Wow, week 1 of Y Summer Camp is done ... nope, this is not the week with 200+ campers ... this is the week, er, uh ... this was the week training 30 new staff, playing games, going over a million things with extremely high energy, moving into our sites ... so much going on, I could probably be at the Y working still ...
but instead I am home, relaxing ... and having a margarita ... or 2 ... ok, 3.
I am exhausted and camp actually starts at 7:00 Monday morning.
Not sure about going to my weigh-in tomorrow morning ... sleeping in would be fabulous. We'll see.
Time to go to sleep ...
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
It's a thunderstormy day here ... I'm sure that is the lingo that meteorologists use right? Just got home from an awesome run, well, it didn't start out too awesome. Matthew wanted to ride his bike with me, and this is a hit or miss kinda deal. He can be great and tag along, or be a pooper and give up quick ... today he was a pooper, so just as soon as we started we turned around to take him home.
I continued my run for a little over 4.5 miles ... the sky was pretty dark, but still kinda warm with a nice breeze ... it was a good run. I love my nike-ipod-thingy ... the sweet little voice that tells me how far I am, what my pace is and so on ... I had a great pace today, faster than normal, I think the weather had something to do with it. I like to run when it's cooler ... I am such a sweat ball and if it is too warm I always end up with a yucky headache ... not today though, I feel great!
Yesterday was a Divine day. The kids were peaches all day long. We went for a 4 mile bike ride, kids in the bike trailer, along the St.Vrain river greenway that goes through town ... we had a great lunch at Noodles, sitting outside in the sunshine then had ice cream too. Cold Stone has really great dairy free sorbet ... mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
We played in the yard most of the afternoon in the pirate pool and I got to mess around in my garden. We ended the day going rafting with the phenomenal Toothaker Family along the Poudre River ... the same area that I did my half marathon. We had an absolutely Divine day.
It is great to have the day off today before Y camp training starts tomorrow. I can hardly believe a week from today and Y Summer Camp will start. Where did all the time go?!?
Today I am going to make Kea's Mandarin Salad and I wanted to post the recipe because it is an amazing salad! The dressing is the best Asian dressing I've ever had ...
I continued my run for a little over 4.5 miles ... the sky was pretty dark, but still kinda warm with a nice breeze ... it was a good run. I love my nike-ipod-thingy ... the sweet little voice that tells me how far I am, what my pace is and so on ... I had a great pace today, faster than normal, I think the weather had something to do with it. I like to run when it's cooler ... I am such a sweat ball and if it is too warm I always end up with a yucky headache ... not today though, I feel great!
Yesterday was a Divine day. The kids were peaches all day long. We went for a 4 mile bike ride, kids in the bike trailer, along the St.Vrain river greenway that goes through town ... we had a great lunch at Noodles, sitting outside in the sunshine then had ice cream too. Cold Stone has really great dairy free sorbet ... mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
We played in the yard most of the afternoon in the pirate pool and I got to mess around in my garden. We ended the day going rafting with the phenomenal Toothaker Family along the Poudre River ... the same area that I did my half marathon. We had an absolutely Divine day.
It is great to have the day off today before Y camp training starts tomorrow. I can hardly believe a week from today and Y Summer Camp will start. Where did all the time go?!?
Today I am going to make Kea's Mandarin Salad and I wanted to post the recipe because it is an amazing salad! The dressing is the best Asian dressing I've ever had ...
4-6 servings
3 TBS sugar
½ head iceberg lettuce
½ head romaine lettuce
1 cup chopped celery
2 whole green onions, chopped
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
½ tsp salt
dash of pepper
dash of
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 TBS chopped parsley
2 TBS sugar
2 TBS vinegar
Well, lots of random thoughts today ... Lord, thank you for the thunderstorms, for the energy You gave me during my run, for the amazing day we had yesterday with dear friends and for a day to relax and enjoy time with my family before Y summer madness begins. Bless all who take the time to read this Lord, my family and friends, continue to surround them all with your love and Grace. Amen.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Weigh-in ... #12
I made it ... 12 weeks on WW, 12 weeks of journaling ... I am doing it! Shouldn't confetti be falling on my head? Not yet? When then? Soon???
I bought a new journal at my meeting this morning. My other is filled, every page ... it feels great to start with a new one today ... another 12 weeks ... ready? set? GO!
I lost 0.2 ... this just works into my theory of how I lose and plateau ... so that is where I am but it is great. My clothes are ridiculously loose on me ... the butt of my pants look horrid ... Caloy even said he thought it was time for new jeans ... yep, thanks for noticing babe.
So, I am still lingering on planet 13 ... 13lbs of weight lost ... 13 lbs this body will never carry again ... and it feels awesome. I am hoping to get a new passport and get to travel to planets 15 and 20 ... soon enough ... is that when the confetti will fall?
