Debby and Sarah adventure

Sarah and I had a absolutely amazing time in Honduras we can not thank everyone enough for helping make this a reality for us. We saw 235 kids and did 1800 procedures in the 5 days of clinic. WOW!! we worked hard but it seemed easy not like work at home. I can not even begin to tell you how proud I was of Sarah!! She was amazing I think our whole team envied her job. She was the go to girl, what ever anyone needed she was there down to finding the two dry erase markers that the school we were at had to write our go to statments in Spanish on the dry erase board. The kids loved her she took time to teach them english while they taught her spanish. She held hands and offered comfort when needed. We saw kids that were not willing to smile because they were embarrased by thier smiles and left smileing from ear to ear. The food was fabulous. Everyone worked so hard to keep us taken care of. We have 1000 pictures to pick through and would love to share them with everyone. I have to say many of them are of smiling happy kids with their amigos. I can only hope that everyone gets to experience the gratification we felt once in a life time!!! love to all deb

wTony,Tiffanie,Kaitlyn, and Ryleigh's 2010

2010
So where do I begin, I have never blogged before. Kaitlyn turned 9, Ryleigh turns 5 in December, the girls just keep growing. Tony finished school our family is proud and happy for him. I have been a stay at home mom which, I absolutely love right now.
We have had a pretty cool 2010 year. Tony and one of my best friends got married. That wedding was a fairy tail wedding, held at the Four Season's downtown Seattle. From v.i.p bachelor parties, to the perfect bridal shower. The first of the year camping trip on Memorial weekend, in tents, raining cats and dogs. Wow I'm surprised we made it through the whole weekend.
In July we spent a wonderful weekend with Kevin, Norma, Dad, Patti, Alix, and Billy. Lots of fun in the sun at Creascent Bar on the fourth, with yummie food and great drinks. Towards the end of July we took a 10 day road trip with Tony's family, destination Disneyland... Our first day we drove to Redding Cali, woke up drove 16 hours to Las Vegas, put the kids to bed with the family, Tony and I got dolled up and hit the town for about 7 hours, saw so much that we knew we had to come back, it wasn't enough time to call it Sin City. Disneyland was just a hop skip and jump from L.V. We were at the hotel for 5 days with a 2 day hopper to Disneyland and a 2 day park pass for Universal Studios, went to Vinice Beach, looked just like bay watch,Hollywood was also fun walking around looking at all the stars. Then one straight shot all the way home to FirCrest WA.
We had Kaitlyn's Birthday party, Jennifer and Justins beautiful spactacular wedding, school started for both girls, missed a family campout which was truly heart aching. I turned 30 so Tony took me back to Vegas we were there for 3 nights, so much fun, casino hoping, drinking strawberry margaritas, and walking..., lots of it. Got a tattoo. Now its back to the grind. Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner. The most that I am excited for is Alix and Billy on their engagement, just waiting for the planning to start. Much love to all my family... XOXO!!

Slacker!!!

Ok, so I have completely slacked on the posting of the family blog. In fact, I just now saw Ali's post about her graduation. SO MUCH has been going on within the family one post doesn't do it justice.

For a quick run down....I got married. Auntie Lori went to Mexico and we honeymooned in Hawaii! We were actually at the airport at the same times....Family camp was awesome! Thanks for picking a great location this year Auntie Deb and Undle Doug. In case you missed it, Uncle Gene had won the "Camper of the Year" award. Auntie Bev gave it to Uncle Kenny on his behalf. It was a great time, we had golfing, oktoberfest, beer pong, and a great appetizer meal! After family camp, Gayle and Greg went to France followed by Sarah and Deb going to Hondurus. While that was going on Carrie and Dawn did the 3 day and raised $7,250.00. Auntie Gayle just had foot surgery and from what I hear is healing nicely. Lastly, Ali and Billy got engaged!!!! Yay! Congrats to the both of you!!! Also, happy birthday to Tiffanie for celebrating the big 3-0 in VEGAS (Josh and Rachel were actually there at the same time)!!!

