Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting. Hope you find something to make your creativity bloom!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Inking Pink for the Cause

We all have those moments, the ones that come along every once in awhile and take your breath away-- some of them are happy, like my wedding day, when I was offered my first teaching job, the days each of my three children were born. But more often than not, those moments are TOUGH moments, things we'd rather not have to go through but they come anyway. And I believe these are the moments that define us, that shape our character, strengthen our hearts, cement our relationships.

One of those moments hit me a little over two years ago when my younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was only 31 years old when she was diagnosed and 4 1/2 months pregnant with her fourth baby. I knew something had been going on with her that week, but because she was expecting, I worried it was something to do with the baby. I never, never expected the news she told me-- that she had breast cancer and was going to have a double mastectomy the very next day. I was shopping that day and just sat in my car in the parking lot of Target and cried. And cried again many times throughout the next few months as she underwent her surgery, started to heal, began chemo, delivered a healthy baby boy, began more chemo and 6 weeks of daily radiation therapy. And yet throughout all that, I never saw her cry. I am sure she had her moments of breakdown and terror about the future, but she was so strong, so brave, so positive throughout every single minute.

My page in honor of my sister, a hard page to make but I'm so glad I did!

And that's where the defining part comes in-- I learned so much from her and admire her so much. Whenever I am having a bad day and think things are going absolutely rotten, all I have to do is think of everything she went through, never complaining or being bitter about the trials she was facing. And when I remember that, I remember what moments really and truly count. How blessed I am and grateful I am for what I have, for the precious moments I share with my friends and family.

I know that many of you have had personal experiences with breast cancer and understand how important these moments are. And now with the experiences of my dear friend Elise, I think about it all over again. I hope our stories this week inspire you to treasure those moments, we never know how many more we have and we have to take advantage of every single one. This means, that as women, we need to do what we can to protect ourselves. Early detection and screenings are the best way to reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer. So do your monthly checks and get that mammogram when it's time! And yes, I've had my first one and it wasn't that bad! Take care of yourself so you can have all the moments you possibly can.

Thanks so much for joining us as women together for a cause all around the world!! And now, the fun stuff! I'd love to hear your thoughts so to be entered in my PINK blog candy, please become a follower and leave me a comment. I will choose a random winner when this blog hop closes on October 31st and send you this lovely candy!



Once you've left a comment if you want, then you're ready to hop on to the next blog! Here's the list:



Happy Blogging and Remember to be Breast Aware!

118 comments:

C&M Creations said...

Love the page about your sister what a wonderful idea I could not imagine having the strength that you did to make this you should be proud!

Anna said...

What a beautiful page and such a sad but sweet story of your remarkable sister. God bless you all.
Awesome giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
annadowdy at gmail dot com

Patricia Mae said...

Jamie your sister is such a strong person. Thank you so much for sharing your story and you have a very pretty layout. Thanks so much for being a part of this hop.
~Patricia

Kat said...

Robyn is amazing and so are you! But I must admit, I am partial to your kids. :) Kathy

Bonnie Patterson said...

what amazing strength of you and your sister. I am glad I came to this hop

HappyMom2010 said...

Thank you very much Jamie for opening your memories' book to all of us.
Blessings to the survivors, to the fighters and the their families!!!

Gina Lindsey

agsainz at gmail dot com

Loz said...

OMGosh - what an amazing inspiration your sister is! This hop is such an amazing idea to help raise awareness ♥

alethea said...

it does put your life into perspective doesn't it... My nan recently found out she had breast cancer and although I visit her quite often I make a point of visiting her every time I'm down her way!!! Cos you really do need to make the most of the time we have.... Such a great cause and I am so thankful to you wonderful ladies for spreading the word!!!

jandokan said...

WOW your LO about your sister is fantastic!
I'm a follower now, if you've the time, come over and visit my blog :D

Hugs Anja

Marley said...

