Help Spread God's Love and Fight Breast Cancer -- At the Same Time!

Want to help spread God's love and fight breast cancer at the same time?

 

Team Tiara is looking for Sign Sponsors for our "Tee'd Off at Breast Cancer" Golf tournament on Sept. 12, the Fairfield Triathlon on October 9 and the Breast Cancer 3-Day in November.

 

 

The signs will have your logo or "Sponsored By" on one side in large letters, and your favorite scripture on the other side. Underneath the scripture, it will read, "Sponsored by: (Insert Name Here).

 

 

Your sign will be used at all three events and will offer a great deal of support to participants! Sign Sponsorships are $300 and a GREAT way to promote your business! You can also sponsor signs as individuals or groups, i.e. Book Clubs, Small Group Bible Studies, Softball Parents, etc.

 

 

Please contact dlyn@teamtiara.net for more details!!

These Are My People....

 

 

One Last Bath

For D'Lupe's Dash! School starts Monday!
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Prayers Needed!!!

My precious friend Kayren, who I wrote about last night, is in the ER with appendicitis. Please pray for he, her husband Jeff, and their four kiddos!!!
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The Princess Guide: Thank You

Thank you -- all four of you -- for allowing me to have a safe place where I can admit I'm not perfect. 

 

A place where I can share that not everything in D'Lupe-ville is perfect.

 

I think I may have found my voice again. 

 

And the timing is perfect -- Because, boy howdy, do I have something to share with you.

 

 

 

 

Four years ago when my Mom passed away, my precious friend Kayren rerouted a Southwest Airlines Flight (or maybe just changed her reservation) to fly back from Nashville to San Antonio through Lubbock (not exactly a direct flight.)  If you've ever been to Lubbock, you know it's not a place you get to accidentally.  You pretty much have to want to go there -- or at least plan to do so. 

 

So much was going on -- Days of our Lives had nothing on me.  We had all these people coming in.  And friend-drama leftover from before we moved from Dallas.  And we had Milton as a step-father and Dad was wherever Dad was and wading through all of that was just plain bizarre.  And honestly, it's pretty much all a blur when I think back.

 

It all happened so fast.  One day Mom was fine and talking about coming to see our house in Houston -- and how soon could I send pictures -- and what colors was I painting everything.  And the next second, Mom had been diagnosed with this tumor growing down her spine. And was it breast cancer coming back or something or what??

 

And four weeks later she was gone. Gone.

 

And I'm telling you, it's all a blur. 

 

I remember a few things -- there was already food at the house before we got home from Lubbock.  And Anthony and Cheryl came in the day before the funeral to chauffeur us around.  And Janice was in the bathroom of the multipurpose building.  Just bits and pieces, really.

 

But there is this one memory that stands out more than any other.

 

After the funeral, after all the guests had filed out, it was just us.

 

And as I turned from that casket, I think I was so overcome with the finality of it all, and I finally lost it.  I crashed. And Kayren, knowing me better than almost anyone, was RIGHT THERE.  She caught me. 

 

 

 

 

Timing is a strange thing. 

 

 

 

My Mom had this plastic donkey that we bought at Gebo's one time.  It sat on a divider between the kitchen and dining room. When things were tough and we needed to deliver a certain message to her, like would you PLEASE take your hormones?!?!, we would turn that donkey upside-down so his butt was in the air. It was our signal to her that she needed an attitude adjustment -- and it worked.

 

Almost since the day she could walk and talk, Abbie considered that donkey HERS.  And after Mom passed away, Donkey came to live with us.

 

And travel with us. 

 

He goes everywhere.

 

He went skiing in Park City.

 

He went to Camp Blue Haven.

 

And he has made a bajillion trips to the Creek.

 

Last weekend, he fell off a bunkbed at the Creek and one of his legs broke off.  Kait came running.  Horrified.  It was an accident.  No one's fault.

 

Donkey's leg was broken off.

 

The sound that came from Abbie at that news was the exact same sound that came from me right when I turned around from Mom's casket and Kayren caught me. 

 

The very same. 

 

 

Abbie sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and the grief that poured out of her broke my heart.  Here was my precious girl who hadn't cried about the loss of her Granny in so very long -- Abbie doesn't cry often over anything -- GRIEVING.  I had no idea she had all that bottled up in her.

