The Finish Line

Well the race was this morning. And we all got up at varied times during the hour of 5am to get on out there. Hannah had a rough week of teething all this week, but God blessed us with a good night’s sleep 2 nights ago that helped during the race. Sadly, last night I got barely over 6 hours of sleep with my rough teether waking up 3 times (every 2 hours) in the night. Yeah, not a great start to the already early morning, but not once did I ever think to let the poor thing cry so I could get more sleep in preparation for the run.

Our precious friend, Jessica, joined us to care for the girls while Matt and I were in the race. I cannot say enough about this wonderful woman in Christ. Her heart is so beautiful and how she loves my girls… makes this Mommy’s heart so thankful and hopeful that my girls will turn out like her some day.

So after parking a little after 6:15am, we waited out one of the last waves of the storm in the van. When we got too antsy and Hannah had an opportunity for her morning nursing session, we loaded up the girls and headed in to the Start line. Potty, a dropped shoe, and kisses later, we took these two pictures and headed to the Start line.

We were multitasking in stretching too. You know, that’s why Matt only has one leg. Hehehe.

And these little ladies did WONDERFULLY while we were racing. And Jessica took these sweet little pictures during their wait at the Finish Line. =)

Of course Ducky came too. =)

She’s getting so big.

Bless her little heart.

We were hoping to finish at 3 hours. And my personal goal was not to walk at all during the 13.1 miles.

We ended up finishing at 2 hours and 53 minutes and 52 seconds. And I did not walk at all.

Shortly after crossing the finish line we found the girls on the sidelines. Sweet little Hannah was out cold in the stroller and had been so for almost 2 hours. Rachael was just tall enough to see over the wall. And little Abi didn’t quite make it without assistance. It was sweet to see Matt pick her up over the wall and carry her through the finishing food/drink distribution lines before we were out of the runners finishing area and free to mingle with our family. The girls took turns wearing and holding our participation medals. And dear Rachael told us at least ten times throughout the morning that she was really proud of us. – Sweet thing.

We started across the start line holding hands and finished through the finishing gates and across the finish line holding hands. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate and friend in my life. I am so blessed beyond measure to accomplish this life goal alongside my Matthew.

I am so glad the girls were able to be there, even though it was early, and raining at one point. And a lot of waiting. They are our little world and it was such a blessing to share in the moments together.

Matt and I both agreed at mile 12 that we both have NO desire to ever run a half marathon again, but would like to make a lifestyle out of 5K’s and maybe even 10K’s in overly ambitious moments. Both of our knees are shot and EVERYTHING hurts. But today as we pop the tylennol and rub our sore muscles, we are just so thankful that this goal was accomplished. And is behind us. 😉

**** Thanks be to God, for the motivation and the strength. He is more than sufficient. And He surely provided. SURELY. Thank You, Lord. Thank You.

September 21, 2013 0

Another Mailed Treasure

And while you had a little preview of the mailed treasure this past Friday through the form of a little boy’s utter and uncontrollable joy, I wanted to share a few other reactions to another sweet package from my dear Darlene. I know she doesn’t send packages so she can get credit, but I want her to see those sweet faces she has reached out to again and again from across the country.

Let’s start with Mr. Happy:

Seriously you could send Mr. Happy a box of rocks and the kid would be THRILLED!

But I’m glad you choose practical gifts. 😉

And then there comes Ms. Smiley:

Nice choice on the ice cream cones. It spoke to her heart… seriously, the kid is three. 😉

And then there was Ms. Screamer:

“SHE SENT ME A TUTU DRESS!!!!”

Nice choice, Darlene. Well done for sure.

And then came the Emotionless:

Nevermind her look of mild disgust, she’s just trying to figure out the glittery tissue paper. 😉

Her later response:

That’s right, flabbergasted. Hehe.

From then on my job became making sure the littlest ones did not eat too much, ahem, tissue paper while the other ones RAN ABOUT THE ROOM screaming in joy about their coloring books.

So thank you again, dear friend.

You have blessed them indeed.

August 19, 2013 1

Mr. Wonderful

Someone delightful turned 6 this past summer.

And we had a transformers birthday of fun with the cousins.

Sweet Big Guy,

We may only get to know you for a short part of your life, but you have blessed us so. You have opened our eyes to unconditional love. And raise a crazy boy who loves crazy boy stuff. You have pushed us to be better friends. And family to one we cannot keep. You have challenged me to listen better. And challenged me to think harder at how to teach someone who I am just getting to know. Your reckless laughter. Your over-the-top excitement. God has protected and sheltered you so. I know you miss your Mom. I hear you when you tell me your heart is broken, I know you want to be there… while you are wanting to be here. I know I tell you to control yourself. And for goodness sakes stop running and rough-housing. I know I even push you to remember 2 step directions and focus on telling one story at a time. I know I ask a lot of you. It’s because I love you. I hope you hear that enough from me. I hope you really receive my hugs. I hope you really receive my “I love you, buddy” reminders.

You have changed me. You have grown me. Thanks for giving me a second chance. Thanks for being willing to talk to me. And share some of your hurts. Thanks for playing with me and rolling down hills with me.

You are a wonderful boy. You love hard. You are so full of life. And you have so much ahead of you.

Run hard, dear one. Run hard after “right”. Ask more people if they pray and remind them that they should (just like you did that lady that drives you to visits). Be brave enough to tell your brothers when they are mean to you. Rise to the challenge of seeing bad examples and choosing to “do the right thing”.

I’m really proud of you, sweet boy. You have risen to the challenge again and again.

You should be proud of yourself.

You are a wonderful boy.

A WONDERFUL boy.

Happy birthday, Big Guy.