nimrod news

Unintentional lie. Sorry.

2012-02-10T16:04:00.000-06:00

I shared via twitter this afternoon that February tasted right and shared a picture of REAL conversation hearts open in my lap. I lied. I did not intend to lie, because at that moment I felt like I was 7 and had managed to swipe the candy hearts resulting in the kind of belly ache only too many chalky conversation hearts can give.

When I got home, I poured them out, picked out the white ones, put the others in a bottle* and made a chemex of coffee. Then I ate them one by one while sipping black Rwandan coffee. What I said was not necessarily a lie. It tasted like the month of February from my childhood. What is pictured above is the grown up version of February.

Does this month have a special taste for you? Unless you only eat chocolate one month a year, it can not serve as a proper answer. Sorry.

*I only like the white ones. I try to like the others, but I just don't. They are in an old milk bottle serving as a mantle decoration.

No bags at this school, it's BOXES!

2012-02-08T08:12:00.000-06:00

Only once have either of my boys had the opportunity to make a Valentine's day box. They used a paper bag, decorated at school instead. This made me sad. I remember when I was in elementary school, planning & making my Valentine's Day box was almost as big of a deal as planning my Halloween costume. Who's would be the biggest? Michael's. Who's would be the fanciest? Michael's. Who's would have some sort of lever/catapult/shoot the valentine into a slot mechanism? Michael's. Year after year my friend, Micheal, had the very best boxes and year after year I couldn't wait to see what his looked like. Mine were pretty cool, but never, quite as cool as his.

One year he had this big cupid heart box. I wonder if he remembers it too? That was the same year I started to grow out my hair and was able to wear a bow, too big for my head, on the side. I also wore a red shirt, collar popped, under a sweat shirt with stone washed jeans, properly tight rolled, slouchy socks and Keds. I loved Keds.

You must know I was thrilled when the weekly email from their teacher arrived telling us to make sure to have our kids start thinking about Valentine's Day boxes. C's is finished and e's is still in the works. We should have a robot, properly assembled by the end of the morning. (He's home not sick today, but had a fever yesterday. Precautionary measures from the school: fever one day, stay home 2.)

How many of you are making these? I saw it last spring or summer, pinned it and thought we'd have unique-ish Valentine's to give to classmates. I don't spent much time on Pinterest anymore, but if I did, I'd have realized that g'zillions of people have pinned/repined/liked/commented, not sure the correct pinterest-lingo, this card idea.

I text a picture of the boys cards and Elmo box to my sister last night, to which she sent a much cuter version of the same card she'd made for her daughter. At least the kids will get loads of lollipops in their boxes.

I do not sleep through the night often. I'm either like a toddler or an old lady, but at 36 I consider myself closer to toddler age, than old lady age or maybe I'm right in the middle. When I woke up last night at 2:32, I had a text from my sister sent at 9:03 telling me I needed to watch Parenthood. I was already asleep. I also had an email from my Aunt with a link to NECCO hearts! Let's the Valentine's Day Festivities begin ~ Valentine's day boxes, not so unique Valentine's to pass out to friends and candy hearts that taste like Pepto Bismol! Oh yea and this cake.

Goals on Paper, in pencil

2012-02-06T08:52:00.003-06:00

By the end of January I'd sorted through the goals I jotted down. But first I had to locate them; some on the back of receipts from the grocery, others on the church bulletin or on pages of a little journal I keep. After I found them I sorted and thought, rethought and then wrote in pencil. It was a thoughtfully disorganized process. I'd not done this before.

I was asked to write my goals for the '12 triathlon season by my coach and after doing so, I decided I would do the same for other areas of life. Most are personal, but others I will share. Did you begin the year by writing goals? How much time did you give yourself to fine tune or set the goals? Are you one to set the bar extremely high or are you like me, goals I will be able to reach, if dedicated, but will not require extra-ordinary amounts of time and resources unavailable.

For instance, my goals for my coach did not have the words Ironman or first, rather half and better and age group. I'd like to finish a half and do better in the sprint distance events I participated in '11 and I would love to do well in my age group. Those goals are achievable, but as I am quickly learning will require dedication and hard work and tired legs and shoulders. Oh and jars of Slather.

Much like my triathlon goals I carefully thought about my personal goals. Once I was a letter writer, but as I used email and text and HeyTell with more frequency, my letter writing came to a halt. I want to bring back letter writing. First I will start with notes. Letters may come in '13, but '12 is my year of notes. Goal: Write 5 notes twice a month or as someone comes to mind.

Television...I want a TV show. Oh don't be silly, not appear on one, but one that I stop everything to watch. I shared this with J a couple of weeks ago. This is sorta how the conversation happened:

Me: I want to watch more television.

J: You want to what?

Me: Yea, more TV.

J: Like what?

Me: I want a sitcom. I hear people talking about TV shows they love and watch every week. I want one of those shows. I have not watched with consistency a show for years, maybe since Friends. It can't be on HGTV or Food or a morning show or news, but a sitcom.

Last week, we rolled with laughter watching Modern Family and I hope to do the same this week. I think I will watch the other episodes here, starting from the very beginning. Anyone up for a Modern Family marathon? Goal: Watch more TV.

A few other goals:

Read 1 book a month
Read out loud more as a family. The school the boys attend is reading The Sixty-Eight Rooms together. I decided this would be a great book with which to begin. It has been fun to gather as a family on the sofa or in bed, taking turns reading aloud. Next I think we will read The Pilgrim's Progress.
Stick to our cash budget. Again, something I was once great at doing, but with the ease of ATM cards, I do not pull out my envelopes at times. To help with this, I've removed my ATM card from my purse. I'm not a shopper and my random purchases rarely amount to more than $15, but I have cash I am to use, so I will.

I have goals for my spiritual life and marriage and motherhood which will remain in pencil and are for my eyes. All are achievable and so far I've not used the eraser.

It's Micah 6:8 Day

2012-02-02T06:09:00.000-06:00

Let us seek all that is just & fair; and be so kind in our love, walking, footstep by footstep with god in humility and grace. Because this is what we have been asked to do.

Happy Birthday DCK

2012-02-01T07:31:00.002-06:00

Happy, happy birthday DCK. I sure do love you!

~ auntb

thought & coconut & a book

2012-01-31T14:30:00.000-06:00

THOUGHT

This was shared with me last week:

A man must get away now and then
to experience loneliness.
Only those who learn how to live
in loneliness
can come to know themselves
and life.
I go out there and walk
and look at the trees and sky.
I listen to the sounds of loneliness.
I sit on a rock or stump
and say to myself,
"Who are you, Sandburg?
Where have you been,
and where are you going?" ~ Carl Sandburg

The words above were presented with a question: 'becca, what are your thoughts? What are your thoughts? Mine -- I spent many years very lonely. The most lonely years I've lived were very recent.

I replied to my friend with a lengthy email of thoughts and emotions,, looking back on the past 13 years. Sandburg's words resonated deep. I am choosing not to share, but keep them close, among few. I will share that I have learned to thank god for the days turned months, turned years for the learning which took place. I will also praise him for our move and for finally finding a community who will accept me for who I am, challenge me to be more than I imagine possible and supporting me along the way.

COCONUT

What I'm making for dessert (OK, maybe my dinner) tonight. Coconut Bars. Yum!

BOOK

The same friend who sent me that thought, mailed me a parcel. Inside was a book. I am only half finished, but it has found its way into my stack of yearly reading, along with Compassion & The Alchemist.

It is small. It is rich. It will make you angry. It will make you cry. It will give you hope and understanding and faith and you should totally buy it and read it. From Brokenness to Community.

Disappointment, a Swim & TED

2012-01-26T16:11:00.001-06:00

I am not sure at what point in the morning disappointment entered my day. On some level, when I woke I was disappointed in myself. I'm my worst critic and often offer little or no grace & forgiveness to myself. I know that in order to receive grace & love & forgiveness from God and to offer it to others, I must offer it to myself. ('12 goal of kicking "I'm 3rd" to the curb, in action.)

I took the boys to school. I headed to the pool, filled my water bottle, opened the door to the pool & handed Tyler, a still warm, blueberry muffin. He's the guard who greets me & other swimmers with a smile and wave each Tuesday & Thursday morning. We visited, as we do most mornings, as I stall to enter the pool.

My swim workout sucked. It was easy and not really that long, 2400 yards. I usually love the pool. Not many people I talk to, who participate in triathlon, like swimming best. I do. Trying to make it through the Main Set of my workout, I thought about part of Robert Frost poem that had been shared with me earlier in the day and some of Paul's words written in the Scriptures.
I swam.
I finished.
I went to TRX and then went grocery shopping and did not buy only chocolate. I didn't buy any chocolate at all or even flowers for myself.

I came home, made espresso and watched TED talks as I cleaned the kitchen, made a mess preparing dinner and cleaned again. These are two of them I watched. The first made me cry and want her autograph after sharing a meal and hearing more stories.

The second didn't make me cry, because I couldn't imagine how cold he must have been. I did learn that sometimes you must forget all you have been taught in order to succeed. That thought has been rattling around my mind all afternoon.

My boys came home to popcorn & a little pitcher of melted butter. They like it drenched, I don't; it's a compromise. We sat at the table, talked about their day, listened to pop music a little too loud from their iPods. They danced. I watched and smiled.

I'm choosing to use the disappointment as a chance to learn and understand. And I am choosing, although difficult, to offer myself grace and forgiveness, because it is with grace and forgiveness, joy and love I wish to live. I have to give it here, before I am able to give it there.

Scones in BFE

2012-01-24T12:36:00.002-06:00

I have a friend who lives in Egypt and while reading her blog I chuckled when she typed BFE in reference to where she lived. She is as honest as a person can be and unafraid to share her struggles and joys. At the moment there are more moments of struggle than joy. When I read this I wished I could share a moment with her -- sitting. Oh and sharing coffee and scones. But she lives in BFE and I live in NWA and this is a problem. I didn't let it hinder my moment with her. I took the last of a batch of GF scones I baked this weekend, lit a candle and poured the last of the coffee from early this morning. I held her tightly in my heart and trusting int he power of God and in love, I know she felt it. That's just how it works.

May you hold tightly to someone today, even if they live in BFE. If your heart is pure in action they will know.

And the winner is...

2012-01-23T07:13:00.001-06:00

...by votes via comments left here, Facebook and @replies on Twitter and emails photo #1 was the winner.

As it has been with my little c since the day he was born, rotating from posterior to anterior in utero resulting in a broken collar bone, he doesn't always do things the way we expect. He asked for help deciding what picture to enter. He is thankful for the votes and even replied back to a few of you. But today I'll print #4 in an 8x10 and download the file to CD and wish him the best. He liked the way the nose was in focus and the rest of the picture softly faded.

He will first compete at his school and if chosen, will be sent to AAIM. I am so proud of my boys for branching out into areas off the field. The soccer field is comfortable and natural, the talent show stage and media contests are risky. I'm so thankful that I am rearing risk takers.

Photo Contest

2012-01-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

c wants to enter a picture of DandyDog in a photo contest. He's been snapping pics here and there and has settled on these 4. Would you kindly vote for your favoite?
1)

3 )

scissors

2012-01-21T13:45:00.000-06:00

You think we need to find some other scissors?