 

(Please note:  Just so you know, Donkey is fine.  Being the SuperMom that I am, I made a quick trip to the Sargent Country Store for SuperGlue.  You can hardly tell the leg was every injured -- and from now on Donkey will be guarding our house while we take a beautiful photo of him to the Creek.)

 

 

Timing really is a strange thing. 

 

Fresh on the heals of Donkey's injury, and Abbie's outpouring of grief, Kayren wrote something beautiful today.  She truly is a sister of my heart.  I haven't even asked her permission, but I'm going to share it with you.

 

Be Blessed.  I was.

 

Why Pink is my Passion

Mikol Kayren Babcock

As a child and until a few years ago when asked about my favorite color I had always responded with red. Several years ago, however, that changed... my new favorite is Pink. I never in a million years thought I would be on this journey, but after my best friend/sister from another mother lost her mother to Breast Cancer the same year that I gave birth to my first and only baby girl (after having 3 boys) PINK became my passion. I walked through the heartbreak with D'Lyn. I stood silently as she said her final farewell at the casket knowing that her girls wouldn't get the chance to show off their amazing accomplishments to their granny anymore. I was there to wrap my arms around her as she sobbed once she stepped away. I feel blessed to have that moment as part of our friendship as bad as it was because we had shared so many others together and it just brought us closer together. I mean our friendship had shared soo very much. We had been roomates as we found our way in the world after college, we had planned our weddings together, we even found out that we were pregnant with our first children around the same time and they happened to be due on the same date. But, I digress, I promised my precious friend that I would walk in the Breast Cancer 3Day with her that year. She had done it the year before and I was going to do it to honor her mom's memory. 3 months later, however, I had to back out of that promise because I found out I was pregnant, again, and couldn't imagine 60 miles of walking and puking. I gave birth in the spring to a beautiful but tiny baby girl. Zoe, was 7 weeks early and she was perfect! She had perfect tiny red lips and everything was where it should be and I was in heaven. As I was looking over her for the first time I started laughing, through my tears, at how perfectly shaped she was including her teeny tiny tatas! Her chest was only as long as my pinkie finger. Seriously one teeny tiny tata was at the tip and the other was at the base of my pinkie. I vowed then that I would do whatever it took to make sure that breast cancer would become a part of Zoe's history book (or the cure for it). I promised Zoe that if she ever heard a doctor tell her she had breast cancer, she would not be afraid becasue a cure would have been found. Zoe's great grandmother (my grandmother had had a radical masectomy in 1967.) I had a strong passion to go PINK! PINK for my daughter after years of blue in the house. More importantly PINK for her future and for the future of others. PINK to celebrate the life of D'Lyn's mom. PINK to celebrate the life of my aunt who passed away in Aug of 2010. PINK to honor the fight of my friend Janet and Traci who battled through breast cancer and are on this side of it to tell their stories. Oh I am passionate and would ask you to help me fulfill my passion to end the fight. If you would be willing to donate to this year's walk visit:

http://www.the3day.org/goto/kayrenbabcock

Go PINK!

 

I've already reached my fundraising goal for the Breast Cancer 3-Day. If this cause is on your heart, and you can open your wallet, will you please donate to Kayren? 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Abbie's Minions

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The Princess Guide: i don't want to do this anymore.

I don't want to do this anymore.

I just said that in my smallest, whispery, whiney voice.

I've done this whole 3-Day thing for six years. That's an awful lot of asking people for donations. For help.

I've personally raised over $50,000 for breast cancer research in those six years.

I've begged. Cajoled. Motivated. Cried. Ranted. Raved. Begged. Hounded. Asked.

I've planned and planned and convinced a LOT of people to join me every step of the way.

I've taken on the responsibility of a huge team because I truly felt that was part of God's plan.

I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to plan. I don't want to beg. I don't want to have to convince everyone I know that this quest is essential.

I don't want to hear that you're busy. That you've got too much on your plate. That the walk conflicts with the Opening Day of deer season.

I don't want to hear that your feet hurt or you don't want to sleep in a tent or you don't like peanut butter and jelly graham cracker sandwiches.

I don't want to hear that you have to work or you don't want to miss a soccer game.

I don't want to hear that you're nervous about raising $2300.

I don't want to do this anymore.

I'm tired of being the cheerleader. Always having to be "on" is exhausting.

