Merry Christmas from Jake!

Merry Christmas from Jake!

Howdy Y’all! This is Jake. I’m back! After my Christmas Card-writing Debut, I decided I like all this attention. So here goes…

2009 started off with a bang and lots of fireworks at the Baehren house. Aunt A’Lise met us at the Creek. She caught a fish; Kait fell in. John had business trips to China, Russia, the Netherlands, Argentina, South Korea, Buffalo, Dallas and a few points in between. Buc-ee’s moved into the neighborhood, and the girls have kept their Icee machine in business. I dug a lot of holes in the backyard. Kait on American Idol’s Bikini Girl: That number was probably taped to her, because if it was stapled it would have hurt! Aunt M’Lys and Aunt A’Lise joined us for Spring Break at the Creek. I chased jet-skis up and down all day long. Kait fell out of a tree and gashed her arm. One hair-raising drive and 17 stitches later, we breathed a sigh of relief over the realization of how very close it came to being a really big deal. The Scott family came to town, and Kait lost her first tooth! Overheard in Biggsville… Abbie: Kaitlyn, you’re really not that smart. Kait: Yes I am! Just ask me a question. Abbie: What’s 1000 plus 400? Kait: Okay. Another question. Abbie & Kait took gymnastics. I jumped on the trampoline. “That man did nothing but spread love.” Pa got a yellow lab puppy named Boomer, and we all fell in love immediately. We spent lots of time with the Owen kids and enjoyed introducing them to some of our favorite places. The Keith Kuties took the Pink Limo to Sub Training. We spent Memorial Day weekend at the Creek with the Bruins. D’Lyn got the Meatless Whataburger. Abbie: Kaitlyn thinks all the boys in her class are in love with her. Kait: No. Just three. Abbie’s 7-8 Girls’ Softball team, the Flames, only won one game all season – and then won the tournament! We wrapped Coach Scott’s house! Kait’s SweeTees T-ball team, also the Flames, were undefeated! Abbie made All-Stars, and then caught H1N1 the week of the Big Game. Hoedown Throwdown! We spent our vacation at the Creek. I chased jet-skis up and down all day. The girls caught redfish, trout, hardheads and sharks! They saw dolphins! My peeps went to Rockport with the Baehrens. They loved the Texas State Aquarium, and they saw George Strait’s house! Abbie & Kait went to soccer camp. John & D’Lyn spent a great day on Matagorda Bay with Captain Gene. D’Lyn out-fished John! I barked all night. John bought me my very own jet-ski to chase! The first time we took it out, somehow a plastic hose from a gas can “landed” in the tank. The second time we took it out, D’Lyn managed to run over the tow rope and wrap it around the impeller. The third time, we had a HUGE thunderstorm. That jet-ski was barely in the water enough for me to chase it up and down the Creek, but it was long enough for Abbie to learn to water-ski. I’m hoping for a better spring! Kait started 1st grade, and Abbie started 3rd grade. Several dear friends met us in Fluvanna for Opening Weekend. Abbie started Destination Imagination. Abbie & Kait got the flu vaccine. That weekend, Kait got the regular flu. Two weeks later, she got H1N1. Abbie’s 7-8 Girls’ Soccer Team, the Texas Bluebonnets, was undefeated and won the division and the tournament! They wrapped our house! Kait’s 6G team was undefeated, too! D’Lyn painted the Expedition pink. She swears it was an accident, but I think it’s kinda fishy considering she is all into pink. Team Tiara walked in the Breast Cancer 3-Day for the fourth time, and raised over $100,000! 2010 is going to be their 5th year, and their goal is to have 100 walkers on their team! I escaped and didn’t get home until eight hours later. Rumor has it John was already mentally landscaping the yard, and D’Lyn had her sights on a yellow lab puppy. Soccer in the cul-de-sac every evening! It snowed in Houston! John & Abbie built a volcano that spewed Big Red several feet in the air! Abbie got her ears pierced. We’re looking forward to Christmas in Waxahachie, followed by a trip to Fluvanna. Watch out deer, here we come!

We hope you had a great 2009 and are wishing you an even
better 2010! May God Bless You!
Love, Jake & Co.

This Child.

This Child now knows the value of a Chi. She now knows she can achieve the straight hair she has always wanted -- in just a matter of minutes.

This Child is growing up.

And as she does that, God is sending people my way who let me know that she is truly a Child of His.

Today a para from the Lifeskills class sat across from me from lunch. She shared with me how much she loves Abbie because This Child plays with her friends during recess. When she could be running all over the playground or hanging out with her other friends, Abbie chooses to entertain a few very special people. And this isn't news.... In Kindergarten she often chose to play with a little boy named Lionel who was in a walker.

This Child is truly a Child of God. I love it that she loves Jesus and lets that love shine!!!

You Missed Me! You Missed Me! Now You Gotta Kiss Me!

Okay. I know. BlogHer should give away a "World's Worst Blogger" award -- I'd be right in line.

I've been gone as a girl can get. I've had so many things I needed to write about, so many thoughts rattling around in my brain, that I couldn't wade through the muck enough to make that happen.

I have things going on in my life and around my life that just don't belong in the outside world. Not even for me.


But here's a glimpse....

I think it's ludicrous that Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize.

I wonder how many people who voted for Obama now regret that decision.

My dear mother-in-law deserves a big, huge pat on the back for meeting some significant goals and making some great triumphs in her life in the last few months. I ask that you praise her if you know her and pray for her even if you don't. I love her, I'm proud of her, and I'm basking in God's great goodness for her.

My sweet friend Ruthie is here in Houston visiting the Berzynski Clinic for treatment of her cancer. She still has a tumor the size of a honeydew melon, but yesterday they gave her one bright, gleaming hope. Just one -- that's all she needed. She now has a new lease on life and knows she's found a great place for treatment. What they do there is pretty neat -- treating cancer from the ground up -- not just attacking it with chemo. Just keep praying for her.

When you're not ready to air all your dirty laundry via the web, it's kinda difficult to know what to write. But what I can say is that I need your prayers for wisdom, judgement, and for God to give me the words I need to express what I need to. For those words to fall on open ears and a clean mind and to be taken to heart. And for action to follow.

Team Tiara already has 37 team members signed up for 2010. How cool is that??? We're about to close out 2009 with right at $100,000 raised. AND now we've got a huge start on '10!! So excited!

Yesterday was Volcano Day at school. It's pretty darn cool what you can accomplish with a 2-liter of Big Red and a pack of Mentos. Don't think I've seen that much fun in a while!

Last night was my annual cookie exchange.... Houseful of fun friends who REALLY know how to bake. Now to keep from gaining 20 lbs. between now and New Year's.

My Grandma went to be with Momma and Jesus last week. That was a story in itself. I pulled the girls out of school to go home for the funeral and the weekend. I waited to leave until 3:00, so Abs wouldn't miss her field trip. Well.... With an 8-hour drive north, that put us at the house at 11:00. The girls had gone quite willingly because while snow was a "maybe" for Houston, it was a "certainly" for West Texas. Ummmm..... We arrived with flakes falling and woke up to a dusting that looked like you had sprinkled a single snow cone over the entire home place. Strike one.

When they dug Grandma's grave, apparently someone had beat her to it. There was an unmarked grave there, with a pine box parked in her "spot." Even funnier was the fact that Grandma used to run the cemetary -- and had assigned herself that spot. So.... They quickly covered John Doe back up and buried Grandma a ways away.

The Obituary in the paper wasn't my favorite of all time, I have to say. You see, my Mom's Mom, my Grannie Herring, died in a car wreck when Momma was in college. So I never knew her. Before I was born, my Grandad married my Grandma. She was the only Grandma I ever had. And while most of the cousins called her Laverne, I called her Grandma.

In the paper, a big deal was made out of who were the "steps" and who was the "special" and we were all listed as step-grandchildren. I never thought of myself as such, and I have to admit I felt like I'd been demoted. Grandma didn't think of me that way, either. But such is life.

So... I know this is an insanely jumpy posting, but you're gonna have to deal with it.

