Shelf Elf Snowball Fight!

Our elves had the BEST time this Christmas! They were a bit crazy at times, as evidenced by this snowball fight!

And some crazy elf graffiti!!!

Merry Christmas from Jake!

Merry Christmas from Jake! 

Howdy, Y'all! This is Jake. I'm back! I'm a bit older and wiser -- but still enjoying life. I still chase the occasional cate and love riding my Jet-Ski up the Creek. 

For the rest of the Biggs Bunch, 2011 has been a great year. When we look back on 2011, we are most thankful for Mimi's recovery this year. We kicked off the New Year at the Creek with 3/4 of the Evans family and all of Longs. UFOs were sighted, S'Mores were enjoyed, and Luckily the Sargent Choir had the week off. Abbie rocked Name that Book. Abbie's DI team, The Nerd Herd, and loves glitter! Squirrel! Kait's team, the Creepy Crawlers aced the Rising Stars division! The trampoline is our ice rink. We had a Snow Day with NO Snow. We celebrated Opening Day on Hope Field, the first girls' softball field dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. Abbie played for the Yellow Jackets. Kait played for the Rice Owls. Biggs coached both teams. This was Abbie's first year to pitch. D'Lyn soon learned there's nothing soft about a softball. She now wears a face mask to catch. They spend a LOT of time at Sandlot. GE bought dresser. Abbie's team won the Tire Pull at Keith's Field Day! My family skied in Utah over Spring Break with the Longs. The girls did great -- skipped a level in ski school. Just don't follow them through the trees! Kait built her first snowman. I spent the week at the Spa. We got new neighbors at the Creek, and they came with three big German Shepherds. I am NOT happy -- there are electric fences EVERYWHERE. Abbie only missed one question in the TAKS test series! Kait went to Aggie soccer camp, and Abbie went to softball camp. Abbie did NOT come home an Aggie. Abbie & Kait both learned to wakeboard, and Biggs built Kait a slalom ski. Abbie spent two weeks at Camp Blue Haven in New Mexico chasing bears and learning really bad jokes. The main story in Texas was the drought. We faced record temperatures as well as a record rain deficit all year. Fires burned out of control. EVERYONE prayed for a hurricane. When it did rain, I was fairly certain a UFO had landed in our backyard. Didn't scare me as much as the speakers on the back porch, though. Biggs traveled to four countries, flew 100,000+ miles on Continental and spent two weeks at GE charm school in New York. We are so thankful for Skype! Biggs and Abbie took the Hunter's Safety Course. D'Lyn won the needle-threading competition at Life Group Olympics. Camp D'Lupe was a blast! Trout, Beyonce's Cousin, joined us. We love fishing with Captain Gene! Kait mooned Abbie. Kait started 3rd grade, and Abbie started 5th, her last year at Keith Elementary. Opening Weekend of Dove Season was GREAT. My people got to spend time with great friends, and everyone got lots of birds. Abbie's Indian name is "Half Moon." Kait turned 9. We had the biggest turnout yet for See You at the Pole. "You know, some people just don't know their colors. They have no idea Bink is Blue and Pink." John and D'Lyn did their first Tri-Relay. A&M SECeded! We got AT&T Uverse. The Uverse quit working. Sasquatch, the raccoon, took up residence in our garage. The Uverse quit working. Kait played soccer for Team Spain and won both the Season and Tournament with only one loss. Abbie played Fall Ball in Cy-Fair for the Mustangs. Biggs was a coach with both teams. The Uverse quit working. Kait is learning to pitch. Abbie turned 11 and got braces. The Uverse quit working. Mrs. Pat and Sam came to Dallas and joined us for the DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day. Team Tiara walked for the 6th year and helped raise $7.1 million in DFW, over $80 million total for the 14-event series. D'Lyn walked all 60! Abbie and Kait are gearing up for spring softball season. Team Tiara is launching Pinktober365 and their new campaign to directly fund metastatic breast cancer research. The Biggs Bunch is looking forward to skiing Deer Valley over Spring Break. And I can't wait to get back to the Spa! Whew!

We hope you had a great 2011 and are wishing you an even better 2012! May God Bless You!

Love, Jake & Co.  

What Are YOU Doing for Christmas??

'Tis the season when polite conversation includes the all-important "What are you doing for Christmas?"  Every year you ask it. Every year you answer it.  But I can promise you that I don't know of a year when I've answered that question with more excitement than this.

You see, our Abbie-girl has decided to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and has chosen Christmas Day as HER day to be baptized.

And this Mom couldn't be happier or prouder or more in awe of this incredible child God has blessed us with.

She asked me a few weeks ago. It was one of THOSE days in the car -- you've all had them, and if you say you haven't you're not being honest with yourself.  You know. One of those days when everyone is tired and cranky and the kids are being anything but nice to each other.

We were on our way home from pitching lessons, and I'd just finished lining her out about something -- I can't even remember what.  And then, right out of the blue she asked when she could be baptized.  And she blew me away.  And I haven't stopped smiling since.

I had thought this decision might come this past summer when she spent two weeks at Camp Blue Haven, but she says she wasn't ready then. She is now.

Her Daddy will baptize her on Christmas Morning.  And then we'll celebrate with a house full of friends and Christmas Dinner.  I know that the timing of this means that many of the people we love won't be able to make it. You'll be in other places or at your own church services.  You'll have your own families to hug and love on.  But even if you can't be here, please take a moment to pray a prayer of praise for our Abbie and this precious heart God has given her.

You know, I have to share a huge Thank You with anyone who has been a part of this road for Abs. From the amazing young women who prayed over her when she was so tiny back in Austin, to the Sunday School teachers at Pitman Creek, then The Branch, Fairfield Baptist, West Houston and finally Cy-fair Christian. The teachers and staff at Custer Road Christian Day School.  From all of her VBS teachers over the years to the staff at Camp Blue Haven -- you touched our girl's heart this summer.

