School has Started!!

Howdy!!!
We had a great relaxing weekend at the Creek! Our friend Chuck Depner came down from Dallas, and Mark Benett met us there as well. Chef Mark had us eating well all weekend. THat boy may have missed his calling. The girls had a great time on the water. Abbie got up at 5:00 a.m. to fish with the guys Saturday morning -- and landed the biggest fish they caught. We took some time to kneeboard in the afternoon. And Abbie almost got up on skis. I'm betting she'll be an accomplished skier by the end of next summer!! Here are a couple of knee-boarding pix!




Note the difference in Kait's expressions when Biggs is going 5 mph.....



And 8 mph....



School started yesterday. Thank goodness! Kait is going to 5-day pre-K and Abs is in first grade. Abbie rode the bus in the morning, and then Kait and I went to pick her up in the afternoon.





I went to the doctor yesterday -- finally!!! It seems I have plantar fasciitis after all -- I just didn't realize it could be in my heel. And when he started talking about it, it seems it's been a problem since the spring. (I'm a slow learner.) I just didn't realize that was what was going on. So I've got exercises to do. Apparently the mongo-high arch on my foot makes it worse.

Ya'll really should check out this other blog I found. It's from a "newbie" 3-Day walker in Boston. It's really great -- and she has some great pictures. www.aimeeBCwalk.blogspot.com

We're headed back to Fluvanna this weekend for Opening Day. It'll be good to get up there. M'Lys and A'Lise will both be in and we have quite a bit of work to do. It'll be good to see both of them. M'Lys started at her new school yesterday. I think she's going to like it.

Gotta run -- I've got to get some cleaning done before we walk over to get Abbie!

Love ya,
d.

God Story #98667895

Okay, ya'll have to hear this. Ever since we found out we were moving back to Houston, we've seen God's hand in our move -- orchestrating everything. But with what we've gone through with the loss of my Mom, and not finding a church yet, and not knowing a lot of people.... It's been difficult.

But this morning God sent me a very strong message to say, "Hey, I'm still in conductor mode." When we first found out we were moving, I called my friend Elizabeth first thing -- how was I going to manage all this? She steered me to The Met where Kaitlyn was eventually registered for Lamb School -- their preschool. And she made sure I registered for MOPS so I'd meet some people. About a week ago, E told me they'd asked her to be a discussion group leader -- but she wasn't going to request that I be in her group -- she didn't want to "hold me back." I wasn't worried -- I've had so much on my plate lately which discussion group I got in wasn't at the top of my list.

Separately, I reconnected with Lacey used-to-be-Grisham. We were freshmen together in the AFC at A&M. We went on SOAR together, weeklongs, that kind of thing. Lacey and her daughter joined us last Friday for our HS Musical 2 "Watch Party." It was great to see her -- and during the evening I found out they go to the Met -- but she didn't know Ben & Elizabeth.

So.... Last night, E went to her discussion group leader meeting to find out what she'd be doing and get the names of the women in her discussion group. A woman came up to her and said she needed to visit with her about one of the women in her group. She told Elizabeth that this woman had just lost her Mom and would need some extra TLC. Elizabeth asked her who it was -- and it was me. The woman that was watching out for me was Lacey!

You know, I don't know if very many people even read this blog anymore -- but if you're reading it and you don't believe that God will work in the teeniest details of your life, I assure you He does. This isn't a coincidence -- this is GOD. Only the Great Orchestrator could make all the pieces fall into place that have brought me to this point.

When we first met Ben & E, Ben worked with Biggs at MCFA here in Houston. They had both been raised in the Catholic Church. Biggs and Ben discussed "deep Bible stuff" on many an occasion over the years, and last year Ben & Elizabeth were baptized and joined the Met. And then to have Lacey come into the picture -- I haven't seen her since we were at A&M. It's just an amazing God thing. It's been so fun to watch Ben & Elizabeth grow in their faith the last few years, and I'm so jazzed about having a ringside seat to watch E grow as a leader. She's going to be a fantastic discussion group leader, and I'm so blessed to be in that group!!!

In other news -- the "gellin'" seems to be working -- I wasn't limping when I got up this morning. We're headed to the Creek this afternoon -- cannot wait to get down there. Oh!!! And Mamma Mia is coming to Houston!!!!!! Break out the Go-Go boots!!!

Hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!!!
Love ya,
d.

Four Days till School Starts!!!!!

Yippeee!!! I don't think there's ever been a Mom on the planet as anxious as I am for school to start. No way. We had Snow Cone Social Tuesday night -- met Abbie's teachers. Here they have a homeroom teacher and a "switch" teacher. Her homeroom teacher is Mrs. Michaelis, and her switch teacher is Mrs. Garcia. Kait has meet the teacher night tonight at Lamb School (she's going 5 days this year!) and Abs has the "official" meet the teacher tomorrow morning.

I have to brag on Abbie a minute -- at the first of the summer, I had to bribe her to read. Fifty cents for ever chapter book she finished. For Abbie, 50 cents for the Horse Fund was well worth it. Now, I can't get her to stop reading. She reads at night till she falls asleep. She's really into Junie B. Jones. I think she's my kid, after all!!!

This has been a crazy week. I've been determined to FINALLY get this house together!! Our chair for the living room came on Monday -- still missing the couch & ottoman. The dining room table and china cabinet arrived yesterday. No chairs until mid-September, but I'm patient. I spent all afternoon / evening playing with my new toy -- the china cabinet. I've wanted one FOREVER. It's gorgeous -- I'll try to get a picture on here soon. If you touch the hinge on the far right door, the lights come on -- too cool.

The 3-Day -- I've been having trouble with the heel on my right foot. I thought I'd bruised it, but now I'm not so sure. I'm going to try to get an appt. for Monday morning, so I can get it looked at for sure. It's been a month, so maybe it's time??? If it's something that needs to be fixed, I need to get it fixed soon. If anyone has any advice, I welcome it. On my friend Suzi's advice, I got some Dr. Scholl's gel soles today. Yes, I'm gellin'. And they seem to be helping. The true test is whether I'm limping by the end of the day. We'll see.

It's probably just that I haven't stayed off it enough to let it heal. This weekend we're headed to the Creek, so maybe I can chill out while down there. Of course, the Depners are hopefully meeting us there, and our friend Bart is in town from Cameroon (Africa) and going with us. So it doesn't look like we'll be chillin' much.

Our 3-Day team has raised over $12,500!!!!!! Isn't that cool???? Just think of how many Mammograms that will pay for!!! I'm just so jazzed about how supportive everyone has been.

Guess that's it for now. Gotta go clean the kitchen!!!! YIKES!
- d.

Tropical Storm Erin

Tropical Erin has come and gone (I think she's gone!) We've had rain off and on since this morning early -- sometimes heavy. But that's about it. We did lose power from about 6-7 this morning.

We're keeping an eye on Hurricane Dean. If it gets into the Gulf, it'll be a completely different story from Erin. We think things may get a bit nutty around here if that happens, so we've already filled the gas tanks in both cars. We wouldn't be joining the mass exodus like they did with Rita, but we know there isn't enough gas in Houston for everyone to fill up at the same time.

Oh, Kait had her first soccer practice last night. Her coach is REALLY into it -- ran the girls ragged. She's already decided another little girl, Brodie, is her New Best Friend!

Take care!
- d.

You've Got Mail!

We all need a little inspiration from time to time – especially when you’re walking 60 miles!

You can send letters of encouragement to our 3-Day team to be picked up on the event at the 3-Day Camp Post Office. Your words of wisdom, support, and encouragement will, without a doubt, restore our energy, brighten our spirits, and carry us through those final miles.

Here’s what you’ll need to know:-Only letters will be accepted - no boxes or packages. Letters must be postmarked by October 11 to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office.

Send to:
3-Day Camp Post Office
[Participant Name]
PMB 3195100 Eldorado Pkwy, Ste 102
McKinney, TX 75070-9127

Please Pray for the Squire Family

Hello All,
We just learned of the sudden death of Spencer Squire, who was in Abbie's 3-year-old preschool class at Custer Road. He was always so vibrant and full of life -- it's so hard to believe he's gone. As difficult as it's been for us to lose Mom, I can't begin to imagine what Anna is going through. Their family has a website at www.spencersquire.com where you can leave condolences if you feel led to.

Grace and Peace,
D'Lyn

The Breast Cancer 3-Day

Hello Friends and Family,

The last couple of months have been difficult ones for the Biggs family. In June, we moved to Houston, so Biggs could work with Dresser NGS. Four days after we moved, doctors found a tumor at the base of my Mom’s skull. The next month was a blur of hospital stays and tests.