We would all love to hear about the proposal, the vacations, the events, and anything I missed so you should post all the details to us!!!!! You know who you are....

Love,
Jen

I Did It!!!!

With great happiness, I
Alix Coe,
announce my Graduation from
the University of Washington Tacoma
with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology
and a Minor in Business Administration!

Join me in celebrating this achievement

by coming to my Commencement Ceremony

on Friday, June 11th at 10:00am
at the Tacoma Dome.

Please RSVP your attendance to Alix at Alipieface@hotmail.com

Family Camp 2010

Thanks to Doug and Deb we have a Family Camp location! It looks like a wonderful place and you all should have received your first information letter. If you did not receive it, contact them and they can get you one. Just a reminder, make sure you call the Mayfield office and make your 50% deposit ASAP!

I am sure we will be hearing tons more and I hope you are excited as I am for FAMILY CAMP 2010!!!!

The Big Climb

On Sunday morning, Kasey and some of her friends participated in the big climb! It is an event where the proceeds benefit lymphoma and lymphaitc cancer. Kasey's team, Team Gullberg, did the climb in honor of Luke and Karen Gullberg. Kasey really outdid herself and climbed 69 flights of stairs in 23 mintues (with a cold). Congrats Kasey, we are so proud of you!!!!

Below is the link in case you would like to learn more about the big climb or donate to Kasey!

http://www.llswa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BC_homepage

Patti is in town

Word on the street is that Patti is in town for a few days!!! Make a stop by Auntie Bevs or give her a call if you would like to stop by!

Operation Save a Rack! (The name is for Scott because if I didnt have his support in this it wouldn't even be possible).

I have taken on an incredible challenge. On September 24th-26th, 2010, I'll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days, camping out at night with thousands of other women and men taking this journey with me. It's for an event called the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Net proceeds from the Komen 3-Day for the Cure are invested in breast cancer research and community programs.

Komen for the Cure® works hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising $2900.00 to help bring us closer to that goal. Please consider making a donation of anything. If you can't give an amount all at once, you can spread it out over four months, using the payment plan option, if you donate online at http://www.the3day.org/.

As you all know my life took a dramatic turn on December 16th, 2009 when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Needless to say two boobs later she has an amazing outcome and we are truly blessed with the findings.

I want to make awareness my number one goal because if it wasnt for early detection we would not have been so lucky. Thank god for Mammograms.

Please help me reach my goal to walk for 3-day's and 60 miles to raise awarness and money for our daughters to not have to deal with this ugly disease.

This one is for Mom, Missy & Grandma Carolyn and all the countless others that breast cancer has touched. I love you guys and you are my heroes.

One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That's why I'm walking in the 3-Day for the Cure. Because everyone deserves a lifetime.Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising Web page and make a donation. If you don't want to donate online, please download and print a donation form from my Web page and mail it to the address on the form. Or you can call 800-996-3DAY to donate over the phone. I would like to reach my fundraising goal by August, 2010, so don't delay!

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-mail and thank you for your support.

Sincerely, Carrie

P.S. I love you all and Thank you!

Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/SeattleEvent2010?px=5021328&pg=personal&fr_id=1471&et=mfCHow73swrcQ-gyUpTeXA..&s_tafId=237787

Click here to view the team page for Operation Save a RackIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/SeattleEvent2010?team_id=167411&pg=team&fr_id=1471&et=XlmsmBhyz7D7Uv2x0EMoyg..&s_tafId=237787

Easter 2010

IN YOUR EASTER

BONNET

COME JOIN US FOR THE

BIG EASTER EGG HUNT

AND LUNCH

SUNDAY APRIL 4TH, 1:00

AT GREG AND GAYLES

Please bring a dozen filled eggs to hide

and a dish to add to the Buffet.

Dee is Graduating!

