Fifty Shades

Well.... OH MY MY!!!!  That is about all I can say about this series of books... which are "Fifty Shades of Grey"(Book I), "Fifty Shades Darker" (Book II), "Fifty Shades Freed" (Book III).  This series of books have been dubbed as 'Mommy porn'... but... since there are no pictures or photos in these books... just words... I wouldn't say they actually qualify as 'Mommy porn'.... but.... they are VERY graphically written.

The story plot is about a GORGEOUS adonis looking billionaire (Christian Grey) who is 27 years old (he turns 28 as the story continues)... he has had a dysfunctional childhood... was rescued and adopted at age 4 by a Doctor who attended to him when brought to the ER after his crackwhore Mother died.... he didn't like to be touched except for on his head, and he had a lot of built up anger from being abused, and from having to watch his Mother be abused by her pimp.  Unbeknownst to his adopted Mother, her best friend is into "kinky sex".... to put it mildly... and she encourages a 15 year old Christian to vent off his anger thru kinky sex.  That is the basics of who he is and why he is who he is.  He meets Anatasia (Ana) Steele when she comes to his office to interview him for her college newspaper.  Boy meets girl... boy/girl fall in love... and boy tries to encourage girl into kinky sex.  Anastasia is as beautiful as Christian is gorgeous... but she isn't aware of her beauty... she is graduating college with a 4.0 GPA and has never had a boyfriend... thus... she is 'sweet and innocent'.  The rest of the story is about their romance/relationship and the rest of his childhood story... along with LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of very descriptive lovemaking between them. 

I am an avid reader of all sorts of writing, I decided to read this series of books just so that I would be 'in the know' (same reason I read all of the Twilight books) of all the talk I've been hearing about these books from women young and old, family, friends, and strangers.  These books are indeed quite the arousing read!  The first book was mostly about their sexual relationship, which is VERY HOT!  The 2nd book is more about their evolving relationship... but again... their sexual trysts are very detailed.  The 3rd book ties the whole story together and answers all the questions about Christian's earlier life.  The story is wonderful.. I'm always a sucker for a good love story.  

Because I have never read anything quite so.... ummmm... sexually detailed, while reading the first book I think I actually blushed the whole way through the book.  At times I just HAD to put it down to catch my breath!  When I got to the 2nd book... I was actually getting tired of reading about their sexual exploits, but wanted to keep reading to get to the rest of his story, and I found myself speed reading through the endless love making paragraphs... seriously... their constant... and I mean CONSTANT... as in... 6 times a day... EVERYDAY!!!!... gets a bit old and I just want to get through it so I can continue on reading about the story.  By the 3rd book I was.... OH MY GOSH!!!!... stop looking at each other and/or touching each other, so that you can stop constantly doing it!!!  But then... I'm old, they are young lovers and they love to lovemake!  

I'm glad I read the books... I really did enjoy the books and the story... these books were just such a different kind of reading than I am used to.  If you are considering reading these books... I do suggest you read them on an electronic reading device... or get a book cover for the books... reading this book in public will get you 'those' kind of glances!!!  And of course... I give fair warning that these books are graphically detailed and they are not for prudes or prisses!  They are similar to all those Harlequin Romance novels my Grandmother and Mother used to read... except these are wayyyyyy more detailed. I must say, I did learn a lot!  :  )  Nuff said about that!

If you are curious, you like to read, and you want to be 'in the know' of the latest reading trend, you will enjoy them... though I would NEVER check these books out of the library.... hmmm I even wonder if the library would even carry them... seeing how they are judged as "smut' reading!  As they say... "Curiosity killed the cat"... but... "Satisfaction brought him back"!  I was curious, so I ordered my books from Amazon.com, which delivered this smutty material right to my front door all hidden in the shipping box, as if the box contained CD's instead of smutty books... and now... I'm "in the know".  I have giggled behind my hands while whispering with other women about these books... they just seem like such a naughty thing to read.  It's like there is this underground secret society of those who have read vs those who have not.  I will continue to discuss these books with my women friends, as our husbands look at us with curiosity themselves.  I suggested to my husband to read them... but he just wants the cliff notes version from me... well... sorry honey...  you read them, you get to discuss... you don't read them, my lips are sealed!

Are you curious yet?  Go ahead... go out and get them and read them... then pass them along to your girlfriends... then enjoy all the discussing to follow!  

