Grandparents Day with Layne.  I never get to go to this because I am working but since I don't go back to work until January here we both are.  What a treat for us.  It was so much fun! The picture below this one is blurry but Grandpa Mike is smiling so I added it too.

 Here are all the grandparents in the gym.  What a great thing for all these kids!

 We were served muffins.

 Grandpa Mike was saving a table for us!

 Cousins!  Do you think they love each other.  Brevan, Izzy, and Layne!

 Juice and tea to go with the muffins.

 Layne took this picture of me!

 Here is the whole gang.  Julie who is Justin's mom, Tanya who is Tanisha's mom and then Mike and the cousins.  Fun Fun.  Such great support for the kids.

 The playground.  Layne showed me all the great things she could do on the playground.

 

 When the bell rang there was a stampede to the classroom lines.

 Here they all are quietly standing waiting for their teacher!

 Layne's classroom.  We met her teacher and saw the classroom.  Layne was taking something to the office.

 One little girl insisted I take a picture of the praying mantis.  I think that is what it was.  She was pretty proud of it.

 Another classroom shot.  Layne is making a delivery of box tops to the office.

 We had a great time and loved seeing everything Layne does and where she goes to school.  Thanks Layne.  We love you!

Daisy Bridging to a Brownie

I didn't know that there was a Daisy category before you became a Brownie.  There is and Layne became a Brownie at a ceremony at her school.  Moving from one to the other is called bridging.  Here are two precious cherubs outside the school.

Layne was a little nervous about the whole thing.  She told her mom she was shy.

Oh Lucy, showing us her blue teeth and blue tongue from the frosting on the cake.

 

Grandpa Mike came for the celebration.

Kristin had a card for the leader of the group and she is having the kids sign it.  She is so considerate.

Justin and Lucy!

Kristin with some of the troupe.

Here is the whole troupe!  They were in charge of passing out the programs.

Ready set go.  Bridging to Brownies

They had a recipe to become Brownies.  Each girl had something to say.  Things like Respect Yourself and Others.  Then they tossed their paper in a bowl. It got mixed and thrown in a pan when they were done.

The pan got put in the cardboard oven.  This is Layne saying her part for the recipe.  The kids all got behind the oven and came out through the front of the oven as Brownies.  Clever.

They each received a book I assume about being a Brownie.

Two beauties!

Kristin also brought flowers for the leader . Layne is excited to pass them along.

Three blond beauties!  Love the Lathrop family!  What a special night for Layne and all of us!

A finisher at the Denver 1/2 marathon.  Keri wrote such a nice blog post that I copied it so you all could read it.  I am so proud of her.  Thanks for walking for me and for Stephen!

OK, first, let’s get things straight…I am not running, I am walking, it just sounded better as my title.

September 22, 2012…3rd Annual Denver Rock N’ Rock Marathon.  I will be walking in my second 1/2 marathon this coming Saturday and I couldn’t be more proud to represent both Team Gleason and my mom, Jackie.  About three weeks ago, after a whirlwind summer and any and all half-marathon training down the drain, I decided to go for it!  A normal training schedule is approximately 3 months.  I had 3 weeks.  I thought to myself, I need to do this for the people in my life who inspire, who motivate and who energize.  If I could get in 3 “long” walks (5, 7 and 9 miles), then I will be ready to rock.  I did it.  And, now, it is time for the ultimate test on Saturday.

My mom, Jackie, was supposed to be joining me on Saturday, but a sudden stage 4 brian aneurysm landed her in the hospital for nearly one month up in Seattle, WA.  I spent June and July flying up to Seattle to help with her recovery.  By the grace of God and LOTS of prayers, she is currently back in Spokane, WA at nearly 100%.  Doctors said they have NEVER seen anything like this happen.  ”Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” -Isaiah 40:31.  This one’s for you, mom!

Most of you know about Team Gleason.  TG is an organization that was started by my step-brother, Steve, in order to raise awareness and help those living with ALS.  Steve was diagnosed with ALS in early 2011 and is an amazing testament of inspiration.  His story and his will have energized a nation to encourage them to live life to its fullest.  No White Flags!  I will be sporting my “No White Flags” shirt with a special homage to Steve on the back (see below).  This one’s for you, Steve!

I wanted to list everyone in my immediate family and let you know that I will be thinking of each and every one of you as I jam to my eclectic mix of music during the marathon:  Dad/Kris, Mom/Mike, Kristin/Justin, Katie, Dawn/Dave, Katelyn, Steve/Michel, Kyle/Kath, Shane/Miranda and Mark.  Love you all!

Sunday morning and a 5k in Deer Park for us!  Kristin, Layne and Lucy joined Patti and me.  A photo of Mandi with one of her sons and Patti.  Mandi's other son was boycotting pictures.  Mandi did a lot of the organizing for this run/walk.

 Here is the other organizer with her family.  The Larson family!  Good lookin' group isn't it?

 Kristin and her two cherubs!

 Walking to raise money for leukemia.

 Here are Layne and Lucy with their running shirts that were straight from California at Jack's Surf Shop. So cute! A gift from Patti.

 Nothing better than riding in the stroller eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!  I would be smiling too.

 Here are the finishers of the 5k that turned out to 4.5 miles instead of 3.1.  Not sure what happened but all the walkers took the long scenic route.  Some of the runners went a bit too far too.  High school students were telling us where to turn.  They wouldn't have moved to make it longer would they???  Hmmmmm!

What a fun morning.  Layne walked the whole thing and Lucy strolled part of the time and walked others.  Another great family day!  Inspire!

Soccer then Lunch

I have posted so many pictures of the girls and soccer I didn't take any at the game.  Just a couple of lunch pictures.  Layne worked so hard at the game.  She got to play goalie which she has wanted to "really bad".  She did a great job. Yummy lunch.  Can't remember the name of the place.  

Lane looks a little tired I think.  She was beat!

Two cuties!

Pizza Feed Fundraiser for ME in Medical Lake

I am so blessed to be associated with such a supportive community.  You have all taken a lot of stress away from us!  I love you all.  This whole thing was run by volunteers!  Wow! This is line out the door at the pizza fundraiser and it continued this way most of the night.  My sister and I  had a great time.  It was fun to see students and their families and our friends.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  God is Great.  Inspire!