Sublime

We earn our beautiful days around here. For every gray, cloudy, cold, wet, chilly, freezing, blizzard-y Minnesota-winter-day we endure, we bask in days like yesterday. All it takes are a little sunshine, a little breeze, no bugs and if you have a 4th grade track meet to attend all day? Well then it all adds up to a sublime way to spend a day.  Plus, Nolan's gym teacher went out of her way to call me and say she had chosen Nolan to represent our school in the opening torch run.

So Rick and I dashed to the clinic for lab work and arrived at the field as the buses were pulling in.  It was cool and a little brisk in the early morning hours.

The first torch runners from Robert Asp school, Gavin and Izzie.  Nolan was so excited to see two of his friends be chosen to be torch runners.

Nolan and Katie running their leg of the torch run for Reinertsen

I don't think he stopped smiling all day.

Ethan and a girl from St. Joe's school completing the torch run.

Nolan had three events.  Field events started right away and Gavin in the ball throw was up first.

Alec tossing the ball for Reinertsen.

Finally it was Nolan's turn.

Nolan's went 118 feet and he was in the lead so far.

But then Griffin stepped up and with a Herculean launch, threw the ball 120.5 feet!!  Way to go Griffin!

When all the school had taken their turn at the ball throw, Nolan ended up with third.  Way to go Nolan!

Nolan's friend Ethan had a spectacular jump in the long jump!  Rick's camera captured his jump in a long sequence, but here is the gist of it. 

I can't say for sure, but I think he was second or third in this event.  Awesome job Ethan!

The Reinertsen kids were dressed in red.  4 elementary schools attended the meet, each wearing a different color.  Nolan and his friends sharing a blanket to keep warm before their events.

Some of the parents lined the fence by the finish lines for the races so we could cheer on the kids.

Nolan's second event was the relay race.  He was picked to race with two of the fastest kids in his class and he was so excited at their chances of winning, until he saw all the other fast kids line up with him!

Riley got the relay team off to a really fast start, far right.

Nolan ran the third leg of the race and you can see they have held on to their lead.

He is still smiling

Nolan rounds the corner and hands off to his friend Tommy...

And Tommy is off like lightning.  The grace in his stride, the steady and sure pace, and the quickness and ease with which he moves are a real treat to watch.  Tommy has a gift you recognize, the second you watch him... you know what you are seeing is something special.  He later went on to run the mile and beat his own record with a time of 6 minutes and 12 seconds- yes- that is in 4th grade!  

But first, Tommy helped his team win the relay race!  First place, way to go boys! 

Nolan went on to run in the co-ed relay race, and they came in second place.  So he rounded out the day with a first, a second and a third place!  

The fun of an event like this is that almost everyone left with a smile.  Winner or not, everyone got out of school for most of the day, or off from work.  The weather cooperated and all anyone could say was "Isn't this great?"   

I said to my doctor the other day in regards to how I feel,  "I feel so lucky."  He looked at me with a what the heck are you saying- kind of look and then he said, "perhaps, at least in some aspects you are."  What he doesn't know.  What I can't say.  What is only a smidge of truth occurring to me... is that because of this c-word filter I've been given, these feel like the best days ever.  Its a choice I am consciously making.  To remember the sweet smell of sun drenched hair.  To take in the feel of sunshine warming the back of your neck despite a chilly breeze.  To relish the sound of kids cheering on one of their friends, and saving the loudest applause for the kid struggling the most to finish his race.  

Maybe it has nothing to do with luck, but blessed beyond belief wouldn't be such a stretch.

Bracelets and Birthdays

Are you ready for a staggering number? I'm talking about the number of bracelets that you all have bought in support of me. I'm in awe first of all, but also completely humbled. The number I think I heard Pam tell me was 645! With some sewing help from her mom, Pam has hand made each and every one of these bracelets and then packaged them and shipped them.

 Whew, I'm tired just thinking about the amount of time Pam has spent on these. She has been selfless and beyond generous in doing this for our family. 645 is almost triple the amount, of what we thought might be sold. So its quite understandable that we are going to wrap up our bracelets offering for awhile. Please, if you would like to order a bracelet, get your order in this week, no later than Friday! I will be taking the button down after Friday! You guys rock!

Here are the latest bracelet photos I have received. I will still post any and all photos with bracelets that you send my way.


My sister-in-law Julie with my niece Mackenzie

My brother-in-law Matt, Julie, Mackenzie, and Ethan

Ethan, my nephew, cute, cute, cute.

