3/30/06

Well, it has been a few days. I guess I have been spending all of my free time reading other peoples' posts, I haven't gotten around to posting my own. Last I wrote, I had just run 5 miles. Well, last Sunday, I ran for 7.3 miles and it took me 1 hour and 26 minutes. WOW! When I got home, I burst into the house, tears rolling down my cheeks and I said, "I did it!" Todd said, "What? What did you do?" I then proceeded to tell him that I ran from our house to the Arboretum (a local shopping place) and back...a total of 7.2 miles. He was very proud of me.

Now for the second piece of exciting news...Michael is doing really well with the potty. Everyday he gets better and better. Don't get me wrong...it has been a long week. But just tonight he said, "Mommy, poo poo potty!" So I took him to the potty and he did his #2 business right then and there. Praise God! And I do mean that. There have been numerous times the past couple of days that Michael and I have prayed together for him to develop the desire to be friends with the potty and keep his pants dry. Because no problem is too small to bring to the Lord, RIGHT? :)

I am thankful for...

1. my sister-in-law, Carey, who knows me and loves me! I don't even have to say what I am thinking out loud...she just knows. And I am so proud of her. She has been confronted with so many difficulties the past three years, yet she remains kind and compassionate. AND...she is a wonderful mother...exactly what little BIG James needs. She is just perfect for him and he couldn't have asked for better. Thanks for being such a wonderful example to me, Carey.

2. my friend, Amy, who just called and started our conversation by apologizing for interrupting my time with Todd. Little did she know, Todd won't be home til late, late, late. But, how nice and thoughtful was that?

3. my mom, Anu, and Nonie and Howie being so excited when we called them about Michael going poo poo in the potty. YEAH!

4. the Costco lady giving me a cookie too!

5. Daniel doing so well with standing. He is going to start walking any day now. AND...I saw a molar coming through in the back of his mouth!

6. my friend, Jason, who is done with his surgery and on the road to recovery.

7. Todd being soooooo silly. Most people don't know that about him.

8. my long hair...it just keeps getting longer!

9. my runner's handbook that I am reading.

10. my wedding ring. Not because of how it looks, but because of what it reminds me of. Every now and then I find myself staring at it, thinking about the wonderful creation God made when He brought me and Todd together. What a blessing Todd has been in my life.

3/23/06

So, yesterday I ran, for the first time, FIVE miles. Wow! When I think back to the beginning of the year, and how I couldn't even run for 1 minute, I find myself amazed. Running 5 miles took me one second shy of 60 minutes. That is a long time. And, while I do spend my time listening to music, my thoughts begin to wander. Yesterday I found myself comparing my running life to my spiritual life.

Before I started running, I knew there was more to life than what I was doing. There was something about being able to run that peaked my interest and got me excited. The same with God...before I really dedicated my life to Him, I had the quiet whisper in my heart telling me to keep looking because there was something better for me.

The first day I ran with music was great. It helped me get focused so that I could get into the runnning zone that I so desperately needed. I guess I compare this to reading the bible, Christian books/articles, and listening to good Christian music and sermons on cd. These are all things that I can, and mostly do, by myself. These are tools that focus my life in Christ, and energize me for what life has to offer.

And then Sarah came to visit and I had a running partner at last!!! It is sooooo much better running with somebody else...even if separated on the track. Just knowing the other person is there, struggling and succeeding alongside me made a whole lot of difference. Having her there also kept me accountable to a respectable pace, and although I sometimes felt like walking, I didn't. For me, this is synonymous to having a close friend or small group of friends who are also trying to live Christ-centered lives. They help me and guide me. They keep me accountable and they pray for me. They also believe in God's word and His promises. It makes a difference when I have other Christians around me. It is hard to walk alone...just like it is hard to run alone.

Of course, there was my little FOUR mile race! That was awesome. Being surrounded by those other runners got me so excited. I had butterflies fluttering around in my tummy. When we started the race, I ran at a much faster pace than usual. Being with the crowd pushed me further and harder than when I ran with just Sarah, and especially when I ran alone. I finished with a time that beat my personal best by 4 minutes. Wow! For me, the race is like being involved in an active, vibrant church, like mine and Todd's, Southbrook. I love being in the sanctuary when it is filled to the max with people who know and love the Lord. I love being part of a group that is so much greater than just little me, singing and worshiping to the one, true God. The church, God's church, pushes me further and harder than I would go if I were just by myself. That is one of the many reasons why it is so important to get involved in a God-centered church, not just watch from the sidelines.

