One Tough Chica

On Saturday, our family participated in the River Run for Orphans. It is a run that brings together people from all different churches to raise money for orphans around the world. Runners and walkers gather pledges from friends, family, and others, then walk or run a 5K course along the River Trail here in beautiful Colorado.

Jerome ran last year, and gathered pledges to run again this year. Feeling a little under the weather lately, I opted to be a course marshall with the kiddos. Pushing a double jogger 3.2 miles with an extra 60 lbs of kiddo did not exactly appeal to me. Although there were many tough individuals that did run the race with kiddos. They are so much tougher than me...

Before the "real" race, there is a kids 1-mile fun run. About 5 minutes before the start, Katrina decided she wanted to run. Good thing we put her tennies on her this morning. She was very excited to put her little number on her belly, and lined up at the start with Daddy.

She ran/walked the ENTIRE 1 mile course. I wasn't sure she'd last one lap, let alone 4. When she was done, they gave all the kiddos medals. She (according to the paper) came in 22nd, but definitely was first in her own mind.

When Madi saw big sis finishing the race, she decided she wanted in. So, she ran the last 30 yards to the finish line, collected a medal, then ran back to me. She also decided that she came in first. Didn't know we had a tie, but ok!

Violet got to spend most of the morning with one of her new favorite people, Miss Kayla. Kayla is the daughter of our new Pastors of Student Ministries, and an absolute joy.

After the kids race, the girls and I positioned ourselves on the course to cheer them on an make sure no one fell in the river. We all did our jobs marvelously, I might add. But, you can imagine my surprise when I got to work this morning to discover this wonderful article in our local paper about the race, featuring this lovely photo of my speed demon husband.

Yes, there he is on the right, starting the course. He's so cute. No, they don't give out medals to the big kids. Jerome was disappointed, but he took it well. The girls slept with theirs, and wore them all day Saturday. What a great morning raising money for a wonderful cause!

Thankful Thursday...yes, I'm still here

It has been so long since I've written a post. My life has been so busy lately. I'm working full time, then I come home, fix dinner, hang out with the kiddos, put them to bed, study for an hour, then drop into bed exhausted. I'm studying for my life & health license for work. Not that I want to, mind you. But it was "highly suggested", which translates to "DO IT".


So every night, about 8:30, I curl up on the couch with Jerome's laptop and immerse myself in the exciting world of life and health insurance underwriting guidelines. I know, you're all jealous. Your day seems so dull in comparison to my glamorous life. But really, ladies, I'm just like you.


Anyways...


So, I've been studying. And studying some more. And then, just for something different, I study from the book. I cannot wait for this test to be over. I like having my evenings. I like being able to chill on the couch with my hubby, maybe watch something on tv, maybe do a little horticultural work on my FB farm (darn you Sommer & Billy, for getting me hooked). Blog. But I know this is good for me. In the "a root canal is good for you" kind of way, but still good.


What in the world does this rant have to do with Thankful Thursday, you might ask? Honestly, I don't know. But, I do know that I am thankful for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Even though my days have been literally filled to the gills lately, I am peaceful. I am joyful. I am content. And it feels good.


I promise, I will get back to the blog updates. Our kids do so many weird and funny things, I can't not write them down. But, for now, it's back to studying. At least tonight is home group night - an awesome bunch of people, some sugar-free dessert (don't even get me going on this Healthy Challenge I got suckered into), and some good time to dig into God's thoughts. Gotta love it!

Thankful Thursday: God is Faithful

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight" (NIV).


"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20, NIV).


I SURRENDER ALL
Words by: J.W. Van Deventer and Music by: W.S. Weeden
All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee,
my blessed Savior
I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me, Jesus, take me now

All to Jesus, I surrender
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine
Let me feel the Holy Spirit
Truly know that Thou art mine

All to Jesus, I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessing fall on me

All to Jesus I surrender
Now I feel the sacred flame
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!



* Just a couple of thoughts I've been pondering lately.