Early Friday morning (before the funeral), I talked to Biggsy, who informed me that it was "snowing in Houston; expected to snow through the night; 3-6 inches by morning." Being as I'd already flunked the snow thing once, I decided to skip Saturday's football game and rush home to the snow. We left right after the burial, and made it to Gatesville about the time it stopped snowing in Houston. That's right. Strike two. The girls were PEEVED.

So... Saturday morning we got up and went to the Natural History Museum for Snow Day! The girls had a GREAT time. Mom had a GREAT time. AND Abbie got to pet a real, live reindeer that Santa brought with him. Santa wasn't so happy about that -- apparently the reindeer is hands-off. If Santa really knew my Abbie-girl, he would have known she wasn't going to hesitate to love on that reindeer.

If you're one of those people who has never seen a 6-Man Football game, or you're one of those people who loves 6-Man, this weekend is your chance to see a REALLY great game! My high school, Borden County, is playing Highland in the 6-Man State Championship. It's at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene on Saturday at 2:00. Highland is the school where Carla teaches and Callie cheers. Our family is also well-represented on the BHS side where Jon plays football. It's kinda crazy to think of Callie cheering against Jon. This really should be a fantastic game. Both teams are 14-0 and have 45'd many, many opponents along the way. BHS won their state semi-final game on Saturday 50-0 at the start of the 3rd quarter.

So that's what's been going on here. Hope you enjoyed the update!

Really???

Idiots.

You Interrupted Your Regularly-Scheduled Holiday Programming.....

... To wish me Happy Birthday. And you'll never know what that meant to me.

When you're born on Thanksgiving Day, your "Birthday" should come with a disclaimer. Where you might think people would think, "Oh. It's Thanksgiving. That means it's D'Lyn's birthday," they don't.

The vast majority of the world forgets your birthday.

Growing up, that wasn't the easiest thing to deal with. And in this post-Mom life I live, where I don't have Mom around to run interference for me, it's not always fun.

I remember the great lengths Mom would go to to make sure My Day was acknowledged. A cake, including my boyfriend of the hour in our holiday feast, making sure people were lined up to wish me Happy Birthday. But without her around, Biggsy has stepped up to the plate.

And oh, how he has stepped up. BUT I want to clarify for anyone out there. I'm NOT 40. YET.

What I've come to realize, though, is how very much I appreciate the people who do remember it's my birthday. The people who interrupt their regularly-scheduled holiday programming to help make my birthday a VERY BIG DEAL. The friends who brought me donuts and chai (just like I like it) to start my day off right. The sweet sister-in-law who made me a birthday cake just like I requested it. The relatives who called and sang -- sometimes off-key. The chick friends who sent me texts. The husband that didn't even blink when I wore my real, live tiara all day -- even to Thanksgiving lunch at the kin-folks.

And I have to say, a lot's been said lately about "Facebook Friends" not being "Real" friends. Whatever. I loved the notes they left me. That was pretty darn cool.

And I won't hold it against those of you who didn't step up to the plate. Or at least I'll try not to. I'm not perfect, you know.

Thank You!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Wow.

It's been an amazing week. When I got home from the 3-Day, I thought I'd take the week to clean up, organize, get a pedicure, maybe a massage....

Not so. I ended up subbing all last week for my friend.

There's not any place I would rather have spent my time. My role in making sure things ran smoothly for her last week was so, so very small. But I was glad to play it.

Alexa's not well yet, but they are on the right path to getting her there. Last week's cancer diagnosis was put aside on Friday, when they had exhausted the testing without finding cancer. Praise God! Now, they're working towards healing little Alexa.

I'm not teaching today -- I have a doctor's appointment of my own. BUT I'll be in her class for the rest of the week. Again, I'm glad to have a small role.

With all that's been going on, I haven't had a chance to really process last weekend. But maybe I don't need to. We're off and running for 2010. We already have 18 walkers signed up to walk with us next year. That's almost 20% of our GOAL. How cool is that?

I've spent the morning making a video with some of my pictures. I'm just about to upload it to my sidebar.... So click on over there and check it out!

Kait finished her soccer season on Saturday. The Wildcats were undefeated! Whoop!

AND we went to the Rice game on Saturay. They won! Dinner afterwards with the Lamys and most of the Ecklunds was such a treat!

Tonight, the Bluebonnets play for the Whole Enchilada. They're undefeated and have already won the regular season. If they win tonight, they clinch the tournament as well. Abbie's defensive clearing kick has been a huge factor this season, and we are so proud of that!

And that's the Rest of the Story!

I'm Home....

The 3-Day was an amazing experience. I can't even begin to tell you just how incredible it was. I was able to walk 43.5 miles and some change -- I could have done all 60, but we had a bit of drama. My friend has a GREAT wrap-up on her blog at: www.karavancrew.blogspot.com

As for me, I haven't really had a chance to process all that happened. I hobbled around a bit on Monday, and got the truck unloaded. The house is still pretty much a wreck of pink stuff everywhere.

But that's not important.

What is important is that I've been pulled into a Sub job for a very sweet friend. Yesterday they diagnosed her precious, 15-month-old granddaughter with a type of cancer I can't even pronounce, much less spell. It's a type of neuroblastoma that started in her abdomen.

Please pray for little Alexa and her family. Pray that the doctors will be able to quickly determine a plan of action -- they are working today to determine whether or not the neuroblastoma is operable. Pray that she has no lasting effects from the seizures and other difficulties she's been having. Pray for peace and strength -- her family is exhausted.

Having come off a very emotional weekend, and coming home to this news, it makes me all the more determined to help find a cure for cancer. For now, I'm just glad I'm in a position to step in and help on this very small level -- sore feet and all.

Under Attack.

Okay. I'm not going to get all freaky on you, but our 3-Day team is in dire need of your prayers. WE need an umbrella of prayer protection over us this weekend.

We know that when things are rockin' and rollin' and bringing glory to God, Satan just can't stand it. And we know that's when he attacks.

This team has done some incredible things through God's direction -- just this past Sunday we were invited to speak at the Methodist Church here in our neighborhood. It was very powerful.

However, things are starting to go a bit haywire. Sequoya's aunt passed away yesterday at the age of 53 -- cause unknown. Carlisa is in the emergency room with her son right now -- he has a history of health issues and when things go bad, they can go very bad, very fast. And I had a nightmare this morning, that when put into this context makes me a bit nervous.

I'm not saying we're under attack, but I do recognize that possibility and the need for prayer. Please, please keep us in your prayers all weekend.

If you want to let us know you're praying for us, you can text any team member. Or you can text me. 2818838642 Please don't call during the day, Friday - Sunday, unless you really need to talk to us. We have to step off the trail to talk on the phone.

No Glee???

Two weeks without Glee does not make for a happy Me! If you're feeling the glee-less gloominess that I am, I have a treat for you!

And yes, she got that rhythm from her Daddy.

Oh, and you'll want to pause the "iPod" on the lower right of my page!

We're Getting There!!!

FIVE more days till we leave for the DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day!

This time next week, I'll be settling into my pink tent, praying it doesn't get too cold. I'll be tired, but I'll be elated!

We still have several team members who need help with fundraising. If you want to make a donation, you can do so here.

The team members who need help most are:
Bridget Mohrmann
Leslie Osborne
Anthony Patton
Anna Sullivan
Robin Rosa

The list is getting shorter, but we're not there yet! Thanks for all your help!
- d.

When It Hits Home....

Last night Biggsy was in Pennsylvania, and I sat on our couch in front of the TV putting ribbons on the Tiaras I'll pass out on the 3-Day. I had planned to be in bed before 10:00, but the news came on promising updates on the weather; so I continued to work and watch.

Then.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, KPRC interviewed the family of a girl in Friendswood who was diagnosed at age 12.

12.

She's 13 now, and after extensive treatment is in remission. But she was TWELVE!!! when diagnosed!

And suddenly, I was slammed by that reality.

While breast cancer at age 12 is extremely rare, it does happen. It happens to little girls who aren't anywhere near ready to deal with something so permanent. So Life-Threatening. Something that alters their bodies so completely.

