I love your hair

 I was able to go to Children's Mercy Ronald McDonald House tonight. It was really fun. I didnt know what to expect. I just knew a group of people from my Church go there monthly and make dinner for the families. So I went and that place is AMAZING! The kitchen is HUGE! I would love one of those! :) Anyways, I was supposed to be helping cook. But there was a mother and daughter baking cookies when we got there. I began talking to them and they were the sweetest duo ever! The mom was telling me how she was baking the cookies to be fluffy... yum! I have new ideas! :) Any ways we were talking like girls do and the daughter said, "I love your hair." This would have been a comment I would have said thank you and moved on... but I couldnt because I knew when she said it ... she meant it. You see, She had a wig. And she further explained to me about her old hair color and length. She said she and her mom died her hair before it fell out. They died it black, red, pink and whatever else they thought would be fun. And then her hair fell out from the chemo. She was so sweet! She loved to cook and had secret recipes that she loved using. I wanted to tell this story because it really made me think a little more about how vain I can be and it just really humbled me. She is so young and has cancer. And because of her treatment she lost her hair... and I worry about if my part is in the right spot. Her story has made an imprint on my heart. Thank you Hannah.

13.1 miles = COMPLETED!

So, Today was the BIG day. I've been training with Courtney, Tiffany and Dia for 4 months now in order to be prepared for this 1/2 MARATHON. I'm not going to lie, it was hard but so worth it! My legs are KILLING me now. [just a few hours later]

I finished in 2 hours and 34 minutes. Hey! I just wanted to finish! :)

This is me and my new friend Dave

 [He's 'our' guy. :) We met him at the beginning of the race. 

He and I ran together for a good half. He is awesome!]

 This is at the finish line... I thought I was going to die!

See! We stayed together! :) 

Its funny, because a lot of these pictures look like Im walking... I wasnt. :) I ran the whole thing. [Slow... but running]

And here is Tiffany and Courtney... they are awesome!!!

Me and my boo at the end! He is such a great supporter! He was more proud of my medal than I was... as you can see here. :)

Thank you everyone for all the support... it is much appreciated!

And thanks to Michaels parents and brother who traveled up here to watch and cheer me on!  

Oh! and if you ever get the chance to help or just go to any kind of race... do it! Its soooo nice having people cheering you on [even if you don't know them.]

13 days

So Im not going to lie... Im begining to get really nervous about this half marathon. Its literally 13 days away.... less than 2 weeks.... not next weekend... but the one right after! ahhh!!!! 

So far Ive run 9 miles. Im running 10 this week and then everything after the 10 mile is short runs up until the 

BIG 

SHA-BANG-A-BANG! 

I think Im more nervous because it is all new to me.... I have NO idea what Im doing. What if I end up waking up late.. the race does start really early- 7 AM. 

-OR- 

What if I miss a turn or continue running the the marathoners...eek! that would be terrible! 26 miles... Oh man..I would die!

Im sure I will be fine. And these nerves are probably normal. But holy cow... what was  I thinking!! ha!

Hold Him Close

A couple weeks ago at

  Midtown Community Church 

the floor was open for people to share where and how Christ is moving through them. This resulted in us (the church) to pray for them. A few people shared their stories... tired, worn out, busy... you know, things that get to a lot of us. 

Then I heard a story about one ladies life. She and her husband were currently going through a divorce. My heart literally sank to the floor. (Obviously, she is hurting way more than I did in that moment) But my heart was so heavy for her. I began crying... for her and for myself. They are both Christians and have been married for over 15 years and now this is happening.  They have been married for a lot longer than Michael and my 2 year marriage (August 8th). All I could think about is "People change." That can be super scary or super exciting! 

Someone once told me that in a marriage you as a couple are never in one place together. You are either moving together or moving apart. There is NO being stagnant together. I know I was supposed to be there in that moment to hear those heart wrenching words from this broken and fragile woman. 

Now I know nether Michael nor I am perfect... by any means! But I did learn something. I learned that I need to Hold Michael Close. Love him and treat him well. Treat him like I LOVE him.... because I DO! 

Why am I sharing this? Because this made me rethink about the way I treat loved ones...especially my HUSBAND. My prayer is that more people (including myself) would love without restraints and to show Grace to those we love. 

Marriage is work... and if you're not working at it at some point... then most likely you are moving apart. I dont want that for my marriage. And I know Christ doesn't want that for any marriage either. 

So.... Michael, I LOVE YOU!

ONE Week In

Tomorrow is our "official" first full week of the Kansas City life. I cant say it enough... so far... I LOVE IT! Kansas City is such a great place to live. And I would have never thought I would like living in the city... I LOVE IT!!!! Its been amazing here so far. I love our house and the neighborhood... its great! 

A little run-down on the week.

Day 1: We drove to Kansas City in 5 [full] cars. 
Day 2: My cat goes missing.... a few hours later, Tiffany's dog goes missing. What?!? How does that happen... 2 animals in one day? What is going on??? 
Day 3: Tommi shows up downstairs in the CEILING. He is dirtier than EVER! Gross!!!! But he is getting used to everything. Then Michaels parents hit a deer on the way back to St. Louis. The car was totaled but everyone was safe! 
Day 4: I got a job with the Missouri Baptist Children's Home as the Office Manager. It was such a BLESSING. God provided a job for me. I trusted he would After I got this job, I called Holiday Inn to cancel my interview. They offered me a part time job! 2 jobs in one day! Thank you God. I never stopped trusting. I knew he would provide.
Day 5: A hippie gets Tiffany's number from the signs she put up to find Eddie [the dog] and calls her. HE FOUND EDDIE!!!! Eddie came home!!!!
Day 6: I finished my first week of work.  And Im so excited because Im learning so much about Foster Care and Adoption. Michael and I both want to adopt some day so this is perfect!


I am also learning the roads and highways... which is a little rough at times... but my tom tom [gps] has saved the day!!!!!

Well, we miss everyone, but we ABSOLUTELY LOVE it here!