Read and Run Marathon

 On your mark, get set, go!

The Trio participated in their first read and run marathon this year.  I think this is just a fun idea - read 26 books and run 25 miles.  The last mile is then run as a school event.  They started work on this some time before Christmas.  I have to say, though, that readying 26 books in winter is far easier than getting the 25 miles of exercise in.  This morning was the final mile.  As you go through the pictures, you'll notice one of the Trio is missing.  Luke had a soccer game this morning at the same time as the run.  It was a difficult decision for him, but he made a good one by being at the game.  His coach had told him that his team needed him (they do....) and he took that to heart.  He also scored three goals for his team this morning - the most he'd scored all season.  I'm so happy for him, but I'm rather bummed that I missed his successes.  At the same time, I was proud of how well Andrew and Hannah ran their miles.  Andrew finished in about 10 minutes and Hannah was only a minute or two behind him. 

Andrew sprinting off the start line.  I'm pretty sure the teacher behind them is telling them to slow down and pace themselves

 Andrew nearing the finish

 Hannah coming in strong at the end

 Andrew thrilled about the medal and snack (that's what's important!)

Hannah also thrilled with her post race treats.  Just as a side note....Luke was concerned about his medal.  His gym teacher assured him that he would get it later.

Botanical Garden Visit

 

Yesterday, we took on the local botanical gardens and it didn't disappoint with all of its spring glory.  I love spring to begin with and when you add the beauty of spring flowers, the reminder of a fresh start and a sure sign of God's faithfulness after the bleakness of winter, it's beyond beautiful.  We enjoyed our afternoon along with many others.  My favorites of the day were the tulips (of course!), azaleas, pink dogwood trees and the company I shared it all with. 

 Hannah was quick to volunteer for this picture

 Andrew

 Just a sample of some of the tulips

 This would be an awesome climbing tree!

 My sweet friend from my Indianapolis days came to share the weekend with us.  So glad we got to explore this place together!

 The Trio and Me

A Mix of Quotes

I've heard some good quotes lately that I thought I'd share with you....  I'll start with the ones that make me smile and then to the ones that I just need to chew on for a bit.  So with no further ado....

Mommy, where should I hide your birthday present?  ~ Andrew, age 6

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Hannah (age 8) is not our biggest fan of Chick-fil-a chicken.  I'm not sure why since she likes nearly everything else.  However, this week was different.  She declared the chicken nuggets quite yummy.  On the way home, this was her take on it.   Mommy, I think I liked the chicken because they have a new chicken.  This one was a nice chicken.  The other was a bad chicken and mean that's why it didn't taste good.

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I'm currently doing a Beth Moore Bible study.  In it, she quotes Oswald Chambers...
"...Over and over again God has to remove our friends in order to bring Himself in their place, and that is where we faint and fail and get discouraged....It must be God first, God second, and God third, until the life is faced steadily with God and no one else is of any account whatever."

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There may be a good reason to fear...but there is a better reason for courage.  ~ David Powlison

 

Happy Easter!

We got the special blessing of celebrating Easter with my parents this morning.  Afterwards, we loaded into the van for our trip home.  We loved the surprise "egging" we found when we got home. Thank you to whoever blessed us with this treat!

Then There Were Four

I'm not the biggest sports enthusiast, but I do like to follow the big games at least.  So, it sounded like it would be a lot of fun to take advantage of spring break, head to my parents and take in some of the Final Four festivities in Indianapolis for a day.  It did not disappoint.  We had a great time taking in the free practice times and all the hoopla that surrounds these games.  We were also quite delighted that all of this was to take place where the Colts play.  We enjoyed checking out the stadium as well.  We got to watch all the teams practice, listen to coach speeches, and check out all the media (especially the camera on a pulley system!)

I might as well give you what I thought of all of it.  Each school was a class act...except one (in my opinion).  Each team used the entire 50 minutes practice time...except one (they only practiced 30 minutes).  Each coach gave a brief speech with the media...except one.  Each team seemed gracious to their fans...except one.  Any guesses as to that one team?  Let's just say, that I'm glad Wisconsin won last night.  They were a team, they were well coached, they were not self centered, they did not lash out when things didn't go their way.  I'm glad their efforts were rewarded.  I thought it was rather insightful on Luke's part when he piped up that they lost because they didn't practice....

 Michigan State

 Duke

 Wisconsin

Kentucky

National Anthem before the All-Star game

Thankful

This last move for me has been one of the hardest since we joined the Air Force.  I still think that first initial move may have been the most difficult, but that was a long time ago and thankfully, the fond memories are the main ones that remain.  I think it's been difficult for two reasons.  First, I had high expectations.  I'm from the Midwest.  This is home.  I guess I thought it would still feel like that, but there is much that I'd forgotten and there was much that I hadn't taken into account.  Second, our last assignment was our best one to date and that was due to the friends that God deeply blessed us with. I'm not saying this is a bad assignment because that is definitely not the case.  The transition has just been difficult for me on a personal level. 

I do see a glimmer of hope after we've lived here nearly 9 months now.  If I had to sum up what I miss, it would be community.  I absolutely love doing life with others.  However, since our move, I haven't had that.  There is a light at the end of that tunnel, though.  This past week or two God has reminded me that He is with me in this and given me moments of encouragement.  It may not look like much to an outsider looking in.  I'm thankful for the familiar faces at soccer games and soccer practices this spring.  I'm thankful for the same faces that I see each week in Sunday School.  I'm thankful for the brief conversations with those I've seen before, but now speak with.  I'm thankful for occasional lunch outings with neighbors and new friends.  I'm thankful for my weekly prayer time with other Moms.  I'm thankful that I'm beginning to see a glimpse of what community will look like here.  It will be and look different and never like before.  However, God knows what I need here.  He will provide.  For that, I am thankful!

An Exciting Day

photo courtesy of Andrew Robey

Do you spy it?  I know it may be hard to tell in this picture, but Chris has a new patch on that uniform - his major patch!  As of today, Chris is now Major Chris Robey.  So thankful for his perseverance and his hard work that he does for his family and his country.  Congratulations, my dear Major!