Tracing Fun!

Today I found a great website - for a NON teacher like me - to use with my kids as they learn to draw/write/read.

www.kidzone.ws

This site offers a Custom Tracer Tool.  You pick the type of letters you want (block, script, etc) and type in up to 4 lines of text.  For example, today Andrew practiced tracing his name while Lila scribbled on shape tracers.

13.1

Yesterday I ran 13.1 miles for the first time in my life!

(Mile 4 - First time I saw family and friends)

This journey started back in July (maybe even June) when my friend and I decided to run a half marathon.  We started training in August - mostly on our own since our husbands' schedules were opposing most of the time.  But we were always checking in with each other, holding each other accountable to training as we had committed.  When the long runs started to get longer, I started running with another friend who is doing her (3rd or 4th) half marathon in February.  I call her Coach.  The months leading up to the race had it's ups and downs...holidays, rain, sickness, injury...but I crossed the finish line!

Me & Christine after the race so aware that God carried us through.

Me and my #1 supporter!

There were lots of take aways from this experience for me.

I saw that hard work and determination pay off.  I trained and was able to meet my goal of finishing in under 2:15. I ran as hard as I could and feel good that I gave it 100%.

God made each of us so uniquely different yet still in His own image.  There are those who like to train alone, those who need music, those who like to talk, fast runners, walkers, those whose goal is to just make it across the finish line, those who measure every mile, those who can let go and enjoy the experience, those who have no desire to run but delight in cheering others on.  My eyes are often closed to the fact that God PURPOSED us all differently...embrace how he made me!

Encouragement is AWESOME...so make a habit of encouraging others!  I received so much encouragement throughout this process.  Emails, texts, calls, cards, people showing up to watch or bring treats for my family.  Not once did I question why some one was wishing me well.  My sweet husband ran a bit with me after mile 7.  I cannot explain how much encouragement I received from friendly faces that I will not see again along the race.  I greatly appreciated every "Way to go!  Keep it up!  Great pace!  You can do it!  Almost there!"  The stretches without many faces were much harder...Yet they allowed me to get my encouragement from God's Word.  I kept repeating a verse given to me by a fellow runner...Isaiah 40:31 

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

When it's over, it's over.  Today I am feeling a little bit of the (half) marathoner's low.  I've been looking ahead to this race for 6 months.  Ok, I met my goal, now what?  I am just reminded that while I am afforded joys and accomplishments here on earth, my TRUE JOY comes from Jesus Christ and the things that will last for eternity 
(like the hearts of my 2nd and 3rd biggest fans).

Christmas, Christmas Time is Here

We had a great Christmas season this year.  We spent lots of time with family, enjoying Drew's break from law school.

The kids with Papa, Frosty, and Dad at the character breakfast at our church.

Lila and Andrew with a sleepy Santa.

Lila on Christmas morning.

Andrew "deer hunting" at Mimi and Papa's the afternoon of Christmas.

Sweet Lila with her baby, Hillary.

As usual, we felt tremendously blessed this Christmas...well aware of all those celebrating with so much less.  This year I spent alot of time with the kids baking.  Andrew loved taking cookies to neighbors and teachers.  Although Santa was a part of our Christmas, we tried to focus on the birth of Christ.  Andrew and Lila both loved playing with nativity scenes...rearranging the wisemen, Mary, and Joseph.  It made me smile a few days after Christmas when Andrew was holding Lila's baby with Lila close by saying, "this is baby Jesus, and I'm Joseph and Lila's Mary..."  Not earth shattering, I know, but I am definitely reminded how important it is to continue to plant the seeds of God's Word in the hearts and minds of our babies.