My First 5K

Mama and me

Some of you know that my Grandaddy passed away in August.

He had Colon Cancer.

He was the strongest and sweetest man I have ever known. I know these are interesting adjectives to put together. But, that was Grandaddy.

He loved God and his family.

In Birmingham, we have a 5K every year to raise money for Colon Cancer awareness.

The funds raised go to education, testing, and early detection of this horrible disease.

My cousins and I started talking about doing the run.

HA! HA! HA!

I have not ran anywhere since the 1 mile required in P.E. in 8th Grade.

YES...8th Grade!

Why would anybody run for fun?

I mean, do they not have anything better to do?

Well, so I decided to run...with my family...in memory of Grandaddy.

Cheryl, me, Lyn, & Kelly

*************

So, I realized that a 5K was ONLY 3.1 miles.

HA!

That is nothing!

I ran 1 whole mile in 8th Grade and that was...

HMMMMM...

a VERY LONG TIME ago.

My students (who run) recommended "Couch to 5k."

And I have to admit that it is a great way to get into running...

unless you start 3 weeks before the 5K...

and skip a week of training for Spring Break.

I did run MOST of the 5K.

Approximately 2.8 miles.

Finished in an UNBELIEVABLE time... for me. :)

Unfortunately, my knee is still hurting from the unaccustomed activity.

But, I believe that I am going to start back on the "Couch to 5K."

SHOCKING!

I know.

But there is something about seeing the finished line.

I thought about the references Paul makes in the Bible about finishing the race.

When I could see the finished line, I started thinking about my Mom and Grandaddy.

They both ran a good race.

So, it was more than physical and emotional...

it was a spiritual experience for me.

Keeping my eye on the finish line...

on the PURPOSE that God has called me to.

TEAM G.W.

Mama, Aunt Linda, & Aunt Judy

The BEST Cheerleaders!

We all wore blue handkerchiefs, because Grandaddy always had one in his pocket.

Charlie's First Camping Trip

Charlie SH

HG

Charlie's First Campfire with Daddy and the Bambergs

His FIRST s'more!

Having fun at the Japanese restaurant.

GO BULLDOGS!!!

HG TRAINING WHEEL FREE!!!

YIPPEE!

NO TRAINING WHEELS FOR SOAPIE!

Quick learners!

Only 30 minutes of Greg and Trent running beside them!

HG fell over one time and said,"I guess I am being wreckless like Mommy!"

For those who do not know, I have had a significantly negative experience with bicycles.

I will not bore you with the details.

Charlie riding his bicycle! He thinks he is as big as his sisters! He had a great time!

He did fall one time and had his first scraped knee.

Can you believe that?!?!?

My child was 3 years old before his first scraped knee.

In China, he was always bundled up in many layers of clothes.

He was protected against the scrapes and bruises. It was a bit traumatic for him.

But he is fearless, so he is now accustomed to scrapes.

HG's 6th Birthday

My first child turned 6!!!

TOO FAST FOR ME!

HG SH

Charlie

How long has it been?!?!?!

Too Stinking Long!!! :)

Some of my friends have mentioned that it has been a while since my last post.

I am very sorry!

I promise that I would much prefer blogging to writing papers and doctors appointments!

But, GRADUATION is only 5 weeks away!!!

HALLELUJAH!

I am very grateful to GOD and my family that I could go back to school for my Masters, but I am ready to be finished!!!

And I am sure they are MORE than ready!!!

Kelsey and the Kiddios