Zumba for Fran

I'm sure everyone knows by now but, for those of you who don't know, my mom was diagnosed with cancer this year. She has been going through chemo and radiation treatments for a few months now. Prior to her getting sick, she was a Zumba instructor at a local women's gym. She LOVED doing it and everyone LOVED taking her classes. Well, she hasn't been able to do it in a while but, her love of Zumba opened up an opportunity for a benefit to be held on her behalf. Fellow 'Zumba people' around the area heard about my mom and asked if they could hold a fundraiser for her. It was held at Calico Jacks Cantina in Pittsburgh and the turnout was INCREDIBLE! I could not believe how many people showed up to support a complete stranger! It was really an honor to be there to see how it touched her and I am so thankful for everyone who supported her.
I also wanted to mention that I posted a donation link to the sidebar for anyone who would like to contribute to help my mom pay for her medical bills. She has lost her job through all of this and has to pay for her own insurance which, can be costly when you can't work. Anything would be appreciated. And if you don't feel comfortable giving a donation to my mom, please, feel free to donate to Relay for Life so that they may find a cure for all types of Cancer. And, if nothing else, I believe a prayer for her would go a long way!! Thank you!!

My mom Fran

me and my mom

A peeping Tom??

Mom helping out with the cool down

Thanks Everyone!

Relay for Life

On May 16th I participated in the Washington County Relay for Life held at Chartiers Houston High School. I wanted to share some of the pictures and note that I have added a link to the sidebar for donations to Relay for Life.

The crew decorating the firefighter tent.

My mom and my sister Jen

Jen, Ed, and Mom

My brother Jeff and his daughter Cassie

Rich's parents Jane and Ed, and their friend.

My mom and sister got asked to carry the Survivor banner and lead the survivors around the track for the Survivor Lap. Here they are with their caregivers, Dave and Rich, and the Wildthing.

The rest of our team carrying the sign for the Team Lap.

My nieces Paige and Layla

Tristan passed out. He didn't feel well that day.

Some of our team.

Tristan and me

My niece Cassie (left) and her friends

My sister with a fellow Survivor who rode with Lance Armstong. She, like my sister, found out that she was pregnant and diagnosed with cancer at the same time.

Me lighting a candle for my mom

My mom and I lighting a candle for my sister

My sister lighting her own candle

Jen lighting her candle on the torch

Jen with the team sign

Happy 5th Birthday Rodney Jr.

Today was Rodney Jr.'s 5th birthday. We had a really good time but we're really bummed out that Rodney couldn't be here to celebrate it with us. But, we know that he was here with us by thinking of Rodney Jr. all day and I really tried to make it a fun day for him.
First, I treated Rodney to a movie and popcorn. He asked if Grandma Fran and Tatum could go with us so, we all went to see 'Up' and left Tristan home with Pappy Rich. Rodney isn't feeling so great so, he passed on the popcorn. (This is not heard of if you know this kid!) Pappy Rich and Tristan met us at the Texas Roadhouse after the movie for an early dinner. Again, Rodney Jr. passed on his mac and cheese and only ate apple sauce but, he had a blast when a trail of 'Texas Roadhousers' came to the table clapping their hands and singing 'Happy Birthday' to him.
All in all I think he had a really good day. Happy Birthday Rodney Jr.!! We love you!!

Rodney and Tatum waiting to buy our tickets.
I just love their picture faces these days. And yes, that it blood on Tatum's bottom lip. She has a fasination with chewing her own mouth and we don't know how to get her to stop.

Grandma Fran, Pappy Rich and Rodney Jr.

This is his surprised face when the 'Roadhousers' came to the table.

She's asking him if he's 5

"YEE-HAW!"

The fam, minus Daddy :c(

Rodney's $3.50 Wal-Mart birthday cake. I splurge don't I? Rodney shared a birthday ice cream cake with Dylan on Memorial Day.

Last Trip to the PIC

This post is long over-due but, I just found these pictures on a camera card and figured it was better late than never to show them. This PIC trip was the weekend before Tristan and I came to PA. It was a little family vacation that we treated ourselves to after paying off a big bill. We had a BLAST! These pictures were taken one night we decided to go to a dinner show and then to a little 'kids' dance party around the pool. We didn't know then that it was going to be our last 'big' family vacation for a while and I'm SO glad we went!

Rodney dancing with Tatum.
Rodney Jr. was having a lot more fun than it looks!

My beautiful girl

Tristan chillin' on daddy's lap.

One of the dancer's at the dinner show.

I know girls, you all want to go to Guam now right?