What a month. I just looked at the date on my last post (if you can call it that) ONE MONTH. If you were to measure time by the things you have done, that was the entire summer in one month.
I'll have to come back to much of it for details, but here are the bullet points.
> TNT Lifetime race week.
What and experience. Every TNT race is so fun and special in it's own way. The cause and the people make it that way. This race I was honored to be the speaker at the pre-race Pasta Party. Pasta parties are, in my opnion, just as exciting as the race. The message I has prepared was decent and then the night before, while I was going over things, I was inspired to go deeper. It is a special thing to be used to convay a message that God wants others to hear.
Race day was great! The team finished well. Everyone finished! My race was solid. I felt good on the swim, but lacked the ability to swim a strait line. The bike felt fast and powerful, but was not much different than last year. Happy for sure. The run gave me problems on the first lap around Lake Nicomas due to a painful stomach issue. Most likely due to consuming a expired Power Gu during the bike. Lesson learned. I was able to run through it and pick up the pace for the second lap. A super race none the less.
I did come close to placing third (by a long shot!) but fourth in the age group was a suprise and it would have been great to get TNT more attention by placing but the difference between 4th and 3rd was pretty huge. My favorite part of the day was jogging the run course in reverse after I finished to cheer on and encourage the rest of the team on the course. What and inspiration to see the determination and the effort put out by everyone. A proud moment to be part of something so much bigger than the race!
>Cornhole 09
What a blast to put on a party the day after Lifetime on Adams Birthday. Sunday July 12 was a day to remember Adam. Play, eat and reminice. A picture perfect day. No big fan fare, just a relaxing day with 70 friends and family doing what Adam loved.
Thank you all for being part of a special day and supporting our family through the years. Thank you also for helping me to reach my fundraising goal for this year with TNT. I was able to reach and exceed!....more to come on that.
>Canada Trip 09
The following Thursday from the Cornhole party Janet and I purchased a pop-up camper and headed to Canada for nine days. So many great memories made. We camped on night on the way up at Turtle Mountian Provential Forrest. Bijou and I swam in Adam Lake and Armand and I ran all the paved roads we could find.
The Fendelet family reunioun was next in Hafford Saskachuan. A super fun weekend meeting many new faces on Janet's dad's side of the family. 120 plus people in a small town makes for good times.
Next on the list was Prince Albert. Lots of time with Janet's sisters, Dad, Mom, and all the cousins. What a blessing it was to see the kids play together. Janet has three sisters and they each have two kiddies also. All close to the same age with exception to Rene who is 11 I think and one yet to be born but all the rest are close. What a blast. I was able to golf with the brother-in-laws once and got a couple of runs and bikes in myself but the best part for me was being with the kids for a whole week. Morining to night dad, mom and their kiddies for nine days. What a blessing that was. Makes one think about priorities. We are blessed.
It was fun to seen Janet spend quality time with her sister and her mom and dad. What a sacrifice she makes living here in Minnesota. What a blessing she is to so many.
Coming home was long but full of new family memories and lots of great experiences in our new pop-up camper.
>CBC Reunion
We were lucky to squeze in dinner with some college frineds from Covenant Bible College where Janet and I meet back in 1994. Faces we had not seen since then. What a blessing to reconnect with great people from such a life shaping time.
>Green Lake Tri 09
We started a new tradition with a new Tri race in Spicer MN last year with "Team Swenson"
It will most likely signal the end of the Tri season as it did last year and this year. Laura Swenson grew up close to the race start on Green Lake and her grandparents have a cabin on the lake so it makes for a wonderful time spent with the kiddies wives and us guys giving it one last hurrah as training leading up to the race is pretty much non existant. We all finished our seasons well this year giving it all we had. I had another good race this year. Struggling on the swim because I had not been in the water since the Lifetime race July 11, and really struggled on the run because I have been training for Twin Cities Marathon and so long miles and tired legs were not much good for a short six mile sprint. Not a complaint at though. I was able to place in my age group for the second year in a row placing 8th overall and 3rd in my age group.
