Sitting across from me? No problem, I can still take your food!

This is what my gift from Joel and LaDonna looks like to the unsuspecting person.






This is what it can do







As we were eating dinner one night, Joel asked me, "why are you using that fork?" I had no clue what he was talking about, until he told me to hold the handle of it and pull. As the fork lengthened, I could not control my laughter. Tears were rolling down my face as I laughed at this very odd, if not unique, utensil. Then, I stole some of Joel's food, because I could. Seeing the joy it brought me, my sweet friends purchased FOUR of these for my birthday. I cannot wait to have friends over to try them out...want to come over for dinner?

This is just a cool shot of my sweet birthday present

*You can find this very cool item at Restoration Hardware.

Clever, oh so clever

I received an email yesterday, from my nieces and nephews in Virginia for my birthday. However, it was all in code. YIKES! It just took me 10 minutes to figure it out, and I was going to paste it here. But, you know what happened when I went to paste the coded email? It pasted what it actually said once decoded. Ten minutes I spent figuring out what letter each symbol represented, and all I had to do was copy and paste it somewhere else to have the code cracked. Oh well, it was more fun the long way...I guess.

Sorry you all don't get to see what I did, but thank you Miller family for the very creative birthday email!

Oh, I guess I can share with you what it did say:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MICHELLE !!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE LAKE ! LOVE AMYLYNN

HAVE THE GRANDEST BIRTHDAY OF THEM ALL !! LOVE KYLE AND STEPHEN

CONGRATULATIONS !
YOU DID IT !

Sad sad sad sad...for us

Things are progressing quickly around here!!!
Last Thursday our realtor took pictures of our house and we signed some paperwork.
Friday it went on the market.
Saturday we had our first showing.
Sunday night we had our first offer.
Monday we had a contract.
Is that God or what??? - Cookes

This is the part of life I do not like, when friends are called to move away. Although we are very excited for what God is choosing to do for them, we are, selfishly, sad for ourselves. Kenneth and Cathy are like family to us, their kids like our own niece and nephew. They have been right around the corner from us for two years; the closest we have been to feeling like we have family in the same town. Now, God is opening new doors and creating new adventures for them. We wish them well, will pray for them often, and cannot wait until we see them again. Thank you Cooke family for blessing us, for holding us accountable, for being real, and for loving us so well. You will be missed.

The best good weekend EVER

We arrived safely home, after a mere 11 hours (including stops). Despite the driving time, Andy and I had what we have proclaimed, "the best good weekend ever." How wonderfully grammatical of me huh? I know, that's why I no longer teach English. But, back to the story at hand.

Our friends "Joey and LD" were amazing hosts. They were so gracious to allow us to invade their home and lives for a few days. Their house is incredible. Virtually everything in it was made, restored, redone, or created by them. Even the flooring in their house was made by them! They are the most creative individuals I have ever met, and I found myself often awe struck by their craftmanship. Truly, it is one cool house with two very cool folks, a dog and a cat, living in it.

The weekend was full of time with people who I haven't seen in years, since before I was married. It was such a blessing! I love that it felt like I had seen them "just yesterday" rather than the 5 to 10 years it had really been. I even got to spend time with their children, who were so fun and adorable! God reminded me how blessed my life thanks to the friends He has allowed me to have.

My heart became overwhelmed with joy as we sat and talked about the "old times" and about where we are now and the journey it took to get here, how much we've changed, yet how much we are still the same, and how thankful we are to have learned a few things along the way.



We felt like we had gone home in a sense. We were at a place that was comfortable, with people who know our stories but love us anyway. It was refeshing laugh together, share our struggles, and encourage one another. I think that is what we are on this earth for anyway.

Even though it rained the entire time, we can honestly say that this past weekend, was the "best good weekend ever."

My idea of Heaven

Andy and I are spending a great Memorial Day weekend away from home. We have spent our time with friends, eating together, talking together, and just enjoying each other's presence. Clearly, we have gotten old because we don't have to "do" anything, just sitting together and being able to fellowship with friends has made the trip we're currently on one of the best we have had. It is nice to be able to encourage and be encouraged by one another.