Dee is graduating from Eastern Washington University with a major in Children's Studies with a minor in Special Education and African American Studies on Friday June 11th at 9am. We are all very proud of her and some of us will be making the trek over to Cheney on Thursday to watch her walk that special walk! She will still have to take a few credits over the summer but after that she will have completed her college education. If anyone is interested in showing their pride, let me know and I will block you a room.

Congrats Dee, we are so proud of you!

BIG BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!!!

Justin turned 30 on Friday and Derrick turned 21 on Saturday! I hope they both survived..... happy birthday to the both of them!!!!!

I haven't heard how Derrick is doing but Justin definitely had a very special day. Thanks to everyone for coming!

Interested in the 3 day

Ok Dawn and I are seriously thinking about doing the 3-day this year at the end of September.

It is a very lofty goal but from what we have heard it is an experience that you will never forget so we are going to try.

I am going to be attending a meeting is Sumner at the end of March to get some info. If anyone is interested please see below.

http://www.the3day.org/site/Calendar/803960332?view=Detail&id=230342

For more info, contact Dawn or Carrie!

Case of the Unknown Afghan Owner

Is anyone expecting a blue, silver, and white afghan???? If so, contact Grandma Joyce. She is looking for you!!!!!

The Cookbook

THE COOKBOOK

This is a new interactive family blog column. The one thing this family is infamous... whoops I meant famous for, is great cooking and entertaining. I am hoping you will all take turns sharing your recipes and entertaining tips. I'll get it started with my sugar cookie recipe. Now I know you were all hoping for the fruit salad recipe, and I promise if you don't all step up with your own recipes then it will be shared soon. So come on everybody, show us what you got.

Auntie Gayle

American Woman Sugar Cookies

First printed in 1948

Tweaked by Gayle Duff

• 3 cups of flour 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt 2 lg eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup butter 1 tbl milk
• Mix all the wet ingredients, add in all the dry ingredients. Refrigerate at least 3hrs, I leave in fridge over night or even for several days. Roll out on generuosly floured counter. Bake at 375 for 7-10 min. You will have to check to see how long your oven takes. Bake till golden brown on the edges. If you over bake, no worries once they are frosted no one knows. remove from cookie sheet promptly, the sugar makes them stick if left on the sheet to long.

Now the yummy part ....................

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 2/3 cup of water 4tbl meringue powder
• 12 cups confectioners sugar 1 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp almond extract

Combine the water and meringue powder and beat to peaks, Add 4 cups sugar, one at a time, beating on low after each addition. Alternately add butter and remaining sugar, add salt and flavorings. Beat at low speed till smooth, don't over beat. This frosting can be stored for weeks in the fridge. If it gets too thick, microwave on low for just a few seconds, don't add more liquid.

There you go, easy as pie!.... but then I can't make pie

The Big Climb/Headwall Movie Project

Kasey is working on a few fundraisers/projects and I asked if I could post this on here for all of you to check out.....

You absolutely don't need to feel obligated to donate but here it goes. I will be participating in the Big Climb - a stairclimb up 69 flights of stairs....1,314 stairs in all - on March 21st. While I'll be gasping for air, the real challenge is to help fight blood cancers. In January of 2008, my long-time daycare person, coach, teacher and all-around second mother lost her battle with a plethora of cancers. Last year, her son Luke led the charge up the steps of the Columbia tower in her memory. I'm not only doing this in honor of Mrs. Gullberg, but for Luke as well who encouraged all of us to push ourselves athletically and ultimately died doing what he loved. (I was wrong, he didn't place high in the overall rankings..he won for Team Gullberg but due to an error with his racing chip was given a time of 17 minutes instead of his actual 10). 10 minutes...wow!! I'm just hoping not to stop breathing or fall down an entire flight of stairs and take my team with me. :)

If anyone would like to join Team Gullberg, we would love to have you. Thank you for your support and for your love and prayers for the Gullberg family.

