I Was A-run-ning

I am so proud to say that I finished my first 10k (6.2 miles) EVER, tonight... I was slow, about 4 minutes slower than I wanted to be but honestly, I don't care...my training plan did not call for this distance yet, I just wanted to see if I could do it. I felt really good until about the last quarter mile when all of my abdominal muscles started to cramp up...I pushed through and made it to my drive way...I really don't know what came over me. I have so much to get done before Friday morning...I know...but really, we just got back from a weekend away and we are off again soon...there is so much to get done...I was just sitting at the computer and I thought, I'm going to run six tonight, why not? I'm sure I will discover the reason tomorrow when I wake up and can't move...oh well, I feel pretty good right now...


This past weekend, we packed up and went to Disney's Fort Wilderness for our first family camping trip EVER! A lot of firsts! It was a lot of fun! When we got there, we started to set up and we pulled out the tent that I bought, on clearance about 2 years ago. (never out of the box until now) It was ginormous and there were quite a few pieces...I wanted to read the directions but the men balked at that. Alas, they did figure it out and I am pleased to announce that my husband showered me with praise all weekend for such a wonderful purchase! He was absolutely thrilled with our tent! Especially when it started to pour on Friday night and we were snug and dry inside. Our partners in crime were not as lucky but they weathered the storm and we woke up Saturday morning to beautiful weather! (And smiles all around:0)

Ruthie and I traveled back to town for her exhibition...I missed it last year so I really wanted to go this year and I was glad I did! She is getting to be so good and I am really proud of her. While we were gone, the rest of the gang went to a poolside party and played in the arcade, at the park and just hung out. When we got back, everyone was at the campfire, finished making smores and ready to watch the outdoor movie...the chilly weather set in later that night and we woke up to frigid temps but our little heaters kept the chill to a minimum in our tents. After packing up, the Mckinleys held a ceremony for the the burial of their tent and then we went and played before heading home...I was asleep by 6:30 that night and feel no shame in confessing: I slept the night through and woke feeling refreshed! It was a great time and I can't wait to do it again!

Oh, Good Grief...

I started the day out taking Ellie to the preschool for the first time. I hadn't planned on starting her until this time next year but I am a regular volunteer at the elementary school and Ellie needs some place to go while I am there. She has been going over to my friends house but things changed and so, the director of the preschool we have been at for over six years now found space for Ellie. She is going to go two mornings a week.

When I got there, I picked out some t-shirts for her, handed in her paperwork, talked with the director...then, the director says, "Are you going to stay with her for a while?" Uh, no. If you could have seen her face! It needed a sound effect, really...maybe a "doink!" Jaw dropped, eyes widened. She was very concerned..."but, you haven't visited with her???" yah, I know, this is the fourth kid, what can I say. No, really, In all truthfulness, Ellie is just very adaptable. She loves being around other children, she takes easily to others and falls right in to whatever is going on around her. I have her going to a music class on Mondays, Tuesdays she is in a little Bible class at church while I work the nursery and Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, she is at church as well...On occasional Thurday mornings, she attends a little gymnastic camp. The girl is used to being in a room with other children...she walked right in...not one tear, except when she fell off the monkey bars...that's right, incident report...day ONE! When I picked her up, she was eating lunch, so cute, she looks up, sees me, yells, "Mommy!!!!" and then says, "I ready to go." Is she bigger, or is the cubby?

We walked down to her classroom to check her file folder and she pulls on my hand...I looked down at her and she says to me, "Mommy, This Ellie's class?" How cute! She is always asking if this is Flip's school or is this Rusty's school? She was so excited and it really put me at ease about doing something I really didn't want to do yet.

On another note...Flip went back to the ENT today...here comes the grief...In one ear, the tube is out and the inner ear is once again full of fluid. In the other ear, the tube is still in place but it is completely obstructed and the inner ear is once again full of fluid. Recommendation: permanent tubes that will NOT fall out on their own but will have to be manually removed when his ear finally "matures." My grief: There is some controversy with multiple sets of tubes...1. scarring on the ear drum that can cause permanent hearing loss. 2. If the hole in the ear drum remains longer than three years, we run the risk of it never closing and therefore causing permanent hearing loss. (the existing tube has already been in place almost 18 months) 3. If we do nothing, he will continue to hear as if he has his head in a bucket of water possibly causing, you guessed it, permanent hearing loss, continued ear infections, sinus issues and possible speech issues. We have to do it, the question is, how long we allow the docs to leave the tubes in and whether or not his ear canal will mature in the allotted time.

