Fight Like a Girl

October is breast cancer awareness month. I know you have all seen the displays in stores, ads on tv and the radio, and I have even mentioned it here on my blog. The pink ribbons, the shirts, pens and coffee mugs abound. I buy a lot of these things because I believe in supporting research for breast cancer and other health issues that relate to women. (I do support mens health too, but this is one thing I feel adamant about!)

I know a lot of you, my friends and family, read this blog. I thank you for that. Right now, I need you to pass on the link of this blog to your friends and family. I need your help in getting some fundraising for a fellow co-worker of mine who has breast cancer. Our hospital, small that it is, and the county of Elberton has been a great support of Mona. T-shirts have been made up by a local store and sold. A portion of this money from the t-shirt sales benefit Mona and her family. If you are interested in ordering one of these t-shirts, they are $15. All you need to do is contact me and make a check out to Sports Connection. I will turn your order in to Mona's mom (who is our registrar on the weekends) who will get the shirts back to me for delivery. It's really simple. Just think you'll be doing something beneficial for someone and getting a great t-shirt to boot. Let me now take the time to tell you a little about Mona and why it is so important for you all to help.

Statistics are really cut in dry when it comes to breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will develop it in their lifetime. To me, that just seems like a whole lot of women being affected. Early detection is a must. Self breast exams, doctor exams and MAMMOGRAMS are essential. What makes me so passionate about female health is because it can happen to you. Look at the statistics. More than likely, if it doesn't happen to you personally, you will be affected by it. Simply because one of your friends or family members will be diagnosed in their lifetime. I can list off on both hands women that I know who have went thru breast cancer or a type of female cancer. Cancer isn't choosy. You don't have to not have the family history, the predominant race, the age or anything. It can just strike. Look at Mona.

Mona is an employee at EMH. Like I said, so is her mom. I don't personally know Mona, (because I work only weekends) but I feel for her. She is a mom, a wife, a daughter. She is loved by so many people in that hospital and in that community. I am proud of EMH for standing by her. Probably every employee has a Fight Like a Girl shirt in honor of Mona. Administration even allows for the employees to wear their shirt on Fridays. Not many places would. I talked with nurses this weekend and they told me that this support for Mona is far reaching out of the county. They have been taking orders for other parts of Georgia. Mona has said that the t-shirt sales have been a "blessing to her and her family." I want us all to be a part of that blessing.

Remember when I said that cancer isn't choosy about whose body it invades? Mona is a mom of two girls, she has no family history of breast cancer and she is only 35! She is fighting like a girl. She is taking some rough chemo. She is hanging in there. She is being strong.

It astounds me that most doctors will not say that a person needs a mammogram until the age of 40. More and more breast cancer is popping up in patients under 40. Age evidently is not a factor. Just look at Mona.

I hope you all will want to buy a shirt and Fight Like a Girl. If you can't buy one, please just offer up a prayer for Mona and her family. She needs that too.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. (James 5:15)

Recipe of the Week

Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Martha White® All-Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
3 tablespoons buttermilk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Crisco Flour No-Stick Spray

Directions
HEAT oven to 325°F. Spray the bottom only of a 8 x 4 or 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with flour no-stick cooking spray. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in large bowl; mix well.
ADD sugar, oil, buttermilk and eggs; blend well. Add bananas and pecans; mix well. Pour batter into prepared pan.
BAKE 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Remove from pan; place on wire rack. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.

Recipe of the Week

Ok, today is a dreary day. Rainy and cold. But 16 years ago it was a wonderful, bright, sunny day. That was the day that James got lucky and I married him. Well, you would think that it being our 16th wedding anniversary I wouldn't have to cook today, but I do. James is working so I am making a large pot of soup. Here is an easy recipe for Taco Soup. Feel free to tell me anything that you may do different if you have this recipe. I like to change things up.



Taco Soup




Ingredients


2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheese, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish


Directions
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

Moi and James 16 Years Together

Today James and I celebrate 16 years together. Who would have thunk it?

Happy Birthday to Moi!

Today I celebrate the big 3 8. No, I don't feel different. I look the same too. I had a blast of a birthday. Debra and I took off this morning and went to Greenville shopping. We then had a fantabulous lunch and for the life of me I can't remember the name of the restaurant. It was so good. We did some damage at Garden Ridge getting ready for Christmas.



