First Friday in Groves

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again during First Friday in Groves. Be sure to stop by under the blue tent to sample some Spark and find out more about Advocare nutritional products and the financial opportunity.

Advocare helped me get back into shape after my pregnancy and has since kept me and my Family fit and healthy. The additional income that I have earned each month has made it possible for me to be a work from home Mom and enjoy more time with my Family.

My cancer is inherited from my Mom's side of the family. We have cancer back through at least 5 generations of Women. There probably is nothing I could have done to prevent it. But, the excellent nutrition that I get from Advocare supplements has helped keep my body and my immune system strong through this recent health crisis. And the income each month has helped keep our bank account strong, especially during these times of economic uncertainty.

I'm feeling especially good today, and the weather is perfect for some outdoor family fun. So come on out and join us.

First Friday in Groves is three full hours of non-stop family friendly enjoyment. The monthly celebration along Lincoln Avenue offers free entertainment on Friday, May 1, from 6 to 9 pm. Highlights include door prizes in honor of Mother’s Day, a Cake Walk, the Mexican Heritage Folkloric Dancers, and a Community Blood Drive.

There will be door prize drawings throughout the event. Door prizes include gift baskets, gift certificates, plants, and flowers. Entry forms available at participating shops along the avenue. Entrants must be female, 18 years or older, and present at the time of the drawing.

Val Verde will host the Cake Walk and bake sale. Beginning at 6:30 with the first cakewalk at entertainment center.

The Mexican Heritage Folkloric Dancers, group of girls and young women, will begin the Cinco de Mayo celebration by performing several symbolic dances beginning at 7.

The LifeShare bloodmobile will be parked at the intersection of Lincoln and Jefferson from 6:30 – 8:30. Blood donors may credit the community, their church, place of employment, or a family blood plan with their donation.

Healthy donors weighing at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood every eight weeks. Diabetes and hypertension under control will not prevent blood donation. Potential donors must have photo identification and should know what medications they are taking.

First Friday, a merchant sponsored event, is celebrated the first Friday of every month and provides free family entertainment, special sales, food and door prizes. Most stores along Lincoln Avenue will remain open until 9 and The Courtyard Café buffet line is open from 5:30 to 8.

My Hair Has Started to Fall Out

I was wondering when this would happen.

It's not that bad really, just annoying. I thought it might come out in big chunky patches. But today it's more like you know when you brush your hair for the first time in the morning? Or when you you take your hair down from a ponytail and you just get an extra bunch of hair in your hand?

It's annoying because I was trying to rinse and get out all the loose hair, but it just kept coming.

I was shaving my legs and thought about what other hair I was going to be losing - my eyebrows and eyelashes, legs and underarms, and yes even down there. Losing my eyebrows and eyelashes will be odd, but I sure won't mind not having to shave this summer!

Abby was taking a shower with me. She already knows that I am taking really strong medicne to get rid of the big ball of skin in my tummy. And I have told her that the medicine will make my hair fall out. Really, through this whole orderal, as long as we let her know some of what is going on and don't get too weird and freak out, she just figures it's another event in life.

Abby said it was OK about my hair. It'll grow back and in the meantime, I can borrow her Hannah Montana wig.

Such a Good Day

The weather is fabulous and that certainly helps. I am feeling better than I felt before I started my chemo. I still have to take my painkillers, but the swelling from the excess fluid in my abdomen has gone down, feels like my cyst and enlarged uterus & ovaries are down, I don't have the shortness of breath from having fluid in my lungs, and I'm hungry and eating and have so much more energy.

It has been such a good day that I didn't even mind getting pulled over by the Policeman this morning. It was a goober thing to get pulled over for. He was on a motorcycle and when I turned past him, I could tell he was taking a good long look. I thought maybe it was because I was drinking and driving. I had a Shake and was turning the steering wheel with just one hand. NOOOO, it was my inspection sticker! Hmm so that's 09/08, not 08/09? And of course I had cleaned out my purse so that I could carry Easter eggs this weekend, which means that I had taken out my BIG wallet, the one that has the proof of insurance... At least I wasn't speeding!

Not a problem, it still is a fabulous day!

Continuing on to the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute to get some blood drawn. This is what I now know to be called my "labs". I will be getting them every week while I am having my chemotherapy. It doesn't take long. Parking is easy (it's Beaumont) I check in, they draw 2 vials... "Hello Mrs Burns" "Hi Mrs Burns" "How're you doing today Mrs Burns?" "Right this way Mrs Burns" "Your haircut is really cute Mrs Burns".

I don't want to be part of this club, but they sure are friendly.

"Don't worry this won't a bit" "Make a fist and squeeze".

Quick and easy. Now I need to go get my car inspected. I also need an oil change and a car wash so I can just get it all done in one place. Cross a few more things off my List, pick Abby up from school, have a snack, throw in some laundry, Brian's home.

"How was your day?" "What did you do in school?"

