Is it worth it?

I'm training to run a marathon in the fall. I ran a half back in March, and it really was fun. And so far the training has been fun. I've got a group of girls that I run with on Saturdays for the long runs...and despite getting up as early as 4:30 to beat the heat, I've enjoyed it. That is until last weekend after a 14-miler. I think my feet (i.e. toenails) are beginning to get tired of the running.

I'm gonna stick it out. I've come too far to stop now..and I'm so excited about getting to run the marahon with one of my dear friends, Leah, and meeting her 2 (or 3) sweet kids and seeing her hubby. Hopefully, I won't lose every toenail between now and then.

Our little dolphin!

Emma has been taking swimming lessons for the first time this week. She's been "swimming" and diving off the diving board for a while..but we figured she should take some lessons just to be sure she knew what she was doing.

She has loved it! Other kids are screaming as soon as they get there. They do not want to get in the water, and they definitely do not want to go off the diving board. Emma starts crying the second I tell her that it is time to go home. She'd stay all day if she could.

The funny thing is that the swimming instructor is named Duster. She's got a scruffy voice and kind of looks like Gary Bussey. She's known around town as the swim nazi. Kids are terrified of her. Parents tell stories of her throwing kids off of diving boards and pushing them under the water. I haven't seen any of this. She has been wonderful. Yes, some parents have had to do a little pushing..but not Emma. She has no fear.

I think instead of swimming lessons that we should have signed up for "waiting your turn lessons". While the other kids are crying and avoiding the diving board, Emma just keeps on jumping in front of everyone and diving off. She jumps in constantly whether it's her turn or not. So, we've got the swimming thing down. Now, we just need to learn how to wait in line.

Who knows..maybe we've got an Olympic swimmer on our hands.

A week to remember...

I just got back from a 10 day trip to Frontier Ranch. All I can say is "Wow!" There's just something about Frontier to me...maybe it's because I went there as a camper in 1994 or because I did Summer Staff there in 1999. Or maybe it's because of the many trips I've taken there with high schoolers. Whatever the reason, I love Frontier Ranch.
God is so evident when I'm there. Not that he's not here when I'm at home in Albany, GA, but there's just something about getting out of your hometown, leaving behind your cell phone and laptop and going to a place that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and God's amazing creation.
All of the high schoolers we took had a blast and of course said "it was the best week of their lives." I would have to agree. Watching them hear for the first time about Christ's amazing love and how He is constantly pursuing them is a true gift for me...I feel so blessed to be a part of it.
Here's hoping that you will have some time this summer to "get-away" and sit at the feet of Jesus.
Thought I'd throw in a pic of me in highschool at Frontier...just for fun.

Finally Done!

Before

In progress

After

6 long weeks and 2 extra slow contractors...and our kitchen is finally done!