My Biggest Cheerleader

We are training for a half-marathon in June and a several Saturday ago we were to run a 8 miler. We started off from home, with our water and gel packs ready for the challenge...


Running is more of a mental and physical challenge for me than my husband. My husband can just take off with strides of gracefulness and speed making running look like walking. I, on the other hand, start off with the first mile gasping for air, concentrating on the miles, strides, breathing, and my own running rhythm. After that first mile or so, I start to feel the endorphins quick in and I begin to enjoy the exercise and beauty around me.


Being that my husband is a natural runner and I am not, we have found a great way to "run" together. We will start at the same point and usually run in a opposite directions around the course/circle. This way, he can keep an eye on me and I can see his wonderful smile and high-five as we pass each other. It works well.



The story goes like this.. Several weeks ago, I was .5 miles away from the "finish" line, and I twisted my ankle... badly! I started limping home and called my husband to come and pick me up. Of course, he came and got me with the biggest grin on his face and several praises of doing such a great job and how he was so proud of me. He instantly put me on the couch for a little TLC/RICE (tender, loving, care/rest, ice, compress, elevate).



Well, this injury has put me out of commission for the last several weeks. I thought that I would be ready for a run this past Saturday, yet with my husband's gentle direction, encouraged me to just rest and make sure that it truly ready for the run. I was so discouraged, because I felt ready to run and try to pick up the mileage again. As I moped around the home because I couldn't run, guess who came along side and said... "babe, I am still so proud of you!"...My husband!

He has been truly wonderful throughout this entire injury. It is not been an option to help me around the house, "ground me to the couch" while he does housework, etc. In another week or so, I hope to have my running shoes on and continue training. In the meantime, I am listening to the best coach and cheerleader of the year!

A Fresh Coat of Paint...

I took it upon myself to paint the bedroom before I started work. It was something that was placed upon my heart after several discussions with my sister, prayers, and readings. I wanted to create a place of warmth and intimacy for our marriage, a room that is guarded and protected from the outside stresses of the world.

I was ready to paint when I took these pictures...

My goal was to complete the project before my husband came home from work. It was such an enjoyable day, to pray, sing, dance, think, and... paint our bedroom. When my hubby came home, the room was finished except for the bedding on the bed. My hubby was sooo pleased. I heard praises for days regarding the room.

The colors our are wedding colors: blue and brown...very sentimental.

It is amazing how older, free furniture looks great in a newly painted room. My husband and I are determined not to purchase any new furniture until we are able to pay cash, and at this time it is not high on the priority list. But the fresh coat of paint and new duvet has created my hopes and desires of a peaceful, more intimate ambiance.

Now the challenge is to keep this room protected and guarded from the stresses of the outside world, and to only bring items into the room that will enhance this environment and motive.

The Rest of the Cake Class...

Week Three... Cupcakes:




The Grand Finale...

On top is the "Wilton Rose"... Who knew I could make a rose out of frosting! The cake is currently in my freezing waiting to come out for Mother's Day brunch.