A time to grieve...

Lately it seems like everywhere I turn I am crossing paths with hurting people. It seems that this seems to be a "season of grief" for so many around me. This past Friday one of my friends lost her mother too early, and very unexpectedly. Also in the same week my family received some very bad news about a close family friend that is dying of cancer (also too young to be leaving us), and only has a few weeks to live. Not to mention that last week started with the Virginia Tech shootings. So much unbelievable hurt & loss all in the same week....it got thinking and praying.

In times like these the one thing that I've learned NOT to do is question the goodness of God. Why? Because I believe that God is good. Without God...goodness would not exist. These people we love and cherish would not be "good" if God was not good. If God was not love, then love would cease to exist. So, who am I to challenge the goodness of God? Without God & His infinite wisdom and power I would not know such love. Am I making any sense?

I know there is not going to be an answer that I can comprehend with my human mind to all of the "why?" questions out there. In times like these I've learned to just pray for peace...for hope...for comfort. My heart just aches for all of the hurt and loss that burdens those who I love and care about. No...it just doesn't seem fair. However, I know that God is just...and one day we will have the answers to all the "why questions". Since those answers won't come this side of heaven I'll continue to pray for peace right now.

"On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken."
-Isaiah 25:6-8

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD the LORD, is the rock eternal."
-Isaiah 26:3-4

I GIVE UP!!!!

I mentioned in my anniversary post the strange phenomenon that happens to Jon and I every time we try to plan a weekend "getaway" (all hell breaks loose!), yet for some reason I tried once again to test fate. I had planned for some time to run the St. Louis half-marathon with a group of running friends from TNT. For some unknown reason I thought "Hey, maybe THIS could be a good opportunity for Jonathan and I to get a weekend away...just the two of us". Sounds like a good plan, eh? SO, the plans were made. The hotel was booked (a beautiful Sheraton just a few blocks from the start line), plans were made with friends, and we even scheduled a late-checkout time at the hotel to give us extra time to stay and enjoy the city after I was done running. The plan was "perfect".

Let me share with you how the trip started out.....

Susan and Theresa had these cute blue shirts made for everyone that said: "St. Louis or bust!"


We just couldn't resist!


I have no idea what this bronzed bunny is supposed to be doing????


Now, does this look like the face of someone who is about to barf their brains out in about 7 hours?

So, now you can probably guess the end of the story....

After spending a lot of time, money, and a TREMENDOUS effort planning a great weekend getaway, we got to spend about two hours of "fun time" together before I woke up at 2:30 a.m. sick as a dog! I spent the majority of my time in St. Louis on the bathroom floor of our hotel puking non-stop. Finally, after throwing up every little sip of water I swallowed, I made the decision to QUIT drinking anything and just drag my butt to the car for the torture ride home.

Folks, I cannot remember another time in my whole life where I was in such agony! My poor hubby drove as fast as he could to get us home, and by the time we made home I was begging him to take me ANYWHERE to get help! Like any good husband would do he drove me straight to an ER where I finally got some relief! My diagnosis....a horrid sinus infection, coupled with a "fun" bladder infection, topped off with what we could only assume was either food poisoning or the stomach flu! How's that for a slap in the face?



It's like God was trying to tell me something...no? Because, Lord knows I'm stubborn enough to run a half-marathon with a sinus infection AND a bladder infection. It was the whole "puking-until-I-cried-for-mercy" thing that put the final nail in the coffin I think. Now, if I could only get an answer to why my husband and I can't catch a break. That one will remain one of life's greatest mysteries.....

Easter Fun!

Everybody say it with me.... AWWWWW! I actually found matching dresses for the girls this year & they were so cute! I even sort of matched them as well, although that really wasn't planned. I was just wearing the same Easter outfit that I've worn for the past three years (at least the ones were I wasn't pregnant)-ha! That's the price you pay when you spend all your money on cute little girl clothes, instead of clothes for yourself.

