Thankful Thursday

1.  My father-in-law, Ed, whose birthday was Sunday.  He's smart, funny, generous, and hardworking...all traits I'm very grateful he passed on to his son. :)  He is a fantastic Granddad and I'm so thankful they (and we!) have him in our lives.  

2.  Free or cheap kids' meals.  Now that we have to buy two, it makes a difference to pay attention to restaurant specials when we do get crazy enough to dine out with the kids.

3.  Fall/winter clothes.  I changed out my wardrobe this week and it's nice to see some old favorites.  Especially since most of them fit for the first time in two years!  

4.  Having the entire house clean at one time.  Except for the basement.  And it only lasted one day.  But whatever...it mostly happened.

5.  Honest conversations about passing judgment, giving/receiving grace, and humbleness.  We had quite a time this week in Bible Study while studying the story of Gomer and Hosea.  This blog post about an interaction at Starbucks was also a great reminder to stop and think about where someone might be coming from and then respond with the love of Christ.  Not always easy, but always the best choice.  

http://www.prodigalmagazine.com/she-yelled-and-called-me-names/

Have a great Friday, y'all!

Half Marathon

40.3

63.3

83.2

78.6

27.5...and counting.

What are those numbers?  Those are the miles that I have run per month over the last five months.  That does not include training that took place in April or May in preparation for the Peachtree Road Race we ran in July.

83.2 miles in August alone.  The hottest and most humid month of the year, and I ran 83.2 miles.  

With a perfectionist personality, it's easy for me to get disillusioned with things very quickly.  When I first ran 7, then 9, then 11 miles, I would get overwhelmed with amazement.  But as I added mileage, I somehow made the mistake of subtracting the awe of what I was accomplishing.  Suddenly 10 miles didn't sound like much anymore, which is crazy.  When I stop and really let myself think about it, it absolutely blows my mind.  

Never ever in a million years did I think I would do a half marathon.  As in, never.  And yet just over one week ago, I crossed the finish line having just pounded the pavement with hundreds of other runners for two and a half hours.  Woah.

But let me make one thing perfectly clear:  I couldn't have done a single step without God's help.  Not a step of that race and not a step of the 40+ training runs I trudged through in preparation.  With each passing week, my muscles, lungs, and heart grew stronger.  What really surprised me was how much my prayer life grew as well.  Sure, a lot of time was spent begging Him for oxygen, but a good bit of it was also just talking.  Lifting up people whose names came to mind.  Thanking Him for the beauty of my surroundings.  Praying through situations and decisions, fears and uncertainties.  There wasn't a run I finished where I didn't whisper a prayer of "Thank You, Jesus, for the strength to do that" and mean it with every exhausted fiber of my being.    

I am proud, y'all.  And I think rightly so.  I imagine that running a half marathon will be one of my top ten biggest personal accomplishments of my lifetime.  But I can't claim the victory as my own.  It was only because of the Lord's strength and grace that I made it.  As I started talking to God out loud between miles 11 and 13 of the race last weekend (yes, literally out loud) and begging Him to carry me through, I realized more than ever that He had been with me every single stride of every single run.  

When I first began drafting this post in my head, I imagined it as a note to my kids about their ability to do anything they put their minds to.  My basis would be not only about the strength of the human will and determination, but also because they had a bit of me in them.  The much, much more important reason they can, however, is because of the same reason I was able to reach this goal:  We can do all things through Him who gives us strength. (Phil. 4:13)  That doesn't mean it'll be easy or without pain.  Trust me, training was neither.  But, it can be done.  With His strength, it is possible.  They may have a bit of their Mama's drive in their blood, but if they have God in their heart as I pray they will, they can move mountains.  

So, Luke and Audrey, when I'm old (and I do NOT mean 40) and can't walk very well, remember that your Mama once ran a half marathon.  Be proud of me for that, but remember Who I give all the credit to.  Make sure you're doing the same in your own lives.

Thankful Thursday

Wow - because of other posts and lack of time, this is my first TT post in almost a month!  It feels good to stop and focus on the big and little blessings this week...

1.  Outlet shopping with Grandmom!  This morning the kids and I met David's mom to do a little shopping.  They got some great clothes, including their adorable "fancy" matching Christmas outfits that they'll wear to see Santa and to the Christmas Eve church service.  Audrey can't wait to do a fashion show for David later.  We're thankful for some cute new dudes for sure!

