Tom has inspired me!

Amazing how one mundane Monday can turn into a special day? How one simple "have a great day", which is what the lady at Chik-fil-a said to me as I drove away from the drive thru this morning, can really be inspiring? Today has become that for me thanks to Tom! Or should I say Blake, the founder of Tom's Shoes. Have you heard of it? Unfortunately, I hadn't heard of Tom's Shoes until this past June when I took my son to his college orientation. A sign in the admission center was advertising that Blake of Tom's Shoes would be visiting the campus to speak to the students. It had no idea who that was. My son Keegan knew and he was very excited! Keegan simply explained to me that this guy started a shoe business and gave shoes to kids who needed them. Since June, Keegan figured out that this was the Blake he remembered from the reality show Amazing Race from several years ago. He has been really looking forward to hearing Blake speak.

Today as I was skimming over facebook, I saw that today was the day that the guy from Tom's Shoes was going to be at the university and I could watch the live feed on my Mac. I was excited to hear Blake's story and especially share an event with Keegan even though I am over 200 miles away. Technology, huh? Blake's story is very simple. He explained how he was inspired to start this shoe company so that he could help put shoes on children's feet. He explained how it grew from making 250 pairs of shoes in the beginning three years ago into a company that this year will have given over 100,000.00 shoes to children in need! It is a simple but so incredibly inspiring story!

I sat here in my quiet, humble living room listening to Blake tell his story with tears in my eyes. Touched by the giving heart that he has but tears for the longing in my own heart to find what service God would have me to do. A longing to know where I am supposed to be and who I am supposed to helping. A need to know what my purpose is as I approach my 46th birthday. I found myself sharing tearfully again with two people last week my need to find God's purpose in my life.

Please check out Tom's Shoes website and buy some shoes! Maybe that's mine and yours first simple step in helping others! And as we help others, God may reveal our true Divine purpose!

I'm Back!!!

You Make Me Smile!!!

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me,
Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

by Uncle Kracker

Today's Bible Verse

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Lizard Mania

This cute little guy and his family members have been floating around our office lately.

He was hiding in my drawer -

YIKES!!!!!

P.S (he's not real)

Sushi Day!

I have always heard friends talk about how much they love Sushi! I tried Sushi on the occassional trip to the Chinese Buffet - hmmmm - not that great I have always thought. After discussing with various friends to take me to a really great Sushi place - finally on my birthday my co-workers took me for my first "real" sushi experience. See pictures below:

Don't I look excited? I hate close up pictures by the way!

My mouth is full of Sushi here - Yum Yum!!!!

We ordered ALOT of Sushi!!!

And this is my Sushi Birthday Cake! Although, I would have like it better if it had been real cake! It's very pretty though, isn't it?

Shhhhh.... don't tell anyone!

This has been under my desk since I started my job about 3 years ago. Sometimes I rest my feet on it. Today, I just noticed the little note on the side. I thought it was funny!

Danskin 2008

My son is Wiley Middle School 7th Grade Athlete of the Year

I am such a proud Mama!!!!!!!!

Our newest addition to the family....

His name is Slider. Isn't he a cutie?

Visit to Galveston

Happy New Year , I think?

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday - we did!

I couldn't ask for more: Celebrating Jesus; lots of quality time spent with my husband, boys, friends, and family; much needed rest and relaxation ( maybe too much - I will explain); lots of presents from Santa Baby ( I got a new camera- yahoo); lot's of good food (too much of course); and fun, fun, fun. But just like any really good story comes the conflict, right?

I think I have injured my leg. The new year has started today and I'm not sure running a marathon is on the calendar this year. I am really hoping it is all my imagination, all the leg pain that is, and everything is going to be fine. I hope to schedule a little visit to the wise doctor this week to give me the verdict. My leg feels great as I am sitting here typing, even most of the time walking, but running- forget it.

My mind tells me I'm just being a wimp and I'm not tough enough but my heart tells me something is wrong.

We shall see!

Please pray for healing, for my leg and my heart.

Merry Christmas!

Time is literally flying or running by me. I can't believe it's been two months since my last post. I have been unusally busy with work and running the last two months. Thank You for those who have checked on me - I really appreciate it!!!!!

I wanted to wish everyone an especially Very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.

I hope to post occasionally but I will check in after I run the marathon in February. Until then I'm not sure if I will have a chance.

God Bless You!