I bought these hilarious bunny ears on the dollar aisle at Target, thinking the kids wouldn't really wear them. However, I was pleasantly surprised when they were a hit on Easter Day! In fact, they didn't want to take them off the whole day!

*Thanks, Avery! I loved your "bunny impression"... you rock!


Nothing says "cute" like "Z-Man" in fuzzy bunny ears. Poor thing! His mommy wouldn't let him have a real peep, so he had to chew on a little stuffed one. Maybe next year little man.

Finally...no Easter is complete without a "Little White" melt-down! This year we had the good pleasure of being an audience to Maya - the "drama queen" AND her big brother Chandler - the "YOU NO TELL ME NO" king!

Two acts are always better than one :-)

*Sorry buddy....don't think you are going to fit under the couch. You're going to have to find a better pouting place (sigh).



*Although it is against my tradition, there were no outdoor pictures on Easter this year. Seeing as it was a whopping 34 degrees, I couldn't bear to drag myself or the kids outside for that sort of torture. Geez, we had better weather for Christmas this year. I'm still not sure this is Spring, cause I'm still wearing the puffy winter coat over here & I'm just a little bitter about it!

Toothpaste facial?

The other day I realized the house was way too quiet & my heart was immediately stricken with fear! I began looking for the kids, and as I turned the corner from the kitchen to the back bathroom I heard the sound of Maya's voice quietly jabbering to herself.

When I opened the bathroom door THIS is what I saw! After I had a good laugh (and took this picture), I asked Maya "what are you doing?". It was at this point that she furrowed her little brow, and gave me a look that said "what do you think I'm doing?" It was very clear that Maya, like all women, was inventing a new way to deep cleanse her baby pores. You know, you can never start good facial cleansing habits too early!


After LOUDLY protesting my "intervention" in her pore cleansing experiment, she surprised me by turning to the medicine cabinet to put the toothpaste back on the shelf. That's my girl!

Ahhh... it's nice to know I'm teaching her good habits at such a young age :-). She is definitely a girl....had this been Chandler's "experiment", he would have eaten the whole tube of toothpaste and then flushed the tube down the toilet just to see what happens!

The God Who Sees Me.

Last year I did an incredible Bible Study by Beth Moore called "The Patriarchs". Obviously this study was focused primarily on the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, if any of you have ever done a Beth Moore study then you know that your study is going to take you from Genesis to Revelation & then back again!

Without sounding like I "worship" Beth Moore, I'll just say this is a woman who is truly anointed by God. NEVER.... EVER have I gotten so much out of a Bible Study. If someone had told me 5 years ago that I would be EXCITED to study the genealogy of Abraham, much less to be forever changed by reading 49 chapters of Genesis, I probably would have laughed out loud. But, that was before this study!

During this study I began to see God as a personal God....my God....my savior. It sounds a little strange to say that since I grew up in a Christian home, with wonderful, godly parents. Maybe it was because of my "safe" upbringing that I didn't really try to "own" my faith. I just sort of accepted the faith of my family.

Fast-forward to last year. I was (and still am to some degree) really wrestling with what I truly believe. Who is God to ME. What does my faith mean to ME. This may sound silly, or even selfish, but I was searching for something that made God seem real to me. I'd spent SO MUCH of my life listening to my parents and Sunday school teachers tell me who God was, that I don't think I ever stopped to figure that out for myself.

Two weeks into the Patriarchs study we were Studying the life of Hagar. Now, Hagar doesn't exactly hold the most coveted role among women in the Bible, but her story touched me deeply. Hagar was Sarai's maidservant, who Sarai gave to Abraham to have a child with. When Hagar became pregnant she despised Sarai (wouldn't you?) and Sarai mistreated her. It didn't take long for Hagar to get tired of being mistreated & she fled from Sarai. Can you imagine that? Really? First of all, you are given a lowly position of being someones "maidservant", then you are "given" to this chicks husband to have a baby with. Once you get pregnant... you are expected to be happy about it, and willingly give this child up to a woman who is treating you badly! Does that even seem fair?

