Jenny's Run For Hope

Jenny and I enjoyed spending time together. We did a boot camp 3 times a week at 6 am a few years ago, then once upon a time had memberships to the same gym all BB (before Bowden). We worked out there often together. Once she had gone before me, we passed each other on the road as I was going and I called and convinced her to come back and do a Zumba class with me. She almost passed out because she had already ran and did weights that day. Jenny loved to work out. I did not. I loved spending time with her though. She continued with boot camp with her friend Jenn. I didn't. I was blessed with another baby... and my body changed.

You can read about that here. That link documents the surgery I had almost a year ago. Until then, I really couldn't run. Or if I did.... whatever. Read the link.

In February I decided that I wanted to start running again. I felt like I should have been truly healed and wanted to start running with Jenny so that we could RUN with our husbands in their 10 k's or races together. On my birthday, I went to get my running shoes. My birthday is February 3rd. MOST of you know what happened next. The very next day I was standing beside my friend, telling her to GET OUT of that bed! I had new shoes that needed to be worked in! She needed to get out of that bed and train my butt into gear! We laughed. I always could make her laugh. She used her fingers to make the running motion and pointed to her then to me. Talking was so hard for her. I shook my head, and assured her we would definitely be running.

When her legs were amputated, I thought that would give me a bit of a head start! She was in such good shape. This way, I could start training and by the time she got her new legs, we could be on level playing field. I joked with her about that.

I would go to my MIL's house and run on her treadmill. It was so cold this February. I would start out walking. Walking fast. I would cry. I would convince myself to run. I would seriously almost pass out. Then I would walk. I did this over and over. I would text David every time I ran letting him know I was running for Jenny.

I told Jenny we were going to run. I wrote this on her Facebook page the day after she died.

So, I can't go to sleep with out telling you. I ran today. For you. I almost passed out, but I did it. I ran 1 mile. Okay, I lied. I ran 3/4 of a mile and had to walk a 1/4, but hey, it is a start in those new shoes I was telling you about. I told you we would run in these 5K's with our husbands, and it just may take me longer than it would have you, but WE will do this together.

I wrote this on Feb. 27th.

Today, well, I wondered what will happen when David takes down this Facebook page, so I decided I will send you peptalks through my blog. You know these are healing for me, right? Today, I made graphics for our husbands (and Brandon) for shirts they will wear tomorrow in the Cowtown 10K, I think. GIRL, I don't get all ...the half this and K that. They are just running far. I better get to know what all those numbers mean! ANYWAY, the shirts say RUNNING FOR JENNY and Mighty to Save on the back. Although we only made 3 for them, I think I will get a few made for me so that I can wear them when I do my thing for you! BUT, I better change mine to say: Walk/Run (trying not to pass out) for Jenny! I know you can see and hear all the amazing lives you truly changed. Thank you friend.

I kept up the runnings. I would cry, scream, praise, and sing during my runs. The Lord has taught me so much through those runs.
March 5th:

GIRL! I did it! I ran 1 mile without STOPPING today FOR YOU! I had Emaline stand beside me cheering me on, yelling : YOU CAN DO IT MOMMY! I kind of told her to yell it at me, but hey, it got me to finish. My legs hurt. I miss you. I'm sitting here watching GH for the first time in over a month. The new intro is different, interesting, not sure how I feel about it. Going to bed early tonight friend. My weekends are different without you in them. Plus that mile, shewww, how do I think I can do a 5K which is obviously more than 1 mile? Our boys are running like 8 or 10 miles in the morning. They are nuts. Starting my garden tomorrow! Let's see how long I can keep it up!

