I love this picture and love these boys!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Half Marathon #9
On Saturday, April 14, I completed my 9th half marathon (13.1 miles). I thoroughly enjoyed this race and was quite pleased with myself when it was over! I finished in 2:18. My plan from the beginning of my training was to get a PR (personal record) on this race, which would have required me to finish with a time under 2:12. A few weeks before the race I ran some of the course and when I realized how hilly it was, I decided it probably wouldn't be a PR race. I am proud of my time and proud of the fact that I ran the whole thing. I didn't stop to walk which is something I've gotten into a bad habit of doing in my past races.
It was the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon in Kansas City and the course was along Ward Parkway. It was very scenic, with lots of big, old, beautiful houses to look at along the way. There were people lined up along the majority of the course cheering the runners on. The cheering is always so encouraging me, especially when I hear someone call out my name. (The race bib numbers usually have your name printed on them and it's so much fun to hear someone call out my name to cheer me on.)
Since the race was in Kansas City, we went up Friday night and stayed with Ross' parents. His mom made us a wonderful dinner of fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata, and then we had a fun time playing the game Outburst together. Ross, the wonderful husband that he is, got up with me at 6:45am that Saturday morning and drove me to the race starting line. He waited with me until the race started, went back to his parents house, and then came back to the race around the time I finished.
All in all it was a very good race and I would definitely do it again. Now I'm going to keep running during the week and enjoy sleeping in on Saturday mornings! I haven't slept in on a Saturday morning since February! My plan for the fall is to possibly run the Omaha, NE, half marathon in September and the Bass Pro half marathon in Springfield, MO, in November.
It was the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon in Kansas City and the course was along Ward Parkway. It was very scenic, with lots of big, old, beautiful houses to look at along the way. There were people lined up along the majority of the course cheering the runners on. The cheering is always so encouraging me, especially when I hear someone call out my name. (The race bib numbers usually have your name printed on them and it's so much fun to hear someone call out my name to cheer me on.)
Since the race was in Kansas City, we went up Friday night and stayed with Ross' parents. His mom made us a wonderful dinner of fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata, and then we had a fun time playing the game Outburst together. Ross, the wonderful husband that he is, got up with me at 6:45am that Saturday morning and drove me to the race starting line. He waited with me until the race started, went back to his parents house, and then came back to the race around the time I finished.
All in all it was a very good race and I would definitely do it again. Now I'm going to keep running during the week and enjoy sleeping in on Saturday mornings! I haven't slept in on a Saturday morning since February! My plan for the fall is to possibly run the Omaha, NE, half marathon in September and the Bass Pro half marathon in Springfield, MO, in November.
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| Lining up before the race. There were about 4,500 runners! |
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| Professional picture taken during the race, just before crossing the finish line. I'm waving to Ross! |
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| Crossing the finish line! |
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| Ross and me after the race. |
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| My medal is very cool and I felt oh so cool with the "blanket" to help me stay warm. |
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| Another 13.1 down! |
Friday, April 27, 2012
Young Ladies Knitting Circle
A few months ago, I was telling my friend, Erica, about my dilemma of trying to figure out which knitting project to do next: a baby dress that had a complicated pattern or another baby blanket. I've wanted to make the dress for a while, but was a bit intimidated by the pattern. This decision was really stressing me out...I know, what a hard life I lead...
Anyway, Erica told me about some of her crocheting projects and I was so excited to hear that she crochets! I didn't know this about her and thought it was great because I wanted to learn how to crochet, and up to then didn't know anyone who could teach me. We talked about our yarn work a little more and she suggested we start a knitting circle, the "Young Ladies Knitting Circle." Oh I was so excited about this idea and started making plans for it immediately!