Unlike most trips to D-Town Texas, I have been able to spend time with a totally different set of folks. People who have known me for years, who have families now, and whom I love dearly but do not get to see much. It has been blessed, plain and simple, it has been very blessed.

Once we get back, I will be adding pictures for all to see, and adding more details to this little adventure. Until then, thanks to those of you who have opened up your homes and selves to us while we have been here, espeically you and your sweet wife.

For those of you who serve our country faithfully, I applaud you and thank you. I pray you are receiving the recognition you deserve for your service to this nation.

And, don't you all be jealous, but I will spend tomorrow, my birthday, in a car...for ten hours. I can feel the jealousy now.

Opening Up

After I read this blog, prayed for my friend, and wiped some tears, I decided I should blog. She is the second friend in a week to say she's had a miscarriage and my heart is torn up. I will never understand that part of life at all, and it's sad that so few in our world actually consider that a death. But, for those of us who believe life begins at conception, that's exactly what it is, the death of a beautiful, sweet life. I wish there were more studies, counseling, support groups, something for women who experience this loss. Why isn't there?

As I finished reading her blog, I began thinking about my own concerns with having a child. I even went back and read this post. The thought of having a child frightens me because I have seen, up close, that nothing is guaranteed. I believe parents understand the heart of God better than those who aren't parents; I believe they know love in ways I currently do not. I also believe that a parent's grief over the death of a child is one of the most painful types of grief.

While I was visiting the folks a few weeks ago, my mom asked, "So, what are you thoughts about children now?" She knows I have not been preventing pregnancy for quite a while now, as do most folks. I looked at her and said, "I'm scared mom. After Camden, I am just scared. I don't think I could recover like they have, I'm not that tough. I know God is, but that would be too much in my simple human mind." She informed me she thought that was part of what I struggled with and we began to discuss faith in the midst of fear. It was a great conversation really, and straight from the heart with nothing held back.

In all honesty, I would love to adopt a child. Yes, some of the reason is because of what I have written above, but the idea of adoption has always appealed to me. I don't know what will happen. I don't know if my body has been made to have a baby, or if we will end up adopting. I don't know if God will even open that door, or if He will guide Andy and I somewhere else. I don't know, but that has to be ok.

For now, I grieve for the child my friend has had to say goodbye to entirely too early and pray, that even in the midst of this, she is confident that God is grieving with her.

Picture pages picture pages

Saturday, we headed to Radnor Lake. Though I put a link to all of them, I wanted to share 3 of my favorites here.


I love bridges. In this picture, the bridge looks even longer than it really is thanks to the angle I took the picture at. Not sure why I have always liked this type of shot. Representative of a new adventure? New chapter of life? Who knows, but I sure like it.





I love the sun shining through the trees. Such hope! I wasn't sure it would come out as I wanted it to, but I'm relatively pleased.




The broken road. I started singing "God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts as I took this picture. Not real confident about the conditions of the road, but I still liked this shot.



Oh yes, and as for my things to do today? Done baby, all done. Ok, one load of laundry left, but whatever. The major stuff? So very done. Ahhh, accomplishment.

I will save the world today! Or, at least get some things done.

I have, for today, (drumroll please) a "To Do" List! Oh yes, I even printed off a template so I could list all my things to accomplish today and check them off as I complete each one. Nerd? Maybe just a little. Obsessive? Yea, a bit. But, I have a to do list! I have tasks that MUST be accomplished today! If not, the world as we know it may fall off its axis and nothing will be the same again. Fear not, I will come through for you people, I will get each task done.

Blogging? No, that isn't on my list, but I'm an overachiever.

And for those of you who like lists, here is where you find them.

Shake it out, shake it out

My mind is swirling with a lot of thoughts right now, thanks to having read a couple blogs this afternoon. So much comes to my mind, however, I don't feel it my place to comment on very much. I do not need to insert myself in everyone's battles, an old habit I am trying to break. My father (and husband actually) claim I have "martyr syndrome," a need to try to save the world, fix the broken, and make everything nice and neat again. One problem: I CAN'T! Phooey, my super powers aren't what I would like them to be. Such is life.