2.  A week off from running.  After finishing my first half marathon last Sunday, I decided to reward myself and rest my body for 7-8 days straight.  It's been awhile since I've had that kind of break.  Of course, due to Luke's wake-up calls, I'm not getting to sleep in much longer than if I got up and went running.  Maybe that'll just serve as a reminder when I start back and face lack of motivation that it's better to get up and do it.

3.  New television shows.  I'm thankful the fall season has kicked off and we can quit watching the same Big Bang Theory reruns.

4.  Crafty Christmas projects.  That's all I can say for fear of giving anything away, but a few people on my list this year are going to get some handmade decor...whether they want to or not. ;)  I enjoy doing a little of it and I hope they enjoy the fruits of my labor.  Or at least have a basement to hide it in.

5.  October.  I love this month.  I love the abundance of beauty (fall leaves, gorgeous decor), tasty treats (pumpkin-flavored food, candy), fun (pumpkin patches, hayrides, Halloween) without the pressure, stress and busyness that await us in the next two months.

Enjoy it a little this weekend!

September 2013 Recap

September's theme would definitely be family.  We got to spend time with members on both sides, several of whom we rarely get to see.  We went over my dad and stepmom's one Sunday, had my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews over two Saturdays ago, and of course there was the trip to Baltimore I wrote about below.  We also hosted David's parents for a few nights when a pipe burst in their kitchen sink, causing flooding in that room and several others including the basement.  With the dehumidifiers and fans running it was 95 degrees in their bedroom and sounded like a jet engine, so they opted to check into the "Grandparent Hotel" as Audrey dubbed it.  The bad-for-them-yet-fortunate-for-us thing about their stay was that it helped us discover a plumbing issue of our own that we may not have found until it was too late.  The sump pump in the basement stopped working, but a few trial and error fixes, $50, and a new piggyback floater switch later, (yay for getting to be the one describing that to the guy in Home Depot) it seems to be working.

On a drier note, Audrey started pre-K at the beginning of the month and there were actually no tears for either of us.  She's settling into the new class very well and since I get to be one of the two room moms, I'll get to be a big part of her school year.  As will Pinterest, I'm sure.     

What else?  David traveled to LA for a few days at the beginning of the month, my sweet friend Kara had baby #3, Reid, who I got a rare chance to see in the hospital before they headed back to their new home in South Carolina, and I rocked painting two popcorn bowls at my small group's ladies' night out pottery painting.  (I lied about that last part.  I'm terrible at painting ceramics, which is why I chose something that only our family would see and use.)

My running has been going well and I reached my training goal of 12 miles twice.  I have my half marathon this upcoming weekend, which blows my mind and freaks me out all at once.  I'm trying not to think too much about it, but I'm definitely planning on a post with details should I actually live to cross the finish line.  

Now for the latest on the  kiddos:

Luke had his 18 month check-up this month.  He is doing really well and is in the 78th percentile for height and 85th for weight.  He got two shots and barely whimpered.  Those thunder thighs I passed on to him are good for something.  He is teething and entering terrible twos, so pray hard, y'all.  I'm really hoping the attitude I've seen lately is more because of the former and less of the latter.  He's certainly attempting to be more independent and I get to hear, "No LUKE" (as in, "let me do it") at least a thousand times a day.  His vocabulary is getting quite large, though his pronunciation hasn't quite caught up. Sometimes it's like playing a game show titled "Can You Guess What Luke is Saying" and I get really, really excited when I nail it after several attempts.  He gets less excited when I can't put my finger on it and quit trying.  

He's getting great at playing by himself for a little at a time and even at playing with Audrey for longer periods (and by playing I mean he'll let her boss him around and do what she tells him for a solid ten minutes before screaming "NO" or "STOP" at her until she yells back and they both end up in tears.)  He really loves being around other kids, though, and has started to flourish in nursery at church.  He is wonderful at sharing and often insists on taking Audrey something if I've given one to him, such as a cracker while I'm cooking dinner.  Helping also brings him a lot of joy.  I've found out that I can convince him to do just about anything if I introduce it with "like a big boy" or "be a big helper".  He loves greeting people and saying "hello" incessantly until they respond...and then at least five more times.  He is a regular comedian and loves cracking himself up and attempting to do the same for us.  