It goes back so much farther than that.  Abbie has such a wonderful Christian heritage and sees that in her grandparents.  And you know her Granny would be Over the Moon about this right now.

For those of you who will be in town and would like to join us, our services start at 10:00 a.m. at Cy-Fair Christian Church.  It's located at 17150 Spring Cypress -- where Spring Cypress and Skinner intersect.  We'll also be there for the Christmas Eve service at 5:00 on the 24th.  We'd love for you to join us!  It's a new church, and we really are growing to love it and the people who worship there.

The Princess Guide: I DID Do That

This shirt really should read, "I DID Do That!"  Yes, folks, I DID do the 3-Day!  ALL 60 miles!!!  I can't tell you how jazzed that makes me!  My feet, ankles and knees -- not so much.  But the rest of me is over-the-moon excited. 

I have so many things to tell, so much that touched my heart while on the Walk.  BUT I need to have more than 10 minutes or so in a stretch to get it all down. 

For now, I want to encourage you to join Team Tiara on our quest for a CURE.

Don't Click the "Back" Button!  Hear me out for a second.

IF you register for the Breast Cancer 3-Day before December 1, and use the discount code CURE2012, you'll save $35 on your registration.  Even more, you'll have ELEVEN months before the actual walk.

ELEVEN months to complete your fundraising -- the $2300 required to walk.

IF you want to Crew, the DFW Crews fill up FAST.  Don't delay your registration.  The good thing about Crew?  You aren't required to do any fundraising.  But if you do raise money, it's a Bonus and SAVES LIVES.  Crew has SO many options -- there are so many servant roles that make the 3-Day work.  I'm sure at least ONE of them would fit you.

This is what I know.  A LOT can happen in ELEVEN months. Babies will be born.  Weddings will take place.  Loved ones could require our attention in ways we can't foresee right now.

WOMEN and MEN will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Too many will die.

But just for a second, what if you did register for the 3-Day?  I'm not asking you to commit to walking at this point -- I'm asking you to commit to being a part of Team Tiara.  If life happens and you can't walk, it happens.  But along the way you will have raised $500 or $1000 or $2300 or $5000 for the CURE.  Along the way, you will have SAVED LIVES. 

And you know what?  One in SIX women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime.  That could be you.  That could happen in the next ELEVEN months. 

And if it does happen?  The life you save could very well be your own.

Please join Team Tiara.  Please help us make a difference.  Register at www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara2012.  Use that discount code CURE2012 to save $35 on your registration.  If something happens to keep you from walking, we'll understand.  But in the meantime, we need YOU to help US find a CURE.

The Princess Guide: This is Why I Walk

MUCH more to follow in the next few days!!!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

The Princess Guide: Reality Bites

This LOVELY shirt that I'm wearing is my "Victory" shirt from the first year I did the 3-Day.  It's significance today is two-fold. First, it's the perfect example of what happens if you're at the back of the pack on the 3-Day.  Lisa and I didn't know what we were doing -- and I was one of the last walkers across the finish line.  ALL they had left was a size small.  Good thing I can wear it for you today!!!

The other reason this shirt is significant today is what it represents. This was my first year of the 3-Day. The year Mom was still alive. The year she watched our fundraising totals every single day. The year she sent pink roses for me to have at the Finish Line.

That was a year of hope and of promise. We had no idea that we would lose her a very short nine months later. 

Reality hit here yesterday.  For much of my 3-Day season, I'm full-steam ahead. It's not that I forget why I'm doing this -- that's not possible -- but I don't allow myself to become bogged down in the "why."

Until now, I've been about details, details, details -- getting 45 people pointed in the same direction.

But yesterday, I started working on the things that make my 3-Day experience unique. My friend Lori cut out the pink tiaras I pass out on the Walk. I just have to add Mom's picture and the verse for the back.  I put together the collage of pictures that I'll leave for Mom in the Memory Tent when I write this year's letter to her.  THAT was HARD.  And I made the signs I'll wear on the Walk. One in Mom's memory.  And one in support of my Uncle Don. 

My emotions are at the top.  Almost overflowing.  But you know what? This time Thursday, I'll be surrounded by my 3-Day Family. And friends, that just brings a big, happy smile to my face!!!

The Princess Guide: Doing More than Ever Before

I have to go up to school in awhile, and I'm thinking I might ought to wear a jacket over this one?  Maybe??

Today is kinda a "Big Day."  I shared with Team Tiara just this morning something that had been building in my heart for awhile. I think the seeds were planted long ago when I met Stephanie in L.A. -- and while she spoke of hope for a CURE, we all knew it wouldn't happen in time for her.

And then we lost Sonja -- so young and with two little girls just like mine.

And then Lora.  And then Andrea. 

And Susan is fighting so hard for her life.  And Bridget.  And there have been so many more along the way.  And Team Tiara simply needs to "do more."

As God has done often in the past, He has recently shown me that Team Tiara is need of a little "tweaking."  You see, awareness and pink and ribbons and mammograms only get us so far. The fact is, women do not die of cancer in the breast. They die when that cancer metastasizes, or spreads, to their liver, lungs, intestines, bones, brain and other areas. When that cancer wreaks havoc and causes those organs and systems to shut down.

Mets are not a warm, fuzzy subject. The pink ribbons of hope just don't really fit metastasized breast cancer. This is often seen as a death sentence, and that doesn't make for hopeful soundbites on the evening news.

In women who have breast cancer, some 30% will face mets. However, only 3% of the research dollars go to this.

This is where we can come in and make a difference. I have spent the last few weeks learning about metastasized breast cancer and which researchers are focusing on this directly. I've been helped by my dear friend and 8-time cancer survivor Lois.

Lois has helped me find three or four key researchers we could work with.  We've also found a group called Metavivor.org.

