Rock the Walk Awards & Recognition Night

Wednesday, November 10th--Tonight was an AWESOME night! We attended the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Awards & Recognition Night. We had some great food and the awards portion was pretty great. I was hoping our team would win something.....we won 3! Our first award was for making it to the "Gold Level" in fundraising--we made $3,511.55. We were only 1 level away from the top honor of "Platinum Level" (next year!). The next award was the "Hit the Ground Running" trophy. This trophy was for making the most money out of all the new teams that registered this year. So awesome and so unexpected! And our last trophy was 2nd place for team t-shirt design. I had hoped on this one because so much of the JDRF staff commented on our shirts. There were two individual awards for myself and next years team co-captain, Mackenzie, for getting donations in the $500-$999 range. We received certificates for that. At the end, the JDRF staff showed us a video of moments captured during the actual walk. We could not believe how many times they had video taped members of our team! It was so awesome!

I am so proud of our team--I will say it over and over again. What an amazing experience this has been! I could not be more happy---other than if we could have made more money....but there is always next year! And the theme next year is "Safari to Cure Diabetes". Sounds like we could have some real fun with that theme!

Great job, again, Team A1C/DC! I couldn't have done it without all your help and support!

Welcome to the Family Baby Cora!

Monday, November 8th--Nate's brother, Dustin, and his wife, Crystal, welcomed baby #2 this morning. Cora Lynn Armstrong was born around 11:30 am and weighed almost 8 pounds (sorry, I can't remember specifics!). According to mom, her delivery was not too bad--especially with an epiderral in place! Cora is not only welcomed by her parents but her big sister, Danika, who will celebrate her 2nd birthday on the 13th. In my opinion, Cora, resembles her dad quite a bit. I called her Dustins little mini-me! Dustin and Crystal like to torture us all by waiting to find out the sex of the baby when the baby is born. There were plenty of guesses and most of them seemed to be a girl. We went to visit mom, dad and baby at the U of U Hospital. We took Elise but left Brady at my sisters house--he's on the tail-end of a cold. Elise loved holding baby Cora. Oh, how I wish we could give her a little sister or brother! Maybe someday.....I'm not giving up hope yet.

This makes 11 grandchildren for Nate's parents. At 10 we were even, 5 boys, 5 girls. Now the girls rock! Welcome to this crazy Armstrong family, Cora!

Elise's Talent Show

Friday, November 5th--Elise attends a girls church group twice a month called Achievement Days. The girls range in age from 8-11. They planned their annual talent show and dinner--this is Elise's first. Every girl was asked to pick a talent and Elise chose to hula-hoop. She did such an awesome job! She did a little routine to a song called "Spinnin' Around"--it's from a Disney CD. She was pretty amazing. I couldn't help but get teary-eyed. She does some pretty awesome "tricks" with her hula-hoop. Ever since she got it for her birthday a few years back she has practiced and figured everything out on her own. I've never been able to get the hang of hula-hooping so it just goes to show how amazing natural talent is. Great job Elise! We're so proud of you!

Happy Halloween!

Saturday, October 30th--With October 31st falling on Sunday, we're so happy our community does Halloween on Saturday instead. The night before, we sent Elise and Brady to my sisters house for an over-nighter. They had a great time! She took them to the zoo on Saturday where they could trick or treat and see all the animals. Nate and I enjoyed some alone time. We went to lunch and then did some unintentional Christmas shopping--loved it! We got to my sisters house, packed the kids up and brought my niece, Samantha, along as well. She wanted to trick or treat in our neighborhood, plus show off her fancy new costume.

Our drive home was rainy. I kept praying we wouldn't have to deal with rain for trick or treating but we did get some. Luckily the downpour ended shortly before it all began--phew! Nate took the kids out while I stayed back to pass out candy. They stayed out for about an hour and got plenty of candy. We had our stock of big candy bars ready to go---well, the first few didn't get them because I was still getting them out but we also had a bowl of little candy. I bought the same amount we had last year, thinking it would be more than enough. Well.....it was too much! We had almost half of our candy left! I think people stayed inside this year due to the weather. Bummer! Growing up in Washington, we had plenty of rainy Halloween's and it didn't bother us a bit--we just brought umbrellas. Oh well, at least candy lasts a long time!

