I’m not going to try and convince you that things have been too busy to blog.  I’m just lazy.  I didn’t really know what to put on here but I think this morning, I could manage a little something.  I do have a lot to say actually!  haha

With the election so close behind us, and an historical Presidential Inaguration close at hand, I should start there.  First off, I was an Obama supporter all the way, and so was most of my family.  I know so many of my Christian friends gave me heat for it, because “how could you be a Christian and vote for a Democrat???”  and all I have to say about that is just call me a part of the new Christian Left.  I am a Christian, no one needs to question my relationship with Jesus over the way I vote.  In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that Obama is God’s choice for our country.  It’s too long and drawn out, but yes, we need Obama–because we need God.  The world will be watching as President Obama takes office in January 2009…what will the “Christians” do?  Will be support our Commander in Chief?  Or will there still be a sect of Anti-Obama grumblers that pray against him? I am praying for unity in the body of Christ, and protection over our next President and his family, and a true ONE NATION UNDER GOD.  Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL. The only way this can be achieved is if we all come together and realize that bitterness and division will get us nowhere.  Let’s support our President as God commands us to.     

I respect John Mccain so much, and his concession speech was strong and honorable, just like him.   I do believe that Barack Obama will be a great president and will rise up to the challenges before him.  Okay–that’s all the politics I am going to blog.  Because, let’s face it, my blog has never been political.  It’s been about the kids and stuff…so without further ado…

Kids and stuff!  Trinity is talking full sentences.  She makes faces just like me.  Gracie has always looked like me, but had Chris’ expressions and mannerisms.  Well, Trinity looks more like Chris (in my opinion) but all the little faces she makes are totally me.  So funny!  Another cute thing she does, she calls Gracie, “Grace” which I think is so precious. 

Gracie is doing well in school.  Her report card was perfect, she is excelling in reading and counting.  Her teachers were so funny, they both said “We have nothing but good things to say about Gracie!” Awww!  Here’s the three things that I thought were funny about her teachers’ comments:

1.  “She’s such a unique personality, she’s just her own person isn’t she? We think it’s wonderful!”

2.  “Gracie values order.  She really notices and it bothers her when the plans change.”

3. “you dress her sooo cute!” (Me, beaming)

They were soooo cute on Halloween!  Gracie was Barbie Mariposa the butterfly fairy.  Trinity was her idol, Dora the Explorer!  Yes, that is hair paint, she wouldn’t wear a wig for anything.  And here’s the crazy part, it came out in ONE WASH!  Boy was I thankful.  I wasn’t sure if we were going to have Dora living with us for a couple months or not.  Obviously I’m a laid back mom, because I did it anyways.  haha

In other news, we are so proud of Chris.  He got a promotion at work, which means a raise!  Way to go, baby!  I love you and I’m so proud of you!  (Must be the lucky beard!)

Me?  Oh I’m good.  I guess I should tell you all, Monday the 10th I’m going to have an interview on Channel 5 news.  I think they said 6 pm.  I don’t ever watch my own interviews, so you’ll have to let me know how it was.  Now that October is finished, I’m sighing with relief.  October is insane but rewarding, as there are a ton of speaking engagements and “breast cancer events” that we do.  But I am happy to be used in that capacity since my story is so powerful.  I like the role I have been given. 

I also started Christmas shopping.  Yikes!  I am trying to just do a few quality things for everyone this year instead of a plethora of toys we don’t use or need.  My house is too small for all the clutter.  So I asked for ONE new Coach purse, and ONE new pair of Ugg boots.  That is truly ALL I want. 

The girls, let’s see…their Christmas list is a little more extensive.  I picked up these toys at Amazon and figured that Santa could bring them: Gracie is getting an electronic password journal and Trinity will be getting a Baby Alive that burps (If you know her, you know how fitting this is.) Both girls are getting an Aquadoodle mat that is so huge it hangs on the wall.  Amazon has some amazing price kills this time of year with free shipping, so I got all that for $28 shipped!  Way to go, Santa!

Okay that’s it.  I have to clean.  Should I leave you with some pictures?  Well…okay…you talked me into it. 

First of all I’d like to say that I’m actually very much on top of it, and the reason I left the previous post up for two weeks with no update was intentional so that all my readers would be able to see the pics from Race for the Cure.  (grin) You’re not buying it are you?

