Love of Running

I know that there are not many who care to read a post about running, but for the 2 of you that do, here goes.

I have always loved to run. Better stated, I have always loved the feeling of just completing a run. There are few exercises that give me the same level of workout and satisfaction. If you are a runner, you know what I am talking about.

I have had the desire to run a marathon for several years. Until this past summer, I could not get my head wrapped around the idea of physically being able to run 26.2 miles. Therefore, I had not taken the plunge. I have run 1/2 marathons, 10 milers, 10k's, 5k's etc... but still had the desire to run a full marathon (I know, call me crazy). This past spring I realized that I am not getting any younger. I decided that this was going to be the year. Run or bust!

I trained all summer. I loved training, the long runs, the early mornings, the sunrises, the quiet time with God, the improved fitness, and the list goes on and on. About a month and a half before the race I developed knee pain. Not just a little pain, but a bring tears to my eyes kind of pain. At first, it would not start until I hit 15 miles, then 13 miles, then 10. Needless to say, things were not getting better. I had PT help (thanks to my amazing sister) and increased my strength training. All of these things helped but the pain continued.  I pushed on, and was determined to run a marathon.

I took it easy several weeks leading up to the race, iced daily, and prayed a lot! Race day came and the weather was perfect. I had the best fans a gal could ask for and I felt ready.  Thank you to my sister Molly and her family, Chris and the boys, and Tammy for all your encouragement. I felt so blessed to have you there!

I was on track for the first 18 miles and praise God my knee felt pretty good.

 

By mile 21 the wheels were coming off and mile 23 the wheels were off.  I still had over 3 miles to go. I have always been able to dig deep and keep going, until I did a marathon. Hats off to those who have done one. I have a entirely new appreciating for all your determination, hard work and drive. With prayer (and Advil) I was able to gut out the last few miles. I finished (and could still stand tall). I missed my goal time, but I am so glad I took the journey.

At mile 21, I said I would never run another marathon again. By the time I got to the finish line I was already thinking through the changes I could make in training for the next one. Sound familiar runners?!

I read a couple ads the other day that made me smile. The first one was "IF YOUR RUN LASTS LONGER THAN FOUR HOURS, DON'T CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, JUST KEEP RUNNING." the other was "5:30AM. THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO BE, AND IT'S NOT IN BED." Amen! Run on friends, run on!

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (700-731)

700. Family Camp!

701. Books, blankets and snuggles.

702.Butterflies emerging from their cocoons.

703. The bright green on a grasshopper.

704. The smell of tomato soup cooking.

705. Fresh green beans.

706. Apples right off the tree.

707. Cool breeze unexpected on a long run to give me energy.

708. Crow of a rooster in the early morning/

709. Thumbs up from a stranger while running.

710. The smell of hay in the barn.

711. Sunrise over the lake.

712. Deer (buck) drinking from the still pond.

713. Fog on the lake.

714. Geese flying overhead.

715.Encouraging words from those I love.

716. Geography songs.

717. Warm laughter from like minded moms during a meeting.

718. Hundreds of birds flying together in harmony.

719. Purple mums.

720. Tassels at the top of corn.

721. The smell of apples cooking into sauce.

722. Leaves crunching under foot.

723. The smell of the Teavana canister when opened. YUM!

724. Fresh maple syrup.

725. The smell of coconut oil.

726. Hard working boys.

727. New mowers.

728. Soil prepped for fall/winter.

729. Fuzzy caterpillars.

730.The jump of a frog.

731. Basil and Rosemary drying in the shop.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (663-699)

663. Baptism of my dear 7 year old.

664. Hot sunny days.

665. BWCA

666. Canoe rides.

667. A wink from across the room.

668. Sand between my toes.

669. The quack of a duck.

670. Fireflies.

671. Thousands of twinkling stars.

672. Big fluffy clouds.

673. The sound of jars sealing.

674. The smell of fresh dill.

675. Sailboats.

676. Whispers from the other room.

677. Song birds morning greeting.

678. Rain so soft you can hardly feel it.

679. Red reflecting through the house from a colorful sunset.

680. Cool summer nights.

681. BLT's.

682. Juicy peaches.

683. New shrubs with flowers.

684. Fresh cut garden flowers for the table.

685. Bubbles escaping from fermenting sauerkraut.

686. Hint of pink on the top of the sedum.

687. New school year beginning.

688. Happy dances that are close to requiring a helmet.

689. Super hero capes and masks.

690. Zucchini bread in the oven, filling the house with a wonderful aroma.

691. Cords on the piano in the other room.

692. Girlfriends.

693. Giant slides.

694. Evenings at the beach.

695. School in action at the park.

696.  Hiking and silly faces with number 3.

697. Ripe tomatoes.

698. Orange blossom honey.

699. Sun rays filtering through the clouds.

Summer Baseball

What do you do on a hot day mid summer? Watch baseball of course! With three active boys we love anything outdoors and/or any game that involves a ball. What could be better than a Sunday afternoon outside watching baseball? With tickets for our family and 2 extra we were blessed to have grandpa and grandma join us.

