Ain't No Stoppin' Us

Recently our friend Duane sent an E-Mail and his words gave me a nice look in to the picture we paint for the rest of the world.

"I am starting to think you guys are some of the the most dedicated or addicted (you pick :)) people I have ever met."

Granted the "addicted" part is owed at times, but otherwise I was proud to be seen as a couple who won't stop until the goal is reached. Especially when it's painfully clear to me that we must put on a good show, because I sure feel defeated most days. Sure, I'll get up and run at 6 in the morning, but will I let yet another day go before I return that phone call?.... I guess we all pick our battles.

I suppose the fact that one fights at all is all that counts, the seasons will change and we'll pick up the next struggle when the snow of this winter storm has been cleared.

This running thing has seemed to grab ahold of us as of late and it's really nothing more than the current arena God has lead us to. The boxing ring for this round of life.

I've been told time and time again that God can't use you if you're too comfortable and when you request to be in his service you better get ready for some stretching and challenges. There's nothing more stretching or challenging to a lazy TiVo addict like me, than running. Being pushed to keep going when you believe you've got nothing left, running on even though it hurts, going a little further next time because you can't stay at this point forever, and getting back up if you fall are all a part of the journey to a runner. This journey has shown me so much more about the God who made me and the journey that is following him. His enduring faithfulness, his comfort in our defeats, his pride at our attempts, and his joy at our finishes.

I'm happy to be running this leg. To be literally chasing after God, his will, and his heart. To be filled with his spirit when my breath seems tapped and to get a beautiful visual of the day when I will let nothing stop me from running straight into his arms. No matter the distance, the aches, the heat, the cold, the path, or the obstacles in my way.

So, call me dedicated or addicted (really, you pick!) but what a blessing to be in the battlefield of God's heart, to be like Peter and want to try even if you don't totally believe you can walk on the water, at least you're getting out of the boat right?

We've had a determined week. At times the determination became trying, but we all saw it through, regardless of the blockades in our paths.

When you're dearest of friends up and move to Colorado Springs, and your trip's been canceled more than once, desperate times call for desperate measures. Nothing says love like running a parking lot at a Rolling Stones concert to earn gas money. Well, if that's true than we were lovin' the Ross' up last Sunday night as our Great Aunt Faye let us sell her yard as overflow concert parking. We made some decent coin thanks to the generous help of Kenton's Great Aunt Faye, Aunt Nancy, Reid, and many others. We had our minds fixed on getting to Colorado and as my favorite Rolling Stones song says "Wild Horses couldn't drag me away." We're buckling in this Thursday morning and heading west, CO Springs here we come!

Lord bless the heart you are growing in Kenton! He met his personal roadblock quite literally this week. As he took off for a morning run, the massive construction project on Hillside tried to get the better of him. He darted out through a break in traffic and did not notice the wire strung across the street to mark out the new curb. This "trip wire" (as we refer to it now) caused Kenton to land face down in gravel. As if that weren't bad enough, he did this in front of loads of cars and constructions workers! So how did he handle this terrible situation? He hopped right back up and kept going, mostly to get away from all who saw it but, come on! that took some determination! So he returned to me all dirty and bloody. As he recalled the story I felt horrible for him, but that emotion couldn't seem to manifest itself in any other form than laughter. (Yeah I'm heartless, but you got to admit, it's pretty funny!) Here's the aftermath of his run in.

He's pretty sore, but he pushed on and managed a 5k and a one mile run this weekend. We're starting to feel like a humbled Forrest Gump as of late. Each weekend a new friend joins us and pushes themselves on to the finish line. James and Stephanie Weishaar accompanied us to the Just About Kids run event on Saturday. Kenton and I ran the 5k while James and Steph graciously strolled Judah around. James served as an excellent photographer as we passed the crowd.

Granted, He's a great photographer but I really was not showing my good side (uhhh, scary!). Kenton's injuries caused him to fall a little behind and he actually ended up running with my OB, Dr. Fueille. (What did they talk about?) We were greeted at the finish line by the cheers of the Weishaar's and boy scouts with Poweraid.