Amazing strength of you and your sister!! Beautiful page.. I'm a follower now so I can visit your blog more often, thanks for this great bloghop and for a chance to win this awesome candy! Big hugs Marley

CraftyMomOf3 said...

Oh Jamie...I don't even know what to say. What a story. Your sister and your entire family are amazing. Just....wow.

I love your layout and what a fabulous celebration of an amazing woman.

Hugs!
Meredith

Melissa said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful LO and the story about your sister. I am now a follower of your blog!

Melissa
www.disneydreamerdesigns.blogspot.com

Erika said...

Gorgeous layout. Thanks for sharing.

Lori said...

My sister is my best friend and I can't imagine...thank you so much for sharing your story and may God continue to bless your lives. Hugs, lori lorileng@bellsouth.net

Annette said...

Jamie, I love your page layout & very touching story. Thanks so much for your support & encouraging breast cancer awareness & prevention. My sister is a survivor – 15 yrs & still going strong! I have a mammo every year on my birthday (of all days) 10/15! All is well!

bird said...

Jamie thanks for sharing your story this is what keeps everything real .

Chelsea said...

Hi Jamie, thanks for sharing your sister's story with us. She is so brave and strong for not crying in your presence, I couldn't have done that. I admire her so much!
Your layout is a sweet as can be, I can feel the love from it. Someone is going to love wining that yummy candy!
So happy to be apart of this Hop with you!
Love,
Chelsea

LadybugCarrie said...

Thank you for sharing your story and such a beautiful layout! And a big thank you for helping spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness and self exams!

Lindsay said...

This layout is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Lindsay
lindsaykay2@gmail.com

Marlene said...

Your sister is an amazing woman. What a horrible time that must have been!

Your layout is absolutely stunning!

So happy to be participating in this blog hop alongside you.

Lelia Pierce said...

Jamie...the importance of checking the girls is reiterated with the diagnosis Elise received and now reading your touching story. I'm 33 (today) and I check my tatas monthly!

Your layout is simply beautiful...

XXX

grneyegoddess at yahoo dot com

LesleyfromWI said...

Your story was so touching and your sister is so courageous! Thanks for joining such an important cause! I am a follower.

terriennz said...

Thank you for sharing your story! Your sister is very brave. Your layout is just awesome. Really captures you guys' relationship. I'm already a follower.. thanks for a chance to win!

Terrie B
terriennz@att.net
crafteecards.blogspot.com

Ashleigh said...

wow...you just brought chills to me. I hope your sister is still doing well. I am glad she was able to have a healthy baby and it sounds like she is ok too!

aecopenhaver at gmail dot com

Paula-Scrap Addict said...

you story is very touching about your sister, thank you for sharing and thank you for helping with such a worthy cause!
~Paula
http://scrapaddictsattic.blogspot.com/
ScrapAddictsAttic at gmail dot com

Rosy C. said...

I am now a Proud Follower of your blog. Thank you so much for being a part of this great cause. I love you LOs... they are so Beautiful!!! Thank you so much for also sharing your story.TFS...
Sweet Creations...
www.sweetdelightspapernmore.blogspot.com

Bobbi said...

Thank you for sharing your story and helping to spread awareness. Your layout was beautiful!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your story! It really touched me personally, I have a younger sister too and I can't imagine what that must have been like! Very inspiring layout..luv it! I am now a follower of your blog..thanks for the chance to win that great candy!
Kim
hectorhd517@yahoo.com

Cricut Matriarch said...

OMG! What a fabulous tribute for your sister! Sounds like she is an amazing and inspirational person. God bless you both and your families as I know this has been a difficult time for all of you.

Thanks for sharing!
cricutmatriarch.blogspot.com

Chelle said...

Your sister is very strong.

I lost my mother a year ago to breast cancer..we didn't know that she had it..too many medications masking other symptoms.

Melissa said...

