My favorite posts of 2011, tried to decide how to do this. I could base it on the number of hits and my top three posts of 2011 were my semi-nekkid pictures after surgery, Steve's first and second 100 mile race reports.
If I pick my favorites, it was my taking my broken to Jesus, rocks, and Picasso.
As 2011 ends today, I would say I'm looking forward to 2012. 2011 is past, it's history. So many good memories, lots of fun times, much happiness and love.
2012 is unwritten and my future looks good and I'm so excited for the coming year.
I don't say things like this often, but it doesn't mean I don't feel it. So I'm going to say it. I'm going to shout it.
I LOVE MY LIFE!!! I'M SO BLESSED!!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Conversations with Whitney
Not from Whitney, one of her close friends said this. I love teenage girls.
My mom says I have to start filling my own gas tank so I can learn responsibility. Why can't I just do the dishes everyday?
My mom says I have to start filling my own gas tank so I can learn responsibility. Why can't I just do the dishes everyday?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Yesterday, Today, Forever
There is an old hymn with the words "yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same". It's from Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
In thinking about this, I've come to a realization. I believe that if Jesus walked out of the pages of the Bible into today's time all he would need is a pair of True Religion jeans, an Affliction tee shirt and a pair of Chucks. His message and his lifestyle would not need to change. He would be as "culturally relevant" today as he was 2000 years ago.
Maybe he would go to BWW instead of the well. Instead of tax collectors he would seek out the Enron CEO. Instead of a woman taken in adultery he would give mercy to 80% of the young women in our country today between the ages of 18 and 26. His message of love the Lord with all your heart and love others as yourself and modeling that lifestyle would be just as powerful and revolutionary today as it ever was.
It's so comforting to know that Jesus never changes. That he can be trusted and. That what he was yesterday he will be tomorrow.
In thinking about this, I've come to a realization. I believe that if Jesus walked out of the pages of the Bible into today's time all he would need is a pair of True Religion jeans, an Affliction tee shirt and a pair of Chucks. His message and his lifestyle would not need to change. He would be as "culturally relevant" today as he was 2000 years ago.
Maybe he would go to BWW instead of the well. Instead of tax collectors he would seek out the Enron CEO. Instead of a woman taken in adultery he would give mercy to 80% of the young women in our country today between the ages of 18 and 26. His message of love the Lord with all your heart and love others as yourself and modeling that lifestyle would be just as powerful and revolutionary today as it ever was.
It's so comforting to know that Jesus never changes. That he can be trusted and. That what he was yesterday he will be tomorrow.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Bullies
A little over a week ago I got a phone call from the school. Whitney was in trouble. For bullying. This beautiful child, 5'4" 118 pounds honor roll varsity athlete sweetest kid ever hates bullies champion of the underdog and friendless got in trouble for exactly that.
I listened to the vice principal tell me the story (from his point of view) getting more upset with every word. At him, the school and Whitney all three. Turns out Whitney was more of a victim of bullying by the administration then the bullying she supposedly perpetrated. Not on school property, not during school hours, via twitter, and very non-specific, not racial or prejudicial. Kind of guilt by association thing. However, when they tried to get her to blame it on a friend, she owned her words. Proud of her for that.
We did discuss the written word, retweeting on twitter, and the lack of personality and the fact that not everyone that reads it loves her. Hard to believe there are people who don't love this, isn't it?
I was so upset I took the afternoon off from work. I needed to talk to someone, and I chose the wrong person. They ended up dragging me down further. Really bad day. I walked around the mall in my sunglasses, unable to Christmas shop, crying my eyes out because of Whitney's situation, how to parent through it correctly, and the advice on other areas of my life that was unsolicited.
Several days later I did the same thing. A situation sent me mentally down a rotten path. As I was on my knees that evening praying and crying to God to just make it stop, he brought this verse to my memory
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
This verse has come to mind several times since then. It's a pretty simple formula for peace. Trust in God, keep your thoughts fixed on him.
I took my Christmas tree ornament that is simply the word "peace" in glitter and hung it on the refrigerator. I think I'm going to need to keep it in front of me for a while.
And Whitney? A three day suspension for bullying she doesn't feel she did? She isn't sad about missing school, doesn't feel bad about her words, and knows she is not a bully.
I have been the victim of bullying this year, and it's not fun. I really abhor mean girls. I have found out that they exist at all ages, and that it really speaks to something lacking inside them, not the person they are striking out at. It's so ugly. I don't want that for my daughter. Giving or receiving.
So hopefully Whitney did learn the lesson of being careful with her words.
I listened to the vice principal tell me the story (from his point of view) getting more upset with every word. At him, the school and Whitney all three. Turns out Whitney was more of a victim of bullying by the administration then the bullying she supposedly perpetrated. Not on school property, not during school hours, via twitter, and very non-specific, not racial or prejudicial. Kind of guilt by association thing. However, when they tried to get her to blame it on a friend, she owned her words. Proud of her for that.
We did discuss the written word, retweeting on twitter, and the lack of personality and the fact that not everyone that reads it loves her. Hard to believe there are people who don't love this, isn't it?
I was so upset I took the afternoon off from work. I needed to talk to someone, and I chose the wrong person. They ended up dragging me down further. Really bad day. I walked around the mall in my sunglasses, unable to Christmas shop, crying my eyes out because of Whitney's situation, how to parent through it correctly, and the advice on other areas of my life that was unsolicited.
Several days later I did the same thing. A situation sent me mentally down a rotten path. As I was on my knees that evening praying and crying to God to just make it stop, he brought this verse to my memory
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
This verse has come to mind several times since then. It's a pretty simple formula for peace. Trust in God, keep your thoughts fixed on him.
I took my Christmas tree ornament that is simply the word "peace" in glitter and hung it on the refrigerator. I think I'm going to need to keep it in front of me for a while.
And Whitney? A three day suspension for bullying she doesn't feel she did? She isn't sad about missing school, doesn't feel bad about her words, and knows she is not a bully.
I have been the victim of bullying this year, and it's not fun. I really abhor mean girls. I have found out that they exist at all ages, and that it really speaks to something lacking inside them, not the person they are striking out at. It's so ugly. I don't want that for my daughter. Giving or receiving.
So hopefully Whitney did learn the lesson of being careful with her words.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
My Christmas Wish
I hope you love more than you are loved,
That you give more than you get.
I hope you forgive more than you are forgiven,
And extend mercy and grace at every opportunity.
I hope you hold your friends close and
Tell them often how special they are.
I hope you take time to do the things you love
And love the things you do.
I hope that 2012 is full of peace, contentment and joy for each of you.
Much love.
That you give more than you get.
I hope you forgive more than you are forgiven,
And extend mercy and grace at every opportunity.
I hope you hold your friends close and
Tell them often how special they are.
I hope you take time to do the things you love
And love the things you do.
I hope that 2012 is full of peace, contentment and joy for each of you.
Much love.
Friday, December 23, 2011
A front row seat
Every year at Christmas I think about this. Well, at least for the last 20 years.
I can’t begin relate to Mary in her pregnancy in the idea that she was carrying the Son of God. But I was pregnant and not married. We did have that in common. And my brother did threaten to stone me.
This year as I thought about pregnancy and childbirth and child raising milestones I was struck once again with the difference. Even in Mary’s time Jesus birth was unorthodox. But now it has taken on the feel of a children’s story and the reality of it seems to get missed.
From the beginning, Nate has never left any doubt that he was here. From knowing I was pregnant from two weeks on (that makes for a looooonnnnnngggg pregnancy) to taking the home pregnancy test that said the indicator would turn any color of pink to purple and mine turned so dark purple it was almost black. The doctor said at 8 weeks he would try to get the heartbeat but that was really soon, but there it was beating right along, strong as could be.
Mary didn’t have home pregnancy tests or ultrasounds. She didn’t get to hear the heartbeat. But she never doubted she was pregnant either. Angels visited her. She knew more about her baby than I knew about Nate. She knew it would be a son. She knew he was the Messiah. And she knew he was born to die on a cross years later.
I wonder if that made her pregnancy, already traumatic with being unmarried at conception and telling people he was the Messiah even more traumatic? She was a scarlet woman, people thought she was crazy because she believed he was coming to save everyone including her, and that he would ultimately die because of HER sins. She was giving birth to her Savior.
I wonder if in the pain of childbirth it crossed her mind that he would feel pain, so much more pain; physical, mental and spiritual in his life then what she was feeling and had felt?
When Nate was born my mom was in the delivery room. I asked her to leave. She wouldn’t. I wanted to have her removed. I wanted to be alone. When Whitney was born, the delivery nurse asked who could be in the room with me. I told her just Steve. So the idea that Mary gave birth to Jesus with just the farm animals is the kind of privacy that I would like. Maybe a little more sterile…
The fact that he was Jesus didn’t make his birth less painful, his childhood less enjoyable for his mother. Mary was a real person who felt the pain of childbirth. She was a real mom with real feelings of love for her children, just like me.
I think about how proud I am of Nate. How proud I’ve been sitting in the stands of his life watching. How many tears I’ve shed because I’m proud of the man he is. How many times I’ve jumped up and down and screamed and yelled and cheered for him. How many times I’ve done it internally because it wasn’t appropriate to yell, like his senior awards day.
I cannot begin to imagine the pride Mary has felt for her son, and will feel when she sits on the front row of the stands in Heaven and watches Jesus come for us. (I wonder if they will get a five minute warning in Heaven before the trumpet sounds, just to let them get into place to watch???) And then when she watches him finally defeat Satan. I can see her leaning forward in her seat, hands clasped in front of her, all the confidence in the world on her face, her grin a mile wide as she looks at him step out. “Come on Jesus, you got this. YOU GOT THIS. Let’s go, Son. Whooo hoooo!!! Yes, that’s it, ALRIGHT JESUS! YES!” (high fives the other Mary sitting next to her) “Boo Yah! And that’s how it’s done!!! That's MY boy.”
My mama’s heart cannot begin to fathom what she will feel. If she was not already in her perfect heavenly body, I’m afraid her heart might actually explode.
I can’t begin relate to Mary in her pregnancy in the idea that she was carrying the Son of God. But I was pregnant and not married. We did have that in common. And my brother did threaten to stone me.
This year as I thought about pregnancy and childbirth and child raising milestones I was struck once again with the difference. Even in Mary’s time Jesus birth was unorthodox. But now it has taken on the feel of a children’s story and the reality of it seems to get missed.
