Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween

 Pumpkins by Lois, Luke and Peter

 Ninja Peter

 Greek Goddess of hunting and wilderness, Artemis Lois

Wise Wizard Luke



Take action

I know you've seen it every where this month.....Breast Cancer Awareness.  Enough about being aware and wearing the pink ribbon, you have to take action to make it count.  Are you doing self exams?  If no, start today!  I found my lump.  Self exams can save your life.  Take Action Now!
Are you getting regular mammograms & exams with your gyno?  If no, schedule that appointment today.  You are worth it!  You deserve it!  Take Action Now! 
 

Awareness is nothing without action.
Do the next right thing today.  
Take care of yourself. 
Be a role model for others.
Live BIG, strong and healthy!

Fall is here

The signs of fall in the desert are here........

 Winter rye grass is thick........love this color of green!

 Planted red geraniums

 White cylamen

 Lemons are turning yellow

Lettuce in the garden is sprouting

Good News.....bone growth!

You may recall a year ago I was diagnosed with osteopenia, the early stages of osteoperosis.  This is a result of a preventive hysterectomy I had in February 2010.  For the last year, I worked closely with my naturopath to select the best calcium supplements and to incorporate more weight bearing exercises and eat more greens.   I had my annual bone density scan in late September to see if my numbers have changed.  The scan measures two areas: lumbar and hip.   I was excited and nervous to see if my treatment plan was making an impact.  I know it is very difficult to reverse osteoperosis so I was hoping my numbers were the same and did not get worse.  I was overjoyed to hear my hip measurement improved meaning my bones were growing stronger.  It didn't get worse.  It actually got better!!  Yeah!  My lumbar measurement essentially stayed the same.  I'm ok with that.  So, I'll continue with green smoothies and juicing and exercising with weights.  My naturopath is now using a new calcium supplement she is having really great results with other patients.  I switched to that one for a 3 month trial.  If we see a change in my NTX urine test (shows how much calcium I am turning over; expelling through my urine) then I will stay on the new supplement; otherwise, I will switch back to my other two I used for the last year.  Either way, I'm moving in the right direction and am so thankful for strong bones!!

The last couple years I have been getting PET scans in March and September.  My March 2012 scan came back clean.  Since I've been cancer free for 3+ years and healthy, my onc and I agreed to move to yearly PET scans instead of 2x per year.   So, September came and went without a PET scan.  I have mixed feelings.  Part of me wants one to have the reassurance of clean health.  However, it is an incredibly stressful event plus the repeated exposure to radiation is not a good thing.  I don't miss that.   My next scan will be in March 2013. 

All is well and I'm thankful for my health, strong body & mind, supportive friends and amazing husband!!

Sports

Last cross country meet of the year. 

Boys are moving on to soccer.

Softball season is winding down.  Great catch and out at first base, Lois!!

Half Ironman -- SOMA

October 21, 2012

SOMA Half Ironman Triathlon

Tempe, AZ

 

The final triathlon of the season for Mark.  It was a beautiful day. 

He had a personal best record for this event.  5:16.

 

 Done with the dirty swim in Tempe Town Lake.

 Team Brodnik cheering section waiting on the bike course.

 He sure looks fast!

 Cheering squad waiting for Mark to get off the bike.

 On to the run!! 

Boys at Tri

It's been a while since the boys have done a triathlon so they were asking to do one.

Found one close by and signed them up.  Great job, guys!!

Camping at the Canyon

We were drawn again to the Grand Canyon for fall break, but this time to camp at the South Rim toting our 5 bikes.  We set out to explore the GC village on bike and ride the road to Hermits Rest. 

We made it!!  It was a hilly ride and Lois struggled at some points, but she is one tough chica!
We rode 20 miles on our bikes that day......Team Brodnik had sore bottoms!!  :-)

 

At the end of the road is a small building designed by Mary Jane Colter with an enormous fireplace.

Bright Angel Trail........we are used to seeing it in the winter. 

It was fun to be at the park during fall......actually, any season is fun!!

We will return in February for our annual hike to the bottom.

Our home for 3 nights.  Saw lots of mule deer and elk.

Even heard the bugle of elk at night.

Junior Rangers

 

Our stay is over......back to the valley.

Ok....I know this is so weird and random, but I had to share.

The sign above the toilets at Bright Angel Lodge read

"CAUTION: Reclaimed Waste Water.  DO NOT DRINK"

My brain cannot process this.......do people really drink out of these toilets?

Just down the hall from the bathrooms is a drinking fountain. 

Mystery.........

Artists



I was not blessed with a gift for drawing or creating artistic art pieces, but somehow my kids show evidence of such a gift.....all 3 of them.  I am frequently impressed by their creative creations......maybe because I'm their mother and I would be proud of stick figures.  The boys are showing off their Egyptian art projects and Lois has her leaves.