James had to work today, but he has called me bunches. I have got lots of texts today wishing me Happy Birthday and a couple of e-cards, e-mails and cards. I can't complain. I feel loved.

Ok, evidently turning 38 messed with my brain since I couldn't remember the name of the place we went to eat, but now it has come back to me....Bone Fish. Good place. Check it out.

Kailee, Our Niece and All of Her Uniqueness!

Kailee is going to be a fisherman for Halloween. I don't know why she picked that, but after Logan's birthday celebration last night, we went to Wal Mart where she bought a PINK fishing rod. Well, today, she needed fishing boots. We had some and she met us for lunch and to get the boots. Then she needed her a fishing vest. We thought we had one here, but we didn't and had to go back to town. This is Kailee at Goodwill shopping for her fishing vest. She actually found her a shirt that she is going to use. Between it, the boots, the hat (she got it last night) and the pink fishing rod she is going to be jam up. We are so proud to call her our niece. If you notice in the picture, the boys are away from her (which is rare). James didn't believe that she would actually wear those into the store, but she did. It was hilarious. I wish I could be at the party she is going to. She dressed as the fisherman and her roommate is her catch, a rainbow fish. I hope she sends me pictures.

I am Queen of this Castle

We met Kailee in town today and she came back home with us to enjoy some potato soup. Well, while I was cooking, she and James were out buying me this lovely crown and matching earrings. They also got me a single serving cake (James gets me Chocolate Delight for my birthday- we will get it next week). James also gave me my birthday present from him which was an electric skillet. People, I love it. I know most would be like that is a stupid gift, but I love to cook and I have been wanting one and he gets what he knows I want. I hate this picture of us for the fact that I have no makeup on and no lipstick, my bra strap is showing and my hair is a mess. Some queen, right? Well, I just loved the crown and the earrings. Kailee gave me those with her modified birthday card. She couldn't find one that said happy 38 so she got one that had happy 8 and put a 3 in front. She is so gifted that girl. I tell you, she is going places. It was fun. When the boys got back from church they gave me their gift of a double Christian CD. James is having to work tomorrow on my birthday as well as Friday on our anniversary that is why they were trying to get it all in tonight. I thought they would wait til next week when he was off. I'll be the first to admit, they do treat me like a queen. I love them.

Kailee and Her Attempt at Sushi

I think the picture speaks volumes. Evidently raw salmon is not a favorite for Kailee.

Logan's Birthday Celebration

Logan turned 15 on October 18th, but we didn't get to really celebrate until Oct. 21. He wanted to go to Osaka for dinner. We had told him to invite some people and he was going to, but then he decided he wanted it to be just us and Kailee. We finally got him his most favorite cake, a 6 layer chocolate with homemade fudge icing. It was delicious. I don't think it went too well with his sushi, but whatever. It made him happy. The first picture posted is him, Landy, and Kailee after eating tons of food and cake. The second is his cake. Which, by the way, is almost gone.

Logan and My Dad

My dad had to have a colonoscopy on Tuesday. Here is a picture of him and Logan after the procedure. Everything was great!

Logan is Driving

Logan got his beginner's permit Monday. Please use caution while on the roads. :)

A Big Thank You!

This was my first weekend back to work after my vacation. Most of the time those first days back are met with some feelings of dread. I don't know why, but I never really feel that way when I go back to work at EMH. I guess you could chalk it up to the fact that I only really work part time, what is two days a week? But I think the real reason I don't mind is because of the friends I have there. I miss them when I am gone. None of them live in my area so my only chance really to see them is at work. This weekend, one of my most favorite people in the world (No KIDDING) had me a chocolate poundcake waiting on me Saturday. Sandra made it for me for my birthday. It was FANTABULOUS! I wish I had a picture to put on here of the cake (and Sandra) but too late, we ate it all. We didn't eat it all Saturday, I brought it home and the boys cleaned it up (with a little help from me!).

Sandra, thank you so much for making one of my most favorite desserts and for remembering my birthday. (I only wish that Cheryl could have been there with us-only a few more weeks and our team will be back whole.) You have been a most awesome friend. You have sat there and listened when I needed someone to hear my problems, offered your advice and I know you have prayed for me. I know you have stood "in the gap" for me especially last year when it was hard for me to pray for forgiveness and letting go. You are a dear friend to me. Always will be. Thank you from my heart again!