This is all ground-floor stuff. We don't have all the details filled in yet -- and I'm hoping maybe the four of you can help me with some of that.

 

Here are a few key things I'm asking you to be thinking about.

1. With Aaron's help, we have acquired www.Pinktober365.com. We will launch that website on January 1 with the key message that breast cancer doesn't just happen in October. That it happens 365 days a year.

The idea is to profile 365 different people involved in this fight -- survivors, Tiaras, researchers, doctors, etc.  It's a catchy name and it should get attention if we play our cards right.  Do you know of someone who would be a good fit for one of our profiles???

2. Our goal is to raise at least $100,000 to offer in grants directly to researchers who are working with metastatic breast cancer. This will be in addition to other projects we have ongoing, i.e. The 3-Day, Survivor Support, etc.

3. We will continue our support of the 3-Day. Some of our team members will step into stronger leadership roles there. I had a talk with God, and He still won't give me more than 24 hours in a day. Man.

4. It's going to take a bit of a juggling act. To do this, we are really going to need to get corporate support wherever we can. MANY of you have networks we can tap into. It's time to utilize those! Do you know somebody who knows somebody?  Do you have a college roommate we need to meet?

5.  Some of our team members are going to need to come up for air after the Walk, and that's okay. But as a TEAM, we can't take three months off after the 3-Day this year. MANY companies make their giving decisions in January, and we need to be on their radar screens. 

6. We also need to focus on upping the number of Team fundraisers both in Houston and Dallas -- and Austin if that growing group is ready to roll! Possibly adding a golf tourney in Dallas and maybe a few poker tourneys along the way. We can't let our 3-Day fundraising slide.

 

7.  We would LOVE to partner with other 3-Day teams or other groups in this effort.  Anyone want to come play in our sandbox with us???

8. We need Tiaras (past, present and future) to be thinking about your role.

You may be like me -- all in, let's whip this thing. GREAT! We need you! We need your help with corporate outreach and golf tourneys and helping us find new, creative ways to raise funds.

You may be all about the 3-Day, but that's all you have time for. That's GREAT! We need you! If that's you, please get registered soon for 2012. Among other things, we desperately need a training walk leader in Houston. Could that be you???

For some people, the 3-Day is a bucket list kind of thing. You're "one and done," and that's perfectly okay. BUT if that does suit you please consider supporting this new initiative -- even if you're not walking.

 

And you may not even be a 3-Day team member -- but instead someone who just has a heart for this and wants to help.

So that's the scoop. Please be thinking and praying about your role in all of this.  If you would like to step into a leadership role, please let me know. Let me know where you see yourself in all of this.

If you are planning to walk or crew in 2012, please register ASAP. www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara2012. The discount code CURE2012 will knock $35 off your registration. You will be able to register in camp as well.

I know that's been a lot to share, but I know too many of us have seen the heartbreak of metastasized cancers -- breast cancer and other varieties. We've seen the toll that they take. I continue to stand by my belief that if we can whip breast cancer all the rest will fall like dominos.  As soon as I know more about the research we will be supporting, I'll let you know!

Please let me know what you're thinking!!!

The Princess Guide: Crew ROCKS!!!

So.... I've never been on 3-Day Crew, although I think it would be an AMAZING experience.  But I AM the proud owner of a Crew T-shirt that my friend Kait gave me when during our 3-Day Commercial-Filming Adventure in L.A.  And every time I wear it I think what a great gift the 3-Day Crew is to walkers.

They really are.  It's amazing how smoothly the 3-Day experience runs -- and all that's thanks to the Crew. These are the people who are hard at work before I even leave Houston for the walk. These are the people that meet us bright and smiling on Friday morning -- they help us park, they help us load our luggage into BIG trucks and they help us every step of the way after that.

They cook for us.  They hand us towels.  They cheer us on. They help us cross the street safely. They wrap our ankles and knees. They deal with sweaty, stinky feet all day long without a single complaint.  The 3-Day crew is the epitome of service. They are Jesus with skin on -- all day long.

I can't say enough about how incredible they are -- and there's really no way to thank them for that generosity of spirit.  But a simple "Thank You" will go a LONG way towards making them feel loved.

Please don't forget to do just that.

Now..... The carnage behind me is what a front yard looks like after NINE kids carve their pumpkins.  (This after TEN girls carved pumpkins in our driveway last night.)  I have already roasted 14 cups of pumpkin seeds.  NUTZ.  But it's been a fantastic weekend, and I'll leave you with a few more pictures....  (See, I'm not just about Pink, Pink, Pink.)

The Princess Guide: Safety First!

This shirt is a Hoot. The pink ribbon is made up of all sorts of words for Boobies -- jugs, headlights, you name it.

And this is what I look like a LOT of the time. Cell phone to my ear!  BUT on the walk that just won't work.  Remember, no talking on your phones while talking. Step off the trail, make your call, and step back on.  Or Michelle O. will give you a talking to!

Team Tiara still needs your support!  Just go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and pick a name -- any name!

The Princess Guide: The 3-Day's "Other Education"

Okay. Not sure why this shirt looks all gray in the bottom picture, but I did think it was important to show the back.  The back of this shirt is what ti's all about.  THIS is why we walk.

To find a CURE.  THIS is what moves people to sign up to walk 60 miles in three days. To raise an unbelievable MINIMUM $2300 in fundraising.  To do something that their friends and family are fairly certain they can't do.  And they do it.

But there's this "other" side to the 3-Day. It's not at all why you sign up. It's like the icing on the cake.  It's like the "other education" that Dr. Hesby told us about over and over while we were at A&M.  And maybe, just maybe, it's the best part.

This "other" side is different for every walker. For me, the 3-Day introduced exercise into my life. After moving to Houston, it brought me a network of dear friends I absolutely love.  After we lost my Mom, it gave me something positive to do -- every. day.