Yet, God...the LORD (the I AM...the covenant God... Yahweh) God saw Hagar. In all her shame and hurt, while she was traveling all by herself back to Egypt, God looked down on her and chose HER to reveal himself to. The LORD sought her out. God was looking for Hagar! In the midst of Hagar's greatest time of loneliness and pain, in her humiliation, HE...GOD found Hagar (Genesis 16:7-15)! Isn't God amazing?

What's more touching about this story (to me at least) is the name Hagar gave to God after she encountered him there in the middle of the desert. She gave God the name "El Roi" which means "The God who sees me". The first time I read Genesis 16:13 (where Hagar gives God this name) I wept for a long time. Why? Because, who doesn't want to feel "seen" or "known"? I believe it's a basic human instinct to want to be known and understood...to be seen. I LOVE that God chose Hagar to reveal himself to, because that shows me that God sees me too. Who am I that God should see me?

Hagar's story gave me a new perspective on who God is. My whole life it made perfect sense to me that God would reveal himself to biblical characters such as Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. But, me....NO WAY! God would never do that for me...right? I never saw myself as "worthy" of God's attention in that way. I always thought that I was the one who had to seek God out & hope that I was worthy enough to be given a "morsel". In my mind I was never "good enough" to be given great things to, or "bad enough" to be saved in a miraculous way! I think I saw myself as invisible to God. I thought of myself as "nothing special" to be sought after.

God broke my heart when I read Hagar's story. I was Hagar! I was not really searching for God because I didn't think I was "good enough" to hear from God. I knew I had made mistakes, I knew I had some wrong thinking, and I was sure God had better stories to tell than my story. I just didn't see God as a God who sought after people like me. I can say for certain that God spoke to me that day in a very real way. He allowed me to see myself as "worthy" of being sought after by the almighty God. If he cared about a girl like Hagar enough to seek her out in the desert & reveal himself to her...then maybe he could do the same for me.

Beth Moore had a quote in that days lesson that said: "We are not an afterthought to God. We are the point of His involvement with this planet. He does not just tolerate us, He pursues us.". Amen!

************************************************************************************
She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said "I have now seen the One who sees me."

Genesis 16:13

Bass Pro!

Last week we visited the new Bass Pro that just opened. I have to say that I was a little (OK...A LOT) let down. The only other Bass Pro I had been to was the one in Springfield & this new one doesn't even come close to the Springfield one. But, we just wanted to get he kids out of the house & that's what we did :-) Anything you do with the "Three Little White's" in tow is never dull....or without a tantrum-LOL! Here are a few picture's. Enjoy!


Chandler was telling me about the "Bid Fwish" in the aquarium :-)

McKenna being a cute little ham for the camera. She was so cute all day. She talked to the fish in the aquarium for a LONG time. She has such a neat imagination.

Still talking to the fish!


Maya just wanted to pet the fish, so I found this cute bench for her to "pet".


This stuffed bear really freaked the kids out. They would just barely touch it then go screaming in the opposite direction!


Daddy and Channy picking out next years Christmas gift (yeah, right!!).



Maya wants the little red one :-)


This was just too sweet. McKenna is such a animal lover. She fell in love with this stuffed coyote (??I think that's what it was) & asked to go back and see him THREE times. She sat and talked to him like this for about 20 minutes & when we left she ran back to him and kissed him (I know...yuck!) and said "I love you little fox....you take care now, OK".


The kids had a great time in the camping section. They were all getting pretty tired by that time & they started to curl up in the sleeping bags for naps!
*************************************************************************************
*Karen, when you and Tom buy that $37,000 "Party Barge" you had better invite us out-LOL!

Random thoughts....and such.

Random Thoughts

*Today I received a anniversary card with a interesting message & a book of first class stamps. Yep, STAMPS! Wow....I'm touched??? The person who sent me this very belated anniversary card shall remain nameless....but those who know my family "situation" can probably guess who gave me such a "thoughtful" gift. Nothing says "I love You" like a book of stamps, eh? (*No, it was NOT from Jonathan....shame on you for thinking that!).