>Another Race
As I had mentioned in the part about my fundraising during the Cornhole touranment. You all blessed me with enough to jump into another race. Crazy fool that I am. Lot's of thing inspired this one. Twin Cities is local. I am over half way to my fundraising goal, with another $800 to go (if you want to help me get there go to the link at the top of the page). We had wanted to do a TNT garage sale to help ration down our possessions anyways. So more to come on that fundraiser. I wanted to do a marathon this fall to re-qualify for Boston next April. I was able to qualify when I ran Pheonix with TNT in 08 but did not have the money to get out there the past two races. Now that Sun Country flys to Boston it is affortdable for Janet and I to make it a weekend out there.
So it is my goal to raise more money for a cause that I am passionate about. Qualify with a good race time and run Boston before I run out of gas and quit with all this training. You never know I may get sick of it?
So many pictures to share but my computer is having issues and I have not been able to link to add them for some reason.
So many thoughts to share along the way over the past month but they come and go ank there will be more to come in that department.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Time crunch
Thank you all so much for making my TNT "tri" season such a sucess.
Ending the year with a party in Adam's memory on his birthday was special beyond words. Thanks to all who joined us that special day.
More to come soon. I need to get pictures downloaded and such.
Can't wait to up date you all on...
Armand's birthday
Pacific Crest Half Iron
Nine year Anniversary
Lifetime Tri
and of course the Cornhole 09 tournament.
More to come soon
Ending the year with a party in Adam's memory on his birthday was special beyond words. Thanks to all who joined us that special day.
More to come soon. I need to get pictures downloaded and such.
Can't wait to up date you all on...
Armand's birthday
Pacific Crest Half Iron
Nine year Anniversary
Lifetime Tri
and of course the Cornhole 09 tournament.
More to come soon
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Cornhole 09!
The day is fast approaching. Pacific Crest Half Iron is June 27. Lifetime Olympic tri here in Lake Nicomas is July 11 and my TNT season is over. What better way to celebrate the end of another great year of fund raising and racing than have one more big bash on Adams birthday, July 12!
So, if you are reading this you are invited! We will have a super fun time doing all the things Adam loved to do most.....eat and play games!
It is designed to be a fundraiser for the Leukemia, Lymphoma Societies "Team in Training," for whom I have been racing for since the summer of 07. Of course it is a voluntary fundraiser. To play in the bean bag (cornhole) tournament there is a fee (donation).
The food and drink donations are suggested. I do want to raise as much money for cancer research and family support but know that not everyone is as excited about that as I am, and not everyone is in a position to give. That's plenty fine around here.
The reason for "Cornhole 09" is to remember an amazing man, my brother Adam Prest.
So come one come all. Give some, give lots, give none, let's all just have a great day doing what he really loved to do. I will have lot's of stories about this years training and racing. There will be many of my TNT mates there if you want to talk to others about TNT.
Enough blabbing....here are the details.
When: July 12......Let's say 1:30 food and fellowship...games start by 2:30
Where: Prest house....18641 Dayton St. Dayton, MN. 55327
What to do next: RSVP by making a donation via my safe TNT web site at
http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/pctri09/aprest it is $10 per person, so $20 per team of two. If you have a team of two leave a comment with your team name. If you are solo, great! We will pair you up. That will secure you spot in the games and help me to know how many boards to have for game day.
If you are not playing or donating please RSVP via my email at drewprest@gmail.com
so we can get a estimate on who all is coming. Yes you can show up unannounced. We want you there RSVP or not!
There will be suggested donations of $5 for a food plate and $5 for a drink cup. We will have pop, water, beer, wine and a variety of other libations.
There will be prizes for winners and loosers of the tournament.
Bean bag game sets will be available for a $110 donation to LLS
You can also make this purchase via my online donation site. Just make comment that your donation is for a set of boards and they are yours! custom paint jobs available.
One set will be raffled off. Tickets available at the party or you can get your name in via the web with your online donation. $2 per ticket.....$10 buys you 7 tickets. Note in the comment box that your donation is for the raffle and your in. Do not have to be present to win.
Most of all we want to relax and remember our friend Adam so come out and enjoy the day.
