Saturday, September 26, 2009

Bike 2 Bike Heber Century Cancer Ride 2009

If you are an avid Scoresby Scoop Blog reader, then you will remember that last September my family rode this Heber Century ride for The Huntsman Cancer Center. All proceeds go to cancer research. Yes-we are avid "cancer research supporters". Last year I didnt get to ride, I had to watch from the window of my car as Steve and my Dad transported me around too cheer my amazing cousins on. It was amazing! It was humbling to know that they were doing this race for me, and for my uncle (their Dad) who had just died 4 months earlier to Pancreatic Cancer. Team Preece rocked!

Today Team Preece rode again! AND they rocked again! It's tradition! AND-I joined them on the road today! I committed to ride 25 miles. I knew that I couldnt do more this year. It's been a hard recovery-BUT the important thing is I'm officially back on the road. I have rode alot this summer, but not up too where I was a year ago. My goal is too be back to 20 plus miles a day. Not only was that a big milestone for me, but my little Meggie rode the entire 25 miles with me. She was a rock star!


She is a determined little thing. She set a great pace and we had a blast together. She has now caught the biking bug too and wants to ride as many races as she can next year. Quite a few of the other bikers were amazed at her as she climbed the soldier hollow hill. They were cheering her on, and she loved every second of it. Both Steve and I were totally proud of her.

(In this photo is Troy, me, Kim and Megs)

Ride Hard or Go Home!

My goal was to ride 25 miles. My Dad was going to ride with me, but since he couldnt (because of surgery on Monday), Megs took his place. It was a great experience for both of us to do this together. She is exactly what I needed today.

Steve and I in an emotional embrace. My tears were from accomplishing a hard goal. I have really realized that "I can do hard things!" And Steves tears were tears of gratitude that I am still here! (plus he has lived the hard stuff with me!)


Troy designed our shirts again. Here is the front. Which was totally appropriate for our team. I loved it Troy! Thanks!

The back was cool too. Here is the upper half. The "S2B' means "Save 2nd Base". You can go to savesecondbase.com if you need more info on this. :)

And here is the lower back of the shirt.


I personally think that the whole thing was great! Cancer is cancer whether its breast, uterine, pancreatic, lymphoma. We need a cure! My plea is that everyone does their part to get involved with a cancer research charity today. I know that we all know someone with cancer or you have lost someone to cancer or both.

For me, "I am Stronger than Cancer"! Thanks Meg for the great ride! Thanks Steve-0 for the support, and for being a great pit crew! And thanks to all of my great friends who came to support and cheer us on today. AND thanks to all of my awesome cousins who rode for me and all of the other Cancer patients and survivors. I am blessed.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Happy Fete Day


So we hosted our first "Fete" Day. Last year, the Caziers invited us to experience our first Fete day, and this year we hosted our first.
What is Fete day you ask? Well, (this is how Maleen explains it)August is the only month without a holiday. I did not know that until last year. So, Fete means celebration or party (I dont know what language, but it sounds good). It can be any day in August.You pick a color to celebrate with,so this year the color was Yellow.

We invited the Ellis family, the Kierksik family, and the Lamb family to join the "Fete" festivities. All wore yellow (thanks John, I know it was hard for you). Everyone brought a gift for someone that was "yellow". The kids really love this part.
I had a jar full of yellow candy that was a guessing jar. We played games and had a barbeque. Mikayla and Meg made yellow smiley face cupcakes for a cupcake walk for the kids. It was cute. Phoenix had so much fun on the merry go round, that he barfed. We had a mini micro burst, but all in all,we loved our "Fete" day, and cant wait to do it again next year!



It was also Justins birthday so he got to celebrate his day with our Fete celebration.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Some of our Favorite People

We are so blessed to have the best birth moms and extended families. They are all great! We love them like our own families, and we are glad to be able to share our children with them once in awhile, by letting them have a little glimpse into their lives. A few weeks ago, Helen, Kevin, and Rachel came to visit, bringing Mason and Megans little brother Logan with them.

We went on a picnic to the park and played. Logan loves all three of our kids, and of course Meg and Mace fight over him. They taught him how to roll down the hill, and they taught him how to catch frogs and how to ride a scooter. It was awesome. The sad part is when they leave and Mason thinks he needs his brother back. Poor buddy. On a good note, we are so grateful that the kids get to know their little brother, even if its for only a day or two a year. Oh, and it is always a treat to see Rachel! ALL of the kids love Rachel (who is the auntie), and they love to run circles around Adam(who is the uncle).

Logan and Mason--can you see the resemblence?

Meg teaching Logan how to scoot!

Going on a frog hunt.