Your story is just so touching, I really want to thank you ladies for giving me the opportunity to take this trip around the world with you!

http://melissa-moecreations.blogspot.com/

Melia said...

Bravo on the strength to share your story... Very touching story. and a VERY touching project for your sister!

Melia~~
wifey7799@gmail.com

Carisa said...

wow, what a beautiful story - i can't imagine going thru that, sounds like she was constantly surrounded with the love & prayers of her family. your page is beautiful. i'm sure it was healing to put together.

scrapaholicjen said...

Lovely layout! Your sister sounds so brave and strong! Thank you for sharing the story.
qtme2003 at yahoo dot ca

Anonymous said...

Such a touching story. It reminds me to think before I complain about the small things I am going through because someone is facing something much tougher. Thank you for participating to raise awareness.

Debbie said...

wow what a very strong and brave sister you have, I have a good friend that went through it too, I always remember her calling me asking me to go shopping with her to look for a wig, it broke my heart but I felt honor she though of me, your story is very touching and so true of the things you say tfs your layout it beautiful I wish your sister at the best I am now a follower feel free to follow me Debbie @http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/

Nadia's World said...

Thank you so much for sharing your story about your sister with us! I found your blog post inspiring and so true! Thank you for reminding us to cherish each moment we have in this life. Life is so precious and I am so happy that your sister and her son are ok.

Nicole
niclax13@gmail.com

Vicki said...

Great layout. Thanks for sharing your story. I will cherish all moments.


vwilson577 at yahoo.com

juelmarie said...

right on sister!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jamie for sharing the beautiful tribute for your sister!!! Thank you for doing this blog-hop! I am a 6 year BC Survivor! I am now a follower & I do self-exams regularly!! :)

debpaint16@aol.com

Christie said...

Even tho it was hard to make, your LO is very pretty and it'll remind you constantly to be strong and to live life to its fullest. Thank you so much for the chance to win and for supporting awareness to check your tata's!!!

Jennifer said...

Your layout is beautiful and inspirational. Although, it did bring tears to my eyes. I will try to remember the moments.

Renkata said...

wow Great layout and so touching story.

CA Scrapper said...

Thanks for sharing your story about your sister. She is so brave to go through all that with such strength. This is an amazing hop.


lschmitt40@hotmail.com

scrapperbecka said...

Thanks for sharing your story with us, I wish your sister the best of luck and hang in there!

Carley said...

Thank you for sharing your story, my older sister was diagnosed last year and had a single mastectomy, it was a hard time but she's the most amazing strong person I know, and she did it all with a wicked sense of humor!

Thanks again,
Carley

sandra said...

Jamie your sister is such a strong person. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Your layout is beautiful!
Hugs!
Sandra!

Scrappers' Ranch said...

Jamie~
Thank you for sharing your story with us, how touching your LO is.
I am now a follower
Best wishes
Bonnie C
http://ascrapabove.blogspot.com
ascrapabove@aol.com

penbrandy said...

Thank you so much for sharing your story...thank you for being a part of such a wonderful blog hop...Thank you for the giveaway...you have a new follower...Brandy

Penbrandy at msn dot com

Unknown said...

THank you- Ill be back!
Kacee
mcvicwif@yahoo.com

Lindy said...

What a touching story about your sister. She must be one amazing lady and you as well to have done such a LOVELY and AMAZING LO in her honor. I am a new follower so I can visit often. Enjoyed looking around your blog. What a wonderful PINK giveaway in honor of this great cause.

Hugs...Lindy

live well laugh often love always said...

to you this is what this is all about, strength, hope, survive, challenge, life, and a hopefull cure one day
thanks for sharing
gad1974@windstream.net

scrappin2babygirls said...