To be honest, those are the thoughts that rattle through my head when I forget there is no "I" in TEAM.

We're a TEAM -- not just Team Tiara but anyone and everyone who plays any type of role in this quest to find a CURE.

And only as a giant team with thousands and thousands of people working together will we ever reach this goal.

A friend of mine was diagnosed with Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer last week. My first thought: I'm working on the wrong damn disease. (Yes, sometimes I cuss when I talk to myself.)

But you know what? I'm not working on the wrong disease. I truly believe that the CURE will first be found with breast cancer or leukemia and the rest will fall like dominos from there.

And even on my whiniest, stressed days, I KNOW that we can do it. I know it's okay to miss that soccer game, disrupt Opening Weekend, work harder for a few days, so you can take Friday off.

I know it's okay to just come up for Saturday and Sunday if you absolutely can't take Friday off.

I know if you only raise $500 instead of $2300 you're still saving lives.

If you can't walk, please help us raise funds. We need sponsors and golfers and bunko players. We need table hostesses for our dinner on Sept. 12.

We need cheerleaders and walker-stalkers. We need prayers and hugs and love notes sent to us on the event.

We need you in our army and on our side.

And those "I don't want to do this anymore" days? That's when we need you the most.

That's when we need you to give us a boost and assure us that we ARE making a difference!!!

That's when we need you to remind us that what we're doing, even at its most challenging moments, is way easier than chemo.
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Houston Children's Museum!!!!

Introducing our campers to one of our favorite places!!!
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Trout the Lifeguard

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Camp D'Lupe Wouldn't Be Camp D'Lupe Without...

Shopping!!!!
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Just Picked Up Our "Senior Camper!"

Mimi!!
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Team Tiara Needs Your Help!

Dear Friends,

 

This afternoon it was 103 here in Houston, and walking 60 miles in three days to help find a cure for breast cancer was the LAST thing I wanted to think about.

 

But you know what? Breast cancer doesn't care how hot it is outside, or how dry, or what the stock market is doing. Breast cancer continues to invade lives.

 

I'm writing today to ask for your help. As most of you know, this is Team Tiara's sixth year to walk in the DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day. In six years, we have raised over $490,000 total.

 

As of September 1, 2010, we had raised over $70,000 for our fifth walk. This year, we are behind that mark -- having raised just over $42,000 for the 2011 walk.

 

Yet we continue to hear about more and more women and men who need our help. We hear about 1-2 diagnoses each week. This morning I learned about a 22-year-old woman who is anxiously waiting results. This on top of reports, both good and bad, from several of the survivors we've been able to directly support this year. Please help us us fight this beast.

 

We have three primary ways you can help. Please choose which way works best for you!

 

1. Our 2nd Annual "Tee'd Off at Breast Cancer" Golf & Bunco Classic is September 12 at Hearthstone Country Club in Houston. We need Sponsors and Golfers! If you'd like a copy of our event brochure, or our sponsorship levels, please send me an email to dlyn@team tiara.net.  Or you can register online at www.teamtiara.net under the "Events" button. 

 

Please note: Our Golf & Bunco Classic is running a "Back to School" sale. If you register by September 1, you can pay for one round of golf ($175 player) and a friend can play for FREE. If you already have a foursome arranged, you can register at 50% off. So instead of paying $650 for a foursome, you can pay just $325.

 

You don't want to miss this great event! The funds we raise through our Golf & Bunco Classic will directly impact the level of support we can offer to breast cancer survivors this year.

 

2. You can make a donation directly to Team Tiara. There's a space allotted for just that on our event brochure, or you can simply mail a check to Team Tiara, P.O. Box 2433, Cypress, Texas 77410-2433. Any amount will be appreciated -- and will impact the lives of those faced with breast cancer.

 

3. You can make a donation directly to the Komen 3-Day for the Cure at www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks. Please choose the name of any walker who has not reached the $2300 mark required to walk. Please do not donate in my name -- I'm already there, even though my tally does not reflect that. Your donation will be used for research into a CURE.

 

Some of you have walked with Team Tiara in the past. You are part of our legacy. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the foundation you helped us set. We will always be grateful for that. But we haven't won the fight. Although women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are living longer, we still haven't found a CURE. We still lose mothers and sisters, grandmothers and friends.

 

Thank you so much for your support. We appreciate everything you do to help us help those who are hurting.

