Vegan-ish

Of all the emails I get, the one about "diet" is probably the most prevalent in my inbox.  This "lifestyle" book by Kris Carr has been a "crazy" ride to read.  Her book is informative in a way that any newbie like myself can completely digest and set into motion quickly.  As a young newly diagnosed woman with all kinds of cancer throughout her body, Kris searched and searched for a team of doctors who would help her fight her cancer in a holistic and natural way.  Seven years later, while still living with cancer (which is now stable), she is the picture of health, inside and out, despite the cancer.

At stage 4, the progression of our cancer is too advanced and we're told by our doctors "We can't cure you of your disease any longer."  But Kris says, who cares (?) in a little bit more colorful language, and says "Change now.  Love now.  Live now."

I've been carrying her book everywhere, and whatever "your" personal cancer might be (heart disease anyone?  Chronic fatigue?  Arthritis?  Overweight?) she has a plan for you!  I've been surprised by how very "doable" changing my diet has been.  My energy has improved, and overall I feel better than I have in a long time.  Of course, I am still following my conventional treatment plan and doing my chemo as advised, so I do have side-effects to contend with, but I've also found those to be manageable.

These green smoothies, or liquid salads, have become a staple for me.  We found an old Vita-Mixer on ebay for a steal and I've been blending away for weeks now.  Colton has even joined me in his enthusiasm for them and will drink one alongside of me.  I've embraced the green and have done away with most meats, dairy, sugar, and most kinds of gluten.  

My doctor's only hesitation has been in doing away completely with red meat as its the only natural form of vitamin B12.  So I do work in some hamburger or fish to make sure I am getting that vitamin.

And for all of you making meals for my family, no worries on what you make!  We haven't met a meal that we didn't love and you shouldn't alter anything you are making.  My family is till eating mostly the standard american diet (SAD) and this momma is happy when her family has food to eat for dinner and I didn't have to plan it, prepare, or cook it.  Its one of my energy "lifesavers" and allows me to be with my family and spend my time enjoying being with them.  So thank you to all of my dinner-maker- warriors! You guys are my heroes and I couldn't do this without your support!  

Every once in awhile, a bracelet photo escapes my reach and goes through to my spam.  I'm sorry if I've unintentionally not posted someone's photo!  Feel free to let me know I missed you somehow!  

This bracelet photo is Lindsay who not only is a fellow Cobber (class of 2002) but she shared this with me "I'm on a committee for our local Relay for Life.  We had a BBQ fundraiser today, so I wore our team t-shirt.  My team has a baseball theme this year, and our motto is "Hitting Cancer Out of the Park."  It's been fun to raise money for a great cause."  

Thanks so much Lindsay!  

So today is THE day.  At the end of the day I will be taking down my bracelets button.  So you have a few more hours to get in your final orders!  Thanks to Pam for all of her hard work!  Thanks to you for all of your support!  

I remain humbled by all of the people who show up at our door with the most thoughtful goodies!  My family thoroughly devoured these cookies along with some banana muffins.  I've never met Angie even though our kids have been in the same class before.  It takes a special person to come to a "stranger's" house and offer them kindness in this way.  But each time this happens, I find that my circle of friends just increases.  My moments of gratitude just keep piling up.  

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!