I’ve had a stomach bug that put me out for a week.  Pray the rest of my family doesn’t get it.  It was baaaad.

So let me get you caught up to speed on what’s happening with the crazy Moroz family:

Gracie has her first loose tooth.  She asks me every day if it’s going to fall out.   Honestly, I am not dealing well with this.  As a former dental assistant, nothing bothers me more than missing or crooked teeth.  Not that I am completely shallow, I would like to think you all know me better than that–it’s just Gracie has always had such pretty baby teeth.  And from the time she grew in those beautiful, white, straight teeth she has now, I knew this was coming.  It also means that Gracie is really not a toddler anymore. It is bittersweet.

Trinity got a bike!  So now both of the girls have Princess bikes, and Chris and I have bikes too.  We have enjoyed riding in this wonderful cooler weather.  When we want to go for rides around the block, we put Trinity in the bike trailer.  She likes that just as much as having to peddle herself, and we get some great exercise. 

Oh–and Trinity has outgrown her crib!  She’s so tall and she was climbing out.  I thought she was going to hurt herself one of these days, so we decided it was time.  She loves her new toddler bed.  We’re also working on getting rid of the “stinky binky”– but it’s a process.  Apparently a very slow process.  She only has it for naps and night time right now.  

What else?  Hmmm…  Well, this Tuesday I am speaking at the American Cancer Society.   Gracie is doing well at school, she is learning to read.  The girls are funnier and cuter every day.  We are pretty much out of the baby stage with Trinity, which means we officially have two little girls.  I looooove the way the two of them interact and play and not having to worry about all the stuff that goes along with babies–the diaper bag, formula, sippy cup, special food, an extra outfit, special car seat attachments, baby teething tablets, binkies (uhhh…) and special toys.  Oh the stress of it is just too much!!  I can’t imagine having another baby!  Most women I know want more, but NOT ME.  God knew I could only handle two.  And two perfect little ones is exactly what we needed!  We are enjoying being a family with two kids. 

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy babies.  I just enjoy other people’s babies. Which makes my job at the Mother’s Day Out that much more perfect for me!   

That’s all I’ve got.  The girls and Chris are all going crazy and I need to go join in the fun!

Don’t hate, I’ve been busy.  First off, the race was super early on Saturday morning so by the time we all got home, we were exhausted.  I slept the rest of the day!  It was awesome! The girls are still trying to catch up on sleep…it’s been a crazy week. 

We exceeded our goal and I feel like we really did our part this year.  My goal will be $750 next year, I think!  I’m so hopeful that there will be a cure in my lifetime.  My girls…they won’t have to worry about breast cancer!  And once again, THANK YOU for all your generous donations!  I’m so excited that you guys rallied around us to help us raise money for a cause that I am so passionate about.  My family and friends are the BEST!!

Chris was not smiling becuase he didn’t have any coffee and it was REALLY early.  Gracie made goofy faces in all the pics, not sure why…oh, and Gracie started Crack for the Cure.  Not sure if it will catch on or not, but she seemed to be pretty happy with herself.  I’ll let the pictures show you the day.

A BIG HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS:  

Sherry, Susan, Linda, Kristi, Lorie, Chris I., Tadd, Courtney, Jualetha, Joel, Lindy, Beth, Jerome  MaryAnn,Tammy, Janie, Amy, Becky, Kelli, Cristi, Erin, Shari and Sara!

(I should also mention my mother, Vickie who also donated by paying for our family’s registration for the race!  Yay! )

Grand total as of 9/22/08:  $103.45  WOW!!!

Grand total today 9/23/08 268.45 YAY! We are halfway there already!

Total on 9/24/08:  $348.45 YAY!!!!!  WOOOOOO! 

Total for 9/25/08:  $368.45 we’re soooo close!

Total today 9/26/08 468.45  OMG!!  I’m crying,  You guys are the best! 

Total tonight 9/28/09 $473.45 We are SO CLOSE to our goal!  Yay!

Total today 9/29/08 $608.45 WOWEEEE!  We exceeded our GOAL!

Total today 9/30/08 $628.45 I am thrilled and so grateful!!  

 You guys are truly the very best friends and famiy I could have.  Thank you for catching the vision and being completely passionate about finding a CURE for this awful disease.  We WILL find a CURE! 