I've been having super great workouts and am excited that yesterday was my last day interpreting at the Middle School. Y Camp starts on June 2 and training on Tuesday.
This week I'm really going to focus on my portion sizes ... a cup is a cup, measure it out ... no more no less ... 2 Tbsp of chocolate chips is enough to manage that dumb chocolate craving, not a bag full ... portions, portions, portions. My husband really lags in this arena ... he was brought up to think that more is better, bigger helpings, eat, eat and eat more ... I can't go toe-to-toe with him on this one ... or I'll never leave planet 13.
Thank you Lord for this day, for my run this morning, for my Matthew and the new freckles he got today on the boat with his Poppy. Thank you for this process and all that I am learning about myself. Thank you for my beautiful baby girl and the curls in her hair. Thank you for my husband and his sense of humor. Thank you for meeting the needs of my family this past school year via an interpreting job for me, and Thank you for the coming fun at the Y, the children I will care for and the staff I will lead. The blessings in my life are more than I could ask for or imagine ... and confetti just falling from the sky when I do something great would be a real treat. :)
Amen.
I bought a new journal at my meeting this morning. My other is filled, every page ... it feels great to start with a new one today ... another 12 weeks ... ready? set? GO!
I lost 0.2 ... this just works into my theory of how I lose and plateau ... so that is where I am but it is great. My clothes are ridiculously loose on me ... the butt of my pants look horrid ... Caloy even said he thought it was time for new jeans ... yep, thanks for noticing babe.
So, I am still lingering on planet 13 ... 13lbs of weight lost ... 13 lbs this body will never carry again ... and it feels awesome. I am hoping to get a new passport and get to travel to planets 15 and 20 ... soon enough ... is that when the confetti will fall?
I've been having super great workouts and am excited that yesterday was my last day interpreting at the Middle School. Y Camp starts on June 2 and training on Tuesday.
This week I'm really going to focus on my portion sizes ... a cup is a cup, measure it out ... no more no less ... 2 Tbsp of chocolate chips is enough to manage that dumb chocolate craving, not a bag full ... portions, portions, portions. My husband really lags in this arena ... he was brought up to think that more is better, bigger helpings, eat, eat and eat more ... I can't go toe-to-toe with him on this one ... or I'll never leave planet 13.
Thank you Lord for this day, for my run this morning, for my Matthew and the new freckles he got today on the boat with his Poppy. Thank you for this process and all that I am learning about myself. Thank you for my beautiful baby girl and the curls in her hair. Thank you for my husband and his sense of humor. Thank you for meeting the needs of my family this past school year via an interpreting job for me, and Thank you for the coming fun at the Y, the children I will care for and the staff I will lead. The blessings in my life are more than I could ask for or imagine ... and confetti just falling from the sky when I do something great would be a real treat. :)
Amen.
Saturday morning ...
I woke up at 5:30 ... having been awake with Matthew through the night, he still gets very itchy, he wanted a band aid then a wash cloth ... and so it goes ... I am unfortunately used to this routine.
I thought to myself this morning when my peepers opened, "self ... you should go run" ... and for the 1st time in quite long time, I didn't debate it in my head ... "well, you are tired and you can sleep more" ... blah blah blah ... I just got up and I even took the beast with me.
We have one of those waist leashes ... which I had yet to use, Caloy likes it a lot ... but he is also the person who takes Savanah out most often ... so I thought I'd try it ... and it was cool. It was great to be hands free.
I ran a small loop around my development ... 1.6 miles said my nike-ipod-thingy ... We have a nice creek that runs along the east side right near Cty Rd. 1. The sun was coming up right over Union Res and the water was shimmering gold ... I was listening to Rock With You by MJ, enjoying my run, (and music) ... and over my head flew TWO HUGE BALD EAGLES! They were amazing. I stopped and watched them soar towards the lake ... phenomenal.
While I was almost home, I suddenly had the same poop dilemma that I often do while running ... if I could just get my body to cooperate before I leave the house ... but that rarely happens. I was debating if I could make it home and then I saw a port-a-potty near a new house that was being built. Gross, I know ... especially a pooper that is at for manly builders ... but shoot, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Savanah was crying while I was still attached to her and I went in and she stayed out. Hahaaaaa ... that had to look so funny.
Great morning ... I am glad I woke up early and got to see the sunrise. I can so easily spiral into thoughts like, "why don't you do this every morning ... " but I will not. I will enjoy this morning, two glorious bald eagles, a port-a-potty and a dog that ran along side of me attached to a leash that I didn't have to hold. Lord you are so good to me.
Gotta get ready for my weigh-in ...
I thought to myself this morning when my peepers opened, "self ... you should go run" ... and for the 1st time in quite long time, I didn't debate it in my head ... "well, you are tired and you can sleep more" ... blah blah blah ... I just got up and I even took the beast with me.