*We are well into the Lent season now, and I think I've come to the conclusion that most of my friends and family are giving up "blogging" for Lent. Anybody want to update their blog....anyone???

*Yesterday McKenna told me I was the bestest, most beautifulest Mommy in the whole world! Oh, and she also told me I have the "softest squishiest tummy skin too". Thanks, babe! I'm pretty fond of my "pizza dough" stomach too (hey, at least someone is fond of my flap that I like to call "abs").

*Maya has a "sweet" new phrase...... "GIVE BAAAAAAAAACK"! I love how the third child learns so quickly! Believe me, I don't have to fight any of her battles for her. She does just fine on her own! In fact, pretty soon I'm going to have to protect Chandler from HER! Jon calls Chandler and Maya "Pinky and The Brain"....Chandler's the brute & she's the boss!!! Ten years from now those two are going to send me to the "Crazy Home".
************************************************************************************* Random Pictures




I just smile every time I see this picture of Maya. It's just so...."her".

Me and Channy! The thought occurred to me that I should enjoy these years while my little boy is still "mine". I know there will come a day when he will give his heart to another woman & I'll lose the sweet little boy in this picture (sniff, sniff).


This is what I found McKenna and Maya doing one day! I LOVE how Maya is stuffed in a tiny suitcase for this "tea party"!! I think I'd ask for better accommodations :-).

Seriously.........Seriously!

Last week while I was rushing through Target looking for discounted pull-ups I saw something that still disturbs me...........








*Here we have the fashion pink raincoat AND hat-boots sold separately (because every dog just LOVES wearing a hat), the Leopard print velour hoodie (that was listed as an "essential" item), the chocolate brown "special occasion" evening gown (I'd like to know what "special occasion" one might have that they could possibly need such an item), the "DogGone" Dog music CD (music to calm your pets soul) & most importantly the inflatable air mattress for Rufus to take on those upcoming Spring camping trips!

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand how someone could love their animal & even get a kick out of buying cute dog bowls and maybe even a sparkly collar (because those are things animals have to actually use), but I think this is way TOO much! It disturbs me that the Paris Hilton's of the world have now set a new "standard" for dog owners to try to meet...or even out-do. The fact that someone would spend $100 (or more) on a dog "tote", or even have a valid use for a dog stroller (yes, they have those too) makes me wonder where their priorities are?? We are "humanizing" our pets to the point that I think people are really starting to get some screwed up thinking. We think nothing of humanizing a dog... buying them clothes, toys, strollers, and even expensive designer dog beds, but "humanize" an unborn baby.......WAIT A STINKING MINUTE! No! We can't and won't go there!! Has our society hit a new "low"? What do you think?

*I know I sound a little "huffy" about this.....but I'm really not. It was just one of those moments that got me thinking...you know? It's not that I'm "mad" at people who find it entertaining to dress up their pets (I know that I could never personally go there...but to each their own), I honestly started laughing when I saw dogie "bling bling" as part of the dog accessories. However, when I walked away from Target that night I just got to thinking how sad it was that we are teaching people to put the needs of animals on the same level as that of our children. I guess that's what got me. I KNOW no puppy is EVER gonna be as important or treasured to me as my kids are. Maybe that's all I'm trying to say....

[*stepping down off soap box]

Happy Valentine's Day! (a little late)

Happy Valentines Day (a day late)! Hope you had a great day yesterday & got to enjoy your loved ones. We had a bit of a crazy day, but we still managed to have some fun too. McKenna and I made home made play-dough & McKenna made some fun "Valentines" for me and Jonathan.


How Cute is that! She did this all by herself, without any help from me :-)

This was Daddy's Valentine!
************************************************************************************
These Have been a Valentine "favorite" in our home for the past couple of years!
They are called "Swedish Cream Wafers" & they are YUMMY! They are not very easy to make, but the end result is worth the effort!




*Here is the recipe if you want to try them at your home.