Infused Simple Syrups

Simple Syrup = part water + part sugar simmered slowly on the stove until the sugar is melted and absorbed in the water.  Measure both water and sugar into pan... place pan on stove over med-low heat... do not stir... leave it to simmer for about 5 minutes... after you remove the pan from the stove, then you gently stir it.  Simple syrups are used mostly in liquid beverages, such as, sweet tea, lemonade, iced drinks, etc., but can be used for other purposes too.

Depending on how sweet you want your simple syrup depends on the water to sugar ratio.  Some use equal amounts of sugar and water, others use 2 measures of water to 1 measure of sugar... or for really sweet and/or thicker simple syrup you would use 1 measure water to 2 measures of sugar.  Basically simple syrup is made and used for when you need to add sweetness without having undissolved sugar crystals in your beverage.  My personal recipe is 1 cup of water to 1/2 cup of sugar.  To "infuse" any flavor to your simple syrup... you simple slice and place the flavoring ingredient and place it in the pan with the sugar and water as it heats and melts.  After the sugar as melted in the water, I turn off my stove and let the simple syrup just sit on the stove until I'm ready for it.  When I am infusing any other flavor in my simple syrup, I let the infused simple syrup sit on the stove for at least 30 minutes so that the flavoring ingredient also has time to seep it's flavor into the simple syrup.  If you are using cinnamon sticks or other fresh herbs to infuse into your syrup... I leave them whole and just place them with the sugar and water... and then of course the infused ingredient is removed and thrown away from the simple sugar when I go to actually use or store the simple syrup.

Recently I discovered the art of 'infusing' simple syrups with various other flavorings.  The one that stood out in my mind the most... and... is responsible for me blogging about it is.... a fruit salad (cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries) I had that had been lightly drizzled with jalapeno infused simple syrup.  OH MY GOSH AMAZING!!!!!  And I remember thinking to myself.... I would have NEVER thought about infusing a simple syrup with an ingredient soooo strong and hot!  But... the effect was this... I placed the first bite of cantaloupe in my mouth and was instantly hit with the light sweetness that coated the piece of melon, then I bit into the melon and the sweet juicy fresh taste of the melon mingled with the light sweet coating, and as I swallowed I got this strange back note of heat on the back of my palate and tongue... which made me instantly go.... WHAT WAS THAT???!!!!  So I quickly took another bite to figure it out... but it wasn't until the Chef came out and told us how he had prepared this fruit dish that it all made sense.  You couldn't taste the jalapeno flavor in this simple syrup, you just tasted a tiny bit of heat in with all the fresh sweetness of the fruit.  This was such an amazing palate experience, I just couldn't eat that fruit quick enough... and when I was finished with my small appetizer size bowl of that fruit... I wanted MORE!!!!

I came home and started experimenting with jalapeno simple sugar for myself.  I placed a cup of water and a 1/2 cup of sugar in a pan... set it on med/low heat... then I cut one pointer finger size jalapeno in half (keeping the seeds in the pepper pod) and threw it in with the water and sugar to simmer.  It was seriously that easy and the results were fantastic!  You can flavor any simple syrup with any flavor profile you wish by simply adding the flavor ingredient to the simple sugar as it heats and dissolves into each other.  I think sliced lemons, limes, oranges added to simple syrup would be a great way to add sweetness and an extra flavor profile to any beverage.  A cinnamon stick or other stronger spices could be added to simple syrup for hotter beverages, such as, hot teas, hot chocolates, ciders, etc.  And fresh herbs could be added to simple syrups to serve with various fruits.

After making simple syrup... I store mine in a plastic container with a screw on lid and keep it in the refrigerator.  It should stay good for a couple of weeks if it is kept stored in the refrigerator.  You can also pour the simple syrup into ice trays and freeze them til you need... which would be perfect for times when someone requests sweet tea, but you only have unsweetened tea... instead of making two separate batches of ice tea.... you could plop a simple syrup ice cube into the unsweetened tea glass and it will sweeten as it melts without having the undissolved sugar crystals end up in the bottom of the glass.

The flavor profiles you can make with simple syrup is endless.  Don't be afraid to experiment and discover your own personal favorite simple syrup... the ingredients to make simple syrups is inexpensive and if you don't like it... toss it and try a new flavor profile... all that would be wasted on a batch you didn't like is a cup of water and a 1/2 cup of sugar and whatever ingredient you placed in the pan with the water and sugar.