Oh, and Sandra is going to bring me the recipe for the poundcake to share on here. Be on the lookout for it!

Happy Birthday Logan!

Our baby turns 15 today. It's hard to believe that he now can drive. I don't know what to think. It just seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital. As you can see from the picture, he is as tall (if not taller) than his dad.

Happy Birthday Logan! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Remi!

Our great niece Remi turned 3 today! She is Ansley and Jr's oldest daughter. For those of you who don't know, Ansley is James' niece that lives in Arizona.
We love you Remi!!!

The New Living Room

We just had our living room painted as well as our foyer and front door. Here are a couple of pics.
The color of our walls is called Butternut. Our front door (sorry there is no pic yet) is barn door red. Our painter painted the hallway between the boys room as well. He painted it a color called Covered Wagon. It just flows real easy with the living room and foyer. Mr. F. the painter, is coming back in a couple of weeks to paint the dining room, the laundry room and our bedroom. I'll post some pics when I have them. I was a little upset with the living room at first. I thought it was too Texas Longhorn color, but it really is pretty in person.

Baseball Update

Landon had a game on Monday, Oct. 13. His team, The Rays, played the Dodgers. Landon had a single, a walk and a strike out. His team won 11-5. On Thursday, Oct. 16th the Rays played the Astros. A lot of kids were nervous about playing this team (they remain undefeated) and this team is known for the pitching. Well, we were winning for a while at 2-0. The Astros came back and won 5-2 but they were getting nervous. They had their hands full with our Rays. One guy was pitching so fast some of the dads on our team said they didn't know if they could hit him. Landon hit off this amazing pitcher. He had a nice long line drive to right field.

More of James and the Boys

The Boys

Moi and the Boys

I would have really loved this picture more if James had told me I had no lipstick on. He knows I love my lipstick.

My Favorite Hewell Boys

Our Trip to the Mountains

We just got back from a few days in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Oh, and Gatlinburg too. I am going to be posting some of my favorite pictures of our weekend. Hope you enjoy.

Another Chance

How often we wish for another chance
to make a fresh beginning.
A chance to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning.
It does not take a new day
To make a brand new start,
It only takes a deep desire
To try with all our heart.
To live a little better
And to always be forgiving
And to add a little sunshine
To the world in which we're living.
So never give up in despair
And think that you are through,
For there's always a tomorrow
And the hope of starting new.

Helen Steiner Rice

Boston is In! (And I ain't talking about my dog!)

Boston made it in to the American League Championship Series. All they have to do is pull off four wins against Tampa Bay and they return to The World Series. Go Boston!!!

Logan (and the Cornstalk)

Logan is at the age where showing angst is a daily thing. He hates for me to take his picture, but oh well. He let me take the first picture of him (notice no smile) and wasn't too happy. However, when we go outside and see a cornstalk tied to a lamppost, he wants his picture made. I don't understand teenagers. This will probably end up as his default on myspace.

Landon is Funny

Landon makes anything he does funny. From eating the cupcake at the game to walking across the street in downtown Anderson. Notice that James and Logan are walking away from him.

Landon

Pics of Landon at Matty's restaurant

The Real Question is This

Who will win if these two teams go against each other in the division series? (that is if Boston makes it in) Even though Landy has on his TB hat, we all know his heart is with Boston.

The Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays Fall Baseball Team 2008

Action Pics from the Rays vs. Orioles Game

Landon playing third

Going for a small hopper

At bat against his buddy Luke. This is where he is at full count and then hits the most perfect pitch to center.

On second waiting

On third waiting to steal home. He didn't get to steal, he was walked in.

Rays Vs. Orioles

Landon at bat for the first time tonight.

Looking for the sign from Coach Bull

Loaded and ready to hit

Still waiting for the perfect pitch. He is at full count 3-2

The perfect pitch never came, Landon was hit with the ball. This pic shows him rubbing his leg. I know its a little off center because I jumped when the ball hit him.

The breakdown for Landon tonight was this: He advanced to first because he was hit by a pitch (at his first time at bat). He was left stranded on first. The second at bat he had a beautiful single hit to center field. He advanced to third but was walked in. The Rays won (yeah!!) 5-3. The last inning was tense. They had the tying runs at base, the best hitter was coming up, and they had two out. They ended up pitching around the best hitter and loading the bases. Then Will pulled out a full count and then threw a most perfect strike. Three outs!!!

