That's a wrap

A wrap up of our week and weekend:

We have been fighting one person or another in our family being sick the past few weeks. 

C Girl was home sick from school on Tuesday.

I finally feel like we have gotten past it. I hope!

Wednesday night was our awards night for AWANA.

Both kiddos received an award for finishing books this year!

I'm so thankful for this program and the volunteers that work with the kids week after week!

C Girl is moving up to the last level of AWANA next year (3rd-6th grade) and that makes me SO sad!

 Tim had an invitation to have breakfast at our new Cracker Barrel before it opens, but he could not go, so I invited my friend Laurie to go with me. It was so fun! There were so many "important' people from our city and from Cracker Barrel's district and corporate realm. I am SO happy that we have this restaurant in our town- it's one of my faves!

 We went to Sonic after school on Friday to celebrate Friday, everyone feeling better, and our May break!

 B Boy got his uniform at baseball practice Friday evening. He is #6 this year!

 Saturday morning, I walked in my first Race for the Cure! I was on my friend Jenn's team. I've talked about her before. She is in my Sunday school class at church and she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She is now cancer free and we are so happy! I was so honored to walk with her yesterday!

Jenn and I

Jenn's Jewel's!!!

As I was driving home Saturday morning, I drove through our square and remembered that it was our first Farmer's Market of the season! I'm so glad it is back!

While I was driving through, a large group of bikers rode down the road past me. We see this scene a LOT in our town!

B Boy had his first baseball game of the season Saturday afternoon!

He is at the age of the pitching machine now.

It is quite a bit slower than tee ball was because it is more difficult for the boys to hit the ball since they are still learning batting without the tee.

It was sunny and hot and we got some slight sunburns!

C Girl has a big choir production at church this evening. We are so excited to see her perform!

a week in October

I absolutely love this time of year.  Our weather is perfect right now and we are enjoying all the fun things that come with the autumn season.

Tuesday was a normal day for me- Bible study and Tuesday folders. We also had B boy's parent-teacher conference.  It went very well.  He's doing awesome.  We are so, so proud of him!

Wednesday, I spent all day cleaning the house and then I had my monthly book club meeting at the Pressroom downtown.  I was happy to discover that they offer almond milk.  My chai tea latte was wonderful!!!

Thursday was one of those days where you feel that used every single minute of time in the day.  I had a BPTO meeting and after, I went to see my friend, Jenn at the chemo center.  She is such blessing and so funny!  I also had a lunch baby shower for my friend, Carol. These 3 ladies were on PTO at my previous school and we have become great friends.  We regularly get together for lunch and book club!
C Girlie had her weekly gymnastics and then we went home to get ready for the Costume Carnival at school.  They had such a good time!  There were so many games, a hay ride, treats, and B boy even got his hair sprayed green!!!

Today was our first day of October intercession (we attend a year round school).  I know it sounds strange, but I actually get a lot done when the kids are home.  I kicked my to-do list's booty!  The kids have been having a great day. They watched a show, folded laundry, picked up their rooms, got a reward to use the iPad, went outside, colored and played with play doh.  They were busy!  

I have had a deep need to have more simplicity/order in my life.  I have been an organizing fool lately.  I have been organizing files on the computer, photos, craft supplies, the pantry, my closet, the garage, papers, the kid's playroom, etc.  

We have a fun weekend- pumpkin patch today, Razorback game tomorrow, my nephew's birthday party Sunday and Turpentine Creek Refuge on Monday!  We are glad we get a day with Tim on Monday!  I hope you have a wonderful fall weekend!

a cool wagon at First Friday last week.

 I finally have time to get dressed and for the first time in my life, I'm trying to be somewhat "fashionable."  Of course, boots can make almost anything look good!

I'm very lucky to know so many sweet ladies!

 The kids costumes for the Costume Carnival and Halloween.  B's mask is so frightening!

Hair drama & other things

This week has been something else.  I had a hair appointment on Monday for my normal color and cut.  On Monday evening, as I was looking in the mirror in the bathroom, I noticed that my hair was not looking normal.  

My roots(new growth) were way darker than the rest of my hair.

I got a hold of my stylist and she had me come in Tuesday to "fix" it.

I had my book club on Tuesday evening, so I didn't really examine my hair a whole lot. It had looked better in the salon so I thought all was well.

Wednesday evening, I was once again in the bathroom looking in the mirror.  

My hair was NOT better.

BIG sigh.

I had another friend who used to do my hair stop by. She agreed that it needed to be fixed.

SO, yesterday I went back to the stylist for the 3rd time this week.

It does look MUCH better, but I can still tell that it does not look as good as it normally does.

So, 5 hours at the salon later, I'm still frustrated. I really love my stylist, but I want my hair to be normal every time.  Should I try to find another lady?  

If any of my local friends have recommendations, please let me know!  

Wednesday night, Tim and I discussed health insurance options while the kids were at AWANA. Hot date, right?!