The 3-Day is every bit a life-changing experience.  For some people, just stepping out and making that leap of faith is HUGE.  Committing to something of this caliber is CRAZY.  And while we know the money "always comes," waiting for it to arrive can be nerve-wracking.

But here's the deal.  While you're doing this great big thing for breast cancer research, you're given this incredible gift in return. Just last night, I put out the word that a single mom on our team needed some serious fundraising help.  Within an HOUR, she was almost to the minimum required to walk. 

The generosity of spirit on this team amazes me.  That's something Team Tiara is known for -- and I am so proud to be able to call these men and women Family.  The very first year we walked, we helped two walkers from other teams meet their fundraising goals -- and that has continued to this day. 

It always breaks my heart a little to hear of people who couldn't walk because they couldn't raise the funds -- especially when they have people on their team with HUGE totals who don't share the wealth. I am soooo glad we're not like that around here.  I am SO glad to be surrounded by such strong, giving, loving people.  Team Tiara -- You ROCK!

The Princess Guide: Today

Today was a GREAT day!  Today was Pink Shirt Day at Dresser, and Team Tiara treated the Dresser gang to some seriously yummy treats!  It was so much fun to hear them exclaim over all the yumminess!!!

Today I also found out about a VERY special Tiara who needs YOUR help.  In spades.  Her name is Dani Hiehle, and you'll find her 3-Day fundraising page HERE.  Dani is $2000 short of the minimum $2300 required to walk. She NEEDS this walk, and she NEEDS help.  I don't want to share her story -- I haven't asked if I can, and it's not my story to tell. But needless to say, she's had a tough road. 

I know there are only four of you who read this blog, but here's the deal.  IF you aren't in a position to help Dani with her fundraising, would you please email 10 people you know and ask them if they can help??  

You know I can't do math.  But if all four of you could email 10 people who could donate $50 each, we could get Dani to the $2300 mark ASAP. 

Can you help?

The Princess Guide: Tomorrow

Tomorrow is a BIG day around here!  Tomorrow is Dresser's Pink Fire Drill and I can't wait!!!  The fabulous chicks of Team Tiara have been hard at work baking all day today.  My dining room table is covered with cupcakes and cookies and brownies and pumpkin bread. And tomorrow we will celebrate Thankful Thursday with our friends over at Dresser! Last year, this event raised over $5800 for our Quest for the Cure. I can't wait to see how we do tomorrow!

BUT....

We can't get to tomorrow yet because today isn't over.  AND it's "You Knew Me When" Wednesday! And since most of the people we hung out with in Austin moved to Dallas after Grad school, I'm going to combine the two! Hang on to your hats!!!

If you knew me in the days of....  Birkenstocks, El Arroyo, Far West, Rudy's Creamed Corn, Married Students Network, pre-Abbie, the bald cat, Salt Lick, Kerbey Queso, The Omeletry, Book Club, being blessed by Abbie, playgroup, graduation, moving to Plano, Gymboree, Pitman Creek, Henry's Ice Cream, Braum's Ice Cream, being blessed by Kaitlyn, CRCDS, Homemade Gourmet, McKinney / Frisco, Ogle Elementary, Brookstone, the Groovy Girls, the Red Hots, Rosati's Pizza, The Branch....

If you knew in those days, you knew me in Austin or Dallas -- and TODAY is YOUR Day to donate to the Breast Cancer 3-Day!  Just go to www.the3day.org/goto/imissmymom.  Any amount will work!!!

Thank you!!!

The Princess Guide: Wanna Send me Mail?

You know what??   I LIKE getting mail! Just the other day, I got this cute T-shirt in the mail from none other than THE Doyce -- as in college roommate Doyce.  Just about the only person I know who isn't on Facebook!!!

Anyways, I LIKE getting mail -- and lucky for me, you can send me mail during the 3-Day!!!  I know, the "deadline" for postmarks was "supposed" to be today.  But I'm betting you can get by with sending something tomorrow or Thursday.  REALLY!

My address is:

3-Day for the Cure Post Office
D'Lyn (Or D'Lupe) Biggs
PO Box 2939
McKinney, TX 75070

I'll be waiting!!!!

The Princess Guide: The Race is ON!

It's a race to the finish around here, so I thought a Race for the Cure shirt would be appropriate today!!! 

We leave for the 3-Day in just 10 days, and I'm no where near ready.  It's not a big deal, really.  It'll all work out.

I've spent my entire day cleaning junk treasures out of the girls' rooms, and I'm whupped. BUT not to whupped to put in a plug for donations.

We hit the $91K mark today -- just a little more than $8K and we'll be over the $100,000 mark for this year.  Can you help?  www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks.  Amy Martin could sure use your help!

The Princess Guide: Your Task....

That bottom picture is from three years ago, when the girls and I posed in the original "Tiara in Training" shirts.  I miss that curly red hair of Abbie's.  Like REALLY miss it.

So I have a task and a challenge for you.  The thing is, it's been a LONG time since Team Tiara has raised less than $100,000 for the 3-Day.  But this year we're still a ways short of that.

PLEASE help us reach the $100,000 mark by the time we leave for the Walk on November 3!!! You can just go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and make a donation under the name of any walker who has not reached the $2300 minimum REQUIRED to walk. 

Thanks!  You ROCK!

The Princess Guide: My Pink Parade Continues!!!

Yep, bringing on the Sass again today!  We're headed to the Rice game tonight, so this shirt will only get me through so far.  (Rice Fight! Never Die!)  But that's all right -- I'm sure I can spread its message a bit before we head to the game.

This is a BIG week for Team Tiara.  We've got a lot going on.  My favorite part?  Thursday night is Team Tiara Houston's "Bling it On" night.  Biggs' favorite part? We get AT&T Uverse on Friday.  I have no idea what that means other than the fact that we won't be thinking "Comcast Sucks" nearly so often!  As long as I get to watch Revenge on Wednesday nights and Big Bang on Thursday, I'm good.