Wafer:

1 Cup butter, softened

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

*1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration

Cream:

1/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sifted confectioners sugar

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

food coloring



Directions:

1. Combine the 1 cup butter, cream, and sifted flour. Mix well and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

3. On a floured board, roll out 1/3 of the dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut with 1 1/2 inch round (or heart!) cookie cutter. Transfer rounds to waxed paper heavily covered with sugar. Turn rounds so that both sides are coated with sugar. place rounds on ungreased baking sheets and prick each round with a fork about four times. Repeat with remaining dough.

4. Bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes. Let cookies cool then put together with filling.

5. To make filling: Blend the remaining 1/4 cup of butter, confectioners sugar, egg yolk (I do not use this because Chandler is allergic to eggs), and vanilla together. Tint with food coloring. *You may double the filling for a nicer looking cookie :-)




6. Enjoy!

Dear Starwood....

Thank You.....
For choosing such a thoughtful health care plan that includes......zip....zilch....nadda....NOTHING! Thank you for seeing to it that our awesome "plan" does NOT cover ANY of Chandler's allergy, eczema, or asthma related medications. Thank you.....for seeing to it that our co-pays go UP each year while our benefits go DOWN. That was so thoughtful of you to make our family pay 1/3 or our yearly salary for "benefits" that do us no good. I really enjoyed having to spend $80.77 on Albuterol and the "AeroChamber Plus" tonight, just so my son could breathe without puking. Such a delight! What would I do without our rocking "benefits". You "saved" me $13 whole dollars at Walgreens tonight. Wow! Where would I be without those kind of "benefits"?

Oh, and I thought I might also add how much I enjoy watching my 3 year old son claw his skin till' it bleeds, while he wipes his runny nose on his bed sheets, while drawing in a wheezy shallow breath. Fantastic!

Can I get an 800 number to call and find out what exactly you DO cover? Because, so far I'm having a hard time figuring out what exactly is covered under my "plan". While I DO enjoy paying 90% of the cost for our prescriptions, I'm just wondering if there is any drug category you actually cover at oh, say.....50%. I'd be tickled pink if you payed at least that much some times.


*Anyone wanna guess what kind of Monday I had....

7 Years ago.....

On January 29th Jonathan & I celebrated our 7th anniversary! It sure doesn't seem like it's been 7 years since we said our wedding vows. A LOT has happened in those 7 years, so maybe time just flies when your having fun!

This is NOT the best picture of us, but I thought it was funny that when I tried to find a picture of just the two of us, it was IMPOSSIBLE! In fact, it's hard to find a picture WITH one of us in it! That's the price you pay when you spend your life behind the camera trying capture every cute move your children make-LOL!

Here is my:

"Top 7 Reasons Why I Love Being With Jonathan"

1. I get a front row seat the 1,000 different "voice talents" Jonathan can imitate (for the record I still laugh every time he does Hank Hill & Homer Simpson).
2. I have the good pleasure of being introduced to new music on a regular basis, as well as new "up and coming" music talent. Because of this, I may be the only female this side of the Mississippi that knows who the heck Andy Timmons or The Derek Trucks Band is and what the name of their last albums are.
3. He still tells me I'm beautiful....even after three kids and all the "love marks" they left behind (and by that I mean ON my behind!).
4. He lets me be "me". I talk too much & say stupid things ALL THE TIME & he just laughs at me & shakes his head. He "gets me"...which is a really hard thing to do considering that I don't always "get me".
5. He completes my thoughts when I've forgotten what the heck I was getting ready to say...or meant to say & it came out wrong (that's what being a mother of three kids 5 and under will do to you).
6. He has a beautiful smile & gorgeous blue eyes to match!
7. Each year with him gets better and better...............................

Enough.

It's been a rough couple of months, and I've felt exhausted in just about every area of my life. Mentally, physically, and emotionally I feel......well, spent. I've heard it said that when your life hits a place like this it would be wise to "be still" & listen for God's still small voice in your life. Sometimes we get a BIG sign from God & other times we may miss it if we are not looking for his hand at work. I think I miss it ALL the time. I will look back and say......"Oh....that was YOU at work in my life, God".