So, I will talk about God. Now there's a subject I like, will never fully understand, but adore completely. I am not sure how people can see God as loving and merficul but refuse to see him as just and even sometimes jealous and angry too. It's all in the Bible folks, all right there. "Jesus loves me" is a great little line, but love does not mean he allows me to go ignorantly along, making choices without consequence or discipline. His discipline (more painful than Dad's spankings!) prove He loves me. A parent who cares nothing for his child never sets up boundaries, rules, or disciplines. It's just that simple.

If the Christian life were easy, why would Christians be instructed to put on the full armor of God? Here you have it, from Ephesians 6:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ever been in a war? From what I know thanks to a friend who fought in Iraq, there's not much beauty in it. It's hard, it's exhausting, but it's for a purpose. There's the difference between the judgement of God and the judgement of people, God's serves a purpose, to bring us back to him. The judgement of people? Well, that's just to make me feel better about myself and that I'm not doing "that bad." And if that's my way of thinking, then I have forgotten the following truth found in Romans 3:10, "As it is written:"There is no one righteous, not even one."

The beauty of God? His mercy. No sin is too great, no falling too far, that we are out of his grasp.
Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

There is hope! There is hope for me, the girl who thinks she's right when she's often not, who is stubborn beyond what should be allowed, and who sometimes can't see the damage of her own sins in her everyday life. Praise the Lord! But I'm also thankful that He will discipline me back into His arms when I am choosing to sin. He is good, very good. He is mighty, he is just, he is gentle and loving, and strong, and fierce. He is.

Radnor Lake

Friday night, we were blessed with a visit by our friend Jami. Oh, we do love when she comes to hang out with us. Her quick wit and laid back personality make her completely delightful to be around. She makes me laugh, and her and my sweet husband enjoy joining forces to pick on me. The things I go through I tell you...HA!

Saturday morning, we invited our friend Christine to join us, and headed out to Radnor Lake. It was gorgeous out, and the lake itself provided a beautiful, serene environment for us to enjoy on our walk. We did not take any of the harder trails, but rather chose to just enjoy it, to "lollygag." And, I wanted to take some pictures. If you ever want to slow me down while out walking, just put a camera in my hand. Here are the pics.

Gizmos and Gadgets Galore

This morning as I began my workout, I strapped on my new heart rate monitor, my MP3, and I was off. I laughed at all the technology I had strapped on to simply go jogging and do a lower body workout (fyi: plyometrics are killing me!). I felt like I was signaling the mother-ship to come back and get me. All for the sake of health, insane. Seems like not too long ago all I did was get dressed, lace up my shoes, and go. Guess I feel the need to be entertained even when laboring through a workout. But, now I will be able to track the intensity of my workouts and find out where I need to make adjustments to see more results. Progess!

Now to learn how to utilize all the functions of my new "toy," then I'll really be set.

On a lighter note...

this is my sweet niece who is getting way too big. I was playing around with my camera (I want a new and better one) and she's a willing participant for any random photo shoot. I love her!!!



My sweet niece who will be 2 in November. I LOVE the expression on her face. It's the, "no really, do you really need to take my picture?" look, it's wonderful! And she? She in one of the most comical individuals I know! Completely entertaining.

Blah blah blah blahdy blah

Today has been one of those "blah" kind of days. Nothing exceptionally good, nothing exceptionally bad going on. Just, blah. It is incredibly beautiful outside, which is nice. I went for a nice walk this morning (yes, walk, no jogging at all) and loved every step, did some work in the yard (any excuse to play in dirt), and even had one client today. The problem? Not enough people interaction! I need more clients so I can interact more! AAAAHHHHH! I'm going to shrivel up like a raisin soon I tell you.

Fine, so it's not that bad, but I'm still having a blah day. I also just got an email from my sister telling me a friend's son died yesterday. He's young, and I believe he had leukemia. That makes - me - feel - even - worse. I have nothing to complain about at all. Stinky stinky stinky.

My Lubbock friends, I am praying for you as you walk through this trial and learn how to find joy in spite of an incredible loss.

No really, what's going on with American Idol?