Simple syrups are an easy and unusual way to add sweetness and/or any flavor to any food or beverage you want to serve.  Try it.... you will be surprised at the small difference a flavoring in simple syrup can add to beverages, fruit and such.  YUMMMMMMMMM

Power Outage Hide and Seek

When I was young, my brother, myslef, and our Dad would always play "Hide and Seek" at night on the weekends inside the house.  We used to play this often as my Mom would be holed up in her bedroom watching TV or sewing on her latest project.  We would play for what seemed like hours, and I just never tired of that game.  I don't know why Mom never played with us... she never seemed to like the game, but she didn't mind getting to do her own thing while the rest of us played.

When the power would go out from a thunderstorm... that was the BEST time to play because it was really and truly dark inside the house and outside too.  When the lights go out from a thunderstorm, there is literally nothing to do... you can't read, watch tv, go outside and play in the storm, you can't play board games or cards... so.... the BEST thing to do is play "Hide and Seek".

When my girls were young I carried this tradition forward and we would always play "Hide and Seek" when the power went out from a thunderstorm.  We took our games quite seriously and would actually prepare ourselves before the game would begin.... but... you had to move quickly because you just never knew when the lights would come back on again.  We would dress ourselves in all black... I always borrowed Joe's dark dress socks to cover my feet and legs... and then would use a 2nd pair to cover my hands and arms.  Joe would sometimes play with us... but mostly he would nap and relax as we played our game.  And then of course, there are times you are bored and just wanna play "Hide and Seek" anyway by turning off all the lights and shutting all the window coverings, which is lots of fun too.

As in any game... there are rules... these are our rules, which may or may not differ from any one else's rules... but these were the ones we played by.  You must start with an "It" or "Finder" person... usually decided by "rock paper scissors" or "eenie meenie minie moe"... once the "It" person has been chosen, that person must close/cover their eyes, face the 'safe/base' wall and count to 100.... SLOWLY!!!!!... and then all the hiders go hide.  Boundaries must also be stated... usually containing the game to one level of a house if there are more than one level, or staying to a couple of rooms.  Once the "It" person has finished counting to 100, they then must shout out... "OK... HERE I COME"... to signal to the hiders that the hunt has begun.  The hiders wait quietly and patiently to either be found or cleared to run back to the safe/base wall and shout "Ollie Ollie Omp I'm Free!!!"  Should the "It" person find a hider... that particular round is over and the found person is the new "It" person... all other hiders come out from hiding and return to the safe/base wall and the game starts over.

The thing is to find such a good hiding spot that you can re-hide there for several rounds before having to creatively find a new spot.  Once I hid on my bed... laying flat on the bed with all my stuffed animals around me and was never found... no I didn't fall asleep!  Another time I was never found was when I climbed on top of the refrigerator and perched huddled on top disguised in all black... did I mention I am only 4' 11" tall and weight 105#?.... this game was perfect for me... it's amazing how many places I can squeeze this little body into!  But having blonde hair meant that I always had to wear a hat... which gets HOT while you are hiding!  When the "It" person is near... and I think I'm about to be discovered... I hold my breath so as not to make a sound and not to giggle in fear!

I remember playing "Hide and Seek" for hours and hours, and how much fun we had, and how exhausted we were afterwards too.  Then you sit and giggle and recount the places you were hiding and/or how close you were to being found, and how fun the game was.  Sometimes my brother, Dad, and myself would play a version of "Hide and Seek" during the daytime... but we would wad up sheets of paper into balls as ammunition and then throw them at each other til someone was hit... then they became the "It" person.  Often in the summer months we would gather all the neighborhood kids and we would play "Hide and Seek" outside after dark as our parents enjoyed coffee and conversation sitting in lawn chairs under ours, or a neighbors carport.  Again... it would seem we played for hours on end and would be sooooo tired afterwards.

Playing "Hide and Seek" outside was a common game we neighborhood kids played all summer long.  Sometimes flashlights were used... that of course was called "Flashlight Tag"... where the "It" person was the only one with a flashlight.  Again... rules and boundaries must be stated prior to the game... whose yards we could hide in... no going inside, no climbing trees... and such.  The thing with outside "Hide and Seek" is to find a spot where passing car lights won't reveal your hiding spot.  After playing outdoor "Hide and Seek" we would be sooooo dirty, grimey, and sticky... so much so, that our bath water was black and the tub would need to be scrubbed after we bathed.