We have one of those waist leashes ... which I had yet to use, Caloy likes it a lot ... but he is also the person who takes Savanah out most often ... so I thought I'd try it ... and it was cool. It was great to be hands free.
I ran a small loop around my development ... 1.6 miles said my nike-ipod-thingy ... We have a nice creek that runs along the east side right near Cty Rd. 1. The sun was coming up right over Union Res and the water was shimmering gold ... I was listening to Rock With You by MJ, enjoying my run, (and music) ... and over my head flew TWO HUGE BALD EAGLES! They were amazing. I stopped and watched them soar towards the lake ... phenomenal.
While I was almost home, I suddenly had the same poop dilemma that I often do while running ... if I could just get my body to cooperate before I leave the house ... but that rarely happens. I was debating if I could make it home and then I saw a port-a-potty near a new house that was being built. Gross, I know ... especially a pooper that is at for manly builders ... but shoot, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Savanah was crying while I was still attached to her and I went in and she stayed out. Hahaaaaa ... that had to look so funny.
Great morning ... I am glad I woke up early and got to see the sunrise. I can so easily spiral into thoughts like, "why don't you do this every morning ... " but I will not. I will enjoy this morning, two glorious bald eagles, a port-a-potty and a dog that ran along side of me attached to a leash that I didn't have to hold. Lord you are so good to me.
Gotta get ready for my weigh-in ...
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Whew ... what a week!
It's Sunday, finally ... and I am just so enjoying being home with my family, relaxing. I've had quite a week ...
Monday, I left work early to get Matthew from school at noon. He had his Kindergarten assessment. We came home and went to work at the Y. It's such a blessing that my monkeys can be there with me, I am so thankful for that.
Wednesday, I took Gracie Lou to her Audiology appointment at Children's Hospital. She did so great. No doubt that the prayers of my family and friends are what made the difference. It is such a surreal experience, to have sat now with both of my children in the big sound proof testing booth. I remember sitting with Matthew, and hearing a sound ... waiting for him to turn and acknowledge that sound ... but he just sat there looking forward. It was such a difficult experience. So, then to be sitting with Grace on Wednesday ... and again I heard a sound ... and when she looked toward the direction of the sound, whew ... it was amazing.
I also got a call on Wednesday from a fabulous teacher that I work with ... she was calling to tell me that the other interpreters had been documenting all my absences and they turned it in to the Principal. Hahahaaaaaaaaaaaa ... made me laugh out loud. Really!?! Unbelievable.
I met with Paul, our Principal on Thursday morning ... he showed me the paper and then proceeded to rip it up. He thought it was ridiculous. He was wonderfully understanding of my absences, we have had a lot happen in the past 9 months ... don't we always though? I am thankful that he is so supportive.
Thursday, We had Matthew's IEP meeting. My heart was just overflowing when we went through all the goals he has met ... how he is reading at grade level, his math skills are outstanding and in some tests he has made years worth of growth. Caloy and I know that every fight with St.Vrain has been worthwhile, every tear ... Matthew needs to be in Adams 12 ... our goal for him is to be fully mainstreamed with an interpreter ... and next year he will be!!! We are so proud of him!
And on Friday, Matthew had his 7th back surgery. Whew, thats a week huh?!?
Yesterday, I had my weigh-in ... I was up 0.4.
A loss or gain of anything under a half pound is just a wash I think. Deep in my soul, I am thankful for my slow weight loss. I know that sounds crazy, but I really am. I am thankful for this process, for what I am learning about myself, the healthy choices I am making, for the steps I am taking for greater health for myself, my spirit, my soul. I will continue exercising, eating right, journaling ... and will trust in my Savior, that this weight which I have carried, emotionally and physically for far too long is beginning to melt away ... slowly but surely.
So, now today is Sunday ... the weather is glorious ... I have more plants to put in my garden. Matthew is laying down resting, in between asking me to itch his back. My life is grand ... crazy week and all, a gain of 0.4lb, back surgery and dumb people at work ... I am thankful for it all.
Monday, I left work early to get Matthew from school at noon. He had his Kindergarten assessment. We came home and went to work at the Y. It's such a blessing that my monkeys can be there with me, I am so thankful for that.
Wednesday, I took Gracie Lou to her Audiology appointment at Children's Hospital. She did so great. No doubt that the prayers of my family and friends are what made the difference. It is such a surreal experience, to have sat now with both of my children in the big sound proof testing booth. I remember sitting with Matthew, and hearing a sound ... waiting for him to turn and acknowledge that sound ... but he just sat there looking forward. It was such a difficult experience. So, then to be sitting with Grace on Wednesday ... and again I heard a sound ... and when she looked toward the direction of the sound, whew ... it was amazing.
