The Walk to Break the Silence for Ovarian Cancer Awareness

September 18th, 2010
"Break the Silence Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walk"
at University of Toledo Medical Center

Jillian Condon, Jessica Bryant and I waiting for the others to arrive

Susie is truly a SUPER WOMAN

The Power of Teal

I cannot begin to tell you how proud I was to walk in the "Break the Silence Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walk" today with my dear friend, Susan Ammon.
She is battling the battle of her life against this MONSTER ~ Ovarian Cancer.

Through her example, she has shown me the true meaning of courage, faith, determination, and beauty.
I am proud to stand next to her today.
You are never alone in this Susie! We love you ♥

The best protection any woman can have is ~ COURAGE

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Ribbon

Brooke Davis who beat the monster and Susan Ammon who is giving the battle her all
♥Heroes♥

These are our warrior survivors who have survived ♥
"HOPE is faith holding out its hand in the dark.”

Susan's Army

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
~Dr. Seuss

Jillian Condon, Susan Ammon, and Heather Daunhauer

Watch out Cancer...here we come!

June walking with her mom

Look at all those Team Susan Symbols...isn't that awesome??

Susan showing off her matching barbie

Notice Susan's Super Hero Cape too ♥

Susan rides through her supporter archway. We love you more than words Susan ♥
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a compliment, or a small act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

This is a message I received from Susan that I wanted to make sure I always remember...

"Maria - do you know how special you are to me? You have been an amazing, incredible, supportive friend from the very beginning of this "mess" and I am so grateful. I loved you always, always...from the first moment I met you. You have shown me unparalleled love and support, and so now, besides loving you, I am in awe of the kind of friend you are. Thank you - with everything in me. ~Susan"

I ♥ her

Service Labor Day

It's labor day and we went over to Mom and Dad Cady's to help with weeding.
A job no one really enjoys, but working together it gets done in half of the time

Carly checking out the shears

Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy. ~Mohandas Ghandi

Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to the country and to mankind is to bring up a family. ~ George Bernard Shaw

Jeff and Dylan weed whacking the weeds down...so much easier than pulling them out

Dad pruning the Lilac bush

Such good workers

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~ Mohandas Ghandi

Britain and Carly resting

Samantha loves climbing trees

Addie sporting her new glasses

Trees are definitely for climbing

The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Each heartfelt prayer, each Church meeting attended, each worthy friend, each righteous decision, each act of service perfomed all precede that goal of eternal life. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Grampa Cady gives the kids wheelbarrow rides as a reward

Jeff joins in

Fancy that. You can even have fun when working ;)

Dylan's Self Portrait

During Dylan's Freshman year they were given an assignment to create a self portrait utilizing torn newspaper in his art class.
I have seen this particular creation many times, but it wasn't until this morning when he asked me to scan his picture that I discovered that this work of art was indeed the self portrait.
(It was kind of like those Magic Eye drawings where the true picture suddenly comes in to view)
I see it!
He is so talented!
This one is getting framed...for sure!

Diane and Maria Birthday Celebration

I was greeted this morning with this birthday card Dylan made for me...

I am laying on the bottom with Nicholas and Dylan laying on my back.

Jonathan is contending with Luke and Kyle fighting on the side.

I love my aspiring artist :D

Jonathan and I spent the day together. We went shopping at The Anderson's where I found my favorite candy in the whole world...Toffifay :D Then we went to lunch at Sakuras. Krisi came by for a visit and to cut Dylan's hair and then...

I share a birthday with Jonathan's Aunt Diane Simons
We go out every year and celebrate together
This year we decided to go out on our actual birthdays to take advantage of the "Free meals" some restaurants offer on your birthday.
The Real Seafood Company is located on The Docks along the river
It's a great place to eat, especially on a nice day

The Simons
Chris and Diane
Jonathan and Maria

Happy Birthday Diane!

I was established on this day in 1972.
As of today, i'm as old as i've ever been ;)

Diane and Chris standing by the river

The weather was perfect...the company excellent...and the food delicious

I felt so much love today with all of the birthday wishes, spending time with people I love, eating great food, and receiving a zoom lens for my camera.
I am so incredibly blessed!
I couldn't have asked for more :D

The birthday girls
Diane and Maria

I also wanted to share some of my favorite birthday wishes sent to me on Facebook (there were at least 100):
Jonathan Simons "I searched my wallet and found it empty, I searched my pockets and found a few coins, Then I searched my heart and I found you,
...And I realized how rich I really am!
Happy birthday!
With each year I love you more and more ♥"
Denise Greenblatt "Happy Birthday to an amazing woman. You kept me sane for those three months and longer. I am honored to be your friend."
Charleen Thompson "Happy birthday! Hope it is a great one! The world was blessed -- years ago when you came into it!!! Love you!"
Karen Armitage "Happy birthday to an AMAZING woman and a beautiful member of my family! I love you! Have a great day Maria!"
David Simons "Happy birthday...you probably don't know this but you inspire me everyday with your comments and love...I one day hope to be at least half the person you are..."
Heather Daunhauer "Happy Birthday Maria! I hope your day is as wonderful as you are!"
Sarah Never "Happy bday to a wonderfull women that has help me grow as a mom as well as a young lady....love you maria :)"
Rosalie Thieman "Happy Birthday Maria. I hope your special day (and every other day) is filled with laughter, love, family, and friends!"
Laura Hodgkins "Happy birthday to my new sister! I am so glad to get to know you!! :) Love ya "
Susan Ammon "Happy birthday, beautiful girl! Hope your day is full of joy and the best surprises! ♥"
Melissa Gordon "Happy Birthday Maria! You are one of my dearest and best friends and i wish you all the happiness in the world. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and oh yeah i owe you a molten chocolate cake! let me know when we can get together. Love you bunches!!!!"
Jeanine Wicker "My dear lifelong, beaches friend! Happy birthday, love you dearly and miss you much! Need some Ria time soon! Hubby and boys always welcome too!! ;) ♥"
Krisi Vadnais "Happy Birthday Love!!! I hope that you have a GREAT day! You deserve it!! MUAH!!!"

Feeling the love...that's for sure ;)

Back to School 2010-2011

After a fun, eventful and exciting summer it is time for BACK TO SCHOOL!
September 1st, 2010 was back to school for Kyle, Luke and Nicholas
September 2nd, 2010 Dylan started back to school

Kyle is so, so excited to be starting his Freshman year at Southview High School

14 years old

Luke is in the 7th grade at Arbor Hills Jr. High

12 years old

Nicholas is in the 4th grade at Whiteford Elementary

9 years old

Dylan is a Sophomore at Northview High School

15 years old
Yep, 4 kids in 4 schools!
We are hoping for a great school year!