First Place

First place!! 🏅 

Austin and I did a 5K today. We came in under our goal, but pretty much dead last. After lots of pep talks along the way and promises of an extra donut he finished, and I am proud of him, actually of both of us! I was determined to set the example of pressing and finishing! (I am so out of shape, so even a dinky 5K took determination).

It rained the whole time, which I found refreshing. I told Austin the only way we aren’t finishing is if it storms, but I’m not gonna lie, I did pray for lightening at one point so they’d pull us off the course, lol! ⚡️⛈

My good buddy and encourager (and Marathon Runner) Britt, finished and then walked to meet us and walk with us the last half mile! 💜  Beaver met us at the finish with clapping, cheers, and photo taking! 

At one point I said, “Austin, we are going to finish, at least I am, and it would be a lot more fun if we remain positive” he replied, “my feet positively hurt, I’m positively hungry, and I’m positive that frog there is in heaven.” In the end he agreed he had fun, now we have to practice up and do another! 

We decided that our theme would be Matthew 20:16a “The first shall be last and the last shall be FIRST!”  And taking artistic license, WE FINISHED FIRST!! 🏅🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

15 going on 50!

I feel like I should write a “15” letter but the “10” one still fits so well.  In fact, not much has really changed, right? It’s just than now we have kids (we thought they could trust us with those??! 😊), new jobs, moved to a new state, we eat crab more often, and we live the RV Life on the ocean!!  WOWZER who would have thought? I love that you support my dreams. Aspirations, and quirky whims!  I love the Dad that you are, to Austin and D and the fur-kids, and I love that you continue to seek ways to inspire hope and instill a sense of belonging and normalcy for those who are struggling on life’s journey. It’s a fun ride…most of the time…so I guess I will stick with you for now!!  Here’s to another 15! XO, me

Andrea Nylaan of Florida is Missing

Lumpy bumpy Christmas!

So, Spanx...well, let me start out with this...like my dad, I have terrible claustrophobia! Oh, and let me add a quick: sorry guys, but the struggle is real!

I was shopping for a Christmas party dress, and had a specific dress in mind. However, they only had one 👗 left and it was a size smaller than I typically wear. It fit, but it could fit better...

Enter spandex torture chamber.

Now this thing resembles a wrestling singlet only cut lower so you can wear your own bra. "Oooookay," I say eying it warily as Beaver stood there grinning, "I'll try it, but I hate this kinda stuff!"

Do I step in or pull over??

Quickly, I discover the "pull over" method was too constricting and invoked a panicky feeling while bent at waist with arms above my head trying to pull the stretchy tube of material, which is now compressing my face, down over my body....nope...ripped it off! Deep breath!

"Step In" it is!! Got it on, phew, that was way easier!! Trying to dismiss the fact that I resemble something that comes in a casing, I tried keeping an open mind; hey, I can breath and move, it's all good!

It was the taking off part where things got interesting! Trying to reverse the way I put it on was not working!!  No matter how I contorted my arms and pulled on the tiny spaghetti straps, I could not get my arms out...stuck.... so far the panic is at bay and I'm thinking fairly rationally.

"I should just call Beaver...no...he'll never let me live it down."

Hhhmmmm, maybe you step in it but pull it off over your head?!!!

BAD IDEA!!

Still stuck and now the unreasonable, but real, panic feeling sets in and this thing is done for...pulling, clawing, yanking, and dancing around ensue....

When I finally wrenched free from that stomach sucker it flew through the air like a rubber band...my heart was pounding out of my chest!

"How are you doing, Hannah?" says the clerk. "Just fine, thank you!" I reply while catching my breath and pondering, 'Who comes up with these death traps?'

#VanityVanityAllIsVanity

Ocean

https://youtu.be/FBJJJkiRukY

Exactly one week ago Austin and my friends 8 year old daughter were swept out to sea. We tried reaching them and the water was so rough, we were calm, but scared to death. 

They were together, they had life jackets on and they were clinging to a boogie board. 

They worst was watching the lifeguard who go to them first struggling and my panic rose. Not used to not being in control I set out again only to be firmly reminded by a friend to stay put, believe me, he wanted to be out there too. It was frightening. 

"Are they sending more help?" I hollered?

I was so set in keeping them in view and watching them to ensure they were keeping their heads above water, I didn't see the cavalry! And there they were, one lifeguard after another, saving our children!

Austin said later, "She asked if we could go back and I said sure, then I put my feet down and there was no ground under me. I wanted to panic, but I knew then she would panic, so I stayed calm. I kept talking to her and saying, 'Are you okay?' 'Yes, yes!' She would say, and I thought oh I hope she's not traumatized by this. I don't want her to experience Early Childhood Trauma!" 

I'm so thankful for the training and resources of the New Smyrna Beach Lifeguards. I'm so thankful our kids stayed calm, stayed together, and had in their life jackets (which aren't always "cool" to wear)! I'm so thankful that the One who Created the ocean never left their sides. 

Today in church we sang this song and Austin turned to me and said, "That was about me! Thank you God for saving me!"

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Oh, Jesus, you're my God!

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

Five weeks

Five weeks ago yesterday we drove out of Grand Rapids with no idea what was ahead on this journey. 

So much has taken place! We have Moved, downsized - leaving almost everything behind, started a new job, white knuckle driving and riding through the hills of Georgia with an episode of hydroplaning (Siri said it would save 20 minutes but I think it took a 20 years from us!), learned about RV life and RV cooking, said good-bye to my dear Quarter Horse, swam in springs, with Manatees, stung by bees, saw and learned about all kinds of wild life creatures including armadillos, snakes and wild boars, flooded Trudy, traveled to many state parks, got lost numerous times, watched many ocean sunrises, had our car delivered in the middle of the night, learned about laundromats, dealt with homesickness, had lots of laughs and learned new card games together, bike rides, escaped a hurricane and survived a hurricane, ate seafood and crab legs...lots of crab legs, reunited with old friends and made new friends, started "homeschool", spent some nights in the hospital on my office floor, couch surfed, flew to Atlanta, and so much more!! Exhilarating and Exhausting!! 

We were shopping and I the store we were in was out of dog collars. A day later I went to look at them again and the same thing. Then I realized we were in the same store.  I've gotten so used to being on the go and never in the same store more than once! Just a silly example of how much we are in the go! 

Rest Well, My Boy

Almost thirty years ago I got the best present any 13 year old could ask for, a horse of my own!

He was amazing!!!! Growing up, we went through a lot together! He's the best confidante, never leaked a word that I whispered to him; heartbreaks and celebrations, he heard it all!! There were plenty of nights I slept in the barn to watch over him. Horse shows, trail rides, swimming in the lake, walking in parades, eating Skittles, and so much more!

I spoke to him via phone this afternoon to say goodbye, let him know how much I've loved him, and thank him!

I am so so grateful he was mine.

Rest well My Boy, hugs and kisses, Your Girl

❤️🐴❤️

Thank you friends for your thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Please say a special prayer for my sister as she struggles with this loss.

Special thanks to my mom for all she's done for him, and for my amazing friends, Christopher for being there with him and Michelle for being there for mom and I today and for Beaver for his continued love and support even when I ugly cry.

❤️🐴❤️