heroine in silver nail polish

It was only four weeks ago we joined together to Stand Up To Cancer and support Tate in finishing his 3^rd Ironman. As you know, Tate raced in honor of his sweet grandma, Jackie Barrett. It is with a heavy heart we inform you Jackie went home to be with Jesus last night. She was surrounded by family and had been lifted up in prayer continually, by many of you. As Tate put it, “she was never in a bad mood,” even right up to the end. We consider it a blessing that she was ready to be with the Lord and made her desires known to her loved ones. Through her joys and struggles, she was a wonderful example of unwavering faith, hope in what is yet to come, and unconditional love to all that crossed her path.  1 Thessalonians tells us to “Rejoice always,” and she did just that. 

Unknown to all of us, but probably not to her, Ironman Texas was the last big endeavor for Jackie. A few months before the race, she pulled a few family members aside and told them regardless of her physical state, they would be going to Ironman with or without her. But despite lung surgery, brain surgery, and all that comes with it, Jackie mustered up the strength to go to physical therapy regularly, and on May 18^th she was at Ironman Texas to cheer on her grandson. We thought she might make it to the finish line; however, she was at the swim start, the bike/run transition, and the finisher’s shoot. It was a long 13 hour day in the Houston heat, but nothing was going to stop her from standing at the finish line, high-fiving her favorite Ironman.  And no one was going to stop Aunt Roxi from pushing Grandma’s wheelchair through the crowds, and probably over a few toes, to get to the “athlete only” area and steal a big , sweaty hug from Tate. Amidst the thousands of Ironman heroes there that day, Jackie had to overcome just as much, if not more, to be there. And she did it with a smile. She was loveable, selfless, and our own heroine in silver nail polish. 

Thank you for supporting Team Jackie Barrett, and in turn our family, in what was not only  Tate’s best race and a great cause, but also a lasting memory we will forever have as a family. We reach out to you once more to ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time. Although it is difficult, we have hope in the Lord that we will see her again. The best is yet to come for us! We hope to mirror as much grace and joy in a lifetime that this woman emitted daily.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

home improvement happenings

It was a very, very productive weekend around the Barrett house! A productive weekend at home without stress is rare, but we successfully accomplished just that.  No one tells you this, but when you buy a house you almost feel guilty any free time you spend NOT doing home improvement projects. However, new home owners and triathletes everywhere would be proud of the things we squeezed in a mere 2 days. Lots happened.

First of all, this happened...

We painted our door and put on new hardware {well, doorknob and deadbolt}! And it was about time. The old version of our door looked like it had been painted with teal crackle paint and the doorknob didn't latch. Now it's kettle black, latches so Wrigley can't escape, and is much better, if I do say so myself. Wrigley supervised, of course. All that is missing is my antique mail slot, which is being shipped as we speak! Can't wait for that last addition. 

This also happened...

We cleaned off and organized our screened in patio. It still has a long way to go {if you ask me, not Tate} by painting the floor, hanging lights, etc., but for now, at least there is room to sit...for the first time in a while. It was serving as The Warehouse's Warehouse for months. However, thanks to a new storage shed and a free weekend, it looks much better! We even ate dinner here tonight! On our table are patio must-haves: plants and scrabble game pieces. 

And this happened...

I added more gold treasures on to my gold wall! I found this frame at a garage sale on my way home from work Friday and thought, "I'll just add this on the end of my gold frame wall before we go to dinner." Yeahhhh right, you know how that goes. I ended up taking every frame off, scattering them all over the living room, nailing about 23 too many holes in the wall {shhh, don't tell you know who} and then putting it all back together Sunday evening. Ah well, looks decent enough...for now. :) By the way, I am looking for something "L" shaped to go in that hole by the 4. Keep an eye out. Needs to be gold, duh. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, this slightly embarrassing, but mostly amazing, thing happened too...

On top of the home project stuff, Tate also had to squeeze in an 8 mile run...so we aired up the tires on his grandmother's {that's the truth} big red cruiser and I went with. It was just coincidence I was wearing "Barrett Support Crew" t-shirt as I escorted him through our neighborhood at 2 mph. 

Tate did this...

While I did this...