Mackenzie with her cousin Sophie- way to "fight like girls!" 

Becky and her daughter Rebekah!  

Kenzie with her Team Vicky t-shirt on and her Vicky bracelet! 

Kelly @Septembermom

Colton's birthday party was a huge success!  He loved every second of it,  from hanging out with his friends, to playing arcade games to eating pizza and cake.  His friend Will and Will's mom had this cake made for Colton.  Not only is the logo spot on, but the flavor was delicious. 

Even in the dark you can see the excitement in his eyes. 

Will and Colton.

He clearly loved all of his gifts!

Colton's friends Grant and Sam.

Colton's friend Caleb

Grant, Colton and Ethan.

One party down, one to go!  

My baby turns 9 today...

Its pouring rain and 40 some degrees outside on my babie's Birthday.  Instead of the mini-golf/bumper cars/go carts- birthday party, we will scramble for a warmer and drier place with equal amounts of fun.  He doesn't care.  He has been counting down the days and hours till "his party," for what seems like forever.  A little rain will not dampen his spirit.  His "power ranger" eyes will dance with fun and goofiness today.  Colton is the calm to the storm that often swirls around Nolan.  He goes to bed happy and wakes up happier.

We used to marvel when he was a baby, whereas Nolan woke up screaming every day, Colton would lie in his crib playing with his hands, or gazing at the toys in his crib, until we would come to get him.  He'd give us the most content smile, no matter how wet his diaper was, or how hungry he was.  Gosh I love that kid.

I watched him play with some of the "big" boys last night.  They were playing rough, and he was in the thick of it.  He kept getting knocked down, but somehow, he held his own.  He didn't come running inside to me for help or to tattle.  I can see him growing up before my eyes.

Colton Jack you are smart, funny, loving, kind, stubborn, loyal and a pure joy to have around.  You climbed into my heart that first year we spent suctioning your nose every couple of hours throughout the night, so you could sleep.  I was a stumbling, sleep deprived wreck of a mom, but you were the shining spot of light in some long days. You were such a trooper never crying or fussing about me messing with your nose.  To this day our bond is tight and you are still the first one who shows up to throw your arms around me or snuggle on the couch with me, sharing your blanket always, and your big hearted love forever.


Happy 9th Birthday Bubba Jack,  love ya to the moon and back!

"a thousand fibers..."

Blogger has had "issues" these past couple of days and seems to have taken this very post away.  So I copied this from my google reader and am re-instating it.  I wish I could recover some of your awesome comments too.  But if you wouldn't mind leaving a little comment love for sweet Abby and her mom again, I know it would be greatly appreciated.  

Big bracelet news coming!  Last few days to purchase one if you haven't yet!  Click on photo link in right sidebar. 

Herman Melville:

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects

 This is my cousin Brenda and her daughter Abby.  Brenda, Abby and a bunch of her family have done  Race for the Cure for the past few years in honor of Brenda's sister-in-law, Paula.  It was Abby this year that said "Mom, this year when we walk I bet we will be walking for your cousin Vicky too."

And so here she is, walking, with my name on her back.  And I get teary-eyed every time I see it.  Cause wait till you see how they walk... I had no idea...

This photo just cracks me up, because anyone who knows Brenda, knows this is the face that accompanies her witty and sarcastic comebacks.  I can hear her voice when I see this look on her face and I know I'd be laughing if I heard her.  She is one of a kind and I am very lucky to have her in my life.  Us daughters of the Brainerd sisters (our moms) know we have to stick together.  That way when one of us says "can you believe my mother wouldn't let me...  or used to make me..." we can look at each other and nod solemnly yes, we had suffered the same fate as a child.  Nobody could quite understand like the child of one of the Brainerd siblings.  I think we've come to realize we wouldn't have nearly the hilarious stories to tell if we didn't have that common bond.

This is the pic that delivers the shiver.  Look at all those people.  Each and every one of them has either directly been affected by, or knows and loves someone affected by Breast Cancer.  This is the Minneapolis race, and there are other races in cities throughout the United States.  The numbers are staggering when you see them like this.  

Brenda sent this to me in an email and I think she said it well... "They say we had over 55,000 people walking. To see that sea of pink, and to know that breast cancer has in some way touched every single one of them.......it becomes very overwhelming. Of course you were on my mind all day. Here are a few photos, but they don't do it justice! It was our 4th year doing this, and we were all crying at the finish line- like we always do. It just doesn't get easier. We all know we helped in the race. Hopefully a cure is out there..."