Ahhhhhh the memories!  These wonderful memories came flooding back to me this past week when Joe and I found ourselves in the middle of a power outage from a thunderstorm.  I found myself wishing that my brother, my Dad and/or my girls were here to play the game with me... especially since the power was out for an hour and this house has LOTS of good hiding spots!  I was in the middle of preparing dinner when the power went out... as in... 5 minutes away from plating and eating.  We finally did get to finish preparing dinner and eating... but... it wasn't the best meal ever!

We are in the season of thunderstorms... next time your lights go out what will you do?  If you get too bored... play a game of "Hide and Seek"... or... play a game just because.  It is great entertainment and doesn't cost a dime!... and the memories last forever!!!!

Dad... I know you will read this blog, and I hope you remember all those magical nights we spent playing "Hide and Seek".  Thank you for being such a "kid at heart", and such a "good sport" to play "Hide and Seek" for hours with Mike and I!  I cherish those times dearly!!!  Love you bunches!!!!

Memorial Day 2012

WOW!!!!  I find it hard to believe that by gum it is Memorial  Day Weekend already again!... it has been such a busy winter and spring that it feels we just gathered to celebrate the Christmas holidays!  But here we are.... sun shining, temperatures in the 90's, pools open, BBQ grills firing up, the first of the Summer season fireworks being shot off, the smell of hotdogs, hamburgers fill the air!

I am beyond estactic in my happiness that the "Summer Season" has arrived! I prefer seeing folks about town in shorts and summer dresses rather than all bogged down in heavy coats and boots.  Everyone is everywhere these days!  People have emerged from their homes to spend as much outdoor time as possible... mowing their grass, planting flowers, cleaning up their yards in general and opening their pools, as well as walking, running, and just playing out of doors all day long.  School here in Kansas has officially ended for this year, graduations have taken place, and now the graduation parties and celebrations have begun.

Joe and I went to the pool yesterday with some of our friends... and I couldn't help but smile as I noticed all the new, bright and colorful swimsuits that were roaming around the pool deck.  Little girls, adolescent girls, and then teenage/young adult ladies all wearing their "new" swimsuits!  I also notice that some of the fellas were also sporting new swim trunks too.... but... it was the female population who were 'strutting' in their new suits!!  LOL  I was especially tickled to see one young lady who was wearing a bikini that looked like the American Flag... I might add... that she wore it quite well and was just too cute for words!  I love seeing the American pride and spirit on these holiday weekends!

But above all... more than the happiness of the "Summer Season" beginning, more than the glorious sunny hot days, more than the delicious charred meats that will be consumed this weekend, more than the gleeful sounds of splashing and playing poolside... it is the men and women in the service... past, present, and future that we honor this weekend!!!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! to each and every serviceman/servicewoman and their families!!!!!  I think of each and everyone of you every time I see my American flag waving proudly and freely from my flag pole!!!  We honor you, we celebrate you, and we cherish you for your service in keeping America free!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY to all!  Thank a serviceman/servicewoman in person, display your flags, and celebrate this wonderful FREE country we live in!

Lululemon = Lulu Lemon

Dear blog friends.... I have stumbled upon a new addiction.... and I just have to share it with all of you.
"lululemon" (pronounced Lulu Lemon) is an athletic apparel store... and the best word I can say to describe their merchandise is LUSCIOUS!!!!!!

"lululemon" makes the most incredible feeling clothing for all sorts of sports... running/jogging, pilates, yoga, gym workouts, swimming, hiking... etc.   Their clothing is made of the softest yummiest materials I have ever had on my body... I never want to take this clothing off!  I want to workout in it, wear it, and sleep it in!  "lululemon" apparel absorbs sweat from your body and has the wicking effect to keep you cool, it has silver threads in it to keep you free from sweaty odors as well.  It is just absolutely GENIUS what this company does with materials, style, and ease of movement and comfort when making their clothing line.

And then... the style and details in their clothing.... AMAZING!!  Not only do you feel good wearing this clothing, but you look good too.  There are secret pockets for storing keys, license/credit cards, tees, tennis balls, golf balls, etc... there are secret places to put an ipod with a flap that has a tiny hole to insert your earplugs through, so that when you are running/working out all is contained expect for the ear plugs.  There is special rubberized bands on the bottom of hems in their work out shorts to keep the shorts in place as you move about your activities.  There are attractively placed reflective strips for running at dusk/night/dawn.  All of their tops have flat seams to resist against chaffing.  Small style details as well as technology details make this clothing superb for any kind of sports/work out activity.  But above all the hot/cute looks, and details involved in each piece of clothing... it is the fit and the comfort that is the most addictive.