Insurance is definitely not the easiest thing to understand and decide on :(

Yesterday, I had my appointment for the Cancer Prevention Study-3.  What an honor it is to be able to participate in that. The appointment only took 25 minutes.

Afterwards, I met up with my friend Jessica from Sunday school.  Do you remember my friend Jenn who I told you about not long ago?  She is also in my Sunday school class and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Yesterday was her birthday AND her 2nd round of chemo.

What a suck that is!

Jessica and I went and got Sonic drinks and cupcakes for everyone who was sitting with her.

I got her a card and a tiara.  I'm so glad she liked it and I hope she did feel like a queen yesterday.

She decided to shave her hair last night because her hair has began falling out.

I know inside she is having a really hard time. Who wouldn't be?

BUT, you would never be able to tell from the outside.

We laughed and told stories and had a great time visiting with her yesterday.

It's so hard watching a friend go through this.  She inspires me so much. 

I'm not naive to think she has it all together, but she her sense of humor and trust in God are so obvious through it all.

I'd love for you to pray for her.  Pray that the chemo kicks this cancer's butt so bad that it never comes back! And pray for strength for her during all of this. 

When I left the cancer center, I had to run home to do some things, go to my 3rd hair appointment, hurry over to pick up the kids and take C to gymnastics, run home after to make dinner, have the kids get baths and do homework, go to a 1st grade parent night and then home to put the kids to bed.

Do you ever have days like that?  I felt like I barely had time to pee yesterday!

Today, I'm going to catch up on cleaning the house, make a meal to take to a family and hopefully have a fun date night with my little family!

Tomorrow, we are helping my brother, Kevin move to his new house!  They recently sold their 1st house and just bought a bigger house with a bigger yard.  They live right across the border in Oklahoma now.  So now my brother lives in another state! funny! They still will work where they do now because they literally live very near the AR/OK border.  My brothers have always helped move us, so I was glad to be able to return the favor.

It's raining here this morning. I'm so thankful for the water for my plants & grass and for the lower temperatures that it brought!  I'm enjoying the rain and a big ol' cup of coffee!

I hope everyone has a very enjoyable weekend!

How you can help create a world with less cancer {Guest Post}

Y'all are used to long picture posts from me.  Today, I have a guest post that is long, but it so worth your time to read.

Cancer has probably touched all of our lives in one way or another.  I know that it has affected people I care about recently.  

When Keisha emailed me and shared this information, I knew that I had to share it with as many people as I could.

"This is the first time a local cancer research opportunity has come to Northwest Arkansas and will help us provide answers for the next generation."

Just those words right there should cause you to want to jump into action.

Please read, share, and/or sign-up!  I would love to say that I was part of something that helped find the cure for cancer, wouldn't you?!

************************************************************************************

Hey guys, I’m Keisha.  You can normally find my version of crazy over at bigpittstop.blogspot.com, but I get to be a Sparacino for the day!

I started my blog in 2008 as a way to share with friends and family about my personal journey with cancer.  When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 25, I had lots of people who were curious but didn’t want to ask questions or who wanted an update and asked every day.  So, I birthed “bigpittstop” out of the drive to journal my thoughts and share my journey.  

6 months later, after I finished treatment and was announced in Remission, I had to begin to learn to navigate my “new normal”.  Talk about a process!  I was 26, a single gal living 300 miles away from my family, in my dream job and trying to figure out how I was going to move beyond this label of “cancer survivor”.  I embraced it, but I didn't want it to define me.  
So I navigated.  I mistaked.  I dreamed.  I loved.  I lost.  And, I kept evolving.
 

A year ago, I had the opportunity laid before me to join the team of the American Cancer Society.  It was my “someday” job.  My “when I’m ready to leave where I am” job.  
My “when the right door opens, I’ll step through it” job.  But, here’s the deal.  Once you’ve walked through a cancer journey you understand that you don’t have time to wait for “somedays”.  Today comes and it goes and that’s all you’ve got.  So the organization I had been volunteering for became my employer.  (insert chapter 3 of bigpittstop!)

That’s what brings me to the opportunity that Lenette has opened up for me to share with you.  3 years ago the American Cancer Society embarked on a transformational program and 3 weeks ago we kicked off and launched our enrollment locally in Northwest Arkansas for the Cancer Prevention Study – 3.  

So what’s the big deal?  Oh, I’m so glad you asked!

This is the first time a local cancer research opportunity has come to Northwest Arkansas and will help us provide answers for the next generation.  

The first one conducted in the 50's linked cancer and smoking and led to the Surgeon General’s label being added to cigarettes.  
The second, done in late 70s, linked obesity and cancer.  But, the group that enrolled has aged out of a research population and in order to continue to get answers moving forward, it’s time to enroll a new research group. 

So, we are asking everyone aged 30-65 who has never had cancer to consider enrolling in the study.  You will be part of a 20 year, long-term study.  

To enroll you just go to www.cps3nwark.org and choose your location and time.  