First of all, your layout is beautiful! 2nd the story about your sister is so absolutely touching.. It made me cry just reading it. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard that must have been.. not only to go through the breast cancer but to do it while she was pregnant! What an amazing and strong woman she is. I admire her for her courage and positive outlook. Thank you so much for sharing this story.. Im sure it was hard to write but just by telling this story if you haven't touched everyone that has read it you have at least touched me and as long as you get through to one person thats all that matters.. (I had no idea breast cancer could get someone so young and thanks to you I will be sure to check and keep checking myself)! Thank you again!
-jamie
babyblueangel_30@yahoo.com

Maria said...

Beautiful layout, and a very touching story about your sister! Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us.

Linda said...

what a beautiful layout and a wonderful tribute to your sister. Thank you so much for Sharing your touching story with us.

http://ikolinda-scrappinmomma.blogspot.com

Janis Lewis said...

Gorgeous layout - great story. This is such an inspiring hop! :) Janis northrose@slowar.com

Maureen Reiss said...

Beautiful LO!! Great cause for this hop!! Thanks for the chance to win
reissfam10@aol.com

mbchoj said...

What a beaautiful layout and story. Sad but a happy ending bringing two sisters closer! God Bless!
mbchoj at aol dot com

kathlee said...

Your story was so touching,brought tears to my eyes. So young and under such difficult circumstances at a time when everything should be happy with anticipation of a new baby. I am so glad things have gone well for her thus far. Cancer sucks...plain and simple.. I lost a cousin last month, my aunt and uncle within the past two years and I am a 4 year cancer survivor and I plan to continue surviving for 30 more years!
kathlee154@gmail.com

jen said...

I'm now your newest follower. Thank you for sharing your story of your sister. It did make me cry because it brought back memories that were very hard for my family when my Mom was diagnosed at age 69...she is a survivor and it has been two years now... It was the hardest thing to have to see someone you love so much go through. Thanks again for taking the time to care.
hugs to you,jen
jennyscards.blogspot.com
jenniferhogge07@yahoo.com

Scrappy Jackie said...

I am truely honored to be your newest follower of your blog! I am so happy you were able to share your beautiful and heart felt story! You are an awesome sister! Thank you for being a part of this hop! And thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

Thanks for your dedication to women and cancer awareness. I am a follower.

Sue Rolfe
rolfe974@prodigy.net

BUZZY BEE DESIGNS and GRAPHICS said...

Sister are the best great layout
I'm a follower
and i post our link on my blog
http://buzzybeedesigns.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Minor
buzzybeedsignsATyahooDOTcom

jennyplace2 said...

OMG! I did not expect to read such a sad and yet a happy ending story, a had to stop and take a breath and wipe the tears from my eyes. Love your layout and I am more then happy to follow your blog, I hope you will do the same. TFS
http://jennyplace26.blogspot.com

Tanya said...

Wow thank you for taking part in this hop. The project you made is great.

taniwol at yahoo dot com

ReinasMomma said...

Great layout! Thanks for sharing! chrisbrown1973@hotmail.com

stefeni said...

Your sister is definitely a strong survivor. Such a touching story.

spunkycrayon at yahoo dot com

Jayne said...

Wow, thanks so much for sharing. It was really moving. Also, thanks for the chance to win some candy!

Cassie_lu said...

what a story and what a layout to honor her

quilt4fun2 said...

Thanks for sharing your story and memory pages. Thank You for being in the hop and for a chance to win cool prizes.
quilt 4 fun 2 at hot mail dot com

Debbi said...

What an amazing blog post. I so appreciate you sharing your heart and your moments!
*smiles*
debbi

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this amazing story.
Sonya
sonyatullos@yahoo.com

Cor* said...

Jamie. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I had to stop and re-read it to my husband. It's amazing how versatile one's body truly is. Your sister is amazing to have you and your fantabulous layouts in her life! So precious! Thanks for the chance at some great candy.

ibecircled.blogspot.com said...

What a touching story!! TFS!!! Loveyour blog!!
ilovetonkinese2athotmaildotcom

Rexann

Heather said...