"lululemon" makes clothing to keep you warm while enjoying outdoor activities in cooler weather... they make clothing to keep you cool while enjoying outdoor activities in the hotter weather... they make clothing to wear casually any time of year just to be comfortable in... they make clothing for water sports, such as swimming, diving, etc... that the material holds up over time.  They make under clothing as well... such as bra's, tanks, and underwear that are also quite lucious to wear!

In the last 5 years I have had 4 different pilates/yoga instructors in 2 different states (my husband gets transferred with his job).... all of these women swear by the brand "lululemon".  I have browsed through catalogs and the internet for years looking at this brand of clothing... and because I never had the privilege of actually touching any of the merchandise, I had no idea why it seemed so expensive, but I have always admired the "lululemon" clothing my instructors always wore.  I would always find several items I liked and wanted to order... but... the price always made me say.... nah... I don't really need that.  And then I would see these instructors in the next class and think again.... dang that is sooo cute and looks sooo comfy.... but I never could make myself just order anything from this company.

However... in the past couple of months I  finally made it to an actual "lululemon" store and was able to try on several items.  The addiction was instant!!!!!!  I no longer cared about it being pricier sports wear than I am used to buying.  The feel and fit of this material is worth the extra money... and it is material that will wear well without wearing out... it is made to last and feel good for years.  The less expensive sportswear that I usually purchase from Target, is nice enough for sure... but it doesn't compare to "lululemon".  So.... slowly but surely I am now re-stocking my athletic apparel with all "lululemon".  I am a housewife, therefore, I'm usually in comfy clothes most of the day as I begin my day with a workout, and then either begin my housework chores, or go out about town doing my errands.  It is much nicer being able to workout and go out in town on errand runs without having to change clothing first.  "lululemon" wear goes from gym to grocery store all the while being comfortable and fashionable.

To be fair and honest in this blog about what I mean when I say it is 'pricier' than I usually purchase.... their workout tanks/tops run between $42-$68... pullovers/hoodies  run between $78 - $115... pants run about $100.... this will give you an idea of how pricey "lululemon" merchandise is... but... I must again say that it is truly worth the money... these are pieces of workout/casual clothing that will last for a long time, while being your favorite must wear pieces for comfort.  Also...  I must note that "lululemon" runs a size small.  I am a very consistent size in every store I shop in... and I need a size up when buying "lululemon" clothing.

My suggestion is to start with one piece and add on a piece at a time to your wardrobe.  But be warned that this material is addictive!  Once worn on the body... the body wants it more!  :  )  There aren't any "lululemon" stores near me... the nearest store is 3.5 hours drive away... but you can shop and order on-line at lululemon.com.  I also must warn that... when you see something in a store or online that you like... order it NOW!!! because it may not be there tomorrow, and once it's out of stock either in the stores or on line it's gone... they only make a certain amount.  You can find all sorts of "lululemon" on ebay... but be prepared to pay up to twice the amount you would have paid in the stores or on line because the demand for these items is so high and the quantity made is so few... it's madness on ebay... but it can be found on ebay!

Once again... I must say... if possible... do give this brand a try!  It is worth the extra $$ and I promise you will love it on your body!

Nine and Wine

Nine and Wine is the name of the Ladies golf group that play 9 holes of golf on Tuesday nights while they drink wine... or other 'happy' beverages... because... if there were no 'happy' beverages... it would then be called Nine and Whine!!!

I have been wanting to improve my golf game and skills... and to do so... one must practice and/or play!  So... this Spring I joined the Ladies Nine and Wine, and have now played three times with this group.  Fortunately this is the "hit and giggle" group...  which is just my style!  We do try and intend to play to the best of our abilities... it's just that our abilities are so lacking!  :  )  But we don't care, we just wanna play and have fun!

The first time I played Nine and Wine... I crashed and burned and didn't get to complete the round.  On the 7th fairway I had an immediate onset of "crummy tummy... aka IBS" and literally had to run to the Ladies locker room... where I stayed huddled in a potty stall for 30 minutes... giving a 'courtesy flush' every 30 seconds... it was a particularly BAD bout of 'crummy tummy'.  After I managed to get to a grip on my situation and emerge from the potty stall.... I found my team mates, thanked them for a good time, then went home to bed to recover.  But.... I was back out on the golf course the next Tuesday, did fine and had a great time!  It is really an easy going, no stress Ladies gathering on the golf course... and I look forward to attending as many of these Ladies Nights as possible through this summer season.  

