Time...

Hello to my family & friends,

Look at the time… Wowzer, it’s almost here. I can see it just over the horizon. You all have made this happen. Due to you, my team and I are on our way on Friday at 6 AM at Freestone Park to start our 60 mile journey.

You have supported us in so many ways; from stuffing goodies bags, to setting up a garage sale, to becoming professional triathlon registration and bike pointers and medical tent people. You’ve come to the events, and have taken the time to support us in the fight against cancer. You have touched my heart with all that you have done. And you are making a difference in so many women’s lives. One day I hope that I can tell you that we did it, that we found a cure. But until then, we will continue to fight for that cure.

Feel good for what you have done. We have taken another stab at cancer through the raising of money for research. We have looked cancer in the eye and said NO MORE.

Friday is the day that we begin our 60 mile walk. Please keep my team (Laura and our newest member Erica) in your prayers. Due to the economy being what it was, we all had to do a lot of events in order to raise our money so our training this time wasn’t the greatest. Praise God the money did get raised now we have the matter of finishing those 60 miles. Pray for no blisters, no sunburn, no issues but just a great time to be had by all. I have a specific prayer request for myself that I don’t get any Charley Horses. And that we can give God the glory for this success.

**If you want to text us and cheer us along the way go ahead. Message me for my number. Please remember that we won’t be able to respond unless we’re stopped somewhere but those encouraging words will help keep us going. **

I want to pass on some info to you all as to the fun things that you can do during the walk…

Cheering Stations- come and cheer us on at one of the designated cheering stations. A hug and a friendly smile can last for miles.

Friday, November 13:

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Target Complex
2150 N. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85225

11:45 am - 4:00 pm
Pueblo Grande Complex
1825 E. Guadalupe Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85283

Saturday, November 14:

8:30 am - 11:00 am
JoAnn, Etc.
5021 E Ray Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85044

11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Kyrene de las Lomas
11820 S. Warner Loop
Phoenix, AZ 85044

Sunday, November 15:

8:15 am - 10:45 am
Mill Ave.
between 7th Street and 3rd street
Tempe, AZ 85282

9:15 am - 1:00 pm
Papago Plaza
1557 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

And finally- Closing ceremony, I would love to have you there.

Closing Ceremony
Sunday, November 15

4:30 pm

Scottsdale Stadium
7408 E Osborn Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

I love you so much, everyone single one of you. I am so thrilled to call you my friend. See you on Sunday at the closing ceremony. Thank you for everything that you have done.

Love,

Debs

(Captain of the Arizona Sole Sisters)

Time...

My dear awesome family and friends,

Today I was looking for a quote to write about for my Human Communication class. I wanted to share it with you.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”. Anne Frank

Then I thought about you all: My family, my friends new and old, Scottsdale Winestyles and of course my friends at Red Rock. Cancer doesn’t stop due to the economy nor did we. You helped me in so many ways from drinking wine, to bidding on my auctions from stuffing packets to handing out registration packets, to cutting up bananas to screaming as a bike pointer. You have stepped up to the plate like no other.

Our goal has to been to rid our world and those we love of breast cancer. Too many have been affected by this horrible disease. So together we have made this all happen. And we will keep on fighting until we win this battle.

I have yet one more huge opportunity to make more money for cancer research. Red Rock has made this incredible opportunity for us to raise OVER $1200 to help them with their largest race. I coming to you one last time ask not for your money but for your time. This isn’t hard work. And the people so appreciate everything we do. In the land of fund raising, this is like “free” money. The only investment is time.

• I have packet stuffing that I need 5 to 6 people for. It’s stuffing goodies in a bag to hand out to the participants. This is 3 hours in an evening during the week. We can pick which day for this.

• October 24th from 7:30 AM to 6 at Tempe Town Lake under a tent, I need 10 people working registration. I’ll feed you and entertain you and be deeply grateful for you.

• October 25th – Race day!! I need 6 people from 7 AM to 5 PM. We are going to have a blast. We are going to work at the finish line: cheering them on as they hit the finish line making sure that the food is well supplied. Then off we go to transition and check out bikers. Now hey!! I didn’t mean “check” them out. I meant as making sure the bike goes with the right person. After that we are done!!

I need you one more time. I know what you’re thinking and I promise we’ll all get a break after this. Cancer doesn’t rest doesn’t stop nor can we. So I am asking you one more time if you can step up for me so we can knock this out together. While I have you here, please keep Noelle in your prayers. She sure can use them. She needs a miracle.