Preece Family Reunion 09


We went to the Preece family reunion in August. Bear Lake is the meeting place. It was a riot. We had a great cabin this year, infact we loved it soo much that we are trying to get it again next year. It was so cool because we had access to the pool at the marina condos, so the kids were able to swim at night.
We spent time out on the lake, and the kids had a great time burying each other and building sand castles. We skiied and tubed and ate and all was well. Kim and I took our bikes and went riding. It was totally fun. I wanted to ride last year, but was not well, so it made up for it this year.
We also went to the "minitonka" cave. That was a cool experience. We climbed over 800 stairs. Steve has this problem with claustraphobia, so it was hard for him-but he overcame his fear and went. The kids loved it when I had hot flashes in the cold-because my heater went on and they warmed themselves up on me. It was funny.
One of the funniest things was Steve scaring the older kids. They had their own bunk room and were telling ghost stories. Steve was hilarious! They were all freaked out. (thats the fun of getting older I guess).
Anyways, it was great! We cant wait for next year! Sadly we missed both of two of my brothers and their families. We hope that they will make it next year.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Leadership 2009

This year, Leadership for Close to My Heart was in Newport Beach. So-I was lucky enough to spend another 4 days in Cali again in July. It was fun though. I didnt get to go to Florida last year because I had just started my health problems. So I was elated to be back with my friends again. Close to My Heart is such an awesome company to work with. I love being a director, and I love my friends that I get to hang out with. They have become some of my closest buddies. Corporate took the Directors to an evening at Disney. It was great! We had a super time. Blythe had just had open heart surgery a few months ago and so she got to ride in a wheelchair, which made it awesome for the rest of us to go to the front of the line. I guess there are some perks to having surgery huh. Thanks Blythe!

There were some other surprises while I was in Cali-A little family reunion. Steve's cousin Camille Olsen Ellis is a consultant too! She was able to make the trip. It was so great too see her, and spend some time with her too.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Happy 24th of July!

This post will tell you how far I am behind in my journalling. Almost 2 months and 357 photos (that I downloaded) later. The first half of the day we went to Steve's sister Barbs apartment and went swimming with the cousins. It was hot, and fun. It was fun too see the cousins, sister inlaws and Uncle Richie.

We spent the rest of the day with my family. Kim, Troy and kiddos, and Mick and Trina and their kiddos. We had a barbeque at our house where we had a rousing game of "Bochi" ball. OK, so we love this game. Especially Mason who loves to throw all of the balls. He does not care whose it is, or where it is flung. He can even throw a ball while eating a hot dog.

Here is the bochi crew!

Later that evening we went up to Kims neighborhood in Cedar Hills and watched the fireworks. It was awesome. SOooo fun for the kids too. They rolled down the hill in the dark and had a grand time. I am so grateful to be a part of such great families to make such great memories for my kids.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The BEST day of my life!


Yesterday was one of the BEST! So, I work at the studio very part time now to help offset some of the cost for these crazy dancers of ours. Well Mr. Donny Osmond is training for "Dancing with the Stars" at our studio. I went in yesterday morning to fill in for one of the gals. When I got there, Alex said too me-(knowing that I am in love with Don)-"Did you see know your boyfriend was in studio 1 dancing?" Well, I knew he was but I had promised Kenra that I would not cause a scene if I saw him. So I politely said that I knew he was. BUT I was dying inside-I love Donny! So I went next door to Dance Gear. I could hear him talking and laughing with Kim Johnson (his partner), and I was texting my friends that I was one wall away from Donny. A few minutes later his assistant walks in and Says "Keri?" I said "Yes", and then she walks in and behind him walks Donny. I wanted to pee my pants.

Of course I have met him and have lots and lots of photos of him. But I think I am his biggest fan! I know I am crazy, and Steve is good too put up with my obsession. I mean I took his photo out of our bedroom. So we chatted for a few minutes and took some photos. My whole day was made! AND DON WILL WIN DANCING WITH THE STARS!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Happy 1st Year Birthday Too ME!

One year ago today-I was awaiting surgery!
One year ago today-I was freaking out!
One year ago today-I was surrounded by my closest friends and family.
One year ago today-I wondered if I would be able to win the battle.
One year ago today-Ikissed and hugged each of my children and told them how much I loved them and how proud I was of them.
One year ago today I held Steves hand as he comforted me through my tears.
One year ago today I had to have more faith than I have ever had in my life.
One year ago today, I reflected on my life and knew that I was truly blessed.
One year ago today I got rid of the cancer in my body.
One year ago today I survived!

It's been a super hard year, but I am so blessed! I thank God everyday for each new day, for each new smile, and for each new memory. I am so blessed to have the amazing husband, and children that I have. I am so blessed by my friends, what angels you have been. I am so blessed to have the extended family I have, for without you I could not have done this journey so well. I am so blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father who has allowed me to continue my journey.

Where I am at now---I feel Great!