From the beginning, Nate has never left any doubt that he was here. From knowing I was pregnant from two weeks on (that makes for a looooonnnnnngggg pregnancy) to taking the home pregnancy test that said the indicator would turn any color of pink to purple and mine turned so dark purple it was almost black. The doctor said at 8 weeks he would try to get the heartbeat but that was really soon, but there it was beating right along, strong as could be.
Mary didn’t have home pregnancy tests or ultrasounds. She didn’t get to hear the heartbeat. But she never doubted she was pregnant either. Angels visited her. She knew more about her baby than I knew about Nate. She knew it would be a son. She knew he was the Messiah. And she knew he was born to die on a cross years later.
I wonder if that made her pregnancy, already traumatic with being unmarried at conception and telling people he was the Messiah even more traumatic? She was a scarlet woman, people thought she was crazy because she believed he was coming to save everyone including her, and that he would ultimately die because of HER sins. She was giving birth to her Savior.
I wonder if in the pain of childbirth it crossed her mind that he would feel pain, so much more pain; physical, mental and spiritual in his life then what she was feeling and had felt?
When Nate was born my mom was in the delivery room. I asked her to leave. She wouldn’t. I wanted to have her removed. I wanted to be alone. When Whitney was born, the delivery nurse asked who could be in the room with me. I told her just Steve. So the idea that Mary gave birth to Jesus with just the farm animals is the kind of privacy that I would like. Maybe a little more sterile…
The fact that he was Jesus didn’t make his birth less painful, his childhood less enjoyable for his mother. Mary was a real person who felt the pain of childbirth. She was a real mom with real feelings of love for her children, just like me.
I think about how proud I am of Nate. How proud I’ve been sitting in the stands of his life watching. How many tears I’ve shed because I’m proud of the man he is. How many times I’ve jumped up and down and screamed and yelled and cheered for him. How many times I’ve done it internally because it wasn’t appropriate to yell, like his senior awards day.
I cannot begin to imagine the pride Mary has felt for her son, and will feel when she sits on the front row of the stands in Heaven and watches Jesus come for us. (I wonder if they will get a five minute warning in Heaven before the trumpet sounds, just to let them get into place to watch???) And then when she watches him finally defeat Satan. I can see her leaning forward in her seat, hands clasped in front of her, all the confidence in the world on her face, her grin a mile wide as she looks at him step out. “Come on Jesus, you got this. YOU GOT THIS. Let’s go, Son. Whooo hoooo!!! Yes, that’s it, ALRIGHT JESUS! YES!” (high fives the other Mary sitting next to her) “Boo Yah! And that’s how it’s done!!! That's MY boy.”
My mama’s heart cannot begin to fathom what she will feel. If she was not already in her perfect heavenly body, I’m afraid her heart might actually explode.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The importance of being me.
I realized that lately I have changed some of my behaviors. And I believe change is good. I always reserve the right to be smarter tomorrow than I am today.
But sometimes…I change in the moment, for reasons I shouldn’t and do things I really would rather not.
Just because your wife couldn’t sleep and got up at 4:30 a.m. and made donuts for you to bring to work doesn’t mean I have to eat one. I do not have to take a donut because I don’t want to hurt your feelings. I can just say “no, thank you.” However, I took the donut when pressured, waited till he went back to his desk, wrapped it in a paper towel and put it in the trash.
I changed clothes to wear something I didn’t want to wear out for an evening. I wanted to wear a sweater tunic and leggings but wore jeans and a tee shirt because the group we were meeting usually dressed down. And then she was all dressed up and looked cute and I felt frumpy and mad at myself for not wearing the tunic.
Conformity is an issue for me. Always has been. I’m a non-conformist, I like my own path. I don’t feel the need to be like anyone else. In fact, I don’t like to dress like other people or look like other people or talk like other people. I don’t like it when I see myself copied, and I try not to copy others. This actually is humorous at points in my life.
If Steve and I are dressed alike, one of us has to change. If we are wearing jeans and black shirts, I’ll change my shirt. If we are wearing the same race tee shirt, I will change.
Some friends have phrases they use all the time. One of them lists things. Always says “#1…” Another one uses the term “bottom line” so much she should trademark it. I say neither of these because I would feel like I was stealing from them. And I hate it when people use MY words (cause you know there are words that I OWN, and no one else should use them) or I see my thoughts on someone else’s blog (and I know they read mine, it’s not a coincidence. PLAGIARIST!!!)
Sometime when you are in a group of women, look around. Check out the purses, the shoes, the hair styles. Look at the clothes. Do you look like everyone else? Should you? I never do. But then I would have to show pictures of what I wear on a regular basis for you to totally understand that. At the first volleyball practice/parent meeting in a sea of jeans, sweaters, Uggs and Coach bags, I was wearing Nate’s old sweatpants and a trail marathon tech shirt. In a world of e-readers I was carrying a ten year old water stained broken spine book. I have been looking at tablets, just haven’t picked/purchased one…yet. Any suggestions? And this is just one instance.
I also had the only teenage girl out of 40 who went to practice without long pants over her volleyball spandex in 24 degree temperatures. She’s a non-conformist (idiot?) too. Or is this a parenting fail?
I am who God created. I want to be more like him. That’s my goal. But the things that make me me? My uniqueness and individuality? I need to embrace that. Not try to be like someone else. Just the best me, the very best version of me.
Psalm 139:13-14
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
But sometimes…I change in the moment, for reasons I shouldn’t and do things I really would rather not.
Just because your wife couldn’t sleep and got up at 4:30 a.m. and made donuts for you to bring to work doesn’t mean I have to eat one. I do not have to take a donut because I don’t want to hurt your feelings. I can just say “no, thank you.” However, I took the donut when pressured, waited till he went back to his desk, wrapped it in a paper towel and put it in the trash.
I changed clothes to wear something I didn’t want to wear out for an evening. I wanted to wear a sweater tunic and leggings but wore jeans and a tee shirt because the group we were meeting usually dressed down. And then she was all dressed up and looked cute and I felt frumpy and mad at myself for not wearing the tunic.
Conformity is an issue for me. Always has been. I’m a non-conformist, I like my own path. I don’t feel the need to be like anyone else. In fact, I don’t like to dress like other people or look like other people or talk like other people. I don’t like it when I see myself copied, and I try not to copy others. This actually is humorous at points in my life.
If Steve and I are dressed alike, one of us has to change. If we are wearing jeans and black shirts, I’ll change my shirt. If we are wearing the same race tee shirt, I will change.
Some friends have phrases they use all the time. One of them lists things. Always says “#1…” Another one uses the term “bottom line” so much she should trademark it. I say neither of these because I would feel like I was stealing from them. And I hate it when people use MY words (cause you know there are words that I OWN, and no one else should use them) or I see my thoughts on someone else’s blog (and I know they read mine, it’s not a coincidence. PLAGIARIST!!!)
Sometime when you are in a group of women, look around. Check out the purses, the shoes, the hair styles. Look at the clothes. Do you look like everyone else? Should you? I never do. But then I would have to show pictures of what I wear on a regular basis for you to totally understand that. At the first volleyball practice/parent meeting in a sea of jeans, sweaters, Uggs and Coach bags, I was wearing Nate’s old sweatpants and a trail marathon tech shirt. In a world of e-readers I was carrying a ten year old water stained broken spine book. I have been looking at tablets, just haven’t picked/purchased one…yet. Any suggestions? And this is just one instance.
I also had the only teenage girl out of 40 who went to practice without long pants over her volleyball spandex in 24 degree temperatures. She’s a non-conformist (idiot?) too. Or is this a parenting fail?
I am who God created. I want to be more like him. That’s my goal. But the things that make me me? My uniqueness and individuality? I need to embrace that. Not try to be like someone else. Just the best me, the very best version of me.
Psalm 139:13-14
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Coleen’s Frozen Fat Ass
There aren’t many races in January in Kansas. I think it has something to do with the weather…
Steve wants to run “Coleen’s Frozen Fat Ass” January 13 in Olathe, Kansas. There is a little explanation needed for non-runners. A “Fat Ass” run is a run that is primarily experienced runners. It is a “No Fee, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimp" run. They are not races, they are runs, and generally, you need to know what you are doing, carry your own aid, and not need any volunteers to help you out along the trail. Coleen is an ultra running friend of Steve’s.
This one starts at 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. It’s a 5K loop that you can run as many times as you want in the ten hour time limit, but it’s billed as a 50K.
So how fortunate are we this year? Whitney has a volleyball tournament that weekend. In Topeka, On Sunday. We drive through Lawrence to get to Olathe. Whitney can stay the night Friday with Nate in Lawrence while Steve and I (yes, I’m crazy also, but will probably only attempt to run 25K, 15 miles) run overnight and then we will go to Topeka and get a hotel for Whitney’s tournament. We even get to sleep Saturday before the tournament on Sunday after running all night. So that weekend, what’s not to love? A run with Steve (or the few minutes he slows down when he passes me every third 5K loop or so) a visit with Nate, and Whitney’s first club tournament of the year.
Steve wants to run “Coleen’s Frozen Fat Ass” January 13 in Olathe, Kansas. There is a little explanation needed for non-runners. A “Fat Ass” run is a run that is primarily experienced runners. It is a “No Fee, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimp" run. They are not races, they are runs, and generally, you need to know what you are doing, carry your own aid, and not need any volunteers to help you out along the trail. Coleen is an ultra running friend of Steve’s.
This one starts at 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. It’s a 5K loop that you can run as many times as you want in the ten hour time limit, but it’s billed as a 50K.
So how fortunate are we this year? Whitney has a volleyball tournament that weekend. In Topeka, On Sunday. We drive through Lawrence to get to Olathe. Whitney can stay the night Friday with Nate in Lawrence while Steve and I (yes, I’m crazy also, but will probably only attempt to run 25K, 15 miles) run overnight and then we will go to Topeka and get a hotel for Whitney’s tournament. We even get to sleep Saturday before the tournament on Sunday after running all night. So that weekend, what’s not to love? A run with Steve (or the few minutes he slows down when he passes me every third 5K loop or so) a visit with Nate, and Whitney’s first club tournament of the year.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
In my corner...
Sundays are now Anneshia, age 2 year and 7 months and Mia, age 1 year and 5 months.
Went thrifting with Whitney. Scored this beautiful hand crocheted afghan. Whitney has claimed it.
Date with Steve to hear a country band.
Made fudge. It's going to work for my co-workers.