Amid all of the turmoil & disappointment I've been experiencing lately, I've been failing to see God's hand at work in my life. His love. The way he "covers me". The way he "lifts my head" when I've fallen. I've taken those things for granted & decided that I must have been alone during many of those hard times...but that couldn't be further from the truth!

Today, I feel like it's important to give God the credit for the many wonderful things He has done in my life (and will continue to do). Despite going through a very tough time right now, something beautiful has happened in my heart. I still have hope! I know the only reason I still have this hope is because God has been gracious enough to give me that gift right when I needed it. He really is a personal and loving God....it's just taken me 27+ years to see that!

So, why am I sharing this with you? Because I want you to be encouraged! I want you to to know God is a God of hope and healing! You see, I'm still not out of the "tunnel" (so to speak), but I am clinging to the hope that where God is leading me will NOT end in more darkness, but rather a very bright new beginning! For now, I put my hope and trust in a God that is enough...

*As I have been walking through this journey of faith my heart has been touched by the words to this worship song. I hope you will meditate on these words as well & come to find that Jesus really is "enough" for you. If you are in the middle of a dark "tunnel" ask God to stand beside you and lead you. Ask for BIG things! Ask Him to give you hope to believe that the end is going to be worth the journey that you had to take to get there. I believe God loves nothing more than to take your hand and lead you into something greater than what you could have imagined for yourself. He is such an awesome God in that way!

************************************************************************************

Enough Lyrics

Artist: Chris Tomlin

Album: Not To Us

"Enough"

All of You is more than enough for all of me

For every thirst and every need

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You is more than enough

*

You are my supply My breath of life

And still more awesome than I know

You are my reward worth living for

And still more awesome than I know

*

All of You is more than enough for all of me

For every thirst and every need

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You is more than enough

*

You're my sacrifice Of greatest price

And still more awesome than I know

You're the coming King You are everything

And still more awesome than I know

*

More than all I want More than all I need

You are more than enough for me

More than all I know More than all I can say

You are more than enough for me !

HERE is a link to the song-Enjoy!

The "Marathon Story".

*WARNING....THIS IS A VERY LONG POST*

Last Thursday I arrived in Orlando after a LONG day of travel & officially started my "marathon weekend". As most of you know, no one from my family was able to come along with me so I had to have a roommate during my stay. I was really nervous about the roommate situation, because I knew it was going to be someone I didn't know & had probably never met. As it turns out, I had a very pleasant roommate that was very busy with her family most of the time we were there, so it was almost like I DID have a private room. The first few days were a little slower pace, so it was nice to have some "alone time" for the first time in.....oh, 5 years!! The down time was great, but I quickly found myself anxious to "get on with things". The three days of waiting for the marathon day to come seemed like the three longest days of my life!


But....I used my time wisely-LOL!

I won't bore you all to death with the "little" details anymore....I'll move on to the "main event" details now :-).





*************************************************************************************
*Finally, after three day's of waiting my alarm went off at 2:00 a.m Sunday morning! Yep....you read that right...2:00 AM! I quickly bounced out of bed with nervous anticipation. I had tossed and turned all night long & watched the hours click by until I drove myself nutty. I think I got maybe 1-2 hours of sleep....maybe. I had placed all of my race gear out with meticulous care the night before (because I'm a nerd), so there wasn't a whole lot to do to get ready.


My anal-retentive side comes to life!






We boarded the buses at 3:00 a.m & we were finally on our way to the marathon start line! WOOOHOO!

This is my mentor Jodi :-)

Jen and I waiting.....and waiting.....








Once we got to the start line area we got to wait...and then wait some more! We arrived at the "holding area" about 3:30 & they actually had a live band playing & I began to get REALLY excited at that point. So much so, that my "nervous bladder syndrome" kicked in about three times (yes, I was WELL hydrated). We went from one holding area to our final "coral" (another holding area) where we were lined up about a mile from the start line(just about LOL!)...and then we waited some more!

