December 5, 2014

Christmas is coming!

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I love the lights, the trees, the joy, and so much more! However, since becoming a Christian this holiday season means SO much more. God sent His one and only Son to Earth. He sent his beloved child to be born to a virgin woman. He sent His boy to this hurtful, scary, and sometimes horrible world for me. He did that for us. Christ is born and for that I am forever thankful.

Last year was my first year to do any type of advent and I chad bought the Naptime Diaries calendar. I loved it and came back for this years! This years advent is even better, it comes with the cards (that are so pretty and awesome) as well as a journal. Y'all should go check it out if you haven't already.

I can't wait for all that comes with this season. With that said, here is my decor that I put up in our little home this year.

This is the ornament we got in Disney World... the date is the day we got engaged!

every vacation we get an ornament and they are so much fun to see each year




This ornament I made from my wedding bouquet. The picture was on my bouquet and is my Uncle Jackie who has passed. 



 I tried taking pictures with Deuce in front of the tree... That turned out just as well as you would imagine!





December 4, 2014

Thanksgiving

     The start of the holidays are here.. well actually they have been here! I love the Holiday season and look forward to it every year. This year our family has grown by two 1/2 little ones and it is such an exciting time. Nope.. still not me doing the growing. Remember my sister in laws in Texas both had baby girls and my sister in law in Oklahoma is due in May! 

We spent Thanksgiving morning with my side of the family at my parents house. We usually go up to Oklahoma, but had talked my mom into having the dinner (or lunch) at her house this year. Gram and Papa came down and it was just as great as always. I love love love Thanksgiving food. After lunch we headed over to the Mavs to have Thanksgiving #2! It was a fun day full of food, family, and love. I will be counting down the days to next years thanksgiving and in the meantime have been loving Christmas decor and lights! 






we attempted to take some family pictures.. this is how it started out








November 18, 2014

The 3 - Day

   The second week of November I participated in the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for the cure in DFW. This was my 4th consecutive year to walk and my teams 6th year! Unfortunately breast cancer, and cancer in general, has touched just about everyones life. One case of breast cancer is diagnosed among women EVERY TWO MINUTES in the U.S. We walk for granny who has passed, Patti and Kathy and so many others who have survived, the families, and for the future. 

Cancer is evil and I hope that I do not have to walk in this walk again. However, I love walking in it and the feelings, memories, and experiences you take away are indescribable. For those that don't know, the 3 day walk is exactly what it sounds like. Thousands of men and women, mostly women, walk 20 miles a day for 3 consecutive days. This event takes place all over the nation. 


This year DFW 3 day had just over 1,000 walkers which is lower than normal numbers, but we were still able to raise 3.1 million dollars! Those dollars will go towards community outreach programs, health programs, research, and other things. I trust that this money is being used correctly and fully support and love the Susan G. Komen foundation.

 The 3 day is made up of Susan G. Komen staff and hundreds of crew members. These crew members make our walk possible and they work hard with smiles on their faces throughout the weekend. At the 3-day you have the opportunity to stay at camp... I mean camping in a sea of pink tents is something you will get to do everyday. Camping is fun and I have enjoyed it every year....even in the cold! 


Day 1: we arrived bright and early for opening ceremonies. 
Our team is made up of Cheryl (my mother in law), Ally (sister in law), Nicole (aunt in law), Randi (Sister in law), Patti (survivor and friend!), and this year we were joined by two rookies, Kaylee and Kristy. We hope Nancy will be back next year.

Without the support of our families I am not sure we would make it through that 60 miles! Seeing their faces (supplied with candy and gatorade) is needed and perfect. 

Hayes/Helzer Fam

Mav/O Family

We got to eat lunch with the fam on Day 3. 

At closing everyone raises there shoe... pretty cool to see so many supporters!

Those are some smiling faces to be walking into closing! 60 miles are we are DONE!



We walk all over Dallas and surrounding cities and the community support is always great.




Day 1 finish line! Tatum joined us for our picture.



Day 2... it was cold and an early morning, but we all made it through!









Team Sporting Pink and a thousand other people waiting in line to get to closing ceremonies.

My husband, whom is my biggest supporter, had to leave early for a wedding function the first night so after setting up my tent he left me some goodies! He's a good one that guy!

Mile 59!



The 3 day 2014 was a success and team Sporting Pink raised $18,400! We will be back next year and are so grateful for all of those that supported us through this journey. If you want to read more about the 3 day go to their website.