At 12, they should be shopping at Justice and playing with their hair and makeup, and trying to decide if they want to call a boy or play with their American Girl Dolls. They should be in that in-between where they're not a little girl anymore, but not ready to grow up just yet.

As the mother of two adorable girls, I've known all along I'm walking for them. But I don't want to be walking for them right now. I'm not ready for that. I'm walking for them to not have to worry about breast cancer when they're 35 or 40 or 70.

We have to find a cure. It's that simple. We can't afford to just sit on our hands and do nothing. Please pray for our team. Please join our team. Please donate to our team. Please do any or all of the above. We can't do this without your help.

My Day

Today is one of those crazy days where I wake up knowing I'm going to go full-tilt until I eventually pass out around 10:30 tonight. To give you a small example, a slice of what will happen today.....

I'm making a last-minute batch of cupcakes for Abbie's DI group to have as a snack today. I've got Book Fair duty from 12:30 - 3:00. Abs has DI after school. Kait has a soccer game. Kait needs to be at the fields at 5:00. I have no idea where her uniform is. I have to pick Abs up from DI at 5:15. Kait's game is at 5:30. I have one more 3-Day cape to make and a witch's cape to make for Abs for Halloween. Hopefully at some point today our 3-Day shirts will be ready at the T-shirt place. Bought a vacuum this morning because the cleaning lady broke mine. And Tracye, about what we discussed the other night. The answer is "no." I spent $8.00 but now am wondering if I trust generics. You know I'm a brand-name kind of girl.

And that is just the slightest slice of what is going on.

And mixed in with all that craziness.... The 3-Day is just 9 days away. YIKES.

If your life is crazy like mine, and you haven't gotten around to donating yet, just go HERE.

A few walkers who could really use your help are:
Cathie Knight
Amy Martin
Bridget Mohrmann
Sequoya Nelson
Leslie Osborne
Anthony Patton
Anna Sullivan
Jolanda Weddle
Robin Zeilman-Rosa

Not a one of them has hit the $2000 mark yet, and a few are pretty darn far from it!!

I'll elaborate on this later, but I have to say the generosity of some of you is leaving me very overwhelmed and on an emotional rollercoaster. Since I reach the $2300 mark and then start working on fundraising for the rest of the team, I don't always know when you donate under someone else. BUT.... From what I've heard, you are. And you're being Jesus with skin on to them. And I love you all the more for it!

You've Got Mail!!!

I know this is kinda late notice, but....

We love getting mail from friends and family while we’re on the walk!

You can send letters to:

Breast Cancer 3-Day Camp Post Office
ATTN: The D'Lyn Biggs
P.O. Box 126496
Benbrook, TX 76126

Envelopes only, please. No packages containing Chocolate Chip Cookies or other such treasures are allowed — but we wish they were! Mail must be postmarked by October 27 to ensure delivery!

I'm pretty sure they'll still get to me if you mail them tomorrow. I've got "people," you know.

Two Weeks from Today....

The DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day starts two weeks from today. And while I can't wait to get started, and should be bouncing off the walls with excitement, I'm not.

I'm tired. I'm really, really tired.

True confession time. As I told our team yesterday, I'm in serious need of some Isaiah 40:31 and some Philippians 3:13-14. And just about anything else you could think of to pray over me.

I've run out of steam.

Do you know what's required of the participants in the Breast Cancer 3-Day? Not only do you have to show up prepared to walk 60 miles in three days (a huge task in itself), you're also required to raise a minimum of $2300.

That would be required. It's not a suggested amount. If you don't guarantee that the 3-Day will get 2300 precious dollars from your walking, it's simple.

You. Don't. Walk.

I crossed that $2300 mark in February or March. Blessed with a posse of people who loved my Momma, and who love me, that part of the challenge was met early.

But not so for our team. Right now, we have 25 walkers who have not reached that $2300 mark. Some only need a few dollars; others need $2100.

At this point, everyone on our team is a fully-registered walker. That means they have committed to raising the $2300. If for some reason they don't have the money raised by the time we start the walk on November 6, they will have four weeks after the walk to finish their fundraising.

At that point, their credit cards will be charged for the remainder.

This is what keeps me up at night. The knowing that we have a LOT of team members that are struggling to reach that goal.

We have Poker Night at my house tomorrow night, and we have another fundraiser here on Monday. If you're inclined to come to either one of those, please do!

If not, please consider making a donation in the name of one of our struggling walkers. The ones who most need help are:

Bridget Mohrmann
Jolanda Weddle
Leslie Osborne
Anna Sullivan
Amy Martin
Caroline Juszczak
Cathie Knight
Mark Jeter

If you click on one of the names above, it should take you to their personal fundraising page. You can easily make a donation online. If you do so, a receipt will be emailed to you immediately. All donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you!!

A Chance Meeting? Or a God Thing?

I went to Mardel today to laminate the pictures of my Mom for the Tiaras I pass out on the 3-Day. We won't even discuss the trouble I was having with the laminating machine.

BUT... In the process I started talking to a woman who was looking at Sunday School curriculum. Her name was Darla, and her daughter, Kristen, died of breast cancer.

When she was 28.

That's right. 28.

With an 18-month-old son.

You can read about Kristen's battle at http://www.kristenhartland.com

If you do take that step, please look at the pictures -- she was beautiful. Read the timeline.

I don't know about you... We each have our own story. But for the last couple of years, I have felt strongly that my personal mission with the 3-Day is to spread the word near and far that breast cancer isn't your grandmother's disease. That it knows no age, gender, economic, political or social boundaries.

Kristen's story just drives that point home all the more.

Every Good Quilt Has a Story....

Every good quilt has a story -- a story it could tell if it could talk.

You've heard me talk about Team Talent -- the group Suzi and went to L.A. with. The group that was brought together and forged relationships in a way that only God could have orchestrated.

You've heard me talk about Stephanie -- our sweet Stephanie. About her story, the way she made the trip with her son David to make a memory.

You were here as I grieved for her. And you were here last spring when we lost Ed to a massive heart attack. With Steph, we were prepared. We said what we needed to say. With Ed, it came as a shock. An incomprehensible loss. So quickly. There was no time to say good-bye. No time to steel ourselves for what was coming.

When we found out about Ed's death, Suzi and I had two very different reactions -- both of which were very action-oriented. She want to Luby's and had Trout Almondine. I went to every quilt shop I could find and bought a piece of every pink fabric I could find. (Well, almost. No way was I buying the pink t.u. fabric. Ed wouldn't have wanted me to.)

From that second on, that pile of pink fabric was named "Ed" in my heart. You might think it's funny to name a pile of pink fabric Ed. If that's the case, that's because you didn't know him.

When I went to Round Top last spring, I made two quilt tops. One was to be for Sherry, Ed's bride. The other would be used to raise money for breast cancer research. To continue to fight this fight that Ed was such a big part of.

Today I went to the Quilt Festival and handed Sherry's quilt off to a friend of hers from Victoria. It's very important to me that she receive it from the hands of someone who knows and loves her.

The other quilt is up for auction on Ebay. When I handed it over to Michelle, the Queen of Ebay, we pondered what price to put on it. We started at $75.00, with hopes it would go to $100.00. We never, ever in our wildest dreams imagined it would be at $255.00 right now.

If you want to check out this Ebay Auction, you can find it right here. Every single penny we raise from this auction will go to the Breast Cancer 3-Day, benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. That's right. The CURE.

Real Men Drive Pink!

You have to check this out!

Herding Cats.

Sometimes what I do with the 3-Day seems a lot like herding cats.

That's because I'm ADD. For anyone else, this would be a breeze.

But for me, it's all craziness.

I wake up every morning and check the totals. Check what our fundraising total is. Check what's been bid on the Ebay auction. Check on Facebook to make sure all is well with this world. And dream up a challenge.

For the month of October, I'm trying to do daily challenges for our team. Some are silly. Some are a bit scary. Some are just plain fun.

ALL are geared at raising enough money for the 40 men and women on our team to walk in the 3-Day.

It's craziness.