If you have a dish or desert you would like to contribute let me know via the e mail and we would love to add your dish to the spread. drewprest@gmail.com or Andrew @ 763-286-5874
So, if you are reading this you are invited! We will have a super fun time doing all the things Adam loved to do most.....eat and play games!
It is designed to be a fundraiser for the Leukemia, Lymphoma Societies "Team in Training," for whom I have been racing for since the summer of 07. Of course it is a voluntary fundraiser. To play in the bean bag (cornhole) tournament there is a fee (donation).
The food and drink donations are suggested. I do want to raise as much money for cancer research and family support but know that not everyone is as excited about that as I am, and not everyone is in a position to give. That's plenty fine around here.
The reason for "Cornhole 09" is to remember an amazing man, my brother Adam Prest.
So come one come all. Give some, give lots, give none, let's all just have a great day doing what he really loved to do. I will have lot's of stories about this years training and racing. There will be many of my TNT mates there if you want to talk to others about TNT.
Enough blabbing....here are the details.
When: July 12......Let's say 1:30 food and fellowship...games start by 2:30
Where: Prest house....18641 Dayton St. Dayton, MN. 55327
What to do next: RSVP by making a donation via my safe TNT web site at
http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/pctri09/aprest it is $10 per person, so $20 per team of two. If you have a team of two leave a comment with your team name. If you are solo, great! We will pair you up. That will secure you spot in the games and help me to know how many boards to have for game day.
If you are not playing or donating please RSVP via my email at drewprest@gmail.com
so we can get a estimate on who all is coming. Yes you can show up unannounced. We want you there RSVP or not!
There will be suggested donations of $5 for a food plate and $5 for a drink cup. We will have pop, water, beer, wine and a variety of other libations.
There will be prizes for winners and loosers of the tournament.
Bean bag game sets will be available for a $110 donation to LLS
You can also make this purchase via my online donation site. Just make comment that your donation is for a set of boards and they are yours! custom paint jobs available.
One set will be raffled off. Tickets available at the party or you can get your name in via the web with your online donation. $2 per ticket.....$10 buys you 7 tickets. Note in the comment box that your donation is for the raffle and your in. Do not have to be present to win.
Most of all we want to relax and remember our friend Adam so come out and enjoy the day.
If you have a dish or desert you would like to contribute let me know via the e mail and we would love to add your dish to the spread. drewprest@gmail.com or Andrew @ 763-286-5874
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Perspective all Wet
Training and racing update. We are deep in the throws of peak training. The second long bike training took place last Sat. Yes the wet, cold Sat. 12 of us left Afton Mn. and made our turnaround just past Diamond Bluff Wi. Sixty-four miles of rain, wind and cold all day. It is trainings days like this that are make or break for what you will be able to do race day. Attempting to find perspective and fight through the mental desire to quit is the biggest challenge. Can the body keep biking in cold and rain....yes. Do you want to at the time when your warm bed is calling your name, that is the question. Many things come to mind to combat these mental predicaments. Four hours of cold, wet, ridiculous hill climbs are not typically something you choose to do.
The first one that I call upon in my mind is knowing that pretty much anything I choose to do training will be way easier than any chemo treatment. It always inspires me to push on when I think of Adam and all the things he had no choice to go through. I think about all the little kids going through treatments. Suffering through the side effects of their treatments. I think about the fight they must put up to endure to get better. This season I am blessed to be training with Josh who fought this battle just a few short years ago. He was one of the fortunate ones to get better and I am blessed to train and race with him. That is why I will choose to push on. Together we are making a difference in the fight. People's lives are being saved with the treatments that are being found.
Sunday, the day after that dauntingly wet Afton ride, was my first tri race of the season. Typically when you have a
race coming up you "tapper" your workouts down to allow you body to fully recover from all your workouts and thus have full energy to give race day. This was the furthest from the case for the Buffalo triathlon this year. Buffalo is a "tune up" race this year for the big Pacific Crest Half Iron on June 27. Last year Buffalo was my strongest swim day and most comfortable race of the year. I am one year smarter and have close to twice the training in at this point compared to last year. I knew that yesterdays ride would severely hamper me from performing my best but I still wanted to give a comfortably strong race. I had many bike issues preparing for the start of the race. Thankfully I was able to get the help I needed to fix all my problems but I was not able to relax or warm up the way one would like to.
