The Success of the Komen Race
I can honestly say that I do not know anyone personally who has breast cancer. But every June when I see the tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown, it's hard not to get emotional. My dear friend and colleague, Linda, lost her niece to breast cancer a few years ago. I was fortunate to have met Dawn at a Komen Race not long before she passed. I remember my sister and I walking away after saying our goodbyes, fighting back tears. My emotions hit me like a tidal wave. Seeing all the pink shirts is one of the most moving things I have ever experienced.
To all 64,000 participants, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We all came together to raise $3.3 million and brought awareness to a very important cause. (And we had a great time doing it!) The money raised will stay in St. Louis to fund programs. According to Susan G. Komen's website, breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women living in the United States. More than 200,000 individuals will be diagnosed this year and 40,000 will die from the disease.
It doesn't matter what age your kids are, they always need their moms around. Remember to do your monthly breast exams and know and understand your risk factors. Early detection is a key to fighting this disease.
Grant's Farm
Well Summer is here and it's time to get the children outside. I have to admit, I am really enjoying my Summer so far. Presley is getting more aware of her surroundings every day. We took her to Grant's Farm a couple of weeks ago. As soon as we entered the farm, we were seated onto a train. We had two wonderful men give us a tour of the property. We also ran into a lot of different animals. Presley sat on her grandpa's lap and shouted out "
Ooohhh"
every time she laid eyes on an animal.
I couldn't wait to see Presley feed the goats. My parents have great memories of my sister and I feeding the goats. (My poor sister got ambushed and cried the whole time.) I carried Presley in the pen while her daddy handed us bottles. As soon as I put her down, she was surrounded by goats. The poor girl was getting pushed around and chewed on so I tried moving her to where the baby goats stood. No luck there because the big goats just followed us. Presley finally had enough when she got knocked down and a goat began chewing her hair. I was being a bad mommy because I stood there laughing while my helpless child sat there crying. I couldn't help it. You would of stood there laughing with me if you would seen that silly goat. Her overprotective grandpa and daddy had enough and took her out of the pen. They were no fun!
After seeing the animals and watching the bird show, we moved on to the "free beer". My dad and husband enjoyed this part the most. My mom and I walked Presley around the stable to see the horses and a
miniature donkey. I don't know if this is the same donkey we've seen in the commercial. But either way, it was cute!
After the refreshments, we were ready to leave. it was already getting too hot. At the other side of the parking lot, we walked over to the Clydesdale Stables. We even got our picture taken with a Clydesdale. Those animals are so beautiful. Presley kept petting one's nose and I was terrified she was going to get her hand bitten off. There were workers standing there and they didn't seem to mind that she was petting the
Clydesdale. So I stopped worrying about Presley losing a hand.
To sum it up, we had a great time. Just like the zoo, there are fun things you can do with your family. To see your child's eyes light up is priceless. Get out there this summer and enjoy what St. Louis has to offer! Happy Summer Mommies!