I still have Noelle’s shoes for those of you who have had them with you. This year I decided that the last mile of the 3 day walk, I am going to put on her shoes and go through closing ceremonies with them.

Love you,
Debs

It's soonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Can you believe it! Only forty days till the Breast Cancer 3day 60 mile walk begins. I just wanted to tell some you thank you thank you for being such supports and helping us out. I love you so much.

Red Rock sports are been the best. We have been working for them at their triathlons and these awesome people cut checks for us under the Breast Cancer 3day to help us reach our fund raising goal of $2300. We have two more races to work for them which will bring us to our goals. But I need you to help in order for this to work. I'm not asking for your money (not unless you do want to give it to me) I am asking for some of your time.

All of these are so much fun.. and remember it's helping us make goal.

This Sunday 10/11/09 from 7 AM to 10 AM- bike pointers. We need 10 more awesome fun people to point people in the right direction for the PBR triathlon. Only 3 hours near Tempe Town Lake on the north side at Papago Park.

Then the biggie the SOMA triathlon. This is a blast. Laura and I can earn over $1025 working this triathlon. Remember we need YOU to make this happen.

Friday, October 23rd from 4 PM to 7 PM - Goodie bag stuffing. Its fast its fun and we have a great time while bagging the goodies. This is at Red Rock office "the farm". I need at least 10 people for this. The more we get the faster and quicker we'll be done.

Saturday- October 24th from 7:30 AM to 6 PM registration. We are under a tent meeting and greeting all the race participants. 10 people for this too.

Sunday- is race day!! 7 AM to 5 PM- We get to work the finish line then hop on over to the transition area and check bikers and their bikes out.

Seriously think about it and see what you can do. We love Red Rock and are so grateful for them giving us things to do to help us earn our fund raising money. But we need you!!

So on bended knee I ask... can you help us? Right now we really really need people for this upcoming Sunday and then for the SOMA later in the month.

Let me know!!

Love,
Deb

http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

10-10 and..... 10

Hi there!!

The wine tasting was a huge hit. Thank you to those who came! We still need to make more money to reach goal. We have been invited by Red Rock Sports to work for them again in which they’ll cut a check to the Breast Cancer 3day in my name to count towards my goal of $2300.


I need people I need YOU... 10 a day. Please look at your calendars and see what you can do to help. It is always a lot of fun and everyone loves us there for helping. So please don’t let me down.

Thursday September 24th from ..5:30.. to ..8:39 PM.. we are needed to do packet stuffing. We will meet at the Red Rock Sports office and stuff away. Their address is ....9399 South Priest Dr.. ..Tempe.... (Priest and ....Warner Road....) Need at least 10 loving adoring people


Saturday September 26th from ..8:30 AM.. to ..6:00 PM.. we get to do REGISTRATION. It’s really easy work. People come up to see us at a tent, give us their name and we hand them their packet. That’s it!! I need 10 people for this fun event. This is at ....Tempe.. ..Town.. ..Lake....


Finally Sunday September 27th from 7 to ..Noon... We get to work the finish line of the race. It’s doing things like handing out water, removing racing chips, giving the runners their medals. Lots of fun. I need 10 people for this too.


We will earn over $950 dollars doing these 3 little things. Isn’t that amazing. But I need you.. and you over there.. and you looking at this wondering if you can do it. It’s so much fun and everyone has a great time.


Please let me know which spot you would like to help me doing.

You all are amazing and are helping fight breast cancer by doing this.


Love you!!

It's here!!

I can't believe it! It's time..

Taste for a Cure is finally here! We'll be at Scottsdale WineStyles. Snacking and sampling 7 wines for $25 from 2 to 6 PM

Their address is 14148 N. 100th Street, Suite #105
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

We're having silent auctions, and raffles going on throughout the afternoon. Zoo passes, homemade quilt, ceramics, flowers, golf for four at Troon North, a month at the Village gym and spa, autographed fiber helmet by Kurt Warner and much more.

Please bring your friend and have an afternoon of fun while helping a great cause. All proceeds help the Susan G. Komen foundation

Can't wait to see you!!

Love,
Deb

http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

It's Up to You...

