Black Friday

Happy Thanksgiving to all! We traveled from HV to Waco on Tuesday. On Wednesday we went to visit the Waco mall Santa (check) and then on to Build-a-Bear for the new holiday moose (check) then back to my parents house. Wednesday evening my Mamaw/Papaw and Aunt Karen came to visit for dinner. Then Thursday morning we we to Spicewood (Austin) to visit the in-laws. Shereda had Thanksgiving cooked. We ate and ate and then we slept. PERFECT day. Got up at 4:00 and dressed for the Texas game. This was a first football game for both boys in many year. We had so much fun despite the late evening. (I have pics but didn't bring my cord to download) I'll post them later.


Then for the 2nd year in a row, Shereda and I got up relatively early and drove to San Marcos for the outlets on Black Friday. If you put together outlet prices with an additional 30%, 40%, or 50% savings and then use a coupon card for an extra 10% or 20% off (depending on the store). Well, we got some killer deals. I crossed a few people of my list. We filled the back of Shereda's car and had an awesome time.


Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Coach. I just have a thing for it. It's my splurge. I just collect them... have special place in my closet for keeping them. And I carry different ones at different times. It's like sending an alcoholic into a liquor store... ok maybe not that bad, but it's impossible for me to leave without finding something I just have to have. Fortunately Steve just indulges me. For a guy who collects every Lego ever produced, he really doesn't have much of an argument. At least my purses serve a purpose, right? So, today was no different. Of course, with Shereda it's like sending 2 alcoholics into the liquor store. Oh, we had fun... giggling, grabbing bags, debating the best deal. In the end I only got 2- this is good for me. One for me- I'll tell you all about it later. The other for a Christmas gift. That's right... someone out there is getting a Coach purse from me. Now, I get just as much excitement about of buying the knock off purses in NYC in the underground, secret rooms... so I don't discriminate when it comes to my purses. However, the outlet Black Friday purses were very competitive with the underground NYC purses. (If you ever want to hear about my wheeling and dealing with the NYC China town crowd I'll have to tell you about it). A must if ever visiting NYC. Anyway, after spending over an hour looking, re-looking, and re-looking... also befriending every salesperson in there making sure we were finding the BEST deals we made our way to the super-long line to check out. I just can't imagine Coach Outlet's final sales by the end of the day. By the looks of things you'd never think this season is like any other. Money was flying out of pockets just as quickly as last season.

We also checked out a few other stores.... Pottery Barn (got nothing), Restoration Hardware (got nothing), Under Armour (got nothing), Lacoste (couple of things), Polo (huge bag of stuff, but only $30 of it was mine). There were a few other stops, but we had no intention of just visiting random stores. We were on a mission... just like last year. We were able to stop for lunch and get home in time for me to get a 2 hour nap... ahhhhh... another perfect day. I think we're celebrating my birthday tonight! So, really how could this day get any better? I now feel I've done my civic duty in helping pump money back into the economy. Happy Black Friday everyone!

The Big Apple

As an early birthday present, we spent 4 days in NYC for shows, shopping, and holiday fun.

We went to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This is where the famouse Rockettes perform. We bought 1st Mezzanine, front row, middle seats. They had to be the best seats in the house. It was an awesome show!


The show has kept it's traditional nativity scene even reading scriptures straight out of the bible. The music was so good- you felt like you were in church. So cool this is going on in NYC!

Emily & I after the show. The music hall was so beautiful.

We stopped at Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. Do you see it behind all of the scaffolding? They are in the middle of decorating it before the Christmas Tree Lighting.

Here's Emily in front of the Rockefeller ice skating rink. The Today Show is just across the street.

Our next stop was American Girl Place. Oh my word. These moms of girls are crazy! It's a whole different world once you enter those doors. Emily's 2 girls each have a doll and my mom wanted to get them some new clothes for Christmas. Inside was pure chaos. A definite stop for any moms of girls.

We went to Macy's on 34th street a couple of times. I wanted a new coat- like a real winter coat and I wanted mom and Emily to see the department store at Holiday time. Here's a glimpse of the crowds. And, this is mid-November.... just think what it'll be like after Thanksgiving!

