Weekend Adventures

This past Saturday, my husband ran his 6th Pike's Peak Ascent in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  It's a 13.1 mile run (which is partly a walk) up the 14,114 foot mountain to the Summit.  He has run the marathon (up and down 26.2 miles) twice, and wished he had signed up for it this year, too!

This year he invited our daughter to go with him.  Actually, he told her she was going! Ha ha!  But, she was excited, even though she wasn't expecting a trip to Colorado just a few days before she left for college.  It gave them some special time together before she left, plus probably made the last few days of summer break go by faster.

The day before the run, they drove up Pike's Peak. Since she was going to have to drive up the next day, this drive up was her practice go at it!

Oh, and she figured out that she didn't have her driver's license with her on their way to Colorado, so..... 

....I had to airmail it to her, but thankfully, it was there the next morning at not too big of a price....probably because it was such a little thing to be sending (size wise, anyway).

On the way to Colorado, they stopped at the volcano at Capulin, N.M., took lots of beautiful pictures.  On Friday, they ate Italian food (carbs for the run) and ran through one of the "Garden of the Gods" trails, drove around the Olympic Training Center, and drove by the Broadmoor Hotel.

 Here's Joe just before the start of the race.  There were runners from all over the world!

 And he's off!

He made good time and thankfully Lauren got to the top in time to see him cross the finish line! There was a huge line of cars waiting to go up the mountain, so she wasn't sure she could get there in time.  It was pretty neat to have a photographer there for his event!

And here's the proof that he finished!  Now all of our children want to go on this special trip with him when they graduate. It will become a new tradition, I'm sure.  A few of them even want to run it!

The boys and I went on our own adventure over the weekend, but in another direction.

We went to our first and only Rangers' baseball game of this season Saturday night.  The Rangers played the Angels.

The Rangers didn't win, and this season sure isn't as exciting as it's been the past several years, but the temperature was cooler than was expected and the atmosphere at the Ballpark is always a lot of fun.

Plus, I had a special time with my boys!

I also had a wonderful chauffeur, who was also pretty much his own GPS. It's amazing how our 18 year old knows how to get around in the Dallas area!  I would fall asleep, wake up, and we would be wherever we were supposed to be - all without maps and the GPS!  We don't know where he got that gene! Ha ha!

After worship on Sunday, the boys and I headed towards Oklahoma. Joe and Lauren loaded up the rest of her college stuff, and we all met on campus and moved her in to her new "home". After worship, we ate at Lauren's favorite Italian place, along with her aunt and uncle, then told her goodbye and we left for home.

It was a crazy and tiring weekend, but lots of fun.  

Leaving our daughter for the beginning of her second year of college was much, much easier than leaving her the first year.  That first year away makes a difference.  Of course she's an hour or more closer now, and we know we will see her more often, so that helps, but also it's just different now.  She was here for three and a half months for summer break, so she was ready to go back.  She's excited about new adventures and new possibilities, and we're looking forward to seeing what God has planned for her this year!

SURPRISE!!!

All during the past year I've been secretly planning to have my husband a surprise party for his 50th birthday at the end of this month, but I was getting disappointed when I realized recently that he wouldn't be here for his birthday.

Finally, after thinking of several strategies, the kids and I thought of doing it after a Wednesday night Bible class.  It worked out perfectly because we had a visiting preacher in for a series of gospel lessons for three days - morning and evening.  Several opportunities to spread the news about the surprise!

I'm pretty sure this is the second time EVER he's really been surprised! The first was at his surprise 30th birthday party!

My mother-in-law made the birthday cake and my daughter and I each made other cakes for the guests. I planned on 125 people and I'm sure there were that many in attendance.  Thankfully there was enough desserts for all who wanted some.

Guests signed the photo mat above to be a keepsake for him of this special celebration.  You only turn 50 once, right?!

He enjoyed telling everyone they weren't his friend anymore, since no one warned him of the up-coming surprise.  Ha ha!