It was a really, really great weekend! So fun. I love having our own 'home' now and investing our time and love into it. Come visit! I'll let you ride my cruiser {because I know that's what you came for anyway}.

team barrett update

4/4/13 Update: 

Pat yourself on the back, Team Barrett because we have surpassed our goal!! We are so proud to announce we have currently raised $1,647 for lung cancer research and treatments. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We feel so loved and supported and know this gift will go a long way to help all those "Grandma Jackies" out there. Let's stand up on May 18th! See all of our teammates below.

................................................................................................................

<<< Gracias, Danke, Grazie, THANK YOU >>> 

I don't know how else to say it- THANK YOU to all who have joined Team Jackie Barrett, raising money for cancer research and supporting Tate in Ironman Texas! This year, Tate has committed to raising $10 per mile of the Ironman in honor of his grandma, Jackie Barrett, who was recently diagnosed and treated for Lung Cancer. I'm no mathematician {let's see...just move the decimal one place...to the right...yeah...}, but I'm pretty sure that's...

$1,406 for 140.6 miles

 So far, we have completed 59% of our goal! $837 down and $569 to go! That means we need sponsors for 57 more miles. Oh, what's that, you want to join Team Barrett, but don't know how? I'm glad you asked...

<<< To join TEAM BARRETT >>> 

Just pick a mile {or two, or ten} then click here to donate $10 per mile. That's right we only need $10  per mile, which is like the equivalent to skipping two lattes, sneaking your own snacks into the movies {sorry Meredith} or avoiding putting those 10 items in your basket from the Target dollar bin {let's be honest, you didn't need them anyway}. We really would be thrilled to have you join our team and to have EVERY mile covered, all 140.6 of 'em! Thanks so much for your support, especially on May 18th as Tate is racing for a great cause! Let's Stand Up to Cancer together! 

{To see more on the reason behind Team Jackie Barrett, visit an earlier post, entitled "Stand Up"}

Miles Sponsored:  