Today was Abby's day for Show & Tell, and the letter of the week is "W". We had gathered up a bunch of things that start with "W" and put them in the big Show & Tell container for her to take this morning. Sometimes you have to be creative - wig, a tiny wagon, a piece of watermelon in a zip loc, wood, wool scarf, t-shirt with a picture of a witch, whale, a picture of a web, wallet, Ariel in a wedding dress, watch, gummy worms, etc.

And, Abby is the leader this week. Which mean that she gets to be in the front of the line and lead the class whenever they go to a new activity.

Time for bed. Flossing, brushing, flouride rinsing, potty, 2 stories, prayers.

This was such a good day!

First Friday in Groves

Look for me under the Advocare tent this Friday December 5 during First Friday in Groves. I'll have Holiday specials like hot Apple Cider Spark, Jingle Slam, Coffeccino, and Chocolate Muscle Gain Truffles.

Chocolate Muscle Gain Truffles
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3 tablespoons honey
2-1.46 oz packets Chocolate Muscle Gain
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
Melt butter and honey together in saucepan over low heat. Pour into mixing bowl. Add Muscle Gain powder. Beat thoroughly. Shape into one-inch round balls. Roll into pecans. Place on plate. Chill until ready to serve. Makes 16.

Spirit leaders of Port Neches Groves High School will be welcoming in the Holiday season as they kick off First Friday at 6P. Varsity Cheerleaders are set to show off Indian Spirit as they perform a routine with Cherokee.

Santa Claus will be taking some time off from his workshop at the North Pole to come stroll Lincoln Avenue, visiting with the children and listening to their requests. Be sure to bring your camera to snap a shot with the man in red.

Madnonnie.com is blowing up the big screen and featuring the movie The Polar Express. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Show time is 730P.

LifeShare Blood Center's bloodmobile will be parked at the intersection of Lincoln and Jefferson from 630 – 830P.

First Friday, a merchant sponsored event, is celebrated the first Friday of every month and provides free family entertainment, special sales, food and door prizes. Most stores along Lincoln Avenue will remain open until 9P. and The Courtyard Café buffet line is open from 530 to 8P. Free street entertainment includes contests and music from DJ Donna Marx sponsored by Selman Chiropractic, balloon animals by Sunny the Clown, and face painting by the Jester.

Be sure to join us this Friday 6 - 9P on Lincoln Ave for First Friday in Groves.

Rock & Roll Reader

Recently, I put up a post about Advocare Endorser Vince Vance. Since then, this site has been getting alot of hits from folks Googling Vince Vance & the Valiants. So I decided to take a closer look at some of the other sites that Google was bringing up. I discovered that recently they have had a 35th Reunion concert in Dallas, have been to Paris (Paris, Texas), performed at the Empty Stocking Benefit, and Vince Vance has written a children's book.

Rock & Roll Reader has gotten great reviews. I am sure my Little Reader would enjoy it. I definitely will put it on The List.

Wouldn't it be fun to have Vince Vance & the Valiants perform at Success School?

This is what happens when I'm not around

This past weekend I was pretty busy with Advocare business. I set up at a table at a couple of Holiday Market events.


In Kountze for Christmas at Stone Creek Lodge, Friday and Saturday.

Then Sunday for Groves Christmas Tree Trail at Memorable Moments at Maggie's off Hwy 73.


Mostly Moms with hobbies, showing and selling what they have made. I always am amazed at the creativity and diversity. Great Christmas gifts. Also a Travel Agent, Cosmetics Consultant, Food Items, an Author and Me.

And it's interesting that most of these Women are not just selling their arts & crafts for the fun of it. Some of them have other full time jobs as well.

We all take it seriously. This is a real business that supplements the Household income. But the cool thing is it's OUR business. We can make our own rules.

For example, I'm able to bring my Little Associate along with me. She likes being a part of the "Spark Team". Friday she came along and helped me set up, mingled some with other Vendors and their kids, then camped out under a table with her DVD player and some dolls.

Saturday and Sunday while I was out, my Helper stayed home with her Dad. She mentioned that they were going to get a gas card and see a movie, which I later figured out meant they were going to see "Madagascar the Movie".

And it appears that they also found time to be Rock Stars.

Hmm - last week she was a Fairy Princess Mermaid with a pet Unicorn.

First Friday in Groves

First Friday in Groves, 6-9P, is honoring Mary Barnes, known as the good witch of Groves, Oct 3. There will be a costume contest to parade other good witches.

In addition, October is National Fire Prevention Month. Groves Fire Department personnel and volunteers will be on hand to discuss their duties and show off the fire truck.

There is no entry fee, and no residency requirement for the Good Witch of Groves costume contest. Only two age categories, 3 to 12 and adult 13 and up. Prizes for each age category include best costume and most original. Contest judging will begin at 7:30.

Also scheduled to attend is the Wild Horse Mustang Club. Their membership began in 2004 and has grown to over 45 members, living all over the Golden Triangle and parts beyond. The classic Mustangs range from 1965 to 2008. A family oriented group that love to drive and show off their cars.