Of course the boys were delighted to get their photo taken with Madonna the team mascot!

 It was a hot day, but with the help of some shade from our trusty umbrella and a lot of water to keep us hydrated fun was had by all.

Post game the kids were able to go down on the field and run the bases (always a big hit for our crew)!

 

 

There is something extra special about being down on the field. 

What a great day! I am constantly reminded just how blessed we are to have opportunities to enjoy some family time. My heart is full.

Baptism

“Baptism is faith in action.”  ~ Watchman Nee

 Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
 
After accepting Christ into his heart a couple years ago, our oldest was baptized today in an act of  public obedience to God and what He calls us, as believers, to do.

Before he was baptized he quoted one of his favorite verses. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My heart is full and my cup overflows. I am so proud of the young man that Noah is and cannot wait to see what God has in store for him. 

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (601-662)

601. Lunch with grandma and grandpa.

602. Kids joke books.

603. The way kids love to play with boxes.

604. Tomato plants ready to transplant.

605. Stop watches.

606. A good friends laughter.

607. Anniversary cards and encouragement.

608. 12 years of marriage to an amazing Godly man.

609. Hot soup on a cold day.

610.Flights that are on schedule.

611. Playdates at the park.

612. Christian friends.

613. Fishing floats.

 

 614. Fish on a hook.

615. Nets.

616. A day with an uncle we don't see nearly enough.

617. Bob of a line in the water.

618. Wood-ducks sitting on top the wood-duck house.

619.Documentary on Beavers and ducks! The love of nature!

620. The smell of lilacs.

621. Mazes made of tall shrubs.

622. Boardwalks through the bog.

623. The sound of water over the rocks.

624. The many colors of tulips.

625. My dad in uniform.

626. The National Anthem.

627. Bright pink flowering crabs.

628. Ropes courses.

629. Sleeping in.

630. Date nights.

631. Games at grandma and grandpas.

632. Tents in the back yard overlooking the pond.

633. Beaver tales.

634. Springs green grass.

635. Ambitious boys.

636. Gluten free salads.

637. Family bike rides.

638. Ripples on the water.

639. Morning song birds.

640. Bluebirds.

641. Riding bike to church.

642. 3 hard working happy helpers.

643. The smell of mulch.

644. Overalls.

645. Rain boots.

646. Crayfish.

647. Ponds.

648. The call of the loon.

649. Still lakes.

650. Praying together with friends.

651. Beaver wood.

652. Sunsets on the water.

653. Trail runs.

654. Family hikes.

655. Family breakfast parties.

656. Play dates at the swim pond.

657. Sandcastles.

658. Cannonballs.

659. Bacon.

660. Fire pits.

661. Wide open fields.

662.Velvet on a deer antler.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (518-600)