Here we are coming down the escalator. Do you see my mom at the bottom holding all our bags and coats? Macy's is 9 stories tall! And the coat department was on the 8th floor- lots of escalator riding!

Here is the Waterford crystal ball that they use on New Year's Eve. It's kept on the first floor of Macy's the rest of the year.

We stayed in the Marriot Marquise right on Times Square. Here's a glimpse at all the lights. The city that never sleeps!

We saw 2 other shows- one was The 39 Steps- a play based on Alfred Hitchcock's movies. The other was the musical, Chicago. I've never seen it... not even the movie. The theater was built in the 1920s and had not been updated at all. It was really beautiful, but noticibly old- creaking stairs, tiny chairs, chipped gold ceiling. Again, we had great seats that gave us a little leg room. Really nice to have leg room when the seats are so "cozy".

Since we saw Chicago on Monday night, my dad was able to join us. He's been working in Manhattan all year- gets in on Sunday evenings and comes home on Thursday evenings- of course, those familiar with the airlines know that his travels don't often often go as planned. Our trip was so much fun.

3Day - Day 3

Breast Cancer 3Day- Day 3

Here we are the morning of day 3. It was much colder this morning- but really was a beautiful day. Leslie and her son, Trenton, drove the FROG mobile and assisted us in so many ways... especially when it was time to shed all those layers of clothing!

... How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news...

Romans 10:15

Here's our favorite sweeper crew- although none of us ever rode with them. These 2 ladies have been best friends for over 40 years. Every 3Day they drive the cow themed sweeper van. They are always so encouraging. We made them honorary FROGs. (We have little green frogs we pass out to anyone that inspires us)

Here are some other cheerleaders at a pit stop. I'm pretty sure these were men, but I honestly couldn't tell.

Steve took this picture of us walking our final few feet. You can tell how much warmer it had become!

Here are the Journey FROGs finishing strong. Just behind us in the orange is one of the Bikers for Boobies guys- he helped get us safely across intersections throughout the weekend. Do you see his black leather chaps?

Steve arrived very early to SMU to take photos and cheer everyone in. Isn't he so cute in his 3Day shirt? He's so refreshed and I, well... I've seen better days.

Here we are crossing the finish line. Lori and Beverly had pinned a white laminated paper to the back of their shirts listing everyone they are walking in memory or honor of. Each year they add to the list. Soon they will need a second paper!

When we walked into the holding area there were hundreds of walkers and family members cheering us on for probably 50 yards. It was so exciting and so overwhelming!

Here we are getting officially scanned in as FINISHED! Then we went on to pick up our victory shirts.

Our official picture (except we were missing Angie and Joan b/c Angie had to fly back to Seattle).

I believe we are the only team with an actual flag. Beverly's mom made it for us last year.

Here's Lori and Beverly, our 3peaters- 2006, 2007, & 2008... and of course they already signed up for 2009.

Dressed in our victory shirts waiting for the last of the walkers to arrive.

Here's where closing ceremonies took place.

We were lined up 10 across walking in to closing ceremonies. With over 3000 walkers we stretched for several blocks. I think we got an extra mile in walking to closing ceremonies! So many friends and family were around to cheer us on. All of the white shirts represents regular walkers. Behind all of us were the walkers dressed in pink. They are the survivors. It was an amazing moment in the holding area when we were all huddled together and they asked for all the survivors to come to the front. There were huge empty spaces left around us. It was just humbling to realize how many survivors were walking among us.

Here we are gathered at closing. As in tradition, everyone takes off a shoe and pumps it in the air to the music. And once the survivor walkers are announced then everyone holds their shoe up for them as they come into the middle part of closing ceremonies. So cool!

Walkers everywhere

Many have not had a good look at our awesome frog hats. Lori provide us with 2 options- the visor or baseball cap. Let's just say she keeps Oriental Trading Company in business. As silly as they look it's just the most important part of our clothing. We are recognized everywhere as the FROG team. And green is a great option when everyone around you is dressed from head to toe in pink!

The baseball cap- it really is cuter, but much to hot for my head.