Lastly, someday I want to run a really big race, like the New York marathon... a race that has tens of thousands of people running in it. I want to feel the excitement in the air, and I want to witness the awesomeness of being with an incredibly large group of people who all enjoy doing the same thing...running. I can only imagine what a thrill that will be for me someday. Just like I can only imagine what it will be like to be reunited with my Lord, in heaven, where I will join the heavenly host in praising His glorious name. That, of course, will blow the marathon out of the water! And what a joy that will be. I know that my time here on earth is nothing but a short jog compared to the eternal marathon that I will run in heaven. Now that will be the race I will never want to finish.

I am thankful for...

1. having such nice neighbors. I told them today that we are thinking about moving. They were sad. I told them they needed to help me find good neighbors to move in to our house. If any of you know anybody who would be interested, give them our number.

2. Daniel being such a snuggle-bunny. Someday soon, he is going to be too big and too busy to snuggle! Bummer!

3. Amy, Caroline and Catherine coming over for lunch today. I love watching Caroline and Michael play together. And I, of course, love spending time with my dear friend.

4. my friend Tricia, having a baby boy yesterday. Hopefully I will get to see her and meet him soon.

5. my computer working today when I REALLY needed it to. Sometimes I never know and today I was pleasantly surprised.

6. the very nice conversation I had with my brother-in-law, Steve. He is a really good guy and I enjoy talking with him.

7. getting to see Will and Marcelis, the landscapers. I haven't seen them in a long time and it was nice to catch up.

8. the flowers in the yard starting to bloom. It is going to be super-gorgeous soon!

9. getting all caught up on 24.

10. my stress level being very minimal. This is such an incredible blessing and I have God and Todd to thank. I have been blessed more than I will ever even come close to deserving, and Todd is amazing for giving me such a wonderful home life.

3/20/06

RACE DAY was fantastic. Sarah, Amy P. and I had a great time and we all did a super job. It is amazing when I think back to how pathetic I was just 2 months ago. I never would have thought I could (and would) run a 4 mile race. Thanks to everyone who was so supportive of me. I will keep you up to date on my progress and then next race!

I am thankful for...

1. Amy and Mike Parrott and their children, Melanie Chitwood, Anu, Sarah and Ben, Michael and Daniel all coming to the race to cheer me on. I am especially thankful for Todd and all of his words of encouragement. I look forward to running some races with him in the future. I am so glad that he is my best friend. I couldn't ask for better.

2. the wonderful card Ashley Pyle and family sent to me. I rarely get to see Ashley and it was so thoughtful of her to send me a card wishing me the best of luck during the race. I re-reminded me that I need to reach out to people more often. I know how much it means to me!

3. my Aunt Vanessa, who completed who first marathon yesterday and gave all of the glory to God. Good job Vanessa! We are all so proud of you. I watched your interview on the Today Show this morning and tears came to my eyes. I am touched that your beautiful babies inspired you to accomplish such an incredible goal.

4. Todd having such a wonderful birthday party. Wow! I am married to a 32 year old!

5. Sarah, Anu, and Todd helping me make Todd's birthday super special and for the Parrotts, who came over to help us celebrate.

6. Sarah returning home safe and sound with Ben.

7. DVRs

8. having a quiet house, even though we loved having Sarah, Ben and Anu here.

9. the wonderful sleep I was blessed with last night.

10. the helpful hints family and friends give me with respect to raising the boys. I greatly appreciate the, "have you tried this" suggestions. It makes child-rearing much easier.

3/15/06

I LOVE having Sarah and Ben here, and so do Todd, Michael and Daniel. We are having so much fun and I wish I could live next to her always. I am already sad that Sunday is closing in on us. Makes me SAD!

I am thankful for...

1. Sarah babysitting ALL of the boys while Todd and I went out and had a spectacular dinner at Barrington's. YUMMY!! And to top it off, she said Daniel and Michael were very good.

2. eating lunch wit Michael at his school. We decided to pick him up early, and I just so happened to get him right at lunch time. So instead of rushing, I chose to sit, and eat with him and his friends and I had a great time. Michael, even though he can be quite a handful at times, is so sweet and I enjoy him soooo much.