His favorite things to play are coloring/drawing, talking on the "phone", cooking in their toy kitchen, playing outside, and hide and seek.  Miraculously, he's really good at staying quiet when he's hiding with someone until he is found.  He also likes Audrey's dollhouse and gives great snuggles and bottles to her baby dolls.  I think physical touch is definitely one of his love languages.  As I wrote in a previous post, he loves to hold hands.  He also gives the sweetest hugs complete with an "mmm-MMMM" noise.    

Audrey is doing great, too.  She loves school and the structure and routine of it.  They do a lot of fun things in her class.  Just in September alone she's had a gingerbread hunt, got to act out bible stories on stage in chapel, had a visit from Johnny Appleseed, and celebrated at least three classmates' birthdays with cupcakes.  She has weekly homework for which she has to cut out 4-5 pictures from a magazine that start with the letter of the week.  We send them in and then she glues them in a booklet at school.  

Outside of school, she's still my little bookworm.  We've been doing reading lessons most days of the week for several months now and are nearing the end of the program.  It's astonishing how much she's picked up.  I fully expect her to be reading on at least a second grade level by kindergarten.  

Academics aside, she is still 100% a fun-loving four year old.  She loves to dance, play doll house, color/draw/craft (and I do mean LOVES it), read, hear stories, make up songs, play school, and hit the park.  Dresses are her favorite thing to wear and it's a good day if she has some pink, purple, or red on, which are her three favorite colors.  

Her maturity and intelligence continue to amaze me.  Lately she's asked several questions that have sparked discussion about heaven.  She wanted to know how our bodies get there and I did delve into the truth with her a little, but was careful not to overwhelm or scare her.  She took it all in stride and wisely said, "Momma, I bet Jesus and God are SO impatient and excited to see us get to heaven."  Out of the mouths of babes.  Sometimes I have to remind myself I'm not talking to an adult!  

She is a wonderful big sister and, though she tries to smother him with hugs and squeezes a little too often and can be bossier than her Mama (which is saying something), she is usually very patient and kind to Luke.  Watching the two of them when they interact sweetly makes my heart absolutely melt.  I so badly want them to have a great, close relationship their whole lives.  They really do adore each other most of the time.   

A few quips and quotes from the month:

 - When Luke wants to sit on the couch or in a big chair, he usually pats the seat and says, "Big Boy, Big Boy" as in, he wants to sit up there like a big boy.

 - Audrey's memory is still absolutely astounding.  (Though mine is fading these days so forgive me if I've already written this!)  We were at a park that looks quite similar to another one that we'd gone to, but not since probably 12-14 months prior.  She tells me, "We've been here before, Momma.  Remember?  Mrs. Kara set there and gave Reagan part of her banana."  Whaaaa?  Sometimes it's eerie!  

 - Both kids love Martina McBride's song "Happy Girl".  It started out that Audrey loved it, but now even Luke requests it in the car.  We have probably listened to that song 30 times this month.  

 - Luke's answer to where something is is always "under."  David and I can't ask each other where something is without the other saying "under" in a Luke voice.

 - Luke is really getting into songs with motions and loves the Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Head and Shoulders.  It is so cute to watch him attempt the moves, but he usually prefers just to watch you make a fool of yourself. 

 - Audrey loves giving me "energy hugs" before I go on runs (usually she has to do them the night before since I go so early.)  They are looooong squeezes that I promise really do help!

Pictures coming soon...ish.  Happy October!

Trip to Baltimore

In lieu of a Thankful Thursday post this week, here is a summary of our recent trip to Baltimore.  Which I'm so thankful we got to do, so it works... :) 

Last Thursday, David, the kids, and I took a short trip to Baltimore to visit my maternal grandparents.  We decided to cash in some of David's frequent flier miles to fly while we only had to get three tickets (Luke, despite his size, can ride as an "infant in arms" until the age of two.)  

