A racing we will go

While in New York, we took advantage of Nana and Papa babysitting and took part in a local 5K (3.1 mile race).  

We both did really well finishing #32 and #33. I even finished first in my age bracket and got a medal!  So even though it was a small field in the race and a short distance we both came away from it feeling like our hard work had paid off.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- 2 Timothy 4:7

A day at the races

Before traveling to New York this fall we compiled a list of things to do and places to visit with the girls. Near the top of the list was to take the girls to visit Saratoga Race Course.

Just a few miles from my childhood home and being one of the most iconic horse tracks in the country, I wanted them to experience a day at the races.

I don't think the poor statue of a jockey knew what to do when Emma came to town!

Papa and Emma checked out the jockeys as they mounted their horses before each race. 

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

- Psalm 52:8

You win some you lose some

What is super loud and wakes up the whole house at 2:30 a.m.?  Our fire alarm!  Chris got up in the middle of the night to adjust the speed of our ceiling fan (the evil switch is pictured below) and as soon as he hit the switch all of the fire alarms in the house went off.  So, everyone was up and running around trying to figure out what was wrong.  No worries we have an electrician coming out!

This should have been a clue that the morning wouldn't be a smooth one!

In spite of the fire alarm debacle I was up and out of the house at the pleasant hour of 5:10 a.m. to get some gym time in before Chris heads to work.  I was feeling pretty good with a spring in my step.  Got out of the car and BAM, a bug flew into my face and stung me on the cheek.  Me, being the quick thinker that I am, swatted at the bug using the hand that had my car keys in them and smacked myself in the face with my set of keys - genius, I know!

So after I worked out, I left the gym, still feeling quite spry in spite of the giant red welt on my cheek when I stepped into a large wad of gum - sometimes I should take the sign from above that no human has any business being out and about at that hour of the morning!!

When I got home I thought well, I will redeem this morning and make my kids pancakes - FROM SCRATCH!!  So, feeling a bit like Martha Stewart I sifted, measured and whisked until I had a plate of piping hot pancakes to which Grace took one bite and declared "these are disgusting." 

Hence the title of this post - some days (or in my case mornings) you win some and you lose some.

At least I know that tomorrow is a new day and a new chance to not get woken up at 2:30 a.m., stung in the face, step in a puddle of gum and make my girls a "disgusting" homemade breakfast.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

- Jeremiah 29:11

Homeschooling: our journey into the unknown

After much prayer and discussion and research we decided that I would homeschool both girls this year.  After this year we will evaluate our situation and decide how we will proceed. 

 

Grace is going into 2nd grade and Emma is entering Kindergarten.  I am thrilled with this opportunity to teach them and watch them grow and foster their love of learning. 

We are optimistic about this new journey for our family and we are in constant prayer that this year will prove to be a blessing to us all. 

Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 22:6

Same girl - new smile

Grace has been averaging a lost tooth every two weeks. So, the tooth fairy is exhausted and is in need of a small personal loan!

So I present to you the same girl with a new smile!

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
- Psalm 16:8 

Blessed

I am blessed immeasurably to get to spend my days with these two!

Shout for joy to God, all the earth!
- Psalm 66:1

Good friends are priceless

We were lucky enough to have our dear college friend Sara visit us this past weekend with her sweet baby Case.  The last time we saw Sara was 8 years and no kids ago!  Needless to say all of our lives have changed quite a bit!

The girls were in heaven having a little baby here all weekend long. They were wanting to hold him, feed him and play with him (although shockingly no volunteers for diaper duty!).

We had a great weekend and we were sorry to see it end and watch Sara and Case drive away. We hope that we don't let 8 years pass without seeing each other again!

 

A friend loves at all times,
- Proverbs 17:17

A fun family visit

Up until this week I hadn't seen my sister and my niece Bethany in over 3 1/2 years.  So, when Lisa called a few weeks ago and said that they would be driving through Dallas while she was taking my two nieces to college in Florida we were thrilled. 

It was a whirlwind 24 hour visit.  They arrived at 4:00 in the morning on Wednesday and left at about the same time on Thursday. 

We crammed a lot of laughs and catching up and love into a short period of time.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11