518. Breakfast together as a family.

519. Hot showers.

520. Thick smoothies almost like eating ice cream for breakfast.

521. Big beds. Large enough for extra visitor during the night.

522. Homemade birthday gifts that are made with love.

523. How deep the Fathers love for us!

524. Music that speaks to the deepest places of my heart.

525. An evening with other moms sharing ideas.

526. Puzzles!

527. Chess!

528. Ice free roads.

529. New desserts.

530. Balloons with helium.

531. Wide open spaces.

532. Squeals of joy as the boys hit their targets.

533. Rolling hills.

534. Melted snow.

535. Comforts of home.

536. Easter music.

537. White Easter lilies.

538. Family time in the car.

539. Excitement over seeing aunt, uncle and cousin.

540. Praying together and for each other.

541. New games.

542. The smell of lasagna baking.

543. Healthy snacks.

544. Tannerite targets and exploding pumpkins.

545. Warmth of sunshine through the windows.

546. Couches made into beds in the kitchen.

547. Colorful helium balloons.

548. The smell of spring.

549. Rich black soil.

550. Boys size aprons.

551. Warm floor tiles on bare feet in the early morning hours.

552. The feel of lotion on dry hands.

553. Jumbo size color dot domino's.

554. The rapid flow of the creek in the spring.

555. Sunlight reflecting on the water.

556. New seed packets waiting to be planted.

557. The dance of tall grasses as the wind blows between them.

558. Easter egg hunts that continue for weeks, because we love Easter all year round!

559. Eagerness to get chores done without complaints.

560. New cookbooks.

561. The smell of ham cooking.

562. Lessons that resinate in little mans hearts.

563. The birds early morning spring song.

564. Time with friends.

565. New recipe for granola!

566. Family movie night.

567. Spinning color wheel projects. Thank you Lord for all the amazing colors!

568. The smell of rain before it falls.

569. The smell of granola as it bakes.

570. Drinking tea and playing dominos with my boys on a rainy day.

571. Dancing around the kitchen island.

572. The beat of the drum.

573. "Restaurants" at home.

574. Empty spaces.

575. The color of wood ducks as the sun hits them.

576. The happy new day dance.

577. Organized shelves.

578. Orange blossom honey.

579. The smell of a new baby.

580. Uncontrolled smiles.

581. Great test scores.

582. AWANA awards.

583. The sound of frogs in the spring.

584. The smell of soil.

585. Wood duck eggs.

586. Clothes on the line.

587. The smell of cake baking.

588. Unexpected partner on my morning run.

589. Flowers on the front step from and "anonymous" friend.

590. Mail that touches my heart from a dear sister in Christ.

591. Dance parties with glow stick bracelets.

592. Tents.

593. The feel of my teeth after flossing.

594. Green shoots coming up in the perennial bed in the spring.

595. His voice over the phone that makes you feel his smile and love.

596. Fresh mopped floors.

597. New school books.

598. Good deals.

599. Tea parties with special friends.

600. Boys reading me bedtime books.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (483-517)

483. Ponds 1st open water of the spring.

484. New piano books.

485. Snow melting low enough to swing again!

486. Whole foods.

487. Fresh made Strawberry Lime Sorbet.

488. New neighbors happily honking horns as they turn into the neighborhood.

489. Wind-stopper hats.

490. All the amazing colors splashed across the sky.

491. Smell of all natural tea seeping.

492. Juicy pears.

493. Spring showers.

494. Smell of warm cookies fresh out of the oven.

495. Warm woolen socks.

496. Teen Challenge and its positive impact in so many lives.

497. One on one time with the kids.

498. Fresh snow.

499. Long fruitful conversations with friends.

500. Kids playing board games in harmony.

501. Play-doh cookies.

502. Frost on the window panes.

503. Popsicle stick, dental floss, q-tip bow and arrow projects.

504. Photos and hand-prints from Ethiopia.

505. Knock/knock jokes.

506. Soft gentle hands folded in prayer.

507. Swings blowing in the breeze.

508. "Aha" moments.

509. Excitement over granola!

510. Steam rolling out of the mug inviting me in for a hot drink.

511. Glow in the dark stickers.

512. Popcorn made in coconut oil.

513. Trips to the island on the 4-wheeler.

514. Winter scuba divers.

515. Spring chicks.

516. A donkeys brays.

517. Palm branches waving in the air.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (451-482)

451. Counting by 8's.

452. Being covered by thousands of hand stitches done in love. Miss you grandma!

453. Days stranded at home.

454. Mentoring from an experienced trusted Godly friend.

455. Ice cold water.

456. Fresh paints "new look".

457. Mr. willing to run errands.

458. Waffles with a great deal of butter.

459. Treadmills (there is a foot of new snow outside).

460. Eagerness to do History lessons.

461. A fresh look with rearranging old furniture.

462. The twinkle in his eyes as he watches momma play the leg guitar.

463. Boys clapping along with praise music unashamed to praise Him.

464. Dished done when I return home.

465. Weekend with girlfriends.

466. His hug.

467. Amazing speakers (Ann Voskamp and Liz Curtis Higgs).

468. A dear friends very pregnant belly.

469. Fresh flossed teeth.

470. the sound of rushing water from melted snow down the street to the storm drain.

471. Starting the day with a song of praise for the mouth of my youngest.

472. Cordless hot pots! So excited!

473. The smell of gingerbread baking.

474. Salty hard boiled eggs.

475. Spring sunshine streaming through the windows first thing in the morning.

476. Imagination writing of a 7 year old.

477. Morning run in the undisturbed snow.

478. Peace of a new day.

479. Quiet home in the early morning hours before dawn.

480. Open days on the calendar.

481. Hot soothing tea.

482. His hands of love that wipe a child's tears one minute, then fix the car the next.

Joy and Thankfulness!

