macalwag: July 2009

My Dream

I am not a dreamer by nature. Sadly, practicality and fear get in my way. Interestingly enough; however, I feel like God is really leading me to explore what it feels like to dream. To conquer my practicality, step out and actually start dreaming...But that story is for a post some other day.

Despite spending most of my life w/ goals and not dreams, one dream I have always had is to one day run a marathon. It's always been my "one thing;" my answer when people ask me what my dreams are, what I want to do w/ my life, before I die, etc.

I am registered to run the Chicago marathon in October and my training is well underway. That dream crossed a major milestone this morning when I reached the point in my training where I had to run further than I ever have in my life --14 miles. I've trained for and run 2, 1/2 marathons, but that distance is only 13.1 miles, I'd never run further than that.

The run this morning went great, I still haven't regained my 1/2 marathon speed, but despite that, I felt really good and even felt like I had more gas in the tank that I could have gone a littler further than 14 miles. Plus, burning 1500+ calories before 8:00 a.m. wasn't too shabby either:).

I don't know what prompted the emotion I felt after seeing the 14.00 flash on my watch, but I'm sure it doesn't even compare to how I'll feel upon crosing the finish line in Chicago. Until then, I pray that I won't get injured and stay healthy enough that God will allow me to realize my big dream - - I'm sure that accomplishment will inspire me to develop and foster even more dreams! Until then, I'm closing my eyes--hoping and praying for more big dreams!

Perfect day at the botanical gardens

We took the kids to the botanical gardens nearby (well, sort of) last weekend, and had a fun time on a beautiful day. Kids loved the tasting stations where they could try different veggies (why won't they eat them at home!).

More from a trip to the gardens...

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

What a day! Buster Boos turned 5! I can hardly believe it's been 5 years since we've started our journey w/ him. I remember the night he was born like it was yesterday, it still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Tears of sadness for our ignorance and fear we experienced when we heard the words Down Syndrome. Shattered hopes and dreams, fears we wouldn't be able to lead a 'normal' life, and mourning the loss of the son we'd thought we were going to get, and frankly thought we deserved. God is funny, you know, and I believe he brought us Calvin to draw us closer to Him. We are grateful for a God who knows what we need more than we do and thankful for our son who we love more than we thought we ever could. Happy Birthday Cal Cal, look how far you've come!! Love - Mommy

4th Birthday