I CAN tell you the Ragweed numbers are up today -- my Ragweed-ometer is off the charts!

It's crazy to think that two weeks from now I'll be walking in the 3-Day.  This Walk has really become like Christmas to me.  And I'm counting down anxiously!!!

The Princess Guide: Putting Some Sass in my Frass.

I am SO not feeling Sassy today -- I've got a lot on my plate and on my heart and just really don't know what to think about it all.  But.... Two weeks from today Team Tiara will be launching our 2011 3-Day experience -- and that means I've GOT to start getting some Sass in my Frass!

So.... Today, I pulled a particularly fun shirt out of the closet.  AND I had a meeting up at school!!! So... I put on my brand-new D'Lupe jacket (you can't be too sassy at school) and headed up there.

I'm home now, jacket off, and working on putting our office back together.  Sort-of.

This is going to be short, sweet and to the point.  If Team Tiara could reach $100,000 on our fundraising thermometer by the 3-Day, I'll leap for joy.  Can you help with that???  www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks -- just click on any name that hasn't reached the $2300 mark.

Thanks!

The Princess Guide: Thankful Thursday

So.... Today is Thankful Thursday, and while I'm extremely thankful for my new hardwood floors (had to include them in today's picture), I'm also very thankful for our friends over at Mitsubishi Forklift of Houston. 

Those guys ROCK. 

For the last few years, they have come up with several different ways to promote breast cancer awareness -- especially in men.  And it all started with an email that went something like, "We'd like to paint a forklift pink. Can you help us?"  We did help, and the "Real Men Drive Pink" campaign was born!

Their support has continued, and their latest effort includes these way cool pink trash cans.  Don't you need one?  Or one of each of the THREE sizes they come in??

Kick Breast Cancer to the Curb

These pink rolling trash carts serve two purposes. The first is that for each cart you purchase, $5.00 will be donated to Team Tiara.  $5 will also be donated to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer awareness initiatives.

Second, Pink Carts make an unmistakably bold statement about their owner’s passion for ending breast cancer. These carts catch your eye, and they remind women to schedule regular exams so that they can find breast cancer early when they have the best chance of beating it through treatment. Pink Carts can help raise awareness and save lives in our community.

Sizes and pricing are listed below:
35 Gallon: $50.00 + tax
64 Gallon: $60.00 + tax
96 Gallon: $80.00 + tax

Contact Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks of Houston to purchase one today! 713-365-7600 or info@mitlifthouston.com

To learn more about this program you can visit

www.thepinkcart.com and to find out more about Cascade Cart Solutions and their universal carts you can visit their website at www.cascadecartsolutions.com.

See???

You need them.

Now.... With all the floor craziness around here yesterday, I forgot to do "You Knew Me When" Wednesday!  So, without further adieu, here is "You Knew Me When" Wednesday Thursday.

"You Knew Me When" Wednesday Thursday... If you knew me in the days of SOAR, AFC, Sadie Hawkins, Denim & Diamonds, The Hall, Thread the Needle, Midnight Yell, BTHOB, Farmers Fight, Elephant Walk, Taco Cabana, Reveille, Gumby's Double Dammit, 12th Man, Double Dave's Pizza Rolls, Kleberg, Saddle & Sirloin, Dunking my Ring, ACT, AGJR, "I've got a story for ya, Ags," The Bench, Tuesday Night Devos, Neeley Knockouts, Weeklongs, Weekend Trips, 42, Spades, Camp Hensel, Wild West Tour, Cotton Bowls, BBQ Class, Big Hair, HLS&R, Texas 4-H Center, Aerials, Rockies, Ski Cooper, KC Ballroom, George Strait (Oh wait! That one's Timeless!), WHOOP! -- This is your day to make a donation to the Breast Cancer 3-Day! It means you knew me at A&M! If you knew me then, I ask you to go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and make a donation in the name of one of my teammates who has not reached the $2300 minimum required to walk.   Thank you!!!!

The Princess Guide: Going "Postal"

Dude... I have no idea whose fingerprint on the lens messed up this picture. But I do know that if you hear about a chick in the post office putting another customer in his place, that was me. And it's all true.  I just get so darn frustrated when people don't respect those who are doing them a service -- particularly if they're government employees and not paid very well.  Especially when it makes a scene and takes up MY time. Especially when I'm anxious to get home and see what my new floors are looking like.

Anyway, that's neither here nor there -- except that I may or may not have a raging case of PMS and today was NOT the day to throw a fit in the Post Office.

Anyways.... It's pleasantly cool here again today, and I'm sporting our Camo Sweatshirt from a couple of years ago.  This is also one of my "faves" -- and I think it's the only time I've ever been threatened with a "lawyer letter" during this quest.  Apparently our original version of the quote on the back didn't deviate enough from the original-original quote. BUT we fixed it and moved on.

Now.... I'm gonna get up on my soapbox for a minute.  (The word sopapilla flashed through my head as I was typing that -- yummy!)  Anyway, crazy things have been happening on this little blog and you need to know about it.

I usually run about 700 hits a month on my blog -- not a lot.  But I guess that means all four of you come around pretty often.  The crazy thing is that with the 38 days of Pinktober I'm going to hit about 4,000 hits in October.  I know.  NUTS. 

Those 4,000 hits would be a TOTAL waste if you just looked at my "Pink shirt of the day" and went on your way.  TOTAL waste.

I'm asking you to do more than enjoy the Pink. I'm asking you to help us make a difference.

I'm asking you to go to www.teamtiara.net and click on anything that will get you off the front page -- then make a donation via PayPal and our donation button.

Any amount helps.  Your donation will go to survivor support, to providing mammograms for women who lack health insurance, to just about any need we can find that needs to be filled.