I also got a call on Wednesday from a fabulous teacher that I work with ... she was calling to tell me that the other interpreters had been documenting all my absences and they turned it in to the Principal. Hahahaaaaaaaaaaaa ... made me laugh out loud. Really!?! Unbelievable.
I met with Paul, our Principal on Thursday morning ... he showed me the paper and then proceeded to rip it up. He thought it was ridiculous. He was wonderfully understanding of my absences, we have had a lot happen in the past 9 months ... don't we always though? I am thankful that he is so supportive.
Thursday, We had Matthew's IEP meeting. My heart was just overflowing when we went through all the goals he has met ... how he is reading at grade level, his math skills are outstanding and in some tests he has made years worth of growth. Caloy and I know that every fight with St.Vrain has been worthwhile, every tear ... Matthew needs to be in Adams 12 ... our goal for him is to be fully mainstreamed with an interpreter ... and next year he will be!!! We are so proud of him!
And on Friday, Matthew had his 7th back surgery. Whew, thats a week huh?!?
Yesterday, I had my weigh-in ... I was up 0.4.
A loss or gain of anything under a half pound is just a wash I think. Deep in my soul, I am thankful for my slow weight loss. I know that sounds crazy, but I really am. I am thankful for this process, for what I am learning about myself, the healthy choices I am making, for the steps I am taking for greater health for myself, my spirit, my soul. I will continue exercising, eating right, journaling ... and will trust in my Savior, that this weight which I have carried, emotionally and physically for far too long is beginning to melt away ... slowly but surely.
So, now today is Sunday ... the weather is glorious ... I have more plants to put in my garden. Matthew is laying down resting, in between asking me to itch his back. My life is grand ... crazy week and all, a gain of 0.4lb, back surgery and dumb people at work ... I am thankful for it all.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Just for today part 2
So, I wasn't able to keep my bra off all day long. I decided to put it on when I had to go outside and get Matthew off the bus. Surely his driver would have thought I was hiding melons in my pockets ... yes, my pants pockets ... that is how far down my boobs droop. Droop, ha, that is a funny word. Droop, droop, droooooop. Hahahaaaaaa.
I did have an awesome work out ... 3.5 miles while watching Idol in my basement. Caloy tried to get me to do some horrific sit-up thing with the 8lb medicine ball ... I did a sit-up and he threw the ball at me ... How is that supposed to be fun? Whoa, not that sit-ups are fun ... ever ... but those super sucked.
Matthew then put my race bib from my 9k on his t-shirt. He said he was a racer like me. He and Grace raced around the basement. Caloy and I held up a long paper ribbon for him to run through even ... so cute.
Time to get my monkeys in bed ... we have new books to read. Droopy boobs, an awesome run and basement races ... Thank you Lord for this day, for renewing my soul and strengthening my spirit. Thank you for the opportunity to be home with Grace, to play without an agenda and nap when I wanted. You are so good to me Lord. Amen.
I did have an awesome work out ... 3.5 miles while watching Idol in my basement. Caloy tried to get me to do some horrific sit-up thing with the 8lb medicine ball ... I did a sit-up and he threw the ball at me ... How is that supposed to be fun? Whoa, not that sit-ups are fun ... ever ... but those super sucked.
Matthew then put my race bib from my 9k on his t-shirt. He said he was a racer like me. He and Grace raced around the basement. Caloy and I held up a long paper ribbon for him to run through even ... so cute.
Time to get my monkeys in bed ... we have new books to read. Droopy boobs, an awesome run and basement races ... Thank you Lord for this day, for renewing my soul and strengthening my spirit. Thank you for the opportunity to be home with Grace, to play without an agenda and nap when I wanted. You are so good to me Lord. Amen.
Just for today I will ...
stay in my jammies all day long and not even put on a bra!
Just for today I will not care that my house looks like it has been hit by a bomb and try to tidy up what an almost 2 year old will destroy a moment later.
Just for today I will not worry about my husband's job, what the future will bring, if I will be interpreting next school year and I will fully trust God's plan working in our lives.
Just for today I will sit on the couch with my sweet baby girl and enjoy every moment that she wants to lay with her mama. We will sing songs and I will teach her where her belly button is.
Just for today I will eat when I want to eat and enjoy what I put in my mouth. I will journal every morsel and count every point.
Just for today I will exercise when my husband gets home from work, I will run and lift weight and sweat away all my stress and I mean really sweat.
Just for today I will surrender my concerns about our finances, Matthew's 7th surgery on Friday, our IEP meeting on Thursday and Grace's audiology appointment tomorrow.
Just for today I will remember the scripture written on my heart and recall it moment by moment to give me peace.
Just for today.
