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!

For those I love.......

Find Your Wings

by Mark Harris

(click above to listen to song)

It's only for a moment

that you are mine to hold

The plans that heaven has for you

will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray

for all that you might do

But most of all I want to know

you're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you

I want you to know that

as I watch you grow

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams

and that faith gives you the courage

to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings

May passion be the wings that leads

you through your days

And may convictions keep you strong

guide you on your way

May there be many moments

that makes your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams

and give you the courage

to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off

But I'll cheer you as you fly

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams

and give you the courage

to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings.

An Angel to My Rescue!

On Friday I decided to take my mountain bike out to my favorite running spot. I was fighting the "not really sure what to do with myself lately" blues! I packed myself up and put my car keys and my ipod in my running pouch. I attached the pouch around my handle bars and took off on the winding trail. When I got to a bridge that attaches the trails I decided to stop and put on my ipod. I pulled it out of my pouch, strapped it on, and went on my merry way. As I was retracing my way on the path back to my van I noticed an elderly man coming towards me on his bike. He was holding his arm up and dangling some keys from his hand. I couldn't hear him because I was joyfully listening to John Mayer's Daughters song. After I passed him I stopped, took off my earphones ,and turned around. He had stopped as well and asked me if the keys he was holding were mine. I squinted to focus on them. Oh my goodness, they were my keys. I walked over and snatched them from him as I was thanking and blessing him.

What a very kind gesture. What an angel. The trail we were on spans approximately eight to ten miles. I am not really sure when my keys flew out of my pouch but I was so relieved the nice man took time out of his day to rescue me. So...... I was thinking..... I obviously need to pass it on or like the movie titled " Pay It Forward" starring Helen Hunt.

I hope you encounter an angel this week or, even better, have the opportunity to be one!

Laundry, anyone?

We never are lacking in laundry, are we? My older son K has this very annoying habit of leaving his wet towels on the floor after his shower, therefore he never reuses his towel.
How many times do I need to ask before he will break the habit?
The great thing right now is he takes his morning shower at school after football practice - it is really nice - and they do the laundry! I love it!

We went to K's highschool open house last night! Very impressive! It brought back fond memories of my highschool days. Although we didn't have things so great in our day. I am so excited for him - I pray the next four years are full of learning and great memories!

Laundry isn't so bad........ is it? Ugh!

Hope you have a bright,fresh, sparkling clean day!

No, today is not July 28th nor is it a Friday. I hope I didn't confuse you this morning or get your hopes up. It is in fact Monday!

Are you addicted to coffee? Basically coffee motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. I can't wait to have that first sip. I drink mine with fat free half and half. This month I am brewing Snickernut Cookie. It's okay. Definitely not my favorite flavors. I can't really taste the cinnamon. What is your favorite?

I drink about five cups each morning or three mugs full. I am wondering....... is all this coffee bad for me? I heard one study that some coffee is good for you, but five cups each day? What do you think? My coffee is the only caffeine I consume all day. I drink water the rest of the time.

Hope your coffee is steaming hot and delicious this wonderful Monday morning.

Have a great week! (School starts - yea!)

An Amazing City

Just returned from San Fran and Tahoe - Whoa - I am amazed at God's creation! I can't wait to go back!
Here we are on the "crooked street". The flowers are beautiful!

How many more days of summer?

Don't get me wrong - we have had an awesome summer! It has been crammed pack full of fun, adventure, sun, sand, water, friends ,laughter, and lots of excitement ........ i am exhausted!

Before I go any farther.... update....... Logan had a great time at camp. He loved it and wants to go back next year!

So.... Kevin and I have one more adventure and then I think I am ready for reality to kick in and to get back to a normal schedule. My workout schedule has gone to pot. My kids sleep schedule is to not sleep. I need some major "Me" time.

I am a little anxious about my children beginning middle school and high school but nonetheless... i am ready.....i think?

how many more days?