Swim

1- Katie & Tye Barrett

2- Katie & Tye Barrett

Bike

3- Katie & Tye Barrett

4- Katie & Tye Barrett

5- Katie & Tye Barrett

6- Katie & Tye Barrett

7- Katie & Tye Barrett

8- Katie & Tye Barrett

9- Katie & Tye Barrett

10- Katie & Tye Barrett

11- Evelyn Hancock

12- Evelyn Hancock

13- Evelyn Hancock

14- Evelyn Hancock

15- Vicki & Michael Potts

16- Vicki & Michael Potts

17- Vicki & Michael Potts & Iris Warren

18- Iris Warren

19- Iris Warren

20- Tyler & Erin Ellis

21- Tyler & Erin Ellis

22-Brad, Nikki & Caroline Ringler

23- Brad, Nikki & Caroline Ringler

24- Brad, Nikki & Caroline Ringler

25- Katelyn & Walker McWilliams

26- Katelyn & Walker McWilliams

27- Katelyn & Walker McWilliams

28- Wanda Picken

29- Bob & Wanda Picken

30- Bob & Wanda Picken

31- Bob & Wanda Picken

32- Bob & Wanda Picken

33- Kelsey Carpenter

34- Kelsey Carpenter

35- Kelsey Carpenter

36- Kelsey Carpenter

37- Kelsey Carpenter

38- Evelyn Hancock

39- Megan & Jordan Maxwell, Joan & Ken Self

40- Megan & Jordan Maxwell, Joan & Ken Self

41- Megan & Jordan Maxwell, Joan & Ken Self

42- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

43- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

44- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

45- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

46- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

47- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

48- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

49- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

50- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

51- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

52- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

53- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

54- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

55- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

56- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

57- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

58- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

59- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

60- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

61- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

62- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

63- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

64- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

65- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

66- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

67- Sean Lively & Jayma Williams

68- Sean Lively & Jayma Williams

69- Sean Lively & Jayma Williams

70- Sean Lively & Jayma Willams

71- Sean Lively, Jayma Williams, Tommy & Marianne Walton

72- Tommy, Marianne & Kyle Walton

73- Tommy, Marianne & Kyle Walton

74- Tommy, Marianne & Kyle Walton

75- Tommy & Marianne Walton

76- Chris Mallett

77- Chris Mallett

78- Chris Mallet & Ali Foran

79- Ali Foran

80- Ali Foran

81- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

82- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

83- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

84- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

85- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

86- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

87- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

88- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

89- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

90- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

91- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

92- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

93- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

94- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

95- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

96- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

97- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

98- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

99- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

100- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

101- Meredith & Andrew Hall

102- Meredith & Andrew Hall

103- Meredith & Andrew Hall

104- Meredith & Andrew Hall

105- Meredith & Andrew Hall

106- Meredith & Andrew Hall

107- Meredith & Andrew Hall

108- Meredith & Andrew Hall

109- Meredith & Andrew Hall

110- Meredith & Andrew Hall

111- Meredith & Andrew Hall

112- Meredith & Andrew Hall

113- Meredith & Andrew Hall

114- Meredith & Andrew Hall

Run/Marathon115- Robby & LaVon Barrett

116- Robby & LaVon Barrett

117- Robby & LaVon Barrett

118- Robby & LaVon Barrett

119- Robby & LaVon Barrett

120- Robby & LaVon Barrett

121- Robby & LaVon Barrett

122- Robby & LaVon Barrett

123- Robby & LaVon Barrett

124- Robby & LaVon Barrett

125- Robby & LaVon Barrett

126- Robby & LaVon Barrett

127- Robby & LaVon Barrett

128- Robby & LaVon Barrett

129- Robby & LaVon Barrett

130- Robby & LaVon Barrett

131- Robby & LaVon Barrett

132- Robby & LaVon Barrett

133- Robby & LaVon Barrett

134- Robby & LaVon Barrett

135- Robby & LaVon Barrett

136- Robby & LaVon Barrett

137- Robby & LaVon Barrett

138- Robby & LaVon Barrett

139- Robby & LaVon Barrett

140.6- Robby & LaVon Barrett

Congrats, you made it to the bottom! Is your finger tired from scrolling? I know what you are thinking, "woah that's a lot of miles!" You're right, that's why we need you! Gracias, Danke, Grazie, Thanks again!

arizona

We spent our Spring Break {which we are thankful to still have at 27 years of age} in Arizona visiting Lynley and Shawn. Since Shawn is part of the Dodgers organization, he and Lyn are lucky to spend a few months out of the year in AZ and we were even luckier to visit for a week! They have this little program during this time of the year called, "Spring Training," so most of our time was spent at baseball games good restaurants. I think we ate our way through Scottsdale. No surprise there, our vacations kind of revolve around food. But, besides good food, we also got to do some other exciting things too, including watching some baseball games, which is what most people actually travel to Spring Training in search of.

Baseballin'...

We went spent some time at Camelback Ranch, which is where the Dodgers and White Sox have their training facilities and share a field. We got to cheer on the Dodgers in three games, but got especially excited when Shawn came into pitch! Go #38! We saw him throw 4 pitches. Batter out. Inning over. Job well done!

{Camelback Ranch}

{The only game we had to have blankets. Cheering on the Dodgers!}

{Go Shawn!! Strike him out!}

Runnin/Hikin'...

We also so did some outdoorsey things. I know, giving up precious time by the pool to hike and stuff...who are we? I'm not sure either. We did the 4 mile Peoria Run the first full day we were there. Which, may I add, was the furthest Lynley and I have ever ran in our lives, but was a nice "light day" for Dad and Tate. Later that week, we hiked Squaw Peak. It was a really pretty hike and hard work too. We washed our hard workout down with a Smash Burger and milkshake. What a day! 

 {Peoria 4 mile run}

 {Tate and I pre hike}

 {Lyn and Dad at the bottom of Squaw Peak}

{The crew at the top taking in the view}

Wigwamin'...

Life at the Wigam is nice. This is the hotel, built in the 1920's mind you, that my parents stayed at for the week. Tate and I stayed with Lynley and Shawn, but were sure to reap the many benefits of the Wigwam which included but were not limited to: the best breakfast burrito I've ever had, heated pool, bonfire surrounded by rocking chairs, and endless supply of cold oranges. Oh, and how could I forget bocce ball! Oh, bocce ball, how we love you. This became a fam favorite as we had a little tourney going on all weekend. Tate, Mom and Lynley vs. Dad, Shawn and me. After our lives have been changed at the Wig, we are now crossing our fingers for a bocce ball court to appear at our parents' new house when it gets built. 

 {Welcome to the Wigwam} 

{Built in 1929, served as quarters for cotton farmers' and a vacation home for families of Good Year executives. Now serves as quarters for vacationers and Samantha the cat}

{Bocce-ing is serious business}

{Tourney finished. I think you can tell who won and who is looking on jealously.}

Grubbin'...

