Happy 8th Birthday, Marshall!

Marshall Cyrus Belnap - welcome to the world!

Open wide!

Hugs with auntie!

More hugs with auntie!

Marshall w/auntie - Sept 2012

Marshall Cyrus Belnap came into our world on September 24, 2004 as the eldest son of my little sister, Cheryl, and her husband, Kyle. Marshall was the tiniest little baby but quickly became one of the chubbiest babies I have ever seen! I was blessed to be able to see him at least once every six weeks during the first several years of his life. A bout with cancer made those trips less frequent for me during a couple years, but I am so grateful to be a part of Marshall's life. He is so sweet, considerate, spunky, independent and I couldn't be more proud of him! I adore you, Marshby, and I will always love you to pieces! 

See you in a few weeks, buddy!

Phoenix

Carson & me during dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe in Phoenix.

Visited Phoenix again this weekend, just because I wanted to see my sister and the boys again. We didn't do all that much, necessarily, but we had a wonderful time just being together. We did a little shopping, photos, out to dinner (took them to The Rain Forest Cafe for an early birthday dinner for Marshall). The worst part of this trip (and any, come to think of it) is saying goodbye ... especially to Carson. At six, he is an incredibly tender young lad. He bursts into sobs when I leave and it just breaks my heart. I wish more than anything I could take them home with me! I hate saying goodbye to them! But, of course, I do already have my next Southwest flight booked for just a few weeks out ...

Field of Pink Warriors

Sunday, September 2, 2012 - Oakland A's Breast Cancer Awareness Day ... what an honor it was to participate as one of 500 survivors celebrated by the Oakland A's crowd. My friends and sister survivors, Jill Fox and Tammie Jones, and I enjoyed being part of the on-field pink ribbon. Number 14 on this year's jersey represents this as the 14th year the A's have hosted Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The buttons say it all ...

Me, Tammie and Jill lining up in the tunnel as we prepare to take the field.

The Pink Ribbon formation ... what an incredible experience!

Warrior sister, Kathy .... her spirit embraces all that of a true warrior!

My honorary niece, Chloe, and I pose with "Stomper" at the Survivor's Reception pregame.

Bottom row, Jill and I are pointing at the crowds.