You must be the change you want to see in the world
Mahatma Gandhi

Just this past Friday, just a day ago Peter passed away after battling a number of years of cancer. He was an incredible family man with 3 children and a devoted wife. He was a chiropractor and lived a very health life. Peter loved life, loved his family and loved Jesus. His wife saw him take his final breath and go be with the Lord.

Noelle, my precious friend, is still battling breast cancer. Hers has spread to her brain and lungs. But let me tell you, she’s still fighting, still trying to live life to the fullest. Noelle has her head on and is in a good place. I am going to take her shoes out on that course again with me. If she can go thru chemo then I can walk 60 miles.



I know all of you know someone who’s battling cancer, lost their life to cancer. I know you know a family that’s been affect by the “C” word. Everyone knows someone from somewhere who’s fighting it, going thru treatment for it, in remission, or has passed away.

We all talk about cancer and want it to go away. We want it to stay away from our children, our families. But “it” continues to hit us where we are most vulnerable. It gives us bad dreams. It rips families apart, takes away dreams. You know what I’m talking about.

But I ask you, what are you doing about it?....


The only way cancer is going to go away is with research and thru that the doctors will find a cure. Some of us fund raise to help with research then we train for a marathon or go even longer and do triathlons, and breast cancer 3day walks. Miles upon miles, fund raisers and letter writing.

Then there are some who sit back and say “I wish I could do something to help but…..”

I ask you again… “What are YOU going to do to help find a cure for cancer?”

I know you want to be a part of the cure. I know that one day when they announce that there’s a cure for cancer that you want to say to yourself “I helped find a cure for cancer. I helped make a difference!”....

I’m telling you now for those of us trying to raise money so we can do our race, walk or whatever, WE NEED YOU. We need you to donate to our cause, if you can’t do that then come to our fund raisers, or get us donors, or get your family to come to our events, or help us when we ask for help to do something that will help us raise money. Even come and keep us company while we're putting in our miles.

I know the economy is bad. I know that life is tough. But it’s tougher with cancer. Cancer does not care about our economy. But together we can still fight this. We can't leave this for our children to do. We have got to set the example. You can't preach at your children to reach out if you don't do it yourself. They are watching us.

So please on bended knee I come to you. When someone is trying to go and fight cancer, reach your hand out and help. It’s your daughter, mother, husband, parent we are willing to invest ourselves in trying to raise awareness and research money for. We’ve come to the conclusion we want to fight this ugly beast. But we need your help. I’m ready to do my part to make a difference. How about you? Don't just sit on the sidelines about this.

This holds true with anything we are facing... politics, employment, life. You first have to want to make a difference before change is going to even start.

Remember what Gandhi said... “YOU must be the change you see in the world.”....

Love,

Busy busy zoom zoom zoom

I am a momma (basketball momma), a wife, a sister, an employee, a 3day walker, a friend and now also a student. I am a busy lady with many plates spinning at one time. Some of my plates are seasonal some are year round. Keeping it all balanced lately has been a challenge especially when one plate needs more attention then what it usually gets like work. I'm blessed to have this incredible sweet man in my life that I adore and love with all my heart. He's my support and my rock. Love you honey. I've put some pictures here for you to see who my treasures are. :-)





Life has been so busy lately.. working 50-60 plus hours a week, keeping up with our teenage girls, working on my wine tasting fund raiser, making sure I'm getting all my school assignments in, making sure everyone is getting enough attention. Finally it dawned on me that I hadn't been training like I should be for the 3day walk so I started walking again.. I thought I was going to die trying to keep up with my parents the other day. So now I'm sore and hobbling around. But I know that soon I'll be getting back into the swing of this again and the soreness will be a thing of the past.

But when I think about all I'm doing and what's going on, I'm living my dream. I'm married to an incredible man. Blessed with two beautiful healthy precious girls. I love my job. I'm so blessed to be healthy enough to be able to walk for miles. I am getting to go to school and have the most incredible understanding professor. Dr. MJ is awesome. She has a class which has quite a few students that haven't been to school in years and years and she gets the challenge of getting us ready for the rest of our classes. To me, she's helping me make my dream come true of graduating from a real university.

Today is my first full weekend off in like forever.. and it's been so nice. Today we walked around Costco's eating the samples looking at all the things that we would love to have. Hey I only need about 10 grand. But I was thinking about stuff as I was trying Kirkland Green Tea..that I am so blessed. I've living my dream. My family is healthy, we are all together. I'm making progress towards my goals. It might not be as fast as some or as early as some. I just need to keep on keeping on and be patient. Both of which I am horrible with but I am making it a point to stay focused.