Hello to all my faithful readers!  I want to ask for your help in something tonight and I hope that I can communicate to you just how important it is…Our family began a tradition last year of walking in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  We had a great time and more importantly I felt like I was impressing on the girls how much I love them.  I’m walking for a cure.  I walk to honor my grandmother, who fought bravely for so long before the cancer took her away from us and into the arms of her Savior.  I walk to honor my mom, Vickie Jenkins, who, drawing strength from her own mother’s experience,  was able to survive the fight and is here today to encourage other women who are fighting the battle of their lives.  Women like me.  My mother was a constant reminder of the goodness of God, that He had a plan, that there will be a cure.  I walk in celebration of my own journey and to commemorate the chapter in my life that I realized how strong I am, and yet how desperately I need God for every breath.  I’m bound and determined to find a cure for breast cancer.  Can you imagine–our little girls grown up, young women–not having to face the fear or worry that accompanies a family like mine?  This is what I want for Gracie and Trinity.  For all our daughters.  For the generations to come to see cancer as obsolete.  It can happen, I hope it happens in my lifetime.  The Susan G Komen Race for the cure gives grants to hospitals and research.  The treatments that saved my life and my mother’s life are all because of generous donations and countless research grants. 

Will you help our family this October?  We are walking on October 4th.  I set a family goal of $500.  I think we have enough people who read the blog and on facebook, that if everyone sends a dollar, we’ll meet that goal.  If you want to do more, by all means, go ahead!  (If you are sending more than $250 I will need your address so I can get you a tax reciept.) 

My cancer fund paypal address is Princesskikiriki@aol.com 

Thank you all for everything!  I’ll keep you updated on the progress! 

Kari

Last year’s RFC:

Breast Cancer. Sounds so scary, doesn’t it?  Sounds like for old ladies.

This is NOT a death sentence.  I have an MRI next week to make sure this is the only cancer in my body.  Then within a few days I will have a lumpectomy to remove the cancer.  I will have radiation for around 6 weeks and, at that point, will be a cancer survivor!  Thank you to all who have been praying and thinking of us!  I could tell that God was with us as I recieved the news I have (kind of) been expecting.  Chris was calm and not shaken at all–he looked at me when the Dr left and said, “Baby, we’re going to be fine.” I know what he meant, I believe him.  I am optimistic that not only will I come out of the surgery cancer-free, I will stay cancer-free.  I refuse to let this ruin my life.  I will not be devastated in this, I am a fighter!

Please keep us (and me) in your prayers as we go through this time together.  I will let you know details as I get them…

Little did I know, that was not all the cancer, and I would have to rise up to the challenge of more than “just” a lumpectomy and some radiation.  I didn’t know two years ago today, that I was facing chemo, losing my hair and my lunch, unbelievable weakness and pain in my body, a double mastectomy, reconstruction, emotional highs and lows, medications, sooaring medical bills, and a temporary loss of control of my own life.  

I also didn’t know how much I would gain.  An opportunity to speak out for all young breast cancer survivors, to raise awareness about this disease and prevention, to inspire hope for those suffering with breast cancer, or those who are dealing with other difficult circumstances, to be in numerous programs and interviews and People Magazine sharing our story, to see miracles in our finances and health and every aspect of our lives, to appreciate life in all it’s ups and downs and to see things more in a big picture perspective, to hug my kids a little bit tighter and to make the most of all my days.  To say “I love you” to people that I took for granted.  To kiss Chris a little longer and to make our marriage a little sweeter.  To make my life fuller.  Cancer didn’t stop me, it made me fight.  I said I was a fighter.  I didn’t realize how fierce I could be.  I have gained so, so much.  I can’t count my losses, this is my life and I have to see how much I’ve gained to move forward.  I can’t change the circumstances, and I’m not sure I would if I had to do it all over again.  God worked through all this, and for that I am grateful and full of true life!  

Thank you to all my family and friends (many of you whom I have never met) who prayed us through this, who read my blog, laughed with me and cried with me.  You all are part of this journey and I hope you understand the depth of gratitude I have to each of you.  You helped me live.  How could I ever thank you?

Here’s a little trip down memory lane, starting with when I didn’t know I had cancer and ending with a couple weeks ago.  It’s really more a hair journey, but whatever.  haha