Half-marathon training delayed indefinitely

I was up to running 2 miles and was ready to start on three mile runs when my husband and I discovered that we are expecting our third child. Surprise! So for many months to come, running is out. Instead, I will have frequent trips to the bathroom and the doctor's office.

When we made our discovery, I was once again reminded that: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

I am very thankful that God doesn't just work around our plans, but changes them for His purposes.

Preschool week 2 & 3

I meant to write this last week, but better late than never. E is really enjoying her God's Little Explorers preschool. Last week we studied how God created everything and made a fun creation book. Because we weren't completely well at the beginning of the week and had a well child check-up at the end of the week, we didn't spend as much time on the extras. Our letter of the week was "g".

This week we are having lots of fun with letter "a" and apple activities. We had an apple taste test and Red Delicious is E's favorite apple. She really enjoyed using half of an apple for apple printing. We used red, green, and yellow paint for these and cut them out when they were dry. we have used these to practice patterns. Our Bible story this week has been about Adam and Eve and how they disobeyed God and had to leave His good garden.




Our apple taste test and some of our printed apples.

This is the apple tree we made this week.

We are really enjoying our preschool and it has given E some structured activities. I love that each week is centered around the Bible story and that the stories are being taught in chronological order.

Fevers and Fussing

Have you ever noticed that when a child doesn't feel well, that your whole life zeroes in on that little one and their needs?
Both of my girls have had a fever yesterday and today and have fussed a lot more than usual. E (our older daughter) has watched more Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood today than I ever planned on having her watching in a week. A (our 10 month old) wanted held almost constantly. When the acetaminophen or Advil kicked in and brought their fevers down, they both perked up and played a little while.

Another thing that I have noticed is that when they aren't feeling great, Mommy is the medicine they want most (preferably, standing Mommy). When we just had one this was fairly manageable, but lately I have noticed that each one of the girls wants Mommy all to herself. If the other sister is being held, sibling rivalry escalates quickly. I can't even begin to understand what parents go through when their child is in the hospital for weeks or months on end. This has been a day that reminds me to thank God that we have only had to deal with minor illnesses and not anything long-term.

Running

I am not a runner. My husband is the runner of the family. Joe has run many races including a half-marathon and a marathon. I am very proud of my husband and so blessed to be his wife. He has long desired for me to run with him on a regular basis. Through our almost 10 years of marriage that hasn't happened too often. Recently, I agreed to train with him for a 1/2 marathon. The 1/2 marathon that we are planning to run is in a neighboring town in December. I have a little less than 4 months to prepare. I think I might be a little insane for trying this, but I have started the training. Today, we ran 2 miles for the second time (Saturday was the first). UHG! It wasn't any easier today than on Saturday. In some ways it was harder.

Why am I training for a 1/2 marathon?

• I love my husband and he wants me to run with him.
• It gives us something to work toward together. I believe common goals strengthen relationships.
• I need to participate in some kind of regular exercise and I already have all the equipment I need. I have a good pair of running shoes, God has given me a healthy body, and a running partner.

Will this be an easy goal to reach? NO, but I believe it will be worth it.

What kind of goal have you recently set for yourself?

First Day of Preschool

Today, my three year old E had her first day of preschool. We are homeschooling and are using "God’s Little Explorers" by Stacie Nelson. It was a very exciting morning. She started her morning with a treasure hunt around the house to find the supplies we will be using this year. She used some homemade binoculars to spot the treasures. Each was marked with an X.

She then decorated her treasure box. We will use this to store her special papers and projects for the year.
With the way today went, I believe that E will love her year of preschool and will learn so many new and wonderful things.