Friday, random Friday

2012-01-20T12:32:00.000-06:00

Something I look forward to with my coffee on Friday mornings: Hollywood Housewife Friday Links.
Trouble: Inbox from Athleta -- Extra markdowns on already in progress winter sale.
I am really loving having a coach as I prepare for this tri season.
I suck at pace running. Pace anything, really.
It's beer Friday & my friend hosting has GF beer. I'm bringing brownies and nuts. The nuts are for a friend who will be there who is Paleo & GF! (I totally admire her.)
I'm getting my '12 goals lined up and ready to write down. I've given myself the month to sort through and narrow down...~~letter~~ note writing, Scripture dates, more reading, totally ditching "I'm 3rd" for a healthy and more Biblical approach to living, century ride w/ my bfdh, more school, using the word "no" more often...
PEACE continues to present itself to me through the Scriptures, my daily reading, words from our pastor. And when it does, I find myself so thankful for the peace that I have experienced the past 10 months. So, so thankful.
It's national cheese day and I'm trying to find a way to celebrate. Maybe by holding a little get to know your cheeses class instead of dinner. I think my boys would be down with that.
I need a tailor. Shauna posted it first then Laura's re-post in HHFL was confirmation.
I am going to buy a 10 lb. medicine ball that I can slam on the ground with a jump. Each time we do that in my TRX class I feel it the next day. All over, feel it. I don't buy workout equipment. Well, not that kind anyway. I may even encourage my boys to take part when they are flustered.
DandyDog ran with me this morning and I like his post run routine...nap.

Off to the kitchen to bake...

Becoming an Expert: Chocolate

2012-01-18T11:03:00.001-06:00

Each student in e's class had to choose a topic and become an expert. He choose chocolate. Have I mentioned how much I love that boy? He worked with a friend and together they have a fantastic presentation. PowerPoint, props and cups of chocolate for each of their friends to taste. Perfect!

He asked me if I could make the chocolate sauce I made this weekend, but because of health regulations, I wasn't able to do so. Sad that it's a necessary regulation in public schools. He decided that sharing the recipe would be a nice addition to the chocolate samples they were passing out to their classmates.

If we are google+ pals, then you have it already, but if you do not, here you go:

Hot Fudge Sauce

~‘becca Nimrod, Elliott’s momma

Ingredients:

11/3 C Cane Sugar

2/3C Cocoa Powder

½C Water

112 ounce can of Evaporated Milk

4T Butter (do not use margarine)

1T Vanilla (Madagascar is the best)

1t Roasted Cinnamon

Method:

Ina large sauce pan, combine sugar and cocoa with a whisk. Turn on the burner andslowly add the water – continue to whisk. Bring to a boil. While whisking, addevaporated milk until well mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing theboil to remain for 5 minutes. A constant stir is not necessary, but a watchfuleye and occasional stir is a must. Will bubble with the boil and can easilyboil over. When the 5 minutes have passed, stir the butter and vanilla into themix. When the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth, turn off the heat.

Grabyour favorite ice cream bowl, scoop in vanilla bean ice cream and pour hotfudge sauce on top (sprinkle with Fleur De Sel). It is also delicious drizzled over berriesand bananas & pound cake. If you have any left over, place it in a glassjar and refrigerate. The next morning…add a scoop to your coffee or drizzle overpancakes or in the afternoon as a spoonful of YUM as a pick me up. This recipehas been modified from one passed down from my momma. I have played with it andthe recipe I’m sharing is a Nimrod favorite. We certainly hope you and yoursenjoy!

Morning snapshot

2012-01-17T06:20:00.001-06:00

A little part of my morning routine: coffee, lunches & snacks packed for my boys.

Talent Show = Awesome!

2012-01-13T10:06:00.000-06:00

This summer we went to KC for a soccer tournament, while therewe stayed with my brother and sister in law. On Sunday the boys asked if Griff’slittle could come to their game and then over to the house to hang out whentheir games were finished. During the afternoon, I, Griff’s little, danced and my boys watched. I didn’t think muchof it, until Thanksgiving, e asked if he could put on a show for the family. I askedwhat he planned to do and he said dance.

Interesting. To what would he dance? Where had he learned todance? And the real question – did he get my skills or his dad’s? Remember, Iam quite fond of hosting family room dance parties, complete with glow sticks and adisco ball.

The family gathered, I plugged in his iPod and was amazed.The kid has some moves. He watched Iin KC, came home and has been dancing in the garage to hip-hop stations onPandora.

We love being part of a smaller neighborhood school. Itfeels like a family and the kids support each other and have relationships withteachers in different grade levels and the principals. The boys have bothshared on different occasions that it just feels good to be a part of TeamBaker.

Before Christmas break they held auditions for the talentshow. My boys are both very athletically gifted and can play a mean beat on thedjembe, but as far as “talent” as you would expect in the typical elementaryschool talent show, well I figured they would want to attend, not audition.
WRONG!

“Mom, I want to try out for the talent show” e saidto me one day after school. “What are you going to do? We can’t bring a soccerfield to the stage,” I replied. “I want to dance.” “You want to what?” “Dance,momma. I want to dance.”

I launched into an entire protect your little heart, speechabout how I’m proud of him for wanting to try, but not all the kids are chosen,blah, blah, blah. Then I found the clean version of BEP’s Boom Boom Pow andtook him to his audition. I maybe shed a tear as I watched him tryout, trying tofigure out how to protect his little heart from not being chosen. A speech I would not have to give.

Not only chosen, but a highlight of the show! My kiddo, theone that the girls were apparently talking about all week according to one of histeachers, stepped out his box and lastnight was a dancer!

After the show was finished, we were asked by a number ofparents & teachers where he took dance classes. I smiled and told them I’m his teacher. OK, no Ireally didn’t say that. I told them that he watched a friend dance for about 3minutes on a trip to KC and has been dancing in the garage (& at my invitation only, familyroom dance parties) since.

I was the proudest momma on the planet last night & ashe popped and locked, I cried & said a prayer of thanksgiving.

God, for all you have createdin e and letting me call him my son, thank you. Amen

almost tears and a bad hair cut

2012-01-11T08:25:00.002-06:00

If I don't step out of my kitchen and do something else for a few minutes, I'll cry. And I do not want to have tears at the beginning of the day. For you, does frustration result in tears or anger or silence or more determination? At first I become more determined to press through and solve the problem, then I cry. This morning I'm stepping away because my added determination didn't have the result I wanted and need to move on with my day. I came here for a break and to look for a "How to" on YouTube.

Last week was an exciting for this coffee lover. I received a parcel from Vintage Heart ~ Austin. A pound of their house blend and some stickers to place on my bike and inside of my coffee cabinet. (That's where a couple of them went, Mal.) We also received a parcel from Burundi and another from Rwanda -- Green Beans -- 4 sample pounds from Burundi, 1 from Rwanda. In a few weeks we will receive 30 more pounds from Rwanda, my very favorite. Mmmm!

DandyDog is in hiding. He has the best coat, wild & crazy & curly & matted. On Monday he spent the day with the groomer and I asked that he be cleaned up, but keep in mind that he runs outside with me and needs to stay warm. I didn't not say, he needs a trim. I should have said he needs a trim. When I picked him up he was almost fully shaved. We all, DandyDog, included miss his wild and crazy coat and hope it grows back quickly. Until then, he's hiding under the table and laying on his bed.

My tears didn't happen, yet, and I found this, which hopefully will help me move along with my day. I have a workout I need to get finished and I need to get my trainer set up and working. It's new. I usually ride outside. I have no idea how to use equipment and my sharpie isn't helping.

I received this from my coach yesterday:

"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. Sooner or later the one who wins is the one who thinks they can." ~ Vince Lombardi

This journey to 70.3 isn't so much for me about being fast & it certainly isn't about winning, but it is about trying to find it inside myself to believe that I can do it. Often I do not believe in myself or my abilities, but I'm learning. It's a process and along the way there are almost-tears, real tears, smiles, laughter, grunts of determination and hugs of accomplishment. Today has been a day of almost-tears because I can't figure out this silly piece of equipment, which is preventing me from dong what I want to do.

I'll get it. I believe I can.

Consumable Christmas Cont. & a Wink

2012-01-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

I forgot a couple of my consumable Christmas gifts because they were in the fridge; both too good not to share.

First, over Thanksgiving Martin, my brother in law, brought us an early Christmas gift, venison, properly labeled the Ozark way, Ground Deer. He is a hunter and I (we) am not. He hunts, but my sister, like many people I'm finding out, are not fond of the meat. I use it to replace ground beef and don't tell people and so far, none have noticed. Thanks Martin, I have 2 lbs on the counter to use in stuffed acorn squash for dinner.

Second, Jam from Brother Junipers! In December '10 I got to go with my Daddy-o for his annual St. Jude 1/2 marathon run in Memphis. I introduced him to Yelp! and Yelp! introduced us to Brother Juniper's. I remember the tofu scramble and the jam on my toast & the coffee -- the whole meal.

In 2011 I didn't run in Memphis, my mom went along to cheer for and enjoy the festivities with him. Guess what restaurant they revisited? Brother Junipers, where they got me a jar of Strawberry Jam. It's an extra special treat because I don't eat bread very often. After realizing my GI issues were because of gluten, I had to stop eating one of my favorite things, bread. I usually have a loaf of Udi's in the freezer which lasts a couple of months. Since receiving this gift, it's going much quicker.

(This is a way to make Ms. Food Face wink.)
Do tell, did you receive any Consumable gifts this holiday season? What were your favorites?

Consumable Christmas Treats

2012-01-06T09:53:00.003-06:00

(left to right)
Olivetree Champagne Vinegar
Tahitian Gold Madagascar Vanilla
Oklahoma Joe's Bar-B-Que Sauce
Cucina Viva White Truffle Oil
Moonshine, Batch No.1 made by my brother.

I'm a Sharpie gal

2012-01-05T13:42:00.000-06:00

I have been a Sharpie fan for years. I've used them for letter writing for years, avoiding the warning the company gives. All colors, a variety of tip sizes, used to mark us for swim meets & draw fake tattoos and I even let a friend color in my dimple for his birthday our Senior year. A fine tip, black Sharpie was handed to Billy, I turned my head, grinned and he marked.

This summer I was marked a number of times and remarked for races and just this week I started carrying one with me on my run & had it on the deck at the end of my pool lane. I'm not a gadget gal or a person who has a number of items to pull from her closet to wear when I train. I have 1 Icebreaker shirt I found in at a park in Colorado 2 years ago. I wear every day I run in the winter. I wear it under the same jacket, with the same gloves and hat. I do have a 2 pair of tights and knickers and 5 pair of socks & my swimsuits, lost and found at the end of summer camp. That's a long way of saying that I don't run with fancy gadgets telling me my speed and time and distance and heart rate. I carry my phone that dies after about 15 minutes because it's on it's last leg and use a heart rate monitor I picked up at Target 4 years ago. Oh, it's battery is dying too.

I am 1 week into real training for a 70.3 triathlon. I have never trained for a tri, just swam, biked and ran then put it together with a little success 3 times this past summer. I have trained for a number of half marathons and for a full, but that was a calendar with miles to run, not speed work and drills and a coach. This is new and hard and good and confusing and I'm doing it with a smile...mostly.

I'd say the majority of people in my TriClub use a Garmin and keep a close eye on pace & heart rates & all sorts of other letter abbreviations that I don't know what they even mean, but not me. I'll continue to use my sharpie and heart rate monitor and hope for the best.

Hey, you think Sharpie would sponsor my efforts?

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T16:42:00.000-06:00

Certainly not in glittery dresses, sexy shoes, dancing or a party, but a slower pace at home was chosen. Yoga pants and smart wool to cover our toes, cooking and family. Some went to see Warhorse, but Jonathan and I chose to keep the little ones at home. We rang in the new year with toasts and kisses and a little noise on the front porch with c & roo who made it until midnight. Happy New Year ~ 2012!

Kansas City Christmas

2012-01-01T11:37:00.002-06:00

We missed having Griff' and Missy with us this Christmas, but were more than happy to make a trip to Kansas City to visit them. Jonathan and I have always been fans of Priceline, wondering what kind of deal we can find. Mostly pleased, sometimes disappointed and always thrilled when we end up in a better than expected spot for a few nights. Especially when your door is opened for you curbside, you are handed a glass of bubbly to take to your room and a white robe is hanging on the backside of the bathroom door.

I do boutique well. And I quickly learned so does my, not so little anymore, e. He loved the small elevators and the elephant made of towels, the view of the city from our room and he even commented that it was pretty cool they gave me sparkling wine upon arrival. Thanks Hotel Aladdin for a fun stay while we were in KC.