 

Many Blessings,

 

D'Lyn

It Wouldn't be Camp D'Lupe Without....

Menchie's!!!

BTW, the mascot is named D'Trout D'Traveling Chicken.

"D'Trout D'Traveling Chicken lived by the Creek
And frolicked in the pretty surf we love at Sargent Beach....

Kodie and Kamy loved that rascal Trout
Unlike the flying pig, he didn't have a snout."
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Introducing....

The Camp D'Lupe Mascot....

Name to be determined!

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When Pigs Fly....

I'll let Abbie pose with a t.u. sign....

Camp D'Lupe Rocks!!!!
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Whoopie Pies!!!

On the way to pick up our Camp D'Lupe campers. Had to grab some Whoopie Pies!!!
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Not The Best Picture....

I know. Not the best picture. I have TONS of pictures on my camera, but can't post them with my phone. ARGH.

The story behind THIS picture, though, is the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Our friends Miss Kristine and Hailey spent the day with us today. Hailey learned to ski. Kait learned to slalom on her ski Biggsy made yesterday. Abbie has spent the day perfecting the use of a cast net.

We lunched at Sting Rae's -- YUMMY crab cakes, but they ran out of pecan pie before I got mine.

I rode my bike. Jake and I rode the jet-ski. We dined on Mahi-Mahi for dinner, thanks to the guy next door.

The day is ending with lightening bugs in a jar, and a casting lesson on the pier. (Hence the picture.) Abbie is making S'Mores. What a lovely ending to a lovely day!!!
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Oops.

I have NO WAY to edit my blog right now -- I can just post through email and the not-so-dependable signal at the Creek! Please excuse the multiple postings about Kait's ski!!!

Oh -- and I finally named my Jet-ski. D'Lupe's Dash. Because I am living my "dash" to the fullest!!!!
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Do You Know What This Is???

If you've been around the Biggs Bunch at all, you know Kait wants to do EVERYTHING Abs does!! Well, this is Abbie's second year to slalom, and Kait has been wanting to as well.

BUT Kait's itty-bitty feet were just to small for Abbie's skis.

So Biggs, being The Greatest Dad in the World, just made Kait a slalom ski out of one of her little skis. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!!!
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Sea Center Texas

We needed a bit of a break from my pier today. So I got up and rode my bike through a couple of "neighborhoods" while Abbie learned to wakeboard and Kait gave her lots of advice.

Then Biggs slalomed -- like a wild man. It was something to see!!

We came into town for lunch and a visit to Sea Center Texas. If you're ever in Lake Jackson, this is a GREAT place to bring your kids. They have a touch tank and beautiful aquariums. They have a tremendous fish hatchery tour.

Sea Center Texas is a partnership effort between Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Coastal Conservation Association and a host of others. It's staffed by volunteers who have a great passion about what they're doing. It's a great way to spend some off-pier time!!
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That's My Chair

But it's still too hot out there in the sun.

Took the girls to Sargent Beach this morning. Hurricane Ike stole the beach three years ago, but it's back. And the girls had a blast.


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My View After My Nap

No. I'm not in the exact same spot I was in yesterday morning. And I HAVE spent some off-pier time with errands to the store for ice cream, the one-room local library and the boat launch to put the jet-ski in.

And Kait and I took the kayak out. And we spent the majority of our day today with Captain Gene out on Matagorda Bay.

But I'm back in my chair and re-reading The Help in preparation for the movie release next week. I don't often re-read books, but this one is even better the second time around.

If you haven't read The Help, I strongly suggest you get up off your hiney and do so before you see the movie next week. I have a feeling the movie is going to be like going to visit old friends. And I can't wait!!!
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My View at Breakfast this Morning

Jealous??

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The BEST Week!

 We had THE BEST Week last week!  For one thing, Biggsy came home from two weeks at Camp GE. Whoo-Hoo!

 

 

The Owen family came to town, and we spent a great afternoon/ evening with them at Lake Conroe.  I set a new standard for Banquet Attire when I wore my swimsuit cover-up with Abbie's flip-flops to dinner. YIKES.

 

 

Apparently, all the dove that AREN"T in West Texas yet are in our front yard.  There's at least a limit or two....

I painted our bedroom -- nothing says Peace like a coat of fresh paint and new bedding!

AND I painted this little nook between our living room and our bedroom.  Fancy!!!