I'm asking you to go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and make a donation under the name of any team member who has not reached the $2300 mark. Kayren Babcock, Amy Martin and Krista Liller are three of the ones I'd choose.  Not all of our team members are still planning to walk, but those three are -- and all have had extenuating circumstances this year that have made fundraising difficult.  All three could use your help. 

I'm asking you to make a difference. To think before you Pink.  To remember that Pink is just a reminder to take ACTION.  Action that will save lives.  Pinktober will only get us so far.

The Princess Guide: Check out These Jeans!!!

No, it's not that they're the best-ever jeans. It's that they're JEANS!  And they're perfectly suited to this amazing weather that blew in overnight.  It's downright cool outside this morning. I'm making chili for dinner tonight, the kiddos are running around in Polar Fleece, and the Mama is LOVING wearing her some JEANS!!! 

Know what else I'm loving??  These Team Tiara T-shirts that came in yesterday!!! And guess what?? We have more if you just haven't ordered yours yet!!  We have short sleeve and long sleeve in both styles.  Random mix of sizes in Youth and Adult.  More of the "Strong Beki" shirts than we do the Monkey shirts.

If you want one, or more!, please let me know ASAP!  dlyn@teamtiara.net.

Speaking of Strong Beki, that girl needs your prayers!  She's one of  Team Tiara's greatest champions and is facing some big, fat, scary health issues.  Please pray for our sweet Beki!

We're only 16 days from walking in the 3-Day, and I'm starting to feel a bit of a YIKES! feeling!!!  I'm sure it's because I haven't really been able to train in a month, and the floor guys are coming today to create complete chaos in my house, and I'm picking up my new orthotics today and praying they will work perfectly from the start with no adjustments, and it's Pinktober.  Really, the fact that it's Pinktober explains it all. 

I've got all my socks, skirts, clothes, etc.  And I've got the hair pretties and shoe pretties made.  And I'm ordering my treats for our team today.  Things are coming together....  Or at least they will in 16 more days!

The Princess Guide: Not Feeling all that Shiny.

Good Morning!!!

I chose this shirt today to hopefully help me get my Shine on!  It's not working yet.  But hopefully it will!!!

It's not that it's foggy outside....  Although I am ready for that to dissipate. 

You see, I kinda wrecked my bike a few weeks ago -- water bottles and bike basket flew everywhere.  I got up and rode 16 miles. Then I walked 7 miles the next day.  Then I realized I'm not 20 anymore.

Something happened with my back in that process, and it's just not the same.  This is NOT the news you want to share 18 days before a 60-mile walk. 

Frustrated does not even begin to share how I feel.

It was doing better.  I still had a bit of soreness, but it was better.  So much so that when I finally was able to see the chiropractor last week, we focused on how to make my back stronger and prevent future injury. 

Sounded pretty good.

Until I got home and realized just that chiro visit had set it off again.

And then yesterday I was packing and moving china and crystal, so the floor guys could install hardwoods -- and I could unpack the china and crystal next weekend. 

And this morning, getting this 40-year-old me out of bed was not the easiest.

So.... I'm trying to get my Shine on.  And wearing the best shirt for it!

This is a "vintage" Tiara shirt, but if you're just dying to own a couple, we still have One Youth Medium and One Youth Small.  They can be yours for $15 each. Just let me know! dlyn@teamtiara.net

The Princess Guide: I Would Have Missed This.

Hi Peeps!

It's taken me awhile to get around to the computer today.  Weekends are like that.  Biggsy is home and tends to monopolize the computer and office.  It's not as big an issue as it used to be -- thanks to my Crackberry and iPad.  But it's still an issue.

I really did want to get this picture up for you, because this particular Pink shirt is so very meaningful to me.  This is my "Trusting with Tracie" shirt, and the message it holds for me isn't the scripture printed on the back (although that's great) -- it's a different message.

You see, when Tracie Webb was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had no idea who she was. I think we'd been going to church at West Houston for six months or so -- and I wasn't in the loop. At all.  I just heard that this girl named Tracie had been diagnosed.  When some of her friends began selling shirts, I bought shirts for both Abbie and me.

The shirts are definitely a "Junior" fit -- and until now I really haven't been that comfortable wearing it.  But it's stayed in my closet amid all the Pink -- waiting patiently.

Today was THE DAY to wear this shirt.  We were helping West Houston serve lunch at the Impact Church of Christ downtown.  We're not exactly attending West Houston right now (I guess I can say that since the cat pretty much appears to be out of the bag.)  But we still are a part of our Small Group and wanted to join them this morning.

I needed to wear something casual (which fits perfectly where we HAVE been attending church.)  And this shirt was perfect for today.  You can't see that I'm wearing my $15 jeans from White House Black Market that are AMAZING.  Let me just tell you -- I ROCK in these jeans.  But that's neither here nor there.  And it's probably not very important that I tell you that during church Biggsy leaned over to tell me I was dressed like a teenager.  But you know what? At 40, I'll take that!

I know, I know.... Land the plane.

Okay. So, Komen has a campaign going lately where they're asking women to tell them what they would have missed if they hadn't been proactive about breast cancer.  This campaign has driven me nuts. 

Nuts, I tell you.

You see, in my "poor pity me" world, all I could think of was what I HAVE missed because breast cancer took my Mom.  And believe me, it's a long list.

But today I realized that if Tracie hadn't been proactive, I would have missed knowing HER.  You see, after two (?) years at West Houston, I didn't know many more people than I did when Tracie was diagnosed.  So chances are I wouldn't have found her.  I would have missed out on knowing a precious friend.  But because Tracie WAS diagnosed, and she IS alive and beautiful, and we DID have that link, I've gotten to know her. She's absolutely precious.  And she and her crew keep my truck (also known as the "Boobie Mobile") moving on down the road. 

This shirt is just a reminder of all that!