He's just getting too big. On this little trip with him, I gazed at his smile and watched with awe and wonder as he took care of the cousins. I thought about Mary. How old was Jesus when she realized he was no longer just a boy, but learning and growing into a young man? And maybe I fought back tears a few times, like right now. I sure do love you e and and proud of you and your heart. This time away with you was an unexpected gift. Thank you.

He found himself a boy in the midst of 5 girls opening gifts and giggling. Baby Creed was waddling around avoiding the chaos on the couch.

We placed the gifts under the tree and picked up enough Chinese carryout to feed a small army. We opened gifts and chased kids. Filled plates and sippy cups and refilled plates and sippy cups. Tasted my brother's first batch of Moonshine -- YUM -- and laughed and watched and it was chaos, Christmas Chaos and it was perfect.

After we wrapped up the evening we drove through the Plaza, making the trip to Kansas City at Christmas time complete. There really is nothing like the Plaza at Christmas if you are from this part of the country. We headed back to our hotel where I shared an evening with a girl friend, Elliott a movie with Bodee and Griff' and Pops hit P & L.

The next morning shortly after I woke I was able to go for a 45 minute run downtown. I love running in a city. Different sounds and tall buildings, new places and Occupy KC tents outside the Federal Bank Building. We headed to The Filling Station for coffee and conversation with Griff' & Missy then met my mom's family at The Filling Station BBQ for ribs a little later in the day. It was another full day, full hearts and definitely full bellies!

The best Christmas...It continued.

e meets c.l.

2012-01-01T10:07:00.000-06:00

elliott meets clyde lucas.
december 2011
kansas city, missouri

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T11:05:00.001-06:00

A Nimrod Christmas in pictures and words...

Christmas morning fireplace before the boys were awake.

Our Advent candles and a few gifts under the tree.

Each year we read from the Scriptures as a family. This year Jonathan read most of it, but Chas read too. That made the reading extra special. (and maybe I cried a little.)

Stockings, Sleepy eyes & Smiles.

DandyDoodle wasn't left out.

There was so much laughter and hugs of thanksgiving and not an ounce of disappointment.

After we shared the morning with our family, I headed to the kitchen to prepare for our guests. We hosted a friend who was without his kiddos for the morning due to a change in his marriage, a couple who was unable to travel back to CA to be with their children and grandchildren and our sweet, sweet neighbors who are without children or family near.

Upon arrival they each received a new pair of warm & cozy wool {men} or fuzzy {ladies} socks and then were asked what treat they wanted in their coffee, heavy whipping cream, Irish Cream or Kahlua. I put one to work grinding more coffee beans and another helped carry the food to the table. Shoes were removed and toes covered and more than one of us purposely slid across the bamboo floors.

We filled our plates with scones, drizzled with a cranberry citrus compote, ham, breakfast burritos, peppermint shortbread, bacon & an egg dish that turned out super yummy. What's a meal around the table without an "I hope this is good. No recipe, but lotsa heart" dish. (Eggs, onions, mushrooms, spinach, sage, mozzarella, rosemary, Himalayan pink and sage salts, pepper & dollops of ricotta all over the top after it started to set in the oven.)

We shared a couple of hours around the table, seconds and thirds, rounds of coffee & mimosas (I maybe didn't have the orange juice part in my glass), laughter and smiles, stories of pasts and hopes for the future. We held hands and a blessing was asked for upon all, with thanksgiving for the blessings of the days past. We walked our friends to the door and gave them 2 more gifts. We gave them a bag containing candles and a card. We asked them to remember the morning and know they are loved when they light the candles inside. It was a beautifully, perfect morning, filled with joy and hope and love and peace and Jesus.

It's the season to be in slippers for hours and fuzzy boots when DandyDog needs to be walked & trail shoes when running, because they are warmer.

It is the season for burning stacks of wood and eating pounds of my mom's GF Chex mix. Yes, I have it as a side to breakfast, lunch & dinner.

We headed to my parents later in the day and were able to enjoy Christmas with my parents, sister & her family. More laughter and gifts exchanged, stories retold and new memories made. I really missed my brother and his family. Christmas dinner was put on hold for a couple of days, instead our bellies have been filled with yummy soup and all of the foods we eat one season during the year.

As I write, my daddy-o is chopping onions, my mom is mixing, the boys are playing outside and Jonathan is probably watching HGTV. We have already watched Christmas Vacation this morning and it's time to click "Publish" and join my parents in making a meal together.

My BEST Christmas continues. The waiting and coming is over & the celebration of the Christ Child is in full swing and I am one happy gal.

Birthday Cupcakes

2011-12-27T09:41:00.000-06:00

On Friday the boys and I made a special delevery to the office for Jonathan's birthday.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:46:00.004-06:00

May you know and feel, in a way as unique as you, hope and love and joy and peace and Jesus.

Merry, merry Christmas.

H.B.D.LJ

2011-12-23T13:46:00.001-06:00

music & snow

2011-12-23T10:19:00.001-06:00

A friend shared this video on Twitter. Check it out and make it snow (click the snowflake in the toolbar).

He's Mine - Fireside Kiddo

2011-12-22T09:54:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago the boys each had 2 pals stay the night. No special occasion, but it was Friday night & no school the next day, so they had a little party. Saturday, I woke early and prepared a fire to enjoy as I baked scones and had my coffee. After the night before, a bit of quiet in the morning was welcomed. I heard the "little's" come out of their room and when I walked into the family room I saw them sitting fireside and visiting. They were darling and of-course I eavesdropped.

They talked about the dreams they had during then night and their plans for later that day. But the best part was the conversation about the fireplaces in the other boy's homes. They could just turn them on. They didn't have to work to build the fire. By far much cooler than the fire that I had to tend to in between mixing scones and sipping coffee. I smiled and added another log.

It is difficult to make out their profiles, but if you look closely you can see the glow of the fire on their little cheeks. I would welcome these little's by my, not so cool, fire any day. Even if it requires more work than flipping a switch or turning a key. This is the family room fireplace I've always wanted. It's perfect.

There is no denying this sleeping kiddo above is mine. Here is c a little after 6 this morning. He woke and noticing that I had a fire going, made a bed out of the floor cushions, grabbed the comforter from his bed and fell back to sleep just 2 feet from the fire.

Do you have a fireplace? If so, what kind and when do you enjoy it most? Early morning or evening or when the snow is falling? Me, I enjoy it as often as I am able and the air is cold enough. Join me. I've got Vintage Heart house blend on the way and just picked up a single origin from Heroes on Monday. Let's make it a date.

spill

2011-12-17T07:41:00.001-06:00

I made quite a mess & spilled a bit before serving breakfast in bed ~ warm shortbread & coffee.

Friday gift & wake up call

2011-12-16T11:44:00.000-06:00

My alarm wakes me at 5:23 each morning. Many mornings I am already awake and moving with sleepy eyes through my routine:
clean teeth, walk into kitchen, hit the button on the hot pot to boil water as I walk to the door to let dandydog out, go to the bathroom, let dd back inside, give him a treat, grab coffee filter, wait for water to boil, grind beans, pour water into chemex, fill the food and water dishes for dd...But not today.

I slept rotten last night and was wide awake by 5, but instead of getting out of bed I asked for a gift. I asked Jonathan if I could just stay in bed. Meaning that as he got himself ready to leave for work, he'd have to do the things I usually do after I've had my first cuppa coffee: all the dd tasks listed above, wake c & e, make lunches, fix breakfast*, get the boys out the door by 6:42 to catch the 6:45 bus, pack his own lunch. He said yes and I rolled over and covered my head with a pillow.

I heard all the happenings. J cut his hair, was watching ESPN, vacuumed, boys in and out of the room. I asked every 10 minutes or so if they were dressed. When c came into the room at 6:33 still in his pj's I decided to stay in bed. He still had 10 minutes to get into clothes for school. I heard e ask if he could have the chicken in the fridge for breakfast and J reply from the shower, "Sure, but it's a little spicy." Dandy must have thought something was wrong, because he hopped onto our bed and placed his head on my side. Nothing was wrong, all was perfect well.

Then it was quiet. I fell back to sleep.

And I slept. I woke every 45 min or so, each time deciding to try to sleep more. I have been exhausted since before Thanksgiving. At 9:30 my phone rang and the voice on the other end was a very dear friend who is like a sister, Anna. We made coffee together; she in Irvington and me in the Ozarks. She said she'd share her great grandmother;s short bread recipe and I moved 4 sticks of butter from the fridge to the counter in preparation.

Thanks Jonathan for the gift this morning and Anna thank you for the wake up call. You both warm my heart and this Friday morning, it's extra warm.

*I fix a hot breakfast almost every morning: scones, pancakes, waffles, eggs, biscuit sandwiches and many mornings the boys, all 3, sit and eat together.

Not a thing & random.

2011-12-14T08:34:00.001-06:00

I'll admit that I send myself reminders for much more than appointments with the dentist or school programs. I send reminders to write letters or remember when a friend may be missing a family member who has passed. I send reminders for practices or even reminders for why I am swimming and running and (not at the moment) biking so often. Each morning before I wake I receive a daily calendar from Google. Today this was what was on my calendar -- NOT A THING.

I am debating: take advantage of a "not a thing on the calendar" day, so do nothing VS fill it with tasks I've put on the back burner. Most likely I'll do a bit of both. I'm home without transportation, so that helps with my decision. Anyone have an old Buick they want to sell? I'll start with another cup of coffee and Sunday's newspaper & then I'll head down the street to do a hill repeat run workout and after that...Want to come over for something baked? I'll set out butter just in case. That way it's soft and ready to be made into something yummy.

After school a few days a week we have been going to the library and then ice skating. At the library we do homework, read, check out the new issues of magazines we like. You know, normal library stuff. On Monday, e chose to read a magazine for his logged reading time for school. He chose Triathlete and I smiled. He read about Kona and shared that when he's in his 20's he'd like to train for and complete an Ironman and then he pointed out this page:

Followed by him saying, "Swim, bike, run, sip {laugh}. That's what you like to do." Correct my dear, correct. And when you cross the finish line after 140.6 miles, I'll be sure to bring the bubbly! In the mean time, have you tried any of these? I've only had the one in the middle. It was on a chilly, snowy day in January, while I was visiting Indianapolis. It was shared fireside with friends and was lovely.

DandyDog's calendar: Not A Thing. Oh wait, snuggle with his little buddy. (Check)

he's mine.

2011-12-12T10:03:00.000-06:00

Our boys wanted a dog.
We waited years before we said yes.
I'll be honest, we still owe them a dog. (Oh, but please do not tell them.)
Because DandyDog, he's mine.

He's at my feet most of the day & waits on my side of the bed until I return.
The wrinkled comforter is a dead giveaway.

He has loads of bad habits, like snatching food from the counter.
Sometimes he asks for things politely, but mostly not.
Above it his polite way of asking for a belly rub.

I stood up and snapped a photo of the floor to my left. He was dreaming.

Soon he will be a bounding ball of energy when he sees me change out of my house shoes and into my running shoes. He knows the routine. I change. He jumps and darts around. I fill water bottles and grab his leash. He bumps into me and tries to open the door to the garage. I gather the last of my gear and he's proud because he's snuck past me and is waiting by my car. I'll open the door, he will hop in and off we go.
Today I think we will run for an hour and a half, run a few errands & wait for the boys to get out of school. He will sleep in the car while the boys and I are inside the library doing homework and reading. He will greet people at the Spark Cafe where we stop to pick up hot chocolate and coffee. They know him there and often step outside to say hello. Then we will head to the rink to go ice skating. Maybe tonight will be his night to make it onto the ice.

Evening Advent

2011-12-11T20:02:00.001-06:00

In this season of waiting for the Christ child, Advent, I have shared a variety of stories with my boys. Tonight we listened to on of my favorite songs. It just happens to be a Christmas Carol. I tried to share it a few days ago, but it wouldn't upload. I wanted to share it with e & c and was able to find it again.

