~Making Changes~

"Everything changed the day I understood that if I was to become a runner, I would have to run with the body I had. " - John Bingham, The Courage to Start

This just may be my new Mantra.  Isn't that just such a simple statement, yet powerful?  In the past 5 years, since becoming a full time stay at home Mom, I have made many changes in my life, trying to become more fit, trying to live healthier, but with my Dad's cancer diagnosis, I realized I haven't done enough.  I want to do everything possible to be able to be healthy and take care of my aging parents and be available for my own children and someday, grandchildren. 

It's not about "skinny" for me anymore.  It's about healthy.  While doing online research on my Dad's disease, I ran across the Pancreatica Walks And Runs Foundation.  You can sign up for different walks/runs locally and at the same time raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  Currently, cancer research of the Pancreas is the least funded.  That struck me.  The cancer that my Dad is battling is the least funded in research...I am only ONE person, but it only takes one person to make a difference! 

During the process of finding a walk/run to participate in with the Foundation, I stumbled onto a training program.  The "Couch To 5K Program".  I had seen this online, but this program is with a group of people who are also wanting to begin running, but don't know where to start.  Doing this online, I have been able to get to a certain stage, and then develop shin splints, which then caused me a set back, and I would have to start over.  I can do 10,000 steps a day on my treadmill, but I just haven't been able to become a full fledged runner! 

This program seems to be just what I am looking for to succeed!  You train with a group of people who are on your level, so the intimidation factor isn't there.  Well, I hope not...LOL  Training is about 8 to 10 weeks, you set yourself a goal race and work towards that.  I plan to be a runner by the time September rolls around, and I intend to sign up and run every chance I can to raise awareness and funds for the Pancreatica Foundation.

My first stop in a couple of weeks is getting fitted for the right shoes. (This will give me an excuse to go shopping, LOL)  My Dad has just begun his journey to recovery from Pancreatic Cancer. If he can fight this fight, I can muster up the courage to start to become a runner! It may take many walks/runs and months, but I will get there! 

Take the negative things that happen in your life and turn them into positives!  Make a difference!  Inspire! 

XOXO,

Tina

~Learning That Your Parent Is Sick~

I haven't blogged in nearly a month now.  That's because on April 26th, the world as I know it changed.  My Dad ended up in the ER after being up all night in pain.  What came next was the most unexpected shock of my parents lives.  My Dad was told it was possible he had pancreatic cancer.  I will NEVER forget the moment, the exact thing I was doing, when the phone rang and it was my sister on the other end.  She asked me what I was doing...I started a full fledged conversation before she interrupted me with "they think Deddy has pancreatic cancer..." 

And life as I knew it changed.  Things that seemed overwhelming and important weren't anymore.  I had never heard much about cancer of the pancreas, other than about the two very famous men who brought attention to it recently.  Patrick Swayze and Steve Jobs.  Powerful, famous men who ultimately succumbed to the disease.  I began to do my research.  I didn't like what I was finding.  Early symptoms, (of which my Dad was having, but were going undiagnosed), were major weight loss (40 lbs), fatigue, pain in his abdomen that sometimes went into his back, and loss of appetite.  The disease of pancreatic cancer is called the "silent killer", because early symptoms are sometimes so vague, the disease can remain undiagnosed until it has reached advanced stages. 

My "Deddy", Cody, and Mama at Cody's high school graduation 2011

My Dad's cancer is in the "body" of the pancreas.  It is a tumor, or "mass" that is enlarged to a point that it is possibly touching vessels, which explains his severe back pain.  The Whipple Surgery Procedure isn't an option until they shrink the tumor.  Shrinking the tumor means an aggressive chemo regimen with new drugs, and my Dad had his first treatment today.  My Mom dropped him off for chemo that started around 11 a.m. and finished up between 4:30 and 5 p.m.  He will do this every 2 weeks until the Doctor feels it's time to do another scan to see if tumor size is changing.  My Dad is in pain, but has a positive attitude!  He is doing a lot of scripture reading on Faith, healing, and trusting God. 

