Monthly Archives: September 2007

Women’s Retreat

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I realized that I hadn’t yet posted anything about the wonderful retreat we held with our church a couple of weekends ago.  A group of about 22 women from epic, gathered at Wesley Woods for an overnight stay where we shared several of our stories and really found a way to seek Christ in our busy lives. 

As one of the organizers of the event it was great to see it all come together (even if things didn’t work according to plan).  We’ve already got ideas for how to improve this for next year and look forward to having an even larger crowd.

I’m so very thankful to have found such a great church community.  The folks I’ve met through epic have continued to teach and guide me to both grow closer to God personally, but also share what that relationship does for me with others.

Check out my Flickr to see photos of the weekend!

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Better to keep up…

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than catch up!  At least that’s what I tell my students!  And look, here I am trying to cram at least three days of blog-worthy material into a frantic 15 minute-composition before I leave school to pick-up my angel.  I’ll try to hit the high points…

  1. We’ve had no other car incidents since Thursday
  2. We’ve had no better luck contacting our insurance agency
  3. Although, I haven’t really tried very diligently since I was still pretty annoyed
  4. C. had his 6 month check-up where we learned he jumped from 50th percentile in all areas to 65th for height, 75th for head circumference, and dropped to 25th for weight.
  5. We figured the crazy poops were the culprit for the less-than-stellar weight gain, and the doc wasn’t worried so we weren’t either
  6. I lied…I was worried (and continue to be) but have decided to accept that and move on
  7. Gavin arrived Friday evening to head to our race with us on Saturday morning.
  8. Calder decided to wake up every few hours Friday night, screaming his bloody head off
  9. Garth took said screamer for a 4:30 a.m. gas fill-up to calm him down.  Reportedly, he was asleep before leaving the driveway
  10. He was also awake before Garth was back in bed after setting the carseat down by the bed.
  11. Crazy gas (and I’m sure some shot soreness) was the cause for the insomnia
  12. The boys stayed home Saturday morning, so I headed to the race solo
  13. I was sad about not having anyone there with me, but I still ran like a champ and met my goals – running the whole time and not being last!
  14. Six-month picture appointment went fabulously – perfectly timed around the afternoon nap schedule
  15. I spent $50 less on pictures this time!
  16. Several of you will soon be receiving the e-mail so you can order your own pictures of my sweet boy!
  17. Sunday found us at church for a while, preparing for the service, enjoying the service and talking about where we see the church headed in the next year or so. 
  18. I spent most of the afternoon/evening under 2 fleece blankets wearing a sweatshirt and terrycloth pants trying to shake the chills and aching (which I think was from more than my 3.2 miles worth of running the day before).
  19. Woke up around 9:30 sweating like crazy and happy that my fever had broken!
  20. Survived Monday and look forward to hanging out with my good friend Emily tonight!

Oh Deer!

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I knew it would happen sooner or later and I suppose after traveling that particular road for nearly 3 years, today would qualify as later.  We got up close and personal with a deer! 

For those of you who may be worried, I’d like to assure you that we’re all fine.  Calder didn’t even wake up nor did I spill my eggs and Canadian bacon!!  Thankfully, it was a little foggy this morning, so we were driving slower than we typically do.

It wasn’t until an oncoming car was getting closer, that we saw the 3 shadowed figures of the deer.  Putting the brakes on (but trying not to lock them up), G. managed to get us to around 20-25 mph before smacking the smallest of the group.  Yes, there were a few explitives uttered in those tense couple of minutes.  But after examining the damage, which turned out to be minor (at least to our untrained eye), we said a thank-you prayer and continued on our way to school. 

I think the most frustrating part of the experience happened a couple of hours later when I tried contacting our insurance company to check on our deductible and process the claim.  Do you think I could find a number that worked?  Not at all!  Hopefully the day will finish on a brighter note.

What exciting things have happened to you today?

Six Months Already!

