Really?

Know what happens when you give a 12 year old your camera and tell her she can take some pictures of the kids swimming?

You get this.
And this.

And one of these.

She's a budding photographer. Can't you tell?

The Last Lazy Days of Summer

The days are ticking away. Just two weeks from today school will be starting. Can't really tell around here though. We don't have a schedule, no routine, and I'm certainly not going to get out of bed on time and start one myself! We're still relaxing and playing.

This is what I found today.

Yep, that's an upside down bar stool. We don't have a bar, but we have a stool. Moving on. Apparently it isn't comfortable enough so that's where the pillows came in.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go take a nap.

Cooking Class

I lucked out last night when Shawn had several people back out of a cooking class that he was hosting. Hosting? That's not quite right. He's a salesman and he invited some cath lab workers to the class. Well, actually his boss did.

Oh good grief, do you really care? Let's just get to the point of this post.

Since I'm the allergy queen, and also quite a picky eater, I was a little worried. There were only 10 of us so I knew it would be obvious if I didn't eat what was fixed. I watched for a while and figured out that the Spring Rolls would be a little questionable because of the pickiness but they were okay allergy wise. Anyone who was interested could roll them. The rice paper wrappers had to be soaked in water first and then filled with vegetables and a sauce that was mixed together. The chef has two acres of gardens so almost everything was home grown. A couple of rolls down and she brought out the shrimp. See the little shrimpies in there? I made a mental note to ask for one from the bottom of the pan; the shrimpless rolls!

Shawn really got into it!
He was very proud of this particular one!
When the chef started making the Egg Drop Soup I had to ask. I can't have canned broth or bouillon cubes so I started asking questions! She reassured me she didn't use anything with MSG but had me read a label just to make sure!

It was a different Egg Drop Soup, carrots, mushrooms, green onion, and snow peas...but I was game! Well, not really. I did work around the mushrooms. And the onions. But I did eat the carrots! Even though they were cooked, a little mushy, and soggy. Ewww...moving on.

When I saw the handful of dried peppers that went into the Kung Pao Chicken I started worrying but thought the Coconut Rice would make it all better.The peppers lived up to their name (which I forgot) and the chicken was so hot that I had tears. That, and my lips were still burning four hours later. The chef even brought me a lot more rice to mix in to try to cut down on the spice.

So what did I learn from my cooking class???

I really prefer my own cooking! She was wonderful and friendly but I am not an adventurous eater. I do though fix things that I don't like though because I certainly don't want my children growing up like me. The world does not need another me.

Think this is why my lips are still a little tingly??



Probably:C)

Big Kids

Do you know someone who is a Big Kid? They're married, have children of their own, respectable jobs, but still will revert back to childhood at any given moment? I know several. I'm actually married to one. But for tonight's blog let's discuss David.

I worked at a Nazarene campground when I was in middle school and high school. My grandparents were volunteers and I would stay with them during the summers. I loved being with the college students that were on staff. Even though I was several years younger I was still included in all the fun and hard work. I always had a crush on one, or more, of the guys. And yes, David was one of those. He was always kidding around and was so much fun to spend time with.

Fast forward way to many years. I attend church with David. We're in the same Sunday School class. His gorgeous wife and I are good friends. His daughter and McKinley are good friends. And Thursday night they played against each other in softball.

David once again became a Big Kid. Reagan didn't stand a chance.

Kennedy didn't even see him coming!

After all these years, David hasn't changed a bit.

My girls love it!

What did I sign up for?!?

Ever do something you are so excited about and then wake up the next morning with a terrified feeling, wondering what you'd gotten yourself into?? I hope so, I don't want to be the only one.

Precious friends of ours lost their 10 year old son to Leukemia in September. This amazing boy and his family fought through two years of treatments, victories, and setbacks. His mother trained for and ran a marathon this summer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies Team in Training. For her 40th birthday she has asked 40 of her friends to join her in running a whole or half marathon in Phoenix in January.

I have run two 5k's by following the Couch to 5k program. I decided to do it so I could run the Race for the Cure to honor my mom. She fought breast cancer and didn't win. The training was hard but since I had a purpose I was driven! I then ran with a friend to honor her mom's fight and loss with a brain tumor. After that I lost my passion. I've started again but haven't gotten very far in the program.

Now I have my drive back! I watched this family suffer and could do nothing but offer prayers. Now I have a way to show them that I care! Since so many of my friends are also training I have had someone to run with every morning.

Melissa and Lisa joined me today. We were ready to go at 6:15!
Melissa brought her Blue Goo to help pre-soothe our thigh muscles.
I found out it will also clean out your sinuses!
After running/walking for almost 4 miles we were a bit worn out.

Really worn out!

Melissa had a harder time then Lisa and I did. She needed a little assistance.

We couldn't help so we drug her to the local fire station.

She finally got to her feet and we helped her in and asked for help.

She collapsed again on the back of a truck. Luckily they were able to give her some oxygen. Lisa and I were so worried.

They got us all in to their office, checked Lisa's blood pressure, continued Melissa's oxygen, and let me rest because I was obviously sweaty! They have a great air conditioner!

Soon enough we were all feeling better but ready to go home and collapse! Okay, really...it wasn't that bad. We did lie on the driveway for a much deserved break but then had the funny idea to reward ourselves by doing the pictures. A special thanks to our local fire department and to Melissa's daughter Katie for taking the pictures. We embarrassed her GREATLY!!

But on a serious note, we are all so glad that we are able to do this for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and our friends. If you would like to donate to help me raise the $3,600 needed to enter the race I would greatly appreciate it. This link will take you to my fundraising page. Any little bit will help so that more families won't have to go through what our friends did.

Thank you for any donations or just kind thoughts or prayers. Anything is appreciated.