May you be touched by the words and the voices and the background. And in the waiting, may you know.

a favorite carol

2011-12-08T20:57:00.001-06:00

Oh Come Emanuel, please click below & close your eyes & listen. Such a moving arrangement. http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?client=mv-google&v=R26jJaKnEeI

paper & tape & tissue paper & bags

2011-12-07T10:47:00.001-06:00

This year most gifts we will be giving are Consumable. Not all eatable, but something that can be used. Nothing to clutter the closet or end up in a drawer. It's my way of compromising.

Each year, late November, my husband and I have the same conversation:
J: Why don't we have an African Christmas this year? No gifts. A big meal. Maybe go to the movies.
Me: Why don't we stick to 3 small gifts for the kids, fun stockings, gifts or money for our family, a little something for the teachers and neighbors and a few friends and a few...
J: No, we should have an African Christmas. No gifts.
Me: (Silently plotting my list, I'm thinking about the awkward moment when we are handed a gift and have nothing to give in return. Come on. Be real. It happens. And I feel like a looser. I have a sick feeling in my stomach as I am typing.) I usually reply to his persistence with something like this, "Maybe next year."

I was chatting with my sister this morning. She asked what I was doing. I told her I was wrapping gifts. She asked what I got the girls. I told her: black construction paper, white out rollers to draw on the black paper, finger paint tray & paper & paints (I still have to buy those), princess pullups & wipes. I think I may get the girls rolls of tape also. Kids love tape and it's mostly harmless. I also told her I had 1 more gift, but she had to wait to see the pictures.

Abi' is the best mom; so thoughtful and careful to make the memories from special occasions last. Where I tend to throw away school papers and art projects, keeping only very few, she is actually organizes and keeps them. ALL of her kids have a (baby) book and ALL of them are written in and kept up to date. One of the things she does with their birthday cards is hole punch them, placing them on an O ring for the girls to enjoy for months. I love this. I'm going to copy, but with a Christmas twist.

When the holiday cards hit 75% off after Christmas, almost every year I buy a slew of them and for a moment, very brief, I am committed to sending cards the next year. (2012 will be my year, I just know it!) I add them to the Christmas tote holding cards from the year before that I didn't send. Who knew this would come in so handy? Today I made the gift that has topped the list of gifts I can't wait to give...Christmas Card Keepsake.

Christmas Card Keepsakes for DCK &EAK
10 different cards - A different one from each person in our family x 2 (I have that many boxes? Yes.)
O rings
Hole punch
Punch a hole in the corner of each card. Attach to the O ring. Have each of us choose a card and sign it.

Below is the finished Christmas Card Keepsake for my nieces.

What are you most excited to give this year? Sticking to a theme? Making gifts? Celebrating in African style?

peppermint marshmallow invites

2011-12-06T17:26:00.001-06:00

We don't live in a town or a city, but actually a Village. I like living in a Village. This Sunday afternoon, on a lane and in a Village, we will host our neighbors. We have met most of them, but a few pull out of their garage in the morning, drive past our house and in the evening pull right back inside. If we happen to be outside we politely exchange waves with a pane of car window glass between us.

I didn't want to send an Evite. I couldn't, even if I wanted to. I don't know their names, let alone their email address. And I didn't want to send a store bought invitation. I only needed 7, our street is short & a few houses unoccupied. We are having them for hot cocoa and cookies, so I made little bags of peppermint marshmallows to accompany the Christmas card with the invitation inside.

My sister is hosting a party soon and is going to have a hot cocoa bar. Such a cute idea & yummy too. I told her over the phone how I made them, but here are photos Abs. We also thought it would be cute to dip the bottom half of gingerbread marshmallows in chocolate, giving them pants and dip some in white chocolate then in Christmas Nonpareils.

Dark Chocolate chips, peppermints & large marshmallows

Melt the chocolate chips (I added a little butter, because it makes it better. always.)

You could add peppermint oil if you wanted it extra minty.

When the chocolate is smooth, dip the marshmallow in the chocolate.

When your fingers get really messy, lick them.

Then wash your hands, silly.

Repeat. Repeat. Lick. Wash. Dip your finger in the chocolate on purpose. Wash.

Place the dipped marshmallow on the peppermints and then onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.

I found it easier to place the smashed up peppermints on a plate, instead of a bowl.

I also found it much easier to buy peppermints instead of candy canes, unwrap them and put in the Blendtec, pulsing 3 times for about 2 seconds. Way easier & much less time consuming than trying to put them in a bag and smash them.

Let them cool. If you wish them to cool quickly, place in the fridge or outside

if you are in the chilly parts of the country.

Bag them and give to friends. Host a party and have a Hot Cocoa Bar. Build a fire and sip hot cocoa with your family. I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of hot cocoa or marshmallows, but I have eaten the bottom half of a few of these and I washed my hands no less than 17 times in the process of making them. Let me know what easy treats you are making this holiday season.

made with what was leftover

2011-12-06T16:36:00.000-06:00

grilled brie, apple & black forest ham sandwiches.
(I've hardly thought about any other food since eating this last night.)

A Very Griffith Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T13:58:00.001-06:00

A number of years ago, my Aunt Deb started gathering my mom's side of the family for a holiday meal. It began as a Christmas dinner, but has been held at Thanksgiving also. My family has, for years, traveled the most hours, happily being the guests and never the hosts. This summer I invited the family to "A very Griffith Christmas at Thanksgiving ~~Arkansas~~ 'becca Style". I was thrilled when they all accepted & began their journey by preparing a what's to come bag of goodies.

I went to the Chamber of Commerce & picked up various magazines & maps. I bought some little trinkets {silly bracelets, sticky notes, temporary tattoos} and delivered them to each family. They were really fun to put together, but I never heard if anyone actually checked them out.

Prior to their arrival I baked scones & sweet breads, picked up the new versions of the Magazines I'd given them over the summer & added in the information on the new museum we would visit on Friday. Most of the family arrived on Wednesday & shared dinner at our house. That is when I passed out a pillow cover from my little gram's old couch. (I was given it after she passed away and had it recovered, saving the cushion covers.) Inside were the baked goods, as well as smelly candles for their condo, because sometimes places you rent don't smell the best, a few toys for the kids & the local 'zines.

Because I got to host, I made the turkey. I made 2 & if I do say so myself, they were super yummy! I soaked 1 in a 48 hour maple ginger brine and the other in an 18 hour sugar/salt/sage brine then between the skin & meat spread a sage butter I made. Mmmmm! We had all the other treats you typically have, plus extras. It was a delicious meal, spread out all over the kitchen and on the deck.

I created a little spot for the men to rest and watch football, escaping the little ones for a bit if they wished. Inside were snacks and a cooler full of...beer.

I didn't have my camera out much. But here are a couple of my favorite pictures.

DCK above and my brother and momma below

Our Thanksgiving was delightful. It started on Tuesday with our first guests arrival and ended on Saturday evening when the last departed. Let the holiday merriment continue....

A trip to Station 5

2011-11-28T13:50:00.001-06:00

Fifty years ago my mom promised her little brother she'd take him to the fire station. For years he has teased her about the trip. I arranged with my pal, Jonathan, for our family to have a morning at the Fire Station.

My mom & her little brother Scott & the "kids" w/ Firefighter Born

He took the ladder out of the station and up, up, up they went. Elliott & Chas were the only 2 who wanted to climb.

They got to spray the hose.

It was a little bit crazy with toddlers, tweens & teens...

Thanks JBorn! I owe you yoga & dinner & wine & cheese & bacon wrapped dates!

from a pal

2011-11-28T06:57:00.000-06:00

I woke to an email this morning with this attached. The message was short and encouraging:
"Motivation. Post it somewhere."
So I'm posting it here first. I will print it later and hang in near my gear.
2012 is nearing & I have a goal to achieve.

FAKE!

2011-11-20T15:48:00.001-06:00

If I'm going fake, I'm going all the way.

Not to replace our real tree, but we've got a Thanksgiving holiday to celebrate before we head to the tree farm. In the mean time this is a whimsy way to satisfy. Now back to making paper snowflakes.

rugs, chipmunks & pranks

2011-11-18T17:37:00.001-06:00

Do you ever go to websites and drool? For a number of years I'd visit here and pick a color, knowing I'd probably never have on on my counter. Then one day while walking through TJ Maxx I kicked a box containing one that was red. It was 80% of the retail price. I didn't want red. I kept it. It sits on my counter. I use it. I love it. I call him, appropriately, Francis.

Whimsy, colorful & not matchy-matchy is the current theme of our home. On the mantle I have a bowling pin & a bubble gum machine & an airplane made from juice boxes in Rwanda, a large photograph & books. On the floor we have rugs that I picked up on clearance at Target or rag rugs I've had for years, falling apart due to weekly washing. So it's no wonder I now go here and drool.

This summer I was looking for fabric to have a couch recovered and found a lovely little shop called M. Grace and guess what they carried? Yes, Company C. I checked out several carpet samples and brought them home to dream. I knew I'd not have it in my budget to purchase. I also knew dreaming & drooling was free, as long as I returned them within the week. I ended up not getting fabric, nor did I purchase a rug.

Target & rag rugs are working. A bit dull, but working.

Today I had about an hour before I needed to be at school for the Thanksgiving Feast in c's classroom. I planned to stop at Goodwill & a few other thrift shops, but on my way was M. Grace & I pulled in.

I was greeted upon entering the store with a smile & told that if I needed any help to simply ask, then I walked to the left. I looked down and saw a line of rugs marked $15. I knew the patterns. I squatted down, knowing that certainly these rugs were marked incorrectly.
So I asked.
They were not marked incorrectly.
Price $15.
I purchased 6.

Now DandyDog has a new rug to sit on and ~~watch the~~ be taunted by the chipmunks living under the deck.

Can you find the rubber band in this picture below? I believe one of my boys is turning into a prankster. He was quite proud of himself & I was thankful that his brother we the first one to use the kitchen sink, not me.

Happy Friday, stop by and I'll make you espresso as you rest your feet on my new rugs.

DandyDog on the news

2011-11-17T18:02:00.000-06:00

I wasn't able to embed the spot from a local news station, but here is a link to the segment.

Crystal Bridges May Bring Opportunity for Local Economy

Then My Dear...

2011-11-16T17:07:00.000-06:00

You really should listen to this.

Then My Dear...

you really should follow this, {heartgill: 10 days of thanksgiving} the next 9 (day 1 has passed) days.

Tonight, I'm thankful for the fire in the fireplace, fixing breakfast for dinner and especially, especially thankful for mal, vintage heart & Anna.

________ which is us & a laugh.

2011-11-15T21:26:00.001-06:00

A favorite TED from the evening.
&
This one made me laugh.

eleven.eleven.eleven

2011-11-12T14:27:00.001-06:00

eleven.

curried sweet potato & cabbage soup with a kick ~ basket of bread ~ bubbly & beer in the fridge ~ truffle cheese and blueberry chevre and gorgonzola ~ fried plantain ~ blue cheese stuffed olives ~ baked brie and apples ~ bacon wrapped dates ~ soft drinks and hot tea ~ s'mores bar, 4 kinds of marshmallows, graham crackers, grasshoppers, nutella, dark chocolate bars, chocolate covered graham crackers ~ basket of blankets on the deck ~ fire out back ~ candles and conversation

The moon was full, the air chilly, breezy and perfect for a fire and blankets on the deck. When I was asked by a friend earlier in the week what the occasion was for the party, I said, it's eleven.eleven.eleven and I think that's a day to celebrate. We packed into the kitchen & around the table, leaving the couch and chairs empty most of the night. We stood around the fire and exchanged stories, ate and ate and drank and toasted. And laughed. There were moments of heart connection, when it was obvious God's hand was gracing the present. We checked out friends new tattoos and talked about our goals for 2012. Old friends were reunited and new friends made.