Race nerves are becoming more manageable with many races under my belt. The swim began and I set out to have a strong comfortable effort for the first part of the race. About 100 yards into the swim I was at the front of my wave when my body asked me a funny question. It was more of a statement I think. "Do you rally think you are going to do this today?" I continued on thinking that it was something to work through but the feeling became stronger and I soon knew that today was not a day to push hard. The focus of this race quickly changed course by the second hundred yards. "Just be comfortable" became the motto of the swim. So I settled back and watched the bulk of my wave go by and was happy to settle in to a pace less than what I could have done on a "fresh day."
Coming out of the water I was dizzy. I took my time to get on the bike and decided that I would make the bike my strong effort for the day. It is my goal to improve on the bike this year so I wanted to push my limits on this part of the race. My legs felt fine and allowed me to push faster than I have ever been able to push on the bike. Things were building stronger as I approached the half way point of the bike leg and knew that I would be able to carry my pace for the majority of the race. Then one big bump an
d a odd noise occurred. I pushed on trying to figure out what the noise was. It occurred to me not too far down the road that my Garmin computer on my wrist band came unclipped and was now gone. That is not something you want to loose so I quickly changed course to find the missing computer. Sure enough not too far back it was in the middle of the road. Lucky for me it powered back up and I attempted to get back into the grove I was in. I was able to notch things back up but not quite to the pace I was turning.
None the less the bike was the best I have ever turned out. I learned how to better prepare for racing and the swim to bike transition. A great learning experience.
The run was great also. I have been very diligent with running this year. Making each workout valuable this season has really paid off. It is very important to listen to your body during training. Weighing your food, sleep factors into what you can do that day. Pushing when you can push and running "recovery runs" when you need to take things easy. The race run was strong. I really wanted to pull back on this piece of the race but my heart rate was in a comfortable spot so I pushed myself to keep pace and fight the desire to lay up. I turned in a strong pace and was happy to have won the mental battle and finished with a consistent pace.
I do need to be careful from here out to not push too hard. I fraught many thoughts of "burn out" today and it is only the first race of the season. I am pretty sure that the conditions of the Afton bike ride the day before and the race conditions today were better, but not by much. My sleep factor wan not what it should have been either. I will take the next few days to recover and do "easy, recovery" workouts. I know that this week will be a great building block for a great race in Oregon. I am so thankful for all the support this year and my great friends that I am training and racing with. Many of us had challenging moments today but they are all experiences that can make us stronger.
Over all, my day compared to last years race was close to the same. The swim was way slower, the bike was way faster even with the backtracking and stop. The run was a bit faster and my transitions were about double from last year because I was either was not well prepared and or I just did not care to get in and out that fast. The overall time was less than two minuets slower than last year which makes me super happy.
Most of all I was proud of all my TNT team mates that competed for the first time today. Epically those that rode Afton Sat in the wind and rain and finished a great race Sunday at Buffalo.
WAY TO GO!
The first one that I call upon in my mind is knowing that pretty much anything I choose to do training will be way easier than any chemo treatment. It always inspires me to push on when I think of Adam and all the things he had no choice to go through. I think about all the little kids going through treatments. Suffering through the side effects of their treatments. I think about the fight they must put up to endure to get better. This season I am blessed to be training with Josh who fought this battle just a few short years ago. He was one of the fortunate ones to get better and I am blessed to train and race with him. That is why I will choose to push on. Together we are making a difference in the fight. People's lives are being saved with the treatments that are being found.