Watched my girl put her own money in the firefighter's boot for MS.
Infected with a computer virus.
Lunch and Christmas shopping with Whitney, my mom, my sister and sister-in-law.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Conversations with Whitney
Dropping Whitney off at the basketball game she gets out of the car and says
"bye uglies" to me and her dad.
Saddest part is we didn't think anything of it till Danae commented on it.
"bye uglies" to me and her dad.
Saddest part is we didn't think anything of it till Danae commented on it.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Secrets
I got asked the other day for my beauty secrets because someone didn’t think I look my age.
I really don’t have any. But since she asked…
I try to eat healthy. Except for the bag of Rolo’s I found on my desk this morning that is now half a bag of Rolo’s.
I drink a lot of Diet Coke. It contains elixir from the fountain of youth.
I run to relieve stress, stress makes you look older. I run marathons…this is an indication of stress levels.
I use moisturizer. And sunscreen.
I color my hair. Keeps it from being gray, which makes me look old.
I whiten my teeth. While I like Crest white strips, I still have my secrets from my poor college student years. The dentist offers what I call “sandblasting”. It’s a salt water spray. It is not pleasant, but man my teeth are white. And I rinse with peroxide.
Sunglasses. Keeps me from squinting, which cuts down on wrinkles.
I take a handful of vitamins every night.
I hang out with 15 year old girls. That will keep you young. (Or age you in a big hurry, can really go either way).
And Sunday morning in church I told Steve this one. Dress your age. This is harder than it sounds. You can’t go in Dillards and find a rack that says age 31-35 or age 36-40. It’s rough. Not wanting to dress like your mom, but not like your 15 year old daughter either. For me, I don’t shop at Forever 21 because I’m not (forever 21). I did find two shirts at Vanity that were age appropriate, and while Whitney was buying a coat at Wet Seal I saw a couple of things I would wear. I got a great sweater from American Eagle from Whitney for my birthday. But polyester and several other synthetic factors scream senior citizen. Some articles of clothing just scream “I’m one step away from assisted living”.
Shoes can make you look older. You can find a place where comfort and style coexist. Comfort is different for each of us. Old lady shoes make you look like – well, an old lady. I find these both adorable and comfortable.
Fortunately, I don’t mind being my age and looking my age. I got to be 18, and 21, and 30. It’s now my turn to be 44. I’m going to embrace it and make it a good year. I’ll let the 21 year olds have their turn at being 21. Frankly, I’m not sure I can handle that pressure. But I'm going to try and look my best as I continue to age.
And enjoy every minute as it goes by. These are by no means suggestions for anyone else, and I'm pretty sure they are not well kept secrets.
I really don’t have any. But since she asked…
I try to eat healthy. Except for the bag of Rolo’s I found on my desk this morning that is now half a bag of Rolo’s.
I drink a lot of Diet Coke. It contains elixir from the fountain of youth.
I run to relieve stress, stress makes you look older. I run marathons…this is an indication of stress levels.
I use moisturizer. And sunscreen.
I color my hair. Keeps it from being gray, which makes me look old.
I whiten my teeth. While I like Crest white strips, I still have my secrets from my poor college student years. The dentist offers what I call “sandblasting”. It’s a salt water spray. It is not pleasant, but man my teeth are white. And I rinse with peroxide.
Sunglasses. Keeps me from squinting, which cuts down on wrinkles.
I take a handful of vitamins every night.
I hang out with 15 year old girls. That will keep you young. (Or age you in a big hurry, can really go either way).
And Sunday morning in church I told Steve this one. Dress your age. This is harder than it sounds. You can’t go in Dillards and find a rack that says age 31-35 or age 36-40. It’s rough. Not wanting to dress like your mom, but not like your 15 year old daughter either. For me, I don’t shop at Forever 21 because I’m not (forever 21). I did find two shirts at Vanity that were age appropriate, and while Whitney was buying a coat at Wet Seal I saw a couple of things I would wear. I got a great sweater from American Eagle from Whitney for my birthday. But polyester and several other synthetic factors scream senior citizen. Some articles of clothing just scream “I’m one step away from assisted living”.
Shoes can make you look older. You can find a place where comfort and style coexist. Comfort is different for each of us. Old lady shoes make you look like – well, an old lady. I find these both adorable and comfortable.
Fortunately, I don’t mind being my age and looking my age. I got to be 18, and 21, and 30. It’s now my turn to be 44. I’m going to embrace it and make it a good year. I’ll let the 21 year olds have their turn at being 21. Frankly, I’m not sure I can handle that pressure. But I'm going to try and look my best as I continue to age.
And enjoy every minute as it goes by. These are by no means suggestions for anyone else, and I'm pretty sure they are not well kept secrets.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Escapades in (Grand)parenting
I'm off my game. If I ever had one in this area.
Sundays Anneshia spends the afternoon at our house. Words that are not used in our home get uttered frequently. Yelling "NO" and "PUT THAT DOWN" and "GET IN HERE" are a minute by minute occurence. Throw in the "no, you can't go outside" and you have our four hours.
Recently we've added the word "potty" to the mix.
Yesterday Steve had a group trail run he wanted to run. Whitney had a make up volleyball practice. Unusual Sunday, but not a big deal. I raised 5 kids, what's one 2.5 year old for two hours.
I'm talking to the club director, watching Anneshia watch practice, squealing gleefully "Wee Wee" every time Whitney hits the ball or "Nae Nae" every time Denae does. Clapping, cheering and yelling "ball". And Denae's mom grabs my arm and says, "does she need to go to the bathroom"? (Thanks Sheila B.)
Yes, all the signs were there. The pulling at her crotch, the wiggling and fidgeting. And I missed it. So into the high school bathroom we go.
Debbie if you are reading this, STOP NOW!
I decide to make use of this time wisely and utilize the second stall while Anneshia is in the first one. I'm done before she is, step into the other stall where she is... playing in the feminine hygiene disposal. I will spare the details, but it's as gross as you can imagine. After finishing her up and sterilizing her from head to toe, we head back to the gym and Wee Wee and Nae Nae.
Few minutes later I hear "potty", and I do remember you never tell a 2.5 year old "you just went", so we head back in. I stop on the way in to look in the mirror and adjust my hair (stupid vain shallow Gigi. What were you thinking?)
I get in the stall 3 seconds behind baby girl who is leaning over the toilet bowl, face in the circle like she's been on an all night bender. She's so little her feet are swinging free off the ground. I pick her up and notice that the water in the toilet bowl is rippling.
I told Steve and Whitney I am not to be trusted alone with the baby ever again. And when I drop her off, I find out Mia (age 1.5) is coming next week too.
Double the trouble, twice the fun???
Sundays Anneshia spends the afternoon at our house. Words that are not used in our home get uttered frequently. Yelling "NO" and "PUT THAT DOWN" and "GET IN HERE" are a minute by minute occurence. Throw in the "no, you can't go outside" and you have our four hours.
Recently we've added the word "potty" to the mix.
Yesterday Steve had a group trail run he wanted to run. Whitney had a make up volleyball practice. Unusual Sunday, but not a big deal. I raised 5 kids, what's one 2.5 year old for two hours.
I'm talking to the club director, watching Anneshia watch practice, squealing gleefully "Wee Wee" every time Whitney hits the ball or "Nae Nae" every time Denae does. Clapping, cheering and yelling "ball". And Denae's mom grabs my arm and says, "does she need to go to the bathroom"? (Thanks Sheila B.)
Yes, all the signs were there. The pulling at her crotch, the wiggling and fidgeting. And I missed it. So into the high school bathroom we go.
Debbie if you are reading this, STOP NOW!
I decide to make use of this time wisely and utilize the second stall while Anneshia is in the first one. I'm done before she is, step into the other stall where she is... playing in the feminine hygiene disposal. I will spare the details, but it's as gross as you can imagine. After finishing her up and sterilizing her from head to toe, we head back to the gym and Wee Wee and Nae Nae.
Few minutes later I hear "potty", and I do remember you never tell a 2.5 year old "you just went", so we head back in. I stop on the way in to look in the mirror and adjust my hair (stupid vain shallow Gigi. What were you thinking?)
I get in the stall 3 seconds behind baby girl who is leaning over the toilet bowl, face in the circle like she's been on an all night bender. She's so little her feet are swinging free off the ground. I pick her up and notice that the water in the toilet bowl is rippling.
I told Steve and Whitney I am not to be trusted alone with the baby ever again. And when I drop her off, I find out Mia (age 1.5) is coming next week too.
Double the trouble, twice the fun???
Sunday, December 11, 2011
In My Corner
Club volleyball started this week.
Three birthday meals: Mexican, pizza and soup/salad buffet. Three birthday cakes traditional, ice cream and chocolate sheet. All delicious.
Running, zumba and more running. (see above)
Countless episodes of Auction Hunters, Storage Wars and American Pickers. Steve loves his "reality" T.V. (My two favorite shows are "Once Upon A Time" and "Grimm". Obviously I want to live as far from reality as possible).
Root canal. Still can't open my mouth all the way and where they gave me 14 numbing shots still feels like hamburger.
Steve leading "O Come All Ye Faithful" this morning. The second verse, "Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing all ye citizens of Heaven above." This struck me that they celebrated, no, EXULTED in Christ's birth. Because they knew the truth that he was the promised Messiah, that he was bringing redemption and hope for all who would receive.
A comment Mike Felder, Gracepoint's Arkansas campus pastor, made at church this morning "Jesus came to offer redemption and hope to ALL who will receive." Reminder to me why he came. I hear the argument that we should celebrate Easter more than Christmas, because it was his death that brings us life. I won't debate this, as it's kind of a chicken or egg debate, if he hadn't been born, he couldn't have died. CELEBRATE BOTH!!!
We are talking about redemption from our sins and hope for a better life, here on earth living for Jesus and eternally in Heaven, someday. BUT THIS IS A RIGHT NOW OFFER TOO! Redemption is not a one time action. It's something I need to know I have over and over.
Hope can be defined as: desire, anticipation, expectation with confidence.
I need hope everyday. Hope for restoration and redemption. Hope for mercy, forgiveness and love. Hope for healing for the 4 people I love celebrating Christmas with the shadow of cancer looming over them. Hope for comfort for those stressed and afraid of their future. Hope for the lonely. Hope for those with children far from home. For those fighting for our country. Hope for those with marriage trouble, financial trouble. Hope for those who are pretending on the outside that everything is fine, and inside they are crumbling a little more every day.