This morning as I was unloading the dishwasher and hand washing platters I realized 2 things:
1) I didn't take a single picture. Above are 2 pictures I took this morning; clean dishes in the dish washer and the platter covered in bacon grease where I served bacon wrapped dates. Which disappeared about 10 minutes after they were taken from the oven. Note to self: Next time make more, many more and stuff some of them with an almond or maybe cream cheese.
2) The time of 11:11pm passed and I didn't make a wish. I didn't need to because I was too busy living the wish I'd have made.

Terrrrrific Kiddo!

2011-11-12T14:25:00.001-06:00

...Chas Nimrod! We are so proud of you Chasmannoodle. Way to be a leader in your classroom.

Crystal Bridges Preview

2011-11-12T13:51:00.001-06:00

This summer we made the decision as a family to become one of the original members of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. While the boys helped out with a cooking class/demo I filled out the necessary paperwork. I have written before about our anticipation for the day it opens and about our love for the trails that wind through the acres surrounding the museum.

A benefit of being an original member would be tickets prior to it's scheduled opening to the general public. On Wednesday night we had to park a mile away and take a shuttle to a windy path which led us to the front doors. The evening was crowded and few children walked between the galleries. As a momma, it was fun to see the boys point out paintings they were learning about in art & the sculptures they watched being built via the CB app on their iPod. Below are pictures from the evening. We are already looking forward to our next visit over Thanksgiving

This painting Chas has studied in his Art class at school.

I walked into this gallery to find e sitting on the bench gazing at this sculpture and painting.

This sculpture/picture was one e was looking forward to seeing in person. He read about it that evening as we drove to the museum.

Kindred Spirits.

Reflection.

This chair is the chair and color I want in my kitchen.

Waiting to see After The Last Supper created by spools of thread. The gentleman who was helping with this piece spent about 3 full minutes speaking to c and teaching him about the physics and math behind the artwork. This ended up being the favorite of his.

Wonder World is the gallery of modern & contemporary art. It was the most fun for the boys. This is the gallery that they wish to visit again when it's not so crowded and our bellies are not growling.

These were a few of my favorites. I was especially fond of the Max Weber, My Studio in Paris (bottom right).

With the museum now open, you can plan your visit and are welcome to stay at the Nimrod B&B, where you are kindly made welcome.

We're Glad You're Here from Crystal Bridges on Vimeo.

Believing

2011-11-09T06:06:00.000-06:00

"And he believed the Lord..."

These words were written about Abram after he was told he would have a son. He waited. And he waited longer. Then he took matters into his own hands. (mistake.) And he waited and finally years later it happened. The story is long and complicated and really quite unbelievable. Especially when trying to imagine it happening in the present church culture. You can read it in Genesis if you would like.

Believing the Lord is hard. It is not something which comes naturally or is easy, to me anyway. I am actually quite horrible at it. But that is not my point. My point is this: When I actually believe God -- it happens. Life happens and works out. Mostly not the way that I think it should or in the time frame expected or desired, but it happens.

This heart of mine has deep desires. (Shallow desires too, like this and this.) Desires which I am unable to put into a fancy font or spoken word. I believe these desires have been placed in my heart by a Creator God. This God, he's the translator.

When I choose to believe and wait,
Listen to my heart,
The translation happens
Naturally.

And how do I know this? Not just because. My mom said that to me as a child and it drove me nuts. I know because I get to make M shadows with hands larger and smaller than my own. I know because I have Joy sprinkled in my kitchen and Friendly Yellow covers the wall. I know because in our family room there is a fireplace, bowling pin & bubblegum book ends and a very large world map. The kind of world map you may have had in your classroom as a child. And I know because on eleven.eleven.eleven we will host a party.

The occasion: Just because the timing is right.

Want to join us? Stop by. You are welcome.

Crystal Bridges Preview

2011-11-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night we get the opportunity to be some of the first people to walk the halls of the museum. Although, it doesn't officially open until 11.11.11, we, along with other original members, were invited to preview the museum 2 days prior to it's public opening.

It will certainly be exciting to see inside the walls we have watched being constructed. We have a spare room, if you would like to plan a visit to the museum and our little spot in the Ozarks. If you can't make it, down load the app here and take a virtual tour.

We love First Friday!

2011-11-05T08:05:00.001-05:00

The first Friday of each month on the square downtown has a sponsor and they organize the events and activities. When Crystal Bridges was the sponsor they had cooking classes, the kick off for membership to the museum with an art focus. There was a Back to School sponsored by the school system and yesterday's FF was sponsored by a local company. It was like Halloween but with toy* giveaways, not candy. Phew!

Three full size vehicles from the movie CARS, Batman and Ernie-D were a few of the personalities making appearances last night. The kids danced and played games with Radio Disney and ruled the streets, running here and here with their friends. Dandy and I hung out on a park bench across from the tents passing out homemade dog treats and with the watering station.

After nearly 4 hours of nonstop activity, screaming girls when Justin Bieber's music played & the reply, "Oh he's a Golden Doodle," I happily retreated fireside with a glass of wine. The First Friday of November was a success and the first Saturday of November? Yes, it will be spent on the soccer field.

*Brilliant marketing as the holiday season in the stores has begun. I'm not a business woman but I recognize the efforts when I see them.

A few for you & many for me

2011-11-04T08:06:00.000-05:00

My sweet boys made sure that I had a few of one of my favorites ~ Almond Joy. They dumped their candy on their bed, e sorted it into 2 piles, 1 for him and 1 for me, but c sorted into 3 piles, 1 for me, 1 of chocolate and 1 of other than chocolate. Then they decided to combine all they had left and divide it so they both had the same amount. I was totally impressed with this decision.

And a funny from Jimmy Kimmel to kick off the weekend.

Skin Strong photo shoot

2011-11-02T16:25:00.000-05:00

If you are a cyclist, a runner, a swimmer in a wet suit or a kooky one who combines all three into one event called triathlon, you need to have this in your gear bag -- SKIN STRONG. The couple who owns the company is local and are involved in F5 and are all around fantastic.

CLICK HERE TO BUY SKIN STRONG!

A few weeks ago they asked if F5 folks would come to their home for a Skin Strong photo shoot wearing their new gear. Maybe they did or may they did not know what the results would be. :) It was a fun evening with loads of laughter. As they use the photos, I'll be sure to post links to them. There were some that were really silly and a handful of serious. Chandi send me 4 of my single images. If I get my hands on the group shots I'll share. Thanks for the fun evening Owens.

Oh and just in case you are wondering who did my make up. It was me. And for my hair, I used the dirty and windows down in the car method. Place post run hair in a slightly of centered low ponytail, hop in the car and roll down the windows, making sure the sunroof is open. The wispy curls are sure to fall right into place.

2011-11-01T07:16:00.002-05:00

It could not have been a more perfect night for trick or treating. The night started out warm, but ended with a chill in the air. After visiting a couple of neighbors, we headed to our friends in another part of town for an evening of trick or treating. A neighborhood where the kids had the run of the sidewalks and a pillow case was the most common trick or treat bag carried.

We arrived and the boys delivered an apple and brie filled pumpkin and bats blood for to the parents.

Mummy dogs and apples provided fuel for this rowdy group of boys who we were watching the clock and waiting for the hands to arrive on the 12 and 6.

I never gathered the group in full, but here are a few of the boys.

A favorite costume of the night.

As we drove home, pillowcases half full, I asked the boys what their favorite event was and how the night felt inside. (I was fishing for an answer.) I asked them if that feeling reminded them of someplace. C said it reminded him of our Halloween nights at my parents and his favorite event was jumping out of a golf cart. e said it felt like someplace, but he needed more time to think.

After a bit e said, "Ma*, it felt like Africa." I grinned and asked him why. He went on to share, the freedom they experienced while we were in Rwanda, felt like the same sort of freedom they had trick or treating. They had soft boundaries and as parents we trusted.

We wish, pray, desire things for our children, right? One desire I have for my kids is for then to experience the positives of my childhood and Jonathan's. For them to have similar experiences ~ climbing trees and making leaf houses, playing a game of futbol on an abandoned piece of land and eating mangoes or apples in the tree until you are sick.

Tonight, that happened.

As I laid my head to sleep, I smiled, because I remember my nights with soft boundaries, running, pillow case in hand from Weller to Pickwick to Delaware to Cheery, but never past National. Mostly that smile was because in the hearts of the two boys tonight, the Ozark Mountains met Rwandan Mountains. Or should I say the streets of Springfield met streets of Liberia? Either way you look at it my wish granted. My prayers answered. I am so thankful the one who created me, knows the desires of my heart.

*e has been calling me Ma for months and months now. Momma has officially been shortened to Ma. It makes me feel like I need a long dress w/ an apron over top, lace up boots and a bonnet.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:11:00.000-05:00

A fun start to the day with glow in the dark spiders scattered across the bedroom floor and spiderwebs strung from their bedroom door to the bath. A table set with Halloween treats, black and orange sprinkled scones and skeleton was the spot for morning smiles.

I feel a little giddy inside, knowing this year my boys will have the chance to trick or treat with friends in a local neighborhood. For a number of years we have made our way to my parents for the holiday. Living on 7 acres on an Ozark Mountain top doesn't make for the best trick or treating. Acorns and sticks, no thanks. This year we will stay in our own town and the boys will get to hit the sidewalks with pals.

In the running this morning for costumes: Old Time Robber, Crazy Scientist, Zombie Soccer player...Both settling on dressing as Luchadores.

The sun is about to peek above the horizon and I'm about to hit the yoga mat. Wishing you a day that provides the giddy feeling you had as a child on Halloween Day!

the soccer field. we love the soccer field.

2011-10-28T09:51:00.002-05:00

Soccer Joy.

worth your time

2011-10-25T10:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday. I'm home with an illin' e today, but the sun is shining and a breeze is blowing. No reason to be down, so we will have soup and relax, play with spelling apps his iPod and read. And if he's feeling better, later in the afternoon, maybe we go for a stroll with DandyDog.

I wanted to share a couple of clips & a link that made me smile today. One I watched last week and re-watched this morning and the other I knew happened, but had not seen the actual clip from Anderson Cooper until I checked GoogleReader and read a favorite blog, Dunia Duara.

Q the Drumming Shark

A, B & the darling Jefferson Family (Beautiful words introducing them by Justyn)

video platform video management video solutions video player

F.F.F.F.F or F5

2011-10-23T18:40:00.000-05:00

This part of our community isn't a place, but it's a spot in a group -- F5.
It's a place where I feel I belong.
Where my kids belong.
Where my husband belongs.
Where our family belongs.

We have found a community where we connect in more ways than simply an interest in competing in endurance sports. We talk about how God is working in our life. We share wine and cheese after a yoga class. We meet for lunch and share meals our homes. We dress up in crazy costumes, bake special treats and wake up at the crack of dawn to make sure that our pals racing, have fantastic aid stations. We watch our kids play and discuss business strategy (some do that, not me). We share books and ask hard questions. We listen.

It may sound like your small group at church or your neighborhood, but one thing that may set this group apart from others is the percentage of time we spend together in spandex.

My spot in this community isn't altered because I'm a sprinter among Ironman or that I'm more concerned about the post race nutrition, than nutrition on during the race. I have finally found a place where I feel accepted for my abilities and strengths, not judged by weakness and lack of knowledge. It's a community where I feel encouraged and challenged. This company I am keeping, it makes me want to be better. Not just a better triathlete, but a better person.

flickr flip through

2011-10-21T14:52:00.001-05:00

Snapshot—October 20th, 2011, a photo by Barack Obama on Flickr.

Was looking at my flickr stream this afternoon and this one made me smile.

Happy Friday and Greetings from...