Sunday, the day after that dauntingly wet Afton ride, was my first tri race of the season. Typically when you have a
race coming up you "tapper" your workouts down to allow you body to fully recover from all your workouts and thus have full energy to give race day. This was the furthest from the case for the Buffalo triathlon this year. Buffalo is a "tune up" race this year for the big Pacific Crest Half Iron on June 27. Last year Buffalo was my strongest swim day and most comfortable race of the year. I am one year smarter and have close to twice the training in at this point compared to last year. I knew that yesterdays ride would severely hamper me from performing my best but I still wanted to give a comfortably strong race. I had many bike issues preparing for the start of the race. Thankfully I was able to get the help I needed to fix all my problems but I was not able to relax or warm up the way one would like to.Race nerves are becoming more manageable with many races under my belt. The swim began and I set out to have a strong comfortable effort for the first part of the race. About 100 yards into the swim I was at the front of my wave when my body asked me a funny question. It was more of a statement I think. "Do you rally think you are going to do this today?" I continued on thinking that it was something to work through but the feeling became stronger and I soon knew that today was not a day to push hard. The focus of this race quickly changed course by the second hundred yards. "Just be comfortable" became the motto of the swim. So I settled back and watched the bulk of my wave go by and was happy to settle in to a pace less than what I could have done on a "fresh day."
Coming out of the water I was dizzy. I took my time to get on the bike and decided that I would make the bike my strong effort for the day. It is my goal to improve on the bike this year so I wanted to push my limits on this part of the race. My legs felt fine and allowed me to push faster than I have ever been able to push on the bike. Things were building stronger as I approached the half way point of the bike leg and knew that I would be able to carry my pace for the majority of the race. Then one big bump an
d a odd noise occurred. I pushed on trying to figure out what the noise was. It occurred to me not too far down the road that my Garmin computer on my wrist band came unclipped and was now gone. That is not something you want to loose so I quickly changed course to find the missing computer. Sure enough not too far back it was in the middle of the road. Lucky for me it powered back up and I attempted to get back into the grove I was in. I was able to notch things back up but not quite to the pace I was turning.None the less the bike was the best I have ever turned out. I learned how to better prepare for racing and the swim to bike transition. A great learning experience.
The run was great also. I have been very diligent with running this year. Making each workout valuable this season has really paid off. It is very important to listen to your body during training. Weighing your food, sleep factors into what you can do that day. Pushing when you can push and running "recovery runs" when you need to take things easy. The race run was strong. I really wanted to pull back on this piece of the race but my heart rate was in a comfortable spot so I pushed myself to keep pace and fight the desire to lay up. I turned in a strong pace and was happy to have won the mental battle and finished with a consistent pace.
I do need to be careful from here out to not push too hard. I fraught many thoughts of "burn out" today and it is only the first race of the season. I am pretty sure that the conditions of the Afton bike ride the day before and the race conditions today were better, but not by much. My sleep factor wan not what it should have been either. I will take the next few days to recover and do "easy, recovery" workouts. I know that this week will be a great building block for a great race in Oregon. I am so thankful for all the support this year and my great friends that I am training and racing with. Many of us had challenging moments today but they are all experiences that can make us stronger.
Over all, my day compared to last years race was close to the same. The swim was way slower, the bike was way faster even with the backtracking and stop. The run was a bit faster and my transitions were about double from last year because I was either was not well prepared and or I just did not care to get in and out that fast. The overall time was less than two minuets slower than last year which makes me super happy.
Most of all I was proud of all my TNT team mates that competed for the first time today. Epically those that rode Afton Sat in the wind and rain and finished a great race Sunday at Buffalo.
WAY TO GO!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Open Water
What an exciting day it was today. The first day of open water swimming. It was solo, yet so exciting because it was the first of the year. Not an easy swim. Memorial weekend was perfect for weather Fri, Sat, and Sun. Today there was a south wind on the river at mom and dads and that meant slow rolling white caps all day. I actually decided to swim up river with the waves so not to be battered by the waves. I figured it would take me a half hour to get to the high power lines that we swim down to so I set that as my goal. It took about half way for me to figure out my stride with the wet suit. A wet suit changes many things in your swim stroke and it takes time to adjust. It makes many things easier but it is completely different than lap swimming in a pool. I take open water any day over a pool.