Jesus is that hope. I needed this reminder today.
**And my "25 Days of Christmas" to get me in the holiday spirit is going pretty well. I'm not giving a gift everyday, but I am looking for ways to be kind and give where I can.
Three birthday meals: Mexican, pizza and soup/salad buffet. Three birthday cakes traditional, ice cream and chocolate sheet. All delicious.
Running, zumba and more running. (see above)
Countless episodes of Auction Hunters, Storage Wars and American Pickers. Steve loves his "reality" T.V. (My two favorite shows are "Once Upon A Time" and "Grimm". Obviously I want to live as far from reality as possible).
Root canal. Still can't open my mouth all the way and where they gave me 14 numbing shots still feels like hamburger.
Steve leading "O Come All Ye Faithful" this morning. The second verse, "Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing all ye citizens of Heaven above." This struck me that they celebrated, no, EXULTED in Christ's birth. Because they knew the truth that he was the promised Messiah, that he was bringing redemption and hope for all who would receive.
A comment Mike Felder, Gracepoint's Arkansas campus pastor, made at church this morning "Jesus came to offer redemption and hope to ALL who will receive." Reminder to me why he came. I hear the argument that we should celebrate Easter more than Christmas, because it was his death that brings us life. I won't debate this, as it's kind of a chicken or egg debate, if he hadn't been born, he couldn't have died. CELEBRATE BOTH!!!
We are talking about redemption from our sins and hope for a better life, here on earth living for Jesus and eternally in Heaven, someday. BUT THIS IS A RIGHT NOW OFFER TOO! Redemption is not a one time action. It's something I need to know I have over and over.
Hope can be defined as: desire, anticipation, expectation with confidence.
I need hope everyday. Hope for restoration and redemption. Hope for mercy, forgiveness and love. Hope for healing for the 4 people I love celebrating Christmas with the shadow of cancer looming over them. Hope for comfort for those stressed and afraid of their future. Hope for the lonely. Hope for those with children far from home. For those fighting for our country. Hope for those with marriage trouble, financial trouble. Hope for those who are pretending on the outside that everything is fine, and inside they are crumbling a little more every day.
Jesus is that hope. I needed this reminder today.
**And my "25 Days of Christmas" to get me in the holiday spirit is going pretty well. I'm not giving a gift everyday, but I am looking for ways to be kind and give where I can.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Rewind - again
I hit my life's rewind again. Went back to high school, senior year.
I sat at all of Whitney’s volleyball games this year and never felt transported back in time to my days as a high school volleyball player. Maybe because the game is so different, we didn’t have a libero, rally scoring, spandex, and if the serve hit the net it was a side out, not a great serve.
Went to the Heights basketball game Tuesday night, girls and boys. Made me think of my days on the basketball court. The game hasn’t changed, and the length of their basketball shorts is longer than the culottes I wore at my Christian school. No lie. One major difference, these girls got game! Very impressive.
I also get to go back to middle school on Monday, for an off-site work meeting. You know those places you’d rather never go? Hospitals? Dentists? Well, Curtis Middle School is on my list of places I don’t want to go. Since I’ve been in the hospital (visiting) and at the dentist, I guess Curtis Middle School makes it my hat trick within a 7 day period and I’ll be done with
Have a great weekend everyone! I hope you get to go places you love, see people you love, and do great fun activities.
I sat at all of Whitney’s volleyball games this year and never felt transported back in time to my days as a high school volleyball player. Maybe because the game is so different, we didn’t have a libero, rally scoring, spandex, and if the serve hit the net it was a side out, not a great serve.
Went to the Heights basketball game Tuesday night, girls and boys. Made me think of my days on the basketball court. The game hasn’t changed, and the length of their basketball shorts is longer than the culottes I wore at my Christian school. No lie. One major difference, these girls got game! Very impressive.
I also get to go back to middle school on Monday, for an off-site work meeting. You know those places you’d rather never go? Hospitals? Dentists? Well, Curtis Middle School is on my list of places I don’t want to go. Since I’ve been in the hospital (visiting) and at the dentist, I guess Curtis Middle School makes it my hat trick within a 7 day period and I’ll be done with
Have a great weekend everyone! I hope you get to go places you love, see people you love, and do great fun activities.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Conversations with Whitney
United Way Operation Holiday
I wanted to get my (at least) three mile run in, so I ran to the facility and Steve took Denae and Whitney with him. They were working hard by the time I got there.
We sorted food into vegetables, grains, fruit (canned), proteins, miscellaneous, peanut butter, etc. It gave me time to think about how much we take for granted. There was a huge area set up with donated coats and another room full of donated toys.
I was glad Steve signed us up. It was hard work. Loading canned food from grocery carts into boxes and then carrying the boxes. I'm out of shape.
Whitney and Denae had a good time, and have made note of this for college scholarship applications. They were happy to do it just to do it, and then found out they might be able to use this experience and are looking for others.
Good girls.
I wanted to get my (at least) three mile run in, so I ran to the facility and Steve took Denae and Whitney with him. They were working hard by the time I got there.
We sorted food into vegetables, grains, fruit (canned), proteins, miscellaneous, peanut butter, etc. It gave me time to think about how much we take for granted. There was a huge area set up with donated coats and another room full of donated toys.
I was glad Steve signed us up. It was hard work. Loading canned food from grocery carts into boxes and then carrying the boxes. I'm out of shape.
Whitney and Denae had a good time, and have made note of this for college scholarship applications. They were happy to do it just to do it, and then found out they might be able to use this experience and are looking for others.
Good girls.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Gifts from Heaven
Steve's grandbaby #3 Steven Antoine Baker
Anneshia is a proud (confused?) big sister
Anneshia is a proud (confused?) big sister
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
44
It’s only a number.
It’s Nate’s high school baseball number. I could always find him, even dressed identical to everyone else and wearing hats identified by this number on his jersey.
It’s considered to be the hitter’s number in baseball, worn by both Hank Aaron and Reggie Jackson.
It’s a popular cough syrup, Vicks 44.
It’s the number of presidents our country has elected. We have our 44th president serving in office right now.
It’s my 44th birthday today.
I can’t think of anything else that sticks out to me about the number 44.
It’s gonna be the best birthday I’ve ever had. Gonna be the best year of my life. The Year of Favor. (Isaiah 61:1-3) And if any haters get in my way, I will claim the Lord’s vengeance on them (reference the same Isaiah passage).
It’s Nate’s high school baseball number. I could always find him, even dressed identical to everyone else and wearing hats identified by this number on his jersey.
It’s considered to be the hitter’s number in baseball, worn by both Hank Aaron and Reggie Jackson.
It’s a popular cough syrup, Vicks 44.
It’s the number of presidents our country has elected. We have our 44th president serving in office right now.
It’s my 44th birthday today.
I can’t think of anything else that sticks out to me about the number 44.
It’s gonna be the best birthday I’ve ever had. Gonna be the best year of my life. The Year of Favor. (Isaiah 61:1-3) And if any haters get in my way, I will claim the Lord’s vengeance on them (reference the same Isaiah passage).
Sunday, December 4, 2011
In My Corner
Ran six miles with Steve in the drizzling rain, 41 degrees. Longest run since surgery, really enjoyed the run and the company.
Went to the mall. Realized after I left that only one store had I gone into looking for something for me, and it was a necessity. Everything else was for others. I'm not as far from the Christmas spirit as I thought.
Went out for double date night with Jake and Carrie. Took our fifth wheel, Whitney. She loves Jake and Carrie and eating out.
Holiday open house at some friends home. Had a wonderful time. I'm not as far from the Christmas spirit as I thought.
Found this on my mantel. I love this girl. Now I have to find stuff for her stocking too. And my Christmas spirit is fully intact.
Went to the mall. Realized after I left that only one store had I gone into looking for something for me, and it was a necessity. Everything else was for others. I'm not as far from the Christmas spirit as I thought.
Went out for double date night with Jake and Carrie. Took our fifth wheel, Whitney. She loves Jake and Carrie and eating out.
Holiday open house at some friends home. Had a wonderful time. I'm not as far from the Christmas spirit as I thought.
Found this on my mantel. I love this girl. Now I have to find stuff for her stocking too. And my Christmas spirit is fully intact.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Ultra Running
This may be the single reason ultra runners continue running marathon plus distances after their first ultra.
Is it a picnic? A lunch buffet? No, it is an aid station at a 100 mile race.
Is it a picnic? A lunch buffet? No, it is an aid station at a 100 mile race.
Do you give back? (and a short convo w/Whitney)
Tis the season...to get asked everywhere you go to give to charity. Bell ringers outside every store. Inside every store, would you like to give a dollar to _________ (fill in the blank). Marines outside Walmart asking for toys.
Every charity out there is begging for money. They all need money. Whatever cause you feel led to support (or not support) is entirely okay. It takes us all, it takes all kinds.
This year though, I've been hit up at work by everybody. Everyone has a cause. Wants to give back, and wants you to help them give to have a bigger impact. AWESOME. Seriously, it really is. Some examples...
Please bring a tooth brush and tooth paste to work. My church is adopting an elementary school and giving out tooth brushes.
We are adopting the Ronald McDonald House again this year. Please bring 5 things from the list below, or give me $20.00.
We are adopting 10 children from the angel tree. Please see __________ to donate. To sign up to shop with us, contact ____________.
Chili Feed, $7.00 suggested donation to benefit ___________.
Taco Salad day, $8.00 suggested donation to benefit __________.
Make "Santa Calls" to children signed up to receive phone calls from Santa.
Sew stockings for underprivileged children.
We are adopting the teens at Youthville. Please donate any of the following items and $$$.
All wonderful things to be involved in, but none really tug at my heart. And chili feeds and taco salads scare me, my food allergies being what they are.
Yesterday I get an email from Steve. Operation Holiday will be setting up one of it's distribution centers. His company has volunteered to set up the Operation Holiday facility and sort clothes and food. He signed himself, Whitney and me up to work a 4 hour shift, and told Whitney to bring her friends too.
Grocery shopping last night he walks up to the cart with all the things he thinks I will forget (oh yes he did) and a handful of hats and gloves for the donation box at work.
Something inside me is broke right now, because the first thought that entered my mind is, "my birthday is next week, he's in a giving mood, SCORE!!!"
Whitney asked me what I wanted for my birthday (I listed 5 things). She grinned and said "Grandma is working now and said anytime I wanted anything to let her know. We're going shopping."