Just a lot of fun for him.....and for us who planned it and helped with it.....great memories!

Joe with the kids....

All six of us together.....

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, JOE!  A little early, of course!

The Aroma of......Onions?

My daughter and I were in Oklahoma City Friday, when we received this text from my husband:

Ate a burger with onion. Onions were strong they were strong on me. I couldn't figure out why it was so strong, even the secretary commented on how strong I smelled. Finally figured out I had dropped an onion down in my shirt pocket it had soaked through to my t-shirt.

We laughed and laughed!  What an unpleasant aroma!

How do you smell today?  What is your aroma?  Hopefully it's not onions!  But is your aroma just as yucky as onions - or is it sweet and pleasant?

Under the old covenant, the Lord required animal sacrifices in order to please Him.  The sacrifices burned on the altar were often described as "an aroma pleasing to the Lord".  But with Jesus dying on the cross, He was the final sacrifice.  God no longer needed an animal sacrifice from His children.  With the new covenant, God wanted and does want,  our aroma to be pleasing.  Our aroma should be the aroma of Christ.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?  Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

So, do you smell like Christ?  Are you spreading the aroma of the knowledge of Him?  When we smell like Christ, we will be following Him - walking in His footsteps (serving, loving, obeying).  We will be imitating Him in our own lives.  The aroma we leave behind will be, or should be, pleasant to all who are around us.....not the smell of onions!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOE!

Today is my husband's birthday!  I decided to give him his own page on Facebook as a part of his birthday!  The only problem is that he's not a Facebook fan - at all!  I knew that he wouldn't be upset, but I also knew he would want it deleted on May 1.  However, I also knew that he would enjoy all of the birthday messages from friends.

I revealed the surprise to him this morning before he left for work.  As of now, he has 117 friends, in just a few days!  He pointed out the fact that no one would have known he was older if it wasn't for Facebook.  That's true!  And, that's one of the things that I like about Facebook - the ability to tell everyone happy birthday, that otherwise you wouldn't have known were having that special day.

So, I thank everyone for his special birthday wishes and helping make his day special!  Happy birthday, Joe!  I love you very much!  (I started to let this blog post be the way he found out that he even was on Facebook, but I was too excited to wait!)

Happy Birthday, Joe!

The first week in April, I came up with a sneaky plan.  I let the two oldest kids in on my idea and they agreed that it sounded like a good idea.  I decided to surprise my husband, Joe, with a special birthday gift...something he would never expect me to do.  For his birthday, which is the 30th,  I wanted to give him Texas Rangers baseball tickets.  The only time we could go was Easter afternoon.

The problem with my plan was that that Easter weekend is alumni weekend in Tipton  for the school and also for the children's home where Joe works.  On that Saturday, Joe has to be in town for Saturday morning and a little bit of the afternoon.  I wasn't sure if he would be able to leave Saturday afternoon or not.  I called the secretary at work and she thought it would be just fine for him to leave in the early afternoon.  So the tickets were ordered.

As the days went on and I waited for the tickets to arrive in the mail, I began to worry a little bit.  I was worried because I got to thinking, "What if Joe is preaching somewhere (and hasn't told me yet) on that Sunday and he can't leave?"  He preaches at Tipton once a month, but that's usually the second Sunday, so that was clear.  But also, part of his job involves speaking for churches that support Tipton Home.  Maybe I didn't know he was going to be out of town?

I decided we would have to give him the tickets just as soon as we got them in the mail - just so we would know if it wouldn't work and also so he wouldn't schedule anything for that day.  Our plan worked.  The kids (all four of them) and I were so excited!  Joe was excited and surprised at our gift!  Our first Rangers' game of the new baseball season!

So Saturday we headed to Arlington.  My parents were also going to the game with us and we met up with them that evening.  Of course we ate at our favorite place, Pappasitos!  Joe was so excited to wear the big sombrero and have the wait staff sing their birthday song to him :).  Of course, the free dessert was enjoyed by several at our table!

