Sunday, December 28, 2008

2 Days

Continuing the countdown. 2 days and counting. Needless to say, things are getting a little more hectic around the Atkinson. Lots on the "to do" list for tomorrow. Times is ticking away.

On another note, today we were finally able to have Christmas with my step-sister and family. It was an enjoyable afternoon. Dad was not able to be there, but we all had a good time. Thanks Zonya for getting us all together. It was nice have Rod, Bonnie and girls there also.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

3 days

Well, just 3 more days. Today was a pretty busy day. First, all the peeps ran this morning. We had an additional person run with us this morning. Go, Michelle. Michelle has been running with us for a couple of months now. Afterwards, the Peeps went to Cracker Barrel to eat for our Christmas get together. After that, Granny, Matt and myself headed to Anderson. I can't really say what we were doing up there, because it is a surprise. We came home and ate, then went shopping for gifts for the groomsmen. I'm sure the next couple of days will be just as busy. Tomorrow, we will finally get to do Christmas with Zonya's family and my dad. People were sick on Christmas Eve, so we had to postpone until this Sunday. In the meantime, we will also be helping where we can with the wedding and decorating for the reception. Boy, it is hard to believe. These past 23 years have really flown by. Can't believe my baby boy is all grown up and getting married. Cherish every moment with your kids, they grow up way to fast.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Day

Christmas has come and gone. It has been a good Christmas, but a sad one at the same time. Our family is changing and next year will definitely be different with Matt and April both being married and our family expanding. It seems to get harder and harder to get the family together each year. I love Christmas and the family time together. I don't have a lot of family to get together with and knowing that things will be different next year, this one was a little sad at the same time. I have to admit that I have shed a tear or two. Now that Christmas is over, it is time to get down to business with the wedding and the rehearsal dinner. I've got to work tomorrow, but am off until next year after that. I know the days will be very busy and I am sure they will fly by.

One last word. Matt and April, I love you both so very much and I am really proud of you both.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

10 Days and Counting

Ten days and counting to the big wedding. I am excited about getting a wonderful young lady as a daughter-in-law and adding to our family. Right now I am working on the rehearsal dinner. Can't give any details as it is a secret. But, I think I have everything under control and covered. I can't decide what to wear to the rehearsal dinner. Any suggestions? I am also hoping that my dress for the wedding will be appropriate and that the color will be o.k.

Now on to something else, as I don't want to say too much because of some secrets. I am just about finished with my Christmas shopping. I sat down after church today and got stuff wrapped and got an idea of what is left to do. Just a couple of more things and I'm good to go there. It is hard to believe it will be here in a few days. I look forward to spending time with family and friends over the holidays. I love being able to entertain and have family and friends around.

Last but not least. I just want to say what a wonderful job Matt, Curt, Eric and all the others involved with the Camping for Cans did this weekend. Looking forward to what next year can bring. A thumbs up to all those that stayed all night.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

2 weeks and counting

In a way it is hard to believe, but we have managed to get one child out of college. What an accomplishment. Today was a bitter sweet day. Excited that he has accomplished finishing college and getting his degree. But sad at the same time, because I don't have a little boy anymore. He has grown up into a man and will be leaving the nest in 2 weeks to start his own life with his new bride. Just a very emotional time as I am happy, but sad at the same time. I thank God for 2 healthy wonderful kids. Matt, I am very proud of you. I am proud of the man you have become. I am proud that you have stayed connect to your relationship with God and that you have decided to answer his calling in your life. Your Mama and Daddy love you. As I look back, there are things I wish I had done differently. I don't think you can spend too much time with your kids because before you know it they are grown and gone.