Must remember, it's better to give than receive, it's better to give than receive, it's better to give than receive.
Every charity out there is begging for money. They all need money. Whatever cause you feel led to support (or not support) is entirely okay. It takes us all, it takes all kinds.
This year though, I've been hit up at work by everybody. Everyone has a cause. Wants to give back, and wants you to help them give to have a bigger impact. AWESOME. Seriously, it really is. Some examples...
Please bring a tooth brush and tooth paste to work. My church is adopting an elementary school and giving out tooth brushes.
We are adopting the Ronald McDonald House again this year. Please bring 5 things from the list below, or give me $20.00.
We are adopting 10 children from the angel tree. Please see __________ to donate. To sign up to shop with us, contact ____________.
Chili Feed, $7.00 suggested donation to benefit ___________.
Taco Salad day, $8.00 suggested donation to benefit __________.
Make "Santa Calls" to children signed up to receive phone calls from Santa.
Sew stockings for underprivileged children.
We are adopting the teens at Youthville. Please donate any of the following items and $$$.
All wonderful things to be involved in, but none really tug at my heart. And chili feeds and taco salads scare me, my food allergies being what they are.
Yesterday I get an email from Steve. Operation Holiday will be setting up one of it's distribution centers. His company has volunteered to set up the Operation Holiday facility and sort clothes and food. He signed himself, Whitney and me up to work a 4 hour shift, and told Whitney to bring her friends too.
Grocery shopping last night he walks up to the cart with all the things he thinks I will forget (oh yes he did) and a handful of hats and gloves for the donation box at work.
Something inside me is broke right now, because the first thought that entered my mind is, "my birthday is next week, he's in a giving mood, SCORE!!!"
Whitney asked me what I wanted for my birthday (I listed 5 things). She grinned and said "Grandma is working now and said anytime I wanted anything to let her know. We're going shopping."
Must remember, it's better to give than receive, it's better to give than receive, it's better to give than receive.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
When I grow up I'm gonna be obese
One of Whitney's friends said this last night. We were at the volleyball team end of season party. Pizza. I declined pizza (well, at first I did), and the cute little thing sitting across the table from me that ate 10 pieces of pizza said, "Oh, mama baker, I know I'm gonna be obese when I grow up. I'm gonna tell my husband before we get married."
Nate has told me for years that he can't wait to be an old man. He's going to wear velcro tennis shoes and let the hair in his ears grow till he has to comb it. He's going to pull his athletic shorts up to his nipples and tuck his white tee shirt in.
This is what the youth of today is looking forward to.
I don't want to be young again. I don't want to be obese and I'm definitely keeping my ear hair trimmed.
Nate has told me for years that he can't wait to be an old man. He's going to wear velcro tennis shoes and let the hair in his ears grow till he has to comb it. He's going to pull his athletic shorts up to his nipples and tuck his white tee shirt in.
This is what the youth of today is looking forward to.
I don't want to be young again. I don't want to be obese and I'm definitely keeping my ear hair trimmed.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Christmas is coming...
I wanted to make sure you all knew Christmas is coming. I can't believe the emotions Christmas stirs up. I've already witnessed debates about celebrating the birth of Christ when he wasn't even born in December and the comment was made that Christians need to do their research.
I've already heard people complain about crowds, attitudes, and how much money they will spend. (That may have been in my house, lol).
Loving Christmas music, hating Christmas music.
I just want to make fudge. It's not Christmas till I make it (and eat it).
Christmas is going to be different for us this year. It's been different the last few years, but every year another child moves out, it has a different feel. This school year has been really different with just Whitney home.
Steve and I were talking about Christmas shopping this year. I'm known for last minute everything. Steve knows we will do the majority of our shopping the week before Christmas. With older teenagers/early 20 something kids I'm really kind of stretched for gift ideas. But I'll figure it out.
I decided to run a 4 mile run for the Arthritis Foundation this Saturday. It's called the Jingle Bell Run. That should give me some Christmas spirit. And burn a few calories so I can eat fudge.
I have been overwhelmed with the "don't forget what Christmas is all about" message already this year. I think we need to think about it. I think we need to remember. But it's November. I'm still thinking about what I'm thankful for.
My 2012 ONEWORD is going to be Gratitude. A year of giving thanks. Journaling every day something I am sincerely thankful for. I don't want to just list the easy things, I want to make an effort to notice what I'm really grateful to have in my life. Big or little.
I have a month to be a grinch and then the year of giving thanks starts.
Just had a thought. Maybe I should take an advent calendar and give a little gift everyday to someone I love. Bump up my Christmas spirit, because it could use a little life. Maybe putting a little more focus on those I love will help me get more in the Christmas spirit. Hmmmmmmmmm
I've already heard people complain about crowds, attitudes, and how much money they will spend. (That may have been in my house, lol).
Loving Christmas music, hating Christmas music.
I just want to make fudge. It's not Christmas till I make it (and eat it).
Christmas is going to be different for us this year. It's been different the last few years, but every year another child moves out, it has a different feel. This school year has been really different with just Whitney home.
Steve and I were talking about Christmas shopping this year. I'm known for last minute everything. Steve knows we will do the majority of our shopping the week before Christmas. With older teenagers/early 20 something kids I'm really kind of stretched for gift ideas. But I'll figure it out.
I decided to run a 4 mile run for the Arthritis Foundation this Saturday. It's called the Jingle Bell Run. That should give me some Christmas spirit. And burn a few calories so I can eat fudge.
I have been overwhelmed with the "don't forget what Christmas is all about" message already this year. I think we need to think about it. I think we need to remember. But it's November. I'm still thinking about what I'm thankful for.
My 2012 ONEWORD is going to be Gratitude. A year of giving thanks. Journaling every day something I am sincerely thankful for. I don't want to just list the easy things, I want to make an effort to notice what I'm really grateful to have in my life. Big or little.
I have a month to be a grinch and then the year of giving thanks starts.
Just had a thought. Maybe I should take an advent calendar and give a little gift everyday to someone I love. Bump up my Christmas spirit, because it could use a little life. Maybe putting a little more focus on those I love will help me get more in the Christmas spirit. Hmmmmmmmmm
Monday, November 28, 2011
In my corner
Nate was home for a week. Saturday evening till Friday evening. I miss him already.
Visit with the endodontist. Root canal scheduled for December 8. Happy (late) birthday to me. Thank God insurance covers 80%.
Fixed thanksgiving dinner for my family. Lots of cooking, lots of food. Dominoes, pictionary. Good times.
Anneshia.
Heights State Championship football game. Lost 41-37. Bummer.
It was cold. 40 degrees, north winds 20+ mph. Really cold. But it was fun.
Put up my Christmas tree (like most Americans).
It's pretty.
Balck Friday shopping consisted of going to the tire store and getting my tire repaired from the blow out in Missouri during Steve's run and a trip to the dry cleaners.
We did go to the mall in Topeka before the football game on Saturday. It was dead. No Christmas shopping however, Whitney and I both window shopped boots, tennis shoes and dress shoes each. Now to come up with the $500.00 to buy them all...
Visit with the endodontist. Root canal scheduled for December 8. Happy (late) birthday to me. Thank God insurance covers 80%.
Fixed thanksgiving dinner for my family. Lots of cooking, lots of food. Dominoes, pictionary. Good times.
Anneshia.
Heights State Championship football game. Lost 41-37. Bummer.
It was cold. 40 degrees, north winds 20+ mph. Really cold. But it was fun.
Put up my Christmas tree (like most Americans).
It's pretty.
Balck Friday shopping consisted of going to the tire store and getting my tire repaired from the blow out in Missouri during Steve's run and a trip to the dry cleaners.
We did go to the mall in Topeka before the football game on Saturday. It was dead. No Christmas shopping however, Whitney and I both window shopped boots, tennis shoes and dress shoes each. Now to come up with the $500.00 to buy them all...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Back at it
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep”. Robert Frost
Robert Frost did not write this about trail running, but it fits.
Steve asked me this week what races I want to run in 2012. This was an easy question, my list was 8 races, all double digit miles. 2011 was about getting Steve through the OT 100, which we did. Along the way, I could’ve run as many of the races as I wanted, but unfortunately the stress fracture and surgery sidelined me. I did, however, get to scout a lot of races I would like to run.
I showed Steve the 8 races I want to run, even asking which of the two trail marathons that are two weeks apart would be more suitable and fun. He said he is running the 50 mile at one and the 100K at the other, why don’t I do both (April)? Then there are two half marathons (May & June), a 22 mile lunar run (July), a 50K (September) and a November marathon. They are all close to home, they are mostly trail runs, and I’m going to run as many of them as I can. If I can stay healthy. I never want another stress fracture.
I signed up Tuesday for the April 7 trail marathon. It has already changed my commitment to working out. I love to run and work out, but when I have no goal it’s easier to slack off. So I’m pretty happy to have something to work towards.
Robert Frost did not write this about trail running, but it fits.
Steve asked me this week what races I want to run in 2012. This was an easy question, my list was 8 races, all double digit miles. 2011 was about getting Steve through the OT 100, which we did. Along the way, I could’ve run as many of the races as I wanted, but unfortunately the stress fracture and surgery sidelined me. I did, however, get to scout a lot of races I would like to run.
I showed Steve the 8 races I want to run, even asking which of the two trail marathons that are two weeks apart would be more suitable and fun. He said he is running the 50 mile at one and the 100K at the other, why don’t I do both (April)? Then there are two half marathons (May & June), a 22 mile lunar run (July), a 50K (September) and a November marathon. They are all close to home, they are mostly trail runs, and I’m going to run as many of them as I can. If I can stay healthy. I never want another stress fracture.
I signed up Tuesday for the April 7 trail marathon. It has already changed my commitment to working out. I love to run and work out, but when I have no goal it’s easier to slack off. So I’m pretty happy to have something to work towards.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Gratitude
Psalms 136:1
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever". (NLT)
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever". (NLT)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Turtle Vents
We have turtle vents on the north and south walls of our house. Never noticed them. They were just stuck to the side of the house. Then we hit a particularly wet windy spring. In Kansas when it storms it doesn’t rain down from the sky. It rains sideways. About 35 mph. It’s not deadly, it’s not hurricane force winds. It’s just annoying. Umbrellas are useless, they get caught in the wind and flip inside out. About the only good an umbrella does is to put it in front of you like a shield, duck behind it and push your way to where ever you want to go.
