Relay for Life

Cousin Sleepover
The two-night cousin sleepover came to an end today.  What a fun time it was though!!  The kids were so good the entire time... truly amazing. : )

This morning the plan was to hunt for monarch caterpillars, since it's about the time we usually find them.  They like to hang out on milkweeds and last Summer we found the "hot spot!"  Usually we find a handful each year after looking on many scattered milkweeds in different areas we've found throughout town.  Well, last year, we discovered the "hot spot" at a park near our now old house.  We found so many caterpillars there that we didn't take all that we found!  So, I was excited to take all the kids there to hopefully find some caterpillars.  They were pretty excited and kept reminding me to bring the "bins."  I had to continually remind them they were "containers" and not "bins!"  Not sure why I was not taking it easy on the kids... bins, containers, what's the difference???  Well, I'd say about 15 gallons, so I wanted them to say it right.  I was just really having a hard time letting that one slide for some reason. : )

So, we passed our old house for the first time since we've moved on the way there.  The kids seemed to miss it a bit, which made me sad.  But, they did say after that they liked our new house, too.  Rachel said our old house and our new house are her "dream houses."  She also added that the house we lived in in Stevens Point when she was born was also her "dream house."  Thought that was cute.

Okay, so we drive up to the "hot spot" and I couldn't believe my eyes... the entire brushy area where there were TONS of milkweeds last year was all mowed down!!!!!  I think I was in shock for a moment... no, it couldn't be!  The kids were in disbelief.  Why in the world did they mow down our caterpillar "hot spot?!" Well, we have no idea, but we were very sad.

Thankfully, there was at least a hill for the kids to run down and some swings.  So, it wasn't a total waste of a trip across town. : )

Relay for Life

This year's Relay for Life was another very powerful and emotional experience.  Every year it reminds me of how quickly things can change.  It really puts everything in my life in perspective... you remember those that were lost to cancer, you see close up those that are fighting and have fought cancer and you see those that are affected so closely with cancer... whether they be family, friends or caregivers.  It is truly amazing how many smiles you see... there's so much hope from people of all ages.

Each year I see people walking the survivor lap that I recognize, don't know them, but recognize them... having no idea before seeing them in their purple survivor shirt that they are fighting or have fought cancer.  It makes you realize that there are many people you come into contact with each and every day who could be fighting, have fought or could be dealing with cancer in some way or form.  These people appear very strong, but you know they have a ton on their mind and probably much worry and they're most likely constantly wondering what the future will bring.  Makes me think of a song that I love so much.  It, basically, talks about the fact that when people are behaving in an odd, seemingly inappropriate or haphazard way be conscious of the fact that they could be going through a very difficult situation, so basically give people a break.  I think of this often, especially whenever I see a car going below the speed limit.  Always makes me wonder if they're going through a difficult situation and are in so much thought they don't even realize they're not going the correct speed.  Did they just find out they or someone they know has cancer, did someone just pass away???  I think this is a good song for everyone to listen to...

They Don't Understand - Sawyer Brown

Here are some pictures I took.  Nothing can capture the emotion that is felt when you're there, but I tried.

[this was the survivor balloon release... each survivor there released a balloon ~ it was beautiful]

[Rachel watching the balloons...]

[emotional...]

[to see people you know is so difficult...]

[but, they all walked with confidence...]

[and all seemed to support each other.]

  

Our team was there to remember some very, very special individuals... and each and every other team was there to remember very special individuals in their lives, too.  It's really just amazing to me how many people are lost to cancer.  I truly hope we can find a cure soon...

Keep smiling...