I’m so stinkin’ excited I can’t concentrate on anything! Jenn goes to the doctor at 10:40 this morning, and we will know if they are inducing tonight or if we just wait. . . . I can tell you this: Dr. Slocumb will have one upset pregnant girl if he says wait. Jenn has been nesting like you would not believe! I am sure their house is spotless – from the roof to the floors. Yes, the roof. Brian was up there yesterday cleaning the gutters out.
Meanwhile ole’ Aunt B over here just keeps busy imagining what Ellie will look like. Will she have Jenn’s big brown eyes? Or Brian’s piercing blues? Will she have her mommy’s monkey toes? Will she suck her thumb? Will she be tiny like Jenn or have potential to be taller like her daddy?
This much I do know. . . Eleanor Grace McMenamy is loved beyond measure already! She has a slew of family and friends waiting on pins and needles for her arrival! We’ll shower her with love all the days of her life.
Ahhhh. . . . I just cannot wait!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
In the Midst of a 40-Day Dare
The movie Fireproof received a good bit of media coverage when it was released, and while we haven’t seen it yet, I do want to see it. I’ve been told time and time again that it’s a must-see movie for any married couple ~ Newlyweds like us and those celebrating years upon years of marriage. Monday on my lunch break, I was reading an article about a fireman who watched the movie and was so moved by it that he’s started a support group of sorts for fellow firemen who need help in getting their marriages back on track. Apparently in the movie, there’s a book that’s read by the main character throughout the entire movie. It’s The Love Dare. I was thinking during lunch how I would like to get a copy of the book and read it.
Fast forward just a couple of hours during the day when I go to check my mail here at work. There’s an envelope with The Love Dare in it! It’s from a member of senior management here who owns a Christian bookstore with his wife. He shared with me in a short letter how the store gets many books throughout the year, some are good, some are great. There are also those books that are unbelievably good, and he makes it a point to share those amazing books with friends as he feels God leads him. And he shared The Love Dare with me!
Isn’t God cool like that?
So, I’m on day 4 of this book, and it’s really challenging. Initially, the book breaks it down for you like this: follow these dares explicitly as they are laid out, stick to it for the 40 days, and your marriage is sure to be rewarded.
Day 1: Refrain from saying anything negative to your spouse throughout the day. That, my friends, is easier said than done. Especially when your hubby is who you vent to about everything that’s bothering you! But I think I was successful in this. It really taught me to think for a second before I blurt out a nagging, negative thought.
Day 2: In addition to refraining from saying anything negative to my spouse, I also was dared to do something special and unexpected for him. While he was showering Wednesday morning, I made his shake! It’s a breakfast ritual Tim has ~ a protein shake with milk, flax seed, and fruit. I added yogurt for an extra special fruity flavor! He was so surprised and pleased! It warmed my heart to do something so small and unexpected for him!
Day 3: It didn’t mention refraining from saying negative things, so I let ‘er rip, folks. . . I cussed this and blamed him for that. Nah, that’s not true! What I was charged with yesterday was to buy something for my husband. Where your heart is, there also will be your treasure, right? We spend on things that are important and special to us. While I’d already given Tim a card on Monday thanking him for being an amazing husband and running partner with me during my first half-marathon, I wanted to do something special. So, after Supper Club, I ventured to Kmart, just hoping against all odds, some sort of electronic something would jump out at me. . . Nope. Didn’t happen. I know Tim wants some sort of office radio, but I don’t know if he’d prefer a clock radio-type thing or a good ole’ boom box – which, by the way, now offer plug ins for iPods! So, I decided that’s a gift I want him to pick out. I did leave with a nice, wooden, masculine frame. I had a picture he’d not yet seen of the two of us at the Stars Over Macon Ball. I put the pic in the frame and set it on his dresser. Not 20 minutes later, he found it and was so pleased! He’ll take it to work, just as I’d hoped!
Day 4: Today, I’m to call Tim during the day to touch base with him and see if I can do anything to help him get through his day. Thankfully, we do this everyday. It’s like a pulse-check. How are things going with you? How’s your day? Knowing he’s on his way home from a meeting in Atlanta, I’ll wait until mid-afternoon to check in on my bug.
Get yourself a Love Dare book, if it’s applicable to your life now. I bet you’ll enjoy it like I am enjoying it!
Fast forward just a couple of hours during the day when I go to check my mail here at work. There’s an envelope with The Love Dare in it! It’s from a member of senior management here who owns a Christian bookstore with his wife. He shared with me in a short letter how the store gets many books throughout the year, some are good, some are great. There are also those books that are unbelievably good, and he makes it a point to share those amazing books with friends as he feels God leads him. And he shared The Love Dare with me!