Compton Gardens

2011-10-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

Last week we ran through the bamboo forest. I often make this trail part of my morning runs. We love to take visitors there for a walk and make our way to the overlook, viewing the progress of Crystal Bridges. We enjoy the path on our bikes and it's perfect for walking, casting "M" shadows. Can you see the bicycle hidden in this tree? It's a bronze among towering Oak, Sycamore, Maple. Another little place we love about our spot in the Ozarks ~ Compton Gardens

pedal pops

2011-10-13T17:23:00.001-05:00

There are so many things we love about our little town in the Ozarks. If I can stick with it, I plan to introduce you to a few.
We will start with Mike, because we visited him on the square today. Mike makes all natural, unique flavor gourmet popcicles. Today I tried strawberry basil, while the boys choose strawberry mango & we each sampled the peach raspberry. Mmm!
Pedal Pops makes the top 10 on our Tasty list.

Bath Robe

2011-10-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

One of the fun things about the place we stayed in DC were the animal print bath robes. I love hotel robes. J does not. I don't think he likes robes in general. So I alternated.

dream house vs dream house

2011-10-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

Chas just showed me this drawing of his dream house. The rooms include:

school (I love that this room made the cut even if it's a small)
bowling
airsoft
painball
hot tub/pool
go kart/ ice skating
and a room with a 90 inch plasma television

Mine would include the following:
giant gourmet kitchen with chairs and counters for sitting
adjacent to the kitchen a dining area with windows and a long window seat w/ bookshelves below
off of that a big room with a fireplace
a master suite with a skylight above the shower and a large window with a tub below. A deep tub, no jets.
bedrooms for all of our kids and a place for Dandy Dog to call his own
I will agree with Chas on the pool and hot tub outside, but I'll add in an outdoor kitchen and dining area.
Oh and stairs. And a few squeaky floorboards and high ceilings.

But right now, this little house we call home is perfect. I don't have the skylight or deep tub. No pool and the hand-me-down trampoline sits at a slant. Our boys share a room and Dandy's food is in the laundry room, while he sleeps at the foot of our bed most nights. We have a place to dine outside and inside and a great airbed if our guests are plenty. I have a kitchen that I love and a room with a fireplace.

Chas is lacking the kitchen and place to sleep. I'm sure thankful he has a momma who is crazy about him & will welcome him any day of the week for a meal and a place to rest his head.

Sorta, but not really

2011-10-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

This picture. It sorta, but not really shows the way that I was feeling inside that night.

D not G

2011-09-30T15:27:00.001-05:00

Wearing Athleta & Newtons, sipping a double espresso, I find myself surrounded by power suits, laptops & blackberries.

Once again I am reminded I am no Greg, but Dharma.

Oops.

2011-09-30T09:41:00.000-05:00

How in the world could I have forgotten to add these two to Monday (dash) Thursday?
Yesterday on my run, I decided to finish up at the National Zoo. I did not expect to see much, as the animals do not usually come out until ten and it was 8 or 8:30. As I ran through the Asia look who was getting a jump on the day?
Mei Xiang & Tian Tian

I tried to tell them it was National Coffee day, but they insisted on bamboo leaves and water.

monday (dash) thursday

2011-09-30T09:30:00.001-05:00

our week in pictures from my phone...

morning run on the mall

We took a day trip to visit family and take in a bit of history in the city of brotherly love. It was heart warming to see Jonathan, his ma and sister together, walking. And to visit such historic landmarks. Landmarks which would give birth to a country where a person is given the chance to achieve anything.
I was honored to stand in the very spot with people who when given the chance, have achieved and are thankful for the dream.

I would love to know the name of the gray that is used in this room. I asked. The lady working did not know, but agreed with me that it was a great color and would most likely look perfect on the furniture I am repainting for our bedroom. Oh and the chandelier...I need one.

Natural History Museum

Air & Space Museum
(favorite exhibit there was about the Chilean miners)

National Archives

Happy National Coffee Day!

American History Museum
First Ladies Exhibit
I visited this museum after spending time in the Holocaust Museum. After the heavy hours spent there, the dresses, china, jewelry, shoes were welcomed.

AND THEN THIS!

Oh to have dined at this table...Ohmigoodness!

Pretending to have been inside the kitchen with Julia.
I think I may need to add a little pegboard and teal to my kitchen.
As I walked the halls of the American History Museum I confirmed that we need to have a family vacation to DC and a trip up to Philly. I know that my boys would have had a great time here. I learned yesterday that there are 6 pair of Ruby Red Slippers. I had to send a picture to my niece. Her reply, "Cool. They look big." (Not at big as Michelle's Jimmy Choo's.)

We attended a function at the Embassy of India last evening. A lacy, little black dress and a handsome fella in a suit made it extra special.

This morning we went for a stroll in the neighborhood near the hotel where we are staying. I shared a dream I have and we discussed dreams we share. As we turned a corner there was a church with a garden. In that garden a statue of my favorite, St. Francis. Tuesday is the feast day of St. Francis. A lovely way to begin our final day here. I will soon set out on foot to explore the area solo. I will return, slip into another dress and heels, grab my clutch and enjoy dinner and the program.
It certainly has been a fantastic way to begin year 36. Thankful for the place it began and with anticipation I look to the days ahead...

...because tomorrow we return to my other boys.

The same morning run on the mall, just looking the opposite direction.

Rainbow

2011-09-28T12:35:00.001-05:00

& this I call delish bliss.

2011-09-28T10:07:00.001-05:00

#swanky&sassy36

2011-09-25T15:39:00.000-05:00

I started the day with a lovely 6.5 mile run around the city. I am determined to remember DC not only the streets I run, but the food I eat. After my run, the rest of the day was/is dedicated to eating and walking, walking and eating and sipping and eating. So far, we have enjoyed coffee in 1 spot and breakfast in another, followed by window shopping and a visit to a chocolate boutique. My stomach is beginning to growl, soon we will head out for tapas, followed by a walk, ending with an Indian dinner. Now, that's the plan, but who really knows...

...not me.

3 out of 4 of my boys...

2011-09-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

2011-09-23T07:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Autumn.

a little more political than normal: LIFE

2011-09-22T08:49:00.000-05:00

I just erased the 5 paragraphs I'd written. I decided it was a topic best shared over coffee, fizzy water w/ lime or a glass of wine. And maybe with a fire in the fire place.

I was writing about life and death, abortion and death penalty, forgiveness and second chances.

I watched the story of a man's life end on national news last night. I will not claim to have followed the story for the past 22 years or even the past year, but I will claim the heavy heart I felt as the rain began to fall outside my bedroom window and the camera crews rolled. I will also claim the confusion I have surrounding the person who claims to be pro-life, yet in favor of the death penalty. (I just erased another few sentences. It was best to do so.)

My heart is heavy this morning. My heart is always in a state of confusion when it comes to the life of another taken. Whether the person be in the womb or strapped to a gurney. I should stop there, but I am going to share a couple more thoughts.

My friend, Rick, retweeted this last night:
Pray 4 life, Unborn babies, poor moms on welfare, elderly, peaceful solutions to conflict, justice in the margins, no death penalty, shalom ~ Kurt Willems

Please look at this website: People of the Second Chance I have been given more than a second chance. Praise God, I have. And I'm thinkin' you probably have too.

I am fully aware that the world is more gray than black or white. I am aware and thankful that each of us has a mind to think and create and a heart with which to filter or not. I am thankful that we each think differently. Today as we move ahead in our days, may we do so respectfully with intentional steps.

I will. And as I do so I'll have his momma and his momma on my heart. Innocent or guilty and crimes aside, yesterday they lost their son.

A few more photos from Branson

2011-09-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

The finish for the Sprint was the same as that for the Ironman70.3. I crossed it after far less miles than many of my F5 teammates and other pals.

Heading into the finish. Thanks to a "Comeon 'becca! Finish strong!" from Eric (he placed 3rd overall, I think), who owns the Starting Block, a view of the finish & a smile from someone who stood a head above the crowd, I kicked it in gear and I did pass her to end up 3rd in my age group and before the downpour began.

The weather was less than ideal. Chilly and cloudy at the start, but the sun popped out for a bit, while most were on the bike. Then a horrible thunderstorm rolled into town. I had friends on the bike and on the run for the hour it poured. It was chilly and wet and they continued to race AND smile! Crazy proud of each of them. (Top left headed clockwise: Patty, Jonathan, Jake, Tamara) High 5 F5!

While the 70.3 racers continued, I went to the hotel, cleaned up, located and retrieved e & c, sent J on his way to catch a flight, loaded the car, walked the dog. Then I went back to the Landing to cheer friends through the finish and congratulate them, wearing a makeshift trash bag poncho. The picture above is of my new pal Patty. This was her first 70.3 and something she's been training for months. She had a horrible bike crash the weekend before and was fighting a chest cold. Even though she was feeling less than 100% she raced. Way to go!

The answer to the question I asked the other day is B. I did not run over the black snake, but straddled it with the wheels of my car. Mom, I did ride the Ducks in the Dark, thanks for playing.

They provided the transport from T2 (transition 2 where we left our bikes and picked up our shoes). And not only did they provide the ride, they had the Ride the Ducks Duck at the finish. I drug Dirk (far left) and Richard (next to me) to this photo opportunity. It was an opportunity. I bet this is the only Ironman where you have a Duck AND Silver Dollar City Saloon girls at the finish.

And as for that return with my new kicks, my smile was bright and real. Just as I'd predicted.

Race Weekend Recap

2011-09-19T06:25:00.001-05:00

I don't have any other pictures from this weekend, but am hopeful that more will come via email later today. At the finish, Jonathan let Dandy run to me. I squatted down to pet him and he knocked me over. I'm sure it was a sight to see. Have I mentioned I love that dog?

Until then, which one of these things didn't happen this weekend?
a) Elliott & Chas took 1 & 2 in the 5k for the kids and Dandy Dog was 1st in the furry friends division.
b) We ran over a black snake, dodged 3 turtles, almost hit a deer (literally by a yard) and missed a tornado by a few miles on our drive back from Branson to home.
c) There were moments, along with a solid hour of down pouring rain during Ironman Branson.
d) I placed in my age group for the Branson Sprint AND had a great, not fast, swim that didn't terrify me.
e) I rode the Ducks in the dark.

Cheers!

2011-09-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have so many things I want toast this weekend...my daddy-o, those running on Saturday morning, our friends J&J, Jonathan, F5, T3, my bike.

My weekend officially started last night when I entered the TriCave for the first time as a triathlete. Remember that goal from my 20's and the deal made last year with Jonathan about a bike? In short, I set a goal while I was in my 20's to participate in a 70.3 before I turned 40. Missing piece of working to accomplish that goal was a bike. I made a deal, I'd participate in 10 spin classes and then get a road bike. I spun, I purchased, now I ride outside.

Last October I got my bike and started to ride. I didn't clip in, but rode in running shoes until this spring, when I made the switch to cycling shoes and set myself up to fall at any given moment because I can't get my feet unclipped. No need to wonder, yes, it has happened. Yes, I scraped up my knee and hand and ended up with a bruise on my left calf that hurt for 2 weeks. Laugh, it's ok. I laughed too.

This summer I have ridden with some consistency and the longer and more often I ride the more aware I am that the person who sold me the bike did not fit it properly. My feet go numb, my hamstrings are so tight and my shoulders are sore. I needed some help. Enter Coach Chip from T3 Training Systems. Cheers! Thanks Chip from T3 for making my bike fit properly! Can't wait to get my T3 kit and in 2012 become 1 of your athletes. Cheers! to my bike, that now feels much, much more comfortable. How 'bout we ride some hills this weekend in Branson.

Tonight we head to the lake for the St. Jude 5k that my daddy-o is hosting. We are very excited to be able to participate this year. I'll get to run with my boys & DandyDog. Cheers! Way to go Pops. We are SO proud of you and your efforts to help the kids at St. Jude. Cheers! Way to go runners and walkers who will make a difference on Saturday morning. It's not too late to join us...Click here for more information.

The F5 community is amazing and our family is so happy to have found and become a part of it. Cheers! Can't wait to cheer on all the F5ers racing the 70.3 and race long side those who are doing the sprint on Sunday. High5 F5!

To our friends, J&J, Cheers! We love you, believe in you and are proud of you!