Of course, by the time we woke up early, drove to the airport in rush hour, parked the car offsite, rode the shuttle bus, checked in, went through security, rode the train, got on the plane, got off the plane, got our luggage, road another bus to the rental car facility, picked up our car, strapped in the rented car seats, and drove the 30+ minutes to their house, we were wondering exactly how much harder driving would have been!  Really, though, we know it was way easier to fly.  Security was no problem at all and we went through the "special assistance" line very quickly.  The kids did amazingly well on the flight, too.  Luke slept about 45 minutes then we ate a picnic lunch I'd packed.  Once we finished that, it was almost time to prepare for landing.  Audrey was entertained with crafts and some school work her teacher had sent (only because I'd been in for a room mom meeting the day before our trip and the teacher had asked if I'd like to take it to occupy AJ on the plane.  Not because she's in a pre-K that sends work home for absent students.)  

When we finally arrived at their house, we were tired but elated to see my grandparents.  My mom had gone up a few days before to help them prepare for our arrival.  I was so thankful she was there to help with the kids and keep their needs and schedule in mind.  We played outside in the cool fall weather and caught up about life, health, and happenings.  I listened carefully as my grandfather talked, every so often saying something I tried to commit to memory.  One of my favorite quotes came up when I made a joke about raising the kids as teenagers and what I'll do/say to them when they're that old.  "I don't know what you'll tell them," he said, "but if you don't give them any advice before that age, there's no point in trying once they get there."  Hearing the wisdom he shared in his gentle manner made me wish he lived closer so we could chat more often.  We soaked up the weather, ate dinner there, and then decided to head over to our hotel.  It had been a long day and early baths and bedtimes for all sounded wise.  

That night, everyone slept pretty well but me because I had terrible coughing fits that wouldn't let up (so, I guess David didn't get a great night's sleep either!)  Luke woke up about 4-5 times, but was easily consolable.  I think his pack n' play was too small and uncomfortable for a good night's sleep.  Thankfully, he never disturbed Audrey even though they were in the same room.  We attempted to sleep in as late as we could and then showered and went down for the hotel's continental breakfast.  Luke kept asking for Pop-pop the entire time we were eating.  He was as anxious as we were to get back over and see them again.

After getting everyone dressed and packing up a bag for the day, we left the hotel and drove to the cemetery mausoleum where my paternal grandparents' remains are.  I hate so much that they aren't around to see their great grandchildren, but I know that given the choice between being in heaven or being here, they'd rather stay where they are.  Even though this was not our first trip back since they'd passed away, it's still very difficult to be in Baltimore and not see them.  

We left there and drove back to my Nana and Pop-pop's place.  When we got there, my mom's brother Ron was there and we kicked off a morning of alternating catch-up and playing catch with the kids in the front yard.  Around noon, my mom's sister Jill and her husband Paul arrived and we ate lunch with everyone, but not before taking a group picture or two.  I am not ashamed to use food as a manipulation to get people to cooperate for pictures!  After eating, David took Luke back to the hotel for a nap and Audrey got to lay down on my grandparents' huge bed and fell asleep right away.  

Once everyone woke up and had a snack, my mom's other brother Jim arrived.  His 19 year old son, my cousin Dwayne, came by after work and was so good interacting with the kids.  I walked outside with him to check out his new Nissan Pathfinder and talk about his electrician's schooling and work.  The kids enjoyed a little arts and crafts time with Uncle Paul, who is a very talented artist, before we all had a big pizza "party" (anytime we eat pizza with a large group of people, Audrey deems it a "pizza party".)  It was a full, full day of seeing sweet faces I hadn't seen in years and hearing voices and stories I etched in my mind.  We left tired, but so thankful for the time.  

After a much better night's sleep, we had another good continental breakfast and then packed up our stuff and checked out of the hotel.  We drove over to their house and gave the kids a snack.  Jill's son, my cousin Brandon, made the trek up to see us and got there around 11am.  It had been at least six years since I'd seen him and it was tough to believe this handsome grown man was the same little kid I spent so many summer trips playing with.  I'm sure he thought it equally strange to see me with two kids.  I mean, how could a pre-teen who, during one such visit, irresponsibly dropped her walkman into the pond (WITH the Ace of Base tape inside, no less), turn into a grown woman who can manage to take care of tiny humans?  I must admit, I'm still trying to figure that out myself.  

Anyway, we attempted to savor each last minute with everyone.  David took Luke onto my grandfather's sun porch and let him snooze a little while Audrey read and colored with Aunt Jill.  Watching and listening to them I realized that both David and I have a rich heritage of really great educators and teachers (whether in spirit or professionally) in our families.  I'm grateful for their examples to follow.  