And fun.

And stressful at times.

And it's such a sweet, sweet blessing.

This morning I came to a realization about the 3-Day. Until this year I have avoided doing fundraising events like the plague. I'd support everyone else, but I much preferred a well-planned letter campaign to doing actual events.

This year that has flown out the window. If anything we're making up for three years without events by doing so many this year.

And what I've realized is that even though our fundraising total is less this year, we're doing our jobs better. This walk isn't just supposed to be about the walk itself. And it isn't just supposed to be about the money raised. Both of those are well and good, but there's more to the story.

This walk is about raising awareness. Awareness of this beast called breast cancer. Awareness that this isn't some disease that old, rich, white chicks get. Awareness that breast cancer knows no age, gender, race or economic boundaries.

With every lemonade stand, bake sale, poker night, bunko night, wine tasting night, financial seminar, letter campaign, tennis tournament, movie night, etc... With each and every one of those we touch new people. We raise awareness.

This year hasn't been easy. Whether it's the economy or what, I don't know. But we are working hard for every single dollar we raise. And in that, we're doing a better job than we've ever done before.

If you know a Team Tiara walker, please give them a hug today. Their road has not been easy. This is a big challenge that they've taken on, and it's one that isn't over yet. But I can tell you... These men and women have a ton of heart. They're working hard to save lives. And some of them have a long way to go on the fundraising end.

I think they could use a hug.

It's Been So Long...

I could probably be classified as a "Snow Virgin" all over again!

Pearls of Wisdom

Check out that frog. Isn't she cute?? Even better -- she represents a HUGE fundraising opportunity for the Breast Cancer 3-Day! My "Money Guy," THE Anthony Patton has worked his magic again this year and convinced Mass Mutual to give us $5000 for the CURE!

But.... We have to earn it!

Anthony is coming to Houston on Monday, October 26, to present the Pearls of Wisdom program about Financial Education. He did this for us last year, and it was great! It's primarily geared toward women, but men are welcome too.

I promise this isn't a high-pressure thing. We just need you to come and bring your friends. We'll have door prizes. AND we'll be serving dessert!

I have to tell you.... This guy knows his stuff.

Mass Mutual will donate $20 to Team Tiara for EVERYONE who is here!

Please come!

Monday, October 26
7:30 p.m.

15802 Applerock Trail
Cypress 77433

Too Cute!

Check this out!!!

It's way too cute -- and it's going to help Save the TaTa's!

Pink Ribbon Quilt

You know how much I love to quilt. But you may not know the whole story.

My Granny Lloyd was a quilter -- a very productive one. She made quilts for each of children and grandchildren -- not so easy when you have nine kids and some 27 or so grandkids. But she didn't stop there. Many, many other people in her life were given quilts that she had crafted with love.

I remember Granny teaching me to zigzag around the edges of fabric before she made a blouse. And I remember Granny teaching me to embroider. And I remember watching her cut out all those little quilt pieces -- long before the days of rotary cutters.

My Mom taught me to sew -- with some help from Mrs. Lewis and a few other volunteer 4-H leaders. My Mom was an amazing seamstress. She could look at a dress and go home and make it. She made all of our Easter dresses and most of our other dresses until I was about 12. She took great pride in making us "showy" shirts to show our cattle / pigs in. She made Halloween costumes and twirling uniforms and formals like you wouldn't believe.

After my Granny passed away, I started quilting. I couldn't do it without the memory of Mom's voice rattling through my head as I go. Some days I'd rather be without the "take out that seam" voice, but I love having her help as I go. When I'm making something and get stuck (which often happens with making doll clothes), I can always find my way through -- I have her to thank for that!

This year I've made a Pink Ribbon Quilt that we are auctioning on Ebay. You can find it here. The entire "purchase price" will go to the Breast Cancer 3-Day. Please help us spread the word!

Look! Look! I'm Over Here!

I'm over here a lot these days. If you want to see my new haircut, you'll have to come over here, too.

The 3-Day is less than a month away. I can't wait!

Oh. My. Word.

I got my hair cut today.

And no, I'm not posting a picture.

At least for 5-10 weeks.

It's a haircut like none other. The "perfect" blend of two different styles.

I went to the girl I've been going to, who cut my hair perfectly the first time, then left it a little long the second time.

I attempted to explain that I didn't want it even with my chin. My chin is awfully square, and when my hair is even with it, my chin looks even more square, which makes my face look even wider and fatter than it is.

I have a bit of a complex about this.

Did I ever tell you I have great legs?

Anyways.... I attempted to explain that the ideal location for my hair to fall would be between my square chin and my shoulders. Yes, that would be the ideal location.

But something got lost in the translation, and my hair is now shorter than Kait's in the front. Without the cuteness of Kait's little 7-year-old gap-toothed smile.

Argh.

But that's not all! After "the girl" had cut the right side of my hair, I think she realized what she had done. So the left side hangs a bit lower. Still not in the target range, but enough that I look lop-sided.

But that's not all! The particular style that I've had before and have absolutely loved flips up on the ends. She attempted to make my hair do that, but it's a little short for that. So it's kind of flipped up where it can. But not all over.

But that's not all! Apparently, in an effort to keep me from looking like a total dork, "the girl" left that longer-on-the-left part straight.

So here is what I have.

A haircut shorter than Kait's, without her cuteness, that's a bit lop-sided and combines two different styles -- flip and no-flip.

Oh. And no makeup on this afternoon. I look like a bad "before" picture when in reality, I'm supposed to be an "after."

That Linkety-Link Thing

** You'll want to scroll down and "pause" the music player in the sidebar before watching this video!

Hello World,

I know it seems like we're trying to accomplish the impossible here. I know you're thinking there's no way a handful of chicks and two guys can raise $88,000 in 30 days. I know you're thinking I'm smoking something over here -- and you're probably wishing you could get some of "it" whatever "it" is.

Well.... I have to tell you a secret. I've never smoked anything. Especially not the good stuff. The closest I ever came to that was chewing on some cigar for about 10 minutes a long, long time ago. And I'm pretty sure Kayren was to blame for that.

I'm not smoking anything. I'm not delusional. And trust me -- I'm not bored.

What I do know is that last year our team of 60 walkers in the Breast Cancer 3-Day raised $125,000. Looking at that, it seemed like a goal of $150,000 was perfectly achievable. Life hands you curve balls sometimes, and this year we're hanging in there with about 40 walkers.

Here's the deal. It's going to take a village to meet this goal of $150,000. And it's going to take a village to find a cure for breast cancer.

I'm from Fluvanna -- I know all about what a village can accomplish.

WE can do this, but WE need your help.

Would you please do that Linkety-Link thing and help us spread the word about this mighty fundraising effort? Would you please link to us via email and blogs and Facebook and whatever else you have at your disposal?

This. Isn't. Just. About. Me.

I know so much of this blog is. But not this.

This is about living my life without my Mom. About not being able to call her and hear her voice. Not ever again. I won't get to hear her voice EVER AGAIN. Some of you know what that's like.

Abbie's team won yet another soccer game tonight. My Mom has never seen a single one of those games.

Kaitlyn has a tooth that is just barely hanging in there. When it falls out tomorrow or the next day or the next, my Mom won't get to see those pictures. Kait won't get to call her and tell her how much money the Tooth Fairy left.

And I know that in the grand scheme of things Mom isn't missing out. She's with the angels now, seated at God's banquet table and eating off everyone else's plates. She isn't missing out.

But WE are.

This is about my friend Ann who is about to start Radiation -- as soon as she's strong enough.

It's about Mia and Liv, who have to grow up without their Mom.

It's about Chris, who lost her sister and still feels the pain of that loss weighing down on her.

Please link to my blog. Please link to the Team Tiara website. Please link to our fundraising website. Please link to a Facebook post. Please link us up somewhere.

With the way everyone is plugged into everyone they've known since the cradle, and a dubbed-over scene from that movie about Hitler can show up my Facebook page 15 times, there shouldn't be any reason why we can't reach that $150,000 goal in 30 days. There shouldn't be any reason why we can't fund the research that will find a CURE. There shouldn't be any reason my daughters will ever have to face a breast cancer diagnosis with fear.