Watching the survivors come in to closing ceremonies. Hard not to cry.

The official closing ceremonies

Some of the survivors in the middle raising the 3Day flag. All of the other survivors are up close to the middle stage with the flags.

So here's where you could have found Lori and me the day after the 3Day. Because Coldwater Creek are huge supporters of Susan G Komen they gave us 20% off. We enjoyed massages and facials and lots and lots of pampering.

The 3Day 2008 was an amazing experience. When people ask the question, "How was the 3Day?" it's really hard to give an answer. Honestly, you just have to do it to know. It's physically and emotionally taxing and yet so humbling and inspiring to be a part of such a life-changing weekend. It's really a weekend that I made into rewarding journey filled laughter and tears. I could not have done it without all those that donated money. I am so thankful for all of you! And I couldn't have done it without a husband that allowed me to do all my training while leaving him the single parent. Then the weekend of the 3Day went off so smoothly for my household because my mom stepped in and took over. So, it wasn't just my journey, but a journey I share with many people.

Team FROG will continue to walk in the 3Day every year. There will always be new faces and there will always be some returning walkers. The dynamics in the team each year is always changing and it is so much fun to get to spend hundreds of hours training with them... because really all you can do while you're walking is talk. We always joke that Team FROG is free therapy. We all know each other so intimately because we get to learn the good, bad, and really ugly about each other. And what an honor it is to know each of my teammates in that way. I love you girls. I can't wait to see who will be joining us in the future years. God has so many wonderful things in store for Team FROG- of that I'm sure. And the door is always open for new team members, so if you've been reading this and wondering if this is something you could ever do.... well the answer is YES!

3Day- Day 2

Breast Cancer 3Day-Day 2

We woke up around 5:15 to get ready, eat breakfast, use the potties, and get going. Our fast four were already out the gate as we were still putting our shoes on. So, we knew we'd probably just see them at dinner.

Here's are some of the crew cheering us on as we were leaving. I just had to get this picture because if I explained to you there were men dressed in bras and pink wigs and little else you'd never believe me. This is actually typical attire for crew members at the 3Day. From what I've heard the crew fills up fast each year. They are never in need of more crew. These people dedicate so much time and energy making sure we have an awesome time on the walk. There's also a huge group of Harley guys that help out at a lot of the intersections. It was normal to hear a big herd of Harleys barreling past us at the 3Day- they would be moving to their next post to serve us. It's very humbling to see how many give selflessly during this weekend.

Here's one of the many sweeper vans on the route. If at any point you needed to catch a ride to the next pit stop then you just hold up your arms in an X formation and they will pull you over and pick you up. There are so many blistered feet, knee injuries, bone bruises, and just plain tired out people who choose to get swept at different points of the day. It's a celebrated thing and nothing to be shamed for. They offer you candy and treats once you board- I know because I visited a few sweepers during the weekend.

Here's another picture looking back at the long stream of walkers behind us. You can see a sweeper van parked in the route as well.

Here's our FROG mobile day 2. Our team member, Leslie, and her boxer, Rebel, drove on Saturday and Sunday. Leslie walked the past 2 years and took this year off to serve us. Also, here are some FROG friends.... some men.... yes, there are plenty of men walking the 3Day. Squatting next to Rebel is Tim Brown. He is married to our teammate from year 1- Angelina. This is the first time we've known a husband and wife that have both done the 3Day. I'm sure they now have a huge respect for each other. Tim trained with us before and was a joy to meet up with during the 3Day. We made him an honorary FROG. He is one be marriage, right? The other guy is Danny. This man is Tim's teammate (a team of 2). He lost his wife to breast cancer 5 years ago. This is his 3rd year walking- he walks every other year. So, his wife actually saw him finish the first time he walked. She was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer that took her life in less that a year at the age of 33- yes, 33! She left behind 2 children who Danny has raised as a single dad. From what I learned about him and his late wife, they had a fairy tale love from a very young age. He was by her side every step of her journey until she quietly passed away at home one evening.

Here we are at a pit stop. Pit stops offer food, drink, potties, and medical. Every pit stop is also themed and has a photo op place. We often skip these because of the long lines, but this one had no line. Silly girls.