I tend to be what you call a 'worm burner'.... as in... I can hit the ball straight down the fairway... but... I have no loft to my ball... so I just sizzle all the worms in the ground as my ball goes streaking down the fairway.  AND.... IF.... my ball should ever find it's way to the muck... or better known as the snake pit golf ball grave yard... my ball will stay there and die in peace, because I am NOT going ball hunting anywhere there are snakes!!!!!  Harmless or not!!!!  I just pout and say... bye bye ball and I'll take the extra strokes for dropping a ball outside the snake pit!  Heck.... it isn't like one more stroke added to my score is going to make a difference... I'm usually taking a 10 per hole anyway!!!  and I'm only taking a 10 because that is the most you can take!!!  LOL LOL  Still... it is a fun game and a fun time with these ladies... who like me... hit the ball and giggle afterwards!

I also must admit that slowly but surely I am making progress on my skills.  As bad as my skills are... I am starting to occasionally see one of my balls actually go airborne now and my putts find the hole.  I am a much better player with my putting.  It will be interesting to see how far my skills have improved by the end of the summer... but for now, I do my best and just enjoy being out in the wonderful weather with some new friends and having a good time.  

The one thing with me playing in the Nine and Wine group... there is an expectation of "happy beverage" consumption... I however have an allergy to alcohol, and therefore all I drink is sweet tea and lemonade.  The funniest thing is.... that most of the time everyone I am with think I have been enjoying a 'happy beverage' with them all along because I am in the same state of mind as they are... basically I'm saying.... they think I am tipsy when I am just being my normal natural self!  LOL  In fact... I was sitting with my team mates the 2nd night we played... they had been enjoying happy beverages and we were recounting funny stories of our pasts and laughing to the point of hysteria... the next day... one of the younger ladies who works with a very dear friend of mine, was telling my friend what a fun night it was and how 'tipsy' most of the ladies were at dinner.  She then told my friend she had seen me at the golf gathering and how tipsy I was at dinner because we were laughing so hard through the story sharing.... my dear friend then told this young lady that I didn't drink a drop and was absolutely sober... it was impossible for me to drink a drop and still be breathing.... and that is just the way I am all the time!!!!  The only people who actually know I am not drinking and that I am not tipsy is anyone else who is also sober... if anyone has had a drink... they think I have too!  I find this quite amusing, because before anyone has a drink, they think I'm normal... once they have a drink, they think I'm drunk!  Should I be concerned about this??!!  LOL  Nah... I don't think so... I just let everyone enjoy themselves, and then I always know that if anyone needs assistance to get home, I'm always available to help them out... and while they are having fun, they aren't thinking I'm judging them or not having a good time myself sober.

Nine and Wine, or Nine and Whine..... either way.... it is a fun fun fun time out socializing with ladies of all ages and skill levels and is a wallop of a good time!!!!  Did I mention we get a yummy dinner after golf??!!  If you have never golfed but want to learn, or if you want to improve on your skills... these kind of golf groups are perfect to work on your skills and yet enjoy a relaxing unstressed time while doing so. Who knows... maybe next year I might even move on up to the Ladies League and play 18 holes on Tuesday mornings... but then.... these ladies are very serious about their golf... so I'm guessing I'll stick to my "Hit and Giggle" girls and just keep having fun!

NF - Neurofibromatosis

Nancy and Abbey... this one is for you because I am sooooo proud of you both!!!!  YOU GO GIRLS!!!

Most of this blog came from a "Pledge Letter" sent to me by Abbey and Nancy to support the NF Endurance Team in the Kentucky Derby Mini-marathon that Nancy ran in this past Saturday to raise money for this cause.  Nancy has never run in a marathon before, she has been training for months... and she ran the full 26.2 marathon!!!!

NF - Neurofibromatosis - a genetic disease that can cause tumors to grow anywhere on your skin, or grow on nerves anywhere in the body, including the brain and spinal cord.  These tumors cause physical deformities and physical disabilities.  NF is a progressive, debilitating, and devastating disorder.  It can lead to blindness, deafness, chronic pain, disfigurement, learning disabilities, bone defects, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and a wide range of other complications.  