You know – early bird gets the worm, or the exact time they want - so we have them set up as 15 minute time slots for your convenience.  Once you pick your time online you will be sent a survey.  It will probably take you 30 minutes or so (depending on computer skills) to complete before you come for your enrollment appointment.  

Then, day of, it only takes about 15 minutes.  You will be giving a small blood sample similar to what you would give for general lab work.  That’s it.  Then, every 2 years or so they will send a survey for you to complete (I’d like to say by email, but can you imagine what social media and other communications technology tools will be developed in the next 20 years?!?!?!).

What are they looking for?  Answers.  This study will focus on lifestyle and environment – where we live, what we do, what we eat, how active are we, etc.  How does what we do to ourselves affect us long term?  It’s crazy to think that just 50 years ago we didn't know what smoking would do to us and because that first group of over 1 million people got involved and was willing to be asked a few personal questions and give a small blood sample, we get to make healthier decisions today.

Technology is only good so long as we use it. There are millions of apps out there that might simplify some of our lives but they don't do us any good unless we download them. Yes that new TV and Cardinal Red grill (yes, I’m a follower!) would make tailgating 3x more fun, but if we don't go out and take advantage then we've only dreamed and not acted.

My challenge is to ask you to ACT. 

If you wait until tomorrow to register to enroll in this, you've missed your chance.  www.cps3nwark.org We are encouraging as many people to register by Sept 3, this will allow us to plan and prepare for the enrollment – did I mention we are trying to enroll 500 during the 4 days in Northwest Arkansas.

Enrollment Dates are September 17 – 20

Sept 17 | Hope Cancer Resources | Springdale | 9AM-1:30PM

Sept 18 | Fayetteville Public Library | Fayetteville | 2PM – 6:30PM

Sept 19 | Mercy Family YMCA | Rogers, Village on the Creeks| 9AM-1:30PM

Sept 20 | Center for Non-Profits | Rogers | 9AM – 1:30PM

I recently walked into an office that had this sign hanging above the counter where they served customers- “There is no place like this place anywhere near this place, so this must be the place.” 

 Not only is this the place, but this is the time. I believe we are close to answers.  I believe answers can come in a lifetime.  But we have to stop thinking “someone else will do it” or “they have plenty of people”. 

Truth is, everyone is thinking that.  So, we need YOU.  Your kids need you.  Their friends, classmates and future spouses need you.  Your grand kids need you. I'm guessing that the median age of the readership here probably isn't thinking about grand kids, but neither were those guys in 1950 sitting around a room smoking asking "you think there's something to this?"  Yes!  And we life healthier, longer, more productive lives because of them.

Be the gift. Enroll. www.cps3nwark.org 

Need one more really good reason – check out this video

If you don't live in NWA, there are enrollment sites all over the nation. Check out www.cancer.org/cps3

Thanks again to The Sparacino Chronicles for hosting me today.  Thanks to you for reading this far!  And, if you live in Northwest Arkansas and are curious about our local services or how you can volunteer with the American Cancer Society don’t hesitate to give me a call at our local office in Rogers – 479-246-0002.

The power of friendship, the power of prayer

I've got to tell y'all, I'm emotional tonight.

A friend of mine from Sunday school/church found out this week that she has breast cancer.  Quite a few of us ladies from class went to her house tonight to pray over her.  She will be having surgery tomorrow to remove the cancer.

I did lots of thinking on the drive there and back home.

I realized that I've never personally been touched by cancer.  I've known "of" people who had cancer, but somehow I haven't had any close relatives or friends/acquaintances who have had cancer.

It's something that I know will change and it strikes fear in me.  I've always been terrified of cancer.  Anytime anything is wrong with me or feels wrong, my mind automatically starts questioning- "is it cancer?" "am I dying?"

I know it's irrational.  I know that my trust is in God.  But, still.  The fear.

I can't imagine the fear my friend must be having.  As a momma, you immediately think of your children.  You want to always be there for them and to be well.

Tonight was so beautiful.  Seeing friends praying over another friend was powerful.  I've just been so thankful this week for friends.  I'm blessed beyond belief.  

It's sometimes so hard to make friends as an adult.  

I know that I'm SO awkward with new friendships.  I'm naturally shy and don't always know what to say.  So, if you've ever noticed that I'm not saying much, that's probably why. 

(However, I am just fine when I'm on Twitter or Facebook.  I can talk all day.  I guess it's another comfort zone of mine- behind a computer!)

I've had to come out of my element a LOT since moving to Bentonville.  Introducing myself has always been hard for me, and I've had to do it a lot to meet new people here.

Don't you wish it was easy like kid friendships?  Do you wish you could just walk up and say, "hey, wanna be my friend?!"  

I'm thankful for ladies who have reached out to me and made me feel welcome and part of the gang.

I'm so glad I've been stepping out of my element because how would I ever have made friendships?  As women, friendships are so important and Godly ones even more important. To have friends, new and old, that can pray for you and with you is so precious.  

So tonight, I'm praying for my friend, Jenn, who has cancer.  But, I'm so glad that even when trials come, we can go to God.  

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.