My 10-miler

Today was my big 10 mile run before the half-marathon on New Year's Day. I was very nervous because I was supposed to run it last week, but hit 'the wall' after only 4 miles....which has never happened to me before and I had to stop. But, today went very well and I had a great run. It took me 1:55:23 which is 11:33 minute miles. I ran it with my older sister....well, we started together. She's much faster than me. It only took her 1:40 and she even ran with me for the first 4 miles. I think I'll be ready on Thursday....the 1st of 3 half-marathons I'm doing this year....so far!

Merry Christmas

More Pictures.

Daddy's New Camera

Jim took the kids outside to test out his new camera. Here are Jacob and Larkin.

I did it.

Yesterday was little Sarah's funeral. I played the organ and accompanied the musical numbers....except my own. It was really hard. I sang right after Sarah's dad spoke....ugh. Although the family asked me to sing way back in October, nothing could have prepared me for how difficult it was going to be. I started very shaky, but as the song went on I was able to pull it together. But, I totally lost it on my way back to my seat. Even though this was very difficult, I am very thankful that I could do something. How do you help ease the burdens of a family who has lost their little girl? At least I could take care of the music for them.

I'm Thankful

This morning, my friend's 3 year old little girl lost her battle with a brain tumor. Deep down, I must have known it was going to be today. I tossed and turned with sadness for them all night and woke up with a very heavy heart. I just couldn't bring myself to run this morning. As I was power walking, I decided that I would make them a meal and take it over this morning. After I got home from the store I felt like making the meal was not a good idea today. It was only a few minutes later that I got the call. Although everything happened quickly, I'm thankful that they were able to have had time to make preperations ahead of time. I'm thankful that she did not suffer. I'm thankful that my friend and her family has the strongest faith I've ever seen. Right now, I couldn't be more thankful for my healthy kids and family. I would not be as graceful baring the most impossible burden that she is baring right now.

Toilet Paper Confusion

So while I was moving furniture I hear from upstairs...

Jacob: MOM! I need toilet paper!
Me: Okay, I'll send Rainey up.
Me (to Rainey): I'm going to have to take up two rolls.
Rainey: Why? Is Jacob hungry?

Let's Compare

When you compare these pictures of Larkin, you can really see that she is indeed getting hair. The first one is of her 1st birthday party and the second one was taken just after she turned 2. Maybe by the time she's 3 we'll be able to use all the bows that I've been making.