I can’t tell you how many times I have tied a trash bag over my head and taken my shoes off to run barefoot to the car.
When it stormed, the turtle vents let the rain in. It then ran down the inside of the walls and damaged the walls and the window sills, etc.
The storm wasn’t the problem. It was unpleasant, but much needed moisture hit the earth. Everything was fresh smelling and turning green. It ushered in spring.
The turtle vents were the problem. How long they had been stuck to the side of the house doing what they were supposed to, half heartedly, we don’t know. It took a storm to show that they weren’t right. Not just rain, a storm. Blowing, howling, hard pounding storm.
Sometimes there are problems below the surface. We aren’t even aware that they are there. Or if we are, they seem minor so we leave them alone. Then the storm comes. And we weather the storm. We start to see the green again. We smell the fresh. We see the sun. But the storm has uncovered weak areas.
There will always be tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis. The question is, are our turtle vents installed correctly? We are always going to have storms. Job loss, health complications, marriage problems. Have we put the proper safe guards in place to live through the storm and emerge on the other side into the promise of a fresh new world? Replacing, even rebuilding if necessary?
I can’t tell you how many times I have tied a trash bag over my head and taken my shoes off to run barefoot to the car.
When it stormed, the turtle vents let the rain in. It then ran down the inside of the walls and damaged the walls and the window sills, etc.
The storm wasn’t the problem. It was unpleasant, but much needed moisture hit the earth. Everything was fresh smelling and turning green. It ushered in spring.
The turtle vents were the problem. How long they had been stuck to the side of the house doing what they were supposed to, half heartedly, we don’t know. It took a storm to show that they weren’t right. Not just rain, a storm. Blowing, howling, hard pounding storm.
Sometimes there are problems below the surface. We aren’t even aware that they are there. Or if we are, they seem minor so we leave them alone. Then the storm comes. And we weather the storm. We start to see the green again. We smell the fresh. We see the sun. But the storm has uncovered weak areas.
There will always be tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis. The question is, are our turtle vents installed correctly? We are always going to have storms. Job loss, health complications, marriage problems. Have we put the proper safe guards in place to live through the storm and emerge on the other side into the promise of a fresh new world? Replacing, even rebuilding if necessary?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thanksgiving
Remember when I posted here about what I'm not thankful for?
I started paying attention to what I am thankful for. Not the standards of Jesus, the Bible, my job, healthy kids, because I am thankful for all of these things. More than you know. But I started really looking at what I'm thankful for.
Dentists. I had a toothache last week.
Antibiotics. Got rid of my toothache.
Fur lined shoes. It's gotten cold.
Cameras/pictures.
The ability to run.
My bed. I laid down for a nap one afternoon and literally said to myself "I love my bed".
Home made biscuits and gravy. Quite possibly the best comfort food ever.
Vacation visits with my son.
Opportunities. There is always something new to attempt, try for, attain.
Music.
My cowboy boots. I got them resoled for $17.00. They are ten years old. I can't replace them.
My clothes dryer.
Second chances. Getting them, giving them.
Books. Actual books with front and back covers and pages. (I think Nooks, Kindles, IPAD's are all really cool, though.)
Watching Grimm with Denae while Whitney takes a nap on the floor.
The color of the trees in the fall.
Steve finishing two hundred mile races in four weeks time and staying healthy while he did so.
Toilet paper. SERIOUSLY!!!
Kind words from friends. Whether it's blog comments, texts, facebook or email, I'm thankful for all of them.
Time with Steve.
My YMCA membership.
Charitable organizations: World Vision, Big Brothers/Sisters, United Way, the Humane Society, I could go on and on.
The virtual world that lets me stay in touch with my friends and family and see pictures, etc.
Answered prayers for my children.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.
I started paying attention to what I am thankful for. Not the standards of Jesus, the Bible, my job, healthy kids, because I am thankful for all of these things. More than you know. But I started really looking at what I'm thankful for.
Dentists. I had a toothache last week.
Antibiotics. Got rid of my toothache.
Fur lined shoes. It's gotten cold.
Cameras/pictures.
The ability to run.
My bed. I laid down for a nap one afternoon and literally said to myself "I love my bed".
Home made biscuits and gravy. Quite possibly the best comfort food ever.
Vacation visits with my son.
Opportunities. There is always something new to attempt, try for, attain.
Music.
My cowboy boots. I got them resoled for $17.00. They are ten years old. I can't replace them.
My clothes dryer.
Second chances. Getting them, giving them.
Books. Actual books with front and back covers and pages. (I think Nooks, Kindles, IPAD's are all really cool, though.)
Watching Grimm with Denae while Whitney takes a nap on the floor.
The color of the trees in the fall.
Steve finishing two hundred mile races in four weeks time and staying healthy while he did so.
Toilet paper. SERIOUSLY!!!
Kind words from friends. Whether it's blog comments, texts, facebook or email, I'm thankful for all of them.
Time with Steve.
My YMCA membership.
Charitable organizations: World Vision, Big Brothers/Sisters, United Way, the Humane Society, I could go on and on.
The virtual world that lets me stay in touch with my friends and family and see pictures, etc.
Answered prayers for my children.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Turkey Trot 2011
I ran the two mile today. Toughest race I've ever run. All those darn small moving obstacles (children). There were toddlers that ran the two mile. They were adorable crossing the finish line.
A two mile run is not in itself worth talking about, (except it was fun, I ran it pretty well for only 3 weeks of running, 9 weeks after surgery). But I ran, or at least started the race with these three.
Always a good time. They left me at the start line, but apparently I passed them somewhere around .75 miles. Whitney caught up to me and ran a little ways with me, but when I down shifted to pull the hill, she left me at the mile turn around and finished pretty well for a girl who only runs as punishment for volleyball. She said it didn't feel like 20 minutes, it only felt like 10. It was fun.
Steve and I waited to watch the ten milers finish. All of them. I realized that we were at the start/finish line for a total of two and half hours. Which may seem like a long time to some. I waited longer than that at every aid station of both of Steve's 100 mile races. It's perspective, I guess.
While we waited, Whitney, Denae and Madeline went to the art museum. The children's area. One of the ladies who worked there took pictures of them with her camera too. (With permission).
A two mile run is not in itself worth talking about, (except it was fun, I ran it pretty well for only 3 weeks of running, 9 weeks after surgery). But I ran, or at least started the race with these three.
Always a good time. They left me at the start line, but apparently I passed them somewhere around .75 miles. Whitney caught up to me and ran a little ways with me, but when I down shifted to pull the hill, she left me at the mile turn around and finished pretty well for a girl who only runs as punishment for volleyball. She said it didn't feel like 20 minutes, it only felt like 10. It was fun.
Steve and I waited to watch the ten milers finish. All of them. I realized that we were at the start/finish line for a total of two and half hours. Which may seem like a long time to some. I waited longer than that at every aid station of both of Steve's 100 mile races. It's perspective, I guess.
While we waited, Whitney, Denae and Madeline went to the art museum. The children's area. One of the ladies who worked there took pictures of them with her camera too. (With permission).
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I miss him
Nate will be home for three days for Thanksgiving. I'm hoping that he eats one meal with us, by the time he visits all his friends he won't have much time. But I'm fixing everyone's favorites for Thanksgiving in an effort to entice them to spend time. We get Whitney's favorite mac n cheese, Nate's favorite green bean casserole, Kari's favorite corn bread casserole, Pumpkin and apple pie and Steve requested pudding cake.
I want to share one of my favorite memories of Nate.
Nate’s sophomore year of high school we were running an errand after baseball practice.
15 year old boy + 20 hours of baseball practice per week = 3 dinners per evening.
We were stopping for first dinner at McDonald’s. A man is going from car to car and we are watching people put their windows up. He gets to my window and says “ma’am, I’m really hungry, could you spare a couple of dollars”. I have eight dollars in the little pull out drawer under my radio. I give him the three dollars and he walks right into McDonalds. This conversation ensued:
Me: I should have given him the $5 not the $3.
Nate: $3 will buy him food. It was more than anyone else gave him.
Me: Yes, but what would Jesus have done (tongue in cheek).
Nate: Jesus would’ve taken him into McDonalds and bought him a Big Mac extra value meal, blessed it and sent him home with 12 leftover Big Mac extra value meals.
And a picture from college this year. He's at the University of Kansas for a girls soccer game against Baylor (Selby plays for Baylor) with some of the "gang" he ran around with from freshman year all through high school.
I want to share one of my favorite memories of Nate.
Nate’s sophomore year of high school we were running an errand after baseball practice.
15 year old boy + 20 hours of baseball practice per week = 3 dinners per evening.
We were stopping for first dinner at McDonald’s. A man is going from car to car and we are watching people put their windows up. He gets to my window and says “ma’am, I’m really hungry, could you spare a couple of dollars”. I have eight dollars in the little pull out drawer under my radio. I give him the three dollars and he walks right into McDonalds. This conversation ensued:
Me: I should have given him the $5 not the $3.
Nate: $3 will buy him food. It was more than anyone else gave him.
Me: Yes, but what would Jesus have done (tongue in cheek).
Nate: Jesus would’ve taken him into McDonalds and bought him a Big Mac extra value meal, blessed it and sent him home with 12 leftover Big Mac extra value meals.
And a picture from college this year. He's at the University of Kansas for a girls soccer game against Baylor (Selby plays for Baylor) with some of the "gang" he ran around with from freshman year all through high school.
Monday, November 14, 2011
In My Corner
Recovered from going 41 hours without sleep last weekend in the woods...finally.
I went out with friends and saw bull riding. Steve was in a suit so he didn't ride the mechanical bull, but he said next time...I will get pictures/video.
I went to some friends 25th wedding anniversary and renewal of their vows. It was beautiful, good food. And Steve got a lesson in how to eat chicken wings, as the "groom" said he left too much meat on the bone. Steve has decided he will continue with his way of eating wings, because he will never eat the gristle.
I went to lunch after church with friends (and Steve and Whitney). I find out when we get home that she has posted as her facebook status "Dude...parents can talk FOREVER". This was an hour and fifteen minute lunch. That comment earned her 36 likes and 12 comments. She makes me laugh.
I didn't do anything but play and rest all weekend.
Have a good week everyone!
I went out with friends and saw bull riding. Steve was in a suit so he didn't ride the mechanical bull, but he said next time...I will get pictures/video.
I went to some friends 25th wedding anniversary and renewal of their vows. It was beautiful, good food. And Steve got a lesson in how to eat chicken wings, as the "groom" said he left too much meat on the bone. Steve has decided he will continue with his way of eating wings, because he will never eat the gristle.
