderful moments.
Bless you all!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
In the Headlines . . .
I know that this is long, but wanted to share the whole thing. Check out the Yoplait website after April 1st!
TWENTY- FIVE INDIVIDUALS HONORED BY YOPLAIT® FOR MAKING EXTRAORDINARY STRIDES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Yoplait and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Celebrate as the Yoplait Champions Grow to 100 Breast Cancer Advocates Across the Country
MINNEAPOLIS, March 18, 2008 – Yoplait® and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, today announced the 2008 Yoplait Champions, ordinary women and men from across the country doing extraordinary things in their local communities to help in the fight against breast cancer. For the fourth time, these organizations conducted a nationwide search, and selected 25 individuals, whose inspirational and motivational stories are an example of courage, strength and dedication to the breast cancer cause.
“We are honored to recognize the 25 2008 Yoplait Champions, who have each selflessly devoted their time and effort to fighting breast cancer in their own, unique way” said Camille Gibson, vice president of Yoplait. “It is humbling to consider the survival and success stories of the 100 women and men honored in the four years of the Yoplait Champions program and the amazing contributions they have made to their families, friends, co-workers and neighbors.”
The 2008 Champions represent 17 states and are made up of breast cancer patients, survivors and advocates as well as husbands, mothers, daughters and friends of those touched by breast cancer. Each champion has a unique tie to the disease, but all share a passion for raising awareness and educating others about breast health.
Each of this year’s Champions is involved in innovative organizations and programs, and each uses a unique, creative method to spread awareness and raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. These methods include, creating art moldings depicting cancer-affected chests to motivate breast cancer screenings, forming nonprofit organizations, establishing community volunteer and breast cancer support groups, engaging in public speaking opportunities, forming rehabilitation clinics, establishing free mammogram parties, publishing Web sites and books with tips for those battling the disease, and even a retired football star starting a foundation to raise money and awareness.
“These 25 individuals are tireless leaders in their communities,” said Gibson. “Their efforts have ensured that those diagnosed with breast cancer will have somewhere to turn and a shoulder to lean on. They are role models, and they are truly Champions.”
The selfless efforts of the Yoplait Champions do not go unnoticed and often inspire others around them to do the same. In fact, according to a 2007 Yoplait survey of those affected by breast cancer, nine out of ten survey respondents said they are doing something to help in the fight against breast cancer and 40 percent try harder to make a difference, as a result of their experience with the disease.
The 2008 Yoplait Champions are:
Jill Binkley, Alpharetta, Ga.
Linette Atwood Schulz, Parkville, Mo.
Barbara P. Bellinger, Bridgeport, Conn.
LeRoy Butler, Jacksonville, Fla.
Heather Cobb, Tulsa, Okla.
Haley Crider, Rome, Ga.
Nancy Davenport-Ennis, Newport News, Va.
Ann E. Fonfa, Delray Beach, Fla.
Sean P. Gladieux, Greensboro, N.C.
Barbara L. Harttraft, Hamilton, N.J.
Nancy Jaynes, Plymouth, Ind.
Jennifer Johnson, Overland Park, Kan.
Linda R. Johnson, Philadelphia, Pa.
Neile Jones-Batie, Rogers, Ark.
Patricia Lauzze, Bath, N.Y.
Sharon Marler, Anthony, Idaho
Lillian Kehaunani Matsumoto, Honolulu, Hawaii
Palmer McInnis, Houston, Tex.
Elizabeth Miniscalo, Chicago, Ill.
Mary Olsen Kelly, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mary Ellen Scherl, Tenafly, N.J.
Roberta Levy Schwartz, Houston, Tex.
Peggie D. Sherry, Tampa, Fla.
Carrie Wells, New York, N.Y.
Neel Stallings, Charlotte, N.C.
The 25 Yoplait Champions were selected based on the following criteria:
· Demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to the breast cancer cause, including a personal sacrifice
· Illustrates a creative and innovative concept that furthers the goal of fighting breast cancer
· Taking a creative and/or innovative approach to furthering the goals of fighting breast cancer
· Impact others’ lives and/or the community
· Creates change(s) in their communities
To commemorate this honor, Yoplait will donate $1,000 to each Champion’s charity of choice focused on the breast cancer cause. For more information on the 2008 Yoplait Champions, visit www.yoplait.com.