Isn’t God cool like that?
So, I’m on day 4 of this book, and it’s really challenging. Initially, the book breaks it down for you like this: follow these dares explicitly as they are laid out, stick to it for the 40 days, and your marriage is sure to be rewarded.
Day 1: Refrain from saying anything negative to your spouse throughout the day. That, my friends, is easier said than done. Especially when your hubby is who you vent to about everything that’s bothering you! But I think I was successful in this. It really taught me to think for a second before I blurt out a nagging, negative thought.
Day 2: In addition to refraining from saying anything negative to my spouse, I also was dared to do something special and unexpected for him. While he was showering Wednesday morning, I made his shake! It’s a breakfast ritual Tim has ~ a protein shake with milk, flax seed, and fruit. I added yogurt for an extra special fruity flavor! He was so surprised and pleased! It warmed my heart to do something so small and unexpected for him!
Day 3: It didn’t mention refraining from saying negative things, so I let ‘er rip, folks. . . I cussed this and blamed him for that. Nah, that’s not true! What I was charged with yesterday was to buy something for my husband. Where your heart is, there also will be your treasure, right? We spend on things that are important and special to us. While I’d already given Tim a card on Monday thanking him for being an amazing husband and running partner with me during my first half-marathon, I wanted to do something special. So, after Supper Club, I ventured to Kmart, just hoping against all odds, some sort of electronic something would jump out at me. . . Nope. Didn’t happen. I know Tim wants some sort of office radio, but I don’t know if he’d prefer a clock radio-type thing or a good ole’ boom box – which, by the way, now offer plug ins for iPods! So, I decided that’s a gift I want him to pick out. I did leave with a nice, wooden, masculine frame. I had a picture he’d not yet seen of the two of us at the Stars Over Macon Ball. I put the pic in the frame and set it on his dresser. Not 20 minutes later, he found it and was so pleased! He’ll take it to work, just as I’d hoped!
Day 4: Today, I’m to call Tim during the day to touch base with him and see if I can do anything to help him get through his day. Thankfully, we do this everyday. It’s like a pulse-check. How are things going with you? How’s your day? Knowing he’s on his way home from a meeting in Atlanta, I’ll wait until mid-afternoon to check in on my bug.
Get yourself a Love Dare book, if it’s applicable to your life now. I bet you’ll enjoy it like I am enjoying it!
Monday, November 17, 2008
13.1 ~ Done!
Well, we did it! My first half marathon is officially under my belt! It was cold – 27 degree wind chill – and windy. The race had its fair share of hills, and then some! But we did it! What an amazing feeling! Tim ran with me the entire time, and I can’t begin to explain how that encouraged me along the way. I wish I could recount mile by mile how I felt, what I was thinking, etc., but it all kind of runs together now. Here’s what I do remember:
The first 3 miles were a breeze. We were prepared for the cold weather with my Nike fleece head band covering my ears, my long sleeve top, long dry wick pants, gloves, the works! Tim had his cold gear on, too, head to toe. So it felt good to start running; honestly, my lungs never bothered me. That was one thing I was worried about was the cold air in my lungs, but it wasn’t ever an issue!
After the novelty of running wore off, there were hills to be conquered! Lots of hills! And I’ll be the first to admit hills are my weakness! They always beat me! I must pat myself on the back and say I did better on these hills than I’ve ever done before. It’s all in the glutes, I say. Push with your butt, not your knees! It’s workin’ for me!!
By mile 7ish, we were at Turner Field. That was pretty fun and pretty easy to run around. Tim has always wanted to run under the Olympic rings that are at the entrance, and we did! He even said, “I know I’m a nerd, but I’ve always wanted to run under those!” when we were heading that way. I told him he was about to have his chance!
Mile 8 brought more water and Gatorade and some protein chews that helped a lot! But after that, I struggled. Miles 9, 10, and 11 were just flat out boring. You know you’re on the downhill slide to being finished, but you also know you’ve got 4 miles left to run. Prior to the race, I’d collected all these warm fuzzy running quotes and sent them out to Tim and our friends who also ran. You know, things like, “All it takes is all you got!” and “Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.” Well, the only quote I could think of was “run like hell and get it over with!” I know, right? Forget the warm fuzzy thoughts. Just get it done! But it worked!