She passed away July 21. She was only 61. Life will never be the same again. While we’ll never know if this last round of cancer was metastasized from her Breast Cancer, it’s certain that her Breast Cancer three years ago helped cause the decline in her health.

October 26-28 I’ll be walking in the Dallas Breast Cancer 3-Day (http://www.the3day.org/ .) Last year, we walked 60 miles in three days in honor of my Mom. This year it will be in her memory.

When Mom was diagnosed three years ago, she chose to fight for her Lifetime. She loved the idea of the 3-Day and was amazed that we would walk 60 miles for her. Last year, at the Dallas walk alone, we raised $6.1 million. This year, Dallas is expected to have one of the largest of the 12 walks that will be held across the U.S. Imagine what we can do!

We have a team this year – Team Tiara. So far, we have 14 people on our team – but our goal is 25. With 25 people raising the minimum $2200 required to walk, we would raise at least $55,000. That’s $55,000 to be applied to research, education and awareness programs – all so we can beat Breast Cancer once and for all. This is a fight we can’t afford to lose.

We need your help.

You can walk with Team Tiara – More than anything, I wish you would walk with our team. It would be incredible to have a huge team walking in memory of our Mom. You will feel like an athlete. You will feel adored and special and like you can accomplish anything in the world. When you are done, you will feel sore and achy and really tired – and will be happy about it! Just when she thought you think you can’t go another step, a survivor will walk by, and you’ll be reminded all over again why you are walking. If all else fails, you can hop on a shuttle bus that’s decorated with Zebras or Super Heroes all over it. You can be anywhere from 16 to 95 and walk in the 3-Day. To join Team Tiara, you can check out their website at www.the3day.org/dallas07/teamtiara. If that link isn't working, you'll find my site at www.the3day.org/dallas07/dlynbiggs You can click on "My Team Page" to reach the Team Tiara site from there.

You can donate to Team Tiara – I have raised the $2200 required to walk, but some of the other girls on our team have a long way to go.
You can donate online at www.the3day.org/dallas07/teamtiara. If donating online, please choose a Team Tiara team member who hasn’t reached $2200. Just click on one of their names, and they’ll let me know about your donation.
You can donate by phone – just call 1-800-996-3329. My walker ID number is 110956663.
If you prefer to donate by check, you can make it out to “Breast Cancer 3-Day” and send it to me at the address below. I will attach one of the new donation slips and send it to the 3-Day bank! And of course, all donations are tax-deductible.

No matter which way you choose to donate, please send me a 4x6 picture of someone (or more than one person) that you’d like me to walk in support of, honor of or memory of. We will laminate these pictures to protect them from the elements and will carry them on the walk. A garland of the pictures we collect will decorate our tents each night and will be carried into the closing ceremonies at SMU. When we’re done, I’ll send your picture home to you. (Please remember, it will be laminated.)

You can pray for Team Tiara – We completely understand that some of you may not be in a position to join or donate to our team. And that’s perfectly okay. But we know that each and every one of you is in a position to pray for our team. Please pray that our fundraising is successful, that we have good weather on the walk, and that we stay injury-free. Please pray for safety for us as well. Once you’ve walked about 15 miles, it’s hard to remember to watch out for cars! Please pray for strength beyond measure and for a well of endless energy. We appreciate your prayers.

If you have any questions, you can just give me a call. I’m not just walking in memory of my Mom, but also in honor of Sonja McHugh, Wendy White, Carol Lewis, Kelene Curry, Ann Everett, Dorothy Gray and Fredda Buckner. I’m walking in memory of Pat Stephens and Linda Boaz. I’m walking to help find a cure, so other little girls won’t have to grow up without their Granny’s hugs and “kissies. “

Many Blessings,


D’Lyn Biggs


The Biggs Bunch ♥ 15802 Applerock Trail ♥ Cypress, Texas 77433 ♥ Phone: 281-256-8067
dlynbiggs@yahoo.com ♥ http://www.everyonedeservesalifetime.blogspot.com/

The Worst Luck with Real Estate. EVER.