For My Mom,

D'Lyn

If you're ready to donate, you can click here.

If you're ready to sign up to Crew or Walk in 2010, you can click here.

Why Cissa Walks

She looks like she's about 12, doesn't she? That's our sweet Cissa. She was the lucky chick whose face was plastered all over last year -- Rachael Ray's magazine, Oprah's magazine, billboards, etc. It was CRAZY!

But not nearly as crazy as this fun friend from Oklahoma who walked the 2007 3-Day with almost no notice -- all to honor her cousin's memory.

Cissa's story is one I can't tell. It's hers. You need to read it. In her words.

You'll find it here.

And you know what? That crazy chick from Oklahoma could use some crazy fundraising help. If you'd like to donate in her name, you can do so here.

Why Caroline Walks...

When we walked the 3-Day in 2007, I didn't have the first clue who Caroline was. I just knew that Suzi was walking for Caroline's loved ones, and needed a picture taken with these hearts.

But by the time we got home from the 3-Day, and then L.A., my friend the closer had talked Caroline into walking with us.

Wow. What a gift.

Here are Caroline and Lori in 2008. Being lazy in the holding area at the end of the walk. If you're ever going to be lazy, that's the place.

If you want to read Caroline's story, click here.

What her story doesn't tell you, though, is that she's had a difficult time with fundraising this year.

If you feel moved by her story and want to help Caroline smush breast cancer, click here. And you'll be glad you did.

Why Anthony Walks....

Anthony was the first guy to join Team Tiara. Those of you who have been around here awhile know he's my "Money Guy." And he's a darn fine one at that. I can't brag on his money management skills enough. As he would say, "Wowee-wow-wow."

But this isn't about the fact that my investments have exceeded my wildest dreams in this crazy economy. (That's not really how I had described the economy when I first wrote that sentence. But this is a Christian blog, and I do like to keep things family-friendly. And well, I just don't feel like going on an Obama rant tonight. BUT.... I digress. Big Time.)

Anthony is the kind of guy you wish you could live next door to. A servant's heart like few others. When Biggsy wants to spend time with Anthony hunting or whatever else, I can't push him out the door fast enough. Anthony is one of the guys I really like my Honey to hang out with.

It doesn't hurt that he cleans Cheryl's kitchen every night.

I encourage you to follow this link and see for yourself why Anthony does the 3-Day. I can't really say "why Anthony walks in the 3-Day" because that boy really marches to his own drummer when it comes to the 3-Day. He is all about service and helping others and just eating up the entire experience.

Going Pink for the Cure

Hey gang!

Meanderings of a 3-Day Mom is going Pink for the Cure! If you've got a blog, why don't you go pink along with me for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

I'm also going to be telling you about some of the friends I walk with, and why we walk. AND... if you're so inclined, I'm going to ask you to partner with us in our fundraising efforts by helping us spread the word.

To Start....

Can you help us spread the word about our AC/DC Guitar Fundraising? Just send this link to all your friends. We need to sell more tickets! The drawing will be held Saturday, October 17.

Thanks!

Oh! And while you're at it, this is your monthly reminder to Mind Your Melons! Self-exams are your best defense against breast cancer!!!!

In a Tizzy!

THIS has me all in a tizzy today.

I think it's high time we as Christians stomped our collective feet and said, "ENOUGH."

It's time the few who don't Believe stop directing what the MANY who DO Believe can do.

Our forefathers did not intend for Separation of Church and State to shelter the states from religion. Rather, it was intended to protect religion from heavy-handed state government. To protect the right to free speech.

It's high time we stood up as Christians and make people realize that free speech doesn't just apply to everyone else -- it applies to us as well.

And it's high time that people in authority positions step back and let the young people of this country express their love of Jesus Christ. This up-and-coming generation has a fire. They love Jesus, and they want everyone to know about it. Don't get in their way. Don't bow in fear of what others will do. Stand up. Take pride in your beliefs. Support these kids.

If you'd like to write a letter in support of the cheerleaders of Lakeview-Fort Oglethorp High School, you can direct it to:

Denia Reese, Superintendent
Catoosa County Schools
P.O. Box 130
Ringgold, GA 30736

Facebook Would Have Done My Momma In....

She would NOT have been able to handle the grammar and spelling errors.

Poker Night!

Come join us for
Poker Night

In honor of the
BOOBIES!

Be a part in finding a cure for breast cancer by joining us in a
Texas Hold’em Tournament

A portion of your $100 buy-in will be donated to Team Tiara,
Who will be participating in the
Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Check in will be from 6:30 – 7:30
Tournament begins at 7:30

The Biggs’ House
15802 Applerock Trail
Cypress, TX 77433

Hosted by The Tiara Girls

Friends are welcome! Please respond ASAP
D’Lyn Biggs 281-883-8642

The remaining buy-in will go towards the 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th place pots
1st place – 50% 2nd place – 25%
3rd place – 15% 4th place – 10%

Set-ups and snacks will be provided
B.Y.O.B.
Beer will be available for donations!

If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate to the cause,
please visit our website
www.the3day.org/goto/tiaras
Just click on the walker that you would like to donate to!
Thanks for all of your support!

The Worth of a Man

Pete came into my life at a crazy time.

My parents were in the process of getting divorced.

When you've pretty much worshiped the ground your Daddy walked on all your life, and then watched him knocked off that pretty pedestal you put him on, it pretty well leaves you reeling. I was in shock.

Biggsy and I had only been dating a month or so when my world got rocked. Poor Biggsy was already in too deep. He was stuck. His hard-and-fast rule about not dating girls with baggage flew out the window.

What I didn't realize up front that I was getting a package deal. Not just this great boyfriend, but a family that went along with him. A family that would offer me the stability I wasn't getting at home.

They took me in, and there is no way I can tell you just what that meant at that time -- and in every moment since.

It wasn't that Pete replaced my Dad. Not at all. He's been more like a bonus than anything else.

The quiet strength of this man makes it easy to see how Biggsy grew to be the man he is.

We've had our moments.... Like when he realized the Creek house was going to be painted anything but white if I was doing the painting. Or this summer when we both were terrified that Abbie was about to be run down by another boat in the middle of the Creek -- with our boat paralyzed by the tow cable wrapped around the prop.

For the last 13 years, Pete and Jacquie have quietly, assuredly filled a space in my life that needed to be filled.

Tomorrow morning Pete will have one of those angio things done. The kind that involves the heart and arteries and stints. I'm asking you to pray big prayers for this to be successful.

We need this man in our lives for a long time to come.

Cape, Anyone??

Hi Ya'll,
I'm posting this over here because it's quick & easy. For those of you who are walking in the 3-Day, it's a guide for how to make a handy cape to wear. For those of you not walking in the 3-Day, just consider it a guide for making a cape for your kids. Or yourself. You could wear it to the grocery store.

Tonight I made two capes in just under an hour. Easy-breezy. The first was made with pink broadcloth that sells for $1.99 a yard at Hobby Lobby. Talk about cheap entertainment.

I cut the fabric to 36" x 25". My main goal is to leave my legs showing -- they are my greatest asset, you know! I think this would be a bit better wider -- closer to 36" x 30".

Because this is a costume of sorts, and my Momma is in Heaven, and Mrs. Lewis hasn't critiqued my sewing since my 4-H days, this really is kinda slapped together. But it works.

I used the selvage on this one for the bottom hem. That way I didn't have to hem it. On the sides, I pressed it under 1/4" and then again another 1/4", so the raw edges would be hidden. I stitched that close to the inside fold.


At this point, I have to tell you my hip new sewing machine is as much a fabric snob as I am. It did not like the broadcloth. AT ALL.

Once the sides were sewn, I made a casing on the top for the elastic. I pressed the top edge under 1/4". Then, I folded it down about 3/4", and pressed it again. I stitched that close to the inside edge. No, I didn't pin it or measure it. But if you're new to this sewing thing, you probably want to do both of those.

The key is to have a casing wide enough to thread your elastic through.

