Bella's First Casualty

The Crime Scene



The Weapon



The Culprit



When you have kids, you expect one day for them to break something. Well, Bella broke off Joseph's head in my nativity scene. Her weapon of choice was her giggling vibrating Bert and Ernie ball. Don't be deceived. Her toy may look harmless, but it is deadly. Just ask Joseph. So this holiday, Mary is a widow and Baby Jesus is fatherless.

Since Bella did not intend to behead Joseph, the govenor of apartment I7, Mommy Jen, has decided to pardon Bella, who's prison name is "Sweet Cheeks." In a statement made by Bella, the pardoned beheader apologizes to Mary and Jesus saying, "Ba ba ba ba ba. Uh da uh da uh da." And anyone can see the sincerity of her statement by looking at her mug shot above.

So this holiday season, Bella and I wish everyone a happy, joyous, and accident free Christmas.

Running in Memphis

This has been a busy weekend for Bella and me. We headed to Memphis, TN, on Thursday after chemo so that I could run in the Memphis Grizzlies House 5k which raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I wasn't as brave as Bella's Nana, Uncle Terry, our pastor Rod Goodman, and family friend Cara. They ran in the St. Jude Mini Marathon (that's 13.1 miles, oh my!). We also traveled with my mom, Linda, and Aunt Dacia and cousins Callie and Carson. We had lots of fun and raised money for a cause that is very dear to our heart.

This being my first 5k I wasn't sure what to expect. I just got out there, ran when I could, walked when I needed and enjoyed all the sights and sounds. You never knew what you would encounter when rounding a corner. At times we were serenaded. Other times we had a whole band rockin' us on. But what really tugged at my heart were all the volunteers (well it is the Volunteer state) and family/friends of those affected by cancer who were on the sidelines shouting out words of encouragement. I even heard people thanking us for our participation. My philosophy is this - if I'm going to put myself through all this joint/muscle pain, I might as well do it for a good cause!

Take it easy!

Jen and baby girl Bella