Southern Camping

When some friends from church asked if we wanted to go camping we didn't hesitate. In fact, I was stoked! It's been 4 years since we've been camping and I miss it. It wasn't real camping. More like glamping but I'll take it. We rented a cabin and got a good laugh out of how cozy the cabin was. But, other than sleeping, we didn't spend much time inside. We rode bikes, BBQ'd, explored, fished, rafted, played card games, swam, tossed the football and just enjoyed the great outdoors. Despite the tropical storm, the weather was perfect so it was easy to be outside. Chalk it up to a perfect weekend with friends!

My Dad

Sometimes I think I could write a book about how great my dad is. Truth be told, I knew he was a great dad while I was growing up but it wasn't until I became an adult that I realized how truly blessed I am to have him as my father.
From the time I was little I knew my dad to be quick to listen, slow to speak. He disciplined more by talking in a calm, logical voice than by yelling or using his hand. He guided with encouragement and support, helping me make decisions as I went. When I was young, we were only allowed to watch 1/2 hour of TV a day and whenever we watched our show my favorite place to lay was on my dad's leg. It was a place of comfort and relaxation. When we weren't watching our show, he was playing games with us. Monopoly was a favorite and he patiently played for hours, while teaching me about money and investments (Ironically, I still need to be taught those lessons).
As I got older we butted heads sometimes but, now that I'm an adult, I realize that I didn't know everything and that I should've heeded my dad's (and mom's) advice more. Even now, although I'm a parent myself, my dad will graciously call me out when I'm being a brat. He's still quick to listen and slow to speak but our roles have changed to more of friends and confidants than as parent/child. Some of my favorites times as an adult is when we go on Father/Daughter dates. He used to take me to Olive Garden since that used to be one of my favorite restaurants (even though he didn't like it in the least). Now we mull over life while enjoying hamburgers at one of our favorite burger joints. As always, he listens and gives advice (even when I don't always ask for it). He guides me with that same gentle guidance he's used all my life. I don't take it for granted.
Looking back on my life, some of the things I appreciate most about my dad now were things I either didn't know at the time or have grown to love. I remember spending countless hours at the church because my dad was the church treasurer. I wasn't always a fan of staying late every Sunday night while my dad counted the tithe checks, but now, looking back, I'm thankful that he was faithful in his ministry. He taught by example how important it is to be the spiritual leader of the household, even if that doesn't mean you're front and center in the church. I appreciate how he's dated my mom for more than 40 years of marriage. He used to throw her elaborate surprise birthday parties and sacrifice his wants to buy her nice gifts. He still takes her out on dates and watches chick flicks. He still buys her fresh flowers every week and writes her love notes. He taught me the importance of dating your spouse and loving even when marriage gets difficult. When I was a senior in high school I went through a I'm-smarter-than-my-parents phase and hung out with a less than stellar group of peers. A few years ago I learned that my dad, out of concern for me, rigged the doors of the house and slept on the couch for several nights because he was afraid I was going to run away from home during that time. He feared for my life- both spiritually and physically, so he gave up the comfort of sleeping in his own bed to ensure that I was safe. The older my boys get, the more I appreciate this selfless act that may or may not have changed my life. Another fun high school experience was math. Around jr high it became obvious that I had reached my limit in my mathematical ability. Yet my dad patiently tutored me in math despite my tantrums, mean words and tears.
He has loved me through the bad and ugly. He has comforted me during the lonely and the sad. He has laughed with me through the happy and joyful. And through it ALL he has loved me unconditionally. I honestly wish everyone could be blessed with a dad like mine. Because if they could, I have no doubt that this world would be a better place.
I love you, Dad! Thanks for everything you have done and given me throughout life. But, thanks most of all for being YOU, a man of God!!