Well, there is no rest for the weary. Still full speed ahead with Christmas and wedding plans. After graduation, we took Matt out to eat. Then we came home and my mom and I took Grandma to try and find shoes for the wedding, plus do a little shopping. After all the group left, Mark and I had to go to Lowe's, then to try and print some wedding invitations for April's wedding. I am now trying to work on the wording for invitations for the rehearsal dinner for Kristy and Matt. My house is a mess and will probably be that way until March. Oh, Well!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Countdown

Tomorrow Matt will graduate from college. A graduate of Anderson University. My how time flies. Two weeks from tomorrow, he will be getting married. So, we are in countdown mode. Between getting ready for his wedding and working on April's, I feel like my brain is spinning. Sometimes I feel like it is just spinning and going nowhere. I'm just taking it one day at a time. So, tomorrow, we will give as much of an update as possible and keep everyone up to date on what is going on. For tonight we are going over out to-do list. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Dedication or craziness

O.K. so, it was 23 degrees this morning at 8 o'clock by the thermometer in my car, but 3 of the peeps ran anyway. Vicki, Tracey and myself actually met at 8 this morning to run our 7 miles just like we were suppose to. And, yes, it was cold. So, I don't know if you call us dedicated or if we are crazy. There is something about it once you start running, you get hooked. Anyway, looks like we are going to have a long cold fall and winter to run in this year, so I guess we better just get use to it. It is hard to get out of a nice warm bed and get started, but I am always glad I did when I am finished.

PS. My poor hubby is still not feeling good. Please say a prayer for him that he will get to feeling better soon.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Thursday

I guess it has been a pretty uneventful week so far. My grandma that was in the hospital, did get out and is back at Forest View Manor Assisted Living. She has made a wonderful recovery since being back. Things are looking up there. I ran today for the first time since Saturday and I must say that it felt good to get back into it. Some days I hate getting started, but I am so glad when I finish that I did it. Vicki, Michelle and I ran together this afternoon. The 3 of us did 3 miles together, then Michelle and I did 2 more. The air was cool and crisp, but it felt good.

Right now while I am blogging, my husband is on the couch sick. It has been a long time since he has been sick like he is today. He went to work this morning, but came home and that is so unlike him. I don't like to see him down like this and wish there was more I could do. So, if anyone reads this, say a prayer that he will feel better in the morning. I love you honey and hope you get to feeling better soon.

O.K. that is all for tonight. Goodnight all.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Saturday

This past Saturday I was to run in another race, the Volunteer In Medical Missions. The skies were not very promising for a dry race when we first got up. But, the rains stopped and the sun came out for the race. Turned out to be good running conditions. The course took was in Hunters Creek, which has hills. Anyway, I was not really racing, I was just running to get a good run in. Well, I ended up finishing 1st in my age group, but more importantly I met the very cute, sweet young girl names Carissa. I had followed her most of the race, but ended up passing her in the last half mile or so. When we finished we got to talking. She was from Columbia and this was her first and she was here by herself. Anyway, we talked some more about running and races in the area, why we started running, running shoes, etc. Then I introduced her to some friends of ours, the Newby's that run and we just kind of took her in for the time she was here. When the time came for them to announce the winners, overall and age groups, she won 2nd place in her age group (she was 21). She really was excited at that point and I think hooked on running/racing. Cheryl Newby took her picture and got her email address and all that stuff so we can send her the picture. Carissa explained that her had picked this race as her first one because she had gone on a mission trip to Peru and thought this one was for a good cause and wanted to help. After all the awards were given and we were saying good bye's, Cherly offered to make Carissa' picture in front to the VIMM sign to have. I was surprised when Carissa asked me to be in the picture with her. I was honored. If you ever start running and doing these races, you will find some that runners are very special people. You get to know each other from race to race and keep up with how each other is doing. I really enjoy my running and hope to be able to keep running for a while.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Another Busy Day

Well, Saturday was another fairly busy day. I met Michelle at 6:30 to do our run. Michelle is really doing good and I am proud of her. She is sticking to the training for a 1/2 marathon and seems excited about what she is doing. This past Saturday was her first time at running 7 miles. Go Michelle. After that April had a shower from 11 - 1 at Vicki "peeps' house. We all had a wonderful time and everything was super nice. Thanks so much Vicki. Then by the time we got home and unloaded and I made room for the gifts, worked outside a little, we decided to go visit my dad who had surgery on Thursday. He had surgery on his shoulder and will be out of commission for a while, but that is o.k. My step-mom will take wonderful care of him and make him behave his self. Oh! and if is that time of year to change out summer and winter clothes, I did a little of that on Saturday as well. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

I have missed running with the other peeps, and hopefully, we will be able to work on that some in the next coming weeks. Vicki, Michelle and myself was able to all run together this afternoon. And I must say that it is starting to get just a little cool out, but that is o.k., we still run anyway.

