On Our Way

My Cousin is Getting Married!!!

We are so excited for Jennifer and Joel.

So we are on our way down to Lethbridge for a couple of days to visit with Grandma and then to Calgary to help get things for the wedding done and watch it happen.

It was really hard getting the motivation together to pack and clean for this trip after Relay.

I felt so disorganized and behind last night and this morning.

I stayed up way to late trying to make sure we had all the clothes washed and folded and then got up early to finish.

This has meant a late time leaving and since I had such little sleep I have already had to pull over and rest 3 times!

Annoying but I would rather have a longer trip than risk the kids lives by pushing it too much.

We are currently in Jasper having some dinner.

We have seen 2 moose, 2 different bears, a bunch of geese and ducks, oh and a deer.

I only stopped for a couple of pics but here they are, enjoy.

 

 

Another Relay comes to an end

Well, we survived another 24 hours of walking, supporting, and fighting.

It is always so exciting to start the challenge, we are pumped and ready to go but come 2am we are tired and questioning why we are torturing our selves and family with this insane challenge. It gets so tempting to quit and just go sleep in a bed.

Come on what sane person takes 8 kids down to a track for 24 hours of trying to keep things under control while all working on this crazy challenge of tag team walking for 24 hours?

I honestly think this just proves how insane I really am.... Where is my white padded room?

And never is it just the challenge if the walking but other things creep up.

the zipper to our tent broke so the door had to stay open all night letting in all the freezing cold air.

Half of the warm clothes we packed and our just in case we need then blankets were left at home.... and yes we needed them.

Matthew started to feel sick come 3am and we weren't sure if we were going to be sending him and the one if us adults home early.

So it is crazy hard work and I think some people don't understand what it is like to take this all on in the name of fighting a monster disease that is eating away at our love ones.

Then 5:30-6am hits and the sun rises and there is an end in site.
We all start feeling a small burst of energy as the clock starts ticking down to completing our goal.
The closer the finish gets the more we are excited and it relates to a survivor of cancer and how they start how their journey with energy high.
Then as they go through treatment, and tests that wear down and you just want to give up, why keep fighting.
Then comes the last treatment and tests and good news which brings the end of the struggle and your energy for life is back.
I wish there was more I could do for those going through this fight but I feel better doing this small thing for them.
here are a few pictures from our last couple of hours including Jordan finishing up the final hour in honor of her Mom who had to leave early to head back down to Vancouver for yet another doctors appointment.

 

Good Morning Relay for Life

I Love taking the turn in the morning where I enjoy the rising of the sun.

What a perfect symbol of Hope!

It also amazes me hoe much energy some people still have.

 

 

The Luminary Celebration

My favorite part of Relay for Life is the Luminary Celebration.

A chance to remember those we have lost, fight with those that are fighting, and cheer those who have won the battle against cancer.

I love the message and the beauty of the whole thing.

I hope these pics give you just a small taste of how wonderous it is.

 



And the Boys/ Men go HAIRLESS!

So Mike and the Boys have been growing their hair since the beginning of January so they would a decent amount to shave off for the relay today in the hopes of raising a lot of money.

The kids were a little disappointed that more people did not come through for them but they were happy to go through it anyway.

Mike did fundraising with both our team and Costco and reached to the goal of not only shaving his head and beard ( thank heavens!) but his eye brows as well. Oh and lets not forget that he also raised enough money to have to have his legs waxed!
It was fun watching the hair fly!
Unfortunately my phone died half way through the event so I had to use my hubbies and the pictures are not as nice but we at least have them ;)