I'm thinking of that Melville quote again... 

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.

Every one of us can do our part.  Join the race.  Fight Like a Girl.  Go here to the Breast Cancer Site and click on the the box to help provide a free mammogram to someone in need.  I do it daily.  Everyone can do something.  I don't want to see any more names of loved ones on little Abby's shirt.  I am sure you don't either.  

We're turning a milestone in the number of bracelets that you all have bought and that Pam has graciously made.  I will get the grand total for you at some point and share with you how amazing you all are at being "sympathetic threads."  

Thanks Jen for wearing the bracelet, and your continued love and support!!  

Happy 11th Birthday on the 11th Nolan!

11 years ago today Nolan James first graced us with his presence. One thing we can all agree on, he has a flair for the dramatic. His arrival into this world could not have been any more of a cliffhanger than it was. I am convinced my grueling labor and delivery fraught with emotional turmoil was symbolic for the unexpected rollercoaster that is our son.

To this day, he is intense, persistent, kind, unrelenting, demanding, loving, spirited, loud, smart, funny, caring, passionate and has boundless energy. But that smirk on his face? Is the biggest indicator of who he is. Its the devilish grin at the edges of his smile on an otherwise angelic face, that gives him away.

Dear Nolan, we forget sometimes, when we get caught up in the centrifugal force of your spirited nature, to see the whole you.   I am sorry we do that.  The whole you is a beautiful soul, that walks through life with a smile on his face, his heart on his sleeve, and a natural intensity for life that is hard to assuage.  Every year we go through your baby book together and tell the story of you.  I have it here ready, and tonight I am all yours.  

Even after 11 years, I'm still learning, Nolan.  And I want you to know, I SEE you.  All of you.  You've taught me so much already in these 11 years, I can't even imagine what the next 11 will look like.  But I am here peanut, basking in your light, with my arms wrapped around you, and a giant piece of my heart lodged in yours.  I'll be with you forever.  

Love you to the moon and back, Mom. 

My babies... just aren't anymore...

He turns 9 this week. And his brother turns 11.  Its officially Birthday week.  I've spent all morning planning a birthday party for him. A generous friend sent beyond generous money for something "fun" for us to do. I shivered as I felt God provide for us again. I doubted our ability to provide a party for Colton, but God had other plans. His timing, I am learning, is impeccable, even when I doubt or don't understand.

This child, had us on the ropes last night. He behaved all day, listened and did as he was told. But last night? When I said the words "early" and "bed" in the same sentence? He gave me "power ranger" eyes. Its the equivalent of "stink" eye. He lasers his disgust in his eyes and stares you down. If I didn't love him so much, I may not be able to smother the giggles that threaten to erupt.

So he pitched a Colton sized fit. He said not a word. He sat quietly, in the hallway, OUTSIDE of the room we had asked him to enter. Lets face it, at five days short of turning 9, he has civil disobedience down. He remained sitting there well past his bedtime. And when he couldn't take it anymore, he snuck into his room and removed the pillows and blankets from his bed, and slept in the hallway ALL NIGHT LONG. To spite me. Him and his power ranger powers.

Did I mention how much I love him anyways? He takes after me in so many ways. And seeing this stubborn, lip-jutting out, arms crossed- boy take a stand? It did my heart good. So glad he is on Team Vicky, I need that Colton kind of stubborn, and those power ranger powers? They can't hurt either!

Not only did the Mjoen's family bring yummy barbecues for supper, they brought, these beautiful flowers. 

This plant was such a surprise too.  Its a Breast Cancer hydrangea and its blooms are pink.  It came from Levi Runyon's and the owner, Charlie, was a church friend and classmate of mine.  I haven't seen him in years, but I was so thrilled to receive this from him!  Thanks Charlie!  I love how my past is showing up in my present day life.

Do you see the pink dress holder for bracelets and necklaces?  Could it not have fit in better in my bathroom?  Not only does it fit in, but it is totally adorned now with all my breast cancer bracelets!!  So clever and thoughtful... thank you Julie!  

Thank you for all the well wishes.  I am falling behind in my thank you's, and replies to emails and I am so sorry if you didn't hear back from me.  So far, this week is better than last week and I have more energy, which is good, since I also have so much more to do!  Love and blessings to you all!