I finished in 25:03 (a personal best) and Kenton inched right by Dr. Fueille (see him right behind Kenton) to clock a PR around 26:15, road rash and all. He did get a piercing look from Dr. Feuille this morning at church, guess he expected more respect since he did deliver our baby and all!

We cooled off and then jumped right back in line for a one mile run. Stephanie has caught the bug and she was geared to go. Knowing the competitive heart that dwells in Stephanie, I was certain she'd do well.

(Once again, not my good side!) I was too busy yaking to notice that we were getting ready to start. At the sound I was surprised to see all these four footers charging forward. Well, when in Rome.... we were right after them! I watched as Stephanie grew further and further away from me and I assumed I was right about her, I just knew she was going to kick my butt! The half mile mark appeared and I was running harder than I had ever ran before and finally I rounded the marker and caught her. I thought to myself, "now, many great influencers in my life have "ran" with me for encouragement and I could do that with Steph, but would she wait on me if winning were involved? hummmm?? uh, NO!" So I gave her a smile and ran right past her! (I get so little moments to be prideful, please forgive me and let me take this one!) I landed back at the finish line just under 7:30, the fastest I've ever gone. I turned around to see Steph right behind me, coming in under 8 minutes, and soon following her was Kenton.

It was fun! I'm always so proud to be in company of those who know exactly what I mean when I talk about the joys of being pushed and challenged. Congratulations Stephanie! Now, had we known that only children would be receiving awards in the one mile, maybe we wouldn't have hit it quite so hard! Now we know!

I was very happy to hear my name called for a second place award in the 5K though, and even happier when Kenton put it on display in the house.

It is bitter sweet to walk away with an award or some sign of a job well done. Just one more peek in to the lesson God is teaching. "Keep going, your prize is coming."

Matthew 24:13 (The Message)

13-14"Staying with it—that's what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry, and you'll be saved.

Counting on Them

It's easy to let the days go by and to forget to be thankful for all the blessings that have come your way. This week was full of little blessings that I was happy to sit here and recall and now share with you.
My darling husband surprised me with "Happy Wednesday" flowers. The doorbell rang and much to my surprise a man was handing me a vase full of Gerber daisies (my favorite). Wednesday continued with a surprise "paint your own pottery night." Kenton took the family out for a belated birthday celebration and we all three painted plates. Judah wants to eat spaghetti off of them as soon as they are fired and returned to us. But the best blessing of the night was our visit to TCBY!!! They have a no sugar added vanilla fudge yogurt that taste too good to be 98% fat free!! What a blessing to have a husband who's willing to stretch himself to surprise me. (Thanks Kenton)
Thursday, our little swimmer got to show off his swim skills for his daddy. Judah is a "pre-school paddler" at the YMCA and Daddy got to take class with him this week.

Even though Daddy didn't know all the words to the motorboat song, Judah still had extra fun. It's so awesome to be afforded these precious opportunities with Judah.

Since boys are wired differently, it's a normal day to be "set on fire" by dragon Judah, or have "cooker guy" Judah spray imaginary mustard all over you, and of course the constant "throw the rock game" has yet to cease. However, every once and a while Judah's nurturing side comes out and I catch him doing something gentle. He has his stuffed friend "Lamby" (who got a new shirt this week because Judah didn't want her to be cold). Friday, I found him reading Spiderman to her and her friend "Mr. Bear."

I know I have an angel for a son, but it's so wonderful to be reminded every once in a while.