The Princess Guide: I'm Not in Pain.

Wow.  Bad picture.  I know it looks like I'm in pain, but I'm not.  If it weren't already 9:30 p.m., and the kids weren't already headed to bed, I'd have my official photographer (Abbie) do a retake. 

Here's a slightly better picture from early in the summer....

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be so concerned about getting today's picture right.  However, I spent much of yesterday "designing" Team Tiara's World Headquarters. 

You're probably wondering just what that involved.  Mainly -- getting all the pink Tiara "stuff" moved out of our house and into our new office building. 

Yep -- that's it!  All it needs is a bit more pink, and maybe a few boas here and there. 

Pretty exciting, isn't it??

Guess what?

It gets even better!

I've decided Team Tiara needs to have a Moving Sale!  We have a very limited supply of "Love Pink" shirts (see photo above).  These can be YOURS! They're $15 each, and I still have:

3 -- Adult Small
1 -- Adult Medium
4 -- Adult Large
4 -- Adult X-Large!

Just let me know if you want one!!!!

Email:
dlyn@teamtiara.net

The Princess Guide: No One Can Replace Your Mom

I remember when Mom passed away and several people told us they'd fill her gap for us.  We were "theirs."  I can't tell you how comforting that was at the time.  And really, I had no idea how much we'd need that.

The crazy thing is -- no one can ever really do that. No one can completely fill the void you have after losing your Mom.  But you know what?  While no ONE person has filled that void, several people who don't even know each other have combined forces to at least make sure it's not quite as big as it once was.

It didn't happen immediately. And some of it was trial and error.  And some of what we need has changed over time.  Four years ago I was a MESS.  I needed to be held up and helped up and all sorts of things.  As time has passed, I'm not such a MESS anymore.  And some of my friendships have adjusted, I guess you'd say, to take that into account.

I can't possibly name everyone who has stepped in to fill that gap.  Over time, Kayren has become the person I go to the most when I need to share -- good, bad, you name it.  We talk about five - 10 times a day -- thank goodness for free long-distance!

Kayren has the amazing talent of listening, and offering insight -- but not offering instruction.  You know I hate being told what to do.

My Aunt Dot is another one who has stepped in -- and I'm getting big, fat tears in my eyes just writing about that.  She is AMAZING.  She has been such a support to me and to Team Tiara -- everyone on Team Tiara.  And that really cute shirt in today's picture? She sent that to me!  When I put out the call for more Pink Shirts, I really didn't think anyone would help -- but she did!  (A'Lise sent me one, too -- but I'm still about 5 lbs. away from being able to wear that one.  As soon as I can, I'll share a picture!)

Aunt Dot shows in a hundred million ways how much I'm loved.  She and Uncle Lane both build me up more than they'll ever know.  And really, have you ever seen a cuter shirt????

I'm not someone that lives life with a lot of regrets.  I don't sit on the couch eating bon-bons, and I never get bored.  That's the beauty of being ADD.  One of my great regrets, though, would be that I never knew my sweet friend Ruthie saw me as another daughter.  She never told me because she didn't want me to think she was trying to replace my Mom.

But you know what?  She was another one who helped fill that void -- and while I won't be able to see her again this side of Heaven, I'll sure tell her all about that when I get there someday.  I think the highest compliment she ever gave me was when she told Kelly, "You know, D'Lyn is like a member of our family we just never get to see." 

And while Ruthie's battle with cancer was scary and terrible and her loss weighed so heavy -- I praise God for letting us see each other so often through that process. 

Ruthie's legacy to me was this "Daughter" charm, but I didn't get it until after she was gone.  I'll be wearing it on the Walk this year as I walk for two of my "Moms." 

I guess if there's a moral to this story, it's that if you know of someone who has lost their Mom -- particularly at a younger age -- they will have this incredibly huge void.  Please don't hesitate to step in and fill that void.  Those of you who do are just precious. 

The Princess Guide: Whupped.

Whew.  I have run all-out today. I got Kait to school this morning, spread some Team Tiara Thankful Thursday cheer, took Abs to the Orthodontist (Braces in two weeks!), ran to the Gypsy Market, bought a few Christmas gifts, back to Fairfield for a Chiropractor appt. (Nothing's wrong -- thank goodness!), got the girls, finished making the shoe pretties for Team Tiara, Abbie to a hitting lesson, back home, floor installer-guy came to do an estimate, put together the "Chapter Books" Sock Hop Basket for Mrs. Deckard's class, and just sat down.   

I've had no time to post today's picture -- one of my favorite shirts ever (does that sound familiar?) because last year we highlighted our FIFTH year to walk in the DFW 3-Day.



 Beyond thinking of today as Thankful Thursday, I've also been thinking of it as $1000 Thursday.  Can you PLEASE help me get two of my walker friends to the $1000 mark? Just go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and click on Julie Mullen or Amy Martin.  Any amount will help!!

Thank you!!!

And now, a picture of the "Chapter Books" basket donated by Mrs. Deckard's 5th Grade Class. If you're at the Sock Hop tomorrow night, you're going to want this one!  I added up the "List Price" of all the books and it came to over $400!!!  These parents ROCK!!!!

The Princess Guide: "You Knew Me When" Wednesday

Hey, Peeps!

It's "You Knew Me When" Wednesday!!!

If you knew me in the days of twirling, band, buses to football games, the BHS Basketball Tournament, concession stands, meatless burgers, eating at Furr's in Lubbock, parachute pants, feathered hair, big hair, stock shows, Electric Camp, George Strait (Oh wait! That one's Timeless!) -- This is your day to make a donation to the Breast Cancer 3-Day! It means you knew me in Jr. High or High School.

If you knew me then, I ask that you go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and make a donation in the name of any walker who hasn't reached the $2300 mark.  Kayren Babcock and Krista Liller are two walkers who are very much on my heart these days. Both have had tough roads to follow the last few months and are very much in need of your fundraising help.