Just for today I will not care that my house looks like it has been hit by a bomb and try to tidy up what an almost 2 year old will destroy a moment later.
Just for today I will not worry about my husband's job, what the future will bring, if I will be interpreting next school year and I will fully trust God's plan working in our lives.
Just for today I will sit on the couch with my sweet baby girl and enjoy every moment that she wants to lay with her mama. We will sing songs and I will teach her where her belly button is.
Just for today I will eat when I want to eat and enjoy what I put in my mouth. I will journal every morsel and count every point.
Just for today I will exercise when my husband gets home from work, I will run and lift weight and sweat away all my stress and I mean really sweat.
Just for today I will surrender my concerns about our finances, Matthew's 7th surgery on Friday, our IEP meeting on Thursday and Grace's audiology appointment tomorrow.
Just for today I will remember the scripture written on my heart and recall it moment by moment to give me peace.
Just for today.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Thirteen!
So ...
I weighed in this morning and lost 0.4lbs ... my gut reaction is to say "but" or somehow minimize that loss on the scale ... losing 0.4 brought me to a solid 13lb. loss and for that I am so thankful.
Today at my meeting, I shared my NVS (non-scale victory) ... shaving 20 minutes off my half marathon time ... everyone applauded and I even got a sticker! Another woman, who was a lifetime member was sharing about how she needed to be at the meetings ... and Kay, our leader, said you should change that to "I get to come to meetings." She said we should see Weight Watchers meetings as a time for us, a time to be away, a time to refocus and grow. So true.
I realized something this morning ... when I hit my goal after Matthew was born ... I got to that number on the scale and then it was over ... I didn't go back, I thought I was finished ... I hadn't even started to deal with the reason why I have always struggled with my weight, with my self image.
I am doing so now ... and that makes this time, this journey, this day, this moment, completely different. I have forgiven myself for past failures, I am surrendering daily to my Savior, I am on this weight loss journey for the last time in my life ... this to me is not about a number on the scale, that is simply a tool for motivation to continue in the right direction, but this time it is different.
I am more commited to my Vegan diet than ever before in my life. I am eating to live, not living to eat. Last night I got in a little work out in the basement ... I ran a 1 mile and 1/2, lifted weights and did some sit-ups. While I was laying on the bench doing sit-ups, Grace stood on the end of the bench and kissed me every time I sat up. I thought, this is what this is all about ... being with my family, having a healthy lifestyle, exercising together ... my children don't think twice about mommy working out in the basement and they cheer me on by giving me kisses ... can life get better?
I will never stop going to Weight Watchers meetings. I love an hour to myself on Saturday mornings, to be with other people who are on the same journey I am ... who share the same struggles and share the same victories. I love people applauding my NSV and getting a sticker! I love that I can celebrate a loss of 0.4lbs and people will tell me how great that is.
It is a grand blessing that when I reach lifetime status, I will no longer have to pay for WW, but for the time being, I am going to relish in how different this journey is than ever before in my life ... how different my commitment is, how my healthy I am eating and how I know that my weight issues will never just go away when I see a certain number on the scale. I am learning to deal with my issues through daily surrender. This journey is Divine and I will enjoy every moment ... even a 0.4lb loss! Thank you Jesus.
I weighed in this morning and lost 0.4lbs ... my gut reaction is to say "but" or somehow minimize that loss on the scale ... losing 0.4 brought me to a solid 13lb. loss and for that I am so thankful.
Today at my meeting, I shared my NVS (non-scale victory) ... shaving 20 minutes off my half marathon time ... everyone applauded and I even got a sticker! Another woman, who was a lifetime member was sharing about how she needed to be at the meetings ... and Kay, our leader, said you should change that to "I get to come to meetings." She said we should see Weight Watchers meetings as a time for us, a time to be away, a time to refocus and grow. So true.
I realized something this morning ... when I hit my goal after Matthew was born ... I got to that number on the scale and then it was over ... I didn't go back, I thought I was finished ... I hadn't even started to deal with the reason why I have always struggled with my weight, with my self image.
I am doing so now ... and that makes this time, this journey, this day, this moment, completely different. I have forgiven myself for past failures, I am surrendering daily to my Savior, I am on this weight loss journey for the last time in my life ... this to me is not about a number on the scale, that is simply a tool for motivation to continue in the right direction, but this time it is different.
I am more commited to my Vegan diet than ever before in my life. I am eating to live, not living to eat. Last night I got in a little work out in the basement ... I ran a 1 mile and 1/2, lifted weights and did some sit-ups. While I was laying on the bench doing sit-ups, Grace stood on the end of the bench and kissed me every time I sat up. I thought, this is what this is all about ... being with my family, having a healthy lifestyle, exercising together ... my children don't think twice about mommy working out in the basement and they cheer me on by giving me kisses ... can life get better?
