Good to Visit Sunday Afternoons.....

 Todd and Donna have a sweet cozy home place.  In the lower level are little items picked up here and there with stories.  Our Dad's thermos sits on the ledge.

 Todd makes his own beer.

 

 collected glass insulators in the garden

 Todd

Prospecting

 We took a walk along the railway bed {up north} and speculated where my route would take me next weekend.  It looks wonderful and I imagine H O W   F A R  it really is to run a 5K.
Well, I know how far but a mind can play tricks on you and so can hills!!

 

 I'll have flowers to take in.  Todd thinks the trilliums might burst next weekend!!

 

 

 Looking for otters and swans.

Visit up North

 {Billy} Dad's kitty.  Living life large and wild up north with my brother and his wife. 

 In their front yard is a neat garden.  Tulips and white raspberries and hops and other flowers grow. 

 Golding {Hops} and there is Centennial and Willamette.

 It says Packers locker room in the basement.  The front hood ornament is a vikings beer tap pull.

 Looks like a falcon on the nest this year.  In past years it was a huge bald eagles nest.

 See the nest in the background?

Going to the Chapel

 Love your smile Don!  I'm sure it was a special day for you!!

 Irish hand tying ceremony

 I don't think Jessica knew she was going to stand on this stool for her wedding kiss!!  See upcoming photos.... Jesse is a little bit taller!

 This little girl has a special spot in Christopher's heart!!  I think she's warming up to this burly guy!  He really is good with kids.  "Cousins they are"!

 

 

 

 

Thornhill Wedding

 

 

 

 

'Johnny Cash' by Kelley McRae

I attended a home concert at a neighbor's last night.  Intimate group of friends and families. A really  neat experience to hear this talented couple share their music and watch the audience whisper lyrics along with the Kelley and Matt. To connect to them the way music brings people together; we sway, tap toes and nod heads and hold hands.  To open hearts to commune in music.  Music has spirit.  Music opens the heart.  Thanks for the wonderful night!

Arthur Blank said....

"I run because it's so symbolic of life.  You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles.  You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought."

Capable...
Strength...
Overcome....

Tonight's little run was so tough!!  I only made it 1.9 tonight.  Legs were heavy, I was feeling overheated and I had to call it good for the night.  ARHHG!!  I just want to glean all the info I can from my family and friends who run.  What obstacles do they encounter?  Any newbies out there?  What do you experience?
By the way... I am seeing more mentions of COUCH TO 5K this past week!  One is offered by our Wellness or Be Fit program but they are doing it in 6 weeks!!  I am so glad I am in my 7th week!!  I will do my 5K the end of week 8.  I have it all behind me and yet I am still working through it.  I'll keep those three words on my lips!!!

Capable!!!!  Strength!!!  Overcome!!!

Couch to 5K

Here's a story about Carla!  Last year John's cousin, Jen, had remarkable transformation! She took the C25K [couch to 5K] challenge.  Inspired and encouraged I decided to go for it.  On my birthday this year my dear cousin Denise took me on my first run...gasp...cough... sputter..

I thought I could work through it and keep going.  It was difficult and I knew I was in for some dedication and determination. My weekly assignments were doable.  I etched out on paper everything I did and I am keeping track of progress.  I'm following program.  I am making strides.  I am happy with my efforts and try not to hasten the process.  I am able to finish 2.2 miles with effort and ease.  Hard the first mile and then settle into a stride :) that keeps me going.  So here's the unveiling!!  Here's to putting myself out there... because I'm afraid I'll believe that I can't do this and I wasn't made to run.  But I can't give up because this ISN'T impossible.  I am going to make hard work pay off!!  In two weeks I will share my finish line story with you!  So in the mean time if I can get a prayer chain going and a cheer now and then I will be so grateful!  Really!  It's a big deal to me because I can't let go of the work I have put into this so I am going to go further!  I'm going to prove to myself that 5K's are for anyone!  I'm going to shoot for other events.  Put one foot in front of the other and finish the race!!

Jämtlandpåfötter - 11 km | Sweden | July 21, 2012

Jämtlandpåfötter - 11 km | Sweden | July 21, 2012  Just in case I wanted a new challenge.

My Sons

 Paul has a very genuine smile.  It's affectionate and makes my day to see his smile!!  His heart is golden and friendship is easy with him.  As a Mom of this young man I am earnest in prayer for him.  My prayer is always for God to place people in his life to minister to him and to show him God's love for him.  This wonderful young man is going to have someone drop into his life and he will know that THIS is what my Mom prayed for.  I tell Paul my prayers for him.  I also trust God to do what he wants with this loving son.  God knows my heart!  God knows Paul! 

 

 I love these two boys!!  Simon is not my born son but one we count as part of our family!!  Simon and Paul were united as brothers in 2006 through an German exchange program.  Our families cherish one another and are so fortunate to have had such a special connection.  Simon, we love you and are proud of you!! 

 Simon is a world traveler!  He stopped by to visit us this spring.  He spent a couple of weeks living with two of his host brothers in their respective college and homes.  One week in North Dakota and one week in South Dakota.  In previous week he was in Vancouver for a Youth United Nations Conference which he attends twice ? a year somewhere in the world!!  In the fall he will return to the states to study Physics!!  We look forward to seeing you soon Simon! 

Adventures in the Dakotas

 The cute couple

 Date night

 

 Simon in S. Dakota

College Life

 Here is my baby!!  I am proud of my son.  He is growing up and looking for his own grown up dreams.  He hosted our German son, Simon, for a week!  Here are some peeks into life at college.

 I don't care... I don't have to live with this mess.  It is a sign he is studying more then cleaning. :)

 Surfing favorite blogs: Team Sabin, Yankowiaks, Hinkleteers and Mom's.

 Meeting good looking and talented chicks at the college bowling alley!!