Sunday we woke up early and drove to Plano for early morning worship and class.  Joe's brother, James, preaches at McDermott Road church, so that makes it handy (though 50 minutes away) when we're in that area.  After worship and class we headed to the ballpark.  We were the first ones in the 3rd base gate.  The kids were thrilled!

(Joe and the kiddos)

The Rangers won the game, the kids were able to run the bases after the game, and we headed back home. Joe had a great birthday surprise!

all in a day's work...

For the past week and a half, my husband has had a unique work crew along with him. This group of men is in town working at Tipton Home in their volunteer work as Sojourners.  I mentioned their wives in last week's Ladies' Salad Supper post.

The men range in age from 65 to 75 and come from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.  Each has a unique personality and a unique past, but are working together, as a group of Christians, at Tipton Home for a common goal:  to help children.

The men have helped clean up the barn and farm area during their time in Tipton.  I think my husband would keep them for as long as they would like to stay!  He said: "If everybody worked as hard as these men do, there wouldn't be enough work to go around." They like to work!  It's their mission!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

One man, who never takes the regular breaks, climbed up on top of the pig house being torn apart. He held a sledge hammer in his hands and began "slamming". My husband was a little concerned about him being up there and said, "You think you might ought to get down?"

He said, "No. I'm fine!" and kept on swinging. As my husband told me this story, I thought - and said, "That will be you when you're 75, won't it?" Yes, it will. I know it will! And I'll be the one suggesting for him to get down from there! And he won't listen, either!

(They've seen a few snakes at the barn.  This one was dead (thankfully!)

Thank you, Sojourners, for taking the time to come to Tipton Home and work, but thank you even more for sharing in the lives of the children and for setting them a great example of Christian service.  During their stay they play games and do crafts with the children.  They get involved in their lives.

Free Clothing Giveaway

Last year, some time in March, our oldest son, Zachary, and I were taking some things out to my husband's car trunk. We were taking the things to our storage shed down town.  But,  when we opened the trunk, there were lots of shirts on hangers, taking up a lot of room in the trunk.  My husband, Joe, had recently lost weight, so I supposed that these clothes were some he was planning to donate to someone because they were now too big for him.

I was fine with him getting rid of the shirts, but I have to admit that I was aggravated that he was also giving the good hangers away because we are always needing hangers around here.  Zachary and I began to take the hangers out of the shirts and he took them to the laundry room for me.  On the way to the storage shed, I decided to take care of the shirts myself...stopping by my brother-in-law's house and giving them to him.  I told him if they didn't fit or he didn't want them, just to go ahead and pass them on to someone else.  He kept some of them and gave the rest to one of his brothers.

A few weeks later Joe asked me about the clothes in the trunk.  I told him that I gave them to our brother-in-law and that he had passed some of them on to his own brother.  I couldn't believe Joe's response.  He said that he was just storing those shirts in the trunk for the winter to make more room in his closet!  Can you believe that?  Who stores their clothes in a car trunk?????  I doubt many people do - if any!

I really felt bad that I had given away Joe's shirts - some of them fairly new and most all of them in great shape.  I finally decided to mention this to my sister-in-law.  She felt bad, too.  She actually had pulled out a few shirts that she knew I would want - such as my husband's old practice jersey from his high school football days.  The other man who got the shirts never knew about my mistake.  I hated to ask for them back.  What is strange is when these two men wear one of the shirts.  It seems strange to see them both in shirts that were my husband's and it makes me feel worse!

Each year, especially during the months of November and December, people from all over the world open up their hearts, their homes, and their wallets to help those in need.  It is such a great feeling to help others - especially when helping those who are in need.

On this Gratituesday, I am grateful for the season of Thanksgiving. Take the time to give of yourself this season. Give of your time. Give of your money. Give of your possessions.