Cheers! Jonathan, thanks for making much of this possible. Having you there this summer, as I have embarked on this adventure of triathlon has made all the difference.

Off to pack my bags and load up the car. I'm typically a light packer, but this weekend I have a feeling the car will be loaded down. I hope you have reason to raise a glass this weekend and toast someone or something. If you can't think of something, then make something up.

To You and Friday and bikes and family and friends and dogs and running and races and sunshine and _____________ CHEERS!

This morning I am knowing

2011-09-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

I have no way to contact him. I have no way of knowing if he is being fed or cared for. I have no way to know if he's attending school or causing trouble for the teachers (which he's been known to do from time to time). I don't know if his water is being boiled before he takes a drink or if he has outgrown the clothes I have taken him.

I do know he prays.
I do know that he is loved.
I do know he loves.

I have the mother's instinct and hope in a God I trust and love. I hope today that he knows I love him and miss him and am thankful for the home and those he shares it with, even if I am unsure of who he is with and where it is located. To get there, I imagine bumpy roads and tea plantations, women in bright colors walking with baskets on their heads and young children pounding rocks on the roadside. I smell fires burning and hear the wind.

Above my gut and hope I have the words we say at night. "...and protect our children, Ayanna, Elliott, Chas and Moses, mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and sexually. Guide their steps in the direction for which they were created. Lord, allow them to know this at an early age, followed intentional steps changing the world in which they live..." and I have trust that the words are heard and honored.

This morning, those words and his smile allow me to know.

a dandy of a date

2011-09-14T09:57:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Dandy and I headed out for a walk on the trails, but it ended up a trail run with stops along the way.

Checking out a noise in the woods, followed by a jerk of my arm and the walk turned into a run. Thanks little squirrel, running was a better idea than walking anyway.

A bit unsure of the movement of the bridge, the run slowed as I coaxed him

across, but not before I snapped a picture.

Not a bad place for a dead end on the trail. It's a waterfall,

but with the lack of rain this summer it's a water trickle.

Panting and hot by the time we reached the lake, he hoped right in to cool off. I didn't.

Is it a natural bridge along the trail or a giant friendship rock?

Back to the car for a drink before loading up and heading home.

Thanks dandy-dog for spending my days with me. I sure am happy you are part of our family.

I have wanted a dog for years and years and now I've got 'cha.

We are similar

2011-09-13T08:15:00.001-05:00

I talk in my sleep and so does he. It just sounds different. And each time I hear him, I giggle.

Browsing old photos...

2011-09-12T11:56:00.000-05:00

I've been clicking through old photos lately and although I am FOR CERTAIN that my time as baby/toddler/un-potty trained mom has passed, I certainly miss the days when they didn't require deodorant and I could kiss their feet.

This picture is from a little coffee shop in Lincoln, IL. It was taken at an open mic night where we heard the poetry, music and hearts of people in the area. Some we knew, others we loved and a few we had not seen 'til they took the stage.

I look forward to the day when the hot chocolate that was in that cup is replaced with a latte, but the conversation -- no matter the age -- is still a conversation of hearts. This momma and her boys...

75 lbs heavier

2011-09-11T08:16:00.001-05:00

Is how we travel these days.

car park & kicks

2011-09-09T07:49:00.001-05:00

This week I have been on parking lot duty with our soccer team in conjunction with the LPGA tournament taking place in town. I'm here from 5:15 until noon & it has actually been quite pleasant.

A friend works next to the hotel where I'm volunteering, so I had company this morning as the sun interrupted the stars. We visited, shared coffee & I occasionly pointed a car to lot A. I was told that my desire to never, ever complete an Ironman, my end up being like my desire to never, ever compete in a marathon. After my car park duties are finished, we will meet & I will attempt another, non-race open water swim. I am hopeful that with a partner it will make it easier.

Yesterday I told a pair of old friends they were being replaced by new, but I think they, the old, will always or at least for awhile stick around. They did carry me through some of the most difficult days and over a thousand miles. They have touched the ground in a number of states and 3 continents. I think they know all of my secrets and although I try to stick to the idea, when something new replaces something worn out, the worn out is tossed, it just feels wrong.

It is ironic in a way that the old were blue in color, as were so many of the days when they were worn. And equally as ironic, the new ones are bright & with a hint of glitter. I will wear them as I run a 5k next weekend w/ my 2 of my boys & our 4 legged friend, then the following day in my last tri of the season*. I will return to a place where no matter how hard I tried to bloom, I watched myself wilt & when I do return, my smile will be as bright & real as the color of my new kicks. I can't wait!

I'm writing this on my phone, so I'm not quite sure how the pictures will attach or what order. The are of my makeshift car coffee table, my feet wearing my old friends & the sparkle of my new kicks.

*I think it's my last, anyway. I don't have a wetsuit & the water is getting chilly. But I could probably be talked into another easily.

beautiful interruption.

2011-09-08T06:22:00.001-05:00

Smiles from the past...

2011-09-03T18:18:00.000-05:00

...make me smile in the present. Thinking of her today.

Snug.

2011-09-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

"almost" with a dimpled smile.

2011-08-30T18:47:00.002-05:00

right in the middle of everything

2011-08-28T16:44:00.001-05:00

That's his favorite spot to sleep.

saturday.

2011-08-28T07:32:00.002-05:00

soccer.

peas.

dock.

swim.

new friends.

Weight & Cookies (I like to eat cookies.)

2011-08-25T06:56:00.004-05:00

I have played with my diet as much as my cookie recipe. I want to feel strong and healthy, not loosing or gaining, but maintaining with muscle and curve. I'm a woman, not a man. I am suppose to have hips, yes? I'm in my 30's have grown babies in this body. It's the only one I have and I should honor it for the gifts it has given me.

It's no secret that food has not always been a friend. In all honesty, some days it still is not. I really struggled a number of months ago when people in the community where I lived began to diet. Limiting themselves to a caloric intake that was way below normal, no exercise and using a synthetic hormone to curb their appetite. It was the diet rage sweeping the area.

I watched it help people who needed a kick start, but I also watched people of a healthy weight engage in the rage. People who wanted to be a 0 or 4, not a 6 or 8 embarked on a 6 or 8 week journey. At the time I was an 8 (29) and I believed that was too big. I am 5 foot 10 with an average bone structure. An 8 should be just fine. But my size began to feel huge.

I knew that it was not healthy for me to even consider, but I searched the Internet, asked many questions and watched, with envy, as their cheeks grew thinner and their jeans baggy. I spent more hours running and spinning and yoga-ing and on Sunday morning as I prepared for church I felt fat. Not chubby, but FAT!

I never gave into my desire. I knew with the history I have had with food it was NOT an option. It just was not.

I rarely watch TV in the morning, but yesterday I did. I turned it on during hour 3 or 4 or 20 of the Today show. It was a special "Numbers Edition". The hosts revealed their age, weight, body measurements etc. There was so much emphasis on the reveal of their weight.

I stood naked in front of the mirror during a commercial break and felt a bit of shame. The way my thighs touch at the top if I stand with my feet together, saddle bags and little chest. If I had scales I'd have stepped on.

What in the world? Was I really going to let a national television show make me feel crummy about myself?

Not for long. But it did make me think about my weight and if I'd reveal it on national television? And if I wouldn't, why not? Not that this blog has much of a following, but would I reveal my weight on here and if I wouldn't, why? I don't know how much I weigh, but I do know this time last year, my jeans were really loose and now they fit. My weight dipped into the mid 130's (I was checking) and that is not a healthy weight for me. I was too thin for the level of activity that I maintained and I did not feel strong. But I certainly didn't feel fat when I prepared for church or a school assembly. I was sure I was a normal size, certainly not skinny, but average.

I remember the giddy feeling the morning I was below 135.

I find myself encouraged by stories like this and this. But I'm not a vegetarian or vegan. Have been both at times. Vegan for a couple of months at at time here and there, but I like cheese too much, and was vegetarian for years. But I didn't feel strong & my GI system was always a mess.

Playing with my diet***, reading and trying new, healthy menus, I've become a full on meat eater & GF*. Well, I don't eat much pork, but bring on the fish, birds and a good steak. And as of this summer, a burger and cookies.

I have been working since the spring to find or create a great cookie recipe that is made with GF flour(s). I love the FG*** cookie recipe that I have played with over the years to make my own. Always adding in new ingredients. How 'bout a dried blueberry, walnut, white chocolate chip cookie? Mmmm! I've played and tried and played and tried more and finally I have it. And at the request of a number of people I'm sharing it...

GF _____ Cookies ~ Preheat oven to 363

Place the following in a stand mixer and mix on 2 or 3 until smooth:

2 sticks of soft, real & salty butter

3/4 C (not packed) brown sugar

3/4 C (a little less really) sugar in the raw

big splash of real vanilla (Haitian is the best)

2 eggs

Then turn down the speed to 1 and add the following:

1C brown rice flour

1C tapioca flour

1/4 C (heaping) almond meal

1/3 C (or 1/2 C) coconut flour

1T xanthan gum

big pinch of sea salt

1t baking soda

1/3 - 1/2 freshly ground nutmeg seed? pod? not sure how it's called

some shakes of cinnamon

Add Ins:

#1 rule to this part, making sure to not mess it up -- PLAY & EXPERIMENT!

I usually start with chocolate chips and bake 2 sheets of these. My boys prefer these. Then I add in dried cranberries or blueberries or cherries and bake a sheet of cocoa-berry, then I'll add in walnuts or slivered almonds (add in almond extract, if you choose this route). By the end I have 3 or 4 different cookies from the same batch.

~ Chocolate, Cranberry, Walnut

~ Chocolate, Cherry, Almond

~ M&Ms only (not baking M's, but full size)

~ Chocolate & Butterscotch Chip

~ White Chocolate, Blueberry, Walnut

~ Mint Chocolate Chip (add a splash of pure mint extract to the sugar, butter, egg mix)

That same diet rage is hitting the area where I now call home. This time around, it's not so tempting. Maybe it's because I've already been there, watched that. Maybe it's because I've worn spandex & a swimsuit top in front of many and there are pictures posted on Facebook as evidence. But really, I think it's because during this year of 35 I have realized and accepted, most days, that I'll never be a size 4 or 6 and this body that I have been given is mine to take care of. It may be past due, but it is certainly not too late to start.

Here's to the GF chocolate chip cookie I just ate (for real) and the coffee on my right. To my thighs that touch and being a snug 29. To running and swimming and biking and sharing a meal after. To being healthy enough in mind and body and spirit to love the life I live another day.

Oh and that weight number and a reveal on national television, I'd display it, if I knew it. I can only guess. 143-148 No, wait a strong and healthy 143-148!

*Gluten Free

**Not a loose weight diet, but a what I eat diet

***Fulla Gluten

2nd OWS + hills + more hills

2011-08-24T12:57:00.002-05:00

The Memory Maker had the best race photographers EVER! Here are a few...

My 2nd OWS (open water swim) and my 2nd tri. I'm really scared of swimming in open water. The Ocean terrifies me and the lake isn't much better. I swim fairly strong in the pool, but put me in the OW and I'm a mess. I don't practice it. I know I should practice it. I may practice it before my next race. (or I may not.)

No medals for the top 3 AG winners, but a great pint glass. Hummm...what's that tell you about those who participate in tris? I was 2nd in my AG out of 8 or 10 ladies. I was really pleased.

The finish.

2000+ feet of climbing behind me and a party ahead!

Thanks Brad & F5 & others who made it possible.

Loved it.

What was Dandy Day?

2011-08-23T08:35:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure if you celebrated Dandy Day in your neck of the woods, but we sure did here in the Ozarks. For years the kids have asked for a dog. A got one years ago at her mom's, but the only pets we have had in our home were cage confined -- Virgil the hedgehog, Genie the frog and Wolverine the beta fish. Well, Sozo the dog in Rwanda, but she doesn't have her passport, leaving her unable to travel.

