Rockin' and Roarin' Days!

Praise the Lord! The weather has been awesome here! It's only getting into the the 80's at the most and it's just lovely to be outside.
Judah and I have been adventuring out on our own lately and have found some "fun" things to do! (If you're nearly three... fun is the applicable term... otherwise, it's rewarding) :)
We set out yesterday to put some constructive use to the ever insistent need to pick up every rock we pass. We went on a rock hunt. Using our Chinese take out box as our carrier. (One of the three R's: Reduce, REUSE, and recycle!)

We made it back with a hefty bounty!

We completed the trip by pressing the rocks into homemade clay and baking it to dry.

I think Judah really liked it. He had to kiss his piece goodbye when we left the house this morning!

Today we went to the zoo and had a great time. Judah had one goal, "See all the guys from Madagascar." So we did. We saw some extras too.

Judah liked that he was as big as "the orange one" and he was very excited to get so close to a wallaby!

We saw "Melman" or a giraffe, we said hello to "Gloria" the hippo, and we even saw"Marty" with a "Baby Marty". The baby zebra was a surprise to Judah. The real treat came when we popped around the corner to see the Lion's habitat. Normally you can catch a glimpse of the back side of a sleeping lion. Not today.... "Alex" was front and center. So much so that he made me jump at first sight!

The sleepy lion wasn't crazy about all the attention and at one point (when my precious baby was at the glass) he batted the glass and showed his ENORMOUS teeth. That was one of those moments that a mommy has to force herself to stay calm so that the child has no reason to get scared. I really appreciate all the hard work that went in to planning the thickness of the lion's glass! Great JOB!!

THE LION OF JUDAH

He was being so brave standing so close! His face shows it all.... what a trooper. He only stood there because I promised that all his grandma's would see the picture. So... NeeNee, Nana, and Meme... let him know you saw his picture with the lion!

Judah and I have been given such a great gift. The fact that we get to spend our days together and go on rock hunts or explore the zoo, make me so grateful. His daddy is working very hard to help keep us at home together, and we love him so much for it!

The best reward comes when Judah says. "That was fun Mommy."

"That's Too Bad!"

Judah was so very right. That very grown up phrase came out of his mouth Friday morning when all hope was dashed of us making it out to Colorado Springs. The weather on Thursday night and Friday morning was not favorable for flying. So we were grounded (something I never had much experience with, just the one time I rode around the block without permission and my sister ratted me out... but this was a little different).
Needless to say we were bummed that this trip was sacked and it'll be even more weeks before I can actually see the faces of the wonderful Ross family. I haven't seen Jennette since the Sunday before they moved and she loaded my arms with jars of peanut butter and we hugged goodbye. Now, I'm without her and all that peanut butter! It's been too long. We'll just have to plan another trip and get there despite the weather.
It will have to be a fall vacation because as far as I can see, summer's over. Kids are in school, the temperature has lowered, and the pools are closed. It's amazing how quick it goes. We had a good summer and I thought I'd just post some pictures of the highlights.

Goodbye Summer 2006, it was fun while it lasted!

Run, Run, As Fast As You Can!

So, I guess the theme here is getting a little old, but bear with me there were some surprises to this one. Today was the Mulvane 25th Annual Old Settlers Day Road Race. Kenton spread the word about the one mile fun run and got some unlikely joiners. Team Hammerhead may have some new members after today.
At about 6:05 this morning I opened our front door to see two car loads of people waiting on us to follow us down to Mulvane. The Marshall's and The Berryman's joined up to give this "running thing" a go.
And a go we did.

Here you have the One Mile Crew. (From left to right): Jedidiah, Kenton, Duane, Jamie, Maria, Payge, and Paul.

And here you have the faithful cheering section.

The one mile began promptly at 7:30. With the sound of the starting gun the crew was off and before you knew it they were back. Jedidiah led the pack so quickly that I didn't even see him until he came up behind me after his 7min.30sec. finish. (Which is awesome!).

Next up was Kenton in at 8:05

Closely following was Duane.

Next up was Maria and her red shoes!

Paul rounded the corner with a smile, so that's always a good sign!

Mama Jamie and Daughter Payge brought up the rear

They all did a great job. A few notes to encourage them. Duane and Maria haven't run in over a year and Maria just had her third baby in February! Paul and Jamie have never really run AND they just quit smoking two weeks ago! Kenton and I couldn't have been more proud of all of them! Jed ran like the wind and Payge kept up with the adults!

After they all came in and cooled down, I started wishing I had just done the one mile with them so I could be done too. But I was crazy enough to sign up for the four mile and it was time to go line up.

Everyone started asking, "Where's your Dad?" "Kenton is you father in law running today?"

Yeah something was missing. Team Captain and the official photographer (otherwise known as my Dad and Mom) couldn't make it today. So For the first time I lined up alone, picked my "Run for Him" play list, and waited for the gun. With the bang I was off, thinking to myself, "Why am I doing this?" Too late now, just set your pace and get it over with. I learned quickly that if I can listen to worship music I can zone out and just run as unto Jesus.

Well, after several corners, two spraying fire hydrants, one aid station, lots of waves from the locals, continuous mini pep talks 'come on you can do this' and one last corner it was almost over. I could see the finish line and now a man in a blue shirt was running towards me. It was Duane. He was yelling, and cheering and waving his arms like a loon just to give me that last push I needed.

I passed my wonderful friends and family and crossed that dang line.

It took me about one more second to finish, causing that clock to say 36:40. With that, I just completed four miles for the first time in my life. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't proud.

I drank some water and before we knew it we were all off on our separate ways. I called my parents and let them know I made it.

Kenton's words rang in my head all the way home. "Do you see what you started?" Now maybe I didn't "start" it, but I'm so glad I got the wild hair to go run one cool morning in June. As a result I've grown closer to my Dad, started a new lifestyle to pass on to our son, found something to share with my husband, and I got to watch four of our greatest friends push themselves into a healthier life! Love you all and can't wait for the next one!