What a beautiful LO! I can't imagine going through all that at 31! TFS! I am now a follower.
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Susan L said...

Your story was amazing! I don't have a sister but my father is currently going through chemo and will have 6 weeks of radiation after that. It is a tough road but attitude is everything!

Thanks for promoting this hop :)

Happy Scrappin'

Sue B

http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

Linda said...

Your post is wonderful. I have tears in my eyes. I had my mammogram last week and have my fingers crossed.
Beautiful page and wonderful cause!
Hug,
Linda
http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com

stephanne said...

So touching and so very true, to see these strong, wonderful women take this on with such a great attitude and show us true strength, it makes me feel grateful for every moment here on earth!! Touching story, I am very glad to be sharing in this event with you!!
hugs, stephanne

Teri Barefoot said...

what a beautiful blog I am glad that your sister had you
Thanks,
Teri
teri.barefoot@gmail.com

Shawna said...

Your sister was a great inspiration to all of us as we watched her go through it. She had great courage and strength. Shawna

Terri said...

What a truly beautiful tribute to your sister. We gather our strengths from the people who share our lives an a daily basis. A true blessing that you have each other. Thanks for your story. I'm proud to follow your blog.

Terri
stamper52@gmail.com

MAGDA said...

Hola Jamie, me ha impresionado la historia sobre tu hermana, rezare por ella y por todas estas mujeres que han sufrido y vencido esta enfermedad, me uno al candy,que DIOS os bendiga. Un saludo Magdalena

Kards by Kathi said...

Great blog and terrific project. Thanks for sharing.

catlady709@comcast.net

Mona`s Bittelille Scrappekrok said...

Thank you for sharing your story and your lovely lo. I really got a lump in my throat when i read your stoty. It is hard to witness this disease up close. I have an aunt with cancer and she caught it too late. We don`t know how long we are lucky to keep her, i am sorry to say. I also want to say thanks for the possibility to win some awesome candy. Hugs...Mona

Auntie Em said...

Sounds as though you have a very special sister and she has an awesome one too!
Thanks for sharing your story and your beautiful tribute page. {Hugs} to both of you!!!

me said...

Hi Jamie,
Such an encouraging story! Hugs for you and your familie.
THis hop is really great. It is strange how important it is we need to beremember of the good things we have so often while we easily thing negatieve..

me said...

oh and I totally forgot: lovely pink candy :-)
thank you so much very generous of you as well as of the other ladies

grandmafairymary said...

Thanks for sharing your story! Thanks for being part of the pink hop!

littlen said...

Thank you for sharing your sister's story. How very brave of you.

Jessica said...

What a wonderful tribute to your sister. I'm sure she's greatful for it, and is just as proud of you. This story and many more like it is why we should remember that cancer cant touch any of us. Blog Hop candy is nice, but it's really all about our Sister's, all of them, and their fight.

Anonymous said...

Your story of your sister is incredible. I am honored you choose to participate in this blog hop and more importantly take the time to share that personal experience with all of us. What an awesome story of love and family unity. You brought a tender smile to my face today (amidst all the tears). Sunnny

Payne Family Fun said...

Jamie....I LOVE the layout of the tribute to Robyn....she is one lucky sister!

I was very touched by your story....it brought tears to my eyes. I, too, was so amazed at how stalwart and brave she was during that whole thing. She always had a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart....She is such an inspiration to me...thanks again for sharing with us not only the story, but the blog hop...

Tkat said...

jamie...your layout is wonderful! thanks for sharing your story -- it makes one realize how often we take the moments for granted. great blog hop! :)

Lalia Harris said...

awesome pink give away. thanks for being part of the pink week! This is fun to find new blogs!

Stacy said...

What a heart warming story about your sister!

Thank you for joining in such a wonderful blog hop!

Stacy Armer
uratoon@yahoo.com
http://arkansasmom.blogspot.com/

SAVE SECOND BASE GET A MAMMOGRAM!!