We have talked about getting a dog for a number of years, but travel kept us from making the commitment. J and I also had a list of things we wanted the dog to do or not to do, making it even more difficult to find the right fit for our family. J didn't want a dog that shed. I wanted a big dog and wanted to skip the potty training stage.

The talk of finding a dog escalated this summer as we discussed trying to be a rescue family for a standard poodle or a standard/retriever mix. As conversations happened with people we would meet who had these breeds, I began to get discouraged. People do not often get rid of older dogs like this and finding one at the Humane Society is highly unlikely.

I spent countless hours at the soccer field this summer. Remember? As the kids played, parents visited. This is where one of those conversations happened. I shared with my new friend that if they ever decided to find a new home for the Goldendoodle they inherited a few weeks prior, I'd come get him in a heartbeat.

I was headed to check out at Target last week when I ran into her. She said, I have been looking for your number everywhere, we are ready to find a new home for Dandy. Many people have shared that they would love to have him, but I think your family will be the best fit. He's a great running partner, your boys loved him (they met at the soccer field) and your husband was supportive...what do you think?

I told her that I had to triple check with J, but I was pretty sure I knew his answer. And I did. We decided yesterday was the best day for both families to do the exchange, which meant I had to keep it from the boys for over a week. I text his picture to a few friends and wrote Dandy Day on the family calendar and yesterday I told the boys they were to be walkers after school, not bus riders. They didn't think much of it really. But after put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

Here is how it unfolded...

Parents waiting outside the school building for their kids.

Dandy waiting with a new blue, color of Brasil's shorts & Lightning Soccer, bandanna.

Boys meeting their new dog and asking over and over if it really was theirs to keep.

An attempt at taking a photo of my boys, minus the one at work.

My new pal. He doesn't really leave my side.

When J met him last night, he said, "He's BIG!" He's tall enough to snatch a meal from the kitchen counter. (My friend said he's taken a chicken dinner, roast & a huge stack of whole grain, hemp seed pancakes. So to be careful.) He's big, but he's a bit timid. He's afraid of the goat skin rug that I bargained hard for on the border of DRC & RW. The boys took him for walks last night and then again this morning before the sun was up. They wanted him to ride in the car to take them to school and can't wait to take him to the park tonight. We are all thrilled with the new addition to our family. He's sure a Dandy* of a dog.

So, if you were wondering what Dandy Day was, now you know.

*There has been discussion of changing his name to a more manly name. Dandy is kinda a funny name for an 80lb male dog, but in the end we decided to keep it. His world has been turned upside down with the passing of his original owner, a brief stay at our friends home and now our home. His name is the gift from his 1st family and we will gladly accept it.

Today is...

2011-08-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

...Dandy day. Just in case you didn't know.

Velveeta, Parmesan & Wiener Mobiles.

2011-08-20T20:54:00.003-05:00

The main sponsor of the triathlon I did this morning was Kraft Foods, which means the bike was the Velveeta bike route and the run was sponsored by Parmesan cheese. But the best part of them as the sponsoring the event is that at the turn around for the run, we had to run around a miniature, foot pedaled Wiener Mobile. :)

I didn't get any photos from the race. J had to work & the boys had soccer, so I flew solo a the event. The race was a challenging sprint, 1500+ climbing on the bike and 500+ on the run, but it was really fun. It was so well supported and small enough that people encouraged each other as we raced.

After the race I was hosting the after party for my tri club, so I wanted to get out of there, home and shower before guests arrived. I checked my time and realized that I came in 2nd in my age group, so I stayed to get my prize, a pint glass, and stand on my 2nd place step.

Guests arrived and so did the Wiener Mobile. The kids had a great time riding it around the garage and drive. When we told them they had to wear a helmet on to ride it down the hill, they decided to keep it close to the house.

I was able to meet new people from our club and the take on my friend, Laura's Make-Your-Own-Pizza Party, was a hit. I piggy backed on her idea and we had a make your own scrambled eggs bar. Curried or plain eggs, add ins & then head to the cook top and mix it up. I wasn't sure how it would go over, but it was really great.

I'm exhausted and I'll be up early again tomorrow for a bike ride with J. I hope your Saturday was fun and that Sunday brings some rest and time in communion. G'night.

memory maker...

2011-08-14T19:38:00.002-05:00

...with hills you will never forget.

dining with boys

2011-08-14T11:44:00.001-05:00

Last night was cool enough to enjoy dinner on the deck. I made a coconut milk, red curry chicken over rice & when dinner was fixed & my boys were still at the park I made mousse. Espresso, mint, dark chocolate, heavy whipping cream, eggs...delicious-ness with a spoon. How was your table time this weekend? What did you create & eat? A new recipe? Share, please.

Blue eyes & a 3 legged dog

2011-08-12T10:52:00.002-05:00

I'm not an eye* girl. I don't often notice a person's eye color. I could know you for years and years and still get your eye color wrong. If you have a dimple or freckles or even a scar on your leg, I am much more likely to remember, but eyes, the color anyway, doesn't do it for me.

But his eyes, they were blue. Not movie star blue, but pale. Tired. The kind of blue your jeans turn after they have been washed a hundred times in an old, top load washer. The kind with an agitator. Beaten blue.

I remember as a child hearing my daddy tell me about trips to big cities and how he would see people holding a sign "Homeless. Please help. God bless you." I'd not ever seen this in person. On the corners of the town I grew up in there were churches, strip malls & Brown Derbys.

It was a mystery to me. A mystery that made me cry in the dark. A mystery that still is heart breaking to me. I decided at a young age that I wouldn't just drive past or walk away. Don't we on occasion entertain angels? Unto the least of these, you do for me? This person holding a sign, they are as loved as I am. They have a momma and a daddy and quite likely are a parent. They are a friend, son, daughter. Maybe an artist, musician, brilliant...a person.

The economic times we are currently living are not booming with success stories and builders having to turn people away because new home construction is at it's best. I'm not going to launch into something I barely understand (Economics 101, I passed that class.), but I will tell you about this man who has blue eyes.

Last night I drove past. I drove right past him, past McDonalds and right onto the highway. I had c in the car with me and he asked why I didn't help. (He knows that at the very least, we usually give a dollar or two, or burger and fries.) I told him I would, but I wanted to take him something home baked and healthy. I packed a bag of cookies I'd baked this week and a bag of plums, oranges and peaches, a toothbrush and toothpaste. I also packed J and e in the car and we headed back to the street adjacent McDonalds and at the exit of Wal-Mart parking lot.

Before we got out of the car, we talked about how we would help this man. It was decided that we would take him into Wal-Mart and purchase for him what he needed. When we asked what he might need, he said that the muffler on his car had fallen off and he needed some wire, pliers and wire cutters.

While we talked, the boys played with his dogs. One looked like a boxer mix and the other was a mix of all sorts, but only had 3 legs. Both were very friendly and playful with my boys.

He is from Joplin. He is no longer a user or drinker. He has family, but is distant from them. He has emphysema and walks with a limp. He's a vet. A disabled vet. He is not married, but has a good friend living with him in his car. She is from Texas. He shared this with us after I asked him if he was from the area or passing through.

We walked, my family and this man, into Wal-Mart and people turned their heads. The person in the home improvement department helped him find exactly what he needed. He showed us the most expensive and the least expensive. The blue eyed man said the least expensive would work well. He even looked for a smaller spool of wire, because he didn't need the large one we were shown.

Three things.

That's all he asked for.

After I paid we walked to the exit of the store and my boys paused at the RedBox looking for a movie to celebrate their first 3 day weekend of the school year. He thanked us and walked slowly to his car, bag in hand.

I'm not sharing this story to encourage you to do the same or toot the horn of my family and our actions, but because I think I'm ready to notice again. It's been almost a year of trying to learn the color of my own eyes. This process is allowing me to seek, love and walk the way I desire. And last night as I walked across the parking lot with J, my boys and this stranger I noticed his eye color. I think it was a hint from my teacher. I'll take it.

*I'm an arm girl.

finding my feet on home

2011-08-09T11:38:00.003-05:00

I may have paused to answer a phone call or two and stopped to take this picture, but this morning, this 69 degree morning, I found my feet and my feet found a path. That path has a hill or two and I think we will become friends.

This summer I have driven to run. Our Village has few sidewalks and not much of a shoulder. One person said to me if you look at an aerial, it looks like a person took a hand full of spaghetti noodles, dropped them on a map and called them roads {and parkways and lanes}. Few bridges, many hills and curves and dead ends.

I have shared before that I often remember a city or town by the streets I run. Winter in Indianapolis, ice covered trail from Irvington to downtown to Broad Ripple took me past murals and warehouses to a warm coffee shop, a friend and a ride back fireside. Christmas in the Ozarks where I watched a bald eagle soar above. March in Kenya...I ran, slowly, in Kenya and that's all that matters. :) The smell of eucalyptus trees on the roads of Rwanda and the boys who ran with me from time to time. Runs in new places are mostly alone, but from time to time with a friend.

Today I found a new path in a new place, alone and I'm going to do something I've not done before. I'm going to give this route I ran a name. I'll call it home. Because it felt right.

Swirl

2011-08-08T19:47:00.001-05:00

Monday, Wild Monday Rescue

2011-08-08T15:45:00.004-05:00

I could be very pout-y today. I woke up late. My boys were a little less than helpful getting ready and out the door to school. As I was driving, my battery light came on and as I headed up a hill, my car stopped. No sputter. Just a gliding stop.

I've had a difficult time running the past 6 weeks. It's hot, humid and I end each run, feeling like I'm going to vomit. I'd decided today was the day I was going to get over it. I was going to beat the heat and mentally had psyched myself up for a 5 mile hilly run. I'd park, walk the boys to the door at school and then hit the A street hills.

But my broken car, meant I'd be on my phone with AAA trying to get a wrecking service to take me to the dealership, not go for a run.

Not sure if I chose to not be pout-y intentionally, but 30 minutes ago I realized that today wasn't all that bad. A gentleman pulled up beside my broken car and asked if we were trying to get to school. I said yes, To which he replied, jump in. He drove his boys, my boys and me to the school. The dealership had this and they gave me a ride home in a swanky 500 series. I had the car, well 1 was the wrecker and 1 was the BMW, door opened for me. I rode the bike route for my next tri in under an hour even in the 90 degree heat. I tackled the piles of papers that I've been moving around the house and re-stacking since June. In those stacks of papers I found a paper where I'd taken a few notes from a sermon a few weeks ago:

Some of my traits are a direct reflection of God.

I have been created and made in his image.

I am worthy of his love, because he made me and gives it to me.

I got to stand in the rain. It only rained enough to make the driveway wet, but it rained. And that mattered. On my ride I slowed to ask an older woman if she needed help. She'd pulled off on the side of the road. She smiled and replied, "No," while pointing to the yellow lines. As I rode past, I saw the turtle. A kindred spirit? Yes. I rescue turtles, too.

I didn't get the call I was hoping for from Lowes and I discovered that my poor communication had left me not knowing the health situation a person I care deeply about. I still have not heard about my car and the computer display on my oven is shot.

We didn't receive the rain that we hoped for, but it did rain. A reason to pout or a reason to smile and stand in the drops that did fall?

This time a year ago a day like this would have thrown me into a tailspin. Today, it didn't. I recognized this. I also though about what I witnessed on my ride.

A rescue.

As I reflected on today, my smile instead of a pout, it became so obvious to me ~ I've been rescued. Not in a Jesus came to rescue me because I'm a lousy person kinda rescue, but a fresh rescue. A Genesis 1:27 kinda rescue.

I've allowed myself to be rescued by the one who created me in His image in partnership with the one he created. And that my friends, is no reason to pout.

The car that passed me on a blind curve while I was riding my bike, met another car in the lane headed towards them, it missed me. I didn't get hit. And the truck that flipped just down the hill from my home, did not result in any injuries. It's been a wild Monday & so I'm headed to the kitchen...

Wouldn't mind this at home.

2011-08-08T09:07:00.001-05:00