But when you find yourself busy busy busy.. there are things that you need to remember especially if you have many demands in your life. One thing you need to start off with is your mission statement for you? From there you can make your goals. What are some of your goals? What are your dreams? Your mission statement is something that is short n sweet. Something you can look at when you're feeling frustrated or feeling like you're getting no where.

I'll share mine with you.. since I see you're over there scratching your head trying to figure yours out.

"To be healthy and fit so I can enjoy time spent with my family and enjoy life’s moments being grounded in Christ. To enjoy and embrace learning while attending school, remembering that this is a dream in process coming true. I want to be a positive influence at my workplace and someone who’s always learning, excited to take on daily challenges and be able to provide a productive, fun environment for employees to look forward to coming to."

So get out a piece of paper and write down your very own mission statement. Once you get your mission statement done, you are actually making progress to your dreams in your life.

If you are working towards your dream or living life and life has you hopping all over.. you need to remember a few things.

One- this is the most important. Even when life is going crazy busy remember Jesus in all that you do. Talk to Him, spend time with Him. He will give you the strength to balance the things in your life that you are.

Two- Keep it simple. When I'm going full speed ahead with a zillion projects when I start feeling over whelmed, I step back. I look at everything going on in my life and I look to see what's going on. Sometimes we've put something on us or committed to something that's just too much.

Three- Learn to say NO. Repeat after me.. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO". Now I'm not saying to say no to every little thing that your kids or husband ask you to do. But you know what I mean. Don't say yes to something that you know you're going to later regret. Remember NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Four- and make sure you make time for you. Do something even if it's small for yourself. Like I steal my sister and get a pedicure or go to dinner with parents after I walk. Take a bubble bath, go for a walk. Just something simple that gives you joy.

Five- "The night before rule"- Stay away from time killers. Little things add up when you're trying to make good use of your time. Things like set your coffee pot "the night before". Make lunches "the night before", know what you're going to wear "the night before. Shower, "the night before".

Six- Don't sweat the small stuff and keep your expectations realistic. No, you can't do a marathon if you only have two weeks to train. That's not realistic. Same goes with life, if you are working, or a homeschooling, or doing whatever you're doing- keep your expectations on anything other outside events/activities realistic. Don't be hard on your self if you can't be all to everyone.

Well, speaking of wise time spending... I wish there was a way to save time while putting on mascara. Have you ever noticed how much time that can take at times.

So what's your mission statement? I'd love to hear yours.


Until next time... you can make that dream come true.

Love,

A Taste for a Cure..

Hello my incredible friends,

Wow!! Has the summer zoomed by or what?!? I need you to go mark your calendar because we have some fun planned for you!

The Sole Sisters have a fun event for you all to come to.... we are having our 2nd Annual Sole Sisters "Taste for a cure" on September 12th from 2 PM to 6 PM at Scottsdale WineStyles. Last year we had an absolute blast!

This year we are offering 7 wines and appetizers for the low cover charge of $25.00 a person. You'll hear the stories of the wine makers and how they make their wines. We will be having raffle drawings and maybe some silent auctions. So bring your wallet.

Like any great party, we'd love to meet your friends.. so invite them to come and join in the fun. Every penny made at this goes towards the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Arizona 3day Walk.

If you find you can't attend, please feel free to donate online to be in "spirit" of the event

Scottsdale WineStyles address is:
14148 N. 100th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona

I can't wait to see you all!! It's going to be fun...

Love,
Deb


PS... if you have a business that would like to donate towards our raffles/silent auctions there's still time. Email me snister1@gmail.com

May I have a moment?

Wow!! Time has zoomed by since I last chatted with you. Life has been crazy busy between girls and their basketball, work and now school. Yep that’s right I’m now officially a college student. And let me tell you getting those wheels to start moving after this many years has been an adventure. And boy oh boy have things changed since I was last in school.

I have an awesome incredible life and I have my health. It’s such a blessing and something to never take for granted. There are so many around who don’t. Like my ladies that I’ve walked for.

This year the economy is horrible which has made getting donations challenging. Last year at this time I had already reached the minimum I needed to do the walk. This year I’m no where near. I keep pushing on because even though circumstances are tough. I still need to keep walking, and fighting. Cancer doesn’t stop so we can’t either. So many women and their families have suffered and now is not the time for us to quit. So I decided today to talk to you and rally you my awesome troop.