I will never stop going to Weight Watchers meetings. I love an hour to myself on Saturday mornings, to be with other people who are on the same journey I am ... who share the same struggles and share the same victories. I love people applauding my NSV and getting a sticker! I love that I can celebrate a loss of 0.4lbs and people will tell me how great that is.
It is a grand blessing that when I reach lifetime status, I will no longer have to pay for WW, but for the time being, I am going to relish in how different this journey is than ever before in my life ... how different my commitment is, how my healthy I am eating and how I know that my weight issues will never just go away when I see a certain number on the scale. I am learning to deal with my issues through daily surrender. This journey is Divine and I will enjoy every moment ... even a 0.4lb loss! Thank you Jesus.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Amazing
So, I just ran down into the basement ...
I wanted to ask Caloy about something, and he was on the video phone.
He explained he was talking to a deaf couple; the wife is deaf and her husband is deaf and blind. She was sitting there to interpret the phone call for him.
I popped my head around the corner and the 4 of us started to chat ... just the sight of this adorable couple made my heart melt. They are an older couple, he, Mark, looked like my Mom's Dad ... and sitting by his side was his sweet wife signing everything that we signed ... the only difference was that his hands were resting on top of her hands, so he could feel everything she signed.
Caloy got an email from another friend, Barb ... she is an amazing Christian woman who has interpreted for Caloy many times. She emailed Caloy regarding Mark and his wife ... Mark wants to start up a website for deaf and blind people, as a community outreach. I asked Mark how they knew Barb ... and he said that they met a long time ago at church.
We chatted some more ... and I said I was going to go and check on our kiddies ... Mark said, before you go, I want to share a song with you.
So, there was Caloy and I, watching through our little video phone, a man and his wife, that we had never met before, and Mark signed to us the most beautiful song.
It was about Jesus.
He signed about meeting Jesus and how the angels sing Hallelujah ... the beauty and peace you feel forever when you have Jesus in your heart.
It was amazing.
Not a word was said. Just this sweet man, without seeing anything, without hearing a word, and he just wanted to share with us a song about Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less ... just something so beautiful he wanted us to see.
When he was done, Caloy and I told him how beautiful it was, and his wife was there to lift her hands up under his so she could interpret for us how thankful we were.
What a Divine moment ... it took my breath away.
Being a sighted and hearing person, I can not even begin to wrap my mind around what Mark's world is ... but from only meeting him a few moments ago, I know what his heart is.
Amazing.
I wanted to ask Caloy about something, and he was on the video phone.
He explained he was talking to a deaf couple; the wife is deaf and her husband is deaf and blind. She was sitting there to interpret the phone call for him.
I popped my head around the corner and the 4 of us started to chat ... just the sight of this adorable couple made my heart melt. They are an older couple, he, Mark, looked like my Mom's Dad ... and sitting by his side was his sweet wife signing everything that we signed ... the only difference was that his hands were resting on top of her hands, so he could feel everything she signed.
Caloy got an email from another friend, Barb ... she is an amazing Christian woman who has interpreted for Caloy many times. She emailed Caloy regarding Mark and his wife ... Mark wants to start up a website for deaf and blind people, as a community outreach. I asked Mark how they knew Barb ... and he said that they met a long time ago at church.
We chatted some more ... and I said I was going to go and check on our kiddies ... Mark said, before you go, I want to share a song with you.
So, there was Caloy and I, watching through our little video phone, a man and his wife, that we had never met before, and Mark signed to us the most beautiful song.
It was about Jesus.
He signed about meeting Jesus and how the angels sing Hallelujah ... the beauty and peace you feel forever when you have Jesus in your heart.
It was amazing.
Not a word was said. Just this sweet man, without seeing anything, without hearing a word, and he just wanted to share with us a song about Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less ... just something so beautiful he wanted us to see.
When he was done, Caloy and I told him how beautiful it was, and his wife was there to lift her hands up under his so she could interpret for us how thankful we were.
What a Divine moment ... it took my breath away.
Being a sighted and hearing person, I can not even begin to wrap my mind around what Mark's world is ... but from only meeting him a few moments ago, I know what his heart is.
Amazing.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Feeling good ...
finally!
Today is Wednesday, my race was Sunday, and this is the first day that I haven't been completely sore! I feel great ... I feel like my clothes are fitting great ... I am excited to weigh in on Saturday. I haven't worked out yet ... but will swim tomorrow with Matthew, and run on Friday.
This Sunday, I'm doing the Mother's Day Title 9k at the Boulder Reservoir. I did that race last year and really enjoyed it.
It's great to be in a good groove ... work is easy, kids are silly, husband is fabulous ... God is so good and I am thankful.
I am going to enjoy the groove I am in ... things will change next week; we have Matthew's IEP, Grace has her audiology appointment, and we have Matthew's 7th back surgery too! God is already there ... at all those things, waiting for us ...