Friday night, the night before the race... I went to sleep. I was so blessed that night. You see, since Jenny died I have asked to see her. I so wanted to dream about her, or actually, I wanted to see her! I have heard about people seeing and experiencing visions from those they have loved. I wanted that. While I was asleep, I had a dream with Jenny. I was walking up to register for the race, it was a long walk. There were banners on each side of me. I walked right up the registration table where a man asked me my name. I was frozen. I just looked at him as tears flooded my cheeks. I looked to my right, and there she was. She was bent over on her knee, think running position. She had on a white tank top, her gray capri yoga pants, and her hair was pulled back into a pony with her trademark banks in the front. Her hair was longer than I remember. I said, "it's YOU!" She smiled and looked right into my eyes and said, " I will be cheering you on!" I again came up with- "it's you!" She again said, "I am going to be cheering you on!" The she nodded her head towards the man at the table, smiled a smirk, and said "Go on!" I woke up. I hit Stacey across the chest and pretty much cried for the next hour as he let me retell him over and over the dream. I was frozen in the bed. He asked me if I wanted to go back to sleep to see her again, and you know I didn't. I knew that was a gift. I loved it. It was just for me.
So, I was ready for the run! She was cheering me on!

SO, on April 17th I had the honor to participate in Jenny's Run for Hope. It was a crazy day. We had soccer, Dance recital pictures, BOTH in the morning, and then throw in B. I knew I had to do it. God worked it ALL OUT! An incredible friend volunteered to take E to her dance pictures. I went on to the race. Stacey called and said the game had been canceled due to the rain and he was coming with the boys. Joel hung out with the boys at the bounce house so we both got to run for Jenny. This first picture was taken before the race. Notice our smiles.

See my friend in the green? That is my friend Stephanie. Stephanie and I are part of an accountability group, and have been for about 6 years!!! She and Jenny were great buds. They experienced much life and greater loss together. They both suffered miscarriages, many. Stephanie runs almost every day. I called and asked her if she would RUN with me. She agreed. She really kicked my butt. She made me run faster than I really wanted to go. TOO FAST! We talked, we secretly cried. I say secretly, because neither one of us have actually talked about it, but I was crying and running the last mile, and my breathing pattern changed. FROM WHAT I COULD tell, without looking at her, her breathing pattern changed too, and it sounded a lot like mine! SO, we were both crying... I think. When I would cross David, or Stacey, or Brandon (their running partner) they would always come over and give me a high five and encourage me. They knew my running journey. Many of you!! YES YOU!!! as you passed me would turn around and encourage me! THANK YOU!!! I really wanted to stop at mile 2. I really did. Then I thought of my dream. SHE WAS CHEERING ME ON! I couldn't stop! We were almost to the end, when I looked up and saw Stacey, with the stroller with B, and Parker was running towards me. They finished the race with me and Stephanie. As I hit the track, I started sprinting! I couldn't help it! We were so close to the end! As soon as I crossed I just bent over and cried. I knew she was cheering me on! I didn't stop one time! David gave me a huge bear hug when I finished. I got an incredible hug from Beverly! It was wonderful. I finished in 34:28!!!!
All of the photos are courtesy of the photographers that lined the route. I asked one of the ladies to take these two, me and Steph, and me and Stacey.



I dressed this last one up a bit. Now, I am on a journey. I am going to continue to run for my friend! I told her I was going to, so I am!


I enjoy running for Jenny, not running, but running for Jenny. I am going to start a Facebook Fan Page so we all can encourage each other- CHEERING YOU ON! We can list local runs to participate in and rejoice with others what the Lord is teaching them during this journey! Thank you for CHEERING ME ON!

Preschool Program

Another great year came to an end at preschool. This was taken at the end of year performance. Bowden got to participate this time, he was still too young at the Christmas program.

Ms. Julie and Ms. Angela were great with Emaline. SHE LOVES THEM!

Emaline's song this year was "Praise Him". It brought back MANY memories... Praise Him, Praise Him...Praise him in the morning, praise him at the noon time.... Praise Him Praise Him...Praise him til the sun goes down.....

I loved singing that with Emaline.

Now, I missed most of Bowden's performance due to an unforeseen accident with another child I gave birth to, but from what I understand this is all he did. Sat there in stare. His song was- Happy and you know it.

He sat there like that until the very end....when, well, just look at his face.... that is when he saw the HUGE elephant being projected onto the wall as part of the slide show.

AND there it is again, over on that wall.

Look every body, an elephant is ON the wall.

Really... LOOK!

I'm not losing my mind.... THERE is an elephant on the wall! REALLY! Look!

It was a wonderful performance and I am blessed to work at the same preschool my kids attend.