By this point I was sure all the waiting was going to KILL me! I can't explain the sweet relief I felt when the fireworks went off at 6:00 am & the race was FINALLY underway! At 6:07 my foot hit the start mat & I was officially running my first marathon! The music, fireworks, and spectators were amazing at the start! I wish I would have taken some pictures of that, but I was way too excited to remember to do that:-).


Up to this point I haven't said anything about the HUMIDITY...but as you can see it was as thick as a blanket that morning. NO...it was NOT raining (the lens on my camera just didn't like the humidity). We were all soaked with sweat within the first five minutes of our run. So much for looking cute at the beginning!

Jodi and I....about mile 6 or so.

The sea of runners....and endless fog! This was a "WOW" moment for me when I got a good idea of enormity of this race. We shut down the highway for a few hours!


Heading toward Cinderella's castle!

In the Magic Kingdom, getting ready to run through the castle! *That's me on the left...it's kinda hard to tell in this picture.

The best part of doing the Disney Marathon is getting your picture taken with the characters! My kids think I'm SOOO cool now :-)


That's my coach running next to me (left). This was about mile 14 & I was telling him that I felt like I was going to have a asthma attack! At this point the heat and humidity really started to get to me.

Mile 17 (or so). Animal Kingdom was a nice "break"...so many fun things to look at. The sun was up & I could finally breathe a little better! Donald was too cute in the safari outfit...so I HAD to snap a picture :-)

"The Gang"...getting close to mile 19 (I think).


After the mile 22 "refreshment stop" I heard MOVE IT...MOVE IT....MOVE IT...PICK THOSE FEET UP SOLDIER...and I knew this was a picture worthy moment (even though my mouth was full).

Mile 23 was my first big "victory" of the day because up to that point the longest training run I had completed was only 22 miles! Yay! Only 3.2 to go!!

Mile 24...like my hat?

**To view my finish line photos you will have to click on THIS link. *You will have to click on the "Walt Disney World Marathon" (January 7th) My Bib # was 9918 :-)

Jodi, Me, and Susan (Left to Right) at the Finish Line. Can you tell we are all just a little happy.


Getting my finisher's medal

YAY!!!!!!

* I wish I could accurately express what the finish line felt like....but anything I could write would seem to fall short of the emotion that I felt at that point in time. It wasn't just about finishing 26.2 miles....it was the completion of a journey for me. This was more than just about running a race and finishing. This race was very near and dear to my heart, because it was something I felt like I HAD to do. Why? I'm not sure I can really answer that question in a satisfactory way to most people. All I know is that I felt an enormous "pull" to do this marathon, and I'm sure glad I followed through with that desire.

The end result has been profound. I see myself a little differently now. I see a much stronger person than I thought was possible. I've discovered that it really is OK to do something for myself, even though the majority of my life is dedicated to serving other people (something I am honored to be able to do). It's made me believe in myself. It's made me confident in my ability to rise above difficult circumstances, and still find a way to succeed. It's made me see "setbacks" as just a temporary circumstance, not a life-sentence.

I wasn't in this to prove that I'm some sort of great athlete (I laugh at the thought of being called a "runner"...I still don't feel like I can call myself that). I didn't spend 5 months training and fundraising because I had "nothing better to do". No... it wasn't at all about the 26 miles. It was about believing that the finish line is really just a beginning.

* I want to add a special "Thank You" to my mentor Jodi, who told me EVERY WEEK that I could do it! She ran right next to me through every long training run & assured me that all my strange aches and pains were completely normal-LOL! She made the long runs seem "do-able" when I didn't think I could run another step. I really felt like part of a "team" because of her :-).

**The biggest "Thank You" of all I owe to my sweet hubby! He supported me all the way & even willingly volunteered to watch the kids EVERY SATURDAY for almost 5 months. This marathon was as much of a sacrifice for him as it was for me. He understood how much I wanted this & made it his mission to see this thing through with me. Now that's love!