Melinda Doolittle was voted off of the show last night. Andy and I looked at each other and both agreed: we are no longer interested in the show. However, much like others who have not made it into the finals, I am sure Melinda will do just fine as she pursues her singing career. But really, she should be in the finals.

Looking at my last post on this topic, I was pretty close to calling who would make it to the finals. I do still like Blake, but I think Jordin will win it. She's adorable and talented. My only hope is that she does have good, solid folks around her so she doesn't go completely wacky once fame hits (that's my hope for all of them really). Fame does crazy things to folks it seems, especially in our current society. But alas, America has gone wrong again, just like they did when this happened. Then again, he's doing just fine. Maybe there's a blessing in not winning. Finally, it seems only the girls who win actually do well, these two did anyway.

Officially official

Thank you to my friend Aaron who did a WONDERFUL job designing a web page for me. Go on and check it out at: www.PerfectFitNashville.com - whoooppppeee!

Home Sweet Home

No words could adequately express how good it was to sleep in my bed, in my house, by my husband last night. To wake up (around 8am - hooray) in my room, and choose exactly what I wanted to do (go for a run and do laundry). It is good to be home!

Now, for some pictures from my adventures to Lubbock and Flagstaff, enjoy.

For pictures of my view during the trip, click here.

For pictures of a park in Flagstaff and our fun at Sedona, click here.

And finally, for pictures of my cousin's graduation and the party that followed, click here.

Must move must move

After the long journey I have just taken with the folks, I do believe I will be going for a run today. It will be nice, oh so very nice, to get out and move. I am thankful to come from an active family because we did take a lot of walks and chose to do things that were active, but just going for a quick jog? No one beside me talking, no nieces and nephews asking me to come here and come there (who am I kidding? I love that), and no one else determining my course. Just me, out on the road, in the open air. What would really make it great is going to lift weights afterwards, but that's ok, I will take my run in the open spaces of west TX and just enjoy it.

Now to find my father's MP3 player to accompany me on the jog. I mean really, you didn't think I would go without music did you?!?!

No, I do not want to take a ride

Currently, I am in Texas, twitching from the road trip I just took...with my parents. Oh yea, nothing says "party time" like taking a TEN HOUR DRIVE with one's parents. We went to Flagstaff, AZ to celebrate my cousin's graduation from nursing school. Although it was great to see my relatives, I could have done without the drive. Why I decided to fly to TX to then drive to AZ is BEYOND me, not the best of planning I guess (note to self: fire travel agent...ie, my dear husband). Yesterday, as we were going through Albuquerque, I leaned up front and asked, "OK folks, are we going to go the distance? We aren't stopping are we?" We looked at one another, all smiled, and said, "Let's go." So, we drove all the way home. To be honest, the drive home was nice, it was the journey up there that took.forever.and.a.day.

Of course, I did get some great pictures but we'll have to wait until I get home to download them all. Oh, the anticipation.

It is nice to not be in a moving vehicle, and to be able to sit at a computer and read and type. Ahhhhh.....

Interview Challenge

This is from this site, and since I said I would do it (besides, the guy has GREAT pictures on his site):

1. If you could spend a day with any living celebrity, who would it be and why? Sandra Bullock because she is stinking hilarious and actually seems very down to earth, and the cast from Gilmore Girls...because that's the coolest show ever.

2. If you could spend a day with any living music celebrity, who would it be and why? Jeremy Camp, Shawn McDonald, Bono, and Kelly Clarkson - they speak for themselves, isn't it obvious why?!?!

3. What place have you visited that has effected you the most and why? The Ronald McDonald House and the Children's Hospital in Houston, TX. Both places are beyond words, heart wrenching, and go above and beyond the call of duty. I don't think I was ever there without tears in my eyes. So many kids with some insane illnesses, and all with smiles that melted my heart.

4. Who’s the closest friend you ever had in your life thus far? My husband, obviously, and then Cre. Both can put me in my place, make me laugh so hard my sides hurt, and teach me how to love others well.

5. How did you get into Blogging? My friend Lisa suggested it, and now I'm an addict. besides, I like to write.

6. Are you an athlete? If so, what sport do you play or have played? Yes: volleyball (the best sport ever), basketball, gymnastics, running.