Yoplait commissioned the national search with Susan G. Komen for the Cure as an integral partner during fall 2007. Between September 18 and November 6, 2007, Yoplait accepted online nominations at www.yoplait.com.
About Yoplait
For more than 18 years, Yoplait has been committed to raising awareness of women’s issues, including breast cancer, heart health, osteoporosis prevention and fitness. To date, Yoplait and its parent company General Mills have donated more than $18 million to the breast cancer cause over the past 9 years. In addition to the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, Yoplait is a member of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Million-Dollar Council and is the National Series Presenting Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure®, the largest series of 5K run and fitness walks in the world. Visit www.yoplait.com to get involved in the Save Lids to Save Lives program.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
###
Heather Cobb (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Using Experience to Help Others
Breast cancer is a constant in Heather Cobb’s life. At the young age of two, and again in college, she watched her mother battle breast cancer. After losing her mother to the disease, Heather faced her own battle at age 28. Since that time, Heather has been a strong force as she raises awareness and fights for a cure, offering support and resources to young women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area.
In addition to her role as a mother and wife, Heather is committed to making herself available any time for breast cancer patients. As the official contact person for the Tulsa Community Volunteer Group for the YSC, and the “go to girl” at her oncologist’s office for newly diagnosed patients in need of advice and support, Heather uses her infectious personality and positive attitude to encourage breast cancer survivors to fight. She continuously looks for opportunities to further her intellectual growth, regularly attending conferences, workshops and seminars.
Heather has played active roles in the Tulsa affiliates of the American Cancer Society, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Most recently, she was instrumental in setting up a Community Volunteer Group for the Young Survival Coalition in Tulsa, totally focused on educating young women through action, advocacy and awareness.
Additionally, Heather was selected to participate in the grant review process for both the Department of Defense’s Breast Cancer Research Program and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Her selection is proof of her dedication to finding a cure for breast cancer, as well as her knowledge of the disease. Further raising awareness for the cause, Heather participates in media interviews, abandoning her fear of being in front of the camera or on the radio.
In true Champion form, she has taken a tremendous personal challenge, and has allowed herself to be transformed into an educator, advocate and spokesperson for the growing number of young women diagnosed with this disease.
TWENTY- FIVE INDIVIDUALS HONORED BY YOPLAIT® FOR MAKING EXTRAORDINARY STRIDES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Yoplait and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Celebrate as the Yoplait Champions Grow to 100 Breast Cancer Advocates Across the Country
MINNEAPOLIS, March 18, 2008 – Yoplait® and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, today announced the 2008 Yoplait Champions, ordinary women and men from across the country doing extraordinary things in their local communities to help in the fight against breast cancer. For the fourth time, these organizations conducted a nationwide search, and selected 25 individuals, whose inspirational and motivational stories are an example of courage, strength and dedication to the breast cancer cause.
“We are honored to recognize the 25 2008 Yoplait Champions, who have each selflessly devoted their time and effort to fighting breast cancer in their own, unique way” said Camille Gibson, vice president of Yoplait. “It is humbling to consider the survival and success stories of the 100 women and men honored in the four years of the Yoplait Champions program and the amazing contributions they have made to their families, friends, co-workers and neighbors.”
The 2008 Champions represent 17 states and are made up of breast cancer patients, survivors and advocates as well as husbands, mothers, daughters and friends of those touched by breast cancer. Each champion has a unique tie to the disease, but all share a passion for raising awareness and educating others about breast health.
Each of this year’s Champions is involved in innovative organizations and programs, and each uses a unique, creative method to spread awareness and raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. These methods include, creating art moldings depicting cancer-affected chests to motivate breast cancer screenings, forming nonprofit organizations, establishing community volunteer and breast cancer support groups, engaging in public speaking opportunities, forming rehabilitation clinics, establishing free mammogram parties, publishing Web sites and books with tips for those battling the disease, and even a retired football star starting a foundation to raise money and awareness.
“These 25 individuals are tireless leaders in their communities,” said Gibson. “Their efforts have ensured that those diagnosed with breast cancer will have somewhere to turn and a shoulder to lean on. They are role models, and they are truly Champions.”
The selfless efforts of the Yoplait Champions do not go unnoticed and often inspire others around them to do the same. In fact, according to a 2007 Yoplait survey of those affected by breast cancer, nine out of ten survey respondents said they are doing something to help in the fight against breast cancer and 40 percent try harder to make a difference, as a result of their experience with the disease.