3. Todd and Sarah getting along so well. It reminds me of how much I enjoy spending time with My sister-in-law, Carey's, husband, Steve.

4. my friend Cassie, sending me the most wonderful email today. He words inspired me and made me so happy. Thank you Cassie for being so sincere and reflective. I just happened to be thinking about you today, wondering how you were doing. We have to get the boys together soon.

5. my great shopping spree today. Toddy's birthday is coming up soon.

6. the great runs Sarah and I have been going on. I am so proud of her....and me. We both ran 4 miles without stopping yesterday.

7. strict schedules. I think that is why it has been so easy to handle all of the boys.

8. the countless number of blessings in my life. Why I am so blessed, I don't know. Thank you God.

9. my mom. Even though she is soooooo silly and indecisive, I love her so much.

10. my friend Jason. Please pray for his upcoming surgery and possible job change.

3/12/06

We are having such a great time with Ben and Sarah, even though Daniel's expression says otherwise. It is so much fun to have a cousin and Auntie around to play with. Too bad Uncle Mark isn't here to join in on the fun. I looked at Sarah yesterday and told her what a bummer it was that she only has a week left. Funny...this is the most time we have ever spent together, and I feel it slipping away so quickly. We get a long so well, even when we disagree. It is such a blessing to have Sarah in my life. Thank you God and thank you Mark!

I am thankful for...

1. all three boys taking naps right now.

2. the great runs we have been going on. Sarah and I have been going to the track and she is doing such a good job. Each time we go she accomplishes a personal best. We only have a week before our big race, and we need to prepare.

3. Melanie Chitwood sending me an email a while ago, asking how my running was going. Well Melanie, I stopped for a week because I was sick, but I am back on track. Last night I ran four miles in 48 minutes.

4. the beautiful flowers and balloons Uncle Rick sent to us. Wow! What a treat!



5. The great weather we have been having.

6. Mark doing such a great job with realty. And more importantly, how he turns to God for wisdom in every decision he makes.

7. my Sunday school class this morning. We talked about a sensitive subject, and they were all very mature and focused.

8. Fiesta Mexicana last night.

9. the new undergarments Sarah reintroduced to me!

10. Todd getting the boys dressed in really cute clothes this morning. He is such a help to me.

3/08/06

Uncle Rick is back visiting with us (even though this picture is from his last visit). Great Uncle Rick is Todd's Father's Father's brother. He is in town seeing a local doctor, and we are honored to have him as a distinguished guest. Hopefully we'll see him more often.

I am thankful for...

1. being available to help out Great Uncle Rick.

2. the great discussion Sarah and I had tonight on the couch...don't worry, we paused American Idol, so as not to miss a single moment.

3. the way Ben waves his hands up and down and makes funny noises when he gets excited. He also has the most interesting squat you've ever seen. His fanny touches the floor every time.

4. getting to watch all of the boys splash around in the bath tonight. They have so much fun banging their hands around in the water. Fun Fun Fun!

5. the great left over meal we had tonight. Last night Sarah made a Sicilian meat roll and it was superb. We had it again tonight with different sides and it was yummy all over again.

6. GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!!

7. Todd installing a video camera in the playroom. It meant so much to our families! And he is so thoughtful.

8. good dental care...even though it means I have to wear retainers for a long time now!

9. being reminded, by a certain great-uncle, of the importance of caring for and loving my boys every single day, never taking them for granted or letting frustration overwhelm me. My children need to be loved and cherished and that is why God gave them to me. I am their mother, and I need to always remember that it is my blessing to have them in my life.

10. the lessons that I have learned from other people, whether it be through conversation or by reading blogs. Being able to learn from somebody else's experience is a true gift.

3/6/06

We are having such a good time with Auntie Sarah and Cousin Ben!!! The boys get along wonderfully and Sarah seems to be adjusting nicely in Amyland. Except for the fact that Michael has not been feeling well, the visit has been great. I would like to ask for everyone's prayers for Michael's health...so that he gets over his cold and fever...and for Ben and Daniel...so that they remain healthy. Tomorrow, Michael has his speech lesson in the morning and then we are free the rest of the day. Maybe we'll go to the park! FUN!