Before we knew it, it was time to wake up Luke and say our goodbyes.  We attempted a couple more pictures and loaded the car, trying to stretch out each minute while trying not to be late.  No one says it, but when you're hugging your nearly-90 year old grandparents goodbye, there is a pain and a hesitance about the possible finality that pulls at your heart so badly you can physically feel it.  We buckled the kids in the car and I turned around for one last glimpse.  We drove away waving big waves and I stared out the window trying not to let the kids hear the sniffles from my crying.  

The clouds were darkening and growing bigger as we got nearer to the airport.  We pulled off to fill up the rental car with gas and both kids were asleep in the backseat before we got back on the road. When we arrived at the rental car facility, we parked in an upper lot and let them sleep another few minutes.  David kept checking the flight status and, despite the plane being delayed coming from Atlanta, our departure flight was listed as on time.  The kids reluctantly woke up after much prompting and we unloaded all of our stuff, turned in the car, and schlepped our way to the shuttle bus.  We checked in and went through security without any issues.  We let the kids run around an empty gate area and kept obsessively checking the flight status.  Sure enough, they finally admitted defeat and posted a ten minute delay.  Though I haven't done nearly as much traveling as David, I do know that no flight I've ever been on has actually taken off within the first listed delayed time.  We opted to go ahead and grab an early dinner so the kids wouldn't be starving on top of being bored and confined.  

Sure enough, we were supposed to take off at 5:45pm, but it was nearly 7:00pm by the time we got in the air.  I was so grateful we'd made the call to feed the kids because that would've meant they would have waited until 7:3opm or later to eat.  It did make it more difficult to pass the time in the air, though, and Audrey was extraordinarily whiney.  We crafted, drew, and then pulled out David's phone for the no-fail games.  Unfortunately, it was super loud back in the back where we were, so the "kid-safe" headphones I got her weren't cutting it because they only turn up so high.  She managed with the in-ear pair we had and settled down while Luke and I played "How many different things can you do with silly putty?"  (Not very many, by the way.)  I pulled out stickers, a small dollar store chalkboard and eraser, books, pipe cleaners, etc. and worked hard at keeping him still and quiet.  We were in the back with several other families with small children, so I was thankful for that.  The woman behind us had three kids, one that looked to be about six, one that was around Audrey's age, and one tiny baby that couldn't have been more than a month old.  I must have prayed for that poor woman a dozen times on our flight.  I can't even imagine the stress.  

Finally, we got to Atlanta and taxied to our gate.  Nearly the last ones off, we pushed through the crowds to the elevator...and then back up to another elevator that went where we were trying to go...and got on the train to baggage claim.  The kids were amazing through all of this.  Despite it being nearly 9pm, they quietly waited while we got our luggage (which thankfully all made it because this Momma would've gotten U-G-L-Y and mad as a hornet it if they had lost our luggage again!)  We boarded the shuttle bus, got to our van, and turned on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in a desperate attempt to keep them awake on the ride home.  Luke made it until about 9:30 before he passed out, but Audrey stayed up.  As we pulled into our driveway, I whispered a prayer of thanks to God for keeping us all safe, especially in the rain in both cities.  We changed Luke into pajamas without him hardly waking and put him straight down.  Audrey whined and cried her way into bed and was asleep within 2.5 seconds.  

Sinking into our bed mere minutes later, I sighed and acknowledged that the trip was over.  Another visit to Baltimore - my 15th one, at least - was in the books.  

Part of me wishes we had stayed one more day but a bigger part of me knows full well that if we had, I would've been wishing we had stayed one less day.  I'm a big believer that it's always better to leave someone or some place wanting more rather than overstaying and leaving on a sour note.  So, we'll say it was the perfect amount of time for a whirlwind visit.  And whirlwind it was for sure.  My mom, two grandparents, two cousins, one aunt, three uncles, and numerous sights, both familiar and new, all crammed in to two and a half days.  The memories we made were priceless and the blessing I know it was to my grandparents is a blessing for me.  I hope they're recovering well from all of the excitement and noise but something tells me they wouldn't have missed it for the world.  I know we sure wouldn't.  