That all for tonight. See ya'll

Thursday, November 6, 2008

I mentioned in a previous blog about our 2 children getting married. Matt's will be in December. I have been looking for a dress to wear to the wedding. A mother of the groom dress, but had not had much luck until this past Saturday. My step-sister Zonya and I went shopping in Greenville. We left after the race and spent ALL day shopping. But, we found something. Yeah! I was beginning to get worried. So, that is one thing off of my long list of things to get or things to do. Anyway, I really enjoyed spending the day with Zonya and Kierstan Daye her 18 month daughter. I must say that Keirstan Daye was so good. To have been drug all over Greenville for that long, she didn't cry or fuss, she was just precious. So, I just want to say Thank You Zonya for helping with the dress and I enjoyed the shopping trip.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Reaching my goal

Several things have happened since my last blog, so I am trying to decide where I want to begin. I think in this blog I will tell you about reaching my goal. I think I mentioned in one of my previous blogs about running. You see, I took up running several years ago due to health reasons. I went for a physical and the Dr. told me that my cholesterol was too high. I could either go on medication or I could try diet and exercise to try and get it down. I asked him to give me 1 year (until my next physical) to try the diet and exercise. I don't like taking medicine, so I wanted to see if I could control this myself. Anyway, a long story short for now, I starting watching what I ate, starting going to the Y and working out. From that I started running (full story another day) and was successful in lowering the cholesterol. Running has become an addiction now and I have run in several races and even completed a couple of half-marathons. This past Saturday was the Run For Life race at the YMCA. I wanted to bet my best time. When Mark looked up my best time for me, I was a little disappointed because I didn't think there was anyway I could beat it. I was a little better than I had remembered, 26:33 for a 5K race. A 5K is 3.1 miles. I was a little discouraged Thursday and Friday, again thinking that there was no way I could do any better. I didn't think that I had been training well enough. I tried to mentally prepare, but in the back of my mind there was doubt. Anyway, we got up Saturday, go ready as usual, went to the Y and picked up our race packets. I met up with the group that I run with, did the usual stuff again to get ready and waited on the race to begin. Then the call came for all runner to line up. A devotion was given, then a prayer and the singing of the national anthem. Runners, on your mark, get set, go. We all took off. What pace do I need to run? Will I be able to keep it up? Can I do it? Yes, no, it was not a mental battle as well as a physical battle. Look at my watch, what pace am I running? How far have I gone? 1 mile marker the time was good, but could I maintain. Keep looking at watch, mile 2, one of the volunteers is calling out the time. O.k. I only have 1.1 miles to go. My time at the 2 mile mark was 16.41. I said to myself, you can do a mile in 10 miles. If you can at least finish in 10 more minutes, you will have been close. And at the time under a 27 minute time sounded real good. I could not look at my watch anymore from that point on because I knew it would mess with my mind. My Ipod stopped working, Oh no! no music. Keep running. Keep pressing forward. As I rounded the corner back at the Y headed toward the finish line, I could not believe my eyes. Did the time clock actually say 25: something. Yes, I'm going to make it. Sprint, push, you can do it. And I did. I beat my personal best time. My new personal best is 25:53. Needless to say, I was so excited. I was on cloud 9 all day long. It is amazing what a natural rush, high it is. And most runner are so nice. One of my competitors came up and hugged me and congratulated me. I was looking for Mark, and he came up and hugged me excited and proud for me. Then I went back to find the other girls I run with to cheer them on to the finish line. It was so exciting. We get excited for each other and encourage each other to keep running, keep going, keep pressing forward. The physical activity has been good for my health and my competitiveness keeps me pushing to do better, but the friendships and bonds that some of us have built is what is really special. I look forward to seeing these people during the week. We vent our frustrations, we share our aches, pains, sorrow, worries and joys. We encourage each other. We pray for each other and each others families. I hope that even when we can't run any longer, we may even be walking, but that the friendships will last a lifetime.