Talent Show

Parker had his Elementary Talent Show last weekend in the BIG HIGH SCHOOL. We saw some good acts... some of these kids have some major talent. I also think there needs to be a limit how many dance routines 1 girl can perform, but I am just suggesting.

His is our carfriend, not GIRLFRIEND, but carfriend. We carpool with this sweet family every morning and every afternoon. They act like brother and sister. I just love her.

Here is Parker and KINDERGARTEN singing their song for the talent show. They did a great job.
He loved performing.
2 of his biggest fans.

We went to YOGURTSTORY after, and it was HOPPING! We love that place. It was our second time that week to go. I am so very proud of you Parker P!

KINDERTOT

Emaline has participated in KINDERTOTs this year at preschool and has LOVED it! Parker took the class last year and liked it too, but this year has been extra special for E. She has had 2 performances, one at half time at a Keller High School game, and at her TOT SHINE performance last week. I declined Emaline to perform at the Harlem Globetrotter pregame, but WILL let her perform next year!!! I was worried she would get a bit of stage fright like she does at some of the preschool performances, but this year she came alive! She loved her TOT performances and DID a GREAT JOB!
Ms. TOT (Ms. Renee)

LOOK AT THESE BALL HANDLING DRILLS! Makes a mommy's heart proud!




I think her favorite part was getting her VERY OWN trophy. We are already excited for next year!

How does your garden grow?

You can see my whimpy SQUASH behind Parker.


We have loved watching our garden grow and it is still so early!! This summer will be so much fun!!! and Delicious!

I'm Better

WOW! What I rant I went on last night! Today, my heart was heavy to continue in a bible study I started right after Jenny died. I opened it up and ALL OVER the message this is what God told me:

READ MY WORD!

SERIOUSLY! That is what every verse took me to. It took me to worshiping other gods, not giving God the utmost GLORY for what he has given and done for me. That I can not KNOW God with out reading HIS word, not just a book about him, but HIS BOOK.

I was completely convicted, but I am forgiven and on a road to recovery in HIS word.

BLAH!

Yep, BLAH! Just call me Ms. NEGATIVE! Do you ever feel that overwhelming sense of UGH! Just an almost, "DON'T CROSS ME!"? That is where I have been today. Really it started last Saturday, or at least that is when I felt it coming on....

Our usual parking lot was closed (?) for the park where we play soccer. It is a parking lot down a street with houses and I was on time. RIGHT ON TIME. Like almost late. Parker was already at the game, it was just me and B in my car. Since the lot was chained closed, I looped around and decided I could park in front of a house and walk through the closed lot to get the game which would have been so much quicker than that driving to the other parking and then HIKING to the field with B in tow. I would have been late. So I park in front of a house. I even get out of my car and check to make sure I wasn't blocking the mailbox. I get back into my car, and even pull up even more so that I was NOT blocking the mailbox. I stop the car, get out of my car, open B's door, get him out of his seat when the home owner comes out and informs me NOT to park in front of his side walk or his mail box. I could how ever park in front of his house. He really wasn't kind in his tone. I felt like I was in high school getting in trouble. Almost a shame came over me. I put B back into his seat and drove to the other parking and HIKED with B on my hip and almost missed the first quarter where, of course, Parker had started. Nice. I was just worked up. Probably could have cried about it, honestly.

I won't go into play by play about the other details, but Satan is riding my back. My praying is okay, I am doing it daily. I am reading a great book, not the bible daily, but this other spiritual book. I am an emotional wreck. The kids.... the end of preschool deadlines.... dealing with many emotions that have built up over months.... church planting.... why is my squash NOT growing... why is E back to NOT wearing shorts.... you need money for what... you need more money for that.... you need how much money..... sure I can volunteer..... wait, can I find a sitter..... you have a performance when.... you have another performance when.... WHO KNOWS WHEN THE PERFORMANCE IS!!!.... a mother's tea.... when is that....HELP!... you lost your library book.... how much is that.... Yes, you can listen to MIGHT TO SAVE.... YES, You can listen to Mighty to SAVE AGAIN!


Of course, the end of that was a good part. A really good part. Still have that anxiety....GO AWAY! Not you, but IT! GO AWAY ANXIETY! GO AWAY SATAN!