At the end of the night, Samantha and I realized we hadn't eaten dinner and we were hungry! So we ventured out to Iceberg to get some fattening food and a shake. Mmmmmmm! It was a great night, even with the not-so-great weather!

Class Halloween Parties!

Friday, October 29th--I dropped the morning carpool kids off and then headed to the school gym for the costume parade. Luckily I got there early enough to get the seat I wanted and my friend, Kathy was already there saving seats--bonus! We waited for a while but had fun visiting. I love the costume parades! I remember them as a kid, myself.

I pulled double duty today by volunteering to help out in both Brady and Elise's class Halloween parties. I didn't mind a bit. I've always enjoyed the class holiday parties. Luckily, Elise's party was first and ended shortly before Bradys began. Next year, I won't be so lucky. With Brady being in school full time, their class parties will start and end at the same time so I'll have to alternate, I suppose.

Elise's class was CHAOTIC! The kids were quite hyper! We decided to do 5 stations--a few games, crafts and decorating a sugar cookie. The kids really seemed to have lots of fun. As the class party was ending I noticed Mrs. Spencer and Mrs. Mair was having a hard time calming the kids down. I left to head to Brady's class so I'm not sure that quite happened. Sorry!

Brady's class was much more tame. We planned 4 stations--2 games and 2 crafts. For both classes I have a Halloween Bingo game called "GHOST" I made when Elise was in her 1st year of preschool. It's held up well and is used every year, whether it's by me or someone else borrows it. Who would of thought it would last so long!? When we were done with stations the kids got a donut and apple juice--I'm sure the highlight! Luckily there was plenty for the moms too!

Later in the evening, we had an adult Halloween party with neighbor friends. It was a blast! Great food, great company, the funniest game ever (Things) and so much more! What a fabulous end to such a great day, crazy busy but so much fun!

We ROCKED the WALK!

Saturday, September 25th--WHAT A DAY!!! This day has been so anticipated for so long. I was so happy when it finally came. My team, Team A1C/DC, was awesome! Our official team count is 63 and we made over $3,500.00!!!!! We exceeded the team goal of $3,000.00. I am incredibly grateful for so many that wanted to support this most-noble cause by either donating or participating on this team. So many of my team-mates joined up because they love us and Brady and that touches my heart greatly. I am surrounded by some of the most amazing friends, it's humbling to say the least. At Brady's last endocrinologist appointment I convinced his doctor, a fellow Type 1 Diabetic and Darci's doctor as well, Dr. Mike Swinyard (picture on the right), to attend the walk and cheer us on--we delivered a team t-shirt to him. Not only did he show up, wearing the shirt, but he brought his family and walked with us. He has been such an amazing example and a person that has given me much peace of mind throughout the, almost, 4 years Brady has dealt with his diabetes. Needless to say, I cried many tears of joy today!
The day of the walk we got to Scera Park, in Orem, around 8:15 am. The place was already set-up and full of fellow walkers. Partyland provided all the games, prizes, and activities for free. Several other companies provided food and drink for free. It was so amazing. When we hit the $2,000.00 mark in our fundraising we earned a team tent. The team tent was a place for us all to hang out and congregate together. It was pretty small for our 60 team-mates but there was plenty of shade. Next year we'll bring some additional pop-up awnings. My sister, Alishia, offered to get some donuts from one of the best donut places around so I gave her some money and she brought 4 dozen donuts. They were VERY good and our team enjoyed them! I encouraged my team to dress up like Rock Stars to go with the theme of this years walk: Rock the Walk. They came through! Holy moly, beyond my expectations! There were wigs, tattoo sleeves, make-up, netted gloves, colored hairspray galore, torn and tattered shirts and pants, bandanas, head-bands, hats--WOW! My awesome friend, Eric, dressed like Slash from Guns N Roses. It was so cool! (Nate looked so hot with that bandana around his head, I'm gonna be asking him to wear that more often!)
At 9:30 am the walk started. It was a 5K. The walk seemed pretty long and choosing black team shirts was probably not the best idea for this warm day but we made it and felt triumphant. Along the route was many pictures of children/teens. Next to their pics was their name, age and date of diagnosis. Both, Brady and my niece, Darci were amongst them. As we neared the end we had not seen Brady's yet. He was getting worried. Finally, we found him at the very end. He was so happy!
After we got back from the walk we ate lunch and then the kids set out for some more activities. While they played I mingled with my team-mates and various other people participating. It was such a great day! I will never forget it and knowing that we are working towards a cure to this disease. The Utah County goal was to make $195,000.00--we made $198,000.00!!!! Had our team not participated this year, they would not have made their goal. Again, so proud of my team! I know so many, including myself, worked hard to achieve and exceed our goal.
Next year, we are doing this again. I have a co-captain ready to serve and we plan on doubling our efforts!!!
On Friday, October 1st we held a team celebration dinner. Many of my dedicated team-mates showed up again for some delicious soup, bread, veggies and desserts. We had a great night! I got emotional many times being so thankful for my team. My dear friends, neighbors and fellow team-mates came to help me set-up and then clean-up afterwards. My heart is officially full and my gratitude so great!
We will continue to fight the good fight and pray that all our efforts and commitment produces a cure for Juvenile Diabetes soon!