You know running the race, the mental sturggles, the preparations, finishing the race always reminds me of the following bible verse:

2 Tim. 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Man, where does the time go!

Finally having a chance to try to blog again. I can't believe that is has been over a week since my last blog. A lot has happened since my last post. Lets see, where do I start. I went to the Y on Thursday to help with the Fall Festival. I helped Oasis man this giant inflatable obstacle course. If you check out Sarah Barrack's blog, you will see a blurry picture of me coming down the slide. We got to try out the course before all the kids starting coming through. I was fun watching all the kids go through and even having to get up there and help some of the small ones. Then on Friday, I got up and my Mom and I went to Greenville shopping. I was helping her look for a dress to wear to Matt and Kristy's wedding. Yeah!!! we succeeded. Now, everyone has their dress but me. Just can't seem to find anything I like. Anyway, Saturday morning Mark got up and went to Greenville to run in a 1/2 marathon (he broke 2 hr). I met Michelle EARLY and we ran ( I'll have to tell you about by running later). Then I met 2 other peeps and ran some more. Next, I went to go to an event that Camp Chinquapin for Critter was having in which I was a judge for the doggie Costume Contest. Later that afternoon, we went to Calhoun Falls to the birthday party for Campbell Grace. Then, on Sunday, my Sunday School Class at Harris Baptist had a bridal shower for Kristy, my future daughter-in-law. Monday night was a meeting for Relay for Life. Thanks Freda and Jill for helping out this year as captains. With 2 weddings in the next 5 months...need I say more. And lastly, Tuesday the 28th, Matt was home for a while. I did my workout at the Y, met Matt for supper took him to buy groceries and finally made it home. Now here it is Wednesday night. I kept thinking I would think of something interesting an wise to blog all week, but as you can see that did not happen. Maybe I'll get better at this one day, but for now...here goes another week.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Kids

This past Saturday we had a wedding shower for our daughter April. She is engaged to be married on March 7, 2009 to Austin. This is Morgan's brother for those of you that know Morgan and follow her blog. Can't wait to have him officially as part of the family. Anyway, it was her first shower. My how time flies. It seems like just yesterday she was being showered as a new arrival. And now, 21 years later she is getting ready to get married.

Well, Matt our son is getting married also. And our future daughter-in-law, Kristy is going to be a wonderful addition to the family too. Again, how times flies. Seems just like yesterday we were bringing Matt home from the hopsital. That was 23 years ago here in about a month.

The time you have with your kids is short. Cherish every moment. Pick your battles. Pray for them daily. Seems like one day they are infants and then you turn around and they are grown.

Matt and April, I love you both dearly and am very proud of you both.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

My Grandma

My Grandma This past Monday, I had taken a days vacation. I had made arrangements to go to McCormick and pick up my Grandma and take her shopping. She turned 88 on Aug 31 and I had told her I was going to be giving her a late birthday present. I wanted to take her shopping to buy a new dress for a couple of weddings that are coming up (another blog for another day). So, I got up and drove down to McCormick and picked her up. My step-sister Zonya and her daughter Krierstan Daye met up at the mall (yes the Greenwood Mall) to see what or if we could find anything. Well, to our luck and surprise, we were able to find a dress for my Grandma and it was 50% off. She also found a few other things for herself. Afterwards, April, Austin, Matt, Mark, Zonya, Krierstan Daye, John Ayden, Andrew, Grandma and myself all went down to Chick fil a to eat a bite of lunch. I took Grandma back to my house to visit. After supper, we went to Wal-mart for her to pick up somethings that she was needing, then I took her home.

I am sure most have probably lost interest by now, but that is o.k. You see my Grandma is so very special to me. She is like a second mother. She is a wonderful woman. She is a godly woman. My Grandma has done so much for me that I can't even begin to explain. Because I love her so much, it pains me now to see her not being able to do the things that she use to do and to not be able to go like she wants. I think she really enjoyed the day of shopping, even though I know it had to wear her out. For the most of us, it doesn't sound like much, but for her I know it was tiring. I was just glad to be able to give her a day that she could enjoy. If you still have your Grandmother or even an older mother that doesn't get around as good as they use to and taking them somewhere can really be a chore, stop and take the time to do something for them. Spend time with them. It can be such a blessing for the both of you. She took care of me when I was little and needed it, now I want to be there to take care of her when she needs it. Take time to love your Grandmothers.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Poem

Just wanted to share a poem with you today.