We decided to meet the first Thursday of each month to sit together and knit or crochet. Our first meeting was in March at my house and we had six girls show up. I taught everyone how to knit at this meeting and I must say, it was challenging! I've been knitting for quite a few years, since 1988 (I remember because my Mom taught me to knit while we were watching the Republican National Convention on television). Once you've been doing something for so long it's hard to remember what it was like when you first learned how to do it. I had high hopes of everyone completing a coaster and maybe even starting a second one during the two-hour time frame, but quickly realized that fantasy was not going to become a reality! Even though knitting proved to be a bit challenging, it was still a good time. Two of the girls took their work home and actually completed their coaster. I am very proud of them!
Our next meeting was in April and we had six girls show up again. Erica taught us how to crochet, and this proved to be much easier for the girls than knitting. She taught us how to make a scarf and we enjoyed sitting together chatting and crocheting. I like crocheting and completed my scarf in about one week. I think crocheting is much easier than knitting, especially for someone who has no experience with either of the two.
I'm looking forwad to May 3 when we meet again! From now on, we'll just and work on whatever craft we prefer - knitting or crocheting. I'm so glad we started this group and hope it continues for a long time! It's fun to be a little old fashioned like this!
Anyway, Erica told me about some of her crocheting projects and I was so excited to hear that she crochets! I didn't know this about her and thought it was great because I wanted to learn how to crochet, and up to then didn't know anyone who could teach me. We talked about our yarn work a little more and she suggested we start a knitting circle, the "Young Ladies Knitting Circle." Oh I was so excited about this idea and started making plans for it immediately!
We decided to meet the first Thursday of each month to sit together and knit or crochet. Our first meeting was in March at my house and we had six girls show up. I taught everyone how to knit at this meeting and I must say, it was challenging! I've been knitting for quite a few years, since 1988 (I remember because my Mom taught me to knit while we were watching the Republican National Convention on television). Once you've been doing something for so long it's hard to remember what it was like when you first learned how to do it. I had high hopes of everyone completing a coaster and maybe even starting a second one during the two-hour time frame, but quickly realized that fantasy was not going to become a reality! Even though knitting proved to be a bit challenging, it was still a good time. Two of the girls took their work home and actually completed their coaster. I am very proud of them!
Our next meeting was in April and we had six girls show up again. Erica taught us how to crochet, and this proved to be much easier for the girls than knitting. She taught us how to make a scarf and we enjoyed sitting together chatting and crocheting. I like crocheting and completed my scarf in about one week. I think crocheting is much easier than knitting, especially for someone who has no experience with either of the two.
I'm looking forwad to May 3 when we meet again! From now on, we'll just and work on whatever craft we prefer - knitting or crocheting. I'm so glad we started this group and hope it continues for a long time! It's fun to be a little old fashioned like this!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
How to Pray
Do you ever find yourself not really knowing how to pray for someone? I have this problem a lot and I feel like I just start repeating the same thing over and over. A few weeks ago, I was reading the commentary section in my Life Application Study Bible and found a great prayer tool from the verses in Colossians 1:9-12. Below I've listed the verses and the seven ways the commentary suggested to pray for someone. I've found this very helpful and hope you do, too!
Colossians 1:9-12, NIV:
9 For this reason, since
the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We
continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through
all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10so that you may live a life worthy of the
Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so
that you may have great endurance and patience, 12and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who
has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his
holy people in the kingdom of light.
1. Pray that your friend would be filled with the knowledge of God's will (verse 9)
2. Pray that your friend would gain spiritual wisdom (verse 9)
3. Pray that your friend would please and honor God (verse 10)
4. Pray that your friend would bear good fruit (verse 10)
5. Pray that your friend would grow in the knowedge of God (verse 10)
6. Pray that your friend would be filled with God's strength (verse 11)
7. Pray that your friend would have great endurance and patience (verse 11)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Back to Reality
I'm happy to report that Ross and I both survived our first day back to work after a wonderful, relaxing vacation the week before! We had a great time in Jamaica and I'll be posting about our trip here in a few weeks. For now, here's a few pictures to get you by!
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