Yes, folks, when it comes to real estate we have the worst luck. Ever. The sale of our McKinney house fell through today. It was supposed to close next Monday -- almost exactly a year after the sale of our Plano house fell through at the last minute. Please pray we sell it soon.
- d.

Snakes!!!

Got your attention, didn't I?? We've had a big weekend around here. The girls rediscovered the video of their friend Josh's birthday party. Josh's ultra-cool mom had a snake handler come and do a whole presentation about snakes. Abs and Kait have watched it over and over and over.

That's not really all we've done. Biggs went to the creek with his dad and Mark Bennett (an old high school buddy.) They went off-shore and caught a bunch of fish, so I guess we know what's for dinner pretty soon.

Saturday, the girls and I went to Mimi's for a swim. Then, Lisa Harrelson (another one of Biggs' high school buddies) came up and walked with me. Lisa and I will be doing the 3-Day again this year -- and I have to say that if it was this weekend we'd be doomed. "Life" kind of highjacked both our training schedules for the last month. We did the scheduled 11 miles on Saturday, but it took us forever. We were both way off pace.

Yesterday, we went back over to The Woodlands to see a production of Annie with Mimi. Here's a cute picture of Abbie with Sandy. In typical Abbie fashion, we were getting out of the car in the parking lot and talking about the girl playing Annie, when Abs said, " You know, if she's sick and can't do it, I can do it for her." And she probably could have!



Here's a picture from the rodeo that I just found on my computer. I think we're going to have to make a copy of this one for Uncle Max.

We had a couple of little friends over to play today. The girls' friend Erin often plays the "I'm the guest, so we should play what I want card." I heard Kaitlyn say, "Erin, you are no longer a guest. You been here, like, five times now. After you've been here three or four times, you are no longer a guest." I was laughing so hard I couldn't hear what Erin said in return. I guess she's part of the family now!

Hope ya'll all had a great weekend!

Love ya,

d.

Back on the Blog

Hi there.

I really don't know where to start. When I touched base with ya'll last, we were in the middle of the chaos -- trying to plan Mom's funeral and all that jazz. If you weren't there, it was amazing. At best guess, there were about 700 people there -- I couldn't begin to tell you who all was there. And the flowers.... There were so many flowers -- and all so beautiful. The overwhelming support we felt is something we will treasure for a long time to come. Mom was so humbled by the sheer numbers of people who were praying for her. And I have to say, that we continue to be uplifted by cards and emails we've received from old and new friends -- some from people we hadn't heard from in years.

After the cemetary we went to the community center for cookies & tea. That was nice. A chance to visit with friends and family and just relax. (If you were among that group of girls growing up that would sneak into the bathroom and throw wet paper towels at the ceiling to make them stick -- you know who you are -- there's still one up there!)

Going back to Mom's house, God sent us a beautiful rainbow. As we came off Browning Hill, there it was spread before us -- a perfect reminder of God's continuing love -- that He is in control. I keep hearing, "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."

We came back to Houston to get started on that future. The girls' rooms are now "done." I was up until 1:30 this morning sorting out a bajillion Polly Pocket shoes and Loving Family dollhouse toys. Not to mention Abbie's zoo -- a collection of plastic animals that defies logic. Mimi and I bought cubbies last week at IKEA, so every toy now has a HOME. We'll see how many can find their way home each night.

We've had a few playdates this week -- the girls are making a few friends, which helps. We still haven't found a church home but really aren't stressed about that at this point. We're kind of enjoying visiting around to see what Houston has to offer. Most of the new furniture has been delivered, although we're still short the key pieces -- the new kitchen table and couch and chair for the living room. Those are supposed to be in in mid-August.

As for me, I'm still treading water. Staying busy helps. But the last few days I've been overwhelmed with reminders of Mom -- pictures, toys she bought the kids, etc. It's so hard to believe that she's not filling that role in our lives any more. I'm a bit jealous of those of you who didn't see her at the end -- of those of you whose memories of Mom are of her being vibrant and in the middle of everything. I've got those memories, but I also have the pictures of her at the end -- when I'd be sitting there telling her all about the kids riding in the rodeo or something and she'd be snoring away. Or I'd be trying so hard to get her to respond and she just wouldn't.

I've put part of the slideshow up at www.yuwie.com/3daymom. It's not the whole thing, but most of it. There are some great pictures on there.

Thanks for your continued prayers for all of us.

Much love,
D'Lyn