You'll want to cut a 12" piece of elastic for the top. I used 1/4" wide elastic. You put a safety pin on one end and start threading it through your casing. One the other end reaches the end of your casing, stitch it in place. Then, keep pushing your safety pin through. The fabric will begin to gather along your elastic.

Once you get the safety pin end of the elastic to the other end of the casing, stitch in place there, too.

Voila!

You have a cape!

To pin the cape on, I tied some polka dot ribbon around two safety pins -- on the side that doesn't open. Then, I pinned the cape to the shoulders of my T-shirt.


I also made a cape out of this shinier fabric. It's kind of a brushed velvety fabric. I'm not sure what it's called other than "That stuff Mom used to make our bridesmaids' outfits for A'Lise's wedding. You know, that crawly stuff."

This stuff is $5.99 a yard at Hobby Lobby. It's a bit more, but it's all shiny and pretty. AND you can make two capes out of one yard of fabric. On this one, I cut the fabric to about 30.5" x 37.5". My snobbish machine really liked this stuff better.

One caveat: This cape is heavier than the other one, and pulled on my shirt a bit. I think it would probably be warmer than the other one -- something that would annoy me on mile 15 if it was really hot outside. I did make it bigger, so that's part of it. I need to cut it off a bit. It doesn't show my legs enough. Did I mention it's shiny??

So that's the scoop on the capes. If you want a cape for the 3-Day, it's really a simple project. I'm thinking anyone with a machine and a year of Home Ec could figure it out. If you don't sew, you can probably find someone who can -- it's seriously a 30-minute project.

Good luck!

Tiara Wear is now Available!!!

*** I'm bumping this post up to today.... If you want to order Tiara Wear, we need your order by this Thursday, October 1.

Okay....
We're getting ready to order our 2009 Tiara Wear. I'm so excited! You don't have to be a member of Team Tiara -- we welcome all of you to help spread the word about who we are and what we do!!!

We're still in the editing phase on a couple of these designs, but in the interest of time, I'm going to go ahead and share them with you!


Team Tiara 2009 T-Shirts & Hoodies

1. The Team Tiara Pink Camo Hoodie - $35
http://www.broderbros.com/ Style #3969, Pink Camo Hoodie. Cheri Font, Black Print
Front Left will have our team logo:

Back will say - "Just give me a cape and a shiny tiara, and I'll find a cure for breast cancer."

Available in S, M, L, XL, 2XL. These run fairly large. The Medium is about a 6/8/10.

2. The Team Tiara Hot Pink T-Shirt - $15
100% cotton preshrunk t-shirt. NOT a woman’s fit t-shirt. Black Print, Boink Font
Available in S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
Front – Large Team Logo

Back (With some editing):

3. The Team Tiara Black T-Shirt - $15
Print Color - pink on front; white on back.
Front – Tiara in Training (with a tiara pic)
Back – Team Tiara is Walking 60 Miles in the Breast Cancer 3-Day
Ask me how you can donate or join our team.

Here is a picture of last year's shirt. This year we're leaving off the dates and the location to make it more flexible.

All prices include tax and shipping. Orders must be pre-paid and are due October 1.

All profits will be donated to the Breast Cancer 3-Day in honor of our team member Cheri Wooley. Cheri's breast cancer has returned after 12 years in remission.

If you'd like to order a shirt or two or three, just shoot me an email to dlynbiggs (at) yahoo (dot) com and I'll send you an order form. Thanks for your support!

I Haven't Run Away....

I promise. I've just been burning the midnight oil at www.teamtiara.net . More like the midnight, 1:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m. kind of oil.

Rockstar Fundraising!

Wow! This is Rockstar Fundraising at its best! This guitar was autographed by ALL the members of AC/DC! $20 per raffle ticket. Email Tanya at tanyaandallie (at) yahoo (dot) com and she will give you details on payment. If you win, this beautiful guitar signed by the entire band is yours. ... All proceeds from the sale are going to Team Tiara and the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefitting Susan G. Komen For the Cure!!

It amazes me....

How many people will let their children go to a slumber party at the home of someone they have never even met.

What's up with that??

What a Day. Really.

Oh my goodness. I need a beer. And I don't even drink beer. But....

Went to get "established" with a new GP this morning. I wanted in her club before I got sick. It's just so hard to get a quick appointment when you're sick and a new patient. Well, it's a good thing. She said she's seeing 10 -- yes, TEN! -- cases of swine flu a day. And I'm one of those crazy people who choose to spend time at an elementary school on a regular basis. I'm doomed.

Let's see.... What else?

Team Tiara has been contacted by a lift truck manufacturer / dealer that many of us hold near and dear about painting a forklift pink and auctioning it off to raise money for the CURE. You'd think this would be a relatively easy thing to do. Nope. After a bajillion phone calls to a lot of people I know and a lot of people I don't, I got the best advice possible. Paint it a color pink that's as close to it as you can get -- and you'll be close enough. As for adding the Komen logo? Don't even get me started.... If you're in the market for a pink forklift, hang in there with me a couple of weeks and I'll see what I can do to help you with that.

This really is a Cool Deal, and I can't wait to get the details out to you.

THEN.... We've also been contacted about auctioning off a Precious yellow lab puppy. Champion bloodlines. Registered. I should have details on that in the next couple of days. We'll have a set of criteria that you will have to meet before you can bid (house with yard, etc.), and the original owner will have to approve of who wins.

THEN..... Tanya Thome, ROCKSTAR Fundraiser, has acquired a guitar signed by All the guys in AC/DC. She's raffling that off for $20 a ticket. If you'd like in on that, you should definitely let me know.

FINALLY.... We've had to change one of our designs on the Tiara Wear. I know. Crazy stuff happens to me that just really doesn't happen to other people. It seems that one of the slogans we were going to use is copywrited or trademarked or something like that. So we've come up with something else that suits us much, much better and are doing that instead. I've updated that blog entry from last night if you want to check on that.

I do have to say, this is the first time I've ever been in that particular brand of hot water. And I'm glad that the woman who contacted me was really, really nice about it. Bless her heart. It couldn't have been easy to send me that email. But she was required to. I'm so glad it wasn't one of those "Big Mean Turd" emails. I think that today of all days, that would have put me over the top.

WHEW.

But Wait.

I know I said FINALLY..... But I have another one.....

FINALLY (For real).... All the stress and jumping through hoops and all that jazz trying to raise funds for breast cancer by bringing in companies instead of just friends and family has opened my eyes to a real need that's out there. Something I have a real heart for. Something I'm really good at. Would you please be in prayer that God will help guide me in what to do with this realization? I think there's really a way I could something with it. I just need to figure out what that is.

thanks.

Happy Birthday, Kait!

I think 7 is going to be your lucky year!

Love,

Mommy

I Have a Dream.....

So I have this dream. I know that anyone who follows me on Facebook, or the 4 people who read this blog, are probably thinking, "Enough Already!" about the 3-Day. Only 54 more days, my friends. Fifty-four more days.

But I've come to the realization in the last few weeks that while I have always done the walk for my Mom, in her honor and then in her memory, no one who is walking with me really knew her.

On this team of 45, I think Anthony Patton is the only one who even knew her at all. Last year, I got to share this experience with Michelle. It rocked. But this year, we're running short on team members who realize from first-hand experience how much our family, our community, our lives have missed out on since she's been gone.

So I have this dream. I think it would be so amazing to share this experience with a whole bunch of people who loved my Momma -- warts and all. A whole bunch of people who would remember that you couldn't eat dinner without her eating off your plate. That would remember that she could brag about her grandkids with the best of them.

I've shared that dream the last couple of weeks.

And then Saturday I received a letter from a friend of Mom's. Mom and Keitha grew up together in Old Fluvanna and were thick as thieves. Keitha thought of Mom as more a sister than a friend.

Keitha has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of uterine cancer. Things are looking better than they were, but this cancer stuff is such a very scary thing. Please pray for her.

Cancer Sucks. And that's all I have to say about that.

Where Is Your Comfort Zone??

"It's not in my comfort zone."