My Christmas gift to my Deddy, his retirement has turned him into a great "house husband".  :)

I've been reading that Pancreatic Cancer can be cured, if it is caught before it has spread and the tumor can be removed by surgery.  My hope is that chemo begins to shrink that nasty tumor and it can be removed, and my Dad can go on and enjoy his retirement years with my Mom.  He retired in December 2011, and became sick shortley after.  We have said this sickness is just a detour, because my Mom wasn't set to retire until December 2012, but God had plans for her to retire now.  My Dad becoming sick has given me a whole new outlook on life.  You realize what the important things are, and they aren't things.  They are people.  Relationships.  Being available for my parents during this time has been the most important thing I have done with my life lately.  The only thing I can give them is my time.  And I realize THAT is what we all need to do in every relationship we have, give our time.  Once it is gone, you cannot get it back. 

I will definately be blogging as my Dad's cancer treatment goes on.  It's therapy for me.  And I am learning and reading and maybe something I come across will help someone else.  On the other side of this is the story of a survivor.  My "Deddy" as I have called him since childhood...he will be a cancer survivor. 


XOXO,

Tina

The parentals and I at graduation 2011 THS

 

Newborn Keepsake Bracelets~

Along with creating toddler and little girl jewelry, I am also making keepsake bracelets for newborns.  Please contact me at tbturner2007@yahoo.com for details! 

Sugar And Spice~

I have been working on some precious little girl jewelry, jewels just like mommy.  These are the most precious little keepsakes!  If you are interested in having me create a keepsake for your little angel, contact me at tbturner2007@yahoo.com. 

XOXO,
Tina~

My Family Tree~

I have completed this piece of jewelry with my own children's birthstones.  The beauty of this necklace is you make it your own.  Add the birthstones of the special people in your life.  You may want to add your parents or grandparents.  You may choose to add family members who are now deceased, which would then make it a guardian angel twig necklace.  Whatever you choose, it's a sentimental piece of jewelry that will be treasured for life. 

If you are interested in a personalized twig necklace of your own, or for a someone special in your life, please contact me at tbturner2007@yahoo.com.  I would love to make one of these for you! 

XOXO,

Tina

Jewelry Inspired By Nature~

As a woman who loves the outdoors, whether it be the beach or on a hiking expedition with my husband, I am finding that more and more of my jewelry designs are following that love...my very latest creation is one of the hottest trends out there right now.  "Twig" jewelry.  After researching it awhile, I finally came across a woman who's work I fell in love with!  She cast my twigs in sterling silver, and I have added the cable chain so that it can be adjusted to the perfect length of either 16" or 18". 

To add to the beauty and sentimental value of this beautiful piece of jewelry, I add tiny Swarovski crystals in birthstones of family members.  You can add parents, children, grandchildren, any combination of the crystals that you wish.  What a precious Mother's Day gift this would make for any woman, but especially a woman who loves nature! 

If you are interested in one of my Twig creations, please contact me at tbturner2007@yahoo.com and I can give you any details you need on this gorgeous piece!  I won't have but a handful of these...so reserve yours now! 

XOXO,
~Tina~

Kool Aid Easter Eggs!

Here is a cool idea to change up your traditional Easter egg dying routine...Kool Aid!  Yep, your entire kitchen will smell fruity and your Easter eggs will be brighter!  Here's what you will need:

• 6 cups or containers
• Boiled eggs (you determine the amount needed)
• 2/3 cup water 6 times over
• Cherry Kool-Aid packet
• Pink lemonade Kool-Aid Packet
• Orange Kool-Aid packet
• Lemonade Kool-Aid packet
• Lemon Lime Kool-Aid packet
• Berry blue Kool-Aid packet
• Grape Kool-Aid packet

Fill each cup with 2/3 of water. It does not have to be warm or cold because it does not matter.

So, instead of the strong smell of vinegar in your kitchen this Easter, enjoy the sweet, fruity smells of Kool Aid! 

XOXO,

Tina