I went to lunch after church with friends (and Steve and Whitney). I find out when we get home that she has posted as her facebook status "Dude...parents can talk FOREVER". This was an hour and fifteen minute lunch. That comment earned her 36 likes and 12 comments. She makes me laugh.
I didn't do anything but play and rest all weekend.
Have a good week everyone!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Five dollars worth of lottery tickets
She stood impatiently in line at the grocery store customer service counter with a $5bill in her hand. It had been a long day. The first cold and rainy, wintry day of fall. She was only here to buy lottery tickets.
As she glanced around, she noticed the man standing at the counter next to her. He was carrying a plastic grocery bag of belongings. It wasn't from the grocery store they were standing in. He was wearing a full length padded winter coat, Oakland Raiders emblazoned on it. It was worn and ripped. His shoes didn't have shoestrings.
Something inside her said to give him her $5.00. But she resisted, how do I know he needs it? What if I embaress him? He may not be homeless or destitute.
But as she continued to watch him, he started counting out quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies. Digging in each pocket of his pants and coat. She counted with him, $2.00.
Oddly, she noticed he was clean. He didn't smell.
Then again, she felt like something was saying give him your $5.00.
She still resisted, how do I hand him money in front of all these people? They will look at me. They will look at him. It's just too weird.
But the inner tugging said he needs this more than you need lottery tickets. And she said to the inner voice and answered back, God, you want me to give it to him, I will.
So she folded the $5 bill into fourths and reached across the counter and slid it under his hand.
He looked down at his hand, and then looked up at her. A beautiful smile lit up his face. "Thank you miss", and it felt better than winning the lottery. He took the $5 and picked up his change and his grocery bag of belongings and left the store.
And she walked to the car empty handed, with tears running down her face, mixing with the rain.
Does $5 matter? Can it make a difference?
And the same voice told her to remember the loaves and fishes. Remember the woman who gave everything she had. Remember the good Samaritan.
Remember why you are here.
Love me, love others.
Where they are.
With what you have.
As she glanced around, she noticed the man standing at the counter next to her. He was carrying a plastic grocery bag of belongings. It wasn't from the grocery store they were standing in. He was wearing a full length padded winter coat, Oakland Raiders emblazoned on it. It was worn and ripped. His shoes didn't have shoestrings.
Something inside her said to give him her $5.00. But she resisted, how do I know he needs it? What if I embaress him? He may not be homeless or destitute.
But as she continued to watch him, he started counting out quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies. Digging in each pocket of his pants and coat. She counted with him, $2.00.
Oddly, she noticed he was clean. He didn't smell.
Then again, she felt like something was saying give him your $5.00.
She still resisted, how do I hand him money in front of all these people? They will look at me. They will look at him. It's just too weird.
But the inner tugging said he needs this more than you need lottery tickets. And she said to the inner voice and answered back, God, you want me to give it to him, I will.
So she folded the $5 bill into fourths and reached across the counter and slid it under his hand.
He looked down at his hand, and then looked up at her. A beautiful smile lit up his face. "Thank you miss", and it felt better than winning the lottery. He took the $5 and picked up his change and his grocery bag of belongings and left the store.
And she walked to the car empty handed, with tears running down her face, mixing with the rain.
Does $5 matter? Can it make a difference?
And the same voice told her to remember the loaves and fishes. Remember the woman who gave everything she had. Remember the good Samaritan.
Remember why you are here.
Love me, love others.
Where they are.
With what you have.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Conversations with Whitney
The wisdom of the young, the maturity of youth really inspires me.
Comment from Whitney -
Just because a person does something horrible doesn't make them a horrible person.
Comment from Claire -
If it happened in the past, leave it there.
Comment from Whitney -
Just because a person does something horrible doesn't make them a horrible person.
Comment from Claire -
If it happened in the past, leave it there.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
What am I not thankful for?
I've been watching/reading/listening to people list what they are thankful for this month. Lists. Daily updates of what they are thankful for.
Wonderful that they are taking more than just Thanksgiving Day to think about what they are thankful for.
What am I thankful for?
I thought about what I'm not thankful for. Went to the bottom of the pit to see what is on the bottom of my list of what I wish I didn't have, have to deal with, etc.
Now I'm going to try and find a way to be thankful for these things.
Wonderful that they are taking more than just Thanksgiving Day to think about what they are thankful for.
What am I thankful for?
I thought about what I'm not thankful for. Went to the bottom of the pit to see what is on the bottom of my list of what I wish I didn't have, have to deal with, etc.
Now I'm going to try and find a way to be thankful for these things.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Ozark Trail 100 Race Report
2011 Ozark Trail 100 Mile was a success. It was a great weekend. Usually I stick to the crew view of things, but this includes some actual hikes into the trail and pictures.
We drove up Thursday night to have Friday to play before packet pick up and pre-race dinner. We chose to stay in Salem, Missouri, 35 minutes from the starting line instead of Bass River Resort which is the finish line and is two hours from the starting line. This 100 (102) mile point to point race is 55 miles of driving from start to finish and its never straight, never flat.
Friday morning we went to the starting line so I could see it in the light, and to hike for a little ways. Here is the starting line Friday morning in the light
Start line Saturday morning not in the light
Roots growing across the trail.
Rootballs – there was a storm here a while back that took out a lot of trees. There are places where this is in the middle of the trail and there is about a foot wide spot to get around it. I wish I’d had Steve stand in the picture to give perspective of how big this hole is. The root was about shoulder high on me.
Hills. This one was about a mile in from the starting line.
More hills. Steve coming into the aid station at 43.5. He came in from the right as you are looking at this picture. He had actually run down the ridge line behind him.
Even more hills. I hiked up the trail out of the 43.5 aid station and after ten minutes of just climbing, I turned around and came down. I did discover that the steep incline on one side of the trail and the decline on the other all covered with leaves brought on vertigo, not new to me. Steve said there were portions of the trail where you had to lean into the incline.
I saw Steve at miles 17.6, 43.5, 68.5, 81.5, 95 and 102. There was never a time where I thought he wasn’t doing well. He had an idea of how he wanted to run the OT 100, but he came in at the 17.6 mile aid station 45 minutes behind where he wanted to be. He was feeling strong, but completely threw his plan out and his new plan was to stay way ahead of the cutoffs and finish the race. When he left an aid station he would tell me when to expect him and he came into every aid station within 15 minutes of the time he told me he would be there. Always smiling.
Mile 95 aid station
He was happy and ready to finish the race. He had 7 miles left with four and half hours to finish. He told me it would take about two and half hours because he was going to savor the last 7 miles.
There was another runner leaving about the same time Steve did, and Eric and Steve did the last 7 miles together. My understanding from Steve (and other runners) is that the last 7 miles is the toughest of the course.
There are such wonderful people on the trails. The aid station volunteers, the ham radio operators, the race directors, the pacers, and the families and friends. And they all have a story. Some of my favorites…
The sixteen year old boy who asked if he could run last year and he was told no because of his age. They let him run this year. He finished. Sophomore in high school.
The crew of an Oklahoma runner who adopted a runner who was running slightly behind their runner. He was young and running solo, so they looked after him.
The crew of a runner who showed up at every station and volunteered until their runner headed out. Their runner won “the last mule in the barn award” so they were at the aid stations for awhile.
The runner from Michigan who said everyone in the midwest was so nice. Could she just take them all home with her?
The runner with pink hair who dyed her hair pink in support of her friend who has breast cancer. And her pacer who ran 59.5 miles with her. And the friend with breast cancer who was her crew. I loved these women, and if they didn’t live 3 hours away, they would have to see me more.
Steve coming into the finish line at Bass River Resort 30:02:34 28th place out of 43 fnishers
Steve at awards getting his buckle
Other notable events in my experience of this race.
Flat tire at mile 95 aid station. But I can change a tire.
The runner who decided to change his clothes at mile 43.5 aid station. I couldn’t look away fast enough. I think the fresh boxers helped, he finished well.
The eight year old boy who paced his dad for the last 7 miles.
Runners from Alaska, Singapore and Dubai.
The baked potato at the finish line.
Hearing about Steve singing with his ipod in the forest and getting requests.
We drove up Thursday night to have Friday to play before packet pick up and pre-race dinner. We chose to stay in Salem, Missouri, 35 minutes from the starting line instead of Bass River Resort which is the finish line and is two hours from the starting line. This 100 (102) mile point to point race is 55 miles of driving from start to finish and its never straight, never flat.
Friday morning we went to the starting line so I could see it in the light, and to hike for a little ways. Here is the starting line Friday morning in the light
Start line Saturday morning not in the light
Roots growing across the trail.
Rootballs – there was a storm here a while back that took out a lot of trees. There are places where this is in the middle of the trail and there is about a foot wide spot to get around it. I wish I’d had Steve stand in the picture to give perspective of how big this hole is. The root was about shoulder high on me.
Hills. This one was about a mile in from the starting line.
More hills. Steve coming into the aid station at 43.5. He came in from the right as you are looking at this picture. He had actually run down the ridge line behind him.
Even more hills. I hiked up the trail out of the 43.5 aid station and after ten minutes of just climbing, I turned around and came down. I did discover that the steep incline on one side of the trail and the decline on the other all covered with leaves brought on vertigo, not new to me. Steve said there were portions of the trail where you had to lean into the incline.
I saw Steve at miles 17.6, 43.5, 68.5, 81.5, 95 and 102. There was never a time where I thought he wasn’t doing well. He had an idea of how he wanted to run the OT 100, but he came in at the 17.6 mile aid station 45 minutes behind where he wanted to be. He was feeling strong, but completely threw his plan out and his new plan was to stay way ahead of the cutoffs and finish the race. When he left an aid station he would tell me when to expect him and he came into every aid station within 15 minutes of the time he told me he would be there. Always smiling.
Mile 95 aid station
He was happy and ready to finish the race. He had 7 miles left with four and half hours to finish. He told me it would take about two and half hours because he was going to savor the last 7 miles.
There was another runner leaving about the same time Steve did, and Eric and Steve did the last 7 miles together. My understanding from Steve (and other runners) is that the last 7 miles is the toughest of the course.
There are such wonderful people on the trails. The aid station volunteers, the ham radio operators, the race directors, the pacers, and the families and friends. And they all have a story. Some of my favorites…
The sixteen year old boy who asked if he could run last year and he was told no because of his age. They let him run this year. He finished. Sophomore in high school.