My 35th!

Wednesday, September 22nd--I gotta admit, my birthday kind of got put on the backburner as we prepared for the upcoming Walk to Cure Diabetes. It didn't bother me. My awesome team, the money we've been able to bring in, all the amazing support--that has been my best birthday present. I asked all our family to consider donating to the JDRF rather than giving me birthday presents. They did not disappoint and were rather generous in their donations--I can never thank them enough! For that, and so many more reasons, this have been one of my best birthdays!
I did insist I get to order a cake from my favorite bakery, Dippidee. Just like last year, I got a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and a pumpkin mousse filling. SOOOO amazing! Nate got me Wii Legos Harry Potter (I wanted it SO bad!) and Wii Legos Indiana Jones #4 (I have the first 3) and a movie. He also got me some favorite candies. My mom found something after Christmas last year that she knew I wanted--the official Christmas Story leg lamp. So be watching for that come Christmas right in the front room window! This one is not breakable! ; )
I am touched and appreciate all the birthday wishes on Facebook and through birthday cards. I feel really special!
As far as 35 goes, meh....this year I've discovered vericose veins and spider veins forming on my legs. Blech! I thought I wouldn't have gotten those till much later in life. I guess this is a physical sign I AM getting old! Still, I feel young at heart!

Our Yearly Pilgrammage To Silver Lake

Monday, September 6th--Well our yearly trip to Silver Lake was quite disappointing. As I've said before, we go up to Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon every Labor Day to celebrate the anniversary of Nate proposing to me up there in 1999. We bring a picnic and walk around the look, observing wildlife and natures beauty. This year it was so crowded we didn't even go near Silver Lake. It was quite upsetting. I've never seen it so crowded. Since we started this tradition we've noticed every year it gets more and more crowded. In the beginning we had no problems at all.
We ended up driving more up to Brighton Ski Resort and parked next to an area of rocks and set up our picnic. We still had plenty of chipmunks getting close to us to see what we had to offer them. We found a walking trail that led up a hill following a waterfall. It was quite a work-out but the weather was nice and cool and we ended up making the best of our situation. We still had a great time and I'm thankful for that. I just have a feeling we'll be saying "farewell" to our Silver Lake tradition and making another one.

A Day At Seven Peaks

Saturday, September 4th--We decided to take advantage of a killer deal for a group of season passes to various locations around Utah County. One of them is a water park called Seven Peaks. We've never been before. It was crazy crowded but we found a pretty good spot to set our things down and then see what all this place has to offer. Of course, plenty of crazy water slides, which my 3 dare-devils enjoyed while I stayed off and took pics. Brady hadn't really done water slides before so he was a little scared and told Nate he wanted to turn back a few times but Nate convinced him and that first time he was hooked and wanted to go on everyone after. We rented tubes and had a great time in the wave pool then off to the lazy river (love it!). There's no food or drink allowed in Seven Peaks UNLESS you have a diabetic son, then they let you bring in whatever you think he (all of us! he he he) needs. We were able to bring in a cooler full of drinks and food so we didn't have to buy anything. One of the tender mercies of dealing with this disease, I guess.
We were also allowed to bring in some camping chairs and a huge umbrella we staked into the ground--I had no idea they were allowed in but just happened to have them in my car for soccer practices and games. Bonus! Next year we'll bring our pop-up awning! We had a great day and ended it with dinner at JCW's. We're looking forward to using our season passes to Seven Peaks next year!