First Friday, a merchant sponsored event, is celebrated the first Friday of every month and provides free family entertainment, special sales, food and door prizes. Most stores along Lincoln Avenue will remain open until 9 p.m. and The Courtyard Café buffet line is open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free street entertainment will include contests and music from DJ Donna Marx, balloon animals by Sunny the Clown, face painting by the Jester, and a Moonwalk sponsored by Selman Chiropractic.

What I am doing with all this free time ...

Surfing the internet!

I found a very funny political skit from SNL. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler is Hillary Clinton.

Barack Obama was suppose to host Saturday Night Live this past Weekend. He cancelled because of all of the devastation from Hurricane Ike.

I was able to find a good deal on a hotel room in San Antonio. Just 5 blocks from the Alamo! WiFi and laundry facilities!

I think that tomorrow I will see if there is something that I can do that is more constructive. My Little Distraction has kept alot of my attention, but I should be able to find something that she can come along on - handing out ice, cooking up and serving hot meals, something.

I still haven't cleared and organized the closets. Perhaps lack of time is not the reason that it has not been done. D'ya think?

ABC's of Back to School

I have been half heartedly preparing for a possible Hurricane evacuation. I looked through the pantry to see what we should eat now in case we lose power and refrigeration; and what kind of snacks we would need for a road trip. I suppose if we absolutely have to, we could survive on Meal Replacement Shakes, Spark, Muscle Gain, ReHydrate - Just add water. Throw in some Snack Bars and Fruit & Vegetable Formula and we're good to go!

This also got me thinking about having to pack lunches for school again. Of course, my daughter only has school a couple of times a week, but still, I want to be sure she gets the good stuff - and LIKES it!

Maybe I am overthinking it, but I remember when I was in school and sometimes my tummy would get all rumbly, or I would get sleepy or cranky and just not be able to pay attention.

Sure, I have a few ideas, but I also want variety. A couple of my listed Blog favorites have some great recipes.

Recently, our friends at Advocare have written some great articles relevant to Kids and Back-to-School. They can be found on SupplementalScience.com. Here is one that offers some guidelines for helping Kids make healthy choices.

As our long, hot summer draws to a close; it’s time to start making those plans for back to school. Today, we would like to make available Dr. Lisa Hark’s advice on the ABC’s of back-to-school nutrition for parents and children. “Learning to enjoy nutritious foods and be physically active in fun ways are life lessons that parents can teach their children to help them develop healthy habits they will carry through their school years and on into adulthood,” Lisa advises.

• ACTIVITY is essential to staying healthy

Limit TV and video game time to less than 2 hours a day. Studies show that the more children are exposed to TV ads for junk food and sweetened drinks, the more likely they are to consume large amounts of unhealthy food.
Work in at least one hour of activity every day. Children spend most of the school day sitting, so get them outside for some play time after school. To get moving, choose activities like baseball, frisbee, jump rope, dancing, hula-hoop, and tag.
Use weekends for active family bonding outings. Hiking, biking, walking, and sports all count, so get out, get moving, and have some fun!

• BALANCE your meals throughout the day

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Some healthy choices to start the day off on the right foot are low-sugar cereal with 1% low-fat milk and fruit, or whole grain waffles with low-sugar syrup and a small glass of orange juice, or one slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and jelly and a glass of 1% low-fat milk.
Don’t rely on school lunch options. Pack a healthy lunch at least 3 times a week. Healthy choices include whole wheat bread or a small whole grain wrap with turkey, ham or tuna salad, low-fat yogurt, fruit, and a water bottle.
After school is a great time to get children to eat their vegetables because they are so hungry. Try baby carrots, cut up cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, or celery with low-fat ranch or French dressing. You will be surprised at what they eat!
Everyone is busy at the end of the day, but it is important to plan ahead and prepare a healthy dinner at least 3 times a week. Include fresh vegetables and salads, lean meats such as poultry or seafood, and whole grains such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Skip the soda and juice and serve either water or 1% low-fat milk every night.
A healthy meal and time with the family is a great way to end the day, teach children about socialization, and catch up on the day’s activities!

• COOK and shop with your children

Create a healthy shopping list with your children at home before going to the market. Before you leave, help children understand that, “If it’s not on the list, we’re not buying it.” Remember that it is okay to take control and say no to your children, especially when it comes to junk food and sweets. You are the boss.
Make shopping a fun and educational outing. Use the produce section to teach young children about colors, shapes, and expand their vocabulary of fruits and vegetables. They will be more likely to try new fruits and vegetables when you get home.
Get children involved in safely preparing healthy foods such as vegetables for salads, scrambled eggs, turkey burgers, and smoothies. Children will be excited to eat what they’ve made and proud to share with others, as well!

“Children and teenagers are experiencing medical complications, such as high blood sugar levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure at alarming rates due to sedentary lifestyles and consuming too many calories,” says Hark. “By setting a good example, providing healthy foods in as many settings as possible and being active with their children, parents can play a huge role in improving their children’s health now and in the future.

Follow the ABC’s for a wonderful 2007-2008 school year.

Dr. Hark, PhD, RD, is Director of the Nutrition Education Program at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine, hosted TLC’s show “Honey, We’re Killing the Kids”. PENN Medicine consists of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation’s first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.