Thanks to Ann Voskamp's book 1,000 gifts and her amazing blog I have started seeking joy/thanks in everything that I do, everywhere I am, and in everything I see. "If you want to be happy - give thanks." Ann Voskamp.  I am blogging my gifts occasionally as I have time to transfer from my journal to the blog.

I attended an amazing conference with some Christian friends to see Ann Voskamp speak. I was so excited, I also got to meet her. What a joy and blessing this wonderful woman is! She speaks like she writes, smooth, heartfelt, joy filled and loving. What a gift!

Pretty sure I was in the middle of saying something when the photo was taken (I know hard to believe).

The other main speaker at the conference was Liz Curtis Higgs. What an amazing woman! One moment I was laughing so hard my side hurt the next weeping. She has a unique gift for speaking truth and teaching straight out of the bible. Praise God for her, Ann, and the many other speakers that allowed God to speak through them to the over 1,000 women that were there.

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (402-450)

402. Big boys learning to drive the four-wheeler.

403. Snow wet enough to build forts!

404. Made-up silly songs.

405. Purging "junk".

406. The way an orange smells while you peel it.

407. Substitute teachers.

408. Doughnuts!

409. First thoughts of the day being God's promise.

410. The feel of spring coming.

411. Confirmation from God!

412. Bike rides in mid Feb.

413. Melting ice.

414. The pink hearts everywhere reassuring that He loves us.

415. Hot peaceful showers.

416. Valentines parties with friends.

417. Afternoon sledding.

418. Days off school to party and play.

419. Godly friends who lift you up and hold you accountable.

420. Cards and flowers from the Mr.

421. Sunshine streaming through the windows.

422. Popcorn/movie night.

423. Homemade bird feeders.

424. Fresh haircuts.

425. The "fingers" of snow made by the blowing wind.

426. Broomball/hockey with friends.

427. Squeals of delight as they travel down the luge track.

428. Fresh painted walls.

429. Anticipation of a date.

430. New red pens.

431. Bedtime tea.

432. The excited anticipation of a visit to my sisters.

433. Winning a game squeals.

434. Doing math in his head.

435. Convicting sermons.

436. Groceries gotten.

437. Red leather.

438. Cousins 7 and 9 years old getting baptized and publicly showing their faith!

439. Snowmobile rides.

440. Big brother reading books to little brothers.

441. Beautiful sisters inside and out.

442. Prayers felt in the middle of the night as my sister misses sleep to pray.

443. Godly friends.

444. Family members who love God and show evidence of this love through the way they live.

445. Sisters hospitality.

446. Sleeping in my own bed after being gone.

447. Wonderful neighbors willing to watch the dog.

448. The dogs "hot laps" in excitement when she sees you.

449. Friends willing to share some organizational ideas.

450. Frost covered trees.

Ready, Set, Go!

The numbers selected and blocks of wood and wheels purchased, they (with dads guidance) were ready for the fun to begin.  Our two oldest boys spent the month of January gearing up for the AWANA derby. They LOVE to spend time with dad in the "man-cave" doing guy stuff. Building derby cars was no exception.

After hours of sanding, painting, laughing and eating peanuts the cars were ready.

Noah made a good run last year and had high hopes for another good race. This was Jacob's first year - he and Noah were excited about every aspect of the event. The day of the race came and the boys decided to dress in colors to match their cars. I am not sure what was more fun, watching the cars race down the track (each car raced down 4 times - once on each lane) or watching the excitement of the kids.

In the end Noah won 1st place for the Sparks group and Jacob's car won 1st place for the Cubbies group. They were all smiles. They had the 3 top cars (Noah's, Jacob's, and the T&T winner) race each other for the fastest car of the day. The first time down all three cars tied.

Their number 1 fan wanted to get in on the action as well. Jonah really looks up to his big brothers and was just as excited as they were.

 Noah winner two years running ;)

Jacob all smiles as usual!

When all was over, the boys still talk about the best part. It was not the trophy or the actual race, but instead it was the time with dad, spray painting. My heart is full. What fun memories in the name of Him who created all things.

Climbing High!

When did they get so big? This year for Noah's birthday adventure he decided he wanted to take a trip to the cities and do some rock climbing. What a fun day! What a fun field trip! We ended up buying a punch card. Cannot wait to go back!

This was right after we told the boys we were going to have to head out for the day. As you can tell the youngest was none to happy about the idea of leaving!

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (301-401)

Sorry that this one got a little long. I have been keeping my journal up, but have not had the time to post for a little while.