I am thankful for...

1. the wonderful quiet time this morning/afternoon when all of the boys were sleeping and I settled down to have a quiet time with God and read through some scripture. It was exactly what I needed in order to get through the day with a positive and gentle attitude. By the way, thank you Dan Prince for the great Lenten Devotional. I really like it.

2. Sarah feeling comfortable enough in our home to take the van and head off to the mall with Ben. Todd and I want her to enjoy her time here and feel at home. I am glad that she can be sincere in communicating her needs and wants. (She was very clear in communicating the desire not to have stuffed salmon for dinner last night. HA HA!)

3. the gorgeous weather today...I know I say that a lot, but it is really nice out right now.

4. my friends, Tim and Michelle, adopting a new baby boy. They are amazing people and they set a loving example to others around them. Please keep them in your prayers, as well as little Trevor, as they embark on this new adventure.

5. Daniel being able to entertain himself for over an hour by playing with a balloon. Interesting how the $40 gifts are thrown down after 2 minutes, but a silly balloon from Harris Teeter lasts forever, or until Michael pops it.

6. CRASH winning Best Picture last night. I really like it!

7. the book of Philippians. Again, it needs to be said that this might be my all time favorite book in the bible. It is my prayer that I can attain the kind of joy Paul discovered in Christ.

8. Todd thoughtfully considering the future of our little family, and what would be best for us. It calms me to know that he makes the decisions in our family, and it comforts him to know that I completely trust his judgment and guidance.

9. Mom and Nonie going online to see the boys tonight. We had fun chatting three ways while the boys played.

10. Ben delightful personality. He is such a joy. I look forward to spending time with him during the next 2 weeks, and getting to know him better.

3/1/06

My mom is a very special lady. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful things she does, but that would take all day and I am sure you all have tons of things to do! Specifically, however, my mom does something very unique for our boys (and her other grandson, Ben, as well). Every month on their birthdate anniversary, the 25th for Michael and the 22nd for Daniel, my mom (and dad) mail the boys a card and often times a gift as well. The gifts have included books, cds, dvds, stickers,etc...and there is always some moola, usually pertaining to how old the boys are. The gifts are great, but they are second to the genuineness of the cards/letters. Every month my mom chronicles what happened in the boys' lives. She "tells" them what new things they've accomplished, where they traveled, new news in the family, and much more. Her letters represent a diary of their lives and they are priceless. In addition, she chooses something very specific to pray for regarding each grandson. For example, this month she prayed for Michael's eyes. I know that she is constantly praying for our boys and that is the greatest gift of all. I couldn't ask for anything more important than prayer.

Thank you mom, for caring so much about our children. I look forward to one day reading the letters to them. I envision them eagerly waiting to hear all that happened in their lives when they were just babies. I know this takes a lot of time and energy, but it is so appreciated. Proverbs 31:28a states, "Her children arise and call her blessed," and I have a feeling your grandchildren will say the same. God continues to bless your life and you continue to bless ours. Even though we live far, far away, we love you so much and you are such an important part of our lives.

I am thankful for...

1. having a mom and dad who love me, my husband, and our children.

2. the gorgeous weather today. Tis a good day for running...and that is exactly what I am going to do!

3. Michael getting to wear a short-sleeved shirt to school today. He looked so cute. He is turning into such a little boy.

4. Nonie and Howie watching on the web camera last night. I love how interested they are in our lives. Also, I love how excited they get when they hear Michael say their names. It is a dream come true for them.

5. Todd liking the yummy new recipe I cooked last night and then helping to clean up all of the dishes. I appreciate that he works so hard during the day, yet comes home and pays attention to me and the boys and helps me do the dishes. What a blessing he is, and don't I know it!

6. that Daniel gets so excited when I give him a spoon to play with...CRAZY kid! And he can hold his own bottle and feed himself now.

7. that the "pillars"of the bible, such as Sarah and Rebekah, were just as messed up as I am sometimes. I am so glad God uses messed up people to get His work done. Even though I am far from being perfect, He can use me!

8. Sarah and Ben wanting to come and spend some time with us while their house is being remodeled. What fun we are going to have!!!

9. getting the van washed yesterday. I love having a shiny, clean car!

10. the grocery store being close enough for me and the boys to walk to.