Fun in the Summer Sun

We always look forward to our trips out West to visit my parents. Not only do we love our time with them, laughing and creating special memories, but we also love to eat at our favorite restaurants, visit friends, go to various parks and have fun adventures. This trip was one of my best ones to date! I got to spend special time with my parents and I got to watch one of my closest friends get married. Although I didn't get to see all of my friends this trip or take a day trip to NV, it was one of our most fun trips to date. Instead of running around like a crazy person, trying to fit everything in, we just made the most of each day and rested when we'd had enough fun. We went to the local carnival and parade. The boys loved backyard camping with their BobBob. My mom and I got to enjoy a special Mother/Daughter lunch and shopping trip. We visited my aunt and her family so the boys could tire her puppy out. One of the most fun things we did, in my opinion, was the water park that we'd never been to. E was a little nervous about swimming and P was a little scared of the huge water slide but it only took both of them a few minutes before overcoming their anxiety and fear. Yesterday the boys ran a lemonade stand and will be donating $20 for St. Jude, an organization that means a lot to P. To top it off we did our family favorite- the local fish hatchery, a place where we can feed the trout and explore. The boys LOVE going there! All in all, it's been a very fun trip and we made memories to last a long time to come.

Lessons From a Run

This morning I went for a short run, not long enough to really get deep into thought. But a few things  ran through my head (get it??) while my feet pounded the pavement. I don't know if or how many more half marathons I'll be able to do. I'd love to be like that 92 year old women who just made the record for being the oldest person to run a half. But the arthritis in my hip really bothers me, whether I run 1 mile or 13. A few things that make any run easier for me, though, is music, my boys and the weather. For some reason my Pandora wasn't working today so I was stuck listening to Rob's Bone Collector CD (How did that end up on every iPhone we own??). I noticed that the music really slowed down my time, like 45 per mile slower, because of the slower rhythm. Another thing I noticed is that I no longer like running hills. I used to love them because they provided a challenge. Now I loathe them, mainly because I'm out of shape and because of my hip. I noticed that my optimal running weather is sunny and about 65 degrees. Oh, and includes NO humidity! The last thing I noticed is that "bad" music (no offense, Hun) slows me down, but my boys help my time. I picked them up to accompany me on my last half mile. They rode their scooters so running next to them really helped me better my time. I hope I can keep running for many years to come, whether it's 1 mile or 13 miles. I've come to love running and love the stress relief it provides. I also love that it gives me a chance to ponder life, to make life applications, learn lessons and spend time outside with my boys!

Cancer Sucks

I toyed with writing this blog because I don't want to sound insensitive or offend anyone. That is not my intent. My intent is to inform you that cancer sucks. Big time. A week ago today we got word that our 34 year old friend passed away due to cancer. This morning I woke up to find out, on social media, that a lady I had taught with passed away due to cancer. I can't say that I was good friends with either of the gals. I didn't have a phone full of selfies with them or their phone numbers programmed into my phone. I didn't have long talks with them on a regular basis, knowing all the minute details of their lives. But I was friends with them and struggle with the fact that, in a world full of nut jobs, two strong, intelligent, sweet, beautiful women died.
Our friend, Jessica, had a large 34th birthday party a month ago. We were honored to be invited and cherished the time with her friends and family. We knew the end of her life was near, which made it bittersweet. I cried when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her and laughed when I watched her (mightily) blow out the candles on all three of her cakes. And then she hung on and fought for more days than her oncologist said she'd have. She taught me how to die with dignity and grace, how to laugh and find the good in the midst of the bad and ugly. Although we didn't talk often and never talked about anything "deep", her presence at my inlaws' neighborhood functions will be missed.
My former co-worker was one that I strived to be more like. She had such an infectious laugh that carried across campus. The last time I saw Carla she informed me that she was going to leave education because her dream was to work in a nursing home, taking care of the older generation. I have no doubt that she excelled at her job because she brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew her. Even on her bad days, she still wore a smile on her face. She found the joy in life. She was one who truly lived each day to its fullest.
A good friend made a comment last week that I thought was fitting. She said that Jessica had won her battle against cancer because she was no longer in its grips, no longer suffering. For us, here on Earth, who have a friend or loved one who has passed on due to cancer are the ones who suffer. But the person who fought the good fight against it has won. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many, Jessica and Carla!