Tanya said...

Thank you for sharing about your sister. Great layout too.

Following you :)
phenis2031 at yahoo dot com

Ann Marie said...

Your story is so heartwarming and I am thrilled to hear about a very happy ending! I remember the "moment" I heard and also remember throwing up because of it. It can be beat and we get closer every day. Your design brings tears to my eyes, love it!

Sassy Scrapper said...

Thank you for sharing your story. I know it helps tremendously to hear others who are reminded about having moments! I am both proud and honored to have shared in such a wonderful blog hop with you in hopes to spread breast cancer awareness!
Hugs Bonnie

Aly's mom said...

Men may have more physical strength, but stories like yours prove just how strong women are. Thanks for sharing!

Liz said...

Your story had me in tears. I have personally not been touched by breast cancer - no one close to me has been diagnosed, thank God. However, I just turned 30 last week and am 3.5 months preggo with my 3rd and your story hit home. Your LO is beautiful and your sister is lucky to have such great support in you. Thank you for spreading the word.
craftylizard at gmail dot com

Paper Sewn Visions said...

Thank you for being part of such a wonderful blog hop. Thank you for sharing your story.
queta_r21@msn.com

Jennifer said...

Jamie,

What a beautiful, meaningful layout!!! :) And the story of the strength of your sister brought tears to my eyes-what an inspiration!

Thank you so much for sharing and for the chance to win (your blog candy certainly is yummy!),

Jennifer
partridgelu at yahoo dot com

Trisha said...

Jamie!! I LOVE it!! You and Robin are BOTH absolutely AMAZING women!! Thank you so much for inviting me to this blog hop! I have to admit I couldn't wait to get to your blog, and your project is, as always is beautiful!! HUGS!! Trisha

My Lil' Bits said...

Love it!! Thanks for sharing and for the candy! I am a new follower!

SherriC. said...

Beautiful LO!!!!!
TFS!!!!
brodiec88 at hotmail dot com

Tabitha said...

Love your layout with your sister. I am a new follower and thanks for sharing,
tabitha4cm at yahoo dot com

trisha too said...

Lovely pages;

I'm a new follower.

:)
trishatoo at hotmail dot com

Love crafts forever said...

Thank you for wonderful Blog Hop. And i am so lucky to be here. Your project are stunning. Hugs, Nataliya.

Yesi said...

Thanks for the blog hop! Beautiful pages and blog.. mine is so simple hehe

thanks for everything. new follower
hernandez22yesi@gmail.com

Hildes Scrappeunivers said...

Thanks for sharing your story. And thanks for giving me the chance to win!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs, Hilde

Pammejo said...

What an amazing page. You did a beautiful job. Thank you for sharing in the blog hop. pammejo1@yahoo.com
http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/ I am a follower.

Liset Villarino said...

I cant express what I felt seeing your layout and reading your familys struggles along with your sisters braveness. You gave me goosebumps from head to toe. I have 3 younger sisters and two older ones. I cant imagine having to go through that. God bless you and your family and many many more special moments to come to you.

THANKS FOR SHARING,
Liset
hailemnat@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Nice layout! TFS

Miranda said...

What an awesome page and such amazing courage. TFS!

kirsten said...

Jamie, I admire your sister's strength.

What an inspiring story and LO.

Shelley said...

I have been so honored to be on this hop with you. Your story touched me so much. Also, beautiful scrap page..
Shelley
shelldian at hotmail dot com

scrapBugz said...

Such an beautiful page. Thanks for sharing.

Mandy
mjbaker at earthlink dot net

Unknown said...

Dear Jamie, thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Your sister is a wonderful testimony and a great reminder all that we have to be grateful for. I'm so glad I got to read this.
If it's not too late I would love to be entered in your very generous giveaway.
Hugs...Tracy (your new follower)
cottonpickincute@hotmail.com