Today we were able to participate in Race for the Cure. There were several events to participate in, with all the proceeds going to fight breast cancer. Kenton and I ran the 5K race with 700 other people. We were taken back by all participants running in celebration of a battle won, a personal victory, and unfortunately many were running in memory of a lost loved one. People had signs on their backs listing the names of their loved ones. It was a rough run this morning, we both got side aches and were ready to give up. Walking became an idea to me until I read the woman's shirt in front of me, "In memory of my mom, 'I Miss You.'" That's all the inspiration I needed to keep going. We did about our usual, I finished in about 25 minutes and Kenton was about a minute or so behind me. It's not our run that I was really proud of that day, it was the spirit of all these people "fighting" for the lives of their family and friends. I was really surprised by how emotional standing at the finish line was, watching these "fighters" cross the line.

Our little man did his part to fight back today as well. He participated in "Kids for the Cure." A 3 and under 50 yard dash. (The cutest thing you'd ever see, by the way.)

Judah dashed to the finish line and got his pink ribbon. Perhaps the ribbon was incentive, but the best part was that Mr. Ronald McDonald was at the finish line. Judah had been excited all week to meet him. This morning, he was a little confused on if it was Ol' MacDonald or Ronald, but when they crossed paths this morning all confusion was cleared up.

It was as though he was meeting a rock star. I was so proud of Judah, and so blessed to watch my family run for our lives!

Now, our run and Judah's run were more than enough to be thankful for, but one more event kept a smile on my face all day.

Jamie Berryman and her daughter Payge joined us and they signed up for the one mile event.

Jamie said their goal was to run the whole thing. As I stood at the line waiting for them to cross I was surprised to hear Payge's voice come up from behind me. They made it right past me with out me noticing. They did what they came to do, they ran it without stopping! AND They did it fast!!! It wasn't timed, so we're not for sure but we think it was under nine minutes! I was so proud of them. Innocent little Payge made the amazing comment, "If my Great Grandma can beat cancer, I can run a mile." I was glad to have my sunglasses on at that comment, the water started to flow! You both did awesome, I'm so so so proud of you!!!

It was a great morning. I was so pleased to be able to run with such amazing people.

A side note about this picture: The beautiful Berryman's look perfect as usual, but we Hansen's have got some serious issues! Don't worry Kenton didn't fall and hit his head, his face isn't stuck like that. But it sure does look like I brought my "special" friend with me! We're thinking of cropping it and using it for out Christmas cards! (geesh!)

God is Good all the time, All the time God is Good!

My Twenty-5K

Well, it's official.... I hit the quarter century mark last week. Due to the fact that the 20th of September landed on a Wednesday we were at church. To my surprise Kenton and Jamie Berryman formed a "jazz duo" and serenaded me with drums, dance, and song (?)... it was one of a kind (to say the least). We ended the long night with our beloved Chipotle and a few friends who could afford to keep their kids up or one spouse of a couple who couldn't.
The doorbell rang twice that afternoon and I was surprised by flowers. Once from my nephew, and then again by my husband.
Here are the flowers my nephew Landon sent. Judah called them "jingle bell flowers."
Since I married at twenty and had a baby at twenty-two, twenty-five did not bring me any tax cuts or insurance reductions.... it just brought me closer to that big 30. (I've still got time!!)
I was excited for the weekend because we signed the whole family up to participate in the Valley Center Fall Festival Runs. Kenton and I ran the 5k at 7:30 in the morning. It was so chilly! We met David Koehn and started the race with him, but he's really fast so we didn't see him for long! Much to my surprise I ran the 3.1 miles in 25 minutes! It was a personal record, and it was good enough to land me first place in the 20-29 age group! I was very happy! Kenton came around the corner a few minutes later and finished just under 27 minutes, which got him third place in the male 20-29 category.
Here we are with our gold and bronze medals.
Shortly after the 5k was the kids run.
We ran the main street in valley center with Judah. He had a tricky time keeping up and some of the time he was just suspended in air as we held his hands.

As he grew tired Kenton had to give him a ride. After one shoe tying, a small fall, and an adorable pout fest (see pic with his head down... he just froze until we ran with him), Judah crossed the line and got his purple ribbon. Notice the orange stained face, he knew there was ice cream as a reward... that seemed to keep him going!