The 2008 Yoplait Champions are:
Jill Binkley, Alpharetta, Ga.
Linette Atwood Schulz, Parkville, Mo.
Barbara P. Bellinger, Bridgeport, Conn.
LeRoy Butler, Jacksonville, Fla.
Heather Cobb, Tulsa, Okla.
Haley Crider, Rome, Ga.
Nancy Davenport-Ennis, Newport News, Va.
Ann E. Fonfa, Delray Beach, Fla.
Sean P. Gladieux, Greensboro, N.C.
Barbara L. Harttraft, Hamilton, N.J.
Nancy Jaynes, Plymouth, Ind.
Jennifer Johnson, Overland Park, Kan.
Linda R. Johnson, Philadelphia, Pa.
Neile Jones-Batie, Rogers, Ark.
Patricia Lauzze, Bath, N.Y.
Sharon Marler, Anthony, Idaho
Lillian Kehaunani Matsumoto, Honolulu, Hawaii
Palmer McInnis, Houston, Tex.
Elizabeth Miniscalo, Chicago, Ill.
Mary Olsen Kelly, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mary Ellen Scherl, Tenafly, N.J.
Roberta Levy Schwartz, Houston, Tex.
Peggie D. Sherry, Tampa, Fla.
Carrie Wells, New York, N.Y.
Neel Stallings, Charlotte, N.C.
The 25 Yoplait Champions were selected based on the following criteria:
· Demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to the breast cancer cause, including a personal sacrifice
· Illustrates a creative and innovative concept that furthers the goal of fighting breast cancer
· Taking a creative and/or innovative approach to furthering the goals of fighting breast cancer
· Impact others’ lives and/or the community
· Creates change(s) in their communities
To commemorate this honor, Yoplait will donate $1,000 to each Champion’s charity of choice focused on the breast cancer cause. For more information on the 2008 Yoplait Champions, visit www.yoplait.com.
Yoplait commissioned the national search with Susan G. Komen for the Cure as an integral partner during fall 2007. Between September 18 and November 6, 2007, Yoplait accepted online nominations at www.yoplait.com.
About Yoplait
For more than 18 years, Yoplait has been committed to raising awareness of women’s issues, including breast cancer, heart health, osteoporosis prevention and fitness. To date, Yoplait and its parent company General Mills have donated more than $18 million to the breast cancer cause over the past 9 years. In addition to the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, Yoplait is a member of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Million-Dollar Council and is the National Series Presenting Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure®, the largest series of 5K run and fitness walks in the world. Visit www.yoplait.com to get involved in the Save Lids to Save Lives program.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
###
Heather Cobb (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Using Experience to Help Others
Breast cancer is a constant in Heather Cobb’s life. At the young age of two, and again in college, she watched her mother battle breast cancer. After losing her mother to the disease, Heather faced her own battle at age 28. Since that time, Heather has been a strong force as she raises awareness and fights for a cure, offering support and resources to young women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area.
In addition to her role as a mother and wife, Heather is committed to making herself available any time for breast cancer patients. As the official contact person for the Tulsa Community Volunteer Group for the YSC, and the “go to girl” at her oncologist’s office for newly diagnosed patients in need of advice and support, Heather uses her infectious personality and positive attitude to encourage breast cancer survivors to fight. She continuously looks for opportunities to further her intellectual growth, regularly attending conferences, workshops and seminars.
Heather has played active roles in the Tulsa affiliates of the American Cancer Society, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Most recently, she was instrumental in setting up a Community Volunteer Group for the Young Survival Coalition in Tulsa, totally focused on educating young women through action, advocacy and awareness.
Additionally, Heather was selected to participate in the grant review process for both the Department of Defense’s Breast Cancer Research Program and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Her selection is proof of her dedication to finding a cure for breast cancer, as well as her knowledge of the disease. Further raising awareness for the cause, Heather participates in media interviews, abandoning her fear of being in front of the camera or on the radio.
In true Champion form, she has taken a tremendous personal challenge, and has allowed herself to be transformed into an educator, advocate and spokesperson for the growing number of young women diagnosed with this disease.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
First Post
Well, here I am in blog-land. I have been asked to update many friends and family on news and other ventures - so I figured this is the best way to do so. I hope that you enjoy and I look forward to sharing family updates and exciting adventures with you.
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