When you talk about the 3-Day as much as I do, for as long as I have, that's something you hear a lot -- or at least versions of it.

It wasn't always in my comfort zone, either.

Neither was sharing my faith. But a few years ago, a dear friend offered us an analogy at a Bible Study I went to. She had just bought this lipstick that she absolutely loved, and she'd been telling everyone about it. No one was immune from her enthusiasm -- not even the checker in the grocery store.

After a couple of days of this, she began to realize that she was going on and on and on about LIPSTICK. While she absolutely LOVED that lipstick, she loved Jesus much, much more. But she didn't share Him with everyone she met.

What is it that you're passionate about? What do you share?

For me, finding a CURE for breast cancer is one of my passions, and yes, that makes the fundraising end of the picture much easier. Having lost my Mom at 61. YES! 61!!!!.... I'd do anything to keep anyone from going through what we did.

You see, my friends, fundraising may be outside your comfort zone, but it's far more comfortable than the realities of breast cancer. It's far better than getting a letter from your Mom's best friend who regrets to tell you she has advanced uterine cancer -- that her name must now be added to the list of those you walk for. It's far better than finding out a dear friend's chemo isn't working, so now the oncologist is prescribing the "red" chemo, which is the worst out there. It's far better than losing a friend who's 40 years old -- and who leaves behind two little girls.

If you're not walking with me in the 3-Day just because it's outside your comfort zone, please understand I still love you. But I'm going to be blunt with you. Cleaning toilets is outside my comfort zone. Dealing with a child who is throwing up is outside my comfort zone. Walking 60 miles is outside my comfort zone. I dare you to live a day, a week, a month without doing something that's outside your comfort zone.

I know that out of the four people who read this blog, there are probably at least one or two who simply can't do the 3-Day for whatever reason. But I know there are probably one or two who are hesitant because it isn't in their comfort zones.

If you want to step out of your comfort zone and come walk with us, there's plenty of time. But you need to get moving pretty quickly. The first step is the hardest. Once you make that step, it's just the short rows from there on out.

That pretty much goes for sharing your faith, too.

We Will Never Forget

All Abuzz......

If you're a parent of a school-age child, you know this big brouha this week has been Obama's address to schoolchildren. Scheduled for Tuesday, the plan is for Obama to offer a "pep talk" to America's students, encouraging them to stay in school.

Being the oh-so-Republican that I am (If you were around here a year ago, that would be perfectly clear to you.), I pretty much don't agree with pretty much anything Obama has to say. Don't even get me started on the Health Care issue.

Biggsy and I talked about this. For each of us, our initial reaction was "no." Well, mine was more like "Heck, no." I don't like the idea of Obama talking to my kids. At all.

But.

As vocal as I was prior to the election last year, we've stressed a couple of things around our house. For one, we stress that God calls us to respect our leaders, and to pray for them. Obama included. And while we may gripe and grimace at what he plans for us, and while I personally think we're going to spend the rest of our lives trying to un-do what the democrats are doing right now, I still owe him respect as our country's leader.

We also stress the value of education to our kids. Very, very rarely are they pulled out of school early. If the doors are open, our kids are there. And while I joked about pulling them out to get a flu shot on Tuesday, they would have been there. Obama or not.

I had a plan.

I had planned to print out the list of questions off the Internet. I planned to go over those with the girls, prepping them for ways we can help our President. I wanted to put the idea of prayer in their heads before anything else was suggested -- that is first and foremost. I planned to watch the address myself on my computer at home and to go over anything I thought was needed when the girls got home.

My plan isn't needed. And I'm a bit sad about that. Our school has chosen not to show the address. I'm not sure why -- no reason was given. I know that financial reasons are key to why some schools are not showing the address -- for every child that's pulled out of school for the day, the district loses $35. I know some schools were inundated with calls and emails -- and with this being a "red" neighborhood in a "red" state, I'm sure ours was no exception.

I'm sure scheduling was an issue as well. I've had a difficult time understanding why this address was planned for during lunch. Anyone who has ever spent time around schools knows that it takes a lot of coordination to feed 1000 kids. Why this address wasn't scheduled for first thing in the morning is beyond me.

I'm sad that we've got a President that doesn't instill confidence across the party lines. A president that people don't trust. A President that people are afraid -- I mean all out afraid -- to have talk to their children. I'm sad that we don't have a President that the people across the board can look up to -- a Reaganesque President who everyone loves no matter which side of the political aisle they stand on. If this had been George Bush, we would have been all over it. And I don't think this objection is because it's a Democrat. If it had been Clinton, you wouldn't have had 90% of Facebook threatening to pull their kids out of school. Clinton wasn't seen as dangerous -- unless you had a daughter aged 18-20 working in the White House.

When you send your kids to school, you don't have a say in what they are taught. It's impossible for you to control everything that comes across their desks. All the authors, speakers, textbooks, etc. I wasn't worried about Obama indoctrinating my kids. Our children are far more influenced by their teachers. Their parents. What they see on TV.

I wish parents would get as fired up about what our kids are taught as far as evolution vs. creationism goes. Or whether God is allowed in our schools. But no, they only get fired up about the "gall" of our President giving our students a pep talk.

Like I said, I wasn't worried about "indoctrination." My kids are smart, and I give them more credit than that. And as far as I was concerned, a lesson in critical thinking wouldn't be such a bad thing to have. I don't want my kids to be sheep. I want them to learn to listen to what an authority figure says and to decide what they think about it. I want to be in their lives to help guide that thought. But if I shelter them and keep them away from everything, how will they ever learn to think things through and form opinions?

Needing to Go DEAP

I've been struggling with something lately, and I'm not sure about it at all.

When we left Dallas, we left an incredible church family. We left a place that we absolutely loved. People we loved. If you've never been to The Branch in Farmers Branch or Vista Ridge, you should definitely check it out sometime.

When we were at The Branch, Biggsy and I both went through HUGE growth spurts on the spiritual plane. We led a small group Bible Study and were members of another one. I was on on Praise Team. The girls talked about Jesus like he lived down the street. In short, we were all building intimate relationships with God. And it was great.

And then we went through some icky stuff, and moved here, and went through even more icky stuff, and bounced around between a few different churches, and finally landed at one here in our neighborhood.

It's a Baptist church, and although we aren't "Baptists," we've been trying it on for size, I guess you could say. We were both raised in the Church of Christ, but we don't really fit that general description anymore either. A few years at The Branch will do that to you.

Lately, I've really been missing The Branch. Homesick and sad -- that's me. And it's hard to explain just what I miss because I can't really pin it all down. But I can tell you The Branch has Acapella services like nobody's business. Four-part harmony like you wouldn't believe. Even if it's not all that harmonious and slightly off-key, I'll take four-part harmony over a set of drums any day.

I miss the people. The sheer joy that would cross their faces when they would see me. (Yes, me. It's my blog. So yes, this is all about me.) The hugs. I had church friends who knew ME. I like hugs, but none of the churches we've been too down here have been very "huggy." And this isn't just a D'Lyn thing. I've watched how everyone is with everyone else. Is being huggy just a Dallas thing???

A couple of weeks ago, things around our house were in a stew. We were both miserable. Completely unhappy with one another. (I know it's hard to believe -- but we are human!) We never should have gone to church. But we did. And we put on that "church face" that we all talk about. You know, the one where you say, "I'm fine." "I'm good." Whatever. One Friend noticed. As I stood in the service and cried through all the songs -- even the ones I love -- I felt so miserable. And so very alone.

I miss having communion. Sometimes I think it can be easy for communion to become kind of just something you "do." But miss it on a regular basis for over two years, and it becomes something else. You realize the connection it gave you. You realize that you're really missing something. You realize how much you need it weekly.

The Branch did Big Time in a big way. They don't do it anymore, so even if we were there we wouldn't get to do that. But they do something just as great now. I miss going to Big Time with all our friends. And watching my kids "do" Big Time. And dude... I miss Coach's much-anticipated talks.