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I recall a mass e-mail I sent out at the 6-week mark and here it is already 6 months!  We are slowly adjusting to the “busy”ness of school-year life.  It’s quite tiresome (I’m having difficulty staying awake as I type) but it is wonderful.   I am really learning how to balance time spent at school versus home.

 On this very special, first half-birthday, I’d like to send a message to my precious son.

Calder-man,

You have changed my life in so many ways that I can hardly imagine it without you!  Your adorable personality is really beginning to shine through.  The way your eyes light up at the sight of a favorite toy, and your squeals of delight when I arrive to pick you up…everything about you makes my heart want to jump! 

I love that little crook in your arm, where I will continue to plant many kisses.  Already, we need to raise the siderail of your crib because you’re such a little mover!  When I think back over these past 6 months, I have forgotten the sleepless nights, the fussy moments, and the times when I wasn’t sure I could be the mommy you deserve.

But now, I know that it’s God’s grace that carries me through.  And that loving you, is what I was created to do.  I thank you for showing me how to slow down, how to be present, and how to be so completely vulnerable to every emotion.  You are my miracle.  I thank God for you and I love you with the whole of my heart!  Happy Half-Birthday!

“I don’t wanna go!”

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Tonight I was definitely not wanting to go weigh in!  After a crazy first week of school, a weekend women’s retreat, and all the joys of being a woman I knew the scale was not going to be my friend!  And it stinks too because I’ve been bustin’ my tail on the treadmill, rivertrail, whatever I can use to run, walk, skip or otherwise be active and get ready for our race this weekend!

 I almost got out of the weigh in due to an odd power outage in town.  We lost power at the middle school a little after 4 today, and I figured it would be a quick flash and back on.  Well, when I left my WW meeting around 6:30, it was still out…stoplights, everything.  And it was pretty widespread too.  I heard the credit union was out and the light on the opposite end of town was also out!  We’ve tried checking our school e-mail to no avail.  We’re wondering if there’s still no power, or if the system just has to be re-set.  I know, it’s crazy to even think about the possibility of no school tomorrow.  But I think I’ve hit on just the word that makes it exciting.  P-O-S-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y!  Even if it doesn’t come to pass, just thinking of the potential for something out of the ordinary can be exciting enough.  I think that’s why I loved waitressing so much back in college.  Each night, there was the possibility of that crazy large tip or that record-breaking take for the night!

What do you mean I changed the subject?  Oh, yeah.  The weigh in.  Well, it wasn’t as horrible as it could have been.  I did gain, but it was less than a half pound.  So I felt alright with that.  Even though I really wanted to make my 10% this week (only 3 pounds to go!) I still think I can do it within a couple weeks at least!  And if nothing else, this slight increase might be just the motivation I need to really stay on plan this week instead of giving myself a few more “free days.”  I’m still down 17 or 18 pounds so that’s definitely a bonus!

As for the race, we’ve decided against the Bertha Brock Trail Run and opted for the Rambler Run in Perry instead.  I really wasn’t feeling confident about the potential for crazy hills on the trails and thought the road might be a better place to begin.  Plus, Garth will be able to push C. in the jogger now.  My goal is to run the whole thing, regardless of time.  Ideally I’d like to finish somewhere aside from last, but I’d be okay with that for now.

Oh, and get this!  I’ve got a great new oxy moron for you!  Ready.  Amanda C. – Cross Country Coach!  Seriously.  Can you believe it?  Alright, it’s not official, but if we get like 2-3 more students, I might be brought on as an assistant coach for CC!  I love the irony of it, since most of my life I’ve avoided running at all costs.  But, I did run with the kids today and it was pretty cool.  I felt a bit like a traffic accident…you know, people can’t help but gawk!  The kids were really watching me and I think it tripped them out seeing me do excercise and stuff.  I suppose since they only know the pregnant me, it might feel a little weird.  I think it could be a good thing, but I am a little worried about our already crazy schedule.  Luckily, the season will be over in a month, so it wouldn’t be too terrible!

That’s it for now!  Hopefully, I’ll be able to juggle things better in the coming weeks (read: post shorter entries with greater frequency).  Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a note to let me know you were here!