Thank you Lord for giving me the rest I need this week in preparation of what is to come. You are so good to me Jesus. Amen.
Today is Wednesday, my race was Sunday, and this is the first day that I haven't been completely sore! I feel great ... I feel like my clothes are fitting great ... I am excited to weigh in on Saturday. I haven't worked out yet ... but will swim tomorrow with Matthew, and run on Friday.
This Sunday, I'm doing the Mother's Day Title 9k at the Boulder Reservoir. I did that race last year and really enjoyed it.
It's great to be in a good groove ... work is easy, kids are silly, husband is fabulous ... God is so good and I am thankful.
I am going to enjoy the groove I am in ... things will change next week; we have Matthew's IEP, Grace has her audiology appointment, and we have Matthew's 7th back surgery too! God is already there ... at all those things, waiting for us ...
Thank you Lord for giving me the rest I need this week in preparation of what is to come. You are so good to me Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Race Results ...
Today was my 1/2 marathon ... yes, I originally signed up for the full marathon back in December I think ... but God had other plans ... so the 1/2 it was. I am not about to down play a race that was over 13 miles! I am so proud of myself.
I was up at 4am this morning ... up to Fort Collins by 5, and on a bus to the start of the race at 5:45. The race started up in the mountains and was "down hill" most of the way. It was about 35 degrees when I left my house this morning and about 20 degrees when the buses dropped us off ... the race didn't start until 7! About 2,000 strangers stood around in a huge huddle like March of the Penguins. It was sooo cold. I thought I surely burned off my morning pre-race oatmeal just from shivering so much!
The race route was beautiful! I really just wanted to enjoy the entire race, beginning to end ... flowing river on one side and mountain tops on the other. I worshiped as I ran, listening to great music ... jammed to some Brickhouse and Billy Jean when needed ... I walked when I felt like I needed to and waved at people on the side of the road that stopped to cheer us on. At one point, a man stood alone on the side of the road, just holding an American Flag. It was Divine.
I got a drink at every point available and had a few Gu things too. The last mile was great, although my hip flexors were screaming at me (and still are!) ... and as it worked out I was the only person running down the chute to the finish ... the announcer said, "Here comes Jessica Fernandez from Longmont" ... I pumped my arms in the air and yelled WHOOO HOOO!!! He then said, "with those pig tails in your hair you look like you are 18"~ Haha.
My goal was to finish this race faster than the race I did in California over a year ago ... and sure enough, I finished a little more than TWENTY MINUTES FASTER~!
Before I got out of my car this morning, I brought my Bible with me and I just flipped it open, hoping to find something to meditate on throughout my run ...
"Don't you realize Christ gave up everything so that you could be free?" Galatians 1:5 I thought about that the entire time ... day to day life can get so bogged down with worldly problems ... and really it is all just so simple ... Christ gave up everything so I can be free ... free from guilt, free from shame, free from worldly desires, free from my past mistakes, free from my failures ... free is free is free. I am free and it feels amazing.
Thank you Lord for this race today ... You knew it was just what I needed to refocus; time to think of only You, of my next breath, of my next step, of the beauty that abounds in Colorado, of this body You have blessed me with that carried me so far ... and that is sore already ... but I am so thankful. I am thankful Lord for the freedom I feel, deep in my soul, for the Grace you showered me with today. I am renewed and refocused. Amen.
I was up at 4am this morning ... up to Fort Collins by 5, and on a bus to the start of the race at 5:45. The race started up in the mountains and was "down hill" most of the way. It was about 35 degrees when I left my house this morning and about 20 degrees when the buses dropped us off ... the race didn't start until 7! About 2,000 strangers stood around in a huge huddle like March of the Penguins. It was sooo cold. I thought I surely burned off my morning pre-race oatmeal just from shivering so much!
The race route was beautiful! I really just wanted to enjoy the entire race, beginning to end ... flowing river on one side and mountain tops on the other. I worshiped as I ran, listening to great music ... jammed to some Brickhouse and Billy Jean when needed ... I walked when I felt like I needed to and waved at people on the side of the road that stopped to cheer us on. At one point, a man stood alone on the side of the road, just holding an American Flag. It was Divine.
I got a drink at every point available and had a few Gu things too. The last mile was great, although my hip flexors were screaming at me (and still are!) ... and as it worked out I was the only person running down the chute to the finish ... the announcer said, "Here comes Jessica Fernandez from Longmont" ... I pumped my arms in the air and yelled WHOOO HOOO!!! He then said, "with those pig tails in your hair you look like you are 18"~ Haha.
My goal was to finish this race faster than the race I did in California over a year ago ... and sure enough, I finished a little more than TWENTY MINUTES FASTER~!