In less then 97 days is the Susan G. Komen 3day Walk in Arizona. I want to be out there with the other walker on the course walking to make a difference. For those who’ve donated thank you so much. You’re helping me get there and are making a difference. .

I have a few ways that you can support me so I can.

1. Go to my page and make a donation. Its quick it’s easy and it makes a difference. http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

2. Are you a business owner or have a cottage industry? Then I need you! On Sept. 12th we’re having our 2nd annual wine tasting and we’re looking to have a silent auction and raffle. We’re looking for businesses to donate gift certificates, baskets of goodies, merchandise, event tickets, or even services that we can use for this.

3. And finally... How about coming to the Sole Sisters 2nd annual “Taste for a Cure” on September 12th from 2 PM to 6 PM. Cover charge is $25 to sample 7 wines and appetizers. Along with some fun raffle/silent auction goodies. So bring your wallet! Last year we had a great time. It’s going to be Scottsdale Winestyles at 14148 N. 100th Street in Scottsdale. Invite your friends to come too. See you all there.

When I think of my ladies that I’ve walked for in my past walks; I think about how much they were treasured by their families, the lives they led, how much they suffered along with their families. I remember the stories I was told about them and they warm my heart. I want to be out on that 3day course telling their stories, showing their pictures and celebrating their lives. So please think about it and see what you can do. Thank you for your support

With much love,






http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

It's not too late..

Hello everybody!

Well actually we need your stuff.. then we need you. :-) Our very first breast cancer fund raiser is right around the corner. I know some of you said you had stuff you don't want any more and were going to drop it off.. I just wanted to tel you there's still time!! On Friday you can drop the stuff off at Heritage Lutheran church. Church is located on Gilbert Rd and Ray. The official address is 821 E. Ray Road. We will be there on Friday to pick up your stuff..

If that doesn't work for you we have another place that's available pretty much anytime. Our 6th time 3 day walker Laura has offered her garage for us to use. She lives at 4007 E. Hiddenview Dr, Phx, 85048. This is on 40th street between Pecos and Chandler Blvd. Just text or call Laura at 602-228-6582

And finally #3- if you have stuff and need a pick up service let us know! We can do that too. Please let me know and I'll arrange that for you! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to clean out your storage room while fighting a huge cause.

Remember also that the 1st annual "Sole Sisters Stuff Sale" is THIS Saturday starting at 5:30 AM... Every penny goes to help us raise our minimum so we can participate in the 3 day walk.

And for those of you that have donated and dropped goodies for us to sell.. thank you so much. We love you!!

Remember proceeds all benefit the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk and the Susan G. Komen foundation

Thank you so much!! See you Saturday!!!

Love,
Your Az Sole Sisters
Deb, Laura and Diane

Sole Sisters "Stuff" Sale

Are you my hero?

Dear family, friends and fans,

As you all know I've been given an great opportunity to raise money to go towards my fund raising goal for the Breast Cancer 3 day walk. I'm needing 6 people on Friday May 8th from 11 to 6ish-7 then 5-6 people on Saturday May 9th from 6 AM to noon. I've gotten a couple of volunteers but need a few more for both days. One of the girls on my team now can't participate so I'm needing more bodies for these two days..

On bended knee I'm asking... can any of you come and help me on these days and be my hero? It's super easy work and the money made goes to a very very important cause.

Please let me know..

Love,
Debs

Click here to visit my personal page.

Hello Arizona...

Hello my incredible friends, family, fans...

As you all know the Breast Cancer 3 day walk is near n dear to my heart. In order for me to walk in this I have to raise $2300. There are so many ways you can help me reach my goal and I'm here today to tell you of some opportunities I have.

On Friday, May 8th from 9:00 to 4:30 PM at Tempe Town Lake- We can work registration for a triathlon called SheROX. It's really super duper easy work- People come up, give us their last names then we give people their racing packets and off they go. Seriously... Just that easy. No fuss no muss.

Then wait!! Yes there's more!! On Saturday, May 9th from 6 AM to 8 AM the day of the SheROX triathlon we can do body marking (writing race numbers on the participants) then from 8 to 12 PM to racing chip removal and point to where the food is.