But, just a bit of advice:  Before you give away clothing that's in your husband's trunk, take the time to ask him if he's just storing them there.  You never know!

Join us for Gratituesday at  Heavenly Homemakers.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38

National FFA Convention

After being in 4-H since the 4th grade, our oldest son, Zachary, was excited to join FFA as an 8th grader this year.  We have several FFA jackets (our daughters, my husband's from the past, and a former Tipton student who moved away).  Zachary was excited to get his own jacket and sold Blue & Gold Sausage and D.J.'s food to receive a free jacket from the local FFA chapter. 

Zachary also earned the privilege to attend the FFA National Convention.  Last Tuesday night, my husband, Joe, and Zachary boarded a bus with several others from Tipton, OK.  They headed to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 83rd National FFA Convention.  The group returned early Sunday morning - 2:10 a.m. early!

The first stop was St. Louis, Missouri.  I wasn't sure Zachary would like going up to the top of the Arch, but he did.  My daughter and I rode to the top last year when we went to the National Convention.  It's sure neat to see everything from the tiny windows up top!

This picture is a little blurry because of the big screen, but this year's convention theme was "Infinite Potential".  The FFA does a great job with the sessions and makes it very special.

Indiana State Capitol

Inside the Capitol

Of course, Joe and Zachary didn't take quite as many pictures as I did last year, but they did manage to get one of Zachary by himself behind the Colts' stadium podium.  The microphone holder is in the way, but I'm still proud of the picture!

Tipton FFA group that attended, minus the adult sponsors.

I'm thankful that our FFA group had a safe trip there and back home.  They made lots of great memories, saw beautiful scenery with all of the fall colors, heard many great motivational speakers, and had lots of fun. 

Pike's Peak Ascent

My husband, Joe, enjoys running.  This year made the 7th year he has run in the annual event up Pike's Peak:  The Pike's Peak Ascent, which was held this past Saturday. On Sunday there is a marathon up the mountain.  Several years ago Joe did the Ascent one day and then the Marathon.  They call it "The Doubler". 

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:32

This year Joe met a new friend.  His name is Woody (That's a joke!)  Isn't this  neat carving?

  Joe is always amazed at some of the people who are running.  This picture shows a man (who he thinks was in his 80's) wearing two different shoes.  I would like to know why he wore different shoes.  Maybe to help with foot problems?  Maybe just to do something unique?  Interesting!

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:11-12

And then there were these toe shoes.  They are interesting - I've seen them in stores - but, I can't imagine running a HUGE mountain in these shoes.  Of course, I can't imagine running a mountain in any shoes.

The beginning of the run doesn't start out as much of a run.  There are people everywhere and it's crowded at first.  As they get higher and higher up the mountain, the crowds thin out.

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

The views along the trail are beautiful.  I'm glad Joe took his camera.

The cars and buildings below look smaller and smaller as you go higher up the mountain.

The winding road up Pike's Peak looks even scarier from up high than it does when you're actually driving on it!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

This year Joe only got a little more than half-way up and decided to turn around and go back down the mountain.  He didn't think he would be able to make it. There are several things that contributed to him turning around:  First, he didn't feel like he was in as good of shape as he needed to be because he hasn't had the time to train with long runs to prepare for the Ascent.  But, he still enjoyed the run and the trip to Colorado.  Also, Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs was having extremely high temperatures this weekend.  The heat makes it a lot harder to run, of course.  I'm sure many were not able to run like they wanted to because of the heat.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

It's strange how different the weather has been on his runs at the Ascent. One year, a few years ago, there was a blizzard on top so they turned many people around and didn't let them finish.  He was disappointed that year because he would have made it to the top.  Another year there was a storm all around the top - lightening and thunder everywhere, except he was ABOVE the lightening instead of below it.  He said that was really strange, but interesting, too. 
 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

One of God's beautiful creation - Pike's Peak!