New Year, Same Us

Welcome to 2010! It's hard to believe how much can happen over a decade. Looking back all the way to New Year's Eve 1999 going into Y2K we had NO idea what was coming our way, did we? During this time, Kerry and I met, graduated high school, graduated college, got married, moved more times than we care to remember, made TONS of new friends, said goodbye to several folks, and somehow managed to make it through intact.

Though the dynamics of our families may have changed and our friends may be scattered here, there, and everywhere, our hope for the new year is that Christ may be the center of our lives just as in the past. That's the one constant we've come to count on.

All that being said, the countdown rolls on. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next decade. :)

2003
2009

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Lots of cheeful news in this blog :)

Kerry has completed his first semester of anesthesia school with...get this...a 4.0 average! All A's for my brilliant future anesthetist! I'm so proud of him and the effort he's put into this, and that he's found something he trully loves to do. One semester down, six to go. Two years from right now I believe we'll be SO happy we won't be able to stand it.

Since he's not having to study for a huge test, Kerry came with me this morning to Freeport, FL to run in a race. I ran in a 10k (6.2 miles) and he did a 5k. BOTH of us finished first in our divisions! That's pretty cool. For all the races I've participated in, I've never taken home a medal. Felt pretty good if you ask me. ;)

And for some very encouraging, much needed, long awaited news...I started my new job Monday morning! And I gotta say, so far, so good. We're so thrilled. God is good!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Against the Wind

I ran my first half-marathon yesterday! Talk about tough, everything was going against me. The weather was mean (40 degrees with a 15 mph wind that gusted even higher at times), but I felt fine once I got moving around and what not. I went to program my iPod with my list of awesome music I compiled just for this event, and despite the fact that I had charged it, it was DEAD. I still have NO clue how that happened, so for the entire 13.1 miles I was forced to entertain myself...scary, I know. To top it all off, at the turnaround point, my plantar faciitis in my left foot came screaming back despite the fact that we taped my feet for extra support. SO for at least 6 1/2 miles I had to slow down and even hobble a bit. Pitiful. I'm not totally happy with the whole experience, but hey, I DID IT! That's the longest distance I've ever run, and I'm pretty proud of it. I trained intensely for 10 weeks, which for dumpy little me isn't all that long. Now I need a new goal, and a new pair of running shoes...I think these have about had it! ;)

With many thanks

This Thanksgiving was definitely one we'll never forget. Last Monday started out like any other, Kerry getting up and going to school, me tending to Otis and doing some chores. We got the call from home close to lunchtime that things were taking a turn for the worse with Kerry's papa, so the split decision was made to pack hurriedly and zoom up to Andalusia/Red Level. We made it in time to say our goodbyes and hold hands with papa for a few more hours before he was gone, and we are so thankful. Close to 9pm, it was finished. It was a tearful week, but a joyful one at the same time. We were with family and friends laughing and crying together, and eating way too much as usual ;). We will miss him terribly, but everything is going to be ok. We know who holds tomorrow.



Kerry and Austin even went running with me Thursday morning! It was great to have company on the run. I'm getting nervous because it's crunch time! My half marathon is this coming Saturday morning. I sure hope I can at least cross the finish line. I've trained pretty hard for this, and I'm looking forward to it...that and the many pasta meals we'll have this week ;)



Please continue to remember us at this time. God bless.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Ok so I caved in and put up our trees. But ONLY a week early. My excuse is that we don't know what the plans are for the coming days, so we went ahead with things, and who knows, maybe I'll get to help my mom with hers next week. I'm very excited about one of mine! It's a beach tree in honor of our move to PCB. Blue ornaments, sand dollars, starfish, etc. SO pretty to me. The other tree is our classic red and gold that we've had since our first Christmas, plus our extra ornaments we've been given as gifts over the years (Auburn, Alabama, etc.) That should do it for trees since our space and funds are limited ;)

Take a peek! Check out my favorite ornament, too. Looks just like my little O!

A year after...

A year ago today we lost my dear, sweet Grandaddy. I say lost...he passed away. He had a far better place to be. It was tough, and I miss him so much still, but I'm confident that I'll see him again.

What's strange is that at this time Kerry and I are dealing with a very similar situation with his Papa. He has pancreatic cancer, and will most likely not be with us for very much longer. It's a heartbreaking time for us, so please remember us in your prayers. This is putting a strain on Kerry as well because he's juggling his studies and trips home to spend some time with his Papa before it's too late.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! 2009 is almost in the books. I have nothing more profound to say about it just yet, isn't that sad? Today I only wanted to focus on Grandaddy and the things he taught me, and the things I still strive to glean from my relationship with him. That should be enough. =)

Happy Halloweenie :)

October is here, and as of Friday evening fall is finally in the air! Brr! We love cuddle weather around here though, and were well past ready to get rid of the humidity. Here's hoping it stays away awhile.

What a busy month it has been! Kerry is still working hard in school and doing quite well, so the prayers are working! We need more though, so keep 'em coming. We were able to go home this weekend for the first time since he started classes, and it was awesome to see everyone. I made him get up early with me on Saturday morning to go running, of course. I made it 6 miles this time. Not a personal best, but getting there. This half marathon will be here before I want it to! My only goal is to cross the finish line in a respectable amount of time...so that leaves me plenty of flexibility right? Homecoming at Mt. Zion was also this weekend, so we were able to see some of our church family and my extended family as well. It was a great day!

Please keep praying for Kerry, his grandfather (who is going through some serious testing), and for me! I've made the startling decision to switch careers. Sounds crazy, I know, but I really do believe that God is leading me elsewhere. My struggle is with faith in His plan and guidance right now. Things will fall into place, I'm sure, because they always do when I let go of what I think is best.

Happy Halloweenie! Like my Doxie pumpkin? I'm still a little creative right? haha ;)