301. Hungry boys that eat well and appreciate their meals.

302. Duck calls.

303. Family game time.

304. Grateful hearts for birthday outings.

305. Excited cry as they reach the pinnacle.

306. Special breakfast.

307. Days off during the week.

308. The smell of toast in the toaster.

309. Zumbo Kiss peppermint.

310. Glow-sticks.

311. Bandages.

312. That He never gives up on me!

313. Waking up to the smell of chicken stock cooking.

314. Hot tea with honey.

315. Excitement for Awana verses.

316. Gifts brought for brothers with Awana bucks.

317. Creative play.

318. 3 boys doing school work in harmony.

319. Home wax kits.

320. Visits from old friends.

321. Coloring in the lines!

322. Thinking outside the box.

323. Cozy spaces with those you love.

324. Peaceful heart.

325. Friends confidence.

326. Working together in the kitchen.

327. Singing as a family.

328. Clock memory games.

329. The proud smile of the couple next to me as they watch their daughter swim.

330. One minute it is snow/wind/clouds and the next minute sunshine!

331. Cannon ball dives.

332. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.

333. Frosty whiskers on the dog on our morning run.

334. The smell of baking bread filling my nose as I walk into the house.

335. Fresh breath.

336. Ice cold water.

337. Eagerness for reading the bible.

338. Heavy snowfall on Sunday afternoons.

339. Upbeat music making the boys dance unprompted.

340. Clean uncluttered cabinets.

341. Talks into the night with the Mr.

342. The countdown before the rocket takes off.

343. The sound of boots running in the snow.

344. The smoke as the rocket takes off.

345. The smell of sugar free suckers.

346. Sounds of walkie-talkie fun.

347. Coffee brewing.

348. Memory work put to practice.

349. My boys reading to me.

350. Lunch with dear friends.

351. New library cards.

352. The pink only found in a sunset.

353. Walking into the warm house.

354. His smile from across the table.

355. Boys in aprons.

356. Spelling tests.

357. The hum of a kazoo.

358. Family diet changes.

359. Fresh page on the calendar.

360. Excitement of soccer with a friend this spring.

361. Smiles from strangers as we buzz through the store.

362. Smell of rotisserie chicken.

363. Candlelit meal time.

364. Juice out of wine glasses.

365. Hungry family well fed.

366. "I will help..." cards.

367. Cheerful attitudes.

368. Weekends.

369. Bible verses put to song and sung!

370. A warm oven baking on a cold day.

371. Snow tracks to keep me from slipping on my morning run.

372. My youngest taking off his socks to dance and totally rock out!

373. Mail from our sponsor child.

374. Dancing with such excitement you need a water break.

375. Looking at the snow falling to feel like we are in a beautiful snow globe.

376. Early run before the plows are out. so peaceful.

377. Matthew 18:15-20 out to action in the other room.

378. Play-doe.

379. Coconut oil.

380. The house creaking from the cold as I am snuggled in with hot tea.

381. The smell of peppermint.

382. The sound of wheels across the floor as derby cars are completed.

383. The "grit" in face scrub.

384. Honey!

385. The smell of the grill in the middle of winter.

386. Salty peanuts.

387. Eager helpers.

388. Realizing there are only 12 weeks left of the school year.

389. Anticipation of snow.

390. Watching big boy play 1/2 time basketball.

391. Awana derby cars.

392. The boys cheering their cars on as they race down the track.

393. Time with dad in the shop.

394. Singing praises into the night.

395. The sound of the washer cleaning our clothes.

396. The surprise of a made bed.

397. Completion of another Awana book.

398. Boy eager to read the bible to himself.

399. Splash made by big kicks on swim lessons.

400. The beauty of snow storms.

401. Unexpected nights at home.

7 And Ready For Anything!

Our oldest is 7. Can it be? Noah is ready for anything, shooting, camping, fishing, tea time, cooking breakfast, drawing, gardening, hunting, the list goes on.....

Always ready for adventure!

I was laying in bed this morning thanking God for you Noah and I kept coming back to  Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. In my mind this is a great verse for you. You are kind, tenderhearted, easily forgiving and love Christ. I could not be more proud of the young man you are growing to be. I cannot wait to see all that He has in store for you sweet boy. I love that you love the Lord, others, animals, the outdoors, school, sports. You make your dad and I smile everyday.

 Eager to wear a tie (or camo, whatever the occastion calls for)

Mama loves you buddy! 

Your dad and I will never forget how our lives changed 7 short years ago. Even with the broken collarbone that you got during delivery, you were the happiest baby!

 We have loved every second with you! You are truly a blessing from the Lord!

 Photo shoot with daddy after coming home from the hospital. Can you tell which feet are Noah's?