There are no medical tests to predict the severity and complications of this disease... which is why the NF slogan is "solve the puzzle"... because you never know what will happen next, when it will happen, or what part of the body it will affect.  If you would like to donate money to the NF Endurance Team, all money collected goes directly to CTF (Children's Tumor Foundation)... no donation is too small... and who knows... it might be your quarter or dollar that leads the research team to 'solve the puzzle' and find the cure!!!!  For more information, please visit  the www.ctf.org website.

My beautiful niece (Abbey) was diagnosed with NF when she was 14 months old... Abbey is now 10 years old with the puberty stage of her life about to begin any day now.  Abbey currently has very mild NF symptoms... but the onset of puberty can change her life drastically and cause her NF symptoms to continue to be mild, or cause her NF symptoms to explode into out of control growth.  Abbey will never know life without NF, or without the life long monitoring of each new cafe au lait spot, or any bump under her skin, and/or any new symptom... or ever knowing if/when her particular NF case will erupt into life altering disabilities... yet... Abbey and her family remain positively hopeful, while at the same time they keep as informed as possible to all of the "what-if's" and  possibilities they need to be prepared for in her future.

Abbey's parents have made sure that Abbey always has known about her disease and what life may be like for her in the future... they are a very devout and faithfully religious family, always praying for answers and seeking guidance from GOD.  This family speaks openly about her disease and all the difficulties Abbey 'may' have to deal with in her lifetime... yet... DO NOT even think about giving them any pity for their circumstances... they embrace all that GOD has given them, and strive to not only inform and educate the public, but also do all they can to raise money for the awareness and research of this disease. Currently there is NO cure, and NO effective treatment for this NF... but hopefully through research that can change and the next generation will not have to endure the pain and uncertainty of living with NF.  Uncertainty is a VERY big burden/frustration this family deals with every single day... because you think once you know something... you can do something... but never knowing IF or WHEN can be quite exhausting... especially when you have so many loving souls in your life who are always asking questions you don't have the answers to.   I am, and always have been very impressed at how smoothly they address everyones questions... never making you feel intrusive or uncomfortable... always informing and raising awareness.

Even though Abbey is a normal and typical 10 year old girl... she was "Special" from the day she was born.  She is indeed a very beautiful little girl (physically)... but it is her inner beauty that has ALWAYS radiated so brightly.  Abbey has a smile that goes from ear to ear and adorable dimples to match!  The best word to describe Abbey is "Sparkly"... she truly sparkles from every inch of her body... including her personality.  Abbey likes to be helpful, always lending a hand... she loves to sing and play the piano, and I recently was blessed to witness an impromptu performance... she loves sports of all sorts, including cheerleading, basketball, and swimming... she is a fashion diva, and has a special love of shoes!  But to anything and everything Abbey touches, she brings a special magical and sparkly flair to it.  While Abbey knows the adjustments she might have to make in her life...  she still embraces each and every day with absolute joy and happiness.  It is impossible to be around Abbey and not feel the positive attitude she radiates.  She is a smile, and she brings a smile to all the instant she enters a room.

Abbey's Mom (Nancy.... who is truly 1 of 2 of my #1 blog fans... my Dad being the other)... is also a breath of positive fresh air!  As a Mom of 3 daughters myself... I can't imagine the struggles and fears Nancy has had to deal with as they discover more about Abbey's condition... but she always has her brain wrapped around whatever they need to do to keep Abbey as healthy and normal as possible and always, always, always keeps her thoughts on the positive!  Nancy and her husband Paul are AWESOME parents... they discipline with respect... I don't think I have ever heard Nancy or Paul raise their voices to their children... (not that maybe they do in the privacy of their home... like most of us parents at some time do... but NEVER in public)... they hold their children (they also have teenage son, Clay) accountable for their actions and reward them when deserved.  They have taught their children the importance of church and GOD, and the 'work for it, earn it, appreciate it' values of getting what they want... they have taught them to be respectful, polite, well mannered, and honest, and how important family is.  Nancy is of the quiet sort... soft spoken, never one to seek attention... she is a do-er.... the first to contribute or lend a hand without having been asked... but above all... Nancy is just a pure soul!

Nancy... I wish you weren't having to deal with this disease, but I'm soooo proud of you... you have embraced your gifts and burdens with such dignity... may Abbey continue to be blessed with mild symptoms... while she and you continue to bring awareness of this disease to the public, so that the necessary research can be made available to 'solve the puzzle' and bring for a cure and/or treatment to everyone who suffers with this disease.