Here is where you can donate to the big climb:

http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?px=1390742&pg=personal&fr_id=1110

I also told a few people I would send this out as well. If you would rather donate to the movie project honoring Luke, Anthony and Katie, or find out more about the Headwall Movie project, you can do so here:

http://www.headwallmovie.com/

If I have not told you recently, I cherish you all very much. You all play an important and interesting role in my life, and I'm thankful for every one of you. If there is one thing I have learned in the past few months it is to value the people around since you never know when they may be gone.

Kasey

Go Jessica Collins!!!

Jessica had two assists and one goal in her game last weekend! Go Jess! We are so proud of you!!!! Her team ended up winning 4-0.

A Love Letter From Carrie

Wow....that is about all I can say.

I have come to the realization after the news I got last night that I am on a new mission in life. That is to get everyone I know over the age of 40 or who feel ANYTHING to get their Mammograms. I am going to do everything in my power to get everyone I know and care about in my life to get this done. If you don't believe that it can happen to you, you are wrong, it can happen to anyone! My mom is the perfect example of what a mammogram can catch. If my mom had procrastinated at all we would have been telling a completely different story. She does not have a family history of Breast cancer at all and for that matter any type of cancer so trust me Breast Cancer is the last thing I thought.

There is a bit of me that felt a little bad for celebrating so much because there are still so many women that are battling this disease and they have a long road to hoe still. For each and every one of you I tip my hat and will be on a mission from now and forever to educate and raise awareness of Breast Cancer and for that matter any type of Cancer.

There are people in my life that I know cant afford a mammogram and I will try my damn-dest to get you the information that you need to get one. There are a lot of resources out there and I will find them and post them on here so we can get them what they need. Trust me this is something that you are going to hear about from me for years to come!

Please don't make your family beg, go get your smasho'grams right away!!!! It is selfish if you don't because look my mom only had to deal with almost 2 months of hell not years.

For all of us under 40 its time to feel yourself up :). Copy and past this link to your browser and you can learn how to do it if you don't already know. www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp?gclid=CM7a_amd1J8CFSlJagodDyCxbQ

OK I am off my soap box for now but I love each and everyone of the women in my life and I don't want to see them go thru the hell that I know some have to go thru.

Thank you everyone for what you have done for my family and especially my mom. I dont think she had any Idea that she has impacted so many people. Like I told her last night there is always a reason things happen in our life and I think this has taught her to slow down and take in each breath like it might be your last.

Love you all,
Carrie

SURVIVOR!!!!!!!

This morning I came into the office and checked my email first thing in the morning. I saw there was a notice from Auntie Vic's caringbridge site that there was an update. She has gotten her drains out! What a relief!!!!!! I know those things were bothering her so much and just to have them out she "felt reborn." In her post, she continued to go on that she received a call from her doctor and rightfully so she was very nervous because she wasn't expecting to hear from them until next week.



The doctor gave her amazing news. She won't be needing chemotherapy!!!! She will have to continue to do hormone therapy for the next 5 years but compared to the alternative, it is wonderful! Auntie Vic said that at this point, she truly feels like she is beating this thing. Personally, I couldn't agree more. I remember when Auntie Vic told me she got the news from the doctor and how scared everybody was. I always kept on saying, yes, cancer is scary but it is not a death sentance! You have proved them wrong!!!! Between your personal courage and strength combined with the help of your family, friends, doctors, surgeons, support staff, and love you have proved cancer does not mean death! You will continue to have this be a part of your life for forever but the worst of it has come and you have conquered. Congratuations!



You are not a statistic, you are a survivor!!!!



Auntie Vic, I just have to say thank you! Thank you for changing my view of cancer! Thank you for fighing and being an inspiration! You truly are a tower of strength!

Every one of you who is over the age of 40 better go get a mammogram. They are so important and quite possibly could have saved Vickie's life. Early detection is key!