I discovered this week that when I am ordering online, I now have to SCROLL DOWN to find my birth year...this is not encouraging...another sign I am getting old. I just finished my first week of 1/2 marathon training. The training plan I am following only called for 13 miles this week so I am pleased to say I finished that easily even if my times left a little to be desired. Also, I have found that I despise the cleaning that no one notices: under the couch, between the cushions, the windows, baseboards...whatever.

And without further ado: Why did God create daddies?

Ruthie: "MOMEEEEEEE! UUUGH! So they can protect their family, keep them safe and work to earn money."

Rusty: "To have ears to hear." What? "To love their kids, so God can LOVE them" very profound. "and so they can play football with them." of course.

Flip: "To love little children AND, so we can grow up to be the same size."

Good Grief, Charlie brown.

Why did God invent mommies?

Happy Birthday Andy!

Rusty had his last flag football game this weekend and got a little medal...yay! I had Ruthie at the gym most of the morning for lessons...we spent the afternoon chilling out, watching football and getting some stuff done around the house. Today we went to Toys R Us to make Christmas lists and I made the ginormous mistake of not bringing extra shoes...I had to walk around the store for 2.5 hours wearing my shoes from church...yikes!

This year's lists are kind of interesting...Ruthie is in that in between phase where she wants to be a big girl but some of the little kid things still pull her. Rusty wants only video games and nascar stuff. Flip is all over the map and Ellie really has no clue what Christmas is so I helped her with her list and I am so excited to see her on Christmas morning. Anyway, I am in the process of putting their wish lists online for their grandparents...

This just in...I am training for a half marathon: 13.1 miles in...ouch! I downloaded a training plan online and starting tomorrow I am going to be stickin' to it! My race is in March so, if you don't mind sending me some encouragement every once in a while, I would love it!

I leave you with this: Why did God invent mommies?

Ruthie: "Why are you asking me? To take care of their kids, I guess...so they don't die right away."

Rusty: "I don't know, why do you want me to do this?"

Flip: "So they could love little boys with hugs and kisses."

It's Time for Christians to Lead.

My friend, Jen sent this to me this morning and it reflects and probably more eloquently states what I was trying to say yesterday...this is my last political post on this blog...I PROMISE! (although, this more of a religious post.)

The Day After, Pray for Our President and Our Nation
Charles Colson

November 5, 2008

Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, whether you’re recovering from your all-night celebration or drying the tears from your pillow, today’s a good day to remember the words of the apostle Paul: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). And the new President will surely need our prayers because he and his administration face huge, serious challenges to the health of our nation and to peace in the world—challenges that, in my opinion, neither he nor any government on earth will have the power to overcome without divine aid.

How has America come to this point? Why is our economy on the brink of disaster? Why is our culture so utterly depraved? I can only think of what Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said about the catastrophic consequences of the Russian revolution. “I recall,” he said, “hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.” Solzhenitsyn was right. Indeed, I can’t find any better explanation for why we Americans find ourselves in the state we are in. We have forgotten God.

We have also forgotten that American democracy—indeed Western Civilization itself—is the product of the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and humanity. Without that revelation that man is created in the image of God, our founders never would have recognized the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indeed, as I and others like Rodney Stark have argued, modern science and education, liberal democracy, capitalism flourished in Western civilization precisely because of the Judeo-Christian worldview.
The attacks on Christianity these days are only going to intensify in the months ahead. But we must press on all the more to make a winsome witness. Those who would banish Christianity from American life are risking the very survival of American society.

Friends have asked me whether this economic crisis is God’s judgment upon us. I don’t know.
As I’ve re-read the Old Testament prophets recently, I couldn’t help but notice the recurring theme: The people of God turned away from Him and worshipped false idols. The result was always disaster.

Is God responsible for credit markets collapsing around the world? No. We’re responsible. Because instead of worshiping God, we’ve worshipped false idols of the marketplace, credit card companies and cheap mortgages. We’ve put our own appetites over our duties to God and neighbor.

So this is no time for Christians to go into the bunkers. No time to wail or moan over our retirement plans. This is a time to repent, to pray more, to give more. It’s a time for Christians, to lead, encourage, and minister to a faltering country in a faltering economy. This is a time for the Church to get serious about Christian discipleship. Enough cheap grace. So pray for the new President and his administration. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, this is a time to love our neighbors and to hunger for God and His righteousness.

God, Please Bless America

I stayed up and watched the whole thing...then, I cried myself to sleep. I have never been so deeply affected by a political vote. I am young in the scheme of things...this is the first election/campaign I have followed, and had what I would say is an educated opinion on. I read, researched and watched everything I could get my hands on. I have kept my opinion to myself and within my home for the most part. I am posting this blog for the record; so it will be in my blog book...to mark the moment and the emotions that I feel at this time: defeated, scared, worried, pessimistic, enraged, shocked, worried, baffled, annoyed, nervous, worried, anxious, saddened...worried.