At Days End
Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over and its toiling time is trough,
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly work to you?
Can you say tonight in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the man whose hopes are fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you wast the day or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close you eyes in slumber do you think that God will say,
"You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?"

John Hall

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Poor Buster

Most of the people that know us, know that we have 3 small inside spoiled dogs. Today when I came home for lunch, there were only 2 at the door to greet me. Barking, singing, tails wagging, they are always so happy and excited to see us when we come home. As I opened the door, I started calling Buster, our male dog. He didn't come. Buster loves to play with his toys. He loves a ball. At first I thought he had just gone to get one of his balls. But I called and called, as I came into the living room. Still no Buster. I was starting to get a little worried. Where is Buster? As I got into the living room, I heard a noise down the hall coming from the bedroom. Buster had gotten shut in the bedroom that morning. I had gotten them out and shut the door, but remembered that I had forgotten something. Well, I guess Buster went back in the bedroom behind me and I had not seen him. Hence getting shut up in there all morning. Boy, was he glad to get out of there. What a morning. Poor Buster Boy. Luckily he had not gotten into too much. But he should have good breath now. I had a pack of gum in my gym bag that was sitting on the floor and he did eat all the gum in the pack. I will be more careful in the morning and I'm sure Buster will be too.

Speaking of Buster liking to play ball, he likes to play soccer and makes a good goalie.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Are you properly dressed?

For the past couple of Saturdays, I have been getting up early to go on a distance run. In early, I mean like while it is still dark early. Oh, and let me mention here, that I am not a morning person so it is hard for me to get up. But, I get up and prepare myself for this run. Since it is still dark outside, I put on light colored clothes, get my reflective gear, my blinky light, etc. And since it is a distance run, I have my water bottles, my gel and ipod. I make sure I have the right socks and shoes. Maybe eat a piece of toast and drink a glass of sweet tea. Once out there running, you have to be careful of your footing and be extra careful not to trip and fall on what you can not see. Anyway, I do what is necessary and what I can to prepare myself for a good safe run. Well, this got me thinking. What do I do to prepare myself for any normal day. No, I don't mean physically. I mean spiritually. Every morning, do I get up early and spend time with God, talking to him and in his word to prepare myself for the day? Do I put as much effort into suiting up with the armor of God each day as I do into suiting up for these early morning runs? I am afraid to admit it, but more often than not I fail miserably. I can manage to get up and get ready for a run, but find it hard a lot of mornings to get up and get ready for the day by spending time with God. Ephesians 6:10-20 tells us that we must put on the armor of God so we can take a stand against the devil's schemes. So that when the day of evil comes we will be able to stand our ground. We are to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. We are also to take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Otherwise, how will we be prepare for what the world and Satan has for us that day. How else will we be able to resist the temptations and stumbling block that will get in the way and try to make us trip and fall. Just like running in the dark, Satan has placed stumbling blocks in our want and he wants us to trip and fall; he wants us to fail. But, if we dress ourselves in the armor of God, we can be prepared for whatever comes our way. Yes, I am talking to myself in this blog. I have been convicted that I need to spend more time each morning putting on the armor of God. I hope anyone reading this blog can make sense of my analogy. I hope you will be convicted as well to dress yourselves every day with God's armor.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

26 Wonderful Years

Today is my 26th wedding anniversary. Yes, I have been married to the same wonderful man for 26 years. He is the father of our 2 children, my best friend and soul mate. When I stop and think about it, I just don't know how he has put up with me for 26 years. I know I'm not the easiest person to live with. But, I am glad that he has managed to hang in there. I still wonder sometimes what he saw in this small town country girl. Whatever it was, I'm glad he came into my life and I know that God brought us together. A word to my husband, just want you to know that I love you very much. I can't imagine life without you and look forward to spending 26 more years together.

Monday, September 29, 2008

test blog #2

Well, I'm not getting off to a very good start. Trying to my blog page set up. Please bear with me, this may take a few days.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

test blog

Well, this is my first attempt at blogging. I am trying to get my blog up and running, so this is really a test blog.