Recipe of the Week

This is good anytime of the year; in my opinion. My dad use to have a girlfriend that always made this.

Cherry Yum Yum

Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar (for crumb mixture)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (16 ounce) carton Cool Whip
1 (16 ounce) can cherry pie filling (or other 16 ounce pie filling flavor)

Directions
1. Combine crumbs and margarine in a 9x5 dish.
2. Line bottom with half of crumb mixture.
3. Blend cream cheese, sugar and vanilla together.
4. Fold in whipped cream to above mixture.
5. Spread 1/2 mixture on crumbs.
6. Top with pie filling.
7. Add remaining cream cheese mixture and top with other 1/2 of crumb mixture.
8. Refrigerate overnight.

Word and Quote of the Week

algid
(al'-jid) adj. chilly, cold. [from Latin algidus, from algere "to be cold."]


Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.

Albert Einstein

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Statistics
The following is adapted from information available from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, accounting for more than 1 in 4 cancers.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
One out of eight American women who live to be 85 years of age will develop breast cancer, a risk that was one out of 14 in 1960.

2.4 million women living in the U.S. have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer.
An estimated 182,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in American women during 2008. About 1,990 new cases of breast cancer are expected in men. In addition, an estimated 67,770 cases of in situ breast cancer (both DCIS and LCIS) are expected, with 85 percent being DCIS.

An estimated 40,930 breast cancer deaths are anticipated this year (40,480 women, 450 men).

The greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is gender (female) and the second is age.

During 2000-2004, 95 percent of new cases and 97 percent of breast cancer deaths occurred in women aged 40 and older.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases for women whose parent, sibling or child have had the disease.

It has been estimated that 5 percent to 10 percent of breast cancer cases result from inherited mutations or alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Women who begin menstruating before age 12 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. The more menstrual cycles a woman has during her lifetime, the more her risk increases.

Other risk factors include inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, a personal or family history of breast cancer, high breast tissue density, high-dose radiation to the chest wall, long menstrual history, never having given birth or giving birth for the first time after age 30, and biopsy-confirmed atypical hyperplasia.

After decreasing 16 percent from 2006 to 2007, the estimated number of new cases of female invasive breast cancer is expected to increase slightly in 2008 to 182,460, up from 178,480. The estimated number of new breast cancer cases in men is expected to continue to decline slightly, with 1,990 new cases in 2008, down from 2,030 in 2007.

Female breast cancer incidence rates continuously increased for two decades, but have leveled off since 2001. One possible explanation for the decrease is that millions of women stopped taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) following published research that indicates a positive link between taking HRT and developing breast cancer.

Patients with private insurance from all racial/ethnic groups are more likely to be diagnosed with stage I breast cancer and less likely to be diagnosed with stage III and IV than those who were uninsured or who had Medicaid insurance. While 89 percent of patients with private insurance survived five years, only 77 percent of uninsured and 75 percent of Medicaid patients passed the five year mark.
Information from Cancer Facts & Figures 2008, American Cancer Society.

More information is available thru these sites:
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
www.networkofstrength.org
www.komen.org

Ladies, get your mammograms. Wear pink this month and make a donation to help find the cure. You can do that by donating to the American Cancer Society directly or to the Susan Komen Foundation. There are many other organizations as well.
If you have a family history, tell your doctor. Find out if you have the gene mutation.
For the few guys that read this blog, you aren't exempt. Men can develop breast cancer as well.

Check out the sites listed above for more info.

Quote of the Week

Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.

Helen Keller


(Don't you like how I found a quote with the word of the week in it?)

Word of the Week

I am changing up the word of the day to word of the week. So here goes:


"Perseverance"
Definition--Perseverance- n. displayed persistence towards achieving a goal.
Discussion-- The most important factor in determining whether or not you accomplish something that you set out to do is your level of perseverance, or your dedication toward achieving your goal, perhaps even despite considerable obstacles.

Recipe of the Week

Steak Diane


Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley leaves
1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 8 slices


Directions
Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are tender. Stir in the parsley; pour the sauce into a small metal bowl or saucepan, cover, and keep warm. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Cook the steaks over medium-high heat, turning them once, for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium. Serve the steaks with the mushroom sauce.