As for my shirt today??  This is a "Ringer Tee" from about 2007.  The year we filmed the TV commercial in LA.  And as my girls pointed out the crease down the middle, you can tell it's been a while since I've worn it. It's pretty fitted, and the 25 lbs. I've lost have definitely made it fit better!!!

The Princess Guide: Fight Like a Girl

Can you tell Pinktober is getting absolutely crazy around here? My posts are getting shorter, so that should be a clue! Among other things, I spent today making Hair Pretties for Team Tiara. Those are all done, and I've moved on to the shoe pretties / pompoms.

This shirt is from my favorite shop in Lake Jackson. I have no idea what it's called, but they have a ton of cute jewelry and every style of Yellow Box flip-flops imaginable!!

The Princess Guide: It's All About the Clothes

The first year Lisa and I walked the 3-Day, we learned three very important lessons.

1.  It's all about the clothes.
.
2.  Stop & Shop.

3.  Leave no walker behind.

Those lessons are a part of me to this day!  Today's shirt sports our well-used Tiara Bling.  (The same bling was on the back of my shirt at the Tri.)

Tiara Bling Rocks.

Like KISS.

The Princess Guide: Moisture-Wicking Only Gets You So Far....

Today is Biggsy's #39 Birthday, and in a very Bucket List-type move, we did the Team Tiara Charity Relay at the Fairfield Triathlon this morning!  Our friend Nadine did the swim, I did the bike, and Biggsy did the run.

It was great!  BUT it was WET!  It threatened to rain right up to start time, but didn't really open up and do so until about Mile 7 of my bike ride. About the time I was passed by the 50th or so competitor. 

That part really cracked me up.  The first person to pass me was about 8 years old, and after that it was a steady stream.  Being the Team Tiara Turtle, I'm used to being passed on the route.  And it still brings a smile to my face when other participants give me an encouraging, "You're doing great."  If only they knew I was just fine with being passed!!

This isn't the best picture ever, but you can see that my bike and I were completely decked out.  I don't know if you can see my cute Tiara earrings (Turquoise to match my sparkle skirt.)  And isn't the bra on my bike basket a nice touch???

I think the best part was having them write my number on my arms and my age on my right calf.  People, this is as close as I'll ever get to having Tatts. I'm cool.  Of course, I had them fix the 40 and make it 40:31.  "Those who Hope in the Lord will renew their strength." 

I know for many of you biking in a Tri Relay hardly sounds like an accomplishment.  And I do think I'll be searching for new team members for next year -- I have a feeling Biggs and Nadine are going to move up to the "Real" event.

But if you knew me....  If you knew that four years ago I didn't even own a bike and had no idea what exercise looked like, you'd know this was an event that I am very proud to have accomplished! 

Four years ago I had no idea what moisture-wicking was.  Now, I wear it head to toe.  Which leads me to some VERY sound advice for my fellow 3-Day walkers!

Moisture-wicking is your friend!!!

Make sure your socks, shirts, bras, bike shorts, etc. are of a moisture-wicking fabric.  It will make ALL the difference in your experience.  It really cuts down on the chafing.  And I'll tell you what -- this is my SIXTH 3-Day walk. I've never had a blister. And I promise, wearing moisture-wicking socks are the reason!

Moisture-wicking will only take you so far. And in downpours like we've had for most of today you're still going to come out looking like a drowned rat.  But dadgummit, we'll take the rain -- and more if God sees fit to send it.  We have been praising God in this storm!

The Princess Guide: Save Second Base!

Is this shirt a hoot, or what???

Saturdays in Biggsville are all about sports -- so I thought it only appropriate to show you a REALLY cute Saving 2nd Base shirt!  This came from the Rue 21 shop up at the Outlet Mall, and I think it's just way too fun!!

As for Sports Saturday, Kait's team won their soccer game this morning against a team sporting LOTS of Kait's friends and former teammates. 

Abbie's team didn't win their softball game today, but they still did great. Abbie's pitching is really coming along.  AND she stole home!  Great game for Abbie-girl!

The Ags play tech tonight.  Now, I've hung in there with my Ags this season.  And I've watched them Tank in the second half.  I'm still hanging in there with them.  But if that happtens tonight, we're going to have issues.

Beat the Hell Outta Texas Tech!

Biggsy's HS Reunion is tonight, so I've gotta go get gussied up for that. 

By the way.... Tomorrow is Biggsy's birthday!   Just wait till you see the shirt I'm modeling for HIM!

The Princess Guide: Pink It Out!!!

Tonight is Waller Pink Out, and I am sooooooo jazzed!!!

If you're anywhere near Waller, Texas, I highly recommend you head over there tonight for a Pink Out Extravaganza!!!

I have to tell you, though, my Pink Heart is heavy today.  Sweet Bridget of My Big Girl Pants posted some tough-to-swallow news today. 

Bridget is fighting for her life -- at 28.  In the world of Pink Warriors, she's one of the strongest women I know of. 

I read Bridget's post while waiting to grab the Bigglets from school. And while I sat there reading, with big, fat tears in my eyes, all I could think was that I wish I'd walked in Boston this year.  I wish I could have given her a huge hug.  Man.

But I'm right there with her on the whole Pink thing -- you know I am.  I love hearing how the boys on our middle school football team are wearing pink socks. I love hearing that the teachers at our school were Pinked Out yesterday.  I love hearing about all of it. 

The impact that Pink is making -- each and every day -- is HUGE.  These kids are growing up with an awareness that we didn't have growing up.  And awareness that will save lives on down the road.  I am so glad to be a part of that.  For my Mom, for myself, for my girls, for Bridget and for all four of you.

Update:  Here we are with our big PINK check from tonight!!! Many, many thanks to the students, teachers, administrators and parents from Waller High School who work to help us fund the CURE!!