Again, you can see the long line of people in front of us. It's always hard to tell where we are in the pack. Coming into lunch there is always someone clicking a counter so we always ask that person, "What number are we?" to get a good grasp of our pace. The only reason to know where we are in the pack is to avoid being unnecessarily swept. There are designated times for closing pit stops so you want to make sure you're hitting those well be closing time. The last thing you want to do is power walk to keep from being swept. That's just an invitation for blisters.

With 5 of us mainly walking together we often split into 2 and 3. This happens when one stops to take photos or talk on the phone. We never leave anyone alone. Here's a picture of Lori and Beverly up ahead of us crossing the bridge. Our first year walking Beverly had a huge fear of bridges. It was just a phobia she had that over the past 3 years she has been able to conquer. It's so exciting to see how God has healed her from this fear. Now she'll even walk by the rails so she can look down. That's huge for her!

Coming upon our first cheer station of the day we got to meet Beverly's mom. What a sweet lady!

Lori also got a visit from Kara. We can all claim her as our friend. The Stovalls also came out to cheer us on as well. We enjoyed getting to stop and visit with all of them.

This is our lunch stop on Day 2. Everyone just pops and squat anywhere. There are potties, drink stations, food line, and medical tents. Most people stay at lunch for 30 minutes. This is when you take your shoes off and let your feet breathe. We all change our socks- it feels so good to put on fresh, dry socks.

Here's the food line. You are given a sack with a wrap or sandwich, chips, pasta or potato salad, piece of fruit, and a cookie.

At this lunch stop we decided to grab our lunch and keep walking because most of our family was at the next cheering station just a few miles away.

I don't know these girls, but I thought the picture was great. This is how we all feel at some point during the 3Day. I think they were thrilled to find a make-shift bed for a short catnap.

And here we made it to the second cheering station. Sunni and Kayli joined my mom and boys. What a fun treat. My mom even brought a chair for me to sit in- such a luxury. The boys had a great time at the cheering station. It was great to take a break and eat with them.

My mom also brought Annie Beth. She made this fabulous poster for her mom, Lori. Since my mom picked a spot at the start of the cheering station, Lori took Annie Beth and walked her down the whole cheering station. I think she felt like a celebrity. A memory she'll never forget. It's so important our children see what we've spent so much time doing this year.

A lot of Angela's family stopped at this cheering station as well.

At the end of this cheering station was a Flower Mound Brownie troop. This is the troop that Terri's daughter is a part of. Cindy Heim also has a daughter in the group and brought them all to cheer us on. I love all their signs!

Terri and her only child, Cassidy. Such a precious girl!

Here's the Brownies in front of the FROG mobile. Go FROGs!

This man has driven his same car around the past three 3Days we've been a part of. His wife is a walker in honor of her sister. So, during the 3Day he drives his sister-in-law around to cheer on his wife/her sister. He remembers the FROGs every year. It's fun to catch up with friends throughout the journey.

I love this picture of Angela with her son, Andrew. He's laying a big one on her lips!

And here's our lovely toilets... Port-O-Potties. Don't forget to lock the door and NEVER EVER look down.

Here's some FROGs with 3 members of another Flower Mound team. They trained with us many Saturdays. Kathryn (long sleeve white shirt) walked in her mom's memory last year. She had passed away from breast cancer in 2007. Then this past spring she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. So, throughout our training she's been recovering from a mastectomy and undergoing chemo. She started radiation on Monday. She was a part of our opening and closing ceremonies. She carried the flag that said, "Myself"- as in she is representing herself with breast cancer. Sadly, she could have also easily carried the "Mother" flag as well.

She walked all 21 miles the first day and 22 miles the second day. By the time I saw her at the last pit stop she and her teammates were worn out. Just by refilling their water bottles they broke into tears. This journey was a very hard one.

Here is the end of Day 2- back at camp. Everyone gets scanned back in for the evening. It's always thrilling to cross the finish line each day.

Here we are at the end of day 2- a lot less clothes by the end of the day. Now on to dinner, showers, and hanging out for the evening.