7. Favorite movie and why? Dead Poet's Society - Robin Williams' character thought outside the box, expected a great deal from his students and got it, and he actually cares about them - plus he's funny. Oh yea, Cars and The Incredibles also rank high on my list for pure viewing pleasure.

8. Favorite song and why? "Better Is One Day" - I love this worship song, reminds me of how precious God is and how good it is to be His.

9. Most romantic date you’ve ever been on? My first date with Andy - lots of laughter and silliness, the ordinary became the extraordinary (ie: knew I would marry him).

10. What is your favorite car that you have owned? Our Honda and our Toyota because they are great cars and last forever when taken care of.

If any of you should choose to answer these on your blogs, let me know, I would love to check it out!

My body was moving but I still couldn't breathe

This morning, after over a week of not being able to workout thanks to being sick, I decided to head out for a 2 mile jaunt. I was going to walk at first, but couldn't. My legs just started going a bit faster until I was in a steady jog. It felt so good to be outside and moving! I had to keep my pace much slower than I would like due to trying to get rid of this cold (for good), but boy oh boy was it nice to be out there. Had I been able to breathe 100%, it would have been easier, but I won't be picky.

Typically, I workout 5-6 days a week between doing cardio and lifting weights. For nine days I have been unable to do any of the above and I swear I could feel my muscles beginning to wither. So long nice arms I have worked for, so long developing abs, so long legs that I know will look good eventually. It was all wasting away, I swear. You see, I had to go for a jog. If nothing else, to maintain my own level of sanity (studies do show that working out regularly helps decrease depression, anxiety, and an array of other things you know). Now, I'm just hoping that I don't set myself back again, like I did with that half marathon.

Off to stretch, and maybe do some ab work.

This guy is crazy

As I am reading through various things online since I was unable to go to church thanks to my illness, I came across this. Dean Karnazes ran 50 marathons, in 50 days, in all 50 states. WOW! That's what I call: INSANE! I am amazed at this guy, and his coach. My mind cannot even fathom the incredible shape he must be in, or the complete determination that seems to reign his way of thinking.

Yea, so I'm a wimp. Thanks, it is all about putting things into perspective. I'm not saying completing one full marathon and 3 half marathons (certainly not back to back though) is a small task, but still, compared to Dean? I'm just a wanna be. Oh wait, I'm a "not gonna be." Remember? I'm done with runs longer than 5K.

To breathe again....

So, much like I was feeling when I wrote this post, I have a cold....again. Unlike every other time however, I actually took myself to the doctor this morning. Shocking, I know. It's not that I hate doctors, I just don't like taking the time to go see them. You know, I'm too tough, I don't need no stinking doctor! But, Andy informed me I must get better so that we can go see Spider Man 3 this weekend (and really, what is more important than ensuring my beloved doesn't have to attend a movie alone?), so off to the doctor I went. Rather than treking all the way to my doctor, I went to a walk-in clinic closer to work. The doctor I saw cracked me up, here's why:

Doc: What's going on? How long have you had all this?

Me: Can't breathe, minor detail I know, and my head feels like it migh explode. Had it two weeks ago, was starting to feel better, did the half marathon, and then this returned.

Doc: (in a wonderfully sarcastic tone) Hmmmm, can't imagine why it would return when you clearly let yourself "rest." (chuckle chuckle)

Me: I know, I was told I should reconsider, but I'm stubborn.

Doc: And so, here you are.

Me: Yes, here I am.

So, I received a shot of steroids(so much easier than the steroid pack), a free sample of Nasonex (which has led to me reciting the commercial all day), and was told to buy some Afrin, and to continue taking Sudafed and Mucinex (note - Doc said those two were great meds for getting rid of colds). Hopefully tomorrow I will be feeling less like a near exploding head who's unable to breathe and more like a girl going on a date with her husband.

Napoleon Dynamite - Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Just because we all need a good laugh.

Training for a 5K or more

I just came across this article from Runner's World magazine. It's a great resource for training for various running events. Check it out, it will be useful!

If only I had this when we were training for the Country Music Half Marathon! Oh well, I will use it for the 5K races I plan on doing.