If there are two things Arizona is not short on it's cactus and good restaurants. And I am not complaining. Lynley and Shawn had done their research before we came out and already had a long list of restaurants they wanted to take us to. I think we actually had more restaurants than number of meals to eat. Not only was everything delicious, all the ingredients were so local and fresh. It was great! I literally was full for 2 days after I got back home. 

 {At Arrowhead Grille celebrating Tate's birthday}

 {"Hey, everybody look at me...it's my birthday!"}

 {Lunch at Olive & Ivy, maybe my favorite place, before a quick shopping trip and a baseball game. This place has the most interesting and delicious stuff! Bacon wrapped dates and Sweet Potato Cannelloni. Yum!} 

{Last supper at Chelsea's Kitchen minus Tate since he had to get back to Waco run some samples, or check some carbon or save the earth or something.} 

{We took a food tour of Phoenix was was...um...interesting to say the least. This one deserves it's very OWN blog post, so more on that later...}

It was such a great trip and a wonderful way to spend Spring Break! The week flew by. No regrets, except I wish we could have stayed longer. Thanks Lyn and Shawn for showing us the ropes in AZ. Can't wait until next year! 

stand up

This message brought to you by yours truly, Ironman Tate: 

Anything Is Possible. As many of you know, my grandma, Jackie Barrett, was diagnosed with lung cancer in late October 2012.  Initially, it was feared the cancer had reached her lymph nodes; however, further tests revealed that the cancer was isolated in the upper lobe of her right lung.  I feared the worst, trying to make sense of why this was happening to my family, and more specifically, to my grandma.  Many of you can identify with this struggle, as you or family members may have experienced it firsthand. Prayers were immediately said for grandma by family and friends, including some of you who have never met her, and for that I am grateful. God is good all the time. In His sovereignty, He answered those prayers through a successful surgery in December 2012.  The doctor reported he was able to remove all of the cancer from Grandma’s right lung, and she is now on the long road to recovery.  Throughout this experience, I have been amazed by my Grandma’s determination and unwavering faith that all would happen, be it good or bad, according to God’s plan.  Grandma never doubted God’s will through this process and was a wonderful example of placing your life in His hands.  I am reminded that through faith in Christ…

Anything Is Possible.

This is also the motto of Ironman.  Triathlons, Ironman in particular, have become a huge part of my, and in turn, my family’s life over the past 3 years.  Two years in a row I have raced in Ironman Texas in the Woodlands with my father-in-law, Bill Nicholson.  For those of you who don’t know, an Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, and 112 mile bike ride, and then a marathon, 26.2 miles, for a total of 140.6 miles, all in under 17 hours. It is the best and worst experience of your life.

Triathlon, by its very nature, is a selfish sport. It’s considered an individual endeavor, and you would think at times on the 140.6 mile course you would feel more isolated than ever.  However, thanks to all of you, it has never seemed that way. Many of you have followed me through my 3 year journey to Ironman. You have cheered me on, sent positive thoughts, worn bright orange t-shirts, and most importantly, lifted me up in prayer. You will never know how much your support means to me. This year, I want to make my third journey to the Ironman finish line more than just an individual endeavor.  This year it will be a team effort more than ever. It will be a celebration of life, a triumph of answered prayers, and a time to Stand Up 2 Cancer in honor of my Grandma and all other “Grandma Jackies” out there.

Stand Up 2 Cancer is a wonderful organization, created to fund cancer research grants and actively work towards finding a cure. This year a Stand Up 2 Cancer team, Team Jackie Barrett, has been created to raise funds specifically for lung cancer research.   I am looking for 140 teammates to join me in the fight against cancer at Ironman Texas on May 18, 2013.

What does it mean to be a teammate? Well, essentially for every $10 you donate, you will sponsor 1 mile of my 140.6 race. As a team, we will collectively raise $1,406 for cancer treatment and research across the nation! Feel free to participate to whatever degree you can, be it 1 mile, or for all of those over achievers out there, the whole bike leg!  If we get more than 140 team members, don’t worry, we will just have double sponsors on some miles. The more the merrier!

On May 18, I will jump into the muddy waters of Lake Woodlands for a leisurely swim, ride the rolling hills of the Sam Houston National Forest, and take a little jog along the waterways of the Woodlands. In doing so, we will celebrate life, serving an all-powerful God, and fighting for the good. Go Team Barrett!

Standing Up 2 Cancer one mile at a time.  Will you Stand Up with us?

To join Team Barrett, click here 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” –Hebrews 12:1-2