In Support of Family



My brother-in-law Joel 

Many of you know of my love for endurance sports and followed my Tri to End Homelessness journey throughout 2007 & 2008.  This year, I'm thrilled that my brother-in-law Joel has caught the endurance sports / doing good bug.  In May, he will be riding in the Stars & Stripes Challenge to raise funds for the IOTR Cancer Research Institute.  Because our family has been touched by cancer and has directly benefitted from IOTR's work, we've donated to support Joel's effort. I hope you will too.

Here's the letter Joel sent to family and friends about his motivation:

Friends,

This week I threw my hat over the wall and registered for a bike race on Memorial Day weekend. I know when you look at my physique the first thing that comes to mind is a professional biker, but I assure you that is not the case. I have a significant amount of training ahead of me in the next couple months; currently I am a master of downhill elements only.

The ride I am participating in is put on by the Palmetto Peloton Project to raise funds for the new ITOR cancer research center in Greenville, SC (http://www.itor-ghs.org/ ). My mother was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer eight years ago, and part of the reason she is still here today is due to emerging technologies like those being developed at ITOR. Today she volunteers her time to support ITOR's efforts, and we both believe the work being done there will make a positive impact on the lives of many families struggling with this disease. Her story and details of the ITOR programs that helped her are featured here:
http://www.journalwatchdog.com/city/1022-cutting-edge-research-its-happening-here  

and here:

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20101013/NEWS/310130047/Faster-more-advanced-cancer-care-focus-of-new-oncology-research-center 

Cancer has touched us all in some way, and I hope that you can make a small contribution in reflection of the impact it has had on your life. I am hoping for a large number of small donations rather than large donation amounts. The Palmetto Peloton Project is a 501 (3)(c) organization (Tax ID is 20-5058568), so your contribution is tax deductible. If you wish to contribute to my effort you can do so here (select my name from the drop-down box at the top of the page), and don't forget to use any employer matching contributions that may apply: https://secure.p3ride.org/donate/index.php?eid=1

Thanks,


Joel

20 Months: Please, Thank-You, Mine!

"Good manners have much to do with the emotions. To make them ring true, one must feel them, not merely exhibit them.” - Amy Vanderbilt



Fun with bubbles at the monthly Trinity Park Neighborhood Association playdate



Fiona is now 20 months old! (Internal Mommy Note:  How can we possibly be this close to a 2-year old.  Shocking, this growing-up thing is -- just shocking.)  This month she's been practicing her manners and has become quite adept at using "please" and "thank you" -- although I sometimes suspect she's using them purely to get what she wants and not necessarily to express profound gratitude.  She's clever, this one. Fiona has also been very interested in sorting out the people and things in her world.  All grown-ups are currently either mommies or daddies - and every grown-up is fascinating.   And while sharing is something she occasionally engages in, she clearly knows what is "mine."  (Pause for this toddle parent to take a deep breath.)

Even amid the deep breathing, I have to say that I am so, so enjoying this age.  Fiona is simply an enormous amount of fun.  Yes, sometimes parenting a toddler is a new kind of physically and emotionally exhausting - as everyday we're challenged with how to intentionally parent in a way that will help our child be kind and have boundaries, be curious and be safe, be persistent and know when to ask for help - but overall, the word of this month is fun.  Pure fun.


The month started with some still cool weather.  We bundled up and enjoyed hiking at the Eno River State Park




Wait for me, Daddy!



March quickly became warm enough for us to enjoy lots of time outside, including this first al fresco dinner of the season.



Fiona finally able to enjoy the sand and water table Grandma & Grandpa Fehrman gave her for Christmas.



We enjoyed participating in the Marry Durham festivities - a festival celebrating our city.  Fiona enjoyed making a head-dress at the kiddie craft station.



We hosted a Spring Equinox cookout for 30 friends and ALL of our children.  Amid all of the fun, the only picture I captured was of these carrot cake cupcakes I made for the party.  Delicious, if I do say so myself!

The month ended with a brief return to cold, rainy weather, which meant lots of time indoors -- and plenty of opportunities for Fiona to maul her poor Mommy.