I hold on to the hope that this was not actually a vote for Barak Obama but rather a vote against George Bush. There can be no doubt that he let the American people down. I wonder if we have just let ourselves down. I fear that God has finally removed His blessing from this country that has taken Him out of nearly everything. I pray that as my children grow up in this land of the free, they will never have to experience the kind of health care, I personally experienced in Russia. I pray they will never have to live the way I saw people living while I was there and that they will never feel the hopelessness I saw on the faces of the people in Siberia.

So, I'm getting it together...getting into His word and remembering that He is in control...He knew long before now where this country would go...I am an American but my citizenship is in Heaven..."but our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Phil 3:20-21

I will follow McCain's example and I will submit to the office of the president recognising that he is the authority that God has established...I am reserving judgement on respecting him. I am preparing myself for the persecution of Christians that has begun and is strengthening in this country...I am gearing up for the continued breakdown of Christian morality, the acceptance of what we like to call "alternative lifestyles," the continuation of infanticide, and the government's continued stripping of MY rights to pray in school, to pledge under God, to believe and learn about creation as a theory along with the miraculous BIG BANG! Today when I went to the Bible, I came to a passage I have read many times and it can be used and interpreted many ways to suit whoever is using to state their cause...I leave you to read it and pray that the Lord will speak to you no matter on which side of the fence you are standing...God, Please bless America...Amen.

Romans 12-13

Living Sacrifices

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13

Submission to the Authorities

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love, for the Day is Near

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

A Happy Halloween

Disclaimer: You are probably looking for pictures of my children in their costumes...You will have to check your mail box in about a month or so...there will be no sneak peek this year...you will have to wait for the Christmas card and if you aren't on my Christmas list and you are a regular reader, and you want to be, just email me! Also, I apologise in advance for all the run-on sentences in this post...


Flip went to school with a costume in hand...not THE costume but Robin from last year. I called the director and begged her to take some pictures of him with his friends for me...It is the "third child syndrome" and my guilt was running high...Of course I scrap booked every breath Ruthie took and every other breath Rusty took...so, Flip...poor guy...I am just so crazy busy now with four to keep up with and I am at the school once a week and nearly every holiday plus field trips that I rarely get over to the preschool. Anyway, she promised to take some pictures of him doing his thing and I will post those when she emails them to me.

I went to school with Rusty on Friday. Ellie got her own little desk next to him for all the fun. Each child had their own pumpkin for some estimation and experimentation and when all that was finished, we carved them...we meaning me and one other lady. I figure I carved about 12 pumpkins all total this Halloween. My hand and shoulder are quite sore and if you are wondering why my shoulder is sore, you try carving 12 pumpkins! In addition to all that fun, we also made caramel apples in Rusty's class..yum! Mine had caramel, chocolate chips and coconut and Rusty left his plain and just dropped a few sprinkles on it between bites...hmmm...I have not actually eaten a caramel apple in I don't know how long and let me tell you, if you haven't had one this fall...go out now, and get some caramels and some apples and make yourself one!

While Rusty was at PE and Ellie was napping on a cot in his teacher's office, I ran up to Ruthie's class to see what they were up to...they had a read-in...she got to pack a pillow and blanket and take her favorite reading material (she chose her latest American Girl mag and some joke books, plus the book she is currently reading, Shiloh) and they laid around in stocking feet only taking breaks to snack, cook and journal. Sounds like my kind of day!


At home, we rested for a bit and then ate our dinner and got costumed up. This was our first year just walking out the front door and trick-or-treating...we usually go with friends in another neighborhood. We were a little leery because a lot of the kids from our neighborhood go elsewhere. We found out that has a lot to do with the fact that the lots in our neighborhood are enormous and there is a lot of walking between front doors...we were out for about 2 hours and we had a lot of fun, just the six of us...Ellie was too cute! She got invited in to several homes and she was funny with the candy...people would hold the bowl down for her to pick and she would grab one and look up with a big smile and then grab some more. I would say, "just one, Ellie." The people at the door would say, "oh, it's ok, she can have two." She was totally working the system and is probably responsible for most of our loot.


As for Adam, every year, his department tries to come up with something silly and better than every other department...This year, they decided to dress up as the senior VP's. As a result, Adam shaved just the top of his head and left the "balding ring" (I made that up and may copy write it at a later date) around the sides. They did some silly skit and then he shaved the rest of it off...so, he's bald right now...brings back memories. By the way, Thank you Andy for the cookies and the fall arrangement. The flowers made a very nice center piece for my table this week.

We left Houser home to answer the door...