We stuck around and enjoyed the parade with David, Rachel, and Norah Koehn and her Grandparents. It was nice to enjoy a small town parade. There was more candy than we could handle. Judah especially enjoyed the blue ones! So did Rachel as we watched her hometown parade.

It was a really great morning!

Running To The Fair

For once there's actually been things going on around here and I haven't kept up with it all. So, to you my faithful readers (HA!!), I bring the longest post in history!

Our HOT Date!

Last Saturday Kenton and I traveled out to Clearwater for some nice alone time. We realized as we dropped off Judah, that our choice to go to Clearwater at 7am on a Saturday morning might be as close to a date as we could get. We romantically ran a chilly 5K race. And when I say hot date, I mean it. It was chilly when it started, but we were nice and sweaty when we were done. (Get your minds out of the gutter!!!)

We had fun. I finished at 26:05 and qualified for third in my age group. Kenton finished at 27:10 and qualified for second in his category. This little race didn't have awards for second and third place so we just got to leave with our accomplishments.

However, Kenton felt like he received an award when we were at Wal-Mart later that day. He was so pleased to find a nearly full QT drink.... I think he may just be the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

Sunday afternoon we ventured out to watch the airshow. The Marshall's and The Berryman's accompanied us. We saw a few planes and then sat in the heat while nothing else happened. I guess we came at the end of one show and there was a long pause before the next one started. So, we gave up and went home. Don't worry, there was one good show we got to see.

Yes, that's my special little boy! Discovering that, "no, dirt doesn't taste good." Poor Judah, he's all alone in a sea of little girls. They all giggled and ewwed at his adventure. Later, Paige told her mommy that she doesn't want to marry Judah, "he eats dirt." Ah, sweet Paige! I can't blame her for feeling that way, but it's going to be a tough time trying to find another potential candidate who hasn't eaten dirt.

Going To The Fair was the theme of this month's Art Start. Judah and I enjoyed a great afternoon at the art museum. We checked out the sculptures and the shiny floors while we waited. Mrs. Courtney showed us a carousel horse, one of the museum's display pieces. She read us a book about going the fair and then we finished with creating carousel horses of our own.

With this fun lesson, Judah was perfectly geared for the Fair. He was pumped to see all the food vendors we read about, to see the animals, and ride the carousel!

Our WILD Ride, BABY!

Every time I hear that ending clip to the fair ads, I miss Travis a little more! (Did you all know that he is the voice behind those ads? Travis, can we say that you are the voice of the Kansas State Fair?..... Wow, you left KS to go to CO and give up that honor??)

I have wanted to go to the fair for many years. For whatever reason, it never worked out. But not this year. My husband made sure his wife's desire to see blue ribbon birds, larger than life butter sculptures, and all the food I could never have, was met. The Hansen's have done the 2006 Fair! We had lots of fun and I can't wait until next year. (Well, sorta can't... yeah, I can wait.... my feet are tired)

We Started our trek with pig races.

Next, we made a windsock.

Met a very tall cowboy.

We opted to just pose outside The Ye Old Mill. Maybe Judah would have been too scared of this Kansas legend.... there's no maybes about it when it comes to his chicken of a mommy though!

We saw every animal they had to offer! (and, Yes, the chickens did have large talons.)

Judah was trying to figure out what was under the mama donkey that the baby wanted so bad.... I loved it! I especially loved the little piglets going to town! They were only six days old!

Then we were off the the exhibits! Sand and Butter sculptures.... only in Kansas!
The Blue Ribbon went to the 680 lbs pumpkin!

Finally, we were on to the rides!

We opted for the healthier foods, (Judah and Kenton shared chicken noodles, I had a fresh fruit bowl), Kenton just had to try corn nuggets (deep fried creamed corn... oh, my!... tid bits of heaven!), we treated ourselves to Kansas fresh ice cream from the KSU Dairy Bar, and walked the bright mid-way one last time.
We made the long walk back to lot number six, buckled up, noticed Judah's eyes were shut by the first stop light, and headed for home.