The crew of an Oklahoma runner who adopted a runner who was running slightly behind their runner. He was young and running solo, so they looked after him.
The crew of a runner who showed up at every station and volunteered until their runner headed out. Their runner won “the last mule in the barn award” so they were at the aid stations for awhile.
The runner from Michigan who said everyone in the midwest was so nice. Could she just take them all home with her?
The runner with pink hair who dyed her hair pink in support of her friend who has breast cancer. And her pacer who ran 59.5 miles with her. And the friend with breast cancer who was her crew. I loved these women, and if they didn’t live 3 hours away, they would have to see me more.
Steve coming into the finish line at Bass River Resort 30:02:34 28th place out of 43 fnishers
Steve at awards getting his buckle
Other notable events in my experience of this race.
Flat tire at mile 95 aid station. But I can change a tire.
The runner who decided to change his clothes at mile 43.5 aid station. I couldn’t look away fast enough. I think the fresh boxers helped, he finished well.
The eight year old boy who paced his dad for the last 7 miles.
Runners from Alaska, Singapore and Dubai.
The baked potato at the finish line.
Hearing about Steve singing with his ipod in the forest and getting requests.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Conversations with Whitney
This is not Whitney. I told a friend of mine when I saw this that I'm living her future. 
***MOM of adorable witch...I should've asked permission, but since no one knows who it is or where you live her anonymity is protected, lol. Like your child wants to live in anonymity.
***MOM of adorable witch...I should've asked permission, but since no one knows who it is or where you live her anonymity is protected, lol. Like your child wants to live in anonymity.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
She's just like me...sometimes
Whitney started some drama the other day. Unintentional. Funny comment on a friend's facebook page. I didn't even know it was an inside joke, and it made me laugh. A girl got highly upset because she thought it was about her. Turns out it was. I also started some drama. Called someone out on something they said. Not an inside joke, same principle. Whitney gets her mouth from me.
This girl went after Whitney. On facebook, towards Whitney's friends, foul language, some threats. Whitney deleted the words. I got emails sent to me, blog posts made about me, and I used the delete button without reading these words. Whitney takes after her momma there.
Whitney laughed. Says she doesn't scare me. She knows my friends. She knows who has my back. She isn't going to do anything. I was called ignorant and people wanted to kick my ass and I laughed. Whitney has my attitude. The laughing in the face of danger (or maybe she gets that from Simba. She says Lion King is the BEST MOVIE EVER!)
Whitney stands up for herself. Fights for what she believes is right. I'm a fighter. Stand on my own two feet. Happy to pass this on to her.
We both have strengths and weaknesses, good and bad. And she has a lot of the same one's I have that she will have to deal with and overcome.
She's just like me...sometimes.
Then she smiles. And she is her daddy's girl.
This girl went after Whitney. On facebook, towards Whitney's friends, foul language, some threats. Whitney deleted the words. I got emails sent to me, blog posts made about me, and I used the delete button without reading these words. Whitney takes after her momma there.
Whitney laughed. Says she doesn't scare me. She knows my friends. She knows who has my back. She isn't going to do anything. I was called ignorant and people wanted to kick my ass and I laughed. Whitney has my attitude. The laughing in the face of danger (or maybe she gets that from Simba. She says Lion King is the BEST MOVIE EVER!)
Whitney stands up for herself. Fights for what she believes is right. I'm a fighter. Stand on my own two feet. Happy to pass this on to her.
We both have strengths and weaknesses, good and bad. And she has a lot of the same one's I have that she will have to deal with and overcome.
She's just like me...sometimes.
Then she smiles. And she is her daddy's girl.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Doubt
Two weeks ago when I was in Lawrence I told Nate that I knew God was going to answer my prayers for him in a big way. I knew that it was going to happen soon. (Nothing like putting God on the spot, is there?) Nate told me he was praying too. Which really touched me. So I'm rolling through the days praying continually, which I do. My very specific prayer for one of my girls was answered, and we thanked God and kept praying for the others. A very specific prayer for another of my girls was answered. Praised God and kept praying for the other two. Thursday morning (12 days after my speaking for God) Nate called. He is sick. What can he take. I get symptoms and Dr. Mom prescribes. He doesn't have anything other than tylenol, doesn't think he can make it to Dillons, two blocks away. But Sam will go when he gets home. I spend the day at my desk fighting tears and losing.
I wanted to get in the car and drive to Lawrence. But a day of vacation, two tanks of gas, I'd be worn out, and it's not necessary. And that afternoon, I doubt God. I am afraid that he is going to let me down, and on top of that, not show up and let Nate know that he does take care of him. I'm not only doubting, if I'm honest, I'm a little angry. I've had a rough year, I've relied totally on God's strength to get through, but for one day I doubted why I was even on this earth. All it took was pain in my child. (Not going to go into how I'm God's child and how he feels when I hurt, I get it.)
I get up Friday, it's a new day, and do the things I do. On my way home from work Nate calls. I don't usually answer the phone when I'm driving, but it was Nate, he had been sick, I was worried. He called to tell me that GOD HAD ANSWERED MY PRAYER. Okay, he called and told me what happened, but it was an answer to my prayer. After talking to Nate, I thanked God, tears streaming down my face. (Another danger while driving).
Fast forward two days. Mike is talking about doubting Thomas.
John 20:24-28
One of the eleven disciples was missing. This was a man named Thomas.
After Jesus was gone, Thomas came back to the room where everyone was hiding. When he entered, the disciples told him, “Thomas, oh Thomas, it is true! We’ve seen Jesus! He’s alive! “He said to them, “No. I won’t believe it unless I see the nail marks in His hands. I have to put my finger where the nails were. If I can put my hand into His side, then I’ll believe you.”
Eight days later, Jesus visited the disciples again. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus walked right through the locked doors. “Peace be with you,” He said. Then He said, “Thomas, come here with your finger and see My hands. Touch the wounds in My hand. Put your hand into My side. Stop doubting now and believe.”
Thomas felt very ashamed for not believing. He hung his head, “My Lord and my God!”
How many times does God have to prove himself to me before I stop doubting? I have metaphorically put my fingers where the nails were so many times (just this year!) and yet I still get disappointed by God. I was so thankful for the answered prayer, but it wasn't till Sunday morning I was convicted about my 24 hours on Thursday.
For those of you who have been praying for my kids since this post three of the four specific requests have been answered. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I wanted to get in the car and drive to Lawrence. But a day of vacation, two tanks of gas, I'd be worn out, and it's not necessary. And that afternoon, I doubt God. I am afraid that he is going to let me down, and on top of that, not show up and let Nate know that he does take care of him. I'm not only doubting, if I'm honest, I'm a little angry. I've had a rough year, I've relied totally on God's strength to get through, but for one day I doubted why I was even on this earth. All it took was pain in my child. (Not going to go into how I'm God's child and how he feels when I hurt, I get it.)
I get up Friday, it's a new day, and do the things I do. On my way home from work Nate calls. I don't usually answer the phone when I'm driving, but it was Nate, he had been sick, I was worried. He called to tell me that GOD HAD ANSWERED MY PRAYER. Okay, he called and told me what happened, but it was an answer to my prayer. After talking to Nate, I thanked God, tears streaming down my face. (Another danger while driving).
Fast forward two days. Mike is talking about doubting Thomas.
John 20:24-28
One of the eleven disciples was missing. This was a man named Thomas.
After Jesus was gone, Thomas came back to the room where everyone was hiding. When he entered, the disciples told him, “Thomas, oh Thomas, it is true! We’ve seen Jesus! He’s alive! “He said to them, “No. I won’t believe it unless I see the nail marks in His hands. I have to put my finger where the nails were. If I can put my hand into His side, then I’ll believe you.”
Eight days later, Jesus visited the disciples again. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus walked right through the locked doors. “Peace be with you,” He said. Then He said, “Thomas, come here with your finger and see My hands. Touch the wounds in My hand. Put your hand into My side. Stop doubting now and believe.”
Thomas felt very ashamed for not believing. He hung his head, “My Lord and my God!”
How many times does God have to prove himself to me before I stop doubting? I have metaphorically put my fingers where the nails were so many times (just this year!) and yet I still get disappointed by God. I was so thankful for the answered prayer, but it wasn't till Sunday morning I was convicted about my 24 hours on Thursday.
For those of you who have been praying for my kids since this post three of the four specific requests have been answered. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
In My Corner
I made two kinds of cupcakes for my two oldest daughters birthday party.
I ate too many cupcakes.
I ran 8 miles.
I went to two ab classes.
I've been freaked out by all the scary movies that are on TV and Whitney's love for them.
I made Oreo Truffles to send to Nate. I wont' be having dessert till Thanksgiving now.
Steve registered to run the Ozark Trail 100. Four weeks after the Heartland 100. I'm excited for him.
I went to a Halloween party.
Steve was hilarious.
I dressed up like the 80's to lead worship Sunday morning. This misses the full effect of the blue eyeshadow and leg warmers. It also doesn't show that I'm giving my best rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time".
Steve dressed up like the 80's (Run DMC tee shirt) and not sure what he was singing here, but he did an awesome rendition of Warrant's power ballad "Heaven". (We also did some great worship music, it's a series called "My Generation" and we've done 60's, 70's and 80's. Lots of fun, lots of great sermons. Tomorrow I'm going to share how today's message really touched me).
I ate too many cupcakes.
I ran 8 miles.
I went to two ab classes.
I've been freaked out by all the scary movies that are on TV and Whitney's love for them.
I made Oreo Truffles to send to Nate. I wont' be having dessert till Thanksgiving now.
Steve registered to run the Ozark Trail 100. Four weeks after the Heartland 100. I'm excited for him.
I went to a Halloween party.
Steve was hilarious.
I dressed up like the 80's to lead worship Sunday morning. This misses the full effect of the blue eyeshadow and leg warmers. It also doesn't show that I'm giving my best rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time".
Steve dressed up like the 80's (Run DMC tee shirt) and not sure what he was singing here, but he did an awesome rendition of Warrant's power ballad "Heaven". (We also did some great worship music, it's a series called "My Generation" and we've done 60's, 70's and 80's. Lots of fun, lots of great sermons. Tomorrow I'm going to share how today's message really touched me).
Friday, October 28, 2011
Conversations with Whitney
Some of these are repeats, but these faces made me laugh as I was printing them for the scrapbook party.
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