I miss listening to Chris preach. Chris just has this way of commanding your attention -- something that's pretty important when you're ADD like me. Every one of his lessons was interesting -- entire series where I learned more Bible than ever before. We're the same age, Chris and I (and I'm not telling what that is), but I always felt like I had so much to learn from him. I realized from very early on that here was a man who God was using to reach people in a very powerful way.

I miss being part of a missional church. Where serving people in your backyard is of utmost importance -- where being "Jesus with Skin On" is the top priority. A church where the Elders and Staff realized the need for help after Katrina -- not just in New Orleans but in our own backyard. The times when we were encouraged and empowered to give that help -- while growing in spirtual maturity in the process.

We had these great family meals before Small Group each week, and we'd take time to really be in each other's lives. The maturity (not age!) the Joneses, Anders, Goodwins and Sullengers brought to our small groups was invaluable.

The Branch has ease and in-formality. I miss the donuts. Singing music arranged by my friend Robin. Being around so many people who were so all-out on-fire for Jesus that they just couldn't quit talking about it. People who lived out the whole "hands and feet" thing at every opportunity. I couldn't stop talking about The Branch and inviting people to join us there.

Hug and Howdy time was my favorite. No one does that down here. Is that a Dallas thing, too?? Sure.... Everyone greets one another. But it seems to be more of a surface level kind of thing. Very seldom does anyone exchange names. What's up with that??

With all that's different, it's the prayer life I ache for the most. When Abbie was in Kindergarten, rest time was called DEAR time -- Drop Everything And Read. When we were at The Branch, it was more of a DEAP time -- Drop Everything and Pray. It seems to me that that intimate relationship with God and with each other was based on that foundation of prayer. Not just something you did at certain times during the service. Sure, that was in there as well. But people praying independently out in the lobby or the hallways. Wherever there was a need. Whenever there was a need.

It could be that every single church we've been to since we've been here has all of this -- and I'm not seeing it. But it's been two years since I've been in a place where I've personally experienced this "package deal" and I'm just missing it.

Biggsy told me tonight that it was time for me to move on. He's right. I know. The Branch has changed. I have changed. If we freakishly moved back to Dallas tomorrow, it would be a completely different experience. I get that.

But I'm still struggling.

Check Your Chi-Chi's!

It's September 1!!!

Not only is this Opening Day of Dove Season -- a National Holiday as far as the Biggs Bunch is concerned, it's also time for your monthly reminder to....

Check your chi-chi's!
Knead your knockers!
Squeeze your oranges!

Remember, YOU are the first line of defense against breast cancer!!!

You've Got Mail....

If you want to send us some Tiara Love while we're on the 3-Day, here's the address!

Breast Cancer 3-Day Camp Post Office
ATTN: INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT
P.O. Box 126496
Benbrook, TX 76126

Do You Have Boobies? Do You Love Someone Who Does???

I cross-posted this on my Facebook account tonight, but it's too good not to put it on here as well.

Okay gang.... Right now, Team Tiara has 42 registered walkers. To reach our fundraising goal we really need about 80. I've tried to come up with a great list of reasons you should walk with us. Feel free to add others you can come up with!!!

1. You have Boobies.
2. You love someone who has Boobies.
3. It's easier than Chemo.
4. Suzi Bruin will carry your luggage.
5. We'll raise millions of $$ for breast cancer research and education.
6. You haven't lived until you've pee'd in a port-o-potty that's draped with a garland of really big bras.
7. Pink Beard Barry.
8. You get to sleep in a pink tent.
9. Chocolate never tasted so good.
10. Imagine thousands of people cheering YOU on.
11. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.
12. An estimated 1,910 MEN will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 440 will die.
13. You can ride in the Boobie Mobile.
14. You have a daughter.
15. You are someone's daughter.
16. Pink is definitely your color.
17. You get to eat snacks every three miles!
18. You haven't lived till you've seen men in tutus.
19. 85% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
20. For 3 days, the world is as it should be.
21. You want to make a difference.
22. You're in great shape.
23. You wish you were in great shape.
24. You've heard rumors of peanut butter and jelly graham cracker sandwiches.
25. Real men wear pink.
26. "There's a guy who loves Boobies!"
27. You have a wife.
28. You wish you had a wife.
29. 3000 women. 500 men. Talk about great odds!
30. You know it takes a LOT of money to fund a CURE.
31. You want to help promote awareness -- self-exams are you best defense!
32. A world without breast cancer isn't just a dream -- it WILL be a reality.
33. You loved my Mom.
34. You loved YOUR Mom.
35. You know how to Fight Like a Girl.
36. Hot Pink feather boas are the way to go!
37. Free massages.
38. You know someone who's going through chemo.
39. You've held a loved one's hand while they went through chemo.
40. You're turning 40 this year.
41. You need a good challenge.
42. You've never taken a shower in a converted semi truck.
43. You don't want to be a statistic.
44. You live in the DFW area -- and don't even have to travel to the walk!
45. We're going to be walking by your house anyway -- why don't you join us?
46. You're one of my best friends.
47. If I, D'Lyn Biggs, am giving up a cool November weekend to do this -- for the FOURTH year in a row -- there's got to be something to it!
48. You really don't have to worry about raising the money -- people want to help!
49. You don't have to walk all 60 miles -- you can always hitch a ride on a shuttle bus!
50. You've always wanted to know more about blister care.
51. What's that moleskin stuff, anyway?
52. You could end up in a Nation-wide advertising campaign!
53. Body Glide is soooo smooth!
54. You could end up wearing your tentmate's sports bra -- yikes!
55. It's a great way to test
your very cold-rated sleeping bag!
56. You can learn about motor boatin'.
57. It's a great excuse to buy new shoes.
58. Do you know 46 people who could donate $50 each? You're there!
59. A weekend with Anthony Patton. 'Nuf said.
60. You get to experience every possible emotion -- in just three days.
61. Pink camo rocks!
62. Talk about a natural high -- just watch your fundraising meter rise!
63. Elimnate breast cancer before you daughters are old enough to know what a mammogram is. 64. Boobies. Boobies. Boobies.
65. How many words can you think of for boobies??
66. I'll show you my bra.
67. Test your balance by trying to pee in a port-o-potty at 3:00 a.m. while trying to keep your flashlight from falling in the hole.
68. Rest. Refuel. Rehydrate. And pee.
69. 60 miles = 4500 calories burned. Cool.
70. The Tammys.
71. It's like a free pass to be completely silly for three days.
72. We have the coolest spokesperson on the planet!
73. You will feel like a queen. Or king. Or athlete. Or superhero.
74. Walking and talking is incredible therapy.
75. You can finally stomp your foot and have your say.
76. If walking 60 miles is crazy, why would you want to be normal???
77. Cancer Sucks.
78. You can meet my sister -- the Trash Lady.
79. You can meet my other sister -- the Queen of the Walker Stalkers.
80. Get "wrapped" by someone who knows what they're doing.
81. It's a great excuse to hit Academy or REI.
82. Suzi & I are on the cover of the Merchandise Catalog.
83. Forget the whales -- save the boobies.
84. You get to yell cute things like "Check your chi-chi's!"
85. Random people you've never met will let you pee in their bathrooms.
86. You can love on puppies and babies all along the way.
87. It's a 60-mile buffet.
88. It's 60 miles of ministry.
89. Linda and her motorcycle, Grace.
90. The kind of humor that only those who have been affected by breast cancer can share.
91. When is a mile really a mile?
92. Karaoke, Karaoke, Karaoke.
93. Don't forget to lock the port-o-potty door.
94. Try finding your ONE tent in a sea of 1500 matching pink tents.
95. If your port-o-potty doesn't have TP, you can call Suzi on your cell phone and she'll bring you some.
96. You've never seen so many decorations involving boobies!
97. Save Second Base.
98. "We must! We must! We must save our busts!"
99. When you hit a wall, and think you can't go one step further, a survivor will pass you. She won't have any hair. And you'll find out what it means to go the extra mile.
100. Isaiah 40:31.
101. My Mom will be there. She is every year. I promise.
102. It will change your life.

Do you "get it??" Register online at www.the3day.org/goto/tiaras.