Our time was 2 hours 44 minutes. I’d loved to have done it in 2:30, but that’s just not realistic given my current running pace. When I was honest with myself, I was hoping to do it in less than 2:45, and I did! The cool thing about running in a big race like this was that as we crossed the finish line, they announced our names over this loud speaker! Crazy! I am still amazed at that!! Here we are with our friends, David and Lisa Lee, shortly after we finished!
The first 3 miles were a breeze. We were prepared for the cold weather with my Nike fleece head band covering my ears, my long sleeve top, long dry wick pants, gloves, the works! Tim had his cold gear on, too, head to toe. So it felt good to start running; honestly, my lungs never bothered me. That was one thing I was worried about was the cold air in my lungs, but it wasn’t ever an issue!
After the novelty of running wore off, there were hills to be conquered! Lots of hills! And I’ll be the first to admit hills are my weakness! They always beat me! I must pat myself on the back and say I did better on these hills than I’ve ever done before. It’s all in the glutes, I say. Push with your butt, not your knees! It’s workin’ for me!!
By mile 7ish, we were at Turner Field. That was pretty fun and pretty easy to run around. Tim has always wanted to run under the Olympic rings that are at the entrance, and we did! He even said, “I know I’m a nerd, but I’ve always wanted to run under those!” when we were heading that way. I told him he was about to have his chance!
Mile 8 brought more water and Gatorade and some protein chews that helped a lot! But after that, I struggled. Miles 9, 10, and 11 were just flat out boring. You know you’re on the downhill slide to being finished, but you also know you’ve got 4 miles left to run. Prior to the race, I’d collected all these warm fuzzy running quotes and sent them out to Tim and our friends who also ran. You know, things like, “All it takes is all you got!” and “Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.” Well, the only quote I could think of was “run like hell and get it over with!” I know, right? Forget the warm fuzzy thoughts. Just get it done! But it worked!
Our time was 2 hours 44 minutes. I’d loved to have done it in 2:30, but that’s just not realistic given my current running pace. When I was honest with myself, I was hoping to do it in less than 2:45, and I did! The cool thing about running in a big race like this was that as we crossed the finish line, they announced our names over this loud speaker! Crazy! I am still amazed at that!! Here we are with our friends, David and Lisa Lee, shortly after we finished!
So, it’s over, said and done. We’re sore but not terribly sore. I’m 3 pounds lighter than I was Friday, and I was stoked about that until a friend informed me that’s not good; it’s severe dehydration!?!!? Nevertheless, we’re proud! We did it! I honestly can’t believe it! The most amazing part of all? We weren’t even out of the Zooma parking lot before we were all talking about our next half marathon. . . . ah, the running bug has bitten us good!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Did I really sign us up for this?
It's here. . . tomorrow morning, 7am. Atlantic Station. We're running a half marathon. Yep, 13.1 miles. Scary, huh!?!?! Scarier: I signed us up for this! What was I thinking? Seriously, we're excited about it. We're running with three of our friends, and we know it'll be an experience we'll never forget.
So, Tim and I had our bibs and shirts mailed to us. Here's the shirt:
Look closely. It says it was a half marathon and a 5K. Sooo, I might've run the half but I might've run a 5K? Seriously? I want my shirt to specifically say I ran the half marathon. Gee Whiz, people!?!? Alas, I will get over it. . .
So, wish us luck! Say some prayers for both of us and our friends. Rumor is it's a hilly course; add that with the wind chill of 27, and we're sure to have a grand ole' time.
So, Tim and I had our bibs and shirts mailed to us. Here's the shirt:
Look closely. It says it was a half marathon and a 5K. Sooo, I might've run the half but I might've run a 5K? Seriously? I want my shirt to specifically say I ran the half marathon. Gee Whiz, people!?!? Alas, I will get over it. . . So, wish us luck! Say some prayers for both of us and our friends. Rumor is it's a hilly course; add that with the wind chill of 27, and we're sure to have a grand ole' time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Big 2-9
My, my, my, what a fabulous birthday weekend I had. Thank you, family and friends, for loving me on my 29th! Here's why I love fall. . . . 
and the inside. . .
notice, Brian didn't sign it! He read the card and refused to sign it! We laugh all the time at Brian. He is so funny! Jenn swears he's got some Steve Miller in him, and we love that about him! Daddy definitely would've loved Brian. . .
These trees are just up the street from our house, and I just absolutely love them! Aren't they beautiful? I mean, seriously, cool crisp weather, football, trees like this, birthdays, and the holidays around the corner. . . how can you not love fall!?!?!
