Proof

Today I actually have the energy to get the camera and post pictures.

J informed me that I had a look of relief as a crossed the finish line!!!

Av waiting patiently for me to hit the finish line while wearing her super cute raincoat from Jana (Will's {my brother} fiance). J got Av to cheer "Go, Mommy, Go!" So cute My partner in crime-Meredith. I never would have made it to this point without her!! I'm so glad Mer got me to do this, kept me accountable to training, and was there with me. I loved it and hope to do it again someday.

It is finished....

Ok, not that I can compare myself to Christ's crucifixion, but it's the best title I can come up with today-my brain is a little fuzzy at this point. I made it through the 1/2 marathon this morning. In a sense I can't believe that I made it to this point and completed it. I was able to run the whole way and I felt great. This is such an answer to prayer and I am so thankful for God's blessing that He gave me the strength today. He gave us great weather this morning-in the 60's and cloudy. It felt fantastic outside. That atmosphere was so inspiring as well. Music playing and people lining the streets the entire way cheering us on throughout the race. Great lesson learned today. This was something that I never thought I would/could do and I would have missed out on so much had I never tried and allowed my fear and doubts to hold me back. So, if you're out with something you've always wanted to do; GO AFTER IT!! I'll post pictures in the next few days. Thank you for encouraging words and prayers.

The End of Camp Maggie

It's our last night without the kiddo and I sure do miss that little girl! We have gotten a lot of work done at our own schedule and been able to play music loud while doing it, but I know the week has not been as entertaining as it is when Av is here, and I know I haven't laughed as much as I do when she's here. I miss having a fun Av story to think about at the end of every day. The ironic part of this week is that we're actually more tired now than we are after a normal week. I think we've tried to get so much accomplished around the house that we've worn ourselves out instead of enjoying a nice relaxing week. The good part of this is that we finally cleaned out all the closets, including repainting and building new shelves for some of the closets, and we threw in some yard work.

This afternoon I did get to have a little "me" time. Since my NCAA bracket beat J's I got a facial today and tried out a new place a friend recommended. The part of this facial that I haven't experienced before...was that it was at the lady's home..actually trailer. My first facial in a trailer park-only in Dothan folks! It was a great facial, and I must say for a good price. Don't worry, very professional, a whole room is devoted to facials and once I was on the massage table, listening to peaceful music it was just like being at Serenity (beach spa)! I highly recommend it to any Dothanites and those of you visiting/driving through Dothan. It is called Bello Giorno Spa # 334.596.8946. If you go, please say I sent you-referrals get a discount!

I was also able to go for a run today. This Saturday will mark the 2 week countdown to the 1/2 marathon-yikes! Please pray for me as I finish training and the race. I'm really excited, but want to complete this with strength that I know is provided by God and bring Him glory with this experience. I'm so thankful to Ashley and my other friends/family that have gotten me interested running and encouraged me along the way.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
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.

Freedom!!!

Home again after a great weekend with the family...and looking forward to a great childless week! Av is staying with J's mom this week. I love my child more than I can say, but I also love a break from motherhood every once in a while:). The drive home was so nice..listened to sermons by Tim Keller without having to tend to a 2 year old and hear "The Jungle Book" in the background. When we got home I went for a run and not pushing a 30lb. toddler in a jog stroller makes the run so much easier-apparently running with Av is great training. I ran faster and for a mile more than usual! We're hoping we can get to some of those around the house projects that we always mean to get done, but they never quite make it to the top of the priority list-like cleaning out closets. Then again, maybe we'll just spend the week sleeping in, lounging around the house, and having date nights every night. It will probably end up a little of both. Here are some pics from the weekend.

Avery thoroughly enjoyed the cake. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that she decided to forgo telling me she needed to go potty so that she could finish her cake. Shortly after this photo was taken I felt a warm, wet sensation on my lap! That's right she peed on me...at a wedding!!! Did I mention that it's nice to have a break from motherhood this week?

I know what you're thinking...shouldn't this photo go the trash bin and instead put one of all the kids smiling here? I would do that...if that photo existed. This is as good as it gets with 5 cousins age 10 and under.