The water temp was the warmest that I can remember on Memorial Day. That was good because before the swim I needed to make many adjustments to the boat lift in the water. So, I got the to high power lines and looked at my watch assuming that I would be close to my half hour goal and I was just shy of nineteen minuets. Wanting to call it "good enough" I resisted and decided to attempt swimming down into the waves back to home. I should not have to drink any water for the next couple of days. I have only swam in that bad of conditions once before during a race last year and I hope not to experience it again this season. I know I was the better for doing it but it's now 9pm and it is well past my bed time. I will sleep like a baby tonight.
This next week and a half will be the peak hours of my tri training this season. I hope schedules continue to work together so I can get the heavy stuff in.
God Bless and Good Luck!
The water temp was the warmest that I can remember on Memorial Day. That was good because before the swim I needed to make many adjustments to the boat lift in the water. So, I got the to high power lines and looked at my watch assuming that I would be close to my half hour goal and I was just shy of nineteen minuets. Wanting to call it "good enough" I resisted and decided to attempt swimming down into the waves back to home. I should not have to drink any water for the next couple of days. I have only swam in that bad of conditions once before during a race last year and I hope not to experience it again this season. I know I was the better for doing it but it's now 9pm and it is well past my bed time. I will sleep like a baby tonight.
This next week and a half will be the peak hours of my tri training this season. I hope schedules continue to work together so I can get the heavy stuff in.
God Bless and Good Luck!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Spring?
It's the same drum beat at the Prest house hold. Never a dull moment. Today (Sunday 5/17) was a recovery day from the Maple Grove half marathon yesterday. I ran a St. Patty's Day race this year that was warmer. Cold wind and 30's for morning temps. Not ideal race weather. No rain or snow though?! It will make average feel outstanding. Janet and I, Erek and Laura Swenson, Steve and Mindy Bursh, Reggie Swenson, Sean Pease all took part in this freeze fest of running and we all finished. The girls are a little achier than the rest of us due to a lack of time for training but they were determined to finish and that they did. Us guys all had good finishes keeping healthy and getting ready for more important races. I was able to turn in a similar time as last year and took home my third race day metal.
One more "tune up" race at Buffalo's Olympic tri (6/7) and we will be in the final stretch to the big Pacific Crest Half Iron in Oregon. My training has been better than expected this year. Things have been jiving will with schedules for me to get important workouts in. That and some really early morning runs and bikes when nothing else works. This year I have had so many reminders of why I choose to race. For those struggling with cancer. Neighbors, friends, and too many new acquaintances I have been in contact with that are fighting for everything moment on this earth. I know that any encouragement is good encouragement to them so I push on letting them know that every mile training and racing I am praying and racing on their behalf.
Janet, Bijou and Arm
and are such a huge inspiration for me while I train and race. I dwell on them often now that trainings last 1-2 hours or more at times. Thinking about Janet and the incredible job she dose with the kids. Keeping the house in order with me and two little ones is no easy task. All while working four days a week. She is amazing. Little
Bijou and her sponge of a brain. Singing and talking up a storm. She takes such great care of her special animals and dolls. What an amazing creation she is. And fast, she is going to be something. My little boy Armand. He has dad's crazy brain. He not
ices everything, processes and wants to dig right in to everything. Scary! He is starting to see that he can play on Bijou now too. What a hoot to see them two go back and fourth. I remember having a bigger brother and that was one of my favorite things to do when I was board, bug Adam. To see the chemistry between our two brings back warm memories of days gone by. How it reminds me to be a strong, wise father for them to look up to. They are a gift entrusted to us with endless potential. I so desire for them to be inspired by life and all the Joy that is all around us.
And to top all the events of the year was last weekends ceremony at Crown College to watch my little sister graduate. We are so proud of her and her amazing dedication to not only to finish but finish well. A student athlete is more that a full time job. Now we hear a lot of complaining about how she needs to adjust to the real world. Soon perspective should set in and she will appreciate this great time of life. Coming out of school is not the easiest thing these days with the job market but there is nothing new under this sun. It will be what we make of it. Good luck sis and great job we are so proud!