I'll post pictures soon and let you know when I do.  Have a great weekend!

Hold His Hand

Dear Future Mrs. Luke Sinyard,

I need to let you in on a little secret.  I have a feeling this may be one of the keys to you having a successful marriage one day, so I am burdened to pass it on.  Sure, I'm his Mama and he's only 18 months old, but a Mama knows such things, and often well in advance.

Are you ready for this?  Okay, here it goes:  Luke loooooooves to hold hands.

I first noticed it when he was about nine or ten months old.  As I would rock him to sleep, he'd reach around his back to where one of my arms cradled him and pull my hand up to his chest or belly so he could grip my fingers tight.  Later, it dawned on me to try this act of comfort in various other situations.  Now when he gets impatient or cranky (and I do so hope he grows out of that a bit by the time you're in the picture), I say, "Do you want to hold Mama's hand?" and without fail he responds with an emphatic, "Yes" and calms down almost immediately.

So we hold hands a lot.  We hold hands as he sits in the buggy at the grocery store.  We hold hands as he walks along new paths in our neighborhood.  We occasionally hold hands at a meal.  Sometimes my arm falls asleep and my shoulder aches as I reach around to hold his hand in the car seat.  It may not always be hygienic or easy, but it is what he wants in that moment and I am happy to oblige.  The feeling of those chubby fingers in mine is more precious than I can describe.  But I know one day he won't want to hold his mother's hand.  I know there will come a time when it will be your hand he prefers in his.  

When that time comes, will you promise to step in for me?  Will you hold his hand when he's happy and joyful?  Will you try to reach out when he's mad or cranky?  When he's tired from a long day of work, will you place your hand on top of his to let him know you appreciate him?  It won't always be easy.  You won't always feel like making the effort.  But I assure you it will always make him happy to know he's got your hand to hold.    

I'm praying for you and your hands today, that they may one day join my son's in work & play, in prayer & service, in raising a family & making a home.

Love,

Your Future Mother-in-Law

P.S.  Have him call me, would you?  It's probably been awhile.

Thankful Thursday

Well, Luke has a double ear infection, Audrey is still hacking and coughing at night, and David isn't quite back to 100%, but I think we're headed in the right direction.  Please pray for healing!  

Here is this week's list...

1.  First responders.  Yesterday marked the 12th anniversary of September 11th.  Like most, I can remember that day with crystal clarity.  I remember the sickening feelings of shock and fear I felt as a freshman at GSU in downtown Atlanta.  The images are burned in my mind forever:  human beings jumping out of the towers; the panic-stricken, ashen faces weeping and fleeing; the President addressing the nation.  One thing I will always remember are pictures of police officers, EMTs, and firemen rushing towards the disaster.  In the days and weeks that followed, they worked day and night, searching for survivors.  I hate that we live in a world where their services are needed, but I am unbelievable grateful that there are people like them that give their lives to save others.  

2.  Time with my boy.  It has been really cool to get to spend a little more one-on-one time with Luke since Audrey started school.  We went to the park on Monday and I let him lead me wherever he wanted and did whatever he wanted for almost a solid hour.  I was able to really listen to what he was trying to say and interpret his toddler-speak.  We sat on one of the bench swings kicking our feet and he pointed and said "buffly".  Sure enough, there were several beautiful butterflies floating around.  As you can imagine, he loved the attention.  Of course I enjoy time with both of my kiddos, but it's also wonderful to get one of them alone from time to time.  

3.  My neighborhood.  Several times each week I jog up and down the hills, around the cul-de-sacs, and through the streets of our subdivision.  Most of the time it's very early and very dark through the majority of the run.  This morning I went later and it was bright and sunny.  I really took time to notice the beautiful houses, landscaping, and nature paths and let it sink in how this is our dream-come-true neighborhood.  It's gorgeous and we are so blessed, especially after all it took to get here.  

4.  Everland Play.  Have you been to this place?  It's like Catch Air, only cleaner, cooler, and with more stuff for the under-two crowd.  It can get pricey, but they almost always offer a 20% off deal for some reason or another, so check their FB page or website before you go. 

5.  New nail polish in a pretty fall color.  Now if only we'd get a the fall temps to go along with it.  Soon enough, I'm sure.  

Have a great day!