My Baby Boy Got Married!

Craig and I had the blessing of attending Steven's wedding on October 10, 2009 at Mt. Timpanogos Temple in Utah. Here is a beautiful picture of Steven and Christy, the happy couple.

Gavin Monroe Lace!!

I have a new grandson!! My daughter Lauren, gave birth to her second son on April 20, 2009. His name his Gavin Monroe Lace and he is cute!! Here he is several hours after appearing on the scene...

Here is the new, improved Lace family(Christopher, Lauren, Torin, Gavin)...

I spent a week in Dallas with Lauren and her family trying to keep up with two year old Torin. Did I really raise four children? I am so tried I don't really remember!! Any who, Torin must have enjoyed my visit because he wanted to drive me home when it was time for me to leave...

Congratulations, Lace family, on your new addition!!

Exciting News!!

Lest the whole earth be thrown into utter chaos, I am now going to update my blog.

Here is my new "springtime" door wreath. I made it myself!!

Here is my new doormat! I did not make it myself!!

Now, how is that for an exciting update!!

Cancer Sucks!

February 2009 is a special anniversary for me (Dianne)!! Five years ago this month I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. And, you can take it from me, cancer does suck!! But thanks to my wonderful doctors, the advances in colon cancer treatment, the grace of God, and the loving support of my family and friends, I am still here and cancer free.

Looking through some papers the other day, I found the original paper my oncologist wrote on explaining my diagnosis and treatment options...

Did you notice the cure rates with the standard treatments? Then look at the rate with the newer drugs. I was able to take one of those new drugs. Later, more research data showed that it actually helped the cure rate by 8-11%. That's what I call a miracle!!

However, this is what happened after my first treatment...

And this is how I looked...

Pretty scary, isn't it!The really scary thing is that colorectal cancer is the #2 cause of death in the U.S and it often has no symptoms until it’s at an advanced stage.BUT, colorectal cancer is 90% preventable when detected early. You can make an early detection and reduce your risk through regular screening. Screening through colonoscopy should begin at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history.

Sorry Christine, Lauren, Steven, and Karin. You guys get to start having colonscopys starting at 37!! Something to really look forward to!

For those of you who have been putting off your screening, you have to check out this coloum:

Dave Barry: A journey into my colon -- and yours

You can check it out here http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/dave-barry/v-fullstory/story/427603.html

I wouldn't recommend reading with a full bladder - I almost wet myself reading it!

For extra incentive, Dave is throwing one these in...

March is right around the corner and for those grownups that don't know, March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. You can get some cool stuff at http://www.teesed.com/store/ccamlike this What's Up Your Butt! button...

Also in March, is Dress in Blue Day. It is celebrated on the first Friday of March. In 2009, Dress in Blue Day will be held on Friday, March 6th. The purpose of Dress in Blue Day is to promote awareness about colorectal cancer and encourage people to get screened.

So I want to see all of you wearing blue, with your What's Up Your Butt! item on, and an appointment card for your colonoscopy in your hot little hands.

If you or a loved one is suffering from cancer of any type, you could lift spirits with a Cancer Sucks! product at http://www.cancersucks.com/

I wear these when I go biking...

During these last 5 years I have experienced some of the hardest times and some of the best times of my life. Thanks to all of you who have seen me through it. Love ya! And, like me...

...in the words of Lance Armstrong, seven time winner of the Tour de France and cancer survivor: LIVESTRONG

CERT Training!

Boo! No, it isn't Halloween...

...it's CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. Community Emergency Response Team training is a Federal Emergency Management Agency program that educates citizens about the hazards they face in their community and trains them in lifesaving skills. If needed following a disaster, these citizen-responders use their training as part of a neighborhood or workplace team to help others when professional responders are overwhelmed or not immediately available. CERT members provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources when they arrive.

Craig and I are taking the 8 week class and last night we covered fire suppression. After classroom instruction, we walked across the street to the fire station and actually practiced P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) in putting out fires.

Here is a Houston Fireman using lighter fluid to light a fire...

Craig had more fun checking out the fire truck...


I am ready to roll...

Watch out fire here I come!!!

Memories...

I (Dianne) was looking through some pictures tonight and found some that really took me down memory lane. Come along and enjoy the show...

For those of you that don't know my Dad, he is a really fun and funny guy. This is Monroe in 1981 on the day of my brother's wedding...

He did take off the wig before heading off to the church. All these years later, he still keeps us laughing...

My son, Steven, has always had a "thing" with his HAIR. Here he is at 3 years old...

Some of you who have raised children may recognize this evil device....

These horrible horses are brought home by unsuspecting parents hoping to bring some joy into an innocent child's life. But instead they wrack wild unrelenting havoc upon American families from coast to coast.

In the 1980's Foster household, one of these spring loaded bouncing equines threw Steven off and causing a broken clavicle. This same "Mister Evil Ed" took Lauren on a ride to a bowling ally. During the ride, he bounced so hard that Lauren dropped the bowling ball onto Christine's foot, causing much screaming and a broken toe.

However, here is a picture during happier times with Lauren, Karin, and Christine in 1988 in Carrollton, TX...

And to finish off this trip down memory lane, here is one of my favorite pics of 3 year old Karin in the sculpture garden in Nauvoo, Illinois...