That's it! Red Rock Co. will then cut a check to the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk in my name so this will count towards my donation goal. I need only 5-6 people. I need some incredible awesome people who can take a little time out of their day to help me make this happen.

Can I count on you?

Love,
Debs

Click here to visit my personal page.

Three....

Three Names I go by:
1.Debs
2. Momma
3. Babe

Three Jobs I have had in my life:
1. Worked at McDonalds
2. Cashier/Trainer at Bashas
3. Mayor in Panama

Three Places I have Lived:
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
2. Republic of Panama
3. Phoenix

Three TV Shows that I watch:
1. Heroes
2. American Idol
3. Extreme Home Makeover

Three places I have been:
1. California
2. Michigan
3. El Valle, Panama

Three people that e-mail me regularly:
1. Boss
2. Penny
3. Patti

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Sister Rachel’s spinach salad and salsa and potato salad
2. Dooby’s chicken Schwarma
3. Anything from Riga Tonys


Three friends I think will repost:
1. Rachel
2. Linda
3. Shayna

Three things I am looking forward to:
1. Gabby’s surgery being over
2. Kiersten getting her special time with her 8th grade graduation
3. Walking the Breast Cancer 3 day again. It touches my heart every time


Love you!!

The Law of the Garbage Truck

I want to ask you this...

How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you’re the Terminator, for an instant you’re probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly that person can get back their focus on what’s important.

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us!, My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

Today as I was reading this I started thinking... Wow!! What really got me thinking about how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? AND, how often do I then take their garbage and spread it onto other people: at work, at home, on the streets? Today I resolved, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

Today I've started to see Garbage Trucks everywhere. Just like the kid in the Sixth Sense movie said, "I see dead people," I can now say, "I see Garbage Trucks." :) I see the load they're carrying ... I see them coming to drop it off. And like the Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

So remember...Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Repeat after me Smile, wave, and move on... Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

Love you!!

Just Three Things...

I had to take a deep breath, and try to slow down my brain. It’s been racing and trying to process this. I’m not one that’s usually at a loss for words. But last night I received a text that brought me to my knees. It was from Noelle, her breast cancer had spread this was the news I didn't want to hear.

If you want to read more about my Noelle and how's she doing go and check out her blog here http://noellemonteith.blogspot.com/ The moment I heard the news I knew in my heart my job for isn’t finished. Here’s a few things that we need to be doing.

1. Pray pray pray and pray some more for Noelle. I think it’s time for some good news to come her way.

2. Her shoes- well its time for them to hit the road again. Who wants to have them come and visit? They have been such a source of blessing as well as educating and bringing breast cancer awareness. They’ve gone to so many places. I’m working on a photo album for Noelle and there’s a journal too.

3. I had originally signed up to crew this year for the Breast Cancer 3 day. I really thought I had put in my time. Well scratch that Noelle’s shoes and I are walking again. I’m going to be walking, and sharing her story. I can only do this if you can help me. http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09


I would really love it if I didn’t have to do a zillion fund raisers so that I can focus on visiting our lady and training. Or if I did fund raise it’s would be to help Noelle with her medical bills. But you all know me… I will if I have to.

So remember three things… pray, sightsee, and give.

Love you… thank you.

Debs

25....

1. I actually tried to set up my now husband with my sister. She told me that he was more my type then hers. Been married to that man now for over 19 years

2. I am the first born of 6... and I take my role very seriously so don’t mess with my sibs
I’m a PK and very proud of it

3. Finished high school at 15 however went for another semester the following year so I would graduate at 16

4. My first official job I worked as a janitor for our church when I was 14 then worked at McDonalds

5. My life motto is “Spontaneity has it’s time and place”

6. Working on #6.. This is going take a lifetime. LOL

7. I ran for office and was a Mayor a community named Cocolli for almost 5 years while my husband was stationed in Panama

8. One of the biggest miracles in my life was living in Panama without a home while finishing up our girls adoptions and immigration for almost 18 months. We moved 14 times in a year and a half. To this day the girls thought we were on “vacation”

9 Coming down the termack with our 2 girls was one of my proudest moments. John McCain and KTVK Channel 3 helped make that happen. http://bit.ly/x752