My precious sister and bro-in-law gave me the BEST birthday card ever! Here's the front:
and the inside. . . notice, Brian didn't sign it! He read the card and refused to sign it! We laugh all the time at Brian. He is so funny! Jenn swears he's got some Steve Miller in him, and we love that about him! Daddy definitely would've loved Brian. . . And then, Saturday morning, my precious husband gave me my gift. I have arrived, folks, I received a Slocum Watch! Also known as a Swiss Army, I am in love with it! I've named it the Slocum watch because Tim, Josh, and Andy all have the same one, and Christy has the women's version. I think mine is very similar to Christy's, but I'm not sure Christy's is two-toned. Anyway, I was super excited, and I'm loving my watch! Thanks, Tim!!
What a weekend it was! Full of laughter, fun, food, and love. Thank you all for my birthday wishes and goodies!
What a weekend it was! Full of laughter, fun, food, and love. Thank you all for my birthday wishes and goodies!Thursday, November 6, 2008
Foster Dog
I cannot believe I've not yet told y'all about Foster Dog!
Last Saturday, Tim and I were about half a mile home after a good long run. This dog came running up to us, no collar, no leash, no nothing. . . he ran straight to Tim, whining and carrying on. We knocked on doors, asked folks working in their yards, tried everything we could to find out where this dog came from. . . and before we knew it, we were home. With Foster Dog. Now, five days later, we still have Foster Dog. After posting 25 signs around the neighborhood, having a friend send out an email to the neighborhood watch association, and spending $57 on a 3 day ad in the Macon Telegraph, we still have Foster Dog. Tim and I both agree we don’t need another dog. Although Foster Dog is super sweet, very well behaved, house broken, sits and shakes on command, and is the best bath taker ever, we don’t need him. As sad as that makes me, I’ve known it all along. Thankfully, I’ve not let myself get too attached to him. Tonight, two of our friends are coming over to meet Foster Dog. They just might be taking him home with them. To be their dog for real. From Foster Dog to Adopted Dog. . . keep your fingers crossed! I’ll keep you posted!!
Last Saturday, Tim and I were about half a mile home after a good long run. This dog came running up to us, no collar, no leash, no nothing. . . he ran straight to Tim, whining and carrying on. We knocked on doors, asked folks working in their yards, tried everything we could to find out where this dog came from. . . and before we knew it, we were home. With Foster Dog. Now, five days later, we still have Foster Dog. After posting 25 signs around the neighborhood, having a friend send out an email to the neighborhood watch association, and spending $57 on a 3 day ad in the Macon Telegraph, we still have Foster Dog. Tim and I both agree we don’t need another dog. Although Foster Dog is super sweet, very well behaved, house broken, sits and shakes on command, and is the best bath taker ever, we don’t need him. As sad as that makes me, I’ve known it all along. Thankfully, I’ve not let myself get too attached to him. Tonight, two of our friends are coming over to meet Foster Dog. They just might be taking him home with them. To be their dog for real. From Foster Dog to Adopted Dog. . . keep your fingers crossed! I’ll keep you posted!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Election Time
It’s finally here. Tomorrow the polls will open, our votes will be cast, they’ll count for sure, and we’ll soon have a new President of the USA. I’m so thankful that this campaign season is winding down. I don’t know about you, but I get so sick and tired of the negative ads, the he said she said, the mud slinging and the tattle-telling. It’s ridiculous. And for me, a regular ole’ citizen, I am more confused than ever about who honestly believes what and stands for what. The confusion lies more in the senator and congress races; I know good and well who I’m voting for in the Presidential race!!
Regardless, this much I know is true. Tomorrow evening at 7pm, our polls will close and the media will begin the predictions and count downs to who’s our next President. Whether it’s McCain or Obama, I believe it’s imperative that we remember who our true Ruler is, who will still be in control. . .
* The Bible will still have all the answers.
* Prayer will still work.
* The Holy Spirit will still move.
* God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
* There will still be God-anointed preaching.
* There will still be singing of praise to God.
* God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
* There will still be room at the Cross.
* Jesus will still love you.
* Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
I’m not sure about you, but these reminders help to calm my worried heart. . . .
Regardless, this much I know is true. Tomorrow evening at 7pm, our polls will close and the media will begin the predictions and count downs to who’s our next President. Whether it’s McCain or Obama, I believe it’s imperative that we remember who our true Ruler is, who will still be in control. . .
* The Bible will still have all the answers.
* Prayer will still work.
* The Holy Spirit will still move.
* God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
* There will still be God-anointed preaching.
* There will still be singing of praise to God.
* God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
* There will still be room at the Cross.
* Jesus will still love you.
* Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
I’m not sure about you, but these reminders help to calm my worried heart. . . .
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