One more "tune up" race at Buffalo's Olympic tri (6/7) and we will be in the final stretch to the big Pacific Crest Half Iron in Oregon. My training has been better than expected this year. Things have been jiving will with schedules for me to get important workouts in. That and some really early morning runs and bikes when nothing else works. This year I have had so many reminders of why I choose to race. For those struggling with cancer. Neighbors, friends, and too many new acquaintances I have been in contact with that are fighting for everything moment on this earth. I know that any encouragement is good encouragement to them so I push on letting them know that every mile training and racing I am praying and racing on their behalf.
Janet, Bijou and Arm
and are such a huge inspiration for me while I train and race. I dwell on them often now that trainings last 1-2 hours or more at times. Thinking about Janet and the incredible job she dose with the kids. Keeping the house in order with me and two little ones is no easy task. All while working four days a week. She is amazing. Little
Bijou and her sponge of a brain. Singing and talking up a storm. She takes such great care of her special animals and dolls. What an amazing creation she is. And fast, she is going to be something. My little boy Armand. He has dad's crazy brain. He notices everything, processes and wants to dig right in to everything. Scary! He is starting to see that he can play on Bijou now too. What a hoot to see them two go back and fourth. I remember having a bigger brother and that was one of my favorite things to do when I was board, bug Adam. To see the chemistry between our two brings back warm memories of days gone by. How it reminds me to be a strong, wise father for them to look up to. They are a gift entrusted to us with endless potential. I so desire for them to be inspired by life and all the Joy that is all around us.
And to top all the events of the year was last weekends ceremony at Crown College to watch my little sister graduate. We are so proud of her and her amazing dedication to not only to finish but finish well. A student athlete is more that a full time job. Now we hear a lot of complaining about how she needs to adjust to the real world. Soon perspective should set in and she will appreciate this great time of life. Coming out of school is not the easiest thing these days with the job market but there is nothing new under this sun. It will be what we make of it. Good luck sis and great job we are so proud!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Gods Work
A fitting title for a mothers day. I have been wanting to post so many things that I have experienced in the past two weeks. They will have to all roll into one.
The thing that has really stuck in my head lately is a couple that we did some work for last week. They are in the process of adopting their 9th child, each one being a special needs child. Their latest blessing will require 24hr nurse care and a more balanced home climate. What a gift they give, what a sacrifice their lives are. How is it that we define the word hero. In my book they are at the top of the list. Compare their sacrifice to mine and I have nothing to complain about....ever! The thing that really stuck with me was seeing a little shed in the back yard. I had to get something by it and happened to see what it was. The mom has all of her scrap booking stuff in the shed so she can make stuff for the kids to feel extra special. Their house is decorated with amazing pictures and things that she has made. On the door is a plaque that reads. "It is not about getting through the storm, Its learning to dance in the rain." Now that is perspective. That is living a Spirit Filled life. That is God's work lived through one persons life. What an inspiration.
Telling that story on this special mothers day 09 is fitting. It is because of a mothers love and personal sacrifice that gives us all so much joy. I have been so blessed to be raised by a loving self sacrificing mother and now to have married a beautiful woman that models the same love that Christ first gave us. What a blessing mom's are.
The thing that has really stuck in my head lately is a couple that we did some work for last week. They are in the process of adopting their 9th child, each one being a special needs child. Their latest blessing will require 24hr nurse care and a more balanced home climate. What a gift they give, what a sacrifice their lives are. How is it that we define the word hero. In my book they are at the top of the list. Compare their sacrifice to mine and I have nothing to complain about....ever! The thing that really stuck with me was seeing a little shed in the back yard. I had to get something by it and happened to see what it was. The mom has all of her scrap booking stuff in the shed so she can make stuff for the kids to feel extra special. Their house is decorated with amazing pictures and things that she has made. On the door is a plaque that reads. "It is not about getting through the storm, Its learning to dance in the rain." Now that is perspective. That is living a Spirit Filled life. That is God's work lived through one persons life. What an inspiration.
Telling that story on this special mothers day 09 is fitting. It is because of a mothers love and personal sacrifice that gives us all so much joy. I have been so blessed to be raised by a loving self sacrificing mother and now to have married a beautiful woman that models the same love that Christ first gave us. What a blessing mom's are.
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