10. Love flip flops

11. Hate clutter. I tend to get over whelmed if there’s a lot of it

12. Hate gum cracking. I can hear it a mile away and will do what I can to get away from it.

13. Loathes cracking of knuckles or any body parts

14. Love to fund raise

15. Excel spreadsheets make me happy

16. I love making lists and crossing stuff off them

17. My best friends outside of my husband are my siblings and mom

18. I still go on dates with my dad and love them.

19. Love to text, Twitter and everything in between

20. I am very much a “fix it” person. If there’s a will there’s a way. I hate the word NO.

21. Hate naps. Would rather walk around tired then take a nap. Yuck!

22. Love college sports. Love the Cardinals. Really love ASU Sun Devils and adore women’s basketball.

23. Have walked in the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk twice. Signed up for my 3rd in 2009 http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

24. I love the first couple “Home Alone” movies. I laugh and laugh everytime I see Daniel Stern’s character getting hurt. My husband says I like seeing men in pain. :-)

25. I love Eeyore.. I love him so much I have a tattoo of him.


Now that I've told you about me.. I want to get to know you. Tell me about yourself. :-)

In The Middle

Being in the“Middle”

I watched a video today and the ending of it just kinda stuck to me. Being in that middle place in life. It’s a stage in life I think if not I just made it one.. Like as in the middle of a sandwich in some ways. At times life has you going every which way or where you stop catch your breath and have some wiggle room.

I remember the day when we brought home each of our girls. I remember how tiny and small they were. I use to worry about remembering their immunizations or when to start feeding them. Was it fruit or vegetables? Which was first? I remember worrying about things like diaper rash and teething. It use to be when my girls were babies I felt like I was needed around the clock. Diaper changings, and feedings… and with them being only 11 months apart it seemed to be a lot of each. One never took naps and the other had colic.




























I thought at times I was going to die from the lack of sleep. I would remind myself that I use to work and go to school that I surely could handle these two. I use to take pictures and write the stuff they did on calendars so I wouldn’t forget anything.

Soon they became toddlers still needing me but also still wanting to learn on their own how to do things. “Mommy, I do it” I would have to remind myself that they did have to learn and to give them some space. It was a gentle tap on my shoulder of things to come.



Then I blinked… I knew it was coming but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.. Now, my two babies are teenagers. GULP!! They have that word “teen” behind the number. How quickly the time has gone. They are fourteen and fifteen years old. They now can do pretty much everything for themselves. I am the homework checker, basketball momma, a chauffer, the cook, a counselor, the MySpace police, texting mom, monitoring YouTube, and being the provider of chocolate or Starbucks, to being professional going to the mall momma. Still at times needed to do the momma fixing and tending to things, then it flips back to “Mom, I can do that” where I sit back and watch. Watching to see if they can do that then sorta mark it off my life list of things they need to learn.

Now I’m in my 40’s soon hitting my 50s. I’m really looking forward to turning 50 for some strange reason. I now find that I fill some of my time doing things that I never had time to do before. Training for half marathons or walks, going to the gym, fund raising for the Booster club of their basketball team, walking for the Breast Cancer 3 day. I’m finding I have time to do some things then there are still those times where being a momma gets to take front seat. I find myself going from being their only company to going and giving support by getting involved in their worlds to be a part of their world.

I’m hearing words like college, scholarships, traveling the world, futures and jobs. I hear their dreams of what they want life to be for them. I now am realizing that the sand in the hourglass is running low and that there’s still so much that I need to teach them and make sure they know how to do. Driving, cooking more, getting stains out of laundry, how to fish, do taxes, just those “life” things, to also make sure they know how important every person is in our lives, to resolve issues with people and speak truth and life into those we are around. Our job is now to help them reach those dreams. At times I’ve caught my girls doing something and when I asked how did they know how to do that they tell me “by watching you mom” so I guess some things I see myself moving from parent to counselor. Guiding them come up with the right choice. Just being there to listen. Less seems to be more when it comes to teens.


So now I’m in that middle place- that place where I’m re-learning about me while being there for them. It’s almost like when they were learning to walk. Remember when you stood behind ready to catch them while guiding them. That’s how life is with teens in a lot of ways.

This year for me, my goals are simple: to be more “in” the moment. To laugh more, learn to be more spontaneous, to do something to help others, take time to take care of me so that I stay healthy and strong. Instead of making a bucket list I want to make a life list and do all those things NOW and not wait. I want to stay focused on Christ and be a blessing to those around me. I am going to have an awesome incredible 2009.

So for you… what’s something you are going to do in 2009?

Love,
Debs

PS. Here's that video I was talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q