Lilly's Cheer Competition

As some of you may know, Lilly is involved in a highly competitive cheer program. This weekend she had a cheer competition (I believe the first one of the season). Anyway, they cheered on both Saturday and Sunday and I am pretty sure she had a great time.



Jen and Lilly in the car on the way to the competition. I am pretty sure that they have to get up really early for these things so I am sure they were both very tired.


Lilly is in the front on the right. What such cute little girls! They squad did great! They won first place!!!! The trophy that they received was huge! Their hard work paid off and I am sure they were all super excited. I bet the parents were pretty excited too!!!!

All the girls with the first place banners! In fact, the banner says they are the "2010 International Champion Level 1". Great job Lilly!!!! We are all so proud of you!

40 Years of Bliss

Carrie and Dawn threw a Surprise Party in Honor of Vickie and Tim's 40th wedding anniversary. What an amazing accomplishment, both the party and the marriage! Both Vic and Tim were shocked and probably on sensory overload to see the array of people that came to show their love for them. Auntie Vic had some of her buddies from NARPM come from Colorado and Idaho, the beach bums, and employees. Uncle Tim had some of his Hot Rod Street Rats crew come and of course they both had tons of family there.

The party was at XXX in Issaquah where Vickie and Tim met 40 years ago. Uncle Tim drove his hot rod down which made the day even more special. The girls told them that they didn't want to do anything big in leui of Auntie Vic's circumstances and that they were just going to do lunch at XXX. Little did they know that tons of their friends and family would be there too! The flowers, slideshow, cake, and company were all truly wonderful (not to mention the burgers and shakes).







So Beautiful!




Ed & Val




Chuck's fatty burger



When they first walked in and Auntie Vic realized people had flown in for them!

Congrats to the both of you! Your marriage truly is an inspiration to all us "young folks"

Tattoo MANIA!!!!

Grandma got inked!!!! This has been a very special time for everyone but especially for the Gaskill's. I know the news of Auntie Vic's cancer definitely hit home everyone but had a special place in Grandma's heart (literally). I'm not quite sure how it came about but from what I hear Derek came up with a great idea and Grandma ran with it. Grandma got a pink breast cancer ribbon on her chest in order to make sure Vickie knew she cared. Check it out below.....



This lady had 5 kids and would not stop whining about how painful it was. Really?????




The final product. Great job Vince! I know my grandma loved working with her and had an experience she will never forget.

Now, after I caught wind that Grandma was getting a tattoo, Josh decided that he wanted to experience getting a tattoo with her. How many people get to say they got tatted with their grandma? Well, Josh can!!!! I don't have a pic of his final product but he got a silhouette of a cancer ribbon to represent all the people he knows and loves who have battled this cancer.




Lastly, but certainly not least. I know that Carrie was very excited to get a pink tattoo. I know this means so much to her and is truly a lasting memory of these past few months. Every single aspect of her tattoo has meaning. You can ask her all about it but check out some more of Vince's handiwork!



So the real question is, who is next??? Auntie Vic will you be getting a SURVIVOR tattoo????

Auntie Vic Updates!!!!

Dawn and Carrie have done an excellent job of keeping this up to date. Check it out and leave a little love note to Auntie Vic and Uncle Tim. I know they would love it! I also know that the entire Gaskill family is very appreciative of all your thoughts, kind wishes, and prayers!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/vickiegaskill

We Are Getting Married!!!!

As most of you may or may not know, Justin and I are getting married! He proposed on December 25, 2009. We have chosen to get married on August 14th, 2010 in Dad and Valerie's lawn so keep the evening available. We love you all!

Love,

Jen and Justin

Spaghetti Feed!

Auntie Deb and Sarah will be going to Hondurus in February and will be having a spaghetti feed on January 23rd to raise money for the trip. In Hondurus, they will be conducting a dental clinic. The tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids!!!! If you just want to make a donation, you are more than welcome to do so and can contact Deb for more info.