Any Suggestions?

It has been over a year since we said goodbye to our sweet Kasey girl. I am just now seriously considering making the big plunge into adopting a new puppy into our family. I have never been great at making decisions, especially big ones.

The question: What kind of puppy should we get? I would really like a Golden Retriever but the rest of my family doesn't want a really big dog. I want a dog that will run with me but we all have to make compromises, right? The poodle mixes are adorable but apparently very expensive - Kev doesn't necessarily want to spend a couple thousand on a dog. I'm not sure I do either.

I definitely either want a dog that can be inside or out, minimum shedding and barking, and a friendly, lovable dog. And of course a dog that won't dig, chew, or destroy my carpet- lol. Decisions....... decisions.....

Anyone have any suggestions?

After I figure this one out than we have to think of a name........

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

It is a gloriously cool breezy Autumn day! Right now the temperature is a fabulous 55 degrees with a high today of 62!

Now that is more like it!

I hope it is a beautiful fall day where you live, too!

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Busy Days of Autumn

Is it really Autumn? I guess it is officially but we have only had a few days to tease us into thinking it is fall. I am patiently awaiting consistently cool breezes flowing through our hair. I know it is coming but it is so hard to be patient. I want to start wearing my hoodies, long sleeves, and jeans!!!!

I have been busy these days with working part-time, cheering my boys in football, and running.
The rest of my activities fill in the spaces: Beth Moore Bible Study on David ( really awesome), keeping L ( my 6th grader) on task with school and homework, watching all the new shows (thank goodness for DVR), keeping my house clean, and keeping my family alive (feeding them).

So, all of the above has taken me away from blogging - but I shall return periodically.

I so wanted to take a picture of this absolutely beautifully very large spider web in between two large trees in our backyard. I need to go take a photography class (and get a new digital camera) so I can share all these interesting occurances that take place in my back yard.

Anyway, let me know if the real Autumn comes your way. I would love to hear about it.

Speaking of birds.....ouch!

My son called me the night of the "bird convention" in our backyard. "Mom, there was a huge bang on the window and there is a bird laying on our steps to the back door. He is still alive. What should I do?" My advice was just to leave him alone and I would check on him when I got home. The bird we hope survived because when I got home he was gone and I didn't see him anywhere in the yard. He left behind seeds from our tree and several loose feathers. Later that evening I noticed a mark on our window. It is an exact outline of where the bird hit. You can see his wings, his sideways body, and an outline of his eyeball. Ouch! He hit really hard. I wish I could take a picture of the outline but it won't work with my digital camera. It is so funny how you can see exactly how that poor little birdy hit.

It reminded me of times when I have been walking fast on a mission or running and without any warning I hit a huge obstacle. One time I ran directly into a street sign pole. I was too busy talking and didn't see it in front of me. The other time I was running on the sidewalk and didn't notice that the sidewalk was out of line and I tripped and hit the ground full force. It is painful and extremely embarrassing.

If I figure out how to take a picture and post it for you , I will. It is such a good reminder for me to slow down and pay attention.

I think the convention is over!

A Bird Convention

I didn't get the memo that there is a bird convention going on in my backyard today. I could sit here for quite awhile watching them. I have seen black birds, humming birds, blue birds, cardinals, and various other colors of birds hanging out in my yard lately. I enjoy watching them but I suppose I should take some pictures or learn about the different kinds of birds. What if a very rare bird appears - I wouldn't have a clue. And then every once in a while one flies right into our windows - ouch - the loud thump makes me jump everytime.

They are so cute! I think it's time for me to get a pet.

Marathon Training

As of September 2nd I started training for the AT&T Marathon in February 2007. As of today I have started a training diary of the whole five month experience. I am anxious, a little scared, and excited about my new endeavor. I truly believe that anyone can accomplish their goals - nothing is impossible ( especially with Jesus Christ). I just hope my fourty- one year old body will cooperate with this new goal. I am just going to do my best!

The training group that I am in is awesome. Approximately 200-300 people of all shapes, sizes and ages. Some are training for the half marathon and others will walk the full marathon and the rest will run. The groups are based on how fast you comfortably run one mile. I am in the 9- 10:30 minute mile group. I ran with my group for the first time on Saturday and I felt very comfortable with the pace. I was about in the middle of the group. It should be very enjoyable and challenging.

No pain - No gain!

Too cute!