Before I got out of my car this morning, I brought my Bible with me and I just flipped it open, hoping to find something to meditate on throughout my run ...
"Don't you realize Christ gave up everything so that you could be free?" Galatians 1:5 I thought about that the entire time ... day to day life can get so bogged down with worldly problems ... and really it is all just so simple ... Christ gave up everything so I can be free ... free from guilt, free from shame, free from worldly desires, free from my past mistakes, free from my failures ... free is free is free. I am free and it feels amazing.
Thank you Lord for this race today ... You knew it was just what I needed to refocus; time to think of only You, of my next breath, of my next step, of the beauty that abounds in Colorado, of this body You have blessed me with that carried me so far ... and that is sore already ... but I am so thankful. I am thankful Lord for the freedom I feel, deep in my soul, for the Grace you showered me with today. I am renewed and refocused. Amen.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Great Tooth Tragedy
Sooo ... last night, Caloy was in horrific pain because of a tooth. Being the awesome wife I am, I drove to Walgreen's as fast as possible (while obeying all traffic signs ... wink, wink) and bought just about everything and anything they had with a tooth on it. I came home and Caloy smothered his tooth in all kinds of different toothache remedies ... only to still have horrible pain ... we put heat on it, then iced it and then he took 4 Tylenol and 2 Tylenol P.M. too!
This morning I called the dentist ... it is far easier and more effective when I can call for him and he doesn't have to call through a relay operator (he often jokes thats why he married me ... also because he can go to drive-throughs ... nice huh?) The dentist saw him at 10:00 and after an xray ... I was interpreting while holding Gracie ... the dentist saw that he had an infection up through the bone ... goodness! Our dentist pulled Caloy's tooth ... it was a wisdom tooth, so I was quick to tell Caloy that he was now officially dumb. (joking ... a little). He was given some pain meds and that was that. Whew ... what a day.
It snowed here today ... crazy Colorado weather ... so by the time we were done, got medication, made noddles for lunch since he had to eat soft food ... it was too late to drive all the way to work. Did I take a day off? Of course not ... I went to work at the Y ... Summer camp is quickly approaching. How can it be May 1st already???
I am really doing my best at having more patience with Caloy when he is "sick". I get that last night he was in really serious pain ... I just have a hard time dealing with him when he is such a weenie. I think all men are that way ... right?!?!
Yipeeeee ... tomorrow is Friday and I am thankful. Caloy and a few other friends are coming to my school to talk with the 8th grade Deaf kids ... a mentorish-kind-of-program. He is great at that stuff ... talking with kids, being inspirational ... I love my husband. Even when he is "sick" and the biggest weenie on the planet ... he is an amazing man.
Thank you Lord for my husband, for our dentist (who just called by the way to check up on Caloy and see how he is doing ... do dentist's do that? That was so nice!) ... I am thankful Lord that Caloy is no longer in outrageous pain. Thank you Lord for the Office and the laughter it brings me ... Thank you Lord for my children and that they are snuggly safe in their beds. My cup overflows Lord ... You are so good to me. Amen.
This morning I called the dentist ... it is far easier and more effective when I can call for him and he doesn't have to call through a relay operator (he often jokes thats why he married me ... also because he can go to drive-throughs ... nice huh?) The dentist saw him at 10:00 and after an xray ... I was interpreting while holding Gracie ... the dentist saw that he had an infection up through the bone ... goodness! Our dentist pulled Caloy's tooth ... it was a wisdom tooth, so I was quick to tell Caloy that he was now officially dumb. (joking ... a little). He was given some pain meds and that was that. Whew ... what a day.
It snowed here today ... crazy Colorado weather ... so by the time we were done, got medication, made noddles for lunch since he had to eat soft food ... it was too late to drive all the way to work. Did I take a day off? Of course not ... I went to work at the Y ... Summer camp is quickly approaching. How can it be May 1st already???
I am really doing my best at having more patience with Caloy when he is "sick". I get that last night he was in really serious pain ... I just have a hard time dealing with him when he is such a weenie. I think all men are that way ... right?!?!
Yipeeeee ... tomorrow is Friday and I am thankful. Caloy and a few other friends are coming to my school to talk with the 8th grade Deaf kids ... a mentorish-kind-of-program. He is great at that stuff ... talking with kids, being inspirational ... I love my husband. Even when he is "sick" and the biggest weenie on the planet ... he is an amazing man.
Thank you Lord for my husband, for our dentist (who just called by the way to check up on Caloy and see how he is doing ... do dentist's do that? That was so nice!) ... I am thankful Lord that Caloy is no longer in outrageous pain. Thank you Lord for the Office and the laughter it brings me ... Thank you Lord for my children and that they are snuggly safe in their beds. My cup overflows Lord ... You are so good to me. Amen.
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